CEO

In this episode of The Diary of a CEO, Stephen Bartlett dives deep into a conversation with Ben Francis, the guy behind Gymshark—now, get this, a fitness brand worth more than $1.5 billion. It’s wild to think that what started in his parents' garage, with barely enough space for a set of weights, would transform into this global movement. But Ben’s story isn’t your typical “rise to the top” tale; it’s messy, unpredictable, and full of those gritty, real-life twists that keep you wondering what's coming next.

From the early days of hustling at 19, Ben shares moments most people wouldn't even consider part of "business advice"—like finding out how crucial it is to have people who not only lift you up but also keep you grounded. He dives into the weird balance between resilience and self-doubt, the unglamorous, hard-learned lessons on leadership, and what it takes to stay adaptable in a world that changes as fast as a Twitter feed. And here’s the thing—his insights aren’t just for those who want to "make it" in business; they’re for anyone who wants to live with purpose, maybe even shake up their own life a little.

So, if you’re up for it, tune into The Diary of a CEO YouTube channel to hear Ben's vision for Gymshark, his unfiltered take on the fitness industry, and his relentless pursuit of something beyond just “success.” This conversation is like a personal pep talk, brimming with hard truths and fresh perspectives, for anyone who’s serious about stepping up their game—whatever game that might be. You really don’t want to skip this one. Check it out here.

In this mind-blowing episode of The Diary of a CEO, part of their USA series (yes, you heard that right—USA series), Stephen Bartlett has a conversation with none other than Tom Bilyeu. You might know him as the co-founder of Quest Nutrition—the billion-dollar brand that took protein bars and supplements to places no one thought possible—or as the host of Impact Theory, one of the most listened-to podcasts on the planet. But, it wasn’t always this way. Oh no, Tom’s story is not your typical rags-to-riches narrative. He didn’t have it handed to him. In fact, he was sleeping on his friends’ floors, struggling just to get by. Can you imagine that? A guy who now runs a business worth over a billion dollars—sleeping on floors. It almost sounds like a movie script, right? But that’s Tom's reality.

Anyway, Tom breaks down his journey, from the hustle to the heartbreaks. He shares how he was, at one point, just like so many of us: lost, unsure, trying to figure out what he was even good at. And then, well, he figured it out. He transformed. And he says it was all about rewiring his brain—literally changing how he thought. Is that even possible? Apparently, yes. Tom believes that you can reprogram your mind to become whatever you want. That’s huge. Mind-blowing. And let’s be honest, it kind of makes you wonder what’s possible for you.

But this episode isn’t all smooth sailing and “you can do it too” rah-rah. No, no. Tom gets real about the anxiety, the pressure, and the constant drive that comes with building something so massive. There are no sugar-coated truths here. He talks about the obsessive personality that pushes him forward—and how it’s not always sunshine and rainbows. It's a constant battle. And yet, through all of this, he still advocates for a mindset of relentless improvement, humility, and finding purpose beyond just the material stuff. It's about emotional resilience too—something I know we all struggle with in a world that seems to love tearing us down. Social media? Don’t even get him started. It’s part of the picture now, but it has its dark side, and Tom isn’t afraid to shine a light on that.

If you’re looking for a feel-good story of success—well, this is that, but it’s also a whole lot more. It’s a lesson in grit, in self-discovery, and in the kind of mental toughness that most people don’t even know exists. So, if you’re ready to take your mindset to the next level (or at least start thinking about it), click here to tune in to the full interview with Tom Bilyeu on The Diary of a CEO YouTube channel. Trust me, this one will leave you thinking—probably for days.

In Episode 165 of The Diary of a CEO, Rory Sutherland—a true maverick in marketing and a voice you can’t ignore—sits down with Steven Bartlett to pull back the curtain on what really drives brand loyalty. Ever wondered why Apple and Tesla seem to have a grip on us, making their products feel somehow more than just products? Rory, vice chairman of Ogilvy UK and author of Alchemy, unpacks it all. He doesn't just talk about products, though; he explores the kind of psychological “moonshots” that go deeper than any tech upgrade could ever achieve.

At one moment, he’s breaking down the strangely addictive Uber map we can’t seem to stop looking at, the next, he’s talking about the “Ikea effect” (you know, that weird pride you feel building your own wobbly bookshelf) or even the humble Quooker boiling water tap that makes you feel like you’ve unlocked a secret life hack. These aren't just gimmicks, he says; they’re brilliant tricks of perception that change how we interact with things—almost like magic, except it’s rooted in behavioral science.

What really hits home is Rory’s take on storytelling, countersignaling, and that almost elusive art of personal branding. He even argues that sometimes, less is more—like, think about it, Tesla barely advertises, but somehow, it’s one of the most talked-about brands on Earth. How? Because they’ve mastered creating an aura that draws us in without trying too hard. It’s fascinating and a little unsettling.

Want to know why you keep coming back to certain brands, or how perception shapes what we buy, even how we think? You’re in for a ride. Click here to check out the full episode on The Diary of a CEO YouTube channel—Rory Sutherland’s insights might just change how you see, well, everything.

In Episode 172 of The Diary of a CEO, Joe Sugg—who, let’s be real, needs no intro for most people under 30—lays his story bare, right down to the last unpredictable twist. Imagine being 22 with over 10 million fans who track your every move—sounds like a dream, right? But for Joe, it was as much a whirlwind as a wonderland. Fame, it turns out, brings its own brand of heaviness. He talks about it openly here, confessing to Steven Bartlett how he felt constantly pulled between the highs of internet stardom and the lows of anxiety, self-doubt, and yes, even imposter syndrome. His words echo an intense journey from a quiet kid who found comfort in creativity to the unavoidable temptations of fame and the battle for authenticity.

Yet, maybe the biggest surprise of all? Joe’s choice to step away—not totally, mind you, but enough to feel like himself again. He wasn’t looking for applause; he just wanted, well, balance. He’d had enough of the party scene and the pressure to always be “on.” So he started carving out a quieter life (not an easy feat in his position, by any means). Instead, he turned his attention to nature, and to real, honest relationships. There’s even a heartfelt moment about meeting his girlfriend on Strictly Come Dancing. Love, he realized, can be grounding—even for a guy like him who’s spent half his life online.

Joe’s book Grow, hitting shelves on September 15th, is as much about learning to breathe deeply again as it is about practical advice. Not every chapter is revolutionary—some of it’s simple wisdom, the kind you’d get from an old friend over coffee. But somehow, in Joe’s voice, it feels fresh, necessary. Spending time in nature, he insists, isn't just therapeutic; it’s transformative. It’s like finding a “reset button” in the chaos of digital fame. And as he explains to Steven, he hopes readers will come away with that same feeling of re-grounding—of reconnecting to something real.

Curious yet? Don’t just take my word for it—click here to dive into the full episode on The Diary of a CEO YouTube channel and experience Joe’s raw honesty for yourself.

In this wild and unexpected conversation on The Diary of a CEO, John Eckbert, who heads Five Guys in Europe, pulls back the curtain on how a burger joint – yes, a burger joint – took on Britain’s posh food scene and somehow became a cult favorite. And here’s the kicker: they didn’t throw a single cent at traditional ads. No billboards, no flashy commercials, not even a cheeky online promo. Instead, Five Guys built their reputation on something so old-fashioned it almost feels rebellious – word-of-mouth. Seriously. Their "marketing" is letting people talk about the fresh, never-frozen ingredients and open kitchens where you can practically see the magic (or chaos) happening. It’s like an old-school diner, but dialed up to eleven.

John doesn’t just talk shop, though. He goes way deeper, opening up about personal heartbreak, including his struggles through a painful divorce and the heart-wrenching separation from his children – yeah, the stuff you don't see behind the corporate polish. There’s something raw here, as he explains how, even in the high-flying world of CEOs, there’s room for vulnerability, for moments where all that glitters… isn’t gold. It’s a powerful reminder that success comes with baggage, and sometimes the heaviest stuff isn’t the business struggles but the private battles no one sees.

So, why listen to this? Well, if you’re curious about how to build a brand that doesn’t play by the rules (and still wins), or if you’ve ever wondered about the highs and lows hiding behind every great brand – this episode’s for you. Watch the full episode on The Diary of a CEO YouTube channel here.

Just a heads-up: this one’s packed with insights that’ll stick with you, maybe even haunt you a little, long after you’ve hit pause. Don’t miss it.

In this raw, eye-opening episode of The Diary of a CEO, Stephen Bartlett sits down with Julian Metcalfe—yes, the founder of Pret A Manger and Itsu, two billion-dollar companies that have become household names in the food industry. We’re talking about a man whose entrepreneurial journey is as bold as it is inspiring. Seriously, it’s a rollercoaster.

Julian takes us through the grit and grind of his life. But this isn't your standard business story. We’re diving deep—past the glossy success, past the shiny billion-dollar brands, straight into his soul. He opens up about the painful scars of his childhood, the suicide of his mother, the fractured relationship with his father—experiences that, in a way, sculpted him into the visionary he is today. These aren’t just anecdotes—they’re the kind of gut-wrenching moments that shape how a person thinks, acts, and leads.

And then, there’s the business side. Metcalfe doesn’t sugarcoat it—building these massive brands wasn’t easy. But he speaks with such clarity about how things like transparency, trust, and creating a culture of love and care have been at the heart of it all. It’s not just about making money—though let’s be real, that’s a nice side effect. It’s about cultivating a space where people want to be, where employees feel valued, where customers walk in and feel seen. The trick, he says? Being able to see the potential in others. Simple, but revolutionary. And maybe that’s why he’s had so much success.

There are moments in this conversation where Julian’s thoughts just kind of spiral—one minute, he’s talking about risk-taking, the next, he’s dropping wisdom on maintaining balance between work and personal life. Relationships. Hard work. Treating people with respect. He makes it sound almost easy—when we all know it’s anything but. But there’s this rawness in his words that cuts through all the fluff and gets straight to the core. He believes in audacity—and it’s hard not to feel fired up just listening to him.

And listen, if you want to hear more of these stories, the grit, the growth, the human side of it all, go check out the full conversation on The Diary of a CEO channel. Trust me, this episode is one that’ll get your brain buzzing long after you’re done listening. Oh, and before you go, like, share, and don’t forget to subscribe. You won’t want to miss what’s coming next.

Buckle up because this episode of The Diary of a CEO takes a sharp turn into the world of confidence – and trust me, it’s unlike anything you’ve heard before. Stephen Bartlett sits down with James Smith, a fitness guru, no-holds-barred personal trainer, and two-time best-selling author of Not a Life Coach and Not a Diet Book. Forget the cookie-cutter fitness influencers you’re used to—James has an entirely different approach, and he’s bringing that same radical mindset to help people level up their confidence game.

In this conversation, James throws out the old idea that confidence is something you’re either born with or not. Instead, he argues that confidence is earned—piece by piece, moment by moment—through what he calls “accumulated evidence.” Yeah, it’s not about some magical trait; it’s about the challenges you face, how you rise to meet them, and the audacity to keep going when the going gets tough. Oh, and there’s a bit of deprivation sprinkled in (yep, you read that right). According to James, it’s about giving up the things that don't serve you, so you can make room for the stuff that really matters. It’s the hard truth about how you prioritize your goals.

But don’t think it’s just about lifting weights or eating chicken and rice all day. James dives deep into modern dating and relationships too. He shares his unfiltered thoughts on the importance of open, honest communication—and how personal growth is the real secret ingredient for any successful relationship. Trust me, you won’t hear the same old advice here.

And here’s where it gets really personal. James opens up about his own journey—because, hey, nobody’s path to confidence is straight. He talks about how the highs and lows have shaped him, how facing his own obstacles and doubts led him to where he is today, and why the journey (and not the destination) is what’s really important. It’s raw, it’s real, and it's exactly what you need to hear if you’re looking to find purpose, build confidence, and break free from the stuff that holds you back.

Ready to take the leap? Tune in now. This isn’t your average self-help talk. It’s about doing the damn work, facing fears head-on, and discovering that confidence is within your control.

👉 Watch the full episode on YouTube: "James Smith: Become Confident In 100 Minutes | E174" from The Diary of a CEO's channel.

Ah, Simon Sinek—yes, he's back. And this time, it’s not just another episode. No, no, this one’s a game-changer. If you’ve ever typed “Simon Sinek” into YouTube (you’ve definitely done it, admit it), you already know he’s got some of the most sought-after wisdom around. His books? Bestsellers. His TED Talks? Basically cult classics. And this conversation? You need to hear it.

So, what’s it all about? Well, Simon and Stephen Bartlett dive deep into the human side of things. We’re talking listening, emotional intelligence, communication—the stuff that makes or breaks relationships, careers, and, let’s be honest, your whole life. Simon’s passionate about reminding us that mindset? It’s not a privilege—it’s a choice. A choice that, if we get it right, can turn the whole game around. And resilience? That’s your superpower when everything feels like it’s changing—because, spoiler alert, it is.

They touch on everything from remote work (which, let’s face it, is still a giant question mark for many), to how generations seem to clash these days. And yes, work—what does that even mean anymore in this post-pandemic world? Is it just a paycheck? Or something bigger? Simon's got answers, and trust me, they’ll leave you thinking long after you hit pause.

So, if you’ve ever felt lost in the chaos of a world that’s changing faster than your Wi-Fi connection can keep up, this one’s for you. Click here to tune in. Get your mind blown. And hey, maybe even change the way you think about everything.

In this episode of The Diary of a CEO, Stephen Butler has a truly mind-bending conversation with Julian Treasure, the guy who literally wrote the book (and gave the TED talk, with over 50 million views!) on how to speak so people actually want to listen. I mean, let’s be real—how many of us just drone on, wishing for someone to pay attention? But Julian? He’s the master of sound, communication, and, wait for it—active listening. Yes, listening! Because, spoiler alert, communication is a two-way street, not just a one-person soapbox.

Now, Julian doesn’t just talk about sounding good when you speak—he gets into the gritty details of breathing techniques (yes, breathing) and something called “prosody” (you know, the rise and fall of your voice, the rhythm that makes people lean in instead of checking their phone). It’s not just about the words you say, but how you say them. Think about it—ever heard someone speak and thought, “Wow, that person’s voice is magnetic”? That's prosody working its magic.

But that’s not all. The conversation dives into a topic we all struggle with—active listening. Reflecting. Validating. Understanding someone else’s world (and really hearing them). It's this idea of listening that transforms conversations from just words to something much deeper. And yeah, Julian doesn’t shy away from calling out the dark side of our current world: social media. The cancel culture, the shaming—it’s like a toxic cocktail that too often drowns out authentic voices.

And let’s not forget—the heart of the discussion: personal values. Because at the end of the day, no matter how much technique you’ve mastered, if you don’t stay grounded in who you are—what’s the point? The process of personal growth is ongoing—never easy, but, well, rewarding (if you don’t mind the struggle).

So, take a moment. Listen—really listen—to Julian's advice. Trust me, your communication game will never be the same.

👉 Want to speak with more power, purpose, and authenticity? Tune in NOW and get ready to change the way you talk—and listen.

In this mind-opening episode of The Diary of a CEO, we sit down with Dacher Keltner—a professor at UC Berkeley, the man behind the Greater Good Science Center, and someone who’s spent decades diving deep into the fascinating world of human emotions. Keltner’s research focuses on all the big ones: compassion, love, awe, power, and... well, the messy stuff we don't always talk about. He’s also the author of The Power Paradox—which, let’s be real, is a whole book you’ll want to devour if you’re even a little bit curious about how power plays into our lives.

So, what does awe have to do with all this? Apparently, quite a lot. Keltner makes the case that awe—a feeling we all know when we witness something bigger than ourselves—can actually lower stress (yes, stress!) and even spark creativity. He talks about how we can deliberately invite awe into our daily routines. Maybe you’re walking outside, or—strangely enough—admiring your favorite coffee mug in the morning. Trust me, you’ll never look at that mug the same way again. It’s all about shifting perspective, right?

But here’s the twist—Keltner doesn’t shy away from tough truths. One of the most shocking points he brings up is about wealth, power, and empathy. The higher you rise on the social ladder, the more disconnected you can become from the people around you. In a sense, the more power we gain, the less compassionate we feel for those who don’t have it. It’s a slippery slope, and we’re all living it.

And then there’s the human connection piece—the “touch” part that’s almost hard to talk about without getting emotional. Keltner insists that a lack of physical connection is not just an inconvenience, it’s a killer. Literally. We need to touch, hug, hold hands, and all the small ways we connect with others, or our life expectancy and happiness levels drop. It sounds like common sense, but in today’s world? It’s easy to forget.

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed with the world, stressed, or just plain stuck—Keltner’s approach could help. He offers simple but profound ways to rethink your life. Tap into awe, embrace connection, and try to let go of the unnecessary pressures we put on ourselves. It might sound too simple, but that’s the magic. Ready to change the way you think about stress and happiness?

Catch the full interview on The Diary of a CEO’s YouTube channel here and find out how awe can literally transform your life.