
The remarkable rise of Gymshark to a £1 billion company is a testament to its founder, Ben Francis, a 19-year-old from Birmingham working at Pizza Hut, who transformed what could have been a limitation into a powerful advantage.
Ben's lack of preconceived notions typically held by seasoned professionals allowed him to take an unconventional path. His groundbreaking strategy? Gymshark doesn’t just sell clothes; it cultivates a community. This simple, yet revolutionary, approach has redefined the fitness apparel landscape.
This insight resonated during a recent visit to Gymshark's HQ and Innovation Centre, where the experience of shadowing Ash Garratt, a former Olympian now leading learning and development for a team of over 900, provided a deeper understanding of the company’s ethos.
Ben Francis MBE exemplifies the untapped potential that can emerge from unexpected places. It serves as a reminder that the 19-year-old delivering a pizza might possess the vision to launch the next Gymshark or tackle one of humanity’s most pressing challenges.
As The School of Innovation begins its journey, there is immense excitement in supporting and inspiring a new generation of unconventional change-makers.

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