Welcome to a new take on our popular workwear series, Business Unusual. ‘Coffee Break’ is a freshly brewed blend of inspiration, motivation, and today’s unusual 9-5. This captivating series delves deeper into the journey to success and the hurdles faced as we witness the lines blur between work-wear uniform and casual work outfits. From the suited and booted commuter to the comfort first styling of a work-from-anywhere hero, whatever you’re in the business of, make it ‘unusual’ with Ted Baker.

Next in line for our caffeine-fuelled adventure is triple Olympic and World champion gymnast, Max Whitlock. As the most successful gymnast in Olympic history on the pommel horse, naturally we decided to tip the balance a bit – a familiar feat for a gymnast whose agility has rewritten records. Our self crafted coffee shop hit the streets with Max in tow and journeyed through East London’s alleys and avenues. Amidst the hustle and bustle, we spoke to Max about his ascent into gymnastics, managing his mental health after major wins and how to cope adjusting to big life changes. Delving into challenges faced, such as contemplating retirement, Max Whitlock stirs together inspiration and determination with his very own Business Unusual.

SHOP THE EDIT

HOW DO YOU START YOUR DAY?

BOTH: Every day is different.

HERMON: There are ups and downs but most days it’s straight to laptop to check emails for work.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

HERODA: Actually, it’s rejection. Rejection inspires me. That’s why I am who I am today. When I think about what people have said, they have said, ‘oh what are you doing, you can’t do that.’ Then I become more assertive, and that has inspired me.

IN TERMS OF REPRESENTATION, HOW COULD THE FASHION INDUSTRY DO MORE?

HERMON: The word here is inclusive. We don’t see much inclusivity in the fashion industry. Not enough.

HERODA: We still have a long way to go unfortunately. But we need to encourage people to see people like us, and to feel like they can connect, like they can relate. They can look up to us and think, ‘I’m not the only one.’ The fashion industry needs to change that.

DOES YOUR DAUGHTER GET EXCITED FOR YOUR COMPETITIONS?

My little girl Willow she’s starting to get to a nice age where she’s almost growing up too quick for my liking. She loves my medals; she likes playing with my medals. But I think what’s amazing is that if I do well in the camp or I don’t, at the moment - which I’m hoping stays, she basically sees me like I’m some kind of superhero, which is amazing. So, my target is to try and keep that as long as possible.