1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:02,520 Welcome to another Dip Dive with us. 2 00:00:02,520 --> 00:00:06,480 This time we're looking at Ben Francis, you know? 3 00:00:06,480 --> 00:00:07,480 Jim Shark. 4 00:00:07,480 --> 00:00:11,440 And it's interesting, right? 5 00:00:11,440 --> 00:00:14,200 Because he built this whole business before he was 30. 6 00:00:14,200 --> 00:00:15,560 Like he was still in his 20s when 7 00:00:15,560 --> 00:00:18,560 he was running this multi-billion dollar business. 8 00:00:18,560 --> 00:00:21,720 And he's got a really, really interesting story. 9 00:00:21,720 --> 00:00:24,040 And the great thing is we're going straight to the source. 10 00:00:24,040 --> 00:00:27,280 So we're using his interview on the diary of a CEO. 11 00:00:27,280 --> 00:00:28,880 So we're getting this straight from Ben. 12 00:00:28,880 --> 00:00:31,160 So we can really look and see what's going on here. 13 00:00:31,160 --> 00:00:33,360 What's interesting to me about his story 14 00:00:33,360 --> 00:00:36,800 is how it challenges that sort of typical prodigy 15 00:00:36,800 --> 00:00:38,280 entrepreneur narrative. 16 00:00:38,280 --> 00:00:41,360 Like Ben wasn't some straight A student destined 17 00:00:41,360 --> 00:00:42,480 for greatness from day one. 18 00:00:42,480 --> 00:00:45,440 It's actually much more a story about adaptability, 19 00:00:45,440 --> 00:00:48,480 and being resilient, and always being willing to learn. 20 00:00:48,480 --> 00:00:51,120 And in some cases, learning from very unexpected places. 21 00:00:51,120 --> 00:00:51,620 Yeah. 22 00:00:51,620 --> 00:00:52,120 Yeah. 23 00:00:52,120 --> 00:00:53,760 And I think that's something that's really come through already 24 00:00:53,760 --> 00:00:55,280 in just the first few minutes of the interview. 25 00:00:55,280 --> 00:00:57,280 You know, like imagine him as a teenager. 26 00:00:57,280 --> 00:00:58,800 He's working with his granddad. 27 00:00:58,800 --> 00:00:59,760 Building furnaces. 28 00:00:59,760 --> 00:01:00,120 Right. 29 00:01:00,120 --> 00:01:01,280 That doesn't sound like a typical. 30 00:01:01,280 --> 00:01:02,000 Not very glamorous. 31 00:01:02,000 --> 00:01:02,500 Yeah. 32 00:01:02,500 --> 00:01:03,280 Not really. 33 00:01:03,280 --> 00:01:03,780 Not really. 34 00:01:03,780 --> 00:01:05,760 Now your typical route to a fitness apparel empire. 35 00:01:05,760 --> 00:01:06,800 Oh, exactly. 36 00:01:06,800 --> 00:01:08,000 Not what you think of. 37 00:01:08,000 --> 00:01:10,520 But those years were so formative for him. 38 00:01:10,520 --> 00:01:13,760 I mean, it was his first real taste of entrepreneurship. 39 00:01:13,760 --> 00:01:18,480 It was observing firsthand the grit and the risk taking 40 00:01:18,480 --> 00:01:21,400 and that hard work hustle that it takes to build something 41 00:01:21,400 --> 00:01:22,080 from scratch. 42 00:01:22,080 --> 00:01:25,120 I mean, it wasn't just about metal and fire. 43 00:01:25,120 --> 00:01:27,160 It was about absorbing that mindset, 44 00:01:27,160 --> 00:01:29,280 like a way of approaching challenges. 45 00:01:29,280 --> 00:01:31,680 And those influences from those early years 46 00:01:31,680 --> 00:01:34,120 can often be the foundation for success later on. 47 00:01:34,120 --> 00:01:35,080 I think that's so true. 48 00:01:35,080 --> 00:01:36,200 And it wasn't just the granddad. 49 00:01:36,200 --> 00:01:37,680 His mom worked in the NHS. 50 00:01:37,680 --> 00:01:38,520 So, you know. 51 00:01:38,520 --> 00:01:40,520 Again, that incredible work ethic. 52 00:01:40,520 --> 00:01:41,720 Dedication. 53 00:01:41,720 --> 00:01:43,600 Day in, day out. 54 00:01:43,600 --> 00:01:44,440 Putting in the time. 55 00:01:44,440 --> 00:01:45,920 It's almost like the perfect recipe 56 00:01:45,920 --> 00:01:47,440 for an ambitious entrepreneur, isn't it? 57 00:01:47,440 --> 00:01:48,080 It really is. 58 00:01:48,080 --> 00:01:48,500 It is. 59 00:01:48,500 --> 00:01:52,200 I think it's interesting because Ben wasn't a star student. 60 00:01:52,200 --> 00:01:53,800 He was getting mostly Ds. 61 00:01:53,800 --> 00:01:56,440 Not exactly lighting the academic world on fire. 62 00:01:56,440 --> 00:01:59,120 But then he gets into this BTEC IT course. 63 00:01:59,120 --> 00:02:01,520 And things take a really unexpected turn. 64 00:02:01,520 --> 00:02:03,160 You're probably wondering what does IT 65 00:02:03,160 --> 00:02:04,880 have to do with fitness apparel. 66 00:02:04,880 --> 00:02:06,000 I certainly was. 67 00:02:06,000 --> 00:02:09,640 But as it turns out, that BTEC IT course, 68 00:02:09,640 --> 00:02:12,680 it taught him Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Illustrator, 69 00:02:12,680 --> 00:02:14,840 the very skills he would use to build Jim 70 00:02:14,840 --> 00:02:16,200 Shark's first website. 71 00:02:16,200 --> 00:02:18,080 To create the marketing materials. 72 00:02:18,080 --> 00:02:19,960 Like talk about a light bulb moment. 73 00:02:19,960 --> 00:02:20,520 It really is. 74 00:02:20,520 --> 00:02:24,080 It's like the perfect example of seemingly unrelated skills. 75 00:02:24,080 --> 00:02:28,720 Becoming the building blocks for something extraordinary. 76 00:02:28,720 --> 00:02:30,400 His story reminds us that. 77 00:02:30,400 --> 00:02:32,640 The path to success is not always linear. 78 00:02:32,640 --> 00:02:35,000 It's about recognizing your strengths, 79 00:02:35,000 --> 00:02:37,240 even if they come from these unexpected places, 80 00:02:37,240 --> 00:02:38,840 and finding creative ways to apply them. 81 00:02:38,840 --> 00:02:40,880 So now Jim Shark starts taking off. 82 00:02:40,880 --> 00:02:43,080 Ben's got this new challenge, going from a one man 83 00:02:43,080 --> 00:02:45,400 show to leading a team. 84 00:02:45,400 --> 00:02:48,400 And he admits early on he had this kind of my way 85 00:02:48,400 --> 00:02:49,520 or the highway attitude. 86 00:02:49,520 --> 00:02:49,920 Oh yeah. 87 00:02:49,920 --> 00:02:50,960 I mean, can you blame him? 88 00:02:50,960 --> 00:02:52,000 He has this clear vision. 89 00:02:52,000 --> 00:02:52,400 Right. 90 00:02:52,400 --> 00:02:53,040 For Jim Shark. 91 00:02:53,040 --> 00:02:53,560 Exactly. 92 00:02:53,560 --> 00:02:54,360 This is his baby. 93 00:02:54,360 --> 00:02:55,640 He knows exactly what he wants. 94 00:02:55,640 --> 00:02:57,440 It's that classic entrepreneurial thing, 95 00:02:57,440 --> 00:02:58,880 where you have this vision. 96 00:02:58,880 --> 00:02:59,800 You know what you want. 97 00:02:59,800 --> 00:03:02,320 And everyone else is just getting in the way. 98 00:03:02,320 --> 00:03:02,680 Right. 99 00:03:02,680 --> 00:03:05,280 It's a very common trap for entrepreneurs, 100 00:03:05,280 --> 00:03:07,440 especially those who experience that early success. 101 00:03:07,440 --> 00:03:07,960 Yeah. 102 00:03:07,960 --> 00:03:10,360 But to Ben's credit, he quickly realizes 103 00:03:10,360 --> 00:03:12,720 that this approach is holding Jim Shark back. 104 00:03:12,720 --> 00:03:15,560 He realizes he can't do everything himself. 105 00:03:15,560 --> 00:03:17,800 And he starts to surround himself with experts. 106 00:03:17,800 --> 00:03:19,840 And that's where this incredible curiosity 107 00:03:19,840 --> 00:03:21,160 that he has comes into play. 108 00:03:21,160 --> 00:03:23,000 He's constantly asking questions, 109 00:03:23,000 --> 00:03:26,040 learning from anyone he can, even at the gym. 110 00:03:26,040 --> 00:03:28,440 That's where he meets his future CEO, Steve. 111 00:03:28,440 --> 00:03:28,960 It's amazing. 112 00:03:28,960 --> 00:03:31,640 It speaks to the power of networking. 113 00:03:31,640 --> 00:03:34,320 But maybe more importantly, the power of mentorship. 114 00:03:34,320 --> 00:03:36,880 Ben actively sought out guidance from experienced 115 00:03:36,880 --> 00:03:39,480 individuals, like Paul, who he met at the gym, 116 00:03:39,480 --> 00:03:41,240 Niren, an old school acquaintance, 117 00:03:41,240 --> 00:03:42,720 who had e-commerce expertise. 118 00:03:42,720 --> 00:03:45,680 He recognized his weaknesses and strategically built 119 00:03:45,680 --> 00:03:46,960 a team to fill those gaps. 120 00:03:46,960 --> 00:03:48,800 He's like building his own Avengers team, right? 121 00:03:48,800 --> 00:03:51,040 Each member bringing their unique superpower 122 00:03:51,040 --> 00:03:51,760 to the table. 123 00:03:51,760 --> 00:03:52,360 Absolutely. 124 00:03:52,360 --> 00:03:53,320 I love that analogy. 125 00:03:53,320 --> 00:03:57,360 And this ability to recognize your limitations 126 00:03:57,360 --> 00:04:00,200 and seek out those who excel where you don't 127 00:04:00,200 --> 00:04:02,840 is a true hallmark of successful leadership. 128 00:04:02,840 --> 00:04:04,400 It's not about being good at everything. 129 00:04:04,400 --> 00:04:07,600 It's about building a team that complements your strengths 130 00:04:07,600 --> 00:04:09,280 and helps you overcome your weaknesses. 131 00:04:09,280 --> 00:04:12,080 And speaking of teams, let's talk about Ben's co-founder, 132 00:04:12,080 --> 00:04:12,960 Lewis. 133 00:04:12,960 --> 00:04:15,880 You know, they started Jim Shark together, strong bond. 134 00:04:15,880 --> 00:04:18,160 But eventually, things went south. 135 00:04:18,160 --> 00:04:20,400 Visions for the future diverged. 136 00:04:20,400 --> 00:04:22,400 And they ultimately went their separate ways. 137 00:04:22,400 --> 00:04:25,200 You know, it's a classic startup story, unfortunately. 138 00:04:25,200 --> 00:04:28,000 That rapid growth can put a real strain on even 139 00:04:28,000 --> 00:04:29,440 the strongest partnerships. 140 00:04:29,440 --> 00:04:33,000 And in their case, it seems like a lack of clearly defined 141 00:04:33,000 --> 00:04:36,080 roles and responsibilities might have added fuel to the fire. 142 00:04:36,080 --> 00:04:37,200 It makes you think right. 143 00:04:37,200 --> 00:04:40,320 Even with a strong partnership, clear boundaries, 144 00:04:40,320 --> 00:04:43,640 expectations are crucial, especially as a company grows. 145 00:04:43,640 --> 00:04:45,680 Prevent misunderstandings, make sure everyone's 146 00:04:45,680 --> 00:04:48,480 on the same page, and hopefully avoid those tough splits 147 00:04:48,480 --> 00:04:49,160 down the line. 148 00:04:49,160 --> 00:04:51,480 You know, Ben's journey, it really 149 00:04:51,480 --> 00:04:54,720 highlights the importance of self-awareness, 150 00:04:54,720 --> 00:04:57,400 which can be a tough pill to swallow sometimes. 151 00:04:57,400 --> 00:04:59,920 Especially when things are going well, 152 00:04:59,920 --> 00:05:03,160 it's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of success 153 00:05:03,160 --> 00:05:04,720 and think you've got it all figured out. 154 00:05:04,720 --> 00:05:06,960 Right, like it's lonely at the top. 155 00:05:06,960 --> 00:05:07,920 Exactly. 156 00:05:07,920 --> 00:05:11,200 And sometimes that loneliness comes from being surrounded 157 00:05:11,200 --> 00:05:13,320 by people who are afraid to tell you the truth, 158 00:05:13,320 --> 00:05:14,040 the hard truth. 159 00:05:14,040 --> 00:05:15,600 People who don't want to burst your bubble. 160 00:05:15,600 --> 00:05:16,240 Right. 161 00:05:16,240 --> 00:05:19,960 And that's what makes what Ben did next so remarkable. 162 00:05:19,960 --> 00:05:23,600 He decides to get 360-degree feedback, 163 00:05:23,600 --> 00:05:26,320 meaning from people at all levels of the company. 164 00:05:26,320 --> 00:05:29,320 Peer subordinate superiors. 165 00:05:29,320 --> 00:05:30,920 Talk about putting yourself in the hot seat. 166 00:05:30,920 --> 00:05:33,240 Yeah, he wasn't afraid of criticism, was he? 167 00:05:33,240 --> 00:05:35,480 And that feedback, it wasn't exactly glowing. 168 00:05:35,480 --> 00:05:39,760 Words like erratic, hotheaded, arrogant. 169 00:05:39,760 --> 00:05:40,360 Ouch. 170 00:05:40,360 --> 00:05:41,680 I mean, that's got to be tough to hear. 171 00:05:41,680 --> 00:05:42,600 I can't imagine. 172 00:05:42,600 --> 00:05:44,040 Especially when you're at the top of your game, 173 00:05:44,040 --> 00:05:45,840 you're building the successful company. 174 00:05:45,840 --> 00:05:47,480 And then you get this feedback that says, 175 00:05:47,480 --> 00:05:48,880 hey, you're actually kind of a jerk. 176 00:05:48,880 --> 00:05:50,840 Right, like the emperor has no clothes. 177 00:05:50,840 --> 00:05:51,640 Exactly. 178 00:05:51,640 --> 00:05:53,880 But you know what I think is so great about this? 179 00:05:53,880 --> 00:05:55,680 Well, it's that he didn't just dismiss it. 180 00:05:55,680 --> 00:05:56,040 Right. 181 00:05:56,040 --> 00:05:59,320 He could have easily said, oh, you know these people, 182 00:05:59,320 --> 00:06:00,520 they just don't get it. 183 00:06:00,520 --> 00:06:01,720 They're just jealous. 184 00:06:01,720 --> 00:06:02,000 Yeah. 185 00:06:02,000 --> 00:06:03,680 They don't understand my vision. 186 00:06:03,680 --> 00:06:04,400 But he didn't. 187 00:06:04,400 --> 00:06:05,200 He took it to heart. 188 00:06:05,200 --> 00:06:05,960 He really did. 189 00:06:05,960 --> 00:06:08,600 And I love this story about his now-wife, Robin, 190 00:06:08,600 --> 00:06:09,920 that he shows her the feedback. 191 00:06:09,920 --> 00:06:10,480 Yeah. 192 00:06:10,480 --> 00:06:14,440 And she just says, that's the most you thing I've ever read. 193 00:06:14,440 --> 00:06:15,440 That's great. 194 00:06:15,440 --> 00:06:18,720 I mean, it's amazing how sometimes the people closest 195 00:06:18,720 --> 00:06:22,840 to us can see our blind spots so clearly. 196 00:06:22,840 --> 00:06:23,280 Yeah. 197 00:06:23,280 --> 00:06:25,440 They know us better than we know ourselves sometimes. 198 00:06:25,440 --> 00:06:26,040 Sometimes. 199 00:06:26,040 --> 00:06:28,400 And that moment, that was a turning point for Ben. 200 00:06:28,400 --> 00:06:28,800 Yeah. 201 00:06:28,800 --> 00:06:31,920 He realized he couldn't just ignore this feedback. 202 00:06:31,920 --> 00:06:33,440 He had to change. 203 00:06:33,440 --> 00:06:36,320 So he does what any good leader would do. 204 00:06:36,320 --> 00:06:37,560 He makes a list. 205 00:06:37,560 --> 00:06:38,440 Oh, a list. 206 00:06:38,440 --> 00:06:38,920 A list. 207 00:06:38,920 --> 00:06:39,440 On the list. 208 00:06:39,440 --> 00:06:41,000 His strengths and his weaknesses. 209 00:06:41,000 --> 00:06:41,640 Wow. 210 00:06:41,640 --> 00:06:43,200 That takes some real honesty. 211 00:06:43,200 --> 00:06:43,680 Right. 212 00:06:43,680 --> 00:06:44,880 And self-awareness. 213 00:06:44,880 --> 00:06:45,400 Exactly. 214 00:06:45,400 --> 00:06:47,200 Actually sit down and do that. 215 00:06:47,200 --> 00:06:51,880 And he decides, OK, I'm going to double down on my strengths. 216 00:06:51,880 --> 00:06:55,000 You know the brand building, the product development, 217 00:06:55,000 --> 00:06:58,520 marketing, the things he really excelled at. 218 00:06:58,520 --> 00:07:02,200 And for his weaknesses, like finance and operations, 219 00:07:02,200 --> 00:07:03,880 he brings in the experts. 220 00:07:03,880 --> 00:07:04,520 Right. 221 00:07:04,520 --> 00:07:05,200 Delegate. 222 00:07:05,200 --> 00:07:05,800 Delegate. 223 00:07:05,800 --> 00:07:07,800 That's when he asked Steve to step in as CEO. 224 00:07:07,800 --> 00:07:09,040 It was a brilliant move. 225 00:07:09,040 --> 00:07:12,560 He's creating this leadership dream team, each member 226 00:07:12,560 --> 00:07:13,640 playing to their strengths. 227 00:07:13,640 --> 00:07:14,360 Exactly. 228 00:07:14,360 --> 00:07:16,160 And let's not forget this freeze up 229 00:07:16,160 --> 00:07:20,120 Ben to focus on the things that he is truly passionate about. 230 00:07:20,120 --> 00:07:20,600 Right. 231 00:07:20,600 --> 00:07:21,760 The things that light him up. 232 00:07:21,760 --> 00:07:22,440 Exactly. 233 00:07:22,440 --> 00:07:25,320 And that brings us to another key theme in Ben's journey. 234 00:07:25,320 --> 00:07:27,560 This idea of continuous learning. 235 00:07:27,560 --> 00:07:29,600 He wasn't content to rest on his laurels. 236 00:07:29,600 --> 00:07:32,440 He knew he had to keep pushing himself, keep growing. 237 00:07:32,440 --> 00:07:34,680 He talks about taking public speaking lessons, 238 00:07:34,680 --> 00:07:37,240 embracing opportunities that terrified him. 239 00:07:37,240 --> 00:07:39,680 You know, learning by observing Steve's leadership style. 240 00:07:39,680 --> 00:07:40,720 He was a sponge. 241 00:07:40,720 --> 00:07:41,720 Totally. 242 00:07:41,720 --> 00:07:43,560 And there's this great analogy he uses. 243 00:07:43,560 --> 00:07:45,560 He compares himself to a chess piece. 244 00:07:45,560 --> 00:07:46,200 Oh, I like that. 245 00:07:46,200 --> 00:07:47,720 Being moved around the board, you know, 246 00:07:47,720 --> 00:07:51,080 going from CEO to brand to marketing, eventually back to CEO. 247 00:07:51,080 --> 00:07:52,240 It's a great analogy. 248 00:07:52,240 --> 00:07:56,400 But each move provided invaluable learning experiences. 249 00:07:56,400 --> 00:07:59,400 That shaped him as a leader. 250 00:07:59,400 --> 00:08:02,480 It highlights the growth isn't always linear. 251 00:08:02,480 --> 00:08:03,000 Right. 252 00:08:03,000 --> 00:08:05,040 Sometimes it's about being open to different roles, 253 00:08:05,040 --> 00:08:08,160 different experiences, embracing the twists and turns 254 00:08:08,160 --> 00:08:08,920 along the way. 255 00:08:08,920 --> 00:08:10,840 And speaking of twists and turns, 256 00:08:10,840 --> 00:08:12,760 Ben's journey wasn't without its storms. 257 00:08:12,760 --> 00:08:16,600 Remember that incident where a Gymshark employee responded 258 00:08:16,600 --> 00:08:18,800 really poorly to a social media comment. 259 00:08:18,800 --> 00:08:19,600 Oh, yeah. 260 00:08:19,600 --> 00:08:22,160 I mean, it sparked this wave of negativity. 261 00:08:22,160 --> 00:08:22,920 Death threats. 262 00:08:22,920 --> 00:08:24,800 Yeah, death threats directed at Ben. 263 00:08:24,800 --> 00:08:25,480 That's scary. 264 00:08:25,480 --> 00:08:28,200 Talk about a test of his resilience and leadership. 265 00:08:28,200 --> 00:08:28,520 Yeah. 266 00:08:28,520 --> 00:08:30,720 He's facing immense public pressure. 267 00:08:30,720 --> 00:08:31,720 How did he handle it? 268 00:08:31,720 --> 00:08:35,400 Gracefully, with a focus on learning rather than punishment. 269 00:08:35,400 --> 00:08:36,040 Interesting. 270 00:08:36,040 --> 00:08:38,800 What really struck me, he didn't fire the employee. 271 00:08:38,800 --> 00:08:39,240 He didn't. 272 00:08:39,240 --> 00:08:39,800 No. 273 00:08:39,800 --> 00:08:40,160 Wow. 274 00:08:40,160 --> 00:08:42,760 He focused on fostering growth and understanding. 275 00:08:42,760 --> 00:08:45,000 That's a really refreshing approach, 276 00:08:45,000 --> 00:08:46,920 especially in today's cancel culture. 277 00:08:46,920 --> 00:08:47,160 Right. 278 00:08:47,160 --> 00:08:50,320 It's about recognizing that people make mistakes. 279 00:08:50,320 --> 00:08:52,880 And sometimes the best response is 280 00:08:52,880 --> 00:08:56,680 to focus on education and growth rather than punishment. 281 00:08:56,680 --> 00:08:59,240 So we've seen how Ben went from building furnaces 282 00:08:59,240 --> 00:09:02,280 to building a global brand, all while navigating 283 00:09:02,280 --> 00:09:05,440 these complexities of leadership and personal growth. 284 00:09:05,440 --> 00:09:07,000 But now let's look ahead. 285 00:09:07,000 --> 00:09:09,840 What's his vision for the future of Gymshark? 286 00:09:09,840 --> 00:09:11,280 Well, he's made it clear. 287 00:09:11,280 --> 00:09:13,400 He's not just building a clothing company. 288 00:09:13,400 --> 00:09:14,560 He's building a movement. 289 00:09:14,560 --> 00:09:14,920 Right. 290 00:09:14,920 --> 00:09:18,040 He wants Gymshark to be a global icon, 291 00:09:18,040 --> 00:09:21,240 synonymous with self-improvement, and a community that 292 00:09:21,240 --> 00:09:23,160 empowers people to be their best selves. 293 00:09:23,160 --> 00:09:24,240 That's a big vision. 294 00:09:24,240 --> 00:09:24,480 He is. 295 00:09:24,480 --> 00:09:26,080 And to bring this vision to life, 296 00:09:26,080 --> 00:09:28,040 he's got some ambitious plans. 297 00:09:28,040 --> 00:09:28,920 Like what? 298 00:09:28,920 --> 00:09:31,520 Well, for starters, he wants to open a flagship store 299 00:09:31,520 --> 00:09:32,320 in London. 300 00:09:32,320 --> 00:09:33,720 Wow, a physical store. 301 00:09:33,720 --> 00:09:34,440 A physical store. 302 00:09:34,440 --> 00:09:37,680 In this day and age, when so much is moving online. 303 00:09:37,680 --> 00:09:38,520 Exactly. 304 00:09:38,520 --> 00:09:39,200 In bold move. 305 00:09:39,200 --> 00:09:40,040 It is. 306 00:09:40,040 --> 00:09:41,760 He's not just about selling clothes. 307 00:09:41,760 --> 00:09:45,440 He wants to create a physical space where the Gymshark 308 00:09:45,440 --> 00:09:49,880 community can connect, train, experience the brand 309 00:09:49,880 --> 00:09:51,160 in a tangible way. 310 00:09:51,160 --> 00:09:51,640 I love that. 311 00:09:51,640 --> 00:09:53,120 It speaks to his understanding that. 312 00:09:53,120 --> 00:09:56,520 Even in a digital world, people still crave those real world 313 00:09:56,520 --> 00:09:57,200 experiences. 314 00:09:57,200 --> 00:09:58,720 That human connection. 315 00:09:58,720 --> 00:10:00,880 And you know it's fascinating how he draws inspiration 316 00:10:00,880 --> 00:10:03,480 from other successful entrepreneurs, 317 00:10:03,480 --> 00:10:07,240 like Harley Finkelstein, Toby Lidka of Shopify. 318 00:10:07,240 --> 00:10:08,280 He's always learning. 319 00:10:08,280 --> 00:10:08,880 Always. 320 00:10:08,880 --> 00:10:10,680 He's constantly seeking knowledge, 321 00:10:10,680 --> 00:10:13,960 looking for ways to improve, never letting himself 322 00:10:13,960 --> 00:10:15,000 get complacent. 323 00:10:15,000 --> 00:10:16,760 And that's a key takeaway here. 324 00:10:16,760 --> 00:10:19,200 No matter how successful you become, 325 00:10:19,200 --> 00:10:21,040 there's always more to learn. 326 00:10:21,040 --> 00:10:24,760 The best leaders are those who are constantly seeking 327 00:10:24,760 --> 00:10:27,960 knowledge, asking questions, surrounding themselves 328 00:10:27,960 --> 00:10:30,440 with people who can challenge their thinking. 329 00:10:30,440 --> 00:10:32,600 And for all the aspiring entrepreneurs out there 330 00:10:32,600 --> 00:10:36,120 listening, Ben offers some hard one advice. 331 00:10:36,120 --> 00:10:37,440 Find your passion. 332 00:10:37,440 --> 00:10:38,840 Don't be afraid to fail. 333 00:10:38,840 --> 00:10:40,680 Use your job as a safety net. 334 00:10:40,680 --> 00:10:42,160 Work hard, but work smart. 335 00:10:42,160 --> 00:10:43,360 Those are words to live by. 336 00:10:43,360 --> 00:10:44,440 They're not just platitudes. 337 00:10:44,440 --> 00:10:45,800 They're principles that have guided him 338 00:10:45,800 --> 00:10:47,320 throughout his entire journey. 339 00:10:47,320 --> 00:10:49,000 But here's the thing that really struck me. 340 00:10:49,000 --> 00:10:51,640 Ben admits that achieving his ultimate goal, 341 00:10:51,640 --> 00:10:54,840 you know Jim Shark becoming this global icon, 342 00:10:54,840 --> 00:10:56,440 it might actually feel bittersweet. 343 00:10:56,440 --> 00:10:56,920 Really? 344 00:10:56,920 --> 00:10:59,920 He says the journey itself has been so fulfilling 345 00:10:59,920 --> 00:11:01,760 that reaching the destination might not 346 00:11:01,760 --> 00:11:03,800 feel as satisfying as he imagined. 347 00:11:03,800 --> 00:11:05,440 It's a profound insight. 348 00:11:05,440 --> 00:11:07,960 It reminds us that sometimes. 349 00:11:07,960 --> 00:11:12,240 The pursuit of a goal is more rewarding than the achievement 350 00:11:12,240 --> 00:11:12,880 itself. 351 00:11:12,880 --> 00:11:16,200 It's about the lessons learned, the relationships formed, 352 00:11:16,200 --> 00:11:18,320 the personal growth experienced along the way. 353 00:11:18,320 --> 00:11:19,840 Journey, not the destination. 354 00:11:19,840 --> 00:11:20,520 Exactly. 355 00:11:20,520 --> 00:11:23,360 So it makes you wonder, what are your goals? 356 00:11:23,360 --> 00:11:26,080 And are you enjoying the journey as much as you 357 00:11:26,080 --> 00:11:28,160 think you'll enjoy the destination? 358 00:11:28,160 --> 00:11:30,600 That's such a powerful question to consider. 359 00:11:30,600 --> 00:11:32,880 You know, it's not about copying Ben's path. 360 00:11:32,880 --> 00:11:36,480 It's about finding your own path, your own passion, 361 00:11:36,480 --> 00:11:40,120 and embracing the challenges and the rewards of that journey. 362 00:11:40,120 --> 00:11:40,560 Right. 363 00:11:40,560 --> 00:11:41,640 Your own unique journey. 364 00:11:41,640 --> 00:11:43,880 Now, Ben's story isn't just about business success. 365 00:11:43,880 --> 00:11:45,440 It's also about personal growth. 366 00:11:45,440 --> 00:11:47,960 And one area where he's been incredibly open 367 00:11:47,960 --> 00:11:51,360 is his evolving approach to emotions and communication. 368 00:11:51,360 --> 00:11:55,440 Yeah, he's talked about how he wasn't raised in an environment 369 00:11:55,440 --> 00:11:57,280 where feelings were openly expressed. 370 00:11:57,280 --> 00:11:57,520 Right. 371 00:11:57,520 --> 00:11:59,920 It was more about stoicism, resilience. 372 00:11:59,920 --> 00:12:00,720 Like suck it up. 373 00:12:00,720 --> 00:12:01,680 Yeah, exactly. 374 00:12:01,680 --> 00:12:05,200 He even jokes about how his dad has probably never 375 00:12:05,200 --> 00:12:06,920 uttered a feeling in his life. 376 00:12:06,920 --> 00:12:08,000 It is funny. 377 00:12:08,000 --> 00:12:11,800 But it also makes you realize how much our upbringing 378 00:12:11,800 --> 00:12:14,840 shapes our communication style, especially when 379 00:12:14,840 --> 00:12:15,960 it comes to emotions. 380 00:12:15,960 --> 00:12:16,520 Right. 381 00:12:16,520 --> 00:12:20,920 And then starting to recognize that this approach, 382 00:12:20,920 --> 00:12:23,200 it might not be the most healthy or productive, 383 00:12:23,200 --> 00:12:27,200 especially as he enters this new phase of life, fatherhood. 384 00:12:27,200 --> 00:12:28,800 Yeah, that changes everything. 385 00:12:28,800 --> 00:12:29,680 It does. 386 00:12:29,680 --> 00:12:32,480 He talks about how he wants to be a different kind of father 387 00:12:32,480 --> 00:12:33,440 to his children. 388 00:12:33,440 --> 00:12:34,480 In what way? 389 00:12:34,480 --> 00:12:37,800 Well, he wants to be more present, emotionally supportive, 390 00:12:37,800 --> 00:12:40,080 create a space where they feel comfortable expressing 391 00:12:40,080 --> 00:12:40,800 their feelings. 392 00:12:40,800 --> 00:12:43,360 It's a sign of real maturity and growth. 393 00:12:43,360 --> 00:12:46,440 He's acknowledging the limitations of his own upbringing 394 00:12:46,440 --> 00:12:48,880 and making a conscious effort to break that cycle. 395 00:12:48,880 --> 00:12:51,280 Yeah, create a different kind of legacy for his children. 396 00:12:51,280 --> 00:12:51,880 Exactly. 397 00:12:51,880 --> 00:12:54,600 And I think it's a reminder that even the most successful 398 00:12:54,600 --> 00:12:56,920 people are works in progress. 399 00:12:56,920 --> 00:13:00,120 You know, we're all constantly evolving, learning, 400 00:13:00,120 --> 00:13:02,040 striving to be better versions of ourselves. 401 00:13:02,040 --> 00:13:02,720 Absolutely. 402 00:13:02,720 --> 00:13:04,600 And this willingness to embrace change, 403 00:13:04,600 --> 00:13:07,040 to be open to new perspectives is perhaps 404 00:13:07,040 --> 00:13:08,280 Ben's greatest strength. 405 00:13:08,280 --> 00:13:11,120 It's what allowed him to build a billion dollar company, 406 00:13:11,120 --> 00:13:14,880 navigate countless challenges, stay true to his vision, 407 00:13:14,880 --> 00:13:17,200 while remaining grounded and relatable. 408 00:13:17,200 --> 00:13:20,560 He's a living example of how vulnerability and strength 409 00:13:20,560 --> 00:13:21,600 can go hand in hand. 410 00:13:21,600 --> 00:13:24,080 You know, it's amazing to see how Ben's journey is just 411 00:13:24,080 --> 00:13:27,240 this constant evolution, both as a leader and as a person. 412 00:13:27,240 --> 00:13:30,600 But his story isn't just about personal growth. 413 00:13:30,600 --> 00:13:33,600 It's also about building this company culture, you know, 414 00:13:33,600 --> 00:13:36,080 that can thrive amidst rapid change. 415 00:13:36,080 --> 00:13:38,040 And one thing that really stood out to me 416 00:13:38,040 --> 00:13:40,080 was his emphasis on community. 417 00:13:40,080 --> 00:13:40,760 Oh, absolutely. 418 00:13:40,760 --> 00:13:43,440 He's incredibly passionate about fostering 419 00:13:43,440 --> 00:13:46,280 that sense of belonging within Gymshark. 420 00:13:46,280 --> 00:13:48,400 You know, they eat together, train together. 421 00:13:48,400 --> 00:13:50,520 They share those stories that weave 422 00:13:50,520 --> 00:13:51,680 the fabric of the brand. 423 00:13:51,680 --> 00:13:53,920 It's not just about, you know, hitting sales targets. 424 00:13:53,920 --> 00:13:56,320 It's about creating that shared purpose, that feeling 425 00:13:56,320 --> 00:13:57,600 that you're part of something bigger. 426 00:13:57,600 --> 00:14:00,800 In that community spirit, it extends beyond the office walls, 427 00:14:00,800 --> 00:14:02,800 right, reaching their customers and fans, you know, 428 00:14:02,800 --> 00:14:05,600 through social media and those incredible events they host. 429 00:14:05,600 --> 00:14:08,120 Yeah, think about that event they held in Covent Garden. 430 00:14:08,120 --> 00:14:10,240 I mean, it was more than just a marketing ploy, right? 431 00:14:10,240 --> 00:14:12,720 It was a chance for the Gymshark community 432 00:14:12,720 --> 00:14:14,560 to come together in the real world, 433 00:14:14,560 --> 00:14:17,640 connect face to face, share their passion for fitness. 434 00:14:17,640 --> 00:14:20,440 It's about building a movement, not just a brand. 435 00:14:20,440 --> 00:14:23,680 And speaking of the real world, it's fascinating how Ben sees 436 00:14:23,680 --> 00:14:26,600 the future of retail, especially as Gymshark gets ready 437 00:14:26,600 --> 00:14:29,240 to open their first flagship store in London. 438 00:14:29,240 --> 00:14:32,160 You know, in an age where so much is moving online, 439 00:14:32,160 --> 00:14:34,120 he's making a bold statement about the power 440 00:14:34,120 --> 00:14:35,200 of physical spaces. 441 00:14:35,200 --> 00:14:38,320 Right, he envisions this store as a community hub, 442 00:14:38,320 --> 00:14:41,000 a place where people can experience the Gymshark brand 443 00:14:41,000 --> 00:14:45,080 in a tangible way, connect with others, participate in events. 444 00:14:45,080 --> 00:14:47,040 It's a bold move that shows his understanding 445 00:14:47,040 --> 00:14:49,040 that even in a digital world, 446 00:14:49,040 --> 00:14:51,200 people crave those real world experiences. 447 00:14:51,200 --> 00:14:53,680 It's a great example of how he challenges conventional thinking. 448 00:14:53,680 --> 00:14:56,400 You know, he's not afraid to go against the grain experiment 449 00:14:56,400 --> 00:14:57,600 with new ideas. 450 00:14:57,600 --> 00:15:00,240 It's that adaptability that's been key to his success. 451 00:15:00,240 --> 00:15:02,880 Totally, and he's equally thoughtful about the challenges 452 00:15:02,880 --> 00:15:06,600 of scaling a brand while staying true to its core values. 453 00:15:06,600 --> 00:15:09,400 He talks about this idea of a vanilla boulder, 454 00:15:09,400 --> 00:15:12,360 like wanting to avoid becoming just another generic sportswear 455 00:15:12,360 --> 00:15:12,960 brand. 456 00:15:12,960 --> 00:15:14,240 I love that analogy. 457 00:15:14,240 --> 00:15:17,840 It perfectly captures the essence of what he's trying to achieve. 458 00:15:17,840 --> 00:15:20,760 You know, he wants Gymshark to retain its unique flavor, 459 00:15:20,760 --> 00:15:24,880 its authenticity, even as it grows into this global giant. 460 00:15:24,880 --> 00:15:27,840 And that brings us to his perspective on social media, 461 00:15:27,840 --> 00:15:31,040 which has obviously played a huge role in Gymshark's success. 462 00:15:31,040 --> 00:15:33,480 He's keenly aware of the power of social media, 463 00:15:33,480 --> 00:15:35,480 but he also understands its fickle nature. 464 00:15:35,480 --> 00:15:35,880 Right. 465 00:15:35,880 --> 00:15:38,480 He knows that trends change, algorithms shift, 466 00:15:38,480 --> 00:15:40,560 and what works today might not work tomorrow. 467 00:15:40,560 --> 00:15:42,680 That's why he stresses the importance of building a brand 468 00:15:42,680 --> 00:15:44,840 that's more than just a social media following. 469 00:15:44,840 --> 00:15:47,080 It's about creating genuine connections, 470 00:15:47,080 --> 00:15:49,720 fostering a sense of community, and offering value that 471 00:15:49,720 --> 00:15:51,960 goes beyond likes and shares. 472 00:15:51,960 --> 00:15:53,800 It's about building something that lasts something 473 00:15:53,800 --> 00:15:55,000 with substance. 474 00:15:55,000 --> 00:15:57,960 So as we wrap up our deep dive into the world of Ben Francis 475 00:15:57,960 --> 00:16:00,200 and Gymshark, what are the key takeaways? 476 00:16:00,200 --> 00:16:02,320 What can we learn from his incredible journey? 477 00:16:02,320 --> 00:16:04,640 Well, I think his story is a powerful reminder 478 00:16:04,640 --> 00:16:06,800 that success isn't a destination. 479 00:16:06,800 --> 00:16:07,880 It's a journey. 480 00:16:07,880 --> 00:16:11,360 It's about embracing the challenges, learning from the setbacks, 481 00:16:11,360 --> 00:16:13,120 and constantly striving to be better. 482 00:16:13,120 --> 00:16:16,040 It's about being adaptable, resilient, and never 483 00:16:16,040 --> 00:16:18,120 losing sight of your core values. 484 00:16:18,120 --> 00:16:19,920 And perhaps most importantly, it's 485 00:16:19,920 --> 00:16:22,600 about finding your passion and pursuing it 486 00:16:22,600 --> 00:16:25,040 with relentless determination. 487 00:16:25,040 --> 00:16:27,440 Ben's story shows that with hard work, 488 00:16:27,440 --> 00:16:30,360 a willingness to learn, and a bit of luck, 489 00:16:30,360 --> 00:16:33,480 even the most ambitious dreams can become reality. 490 00:16:33,480 --> 00:16:35,440 We hope this deep dive has inspired you 491 00:16:35,440 --> 00:16:37,280 to think differently about your own goals 492 00:16:37,280 --> 00:16:39,440 and the path you're taking to achieve them. 493 00:16:39,440 --> 00:16:41,520 Remember, it's not about copying Ben's success, 494 00:16:41,520 --> 00:16:43,360 but about finding your own unique path 495 00:16:43,360 --> 00:16:44,600 and embracing the journey. 496 00:16:44,600 --> 00:16:47,360 So keep learning, keep growing, and keep pushing yourself 497 00:16:47,360 --> 00:16:48,840 to be the best version of yourself. 498 00:16:48,840 --> 00:16:52,760 And until next time, keep diving deep.