E174 | ‘The Special Forces Formula For Success In Business & Life’ with Simon Jeffries

In this episode of The Kirk Miller Podcast, I’m joined by Simon Jeffries – former Royal Marines Commando, Special Boat Service (SBS) operator, and now elite mental performance coach and co-founder of The Natural Edge. From growing up on a small farm, to earning his place in one of the UK’s most elite military units, to coaching leaders and high performers around the world — Simon breaks down why motivation is overrated, the real reason high performers win, and how mastering the basics will transform your business, fitness, and life. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why success isn’t about hacks or constant willpower — it’s about mastering fundamentals. The “remove decision points” system Simon uses to stay consistent every day. How to train your mindset like you train your body. The link between elite performance and improving your personal relationships. Why finding your true ‘why’ changes everything. Leadership lessons from the Royal Marines & Special Forces that apply in business and life. If you want to stop relying on motivation, create unshakable consistency, and perform at your best in every area — this is an episode you’ll come back to again and again. For more information on what was discussed in this episode head to https://kirkmiller.co.uk/programme/ The Kirk Miller Podcast is the show for business leaders and peak performers to get into the best physical and mental shape of their lives and unleash from within confidence they never thought possible.

Your personal brand will outlast your business brand. In this episode of The Kirk Miller Podcast, Kirk is joined by Robyn Abou Chedid — one of Dubai’s leading voices in personal branding — to unpack why your personal brand isn’t just important… it’s essential. We dig into: Why personal branding became non-negotiable after COVID How to figure out exactly what you want your brand to stand for Why comparison kills your confidence and momentum How to build an authentic personal brand that matches who you are offline The biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when they start posting online Why AI can’t replace the human touch in branding The power of sharing your story to create deeper connection Robyn has worked with some of the most influential people in the UAE and beyond — and her advice will give you the clarity and confidence to step into your own space as a leader. If you’ve ever hidden behind your business brand, struggled with what to post, or felt stuck in comparison… this conversation will help you cut through the noise and start showing up in a way that’s real, strategic, and impossible to ignore. For more information on what was discussed in this episode head to https://kirkmiller.co.uk/programme/ The Kirk Miller Podcast is the show for business leaders and peak performers to get into the best physical and mental shape of their lives and unleash from within confidence they never thought possible.

In this episode of The Kirk Miller Podcast, Kirk shares 7 powerful quotes that have shaped his approach to business, fitness, and life. Some are from world-renowned thinkers like Jim Rohn and Thomas Jefferson. Others are Kirk’s own words — mantras he uses when discipline fades, challenges hit, and excuses start creeping in. Kirk unpacks each quote, explaining how it applies to: Building and maintaining peak physical performance Driving business growth without compromise Developing resilience when challenges hit hard Replacing excuses with consistent, decisive action Setting higher standards in every area of life You’ll hear why “Don’t renegotiate your goals” is a philosophy that keeps clients in the Built to Last program accountable… why “You are what you do, not what you say you will do” is a key differentiator between success and mediocrity…  and why wishing things were easier is the wrong mindset entirely. Whether you’re a business leader, an athlete, or simply someone who wants to raise their standards, these 7 quotes will give you simple, actionable reminders to keep pushing forward — in the gym, at work, and in life. For more information on what was discussed in this episode head to https://kirkmiller.co.uk/programme/ The Kirk Miller Podcast is the show for business leaders and peak performers to get into the best physical and mental shape of their lives and unleash from within confidence they never thought possible.

In this episode of The Kirk Miller Podcast, Kirk is joined by Mehran Rowshan — renowned football coach, entrepreneur, and mentor — to explore how football is so much more than a sport. For Mehran, the pitch is a training ground for life, where children learn discipline, resilience, teamwork, and self-belief that carry far beyond the game itself. From the importance of giving children space to grow, to building a safe environment that feels like a “second home,” Mehran shares insights for parents, coaches, and leaders who want to raise confident, capable, and resilient individuals. In this conversation, Kirk and Mehran discuss: Why football (and sport in general) is a metaphor for life The power of space, silence, and letting kids process experiences How to create an environment where mistakes become stepping stones Why parents need to evolve their support as children grow How resilience, discipline, and teamwork prepare kids for life’s challenges Lessons for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking personal growth Mehran also shares details about his upcoming course for parents, designed to provide tools to better support children in sport — and in life. Whether you’re a parent, coach, or simply someone striving for high performance, this episode is packed with lessons on growth, resilience, and the true purpose of sport. For more information on what was discussed in this episode head to https://kirkmiller.co.uk/programme/ The Kirk Miller Podcast is the show for business leaders and peak performers to get into the best physical and mental shape of their lives and unleash from within confidence they never thought possible.

In this powerful episode of The Kirk Miller Podcast, Kirk is joined by former Royal Marine and entrepreneur Vaughn Cohen for a raw, honest conversation about identity, resilience, and rebuilding your life after hitting rock bottom. From a tough upbringing in Northampton to the elite training of the Royal Marines, Vaughn’s story is one of discipline forged through adversity. But it was the challenges that followed—prison, reinvention, and rebuilding in business and life—that shaped his true character. This episode is about what it really takes to redefine yourself as a man, to walk away from excuses, and to choose growth—even when the odds are stacked against you. In This Episode: Vaughn’s early life: single-parent upbringing, mixed heritage, and identity struggles What led him to join the Royal Marines — and how it shaped his mindset The darkest chapter: how prison became a turning point Climbing back: starting from nothing, rebuilding his life in Marbella What the military taught him about leadership, self-respect, and ownership Shifting from the nightlife industry into real estate and reinvention Why fitness, routine, and family are now non-negotiables The hidden cost of drifting and how discipline became his anchor Real talk on ego, ambition, and the pressure to “look successful” Lessons for any man who feels stuck, lost, or needs a reset For more information on what was discussed in this episode head to https://kirkmiller.co.uk/programme/ The Kirk Miller Podcast is the show for business leaders and peak performers to get into the best physical and mental shape of their lives and unleash from within confidence they never thought possible.

In this powerful episode of The Kirk Miller Podcast, Kirk is joined by Nuria Outeiral — psychologist, breathwork expert, and Wim Hof Method instructor — to uncover the most overlooked tool for mastering stress, boosting energy, and living with clarity and calm: your breath. Nuria has worked with high performers, business leaders, and everyday people to help them reconnect with their bodies, manage overwhelm, and reclaim control — not through complicated biohacks, but through simple, intentional breathing techniques. In this conversation... 👉 Why stress and disconnection are at the heart of most health problems today 👉 How over-breathing and shallow chest breathing are silently sabotaging your energy 👉 The difference between functional breathwork and gimmicks 👉 How cold exposure (done the right way) can rapidly build mental resilience 👉 Practical breathing exercises you can use immediately to reset your state 👉 Why breathwork is the foundation for high performance — in life, health, and business If you're feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or simply want to operate at a higher level — this episode will give you the tools to start mastering your breath and, ultimately, your life. For more information on what was discussed in this episode head to https://kirkmiller.co.uk/programme/ The Kirk Miller Podcast is the show for business leaders and peak performers to get into the best physical and mental shape of their lives and unleash from within confidence they never thought possible.

In Part 2 of this two-part summer series, Kirk Miller shares a daily framework to help high performers stay lean, energised, and in control, even with a packed calendar of work, socials, and holidays. Following last week’s weekly planning structure, this episode dives into 8 daily questions that will keep your body, mindset, and momentum in check — not just through summer, but all year round. In this episode... How to quickly evaluate if yesterday’s choices will serve today’s goals Why your calendar is either setting you up to win… or to fail The importance of defining daily outcomes (not just vague intentions) How to stay mentally prepared for willpower tests — before they hit What one small habit can guarantee a strong start to your day The 3 daily wins that keep life, health, and business in harmony Whether you’re looking to maintain your physique while enjoying life… or want to stop feeling "off-track" when routines break — this episode gives you the exact questions Kirk asks himself and his high-performing clients to win the day. For more information on what was discussed in this episode head to https://kirkmiller.co.uk/programme/ The Kirk Miller Podcast is the show for business leaders and peak performers to get into the best physical and mental shape of their lives and unleash from within confidence they never thought possible.

In this episode of the Kirk Miller Podcast, Kirk shares the exact weekly framework he uses with clients inside Built To Last to help them stay lean, energised, and in control through the summer months, without sacrificing holidays, social events, or family time. If your energy drops, your waistline expands, or your confidence dips every time summer arrives, this episode is a must-listen. In This Episode: ✅ The #1 reason people fall off track during summer ✅ Why you need to classify each week as Accelerate, Maintain, or Decline ✅ How to set clear, realistic health goals every week — even when life is busy ✅ The importance of connecting to your deep emotional ‘why’ ✅ Why checking your calendar is the secret weapon to staying in shape year-round ✅ How to plan around tough social events without giving up enjoyment ✅ The ONE habit to start every day with that keeps your standards high This isn’t about perfection — it’s about structure, awareness, and being honest about where you are. If you’re a busy business owner, leader, or high performer who refuses to let summer derail your progress, this episode gives you the tools to stay winning. For more information on what was discussed in this episode head to https://kirkmiller.co.uk/programme/ The Kirk Miller Podcast is the show for business leaders and peak performers to get into the best physical and mental shape of their lives and unleash from within confidence they never thought possible.

In this episode of the Kirk Miller Podcast, Kirk is joined by former UFC fighter and now successful entrepreneur Luke Barnatt, whose journey from the Octagon to business offers lessons on discipline, resilience, and living with purpose. Luke shares the mindset that made him a force in the UFC and how those same principles now drive his success as a business owner and leader. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How physical fitness lays the foundation for personal freedom and excellence Why high performers obsess over improvement—and how to harness that obsession without burning out The power of tribe and mentorship in unlocking your next level Lessons from the cage that translate directly into the boardroom How to transition careers without losing identity Why integrity, long-term thinking, and surrounding yourself with the right people is the real ‘shortcut’ Tactics for getting unstuck and building self-belief one small win at a time Luke opens up about the pressures of life post-fighting, business challenges, and what it really means to live with purpose, structure, and standards. Whether you’re a former athlete, entrepreneur, or simply someone who refuses to settle, this is an unfiltered conversation about what it actually takes to win in life and business. For more information on what was discussed in this episode head to https://kirkmiller.co.uk/programme/ The Kirk Miller Podcast is the show for business leaders and peak performers to get into the best physical and mental shape of their lives and unleash from within confidence they never thought possible.

In this episode of The Kirk Miller Podcast, I’m joined by Ben Davis, founder of Fitness Marketing Agency (FMA) — one of the UK’s most successful fitness marketing companies. Ben has worked with over 430 fitness businesses and shares the hard lessons, real-world strategies, and mindset shifts that actually grow businesses — not the stuff you hear from overnight gurus. From his early days as a gym instructor to building an industry-leading agency, Ben’s story is packed with lessons for entrepreneurs, fitness professionals, and business owners who want to scale without losing themselves along the way. Inside This Episode... The exact strategies that have scaled FMA to over 430 clients The biggest mistakes fitness businesses make in their marketing Why great marketing means nothing without great sales The hard lessons Ben learned through failure and how he built a market-leading agency Why focusing on too many ventures can kill your growth The evolution of Facebook ads — and how FMA stayed ahead Why personal health is non-negotiable for long-term success How to build a winning team and develop financial control as you scale This is a must-listen if you’re serious about growing a fitness business, levelling up your marketing, or balancing business growth with personal health. For more information on what was discussed in this episode head to https://kirkmiller.co.uk/programme/ The Kirk Miller Podcast is the show for business leaders and peak performers to get into the best physical and mental shape of their lives and unleash from within confidence they never thought possible.