My Favourite Failure: I made a big bet on the wrong product -Mussayab Ehtesham

Imagine building a company from the ground up, pouring your heart and soul into it for years, only to reach a point where you realise it's time to step aside as CEO.  How do you know when it's the right time? How do you navigate that transition while setting the company up for continued success? And what comes next for you as a founder? These are the crucial questions we're diving into today with Evgeny Shadchnev, a founder who has lived through this very journey. Evgeny is an author and co-Founder Makers, a coding bootcamp that has trained thousands of software developers.  After nearly a decade at the helm, he made the difficult decision to step down as CEO in 2020. In our conversation, we talk about the complex emotions and strategic challenges of this process.  Evgeny shares how he knew it was time to move on, the importance of planning ahead, and the pitfalls to avoid when hiring and onboarding a successor. We also discuss the surprising commonality of founder transitions and why they should be seen as a mark of success rather than failure. Evgeny's story illustrates that sometimes the best thing you can do for your company is to get out of the way - and that new adventures await on the other side. … Sponsors Vanta - get 20% off security certifications like ISO27001 and SOC2: https://vanta.com/secretleaders Personio - all in one HR platform: https://personio.com/secretleaders -- Newsletter Sign up here: https://secretleaders.email/. You can find our historic newsletters here: https://www.secretleaders.com/episodes.

The first time Christian Angermayer took psychedelics in 2014, it changed the trajectory of his life. Nearly a decade later, he has become one of the most influential voices in the world of biotech, crypto, and anti-aging. People look to him for guidance on the next big thing, they invest in his ventures hoping to be a part of something groundbreaking, and they listen to his bold ideas about pushing the boundaries of human potential.  It is not hyperbole to say that Christian Angermayer is one of the most visionary entrepreneurs of our time. Christian's approach to business and life is supposedly about embracing the controversial, but that's what makes it so compelling. Everyone can relate to the desire to challenge the status quo. Everyone knows the feeling when society tells you something is impossible or off-limits, but you want to pursue it anyway. Everyone can relate to the drive to optimize and enhance our bodies and minds. If you don't feel inspired by Christian's vision, you might be playing it too safe. But I bet you won’t find it surprising that some of Christian's ventures—like his advocacy for psychedelics or his new sports competition allowing performance-enhancing drugs—are met with skepticism and pushback.  But as Christian has spent years pushing the boundaries of what's possible, he has never wavered in his conviction. In this conversation, Christian challenges us to question our assumption and to embrace the unconventional. … Sponsors Vanta - get 20% off security certifications like ISO27001 and SOC2: https://vanta.com/secretleaders Personio - all in one HR platform: https://personio.com/secretleaders -- Newsletter Sign up here: https://secretleaders.email/. You can find our historic newsletters here: https://www.secretleaders.com/episodes.

Andy Brown, a seasoned leadership coach, shares his journey as a founder of a once-thriving marketing agency. He reveals how the business's rapid growth and his own ambition led him down a path of loss of focus and personal burnout. As the company took on more clients and expanded its services, Andy found himself stretched thin, trying to be involved in every aspect of the business. His belief that he was indispensable ultimately became a double-edged sword, leading to a lack of trust in his team and an overwhelming burden of responsibility. Andy highlights the importance of maintaining a clear vision and focus for your business, even in the face of rapid growth and new opportunities. He also emphasises the need for founders to learn to let go, delegate effectively, and build a strong team that can support and sustain the company's success. His experience serves as a powerful reminder that success is not just about working harder, but also about working smarter and building a business that can thrive beyond the founder's individual efforts. … Sponsors Vanta - get 20% off security certifications like ISO27001 and SOC2: https://vanta.com/secretleaders Personio - all in one HR platform: https://personio.com/secretleaders -- Newsletter Sign up here: https://secretleaders.email/. You can find our historic newsletters here: https://www.secretleaders.com/episodes.

Scott Galloway, serial entrepreneur, NYU professor, and author of "The Algebra of Wealth," shares his hard-won insights on building lasting, meaningful wealth as a founder. Scott and Dan discuss the key components of his wealth-building philosophy: focus, stoicism, time, and diversification.  He dives deep into the practical strategies behind each pillar, sharing personal anecdotes and counterintuitive wisdom that challenges conventional notions of success. He argues that true wealth is about more than just financial success - it's about crafting a life that aligns with one's deepest values and aspirations. So if you're ready, to not just build a successful business, but to create lasting, multi-dimensional wealth - this episode is for you. … Sponsors Vanta - get 20% off security certifications like ISO27001 and SOC2: https://vanta.com/secretleaders Personio - all in one HR platform: https://personio.com/secretleaders -- Newsletter Sign up here: https://secretleaders.email/. You can find our historic newsletters here: https://www.secretleaders.com/episodes.

What does it take to bounce back from a business blunder that nearly costs you everything?  Ask Joel Primus, the Founder who went from a mortifying moment on Dragon's Den to a multi-million dollar exit - and then found himself on the brink of bankruptcy when a global pandemic hit. Joel takes us behind the scenes of ill-fated underwear launch that left him red-faced on national television and scrambling to save his company.  Through it all, Joel emerges with a newfound appreciation for the long game of entrepreneurship, the power of perseverance, and the importance of confronting one's fears head-on. … Sponsors Vanta - get 20% off security certifications like ISO27001 and SOC2: https://vanta.com/secretleaders Personio - all in one HR platform: https://personio.com/secretleaders -- Newsletter Sign up here: https://secretleaders.email/. You can find our historic newsletters here: https://www.secretleaders.com/episodes.

Discover the Secrets to Becoming "Unstressable" with Mo Gawdat and Alice Law Former Google X executive Mo Gawdat and stress management expert Alice Law share their revolutionary approach to thriving under pressure. Mo and Alice challenge the notion that stress is inevitable for success. They explore the far-reaching impacts of chronic stress, practical strategies for building resilience, and the transformative power of purpose and authenticity. Whether you're an entrepreneur seeking peak performance or simply craving a more balanced life, this episode will inspire you to reclaim your well-being and unlock your full potential. Tune in to discover the secrets to becoming "unstressable" and thriving in all areas of life. … Sponsors Vanta - get 20% off security certifications like ISO27001 and SOC2: https://vanta.com/secretleaders Personio - all in one HR platform: https://personio.com/secretleaders -- Newsletter Sign up here: https://secretleaders.email/. You can find our historic newsletters here: https://www.secretleaders.com/episodes.

From hitting rock bottom to tripling his business overnight! Executive development specialist Jim reveals how admitting his shortcomings to his wife became the catalyst for transformation, leading him to quit drinking and embark on a path of self-discovery.  Whether you're battling your own demons or simply seeking inspiration to reach your full potential, Jim's story offers a compelling testament to the power of vulnerability, authenticity, and the courage to change." … Sponsors Vanta - get 20% off security certifications like ISO27001 and SOC2: https://vanta.com/secretleaders Personio - all in one HR platform: https://personio.com/secretleaders -- Newsletter Sign up here: https://secretleaders.email/. You can find our historic newsletters here: https://www.secretleaders.com/episodes.

Nick Sabine, Co-Founder of Resident Advisor (RA), shares his journey of self-discovery and the transformative power of authenticity in leadership and life. From his early inspiration in the electronic music scene to the challenges of growing a global brand, Nick candidly discusses the struggles of maintaining authenticity, navigating co-founder relationships, and leading through crisis. A life-altering divorce and a period of self-reflection, including embracing boredom and solitude, led Nick to reconnect with his true self. This newfound authenticity reshaped his leadership style, allowing him to build genuine connections with his team, which proved crucial when COVID-19 hit, wiping out 95% of RA's revenue. Nick offers a rare glimpse into the high-pressure world of the music industry, while reminding us that true success lies in the depth of our relationships and the courage to be unapologetically ourselves. … Sponsors Vanta - get 20% off security certifications like ISO27001 and SOC2: https://vanta.com/secretleaders Personio - all in one HR platform: https://personio.com/secretleaders -- Newsletter Sign up here: https://secretleaders.email/. You can find our historic newsletters here: https://www.secretleaders.com/episodes.

In the face of failure, do you quit or persevere? Alden Mills, a former Navy SEAL who has navigated the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Alden shares the invaluable lessons he learned about failure during his time in the SEALs and how he applied them to his business ventures. From the brink of bankruptcy to generating nearly $100 million in sales, Alden's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of staying connected to your passion and purpose. Sponsors Vanta - get 20% off security certifications like ISO27001 and SOC2: https://vanta.com/secretleaders Personio - all in one HR platform: https://personio.com/secretleaders -- Newsletter Sign up here: https://secretleaders.email/. You can find our historic newsletters here: https://www.secretleaders.com/episodes.

Success isn't just about having a great product or service. You know that standing out in a crowded market is tough. But what if you could cut through the noise and build a loyal following that drives real results for your business? Enter the power of personal branding. Chris Donnelly, Founder of Verb and Lottie, shares his insights on leveraging your personal brand to supercharge your entrepreneurial journey. With over 35 million content views per week, Chris has cracked the code on authentic, impactful personal branding. And it’s true, building a strong personal brand isn't easy. It requires consistency, vulnerability, and a willingness to experiment. But if you do it right; you will find an enormous amount of opportunities. If you want to start a new side hustle, you’ll have a jump start. If you want to fill a role in your company, you’ll have countless applications, and if you want to climb the corporate ladder, you’ll be getting a little more attention. Whether you're a seasoned Founder or just starting out, this episode will equip you with the mindset and tactics to build a personal brand that doesn't just get attention, but drives meaningful results.  … Sponsors Vanta - get 20% off security certifications like ISO27001 and SOC2: https://vanta.com/secretleaders Personio - all in one HR platform: https://personio.com/secretleaders -- Newsletter Sign up here: https://secretleaders.email/. You can find our historic newsletters here: https://www.secretleaders.com/episodes.