Explore every episode of the podcast Always Business Class

Dan Hakim joins Always Business Class to unpack how CUB grew from a premium members club into one of Australia’s most influential business communities. We talk work ethic, proximity, culture, systems for scaling networking, and the real travel hacks founders use, from points strategy to VIP airport shortcuts.

What happens when you “turn left” instead of following the obvious path?

We dive into the psychology of premium communities, why culture is the hardest thing to scale, and the two traits Dan believes every highly successful founder shares. We also go deep on travel: the comfort equation, status versus points, how business owners can use travel as a competitive advantage, and the “VIP airport” experiences that change the way you fly forever.

If you are building a business, craving better rooms and better people, or simply want smarter ways to travel while staying in founder mode, this one is for you.

Sponsors:

• Join Flights Club: https://iflyflat.com.au/membership/
• Accor Plus Explorer Membership: https://www.accorplus.com/explorer-membership/

Guest: Daniel Hakim

CUB: https://www.instagram.com/clubofunitedbusiness/ 

https://cub.club/ 

Daniel: https://www.instagram.com/the.danielhakim/ 

Key topics covered

• How Dan’s upbringing overseas shaped CUB’s “premium club” DNA
• Why CUB started without a rigid plan, and what it became once Dan listened to members
• The reality of scaling a community: systems, intentionality, and maintaining culture
• Why “the product is the members”, and what that means operationally
• The role of pricing and eligibility in creating a high-trust, high-engagement room
• Proximity, environments, and why location and relationships shape outcomes
• The two traits Dan sees in every ultra-successful founder: work ethic + network
• Travel as a business advantage: more in-person time, better deals, faster learning
• Status vs points: when loyalty matters and when points win
• Points strategy using business expenses and high-volume hospitality spend
• Dan’s travel preferences: privacy, seat width, lounge quality, and comfort routines
• VIP airport services and the shortcuts founders use to save time and friction
• Bucket list travel, short trips, and why “waiting for two weeks” stops people travelling
• Where Dan wants to take CUB next: global clubhouses and tiers for every stage
  
  

Chapters

• 00:00 Intro: Turning left and the business class mindset
• 00:47 Dan’s last 10 years and why CUB exists
• 03:00 The accidental pivot: from club to networking engine
• 05:15 “Just start”: how founders get stuck before they begin
• 07:23 The hardest part: scaling culture when members are the product
• 09:46 Relationship managers and “uncommon connections”
• 10:58 Proximity, environment, and why the right room changes everything
• 14:07 Travel as a competitive advantage for founders
• 17:31 The North Star: building the world’s largest business networking organisation
• 18:59 What travel means to Dan: privacy, comfort and airline choices
• 21:49 Status vs points and loyalty decisions
• 26:17 Memorable travel moments and VIP airport stories
• 31:35 Using points to unlock more travel and better business outcomes
• 36:30 Bucket list travel and why short trips matter
• 40:00 Hotel routines, tipping systems and getting looked after
• 43:51 How CUB and travel will fuse as it expands globally
• 47:23 Wrap and what’s next for CUB
  
  

CUB community, Dan Hakeem, premium networking Australia, business owners community, founders networking, leadership and culture, proximity and success, business class mindset, status vs points, points strategy for business owners, Virgin status, Singapore Airlines lounge, Emirates business class, VIP airport service, travel hacks for entrepreneurs, building community systems.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We hope you’ve had a great break and are feeling ready for what’s ahead. Thank you for being part of the Always Business Class community. We can’t wait to share what’s coming next.

We’re back on January 21st, returning to our usual fortnightly release schedule.

Here’s to a big year of great conversations, new ideas, and always turning left.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the hosts of Always Business Class.

Thank you for listening, sharing, and being part of the journey this year. We’re incredibly grateful for the support and conversations along the way.

We’ll be back on January 21st, returning to our usual fortnightly release schedule.

Until then, enjoy the break, travel well, and we’ll see you in the new year.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Always Business Class, hosts Steve Hui and Steve Pirie-Nally break down the biggest shifts happening in travel right now — from skyrocketing business class fares post-COVID, to the upcoming Amex devaluation, to the new mindset shaping how Australians are planning their trips.

Fresh off a masterclass with 2,300 Accor Plus Explorer members, Steve & Steve unpack what travellers are struggling with, what’s changed in the points game, and why travel is no longer a luxury — it’s an ambition.

The conversation digs into strategy, numbers, mindset, and practical examples of how to turn points into real business class seats (without spending $12–15k a ticket).

Key Takeaways:

• The New Travel Mindset:
  Travel isn’t seen as a luxury purchase anymore — it’s become an essential part of life, growth, and experience.
  
  
• Points vs Cash Reality:
  Business class can cost 5× more in cash, but only ~2× more in points. Understanding the maths is everything.

• The Amex 15 December Change:
  Some airline transfers will now require 50% more Amex points. We explain what this actually means and what to do before it hits.
  
  
• Reward Seats 101:
  Finding seats is like fishing — you need more rods (more programs) and more ponds (more airlines). Relying only on Qantas or Virgin limits your chances heavily.
  
  
• Why Most Travellers Feel “Confident”… Until They Aren’t:
  Many Australians only know one program. When they discover how many options exist, confidence drops — which is actually a good thing.
  
  
• Flexible Programs = Freedom:
  Earning in flexible buckets (Amex, bank rewards, pay rewards) gives you more opportunities to book seats others can’t find.
  
  
• The Million-Point Question:
  Three business class seats to Europe typically require ~1M airline points. The episode breaks down how to plan backwards from the goal.
  
  
• Seats Come and Go:
  Award space constantly shifts — it’s not a one-and-done search. Persistence and strategy win every time.
  
  
• Why People Don’t Use Their Points:
  Billions of points sit untouched because travellers don’t know where to start or believe they can’t find seats.

Notable Quotes

• “Travel is no longer a luxury — it's an ambition.” – Steve Hui
• “It’s not luxury travel anymore. It’s the luxury to have travel.” – Steve Pirie-Nally
• “If you’re earning points in one airline, you’ve only got one rod in the water.” – Steve Hui
• “There’s only one deal in points. A business class reward seat is always a good deal.” – Steve Hui

Resources & Mentions

• Join Flights Club: https://iflyflat.com.au/membership/
• Accor Plus Explorer Membership: https://www.accorplus.com/explorer-membership/

Episode Highlights

• 00:00 – Why travel is no longer a luxury (and why points matter more than ever)
• 02:00 – Key insights from 2,300 webinar registrants
• 04:30 – The new travel personas: “journey” vs “destination”
• 06:20 – Post-COVID shift: experiences > things
• 08:00 – Why business class cash fares exploded
• 09:40 – “Somewhat confident” travellers and the big mindset gap
• 11:10 – How flexible reward programs give you more options
• 13:00 – Why finding reward seats is like fishing
• 15:30 – Why you should book one-way flights, not returns
• 17:10 – The case for earning points across multiple programs
• 19:00 – The million-point Europe calculation
• 21:00 – The Amex 15 Dec change — what actually happens
• 23:00 – How to choose where to transfer your points
• 25:00 – Why Virgin’s partnership with Qatar changes everything
• 27:00 – New airlines now accessible to Australians (Japan Airlines, Vietnam, Air Canada, etc.)
• 29:00 – Real member wins and fast bookings
• 30:20 – Final takeaway: how to think strategically about points

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Always Business Class, hosts Steve Hui and Steve Pirie-Nally sit down with Jack Henderson to explore the mindset, journeys, and strategies of a business owner who’s turned property investment and strategic thinking into a lifestyle of freedom and global travel. While the conversation starts with business class flights and travel experiences, it dives deep into entrepreneurship, mindset shifts, wealth creation, and the value of exposure to new ideas and environments.

Jack shares his personal journey from leaving school at 15, working in mining and construction, to becoming a property investor and entrepreneur. He explains how his experiences abroad, from Dubai to the south of France, shaped his perspective on life, business, and success. Along the way, he shares insights into building wealth, leveraging points for luxurious travel, and how strategic thinking applies both in business and personal growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Business Mindset: Success requires continuous thinking about improving your business, solving problems, and generating ideas, no matter where you are.
  
  
• Transitioning from Employee to Entrepreneur: Jack discusses how moving from mining and construction into property and business ownership transformed his life.
  
  
• Travel as Exposure and Inspiration: Travel exposes you to global opportunities and perspectives that shape personal and business growth.
  
  
• Luxury Travel Hacks: Jack explains how he leverages points for first-class travel and high-end experiences without paying full price.
  
  
• Goal Setting and Life Design: Using travel time for reflection, journaling, and planning, Jack defines his “perfect life” and outlines actionable steps to achieve it.
  
  
• Real Estate Insights: Jack provides practical advice on property affordability, geographic strategy, and wealth-building in Australia.
  
  
• Community and Networking: The importance of surrounding yourself with other business-minded people and leveraging relationships for opportunities.
  
  
• Health and Performance: Jack emphasizes limiting alcohol, maintaining sleep routines, and personal discipline for peak performance.
  
  

Notable Quotes:

• “Most people think we talk about business class, but we actually talk about always business.” – Steve Hui
  
  
• “Ten years is not all that much time… I fully remember turning 18 and now at 29, my life has completely transformed.” – Jack Henderson
  
  
• “Success isn’t just about money; it’s about reaching a level of skill and capability that allows extreme highs and the ability to navigate lows.” – Jack Henderson
  
  
• “Travel exposes you to things we don’t get exposed to here in Australia and inspires me to think bigger.” – Jack Henderson
  
  

Resources & Mentions:

• Jack Henderson: https://www.instagram.com/jackchenderson/ 
• Join Flights Club: https://iflyflat.com.au/membership/
• Sponsor: https://www.accorplus.com/explorer-membership/
  
  

Episode Highlights:

• 00:00 – Jack’s first business class flight and transition from employee to entrepreneur
• 03:00 – The role of travel in inspiring business and personal growth
• 07:00 – Mining to property investment: lessons in opportunity and strategy
• 11:30 – Leveraging points for luxury travel and experiences
• 16:30 – Defining life goals, building wealth, and achieving freedom
• 26:00 – Housing affordability and geographic strategies in Australia
• 31:00 – Travel routines, rituals, and hacks for high performance

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Founder of global stationery icon Kikki K, Kristina Karlsson, joins Steve Hui and Steve Pirie-Nally to share how losing her business became a catalyst for a bold new chapter. Kristina now helps millions imagine and live their dream life through freedom, creativity, and meaningful travel. The conversation unpacks the mindset shift of flying business class, earning points like a pro, stacking rewards, and combining work and world discovery in a way that fuels inspiration.

Join Flights Club: https://iflyflat.com.au/membership/

Sponsor: https://www.accorplus.com/explorer-membership/ 

What You Will Learn
• How Kristina bounced back after Kikki K and created a business she loves even more
• The practice of journaling to unlock new ideas and goals
• Why business class travel is about peace, control, and productivity
• How to earn Qantas Points three times on a single payment
• The psychology of upgrading travel from expense into investment
• The role travel plays in creativity, family values, and personal growth
• Real examples of how to reach Europe in business class using points

Chapters
00:10 Kristina explains how writing down her dreams changed her life
01:42 Shifting identity after Kikki K and choosing to dream again
04:52 Helping others escape the wrong path and start their own business
06:55 Her first business class experiences and why she journals in the sky
10:34 How 332,000 Qantas Points can get you to Europe return in business
11:29 Triple dipping points on business expenses
15:12 Travel as a source of creativity and life design
17:45 Raising kids who explore the world with curiosity and confidence

Kristina Karlsson, Kikki K, Always Business Class, Qantas Points, travel hacking, business class flights, dream life, journaling, entrepreneurship, creative inspiration, points stacking, Scandinavia travel

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, hosts Steve Hui and Steve Pirie-Nally dive into the world of business class travel and share insider strategies for transforming your travel experiences. From maximising points to leveraging networking opportunities, this conversation explores how travel can serve as a powerful classroom for personal and professional growth. Discover how adopting a business class mindset and embracing transformational travel can shift perspectives, create lasting connections, and elevate every journey.

Key Takeaways:

• Steve Hui started flying business class 13 years ago without paying.
• Travel is one of the best classrooms out there.
• You don't know what you don't know until you realise it.
• The choice to fly business class can change your travel experience.
• Networking in business class can lead to unexpected opportunities.
• Maximising points can lead to free business class flights.
• Every dollar spent can earn points for travel.
• Transformational travel experiences can shift perspectives.
• It's about creating a community around travel and experiences.

Join Flights Club: https://iflyflat.com.au/membership/

Sponsor: https://www.accorplus.com/explorer-membership/ 

Chapters:
00:00 The Journey to Business Class Mastery
02:53 Transformational Travel Experiences
05:44 The Power of Travel as Education
08:59 Creating Lasting Impact Through Travel
12:00 The Business Class Mindset
14:47 Networking and Relationships in Business Class
17:56 The Value of Points and Travel Hacks
20:57 Maximising Business Expenses for Travel
24:08 The Future of Travel and Experiences

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, the co-founder of July Luggage share their journey transforming the luggage industry. From travel hacks and business class experiences to innovations in luggage technology, they dive into how personal experiences, product quality, and strong brand identity have shaped their success. Discover their story working with the Australian Olympic team, insights on networking while traveling, and exciting plans for global expansion.

Key Takeaways

• The fashion side of travel and journey experience have grown in importance post-COVID.
• Collaborating with the Australian Olympic team was a highlight for the brand.
• Travel experiences are central to July Luggage’s philosophy and identity.
• Networking opportunities often arise naturally while traveling, especially in airports.
• Travel hacks can significantly enhance your travel experience.
• Innovations in luggage technology, such as integrated tracking, are shaping the future of travel.
• July Luggage aims to become a leading Australian export.
• Building personal connections with customers enhances brand loyalty.
• Business class travel offers unique experiences and networking advantages.
• Plans for international expansion include markets like Korea and the US.

Join Flights Club: https://iflyflat.com.au/membership/

Sponsor: https://www.accorplus.com/explorer-membership/ 

Chapters:
00:00 – The Journey of July Luggage
02:46 – Moments of Pride and Recognition
05:57 – Travel Philosophy and Brand Identity
08:55 – Travel Experiences and Business Class Insights
11:52 – Networking Through Travel
14:53 – Travel Hacks and Tips
17:58 – Innovations in Luggage Technology
20:56 – Future of July and Global Expansion

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Always Business Class where your hosts Steve Hui and Steve Pirie-Nally explore the transformative power of travel and the often misunderstood value of frequent flyer points. They unpack how points can be viewed as money, the mindset shift that comes from experiencing business class travel, and the common misconceptions that lead to what they call “points trauma.” The discussion highlights how understanding the true value of points can unlock life-changing travel opportunities and create unforgettable experiences — all through smarter, more strategic travel planning.

Key Takeaways

• Points can be seen as money, making travel more accessible.
• Experiencing business class travel shifts your mindset.
• Travel opens minds to new perspectives.
• Many people regret not starting to use points earlier.
• Points trauma arises from misconceptions and misuse.
• Understanding points value unlocks significant opportunities.
• Transformational travel can change lives.
• There are numerous ways to earn and use points effectively.
• The business class mindset enhances personal and professional growth.
• Travel hacking can lead to memorable experiences without financial burden.

Join Flights Club: https://iflyflat.com.au/membership/

Sponsor: https://www.accorplus.com/explorer-membership/ 

Chapters

00:00 – The Magic of Points and Travel Mindset
03:06 – Transformational Travel Experiences
06:09 – ‘Aha’ Moments in Travel
08:52 – The Business Class Mindset
12:05 – Understanding Points Value
14:56 – Points Trauma and Misconceptions
17:53 – Unlocking Points Potential
20:56 – The Evolution of Travel Strategies
24:00 – Creating Memorable Experiences
26:53 – The Future of Travel and Points

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.