Business students at Solihull Sixth Form College got an insight into what makes a successful business recently, when the Chief Financial Officer of Solihull-based Gymshark came onto campus to give a presentation.
Mathew Dunn spoke to students about the origins of the Gymshark brand (in a garage in Bromsgrove) and the path it’s Chief Executive Officer, Ben Francis, has taken throughout its development. He discussed the firm’s continued success, which he suggested was down to the CEO’s skill to identify unmet consumer needs and holes in the market, capitalising on these niches.
Mathew also told learners of his own career story, starting with him studying English Literature at university. He explained how this starting place did not hamper his progression into accountancy in jobs all around the world, from New Zealand to Poland, Hong Kong and many more. He then went on to describe his role as a CFO, describing himself as a ‘co-pilot’ to Ben Francis’ CEO/pilot role. He also shared with students the challenges of his role and how they overcome them, including continuing to be a quick-growing company post-pandemic.
Following this, students got the chance to ask questions to Matthew, with topics ranging from the patterns in his varying career path and his biggest mistakes throughout. He explained that in work and life it is invaluable to remain curious, using every chance as a learning opportunity, as this mindset cultivates success. He also divulged that remaining true to yourself is really key in work life, going on to describe how one of his worst mistakes as a CFO was attempting to emulate another who he felt was better. It wasn’t until he realised what brings success to business and individuals is the culmination of different experiences and ideas.
Business, Accounting and Law Curriculum Leader Michael Albanese commented:
“We are grateful to Mathew Dunn for giving up his time to talk to our learners. Gymshark is a highly successful business, which has expanded at great pace in a relatively short period of time. It was incredibly useful to their studies to get an insight into how this has been achieved.”
19 June 2023