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Should You Job Hop or Climb the Corporate Ladder like Pret a Manger CEO?
Real career tips, for silent success.
The Careerguard
January 21, 2024
It’s Sunday, 21st January 2024, and in this week’s roundup, we are covering the career story of Pano Christou and career advice centered around the traditional climbing of the corporate ladder.
In this week’s email, learn in 5 minutes or less:
Career Story: How Pret A Manger CEO Pano Christou went from £2.75/hour to a £4M salary
Side Hustle: Building your online audience and making brand deals
Stock Market: Hot upcoming IPOs of 2024 we have our eyes on
Weekly round-up: What else happened this week, from Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce to the Coachella lineup finally being released….
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Need to Know
If you are thinking about investing to make some money to ball out or stack some money for your retirement fund, these are some of the top 3 most anticipated IPOs of 2024…
For those who may be reading this, not sure of what an IPO is. Don’t worry, I got you 😁
An IPO is when a private company first sells shares of stock to the public; this process is known as an initial public offering (IPO). In essence, an IPO means that a company's ownership is transitioning from private ownership to public ownership, meaning you can go onto platforms like Interactive Investor and buy stocks in these companies, and when they do well, you make money 🤑
The IPO runway is buzzing with excitement in 2024, and several potential blockbusters are lining up for takeoff. Here's a closer look at the top 5 contenders:
1. Shein: The Fast-Fashion juggernaut: Estimated valuation: $60 billion - $90 billion. This Chinese online fashion giant has captured the market with its lightning-fast turnaround times and trendy, budget-friendly clothes. If their IPO reaches the high end of their target, it could become one of the largest ever in the US.
2. Databricks: King of the data lake: Estimated valuation: $43 billion. This cloud-based data platform helps businesses make sense of their massive data stores. Think of it as Google Maps for your company's internal information. Their impressive technology and established investor base (including Andreessen Horowitz and BlackRock) make their IPO highly anticipated.
3. Reddit: The meme-ing machine: Estimated valuation: $15 billion. This online forum has transformed from a haven for cat pictures to a powerful platform for communities and activism. Monetizing this engaged user base is the key question, but their potential reach and influence make Reddit's IPO intriguing.
Bonus Watch: Stripe, the payments processing giant, and Rubik's Cube (yes, the puzzle!) are also IPO hopefuls for 2024.
Remember, IPOs are a gamble, and market conditions can always change. But these exciting companies represent some of the hottest trends and biggest disruptors in their respective industries. So, buckle up, grab your metaphorical stock ticker, and keep an eye on these potential market moves in 2024!
If you are investing for retirement plans and allocating a percentage each month from your wage into stocks, please note that IPOs are super high risk. Approach with caution, my hustlers! Learn more about investing and create an account here.
9to5 ‘Coffee Break Convo’ of the Week
Career Story: From McDonald's to Coffee King - The Rise of Pret A Manger's £4M CEO, Pano Christou
Pano Christou's journey to the top of Pret A-Manger is a story of hard work, dedication, and a bit of serendipity. It's a tale that starts far from the polished boardrooms and executive suites, beginning with a young man making £2.75 an hour at McDonald's.
Humble Beginnings:
Born to a taxi driver and a nurse, Christou's path wasn't always paved with privilege. Leaving school at 16, he took up a McDonald's job to help support his family. But his ambition burned bright, and he soon found himself drawn to the fast-paced world of Pret A Manger.
Joining the Pret Family:
In 1995, Christou walked into a Pret at London's Victoria Station, landing a job as a team member. He quickly impressed with his work ethic and people skills, rising through the ranks. His dedication caught the eye of Pret's founder, Julian Metcalfe, who recognized Christou's potential and became his mentor.
Climbing the Ladder:
Over the next two decades, Christou's Pret journey was one of continuous learning and growth. He held various positions, from sandwich maker to regional manager, soaking up every aspect of the business. His ability to connect with both customers and staff made him a natural leader.
Reaching the Summit:
In 2019, Christou's remarkable journey reached its peak when he was appointed CEO of Pret A Manger. He took over during a challenging time for the company, but his deep understanding of Pret's culture and values helped him navigate the turbulent waters.
Leading with Grit and Heart:
Christou's leadership style is characterized by humility, empathy, and a genuine passion for Pret's mission. He champions employee well-being, famously taking a pay cut during the pandemic to protect jobs.
The Compensation Conundrum:
Christou's salary has been a subject of both praise and criticism. In 2021, his total compensation package, including salary and bonus, reached a reported £4.2 million. While some see this as excessive, others argue it's a fair reward for his exceptional leadership and the company's success under his guidance.
A Story of Inspiration:
Pano Christou's story is an inspiration to anyone who dares to dream big. It's a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and a genuine belief in oneself. From humble beginnings to the helm of a global coffee empire, Christou's journey is a reminder that anything is possible, even if it starts with a £2.75 an hour job at McDonald's.
So, how much does the Pret A-Manger CEO make? While the exact figures can vary depending on bonuses and stock options, Christou's base salary is reported to be around £400,000. This, combined with performance-based incentives, can push his total compensation package into the millions.
Whether you find his salary justified or not, there's no denying that Pano Christou's journey is an extraordinary one. He's living proof that with dedication and a little bit of magic, even the most ordinary beginnings can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
In this day and age, would you consider staying at a company for 20 years? 👀
Careers Advice
The C-Suite Climb: Playing the Long Game in Your Laddered Lair
Climbing the corporate ladder can be like scaling a sheer glacier: treacherous and slow, but with every inch, the view gets more breathtaking. So, when ambition whispers "jump ship," it's tempting to ditch the slow climb for a faster ascent elsewhere. But before you leap, consider the allure of playing the long game. It could be rewarding as we have seen in the story of Pano Christou.
Staying put in an organization with clear C-suite pathways means more than just biding your time. It's about strategic investment. Every project tackled, every problem solved, is a brick in your executive foundation. You build deep knowledge of the company's DNA, forge crucial relationships, and become the trusted insider they'll choose when the kingpin crown needs a head. I personally would stay in an organization if the Founder / existing CEO had taken me under their wing and taking over a senior leadership position looked likely…
Think of it this way: jumping ship might land you higher momentarily, but it's like starting back at base camp on a new mountain. Here, you're already halfway up, with established ropes and footholds. Trust the climb, learn the crevices, and when that peak beckons, you'll be summiting with the confidence of a seasoned Sherpa, not a shaky trekker.
So, yes, the journey's long, but remember, the C-suite isn't just an office; it's a mindset. And that, my hustlers, is built brick by patient, strategic brick within the very mountain you're already scaling. Choose your climb wisely, and the summit will be all the sweeter.
Personal Finance
Planning Ahead: Financial Tips for 9-5 Warriors in a Cost-Squeezed World
The rising cost of living can feel like a relentless tide, threatening to pull even the most diligent swimmer under. But for 9-5 heroes like you, it's time to grab a mental lifebuoy and weather the storm with some smart financial tactics. Here's a tip to empower your fight:
Embrace the Power of Maximising your ISA:
Setting aside money can feel like a luxury when every penny screams "urgent need." Enter the magic of technology! Set up automatic transfers to move a fixed amount (even a small one) from your paycheck directly into a Stocks & Shares ISA savings account. Out of sight, out of mind, but watch that fund grow steadily. Remember, every drop counts when building your financial ark. Make the most out of your £20,000 tax-free savings allowance.
Bonus Tip: Boost your automation of savings and investing by setting up an investing account through Interactive Investor. Through their service, you can manage and trade shares, funds, investment trusts and bonds via trading accounts, ISAs. If you open a ISA or trading account you can get £100-1,500 cashback up to 31st January as a new customer. So the time is now.
With this simple trick, you'll be surprised how quickly your financial resilience muscles start flexing. Keep at it, and soon, that cost-of-living wave will feel more like a gentle splash and you will feel mentally at ease knowing you have money saved and compound interest growing your investment account just by simply opening a Stocks & Shares ISA, investing your money and not paying UK income or capital gains tax
And hey, bonus tip: If you're feeling overwhelmed, seek support! Talk to a financial advisor, explore government assistance programs, and connect with investment communities if you have questions about investing in ISAs, investing in index funds, the S&P500, Vanguard products, or more…
Side Hustle Spotlight of the Week
Personal Branding & Why You Should Consider Building an Online Audience?
Building an online audience can be incredibly rewarding, both personally and professionally. Here are just a few reasons why:
You get to share your passion: Connect with people who share your interests and inspire others with your knowledge and creativity.
You get to make a difference: Use your platform to raise awareness about important issues or advocate for causes you care about.
You get to build a career: Monetize your content through advertising, sponsorships, or selling your own products or services.
You get to network and learn: Connect with other creators, industry experts, and potential customers.
You get to boost your confidence: Seeing your content resonate with others can be incredibly validating.
How to Monetize Your Audience:
Once you've built an audience, there are many ways to monetize it. Here are a few ideas:
Create and sell online courses or ebooks.
Offer exclusive content to paying subscribers.
Partner with brands for sponsored content or affiliate marketing.
Sell your own merchandise or products.
Offer consulting or coaching services.
Remember, building a successful online audience takes time and effort. But if you're passionate about what you do and willing to put in the work, the rewards can be significant.
Here are some additional tips for success:
Choose a niche and become an expert in it.
Create high-quality content that is engaging and informative.
Be consistent with your posting schedule.
Interact with your audience and build relationships.
Promote your content on social media and other channels.
With dedication and hard work, you can build a thriving online audience and turn your passion into a profitable career.
I hope this gives you a good starting point!
The Ideas Hub: ‘Numbers Don’t Lie’
Here's how Kai Cenat built his audience and became a millionaire from it.
Meet Kai, a 21-year-old from New York City who wasn't always rolling in Twitch dough. In fact, just a few years ago, he was struggling to make ends meet, working odd jobs and living paycheck to paycheck. But Cenat had a dream: to make it big as a streamer.
He started out small, broadcasting from his cramped bedroom on Twitch. His early streams were a rough-and-tumble mix of gaming, pranks, and challenges, often featuring his close-knit group of friends. But Cenat's infectious energy and unfiltered humor resonated with viewers, and he slowly began to build a following.
Cenat's big break came in 2020 when he went viral for a series of improvised rap battles with his viewers. His quick wit and freestyle skills caught the attention of bigger streamers and YouTubers, and his channel exploded in popularity.
Today, Cenat is one of the most popular streamers on Twitch, with over 4 million followers and millions of views per month. He's landed lucrative sponsorships, launched his own merchandise line, and even sold out a live show at Madison Square Garden.
So, how did Cenat go from broke to Twitch millionaire? It wasn't just about luck or talent. It was about hustle, dedication, and staying true to himself. Cenat never gave up on his dream, and he always strived to entertain his viewers in whatever way he could. As a result, he built a loyal community of fans who support him every step of the way.
Cenat's story is an inspiration to aspiring streamers and content creators everywhere. It shows that with hard work and a little bit of creativity, anything is possible. You actually don’t need millions of followers to make an extra £1000-5000 / month if you have a niche and audience that trusts you, despite what many might think.
Weekly Round-Up
Celebrity News: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are still undecided on their long-term future together; they are reportedly ‘Still Seeing Where It Goes’. Do you think they will go the distance?
Music: The Coachella 2024 lineup has been released, and Tyler The Creator, Doja Cat, and Lana Del Rey are the headliners. Let us know your thoughts on this year’s lineup.
Sports: Arsenal reignited their Premier League title challenge by thrashing struggling Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium. Do you think the Gunners have what it takes to go all the way this season? ⚽️
Business: Shares in the US surged to record highs on Friday, January 19, fueled by tech stocks and rising hopes in the economy. Read more here
Tech: Blood-oxygen sensors to be removed from Apple Watches as the company looks to avoid ban in a move to keep one of its best selling products on the market.
Travel: Are you preparing to travel during the off-season? Here are some of the best places to visit: Lucca (Italy), Paris (France), St. Moritz (Switzerland), Yasawa Islands (Fiji). Let us know where you’re planning to travel during the off-season✈️
Health Tip: Incorporate at least 30 minutes of physical activity into your daily routine. This could be a brisk walk, yoga, or a quick gym session to boost energy and reduce stress.
How to Spend it: Balenciaga’s released their $5,600 Snowboard just in time for the Sundance Music Film Festival and Led a Flurry of Luxury Skiwear and Accessories. Are you adding one to your basket? 👀
Joke of the Week: I reached the office this morning, and the boss stormed up to me and said, ‘You missed work yesterday, didn’t you?’. I said, ‘No, not particularly.’
Quote & Motivation
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much”
Why The Career Guard? The schooling system doesn’t adequately equip new adults for ‘adulting.’ With our weekly nuggets of information, we spread career knowledge fundamental for all gen-z and millennial professionals to know in 5 minutes to spark creativity, help someone consider a new career opportunity, and improve their financial well-being with also a little recap of the week.
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What did you think of today's edition? |
Thanks for reading,
Dominic
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