Podcast Summary: "How Helping Strangers Became a 7-Figure Business - With Simon Squibb (Part 2)" | Episode 349
Hosted by: The Futur with Chris Do
Guest: Simon Squibb
Release Date: May 24, 2025
1. Introduction
In Episode 349 of The Futur Podcast, Chris Do delves deeper into Simon Squibb's innovative approach to building a sustainable business centered around helping strangers achieve their dreams. This episode explores the intricacies of Simon's "infinite business model," which seamlessly blends content creation with philanthropy.
2. Simon Squibb’s Unique Business Model
Simon Squibb has pioneered a business model that focuses on identifying individuals' dreams and providing them with both financial and marketing support. This approach not only empowers the recipients but also generates revenue through content that showcases these acts of kindness.
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Key Insight: Simon approaches strangers, asks them about their dreams, and supports them financially while promoting their stories through various media platforms.
Simon Squibb [03:01]: "The maximum amount of money I've ever given is US$20,000 to one person."
3. Charity vs. Business of Giving
A significant portion of the conversation revolves around differentiating traditional charity from Simon's business-centric model of giving. Simon emphasizes sustainability and the importance of creating a self-fulfilling system where the support provided can be continually reinvested.
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Core Philosophy: Simon believes that acting like you have no money encourages inventiveness and sustainability, avoiding the pitfalls of traditional charity where funds can be depleted without long-term impact.
Simon Squibb [14:07]: "So the first thing probably, and I don't know if I'm going to go in the right order on this, but I think the number one thing in a business of giving is to actually act like you've got no money."
4. Revenue Streams and Financial Sustainability
Simon outlines multiple revenue streams that sustain his philanthropic efforts:
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YouTube and TikTok Ads: These platforms provide passive income through ad revenue generated by videos showcasing his support for individuals.
Simon Squibb [38:26]: "In total, we made 1.8 million pounds from YouTube."
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Brand Deals: Collaborations with brands like Adobe and GoDaddy help fund his initiatives while aligning with his mission to support entrepreneurs.
Simon Squibb [43:28]: "So all of these different revenue streams allow us to give people their dreams."
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Own Products: Simon ventures into products like Dream Brew and Purposeful Clothing, where profits further support his charitable activities.
Simon Squibb [44:36]: "We are launching our own clothing line, which is called Purposeful Clothing."
5. Challenges and Criticisms
The episode doesn't shy away from discussing the challenges Simon faces:
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Managing Team Expenses: Bringing a team to locations like LA incurs significant costs, which Simon justifies through the revenue generated.
Simon Squibb [48:43]: "It costs $50,000 to bring everybody here."
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Skepticism Towards Charity Models: Simon critiques traditional charities for their lack of sustainability and reliance on constant donations, advocating instead for a model that reinvests its earnings to continue supporting individuals.
Simon Squibb [25:56]: "Better to work with an intermediary. In our case in England, we work with a charity called Shelter."
6. Team and Operations
Simon emphasizes the importance of aligning his team with the core mission. By hiring individuals who share his vision of fixing the broken education system, he ensures that the team remains motivated and self-managing.
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Building an Aligned Team: Simon hires team members based on their belief in the mission, allowing them to self-manage and stay committed without the need for constant oversight.
Simon Squibb [16:52]: "Manage a purpose, hire people on that purpose, and they manage themselves."
7. Personal Insights and Future Plans
Simon shares his journey from starting a humble podcast to building a multimillion-pound enterprise focused on social good. He discusses the importance of starting with no money, leveraging content creation for revenue, and continually reinvesting to sustain and grow his initiatives.
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Starting Point: A simple gift of a microphone led Simon to create the "Good Luck Club" podcast, which laid the foundation for his current business model.
Simon Squibb [54:53]: "My first three podcasts are the worst pieces of shit you've ever seen. They're so bad."
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Future Endeavors: Simon hints at expanding into television shows and further product lines, all aimed at supporting his mission to fix the education system and empower individuals.
Simon Squibb [44:36]: "We are now, you know, in talks about doing well. We are doing our own TV shows and partnering on that as well."
8. Conclusion
The episode concludes with Chris and Simon reflecting on the impact of Simon's work. They highlight the ripple effects of his model, where helping one individual can inspire and empower many others. Simon's dedication to his mission and his innovative business model serve as an inspiring blueprint for entrepreneurs aiming to make a positive difference in the world.
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Final Thought: Simon aspires for a future where individuals can freely pursue their dreams without the constraints of a broken education system or financial limitations.
Simon Squibb [67:00]: "My dream is for people to realize how amazing they are that anything is possible... to fix the education system."
Notable Quotes:
- Chris Do [02:05]: "You see this man coming down the street, be ready. Just be ready."
- Simon Squibb [24:55]: "There's a lot of people that rather have equity in something than a big salary upfront."
- Chris Do [33:44]: "It's charitable of you to help that old lady cross the street."
- Simon Squibb [65:29]: "Knowledge is power."
This episode offers a deep dive into how Simon Squibb has effectively merged philanthropy with business, creating a scalable and sustainable model that not only supports individuals but also aims to bring systemic change to society.
