The Ali Kavousi Experience

Most people quit way too early. They think one bad chapter means the whole story is over. It’s not. Time is still on your side if you actually use it. The real problem isn’t failure, it’s giving up before you even give yourself a real chance.

Most people wake up already losing. Not because life is hard — but because they let their phone control their mind from the first second of the day.In this episode, I break down how constant scrolling is killing your focus, your mood, and your imagination. From waking up and checking notifications, to going to sleep with chaos in your brain — you’re letting algorithms decide how you feel.Before social media, we had imagination. Now we have endless noise.This is not about quitting social media — it’s about control. Because like anything else in life, once it becomes too much… it destroys you.

You think something takes 5 minutes. It takes 15.You think it’s 10 minutes. It turns into 45.That’s the problem — you don’t actually know where your time goes.In this episode, I break down why most people feel busy but get nothing done, and the simplest fix: calendar everything.Food orders, quick calls, gym, small tasks — track it all.Once you see the truth, you can optimize it.

You wake up tired, no energy, bad mood… and you think something is wrong with your life.It’s not. It’s your sleep!You can go to the gym, eat healthy, quit bad habits — but if your sleep is inconsistent, you’re always going to feel off.In this episode I talk about the simplest fix: treat your bedtime like a flight. Set a time, stick to it, and get consistent 7–8 hours.No hacks. No shortcuts. Just discipline.

Sales is not just business — it’s life.Every day you are selling something: your ideas, your vision, your product, even yourself.When you approach someone, when you pitch a client, when you build a company — you’re selling.In this episode I talk about why founders must understand sales deeply: knowing the product, the market, and the psychology behind every decision.Because without sales, nothing moves.

You say you want to grow, build, and succeed — but you’re still scrolling nonsense until 2 a.m.Today you have tools like ChatGPT. You don’t need permission, you don’t need connections. Just ask, learn, and start building.The opportunity is right in front of you. The question is: are you using it, or just scrolling past it?

Why are you trying so hard to impress people who aren’t even thinking about you?In this short episode, I talk about validation, ego, and the illusion that everyone is watching. The truth is simple: people are too busy with their own lives to care.Life is short.Live it for yourself — not for applause.

A lot of people are depressed because they didn’t jump early on TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube. Every generation has its wave.This one is AI. While some are building apps and businesses with it, others are just using it to write memes and emails. Don’t miss this one.

That breakup. That failed startup. That friendship that ended. That job you lost. Stop calling them a waste of time. Every single one of them taught you something. What to tolerate. What to avoid. Who to trust. How to protect your energy. Sometimes growth doesn’t feel like progress. Sometimes it feels like pain. But if it didn’t give you what you wanted, it taught you what you don’t want. And that’s just as valuable.It wasn’t a loss. It was a lesson.

Most people waste their disadvantages.No money? They complain.No invitations? They scroll.No lifestyle? They compare.But the same situation can become your biggest advantage.This episode is about turning everything — even isolation, boredom, or limitation — into growth.You don’t need a better environment.You need a better response.

Why should someone in Europe, America, or Australia care about Iran’s revolution? In this short episode, I explain how Iran’s freedom impacts global stability, business, energy, and security — and why supporting His Royal Highness Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi matters for a peaceful and trustworthy future.This isn’t just about Iran.It’s about the world we all live in.

Life is short — way too short to live it trying to impress other people. The truth? Nobody really cares.Everyone is busy with their own life, their own problems, their own ego. Even the biggest names in the world would be a topic for a minute… and then everyone moves on.So why are you holding back?Why are you scared of opinions that won’t matter tomorrow?Live your life.Enjoy it.That’s the whole point.

I get this question in almost every business meeting.Restaurant owners, managers, GMs — at the end they always ask me: Why did you start TheList? How did it begin?I realized I never actually shared this story publicly.In this episode, I explain how TheList really started — including the three times it failed, the shutdowns, the wrong decisions, and why I refused to quit.This isn’t a success story. It’s a journey of persistence, mistakes, and pushing boundaries until it finally worked.

Everyone has an opinion the moment you say you want to start a business.“Do you know this competitor?”“Do you know that company?”In this episode, I talk about why that mindset is broken, why “everything already exists” is not a reason to quit, and what really happens when you ignore the noise and focus on execution. I’ve lived this. Doubt at the beginning. Respect after revenue.If you’re building something and people keep trying to scare you with names, this one is for you.

Steve Jobs said you can only connect the dots looking backward.Here’s the part most people miss:you’re walking on those dots right now — every day, every move, every decision.Opportunities pass because you don’t recognize them in real time.People, mistakes, side paths, uncomfortable moments — all dots.You only realize what they meant after they’re gone.In this episode, I talk about awareness, timing, regret, and why most people miss their own story while they’re living it.This isn’t motivation.It’s perspective.One day you’ll look back and say, “That was the moment.”The question is: will you notice the next one before it passes?

I always ask myself one thing before making any move — business, relationships, anything:When I’m 80 or 90, lying on my deathbed, will I be proud of this decision?Most people live for the moment.If future you won’t be proud, don’t do it.If future you will smile, then go all in.

Your brain is just like your body — if you stop training it, it gets weak.Feed your mind the same way you feed your belly.In this episode, I talk about:👉 Why you must constantly train your brain like an athlete👉 How to lead and mentor people instead of shaming them👉 Why “later” is the biggest lie we tell ourselves👉 Why you’re the creator of your own problems — and solutions👉 How to calendar your days, own your time, and execute dailyThis episode isn’t motivational fluff. It’s a call to action.Because if you stop training your brain, life will train you the hard way.

Everyone dreams. Few execute.I’ve had a friend say for 15 years he’ll get a six-pack “this summer” — but never left the couch. I’ve run 15km daily and still had belly fat until I realized: no abs, no weights, no diet = no results.Dreams without action are just hallucinations.In this episode:👉 Why execution isn’t one thing, it’s everything (steps, habits, consistency)👉 The truth about wasted tabs, apps, and “later” that never comes👉 Why even “gold diggers” execute harder than most people chasing success👉 How to stop complaining and start movingThis isn’t a formula. It’s a lifestyle.

Are you happy in your job? Your relationship? Your life?Most people aren’t — but they stay anyway. Afraid of quitting. Afraid of breaking up. Afraid of pivoting.But here’s the truth:👉 Money can be recovered. Time cannot.👉 Regret is the only thing in life with no cure.👉 If you don’t walk away from what’s wrong, you’ll carry that regret forever.In this episode I break down:Why we cling to bad jobs, bad relationships, and bad decisionsHow to spot when it’s time to quitWhy fear of change is killing your happinessThe brutal truth about regret: once you own it, you never lose itListen before you waste another year of your life.

Someone new enters your space. They shine. You feel small. You have a choice: stress or level up. This episode is about choosing the latter. Real stories. Real advice. For everyone who wants growth, not comparison.

Want a team that moves mountains—not just does tasks?This episode dives deep into building a culture where your team isn’t just loyal—they love you.Why transparency > blind loyaltyHow to handle raises with empathy and clarityWhy hiring for heart isn’t soft—it’s smartThe “manager vs. mentor” mindset shiftThe culture-defining moment: when you walk in, do they smile?This one’s not just for founders. It’s for anyone who leads or cares about building great teams.

We all do it — miss opportunities, waste time, let other people’s judgments control us. This episode is about acting now before “later” turns into never.

Partnerships make or break your business.I’ve learned the hard way: it’s not about locking clients in with contracts — it’s about building relationships they never want to leave.In this episode, I share my raw lessons on:Why honesty beats “polished lies” every time.Walking partners through agreements (and why the paper means less than you think).Handling mistakes with humility instead of hiding behind walls.How saying “no” the right way builds more trust than false promises.This isn’t theory — it’s startup reality. Listen in.

Early-stage hiring can make or break your startup. In this episode, I share the real mistakes I made: skipping the hard talks, putting people in the wrong roles, firing in anger, and moving too fast.If you’re building a startup, these lessons will save you time, money, and sanity.

If you’re under 20, this episode might save you years of pain.I share the biggest mistakes I made — losing over 100K on taxes, trying to be a one-man show, ignoring time management, crab mentality, and more.These are the lessons I wish someone had told me when I was younger.Not theory. Not “LinkedIn motivation.” Just raw, real mistakes I lived through.👉 Shoutout to Podcast.Today— they featured this show among some of the biggest podcasts out there. Not a promo, just grateful they help highlight the most useful content.

You can’t build a startup by just watching YouTube or listening to podcasts. You have to do the work.In this episode, I share the raw truth about what really happens when you jump into entrepreneurship unprepared – How I got crushed by taxes and insurance– Why hiring too early almost killed my company– Why ego kept me from finding a co-founder– How watching smart content isn’t enough — you have to apply it. These are the lessons no one talks about. And I’m still paying for them. Literally. If you’re building something, this one might save you years of pain (and thousands of euros).

In the early days of a startup, hiring feels exciting—but it can become your biggest mistake. No budget. No brand. No structure. And yet you need people. But who do you hire when you can’t afford A-players? How do you fire fast when it’s not working? And why do most early hires end up killing your momentum?In this raw episode, I break down:How I hired and fired in the early daysWhy most resumes mean nothingInterns, hustlers, and finding people who believeWhy you, the founder, MUST train every role early onIf you're building from Day 1, this is the blueprint I wish I had.

There were at least five moments when I could’ve given up. I was broke, coming from Iran, rejected by banks, ignored by investors and VCs, blocked by the system, and stuck during a pandemic. But I didn’t quit. I kept executing. Today, TheList operates in 3 countries, with 1,500+ high-end venues and global users.This episode breaks down the 5 critical moments where it all could’ve ended — and how I pushed through every single one of them.

Two restaurants. Same revenue. One lives in chaos, the other lives in peace.In this episode, I break down the art of building smart businesses vs. stressful ones — and why so many founders pick the hard road. One of my partners runs a flashy, high-end sushi fusion spot in Brickell. DJs, influencers, staff issues, low margins, and daily fires to put out. The other sells eggs and juice out of a chill boho café with mismatched chairs — no stress, high profits, no drama.So why do founders still pick chaos? Because we’re crazy. Because legacy matters more than money. Because we chase problems, even when life is already good.If you’re building a business, or thinking about it — this episode is your wake-up call.

Most people don’t take action because they’re scared of one thing: judgment.They stay quiet.They play small.They avoid risk—not because they can’t do it, but because they’re afraid of what others will think if they fail.But here’s the truth:No one’s really watching.And the people you’re afraid of impressing? They don’t care.This episode is your reminder to stop living for other people’s opinions.Start living for yourself—before it’s too late.Listen now.

Most people don’t fear failure—they fear judgment.And because of that fear, they live a life that’s not even theirs.They work jobs they hate. Stay silent. Play it safe.All to impress people who don’t actually matter.A palliative care nurse once documented the top regrets of people on their deathbeds.The #1 regret?“I wish I had the courage to live a life true to myself—not the life others expected of me.”Let that sink in.This episode is a reality check.Live loud. Live real. Live your life—before it’s too late.

Most people aren’t stuck; they’re scared.Scared of being judged. Scared of failing. Scared of what someone else might think.They don’t post. They don’t start. They don’t wear what they want. They don’t speak their truth.Why? Because they care more about impressing strangers than living for themselves.In this episode, I break down:Why fear of judgment controls your lifeHow to stop living for other peopleThe trap of trying to look “perfect” onlineAnd how real confidence starts when you stop giving a f*ckIf you’re building something, chasing something, or even just trying to live your life—this one’s for you.

Your team doesn’t care unless you do.This episode is a raw breakdown of startup management in the early days—when it’s just you, chaos, no money, and a team that needs direction. I share the mistakes, the painful truths, and how to stay sane when everyone around you is dropping the ball.Topics covered:– Time blindness and bad culture– Why you MUST calendar everything– Building accountability without micromanaging– Why ownership matters more than talent– The real job of a founder: managing energy and executionIf you’re in the trenches, this one’s for you.

In this special episode, I sit down with Reza Kavousi for a real, unfiltered conversation.We talk about:The brutal reality of startups and founding a companyWhy being a CEO isn’t as sexy as people thinkHow loneliness, chaos, and sacrifice come with the territoryWhy 9-5 isn’t a failure—and sometimes, it’s the smarter moveThe mental cost of chasing a dream no one sees but youThis is the side of entrepreneurship most people don’t show.No fluff. No fake success stories. Just real-life struggles and lessons from the trenches.🎧 Listen now on Spotify.🍿 Watch the full episode on YouTube.#Entrepreneurship #StartupStruggles #FounderLife #NoFluff

Most people say “I don’t have time.”What they really mean is — “I don’t know where my time goes.”In this episode, I break down: • How bad time management destroys your day • Why you need to calendar every damn thing (yes, even grocery runs) • How managers and founders become dictators without realizing it • Why 5-minute tasks actually take 45 mins • How to structure your energy and tasks smarter — not harderThis one is personal. It’s real. It’s not just about productivity — it’s about avoiding burnout and BS.🎧 Listen now. You’ll get your time (and life) back.#TimeManagement #FounderLife #Execution #StartupReality

Everyone wants to be a founder. No one talks about what it really takes.This episode is not motivational—it’s the f*cking reality: • You’ll lose friends, break up, go broke • You’ll work with no pay, no sleep, no support • You’ll question yourself every day • And most of the time, no one gives a sh*tSo why do we do it?Because we’re crazy enough to love the pain.Because we’re not in it for the salary—we’re in it for the mission.If you’re thinking of starting… listen to this first.#StartupReality #FounderLife #Entrepreneurship #Truth #NoFluff

Most people ruin their own life by constantly comparing themselves to others.In this episode, I talk about: • The toxic side of comparison and social media • Why comparison creates depression and kills confidence • How to build a healthy competition with yourself • The dangers of regret and living in the past • Why “live in the moment” doesn’t mean “be dumb about the future”You don’t need to be the next Elon, Zuck, or billionaire.You just need to be better than the person you were yesterday.Stop comparing. Start leveling up.#Entrepreneurship #SelfDevelopment #Mindset #Growth

This is not a theory lesson. This is real startup work.In this episode, I hit record on a live sales training with my support team, as we build our outbound sales strategy for TheList.We go deep into: • Cold calling mindset • Rejection handling • Real call scripts for restaurants • How to open strong & keep them on the line • Follow-up via SMS, WhatsApp & email • Handling objections like “we already work with someone else”If you’re building a team or struggling with outbound, listen to this.No fluff. No gurus. Just raw execution.#StartupSales #ColdCalling #RealTalk #FounderExecution

You’re still making fun of AI? Saying “Oh, that’s just ChatGPT”? Cool. You’re already behind.In this episode, I go all in on why AI is the biggest shift since the internet—and how it’s already outperforming humans in almost everything.I talk about: • Why AI is my best employee • Why it’ll soon be your most trusted advisor, partner & secret-keeper • Why most people will miss the wave—again • How to leverage AI before it’s too lateMark my words: AI will be your best friend, employee, strategist, and therapist.If you’re not using it now, you’re already losing.#AI #FutureOfWork #Startups #Tech #Execution

You can’t lead, grow, or build anything real if you don’t understand people.In this episode, I talk about the power of empathy—how it can change the way you lead your team, handle your relationships, and deal with everyday chaos. Whether you’re a founder or just someone trying to be better, this one’s for you.In this episode, I break down: • Why real leaders do the job before judging it • How ego kills empathy • Why understanding others is the real flex • And how small reactions add up to big consequencesDon’t be that angry CEO, friend, or partner. Be the one who gets it.Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.#Empathy #Leadership #SelfAwareness #Entrepreneurship #FounderMindset

Sales is the most important skill—in business and in life.You can have the best product, best team—but if you can’t sell, you’ll fail. Period.And it’s not just business. Everyday life is sales.Want that job? You’re selling yourself.Want that girl’s number? You’re selling yourself.People with less money and status win because they know how to talk, connect, and sell.In this episode: • Why sales is your #1 skill • Why people fear sales and rejection • How to build confidence and level up your skills • Why public speaking is one of the best ways to become great at salesIf you don’t learn sales, you’ll lose.🎙 Listen now on Spotify

Your company’s culture is a direct reflection of YOU. If you’re stressed, toxic, and disorganized, your team will be too. Want a winning company? Build a winning culture.In this episode, I break down: • Why ego is killing your leadership • How your personal life affects company culture • Why a toxic team = startup failure • How to create a happy, high-performing environmentCulture is everything—fix it, or lose everything.

Most startups fail—not because the idea is bad, but because founders waste time on the wrong things.I lost 24 months to these mistakes. Here’s how you can avoid them: • Get a technical co-founder if you can’t code. • Don’t waste money on tools devs don’t actually need. • Keep communication organized—WhatsApp, Slack, Jira, and email will destroy your workflow. • Ignore time-wasting emails & meetings.These are the bottlenecks that kill early-stage startups. Fix them now.

Stress is literally killing your happiness, productivity, and life. But still, most people are terrified of making changes.Hate your job? Quit. Toxic employee hurting your startup? Fire them. Bad relationship? Move on. The fear of change is holding you back from true happiness and success.In this episode, I talk openly about why you shouldn’t fear change, why happiness should come first, and why taking action right now will transform your life and business.Stop fearing change. Start choosing happiness. Listen now.

Having expectations will ruin your happiness and your success—period.Nobody owes you anything. Not your friends, not your employees, not even your family. Expecting people to act how you want or waiting for others to make you happy is setting yourself up for disappointment.If you want real happiness and success, you need to depend completely on yourself. Drop your expectations, take full responsibility, and watch how your life and business change.This episode is the wake-up call you need. Listen now.

Hiring at an early-stage startup is a nightmare. No money. No brand. No stability. So why would anyone work for you?The truth is, you can’t afford A-players, and even B and C players would rather take a safe job elsewhere. So how do you build a team when you have nothing to offer?In this episode, I break down: • How I used interns to build a startup from scratch. • Why onboarding is not a one-week process—but a 12-24 months grind. • Why founders must do sales, support, and operations first—before expecting their team to succeed.Startups don’t have hiring power. You have to hustle, train, and build people from the ground up.

Most people start a startup because they want to be a boss. They want the CEO title. They think it’s the fastest way to get rich. That’s why they fail.A startup is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes years of struggle, leadership, and solving real problems. If you’re just after money, there are easier ways—crypto, dropshipping, flipping products. But if you want to build something real, something that solves problems and lasts, you have to think like a leader, not just a boss.

Everyone talks about success, but no one tells you the truth about the startup life.It’s not just about building a business. It will cost you time, relationships, sleep, and maybe even your peace of mind. You will work 24/7. You will struggle. You will question if it’s worth it.This episode is not about motivation. It’s about the real sacrifices no one talks about. If you are not ready for this life, don’t start. But if you are—listen now.

You’re sabotaging your productivity, and you don’t even know it.You eat healthy. You hit the gym. You grind 24/7. But you still feel like sh*t. Why? Because you’re ignoring sleep—the most underrated key to success.If you wake up tired, moody, and drained, it’s not just bad luck. Your sleep routine is destroying your energy, focus, and work performance. Entrepreneurs, founders, and high performers know this: Good sleep = better decisions, more productivity, and long-term success.Stop the burnout cycle. Fix your sleep. Fix your life.

Everyone has ideas. Everyone has dreams. But most people never execute. They overthink, make excuses, and wait for the “perfect time.”The truth? You are the only thing standing in your way.Execution is what separates winners from dreamers. No one is coming to save you. No one is handing you success. If you don’t take action, someone else will.Stop waiting. Start executing.Follow Ali Kavousi’s Socials:LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | X | TikTok