Ben Francis, the Gymshark CEO, shares insights on building a $1.5 billion business at 19, emphasizing self-reflection, learning from experiences, and the importance of hard work and continuous improvement. He discusses his journey from being introverted to becoming a successful leader, highlighting the significance of surrounding oneself with great people and being open to learning and growth.

Reflecting on his early life, the chapter explores how pivotal moments, like working with his granddad and learning from his mom's hard work, shaped the founder's entrepreneurial path. It delves into the importance of practical learning, surrounding oneself with great people, and adapting as a business grows.

The co-founder, Lewis, left the business in 2015 due to differing visions and interests, retaining 20% shareholding before selling the rest in a subsequent deal. The lack of clear roles and responsibilities in the early days led to diverging paths and challenges post his departure.

The chapter discusses the journey of self-reflection and growth in entrepreneurship, focusing on identifying strengths and weaknesses, learning from feedback, and evolving as a leader. It highlights the importance of self-awareness, continuous learning, and embracing challenges to drive personal and professional development.

Reflecting on the early days of starting a business, the chapter highlights the importance of investing in foundational elements like data, operations, and finance. It emphasizes the significance of hiring great talent and surrounding oneself with exceptional individuals for business success.

Discovering one's true passion is crucial for entrepreneurial success, as illustrated by the journey of Gymshark's founder who failed multiple times before finding success in the fitness industry. Embracing failure, persistence, and hard work are emphasized as essential elements in the entrepreneurial path.