E115 - Lewis Morgan: How I made £100m in 8 years and learned there is no secret

Lewis Morgan, Gymshark co-founder and entrepreneur, joins us on this week’s episode. Lewis has been an entrepreneur since the age of 16, when he first began selling item within a video game. Since then he has created global brands, Gymshark is now valued at more than £1 billion. He offers his insights into business and life and how important family is to him. 

Lewis shares with us what he would do if he only had £1000 left to his name… the answer is amazing! 

This episode was recorded in front of a live audience in Birmingham during The High Performance Live Tour 2022.

Special thanks to Mission for partnering with us on the tour. We love this brand! All you need to do is head to missionuk.com and apply the code ‘PERFORM20’ at checkout for 20% off your order.

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This month on the High Performance Circle... Oli Patrick joined us on The High Performance Tour 2022 and gave a great keynote on the three things you can do to improve your wellbeing and operate at the top of your game. Plus, ultra runner Simon Dent explains the performance benefits and common lessons shared between business and exercise. Sign up now to watch: www.thehighperformancepodcast.com

Also, check out our new weekly addition The Monday Motivation Newsletter. The purpose of Monday Motivation is to connect more regularly with you! We want to give Circle members a bit of inspiration, motivation and purpose at the beginning of each week. Whether that is a few key things to consider when facing the upcoming week, reading recommendations or ideas to think about when listening to the weekly podcast episode. Sign up now. Just go to www.thehighperformancepodcast.com

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### Summary of the Podcast Episode ###

**Lewis Morgan's Entrepreneurial Journey:**

- Lewis Morgan, co-founder of Gymshark, shared his entrepreneurial journey, from starting a business as a teenager to building a billion-dollar brand.
- He emphasized the importance of constantly learning, adapting, and embracing challenges.
- Lewis highlighted the significance of nurturing a business like a child, requiring dedication, patience, and attention to detail.

**Insights on Entrepreneurship and Business:**

- Lewis emphasized the value of curiosity and exploring different opportunities, even if they seem unconventional.
- He encouraged entrepreneurs to seek knowledge from various sources, such as podcasts, books, and experienced individuals.
- Lewis stressed the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive and talented people who share similar values and work ethics.
- He advised against being overly focused on financial success and instead prioritizing the process, enjoyment, and impact of one's work.

**Lessons from Lewis's Experience:**

- Lewis shared that he started making significant money from his business after two to three years of hard work and dedication.
- He emphasized the importance of constantly learning and adapting to stay ahead in business.
- Lewis highlighted the role of influencer marketing in Gymshark's success, which they leveraged to connect with their target audience.
- He attributed his ability to spot trends and opportunities to his curiosity and willingness to explore new things.

**Lewis's Motivation for Continued Success:**

- Lewis expressed his desire to make the most of the opportunities he has been given and not be selfish by retiring early.
- He aims to help other entrepreneurs succeed and create positive change in the world.

**Qualities Lewis Looks for in Potential Business Partners:**

- Lewis seeks individuals who are passionate, hungry, and driven to succeed.
- He values integrity, honesty, and shared values in his business partners.
- Lewis believes that the process and the journey are more important than the end goal.

**Advice on Mixing Business and Friendship:**

- Lewis acknowledged the challenges of mixing business and friendship but emphasized the importance of being genuine and authentic.
- He advised against overthinking the process of assessing people's intentions and focusing on building strong relationships.
- Lewis highlighted the importance of prioritizing family and close relationships while balancing the demands of business.

**Summary of the Podcast Episode**

**Guest:** Lewis Morgan, Co-founder of Gymshark and entrepreneur

**Topics Covered:**

* The importance of family
* What to do if you only have £1000 left to your name
* The challenges and benefits of working with friends and colleagues
* How to handle conflict in business
* The best piece of feedback Lewis has received
* The key drivers in business in 2022
* How to utilize social media to your advantage
* Overcoming fear when starting a business
* The importance of asking questions and seeking collaboration
* Lewis's biggest failures and how he learned from them
* Lewis's three non-negotiables
* A moment in Lewis's life he would like to go back to

**Key Points:**

* Lewis Morgan emphasizes the importance of family and maintaining strong relationships with those close to you.
* Lewis believes that if you only have £1000 left to your name, you should focus on flipping items on platforms like Facebook Marketplace to make a profit.
* Working with friends and colleagues can be beneficial, but it is essential to have clear contracts and agreements in place to avoid conflicts.
* Conflict in business is inevitable, and it is crucial to address it promptly and openly.
* The best piece of feedback Lewis received was to avoid getting too emotionally attached to the things you build in business.
* The key drivers in business in 2022 include utilizing social media effectively, understanding your target audience, and selling more than just the product.
* Social media can be a powerful tool for businesses to reach a wider audience and promote their products or services.
* Overcoming fear when starting a business requires taking action and breaking down the process into smaller, more manageable steps.
* Lewis emphasizes the importance of asking questions, seeking collaboration, and being open to learning from others.
* Lewis's biggest failures have been learning experiences that have helped him grow and develop as an entrepreneur.
* Lewis's three non-negotiables are love, empathy, and happiness.
* A moment in Lewis's life he would like to go back to is when he was 12 years old, playing video games without any worries or responsibilities.

The podcast episode delves into the life and entrepreneurial journey of Lewis Morgan, co-founder of Gymshark, a global fitness apparel brand valued at over £1 billion. The discussion centers around Lewis's experiences, insights, and advice on business, life, and the importance of family.

Lewis emphasizes the significance of curiosity and following one's passion in achieving success. He believes that treating business like a game, where there are always variables and challenges to overcome, can lead to innovative solutions and growth. Lewis also highlights the importance of empathy and kindness in personal and professional relationships, emphasizing that being a kinder person can enhance performance and create a positive impact on others.

When asked about his legacy, Lewis expresses that he is not overly concerned with leaving a lasting impression. He values personal growth and relationships over the pursuit of fame or recognition. He advises the audience to focus on themselves and the people close to them, rather than seeking validation from external sources.

Lewis reflects on the importance of embracing challenges and taking risks. He shares an anecdote about how he would have reacted to his teenage self, emphasizing the value of curiosity and following one's passions. He believes that everyone has the potential to succeed if they are willing to explore different paths and learn from their experiences.

The podcast concludes with a discussion on high performance and the idea that there is no secret formula for success. Lewis stresses the importance of embracing curiosity, trying new things, and having an open mind. He encourages the audience to be their biggest cheerleaders and to make world-class basics their calling card.

Overall, the podcast offers valuable insights into the entrepreneurial mindset, the importance of passion and curiosity, and the significance of personal growth and relationships in achieving a high-performance life.