

Pret & Itsu Founder: How I Built TWO Billion Dollar Brands At The Same Time!: Julian Metcalfe
47 snips Aug 29, 2022
Julian Metcalfe, founder of Pret A Manger and Itsu, shares his journey of building billion-dollar brands after facing personal tragedies, including the loss of his mother. He emphasizes the importance of resilience, transparency, and trust in business. Metcalfe discusses how childhood experiences shaped his ambition and relationships while offering insights into effective leadership. He also reflects on the impact of food safety regulations, advocating for genuine practices in the industry, and the transformative power of personal connections in navigating life’s challenges.
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Childhood Tragedy
- Julian Metcalfe's mother committed suicide on Boxing Day when he was seven, leaving him with a sense of loneliness.
- This experience added complexity to his character and shaped his relationships with people and work.
Authority Issues
- Both Metcalfe and Bartlett share a common experience of an absent parent and a resulting problem with authority.
- Metcalfe believes this led him to forge his own path, working with trusted individuals.
The "Dick" Manager
- Metcalfe values transparency and honesty, recalling an incident at Pret where a young employee revealed her manager was a "dick".
- Firing the manager and promoting the employee led to significantly increased sales due to improved trust and care.