The Growth Mindset

Silawath Irshad

Welcome to The Growth Mindset Podcast, where we unleash your potential. Hosted by Silawath Irshad, we explore topics like personal and professional growth, finance, science, religion, health, and more. Each week, experts share their success stories and offer practical tips to help you develop a growth mindset. Our goal is to inspire you to overcome challenges and achieve your goals by embracing growth and continuous learning. Join us for inspiration, motivation, and practical advice on cultivating a growth mindset. #GrowthMindset #Inspiration #Motivation #Success #Podcast.

  1. Is Social Media Destroying Our Kids? The Truth Nobody Wants to Hear

    4D AGO

    Is Social Media Destroying Our Kids? The Truth Nobody Wants to Hear

    What if the biggest threat to the next generation isn't poverty, politics, or war — but the phone in their hands?In this powerful conversation, Silawath Irshad sits down with Siddharth Choudhary — speaker, storyteller, and one of India's most authentic voices on mindset and modern life — for a deeply honest discussion on how social media, movies, and digital culture are quietly reshaping the way our youth think, feel, and dream.🧠 What We Cover in This Episode:Siddharth opens with a stat that stopped us in our tracks: when kids today are asked what they want to be when they grow up, the number one answer is no longer doctor, engineer, or astronaut. It's an influencer. From there, the conversation goes deep — into dopamine, desire, distraction, and the difficult truth that most adults aren't willing to admit: this isn't just a kids' problem.We talk about the "WhatsApp University" effect — how adults form entire political and religious identities based on unverified forwards. We talk about screen time at the dinner table and what a child psychologist told Siddharth about toddlers missing developmental milestones because their brains never learned to be bored. We talk about weddings being re-enacted because the camera missed the shot, and what that says about how we now experience real life.But this episode is not pessimistic. Siddharth brings the balance that only someone who lives inside the content world — and has the self-awareness to critique it — can bring. Social media, he says, is a mirror. It reflects you. The algorithm isn't evil. It's trained. And if it can be trained badly, it can also be trained well.He shares practical, honest, non-bookish ways he personally reshaped his own digital habits — including a surprisingly simple method using your phone's screen time settings and the "Not Interested" button that most people never use. He talks about what your Instagram For You page reveals about your character (and why it might be the most honest dating profile you have). And he ends with a question that hit hard:Would the version of you from your childhood be proud of the person you've become?Not your bank balance. Not your follower count. Just you — as a person.If you've ever felt like you're consuming more than you're becoming, this episode is for you.⏱️ Episode Breakdown:00:00 — Intro & welcome01:44 — #1 dream job for kids today? Influencer (not doctor, not engineer)03:08 — How social media is literally reshaping Gen Z's language & personality04:02 — Why Bollywood now casts actors based on Instagram followers05:02 — Weddings redone for the reel — when content replaces real emotion07:04 — WhatsApp University: how adults are just as affected as kids09:20 — What a psychologist revealed about toddlers missing growth milestones11:08 — "I want people to watch me — but not at the cost of society."22:07 — Dopamine explained: why one minute of content ruins real relationships29:17 — Conscious vs unconscious consumption — and how to tell the difference31:32 — Your Instagram For You page is your most honest personality test32:26 — How Siddharth personally reset his own algorithm35:18 — "Social media isn't evil — it's a mirror. It reflects YOU."51:23 — How to spot a biased influencer (the self-contradiction test)59:09 — Why conspiracy theories are exploding worldwide right now1:01:16 — Australia banned social media for under-16s — should India follow?1:05:33 — The one question that will change how you see your life1:08:30 — How to connect with SiddharthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/silawath_irshad/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheGrowthMindsetwithSilawathIrshadFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/silawathirshad/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silawathirshad/Connect with Siddharth Choudhary below:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Sidspeakofficial/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidspeakofficial/

    1h 9m
  2. He walked 8,640 KM from Kerala to Mecca | The Unbelievable Journey of Shihab Chottur - Part 2

    APR 5

    He walked 8,640 KM from Kerala to Mecca | The Unbelievable Journey of Shihab Chottur - Part 2

    No shortcuts.No distractions.No excuses.In Part 1, you heard the journey.In Part 2, you understand the transformation.This is where the real lessons begin.In this continuation with Shihab Chottur, we move beyond the physical journey… and dive into the mindset, discipline, and faith that shaped him during those 1017 days.What does it take to stay focused when:You’re stuck for months with no progressYou have no certainty of successAnd the world around you is full of distractionsThis episode breaks the illusion of motivation…and replaces it with clarity, structure, and purpose.From the importance of a mother’s dua…To the reality of social media distractions…Why does Salah come before everything — even Hajj…This is not just advice.This is a framework for life.Because the truth is:Most people don’t fail because life is hard…They fail because they lack focus, discipline, and direction.If Part 1 inspired you…Part 2 will challenge you.Episode Breakdown:00:17 mins – Family support & power of mother’s dua06:50 mins – Youth mindset vs parents’ wisdom14:30 mins – Reading vs social media distraction18:33 mins – Controlling distractions in the digital age20:50 mins – Patience during uncertainty (Punjab phase)25:23 mins – Unity across religions (real experiences)28:45 mins – Truth vs media narratives31:22 mins – Using time productively (4-month lesson)34:39 mins – Social media & mental drain37:08 mins – Visa realities & challenges40:53 mins – Lessons from different countries43:26 mins – Verifying information before sharing46:09 mins – Are you controlling social media?48:02 mins – Salah before everything51:05 mins – Life after success & staying grounded54:06 mins – Fame vs purpose58:15 mins – Handling negativity1:02:17 hrs – Tawakkul & mindset of patience1:05:16 hrs – Unity within the Ummah1:09:02 hrs – Final message: Focus, intention & AkhirahConnected with The Growth Mindset: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silawath_irshad/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheGrowthMindsetwithSilawathIrshad Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/silawathirshad/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silawathirshad/ Connect with Shihab Chottur below: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLPe65Jix1ft48qIRT3zgkg X: https://x.com/SiyaShihab

    1h 15m
  3. Rise of the Ummah Ep. 2 | The Liberator | Salahuddin Ayyubi

    MAR 8

    Rise of the Ummah Ep. 2 | The Liberator | Salahuddin Ayyubi

    There are conquerors in history. And then some leaders redefine what victory means. In Episode 2 of Rise of the Ummah, we explore the life and leadership of Salahuddin Ayyubi — the man who united a fragmented Ummah, defeated the Crusaders, and reclaimed Jerusalem after nearly a century. But Salahuddin’s greatness was not just about military victories. It was about character. Justice without cruelty. Power without arrogance. Victory without revenge. In this episode with author and researcher Salim Khan, we dive deep into the mindset, upbringing, leadership principles, and moral character that made Salahuddin Ayyubi one of the most respected leaders in history — admired even by his enemies. From dismantling the Fatimid rule in Egypt without bloodshed…To uniting the Muslim world…To the legendary Battle of Hattin that led to the liberation of Jerusalem… This is not just history. This is a blueprint for leadership. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 mins – Introduction to Episode 2 01:42 mins – Why Salahuddin Ayyubi Is an Ideal Muslim Leader 04:05 mins – Justice Without Cruelty, Power Without Arrogance 06:04 mins – Respect From His Enemies 10:48 mins – His Upbringing & Mentorship Under Nooruddin Zengi 15:09 mins – His Personality & Leadership Style 18:46 mins – How Salahuddin Took Control of Egypt 20:27 mins – Dismantling the Fatimid Empire Without Bloodshed 24:09 mins – Uniting Cairo, Baghdad & Damascus 25:26 mins – “Sword Defends but Knowledge Sustains.” 34:57 mins – The Road to Conquering Jerusalem 39:22 mins – The Battle of Hattin Explained 43:19 mins – Victory Without Revenge in Jerusalem 49:22 mins – Governing With Justice & Religious Freedom 57:32 mins – Salahuddin’s Humble Life & Charity 01:02:02 mins – 3 Leadership Lessons for Today’s Youth What You’ll Learn: • Why character must come before power • How unity without uniformity can strengthen the Ummah • Why was Salahuddin respected even by his enemies • The strategic brilliance behind the Battle of Hattin • How Jerusalem was reclaimed without revenge • The leadership principles modern Muslims can learn today. As discussed in the episode, Salahuddin’s legacy was not just conquest — it was the ability to unite people, govern with justice, and lead with humility. Stay Connected with The Growth Mindset Podcast: Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/silawath_irshad/ YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/c/TheGrowthMindsetwithSilawathIrshad Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/silawathirshad/ LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/silawathirshad/ Connect with Our Guest – Salim Khan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qalamaurkagaz/ YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/c/qalamaurkagaz Websitehttps://qalamaurkagaz.com/

    1h 5m
  4. He walked 8,640 KM from Kerala to Mecca | The Unbelievable Journey of Shihab Chottur - Part 1

    FEB 26

    He walked 8,640 KM from Kerala to Mecca | The Unbelievable Journey of Shihab Chottur - Part 1

    No flight. No luxury. No guarantees. Just intention. In this part 1 of a powerful episode of The Growth Mindset Podcast, we sit down with Shihab Chottur — the man who walked from Kerala, India, to Mecca for Hajj. For 1017 days, he crossed borders, survived extreme cold, faced rejection, visa struggles, and walked all alone. But he never turned back. This episode is not just about walking 8,640 kilometers. It’s about: Intention (Niyyah) Patience (Sabr) Hard Work Tawakkul Sacrifice for family Unity beyond religion Trusting Allah when doors close From waiting months for a Pakistan visa… To sleeping near public toilets in Delhi… To being supported by strangers across India, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia… This is a story of conviction over comfort. Episode Breakdown: 02:08 mins – Introduction 04:04 mins – The Dream That Started It All 09.42 mins – Intention, Patience & Hard Work 12:21 mins – Why Travel Changes You 19:49 mins – 5 Years of Preparation 22:08 mins – Visa Struggles & Political Barriers 28:05 mins – Did He Ever Want to Quit? 31:23 mins – Unity Beyond Religion 33:52 mins – Preparation vs Blind Faith 35:27 mins – Physical & Mental Training 40:20 mins – Rejection & Humiliation in Delhi 43:40 mins – Intention Above Everything 47:08 mins – Illness in Baghdad & Spiritual Tests 55:08 mins – What Truly Matters at the End of LifeStay Connected with The Growth Mindset: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silawath_irshad/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheGrowthMindsetwithSilawathIrshad Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/silawathirshad/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silawathirshad/ Connect with Shihab Chottur below: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLPe65Jix1ft48qIRT3zgkg X: https://x.com/SiyaShihab

    55 min
  5. Rise of the Ummah Ep. 1 | The 21-Year-Old Who Conquered Constantinople | Mehmed Al-Fatih

    FEB 19

    Rise of the Ummah Ep. 1 | The 21-Year-Old Who Conquered Constantinople | Mehmed Al-Fatih

    At 21 years old, he conquered Constantinople — a city that stood unconquered for 1,123 years. However, this isn’t just history; it serves as a blueprint for the Muslim youth of today. In Episode 1 of Rise of the Ummah Series, we explore the life of Mehmed II, also known as Mehmed Al-Fatih, the young Muslim leader who fulfilled the famous Prophetic glad tidings about the conquest of Constantinople in 1453. But more importantly… He didn’t just conquer a city. He built a civilization. With special guest Salim Khan — author of The Golden Age of Islam, The Warriors of Islam, and Women in Islam — we break down the discipline, mentorship, faith, psychological warfare, and mercy that shaped one of the most remarkable Muslim leaders in history. This episode is not about glorifying war. It’s about understanding the mindset that builds greatness. ⏱ Episode Breakdown 00:00 mins – Introduction to Rise of the Ummah 02:15 mins – Who Was Mehmed Al-Fatih? 05:15 mins – Discipline, Mentorship & Early Grooming 10:37 mins – Ascending the Throne & Early Struggles 15:57 mins – Preparing for Constantinople 20:22 mins – The Golden Horn Strategy (Ships Across Land) 23:17 mins – The 53-Day Siege & Psychological Warfare 29:27 mins – The Final Night Speech & Morale 32:46 mins – The Fall of Constantinople 36:30 mins – Mercy, Hagia Sophia & Building a Civilization 49:18 mins – Leadership Lessons for Muslim Youth 53:11 mins – Read. Knowledge. The Real Conquest 🧠 What You’ll Learn • How discipline from childhood creates unstoppable leaders • Why mentorship determines destiny • How morale wins wars before swords do • The thin line between leadership and oppression • Why mercy after victory defines true greatness • How the city of Istanbul became a thriving civilization Ambition without clarity is chaos. Power without mercy is oppression. Victory without humility is destruction. Today, our conquest is not lands — it is hearts. And the first word revealed in the Qur’an was: Read. Stay Connected with The Growth Mindset Podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silawath_irshad/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheGrowthMindsetwithSilawathIrshad Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/silawathirshad/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silawathirshad/ Connect with Salim Khan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qalamaurkagaz/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/qalamaurkagaz Website: https://qalamaurkagaz.com/

    58 min
  6. How to Keep a Child’s Dream Alive | Lessons from Aspiring Astronaut Alyssa Carson

    12/31/2025

    How to Keep a Child’s Dream Alive | Lessons from Aspiring Astronaut Alyssa Carson

    What happens when a child dares to dream big — and the world doesn’t shut that dream down? In this new, inspiring episode of The Growth Mindset Podcast, I sit down with Alyssa Carson, one of the world’s most recognised aspiring astronauts, to explore how childhood curiosity, disciplined parenting, and the right mindset can keep dreams alive well into adulthood. This conversation is not just about space.It’s about belief, discipline, sacrifice, and the systems that either nurture a child’s potential… or slowly suffocate it. Alyssa shares how her journey toward space began at a very young age, how education and intentional choices shaped her path, and why dreams don’t survive on motivation alone — they survive on structure, consistency, and support. For parents, educators, mentors, and young people, this episode is a reminder that: Dreams are fragile Curiosity must be protected And belief must be reinforced with action Dreams don’t disappear overnight.They fade when effort, belief, and guidance are missing. This episode is a call to raise dreamers, protect curiosity, and build the inner discipline required to turn aspirations into reality. Episode Breakdown: 0:00 – Alyssa Carson’s early fascination with space 3:40 – How childhood curiosity turns into lifelong ambition 7:15 – The role of parents in protecting a child’s dream 11:20 – Why most children lose belief as they grow older 15:05 – Education, discipline, and long-term vision 19:30 – STEM, space, and the future of young innovators 24:10 – Mindset lessons parents and mentors must understand 29:45 – What it really takes to keep a dream alive 35:10 – Final reflections on belief, effort, and purpose Stay Connected with The Growth Mindset Podcast below: Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/silawath_irshad/⁠ YouTube:⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/TheGrowthMindsetwithSilawathIrshad⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/silawathirshad/⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/silawathirshad/⁠ Connect with Alyssa Carson below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nasablueberry/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssa-carson-87b874152/ X: https://x.com/NASABlueberry1

    59 min
  7. AI, Sales, and The Last Mile - Becoming Irreplaceable in Your Job and Business with John Barrows

    12/07/2025

    AI, Sales, and The Last Mile - Becoming Irreplaceable in Your Job and Business with John Barrows

    Technology now knows more than any salesperson alive — faster research, better data, and even personalized emails. But John Barrows reminds us that AI cannot replace emotional connection, curiosity, discipline, and human judgment. John Barrows is one of the world’s leading sales trainers, keynote speakers, and performance coaches. He has worked with LinkedIn, Salesforce, Zoom, Slack, Google, Box, and some of the most respected SaaS and enterprise sales organizations globally. His frameworks have helped thousands of sellers elevate performance, master communication, and build emotionally intelligent sales careers. In this powerful, future-ready conversation, we discuss: Why 80% of sales reps will get replaced How to stay in the top 20% Why most “salespeople” secretly behave like robots How to use AI to augment your value, not automate yourself out of a job Why work ethic and curiosity are worth more than any degree How to develop deeper EQ, listening skills, emotional intelligence, and body language awareness Why the best reps transfer enthusiasm, not information John delivers a strong message: “If you behave like a robot, you will be replaced by a robot.” But if you strengthen character, emotional intelligence, listening, storytelling, and curiosity…You become irreplaceable. Before we talk about career success, we must cultivate: Discipline Curiosity Strong work ethic Integrity Authentic human engagement Because humans still buy from humans, not just automation. The future of sales is not just IQ.It’s EQ, empathy, emotional awareness, and authentic problem-solving. Let technology do the heavy lifting…But you must be the last mile. Episode Breakdown: 0:00 — John Barrows: Career intro & evolution of modern sales 3:30 — Why AI already knows more than most reps 7:15 — Will AI replace salespeople? Who is safe, who isn’t 10:10 — The danger of using AI like Google 13:40 — Becoming irreplaceable: EQ, empathy & curiosity 18:45 — The future skill framework for top 20% performers 24:30 — AI as augmentation, not automation 26:30 — The “Last Mile” strategy: Humans buy from humans 31:10 — Work ethic vs talent: Why discipline still wins 35:15 — Curiosity, passion & authenticity as competitive advantage 42:10 — Emotional intelligence: real-world methods to build EQ 47:30 — Selling through storytelling & customer problem-solving 52:00 — Leadership traits every future-ready company needs 58:05 — How to train yourself to read humans again (beyond Zoom) Stay Connected with The Growth Mindset Podcast below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silawath_irshad/ YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/TheGrowthMindsetwithSilawathIrshad Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/silawathirshad/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silawathirshad/ Connect with John Barrows below: Website:https://learn.jbarrows.com/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbarrows/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnMBarrows X: https://x.com/JohnMBarrows Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnmbarrows/

    1h 18m
  8. How Muslim Leaders Protected All Faiths - The Truth No One Talks About

    11/24/2025

    How Muslim Leaders Protected All Faiths - The Truth No One Talks About

    For centuries, many people have repeated the claim that “The sword spread Islam.” But what does actual history say? In this powerful conversation, Pablo, a historian specializing in Andalusian, Ottoman, and Mughal history, breaks down one of the biggest myths about Islam using academic sources, historical data, and on-the-ground evidence from Spain, Crete, Egypt, Cyprus, Sindh, Kerala, and beyond. This episode uncovers: Why did so many Jewish and Christian communities welcome Muslim rule Why forced conversion is historically unproven and inaccurate How Islamic governance protected minorities Why did people voluntarily embrace Islam How Arab traders brought Islam to India long before any conquest The real story behind Aurangzeb, Jizya, and Mughal rule Why modern Muslims must reclaim their intellectual legacy Islamic history is not just dates and dynasties — it is a story of justice, coexistence, courage, and dignity. And it is time Muslims learned their history from real historians. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:“Allah grants gentleness for anything that is added to it.”[Sahih Muslim] This episode is a reminder that Islam’s greatest strength has always been its justice, its ethics, and the hearts it transforms. If you want history, evidence, and truth — this is the episode for you. EPISODE BREAKDOWN 00:00 – The biggest myth about Islam’s spread03:12 – Why entire nations welcomed Muslim rule06:41 – Andalus: The treaty that changed everything09:58 – Egypt & Sindh: What history textbooks don't teach14:20 – When heavy taxation pushed people toward Muslims17:06 – India before “conquest”: The forgotten truth20:36 – Aurangzeb, Jizya & the distortion of Mughal history25:48 – Pablo’s journey: From Christianity to Islam32:10 – Why people accepted Islamic culture willingly38:33 – The story of the Mughal Empire43:15 – Tipu Sultan, technology & the Mysore shock48:52 – The Muslim world’s lost intellectual power54:20 – How modern Muslims can reclaim their identity STAY CONNECTED WITH THE GROWTH MINDSET: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silawath_irshad/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheGrowthMindsetwithSilawathIrshadFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/silawathirshad/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silawathirshad/ You can get in touch with Pablo here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pablotalks_/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PabloTalks_

    1h 6m

About

Welcome to The Growth Mindset Podcast, where we unleash your potential. Hosted by Silawath Irshad, we explore topics like personal and professional growth, finance, science, religion, health, and more. Each week, experts share their success stories and offer practical tips to help you develop a growth mindset. Our goal is to inspire you to overcome challenges and achieve your goals by embracing growth and continuous learning. Join us for inspiration, motivation, and practical advice on cultivating a growth mindset. #GrowthMindset #Inspiration #Motivation #Success #Podcast.

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