Disruptors Julian Metcalfe On Going From From Zero to $2 Billion: The Tenacity and Grit Behind Building a Successful Business
Sep 14, 2025
Julian Metcalfe, founder of Pret a Manger and Itsu, shares his remarkable journey of building a $2 billion business. He candidly discusses the fears entrepreneurs face, emphasizing resilience and the importance of learning from failure. Julian delves into balancing product quality with profit in the food industry, while highlighting the need for strong customer relationships. He also reflects on the unique challenges UK entrepreneurs encounter and how support and perseverance are crucial for overcoming obstacles in a tough business landscape.
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Failure Is Part Of Success
- Julian argues failure is inevitable when creating value and must be embraced as part of learning.
- He says success cannot exist without the 'bumps' of mistakes and disappointment.
Start And End With The Product
- Julian insists everything begins and ends with the product and its relationship with customers.
- Focus on product quality and customer trust before other distractions like risk of going bust.
Hire For Four Core Qualities
- Hire and cultivate people who share a clear vision and four core qualities: I want to grow, I care, I take pride, I build trust.
- These traits create long-term cohesion and product improvement across the team.