Life, Money & Love with Dylan Mullan

In this episode, I sat down with Malakai Watene-Zelezniak, a former NRL star turned entrepreneur who risked everything to build his own luxury watch brand, W Zelezniak. Malakai’s journey is one of incredible transformation: from the thrill of the rugby league field to the challenges of creating a business from scratch. After a serious health scare forced him into early retirement, Malakai was left wondering what would come next. Malakai shares stories of his rugby league career, including playing alongside his brother, representing his heritage on the international stage, and the physical demands of professional sports. He also opens up about his transition out of rugby, the uncertainty he faced, and why taking risks became a necessary part of his journey. With no background in business, he started from scratch, researching the watch industry, meeting manufacturers, and taking the bold leap to invest $20,000 to make his dream a reality. Now, his watches, including his sold-out Swiss-made line, have become a symbol of his dedication and grit.In this episode:The Health Scare That Changed Everything – How a dangerous health crisis pushed Malakai into early retirement and a whole new path.Transitioning from Rugby to Business – Why Malakai took the leap from professional sports to building a brand from scratch.Building W Zalesniak Watches – How Malakai turned his passion for watches into a thriving luxury brand, despite intense competition.Risking $20K to Chase a Dream – The story behind Malakai’s $20,000 investment and the courage it took to believe in himself.The Challenge of Launching in a Saturated Market – Why launching a watch brand is incredibly difficult and the secrets to standing out.From Field to Founder: Using Sports Lessons in Business – How Malakai applied the resilience and discipline he learned in rugby to succeed in business.Creating a Sold-Out Swiss-Made Watch Line – Why his high-end, Swiss-made watches sold out fast, and what that success means for the brand.Using Networking to Build a Brand – Malakai’s advice on using connections and corporate events to grow your business faster.---Apply to be mentored by Dylan to start & scale your own E-commerce brand, Limited spots available! 👇https://calendly.com/viralbrandbuilder/applyformentorshipFollow the channel here👇Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifemoneyandlove/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifemoneyandloveYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3oNnDapuoEEdcLqGsTg30QFollow me here👇Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylanmullanTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dylanmullanFollow Malakai Watene-Zelezniak here👇Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malakaiwatenezelezniakW Zelezniak: https://www.instagram.com/wzelezniakwatches/

In this episode I sat down with Adam & Raquel Bouris again, the brilliant minds behind Who Is Elijah, one of Australia’s most exciting fragrance brands. From building their company out of pure passion to scaling it into a global sensation, Adam and Raquel share their incredible story filled with highs, lows, and the lessons they learned along the way.Adam and Raquel reveal the toughest choices they've faced, including cutting 30% of their revenue overnight and letting go of 23 team members in one day. They talk openly about the $80,000 mistake that nearly crippled their business and how they pushed through moments of financial chaos, leaning on each other and their unshakeable belief in their product. In this episode:The $80,000 Mistake: How Adam and Raquel Bouris made a decision that nearly broke their business and what they learned from it.Scaling Challenges: Why they had to let go of 23 employees in a single day to save their brand.Risk and Reward: The story behind cutting 30% of their revenue overnight and why it was the turning point they needed.Creating a content machine: The 20 content pillars that have enabled them to unlocked tremendous amounts of scale and the system they use to create so much content.Hacking Meta Ads: Adam reveals exactly what they did and the content the used to turn Facebook Ad performance around.Overcoming Financial Chaos: How they managed short-term loans and survived the most financially draining year of their journey.Building Resilience: Why failing fast became their biggest asset and how it fueled their long-term success.Hiring Mistakes: The lessons learned from bringing on team members who weren’t aligned with their vision and the impact on the business.Mastering Prioritisation: Adam's journey to learning how to focus on the most important issues and set boundaries for deep work.Delegating and Empowering: How Raquel stepped back from day-to-day operations and what it did for her creativity and confidence.Breaking into Global Markets: The strategy behind expanding into Europe and why they decided to move their family to the UK.---Apply to be mentored by Dylan to start & scale your own E-commerce brand, Limited spots available! 👇https://calendly.com/viralbrandbuilder/applyformentorshipFollow the channel here👇Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifemoneyandlove/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifemoneyandloveYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3oNnDapuoEEdcLqGsTg30QFollow me here👇Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylanmullanTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dylanmullanFollow Adam & Raquel here👇Adam: https://www.instagram.com/adambouris/?hl=enRaquel: https://www.instagram.com/raaaquelbouris/?hl=enWIE: https://www.instagram.com/whoiselijahparfum/?hl=en

*This episode is part 1 of a 2 part series with Sandor Earl. Sandor is a former NRL Player, turned Health & Wellness Entrepreneur that has transformed the lives of over 15,000 people through is Mind & Body Success Blueprint. He is the Head of Performance at Airlocker Altitude Training, a Co-Founder of Animal Fuel and the star of hit TV show Australian Gladiators.In this episode:Sandor’s Journey from NRL to Entrepreneurship – How Sandor Earl went from being an NRL player to building a successful fitness and wellness business.The Power of Altitude Training – Sandor shares how altitude training became a game-changer for both athletes and everyday people looking to manage stress and boost performance.Creating the Mind and Body Success Blueprint – Discover how Sandor’s resilience coaching program has transformed the lives of over 15,000 people by combining mental and physical training.The Total Health & Performance Protocol behind his average HRV of over 200From Vegan to Animal-Based Diet – Sandor explains how shifting to an animal-based diet dramatically improved his energy, reduced inflammation, and enhanced his overall performance.Lessons from Melbourne Storm – Sandor reflects on his time with Melbourne Storm and how their winning culture shaped his mindset for success in both sports and business.Overcoming Setbacks and Reinventing Yourself – Learn how Sandor turned his NRL ban into a stepping stone for building a thriving fitness brand and becoming a resilience coach.Building Airlocker Altitude Training – Sandor reveals the vision and challenges behind launching Airlocker, and how it’s pioneering a new wave in the health and fitness industry.The Importance of Self-Awareness – Sandor dives into why self-awareness is the most powerful tool for personal and professional growth, and how it helped him rebuild his life.Creating a Scalable Health Business – How Sandor is scaling his fitness empire with innovative products and strategies, while helping others improve their health and mindset.The Future of Wellness and Fitness – Sandor shares his vision for the future of wellness, including how controlled stress environments like altitude training could revolutionize mental health treatment.---Apply to be mentored by Dylan to start & scale your own E-commerce brand, Limited spots available! 👇https://calendly.com/viralbrandbuilder/applyformentorshipFollow the channel here👇Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifemoneyandlove/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifemoneyandloveYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3oNnDapuoEEdcLqGsTg30QFollow me here👇Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylanmullanTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dylanmullanFollow Sandor here👇Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandor_earl/?hl=en

In this episode, I sat down with Manu Verma, the Founder and CEO of Nuver Digital, an e-commerce growth agency helping brands scale to 7 figure per month and beyond!From getting sued by The Iconic to building a business that helps e-commerce brands grow to $3M a month, Manu’s story is packed with jaw-dropping moments, practical insights, and valuable lessons for anyone looking to make it big in the digital world.Starting as a junior marketer fresh out of university, Manu quickly climbed the ranks and became the head of marketing in just two years! But corporate life wasn’t for him. He walked away from a promising career in corporate to follow his passion for e-commerce and digital marketing.Manu shares the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey, including the moment he received a lawsuit from The Iconic, and how he bounced back stronger than ever. He dives deep into the secrets behind his success, revealing the strategies that helped him scale multiple brands to seven figures. From the power of Facebook ads to the importance of landing pages and creative strategies, Manu provides actionable advice that can transform any business.Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your e-commerce brand to new heights, this episode is filled with motivational stories and practical advice that will inspire you to take the next step.In this episode:How Manu went from building websites for his mom’s business to scaling e-commerce brands to $3M/month.Getting sued by The Iconic: How Manu’s first venture led to a lawsuit and what he learned from it.Why Manu left a corporate career at Optus to follow his passion for e-commerce and digital marketing.The truth about building an agency: Why Manu chooses a lifestyle business over rapid growth and massive scaling.How Manu transformed failing businesses into seven-figure brands using strategic Facebook ads and creative marketing.The secret to scaling fast: Manu’s strategy for taking brands from $0 to $200K/month in just three months.How to master paid ads: The key to running successful campaigns across Facebook, Google, TikTok, and more.Overcoming failure: Manu’s mindset shift that turned his mistakes into stepping stones for success.The power of creative diversity: How Manu helps brands stand out and win with high-impact ads and content.What it really takes to run a profitable e-commerce brand: Manu’s practical advice for founders in today’s market.---Apply to be mentored by Dylan to start & scale your own E-commerce brand, Limited spots available! 👇https://calendly.com/viralbrandbuilder/applyformentorshipFollow the channel here👇Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifemoneyandlove/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifemoneyandloveYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3oNnDapuoEEdcLqGsTg30QFollow me here👇Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylanmullanTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dylanmullanFollow Manu here👇Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manuvermaa/

In this episode, I sat down with Canterbury Bulldogs legend, Reni Maitua. Reni played 174 games in the NRL, representing Australia, Samoa and NSW City in the process.In this episode:What is was like joining the Bulldogs in 2002 while the club was in the midst of the salary cap scandal that saw the team stripped off all their points and sent to the bottom of the league.What is was like coming through the grades with Sonny Bill Williams, Jonathan Thurston & Braith Anasta.The situation that led to him making his first grade with less than an hour notice.A behind the scenes look at the 2004 season and what made that group so special.The 2004 grand final experience - the fatigue levels, his disbelief and the celebrations that followed.The biggest "alpha" and best players Reni ever played with or Against.How his off-field behaviour got him sacked from the Bulldogs in 2008.His 2 years suspensions - the truth behind what happened, the behaviours that led up to it and how it trigged a year "off the rails".His mission to return to the NRL and prove everyone wrong.How he almost ended up back at the Bulldogs and why that deal fell through.Joining the Parramatta Eels and being named Co-Captain.The burden of leadership: How speaking up led to Reni falling out with Ricky Stewart.The homecoming - Reni's final stint at the Bulldogs before heading of to the Super League.The night Willie Tonga saved Reni's life and the impact that Reni going public with the story."I only had $8 in my bank account" - the post retirements struggles Reni faced and how he found his feet.Finding passion in podcasting – Why Reni turned to podcasting and how it gave him a platform to share his story and connect with others.---Apply to be mentored by Dylan to start & scale your own E-commerce brand, Limited spots available! 👇https://calendly.com/viralbrandbuilder/applyformentorshipFollow the channel here👇Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifemoneyandlove/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifemoneyandloveYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3oNnDapuoEEdcLqGsTg30QFollow me here👇Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylanmullanTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dylanmullanFollow Reni here👇Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renimaitua/?hl=en

Anaita Sarkar is the powerhouse entrepreneur behind Hero Packaging, Australia’s leading sustainable packaging company. Anaita has an incredible story – she turned a simple idea to reduce plastic waste into a thriving multi-million dollar business that’s changing the world.We dive deep into how Anaita started Hero Packaging by solving a real-life problem she faced in her previous business, and how that spark led her to create a revolutionary product. She shares the ups and downs of building a business, the stress of running a fast-growing company, and how she bet everything on her vision to create a more sustainable future. You’ll hear about the moments that nearly broke her, the pressure of running a company with her husband, and how they pulled together to make Hero Packaging a success. You’ll also get practical tips on marketing, scaling a business, and how to stay ahead of the competition in a crowded market.In this episode: How Anaita started Hero Packaging - Anaita explains how her frustration with plastic waste led to the accidental creation of Hero Packaging. The first steps of building a sustainable brand - Anaita shares how she went from packing products on her kitchen table to making her first big sales online. The power of community and content - Anaita explains why showing up online and building a loyal following has been key to Hero Packaging's success. Overcoming early business challenges - Hear the story of how Anaita navigated financial stress, sleepless nights, and the pressure of building a business with her husband. The emotional toll of entrepreneurship - Learn how Anaita dealt with the anxiety, burnout, and self-doubt that comes with running a fast-growing company. Managing competition in a crowded market - Discover how Anaita stays ahead by focusing on brand over product and finding her secret sauce in content and community. Personal growth through business setbacks - Find out how Anaita turned business failures into powerful personal development moments and why she refuses to call herself a CEO.---Apply to be mentored by Dylan to start & scale your own E-commerce brand, Limited spots available! 👇https://calendly.com/viralbrandbuilder/applyformentorshipFollow the channel here👇Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifemoneyandlove/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifemoneyandloveYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3oNnDapuoEEdcLqGsTg30QFollow me here👇Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylanmullanTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dylanmullanFollow Anaita here👇Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sellanythingonline/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sellanythingonline?lang=en

Priscilla Hajiantoni is the Founder & CEO of Bangn Body, a skincare brand that went from from the spare bedroom floor of her Mum's house, to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in just 2 years!Priscilla’s journey is nothing short of amazing — she bet her house deposit on starting this business and turned it into a multi-million dollar empire! With over 600,000 units of her famous yellow tube sold and no investors involved, Priscilla's story is packed with lessons on passion, perseverance, and making bold moves in business. After suffering from skin issues for 15 years, she decided to take control. With no formal background in beauty, she used her personal struggles to drive her passion for creating a product that would transform lives, including her own. Priscilla shares her journey of navigating manufacturing challenges, pushing boundaries in product development, and growing her brand to massive scale without any outside investment.In this episode:How Priscilla risked her house deposit to start Bangn Body and built a multi-million dollar skincare brand from scratch.The emotional toll of battling skin issues for 15 years, and how it drove Priscilla to create a solution that changed her life.The $80,000 mistake that almost derailed her dream and why she refused to settle for a product that wasn’t perfect.The challenge of launching a brand with no investors, and how she kept Bangn Body 100% self-funded while growing it into a global brand.From corporate finance to skincare success, learn how Priscilla made the leap from a secure job to becoming a Forbes 30 Under 30 entrepreneur.The power of product innovation, and how Priscilla disrupted the skincare industry by creating a multi-use product that became an instant hit.How influencer marketing fueled Bangn Body’s growth, and her secrets to creating massive buzz around a new product.The mental and emotional resilience it takes to grow a business and why Priscilla believes mindset is key to long-term success.Her best advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, including the importance of staying patient, trusting the process, and betting on yourself.---Apply to be mentored by Dylan to start & scale your own E-commerce brand, Limited spots available! 👇https://calendly.com/viralbrandbuilder/applyformentorshipFollow the channel here👇Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifemoneyandlove/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifemoneyandloveYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3oNnDapuoEEdcLqGsTg30QFollow me here👇Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylanmullanTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dylanmullanFollow Priscilla here👇Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/priscillahajiantoni/

Jordan Simi is truly one of a kind. He's one of Australia's fastest-rising artists, an influencer & content machine and an entrepreneur who has been through some incredible highs and crushing lows.Since his last appearance on the podcast, Jordan has undergone a huge transformation. He’s lost 12kg, rebuilt broken relationships, and found a new sense of purpose. But it hasn’t been easy. Jordan opens up about his struggles with depression, heartbreak, and even how a serious injury and illness nearly ended his boxing career. From building a successful fashion brand from scratch to overcoming serious personal challenges, Jordan's story is all about resilience, personal growth, and chasing dreams—no matter what life throws at you. He talks about the challenges of starting a brand from the ground up, the importance of having the right team around you, and how trusting his gut helped him make some of the biggest decisions of his life.In this episode:Why Jordan Simi Pulled Out Of A Fight Last Minute – Jordan shares the shocking reason why he was unable to fight on the latest DAZN Boxing card in New Zealand and what this means for his future in boxing.Losing 12kg and Finding Himself Again – Discover how Jordan turned his physical transformation into a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.From Depression to Confidence: Jordan’s Personal Comeback – Hear how Jordan battled through depression and regained his confidence in both life and business.Building a Fashion Brand from Scratch – Learn how Jordan took his passion for fashion and built a thriving clothing brand, overcoming the challenges of the industry.Why Relationships Matter More Than Success – Jordan talks about the importance of rebuilding broken relationships and how they fueled his personal growth.How to Know When to Walk Away From Big Opportunities – Jordan reveals the tough decision-making process behind turning down major opportunities and why it was the best choice for him.Turning Heartbreak Into Strength – Discover how Jordan transformed personal heartbreak into a powerful motivator for success and growth.The Importance of Surrounding Yourself with the Right People – Jordan explains why having a strong, supportive team is crucial for personal and professional success.---Apply to be mentored by Dylan to start & scale your own E-commerce brand, Limited spots available! 👇https://calendly.com/viralbrandbuilder/applyformentorshipFollow the channel here👇Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifemoneyandlove/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifemoneyandloveYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3oNnDapuoEEdcLqGsTg30QFollow me here👇Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylanmullanTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dylanmullanFollow Simi here👇Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordan.simi/