E7: Ben Francis – 25 year old CEO OF UK’s fastest growing company

In this episode of 'The Diary Of A CEO,' Steven Bartlett shares his conversation with Ben Francis, the 25-year-old CEO of Gymshark, a rapidly growing fitness apparel brand. Steven begins by expressing gratitude for the positive feedback received from previous episodes and explains his eagerness to explore the similarities and differences between his journey and Ben's. He notes Ben's unexpected nervousness and introversion, which contradicts the stereotypical CEO image, and attributes Ben's success to his industry-specific communication skills through branding rather than personal interaction. Ben's self-awareness is highlighted by his decision to step down as CEO and focus on his strengths as Chief Brand Officer, a move that demonstrates humility and strategic thinking.

Steven and Ben discuss the challenges of maintaining personal relationships while running a business, emphasizing the need for a partner who is understanding, open to change, and switched on to the entrepreneur's lifestyle. Ben shares his experience of feeling mentally absent even when physically present with loved ones, an issue Steven relates to from his past relationships. They agree that a partner's understanding of the entrepreneur's world is crucial for a successful relationship.

The conversation moves to the loneliness of entrepreneurship, with Ben describing it as the loneliest thing one can do. Steven elaborates on the internal battles and the 24/7 mental presence that entrepreneurship demands. They touch on resilience and the importance of staying composed regardless of successes or failures. Ben shares that he finds a strange enjoyment in negativity and challenges, as they make him feel alive and contribute to his growth.

Ben's success is attributed to his genuine care for his customers. He personally responds to customer issues and is deeply affected by any negative experiences they have. This level of care, combined with his love for what he does, differentiates Ben from his competitors and drives Gymshark's success.

In addition to the interview, Steven shares personal diary entries. He discusses the 'frog in a pan' analogy, emphasizing the importance of not gradually accepting lower standards in life. He reflects on the delusion of hard work equating to value, arguing that delivering value is more important than the number of hours worked. Steven also shares insights on using time effectively, the importance of self-belief, and the power of resilience in the face of criticism.

Lastly, Steven opens up about his personal life, discussing his current single status and recent reconnection with his ex-girlfriend. He expresses uncertainty about rekindling the relationship, given their past issues and her move to Australia, but acknowledges that he's following his heart in this matter.