Entrepreneurs
Headspace’s CEO on what industry is overlooking by formula of psychological health
Published
2 years agoon
On this week’s episode of Fortune‘s Leadership Next podcast, co-host Michal Lev-Ram talks with Headspace Smartly being CEO Russ Glass about what industry is presently getting coarse about psychological health, how leaders can handiest enhance their workers while taking care of themselves, and the contrivance meditation changed his lifestyles. Co-host Alan Murray, who became now not fraction of the interview this week, joins Lev-Ram for the pre-interview chat.
Hear to the episode or read the fleshy transcript below.
Transcript:
Alan Murray: Leadership Next is powered by the folks at Deloitte, who, cherish me, are exploring the altering principles of industry leadership and the contrivance CEOs are navigating this swap.
Welcome to Leadership Next, the podcast about the altering principles of industry leadership. I’m Alan Murray.
Michal Lev-Ram: And I’m Michal Lev-Ram. Alan, ever since the pandemic, I actually feel cherish there are a handful of issues that CEOs—and industry journalists—withhold returning to repeatedly and again. In truth, it became the realm of our newest episode with Howard Lerman of Run—tech innovation spurred by lockdowns and work from the home, the return-to-work debate, and the significance of worker psychological health.
Murray: Yeah, and I judge one in every of the causes we withhold talking about that ultimate one, about worker psychological health, is that companies aren’t slightly particular in the event that they’re doing a real job. We know that there are loads of considerations obtainable, and it’s actually exploded as a workplace philosophize. Everyone now appears to be like to agree it’s fundamental, but they don’t know the final phrase formula to enhance their crew.
Lev-Ram: Smartly, our visitor as of late desires to aid with that! He’s Russ Glass, the CEO of Headspace Smartly being—which is a stamp that doubtlessly loads of of us are accustomed to. It’s a meditation app, or actually that’s what it became is named for years. However they’re going to now not realize that just a few years ago, Headspace merged with an organization called Ginger, which ran an enterprise industry, providing workers coaching, therapy, and psychiatry services and products. The mixed company is named Headspace Smartly being, and the aim became to bring all of these sources under one platform.
Murray: Yeah, and a actually luminous stride to motivate enterprise companies, as there might per chance be loads of keep a question to for it. The company says it now serves 4,000 employers all the contrivance through 200 countries, and that quite a lot of million of us actively exhaust the Headspace app each month.
Lev-Ram: Yea, Alan, I’ll explain you one thing I learned in the interview that in actuality taken aback me—in step with a Headspace Smartly being detect, 49 p.c of workers explain they actually feel a sense of dread at work now not lower than as soon as a week—and that number rises to 59 p.c for CEOs! I hope you’re now not feeling any dread lawful now, Alan! However what stop you have confidence about that?
Murray: Never any dread about becoming a member of you for a Leadership Next podcast. However sadly, I did dread the truth I wasn’t able to hitch you for this one, on account of right here’s one in every of my popular issues.
Lev-Ram: We omitted you. I do know right here’s a topic that is near and expensive to your heart. By the formula, we also had an extended dialog, Russ and I, about elevating daughters—something we are all residing through and fill lived through and we can issue to—the three of us. Russ is de facto one in every of the few leaders we’ve spoken to on this podcast who stepped aid from his occupation to lift his formative years. Sooner than becoming a member of Headspace, he became a fleshy time dad for 18 months, and he talked about it and what an unimaginable, amazing replacement it became for him.
Murray: Wow, but let’s now not discuss him, let’s check with him. Let’s secure lawful to as of late’s interview. Here’s Michal’s interview with Headspace Smartly being CEO, Russ Glass.
[Music]
Lev-Ram: Ok. So, Russ, sooner than we dive into the real industry right here, real slightly little bit of context right here, about you. So earlier than becoming a member of Ginger as CEO, you’d started a sequence of companies. Here’s now not your first gig right here. A range of tech-targeted companies, obviously. This appears to be like cherish slightly little bit of a jump coming into a longtime company in the psychological health rental. How did this near about?
Russ Glass: Yeah, it is a ways a jump. This if truth be told is my first health care company. All of my prior entrepreneurial endeavors and startups and whatnot, were in thoroughly different kinds of tech, whether media or recordsdata or enterprise software. And as soon as I left LinkedIn, I actually didn’t fill any roughly newest tips or desire, and I real wished to be a dad. So, I’ve received three daughters, and I spent the final phrase 9 years targeted on the corporate, and I actually wished to exhaust time with them. So I left. And after about 18 months, I made up my mind that, okay, I wasn’t ready to be retired forever. And I needed to return and stop something. However if I became going to head away them daily, it indispensable to be for something that became impactful, something that the world actually indispensable. And I discovered Ginger, I diagnosed real how fundamental the psychological health disaster became, and the offer-keep a question to imbalance that existed. I felt cherish I might per chance exhaust the comfort of my occupation targeted on it.
Lev-Ram: Ok, so, I’m gonna aid up for a 2nd. We’ve interviewed loads of leaders on this podcast, female and male, I don’t judge we’ve ever had somebody discuss over with us about, you know, stepping apart to lift their daughters. So I’m unparalleled to hear real slightly bit extra about that. I mean, became that a noteworthy willpower to get? What reactions did you secure even as you happen to told of us?
Glass: You understand, I mean, keep in mind, my first daughter became born about three months after I started this company, Bizo, that I finally supplied to LinkedIn. My third daughter became born about a week sooner than I supplied the corporate. And so as that total six years of constructing an organization became on the the same time that I became elevating these shrimp folk, you know, and then I went to LinkedIn. And that became an intense three years. So as that became 9 years of me now not placing them first. And I form of diagnosed that you can by no formula secure this time aid. And I felt cherish I became, you know, actually privileged enough to fill the sources to lift time away. And my companion also has a actually a success occupation. And so I took a step aid, and also you know, literally to on the present time, I fill relationships with them that I wouldn’t fill had in any other case, you know, and so it became one in every of the final phrase choices I’ve made in my occupation.
Lev-Ram: Smartly, one thing the three of us right here fill in fundamental, the two of us and Alan, is we all fill gotten to lift ladies and soundless secure to total it. So I commend you for that.
Glass: We’re lucky, we’re all lucky.
Lev-Ram: Fully, absolutely. So I are looking to return to Ginger and Headspace. And I judge, you know, perchance now not all individuals’s accustomed to the merger that came about. And so give us slightly little bit of a sense of real what became Ginger, what became Headspace? And what are they mixed?
Glass: Ginger became actually a class creator in digital psychological health. So Ginger diagnosed this mountainous offer-keep a question to imbalance that exists on this planet. The World Smartly being Group estimates about a billion of us who fill a identified psychological health situation, and 60% of them aren’t getting enhance. And an tall fraction of that is on account of there aren’t enough suppliers obtainable, there aren’t alternatives obtainable to scale secure entry to. So Ginger became targeted on that philosophize. On the opposite facet, Headspace, again, is roughly a class creator. It became founded by literally a Buddhist monk, Andy Puddicombe, and he went to see meditation and mindfulness in Tibet, and undercover agent the mountainous vitality of mindfulness to clear up just a few of the psychological health wants in standard humanity. And, you know, loads of the world has diagnosed this for hundreds of years and has by no formula lost it in Eastern cultures. However in quite a lot of the Western society, we’ve form of lost the working out of the vitality of mindfulness and meditation. So Headspace introduced that to the world, and created a scalable formula to coach of us fabricate mindfulness and exhaust that to clear up these kinds of psychological health wants now we fill. Bringing both companies together, the concept is to develop the most comprehensive, most scalable approach to clear up this psychological health need of the world. And the combination of these implausible experiences and the actual person interfaces, that Headspace is constructed to coach and aid of us follow it this meditation direction. And then Ginger, the on-keep a question to psychological health system. In the event you bring both of this stuff together, you now stay wide awake with something slightly noteworthy, which is having the flexibility to attain the keep of us are in their psychological gallop, info them to the lawful alternatives for the wants and be their lifelong info to psychological health enhance .
Lev-Ram: So can you discuss slightly bit extra about real what the breakdown is income wise, at this point, of what’s coming from the actual person rental, Headspace, and what proportion is coming from the enterprise, industry facet, at this point.
Glass: At this point, the income is coming, for the most fraction, from the enterprise facet of the industry. We’ve considered slightly important verbalize, I judge, a little bit of driven by the pandemic and the recognition of real how fundamental right here’s, roughly accelerated consciousness of heart of attention on psychological health. And now we witness that enterprise’s top three heart of attention areas slightly continuously, is psychological health and making particular that workers fill secure entry to, and workers are given the instruments they ought to soundless be a success. And an increasing number of we’re seeing health plans also impress that funding in psychological health is a mandatory fraction of total particular person health, and making particular that you defend a wholesome population and prick health care costs downstream. And so as that’s been a real verbalize driver of the organization actually, since the merger.
Lev-Ram: Are you concerned the least bit that just a few of that pandemic generation verbalize is slowing down? Or that this isn’t going to be sticky enough? Esteem if the recession does hit if, you know, there are extra layoffs? Esteem we’ve considered? Are these packages that anyone’s slicing? Or are they sticking?
Glass: You understand, it’s silly, we weren’t particular, you know, popping out of the pandemic, what we would witness. We weren’t particular at a recessionary duration if we’d witness pullback. And I would explain, for the most fraction, at this point, we’re slightly convinced that we’re now not seeing a publish pandemic pullback as a starting point. I judge the pandemic absolutely accelerated the consciousness in the need. However publish-pandemic, we haven’t considered any form of retrenchment in need. The elevated psychological health concerns fill remained. We witness stats, cherish 90% of workers are feeling either a little bit of or very wired on a weekly foundation, we’re seeing 49% of workers feeling dread at work on a weekly foundation. So these are the roughly stats that companies are having to take care of lawful now. And in express that they’ve maintained a heart of attention on it.
Lev-Ram: I are looking to interrupt you real on the dread portion, cherish, did you secure any readability in that see on what which formula to of us? Fright is now not associated with something real, for particular. However what does that in actuality mean that folks are feeling dread at work?
Glass: Yeah, this came from our Team of workers Attitudes document. We’ve completed this now for five years working, right here’s from our 2023 see. And as we dug into it, there were three fundamental areas. One became financial instability, so being concerned about having a job and asserting that. Two became productiveness pressures, so you know, how somebody is showing up at work feeling cherish they’ve to secure a sequence of things completed. And in the event that they don’t, are they gonna lose their job, lawful? And then three is correct extra rising expectations, the level of quality that the replacement for others to roughly near in and lift these roles. I judge there’s also a a ways away ingredient in all of this as correctly. I judge there is a loneliness ingredient. I judge there might per chance be now not doubtless attending to know your colleagues as correctly even as you happen to’re now not working as closely with them. So, there’s loads of things tied up on this. And I judge we’re in the very early days of working out it. However within that is, of us are of us who’re soundless suffering. And companies are recognizing that, they customarily’ve maintained a heart of attention that psychological health is an rental they’ve to put money into. I would explain the final phrase rental we’re seeing some recessionary shift is in form of miniature to medium industry. We’re seeing that just a few of these funding choices are taking longer. We’re seeing that they’re extra targeted on return on funding, so the selections are going into the CFO’s status of job bigger than they were sooner than. So, slightly little bit of a shift there. However for the most fraction, we’ve considered a continuation of the pandemic traits of this being severe to the enterprise.
[Music starts]
Murray: Jason Girzadas, the CEO of Deloitte US, is the sponsor of this podcast and joins me as of late. Welcome, Jason.
Jason Girzadas: Thanks, Alan. It’s tall to be right here.
Murray: Jason, we dwell in an generation of disruption, know-how disruption, geopolitical disruption, workplace disruption. And it makes real predictions about what’s going to happen in due course extra hard than it has ever been. Yet the polls that we stop together, with you, indicate that nearly all industry leaders largely remain optimistic. Why stop you have confidence that is?
Girzadas: I judge optimism is a outcome of the truth that we’ve been through an extremely tumultuous three years. And so I judge industry leaders realize that they’ve constructed resiliency into their organizations. The prospect of even extra disruption isn’t as international of a thought. And I judge there’s extra self belief in their skill to adapt and to be agile. Secondarily, there’s been mountainous funding in know-how and unusual capabilities that client organizations, and executives broadly are optimistic about these increasing extra price and extra replacement. So, it’s a characteristic of what we’ve been through, as well to the investments which fill been made, that give a sense of optimism despite just a few of the headwinds.
Murray: And what’s your advice to companies which would be combating the functionality disruption in due course?
Girzadas: Smartly, disruption is the unusual customary. I don’t judge there’s any placid water on the horizon or calmness that we can predict. So, it’s a characteristic of getting accustomed to the discontinuities which would be sooner than us. Whether or now not it’s around know-how or geopolitical swap, or workplace adjustments associated with the contrivance forward for labor or the requires of the flexibility workforce, swap is the unusual customary. Which skill that, it is requiring executive teams to in point of fact keep in mind holistically at these challenges, be facile with doing scenario planning, and being searching for the keep and capitalize on disruption, versus being concerned by it, or considered as a barrier to their success.
Murray: Jason, thanks in your viewpoint, and thanks for sponsoring Leadership Next. Thanks.
[Music ends]
Lev-Ram: What stop you might per chance presumably be feeling cherish companies are getting lawful, and what are they getting coarse, about psychological health? I mean, there’s no doubt, you know, we’ve lined so many replacement initiatives and consciousness and services and products and coverage for rising coverage for psychological health. However the companies which would be getting it lawful, what are they doing?
Glass: It’s a tall question. I’d explain there are two things that the companies who’re doing actually correctly are doing, that now not all companies are doing. One is, they’re specializing in custom swap. And in express that they’re specializing in normalizing psychological health conversations. And generally, which formula they’ve executives on the organization, or of us in positions of leadership, which would be openly talking about psychological health. And that normalization is mountainous fundamental, on account of it enables all individuals in the corporate to in point of fact feel cherish they’ll elevate their hand and fragment that they might per chance presumably fill some enhance, or they might per chance presumably fill some aid. And that’s one. Two, then, is a heart of attention on prevention. I judge loads of companies are eager about how they keep sources in status to aid enhance secure entry to. They’re finding that their health plans, you know, the networks are insufficient, so of us aren’t able to hunt down therapists or, or psychiatrists that lift insurance that, you know, don’t require these mountainous out-of-pocket costs. However until you heart of attention on prevention, you’re missing an tall proportion of the population that’s quietly suffering, that you know, are either dealing with dread, on a slightly consistent foundation, or are seeing elevated stress levels that in the waste will lead to burnout until these of us are getting the instruments that they’ve to prick stress.
Lev-Ram: And it’s attention-grabbing, on account of you introduced up the a ways away component, and that, now not lower than in some cases, and for some of us, it’s contributing to considerations, lawful, and loneliness, feeling disconnected. Then on the the same time, you know, we’re seeing loads of pushback on the return-to-status of job mandates. As a CEO, your self, also, how stop you navigate that? What advice stop you give for leaders in form of, you know, balancing that? Resulting from it’ll very correctly, we’ve considered recordsdata that shows it’s real for productiveness to secure of us aid, now not lower than in some skill, it’ll even be real for his or her psychological health. And but loads of workers also care deeply about asserting some level of flexibility.
Glass: You understand, I judge you’re naming one in every of the most attention-grabbing and complex challenges of our time as leaders lawful now, lawful, the time that we’re all finding ourselves. And the predominant thing I’d explain is, there’s nobody-dimension-suits-all, you know. Each and every company, each industry has very thoroughly different wants in phrases of a ways away versus in-particular person. On one facet of the equation, there are some operations that totally require in-particular person workforces. Surgical blueprint, actually fundamental that somebody that is in-particular person, lawful? In the event you’re working a producing line, it is a ways extremely fundamental fill of us in-particular person. I judge it’s fundamental to undercover agent that it’s now not one-dimension-suits-all. I judge the 2nd thing that’s fundamental to undercover agent is, there are very real wants on either side of this. So I don’t judge there’s any doubt that there’s loneliness that’s being created, particularly for the younger populations which would be at home the total time, in a a ways away context. You understand, for hundreds of years, literally since the invention of agriculture, humanity has been making their handiest guests at work. And we are a social creature, we are a creature that wants these interactions. And so when that’s pulled a ways flung from us, there’s, unnecessary to explain, there’s going to be loneliness, lawful, unnecessary to explain, you’re going to fill of us who’re suffering. So as that’s one. And two, there’s clearly a longitudinal price to now not having in-particular person interactions at work. We’ve considered some recordsdata, both internally and externally, that shows that folks who’re now not showing up at locations of work are much less at risk of be promoted. We’ve considered recordsdata that shows (nevertheless it’s very early days and all of this) there’s loads of see that soundless desires to be completed. However there’s some recordsdata that shows that folks who’re now not getting these in particular person interactions aren’t going to progress in their careers as hasty as of us who’re. And so as that’s one in every of the spectrums that it’s particular that there’s price to in-particular person interaction, both to the person as well to to the productiveness in sure cases, lawful. However on the opposite facet of that, you absolutely fill a workforce that loves the flexibility, and in some cases wants the flexibility. In the event you might per chance presumably be a single father or mother, lawful, and also you wish with a thought to design while elevating a household. So it’s fundamental as leaders to undercover agent either side of this, and work in the direction of increasing opportunities. And serving to of us undercover agent that going to the status of job is de facto going to be treasured for you and the organization.
Lev-Ram: Ok, I are looking to position a question to you, real rapidly, real on the aggressive landscape, and obviously, as keep a question to grew, someday of the pandemic, for services and products, cherish Headspace, and Ginger, and what you guys offer, so did the sequence of apps and services and products that offer psychological health, whether it’s purely digital or now not. In gentle of this proliferation, how stop you keep in mind at what you’re providing, as you’re early on, obviously, and also you established your stamp, both of the manufacturers, but how stop you be particular you defend differentiated, that you withhold innovating, as the market has evolved slightly a lot?
Glass: Smartly, you know, first, I judge, one in every of the causes that we did the merger in the predominant status, is on account of we diagnosed that there’s an tall spectrum of psychological health need and even as you happen to measure, and also you stop a real job of working out the keep somebody is, what you undercover agent is that incessantly the status they’ve to head, whether it be real self-care, roughly mindfulness, meditation, respiratory, thoroughly different, better sleep habits, or behavioral health coaching, subclinical sources that aid of us fabricate a conception and stop an even bigger job of lifestyle swap or stop an even bigger job of managing your psychological situation, the total formula to therapy and psychiatry. Most of us don’t fill any thought what they need, most of us real know they’re now not feeling tall. And what we diagnosed became if we might per chance aid destigmatize, which is loads of what the Headspace stamp does, it real makes it easy to initiate, and we can measure and aid info of us to the lawful status, we clear up loads of the psychological health wants. Resulting from we secure of us in earlier, we secure them working out what these wants are, and we cheaply bringing them to secure entry to. So we’re solving loads of the need by bringing these items together. And what we saw became loads of point alternatives obtainable. We saw loads of thoroughly different apps and thoroughly different experiences that were selecting off very miniature ingredients of the philosophize. However on the head of the day, the trick with that, one, is that companies they’re drained of the total supplier fatigue, lawful from the total thoroughly different distributors, particularly in the pandemic. Everyone sold loads of stuff and realized that if truth be told wasn’t getting ancient and that there became real fatigue there. However secondly, if somebody doesn’t know what they need, it’s very hard to kind through the hundreds of thoroughly different apps and experiences and things which would be being constructed. And we actually wished to lift that on, we wished to aid of us impress and then present the lion’s fragment of enhance that they might per chance presumably fill. And that’s why we are asserting, you know, we actually judge Headspace is the most comprehensive psychological health platform obtainable lawful now on account of we introduced these items together in a formula that is real much less friction stuffed for somebody to secure entry to.
Lev-Ram: Ok, and one extra question extra on the private facet for you, I do know you might per chance presumably be now not the Buddhist monk on the corporate that became the founder. However you seem slightly grounded, and, you know, balanced and a bit Zen. So I’m wondering, what advice stop you’ve for busy leaders who fill to prick out that point? And what stop you stop individually, to make particular you’re taking care of your self? And that you can’t real explain Headspace!
Glass: No, I promise, I received’t! However I will explain that, you know, as soon as I supplied my ultimate company, that became an organization that I supplied to LinkedIn, and I had real had my third child, and I received into the unusual company, and I became, I became struggling. I wasn’t sleeping correctly, I had an toddler at home, I became combating some imposter syndrome. I went from a couple 100-particular person company to a 6,000-particular person company. I had by no formula labored at any status that tall. And I actually didn’t know if I became decrease out for it. I mean, I began to doubt myself. And Jeff Weiner, the then CEO, introduced Andy Puddicombe, the CEO of Headspace, in to discuss over with LinkedIn, as an organization. And I downloaded the app someday of the discuss. And I started doing meditation note. And it’s silly, cherish it didn’t stop something in the predominant week, it didn’t stop something for two weeks, but I became dedicated to it reason I’d heard tall things about it, and I’d heard Andy discuss and all that real stuff. In the third week, I became in a assembly. And all of a surprising it clicked, this comment that became made that can fill resulted in my fright, would fill resulted in my stress response. I celebrated it. And I real roughly let it stride. It hit me what mindfulness is all about. It’s now not about altering something about, you know, the world. Feelings soundless happen, fright soundless occurs, nevertheless it’s about your response to it, it’s about having the flexibility to undercover agent it, let it stride, and fill a thoroughly different response to those triggers and fill a thoroughly different response to those anxieties. And that has been a game changer for me, now not handiest from a leadership standpoint, but from a martial standpoint, from being a father standpoint. So as that is mandatory. I would explain just a few other things, even though. One is sleep. I secure now not lower than seven hours of sleep. And if I don’t, I actually feel it. I don’t fill the endurance, I don’t fill the flexibility to administer the U.S. of americaand downs that happen In an atmosphere cherish this, without real sleep. I stop a actually real job of taking breaks. Regarded as among the things I’ve completed for years is block Friday afternoons, the keep I don’t lift any conferences. And I exhaust that point to catch up. And I do know for the length of the week, it helps my psychological health on account of even on Wednesday, if I’m real slammed, I do know I fill that block increasing, so I don’t secure as wired in the 2nd, I fill that Friday afternoon. If I secure to Friday afternoon, and I’m feeling slightly real about the weekend, and I’m going to be newest with my household on account of I don’t fill noteworthy catching up to total, I’d stop something for myself that afternoon. I’d stride play golf, I’d stride on a hike, or something cherish that. I are trying and total that for the length of the week. I fill very conscious schedules, so as that I will stretch, half my one on ones I stop outdoors so I will stroll. So these items that allow me to embody, you know, physical and psychological health for the length of the week to allow me to defend sustainable and never burn myself out in what is, as I’m particular you’ve heard, a actually complex time to be a stir-setter.
Lev-Ram: And Headspace, lawful?
Glass: And Headspace, that’s lawful.
Lev-Ram: Smartly, I cherish ending on real some tactical takeaways. So thanks so noteworthy for becoming a member of us, Russ, and sharing with us about Headspace and leadership on this actually soundless slightly crazy time. Devour it.
Glass: Devour you, Michal, taking the time.
[Music starts]
Leadership Next is edited and produced by Alexis Haut. Our theme is by Jason Snell. Our executive producer is Megan Arnold. Leadership Next is a product of Fortune Media.
Leadership Next episodes are produced by Fortune‘s editorial crew. The views and opinions expressed by podcast audio system and company are thoroughly their fill and stop now not replicate the opinions of Deloitte or its personnel. Nor does Deloitte recommend or endorse any individuals or entities featured on the episodes.
You may like
Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneur Mindset: 7 Powerful Secrets to Build an Unstoppable You
Published
3 months agoon
October 28, 2025
Introduction: The Foundation of Every Great Entrepreneur
Behind every thriving business lies one defining force — the entrepreneur mindset. It’s not just about ideas or investment; it’s about the belief system, resilience, and hunger to evolve when others quit. Whether you’re starting from a small apartment or running a multimillion-dollar enterprise, your mindset determines how far your vision travels.
1. Embrace Growth Over Perfection
A true entrepreneur knows progress beats perfection. Every success and setback strengthens your mindset. Focus on learning daily — read, listen, and observe those ahead of you. Growth compounds over time, opening doors you never imagined.
Perfection slows momentum; growth builds it. When you prioritize action over ideal outcomes, you evolve faster. Every experience — good or bad — becomes a stepping stone that shapes your entrepreneur mindset and sharpens your vision.
2. Turn Failure into Fuel
Failure isn’t final — it’s feedback. Every setback reveals lessons that guide you toward smarter decisions. The most successful founders don’t avoid failure; they analyze it, learn, and adapt quickly.
When you treat every obstacle as training, resilience becomes your greatest advantage. Failures test your limits but also expand them. Learn to love the lessons hidden inside losses, and your entrepreneur mindset will transform challenges into catalysts for growth.
3. Protect Your Energy and Environment
Your environment defines your direction. Surround yourself with thinkers and doers who push you to grow. Distance yourself from negativity and self-doubt — they drain creativity and confidence.
Energy is currency. Guard it wisely. Spend time where you feel inspired, supported, and challenged to improve. Protecting your space and your spirit ensures that your entrepreneur mindset stays clear, focused, and unstoppable.

4. Build Relentless Self-Belief
An entrepreneur mindset is built on unwavering confidence. Even when no one sees your vision, keep moving. Your belief must be louder than external noise. Speak affirmations, visualize your goals, and act as if success is already in motion. Confidence is contagious — let it lead.
Doubt is natural, but discipline is stronger. Every time you take action despite uncertainty, you prove to yourself that you’re capable. Confidence isn’t about never fearing failure — it’s about trusting that you’ll rise no matter what. When belief meets consistent effort, momentum becomes unstoppable.
5. Adapt Fast, Evolve Faster
Entrepreneurship moves at lightning speed. Markets shift, trends fade, and new technologies rewrite the rules overnight. The best founders don’t just react — they anticipate what’s next. The ability to pivot without losing focus separates leaders from followers.
Adaptability is your greatest edge. Every change brings an opportunity to innovate and refine your strategy. When you embrace uncertainty with confidence, you unlock growth. Evolution isn’t optional — it’s the core of the entrepreneur mindset that keeps you relevant and unstoppable.
6. Lead with Purpose, Not Pressure
Money is a result, not a reason. True entrepreneurs build from purpose, not pressure. When your vision solves a real problem, it inspires loyalty, impact, and long-term success. Passion fuels consistency — far more than profit ever will.
Purpose-driven leadership builds resilience. It keeps you grounded when challenges arise and focused when distractions tempt you. A clear “why” gives direction and drive — the hallmark of a strong entrepreneur mindset.
7. Celebrate Small Wins — They Build Big Momentum
Momentum builds magic. Every milestone, no matter how small, deserves recognition. Celebrating progress strengthens belief, boosts motivation, and reminds you how far you’ve come.
Gratitude fuels growth. When you honor every win — big or small — you turn effort into energy. These moments compound, creating lasting drive and a resilient entrepreneur mindset ready for the next challenge.
The Takeaway: Your Mindset Is Your Legacy
Every entrepreneur faces storms — what separates the resilient from the rest is mindset. Success isn’t born overnight; it’s cultivated daily through choices, discipline, and persistence. Strengthen your entrepreneur mindset, and watch your vision evolve into something extraordinary.
Because every great mindset deserves great visibility — with Level Up PR. We believe powerful stories deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Whether you’re a founder shaping an idea or a leader building an empire, your journey deserves the spotlight. Let your purpose inspire others, your growth create impact, and your brand truly Level Up PR.
Entrepreneurs
How One Security Expert Is Bringing Old-School Principles to a Modern Industry
Published
3 months agoon
October 21, 2025
In the heart of Los Angeles, where nightlife pulses through the streets of Hollywood and Downtown, one name is quietly becoming synonymous with trust and professionalism in the security industry: OLDPGS – Old Patrolman Guard Services. Founded in 2018 by Hayson Tasher, OLDPGS has quickly risen from a local security outfit to a consultation powerhouse, bridging gaps between businesses and reliable, licensed security management.
Tashera’s journey began not with a business plan, but with licenses. Armed with credentials ranging from security guard certification to bail bondsman, and even a license as a bounty hunter, Hayson asked a simple but transformative question: Why not formalize all of this under one banner? And thus, the California Old West Division of OLDPGS was born, a name that pays homage to the rugged, principled guardians of the past while embracing modern professionalism.
From Raves to Theatres: Early Milestones
OLDPGS opened its doors officially in 2018, quickly making waves in Los Angeles’ entertainment scene. One of the company’s first assignments was providing security for Summertramp, a rave in Downtown LA. “After six bars decided to go in-house, unlicensed, it became clear the industry needed a legally compliant, professional alternative,” Hayson recalls.
Soon, OLDPGS was securing iconic venues like The Fonda Theatre, The Roxy, and El Rey Theatres, cementing a reputation for reliability and meticulous attention to detail. However, as the world shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses went dark, but OLDPGS remained operational as essential workers, underscoring the critical role of security services even in unprecedented times.
Turning Struggles into Strategy
The idea of OLDPGS was born out of both opportunity and necessity. Hayson recognized that many businesses were skirting the law with unlicensed security, often veering into illegal protection schemes. “It’s against the law, and frankly, it’s extortion disguised as safety,” he explains. OLDPGS positions itself as the legal, ethical alternative: a fully licensed security and consultation firm with nationwide affiliates, offering clients peace of mind and professional accountability.
Unlike many in the industry who distance themselves from frontline work, Hayson still works directly on security details, managing operations personally. “Being in the field allows me to understand the challenges firsthand and maintain the quality standards we promise our clients,” he says. This hands-on approach differentiates OLDPGS from competitors and instills confidence in both clients and staff.
Consultation, Management, and Beyond
Today, OLDPGS provides a full spectrum of security management and consultation services, helping businesses navigate the complexities of safety compliance. From risk assessment to deployment strategy, the company’s model emphasizes legal, ethical security solutions. Current expansion talks include acquiring another security firm, further broadening the company’s reach and capabilities.
Looking ahead, Hayson envisions a future where OLDPGS extends beyond consultation and management into retail and training, with stores offering tactical boots, gear, batons, firearms, and dedicated security training centers. The goal: a full ecosystem for security professionals, combining education, equipment, and operational expertise under one trusted brand.
A Message of Opportunity and Responsibility
For Hayson, the core philosophy of OLDPGS extends beyond security. “Opportunity is key,” he emphasizes. His journey illustrates how seizing the right moment, combined with integrity and diligence, can transform both a career and an industry. His advice is simple but profound: Take opportunities seriously, and never compromise on professional standards.
With a growing footprint in California and a vision for nationwide impact, OLDPGS is setting new standards for security management. As Hayson Tasher puts it: “Security you can count on. Security professionals dedicated to a secure environment.”
For businesses seeking professional consultation or reliable security services, OLDPGS represents more than protection, it represents accountability, expertise, and a commitment to doing things the right way.
Entrepreneurs
From Code to Compliance: How Geol Gladson Battu Is Building Trustworthy AI for Global Finance
Published
3 months agoon
October 13, 2025
In an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, the financial world stands at a critical crossroads, balancing innovation with accountability. At the forefront of this transformation is Geol Gladson Battu, Assistant Vice President of Securities Services Technology at Citigroup, author of From Code to Compliance, and a leading advocate for responsible, production-grade AI. His work demonstrates how transparent, auditable, and regulation-aligned AI can redefine compliance, fraud detection, and risk management for the world’s largest financial institutions.
Bridging Technology and Trust in Financial Systems
Battu’s journey began in engineering roles at Infosys and Zwitch Payments, where he mastered the fundamentals of secure, scalable data systems. But it was at Citigroup, over a span of eight years, that his career reached global impact. There, he led modernization programs that replaced legacy reconciliation and surveillance processes with AI-driven automation frameworks.
The results were measurable: predictive models that reduced false positives by up to 30%, shortened reconciliation cycles, and improved audit transparency. These weren’t mere proofs of concept; they were enterprise-grade deployments that balanced cutting-edge performance with the rigorous compliance demands of global banking.
“AI in finance is not just about speed or automation: it’s about trust,” says Battu. “Transparent, resilient, and ethical systems shape a financial future that serves both institutions and people.” His approach emphasizes embedding trust from the ground up, ensuring that AI solutions not only enhance efficiency but also withstand regulatory scrutiny. By focusing on scalability and security early in his career, Battu laid the foundation for innovations that address real-world challenges in high-stakes environments like banking.
This bridging of technology and trust has positioned him as a key figure in transforming how financial institutions approach digital evolution. His hands-on experience highlights the importance of integrating AI with existing systems without compromising on reliability or ethical standards.
Operationalizing Responsible AI Through Innovation and Research
The seed for Battu’s personal brand was planted in a recurring tension: banks wanted AI’s efficiency, but regulators demanded explainability. He realized the key was not just building intelligent systems but ensuring they were traceable, auditable, and compliant from design to deployment.
His pioneering work focused on reducing false positives in fraud detection, enhancing reconciliation accuracy, and enabling regulatory reporting automation. The breakthroughs came from treating AI not as a standalone algorithm but as part of a larger ecosystem of governance and auditability.
That philosophy underpins his book From Code to Compliance, a practical guide that bridges the gap between data science and financial regulation. The book and his research papers presented at IEEE ICCNT 2025 and IEEE ETNCC 2025 offer reproducible frameworks for explainable AI, AML risk scoring, and regulatory audit readiness. His papers, cited more than 50 times on ResearchGate, are helping practitioners and academics alike design AI that regulators can trust.
Battu’s contributions extend beyond theory; they provide actionable strategies for implementing AI in compliance-heavy sectors. By addressing the “black box” nature of many AI models, he advocates for tools that allow stakeholders to understand decision-making processes, thereby fostering greater adoption in risk-averse industries.
Academic Excellence and Future Frameworks for Trustworthy AI
Beyond corporate leadership, Battu’s influence extends to academia and research. He is a Doctorate (DBA) candidate at Indiana Wesleyan University, holds an MSc from the University of South Florida, and contributes as a peer reviewer for IEEE and other journals. His patented design, a UK-registered system for AI-driven financial fraud detection using scalable cloud infrastructure, underscores his ability to innovate across both theory and implementation.
His philosophy is clear: “Regulation and innovation are partners; when we embed compliance into design, we unlock sustainable automation at scale.”
Today, through his practitioner-led FinTech consultancy and advisory work, Battu helps institutions design, pilot, and scale responsible AI frameworks. His services span from model validation playbooks and data governance design to explainability and regulatory mapping workshops. The model is built on measurable KPIs, reducing false alerts, ensuring audit readiness, and improving decision transparency.
Looking ahead, Battu envisions an ecosystem where governance, explainability, and auditability are not afterthoughts but foundational design principles. “My goal,” he says, “is to shift the narrative from ‘AI is risky’ to ‘AI is manageable and auditable.’”
As financial institutions worldwide grapple with evolving regulations and rising risks, Geol Gladson Battu offers a replicable model for what trustworthy AI can look like, not just in concept, but in production. His work is a reminder that the future of finance won’t be defined by algorithms alone, but by the integrity, transparency, and accountability built into them.
Business
Disney Faces Shareholder Concerns Over Jimmy Kimmel Suspension
Published
4 months agoon
September 25, 2025
The Walt Disney Company, which owns ABC, is facing growing concerns from shareholders following the recent weeklong suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! host Jimmy Kimmel. The decision, which led to a $4 billion drop in Disney’s stock value, has sparked questions about the influence of political pressures on the company’s choices and raised important discussions about free speech, corporate responsibility, and shareholder trust.
A Call for Transparency
Prominent shareholder groups, including the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the AFL-CIO, and Reporters Without Borders, have come together to demand answers from Disney’s leadership. Represented by esteemed attorney Roberta Kaplan, known for her successful legal work in high-profile cases, these organizations sent a detailed letter to Disney CEO Bob Iger. The letter questions whether the decision to suspend Kimmel was driven by external pressures rather than sound business judgment, potentially violating the company’s fiduciary duties to its investors.
The groups expressed concern that Disney’s actions may have prioritized political considerations over the financial and ethical obligations owed to shareholders. They point to statements from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who reportedly threatened regulatory action following Kimmel’s on-air comments about MAGA and former President Donald Trump’s response to the tragic shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Additionally, major ABC affiliates, including those owned by Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group, chose not to air Jimmy Kimmel Live! During the suspension, further complicating the situation.
Nexstar’s role is particularly significant, as the company is currently navigating federal approval for a multibillion-dollar merger with Tegna. Shareholders suggest this may have given affiliates leverage to influence Disney’s decision to temporarily remove Kimmel from the air.
Financial and Ethical Implications
The suspension had a measurable impact on Disney’s financial standing, with the company’s stock value dropping by approximately $4 billion. While this represents a single-digit percentage decline, the scale of the loss has heightened shareholder concerns about the decision’s rationale and its alignment with Disney’s commitment to its investors.
In their letter, the shareholder groups set a five-day deadline for Disney to provide documents and communications related to the suspension. They have also requested that the company preserve all relevant records, including internal discussions and correspondence with affiliates and federal officials. Failure to comply, the groups warned, could lead to legal action, including a potential derivative lawsuit filed on behalf of Disney.
A Broader Conversation About Free Speech
Disney has stated that Kimmel’s suspension stemmed from remarks on his September 15 broadcast, which the company described as “ill-timed” and “insensitive.” However, many see the decision as a response to external pressures, raising concerns about the balance between corporate decision-making and free expression.
Upon his return to Jimmy Kimmel Live! on September 23, Kimmel addressed the controversy with candor, clarifying the intent behind his comments and expressing gratitude for the support he received from viewers, colleagues, and free speech advocates. He also voiced concerns about the broader implications of censorship in the media.
Roberta Kaplan, speaking on behalf of the shareholder groups, emphasized the importance of protecting free speech. “No one, whether a government official or a corporation, should silence someone simply because they disagree with their views,” she said. Kaplan also reflected on ABC’s legacy, noting its history of airing Schoolhouse Rock, a beloved series that educated generations about the U.S. Constitution and the value of democratic principles.
Ongoing Tensions and Next Steps
Despite Kimmel’s return, Jimmy Kimmel Live! remains off the air on stations owned by Nexstar and Sinclair, highlighting lingering tensions between Disney, its affiliates, and regulatory bodies. For shareholders, the situation has prompted deeper questions about Disney’s leadership, its commitment to journalistic independence, and its responsibility to prioritize investor interests.
As the five-day deadline approaches, Disney’s response will be critical in determining whether this issue is resolved or escalates into a larger legal and public relations challenge. What began as a temporary suspension has evolved into a broader conversation about corporate governance, the role of media in upholding free speech, and the delicate balance between external pressures and principled decision-making.
Entrepreneurs
Elon Musk, Andrew Tate, and Nigel Farage: Why Major Figures Are Talking About Samuel Leeds
Published
4 months agoon
September 10, 2025
When property entrepreneur Samuel Leeds went viral earlier this year for turning down a lucrative accommodation deal at one of his boutique hotels, the reaction went far beyond the British press.
Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, reposted Leeds’s video and described him as “a good man” (see post here). The Daily Mail went further, reporting that Musk was “a fan” of Leeds. For Leeds, it was a moment that showed his message resonated well outside his own audience.

The story also brought him onto GB News, where he was interviewed in primetime by Nigel Farage. Farage did not raise the asylum seeker issue at all. Instead, he asked Leeds about taxation, including the potential National Insurance charge on landlords announced by Rachel Reeves and later referenced in the new budget. GB News producers described themselves as fans of Leeds and treated him as a credible voice on policy and business, not just a one-off viral guest. Later that same evening, Leeds appeared on TalkTV with Alex Phillips, meaning he featured on both major challenger networks in back-to-back primetime slots. You can watch the full GB News debate with Nigel Farage here
Andrew Tate, one of the most widely recognised and controversial entrepreneurs in the world, also spoke publicly in support of Leeds. Responding directly to Musk’s post, Tate praised Leeds as “a real G”, encouraged him to “keep up the good fight”, and said he was proud of him (see post here). For Leeds, these words highlighted the level of attention his work is drawing from some of the most high-profile figures online.
Support has also come from closer to home. Paul Bristow, Member of Parliament for Peterborough, praised Leeds publicly on social media, saying he respected his decision to keep Willingham House open for paying guests rather than converting it into migrant accommodation. Bristow also pointed to the importance of the hotel for the local economy and has since expressed interest in visiting in person.
Leeds is keen to stress that he is first and foremost a businessman. He owns multiple hotels and a nationwide property portfolio. His decision to turn down an offer at Willingham House, worth around £35,000 per month over nearly seven years, was only one example of how he applies his principles to his business.
He accepts that not everyone appreciates his outspoken style. “The people who criticise me online are usually not my customers. They are not wealthy investors, they are not in property, and they have never been to my trainings,” he says. “My students, who are actually building businesses, are the ones who know the real value.”
What is harder to ignore is the calibre of the people engaging with him. Musk’s endorsement in particular cements Leeds as more than just a UK property coach. “You cannot buy that kind of validation,” one observer commented. “It shows that influential voices are paying attention.”
As Leeds continues to grow his portfolio, he is now investing internationally, with projects underway in Africa and the Middle East. Between high-profile entrepreneurs and supportive MPs, his influence is increasingly being recognised in circles far beyond property.
Entrepreneurs
From Zero to 400K Views: Daniel Marrujo Podcast Success
Published
5 months agoon
August 27, 2025
The Daniel Marrujo Podcast didn’t begin with big sponsors, flashy studios, or a ready-made audience. It started with a simple microphone and a bold idea: to open up the world of microelectronics in a way that felt human and accessible. Today, with over 400,000 views, Marrujo’s podcast has become a surprising voice in a niche industry that is now getting mainstream attention.
The Early Spark of an Unlikely Entrepreneur
Daniel Marrujo wasn’t born into the podcasting industry. Like many entrepreneurs, he started out with nothing more than a passion for technology and a hunger to share stories that mattered. His interest in microelectronics came from years of following how chips, circuits, and tiny components power everything from smartphones to self-driving cars.
Most people overlook microelectronics because it feels too technical, too small, or too distant from everyday life. But Marrujo saw an opening: if he could break down complex ideas into conversations that felt relatable, he could give the field a cultural spotlight. That realization was the entrepreneurial spark that launched his podcasting journey.
Building a Podcast with Zero Listeners
Starting a podcast in today’s crowded market is already an uphill battle. Starting one without a budget, a marketing team, or an established name feels nearly impossible. But Marrujo leaned into what every true entrepreneur understands, you don’t need perfect conditions to begin, you just need consistency.
The early episodes of the Daniel Marrujo Podcast were raw, unpolished, and sometimes only heard by a handful of listeners. Yet Marrujo refused to stop. He treated every guest with the same respect as if he were interviewing a global tech leader. His conversations built trust, his consistency built credibility, and slowly, word began to spread.
Microelectronics: The Invisible Giant
Microelectronics is everywhere, yet often invisible. Every app, every sensor, every device in modern life depends on the relentless innovation of microchips and circuits. For decades, the field existed mostly in research labs, academic journals, and closed-door conferences.
What Marrujo did differently was to open the doors. On the Daniel Marrujo Podcast, engineers, researchers, and founders could share stories without drowning in jargon. Instead of technical papers, listeners heard real conversations, about challenges, risks, failures, and breakthroughs. That accessibility was a game-changer.
Reaching 400K Views — Why It Matters
For big entertainment podcasts, millions of downloads are the norm. But Marrujo’s 400,000 views stand out precisely because of their niche focus. His audience isn’t passive, it’s engaged, loyal, and deeply invested in the topics he covers.
Episodes from the Daniel Marrujo Podcast are shared in university classrooms, research labs, and LinkedIn communities. Startups have cited them while pitching to investors. Students use them as supplemental learning. For some professionals, they serve as the first introduction to an industry that’s shaping the future of technology.
In short, Marrujo didn’t just build a podcast, he built a resource.
Entrepreneurial Lessons from Marrujo’s Journey
Marrujo’s rise from zero to 400K views isn’t just a podcasting success story; it’s an entrepreneurial roadmap. His experience highlights strategies that any creator or founder can apply:
-
Own Your Niche – Instead of chasing broad trends, Marrujo went deep into microelectronics, a space no one else was talking about in mainstream media.
-
Consistency Wins – He showed up week after week, even when the audience was tiny. Over time, consistency built momentum.
-
Authenticity Over Perfection – Listeners connected to Marrujo’s genuine curiosity more than polished production. His authenticity built a real community.
-
Content Compounds – Each episode became part of a growing library. The more he produced, the more discoverable his podcast became.
-
Impact Beats Scale – The true power of the Daniel Marrujo Podcast isn’t in millions of views, but in how deeply it resonates with its community.
A New Model for Creators in America
Marrujo’s story reflects a larger entrepreneurial trend in America: niche creators are rewriting the rules of influence. Instead of chasing mass markets, they are going deep into specialized industries and creating content that matters.
This model is powerful because it proves you don’t need millions of followers to build impact, you need the right followers. Whether it’s a YouTube channel on space exploration, a Substack on climate policy, or a podcast on microelectronics, American entrepreneurs are finding that focus is the new growth strategy.
For Marrujo, this meant owning a space that was overlooked, then building a reputation as one of the few voices making it accessible. In an age where every creator is trying to be everywhere, his success shows the value of being indispensable to a few.
The Future of the Daniel Marrujo Podcast
With momentum on his side, Marrujo isn’t slowing down. His podcast continues to bring on new guests, from engineers working on cutting-edge chips to entrepreneurs building hardware startups. The conversations are evolving from “what’s possible” to “what’s next.”
And the future looks bright. As microelectronics becomes more central to America’s economic and technological competitiveness, the demand for accessible storytelling will only grow. Marrujo is positioned not just as a podcaster, but as a cultural translator for one of the most important industries of our time.
Level Up Insight
The rise of the Daniel Marrujo Podcast proves that entrepreneurship in 2025 isn’t only about building products, it’s about building platforms of influence. By turning microelectronics into a conversation, Marrujo has redefined what it means to create value in a niche industry. His success is a reminder that the next wave of entrepreneurs won’t be measured by the size of their audience but by the depth of their impact.
For anyone starting at zero today, Marrujo’s journey offers the clearest lesson: pick your niche, stay consistent, and trust that real conversations still matter.
Entrepreneurs
John E. Wall: Redefining Financial Success Through Personal Transformation
Published
5 months agoon
August 14, 2025
In a world obsessed with “get rich quick” schemes and extreme hustle culture, John E. Wall is challenging the narrative. His philosophy is simple yet profound, which says True financial success doesn’t just live in your bank account; it’s built into your identity.
Rather than teaching shortcuts or promoting deprivation, John focuses on transforming individuals into disciplined, high-performance achievers who can build, protect, and enjoy wealth without sacrificing lifestyle. His approach blends financial literacy, identity transformation coaching, and lifestyle design principles, creating a holistic path to lasting prosperity.
“I don’t just teach financial success, I engineer the personal transformation required to achieve and sustain it,” John says.
Breaking Away from the Scarcity Mindset
While many financial coaches push the “cut every expense” mentality, John believes wealth building should be sustainable, not restrictive. He teaches clients how to grow their finances while living a life of elegance, purpose, and impact.
“Through a rare blend of executive coaching, wealth strategy, and lifestyle design, I help people build and protect wealth without living like a monk,” he explains.
This mindset has made John a sought-after public speaker, executive coach, and financial consultant, attracting high-achieving clients who want both financial growth and a fulfilling lifestyle.
The Frameworks That Drive Transformation
At the heart of John’s coaching are two proprietary systems:
The P.A.C.E. System – For Identity Transformation
- Perspective – Redefining how you view opportunity, challenges, and self-worth.
- Alignment – Ensuring daily actions match long-term goals and values.
- Clarity – Defining your desired lifestyle and measurable outcomes.
- Execution – Building habits and discipline that make success inevitable.
The S.H.I.F.T. System – For Financial Transformation
- Set Your Internal Programming
- Harness High Income Thinking
- Implement Strategic Money Management
- Follow the Path of Value & Leverage
- Transform Through Consistency & Growth
Through these frameworks, John equips clients with mindset mastery, strategic habits, and tailored wealth strategies, allowing them to enjoy the rewards in real time, not just in retirement.
Integration with Wise Financial
John’s expertise extends to his role as a financial consultant at Wise Financial, where he merges strategic wealth planning with emotional intelligence. This unique blend helps clients move seamlessly from vision to action, pairing personal development with custom financial solutions.
To John, public speaking, executive coaching, and financial consulting aren’t separate professions, they’re interconnected parts of a single mission:
“Transform who you are so financial freedom becomes not just possible, but inevitable.”
The Psychology Behind His Method
John draws on emotional intelligence, stoicism, and Adlerian psychology to help clients develop the resilience needed to sustain high performance.
- From Stoicism, he teaches the discipline to act with virtue under pressure
- From Adlerian psychology, he reinforces the power of choice and responsibility
- From Emotional Intelligence, he equips clients to lead themselves and others effectively
From Stage to Strategy
Whether speaking at conferences or in one-on-one coaching, John is instructional and results-driven. On stage, he guides audiences through live identity shifts, showing them exactly how to evolve their thinking, habits, and financial decisions. In private coaching, he translates those insights into step-by-step, personalized strategies that align lifestyle desires with financial goals.
One client summed up the experience:
“John gave me clear advice and actionable material that finally gave me a starting point on my investment journey. Now I feel confident moving forward, and I can’t wait to work with him again.”
What’s Next for John E. Wall
With demand for his expertise growing, John is expanding his speaking engagements, workshops, and high-impact coaching programs. His upcoming initiatives aim to equip more professionals with the tools to elevate their identity, master their finances, and design a life of intention.
For those ready to rewrite their personal and financial story, John E. Wall isn’t just another speaker, he’s a strategist for lasting transformation.
For bookings, partnerships, or coaching inquiries: jevan.wall@gmail.com
Business
Breaking Barriers: The Challenges and Triumphs Behind Sahil Khanna’s Journey
Published
5 months agoon
August 13, 2025
Sahil Khanna’s path from a chemical engineer to a digital marketing pioneer is a powerful story of overcoming obstacles and defying the odds. From his humble beginnings as a student balancing studies and freelancing to building and selling a 100-crore digital marketing agency, Sahil’s journey exemplifies persistence, strategic thinking, and the ability to turn challenges into triumphs.
The Early Struggles: A Balancing Act
Sahil’s journey began with a simple yet profound idea: to merge his engineering background with his growing passion for digital marketing. During his undergraduate years, he took on his first client while still studying chemical engineering. However, the transition from engineering to digital marketing was no easy feat. Juggling academic commitments and freelancing required immense dedication and time management skills.
The real turning point came during his MBA studies, where Sahil’s vision started to take shape. Balancing the demands of his coursework, a part-time job, and freelancing, he began building a virtual agency. But this period was fraught with challenges, managing clients while still learning the intricacies of digital marketing was not easy. It demanded relentless determination and an ability to pivot quickly when necessary.
Turning Point: The Shift to Entrepreneurship
After completing his MBA, Sahil worked in a corporate job to gain more experience. However, it didn’t take long for him to realize that his true calling lay in entrepreneurship. With his growing expertise in digital marketing, Sahil made the bold decision to leave his job and focus fully on his agency. This was not an easy decision, and it came with its own set of risks, including the fear of failure and uncertainty. But his commitment to his vision was unwavering.
During this phase, Sahil faced the challenge of scaling his operations. As he transformed his virtual agency into a full-fledged digital marketing company, the competition grew fiercer. But Sahil’s approach, which combined technical expertise with marketing strategies, paid off. His agency flourished, ultimately reaching a point where it was sold for over 100 crores, a testament to the value he had built through hard work and smart decision-making.
Reinventing Himself: A Passion for Content Creation
Despite his success in digital marketing, Sahil recognized a shift in the industry. As businesses sought ways to establish strong digital identities, Sahil saw an opportunity to evolve once again. His next move was to dive into content creation, seeing it as the next frontier for digital success.
Starting with his own YouTube channels, Sahil built a following by offering accessible, actionable digital marketing insights. His dedication to simplifying complex marketing concepts set him apart from others in the space, earning him a loyal audience. Over time, Sahil scaled his content creation efforts, launching 7 YouTube channels, which collectively garnered over 2 million subscribers.
Building a Personal Branding Empire
Sahil’s passion for content creation didn’t stop at YouTube. He recognized the growing demand for personal branding solutions and launched a full-service content creation agency. This new venture focused on providing end-to-end services, from setting up YouTube channels to editing and publishing, offering entrepreneurs and business owners the tools to build their personal brands.
Despite facing the challenge of starting from scratch in this new domain, Sahil’s experience in digital marketing allowed him to navigate the content creation landscape with ease. His success in this venture is a result of his deep understanding of both technical and creative aspects, which gave him the edge in a highly competitive market.
Empowering Others: The Solopreneur Blueprint
One of Sahil’s greatest triumphs has been his ability to mentor and inspire others. Through his “Solopreneur Blueprint” program, he shares his expertise with individuals looking to build their own successful digital ventures. This program, which teaches aspiring entrepreneurs to create high-margin agency businesses with minimal overhead, is a culmination of Sahil’s own experiences.
The program emphasizes personal branding, automation, and digital leadership, providing actionable advice and real-world training. By empowering others to break free from traditional work structures, Sahil is giving them the tools to become the CEOs of their own lives, further cementing his legacy as not just a digital marketing expert but a mentor and leader.
A Legacy of Overcoming Challenges
Sahil Khanna’s story is one of breaking barriers at every stage of his journey. From balancing studies and freelancing to scaling and selling a multi-crore agency, Sahil’s ability to turn obstacles into stepping stones is a testament to his perseverance. His transition from digital marketing to content creation and his efforts to empower other entrepreneurs through his “Solopreneur Blueprint” program showcase his commitment to continuous growth and helping others achieve success.
Sahil’s journey proves that with the right mindset, any challenge can be transformed into a triumph, and every setback can serve as the foundation for future success. As he continues to shape the digital marketing landscape and mentor the next generation of entrepreneurs, his legacy will undoubtedly inspire others to break through their own barriers and achieve greatness.
Entrepreneurs
From Ancient Wisdom to Zero Limits: Lidia Kuleshnyk’s Revolutionary Approach to Executive Wellness
Published
6 months agoon
July 14, 2025
How a wellness visionary is transforming high-performance coaching by bridging 12 Ancient Universal Principles with modern executive needs*
In a world where executive burnout has reached epidemic proportions and traditional wellness approaches fall short, one visionary is pioneering a revolutionary path forward. Lidia Kuleshnyk, known as Lady Apona, isn’t just another wellness coach, she’s a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern high-performance needs, recently featured in the groundbreaking “Zero Limits” movie alongside renowned author Dr. Joe Vitale.
The Zero Limits Connection: Where Ancient Meets Infinite
Kuleshnyk’s feature in the Zero Limits Movie represents more than just recognition, it’s validation of her unique approach to achieving what she calls “the Zero Point of all possibilities.” In the film, she shares her transformative story of healing chronic illness and demonstrates how equine therapy can activate the peace and empowerment that already exists within each person.
“The Zero Point is that place of mastering Taoist non-attachment where you can easily discern and deflect external stressors,” explains Kuleshnyk. “It’s becoming the Buddha, sitting in the middle of the burning inferno, untouched by the flames around you.”
This isn’t metaphorical philosophy, it’s practical methodology that has earned her recognition as a recipient of the Ranath Media Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 and multiple industry honors.
Beyond Mindset: The 12 Ancient Universal Principles Revolution
While mainstream coaching focuses on mindset shifts, Kuleshnyk goes deeper, utilizing what she calls her “12 Ancient Universal Principles” based on Taoist non-attachment. These principles, combined with her three pillars of lasting self-empowerment, Being Centered, Connected, and Conscious™, create what she describes as “a flow state where one moves beyond mindset into a new paradigm of what is possible.”
This approach resonates powerfully with her target audience: overworked CEOs, C-Suite executives, and high performers who’ve mastered traditional success strategies but still struggle with chronic stress and burnout.
“Unlike modern mindset approaches, I have 30 years of expertise in deep healing and deep transformation,” Kuleshnyk notes. “I help clients resolve not just performance issues, but chronic illness, terminal diagnoses, and the chronic stress that leads to serious health conditions.”
The Evolving Self-Mastery Mastermind: Where Leaders Transform
At the pinnacle of Kuleshnyk’s offerings sits her exclusive “Evolving Self-Mastery: Mindset, Power, and Consciousness for Limitless Growth” mastermind, a program designed for executives and thought leaders who have already mastered high-level skills but are ready to expand into new frontiers of their limitless potential.
“This mastermind is a circle of conscious leaders who are the pioneers of expanding consciousness,” she explains. “They’re applying wisdom to experience unprecedented heights of growth while helping humanity navigate this incredible paradigm shift in human consciousness.”
One executive client captured the transformative power of her approach: “With your focused presence, you activated within me parts of myself that were yearning to come out, but I couldn’t access on my own.”
The Healing Power of Horses: Ancient Wisdom in Action
What truly sets Kuleshnyk apart is her integration of equine therapy into high-performance coaching. At her horse rescue sanctuary, Apona Healing Ranch in Ontario, Canada, she demonstrates how “honouring the divinity of horses” helps leaders connect with their own divinity and remember their self-worth and empowerment.
“When we stand in stillness, silence, and presence with horses, their unconditional love activates our intuition, heart, and spirit,” she shares. “This dissolves barriers and creates lasting connection of inner peace and strength.”
Turning Crisis Into Success: The Conscious Leadership Imperative
Kuleshnyk’s ultimate message transcends individual transformation. She’s passionate about empowering conscious leaders to feel secure and confident in their ability to “turn any crisis or situation into success and activate human potential to turn lead into gold.”
Her signature program, “The High Performer’s Secret: 90 Days to Conquer Stress, End Burnout and Create More Energy,” offers a streamlined system for busy executives, while her mastermind provides ongoing support for sustained transformation.
The Future of Executive Wellness
As traditional approaches to executive wellness prove insufficient for modern challenges, Kuleshnyk’s ancient-meets-modern methodology offers what New York Weekly called “something increasingly precious: a sustainable path to true power, performance, and possibility.”
Her approach addresses a critical gap in the market, while coaches like Tony Robbins and Brendon Burchard focus on performance optimization, Kuleshnyk uniquely combines deep healing expertise with high-performance coaching, creating what she calls “the roadmap to exponential success.”
Reclaiming Sovereignty in Leadership
“What makes my approach unique is that it’s not just about achieving goals,” Kuleshnyk emphasizes. “It’s about reclaiming your sovereignty, living as the conscious leader of your life, and becoming a conscious leader of the world.”
This vision of conscious leadership couldn’t be more timely. As executives face unprecedented challenges—from global uncertainty to personal burnout, Kuleshnyk’s integration of ancient universal principles with modern coaching creates a trusted pathway to lasting transformation.
The Zero Limits Life: A New Paradigm
Through her feature in the Zero Limits Movie and her comprehensive coaching programs, Kuleshnyk offers executives something rarely found in traditional wellness approaches: a methodology that addresses the root causes of stress while building sustainable foundations for limitless growth.
“Each person can achieve their goals and dreams, create a limitless life and attract miracles, in any circumstance, with lasting self-empowerment,” she states. “This is about moving beyond what you thought was possible and claiming your place as a great conscious leader.”
For executives ready to move beyond traditional mindset work and into the realm of conscious leadership, Kuleshnyk’s approach represents not just personal transformation, but a pathway to becoming the visionary leaders humanity needs during these transformative times.
—
*To learn more about Lidia Kuleshnyk’s:
Zero Limits Movie feature, and the Zero Limits Movie Movement, visit www.AponaHealing.com/movies
Zero Limits Movie is scheduled to be released in September 2025
High Performance Wellness Coaching Programs, including the exclusive “Evolving Self-Mastery” Mastermind, visit www.AponaHealing.com/coaching
*For interviews, speaking engagements, or additional information about Lidia Kuleshnyk’s four pathways to wellness programs and Zero Limits Movie feature, visit www.AponaHealing.com
Entrepreneurs
Unconventional Wisdom for the Scrappy CEO: Colin Davis on Coaching Underdog Entrepreneurs
Published
6 months agoon
July 14, 2025
When underdog entrepreneurs go looking for a coach, they’re not chasing credentials, they’re searching for someone who understands the weight of real leadership and the complexity of building something from the ground up. That’s the heart of First Principles Coaching, based in Richmond, Virginia. The founder of First Principles Coaching, Colin Davis, helps small business owners cut through complexity, stay accountable, and lead with clarity by drawing on real-world experience and timeless principles, not trendy corporate theory.
From Monk to Mentor: A Journey of Purpose
Colin’s professional story doesn’t start in a boardroom, it starts in silence. For nine years, he lived as a missionary and monk, cultivating habits of mindfulness, discipline, and deep listening. In that time, he helped churches and ministries align their teams, grow their communities, and find shared purpose skills that would later become central to his coaching philosophy.
But it wasn’t until later in life, after years of leading church organizations and nonprofit teams, that Colin felt the pull toward entrepreneurship. “I saw how small businesses could transform communities, families, and individual lives,” he explains. “It reminded me of my dad, who lost everything in business, and then rebuilt it from scratch. That had a profound impact on me.”
First Principles Coaching: Built for the Underdog
Colin didn’t launch First Principles Coaching with a flashy investor pitch or Silicon Valley buzz. He built it on grit, trust, and one core belief: small business owners deserve the same level of strategic and personal support that executives at large companies get.
His coaching practice focuses on founders with teams of 2–10 employees, often bootstrapped businesses that have grown organically but now face the challenges that come with scale. These entrepreneurs are often overwhelmed, misaligned, and stuck. Colin steps in with a unique hybrid model that combines:
- A proven curriculum on time management, systems, mindset, and team building
- Custom coaching to address real-time problems as they arise
- Psychological insight into how leadership and emotion intersect
- Holistic systems thinking that looks beyond surface symptoms
This approach has led to tangible results. Two of his clients recently saw 3x revenue growth over 2.5 years. The average growth across all clients? A remarkable 40%. But Colin is quick to emphasize: “The real success isn’t just revenue, it’s alignment. When a business owner becomes the best version of themselves, the business transforms too.”
Coaching Without Credentials And Proud of It
The executive coaching industry often leans heavily on titles and degrees. But Colin believes lived experience, self-awareness, and results matter more. “Like most of my clients, I don’t have an Ivy League education, but I know what it means to lead under pressure, to navigate failure, and to help others do the same,” he says. “My first principles come from philosophy, psychology, and most importantly, real life.”
His work is inspired by ancient thinkers like Socrates, Aristotle, and Epictetus. These thinkers emphasized knowing oneself before leading others, a principle Colin lives by. In fact, the name First Principles Coaching draws directly from this idea: get to the root, understand the cause, build from the foundation.
Why Small Business? Why Now?
Colin has a soft spot for very small businesses, and it’s deeply personal. “My dad was a small business owner. I saw him fail, and I saw him rise again. I know the highs and the heartbreaks. That’s why I work with founders who are in the trenches. They don’t need jargon. They need clarity, accountability, and a strategy that works.”
And in today’s economic climate, where uncertainty is the norm, Colin’s grounded, no-nonsense coaching is a lifeline for many. Surprisingly, the recession hasn’t dented his business. In fact, it’s made his value clearer. “When everything feels unstable, you need someone who can help you make sense of the chaos and build on solid foundations.”
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Colin envisions growing First Principles Coaching into a national or even international coaching firm with a small team of like-minded coaches serving entrepreneurs across the spectrum, from startup solopreneurs to executive teams. But his ultimate goal goes beyond numbers: he wants to spark a ripple effect of purpose-driven leadership. He imagines communities transformed, relationships deepened, and business owners who are more fulfilled, not just more profitable.
Colin Davis may not fit the traditional mold, but maybe that’s the point. He’s not offering glossy slogans or recycled frameworks. He’s offering something far more important in today’s business world: mental clarity, alignment from the inside out, and real results.
With Colin Davis, coaching isn’t about credentials. It’s about character. It’s about results. And it’s about finally becoming the kind of leader your purpose in life calls you to.
Trending
-
Health5 years agoEva Savagiou Finally Breaks Her Silence About Online Bullying On TikTok
-
Health3 years agoTraumatone Returns With A New EP – Hereafter
-
Health4 years agoTop 5 Influencers Accounts To Watch In 2022
-
Fashion5 years agoThe Tattoo Heretic: Kirby van Beek’s Idea Of Shadow And Bone
-
Fashion4 years agoNatalie Schramboeck – Influencing People Through A Cultural Touch
-
Fashion8 years ago9 Celebrities who have spoken out about being photoshopped
-
Health4 years agoBrooke Casey Inspiring People Through Her Message With Music
-
Health4 years agoTop 12 Rising Artists To Watch In 2021
-
Health5 years agoMadison Morton Is Swooning The World Through Her Soul-stirring Music
-
Health4 years agoTop 10 Influencers To Follow This 2021