Ben Francis

Ben Francis is a dynamic mental‑health speaker and entrepreneur whose talks blend authenticity with actionable insight. As founder and CEO of Gymshark, he is known not only for his business acumen but also for his openness about vulnerability, mental health and personal development. Through his engaging speeches and public appearances, Ben offers a candid, human perspective—speaking not from a place of perfection, but from ongoing growth. His audiences connect with his honesty about fear, resilience and finding strength in uncertainty, making him a sought‑after voice in the wellness and business‑leadership space.

He began his career balancing studies in International Business at Aston University with shifts as a Pizza Hut delivery driver. While working part‑time and attending lectures, he started his first entrepreneurial ventures—app development and a small online number‑plate business—before co‑founding Gymshark in 2012. Operating from his parents’ garage and sewing apparel with £1,000 of his own savings, he turned his early failures into learning opportunities and persevered. His breakthrough came at the 2013 BodyPower Expo, where a viral tracksuit sale generated £30,000 in 30 minutes, convincing him to quit university and commit fully to his vision.

In recent years, he has drawn attention not just for Gymshark’s growth—valued at over £1 billion by 2020—but also for his personal transformation. He candidly describes being “nervous, going red, shaking” at public speaking, yet persevered—joining a speaking club and investing in his growth. Alongside being named MBE in the 2023 New Year Honours, he has earned recognition such as EY UK Entrepreneur of the Year (2020) and a place on Forbes 30 Under 30 (2018). He also shares tips on mental well‑being and mindset via social and podcast platforms, reinforcing his role as both a business leader and mental‑health advocate.

Ben is a compelling speaker because he embodies both the struggle and triumph his audiences seek to understand. He speaks not as an untouchable success, but as someone who has stared down imposter‑syndrome, anxiety and self‑doubt—and won. This blend of humility, proven achievement and actionable strategy makes him a natural choice for organisations and events aiming to inspire resilience, confidence and authentic leadership. That combination is precisely why he is frequently hired—to help others see that true strength lies in vulnerability and in the journey, not just the outcome.