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14. Converting €5k to $8 Billion – The Incredible Story of Markus Villig, Founder & CEO of Bolt
53:35||Ep. 14What if building a multi-billion-dollar company started with just €5,000, a vision for better mobility, and a relentless commitment to resourcefulness? Markus Villig, Founder of Bolt, is Europe’s youngest self-made billionaire. From humble beginnings in Estonia, Markus transformed a small idea into a global powerhouse valued at $8 billion. Bolt now serves over 200 million customers across 50 countries, redefining transportation with ride-hailing, e-scooters, and car rentals. In this episode, Markus shares his inspiring journey from coding as a teenager to scaling a company that’s revolutionizing urban mobility. He discusses the influence of Estonia’s tech ecosystem, the challenges of entering markets like South Africa, and the core principles—frugality, purpose, and integrity—that continue to shape Bolt’s culture. We explore:Why a frugal mindset is the ultimate advantage.How purpose has been the foundation of Bolt’s success.The challenges of scaling while staying true to your values.Estonia’s tech revolution and what it means for global entrepreneurship.The future of transportation and sustainable mobility.How to sustain high-performance. Tune in to hear how Markus is transforming the way we move and making an impact worldwide.
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13. The Psychology of Purpose: How to Build Confidence and Transform Your Life with Ian Robertson.
45:34||Ep. 13What if we told you that your brain has the power to completely transform how you think—at any age?In this episode, we travel to Dublin and sit down with Professor Ian Robinson. Ian is a world-leading neuroscientist who has dedicated his career to helping individuals harness control over their mental processes. He is also a professor of psychology at Trinity College Dublin, where he draws on his ground-breaking research into brain plasticity to provide valuable insights into how our brains can adapt and change, even later in life. Ian is also the author of the bestselling books: How Confidence Works, The Winner Effect, and The Stress Test (amongst many others!) which further explore the concepts we discuss in this enlightening conversation.From his humble beginnings in Glasgow to becoming a top figure in clinical psychology, Ian shares his challenges to traditional psychology and expresses his mission to help others realize the control they have over their minds. We dive into the science of confidence, exploring why it’s built through small wins, how anxiety and control impact mental health, and how purpose and values can reduce stress and enhance resilience.In this episode, we cover: How confidence is built through small successes and failures.The brain’s neuroplasticity and ability to change how you think.Tips for managing anxiety.The role of purpose and values in reducing stress.The dangers of overconfidence.Gender differences in confidence.Building values and purpose into wealth transition.This conversation is a masterclass in personal development, confidence-building, and harnessing your brain’s potential to drive success. Tune in as we dive deep into the psychology and neuroscience that could change the way you think about yourself—and your future.12. Money on Your Mind: exploring the psychology of wealth with Vicky Reynal
43:15||Ep. 12In this episode, we talk with Vicky Reynal, the UK’s first financial psychotherapist, who has pioneered a unique approach combining psychodynamic therapy with financial counselling. Her acclaimed book, "Money on your Mind," is now translated into eight languages and sold in over 20 countries. Vicky’s story spans an Ivy-League education, an MBA from London Business School, and a career across three continents. She helps clients—from ultra-high-net-worth individuals to those facing financial challenges—understand and reshape their emotional relationships with money. In this episode, we explore:The emotional roots of financial behaviour.Wealth transfer to the next generation. How wealth impacts personality and family dynamics.Gender differences in financial decisions.Strategies for managing financial anxiety. This episode is essential for anyone interested in the psychology of money and making more conscious financial choices.11. Diego Piacentini: Building Amazon and Beyond.. lessons in leadership, purpose and decision-making.
57:57||Ep. 11In this month's episode, Joe McCarthy sits down for a thought-provoking conversation with Diego Piacentini, a global leader in the technology and business world whose journey from Apple to Amazon, to Government to Investor is nothing short of extraordinary. Recorded at Islandbridge’s offices in London, this conversation takes you behind the scenes of some of the most influential companies of our time.Diego's story is one of ambition, innovation and the relentless pursuit of purpose. From shaping Apple’s global expansion, to leading the rise of Amazon, Diego has seen it all. His transition from the private sector to a public service powerhouse as Italy’s Commissioner for Digital Transformation highlights his versatility and dedication to societal impact. Today, he’s a respected investor, board member, and mentor, shaping the future of entrepreneurship and innovation across the globe.In this episode, we dive deep into: What sets exceptional leaders apart.The invaluable lessons from Jeff Bezos and Amazon.The unique challenges of moving from tech to public service.Why data-driven decisions are game-changers.Secrets to building and leading top-performing teams.How to balance high professional aspirations with personal fulfilment. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in leadership, innovation and the transformative power of purpose.10. The Happy Pear on purpose driven businesses, social media usage and staying true to your values and the importance of community.
49:15||Ep. 10In this month's episode, Joe McCarthy sits down for a high-energy conversation with Dave and Steve Flynn from The Happy Pear at Islandbridge's office in London. The dynamic duo ignited their plant-powered revolution in 2004, and what started as a humble local veg shop has exploded into a global phenomenon. Fast forward 20 years, and The Happy Pear now boasts a vibrant café and bakery in Greystones, Ireland. They've launched more than 15 transformative online courses that have inspired over 100,000 people, and their thriving recipe club continues to bring joy to food lovers everywhere. With six bestselling cookbooks under their belt, totalling an impressive 500,000 copies sold, Dave and Steve are redefining culinary wellness. They also run a 4-acre regenerative organic farm and a coffee roastery, all while cultivating a social media community of nearly 2 million passionate followers. Their impact on how we perceive food, health, and community is nothing short of revolutionary.In today's episode, we dive deep into the minds of these inspiring entrepreneurs to explore:Balancing business with your values.The food and farming industry.Community and the importance of relationships.Navigating the use of social media.The importance of health and wellness.Stay in the loop by following us: YouTube: @HighNetPurposeInstagram: @highnetpurposeTwitter: @HighNetPurposeLinkedIn: high-net-purpose9. David Miliband on his refugee roots, transforming global aid and the power of philanthropy.
45:50||Ep. 9In our latest episode, Joe McCarthy is in conversation at Islandbridge's office in London with David Miliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee (IRC). Named in Fortune's list of the World's Greatest Leaders, and Top 100 Global Thinkers by Foreign Policy, David’s career is nothing short of extraordinary. From serving as the youngest Foreign Secretary in the United Kingdom since 1935, to leading one of the world’s most influential humanitarian organizations, he has invaluable insights into global leadership and humanitarian efforts. Today, we delve into the complexities of global politics and humanitarian aid. Join us for a compelling conversation that explores the intersection of strategic philanthropy, politics and global crisis. What we discuss:· Philanthropy's role in addressing the refugee crisis.· Impact evaluation - how to effectively allocate resources.· The role of philanthropy where governments retreat.· Climate change and vulnerable populations.· How politics can learn from the humanitarian sector. Stay in the loop by following us:YouTube: @HighNetPurposeInstagram: @highnetpurposeTwitter: @HighNetPurposeLinkedIn: high-net-purpose8. The Biotech Pioneer.. on the new frontiers of AI and biology.
52:27||Ep. 8In this month’s episode, Joe McCarthy heads to California and ventures into the realm of biotech entrepreneurship. Joined by him is Geoffrey von Maltzahn, the mastermind behind a multitude of ground-breaking companies that fuse biology and data science to revolutionize human health and sustainability. Named among Bloomberg's 50 Ones to Watch, Business Insider's 30 Biotech Leaders under 40 and noted as one of Codex's World's Top 50 Innovators, Geoffrey stands as a prominent figure in the realm of biotech entrepreneurship. He has co-founded companies which have massed over $10 billion in market capitalization, including: Flagship Pioneering, Generate Biomedicines, Quotient Therapeutics, Tessera Therapeutics’, the list goes on. As the current CEO of six of these ventures, he is shaping industries with cutting edge technologies like Gene Writing™️ and carbon farming. Join them for a captivating conversation at the intersection of cutting edge technology, science, entrepreneurship and innovation. What they discuss:Harnessing the power of AI.The intersection of biology and technology.Entrepreneurial success.The future of human health.Gene editing and personalised medicine. Achieving your peak performance. If you enjoyed this episode, you can keep up to date with more content on our social media channels below. Follow usYouTube: @HighNetPurposeInstagram: @highnetpurposeTwitter: @HighNetPurposeLinkedIn: high-net-purpose