Invest in You

Fredrik Sandvall, Ivan Sandvall, Charlie Sandvall

Invest in You is a global podcast where Fredrik Sandvall shares ideas and conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, and operators. The show explores investing, entrepreneurship, AI, and personal development with a focus on long-term value, ownership, and clear decision-making. Occasionally joined by his sons, Charlie and Ivan, the podcast blends experience with a next-generation perspective. The goal is simple: help you think better, act with intent, and build a life and portfolio that compound over time.

  1. 16H AGO

    The FACE Method: A Roadmap to Exponential Business Growth

    Fredrik welcomes fellow author and CFO David Horn to discuss his journey from a failed media business to becoming the CFO of Daniel Priestley’s companies. David shares the inspiration behind his award-winning book, Add and Multiply, which provides a strategic roadmap for small businesses to achieve exponential growth through Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A).  KEY TAKEAWAYS David outlines his 4-step FACE method for growth: Fund (securing the right capital) Acquire (finding the right targets) Consolidate (the hardest part, integrating businesses) Exit (selling for maximum value). While organic growth is steady, strategic acquisitions can triple revenue in a short period by absorbing competitors and diversifying services. The most common reason deals fail after completion is a clash of cultures. Putting two long-term competitors together rarely results in ‘one big happy family’ without significant friction. To maximise valuation, founders must ‘clean up’ their books for at least three years prior to selling, removing personal expenses and ensuring a professional leadership team is in place. Business success is heavily reliant on a strong three-legged stool: Sales/Marketing, Operations, and Finance. Neglecting the finance leg by going cheap on strategic advice is a common founder mistake. BEST MOMENTS "It is far better to buy a wonderful company at a fair price than a fair company at a wonderful price." "I've given away way more copies [of my book] than I've sold, but that's fine; it's a marketing tool." "One of the challenges is people will say, 'Oh, well, I'll just buy a competitor.' Well, if you've been competitors with this company for 20 years, you hate them and they hate you." "If you think education is expensive, try ignorance." "Ideas are cheap; it's the execution of the idea that creates value." BOOKS MENTIONED Add Then Multiply: How small businesses can think like big businesses and achieve exponential growth  https://amzn.to/3P8pq0R Entrepreneur Revolution: How to Develop your Entrepreneurial Mindset and Start a Business that Works, 3rd Edition https://amzn.to/41bHp94 ABOUT THE GUEST David B Horne https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-b-horne/ Books by Fredrik Sandvall Options Strategy: Build to Keep. Ready to Sell Tomorrow. For founders and CEOs who want businesses that compound in value, stay under control, and are always sale-ready. ⁠https://amzn.to/4pwVhoi⁠ The Abyss of Finance: Trust, Leverage and the Cycles of Collapse For investors and leaders who want to understand why financial systems break before they do. ⁠https://amzn.to/3YsRKfI⁠ About the Podcast Invest in You is a global podcast where entrepreneur and investor Fredrik Sandvall shares practical ideas and conversations with founders, investors, and operators. Episodes focus on investing, entrepreneurship, and building long-term control and freedom. Occasionally joined by his sons Ivan and Charlie, the show offers both experience-based insight and a next-generation perspective. Listeners in 155+ countries tune in to think clearer, act smarter, and build with intent. Community & Contact Podcast community: https://bit.ly/4jxF94k Fredrik Sandvall LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandvall/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/FredrikinLondon/

    50 min
  2. 5D AGO

    The AI Revolution: A New Frontier for Financial Advisors

    Today, Fredrik sits down with Daniel Yoo, the founder of Finmate AI and a former financial advisor, to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence in the financial sector. Daniel shares his journey from overseeing large amounts of client money to founding a fintech company focused on using AI to streamline administrative tasks for financial advisors. They cover a wide range of topics, including the importance of data privacy and trust in AI, the challenges and opportunities of the current AI boom, and the shift towards bespoke AI solutions for smaller businesses. Daniel also provides valuable insights into the future of AI, touching on its potential impact on employment, energy usage, and even military applications. KEY TAKEAWAYS Daniel emphasises that AI's primary value for financial advisors lies in its ability to handle administrative burdens, such as note-taking and documentation, allowing advisors to focus more on client interaction and relationship-building. As basic AI tools like note-takers become commoditised, the real value is moving towards custom-built AI agents tailored to the specific needs and workflows of individual businesses. Finmate AI differentiates itself by prioritising data privacy, avoiding pulling data from advisor sources, and implementing proactive data deletion to ensure client information remains secure. While AI can significantly enhance efficiency, Daniel stresses the importance of maintaining human oversight to prevent errors, especially in sensitive areas like communication and data management. AI is no longer just a niche tool; it's becoming ubiquitous, and businesses that effectively integrate it into their operations will be better positioned for future success. BEST MOMENTS "With advancements in AI, the cost of development has gone down quite significantly, which opens up a space to do more custom work for small to mid-sized businesses as well." "We’re starting to see AI-powered workflow checks. Having AI monitor certain systems and then flag certain things for a human-in-the-loop to come in and step in." "The biggest mistake people make, especially if they’re really into the space and know how to do a lot of things, is not instituting the proper safeguard measures." "The landscape is changing just so, so quickly. Understand what powers you're giving your AI and what you're giving them to [do]." "Investing in yourself means making sure you’re continually learning, especially when you’re in a field that feels like this one, where everything changes in two months' time." ABOUT THE GUEST Daniel Yoo  https://www.linkedin.com/in/smyoo/ https://finmate.ai/  Books by Fredrik Sandvall Options Strategy: Build to Keep. Ready to Sell Tomorrow. For founders and CEOs who want businesses that compound in value, stay under control, and are always sale-ready. ⁠https://amzn.to/4pwVhoi⁠ The Abyss of Finance: Trust, Leverage and the Cycles of Collapse For investors and leaders who want to understand why financial systems break before they do. ⁠https://amzn.to/3YsRKfI⁠ About the Podcast Invest in You is a global podcast where entrepreneur and investor Fredrik Sandvall shares practical ideas and conversations with founders, investors, and operators. Episodes focus on investing, entrepreneurship, and building long-term control and freedom. Occasionally joined by his sons Ivan and Charlie, the show offers both experience-based insight and a next-generation perspective. Listeners in 155+ countries tune in to think clearer, act smarter, and build with intent. Community & Contact Podcast community: https://bit.ly/4jxF94k Fredrik Sandvall LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandvall/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/FredrikinLondon/

    41 min
  3. MAR 25

    Investing in the Self: Habits, Routines, and the Power of Mindset

    In this powerful episode, Fredrik and Ivan sit down with Athena Brownson, a former professional freestyle skier turned top-tier real estate broker in Denver, Colorado. Athena shares her incredible journey from competing in the X Games and traveling the global race circuit to navigating a career-ending injury and a decade-long battle with chronic Lyme disease.  KEY TAKEAWAYS The high-level accountability, visualization, and discipline required in professional sports translate directly to the rigors of entrepreneurship. Success in real estate isn't just about closing deals; it’s about becoming a "trusted advisor" through "unreasonable hospitality," going above and beyond to make clients feel seen and valued. Transitioning from an "only child/solo athlete" mindset to building a complementary team is essential to avoid burnout and scale a business. Healing from chronic illness or professional setbacks requires more than physical effort; it demands a conscious commitment to mindfulness, therapy, and "brain retraining". When motivation runs low, falling back on solid morning and evening routines such as gratitude journaling and meditation is what keeps a trajectory moving upward. BEST MOMENTS "Real estate can be very transactional if you let it... my goal is always to create a relational experience where people walk away saying, 'I now have a trusted advisor for everything I’ll ever need within my home.'" "I look at my ski career, and I think it was probably the best business school I ever could have asked for." "If you're not taking care of these elements, if you're not taking care of you, then you can't take care of anything else at a high level. You can't pour from an empty cup." "Luxury means just giving more; hospitality means being more thoughtful." "You can do hard things... when we come into it with the mindset of being capable and strong, we encounter it with much more grace." Books by Fredrik Sandvall Options Strategy: Build to Keep. Ready to Sell Tomorrow. For founders and CEOs who want businesses that compound in value, stay under control, and are always sale-ready. ⁠https://amzn.to/4pwVhoi⁠ The Abyss of Finance: Trust, Leverage and the Cycles of Collapse For investors and leaders who want to understand why financial systems break before they do. ⁠https://amzn.to/3YsRKfI⁠ About the Podcast Invest in You is a global podcast where entrepreneur and investor Fredrik Sandvall shares practical ideas and conversations with founders, investors, and operators. Episodes focus on investing, entrepreneurship, and building long-term control and freedom. Occasionally joined by his sons Ivan and Charlie, the show offers both experience-based insight and a next-generation perspective. Listeners in 155+ countries tune in to think clearer, act smarter, and build with intent. Community & Contact Podcast community: https://bit.ly/4jxF94k Fredrik Sandvall LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandvall/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/FredrikinLondon/

    56 min
  4. MAR 20

    Masterclass on Business Acquisitions with John Andrews

    Today, Fredrik sits down with John Andrews, a specialist in business acquisitions from Ronald Fletcher Baker in the UK. With over a decade of experience in the field, John shares his expertise on the intricacies of the SME (Small and Medium-sized Enterprise) acquisition market. They cover a wide range of topics, from the initial mindset shift required for business owners to believe their companies are sellable, to the detailed legal and financial processes involved in structuring a deal. John emphasises the importance of a well-prepared business, highlighting the roles of specialised legal and financial advice, thorough due diligence, and the subtle yet crucial human elements that can make or break an acquisition.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Many business owners fail to realise their companies are sellable. A well-structured business with clear processes and procedures is almost always attractive to the right buyer. When navigating the complex world of acquisitions, it's essential to have a team of specialists, including M&A lawyers and accountants who understand the nuances of the market. While financial health is paramount, thorough due diligence also involves understanding legal risks, potential liabilities, and the overall culture and staff dynamics of the target company. Different deal structures, such as using Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) or holding companies, can provide protection against historical liabilities and tax inefficiencies. Acquisitions are not just about balance sheets; they're about people. Maintaining positive relationships with staff, clients, and the seller is often the key to a smooth and successful transition. BEST MOMENTS "If you get your business structured right, then there will be a buyer for it. So you need the belief first of all, and then secondly, you need the processes in place." "The starting point in any deal is going to be how much can I sell, how much can I sell for, and for any buyer is well how much am I willing to pay? And the starting point for all of that are the accounts." "You always have to be prepared to walk away from a deal if it's not right. Either because the price isn't right or because the risks that are involved in acquiring that business are too high." "It's that culture clash between the strict hard private equity model that financially is successful on a big scale versus the culture model on which lots of smaller businesses, SMEs are built on." Books by Fredrik Sandvall Options Strategy: Build to Keep. Ready to Sell Tomorrow. For founders and CEOs who want businesses that compound in value, stay under control, and are always sale-ready. ⁠https://amzn.to/4pwVhoi⁠ The Abyss of Finance: Trust, Leverage and the Cycles of Collapse For investors and leaders who want to understand why financial systems break before they do. ⁠https://amzn.to/3YsRKfI⁠ About the Podcast Invest in You is a global podcast where entrepreneur and investor Fredrik Sandvall shares practical ideas and conversations with founders, investors, and operators. Episodes focus on investing, entrepreneurship, and building long-term control and freedom. Occasionally joined by his sons Ivan and Charlie, the show offers both experience-based insight and a next-generation perspective. Listeners in 155+ countries tune in to think clearer, act smarter, and build with intent. Community & Contact Podcast community: https://bit.ly/4jxF94k Fredrik Sandvall LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandvall/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/FredrikinLondon/

    52 min
  5. MAR 18

    Building a Global Health Tech Platform from the Ground Up

    Today, we sit down with Taylor Cannon, the Australian-born physiotherapist turned tech founder of Rebuilder. Taylor shares her inspiring transition from clinical practice to launching a global health tech platform in the United States. We explore her mission to shift the healthcare industry from a reactive ‘appointment-based’ model to a proactive, continuous care approach that blends physical therapy with everyday fitness. Taylor dives deep into the role of AI in healthcare, emphasising that while AI is a powerful tool for scaling and efficiency, the human element remains irreplaceable in treating complex issues like chronic pain. KEY TAKEAWAYS The current healthcare model is largely reactive; the future lies in ‘proactive care’, where rehabilitation and fitness merge to help individuals maintain mobility long before an injury occurs. Traditional therapy often leaves patients "on pause" between sessions. Rebuilder aims to provide continuous, asynchronous support to ensure better outcomes and higher patient capacity for clinicians. While AI can handle data analysis and efficiency (like motion analysis), it cannot replace the empathy and complex problem-solving of a human clinician. Taylor emphasises a ‘hire slow, fire fast’ approach, prioritising coachability and work ethic over pure technical skill in the early stages of a startup. For founders without a pre-existing audience, growth can be accelerated by partnering with influencers and established distributors rather than trying to build a community from scratch. BEST MOMENTS "People need a human alongside this AI. There’s a big missing piece to pain, and pain is that complex." "I don't want PTs to be identified as people that you go to when you're in pain. I really want to shift from a reactive model to a proactive model." "Work ethic in many circumstances for me would beat skill. If somebody has an incredible work ethic. I would probably pick the person with the high work ethic." "You’re not a tree. You don’t have roots in the ground. You can move toward opportunity and explore it." "The limitation to your company is your vision and passion. Keep going, keep growing." Books by Fredrik Sandvall Options Strategy: Build to Keep. Ready to Sell Tomorrow. For founders and CEOs who want businesses that compound in value, stay under control, and are always sale-ready. ⁠https://amzn.to/4pwVhoi⁠ The Abyss of Finance: Trust, Leverage and the Cycles of Collapse For investors and leaders who want to understand why financial systems break before they do. ⁠https://amzn.to/3YsRKfI⁠ About the Podcast Invest in You is a global podcast where entrepreneur and investor Fredrik Sandvall shares practical ideas and conversations with founders, investors, and operators. Episodes focus on investing, entrepreneurship, and building long-term control and freedom. Occasionally joined by his sons Ivan and Charlie, the show offers both experience-based insight and a next-generation perspective. Listeners in 155+ countries tune in to think clearer, act smarter, and build with intent. Community & Contact Podcast community: https://bit.ly/4jxF94k Fredrik Sandvall LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandvall/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/FredrikinLondon/

    48 min
  6. MAR 13

    Private Credit Unlocked: The Secret Wealth Strategy of the Ultra-Rich

    Today, Fredrik and Ivan take a deep dive into the elusive world of private credit. Once a strategy reserved strictly for the ultra-wealthy, private credit is now becoming a topic of interest for those looking for stable cash flow and high yields outside the traditional banking system. They explore what private credit actually is, its current role in the global economy, and the potential risks lurking beneath its seemingly calm surface. They also touch upon broader economic trends, including the impact of global conflicts on market stability and the concept of ‘liquidity illusions’. KEY TAKEAWAYS It is essentially lending that happens outside the traditional banking system, where terms are negotiated directly between the lender and the borrower. Historically, private credit has offered high returns, often in the double digits, but it typically requires capital to be locked up for five to seven years. This asset class is primarily accessible to ultra-high-net-worth individuals and large institutions like pension funds and insurance companies. A significant danger in private credit is the ‘liquidity illusion’, the belief that assets can be easily converted to cash, which fails when everyone tries to exit at once. Unlike public markets that react instantly to news, private markets have a ‘valuation lag’, which can mask underlying risks during economic downturns. BEST MOMENTS "The cool thing with private credit? It's only available if you are really, really rich." "When the market doesn't have trust, we are in big trouble." "Your pension is here in private credit, whether you want it or not, whether you know it or not." "There is a reason why billionaires have got bunkers." "Private credit is facing challenges, because of a somewhat lack of trust, which sees early redemptions." Books by Fredrik Sandvall Options Strategy: Build to Keep. Ready to Sell Tomorrow. For founders and CEOs who want businesses that compound in value, stay under control, and are always sale-ready. ⁠https://amzn.to/4pwVhoi⁠ The Abyss of Finance: Trust, Leverage and the Cycles of Collapse For investors and leaders who want to understand why financial systems break before they do. ⁠https://amzn.to/3YsRKfI⁠ About the Podcast Invest in You is a global podcast where entrepreneur and investor Fredrik Sandvall shares practical ideas and conversations with founders, investors, and operators. Episodes focus on investing, entrepreneurship, and building long-term control and freedom. Occasionally joined by his sons Ivan and Charlie, the show offers both experience-based insight and a next-generation perspective. Listeners in 155+ countries tune in to think clearer, act smarter, and build with intent. Community & Contact Podcast community: https://bit.ly/4jxF94k Fredrik Sandvall LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandvall/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/FredrikinLondon/

    43 min
  7. MAR 6

    How Coding Systems Drive Better Trades

    The world of trading can feel like a high-stakes psychological battlefield, but for Ran Aroussi, it’s a game of systems and logic. In this episode, Ran joins hosts Ivan and the team to discuss his transition from a 35-year coding and engineering background into the world of quantitative trading. Ran explains his ‘psychological reactionary’ style, which avoids deep fundamental analysis in favour of measuring price action and standard deviation. The group explores the burgeoning role of AI in market prediction, the necessity of emotional discipline, and why a simplified set of rules often beats a complex one. KEY TAKEAWAYS A background in engineering and coding provides a significant edge in trading by forcing an investor to view market data through a structured, systematic lens. Successful trading doesn't always require complex math; sometimes, rules as simple as ‘buying after two down days’ can outperform broader indices like the S&P 500. AI won't necessarily replace traders but will shift their role from manual execution to ‘orchestrating’ agents that can recognise patterns and predict support/resistance levels in real-time. In the trading world, the ability to stick to a predefined system (discipline) is often more valuable than raw intelligence or the ability to predict the future. A common mistake in backtesting is using the same data set repeatedly to find a ‘sweet spot’, which leads to strategies that work on past data but fail in live markets. BEST MOMENTS "I don't think we're great value investors. Coming from programming, you tend to type a few things and see a result." "The markets are not efficient; otherwise, nobody would make money outside of investing in the S&P." "My job is no longer typing; my job is to orchestrate and give the strategy and a set of rules and direction to the AI." "If there's something that the market gives you, it's constant feedback. You need to know what's not working in order to know what to improve." "I'd rather not lose 50% on a stock than gain 2,000% on a stock because I can't predict it. I'd rather make the easier bets." Ran Aroussi  X @aroussi Free book productionaibook.com  LI https://www.linkedin.com/in/aroussi/  Books by Fredrik Sandvall Options Strategy: Build to Keep. Ready to Sell Tomorrow. For founders and CEOs who want businesses that compound in value, stay under control, and are always sale-ready. ⁠https://amzn.to/4pwVhoi⁠ The Abyss of Finance: Trust, Leverage and the Cycles of Collapse For investors and leaders who want to understand why financial systems break before they do. ⁠https://amzn.to/3YsRKfI⁠ About the Podcast Invest in You is a global podcast where entrepreneur and investor Fredrik Sandvall shares practical ideas and conversations with founders, investors, and operators. Episodes focus on investing, entrepreneurship, and building long-term control and freedom. Occasionally joined by his sons Ivan and Charlie, the show offers both experience-based insight and a next-generation perspective. Listeners in 155+ countries tune in to think clearer, act smarter, and build with intent. Community & Contact Podcast community: https://bit.ly/4jxF94k Fredrik Sandvall LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandvall/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/FredrikinLondon/

    1h 7m
  8. MAR 4

    200th Episode Reflections on Compounding Success

    In this landmark 200th episode, the Invest in You team reflects on a nine-year journey that began in Bali back in March 2017. Fredrik and his two sons, Charlie and Ivan, dive into the history of the podcast, from their early days in the ‘Junior MBA’ program to interviewing high-profile guests like Grant Cardone and billionaire fund managers. They discuss how small, consistent actions have compounded over time, leading to over a million downloads across 155 countries. KEY TAKEAWAYS Fredrik emphasises that investing in one's own physical and mental health, mindset, and continuous learning yields the greatest rewards. Success is not linear but exponential; small, consistent efforts, like recording 200 episodes, compound over time to produce significant results. Relying on pre-made decisions and habits (systems) is far more effective than waiting for motivation, which is often unreliable. The primary difference between those who succeed and those who don’t is the willingness to take consistent action rather than just consuming information. Failure is presented not as a detour but as an essential part of the learning process, whether in programming, sports, or business. BEST MOMENTS "Self-investment is the highest returning asset class." "He who holds the gold has control." "Systems beat motivation, the value of the pre-made decision." "Attention is currency, trust is equity." "People are just people. If you humble yourself, you can meet some really cool people." Books Mentioned Atomic Habits  https://amzn.to/4rP05aI Books by Fredrik Sandvall Options Strategy: Build to Keep. Ready to Sell Tomorrow. For founders and CEOs who want businesses that compound in value, stay under control, and are always sale-ready. ⁠https://amzn.to/4pwVhoi⁠ The Abyss of Finance: Trust, Leverage and the Cycles of Collapse For investors and leaders who want to understand why financial systems break before they do. ⁠https://amzn.to/3YsRKfI⁠ About the Podcast Invest in You is a global podcast where entrepreneur and investor Fredrik Sandvall shares practical ideas and conversations with founders, investors, and operators. Episodes focus on investing, entrepreneurship, and building long-term control and freedom. Occasionally joined by his sons Ivan and Charlie, the show offers both experience-based insight and a next-generation perspective. Listeners in 155+ countries tune in to think clearer, act smarter, and build with intent. Community & Contact Podcast community: https://bit.ly/4jxF94k Fredrik Sandvall LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandvall/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/FredrikinLondon/

    1h 12m
5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Invest in You is a global podcast where Fredrik Sandvall shares ideas and conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, and operators. The show explores investing, entrepreneurship, AI, and personal development with a focus on long-term value, ownership, and clear decision-making. Occasionally joined by his sons, Charlie and Ivan, the podcast blends experience with a next-generation perspective. The goal is simple: help you think better, act with intent, and build a life and portfolio that compound over time.