Gymshark CEO: How I Built A $1.5 Billion Business At 19! Ben Francis

This weeks episode entitled 'Gymshark CEO: How I built A $1.5 Billion Business At 19:' topics:
0:00 Intro
02:18 Your early years
15:16 Co-founders
18:15 Developing yourself personally & within Gymshark
36:00 The Worst Character traits in business
38:34 Learning how to speak infront of people & a camera
45:57 Why are you vlogging inside gymshark?
51:06 Gymshark through the pandemic
58:32 What do you wish you knew sooner in business?
01:03:42 Struggles with business personally
01:13:57 The future of Gymshark
01:27:19 Advice for young entrepreneurs
01:33:34 The last guests question
Ben:
/ benfrancis
BenFrancis1992?s=20
@BenFrancis
Listen on:
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Spotify - open.spotify.com/show/7iQXmUT...
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Instagram: / steven
Twitter: / stevebartlettsc
Linkedin: / steven-bartlett-56986834
Sponsor - uk.huel.com/

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

The insights Ben gives in this conversation are incredibly valuable, thank you for giving me your time Ben 🙏🏽. hit like and subscribe for a new episode every Monday

[@Zedifyy]

You should get Kagan Sûmer on the podcast. He’s the CEO of Gorillas, a grocery delivery service that started in Berlin in July 2020 and is now worth a huge amount of money! Sure that would be a super cool conversation

[@divinemaraizu4900]

Would be great to see you interview cliff Weitzman Ceo of speechify ,would be an amazing one

[@Young_Techiez]

Hey Steven. You are such a big big inspiration to me. Thank you! Could you also ask your guests about the books they read? Or their favourite books?

[@stickyrickify]

I wonder if Ben would be the next Dragon on Dragon's Den?

[@kylefm1893]

Strange no mention of the gay webcams... thats hustle baby xo

[@yung1448]

BEN IS AMAZING. “HOW I CREATE WEALTH”

[@yung1448]

The first step to creating wealth is figuring out your goaIs and risk toIerance - either on your own or with the heIp of a financiaI coach, and foIIowing through with an inteIIigent pIan, you wiII gain financiaI growth over the years & enjoy the benefits of managing your money.

[@yung1448]

I am fortunate I made productive decisions that changed my finances (accumuIated over 1M in 2years) through my financiaI coach. Bought my 2nd house in January & hoping to retire at 53 next year. Give this a try and attain weaIth.

[@yung1448]

researvh the name, if you care

[@yung1448]

REBECCA MARTIN WATSON.

[@sarahfletcher01]

l’m amazed to partake on this, lt has rekindled the fire to my goals.

[@callyfordham9148]

I find it hard to believe that this channel currently has less than 100k subscribers?! The amount of pure value to be gained from these podcasts is absolutely unbelievable & it's free at the click of a button! Nuggets upon nuggets of wisdom everytime. Thank you & well done Steven, please don't ever stop Diary of a CEO! Best channel on KZbin 👏🏼

[@metaevents7754]

Normally a podcast. Got millions on spotify

[@arshtruth3649]

me too, it should have over 1M subscribers

[@blessingsbest6838]

It will get there eventually and exceed!!

[@callyfordham9148]

@@blessingsbest6838 I have no doubt! Best channel 👏🏼

[@gvhaccounting4018]

So very true, however let us 100k soak up these gems and become part of the 1% 😀

[@EmmalinaFortuna]

Young, handsome, fit, healthy, owns a business and is incredibly emotionally intelligent. Ben is the ideal man!!!!

[@blueyor]

Baby girl he’s a billionaire x very little girls deserve him

[@abhiyanbeta]

What I love is Ben’s insatiable desire to learn from others and to accept that there are better people than himself. That requires real humility and letting go of one’s ego. Very inspirational.

[@danielwilson301]

1 year on... Ben has twins, and The Diary of a CEO has 1.54M subscribers - what a year!

[@elyootafaridzadeh1164]

2 years and its 5.92 subs!

[@dougjones9448]

actually think Ben being a bit awkward and nervous as a speaker in the early days was incredibly powerful too, made him more relatable & ironically more inspiring. Introvert catnip seeing that, always rooted for him & gymshark

[@tman8897]

That was inspiring for me too. I want to start my own business one day but am such a shy and socially awkward character. Would love to be a good public speaker and be able to influence people

[@ryanmason491]

The most amazing thing about this is when he's talking about Covid in 2020 and his mom working at the hospital. He's worth an estimated £700 Million yet his mom still works to help others and he could probably buy the hospital she's stood in yet she carries on - fantastic work ethic.

[@adam73819]

He’s a brokey

[@marv2396]

His mum was working in the hopsital because this tight melt hasnt given her any money.

[@happysunday1345]

@@adam73819 source? :)

[@Kayleighob]

These podcasts have been keeping me going through isolation. Keeping my mind active and learning instead of aimlessly scrolling. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and encouragement!

[@ellagardiner6928]

I’ve been listening to a lot of these episodes after the last couple of days and I really enjoyed this interview. I think Ben is really relatable and the way he is a bit nervous when he speaks makes him even more inspiring. Great episode. 😊

[@stephaniejohnson1972]

I appreciate Ben's willingness to be honest and vulnerable. Being able to accept the criticism and step on the side to let someone else take over the leadership role that he was not as good at, is inspiring.

[@miramarkova7341]

Another inspiring episode, I have just listened as catching up after Xmas holidays. I love your podcast not only because you have the most interesting guests (FACT) , but also because of the way I feel at the end of each episode - motivated, inspired, awakened, kinder, positive, giver …. For which I will be forever grateful. THANK YOU 🙏

[@iCarryBoatsAndTheLogs]

I started buying Gymshark when I realised how down to earth Ben is as an owner. Not only that but it’s a brand that is popular BUT has really good quality. The company itself does a lot to ensure the business is ran ethically too. I used to turn my nose up at the brand until I researched more about it and their owner. I don’t mind spending a little more for food quality and for the hard work somebody like this has put in. Good on him.

[@joshuaclarke6768]

By far the most factual, real, raw and unique but almost interesting video : Podcast I have ever watched. Literally sit still the whole time!! 👌👌

[@destinationcollective2801]

Love how Ben Francis always gives me as an introvert confidence! 👏 loved this!

[@GirlPeasTheSingleLife]

If anyone was looking for a sign to start something, this is it!! Thanks for another great episode Steven ❤ I discovered this podcast at the beginning of this year, and honestly it changed my life. Great to see how it's growing and impacting people. Thank you so much ❤❤❤

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Appreciate that! Thank you 🙏🏽

[@tabethacarrasco9110]

How did it change your life?

[@BitOfBusiness]

Something about the way Ben articulates his thoughts makes him so interesting to listen to. Great interview

[@kristinarobeznik4933]

Thank you for this great interview. Steven I think you did such a great job at leading this conversation and really asking all the right questions, in order to get the best answers from Ben. Love how professional, respectful, yet pleasant the vibe between you and Ben in this video is.

[@timothysaunders5330]

The interviewer is awesome, just wonder why do he thinks it's nessary to use absentees,just thinks it's distasteful. There are too much young people watching who thinks that is how it should be. Sir I thinks u are called, please recognize that. Please raise the standard, I don't know u from Adam, but really thinks its not u, bless.

[@RichardShire]

Another amazing conversation. I love hearing more about Ben's journey it's very inspiring. Thank you Steven!

[@BLESSINGMARIEE]

Excited for this episode! Already seen many interviews with Ben but he always speaks with so much wisdom.

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

So much wisdom its unreal!

[@monica_samia]

Always love hearing the Gymshark story! So inspirational. Loyal customer here. Ben is incredible and at such a young age too!

[@Desilv]

Amazing content ! For someone with ADHD.. seeing those whole podcast in one take said enough about the quality of it.. I wish both guys a lot of succes.. and it was definitely an inspiration for someone trying to understand a business more and what comes with it.. it is possible for anyone.. but you gotta make sacrifices you only make when you’re passionate enough about it ❤

[@EmmalinaFortuna]

This guy is so kind and humble. He's the type of person that you just want to see succeed.

[@conservativepostUK]

Love this interview. Congratulations to you both. You're both inspirational! Thanks for all these great lessons and insights!

[@sinatra187]

Watching Ben’s evolution as a person play out in real time is amazing to watch and listen to. Great interview to end the year.

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Thank you mate, appreciate it 🙏🏽

[@sbIvanov]

Here are the best quotes and notes from the podcast: "Failure is inevitable, so don't be defined by your failures" -Ben 1:03:32 "Great improvements come from self-reflection and improving your weaknesses and leaning on your strengths" - Ben 18:00 "There is no self-development without self-awareness" - Steven 21:50 "Make sure you are well prepared for the situation" - Ben 42:00 What I wish I knew earlier - Ben (58:25) - Steven (59:30)

[@victoriasykes5570]

Just stumbled across this podcast with Ben, I must have missed it. What a lovely young man, his parents must be so proud. Fantastic episode xxxxx

[@rachaelcuz]

So inspiring to watch. Love seeing young people thrive in business ✨

[@VSMPropertyServicesltd]

Thank you for this podcast and thank you to all the people that are sharing their wisdom. I’m grateful.❤

[@kathyswider518]

I love this channel! Thank you for digging in deeper!! Finding the value in the struggle and most importantly sharing it with all who'll listen! You and your guests are incredible for willing to be so vulnerable!!! It's so rare to find but Every show is a hit... every single one!!!! Seriously on par with Rogan. No doubt your going to do great things.

[@daniellameleki3932]

Learnt so much from this pod, Ben has created such an iconic brand! He is truly so wise!! Another banger Steven❣️❣️

[@margoomahony9565]

One of the best I've watched. Loved how honest he was.

[@aliabdaal]

SO GOOD OMG

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

thanks bro 🙏🏽

[@nerima1275]

Love this podcast! 🙏🏿

[@BIG_GKAM]

You create your own luck. All I heard was Hard work and consistency listening to these two. Great series‼️

[@iliastalks]

I met Ben Francis this weekend at the Lift Miami event and god can I say, he’s a genuine human being! Keep doing you Ben, changing lives and inspiring others🙏🏽

[@theawinb]

Loved this interview so much! Very inspiring. Great questions and so much valuable advice shared! Thank you Steven and Ben for another great interview 💕

[@oceansep4103]

Dude your one of most purest interviewers on YT respect & subbed

[@soldier-boy-fitness]

Love your podcasts Steven - keep up the great work - Well done to Ben - Brilliant!

[@amp394]

Watching this during my gym workout, love all your work Steven.

[@matthewoxley2850]

Exceptional man Ben is, and Steven is an excellent interviewer, I'm so happy we have these young open-minded, empathetic business people now

[@joshuasamson4145]

Two guys that have completed the game, it's incredible.

[@JansonSmith]

So inspiring, and great to hear from someone who is incredibly passionate about what they do. I note that he didn’t mention money once, despite being a billionaire, a very different style to Molly-Mae’s interview. True value right here!

[@Joe-rr8ls]

Great podcast! So refreshing to see Ben acknowledging that he was lucky/in a privileged position (despite most of his success being down to pure hard work) rather than presenting a naive “we all have the same 24 hrs” narrative. Really powerful podcast!

[@mohammedajmal2402]

Was great to hear you mention the role of having “DISXPLNE” and this podcast was phenomenal in what was gained from it. Thank you 🤯🙏

[@liam77877]

Genuinely two of my biggest inspirations. Love it !!

[@EverythingHR]

Ben's story is fantastic; his want to be a continual learner is inspiring.

[@gatkins120]

One of the most insightful leaders I have ever listened to. Love his approach and very much the style I have. I will follow him after this. I am certain I can learn a lot from him

[@lukebrown8580]

The humbleness of this guy is just insane

[@crayolove]

Man I’ve happened to be shoulder to shoulder with a few famous people and I’ve never been even remotely interested by it. But, I spotted Ben walk past me one day and I’ve never been so fucking star struck. This guys is so inspiring it’s insane.

[@Scampi95]

Thanks Steven & Ben for such a great interview!

[@TheDlockett1]

I absolutely loved listening to this man speak. So insightful and I find myself in the same boat just at the very beginning of my journey

[@GrapplersSoap]

Brilliant Podcast. Ben is always honest, speaks sense and is down to earth. Legend. Inspiring indeed

[@wallybingbang4350]

Great to see these young people being so successful and very importantly employing 900 people. Best of luck to him.

[@lucamarcantonio]

Great content! Thank you so much for creating so much value for all of us aspiring entrepreneurs and anyone else!

[@mzique]

Wow this is absolutely motivating! Thank you Steve for this. The fact that Ben is from the Midlands is also inspiring 🎉😊 I am into the second year of my business x

[@ricka006]

What an inspirational guy. Loves to work, has passion for his business and just wants to continue to develop

[@harry7323]

When this video came out I thought ‘Oh another Ben Francis interview’. However, the questions you asked made this completely different, amazing interview!

[@teaaa8339]

I've watched your 1st interview with Ben a while ago, so great to see an update conversation

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

🙏🏽

[@AS-rh8lp]

"No self- development without self- awarness" absolutely fantastic 👏👏👏

[@TusharKale9]

This is amazing interview. Thank you for sharing

[@sandrinesantos1917]

I am not even British, but Ben is one of my inspirations. Thank you for having him!

[@sarahalier98]

Love this episode & his growth is incredible! I will definitely take these tips

[@IbrarRaja]

Great interview with 2 legends. Thanks for the content, inspirational and thought provoking interviews with great learnings. Onwards and upwards!

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

🙏🏽 appreciate it. Thank you for watching Ibrar

[@darrentaylordigital]

The one we've all been waiting for!

[@grahamelgie9281]

Great work both of you ! Young talent at its best

[@lukebodin6502]

Fantastic really insightful interview, thanks Steve and Ben!

[@VeggiSlice]

Great pod. So much value and very impressed by how humble Ben is even with all the success he’s had at a young age.

[@FoodShowFan]

Hey I’ve been listening to you for a while- when y’all mentioned that self- awareness story, right there I committed, I subscribed!! 👍❤❤❤

[@buzzvocals]

Ben is one of the first people to tap into Influencer Marketing.

[@rianschoeman3033]

Ben is a really extraordinary guy. His humility and willingness to learn and take advice is admirable for someone who has achieved so much success. I think this is a really cool brand and a cool company and they have social media mastered! I hope you keep growing, but stay the same. There are very few good but humble CEO's of global brands out there

[@byjefe]

Needed this, perfect timing! Ben is a GOAT!

[@TheBlackManMythLegend]

What I like about that it's it proves that you can be far from perfect and still make it. It's a bit of a beacon of hope in that sometimes hard path of entrepreneurship or path to make a dent in that world.

[@cdd2778]

Just heard of Ben today, after watching Jordon. Its extraordinary how proud i feel of you chaps just by watching this discussion 😀

[@AJ-kb9hf]

Wow! Ben is a fantastic, humble guy and Steve is a brilliant interviewer !

[@lynnetmuritu1821]

i just got here after about a week away and saw you're at 100K! yeeeeees! congratulations to you and your team.🥳

[@drcarlevans]

Great episode again Steve, always really admired Ben's honesty in his weaknesses and the time he takes to improve upon them. Such a top guy. Always nice to see a fellow Brummie repping too! 😁

[@bethanyhenry189]

I’m only getting round to watching this now, wow this interview was amazing! Very interesting and such a down to earth man

[@maxwinter5629]

Love this guy, so glad you got him on!

[@samuraivusi8690]

I have only just got on to these podcast, and they are the best I’ve watched wow very inspiring, thankyou Steven to you and your team 👍

[@Ella_Weirdly_Wonderful_World]

23 minutes in, I can utterly relate to this... great insight.

[@bens1903]

Great episode... Ben comes across so much more confident on podcasts now.. Thanks Steven

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

His growth is incredible! Thanks Ben

[@vickiquinn1196]

What a good conversation. Such a genuine person. 👍

[@patienceanks]

Been waiting for this conversation to drop and it was worth the wait🙌🏾. I never get tired of hearing what Ben Francis has to say about his journey

[@bengebenjamin1688]

Hey, Benjamin former GDSC lead IUEA, your journey to tech was really inspiring. I am enthused that you are equally as inspired by Ben as I am😂. Just discovered him yesterday but I am so hooked, and want to learn all I can from this gentleman, one video after another😂

[@linajanuleviic]

ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS!!!! So inspiring, thank you for sharing!

[@kimslife_de]

So many good points! So inspirational & motivational. Thank you so much

[@charherdman9118]

GUYS!!!!!! Thank you thank you thank you. Just sat and watched the whole thing, it had me gripped! Two of my favourite male inspirations on a screen YAY. So many knowledge bombs and so much wisdom. Favourite podcast to date (seriously!!) Thank you so much

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

He’s crazy knowledgeable isn’t he 🤯

[@nickcourage7059]

Great content! Never used to "do" podcasts but could listen to these all day. I think another amazing guest for this show could be Dan Price of Gravity Payments 🤙

[@sofiamaroc8995]

Every episode is GOAL 🤩🥰🥳 I love this channel so much THANK YOU THANK YOU FOR THIS AMAZING UNIQUE CONTENT

[@WishpondCA]

Such an inspiring story. Thanks for the great interview!

[@TerriTie]

I love seeing successful people help others succeed! 🎉❤️👍🏼

[@Mrhaydentv]

Great Episode again mate thanks. Always learning and growing whilst growing my own company, one day at a time. Looking forward to meeting you one day.

[@allenculbertson8170]

I really love the movements here. I really feel them in my body. Who knew how doing yoga could be so rejuvenating. I really love your classes. I look forward to the day that my body is fully recovered and ready to go full speed ahead. Then I can do so much more. thank you so very much ❤ May God bless you 🙏❤️ namaste!

[@hristiyanstoilkov1732]

Public speaking is a game changer. I remember when I started how uncomfortable I was feeling. Now I help others to be great speakers. Everything is possible!

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

🙌🏽

[@abbihannidestheFashionflyer]

Amazing. Just found your YT/podcast recently and I’m soo happy I did. Thanks for bringing us so many amazing people to watch and learn from including yourself. Definitely been a mind opening experience and I’ll probably go back and watch a few over and over to let it sink in a bit more. Love it. Thank you. Annnd, she buys some Gymshark products! What a great brand and a very very humble man.

[@billwilson9505]

WOW, I needed to hear from this legend. Glad I stayed up!

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

good to hear you enjoyed it Bill

[@mariata-8177]

The level of this young man’s self awareness is mind blowing and absolutely phenomenal and what I think is perhaps the single-most important character trait that has made him SO successful while retaining humility. The U.K. has ‘birthed’ a number of phenomenal entrepreneurs 🙌

[@wackrapsatire]

The only reason he is successful is because he launced a product on social media which inevitably became a fast selling item. The clothes are very cheap, there is nothing special about them. But with everything else, someone starts and everybody else follows allong. Good for him.

[@navidtahmasebi4104]

Fascinating watch, thanks for sharing, definitely inspirational

[@BryanWilliams-ji9gn]

I will be forever grateful to you, you changed my entire life and I will continue to preach on your behalf for the whole world to hear you saved me from huge financial debt with just a small investment, thank you Michelle Stewart

[@RobertJenkins835]

Building a good investment portfolio is more complex so I would recommend you seek Michelle Stewart support. This way you can get strategies designed to address your unique long/short-term goals and financial dreams.

[@mattharris222]

Stewart's expertise in customizing investment portfolios based on changing market conditions and personal risk profiles is exceptional. It's not a one-size-fits-all approach, which is crucial in crypto investing.

[@JeanelleMulligan]

Isn't that the same Mrs Michelle Stewart that my neighbours are talking about, she has to be a perfect expert for people to talk about her so well

[@MichaelHenkel562]

I have been seeing so many recommendations about Michelle Stewart, Her strategy must be good for people to talk about her. Does she work for companies as well, I might be able to get her a deal with my board here in Canada .

[@LynnAnderson497]

I'm new at this, please how can I reach her?

[@jackmontgomery8073]

This was top class Steven, fantastic insight on what it takes to make it into the elite 1%. Great interview from you also. Would love to see Lewis Hamilton like you said to Russle Howard. Also, think Gary Neville would be class. Tim Grover, Reece Wabara, them two don't do many sit downs.

[@clearthinking5441]

I have recently quit my job to start up own solo company. One of the topics I would love your future guests to talk on would be about their equity structure. If they are financing through equity how much did they decide to give away and what was their thought process? Dragons Den shares some good insight on this topic but I would be interested to learn more about the true conversations that take place off-camera. Thank you so much for this channel it really serves as a great source of inspiration!