25 Jul 2025

Leadership Lessons: Julian Metcalfe, founder of itsu

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Jason Samuels

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What makes a successful leader? Our Leadership Lessons series brings you insights from leading figures in business, sport and politics. In this interview, we chat with Julian Metcalfe: co-founder of Pret A Manger and founder of itsu.

Julian Metcalfe is renowned for his strategic leadership and dedication to detail and people. Over his 35-year career, he has built businesses from the ground up, learning valuable lessons along the way.

From the initial concept of Pret A Manger to navigating the complexities of selling a business, Julian has developed a leadership philosophy rooted in adaptability, determination and the importance of people.

“Be ready to change plans and adjust to the unexpected”

For Julian, starting Pret A Manger was not a straightforward path. Reflecting on his career, he emphasised the importance of staying open-minded and adaptable in business.

“Not one single day goes by where you know exactly what’s going to happen,” he says. “Entrepreneurs must be ready to change plans and adjust to the unexpected.”

Focus on detail

He credits his relentless determination and passion for his product as the key driving force of its success. “The vision behind Pret was simple. How do we create incredible food at a price everyone can afford, in an environment where people are proud of what they do?”

This focus on detail, according to Julian, is what differentiates successful businesses from those that falter. “Most people think running a big business is all about big character and big plans, but it’s actually about the detail.”

Trust, pride, care and growth

In Julian’s experience, the team behind a business is just as important as the business itself. The cornerstone for success is “trust, pride, care and growth. You can’t build a business on your own,” he says, highlighting the role that strong relationships play in a company’s success. He identifies those four key qualities in those around him: “I build trust. I take pride. I care and I want to grow.”

For Julian, trust is fundamental – and the importance of pride and care in one’s work, both for colleagues and customers, cannot be overstated. “Pride is so important,” he adds.

“The only job we have is to make decisions”

For those looking to build their own business, his advice is clear: “Be ready to learn, be adaptable, and prioritise the details. Leaders who are open to new ideas and perspectives, and who embrace learning from others, tend to be more successful in navigating challenges and growing their businesses.”

Julian also emphasises how crucial it is for new entrepreneurs to understand the importance of decision-making. “The only job we have is to make decisions,” he says. “Human beings are not naturally good at making decisions, but entrepreneurs are the ones who are willing to make them.

Empower others

“I thrive on watching people exceed their own expectations. Watching young people rise up and astound themselves is what gives them strength in life,” he reflects.

Julian’s leadership philosophy is rooted in empowering others, whether through mentorship, trust, or creating an environment where people can thrive.

For those aspiring to follow in his footsteps, his advice is simple yet powerful: “Be relentless, stay curious, and never stop learning.”

If you’re starting or growing a business, our specialists are here to help ambitious leaders take the next step.

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This interview with Julian Metcalfe was originally published in Strategic Leaders: Insights for Success, co-produced by BKL for the 2025 Jewish Care Topland Group Business Lunch. Explore more of our Leadership Lessons series below or read the interview booklet here.

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