Thriving Minds with Alberto Zandi

"I was successful on paper. But inside, I felt like I was crumbling."At 27, Phoebe Cleary Rudd had checked all the boxes, an impressive career in finance, a dream apartment, a busy social life. But when burnout hit, it hit hard. She found herself crying on the kitchen floor, disconnected from her purpose, unsure what she was chasing anymore.This deeply honest conversation reveals how Phoebe rebuilt her confidence, walked away from a career that looked perfect from the outside, and founded The Sauce, a bold, disruptive media brand that’s redefining the hospitality space.We talk burnout, entrepreneurship, imposter syndrome, and the hidden emotional costs of building success in your twenties. This isn’t just a business story, it’s a blueprint for anyone trying to reconnect with themselves, their ambition, and a life they actually want to live.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why burnout happens even when “everything looks good on paper”How Phoebe pivoted from finance to launching a media company from scratchThe real cost of perfectionism and people-pleasingHow to navigate imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and competitive pressureThe entrepreneurial lessons no one teaches you: from co-founder dynamics to finding your nicheWhy being recognised on Forbes 30 Under 30 didn’t fix the internal strugglesHow to build a business that reflects who you actually areWhether you’re 25, 35, or 55, this episode will leave you rethinking how you define success, and give you the tools to rebuild your confidence, your clarity, and your next chapter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kate Moyle is one of the UK’s leading psychosexual therapists and a respected voice in the field of modern intimacy, desire, and sexual wellbeing.In this episode of Thriving Minds Kate explains why so many people feel disconnected in their relationships, not due to a lack of love, but because of shame, silence, and the myths we’ve internalized about sex.She breaks down:Why desire fades in long-term relationships, and how to rekindle itThe truth behind the orgasm gap and performance anxietyHow childhood, culture, and pornography shape sexual identityThe role of communication and compatibility in emotional and physical connectionWhat healthy sex actually looks like, and why it’s different for everyoneWith clinical insight and human warmth, Kate offers an evidence-based roadmap to better sex, deeper intimacy, and more honest relationships.This is not a conversation about sex as entertainment.It’s a conversation about sex as connection, and why it remains one of the most misunderstood parts of our lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Roberts has trained Prime Ministers, pop stars, fashion icons, and royalty. But behind the elite client list lies a deeper mission: to help people live longer, stronger, and better. In this episode, he reveals the truth about how fitness, food, hormones, and habits shape your health, and why most people are getting it disastrously wrong.From building David Cameron a gym inside 10 Downing Street to transforming the bodies of Adele, Tom Ford, and U2, Matt shares raw lessons from 30 years at the pinnacle of performance coaching. He explains why most “transformation” programs are a scam, how cardio really affects muscle gain, and what your body actually needs to defy aging.Matt breaks down:The biggest lies told by the fitness industryWhy cheat meals are misunderstoodWhat to eat, lift, and measure in your 30s, 40s, and beyondThe single most underrated supplement that’s making you fatHow to train your body and brain for real longevityThis is not a crash course in fitness. It’s a manifesto for turning back the biological clock. If you want to build a body that lasts longer than your willpower, start here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special short video, host Alberto Zandi reflects on the incredible journey of 30 & Thriving, from its launch to over 300,000 subscribers in just one year, and announces the exciting evolution into our new identity: Thriving Minds.Originally created to share the unfiltered stories of Forbes 30 Under 30 honorees, 30 & Thriving uncovered the raw realities behind success, failure, self-doubt, grit, and growth. But as our community grew, so did our mission. We realized our audience wasn’t just made of entrepreneurs, it was filled with thinkers, dreamers, and doers looking to thrive not just professionally, but personally.Thriving Minds marks the next chapter: a podcast designed to help you unlock the best version of yourself, in business, in health, in relationships, and in life.Season 2 brings world-class guests, from neuroscientists and psychologists to elite athletes, nutritionists, and celebrities, offering practical tools and emotional insights for real, lasting transformation.Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a creative, or someone chasing a better life, this new chapter is for you.This is more than a name change. It’s a movement.Welcome to Thriving Minds, where success starts from within. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nikola Mrkšić didn’t grow up dreaming of building a $500 million AI company. He wanted to be a neurosurgeon, or a diplomat. Instead, he co-founded Europe’s leading AI platform, PolyAI, a company handling over 100 million customer calls a year, backed by NVIDIA, and reshaping how we interact with machines.In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Nikola reveals:Why he never planned to be an entrepreneur, and how he got “accidentally” rich.The real reason AI startups get funding with no product, no revenue, and no customers.How his childhood during the Yugoslav wars shaped his obsession with seizing opportunity.The stress, pressure, and burnout behind building a billion-dollar company with two toddlers at home.Why Europe is broken for tech and what he’d do differently if starting today.His brutally honest take on success, motivation, and why some people should never start a company.This episode cuts through the hype and tells the truth about what it takes to succeed in AI, and why most people are chasing the wrong dream.🎧 Listen now to hear the story behind one of Europe’s most exciting AI founders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this compelling episode of Thriving Minds, we sit down with Josh Deal, the mastermind behind ZEBR, a platform that's redefining music marketing in the digital age. From his beginnings as a drummer to becoming a tech entrepreneur without a coding background, Josh shares his transformative journey.What you'll discover:Innovative Strategies: How Josh leveraged influencer marketing to propel artists into the spotlight.Overcoming Challenges: The hurdles and solutions faced while bootstrapping a tech startup without technical expertise.Industry Insights: The evolving landscape of music promotion and the role of platforms like Zebra.Personal Growth: Josh's reflections on resilience, adaptability, and the entrepreneurial mindset.Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a music enthusiast, or someone seeking inspiration, this episode offers valuable takeaways on turning dreams into reality.Follow Josh & Zebr:IG: https://www.instagram.com/joshdealLI: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/joshdealZebrWeb: https://www.zebr.app/IG: https://www.instagram.com/zebr_app/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are over 400 dog breeds in the world.So why is most pet food still made based on size? Entrepreneur Victor Mortreu, Co-Founder of Just Russel, asked that same question, and built one of the fastest-growing pet food companies in Europe in response. By using AI to create custom-tailored nutrition plans, Just Russel is helping pets live longer, healthier lives.  The company is now doing over $30 million in annual revenue. Victor is a firm believer in failing and testing cheaply. He did that a few times until co-founding Just Russel. What changed? His mindset, his process, and his ability to spot a rising cultural shift: pets becoming the new children. Success is all about testing and keep trying.In this conversation with Alberto, Victor reveals:​How to test and validate business ideas quickly, with minimal capital​The advantages of scaling from a smaller market like Belgium​What most founders get wrong about building trust with modern consumers​The entrepreneurial lessons behind turning trends into businessesThis is not just a story about pet food. It’s about timing, psychology, and building a product that actually matters.If you’re thinking about launching something new, or pivoting something old, this is the episode you’ll want to study. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He could’ve taken the easy road. But he didn’t.In this episode, Alberto sits down with Henry Vindevogel, the 29-year-old founder of TOCG, a cosmetic conglomerate with annual revenues exceeding £45M—and someone whose story is often misunderstood.Born into a family of successful entrepreneurs, many assumed Henry’s path was already paved. That his success was inherited, not earned.But behind the surface of privilege lies a different kind of struggle—one not defined by lack, but by the emotional complexity of building something that’s truly yours when the world believes it was handed to you.In this episode we explore:Identity and legacyThe pressure of high expectationsChoosing challenge over comfortRedefining success when money isn’t the motivatorHenry built a thriving, values-led business in the organic consumer space—and faced the invisible hurdles that come with being expected to win.🎙️ Subscribe now and leave us a review—it helps more people find the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can I build more confidence?How can I self-promote without sounding arrogant?How can I stand out in public speaking?How can I stand out?In this deeply educational and insightful episode, author and coach Stefanie Sword-Williams chats with Alberto about all things confidence.Stefanie has worked with some of the world’s largest companies, including Netflix, Unilever and Google, helping individuals improve their career paths by teaching them how to build confidence and promote themselves effectively.This episode will give you practical tools to improve your stage presence, impress during your next investor pitch, advance in your corporate career, or recognize when it’s time to quit what you’re doing and move on.For this episode, we’ve partnered with Bornbound, the sportswear brand revolutionizing athletic performance. Bornbound mastered the art of combining extreme lightness, rapid-dry technology, and sleek design to create the ultimate running and workout gear.As a Thriving Minds listener, we’ve secured an exclusive 30% discount for you! Use code 30T at checkout and experience the difference of next-level sportswear.Train smarter. Perform better. Welcome to the future of fitness.🔗 Shop now: https://30-and-thriving.com/bornbound-acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In just a few years, DIRTEA has grown from a bold idea into the UK’s leading functional mushroom brand, stocked in the country’s biggest retailers and trusted by thousands of customers.But behind the scenes is a story very few founders would have the courage to share. In this episode of Thriving Minds, Alberto Zandi sits down with Andrew Salter, Co-Founder of DIRTEA, the UK's leading functional mushroom company, to explore what it really takes to disrupt an industry, build a brand with purpose, and perform at your highest level.This isn’t a conversation about trends. It’s a deep dive into the mindset, strategy, and science behind building something that lasts.You’ll learn:– The real benefits of functional mushrooms (and which ones actually work)– What it takes to lead a wellness revolution– How to stay ahead in the most competitive consumer markets– The challenges (and rewards) of building a business with your sibling– The daily nutrition, fitness, and mental habits that fuel successThis episode will change how you think about your health, your habits, and your potential.If you’ve ever wondered how to take a niche idea and turn it into a household name, this episode is essential listening.Listen now.For this episode, we’ve partnered with Bornbound, the sportswear brand revolutionizing athletic performance. Bornbound mastered the art of combining extreme lightness, rapid-dry technology, and sleek design to create the ultimate running and workout gear.As a Thriving Minds listener, we’ve secured an exclusive 30% discount for you! Use code 30T at checkout and experience the difference of next-level sportswear.Train smarter. Perform better. Welcome to the future of fitness.🔗 Shop now: https://thrivingmindsshow.com/bornbound-acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In just 5 years, TRIP CBD went from an idea to being stocked in Whole Foods, Soho House, and over 35 countries worldwide, averaging a staggering 400% growth per year.But their success story isn’t just luck, it’s a masterclass in turning challenges into opportunities.When they launched, CBD advertising was banned across major platforms. Instead of giving up, they hacked their way to global success by:Crafting a product so good word-of-mouth became their #1 marketing toolPartnering with brands like Equinox & Soho House to make TRIP the go-to drink for wellness & coolnessThe real benefits of CBD, separating facts from myths.This episode is packed with hard-earned lessons on building a category-defining brand, breaking into elite retailers, and scaling a consumer product when the odds are stacked against you. If you want to know how to build a global brand in a completely new industry, this is the episode you can’t afford to miss.For this episode, we’ve partnered with Bornbound, the sportswear brand revolutionizing athletic performance.Bornbound mastered the art of combining extreme lightness, rapid-dry technology, and sleek design to create the ultimate running and workout gear.As a Thriving Minds listener, we’ve secured an exclusive 30% discount for you! Use code 30T at checkout and experience the difference of next-level sportswear.Train smarter. Perform better. Welcome to the future of fitness.🔗 Shop now: https://30-and-thriving.com/bornbound-acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“I didn’t just want to make history, I wanted to change it.”Rebecca Ajulu-Bushell became the first Black woman to ever swim for Great Britain, but that was only the beginning. She went on to graduate from Oxford, become the CEO of the 10,000 Interns Foundation, and author the powerful book This Heavy Black Bone.In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Rebecca opens up about the hurdles of being a Black woman in elite spaces, the fight to balance the scales, and the bravery it takes to rewrite the rules of success.👉 This is not just another success story. It’s a blueprint for resilience.🎧 Watch now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.For this episode, we’ve partnered with Bornbound, the sportswear brand revolutionizing athletic performance. Bornbound mastered the art of combining extreme lightness, rapid-dry technology, and sleek design to create the ultimate running and workout gear.As a Thriving Minds listener, we’ve secured an exclusive 30% discount for you! Use code 30T at checkout and experience the difference of next-level sportswear.Train smarter. Perform better. Welcome to the future of fitness.🔗 Shop now: https://thrivingmindsshow.com/bornbound-acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Art Industry Is Rigged – Marine Tanguy Exposes the TruthA story to fuel your day with motivation and hope.Marine Tanguy grew up on a small island in France, far from the art world’s elite circles.She had no connections, no privilege, and no fast track to success. Yet today, she’s the founder of MTArt Agency. Her mission is to empower talented artists who don’t have the means to break through. MTArt is now valued at £35M, proving that success in even the toughest industries is possible.No big city, no privileged background required.This conversation on Thriving Minds will change the way you think about success in the creative world. Listen now, this one will change everything.For this episode, we’ve partnered with Bornbound, the sportswear brand revolutionizing athletic performance. Bornbound mastered the art of combining extreme lightness, rapid-dry technology, and sleek design to create the ultimate running and workout gear.As a Thriving Minds listener, we’ve secured an exclusive 30% discount for you! Use code 30T at checkout and experience the difference of next-level sportswear.Train smarter. Perform better. Welcome to the future of fitness.🔗 Shop now: Click here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gary Izunwa grew up in a single-parent, working-class household where he learned the value of hard work and witnessed first-hand the barriers to opportunity faced by underprivileged communities. Today, he’s the founder of Tangent, a ground-breaking digital recruitment platform tackling the deep-rooted unfairness in employee referrals and opening doors for those often overlooked by traditional hiring systems.Gary’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From landing a dream job at LinkedIn to discovering how recruitment often favours privilege over merit, he turned frustration into a mission: to create a world where people from less privileged backgrounds can secure roles at top-tier companies like Google, Microsoft, and Goldman Sachs.In this episode, we discuss:How Gary took Tangent from an idea to a revolutionary platform.The hard truths about recruitment in today’s job market.The importance of onboarding the right investors for your vision.The challenges of navigating a market with a new and bold idea.Gary’s story is a masterclass in resilience, vision, and impact-driven entrepreneurship. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, someone passionate about social change, or just looking for inspiration, this episode will leave you motivated to think bigger.For this episode, we’ve partnered with Bornbound, the sportswear brand revolutionizing athletic performance.Bornbound mastered the art of combining extreme lightness, rapid-dry technology, and sleek design to create the ultimate running and workout gear.As a Thriving Minds listener, we’ve secured an exclusive 30% discount for you! Use code 30T at checkout and experience the difference of next-level sportswear.Train smarter. Perform better. Welcome to the future of fitness.🔗 Shop now: Click Here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alberto is joined by Elena Michael, founder of Not Your Porn, in this eye-opening episode of Thriving Minds to uncover the hidden truths of the multi-billion-dollar porn industry and its impact on society.They dive into:How porn is affecting adolescent minds and the dangerous consequences.The dark secrets of the adult industry’s economy.The alarming rise of image-based abuse and what needs to be done to stop it.Why the conversation around sexual consent is more urgent than ever.This conversation will challenge your perspective and reveal the realities that few are willing to discuss. Don’t miss this powerful episode, watch or listen now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Alberto Zandi sits down with Lou Llobell, the breakout star of Apple TV’s hit sci-fi series Foundation. While the world is just beginning to recognize her talent, we are the first to bring her inspiring story to you.Lou shares:The struggles she faced breaking into one of the most competitive industries.How she overcame countless rejections with grit, determination, and self-belief.Her vision for the future and why she’s destined to become one of the most sought-after talents in acting.This is your chance to discover Lou Llobell at the start of her meteoric rise. Her journey is a testament to resilience and a reminder that every breakthrough comes with its share of challenges. Watch out for her, this is only the beginning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you build a venture capital firm from scratch with five co-founders? What does it take to scale consumer goods brands successfully? And why is teaming up with experienced individuals crucial to achieving exponential growth?In this episode of Thriving Minds, Alberto sits down with Laurence Booth-Clibborn, the founder of Mothership, a venture capital firm transforming the consumer goods and ecommerce industry.Laurence, shares the journey of raising $22M, acquiring and scaling direct-to-consumer brands, and managing rapid growth. Packed with actionable insights and lessons on entrepreneurship, this episode is perfect for anyone looking to thrive in the world of consumer business and venture capital. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this compelling episode of Thriving Minds, Tom Grennan sits down with host Alberto Zandi to uncover the truth behind his meteoric rise from singing in pubs to selling out stadiums filled with 80,000 fans.But this isn’t just a story about fame. This is about how heartbreak redirected Tom’s path from football to music, the years of hustle that tested his resilience, and the unexpected moment a Sony producer discovered him in a pub.Tom reflects on the personal and professional struggles that shaped his success, sharing how he stayed grounded, found his purpose, and learned to thrive in the face of adversity.Whether you’re chasing a dream, pivoting after a setback, or simply looking for inspiration, Tom’s story will remind you that even the toughest moments can lead to something extraordinary.This episode is a beautiful reminder that dreams can change, and sometimes life has an even more incredible plan for us than we could ever imagine.Join Alberto as he dives deep into the mindset, determination, and lessons that have made Tom Grennan not just a pop star, but a symbol of perseverance and purpose. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At just 8 years old, Mia McKenna-Bruce embarked on a career that would take over two decades of relentless effort, resilience, and heart. Despite early successes, she faced the harsh realities of the entertainment industry. Rejection after rejection and the crushing weight of burnout. At one point, she walked away from it all, trading auditions for a headset at a call centre in Australia.But Mia’s acting journey didn’t end there.Determined to reclaim her dream, she made a triumphant return to acting, pouring everything into her craft. Now, in 2024, she stands as the BAFTA Award Winner for Best Actress, a testament to her talent and perseverance. With highly anticipated projects alongside some of the industry's top names, Mia’s career is soaring to new heights.In this episode of Thriving Minds, Mia shares with Alberto the raw, unfiltered truth behind her journey. From childhood stardom to the brink of giving up, and ultimately, to becoming one of the most celebrated actors of her generation. Her story is an inspiring blueprint for anyone who’s ever faced rejection, doubted their path, or dreamed of a second chance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pip Murray had a passion for nut butters as a fuel source to run marathons, but couldn’t find healthy, tasty options without palm oil. In 2013, she decided to make her own and started selling them at a local artisan market in the UK.By 2024, her company, Pip & Nut, is selling millions of jars each month across Europe, stocked by major retailers like Whole Foods, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Tesco, Holland & Barrett and many more.In this episode, Pip shares her journey from an idea to building a food empire, while Alberto unpacks the emotional and professional insights of her path, revealing valuable lessons for scaling a food business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.