CEO Diaries: The Lessons I Wish I Knew at the Start of My Career…

BREAKING: Dana White announces Jon Jones retirement…but UFC Heavyweight star Tom Aspinall still wants a title fight. He reveals the truth about Jon Jones’ retirement, and breaks down the champion mindset, fear, and mental toughness required for UFC title fights.  Tom Aspinall is the undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion, a top-ranked professional mixed martial artist, and the first British heavyweight in history to claim a UFC title. He was set to face UFC legend Jon Jones until Jones announced his retirement in June 2025, automatically elevating Aspinall from interim to undisputed champion. Tom explains:  The mental trick he uses to control fear before stepping into the cage. Why so many young men feel lost, and how MMA gave him purpose. The harsh reality of life as a UFC fighter behind the scenes. How embracing pain, pressure, and adversity made him a champion. 00:00 Intro 02:37 Did You See This Coming? 03:16 What Was Your Reaction When You Found Out Jon Jones Was Retiring? 04:08 Did You Want to Fight Jon? 05:06 Was Jon's Decision a Strategic Dodge? 06:08 Do You Take It as a Compliment? 07:14 Would You Fight Jon If He Came Back? 08:36 What's Changed Overnight? 10:28 Who's the Contender Now? 11:33 When Will You Fight Next? 13:47 What Was Your Family's Reaction? 15:14 If Jon Is Watching, What Would You Say? 17:33 The Dream to Become a Heavyweight Champion 18:17 Where Does Tom Aspinall Come From? 19:37 Where Did Your Inspiration Come From? 21:53 What Kept You Going? 24:38 Why Did Your Mum Never Come to an MMA Fight? 26:32 What Advice Would You Give to Young People? 29:41 I'm Scared to Fight Anybody 31:55 I've Always Been Fearful to Fight 32:56 Overcoming the Fear 35:29 Working on Your Mental Strength 37:49 Tom's Process of Writing Things Down 41:22 Very Few Make Money Fighting 44:14 Tom Aspinall's Career Progression and Fighting Style 48:33 When Do You Start Making Good Money? 49:59 Sergei Pavlovich Fight 51:09 It Takes Years to Become an Overnight Success 52:34 Having Kids at 23 and Not Being Able to Support Them 57:11 Your Rock Bottom Moment 58:37 Tom's Family 01:01:58 Ads 1:02:57 My Knee Problems Helped My Career Massively 1:06:22 Surrounded by Toxic People 1:09:45 How Did You Feel After the Injury? 1:11:58 Did It Knock Your Confidence? 1:13:32 Jon Jones 1:17:40 There's No Contract Signed 1:23:58 Tom's Fighting Secrets 1:26:16 The Health Routine to Get Into Elite Shape 01:30:08:17 Ads 1:31:12 Why Do You Do Hypnotherapy? 1:34:36 Your Journey With Anxiety 1:37:30 Your Son's Health 1:38:18 Having an Autistic Child 1:47:27 The Importance of an Autism Diagnosis 1:52:47 The UFC Heavyweight Champion Belt 1:53:43 How Did You Feel Winning the Heavyweight Championship? 1:55:28 Retiring Early to Avoid Cognitive Issues 2:00:54 Why Are You Special? 2:03:59 How I Prepare Mentally on Fight Day Follow Tom:  Instagram - https://bit.ly/4kbCZGh  YouTube - https://bit.ly/4lhLwbO  Get your hands on the Diary Of A CEO Conversation Cards here: https://bit.ly/conversationcards-mp   Get email updates: https://bit.ly/diary-of-a-ceo-yt  Follow Steven: https://g2ul0.app.link/gnGqL4IsKKb  Sponsors:  Vanta - https://vanta.com/steven   KetoneIQ - Visit https://ketone.com/STEVEN for 30% off your subscription order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bozoma Saint John’s story isn’t just about leading the world’s biggest brands - it’s about surviving unimaginable loss, breaking every “career rule,” and redefining what success really means. In today's episode of CEO Diaries, the former Netflix and Apple CMO reveals why she quit chasing work-life balance, why being selfish saved her, and how personal tragedy shaped her path to the top. Visit - ⁠⁠⁠www.linkedin.com/DOAC⁠⁠ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify - ⁠https://g2ul0.app.link/yzrBsXpFsUb Apple - ⁠https://g2ul0.app.link/czJGDAsFsUb Watch The Diary of a CEO Episodes On YouTube - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/%20TheDiaryOfACEO/videos Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From 6 years in isolation to sounding the alarm, Buddhist Gelong Thubten reveals the hidden epidemic no one is talking about with Stress, Depression, Buddhism, Meditation, Mental Health and more. Thubten is one of the UK’s most influential meditation teachers, who spent 6 years in isolated meditation retreats, including one which lasted 4 years. He is also the bestselling author of books such as, ‘Handbook for Hard Times: A Monk's Guide to Fearless Living’. He explains: The hidden mental health crisis that’s silently destroying your emotional well-being. Why Western culture increases anxiety, depression, and disconnection The biggest myths about meditation and how to meditate properly.  The real reason your meditation practice isn’t working. How screen time and phone addiction are hijacking your brain and inner peace. Why rejecting pleasure can lead to lasting connection and clarity. How unresolved trauma controls your mind and how mindfulness can free you. 00:00 Intro 02:32 Why Is Thubten's Message More Important Now Than Ever Before? 03:02 Thubten's Concerns About Western Society 03:51 Where Does Life Purpose Come From? 05:15 Is Search for Purpose a Misplaced Pursuit? 06:28 Why Is Western Society Increasingly Unhappy? 08:55 Is It Wrong to Find Meaning in the Pursuit of Goals? 11:38 What Led Thubten to Become a Monk? 13:50 Gelong's Difficult Past and Its Impact on His Mind 18:06 Where Do Negative Internal Voices Originate From? 19:03 Who Influenced Thubten to Go to a Monastery? 19:53 Thubten's Heart Condition 20:49 Key Aspects of Living as a Monk 22:25 What Are the Advantages of Celibacy? 24:23 Is Abstinence Sufficient to Overcome Compulsive Behaviour? 27:06 What Is Buddhism? 29:43 Thubten's Journey of Healing 31:33 What Is Meditation? 36:38 Benefits of Buddhist Practices 41:12 Can a Buddhist Mindset Go Hand in Hand With Effectiveness at Work? 46:45 Ads 48:41 How Does Buddhism Think About Victimhood and Trauma? 51:51 Breaking Free From Suffering 58:16 Can We Run Away From Our Pain? 1:04:49 How to Love Yourself When You Feel Broken 1:05:56 Coping With Grief and Loss 1:10:21 Focusing on the Pain in a Loving Way 1:13:17 The Practice of Forgiveness 1:20:16 Ads 1:22:12 Are We Living in a Culture of Fear? 1:25:06 How to Protect Yourself From Fear 1:27:13 The Gap Between Impulse and Action 1:28:13 Incorporating Meditation Into Your Daily Life 1:31:21 Live Meditation 1:38:21 How Can Meditation Change Your Life 1:41:39 Why Did Thubten Take Vows for Life? 1:42:26 Does Working on Your Mind Ever End? 1:43:15 The Gap Between Knowing and Doing 1:45:17 Is Meditation Retreat a Good Idea to Get Started? 1:45:54 Is Buddhism a Solution to the Current World Problems? 1:47:54 Question From the Previous Guest Follow Thubten:  Instagram - https://bit.ly/3FOxXlg  Website - https://bit.ly/45s6Zu0  Books - https://bit.ly/4ebqBF9  You can purchase Thubten’s book, ‘Handbook for Hard Times: A Monk's Guide to Fearless Living’, here: ⁠https://bit.ly/3ZDPwuU⁠  You can purchase Thubten’s book, ‘A Monk's Guide to Happiness: Meditation in the 21st century’, here: https://bit.ly/45xFE9O  The Diary Of A CEO: Join DOAC circle here -https://doaccircle.com/ The 1% Diary is back - limited time only: https://bit.ly/3YFbJbt The Diary Of A CEO Conversation Cards (Second Edition): https://g2ul0.app.link/f31dsUttKKb Get email updates - https://bit.ly/diary-of-a-ceo-yt Follow Steven - https://g2ul0.app.link/gnGqL4IsKKb Sponsors: Shopify - https://shopify.com/bartlett Vivobarefoot - https://vivobarefoot.com/DOAC with code DIARY20 for 20% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Martha Beck explains how the right hemisphere of the brain, through creative thinking, can be a sanctuary for those struggling with anxiety. While today's fast-paced world often frames creative expression as unproductive, learning to embrace it is crucial for improving mental well-being. In this top moment, discover how creative tools can offer emotional relief, helping you feel more calm, grounded, and connected to your true self. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify - https://g2ul0.app.link/7WH0j10fkUb Apple - https://g2ul0.app.link/enmhhX4jkUb Watch the Episodes On YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/%20TheDiaryOfACEO/videos Dr Martha Beck - https://marthabeck.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Has feminism betrayed the very women it promised to empower? Deborah France-White, Louise Perry, and Erica Komisar go head-to-head on the hidden costs of sexual freedom.  Deborah Frances-White is a bestselling author and host of The Guilty Feminist podcast, Louise Perry is a journalist and author of The Case Against the Sexual Revolution, and Erica Komisar is a clinical social worker, psychoanalyst, and author of books such as, ‘Chicken Little the Sky Isn't Falling: Raising Resilient Adolescents in the New Age of Anxiety’.  In this heated debate, they discuss: What casual sex is really doing to women.  Why relationships are declining. The parenting crisis that no one’s talking about. Why fewer people are having children. How modern dating is affecting female self-worth. 00:00 Intro02:29 Introducing the Panel03:43 What Is the Sexual Revolution?10:16 Autonomy, Freedom, and Agency as a Byproduct of the Sexual Revolution15:03 Casual Sex and Hookup Culture31:02 One Sexual Partner for Life33:15 Age of Marriage Increasing Over Time33:55 Emotional Consequences of Sex39:51 Feminists Typically Have Had Trauma43:28 Agency as a Personality Trait47:42 Sex Education in Schools49:34 Female Pleasure51:27 Is Sexual Freedom Making Us Happy?53:51 Feeling Bullied by the Narrative of Freedom57:44 Ads59:47 Manosphere and Tradwives01:07:10 Do Women Want Men to Be Providers?01:08:01 Children and Gender Roles01:12:23 Poor Mothers Looking After Children01:18:32 The Role Feminism Has Had on Motherhood01:22:35 Would Steven Take 3 Years Off Work to Raise Children?01:23:43 Men and Women's Nurturing Hormones01:28:12 We Can't Be Neutral About Policies01:30:39 The Narrative That Having Children Is Miserable01:32:27 Female Guilt01:33:35 Parenthood and Narcissism01:41:42 Birth Rates Declining01:43:06 Traditional Gender Roles01:48:44 Demonizing Feminism01:52:53 Link Between Political Stance and Number of Children01:57:03 Ads01:58:48 Pornography02:06:17 Masculine Virtues02:11:31 Do Boys and Girls Need to Be Parented Differently?02:13:00 Chivalry02:14:05 Evolutionary Differences02:19:20 Quotas in Education02:21:17 Final Thoughts Deborah: Instagram - https://bit.ly/3ZZFB39 Deborah’s book, ‘Six Conversations We’re Too Scared To Have’, here: https://bit.ly/45ufBAh Follow Erica: Instagram - https://bit.ly/4lchbvi Erica’s book, ‘Chicken Little the Sky Isn’t Falling: Raising Resilient Adolescents in the New Age of Anxiety’, here: https://bit.ly/3G2OhyI Follow Louise: X - https://bit.ly/3I1aHRu Louise’s book, ‘The Case Against the Sexual Revolution: A New Guide to Sex in the 21st Century’, here: https://bit.ly/4kN5QSD The Diary Of A CEO: Join DOAC circle here -https://doaccircle.com/ The 1% Diary is back - limited time only: https://bit.ly/3YFbJbt The Diary Of A CEO Conversation Cards (Second Edition): https://g2ul0.app.link/f31dsUttKKb Get email updates - https://bit.ly/diary-of-a-ceo-yt Follow Steven - https://g2ul0.app.link/gnGqL4IsKKb Sponsors:  Stan Store - Visit https://link.stan.store/joinstanchallenge to join the challenge!KetoneIQ - Visit https://ketone.com/STEVEN for 30% off your subscription order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of CEO Diaries, LinkedIn's Jessica Jensen shares essential B2B marketing strategies every entrepreneur needs. From leveraging AI to mastering LinkedIn for customer acquisition, Jessica reveals how to scale your business and build a winning marketing plan. Don't miss these insights on transforming your B2B approach. Visit - ⁠⁠www.linkedin.com/DOAC⁠⁠ Follow Jessica Jensen - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jensenjessica/ Watch The Diary of a CEO Episodes On YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/%20TheDiaryOfACEO/videos Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He pioneered AI, now he’s warning the world. Godfather of AI Geoffrey Hinton breaks his silence on the deadly dangers of AI no one is prepared for. Geoffrey Hinton is a leading computer scientist and cognitive psychologist, widely recognised as the ‘Godfather of AI’ for his pioneering work on neural networks and deep learning. He received the 2018 Turing Award, often called the Nobel Prize of computing. In 2023, he left Google to warn people about the rising dangers of AI. He explains: Why there’s a real 20% chance AI could lead to HUMAN EXTINCTION. How speaking out about AI got him SILENCED. The deep REGRET he feels for helping create AI. The 6 DEADLY THREATS AI poses to humanity right now. AI’s potential to advance healthcare, boost productivity, and transform education. 00:00 Intro 02:28 Why Do They Call You the Godfather of AI? 04:37 Warning About the Dangers of AI 07:23 Concerns We Should Have About AI 10:50 European AI Regulations 12:29 Cyber Attack Risk 14:42 How to Protect Yourself From Cyber Attacks 16:29 Using AI to Create Viruses 17:43 AI and Corrupt Elections 19:20 How AI Creates Echo Chambers 23:05 Regulating New Technologies 24:48 Are Regulations Holding Us Back From Competing With China? 26:14 The Threat of Lethal Autonomous Weapons 28:50 Can These AI Threats Combine? 30:32 Restricting AI From Taking Over 32:18 Reflecting on Your Life’s Work Amid AI Risks 34:02 Student Leaving OpenAI Over Safety Concerns 38:06 Are You Hopeful About the Future of AI? 40:08 The Threat of AI-Induced Joblessness 43:04 If Muscles and Intelligence Are Replaced, What’s Left? 44:55 Ads 46:59 Difference Between Current AI and Superintelligence 52:54 Coming to Terms With AI’s Capabilities 54:46 How AI May Widen the Wealth Inequality Gap 56:35 Why Is AI Superior to Humans? 59:18 AI’s Potential to Know More Than Humans 1:01:06 Can AI Replicate Human Uniqueness? 1:04:14 Will Machines Have Feelings? 1:11:29 Working at Google 1:15:12 Why Did You Leave Google? 1:16:37 Ads 1:18:32 What Should People Be Doing About AI? 1:19:53 Impressive Family Background 1:21:30 Advice You’d Give Looking Back 1:22:44 Final Message on AI Safety 1:26:05 What’s the Biggest Threat to Human Happiness? Follow Geoffrey: X - https://bit.ly/4n0shFf  The Diary Of A CEO: Join DOAC circle here -https://doaccircle.com/ The 1% Diary is back - limited time only: https://bit.ly/3YFbJbt The Diary Of A CEO Conversation Cards (Second Edition): https://g2ul0.app.link/f31dsUttKKb Get email updates - https://bit.ly/diary-of-a-ceo-yt Follow Steven - https://g2ul0.app.link/gnGqL4IsKKb Sponsors: Stan Store - Visit https://link.stan.store/joinstanchallenge to join the challenge! KetoneIQ - Visit https://ketone.com/STEVEN  for 30% off your subscription order #GeoffreyHinton #ArtificialIntelligence #AIDangers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Sarah Hill - psychologist and leading researcher on women's hormones - reveals the ways hormonal birth control can shape attraction, emotion, and long-term relationships. She explains how women’s natural cycles influence who they’re drawn to, how birth control can blunt or shift those instincts, and why this matters for both women and the men they're with. If you've ever wondered why your feelings change - or if the pill could be influencing your type - this conversation is for you. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify - https://g2ul0.app.link/oVNMPuD28Tb Apple - https://g2ul0.app.link/a5GDlzz28Tb Watch the Episodes On YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/%20TheDiaryOfACEO/videos Dr. Hill's book, This Is Your Brain on Birth Control - https://www.sarahehill.com/books/your-brain-on-birth-control/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Swipe left, feel empty, and wonder why? Esther Perel reveals the hidden truths behind the dating crisis, loneliness, and the shocking decline in sex and intimacy. Esther Perel is a world-renowned psychotherapist and relationship expert, widely recognised as one of today’s most insightful and original voices on modern relationships. She is the bestselling author of books such as, ‘The State of Affairs’.  She explains:  Why MEN Over 30 Aren’t Having Sex Anymore. The SEX GAME that could Save Your Relationship. How CHILDHOOD TRAUMA is Secretly Sabotaging Your Marriage. Why Investing in AUTHENTIC CONNECTION is the key to a Fulfilling Life. The ONE RED FLAG that Predicts Divorce.  00:00 Intro 02:29 Esther’s Main Concern About Human Connection 03:22 What’s the Consequence of Losing Social Skills? 04:19 Is Online Dating the Only Choice Nowadays? 07:13 The Value of Rejection 07:52 Rejection from the Apps 08:48 What to Do If Dating Apps Don’t Work for You 11:26 Is Too Much Choice Making Dating Harder? 13:01 How to Cope with Online Dating Burnout 14:30 The Changing Role of Masculinity and Its Impact on Society 15:57 Loneliness Today 17:17 Why Do People Have Less Sex Nowadays? 20:17 Importance of Deep Connection in Relationships 21:51 How Phone Use Affects Connection and Sexual Attraction 28:07 Questions from Steven’s Friends 28:53 Is It Always a Good Idea to Admit to Infidelity? 31:17 Attraction with a Partner 33:36 Is Long-Term Faithfulness in a Relationship Possible? 37:06 Importance of Taking Accountability 39:21 How People Are Energizing Their Relationships 42:59 How to Revive Intimacy When Gone for So Long 44:52 Ads 45:55 Do People Enjoy Sex Less Than Before? 48:15 Do I Have to Work on Myself Before I Can Have a Good Relationship? 49:49 Has the Culture of Self-Love Gone Too Far? 51:19 Are Men Emasculated by the Success of Women? 59:08 What Is Social Confidence? 1:02:56 What Gives a Traumatic Experience Meaning? 1:14:10 Would You Delete Mobile Phones to Help Connection? 1:17:08 Can Social Connection Principles Apply to a Workplace? 1:22:06 How Are You Going to Adapt to a World of AI and Robots? Follow Esther:  Instagram - https://bit.ly/4l2Et6S  Twitter - https://bit.ly/3SJEMaD  Website - https://bit.ly/4kTR8ca  Podcast - https://bit.ly/3HCfnNv  You can purchase Esther’s new 100 question game, ‘Where Should We Begin? At Work’, here: https://bit.ly/4kF0F7h  You can purchase Esther’s book ‘The State of Affairs’, here:  https://amzn.to/4l0KaSv  The Diary Of A CEO: Join DOAC circle here -https://doaccircle.com/ Get your hands on the Diary Of A CEO Conversation Cards here: https://bit.ly/conversationcards-mp Get email updates: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/diary-of-a-ceo-yt⁠⁠  Follow Steven: ⁠⁠https://g2ul0.app.link/gnGqL4IsKKb⁠⁠  Sponsors: Stan Store - Visit https://link.stan.store/joinstanchallenge to join the challenge! Ekster - http://partner.ekster.com/DOAC with code STEVEN Linkedin Ads - https://www.linkedin.com/DIARY #EstherPerel #DatingCrisis #ModernLove #RelationshipAdvice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of CEO Diaries, MrBeast dives into the real challenges of building a business from the ground up. He shares his journey of scaling from a small team to 500+ employees, offering valuable insights into why surrounding yourself with A-players is crucial to success. From navigating the complexities of leadership, to balancing innovation with structure, MrBeast opens up about the lessons learned, and how he’s shaping his company’s future. Whether you're an entrepreneur or just interested in how top businesses thrive, this moment is full of wisdom on scaling, team building, and leadership. Visit - ⁠⁠www.linkedin.com/DOAC⁠⁠ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify - https://g2ul0.app.link/yzN2XAsY3Tb Apple - https://g2ul0.app.link/lyW0n2BY3Tb Watch the Episodes On YouTube - ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/%20TheDiaryOfACEO/videos Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices