Wired to Achieve: The Psychology of Being Driven with Dr. Douglas Brackmann

Henrik Werdelin is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and author who has spent well over a decade building wildly successful ventures from scratch. He co-founded BARK (including the famed BarkBox), helping turn a simple idea for dog-owners into a publicly traded company that redefined pet retail. Along the way he also helped launch Prehype — a venture-studio that incubated and accelerated dozens of startups across industries — turning creative ideas into real businesses. Today, Henrik is at the forefront of a new wave: he co-founded Audos, an AI-native platform designed to make entrepreneurship accessible to thousands — perhaps millions — of aspiring builders. In his new book, Me, My Customer and AI, he explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping the relationship between founders, customers, and ideas. Henrik blends his track-record of building big brands with a forward-looking vision of scalable, intelligent venture creation — proving that whether the product is pet toys or AI startups, success comes down to creativity, execution, and a human-first mindset.

Robert Cialdini is a world-leading psychologist and bestselling author whose groundbreaking research on the science of influence has shaped modern understanding of persuasion and decision-making. Often called the godfather of influence, he introduced the now-classic principles of persuasion that guide leaders, marketers, and communicators around the globe.He is the author of the seminal books Influence and Pre-Suasion, which have sold millions of copies and been translated into dozens of languages. Cialdini’s work continues to define best practices in ethical persuasion, earning him recognition as one of the most influential behavioral scientists of our time.00:00 Introduction to Dr. Robert Cialdini03:00 Principles of Ethical Influence09:00 The Power of Reciprocity15:00 Commitment and Consistency21:00 Social Proof and Authority27:00 Unity: The New Principle33:00 Personal Insights and Anecdotes39:00 Practical Applications of Influence

Kevin O’Leary is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and television personality best known as “Mr. Wonderful” on Shark Tank. Before he became “Mr. Wonderful,” he was building software companies and collaborating with innovators like Steve Jobs — experiences that sharpened his belief that clarity, product focus, and disciplined execution separate real businesses from the noise.After selling his first company in one of the biggest tech acquisitions of its era, O’Leary launched O’Leary Ventures, a diversified investment firm that backs founders who value data over ego and performance over posturing. His portfolio now stretches across consumer goods, technology, manufacturing, and financial products, reflecting his philosophy that a good deal is simple, scalable, and rooted in numbers that actually add up.Known for his blunt honesty and zero-fluff communication style, O’Leary has become a global voice for business clarity in a world drowning in hype. Both on and off the show, he forces entrepreneurs to think sharper, defend their decisions, and understand exactly why a deal is — or isn’t — worth doing.01:36 Introduction and Power of Listening03:25 Kevin O'Leary's Background and Philosophy06:27 Truth and Business Ethics09:38 Investment Strategies and Market Insights12:54 Future of Business and Technology24:03 Brand Building and Storytelling28:20 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

Damian Costa is a Las Vegas entertainment executive, producer, and entrepreneur shaping the next generation of live experiences on and off the Strip. A former Caesars Entertainment executive turned founder, Damian has led multimillion-dollar productions, developed hit shows, and helped reimagine how audiences connect with performance, hospitality, and brand storytelling. With deep roots in both the creative and business sides of entertainment, he’s built a reputation for transforming big ideas into scalable ventures that thrive in one of the world’s most competitive markets. Today, Damian continues to champion innovation in Las Vegas — blending artistry, commerce, and community to keep the city’s entertainment heartbeat strong.

Andy Elliott is the founder of The Elliott Group, a fast-growing sales training organization known for its high-energy approach to performance and leadership. Drawing on his years in automotive sales, Andy built a national following by teaching aggressive, mindset-driven sales strategies. While his style and methods often spark debate, there’s no denying his impact on modern sales culture — and his ability to motivate teams to break through plateaus and chase excellence with intensity.Jacqueline Elliott, Andy’s wife and business partner, serves as the driving force behind the company’s operations and brand strategy. A former fitness professional turned entrepreneur, she’s known for her leadership, discipline, and focus on culture-building within The Elliott Group.In our conversation, Andy and Jacqueline open up about what drives the Elliott mindset, how they push their limits, and why comfort is the enemy of growth.00:00 The Pursuit of Greatness00:18 Commitment and Alignment in Relationships

Dr. Douglas Brackmann has spent his life chasing the answer to one question: why do some people feel different — restless, intense, never satisfied — yet capable of extraordinary things? That quest led him to create Driven, a breakthrough framework for understanding the genetic wiring behind the world’s top achievers. A licensed psychologist and performance coach to elite entrepreneurs, athletes, and military professionals, Dr. Doug believes that what many call neurodivergence is often a hidden superpower — the very trait that fuels innovation, courage, and world-changing performance. He teaches how to stop battling your inner restlessness and instead use it as your greatest advantage.00:00 The Call to Action for Driven Individuals01:16 Understanding the Driven Mindset03:32 Personal Journey and Transformation10:11 The Nature of Driven Individuals20:12 The Impact of Money and Success23:37 Building a Supportive Community30:00 The Importance of Self-Reflection and Growth

Scott Clary is a serial entrepreneur, brand strategist, and the creator and host of the top-ranked Success Story podcast, where he’s interviewed some of the world’s most influential entrepreneurs, leaders, and visionaries. With an impressive career advising startups and building global brands, Scott has become a go-to voice on growth, leadership, and the mindset required to win in today’s competitive landscape.At the heart of Scott’s work is a deep belief that success is far more than financial achievement — it’s about ownership, purpose, and the relentless pursuit of meaningful goals. He shares practical strategies for building powerful personal brands, creating content that connects, and cultivating audiences that truly care. His insights have helped countless founders, creators, and business leaders not only grow their companies but also design lives that align with their values. Driven by an entrepreneurial obsession and a passion for storytelling, Scott is on a mission to empower others to take agency over their ambitions and turn bold ideas into lasting impact. Whether he’s behind the mic, on stage, or advising high-growth businesses, Scott brings clarity, candor, and actionable wisdom to every conversation — inspiring people everywhere to define and achieve success on their own terms.00:00 The Multifaceted Nature of Success01:18 Building a Personal Brand03:06 Creating Content with Purpose06:05 Understanding Audience and Engagement09:44 The Importance of Personal Branding13:17 Defining True Success17:03 The Role of Obsession in Success18:01 Investing in Knowledge and Talent21:00 The Value of Strategic Partnerships22:20 The Path to 30X Growth24:22 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

Matthew Iommi is the founder and CEO of Fetii, the fast-growing tech company reinventing group transportation — and he’s just getting started at 28. What began as a bold idea to solve one of the biggest headaches in ride-sharing has turned into a movement that’s transforming how groups move together. Backed early by billionaire investor Mark Cuban, Matthew has scaled Fetii into a powerhouse that’s shaking up a legacy industry and redefining convenience for the modern era.But his story is bigger than an app. It’s about betting on yourself when no one else will, and building your own luck brick by brick. Matthew’s rise from scrappy founder to one of the most exciting young entrepreneurs in tech proves that age is just a number — and that relentless vision beats the odds every time.Check Out My Social Media:Tiktok  ⟶ https://www.tiktok.com/@officialtommymelloInstagram ⟶ https://www.instagram.com/officialtommymello/Facebook ⟶https://www.facebook.com/thomasmello/My other podcast:Home Service Expert ⟶ https://open.spotify.com/show/4WHQ3ldGThHsP1cfzNF33GLive Q&A submission form:https://homeserviceexpert.com/questions00:00 The Journey of Fetty: From Party Bus to Rideshare Revolution03:06 Innovative Solutions in Group Transportation05:58 Scaling and Growth: The Role of Data and AI08:59 Marketing Strategies and User Engagement12:05 The Importance of Team Building in Entrepreneurship15:03 Investing in Growth: Lessons from Experience18:06 Vision and Purpose in Business20:56 Building Trust with Investors24:00 Final Thoughts: Action Over Desire

Ari Rastegar is the founder and CEO of Rastegar Property Company, a $10 billion real estate empire that’s reshaping skylines across the U.S. But his journey didn’t start in boardrooms—it started behind the grill at Johnny Rockets, flipping burgers and dreaming bigger. From those humble beginnings, Ari built his way into the world of high-stakes real estate, earning the nickname “The Oracle of Austin” for his early bets on the city’s meteoric growth. Known for his bold, contrarian strategies and unshakable belief in learning from failure, he’s turned setbacks into stepping stones and vision into value. Ari has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Bloomberg, and is recognized as one of the most innovative minds in real estate today. His mission? To show that with grit, resilience, and a willingness to fail forward, you can turn even the smallest start into a billion-dollar legacy.Check Out My Social Media:Tiktok  ⟶ https://www.tiktok.com/@officialtommymelloInstagram ⟶ https://www.instagram.com/officialtommymello/Facebook ⟶https://www.facebook.com/thomasmello/My other podcast:Home Service Expert ⟶ https://open.spotify.com/show/4WHQ3ldGThHsP1cfzNF33GLive Q&A submission form:https://homeserviceexpert.com/questions00:00 The Journey of Failure and Success01:24 Building a Billion-Dollar Portfolio03:07 The Importance of Relationships in Real Estate10:07 The Role of Money and Time16:18 Predicting Market Trends and the Future of Real Estate18:57 Embracing Technology and AI23:25 The Gift of Failure and Closing ThoughtsTMM Director / Series Creator - Elaina SlaytonExecutive Producer - Jim Leslie Producer - Bianca Zhou Editor - Paul McAleavey Camera - Cullen Fleming

Roy Spence is the co-founder of GSD&M, the legendary advertising agency behind some of the most iconic campaigns of our time. Roy has helped build enduring brands like Southwest Airlines, Walmart, the PGA Tour, and BMW, shaping the way millions of people experience business and culture. Over his storied career, he’s championed the idea that great companies don’t just sell products — they stand for something bigger, finding common ground and a purpose that unites people. His work has been celebrated not just for its creativity, but for its ability to inspire loyalty, trust, and lasting impact. Beyond advertising, Roy is a best-selling author, sought-after speaker, and has been a trusted advisor to several successful U.S. politicians. Today, he continues to share hard-won lessons on branding, leadership, and the power of purpose in building both companies and communities.To learn more about the Make It Movement, please visit: https://www.makeitmovement.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com00:00 The Power of Compromise and Purpose01:25 The Journey of Entrepreneurship03:42 Marketing as a Force for Good08:22 Lessons from Iconic Brands11:00 The Importance of Purpose in Leadership12:55 The Make It Movement: Reigniting the American Dream17:39 Game-Changing Advice for the Next Generation22:38 Finding Common Ground in a Divided NationTMM Director / Series Creator - Elaina SlaytonExecutive Producer - Jim Leslie Producer - Bianca Zhou Editor - Paul McAleavey Camera - Cullen Fleming