Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Wake Up with Chris Donnelly

How do you build a $100 million creator business from scratch?

This week, Chris sat down with Jordan Schwarzenberger, the man behind the Sidemen’s explosive business empire.

From YouTube videos to burger chains, clothing brands, and viral drinks, Jordan has helped turn a group of creators into a $100M+ powerhouse.

In this episode, he breaks down:

- How the Sidemen scaled from content to commerce
- The blueprint for building creator-led IP
- The biggest mistakes creators make when launching products
- Why community is everything,  and how to lose it in seconds
- What makes a product actually go viral
- The highs, lows, and lessons from building with one of the biggest creator groups in the world

If you’re a creator, founder, or entrepreneur who wants to turn attention into assets,  this is the playbook.

0:00 Introduction
2:15 Jordan Early Years
7:05 Why You Shouldn't Go To Uni
10:15 What is a Monoculture?
13:55 Moving from Vice to LadBible
19:15 Jordan Starting His Own Agency
22:45 The Success of Chicken Shop Date
25:15 How to Command a Room When You're Younger
31:15 Jordan Starting with the Sidemen
35:15 Creating VIRAL Sidemen Brand
39:15 The Worst Business to Start
44:15 What Does Success Look Like for the Sidemen
45:15 Is There Competition with Prime?
47:15 How to Monetise Your Audience
49:15 How to Create Your Own IP
53:15 How to Build the Right Brand After Going Viral
58:15 Build Out Your Brand
1:04:15 Entertainment Vs Education 
1:06:15 Creator Enterprise, Going Into SaaS
1:09:15 What Should Creators Stop Doing

Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdonnellyofficial/
Follow Jordan: https://www.instagram.com/jordanschwarz/

Ever wondered why your perfectly logical idea still flops?

Rory Sutherland, Vice Chairman of Ogilvy, thinks logic is the real enemy of innovation.

In this episode, Rory dismantles everything you thought you knew about business, branding, and consumer behaviour. From pricing psychology to irrational decision-making, he shows why people don’t buy what's logical, they buy what feels right. And if you’re a founder, marketer, or builder of any kind, this episode is your blueprint for thinking differently.

Here’s what we cover:
•  Why logic kills creativity in business
• The psychological levers that actually drive sales
• Why branding is about perception, not performance
• What most startups get wrong about value

But this isn’t just theory. Rory also talks about:
• The danger of over - optimisation
• Why data can’t explain human behaviour
• How real innovation happens outside the spreadsheet

If you want to build a brand that people fall in love with, not just tolerate, this is the episode to watch.

Sign up to Revolut Business at https://www.revolut.com/rb/wakeup and add money to your account before September 14th, 2025, to receive a £200 / $200 welcome bonus. Subscription fees and T&Cs apply. Available for new Business customers in the UK and US.

US Customers: Revolut is not a bank. Banking services are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC. The Revolut USA Prepaid Visa and Prepaid Mastercard are issued by Lead Bank pursuant to licensing by Visa(c) U.S.A. Inc. and Mastercard International for Mastercard cards. Your funds are FDIC insured up to $250,000 through Lead Bank, Member FDIC. See https://www.revolut.com/en-US/ for more details. 

00:00 Introduction
03:04 Fat-Tailed Marketing
05:40 Blockbuster Not Buying Netflix
11:35 Reverse Benchmarking
20:40 Business Idea: Car Rental Company
26:30 How to Think Non-Rationally
36:30 Reframing the Value of Something Psychologically
39:00 Perception vs Value
43:00 Success of Family-Run Business 
49:00 Jaguar Marketing
53:20 Why People HATE Innovation and New Inventions
1:03:40 Why Is Marketing Doomed?
1:10:30 Heathrow Pod
1:23:45 Best Marketing Ever
1:25:50 How Marketing Is Changing with AI
1:32:00 Think Like a Cop
1:38:00 How Increasing Your Price Can Make You More Money
1:45:00 How to Find the Best House
1:54:05 How Are Older People Going to Deal with AI?
1:56:50 Why Millionaires Are Leaving the UK
2:01:30 Why the Tax System Is F*cked for Young People

Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdonnellyofficial/ 
Follow Rory: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorysutherland/?originalSubdomain=uk

Ever wondered what it takes to go from $0 to $100 million?

Davie Fogarty did that with 1 product in 1 year. After 7 failed startups, Davie finally cracked the code, and built The Oodie, one of the fastest-growing eCommerce brands in the world.

In this episode, he shares his exact formula:

• How to find the right product
• His Facebook ad strategy that generated $1M in a day
• Marketing, sales, and operations at scale
• What most founders get wrong when building a business

But this isn’t just the highlight reel. Davie also opens up about the darker side:

• Panic attacks, burnout, and stress-induced rashes
• The pressure of success, and nearly walking away from it all
• Why the biggest wins can also be the loneliest

And now? He’s using everything he learned to help millions and investing in them on SharkTank. This is his most honest, unfiltered conversation yet,  and if you're serious about building a business, you need to hear it.

Sign up to Revolut Business at https://www.revolut.com/rb/wakeup and add money to your account before August 31st, 2025, to receive a £200 / $200 welcome bonus. Subscription fees and T&Cs apply. Available for new Business customers in the UK and US.

US Customers: Revolut is not a bank. Banking services are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC. The Revolut USA Prepaid Visa and Prepaid Mastercard are issued by Lead Bank pursuant to licensing by Visa(c) U.S.A. Inc. and Mastercard International for Mastercard cards. Your funds are FDIC insured up to $250,000 through Lead Bank, Member FDIC. See https://www.revolut.com/en-US/ for more details. 

Chapters: 
0:00 Introduction 
2:20 Davie early years 
6:00 from 0 to 10M in first year 
7:00 Skill to build a 10M business
8:00 how to jump on trends 
10:30 Why are scared of Ai 
11:30 Davie's E-commerce success 
13:30 Launching 10 businesses at the same time 
18:00 Fear of failing 
19:00 Davie's Health Challenges 
25:00 Competitiveness 
26:00 Understanding Anxiety 
30:00 Flexing  
34:10 How Oddie exploded (finding the right market)   
33:00 Riches in the niches 
33:30 How to find the perfect product 
37:00 The importance of building a brand not just selling a product 
40:00 Best tools find trending E commerce business 
42:00 Why Davie stepped down as CEO
45:50 Shark Tank 
53:00 E Commerce Exits 
1:00:00 Losing money on crypto 
1:01:00 Davies fear of Public speaking 
1:02:40 Life now after Business 
1:07:00 The people who were with you when you had nothing 
1:08:50 Biggest Secret about Billionaires 
1:10:00 How to stop caring what people think of you 
1:13:20 Stop following your passion

Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdonnellyofficial/ 
Follow Davie: https://www.instagram.com/daviefogarty/ 

What does it really take to turn your audience into a multi-million dollar company?

Nathan Barry went from broke blogger to the founder Kit, a bootstrapped SaaS powerhouse generating $45 million a year in subscription revenue.

This episode is more than just a story.
It’s a masterclass in how creators can build real, scalable businesses, without investors, hype, or burnout.

We cover:
• How Nathan grew from $2K/month to $100K… then $500K… then $3M/month in revenue
• The Ladder of Wealth Creation and how to climb it step-by-step
• How to go from selling a $250 product to a $2,500+ product
• Why email is still the most powerful tool in the creator economy
• His framework for moving from low-ticket to high-ticket offers
• How the Flywheel Effect transformed his business and how you can build one too
• Why he turned down Spotify
• How creators can spot underpriced, overvalued opportunities

Whether you're just starting out or already have an audience, this conversation will challenge how you think about money, audience growth, and long-term success.

Sign up to Revolut Business at https://www.revolut.com/rb/wakeup and add money to your account before August 31st, 2025, to receive a £200 / $200 welcome bonus. Subscription fees and T&Cs apply. Available for new Business customers in the UK and US.

US Customers: Revolut is not a bank. Banking services are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC. The Revolut USA Prepaid Visa and Prepaid Mastercard are issued by Lead Bank pursuant to licensing by Visa(c) U.S.A. Inc. and Mastercard International for Mastercard cards. Your funds are FDIC insured up to $250,000 through Lead Bank, Member FDIC. See https://www.revolut.com/en-US/ for more details.

0:00 Introduction
2:10 Nathan’s Backstory
5:00 Celebrities on Kit 
6:00 How to Make Great Content
8:42 Nathan's Childhood
12:23 Discovering Web Design
14:40 Writing Books
18:00 How to make a lot of money selling to a small audience** 
20:00 Email Drives Everything
24:00 Writing 1,000 Words a Day for 600 Days
29:00 Life Transformation: $60K to $250K
30:55 Ladder of Wealth Curation
34:00 From $2K/Month to $100K/Month
35:42 Almost Gave Up
38:30 Getting ill
45:30 Doubling Down on Kit
53:00 Power of Word of Mouth
1:00:00 Jumping from $500K to $3M/Month
1:02:00 Why He Rejected Spotify
1:04:00 Building the Flywheel
1:13:30 Low-Ticket to High-Ticket Products
1:14:30 How Ryan Reynolds Became a Billionaire
1:17:00 Teaching Skills to People With Money
1:20:00 Chris’ Digital Product
1:25:00 Nathan’s Non-Flexing Philosophy
1:28:40 What’s the Difference Between a Strip Mall?
1:34:00 How Reese Witherspoon Became a Billionaire
1:37:55 Final Take: What Can People Wake Up To Today?

Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdonnellyofficial/?hl=en 
Follow Nathan: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarry/?hl=en

No one teaches you how to embrace failure, but what if that’s the only way to truly succeed?

Today, I’m sitting down with Elizabeth Day, bestselling author, journalist, and host of the How To Fail Podcast, the hit podcast that’s changed how millions of people think about setbacks.

Elizabeth opens up about the moments that shaped her: growing up in Northern Ireland, feeling like an outsider at school, the pursuit of confidence, and how repeated rejection eventually became her greatest superpower.

She also shares the deeply personal stories behind her success, from boarding school struggles to navigating miscarriage, online hate, and public life, and why your ability to fail well might be the most important skill you’ll ever learn.

If you’ve ever felt like you're behind, broken, or not enough, this one’s for you.

Sign up to Revolut Business at https://www.revolut.com/rb/wakeup and add money to your account before August 31st, 2025, to receive a £200 / $200 welcome bonus. Subscription fees and T&Cs apply. Available for new Business customers in the UK and US.

US Customers: Revolut is not a bank. Banking services are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC. The Revolut USA Prepaid Visa and Prepaid Mastercard are issued by Lead Bank pursuant to licensing by Visa(c) U.S.A. Inc. and Mastercard International for Mastercard cards. Your funds are FDIC insured up to $250,000 through Lead Bank, Member FDIC. See https://www.revolut.com/en-US/ for more details.

0:00 Introduction
1:40 Elizabeth & Chris’ experiences with IVF struggles
7:00 Self doubt in your 20s 
9:55 Elizabeth’s early years
15:40 “Confidence in a muscle you can flex”
16:55 Elizabeth’s first job at 12 
20:30 Gossip columnist
23:20 “Just do the hard thing over and over again”
24:50 Introverted Vs Extrovert
31:00 Understanding failure
35:20 If you're feeling lost watch this  
39:15 Thoughts on Ozempic 
41:15 How to balance it all
49:30 Elizabeth's IVF story
59:40 Sally Phillips opens up about failure
1:03:30 Kate Winslet opens up about failures
1:05:30 Psychic readings 
1:13:30 Failing in your 20s 
1:16:00 5 year plans
1:21:00 The importance of friendship
1:23:00 Work addiction
1:26:50 Conflict avoidant
1:29:20 Stop being a people pleaser
1:32:00 How to set boundaries
1:35:00 How to deal with negative opinions
1:40:20 Justin Baldoni & Blake Lively court case 
1:44:50 Elizabeth being a CEO & Founder

Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdonnellyofficial/ 
Follow Elizabeth: https://www.instagram.com/elizabday/
Pre sale link: https://lnk.to/OneOfUsElizabethDay

You don’t need more motivation. You need mastery.

In this episode, I sat down with ‪Master Shi Heng Yi  one of the world’s most respected voices on self-discipline, inner strength, and mental clarity. He’s not here to give you life hacks. He’s here to teach you how to face the uncomfortable truth: that most of us are running from ourselves.

We unpack what it really means to live with presence, power, and purpose and how to stop letting your emotions, distractions, and past pain run the show.

From overcoming addiction to comfort to understanding why we are the cause of our suffering, this conversation is a blueprint for those ready to step out of autopilot and take their mind back.

If you’ve ever felt anxious, undisciplined, or like something’s missing, this is your wake-up call.

Chapters: 
0:00 Introduction
1:10 Early Years
3:20 Rebelling
6:40 How to Deal with Comparison & Competitiveness
10:00 How to Figure Out the Purpose of Life
12:12 Epidemic of Addiction & Greed
17:00 What to Do When Times Get Hard
20:00 Pain & Failure Can Sometimes Be Good
25:05 Demon Hand, Buddha Heart
28:00 Is This the Life You Want to Live?
30:00 How Can People Motivate Themselves?
33:00 Why Discipline Is Needed
34:00 How to Confront Your Demons
35:30 Have You Got a Dead Corpse in the Basement?
40:30 Your Thoughts Become Who You Are
42:50 5 Hindrances to Sensory Growth
45:50 R.A.I.N. Method
48:00 How to Stop Getting Triggered
50:00 You Can’t Grow When Comfortable
54:20 How to Grow Your Heart
56:10 Consistency Is More Powerful Than Intensity
1:00:08 Failure vs. Success
1:02:15 How to Focus on Goals
1:05:00 How to Let Things Go
1:06:00 How to Bring the Shaolin Spirit into Your Life

Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdonnellyofficial/?hl=en 
Follow Master Shi Heng Yi: https://www.instagram.com/shihengyi.online/?hl=en 
Master Shi Heng Yi's Book: https://linktr.ee/shihengyi.online

You don’t need to shout to be heard. You don’t need to win every argument to be respected. And you don’t need to fear difficult conversations, if you know how to lead them.

In this episode, trial lawyer and #1 speaking coach Jefferson Fisher shares the communication frameworks that have made him one of the most trusted voices online for navigating conflict, setting boundaries, and speaking with confidence.

We explore why less is more when you speak, how to stay calm under pressure, and the one mindset shift that instantly makes you more magnetic in any room.

From boardrooms to relationships, Jefferson’s practical tools will help you argue less, say more, and lead without raising your voice.

If you’ve ever struggled with people pleasing, being heard, or standing your ground, this one’s for you.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro: Why Words Matter More Than Ever 
1:30 Jefferson’s Backstory 
4:50 Jefferson Powerful Online Voice 
7:10 “What You Say Is Who You Are” 
9:50 How to Spot a Liar 
12:55 Nervous Before a Hard Conversation? Try This 
15:20 Declutter Your Sentences, STOP Saying Um 
17:45 Power of Speed & Tone in Speech 
21:00 Why You Might Sound Like You're Lying 
24:00 "Don’t Be a Waterfall, Be a Well" 
27:00 How to Argue Less and Say More 
30:00 How to Spot “Knots” in a Conversation 
33:25 How to Lean Into Conflict 
36:40 Feel an Argument Coming? Do This First 
41:30 People Mirror Your Frequency, Use It Wisely 
43:30 How to STOP Reacting to Insults 
46:30 The Power of Letting Go 
50:00 Stop Forcing Your Opinion, Try This Instead 
56:00 The 3-Step Framework for Difficult Conversations 
1:01:30 How to Argue Like a Lawyer 
1:04:40 How to Say “NO” With Confidence 
1:07:00 How to Clearly Set Boundaries 
1:11:00 How to STOP People Pleasing 
1:14:35 How to Stay Calm When Insulted 
1:21:00 How to Apologise Properly 
1:22:45 What to Say After a Bad Apology 
1:25:30 How to Deal With a Narcissist 
1:29:00 How to STOP Getting Defensive 
1:30:30 Handling Insults at Work 
1:33:00 How to Have Tough Conversations at Work 
1:34:00 How Jefferson Leads His Business

Link to Book: https://www.jeffersonfisher.com/book

Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdonnellyofficial/?hl=en
Follow Jefferson: https://www.instagram.com/jefferson_fisher/?hl=en

This episode might change the way you think about mindset forever.

At just 17, Maya Raichoora was diagnosed with a chronic illness that left her unable to walk, eat, or even attend school. Doctors told her she’d never recover fully.
But what changed everything wasn’t just treatment — it was visualisation.

Maya shares the exact moment her healing journey began, how she used mental imagery to rewire her brain, and the powerful mindset tools she now teaches in her new book “Visualise.”

If you’ve ever felt stuck, burnt out, or like you’re living in survival mode
This conversation is a blueprint for getting back to yourself.

Chapter:

00:00 – Introduction
02:31 – Introducing Maya
03:24 – Maya’s Early Life as a High Performer
04:09 – Diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis
05:19 – The Mental and Physical Struggle
06:39 – Isolation and Shame
08:39 – Searching for a Cure Worldwide
09:39 – The Question That Changed Everything
10:39 – Visualising a New Future
12:09 – The Obsession with the Mind-Body Connection
13:09 – Turning Pain into Purpose
14:09 – How to Start Visualising
15:09 – Building Your Future Self Through Reps
16:39 – The Power of Slowing Down
19:09 – Mind Like a Lake: A Visualisation for Calm
20:39 – The Energy Diet No One Talks About
22:39 – Recognising Your Seasons
26:09 – Hibernation Mode for High Performers
28:09 – Spring, Summer, and Harvest Cycles
30:39 – Following Your Own Race
33:39 – Building a Character-Driven Identity
36:09 – Taking Radical Responsibility
39:39 – The Real Role of Social Media
42:09 – Internal vs External Validation
45:39 – When You're Overwhelmed by Feedback
48:39 – Building Mental Fitness Habits
51:39 – Celebrating the Present Moment
54:39 – Letting Go of the Hustle Guilt
57:39 – Learning to Delete, Not Just Add
01:00:39 – Visualising Nike-Level Mindset
01:03:39 – Book Writing, Reading, and Rewriting Beliefs
01:06:39 – Building Accessible Tools for Young People
01:09:39 – Future Plans for Mental Fitness Education
01:12:39 – Why We Avoid Hard Conversations
01:15:39 – 6 Vulnerable Questions That Build Deep Connection
01:18:39 – Managing Stress Through Language and Awareness

Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdonnellyofficial/?hl=en 
Follow Maya: https://www.instagram.com/maya.mental.fitness/?hl=en 

Link to book: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/465180/visualise-by-raichoora-maya/9781846048524

No one teaches you how to walk into Soviet negotiations on a tourist visa and walk out with one of the biggest gaming deals in history.
Today, I’m sitting down with Henk Rogers, the entrepreneur who brought Tetris to the world and outplayed billion-dollar corporations to secure the rights. His journey is a masterclass in risk-taking, negotiation, and reinvention.

We dive into:
- How Henk convinced Nintendo to bet on Tetris
- The truth behind the movie vs. reality: what really happened in Moscow
- The Game Boy deal that changed gaming forever
- How a near-death experience turned him into a climate change activist
- His new book, The Perfect Game: Tetris: From Russia with Love, where he reveals the untold story behind the Tetris battle and what Hollywood didn’t show

Now, he’s on a mission to make the world 100 percent renewable by 2045, and he’s already led Hawaii to become the first state to commit.
This is about big risks, big wins, and using success to change the world. Let’s get into it.

Chapters: 
0:00 The Origin Story Begins
1:23 Henk's Humble Beginnings
3:19 Following Love All the Way to Japan
6:00 Bringing Western Games to the East
10:00 Betting the Farm Literally
11:00 The Moment Henk Found Tetris
20:00 Tetris Meets Game Boy
23:00 Entering the Soviet Union… on a Tourist Visa
24:00 The KGB Is Now Involved
31:00 Negotiating Behind the Iron Curtain
39:00 When It All Nearly Fell Apart
40:00 Why the Tetris Launch Initially Flopped
48:00 Henk & Alexey Pajitnov Friendship
53:00 Fact vs Fiction Does the Movie Get It Right
57:00 How Writing His Book Came to Be
59:00 Henk's Near Death Experience
1:01:00 Henk’s Mission to Ditch Carbon Fuels for Good
1:02:00 How Much Henk Sold His Company For
1:03:00 How to Actually Make Renewables Profitable
1:09:00 Henk's New App to Help Climate Change
1:11:00 Advice for the Next Generation of Dreamers
1:12:00 The Real Story Behind Henk’s Book

Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdonnellyofficial/?hl=en 
Follow Henk: https://www.instagram.com/henkrogers/?hl=en 
Link to Henk's Book: https://www.diangelopublications.com/shop/p/the-perfect-game

Social media is hijacking your brain. Dopamine overload is killing your focus. Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are wrecking your body. The modern world is designed to keep you addicted, distracted, and exhausted. So how do you take back control?

In this episode, neuroscientist TJ Power explains the science behind dopamine, addiction, and productivity. The author of DOSE: The Brain Chemistry That Drives Happiness & How to Optimize It, TJ has trained over 80,000 people in brain chemistry optimisation, helping them rewire their habits, overcome distractions, and regain control of their minds.

We also dive into dopamine fasting, the ideal morning routine for peak productivity, and why your phone might be the biggest obstacle to deep focus.

If you’re feeling stuck, unmotivated, or overwhelmed, this conversation will give you strategies for resetting your brain and reclaiming your focus.

Chapters: 
0:00 Introduction
2:00 TJ’s Upbringing
5:00 Family Friendship with Jay Shetty
6:00 Growing Up with OCD
8:40 TJ’s Party Phase
11:00 Hitting Rock Bottom
14:00 TJ’s Teachings Begin
15:30 The DOSE Framework Explained
23:00 The Power of Slowing Down in Nature
24:30 Chris Sells His Company
29:00 A Smarter Way to Set Goals
32:00 Why Entrepreneurs Often Struggle with Addiction
39:00 What Alcohol Really Does to Your Dopamine
43:00 TJ’s Dad Quits Drinking
48:00 Understanding Serotonin
51:00 Why Mental Health Issues Are on the Rise
53:00 Boosting Motivation by 48% (Yes, Really)
58:00 The Surprising Benefits of Watching More TV
1:03:30 Is Cold Water Therapy Actually Effective?
1:06:00 How to Enter a Flow State
1:12:30 How Your Diet Impacts Brain Function
1:18:00 How to Boost Melatonin and Sleep Better
1:22:30 Does WHOOP Accurately Track Sleep & Fitness?
1:24:00 What Is Oxytocin (and Why It Matters)
1:27:00 Single vs. Relationship Oxytocin – What’s the Difference?
1:31:00 How Oxytocin Relates to Sex and Intimacy
1:35:00 The Science of Stopping Overthinking

Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdonnellyofficial/?hl=en
Follow TJ Power: https://www.instagram.com/tjpower/?hl=en
Link to Book: https://thedoseeffect.co.uk/

No one teaches you how to build a £50 million business from your university bedroom, but getting it right can change everything.

Today, I’m sitting down with Sara Davies, entrepreneur, investor, and former Dragons' Den star. Sara started as a young founder, juggling imposter syndrome, tough decisions, and relentless pressure. Now she’s built an empire, invested in countless businesses, and even danced her way through Strictly Come Dancing.

But for the first time, she’s revealing why she’s stepping away from Dragons’ Den and what’s next.

She also shares amazing insight into her new book, "The Six Minute Entrepreneur: 52 Lessons for Long-Term Success," where she breaks down the small, daily actions that lead to big results in business and life. 

Chapters: 
0:00 Introduction
1:30 Why Sara is leaving Dragon Den
5:30 How Sara became an entrepreneur 
9:00 Start of Sara’s crafting journey 
19:00 Sara’s husband supporting her 
21:00 Working with family 
26:00 Jugerling Parenting & Business
32:00 Sara’s Legacy 
34:00 Relationship with Risk 
39:00 Imposter syndrome 
44:20 Strictly come dancing 
57:00 Should you build a business to sell?  
1:00:00 How to win over Sara's investment
1:08:00 Sara’s first day on Dragons Den 
1:15:00 Sara couching the guest dragons 
1:19:00 Sara’s New Book 
1:24:00 How to stay focused

Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdonnellyofficial/?hl=en 
Follow Sara: https://www.instagram.com/saradaviescc/?hl=en 

Link to Sara's Book: https://amzn.eu/d/a3F1uHA

No one teaches you how to be a great leader, but getting it wrong can make or break your career.

Today, I’m sitting down with Heather Elkington, the Gen Z leadership coach who’s helped thousands step up with confidence.

Heather started as a young manager at Harrods, struggling with imposter syndrome, tough feedback, and impossible workloads. Now she’s trained leaders at American Express, Abercrombie & Fitch, and FTSE100 companies and she’s here to share what actually works.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or unsure as a leader, this episode is for you.

Chapters: 
0:00 Introduction 
3:00 The worst type of leader 
5:00 How to give bad feedback
8:30 Why you need to stop being nice
15:00 Heather's love for work
17:00 working at Harrods
22:00 Building Her Business 
44:00 Why you need core values 
51:00 What does a great manager actually do 
58:00 Heather First Business inspiration 
1:03:00 Dark side of entrepreneurship 
1:07:00 How to conduct a 1-to-1s 
1:10:00 How to set boundaries 
1:12:00 What is the biggest mistake managers make 
1:22:00 What is the mission of the business
1:30:00 What's next for Heather 

Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdonnellyofficial/?hl=en
Follow Heather: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipheather/?hl=en

Manifestation isn’t just wishful thinking, it’s a science-backed process that can completely transform your life. But most people are doing it all wrong. 

In this episode, Roxie Nafousi, bestselling author and the leading voice in modern manifestation, reveals the 7-step formula that has helped thousands turn their dreams into reality. Plus, she gives us an exclusive deep dive into her brand-new book, Confidence: 8 Steps to Knowing Your Worth 

Roxie doesn’t just talk about thinking positively, she shares the practical strategies that high achievers use to shape their reality. 

Chapters: 
0:00 Introduction 
1:50 Roxie journey 
3:30 Rat experiment 
5:10 Roxie’s First Journey with Manifestation
6:50 Is manifestation real? 
12:20 How to manifest a relationship  
17:00 8 steps to confidence  
21:00 How did your friends react 
23:00 How to find out who are your true friends 
27:30 What is the science behind manifestation 
31:30 How to pick yourself up when you’re feeling low ( Gratitude Journal) 
35:00 Don't miss the good old days 
41:30 How to create a vision board 
43:20 How can people remove the barrier of fear 
43:20 How to find your purpose 
47:00 How to turn envy into inspiration
52:00 How can you negatively manifest 
53:00 Roxie’s first manifestation event 
1:03:00 How Roxie learnt about branding 
1:06:00 Roxie starting her business 
1:11:00 Roxie’s Imposture Syndrom
1:15:00 Investing Journey 
 
Confidence: 8 Steps to Knowing Your Worth here: https://bio.to/Confidence. Available from March 27th.  

Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdonnellyofficial/?hl=en-gb 
Follow Roxie: https://www.instagram.com/roxienafousi/?hl=en-gb

This week on Wake Up, we’re doing things a little differently. I’m giving you an unfiltered look into a day in my life as a busy founder and CEO. No fake hustle, no highlight reels, just the real grind of juggling multiple businesses, coaching, and live shows while making time for deep work, a workout, and a beer at the end.

And it’s a packed one. The day starts with a deep-dive consultant session with Eric Partaker, followed by work, community calls, and hosting a live podcast for Sahil Bloom’s book launch event in front of 1,000 people. If you’ve ever wondered how I actually get things done without losing my mind, this is for you.

Chapters: 
0:00 Morning Routine
4:20 First Meeting
6:50 Consultant Day with Eric Partaker
8:45 Lunch & Work
10:00 Cohort Call
11:20 Heading to South Kensington
12:40 Backstage at Sahil Bloom Live Event
15:15 Sahil Bloom Live Event
17:40 Wrapping Up the Day
18:35 Outtakes

Drop a comment and let me know, what part of your day you struggle to manage the most.

Subscribe for more real talk on entrepreneurship, productivity, and making it all work.

James Smith, bestselling author and performance coach, shares the key lessons he’s learned about confidence, productivity, and the truth behind Ozempic & TRT. In this episode, James dives deep into the psychology of self-belief, how to break free from procrastination and become a productivity machine, and what most people get wrong about Ozempic,  weight loss & TRT.

He also reveals the biggest mindset shifts that separate high performers from everyone else and the strategies he’s used to transform thousands of lives. If you’re looking for practical, no-nonsense advice to build confidence, get more done, and take control of your health, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
1:30 James’ background
6:00 The role of honesty in James’ career
8:00 Leaving corporate life to become an entrepreneur
11:30 The secret to building confidence
15:10 Inside James’ confidence workshop
17:30 Growing a powerful social media presence
24:00 When your friends don’t support you
25:30 Why buying a flashy car is a waste of money
29:00 James’ journey from broke to fame
31:00 What it’s like meeting fans
33:00 Landing his first book deal
40:00 The reality of James’ first tour
43:00 Facing Piers Morgan in an interview
45:20 Becoming a #1 best-selling author
48:00 How James stays organized and productive
50:30 Scaling his business to new heights
53:00 Game-changing email marketing hacks
54:00 Starting a business with Chris Williamson
58:00 James’ approach to business mentorship
1:02:00 The 1-5-10 hour rule explained
1:05:00 How to price yourself correctly
1:08:00 The secret to maximizing productivity
1:12:00 James’ experience using Ozempic
1:20:00 What happened when James tried TRT
1:31:00 The truth about Ozempic
1:33:00 How Ozempic removed the emotional connection to food
1:36:00 The impact of Ozempic on the brain
1:41:00 What Ozempic really costs
1:43:00 The dangers of using Ozempic
1:44:00 James’ childhood struggle with an eating disorder
1:50:00 What’s next for James?

Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdonnellyofficial/?hl=en-gb
Follow James: https://www.instagram.com/jamessmith/?hl=en-gb

GIVEAWAY! Sahil just launched his new book, The 5 Types of Wealth, and we’re celebrating with a giveaway!

Win a signed copy of his book + a free ticket to his event in London on February 13th!

Here’s how to enter:

1. Comment on Sahil’s podcast on my YouTube with your biggest goal for 2025.
2. Sahil will pick 5 winners to receive a signed book and a ticket to his exclusive event at the Royal Geographical Society, London.

Sahil Bloom, entrepreneur, investor, and author, shares the biggest lessons he’s learned about wealth, success, and creating a meaningful life. In this episode, Sahil dives deep into the 5 types of wealth, how to know if you're playing the wrong game, and the mindset shifts that separate the 1% from everyone else.

He also reveals the best advice he received from his mentor, Apple CEO Tim Cook, and how those lessons shaped his approach to business, leadership, and life. If you’re looking for practical, no-BS strategies to build real wealth and take control of your future, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
1:00 The Biggest Lie We’ve Been Told About Wealth
3:00 The Most Common Mistake People Make Chasing Success
3:45 The Mindset Shift That Changed Everything
4:30 The One Question to Ask Yourself Every Day to Stay on Track
5:20 Tim Cook’s Best Advice for Success
8:30 The 4 Types of Luck & How to Create More Opportunities
12:00 The 5 Types of Wealth You Need to Build
19:30 Sahil’s Wake Up Moment 
25:00 Why the 13 Richest People Have 14 Divorces 
28:00 The Real Way to Find Your Purpose
31:00 How to Create Value & Make Yourself Indispensable
34:00 Stop Trying to Impress the Wrong People
39:00 The Harsh Truth Making a Million Dollars Isn’t Easy
41:00 The Trade Off Why Something Has to Suck to Get What You Want
43:00 How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome for Good
43:40 Why You Need to Fall in Love with Embarrassment to Succeed
46:00 What Is the Spotlight Effect & How to Stop Caring What Others Think
47:00 The Secret to Becoming Luckier in Life & Business
48:00 How to Think & Act Like the Top 1%
50:00 How Becoming a Dad Changed Everything
53:00 How to Intentionally Redesign Your Life for Success
55:00 Should You Give Your Children Money? The Hard Truth
1:03:00 The Success of Sahil’s Book & Lessons Learned
1:07:00 Treat Your Body Like Your Home If You Want It to Last
1:10:00 The Science Behind Cold Plunges & Their Impact
1:11:00 The 4-7-8 Breathing Method for Better Sleep
1:14:00 What Is Quiet Quitting in a Relationship
1:17:00 The Difference Between Falling in Love & Growing in Love
1:19:00 Why Proximity to Loved Ones Matters More Than You Think
1:21:30 What Is a Darkest Hour Friend and Why You Need One
1:23:30 What’s Next A Look into the Future
Let me know if you need any more refinements.

Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdonnellyofficial/?hl=en 
Follow Sahil: https://www.instagram.com/sahilbloom/?hl=en

GIVEAWAY! Simon just launched his new book What’s Your Dream? and we’re celebrating with a giveaway.

If you comment on this YouTube video with your dream and tell us what it is! 
Simon will personally pick three winners from the comments to receive a signed book with £500 inside. 

How to Enter
1.  Comment below with your dream on Simon’s podcast on my YouTube
2.  Simon will pick three winners to receive a signed book with £500

Link my youtube: https://youtu.be/56R4-Hg8nW4 

Simon Squibb, a visionary entrepreneur and mentor, shares his extraordinary journey from homelessness to building a thriving entrepreneurial empire. In this episode, Simon opens up about his biggest failures, life-changing lessons, and the strategies he used to create a life of purpose and financial freedom.

This conversation is packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to start a business, develop resilience, or find clarity in their personal and professional lives. Simon’s journey will inspire you to turn obstacles into opportunities and create a future you’re proud of.

Chapters: 
0:00 Introduction 
4:00 What is the biggest risk 
6:20 The hardest thing he has to do in business 
8:45 What is your biggest failure 
12:30  Simon becomes homeless 
20:00 Start of Simons's entrepreneurial journey 
22:00 Biggest lies in business 
33:00 How to find your first customer 
37:20 How to become a great seller 
40:00 How to start on social media 
46:00 Why Simon loves helping people 
53:00 Why you shouldn’t buy a property 
1:00:00 Simon going into politics 
1:3:45 Most impactful story
1:08:50 How everyone become rich 
1:11:00 Winning £1,000,000 
1:15:00 How to find the purpose 
1:25:00 Give Away!

Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdonnellyofficial/ 
Follow Simon: https://www.instagram.com/simonsquibb/?hl=en 

Eric Partaker, the world’s leading CEO coach, shares powerful insights on building resilience, achieving peak performance, and thriving in today’s fast-changing business environment. From his near-death experience that sparked a life-changing epiphany to his actionable strategies for becoming anti-fragile, Eric reveals how leaders can turn challenges into opportunities and create businesses that not only survive but thrive under pressure.

Eric dives deep into game-changing concepts like the 80/20 principle to maximize impact, the Olympic athlete mindset for achieving magnetic goals, and his signature "3 Alarms" method to balance work and life while driving success. Whether it’s transitioning from founder to CEO, mastering delegation, or building a high-performing team, this episode is packed with practical advice for entrepreneurs and leaders ready to level up.

If you’re looking to future-proof your business, lead with confidence, and unlock your full potential, this conversation is a must-watch. Eric’s proven strategies will inspire you to embrace uncertainty, develop an unshakable mindset, and create a roadmap for long-term success in both your personal and professional life.

This video is sponsored by Perplexity - an AI search engine - that gives you fast, clear answers to any question. It can also help with synthesis and summarization, and I think of it as my personal assistant that's available to me 24/7. 

So, if like me, you want to work smarter, not harder, Perplexity can help you save time and focus on what really matters. Virgin Media O2 customers can get a free year of Perplexity Pro—an absolute game-changer for productivity.

Learn more at https://www.perplexity.ai/ and start scaling smarter today.

Chapters: 
0:00 Introduction
1:00 Eric’s journey 
4:30 Eric’s starting new business 
9:00 Eric’s near-death experience 
13:45 Book 3 Alarms 
15:30 How to use the 3 alarms 
19:45 How to pick yourself up from rock bottom 
25:00 How to become a profitable business 
26:20 Can the founder have a work-life balance ( DEBATE) 
30:00 Olympic athlete mindset 
35:20 Running a Small Business VS Big 
40:00 Eric & Chris Linkedin journey
45:00 How to go for a founder to CEO
47:00 Competitive In business 
53:00 How to put together a business plan
55:00 How to increase demand & decrease supply 
1:04:30 Anti-Hustle movement 
1:10:00 How to delegate better
1:12:00 Becoming the best CEO
1:15:00 What makes a truly great leader 
1:16:30 How to become anti-fragile 
1:19:00 The difference between a professional and an amateur
1:22:00 How to drive a team 
1:27:00 80/20 Superpower 
1:33:00 How to use 80/20 to grow on socials 
1:37:00 How to split up your workday 
1:41:00 How to set magnetic goals 
1:46:00 You can achieve anything you want

In this exclusive first interview of 2025, Daniel Priestley shares why this year marks the most exciting time in history for entrepreneurs. From groundbreaking insights on the rise of AI to actionable advice on building an AI-powered business, Daniel breaks down how companies of any size can double their revenue by embracing artificial intelligence.

Whether you’re looking to future-proof your business, streamline operations, or harness AI for growth, this episode is packed with game-changing strategies to help you thrive in the new era of innovation. Don’t miss this roadmap to unlocking your business’s potential in 2025 and beyond!

Daniel and Chris work through the exact methodology and steps from naming and branding a business, to launching and selling to your first customers, to increasing prices and demand through to marketing, scaling and selling. It's a must-watch for any entrepreneur. 

Chapters: 
0:00 Introduction 
2:30 Why is 2025 the most exciting time in business 
3:30 Using AI to write a book 
5:30 How to build a successful AI business 
7:15 How to get your business powered by AI 
8:00 How to double your business with AI 
12:50 How to launch your business
14:00 CAOS framework
17:00 How to test your idea 
20:30 Batman method
27:00 How to grow a small team 
30:00 What is a key person of influence? 
31.55  What are the 5 P’s
36:30 Why sales are so important 
41:20 How to win high-quality clients ( Cinderella method ) 
43:00 The power of rejecting client 
45:30 Why your price doesn’t matter
47:00 Understanding your business capacity  
58:00  How to grow a medium size team (8 to 10 people) 
1:03:00 Solo Entrepreneurs (Debate) 
1:07:00 How to grow from 8 people to 30 
1:10:00 How to build true wealth 
1:13:00 What is a multiplier? 
1:21:00 The most exciting thing about 2025

Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdonnellyofficial/
Follow Daniel: https://www.instagram.com/danielpriestley/?hl=en 

https://motionarray.com/royalty-free-music/deeper-than-stars-2886191/
1d29c99e97cc7be4fee5bbc22cf59b4509cbd09b67577712bff9815d53b05370:132049427

In this episode, Nischa breaks down the biggest financial mistakes people make and reveals strategies to take control of your money. Whether you’re debating saving vs investing, wondering how to buy a car the smart way, or trying to avoid budgeting pitfalls, this video is packed with practical tips to help you thrive financially.

From building wealth to managing debt, Nischa covers it all, making complex money topics simple and actionable. Whether you’re just starting or looking to optimise your finances, this episode is your roadmap to smarter money moves in 2025.

Chapters: 
0:00 Introduction
1:40 Nischa’s Journey as an Entrepreneur
3:50 The Wake-Up Moment That Changed Nischa’s Life
6:00 Why Do People Stay in Toxic Jobs?
9:55 Steps to Start Leaving a Toxic Job
13:40 Discovering Your True Passion
19:03 The Biggest Wealth-Building Mistakes to Avoid
23:00 Budgeting Myths: What People Get Wrong
24:30 Should You Borrow Money to Buy?
25:20 Mastering Credit Cards: Dos and Don’ts
26:30 Buying vs. Leasing a Car: What’s Smarter?
28:00 Buying vs. Renting a Home: The Right Choice
33:30 Money Secrets of the 1%
34:40 Saving Your First $100k: Where to Start
35:30 Bad Money Habits That Keep You Broke
37:11 The Smartest Thing to Do With Your Paycheck
38:22 Saving vs. Investing: What Should Come First?
41:50 Investing for Beginners: How to Start Today
42:40 Tax-Free Investing Strategies
44:00 Top Books Every Entrepreneur Should Read
46:40 The Power of Compounding: The 7th Wonder of the World
48:09 Tips for Paying Less in Taxes
49:30 What’s Next for Nischa?

Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdonnellyofficial/
Follow Nischa: https://www.instagram.com/nischa.me/

In this eye-opening episode of Wake Up, I sit down with Rob Moore, a property mogul and entrepreneur, to uncover the truths about building wealth, the mindset shifts that create success, and the lessons he’s learned from interviewing 23 billionaires. Rob doesn’t hold back as he critiques Tate’s influence, and reveals his formula for becoming property-rich.

Whether you're just starting out in property investment, navigating the entrepreneurial journey, or seeking inspiration from the world's most successful people, this episode is packed with actionable insights and unfiltered truths.

Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction
1:00 - Who Runs the World?
4:00 - Rob’s Wake Up Moment
8:50 - The Path to Property Wealth
18:00 - Why Tate’s Messaging Resonates
19:50 Number One Lesson From Tate
22:30 Handling Conflicts in Business
34:00 - The Pillars of a Thriving Society
40:00 - The Money Lesson You’re Missing
46:00 - Avoid Going Broke to Look Rich
52:00 - Using AI for Business Growth
56:00 - Wisdom From Billionaire Mentors

Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdonnellyofficial/?hl=en 
Follow Rob: https://www.instagram.com/robmooreprogressive/?hl=en

https://motionarray.com/royalty-free-music/deeper-than-stars-2886191/
1d29c99e97cc7be4fee5bbc22cf59b4509cbd09b67577712bff9815d53b05370:132049427

In this episode of Wake Up, Chris Donnelly is joined by Lara Acosta entrepreneur, LinkedIn expert, and millionaire by 26. Known for challenging societal norms around work-life balance and inspiring a new generation of professionals, Lara shares unfiltered insights on mental health struggles, the power of personal branding, and scaling success on LinkedIn.


Whether you’re looking for a job, building a business, building your personal brand, or just looking to rethink your approach to success, this episode is packed with actionable advice you can’t miss.


Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction
1:00 - Lara’s upbringing
5:00 - Lara’s mental health struggles
7:40 - 10X event
11:50 - Are degrees a waste of time? 
22:00 - Are Gen Z lazy?
26:00 - Gen Z try too hard
30:00 - Work-life balance
37:00 - First experience of entrepreneurship
47:00 - Best skill for entrepreneurs
57:00 - How to deal with comparisons
1:01:00 - How Lara first went viral on LinkedIn
1:07:00 - The power of LinkedIn
1:16:00 - Biggest inspiration
1:21:00 - Biggest wake-up call
1:26:00 - How rejection pushed Lara
1:33:00 - How to get over imposter syndrome
1:38:00 - How to win on LinkedIn
1:49:00 - Lara’s first digital product
1:52:00 - How to get Lara’s attention
1:55:00 - Why Lara started a cohort
2:01:00 - Lara’s cohort
2:07:00 - Someone stole Lara’s cohort

Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdonnellyofficial/?hl=en-gb 
Follow Lara: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laraacostar/

https://motionarray.com/royalty-free-music/deeper-than-stars-2886191/
1d29c99e97cc7be4fee5bbc22cf59b4509cbd09b67577712bff9815d53b05370:132049427

Could understanding the workplace dynamics of toxic bosses, red flags in interviews, and the art of negotiating pay raises finally unlock the secret to thriving in modern careers?

In this episode of Wake Up, Chris Donnelly is joined by Ben Askins, entrepreneur, content creator, and voice for the underappreciated employee. Known for tackling issues like quiet quitting, toxic workplaces, and leadership challenges, Ben shares insights that will resonate whether you’re an employee navigating a tricky job or a business owner trying to build a team people love to work with.

Episode Chapter: 
0:00 Introduction
1:11 Are We Working Too Little?
6:00 Should Everyone Have a Side Hustle?
10:00 Job Interview Red Flags
15:20 Ben’s Content
19:00 When to Quit Your Job
21:00 Worst Boss Stories
29:00 Is Gen Z Lazy?
38:30 Is University Still Worth It?
43:00 The Rise of Quiet Quitting
48:00 The Dark Side of Flexible Working
53:00 Biggest Interview Red Flags
1:02:00 Why Side Hustles Are the Future
1:06:00 How To Ask For A PAY RISE! 
1:08:00 The Worst Company Perks
1:11:00 UK’s Business Challenges
1:17:00 The UK’s Water Crisis 

Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdonnellyofficial/?hl=en-gb 
Follow Ben: https://www.instagram.com/benaskins.official/?hl=en-gb