Hey there, welcome back.
Ever feel like you're just drowning in information
about how to be successful?
Articles, books, podcasts, it's overwhelming.
Right.
Well, think of this deep dive as your life raft.
Yeah.
We're gonna take a fascinating YouTube video
by entrepreneur Iman Gadji.
Okay.
And pull out the most valuable insights,
the stuff that can actually help you achieve real freedom.
Exactly.
We're talking about cutting through the noise
and getting to the heart of what it takes
to build a life on your own terms.
Gadji calls this the path to sovereignty.
Ooh.
And he's laid out a series of codes to guide us.
Sovereignty codes.
Yeah.
Sounds pretty epic, right?
I'm already hooked.
I know, me too.
Let's dive into the first code, shall we?
Sounds good.
It's all about knowledge, but not just any knowledge.
Right.
Gadji makes a distinction between conceptual knowledge
and empirical knowledge.
What's the difference and why should we care?
Well, he argues that conceptual knowledge,
the kind you often get from traditional schooling
can be a trap.
Oh, interesting.
You've been years learning theories and ideas
that may be intellectually stimulating,
but don't necessarily translate to real world success.
Right.
Empirical knowledge, on the other hand,
is all about what actually works.
Okay.
It's knowledge gained from experience,
from studying the methods of those
who have already achieved what you want.
Okay, so it's like the difference between
reading a cookbook and actually cooking a meal.
Yes.
You can memorize recipes all day long.
Exactly.
But until you get your hands dirty in the kitchen,
you won't truly understand the nuances of cooking.
Precisely.
I like that.
Gadji points to historical examples
like the Renaissance and the American Revolution
to illustrate this point.
These weren't movements driven solely
by theoretical frameworks.
Okay.
People were studying what had worked in the past.
Interesting.
Applying those lessons to solve new problems
and ultimately creating massive change.
Oh.
They were focused on the practical, the empirical.
That makes a lot of sense.
Yeah.
And it connects to something I've always found fascinating.
What's that?
You see these interviews with super successful people,
millionaires, entrepreneurs, you name it.
Yeah.
And when they're asked for advice,
they almost always say the same things.
Like what?
Work hard, try things, don't give up.
Exactly.
It's rarely about having some fancy degree
or specialized knowledge.
It's true.
It's about action.
By action, yeah.
Experimentation.
Yes.
And learning from real world experience.
That's exactly what empirical knowledge is all about.
It's about getting out there and doing the work.
I love that.
Observing what happens and adjusting your approach
based on the results.
So true.
And the best way to shortcut that process
is to find people who have already succeeded
in the area you're interested in.
Okay.
And study their methods.
Gotcha.
And give it as mentorship on a massive scale.
So instead of getting bogged down in theory,
we should be seeking out mentors
or studying the work of those
who've achieved the results that we want.
Yeah.
Their successes and failures become our textbook.
It's a much more efficient way to learn,
wouldn't you say?
Absolutely.
I think so too.
Now the second code Gadzie dives into
is all about the power of community.
Okay.
And it's a fascinating concept.
He talks about how we can essentially
hack our way to discipline by surrounding ourselves
with the right people.
Hack our way to discipline.
I'm all ears.
Yeah.
It's a good one.
This sounds less about forcing ourselves
to do things we don't want to do
and more about setting ourselves up for success.
Am I right?
You're exactly right.
Cool.
It's about understanding how our environment
influences our behavior and using that to our advantage.
I like it.
Gadzie calls this the principle of
minimum hygiene standards.
Minimum hygiene standards.
He argues that it's not about raw willpower.
It's about who you surround yourself with.
Makes sense.
Their standards become your standards,
whether you consciously realize it or not.
So if you're constantly hanging out with people
who are driven, ambitious, and disciplined,
their habits will naturally start to rub off on you.
It's like osmosis, but for success, I love it.
Exactly.
He gives an example of his own experience
running a program for entrepreneurs.
Okay.
He found that the drive and dedication of his students
actually motivated him to stay on top of his game.
Oh, wow.
Their energy became contagious.
It's like having a built-in support system
that's constantly pushing you to be better.
It's accountability without the nagging.
Right.
It's about choosing your influences wisely
and letting their energy fuel your own growth.
So the takeaway here is to find your tribe, your people.
Those who are striving for similar goals.
Exactly.
And this can be online or in real life.
The point is to create a circle of support
that elevates your standards and helps you stay on track.
Now, the third code challenges our traditional notions
of success and freedom.
Interesting.
Godzee argues that true sovereignty comes
from achieving not just financial freedom,
but also geographical and time freedom.
Okay.
So it's not just about making a lot of money.
Right.
It's about having the flexibility to live and work
where you want, when you want.
Exactly.
That's a much more holistic view of freedom
and it definitely resonates with me.
Yeah.
And Godzee say about how to achieve this trifecta.
That's where things get really interesting.
Ooh, I'm excited.
And we'll dive into that right after this quick break.
All right.
I'm eager to hear how Godzee says
we can achieve this financial, geographical,
and time freedom.
It feels like most traditional career paths prioritize one
or two at most.
He brings up a great point.
Yeah.
When you think about doctors or lawyers,
many are financially successful.
But often tied to specific locations
and demanding schedules.
Makes sense.
That lack of flexibility can feel like a different kind
of trap, even with a high income.
Right.
Godzee argues that true sovereignty
requires a different approach.
So how do we escape that tract?
What's the key to unlocking all three freedoms?
He believes the answer lies in the world of digital business.
Okay.
And it makes sense when you consider
its inherent flexibility and potential
for what he calls leverage.
Now, I've heard that word leverage thrown around a lot
in the business world.
But I'm not always sure I fully grasp it.
Okay.
Can you bring it down for me?
Leverage is about working smarter, not just harder.
Okay.
It's about finding ways to multiply your efforts
so you're not constantly trading your time for money.
Gotcha.
In the context of digital business,
this can take many forms.
Okay.
You can leverage your time by automating tasks.
Right.
Or using scheduling tools.
Makes sense.
You can leverage your money by investing in assets
that generate income.
And you can leverage other people's expertise
by hiring contractors or billing a team.
So instead of being limited by the hours in a day,
we can find ways to amplify our impact.
Yes.
Essentially creating a system that works for us.
Exactly.
Even when we're not actively working.
That's the goal.
That's a game changer.
It is.
But with so many different digital business models out there,
where do we even begin?
GADZI outlines three main categories, service-based,
digital product-based, and physical product-based.
Gotcha.
Let's break those down.
Right, yeah.
Service-based businesses are a great starting point.
Okay.
Especially if you're limited in capital or specialized skills.
Yeah, that makes sense.
The idea is that you are the product.
Oh, okay.
You're selling your time and expertise.
This sounds familiar.
It's kind of how freelance writers, graphic designers,
or virtual assistants operate, right?
That's exactly right.
They're essentially businesses of one,
leveraging their skills to provide a service.
But while service-based businesses can be lucrative,
GADZI points out that they can also limit your time freedom.
I see.
Because your income is directly tied to the hours you work.
Yeah, that's true.
To truly break free.
Okay.
He advocates for transitioning to a model
where you're no longer trading time for money.
This makes me think of that saying,
work on your business, not in your business.
I love that one.
It's about moving away from being the sole operator
to building something that can function
and hopefully thrive without your constant attention.
And that's where digital and physical products come into play.
Oh, okay.
They offer the potential for what's called passive income.
Ooh, passive income.
Where you create something once,
and it continues to generate revenue even while you sleep.
Okay, now we're talking.
That sounds like the ultimate freedom.
It can be pretty great.
Can you give us some specific examples
of digital and physical products?
Sure.
Okay.
Digital products could be anything from online courses
and eBooks to software and apps.
Makes sense.
The beauty of digital products
is that they're infinitely scalable.
Oh, cool.
You can sell the same product to thousands of people
without having to reproduce it each time.
Wow.
Physical products could be anything from clothing
and accessories to gadgets and home goods.
Okay.
So, he is to find a product that solves a problem
or fills a need in the market.
Gotcha.
And then leverage online platforms like Amazon or Etsy
to reach a global audience.
So, Godse actually started out
with the service-based business, right?
His content creation agency.
Yes.
But didn't he transition to something else later on?
He realized that while his content agency was successful,
Okay.
It was ultimately limiting his freedom
because his income was tied to the hours he and his team worked.
Right.
And he created a model with more leverage,
one that could scale without requiring
a proportional increase in effort.
Makes sense.
So, he shifted gears.
Okay.
And launched an advertising agency.
Now, this is where it gets interesting.
Yeah.
He talks about how running a $10,000 advertising campaign
versus a $100,000 campaign requires essentially
the same amount of work.
Yep.
It's just a matter of scaling the budget
and managing a larger team.
That's the power of leverage and action.
I love it.
Instead of working 10 times harder to earn 10 times more,
he found a system where one well-crafted ad campaign
could attract 10 times the clients
with minimal extra effort.
It's a brilliant example of working smarter, not harder.
And he actually shares his numbers, which I love.
Yeah, he does.
He says his advertising agency is making around $45,000
a month in profit.
Wow.
From just seven clients.
That's amazing.
With only one employee.
That's incredible.
That's amazing.
He does.
I mean, who wouldn't want that kind of freedom
and earning potential?
What's even more fascinating is how he ties this
into the rinds of artificial intelligence.
Oh, interesting.
He believes that AI tools have the potential
to further amplify our leverage by automating tasks,
generating content, and even managing certain aspects
of our businesses.
Cool.
It's like having a super-powered assistant
working 24-7 to help us achieve our goals.
So it's not just about picking the right business model.
It's about embracing new technologies
that can give us a serious edge.
Definitely.
I'm sensing a theme here.
What's that?
Finding ways to work smarter, not harder.
Yes.
It feels like that mindset shift is at the heart
of what Gadzie calls sovereignty.
Absolutely.
But it's not just about having the right business model
and tools.
It's about having a solid foundation for your business
to operate efficiently and effectively,
which brings us to Gadzie's fifth code.
Processes are everything.
So true.
Let's get practical.
I'm fired up about this leverage idea
and the potential of digital business.
But how do we actually make this happen?
That's the big question.
You mentioned processes are key.
Yes, they are.
Where do we even begin?
Gadzie's advice is surprisingly simple.
Oh.
Break down every aspect of your business
into repeatable steps.
Okay.
So you create a system that can run smoothly.
Right.
Even when you're not directly involved.
He tells a great story about how he was closing clients
for his agency without even having a website.
I know, right?
His secret.
What was it?
He had a clearly defined process for outreach,
pitching, and onboarding clients.
You're invaculating.
That he could replicate again and again.
That's the key.
It's a testament to the power
of having a system in place.
He's also a big believer in documenting those processes
meticulously.
Oh, interesting.
He uses his software, Floyd,
to map out every step of his agency's operations,
from client acquisition to project management to accounting.
Wow.
He even says, if someone stole this,
they'd steal my business.
Wow.
That's how crucial those processes are
to the success of his business.
Wow.
That quote really drives him the point.
It does.
It's not just about having systems in place.
It's about having them clearly defined and documented
so they can be replicated, delegated.
Exactly.
Or even sold.
That's true business leverage right there.
And here's the actionable takeaway for our listeners.
What's that?
Start documenting your processes today.
I love it.
Even if they seem smaller and significant right now,
as your business grows, these documented processes
will become your blueprint for success,
allowing you to scale without sacrificing quality or control.
It's like creating a set of instructions
anyone can follow.
Right.
So you're not constantly putting out fires
or reinventing the wheel.
It frees you up to focus on the big picture,
on strategizing and growing your business,
rather than getting bogged down in the day-to-day operation.
Now, while Gadzie's framework primarily focuses
on building businesses to eventually sell,
it raises an interesting question for us to consider.
What if you built one to keep?
That's a fascinating thought.
It is.
How would that shift our priorities and decision-making
as entrepreneurs?
I'm imagining a very different mindset,
one focused on longevity and legacy,
rather than a quick exit.
Exactly.
It's a shift from short-term profits
to long-term value creation.
It's about building something that not only generates income,
but also has a positive impact on the world.
Exactly.
Something that can thrive for generations to come.
It makes me think of those legacy businesses you see,
like family-owned farms or local bookstores
that have been passed down through generations.
They're not just businesses.
They're community pillars.
Right.
Sources of pride and connection.
That's a great point.
Building a business to keep could involve
fostering a strong company culture.
OK.
Predoritizing employee well-being and engaging
in ethical and sustainable practices.
I like it.
It's about creating a business that people
are proud to be a part of.
Makes sense.
One that contributes to the greater good.
I'm starting to see how Gadzie's sovereignty codes could
be applied to this model as well.
Really?
How so?
Finding mentors in the legacy business space.
OK.
Building a community of like-minded entrepreneurs
who value longevity over quick profits.
Even the emphasis on processes.
Yeah.
It all seems relevant.
Absolutely.
Building a business to keep is a long game.
It is.
And having strong systems and processes in place
is crucial for ensuring its stability and resilience
over time.
Could agree more.
So as we wrap up this deep dive into sovereignty,
what are the key takeaways you hope our listener walks away
with?
First and foremost, I hope they realize they have more options
than they might think.
OK.
There's no one-size-fits-all path to success.
Right.
Whether you're driven by building something to sell
or something to keep the principles of sovereignty.
Right.
Focusing on empirical knowledge.
Right.
Building a supportive community and creating systems that work
can be applied to either model.
It's about defining what freedom means to you.
Yeah.
Identifying the type of business that
lines with your values and goals.
Exactly.
And then taking action to build it.
Exactly.
And remember, you don't need to have it all figured out
from the start.
That's right.
Embrace the journey.
Yeah.
Experiment.
Yeah.
And constantly refine your approach based
on what you learn along the way.
So if you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed,
take a deep breath.
And remember, you have the power to create
a life of true sovereignty, one that's
aligned with your definition of success and freedom.
Whether that means launching a digital business that
allows you to travel the world.
Right.
Or building a local business that
becomes a cornerstone of your community.
Exactly.
The choice is yours.
It is.
It all starts with taking that first step.
Yeah.
Even if it's just documenting one small process
or reaching out to a potential mentor.
That's how you build momentum.
I like it.
That's how you create a life you truly control.
Thanks for joining us on this deep dive.
Of course.
We hope it sparked some new ideas
and inspired you to take action towards building
a life of sovereignty.
Until next time.
Yes.
Keep learning.
Keep experimenting.
Yep.
And keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
I'm really intrigued by this idea
of building a business to keep.
Yeah.
It's a fascinating concept.
It feels like a different game entirely.
Right.
One with a longer timeline and perhaps
a deeper sense of purpose.
It definitely challenges our traditional ideas
of entrepreneurial success, which often
revolve around scaling fast and selling high.
Building a business to keep might
mean prioritizing sustainability over rapid growth.
Interesting.
Or focusing on creating a positive impact
within your community rather than solely chasing
profit maximization.
So instead of just asking, how do I scale this and get out.
Yep.
You're asking, how do I create something
that thrives for years to come?
Something that benefits not just me,
but my employees, my customers, even my local community.
Exactly.
Wow.
It's a shift from extraction to regeneration.
OK.
From short term gain to long term value creation.
This makes me think about those legacy businesses you see,
like family owned farms or local bookstores that
have been passed down through generations.
I'd love those.
They're not just businesses, they're community pillars.
It may.
Sources of pride and connection.
That's a great point.
Building a business to keep could involve
fostering a strong company culture.
OK.
Prioritizing employee well-being and engaging
in ethical and sustainable practices.
It's about creating a business that people
are proud to be a part of.
Totally.
One that contributes to the greater good.
I'm starting to see how Gadzies Sovereign Decodes could
be applied to this model as well.
Oh yeah.
How so?
Finding mentors in the legacy business space.
Right.
Building a community of like-minded entrepreneurs
who value longevity over quick profits.
OK.
Even the emphasis on processes.
It all seems relevant.
Absolutely.
Building a business to keep is a long game.
It is.
And having strong systems and processes in place
is crucial for ensuring its stability and resilience
over time.
So as we wrap up this deep dive into sovereignty.
Right.
What are the key takeaways you hope our listener walks away
with?
First and foremost, I hope they realize they have more options
than they might think.
Yeah.
There's no one size fits all path to suggest.
Or if it's true.
Whether you're driven by building something to sell
or something to keep the principles of sovereignty
focusing on empirical knowledge.
Building a supportive community.
And creating systems that work can be applied to either model.
It's about defining what freedom means to you.
Exactly.
Identifying the type of business that
aligns with your values and goals.
Yes.
And then taking action to build it.
And remember.
Yeah.
You don't need to have it all figured out from the start.
I love that.
Embrace the journey.
Yeah.
Experiment and constantly refine your approach
based on what you learn along the way.
If you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed,
take a deep breath.
And remember.
Yeah.
You have the power to create a life of true sovereignty.
Yes, you do.
One that's aligned with your definition of success and freedom.
Whether that means launching a digital business that
allows you to travel the world or building a local business that
becomes a cornerstone of your community.
Wow.
The choice is yours.
It all starts with taking that first step.
It does.
Even if it's just documenting one small process
or reaching out to a potential mentor.
That's how you build momentum.
That's how you create a life you truly control.
Well said.
Thanks for having me on the deep dive.
Had a great time.
Thanks for joining us on this deep dive.
Yeah.
We hope it sparked some new ideas
and inspired you to take action towards building
a life of sovereignty.
Until next time.
Yes.
Keep learning.
Keep experimenting.
And keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible.