Founder and CEO of AO.com John Roberts on risk, empowerment, and the power of a one pound bet
Crisis What Crisis with Andy Coulson · Andy Coulson
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Show Notes
John Roberts is one of Britain's most successful and energetic businessmen, a lad from Bolton who turned a one pound bet with a friend into a billion pound success story.
In this special Business episode, John joins Andy to share the invaluable lessons behind building one of Britain’s most trusted brands. From selling deformed gingerbread men in school to pioneering e-commerce out of Bolton, John reveals how cheek, grit and imagination shaped AO, but the journey to success has not been a straight road. He talks openly about the crushing lows — including losing a £160 million gamble in Germany, navigating the chaos of early online retail, and how singing Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now on loop helped him show up for his team during the darkest moments.
He shares the thinking behind AO’s legendary customer service and the power (and perils) of leading from the front. Plus we hear about his work to level the playing field for young people in our poorest communities, and what government and businesses can learn from a green teddy bear and a humble kitchen salesman to build a better future.
X: @johnrobertsAO
Host: Andy Coulson
CWC team: Jane Sankey, Hana Walker-Brown, Bill Griffin
With special thanks to Ioana Barbu and the brilliant people at Global
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