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

    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

    57 min
  2. 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

    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

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

    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

    58 min
  4. Transforming Business Networking Through Fitness with Lorraine Fitzpatrick | FMU

    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

    1h 1m
  5. How I Landed a 7-Figure CEO as My First Client and Why I hid my Autism | Adam Lowther | FMU

    Mar 25

    How I Landed a 7-Figure CEO as My First Client and Why I hid my Autism | Adam Lowther | FMU

    FREEBIE BELOW! In this episode, we sit down with Adam Lowther, a sales optimization consultant who is redefining what it means to succeed against the odds. Diagnosed with autism at age eight and told by teachers to settle for average, Adam refused to let a label define his ceiling. Instead, he built a business helping high-ticket coaches and consultants master the art of conversion. We dive deep into the flaws of the current education system, the psychological tactics behind successful sales, and how to turn perceived disadvantages into unfair advantages. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, Adam's journey from knocking on doors in the snow to landing elite global clients offers invaluable lessons on resilience and the "scientist mindset". FREEBIE - Canyon to Conversion Framework https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CscYLgy_ANRu3Ie7xVpCCqvc7-7s1zm-fRz9YJEs5kA/edit Follow Adam's on Socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adammarklowther Website: https://stan.store/adamlowther/p/free-30minute-sales-strategy-sessionFollow us on Socials:Instagram: / foundersmindsetunfiltered Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2jaATPG...TikTok: / foundermindsetpodcast Chapters: 00:00:00 - The Reality of Sales and Autism00:01:15 - Beating the Odds: Adam's Early Life 00:02:36 - Is the UK Education System Broken? 00:11:51 - Why We Need to Talk About Money in Schools 00:14:12 - Advice for the Fearful Entrepreneur 00:16:12 - Turning an Autism Diagnosis into a Superpower 00:26:47 - Private vs. State Schooling: The Brutal Truth 00:35:36 - Why Sales is All About Human Psychology 00:39:33 - Lessons from Door-to-Door Sales 00:43:39 - The Canyon Conversion Framework 01:01:19 - Mentorship Advice from Ali Abdaal 01:07:44 - How Adam Can Help Your Business Succeed

    1h 12m
  6. Before You Waste Your Money: 3 Secrets to Finding a Quality Course | David Mercado | FMU

    Feb 25

    Before You Waste Your Money: 3 Secrets to Finding a Quality Course | David Mercado | FMU

    Sales Geek Offer:FMU has partnered with SalesGeek Manchester to offer a 90-minute online session for £60 designed to shift your sales mindset and build real confidence. This session is ISP accredited, ensuring you learn from real sales professionals REGISTER FOR THE COURSE NOW! https://form.jotform.com/fmustudios/intro-into-sales APPRENTICE OPPORTUNITY - APPLY NOW: https://linkly.link/2bgJd In this unfiltered episode of the FMU Founders Mindset Unfiltered podcast, we sit down with David Mercado , a seasoned sales leader and the driving force behind SalesGeek Manchester. David has built his successful career around changing the negative narrative associated with sales. He helps businesses implement structured, practical, and nononsense sales systems to drive revenue. David shares his incredible journey, starting with his competitive baseball career in 2003, where he was even scouted by the Atlanta Braves. After an injury tragically ended his athletic dreams, David faced a massive "identity shift". He explains how the discipline, consistency, and resilience learned from competitive sports became the foundation for his success in the business world. Follow David on Socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/david.mercado.61/ https://www.instagram.com/salesgeekhq/ https://www.instagram.com/salesgeekmcr/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmercadosgm/ Follow us on Socials: Instagram: / foundersmindsetunfiltered Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2jaATPG... TikTok: / foundermindsetpodcast 00:00:00 - Guest Introduction & Background Story 00:04:55 - Failing Early and Letting Go of the “Perfect Plan” 00:09:40 - Why Self-Education Beats Traditional Schooling 00:15:30 - Learning Skills That Actually Make You Money 00:22:10 - How to Teach Yourself New Skills Effectively 00:30:45 - Real-World Experience vs Classroom Knowledge 00:38:20 - Overcoming Fear, Doubt, and Starting Late 00:47:30 - The Role of Mentors and Learning From Others 00:55:40 - How to Build Skills Without a Degree 01:04:10 - Career Pivots, Reinventing Yourself 01:12:45 - Creating Opportunities Through Action 01:20:30 - Saying Yes to Growth Opportunities 01:26:00 - Final Advice on Lifelong Learning

    1h 27m
  7. Steve Levy on Filmmaking, Entrepreneurship, and the Power of Storytelling

    Jan 28

    Steve Levy on Filmmaking, Entrepreneurship, and the Power of Storytelling

    I’m Stephen Levy, award-winning filmmaker, content creator, keynote speaker, and mentor. I help people tell powerful stories, make confident choices, and turn ideas into impact through film, content, and personal development. Follow my journey for filmmaking insights, creative guidance, and life lessons that matter. In this captivating conversation, we sit down with Steve Levy, a multi-award-winning film director and producer with 25 prestigious film awards and 45 official selections, having directed and produced films that have received international recognition. He is also the founder of SLTV Studios, where he helps brands and organizations bring their ideas to life through visual storytelling and connecting with their emotions. Follow Stephen Levy: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-i-levy Instagram: @sltvstudiosltd Website: http://sltvstudios.co.uk Follow us on Socials: Instagram: / foundersmindsetunfiltered Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2jaATPG... TikTok: / foundermindsetpodcast 00:00:00 - Introducing Steve Levy: Award-Winning Filmmaker and Founder of SLTV Studios00:02:37 - The Head, Stomach, Heart Decision-Making Framework00:07:03 - Applying the Framework for Entrepreneurs (Logic, Instincts, and Passion)00:10:02 - Conflict in Decision-Making: Why You Need a Mentor and Wise Counsel00:12:22 - How to Know You’ve Made the Right Business Decision (The Fruits Test)00:12:40 - The Transition from Senior Corporate Role (KPMG) to Founding SLTV Studios00:14:12 - Why Values Matter: Turning Down Work That Doesn't Align with Your Principles00:16:32 - The Biggest Entrepreneurial Shift: From Creative Skill to Business Acumen and Networking00:17:38 - Building Rapport: Using Random Facts (Like Football) as a Gateway to Relationships00:21:11 - Attention Spans and Storytelling: Why the Narrative Keeps People Hooked00:25:00 - The True Story Behind the Award-Winning Short Film Epiphany00:28:28 - The Power of Listening: Giving Someone Time to Speak00:31:47 - Why Steve Decided to Help the Stranger in Brick Lane00:32:28 - Why Epiphany Succeeded: Craft and Audience Connection00:33:51 - Burnout and Resilience Culture: Striking a Balance and Protecting Your Health00:36:37 - Juggling Multiple Roles and the Power of Saying 'Not Yet'00:38:40 - Mindset: Why Failure is Just a Classroom and the Importance of 'Blinkers'00:42:17 - The Path to Becoming a Filmmaker (From Martial Arts to TV Extras)00:45:37 - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Plan, Learn from Your Job, and Eliminate Debts00:48:50 - The Best Thing About the Creative Industry: The Introduction of AI00:49:53 - Is AI a Threat? It Comes Down to Intention and Adaptation00:53:47 - The Worst Thing About the Industry: Clients Knocking Down Pricing and Challenging Value01:02:02 - The Listening Test That Makes You A Better Listener

    1h 9m
  8. The Personal Branding "Deadline" Founders Are Ignoring: November 30, 2027

    Jan 14

    The Personal Branding "Deadline" Founders Are Ignoring: November 30, 2027

    Tariq Peters joins the FMU Founders Mindset Unfiltered podcast to deep-dive into why the pressure to build a personal brand is overwhelming entrepreneurs. As the creator of the P.H.A.S.E.S.® framework, Tariq provides a strategic approach to personal branding, ensuring it leads to tangible revenue and opportunities. Tariq reveals that his biggest frustration in building his brand was the "mindset element", specifically the paralyzing effects of imposter syndrome and lack of camera confidence.  Listen to Tariq's powerful advice, including: The 2027 Deadline: Tariq predicts the personal branding bubble will burst on November 30, 2027, five years after the launch of ChatGPT. This urgency means founders must act now.The P.H.A.S.E.S.® Framework: P (Positioning), H (Hook), A (Amplification), S (Strategic Partnerships), E (Engagement), and S (Sustainability). Tariq explains this as a "credibility-driven visibility system".Expertise over Visibility: In a tough spot, Tariq argues that expertise is more important than visibility because you can still thrive in a niche without mass appeal.Authenticity in AI: In a world saturated with AI-generated perfection, unedited content highlights the fact that "you're human" and is the "diamond in the dirt". 0:00:00 - Introduction and Personal Branding0:00:18 - Overcoming the Fear of Mistakes0:00:41 - The Struggle with Imposter Syndrome0:00:55 - Does Not Editing Videos Drop Professionalism?0:01:09 - Welcome to the FMU Founders Mindset Unfiltered Podcast0:01:35 - Introducing Tariq Peters and the P.H.A.S.E.S.® Framework0:02:33 - The Darkest Moment: Overcoming the Mindset Element 0:03:35 - How to Push Through the Hard Patch (Without Skydiving)0:05:43 - Becoming a Sponge and the 1% Better Principle0:06:58 - The Ultimate Goal: Reverse Engineering with AI Tools0:07:35 - Hardest Part of Running a Business with You as the Brand0:07:53 - Separating Your Personal Brand vs. Business Brand0:10:01 - The Benefits of Boosting Your Personal Brand0:10:29 - Building Your Tribe in the Era of Interest Media0:13:52 - The Importance of Expertise and an Evergreen Portfolio0:17:16 - Why Mainstream Personal Branding Strategies are Flawed0:19:39 - Why Corporate Branding Waters Down the Spark0:21:28 - The Power of Being True to Yourself0:22:28 - Personal Branding as Unlearning (It's Not Just About Influencers)0:24:04 - The Compounding Effect and Delayed Gratification0:25:36 - The Full Form of the P.H.A.S.E.S.® Framework0:25:56 - Why the Framework is Named "P.H.A.S.E.S.®"0:29:52 - The P.H.A.S.E.S.® Framework: A Credibility-Driven Visibility System0:32:09 - The Career Journey to Entrepreneurship0:32:41 - The Fear of Instability and Job Security0:35:49 - The Loneliness of Being Your Own Boss0:37:30 - The Personal Branding Bubble Deadline: November 30, 20270:37:47 - The Risk of Missing the AI and SEO Deadline0:40:50 - The Case for Unedited, Authentic Video Content0:42:36 - The Two Parts of Why Tariq Doesn't Edit0:45:39 - Top Two Tips for Overcoming Camera Fear0:47:26 - The 12 Days of Canva AI: Creating Memorable Digital Experiences0:50:38 - Visibility: Is it Just About Who Can Shout the Loudest?0:53:01 - Visibility vs. Expertise: Which Matters More?0:54:52 - How Skydiving Influenced Tariq's Decision0:58:07 - Being Named in PR Week UK 30 Under 301:02:05 - How to Shut Out the Quiet Voice of Imposter Syndrome Website: https://tariqpeters.co.uk/ Email: hello@tariqpeters.co.uk Substack: https://substack.com/@1mvisibilityblueprint LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tariq-peters-personal-branding-strategist/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tariqpeters_pr TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tariqpeters_pr Follow us on Socials:Instagram: / foundersmindsetunfiltered Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2jaATPG...TikTok: / foundermindsetpodcast

    1h 18m

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