First Things THRST

Back again for round two is none other than Simon Squibb. After the success of our first sit-down, we had to reconnect for round two whilst Simon is in Dubai. For those unfamiliar with Simon, he’s an entrepreneur, angel investor, and the founder of Helpbnk. Dedicating his career to empowering the everyday person to follow their dream, regardless of what society tells you. All of this knowledge can be found in Simon’s upcoming book “What’s Your Dream?”, launching January 16th.In this episode, Simon dives into why he believes the UK is “F*CKED!”, as a result of  government mismanagement as a key factor holding the country back. He shares powerful lessons from working alongside entrepreneurial greats like Alex Hormozi and Patrick Bet-David, unpacking their strategies for success and how they’ve influenced his own outlook, as well as breaking down why Elon Musk’s fearless approach to solving crisis’ is the kind of leadership the world desperately needs right now. Simon’s take on leadership, entrepreneurship, and the power of bold decisions will leave you inspired and ready to act.0:00 Welcome back to Simon1:13 The impact on spreading positivity and finding solutions.4:13 Overcoming childhood barriers and building confidence to chase dreams.8:06 Breaking down the myth of hard work and focusing on smart strategies.11:00 Exploring global entrepreneurial mindsets and media influence.14:14 Blockchain’s role in shaping the future of business and finance.18:23 Starting with purpose and why the UK is “F*CKED!”.21:59 Inspiring leadership as a solution to unite the UK.27:06 The importance of taking risks over grinding for success.31:48 Finding purpose as the key to sustainable growth and fulfillment.34:24 Breaking free from comfort zones to achieve clarity and focus.41:13 Insights from Patrick Bet-David and Alex Hormozi on growth and leadership.46:07 Rethinking education through the benefits of homeschooling.50:19 Simon’s fitness journey and its connection to performance and discipline.53:44 Managing fame, criticism, and personal boundaries in public life.57:26 Lessons from Elon Musk’s leadership and tackling big challenges.1:03:01 Financial literacy and its role in effective leadership.1:07:27 Practical education as the foundation for empowering future generations.1:14:02 Purpose and creating impact.1:15:08 Simon’s book launch.» Escape the 9-5 & build your dream life - https://www.digitalplaybook.net/» Transform your physique - https://www.thrstapp.com/» My clothing brand, THRST - https://thrstofficial.com» Custom Bioniq supplements: https://www.bioniq.com/mikethurston   • 40% off your first month of Bioniq GO   • 20% off your first month of Bioniq PRO » Join ​⁠@Whoop and get your first month for free - https://join.whoop.com/mikethurston» Follow Simon «Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonsquibb/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@simonsquibb?lang=enBook: https://www.whatsyourdream.co.uk/preorder62594273

Joining me today is Fadi El Khatib, legendary athlete turned entrepreneur and one of the most influential figures in sports and business across the Middle East. Known as "The Lebanese Tiger," Fadi shares how he transitioned from basketball stardom to building thriving ventures, including Champs Academies and gym facilities in Dubai.In this episode, Fadi opens up about the key lessons he learned training alongside Michael Jordan, including the importance of discipline, resilience, and mental toughness—principles he now applies to his entrepreneurial journey. He dives into building successful fitness businesses, financing and scaling gym operations, and launching his latest venture, a new energy drink, while taking advantage of Dubai’s unparalleled opportunities for growth and networking.Fadi also reflects on handling criticism, raising mentally tough kids, and balancing family life with business. This conversation is a masterclass in leadership, grit, and transforming passion into a legacy that inspires others to thrive.0:00 Introduction and background of Fadi El Khatib1:46 Transition from soccer to basketball and early challenges3:24 Influence of high school coach and first international success6:35 Key moments in Asian championships and training with Michael Jordan10:44 Evolution of basketball, competition, and its popularity in Lebanon16:47 Overview of Asian basketball league structures31:41 Lessons from Michael Jordan and insights from The Last Dance35:11 Mental toughness in sports, handling loss, and resilience38:33 Transition to Dubai, Champs academies, and gym business advice51:23 Financing and managing gym facilities, team growth, and leadership1:02:46 Balancing fitness with a busy lifestyle and encouraging others1:10:20 Dealing with criticism and negativity, and promoting mental fitness1:17:54 Fadi's role in Dubai Sports Council and balancing family life1:24:16 Raising mentally tough kids and criticism for leaving Lebanon1:30:26 Business and government challenges in Lebanon, love for Dubai1:36:12 Fadi's nickname and new energy drink launch1:40:58 Networking in Dubai» Escape the 9-5 & build your dream life - https://www.digitalplaybook.net/» Transform your physique - https://www.thrstapp.com/» My clothing brand, THRST - https://thrstofficial.com» Custom Bioniq supplements: https://www.bioniq.com/mikethurston   • 40% off your first month of Bioniq GO   • 20% off your first month of Bioniq PRO » Join ​⁠@Whoop and get your first month for free - https://join.whoop.com/mikethurston» Follow Fadi «Website: https://tinyurl.com/mrjwch49Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fadielkhatib15/?hl=en

Joining me today is Dr. Arthur Brooks, a Harvard professor, behavioral scientist, and best-selling author known for his groundbreaking work on the science of happiness. Once a professional classical musician, Dr. Brooks made a transformative leap into academia, where he now guides the next generation of leaders in understanding what it truly means to lead a fulfilling life.In this episode, we explore the intricate balance between success and satisfaction, the pitfalls of chasing money, fame, and power, and the surprising keys to lasting happiness. Dr. Brooks shares the role of self-reflection, the importance of boredom in finding meaning, and why spending time wisely can be more valuable than accumulating wealth. We also dive into his personal journey, from his early days in music to leading one of the world’s most influential think tanks, uncovering the life lessons that shaped his philosophy along the way.Whether you're an entrepreneur, a lifelong learner, or simply curious about what it takes to live a purpose-driven life, this conversation with Dr. Brooks will inspire and challenge you to rethink your path to happiness.00:00 Introduction02:00 The ways in which entrepreneurship brings freedom06:00 Arthur's journey from musician to behavioral scientist12:00 Bringing happiness science to Harvard's halls18:00 Breaking free from success hierarchies25:00 Why meaning matters more than happiness31:00 Learning to sit with boredom and find yourself39:00 Finding the sweet spot between solitude and connection46:00 Keeping faith while building a business54:00 Spending wisely on what truly matters01:03:00 Understanding our modern obsessions01:17:00 The power of knowing yourself01:24:00 How different cultures view happiness01:30:00 Building healthy habits that last01:37:00 Where spirituality meets meaning01:44:00 Making better choices with money01:50:00 The core values you should live by01:54:00 Staying grounded in the spotlight02:00:00 How to avoid burnout02:10:00 Looking back on success and legacy» Escape the 9-5 & build your dream life - https://www.digitalplaybook.net/» Transform your physique - https://www.thrstapp.com/» My clothing brand, THRST - https://thrstofficial.com» Custom Bioniq supplements: https://www.bioniq.com/mikethurston   • 40% off your first month of Bioniq GO   • 20% off your first month of Bioniq PRO » Join ​⁠@Whoop and get your first month for free - https://join.whoop.com/mikethurston» Follow Arthur «Website: https://arthurbrooks.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthurcbrooks/?hl=en

Joining me today is ‪@CodieSanchezCT‬  a renowned investor, entrepreneur, and the author of the newly released book Main Street Millionaire, a no-nonsense guide to building wealth. She unpacks pivotal lessons learned during the 2008 financial crisis, her approach to building wealth through buying—not starting—businesses, and the “three C’s” that have been the foundation of her success: curiosity, crowd, and cash.00:00 Introduction to Codie Sanchez01:15 Managing projects and career transitions05:52 From journalism to finance: Money lessons10:25 The three C's for making money12:36 Lessons from the 2008 financial crisis14:45 The value of working for a company first18:14 Hiring principles and ambition differences27:44 Entrepreneurship: Risk and brain systems32:16 Building teams and education critique37:17 Wealth-building and networking strategies44:41 Networking tips for introverts51:29 Business mentorship55:29 Buying businesses and sectors to avoid01:03:07 Strategic focus and opportunity cost01:08:39 Private equity vs accelerators01:11:30 Mike's fitness app and scaling it01:14:38 Reverse engineering and missed chances01:17:26 Partnerships: Challenges and strategies01:22:06 Delegating, hiring, and firing01:31:17 Podcasting: Growth and challenges01:37:06 Social media, assertiveness, and self-perception» Escape the 9-5 & build your dream life - https://www.digitalplaybook.net/» Transform your physique - https://www.thrstapp.com/» My clothing brand, THRST - https://thrstofficial.com» Custom Bioniq supplements: https://www.bioniq.com/mikethurston   • 40% off your first month of Bioniq GO   • 20% off your first month of Bioniq PRO » Join ​⁠@Whoop and get your first month for free - https://join.whoop.com/mikethurston» Follow Codie «Main Street Millionaire: https://codiesanchez.com/book/ Website: https://codiesanchez.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codiesanchez/?hl=en