How CEO Leila Hormozi Went From Broke, Anxious & Arrested 6 Times To $100M Net Worth

The School of Greatness

Published: Wed Feb 19 2025

From multiple arrests in her early twenties to building a multi-hundred-million-dollar business empire, Leila Hormozi's journey reveals how mastering emotional regulation became the cornerstone of her success. In this deeply vulnerable conversation, Leila opens up about overcoming childhood trauma, battling anxiety, and learning to embrace discomfort as a pathway to growth. What sets her apart isn't just her business acumen, but her radical approach to managing negative thoughts and emotions – accepting them as natural companions on the path to excellence rather than obstacles to overcome. Through raw stories and tactical insights, she demonstrates how true leadership isn't about eliminating fear or self-doubt, but about taking successful actions despite them. This episode is especially valuable for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone struggling to navigate their emotional landscape while pursuing ambitious goals.

Summary

Podcast Summary: The School of Greatness

Episode Title: How CEO Leila Hormozi Went From Broke, Anxious & Arrested 6 Times To $100M Net Worth
Host: Lewis Howes
Guest: Leila Hormozi
Release Date: February 19, 2025

Introduction and Background

In this compelling episode of The School of Greatness, Lewis Howes welcomes Leila Hormozi, a formidable business leader behind the success of Acquisition.com. While Alex Hormozi has previously graced the podcast, today’s conversation delves deep into Leila's personal journey, revealing a side of her that is both vulnerable and inspiring. Leila not only co-owns and operates the thriving business but also brings a wealth of experience from overcoming significant personal hardships.

Personal Challenges and Overcoming Adversity

Leila opens up about her tumultuous early years, marked by family instability and personal struggles. She shares, “[08:18] ... when I was 15, she tried to kill herself in front of me. I kind of just like shut down after that moment until I was 19.”

These traumatic experiences led to extended periods of anxiety and a subsequent descent into substance abuse. Leila candidly discusses her time battling with addiction, resulting in six arrests within 18 months. Reflecting on this period, she states, “[09:40] ... I was at odds with my emotions... until I was like, I can take them with me.”

Her journey of self-discovery and emotional healing is a testament to her resilience and determination to transform her life.

Emotional Regulation and Mental Health

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around emotional regulation. Leila emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and managing negative emotions rather than suppressing them. She explains her evolved approach: “[12:00] ... I absorb the emotion. Let me feel it... I can take five minutes to feel what I'm feeling.”

Leila contrasts her past coping mechanisms—substance abuse and overworking—with her current strategy of embracing and understanding her emotions. This shift not only improved her mental health but also enhanced her effectiveness in business.

Business Journey and Success

Leila details the evolution of her business acumen, highlighting key milestones. From the struggles of her early ventures to the strategic scaling that led Acquisition.com to a $100M net worth, her insights are invaluable. She shares a pivotal moment: “[12:00] ... I started engaging with them in a healthy way.”

Her partnership with Alex Hormozi has been instrumental, with Leila often taking the operational reins while Alex focuses on content and marketing. Together, they have built a business empire grounded in mutual respect and complementary skills.

Lessons for Entrepreneurs

Leila imparts several crucial lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs:

Facing Negative Emotions: “[13:09] The biggest change I've made in the last decade...” Embracing emotions leads to personal and professional growth.
Understanding Risk: “[31:08] ...if I want to make $100 million, I'm going to lose $10 million.” Accepting that losses are part of the journey helps in maintaining focus on larger goals.
Continuous Learning: Leila underscores the importance of constant adaptation and learning from both successes and failures.

Advice for Female Entrepreneurs

Addressing the unique challenges faced by women in business, Leila highlights three core truths:

Relationship with Emotions: “[49:53] ...emotions cannot hurt me.” Women often grapple with societal expectations regarding emotional expression. Leila advocates for mastering emotional regulation as a pathway to leadership.
Fear of Judgment: “[52:45] Fear of judgment.” The societal pressure to conform to certain standards can hinder women from fully expressing themselves in professional settings.
Perfectionism: “[55:46] ...perfect is an impossible task.” Striving for perfection can be paralyzing. Leila encourages embracing imperfections to foster authenticity and effectiveness.

She emphasizes that women should not feel confined to societal boxes and that balancing personal values with professional ambitions is key to overcoming these barriers.

Philosophy and Values

Leila discusses her core values that drive her personal and professional life:

Sincere Candor: Emphasizing honesty in all dealings.
Unimpeachable Character: Maintaining integrity both personally and within the business.
Competitive Greatness: Striving for excellence out of passion rather than mere outcome.

These values serve as her internal board of directors, guiding her decision-making processes and ensuring alignment with her long-term vision.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In wrapping up, Leila shares her aspirations beyond business success. She aspires to leverage her achievements to foster community growth and improve societal systems. Her definition of greatness encapsulates her commitment to "leaving no potential on the table," a philosophy that not only drives her but also inspires listeners to pursue their fullest potential.

Leila's journey from overcoming personal demons to achieving monumental business success offers profound lessons on resilience, emotional intelligence, and the pursuit of greatness. Her candid revelations provide hope and actionable insights for anyone striving to transform their lives and careers.

Notable Quotes

Emotional Regulation:
“I absorb the emotion. Let me feel it... I can take five minutes to feel what I'm feeling.”
[12:00]
Facing Risk:
“If I want to make $100 million, I'm going to lose $10 million.”
[31:08]
Defining Greatness:
“Leaving no potential on the table.”
[77:08]
Core Lessons for Women:
“Don't listen to what people say about how you just can't because of your hormones... you have the chance to get more skills.”
[50:53]
Relationship with Emotions:
“You don't ever really feel better, but you get better at feeling bad.”
[74:44]

Final Takeaway

Leila Hormozi's story is a powerful reminder that success is not just about financial achievement but also about personal growth and emotional resilience. Her willingness to share her vulnerabilities alongside her triumphs makes this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration to overcome their own challenges and unlock their inner greatness.