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“I got bullied every single day. But I made a decision that it wasn’t going to define me. It was going to fuel me.” Jeff Horn’s journey from a quiet kid who copped relentless bullying in school to becoming the WBO welterweight champion of the world is one of the most remarkable underdog stories in Australian sport. But the full picture of what it took to get there, and what came after, is something most people never hear. In this episode of The Quest for Success, Jeff sits down with us to share the raw, unfiltered version. Growing up without confidence, finding boxing as an outlet, the gruelling years of training with no guarantee of anything, and then the moment everything changed: the night he defeated Manny Pacquiao in front of 51,000 people at Suncorp Stadium. A result almost nobody outside his camp believed was possible. But Jeff’s story doesn’t end with a belt around his waist. He opens up about the pressure of being champion, the toll that losses took on him mentally, and the difficult transition out of professional sport. And he talks about what drives him now: Bullyproof Australia, his organisation dedicated to helping young people stand up to bullying through resilience, confidence, and self-belief. This is a conversation about what it really means to fight, in the ring and in life. What we cover: How childhood bullying became the catalyst for Jeff’s boxing careerThe role his parents played in building his resilience and self-beliefThe years of sacrifice and discipline behind his rise through the ranksWhat really happened in the Manny Pacquiao fight, and how he prepared for itManaging expectations and pressure as world championThe mental toughness required to come back from devastating lossesWhy the transition out of professional boxing was harder than any fightBuilding Bullyproof Australia and turning pain into purposeGoal setting frameworks and how Jeff approaches challenges todayHis advice for young people facing adversity “You don’t have to be the most talented. You just have to be the one who refuses to quit.” “The hardest fight I ever had wasn’t against Pacquiao. It was figuring out who I was after boxing.” Connect with Jeff Horn: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffhornboxer/ Bullyproof Australia: https://bullyproofaustralia.org.au/ Chapters: 0:00 Introduction and Welcome 0:46 Early Life and Growing Up 2:35 Experiences with Bullying 5:19 The Impact of Parents and Family Support 8:03 Finding Boxing and Early Career 11:42 Turning Professional and Key Fights 15:28 The Manny Pacquiao Fight and Rise to World Champion 20:14 Life as World Champion and Managing Expectations 24:50 Mental Toughness and Handling Pressure 28:36 Overcoming Setbacks and Losses in Boxing 32:12 Transition from Professional Boxing 35:47 Starting Bullyproof Australia 39:30 Mission and Vision Behind Bullyproof 43:15 Goal Setting, Resilience, and Self Belief 47:00 Community, Mentorship, and Giving Back 50:45 Advice for Young People Facing Adversity 54:20 Reflections on Success and Legacy 57:21 Closing Thoughts and Where to Follow Jeff #JeffHorn #Boxing #WorldChampion #MentalToughness #Resilience #BullyproofAustralia #Bullying #AntiBullying #Pacquiao #WBO #AustralianBoxing #SuccessMindset #GoalSetting #SelfBelief #MindsetMatters #Podcast #TheQuestForSuccess #Inspiration #Motivation  #Underdog #Champion #FightBack #BoxingLife  Follow us on all your favourite platforms: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheQuestforSuccessPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Quest-For-Success-Podcast/61560418629272/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequestforsuccesspod/ Twitter: https://x.com/quest4success_ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-quest-for-success TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequestforsuccesspod Website: www.thequestforsuccesspodcast.com Please share this around to anyone you think will get value from it : )

"Success is shown through the people you surround yourself with." In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, Jam and Dylan Pathirana sit down with Hugo Inglis, a four-time New Zealand Olympic hockey player and founder of High Impact Athletes, for an honest conversation on what success actually looks like when you strip away the medals and the scoreboard. Hugo shares his early childhood and the sports experiences that shaped him, the cultural bonds and rituals that make New Zealand's sporting environment so distinctive, and why he believes small groups with the right culture can produce genuine breakthroughs. He reflects on competing across four Olympic Games, the goals and motivation that kept him going, and what he learnt from setbacks, injuries and the moments that didn't go to plan. The conversation moves beyond sport into Hugo's transition from elite athlete to impact-driven entrepreneur. He opens up about founding High Impact Athletes, an organisation that channels the influence and platform of athletes into global causes including climate action. He shares what he's learnt about building trust, storytelling and impact-driven teams, and why he believes the role of athletes in driving societal change is only just beginning. Hugo also offers practical advice for young athletes navigating their careers and thinking about life after sport, and reflects on the relationships, not the results, that he wants to define his legacy. This episode is a powerful reminder that the most meaningful form of success is rarely something you achieve alone. What we cover: Hugo's definition of success and why relationships matter most Early childhood and the sports experiences that shaped him Building high-performance teams and the role of culture Goals and motivation in elite sport New Zealand's sporting culture and why it punches above its weight Cultural bonds and rituals that bind New Zealand teams Hugo's Olympic debut and career highlights across four Games Reflections on setbacks, injuries and Olympic disappointments Memorable moments and lessons from the Olympic experience The impact of culture and teamwork in elite sport Transition from athlete to impact-driven entrepreneur The mission and work of High Impact Athletes Building impact teams and future vision Advice for young athletes and life after sport Hugo's vision for his legacy and what success means to him "Success is shown through the people you surround yourself with." Hugo Inglis "In small groups, you can build a culture that leads to breakthroughs." Hugo Inglis "Focus on relationships, trust, and impact for a meaningful life." Hugo Inglis Connect with Hugo Inglis: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugo-inglis/ High Impact Athletes: https://www.highimpactathletes.org/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Hugo's background 02:10 What success means to Hugo 04:18 Early childhood and sports influences 06:19 Building high performance teams and culture 08:37 Goals and motivation in sports 10:07 NZ's sports success and secret sauce 11:21 Cultural bonds and rituals in New Zealand 12:38 Olympic debut and career highlights 15:03 Reflections on Olympic experiences and setbacks 17:57 Memorable moments and lessons from Olympics 20:24 Handling injuries and setbacks 22:44 The impact of culture and teamwork in sports 24:44 Transition from sport to impact entrepreneurship 37:30 High Impact Athletes' mission and projects 43:42 Building impact teams and future vision 54:03 Advice for young athletes and life after sport 56:56 Hugo's vision for his funeral and legacy 57:57 Reflections on success and relationships 01:00:37 Closing thoughts and gratitude #QuestForSuccess #HugoInglis #Olympics #Hockey #Leadership #TeamCulture #HighImpactAthletes #ClimateChange #Impact #Entrepreneurship #NewZealand #SuccessMindset #Podcast #Inspiration #AthleteLife Follow us on all your favourite platforms: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheQuestforSuccessPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Quest-For-Success-Podcast/61560418629272/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequestforsuccesspod/ Twitter: https://x.com/quest4success_ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-quest-for-success TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequestforsuccesspod Website: www.thequestforsuccesspodcast.com Please share this around to anyone you think will get value from it : )

Most founders start with a solution and go looking for a problem. Jevon Le Roux says it should be the other way around. In this episode of The Quest for Success, hosts Dylan and Jam Pathirana talk with Jevon about his journey from professional surfer to business leader and startup founder. After building Nike's Hurley brand in South Africa and leading major retail and e-commerce businesses, Jevon Le Roux is the founder of Keeyu, an Ecommerce automation and AI Ecommerce Operations company. You can find Jevon and Keeyu at https://keeyu.com. Jevon shares how early failures shaped his approach to business, what he learned from making tough leadership decisions, and how a warehouse sale during COVID revealed a costly problem with online orders. He also explains why Keeyu's first product was more of a "vitamin" than a "painkiller," how customer feedback led the team to rethink its product, and what it takes to keep going through fundraising rejection and startup uncertainty. In this conversation:  - Why Jevon sees success as constant evolution, not money or status  - Lessons from professional surfing that carried over into business  - What it takes to move from selling a product to building a company  - How listening and collaboration can help leaders earn trust  - The difference between a "vitamin" and a "painkiller" product  - Why founders should find a real problem before building a solution  - How Jevon and his co-founders divide responsibilities and handle challenges  - What resilience, customer discovery, and fundraising look like in practice Whether you're building a startup, leading a team, or considering a career change, Jevon's story offers an honest look at the setbacks, decisions, and persistence behind business growth. Chapters 00:00 Intro and meeting Jevon Le Roux 03:03 Jevon’s definition of success 04:17 Growing up competitive and discovering surfing 07:41 Family support and values for the next generation 08:35 Funding a surfing career through hustle and self-promotion 11:03 From professional surfing to building a business 12:15 Retail sales vs. B2B SaaS go-to-market 13:11 Learning to run a business while building Hurley 15:05 Learning from failure and making reversible decisions 16:13 Leading Gloria Jeans through a difficult turnaround 17:11 Making SurfStitch profitable and learning e-commerce 18:55 Leadership mistakes and earning trust 21:13 Jevon’s 90-day plan for listening before making changes 22:41 The COVID warehouse sale that revealed a hidden problem 26:12 Turning that problem into the idea for Keeyu 28:25 Validating the problem before building a solution 29:55 Why Keeyu’s first product was a “vitamin,” not a “painkiller” 33:29 How Keeyu helps retailers prevent order problems 36:14 Why distribution and go-to-market matter 38:12 Winning early customers and learning from product feedback 40:36 Building a strong co-founder relationship 42:02 Dividing roles across the founding team 43:10 Raising $7 million and navigating fundraising 46:29 What early-stage investors are really backing 48:51 Returning to startup life after corporate leadership 50:24 Product lessons and Keeyu’s evolving direction 52:24 AI, changing roles, and the future of work 54:02 Keeyu’s global growth plans 55:25 The values Jevon hopes to pass on to his son 57:05 Advice for corporate leaders considering a startup 59:23 Jevon’s long-term definition of success #QuestForSuccess #JevonLeRoux #Keeyu #Entrepreneurship #StartupJourney #AI #Leadership #Resilience #ProductMarketFit #Fundraising #SuccessMindset #BusinessPodcast #Inspiration #FounderStory #Ecommerce Follow us on all your favourite platforms: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheQuestforSuccessPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Quest-For-Success-Podcast/61560418629272/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequestforsuccesspod/ Twitter: https://x.com/quest4success_ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-quest-for-success TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequestforsuccesspod Website: www.thequestforsuccesspodcast.com Please share this around to anyone you think will get value from it : )

"Success means you are free to choose." In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, Jam and Dylan Pathirana sit down with Cristina Marques for an honest conversation on leadership, legacy, and what it actually takes to lead, and eventually let go of, a family business. Cristina shares her early life and the influence of her parents, her unexpected journey from a technical career in engineering into leadership, and the moment she was asked to take over the family business her father had built. She reflects candidly on how that felt, the key lessons she carried from him, and what it actually took to build credibility and earn respect as a leader who hadn't always been part of the business. The conversation explores how she innovated inside a long-standing company, built a genuine culture of trust and transparency, and led the business through the uncertainty of COVID-19. Cristina also opens up about one of the most difficult chapters of her career, negotiating the sale of the family business, and what came after, from organising family and estate matters to figuring out her next chapter. She shares the values she hopes to leave her own children, and reflects on how her personal definition of success has evolved at every stage of her life and career. This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership isn't just about building something. Sometimes it's about knowing when, and how, to let it go. What we cover:  Cristina's early life and family influence  What success means to Cristina, and how that's changed over time  Her journey from engineering into leadership  Family business history and the transition of leadership  Lessons learned from her father  Working outside the family business before taking over  The moment she was asked to take the reins  Building credibility and reputation as a new leader  Innovating inside a long-standing business  Building a strong, trust-based company culture  Navigating COVID-19 as a leader  Negotiating the sale of the family business  Organising family and estate matters  The values she wants to leave her children  Reflections on success and what's next "Success evolves over time." Cristina Marques  "Success means you are free to choose." Cristina Marques  "Every problem has a solution." Cristina Marques Chapters:  00:00 Introduction and Cristina's background  01:40 What does success mean to Cristina?  05:00 Early life and family influence  07:25 Cristina's journey into engineering  11:12 Family business history and transition  16:00 Lessons from her father  18:39 Working outside the family business  20:43 The moment Cristina was asked to take over  21:29 Cristina's feelings about taking over  22:56 Key lessons from her father  26:07 Building credibility and reputation  28:34 Innovating in a long-standing business  29:55 Building a great company culture  31:07 Handling challenges during COVID-19  37:34 Selling the family business  42:47 Negotiating the sale  48:49 Post-sale plans and future ambitions  54:52 Organising family and estate matters  01:00:16 Values Cristina wants to leave her children  01:08:47 Reflections on success and next steps #QuestForSuccess #CristinaMarques #Leadership #FamilyBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Success #Negotiation #Transformation #Trust #Empathy #BusinessLegacy #WomenInLeadership #SuccessMindset #Podcast #Inspiration Follow us on all your favourite platforms: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheQuestforSuccessPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Quest-For-Success-Podcast/61560418629272/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequestforsuccesspod/ Twitter: https://x.com/quest4success_ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-quest-for-success TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequestforsuccesspod Website: www.thequestforsuccesspodcast.com Please share this around to anyone you think will get value from it : )

"Success is satisfaction with what you are and have." In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, Jam and Dylan Pathirana sit down with Buddhist monk Ven Thalpavila Kusalagnana for a profound conversation on success, happiness, mindfulness, and what it actually means to live a meaningful life. Ven Thalpavila Kusalagnana explores the Buddhist view of gain, loss, praise and blame, and why success should be defined as satisfaction rather than accumulation. He walks us through three ways to understand yourself, mindfulness, virtue and wisdom, and explains the difference between healthy goals and the kind of craving and clinging that leads to suffering. He also addresses a common misconception directly: that Buddhism rejects wealth or success. Instead, he explains the principle of right livelihood, earning and living in an ethical way rather than a harmful one. The conversation moves into some of life's hardest questions. What does it mean to truly understand that everything, our bodies, our minds, our relationships, is temporary? How do you stay steady through the eight worldly conditions of gain and loss, praise and blame, fame and disrepute, pleasure and pain? Ven Thalpavila Kusalagnana offers practical wisdom on fear, failure and authenticity, and speaks candidly about how Buddhist principles intersect with modern mental health challenges, including stress, depression, anxiety and overthinking. He also shares a simple morning practice anyone can start today, guidance on choosing good people, good thoughts and good habits, and how to begin approaching Buddhism as a practical way to overcome suffering, regardless of religious background. This is one of the most reflective and genuinely useful conversations we've had on the show. Sometimes the deepest wisdom is also the simplest. What we cover: The Buddhist view of gain, loss, praise and blame Success defined as satisfaction rather than accumulation Three ways to understand yourself: mindfulness, virtue, wisdom Healthy goals versus craving and clinging Wealth, lay disciples, and why Buddhism does not reject success Right livelihood and earning in an ethical way Wanting things while accepting their temporary nature The impermanence of body, mind and relationships The eight worldly conditions and staying steady through change What a good life looks like in Buddhism What a trained mind notices that an untrained mind misses A simple morning practice for lay people Choosing good people, good thoughts and good habits Fear, failure and being authentic in interviews and work Buddhism, mental health, stress, depression and anxiety Overthinking, OCD, and not feeding unnecessary thoughts Letting go after breakups and other losses How to begin exploring Buddhism and what it means to be a good human Buddhism as a practical way to overcome suffering Some of our favourite quotes: "Success is satisfaction with what you are and have."  "Being content with your thoughts and actions is success." "Understand that all things are temporary."  Chapters: 00:00 The Buddhist view of gain, loss, praise, and blame 03:02 Success defined as satisfaction rather than accumulation 06:26 Three ways to understand yourself: mindfulness, virtue, wisdom 08:35 Healthy goals versus craving and clinging 10:46 Wealth, lay disciples, and why Buddhism does not reject success 12:47 Right livelihood and earning in a harmful versus ethical way 15:35 Wanting things while accepting their temporary nature 17:15 Impermanence of body, mind, and relationships 20:35 The eight worldly conditions and staying steady through change 22:04 What a good life looks like in Buddhism 25:53 What a trained mind notices that an untrained mind misses 30:35 A simple morning practice for lay people 33:10 Choosing good people, good thoughts, and good habits 34:42 Fear, failure, and being authentic in interviews and work 38:13 Buddhism, mental health, stress, depression, and anxiety 42:15 Overthinking, OCD, and not feeding unnecessary thoughts 44:30 Letting go after breakups and other losses 45:48 How to begin Buddhism and what it means to be a good human 48:15 Buddhism as a practical way to overcome suffering 52:02 The one takeaway: be happy and live in this moment #QuestForSuccess #Buddhism #Mindfulness #Success #Happiness #Contentment #Impermanence #Wisdom #MentalHealth #Spirituality #LifeLessons #Podcast #Inspiration #SriLanka #Meditation Follow us on all your favourite platforms: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheQuestforSuccessPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Quest-For-Success-Podcast/61560418629272/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequestforsuccesspod/ Twitter: https://x.com/quest4success_ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-quest-for-success TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequestforsuccesspod Website: www.thequestforsuccesspodcast.com Please share this around to anyone you think will get value from it : )

He inherited a family legacy. Then he rebuilt it from zero to one. In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, Jam and Dylan Pathirana sit down with Jeevan Gnanam, a Sri Lankan entrepreneur and third-generation business leader, for an honest conversation on purpose, legacy, and what it takes to build a genuine entrepreneurial ecosystem in a country most investors overlook. Jeevan shares his early influences and the pressure of carrying a family legacy forward, reflecting on the lessons in humility and discipline he learned from his grandfather. He opens up about recognising problems and building ventures from a young age, and what it actually took to rebel against old mindsets within his own family and community in order to create new opportunities. He speaks candidly about the zero to one mindset, the importance of visualisation, and why getting others to genuinely buy into a vision is the most important skill any founder can develop. The conversation moves into Sri Lanka's evolving startup ecosystem, the unique talent and investment potential the country holds, and how artificial intelligence is giving Sri Lanka a rare opportunity to scale and innovate rapidly on the global stage. Jeevan also shares his vision for building a vibrant innovation district that brings creatives, investors and entrepreneurs together in one place, along with the personal challenges of balancing family, faith and business. This episode is a powerful reminder that legacy isn't something you simply inherit. It's something you have to earn, question, and ultimately rebuild in your own image. What we cover: Jeevan Gnanam's background and early influences Defining success and purpose Family legacy and the pressure of being a third-generation entrepreneur Recognising problems and building ventures from childhood Rebelling against old mindsets and creating new opportunities The importance of continuous evolution in business Sri Lanka's talent and investment potential Convincing family and community to innovate The zero to one mindset and the power of visualisation Communicating vision and leadership in startups Bringing entrepreneurial thinking into legacy businesses The role of AI and Sri Lanka's tech future Building a vibrant innovation district Balancing family and business life The importance of faith and purpose Learning from failure and resilience Legacy, impact, and how Jeevan wants to be remembered "Success is fulfilling your purpose and serving others." Jeevan Gnanam "AI gives us an opportunity to scale and innovate rapidly." Jeevan Gnanam "I want to be remembered as someone who gave back and made a difference." Jeevan Gnanam Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Jeevan Gnanam's background 02:29 Defining success and purpose 04:16 Early influences and family legacy 07:15 The pressure of being a third-generation entrepreneur 10:40 Recognising problems and building ventures from childhood 13:36 Rebelling against old mindsets and creating new opportunities 16:10 The importance of continuous evolution in business 17:27 Sri Lanka's talent and investment potential 20:13 Convincing the family and community to innovate 22:32 The zero to one mindset and visualisation 27:26 Communicating vision and leadership in startups 28:13 Bringing entrepreneurial thinking into legacy businesses 35:28 The role of AI and Sri Lanka's tech future 40:57 Building a vibrant innovation district 45:11 Balancing family and business life 48:27 The importance of faith and purpose 49:58 Learning from failure and resilience 52:52 Legacy, impact, and how Jeevan wants to be remembered Connect with Jeevan Gnanam: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeevangnanam/ #QuestForSuccess #JeevanGnanam #Entrepreneurship #SriLanka #AI #StartupEcosystem #Purpose #Innovation #Leadership #FamilyBusiness #Investment #Tech #SuccessMindset #Podcast #Inspiration Follow us on all your favourite platforms: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheQuestforSuccessPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Quest-For-Success-Podcast/61560418629272/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequestforsuccesspod/ Twitter: https://x.com/quest4success_ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-quest-for-success TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequestforsuccesspod Website: www.thequestforsuccesspodcast.com Please share this around to anyone you think will get value from it : )

"To assess a city, look at the street level, not the skyline." In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, Jam and Dylan Pathirana sit down with Dr Sarath Mataraarachchi, an urban planner and academic whose life spans Sri Lanka and Australia, for a thoughtful conversation on what actually makes a city great, and why the answer has almost nothing to do with height, density or spectacle. Dr Sarath shares his early childhood and influences growing up in Sri Lanka, his education and early career in land economics and town planning, and the formative years he spent working alongside informal settlements, where he witnessed firsthand the impact of poverty on how communities live and grow. He reflects on what he learned from international experience, particularly in Australia, and how those lessons have shaped his thinking on empowering local authorities and genuinely engaging communities in the decisions that shape their own neighbourhoods. The conversation explores the real challenges facing Sri Lankan urban development, the role of mentorship in shaping his career, and his belief that a great city is ultimately one where people want to come and belong. Dr Sarath also shares his vision for the future of smart cities and sustainable urban environments, his hopes for Colombo and Sri Lanka more broadly, and the unique assets he believes Sri Lanka holds that the rest of the world often overlooks. This episode is a compelling reminder that the health of a city, much like the health of a life, is measured not by what impresses from a distance, but by what actually happens on the ground, every single day. What we cover: Dr Sarath's early childhood and influences in Sri Lanka What success means in the context of urban planning Education and early career in land economics and town planning Experiences with informal settlements and community life The impact of poverty on city development Lessons learned from international experience, including Australia Challenges in Sri Lankan urban development The importance of local authority empowerment The role of community and mentorship in planning What makes a city great and why street level matters most The future of smart cities and sustainable development A vision for Colombo and Sri Lanka's urban future Overcoming obstacles and implementing real change The unique assets and qualities of Sri Lanka Core traits of a successful life and leadership Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Dr Sarath's background 00:28 What success means to Dr Sarath 00:36 Early childhood and influences in Sri Lanka 00:41 Education and initial career in land economics and town planning 01:10 Experiences with informal settlements and community life 01:37 The impact of poverty and community stories 01:41 Understanding town planning and its purpose 01:49 Learning from international experiences and Australia 02:17 Challenges in Sri Lankan urban development 02:35 The importance of local authority empowerment 02:42 The role of community and mentorship in planning 03:11 What makes a city great and the importance of street level 03:40 The future of smart cities and sustainable development 03:47 Vision for Colombo and Sri Lanka's urban future 04:10 Overcoming obstacles and implementing change 04:39 The assets and unique qualities of Sri Lanka 05:09 Core traits of a successful life and leadership 05:33 Closing thoughts and message to listeners #QuestForSuccess #SarathMataraarachchi #UrbanPlanning #SriLanka #Australia #CityDevelopment #SustainableCities #Community #PlaceBasedPlanning #UrbanJustice #SuccessMindset #Podcast #Inspiration #SmartCities #Colombo Follow us on all your favourite platforms: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheQuestforSuccessPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Quest-For-Success-Podcast/61560418629272/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequestforsuccesspod/ Twitter: https://x.com/quest4success_ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-quest-for-success TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequestforsuccesspod Website: www.thequestforsuccesspodcast.com Please share this around to anyone you think will get value from it : )

He turned a $2 million fundraising auxiliary into a $62 million healthcare provider, without being a doctor or a pilot. In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, Jam and Dylan Pathirana sit down with Scott Chapman AM, former CEO of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Victorian Section), for an honest conversation on leadership, impact, and what it actually takes to lead one of Australia's most trusted organisations through crisis after crisis. Scott shares his early life and influences, his unexpected path from teaching into leadership, and the moment he joined the Royal Flying Doctor Service in a role far removed from medicine or aviation. He walks us through how he built genuine conviction around fundraising, the discipline required to grow an organisation responsibly, and the leadership principles that carried him through some of the most difficult periods imaginable, including devastating bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation explores the hardest part of leading a resource-limited organisation: deciding what not to do. Scott reflects on impact-driven leadership, the long-term thinking required even when it demands short-term sacrifice, and why authenticity and trust are the real foundations of any lasting relationship, with donors, staff, or communities. He also opens up about legacy, recognition, retirement, and what success actually means to him after a career spent in service of others. This episode is a powerful reminder that some of the most important leadership lessons come not from titles or credentials, but from a genuine commitment to impact. What we cover: Scott Chapman's early life and influences Defining success and career beginnings The unexpected path from teaching to leadership Joining the Royal Flying Doctor Service Building conviction in fundraising Leading through bushfires and COVID-19 Deciding what not to do with limited resources Legacy and long-term impact in nonprofit work Recognition, retirement, and evaluating new opportunities Final reflections on success and leadership Some of our favourite quotes: "Impact-driven leadership is about action and results."  "Curiosity fuels innovation and cross-pollination."  "Authenticity and trust build strong relationships." Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 02:46 Defining Success and Early Influences 04:43 Career Path from Teaching to Leadership 08:52 Joining the Royal Flying Doctors Service 12:49 Building Conviction in Fundraising 18:06 Leading Through Crises: Bushfires and COVID-19 26:28 Deciding What Not to Do 40:43 Legacy and Impact 45:16 Recognition and Retirement 47:18 Evaluating Opportunities 51:35 Defining Success and Legacy 54:36 Final Reflections and Key Traits #QuestForSuccess #ScottChapman #RoyalFlyingDoctorService #Leadership #CrisisManagement #Nonprofit #Fundraising #Legacy #ImpactDrivenLeadership #LongTermThinking #Authenticity #AustralianCharity #BusinessPodcast #Inspiration Follow us on all your favourite platforms: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheQuestforSuccessPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Quest-For-Success-Podcast/61560418629272/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequestforsuccesspod/ Twitter: https://x.com/quest4success_ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-quest-for-success TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequestforsuccesspod Website: www.thequestforsuccesspodcast.com Please share this around to anyone you think will get value from it : )

He collapsed with heatstroke at the World Championships. A year later, he won an Olympic bronze medal. In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, Jam and Dylan Pathirana sit down with Rhydian Cowley, a three-time Australian Olympic race walker, for an honest conversation about resilience, reinvention, and building a life around a sport most people barely understand. Rhydian shares his journey from his early upbringing and the influence of his parents, through years of steady, largely unrewarded training, to the mental breakthrough that finally unlocked his potential. He walks us through his experience across three Olympic Games, including his performance at Rio 2016, the lessons learned from setbacks, and the moment everything clicked at Tokyo. He also opens up about the pressure of competing in an entirely new Olympic event, the mixed relay at Paris 2024, and what it actually felt like to win bronze alongside teammate Jemima Montag. The conversation goes well beyond the track. Rhydian talks candidly about balancing elite sport with a full-time career, the mental strategies that kept him grounded through pressure and setbacks, and why he believes success is a mindset that changes with circumstances rather than a fixed destination. He also shares how he's used his platform for climate advocacy, winning the BBC Green Sport Athlete of the Year award, and his ongoing work in conservation with Bush Heritage Australia. This episode is a powerful reminder that consistency, not flashiness, is what actually carries people through the long game, whether that's an Olympic career or anything else worth building. What we cover: Rhydian Cowley's early upbringing and his parents' influence What success means to Rhydian and how that definition has evolved Balancing elite sport with study and a professional career The road to Rio 2016 and lessons from his first Olympics The differences between the 20K and 50K race walk events Breaking through at Tokyo after years of plateauing Winning Olympic bronze in the mixed relay at Paris 2024 Mental strategies for handling pressure and staying grounded Transitioning into a mentoring role for younger athletes Using his platform for climate advocacy and sustainability His work at Bush Heritage Australia Missing the Commonwealth Games and reframing setbacks Knowing when to retire and what comes next "Success is a mindset that changes with circumstances." "Consistency in training is more valuable than flashiness." "Supporting teammates can be a huge motivator." Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest, Rhydian Cowley 00:29 What success means to Rhydian 03:15 Early upbringing and how his parents shaped him 05:14 When he realised race walking was his sport 07:45 Balancing elite sport with study and work 14:02 First Olympic qualifier and the road to Rio 2016 17:54 Learning from the Rio Olympics experience 19:35 Differences between the 20K and 50K race walk events 21:18 Mindset when results don't go your way 22:58 Breaking through in Tokyo and realising untapped capacity 24:59 What race walking training looks like 26:04 How his approach changed over time as a veteran athlete 28:43 Paris 2024 mixed relay bronze with Jemima 33:05 Pressure of competing in a new Olympic event 34:22 How winning an Olympic medal felt 36:11 Transitioning into a mentoring role for younger athletes 38:10 Mental strategies for handling pressure and staying grounded 40:39 The team behind an individual sport 42:21 Family and friends supporting races in person 44:12 How long race walkers can stay competitive 45:08 Winning the BBC Green Sport Athlete of the Year award 50:07 Work at Bush Heritage Australia and conservation efforts 53:45 A normal week balancing training, work, and life 55:31 Missing the Commonwealth Games and reframing setbacks 59:53 Advice for young athletes aspiring to become Olympians 61:32 Knowing when to retire 64:30 What's next in his athletic and personal life 65:50 Final question: does he feel successful? 66:30 Host reflection on Rhydian's core traits 68:35 Closing remarks and farewell #QuestForSuccess #RhydianCowley #Olympian #RaceWalking #MentalResilience #SportsPsychology #ClimateAdvocacy #Mindfulness #Leadership #Sustainability #SuccessMindset #Podcast #Inspiration #TeamAustralia #Paris2024 Follow us on all your favourite platforms: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheQuestforSuccessPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Quest-For-Success-Podcast/61560418629272/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequestforsuccesspod/ Twitter: https://x.com/quest4success_ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-quest-for-success TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequestforsuccesspod Website: www.thequestforsuccesspodcast.com Please share this around to anyone you think will get value from it : )

He never wanted to play cricket. He became Sri Lanka's most successful Test opener. In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, Jam and Dylan Pathirana sit down with Dimuth Karunaratne, former Sri Lanka Test captain and one of the country's most respected cricketers, for an honest conversation on humble beginnings, resilience, and what it actually takes to lead a national team. Dimuth shares how cricket wasn't even his plan, starting the sport almost by chance before moving to St. Joseph's College and slowly earning his place through hard work, rejection, and persistence. He opens up about his mother's advice during the hardest years, the breakthrough innings that changed everything, and the pressure of proving himself at every level, from school cricket to Sri Lanka's youth teams to the international stage. The conversation explores what it took to become an opener, the mindset that carried him through setbacks, injuries and being overlooked, and the lessons he picked up from senior players who shaped his hunger for the game. Dimuth also reflects on his path to the Sri Lanka captaincy, what leadership actually looked like under pressure, and how he knew it was time to retire. This episode is a powerful reminder that the biggest careers are rarely planned. They're built one decision, one setback, and one opportunity at a time. What we cover:  Dimuth's early life and family influence  Starting cricket almost by chance  The importance of environment and a positive mindset  The breakthrough innings that changed everything  Rejection, hard work, and his mother's advice  Learning from senior players and building hunger  His first Sri Lanka call-up and overcoming injury  Proving himself on tour in Australia  Becoming Sri Lanka's Test captain  Leadership lessons from captaincy  Knowing when to retire  Life after cricket and coaching aspirations "Surround yourself with positive people." Dimuth Karunaratne  "Trust your journey and keep targets in mind." Dimuth Karunaratne  "Live in the moment and enjoy the game." Dimuth Karunaratne Chapters: 0:00 Welcome and introducing Dimuth Karunaratne 0:58 What success means to Dimuth 1:59 Early life and family background 3:11 Starting cricket by chance 5:02 Moving to St. Joseph's and growing as a player 8:36 The breakthrough innings that changed everything 11:28 Pressure, expectations, and earning his place 13:05 Path from school cricket to Sri Lanka youth teams 15:46 Becoming an opener 19:08 Early dreams and chasing the Sri Lanka jersey 23:05 Hard work, rejection, and his mother's advice 26:08 Learning from senior players and building hunger 32:27 Why environment matters 35:24 First Sri Lanka call-up and the England tour injury 39:43 Debut ODI and first test opportunities 41:46 Proving himself in Australia 44:37 Learning from overseas experiences 50:38 Favourite batting partners 51:44 Becoming Sri Lanka captain 59:34 Captaining through performance and leadership 61:58 Retirement and knowing when to stop 66:42 Life after cricket 68:13 The biggest lesson from his career 70:18 Looking back on success 74:13 Closing thoughts #QuestForSuccess #DimuthKarunaratne #Cricket #SriLanka #TestCricket #Leadership #Resilience #Captaincy #Motivation #PersonalDevelopment #SuccessMindset #SportsPodcast #Inspiration #CricketLegend #SriLankaCricket Follow us on all your favourite platforms: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheQuestforSuccessPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Quest-For-Success-Podcast/61560418629272/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequestforsuccesspod/ Twitter: https://x.com/quest4success_ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-quest-for-success TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequestforsuccesspod Website: www.thequestforsuccesspodcast.com Please share this around to anyone you think will get value from it : )

"Purpose is about building better lives." That philosophy has guided Ben Evans from his early years in Tasmania all the way to becoming CEO of COVA Group. In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, Jam and Dylan Pathirana sit down with Ben Evans for a conversation on leadership, purpose, and what it actually takes to build a business that spans continents. Ben shares his journey from an engineer working in the trades to leading COVA Group through some of the most turbulent periods in recent business history, including the Global Financial Crisis and COVID-19. He reflects on how his early years in Tasmania shaped his values, how his personal definition of success has evolved over time, and the pivotal decision to expand the business into Asia, a move that reshaped the company and taught him hard lessons about managing multicultural teams and building a truly global culture. The conversation explores what it takes to lead through crisis, why communication becomes even more critical during turbulent times, and how Ben has balanced honouring the legacy of a long-standing business while still pushing for innovation. He also shares his perspective on the qualities that make a high-performance team, the role of authenticity and relationships in doing business across cultures, and where he sees engineering and digital transformation heading in the years ahead. This episode is a genuine look at what leadership actually requires when the stakes are high, the markets are unfamiliar, and the pressure to hold onto what matters most has never been greater. What we cover: Ben Evans' early years and influences growing up in Tasmania How his personal definition of success has shifted over time The transition from trades and engineering into leadership Leadership lessons from the GFC and COVID-19 The decision to expand into Asia and what it taught him Managing multicultural teams and building a global culture Balancing legacy and innovation in a long-standing business The role of purpose in guiding major business decisions Lessons learned from major projects and negotiations What it takes to build a high-performance team The future of engineering and digital transformation Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Ben Evans' background 02:34 What does success mean to Ben Evans? 04:18 The shift in Ben Evans' personal definition of success 07:59 Early years and influences from Tasmania 12:04 Transition from trades to engineering and leadership 16:50 Deciding to expand into Asia 22:20 Leadership lessons from navigating turbulent times 35:42 The journey of Asia expansion and key lessons learned 50:40 Building a global culture and managing cross-cultural teams 01:08:12 The future of engineering and digital transformation 01:20:53 Reflections on success and legacy Connect with Ben Evans: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benevanscova/ #QuestForSuccess #BenEvans #Leadership #Engineering #BusinessGrowth #AsiaExpansion #Purpose #Success #Mentorship #Innovation #Culture #PersonalDevelopment #COVAGroup #BusinessPodcast #Inspiration Follow us on all your favourite platforms: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheQuestforSuccessPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Quest-For-Success-Podcast/61560418629272/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequestforsuccesspod/ Twitter: https://x.com/quest4success_ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-quest-for-success TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequestforsuccesspod Website: www.thequestforsuccesspodcast.com Please share this around to anyone you think will get value from it : )

In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, Jam and Dylan Pathirana sit down with Dr Hannah Macdougall, a dual Paralympian turned researcher, for a deeply thoughtful conversation on mindset, resilience, and what it really takes to build a well life, not just a well-performing one. Hannah shares her journey from her early influences and family, through to her Paralympic debut at the Athens 2004 Games, and the years of training, setbacks, and self-discovery that followed. She opens up about the neuroscience behind obsessive versus harmonious passion, the role gratitude and self-talk played in her own resilience, and how she navigated grief, perfectionism, and the pressure of elite competition. The conversation moves beyond sport into Hannah's PhD research on athlete well-being, her work bringing mindfulness and mental health support into Melbourne Football Club, and her advocacy for inclusive language and systemic change in how we talk about and support athletes. She also shares practical, evidence-based tools for resilience and self-compassion that apply far beyond the world of elite sport. This episode is a powerful reminder that success isn't only measured in medals. It's measured in how well you know yourself, how you treat yourself when things go wrong, and how deliberately you choose to keep growing. What we cover: The neuroscience of obsessive versus harmonious passion Early influences and overcoming challenges as a young athlete The journey to the Paralympics and the Athens 2004 experience Redefining success in sport and in life The role of gratitude and self-talk in resilience Transitioning out of elite sport and into new chapters Navigating grief and holding onto joy Early awareness of being different and self-acceptance Training the brain to focus on the positive Managing perfectionism and the drive for excellence Handling setbacks and being benched Inclusive language and systemic change in sport "Success in sport and life requires both." "You need to temper your drive with harmony." "Bring kindness into your self-talk." Resources mentioned: The Resilience Project by Hugh van Cuylenburg Melbourne Football Club: https://www.melbournefc.com.au/ Dr Rory Darkins' work on breath and well-being: https://rorydarkins.com Lee Rath's Pain Play Lab: https://painplaylab.com Connect with Dr Hannah Macdougall: LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/hannahmacdougall Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hanmacdougall06/ Website: https://hannahmacdougall.com.au/ Chapters: 00:00 The brain science behind passion and mindset 00:28 Hannah's early influences and overcoming challenges 01:36 Her journey to the Paralympics and Olympic debut 02:19 Redefining success in sport and life 03:05 The influence of gratitude and self-talk 04:22 Transitioning out of elite sport and new passions 06:36 The impact of grief and resilience 12:46 Early awareness of being different and acceptance 15:40 Training the brain to focus on the positive 22:06 Setting goals as a young athlete 24:47 The experience of competing in Athens 2004 30:56 The drive for excellence and managing perfectionism 39:45 The realities of training and sport life 42:31 Handling setbacks and being benched 47:45 The importance of grief, joy, and living in the moment 01:01:15 Practical advice for inclusion and systemic change 01:02:27 Supporting athletes' mental health at Melbourne Football Club 01:07:34 Reflections on success and future plans #QuestForSuccess #HannahMacdougall #Paralympian #AthleteWellbeing #Resilience #MentalHealth #Mindset #Inclusion #SportsScience #SuccessMindset #Podcast #Wellbeing #Inspiration #DisabilityInclusion #WomenInSport Follow us on all your favourite platforms: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheQuestforSuccessPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Quest-For-Success-Podcast/61560418629272/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequestforsuccesspod/ Twitter: https://x.com/quest4success_ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-quest-for-success TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequestforsuccesspod Website: www.thequestforsuccesspodcast.com Please share this around to anyone you think will get value from it : )

"When everyone runs one way, you should stop and think." That's the investing philosophy that has shaped one of Canada's most successful family businesses. In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, Jam and Dylan Pathirana sit down with George Armoyan Jr., the next generation of the Armoyan family's real estate and investment empire, for an honest conversation about legacy, value investing, and the pressure of building on a name that already carries weight. George shares what it was actually like growing up inside a family business led by his father, one of Canada's most respected activist investors, and the deliberate choice not to walk straight into the top job. Instead, he earned his place from the ground up, learning the discipline of value investing along the way: buying distressed assets at a discount, always with a margin of safety, and making the real money on the buying side of a deal rather than the sell. The conversation dives deep into the family's approach to real estate development, including the major Montreal office-to-residential conversion project, the lessons learned navigating project turnarounds, and how the family sources deals that others walk away from. George also opens up about activist investing and corporate restructuring, the risk appetite required to invest in sectors like oil and gas during major market shifts, and what it genuinely feels like to share a name that opens doors while inviting constant scrutiny. This episode is a powerful reminder that legacy isn't something you're simply handed. It's something you have to build, earn, and continue, one deliberate decision at a time. What we cover: Family legacy and the pressure of succession Value investing and buying distressed assets at a discount The Montreal office-to-residential conversion project Activist investing and corporate restructuring Risk management and contingency planning in real estate Leadership and earning respect inside a family business Strategic deal sourcing and reading market shifts Investing in oil and gas during volatile markets Balancing family dynamics with professional relationships Building a legacy through continuous innovation Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and background of George Armoyan 02:04 Defining success: Family legacy and future growth 04:23 Overview of the family's real estate and investment history 12:20 Early life and lessons from growing up in a family business 19:32 Transition into the family business and earning respect 24:26 Key principles of value investing and deal sourcing 29:33 The Montreal office-to-residential conversion project 36:24 Lessons learned from project management and turnaround strategies 39:16 First deal that truly felt earned and recognized 42:08 Balancing family dynamics and professional relationships 44:02 Market insights and deal sourcing methodology 45:58 Investing in oil and gas during market shifts 47:26 Risk appetite and discomfort in investment decisions 49:01 The impact of sharing a name and legacy 49:58 Activist investing and corporate restructuring 56:42 Future vision and long-term legacy building 01:02:19 Personal interests and life outside of work 01:03:41 Reflections on success and ongoing pursuit of excellence Connect with George Armoyan Jr.: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-armoyan-656b62268/ #QuestForSuccess #GeorgeArmoyan #ValueInvesting #RealEstate #FamilyBusiness #ActivistInvesting #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #WealthBuilding #RealEstateDevelopment #InvestingTips #FamilyLegacy #SuccessMindset #BusinessPodcast #Inspiration Follow us on all your favourite platforms: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheQuestforSuccessPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Quest-For-Success-Podcast/61560418629272/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequestforsuccesspod/ Twitter: https://x.com/quest4success_ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-quest-for-success TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequestforsuccesspod Website: www.thequestforsuccesspodcast.com Please share this around to anyone you think will get value from it : )

He backed more than 250 startups worth $4.5 billion. Then he walked away. In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, Jam and Dylan Pathirana sit down with Michael Batko, the former CEO of Startmate and co-founder of Hourglass AI, for a deeply honest conversation about building ecosystems, backing founders, knowing when to leave, and redefining success on your own terms. Michael shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Poland and Austria to becoming one of the most influential figures in the Australian and New Zealand startup ecosystem. After studying in Vienna, Stockholm and London, and working at American Express, PwC and KPMG, he realised he "wasn't built for bureaucracy" and moved to Australia to start building. His first startup job came from a mate's Facebook post about a pet-sitting marketplace. Within a few years, he had joined Startmate as Head of Operations and was soon appointed CEO. Over eight years, Michael transformed Startmate from a scrappy accelerator into the engine room of the ANZ startup ecosystem, backing 228 companies with first cheques, making over 300 investments now worth $4.5 billion, and helping bring over 1,000 women and 2,000 students into startups. In December 2025, he made what he calls "the hardest decision" of his career and stepped down. The conversation explores his philosophy on backing founders ("back the hungry, not the proven"), his belief that luck is like a lightning bolt and you increase your odds by expanding your "surface area," the loneliness of leadership, his decision to leave Startmate at the top, and what he's building next with Hourglass AI, a company founded on the conviction that the businesses who win the next decade will be the ones with working AI systems in production now, not the ones reading about it. Michael also opens up about fatherhood, selling two businesses through LinkedIn posts (one in 10 days) and why he believes "being CEO" was never the goal, "building something epic" was. This is a conversation about what it means to dedicate yourself to other people's success, and what happens when you finally turn the lens back on yourself. What we cover: From Poland and Austria to the Australian startup ecosystem The corporate career that taught him what he didn't want First startup job at Mad Paws and scaling Expert360 Joining Startmate and "literally re-founding" it Backing over 250 companies and the philosophy behind first cheques The Heaps Normal investment and standing up to consensus Leading through loneliness and the weight of being CEO Why he stepped down at the top Hourglass AI and the execution gap in artificial intelligence Selling businesses through a single LinkedIn post Fatherhood and redefining success The "surface area of luck" framework Advice for founders and the future of the ANZ ecosystem Connect with Michael Batko: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/batkomichael/ Hourglass AI: https://thehourglass.ai/ Website: https://batko.ai Substack: https://batko.substack.com Follow us on all your favourite platforms: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheQuestforSuccessPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Quest-For-Success-Podcast/61560418629272/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequestforsuccesspod/ Twitter: https://x.com/quest4success_ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-quest-for-success TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequestforsuccesspod Website: www.thequestforsuccesspodcast.com Please share this around to anyone you think will get value from it : )

What does it mean to truly succeed? For Tomaž Erjavec, the answer is simple: "Success is being alive and present." In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, Jam and Dylan Pathirana sit down with Tomaž Erjavec, a Slovenian serial entrepreneur who has spent his career building at the intersection of healthcare, technology, and longevity. From spotting his first business opportunity at age 11, to creating entirely new markets in European health tech, to exploring what it takes to live a longer, healthier, more meaningful life, Tomaž brings a rare combination of entrepreneurial depth and genuine self-awareness to the conversation. Tomaž shares the founding stories behind Doctrina and Oculus, the lessons learned from bootstrapping versus raising venture capital, and the cultural challenges of scaling startups across Europe. He opens up about the exit of Doctrina, his pivot into robotics and hospital disinfection, and what drew him into the world of longevity and health span. He also reflects on burnout, meditation retreats, the Harvard Business School experience, and why community is one of the most underrated drivers of a long life. This is a conversation about building businesses, yes, but more than that it is about building a life worth living. What we cover: Early childhood influences and the first sparks of entrepreneurship Creating markets where none existed in European healthcare Bootstrapping vs. venture capital: the real tradeoffs Scaling challenges and cultural differences across Europe AI, robotics, and the future of healthcare innovation Longevity, health span, and the lifestyle habits that matter most Why community is crucial for long-term health Lessons from Harvard Business School Avoiding burnout and finding balance Self-discovery through meditation and introspection What Tomaž wants to be remembered for Connect with Tomaž Erjavec: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomaze/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Tomaž Erjavec 01:36 Defining success and personal fulfilment 02:42 Early influences and childhood in Slovenia 04:12 Early signs of entrepreneurship at age 11 05:06 First business ideas and family influence 07:31 Transition from nursing to business studies 08:30 Starting in healthcare with Doctrina 09:18 Identifying gaps in healthcare access 11:00 Creating markets in healthcare technology 12:47 Lessons from building Oculus and market creation 14:13 Fundraising journey: bootstrapping vs. venture capital 17:18 Scaling challenges and cultural differences in Europe 23:17 Understanding the business model of Doctrina 24:31 Leadership lessons and team management 28:41 The exit of Doctrina and subsequent ventures 29:44 Innovations in hospital disinfection with robotics 30:58 Evaluating new business opportunities 35:54 Getting into longevity and health span 37:40 Key lifestyle habits for longevity 40:24 The role of community in health and longevity 41:15 Exciting developments in AI and healthcare 43:17 Opportunities for innovation in health tech 44:17 Lessons from Harvard Business School 45:08 Avoiding burnout and maintaining balance 47:54 Self-discovery through meditation retreats 50:03 Values to instil in children 52:11 Reflections on his journey and success 56:11 Current focus: family, mentoring, and giving back 58:51 Advice for young entrepreneurs and risk-taking 59:09 What Tomaž wants to be remembered for 01:00:21 Involvement in diplomatic services 01:01:03 Hobbies and personal interests 01:01:59 Feeling successful and grateful 01:03:17 Traits of a successful life: learning, introspection, giving back 01:05:10 Final thoughts and gratitude #QuestForSuccess #TomazErjavec #Entrepreneurship #Healthcare #Longevity #Leadership #Innovation #Slovenia #HealthTech #StartupJourney #SuccessMindset #PersonalGrowth #AIInHealthcare #BusinessPodcast #Inspiration Follow us on all your favourite platforms: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheQuestforSuccessPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Quest-For-Success-Podcast/61560418629272/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequestforsuccesspod/ Twitter: https://x.com/quest4success_ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-quest-for-success TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequestforsuccesspod Website: www.thequestforsuccesspodcast.com Please share this around to anyone you think will get value from it : )