Founders Mindset Unfiltered Podcast

Founders Mindset Unfiltered Podcast

Founders Mindset Unfiltered dives deep into the real stories behind the startup grind. Hosted with honesty and curiosity, this podcast brings in early-stage entrepreneurs to share their unfiltered journeys,raw struggles, breakthrough moments, and the lessons learned while building their businesses from the ground up. Whether you're just starting out or knee-deep in your startup hustle, each episode delivers relatable, no-fluff conversations that aim to inspire, educate, and connect founders who are in the trenches. This is the podcast for those who want the truth behind the headlines-straight

  1. 4d ago

    UK’s No. 1 Body Language Expert Reveals the 7 Universal Facial Expressions You Can’t Fake And The Hidden Body Language Mistake Killing Your Sales Pitches! Darren Stanton | Founders Mindset Unfiltered

    Follow Darren Stanton X - @darrenstanton Instagram - tvhumanliedetector1 TikTok - tvhumanliedetector Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/share/19N2Z3qTdo/?mibextid=wwXIfr Welcome to another unfiltered episode of the Founders Mindset Unfiltered podcast! Whether you are pitching to major investors, hiring top-tier talent, or trying to close a high-stakes deal, understanding human behavior is the ultimate business superpower. In this episode, we sit down with the UK’s leading body language expert and "Human Lie Detector," Darren Stanton. Drawing from his 22 years of experience in the police force and his extensive background analyzing politicians, royals, and celebrities on networks like ITV and Amazon Prime, Darren breaks down how founders can leverage behavioral psychology to accelerate their business goals. We dive deep into the micro-expressions that reveal a client’s true thoughts, how to master hand gestures and tone to command any room, and the truth behind why traditional tools like polygraph tests fail. Darren also reveals the core psychological differences that separate the top 3% of successful entrepreneurs from the rest, sharing actionable insights from his book Project Jam Jar. Tune in to discover how to read inconsistencies in communication, avoid the traps of a "bad hire", and protect your business from deception. New episodes drop every two weeks on Wednesdays at 5:00 AM! Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an interview. Follow us on Socials: Instagram: / foundersmindsetunfiltered Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2jaATPG... TikTok: / foundermindsetpodcast Chapters 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:54 - Meet the Human Lie Detector: First Impressions 00:04:16 - Authentic Pitching: Showing Passion Without Being Overbearing 00:05:53 - The Power of Universal Hand Gestures & Open Palms 00:09:42 - Symmetrical Body Language, Mirroring, and Pacing 00:12:42 - Mastering Voice Tone and Commanding the Room 00:14:48 - The Psychology of NLP and Behavioral Profiling in Sales 00:22:50 - Reading Distancing Language & Spotting Hidden Objections 00:28:26 - 22 Years in the Police Force: Learning the "Tells" 00:31:43 - The Inspiration Behind the Career: From Cracker to the "Tea-Pot" House 00:34:45 - High-Stress Shifts and Dark Humor in the Force 00:37:05 - Inside the Mind of a Psychopath & Faked Grief in Documentaries 00:41:53 - Why the Polygraph is 130-Year-Old Flawed Technology 00:43:41 - The Real Reason the Jeremy Kyle Show Was Cancelled 00:46:15 - Analyzing Media Tycoons, Royals, and the High Stakes of TV Work 00:48:26 - Spotting White Lies vs. High-Stakes Deception Apprehension 00:50:29 - The Truth About Eye Contact and Blink Rates Under Stress 00:52:33 - CV Fraud: Spotting the Bad Hire in Recruitment 00:55:11 - The 7 Basic Facial Expressions and Micro-Expressions 00:58:33 - Overcompensating with Detail and Weaponizing Silence 01:00:53 - Behind the Scenes: Press Analysis of Football Managers 01:02:43 - "Anything to Declare" – Interactive Deception Games 01:05:46 - Project Jam Jar: Breaking Habitual Behaviors for Success 01:10:42 - The Daily Journal Routine for Elite Entrepreneurs 01:11:52 - Piano Background and Technology Pain Points in Business 01:15:19 - Can a Human Lie Detector Ever Truly Switch Off? 01:17:15 - Outro & Wrap-up

    UK’s No. 1 Body Language Expert Reveals the 7 Universal Facial Expressions You Can’t Fake And The Hidden Body Language Mistake Killing Your Sales Pitches! Darren Stanton | Founders Mindset Unfiltered
  2. Jul 8

    How to Reprogram Your Brain for Success in 21 Days | Founders Mindset Unfiltered | Aurore Prefumo

    Unlock the hidden blueprints of your mind with Aurore Prefumo, a transformative expert in RTT Hypnotherapy, Astrology, and Subconscious Work. In this episode of Founders Mindset Unfiltered, we dive deep into why 90-95% of our daily behavior is driven by subconscious programming from our early years. Aurore shares her journey from accounting to therapy and explains how she helps high-achieving women reclaim their voice and break free from "performing" for the world. We explore the science of attachment styles, the physiological roots of anxiety, and the power of neuroplasticity to reprogram limiting beliefs. Whether you are struggling with imposter syndrome, toxic relationship patterns, or a lack of professional fulfillment, this conversation provides actionable tools to ground yourself and step into your most authentic power. Follow Aurore LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/auroreprefumo/ Follow us on Socials: Instagram: / foundersmindsetunfiltered Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2jaATPG... TikTok: / foundermindsetpodcast Chapters 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:11 - The Illusion of Control and Subconscious Programming 00:05:01 - Understanding Your Attachment Style 00:10:17 - Defining the High-Achieving Woman 00:13:43 - The Rise of Anxiety in Your 20s 00:16:03 - Practical Tools for Grounding and Presence 00:18:52 - Demystifying Hypnotherapy and RTT 00:23:03 - Breaking the Pattern of Self-Sabotage 00:27:30 - Why You Attract the Same Type of Partner 00:30:17 - Healing Through Family Constellation and Lineage 00:36:17 - How Early Beliefs Limit Adult Potential 00:41:21 - Case Study: Rewiring Worthiness in 6 Months 00:44:09 - Aurore’s Personal Journey: From Anger to Advocacy 01:00:58 - Overcoming the Fear of Starting a Business 01:05:01 - The Truth About Imposter Syndrome 01:10:33 - Astrology as a Guidance Tool for Life 01:13:13 - Live Astrology Reading: Virgo, Leo, and Aquarius 01:20:13 - Rapid Fire Questions 01:21:53 - How to Work with Aurore Prefumo 01:24:41 - Closing Tradition and Visibility Bottlenecks

    How to Reprogram Your Brain for Success in 21 Days | Founders Mindset Unfiltered | Aurore Prefumo
  3. Jun 24

    Why Most Entrepreneurs Go Broke Before Retirement and Why Being "Rich" is a Trap (And How to Be Wealthy Instead)

    In this episode of Founders Mindset Unfiltered, we dive deep into the world of wealth management with Shubham Goel, founder of Goel Wealth Management and an Appointed Representative of St. James's Place Wealth Management. Shubham shares his powerful journey from scaling a software business to 12 million in annual revenue to facing a life-altering leukemia diagnosis that completely shifted his perspective on financial security. Whether you are an entrepreneur growing a business or an individual striving for financial independence, Shubham provides expert advice on retirement planning, investment strategies, and how to protect what you’ve built. We discuss the critical difference between being "rich" and being "wealthy," the trap of "lifestyle creep," and why even the most successful entrepreneurs are often the worst at managing their own money. Key Topics Covered: The Wealthy vs. The Rich: Understanding why assets and long-term planning matter more than flashy cars.Entrepreneurial Money Structures: How to manage business and personal finances using systems like "Profit First".Overcoming Adversity: How a health crisis led to a mission of helping others avoid the financial mistakes of neglected planning.Tax-Efficient Growth: Why pensions and ISAs remain the most powerful tools for building generational wealth. Connect with Shubham Goel: Website: www.goel.co.uk Email: shubham.goel@sjpp.co.uk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shubham-goel-dippfs-11b0a4130/ Follow us on Socials: Instagram: / foundersmindsetunfiltered Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2jaATPG... TikTok: / foundermindsetpodcast Chapters 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:03:51 - Rich vs. Wealthy: The Asset Mindset 00:04:56 - Avoid the Lifestyle Creep Trap 00:05:45 - Financial Habits of the Top 1% 00:06:38 - How "Boring" Businesses Make Millions 00:08:31 - The 12M Revenue Journey & Health Crisis 00:10:35 - Why I Hate the Term "Financial Advisor" 00:12:19 - Misconceptions About Financial Planning 00:13:57 - Why Entrepreneurs Fail at Personal Finance 00:15:58 - The Ultimate Money Structure for Founders 00:18:31 - Scaling Too Fast: The 30M Revenue Disaster 00:20:13 - Do Banks Actually Help You Build Wealth? 00:21:43 - The Truth About Modern Pensions 00:23:45 - The ISA Bridge Strategy for Early Retirement 00:24:42 - Why You Feel Financially Burdened 00:25:45 - Battling Leukemia While Running a Business 00:30:15 - Building Goel Wealth Management 00:31:52 - Overcoming the Fear of Failure 00:39:35 - Rapid Fire: Crypto, Best Investments, & More 00:42:42 - Closing Tradition: Managing the Time Bottleneck

    Why Most Entrepreneurs Go Broke Before Retirement and Why Being "Rich" is a Trap (And How to Be Wealthy Instead)
  4. Jun 10

    CEO Secrets: How to Make High-Stakes Decisions Without Emotion | Jamil Akhundov | FMU

    In this episode of Founders Mindset Unfiltered, we sit down with Jamil Akhundov, the Managing Partner of Plutos Associates and Plutos Capital. With over 16 years of experience in finance and debt advisory, Jamil shares his journey from starting a business in a bedroom to managing a specialist firm with 14 staff members. We dive deep into the high-stakes world of investment banking, where Jamil once clocked 100-hour weeks, and explore the "white knight" strategies his team used to save real estate clients during the pandemic. Whether you're curious about the mechanics of bridging loans, the ethics of modern finance, or why entrepreneurs should choose "concentration over diversification," this episode is a masterclass in resilience and strategic decision-making. Jamil also reveals his unique approach to hiring valuing "fire in the eyes" over Ivy League degrees and shares an incredible, century-spanning story of perseverance from his home country of Azerbaijan. Follow Jamil Akhundov on Socials: Email: j.akhundov@ploutas.co.uk Website:www.jamil-akhundov.com/ www.ploutas-capital.co.uk LinkedIn Jamil Akhundov: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamil-akhundov-86525214 Ploutos Associates | Ploutas Capital: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ploutos-associates-ploutas-capital/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ploutos.associates/ https://www.instagram.com/akhundovjamil/ Facebook @ploutosassociates.ploutascapital @jamil.akhundov Follow us on Socials: Instagram: / foundersmindsetunfiltered Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2jaATPG... TikTok: / foundermindsetpodcast Chapters 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:31 - Managing Stress and the 16-Year Journey 00:04:08 - Building a High-Performance Team 00:05:31 - The Hidden Costs of Outsourcing 00:08:50 - Why Motivation Beats Qualifications: A Success Story 00:13:24 - Scientific Decision-Making in Finance 00:15:05 - Learning from Failure: The 2020 Hotel Venture 00:17:16 - Concentration vs. Diversification 00:18:40 - The "White Knight" of Real Estate Finance 00:21:19 - Inside the Brutality of Investment Banking 00:26:08 - Plutos Associates vs. Plutos Capital 00:28:40 - Advice for Founders Raising Capital 00:31:40 - The Legendary 4.5-Year Dig: A Story of Perseverance 00:36:01 - Don’t Take Blind Risks: The Importance of a Cushion 00:36:56 - Why Private Lending is Faster Than Traditional Banks 00:39:12 - Understanding Bridging Loans and Property Refurbs 00:43:39 - Lending Against Crypto and Liquid Assets 00:44:53 - Using Language and Culture as a Competitive Edge 00:47:43 - Final Advice for Getting into Finance 00:51:47 - Jamil’s Current Business Pain Points 00:53:10 - Conclusion and Where to Connect

    CEO Secrets: How to Make High-Stakes Decisions Without Emotion | Jamil Akhundov | FMU
  5. May 20

    From Award-Winning Entrepreneur to Battling Cancer Twice: The Moonoon Jawadin Story | FMU Podcast

    Welcome to Founders Mindset Unfiltered, the podcast that dives deep into the raw, unedited journeys of successful entrepreneurs. In this powerful episode, we sit down with Moonoon Jawadin, an award-winning entrepreneur who built a multi-million pound catering empire and established a thriving real estate business in Dubai, only to be handed a "deadline for his life" at the age of 27. Moonii shares his harrowing yet inspiring journey of being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML)—not once, but twice. Hear the unfiltered truth about what happens when your body fails just as your business is peaking, the agonising decision to sell off a legacy while in a hospital bed, and the incredible bond with his sister that ultimately saved his life. Now in recovery, Moonii is rebuilding with a new perspective: "Life is a blessing". Whether you are a business owner facing setbacks or someone looking for the ultimate lesson in resilience, this episode is a masterclass in perspective, purpose, and the true meaning of "Founders Mindset." Follow Mooni on Socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneymoonii?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moonoon-jawadin-92891b130/ Follow us on Socials: Instagram: / foundersmindsetunfiltered Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2jaATPG... TikTok: / foundermindsetpodcast Chapters00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:21 - The Shock Diagnosis: 48 Hours to Live 00:04:14 - Managing an Empire from a Hospital Bed 00:06:12 - Misdiagnosed? From Food Poisoning to Organ Failure 00:09:15 - Winning Entrepreneur of the Year While Battling Cancer 00:11:49 - The Mental Battle: Signing My Own Chemotherapy Papers 00:13:30 - Understanding AML: The Rare Fight 00:16:38 - Advice for Dreamers Facing Setbacks 00:19:33 - The Relapse: Beating Cancer Twice 00:21:50 - The Unsung Hero: How My Sister’s Blood Saved Me 00:26:21 - Humble Beginnings: Working from Age 11 00:28:20 - The Chip Shop Conversation That Birthed a Catering Empire 00:31:09 - Undercutting the Competition with Quality 00:34:31 - Dubai Real Estate: Expanding Globally 00:36:50 - Selling at a Loss to Save My Sanity 00:40:56 - Adapting My Management Style for Recovery 00:42:12 - Football on Trent: Turning Hobbies into Community 00:45:30 - The Mission: Becoming a Charity Ambassador 00:48:21 - Was It All Worth It? 00:54:15 - Closing Thoughts and Future Collaborations

    From Award-Winning Entrepreneur to Battling Cancer Twice: The Moonoon Jawadin Story | FMU Podcast
  6. May 6

    The Secret Interview Formula That I Use to Get High Paying Role And Why You Should Carry an EMPTY Notebook to Your Next Interview | Darren Sebastian | FMU

    Land your Band 6, 7 or 8 role. https://nhs-pharma-path.base44.app/ Master the art of the interview with Darren Sebastian, a lead surgical pharmacist and the visionary founder of PharmPrep. In this episode of Founders Mindset Unfiltered, we dive deep into the gap between academic clinical knowledge and the real-world communication skills needed to land competitive roles in the NHS and private healthcare sectors. Darren shares his unfiltered journey from failing A-levels and university exams to accelerating his career into a lead pharmacist position in record time. Whether you are a pharmacy student, an overseas professional transitioning to the UK, or looking to move from community to hospital pharmacy, this episode provides actionable strategies to build confidence and "break out of your shell". Learn How To: - Structure your answers using professional frameworks to avoid rambling. - Navigate high-pressure interviews by utilizing the power of the "pause" and carrying a notebook. - Leverage failure as a stepping stone to rapid career advancement. - Research hospital ethics and values to stand out from other candidates. Follow Darren on Socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pharmprep_app?igsh=YWdyMmlxNXZsOGhn&utm_source=qr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-sebastian-34772331b/ Follow us on Socials: Instagram: / foundersmindsetunfiltered Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2jaATPG... TikTok: / foundermindsetpodcast Chapters 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:44 - Why Clinically Smart Students Fail Interviews 00:04:26 - What NHS Interviewers Are REALLY Looking For 00:05:41 - Darren’s Journey: Failing A-Levels to Lead Pharmacist 00:09:53 - How to Accelerate Your Career Through Failure 00:12:50 - The Sacrifice: Losing Friendships for Success 00:14:34 - Why PharmPrep Was Started 00:17:11 - Building a Business While Working 8-6 00:20:52 - How PharmPrep Mentors Aspiring Pharmacists 00:23:28 - The Secret Power of the Interview "Pause" 00:26:22 - Does Honesty Help You Pass Interviews? 00:29:41 - Common Interview Mistakes: Structure & Research 00:33:09 - Advice for University Students: Start Failing Now 00:37:04 - The Hardest Part of Starting PharmPrep 00:40:02 - Time Management for Busy Entrepreneurs 00:42:25 - Future Dreams: Post-Surgical Pain Clinics 00:45:09 - LIVE 1-Minute Mock Interview & Feedback 00:49:41 - Top 3 Overall Tips for Your Next Interview 00:53:14 - Pain Points: Growing a Pharmacy Brand on Social Media 00:54:50 - How to Reach Darren and PharmPrep

    The Secret Interview Formula That I Use to Get High Paying Role And Why You Should Carry an EMPTY Notebook to Your Next Interview | Darren Sebastian | FMU
  7. Apr 22

    Why 10x More People Open Up to Bots Instead of Real Therapists, Fighting Anxiety And Building An AI App To Help With Mental Health

    Download Talk To Breezi https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/talk-to-breezi-ai-therapy/id6742734367 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.talktobreezi.app&hl=en_GB https://www.talktobreezi.com/ In this episode of Founders Mindset Unfiltered, we dive deep into the often-overlooked emotional toll of entrepreneurship. Join us as we welcome Becky Weatherley, the visionary founder of Breezi, an innovative AI-driven mental health platform. Becky shares her personal journey of battling anxiety since her university days and how her struggles with traditional therapy led her to build a solution that bridges the gap between technology and human support. We explore the reality of anxiety for founders, described by Becky as a constant "devil on your shoulder" and discuss how AI can provide a judgment-free space for emotional expression. From her early "bootstrapping" days and challenging experiences with festival investors to the rapid growth of Breezi, Becky offers raw insights into the resilience required to build a tech startup in the mental health space. Whether you are a founder facing burnout, curious about the future of AI therapy, or looking for actionable mental health advice, this episode provides a "slap in the face" of honesty and inspiration. Follow Becky on Socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breezitherapy/ https://www.instagram.com/beckybreezi/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-weatherley-43103687/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/talk-to-breezi/ Follow us on Socials: Instagram: / foundersmindsetunfiltered Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2jaATPG... TikTok: / foundermindsetpodcast Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:10 - Becky’s Story: Hidden Anxiety at University 00:04:14 - The Backstory: From Bad Jobs to Panic Attacks 00:06:07 - What Anxiety Feels Like: The Devil on Your Shoulder 00:08:23 - The Problem with Traditional NHS Therapy 00:09:25 - Explaining CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) 00:10:47 - Finding the Right Therapist: The "Slap in the Face" Method 00:13:09 - Pushing Through Fear: Presentations and Milestones 00:15:13 - Reframing Anxiety into Passion 00:17:08 - How AI Connects with Us Emotionally 00:19:46 - Breezi vs. ChatGPT: Avoiding the "Yes Man" Loop 00:21:46 - Why People Trust Bots More Than Humans 00:24:27 - The Development of Breezi: Building the Team 00:29:45 - Investor Nightmares: "You’re Just Young Idiots" 00:33:00 - Death Threats and Ghosting in the Music Industry 00:35:21 - User Feedback: Why Breezi is Going Deeper 00:36:52 - Are Therapists Threatened by AI? 00:38:12 - The Research: AI as a Supplement to Human Therapy 00:41:54 - Managing OCD and Addictive Loops in Tech 00:44:15 - The Numbers: Helping 1,000+ Regular Users 00:46:48 - Messing Up: The Only Way to Learn 00:50:06 - Advice for Struggling Entrepreneurs

    Why 10x More People Open Up to Bots Instead of Real Therapists, Fighting Anxiety And Building An AI App To Help With Mental Health
  8. Apr 8

    Transforming Business Networking Through Fitness with Lorraine Fitzpatrick | FMU

    Check out the next Power Circle Club event at Everlast Gym, Trafford https://www.eventbrite.com/e/networking-for-professionals-who-like-fitness-tickets-1985257987081?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=&utm-share-source=mobile-search-results Does traditional networking feel forced or awkward? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Lorraine Fitzpatrick, founder of The Power Circle Club, who is revolutionizing how entrepreneurs connect. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of fitness-based networking and why building genuine relationships is the key to business success. Lorraine shares her journey from being a mortgage advisor in Liverpool to becoming a fractional sales director and event founder. We discuss: - The "Marmite" of Networking: Why some people love it, some hate it, and how your mindset changes everything. - Overcoming Nerves: Practical advice for walking into a room full of strangers and making meaningful connections. - The Power Circle Club: How combining a workout with business can break down barriers and lead to £8,000 deals. - The "Go Big or Go Home" Mindset: Transitioning to self-employment and the reality of balancing business with being a full-time parent. - High-Stakes Fitness: Lorraine’s experience with Hyrox and how physical challenges fuel professional growth. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with insights on building a support network that fuels both your net worth and your personal growth. Follow Lorraine on Socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/powercircleclub/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraine-fitzpatrick-42850432/Follow us on Socials:Instagram: / foundersmindsetunfiltered Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2jaATPG...TikTok: / foundermindsetpodcast Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Lorraine Fitzpatrick 00:01:44 - The Reality of Traditional Networking 00:08:31 - Advice for Nervous Networkers 00:13:32 - Why Traditional Networking Needs to Change 00:15:09 - The Birth of the Power Circle Club 00:27:04 - Transitioning to Self-Employment 00:39:46 - Your Network is Your Support System 00:44:40 - The Mental Game of Hyrox & Fitness 00:49:50 - Hard Lessons in Business Growth 00:54:14 - Long-Term Vision & Helping the Next Generation 00:56:41 - Next Events & Closing Remarks

    Transforming Business Networking Through Fitness with Lorraine Fitzpatrick | FMU

About

Founders Mindset Unfiltered dives deep into the real stories behind the startup grind. Hosted with honesty and curiosity, this podcast brings in early-stage entrepreneurs to share their unfiltered journeys,raw struggles, breakthrough moments, and the lessons learned while building their businesses from the ground up. Whether you're just starting out or knee-deep in your startup hustle, each episode delivers relatable, no-fluff conversations that aim to inspire, educate, and connect founders who are in the trenches. This is the podcast for those who want the truth behind the headlines-straight