Podcast Summary: Young and Profiting (YAP) with Hala Taha
Episode: YAPClassic: Leila Hormozi, From Six Arrests to $100M Networth by Age 28

Introduction

In this inspiring episode of Young and Profiting (YAP), host Hala Taha engages in a profound two-part interview with Leila Hermozi, a first-generation Iranian American entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist. Leila's journey from a rebellious youth with six arrests in 18 months to achieving a $100 million net worth by age 28 is nothing short of remarkable. This episode delves deep into her transformation, the challenges she overcame, and the principles that guided her to monumental success.

Early Life and Challenges

Leila opens up about her tumultuous childhood, marked by her parents' divorce and her mother's struggle with alcoholism and drug addiction. These circumstances thrust her into a parental role at a young age, forcing her to mature rapidly.

• Quote:
  "I became the parent in the household at a very young age. I had to clean the house, take care of the animals, make sure there was food—everything to keep things stable."
  [04:05]

Leila recounts living with her mother during a period when her sister left for college and her father distanced himself post-divorce. The lack of a stable parental figure led her to develop resilience and self-sufficiency, qualities that would later become pivotal in her entrepreneurial journey.

Turning Point and Rehabilitation

Transitioning to her teenage years, Leila describes a period of rebellion during her college years. The newfound freedom led her down a path of excessive partying and alcohol consumption, resulting in six arrests within 18 months.

• Quote:
  "I had an incident where I passed out on someone's deck, and the police found me. That was the last time I lived with my mother."
  [11:12]

A pivotal moment occurred when her father confronted her about her self-destructive behavior, highlighting her potential for greater achievements.

• Quote:
  "In that moment, I remembered making a choice: the rest of my life will make up for how shitty this is. I want to be an inspiration to others."
  [11:12]

Fueled by anger and a desire to redeem herself, Leila embarked on a journey of self-improvement, dropping 85 pounds, excelling academically, and seeking mentorship from figures like Tony Robbins and Jim Rohn.

Building Success and Entrepreneurial Mindset

Leila discusses how she transitioned into sales, initially facing rejection and discomfort. Her authentic belief in the products she sold—personal training and nutrition—set her apart from others who merely faked conviction.

• Quote:
  "If you believe in something and it matches your values, you don't have to fake it. Conviction comes naturally."
  [27:37]

She emphasizes the importance of integrity in sales—believing in the product ensures genuine enthusiasm and effectiveness in selling.

Additionally, Leila shares her strategic shift from entertainment to education, cutting out distractions like Netflix to focus on personal development.

Personal Relationships and Partnership

A significant portion of the episode delves into Leila's relationship with her husband, Alex Hermozi. They met through a mutual interest in sales strategies applied to dating, viewing each date as a series of sales consultations.

• Quote:
  "Dating is just a numbers game, like sales. You swipe, go on dates, and keep pushing forward despite rejections."
  [32:14]

Their partnership began professionally when Leila joined Alex's venture, which eventually evolved into Gym Launch, marking the start of their business and personal collaboration. They discuss the initial challenges of blending a romantic relationship with business partnership, emphasizing open communication and setting boundaries.

• Quote:
  "Our relationship was not in the forefront of mind for the first two years. We were just trying to not go bankrupt."
  [42:24]

Behavioral Change and Personal Development

Leila shares her philosophy on behavior change, focusing on managing rather than eliminating negative emotions. She advocates for acting despite fear and discomfort, a principle that underpins her success.

• Quote:
  "Learn to act despite how you feel. Feelings are something to acknowledge, but they're not directives on how to live your life."
  [68:04]

She introduces the concept of the "Get Shit Done (GSD) Muscle," which involves reducing the threshold between thought and action. By consistently taking action, even when uncomfortable, individuals can build resilience and achieve their goals.

• Quote:
  "Build the GSD muscle by taking action immediately upon the thought. The more you push yourself, the stronger this muscle becomes."
  [65:06]

Leila also highlights the importance of responsibility as a driver of motivation, suggesting that taking on responsibilities can naturally enhance one's drive to succeed.

• Quote:
  "Most people don't have motivation because they lack responsibility. When you are responsible for others, you have a built-in motivation to act."
  [63:39]

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Towards the end of the episode, Leila offers actionable advice for young individuals aiming for success:

1. Act Despite Feelings:
   Embrace discomfort and take decisive action even when feeling anxious or scared.

2. Integrity in Pursuits:
   Align your actions with your beliefs and values to maintain authenticity and drive.

3. Build the GSD Muscle:
   Continuously push yourself to take immediate action to develop resilience and efficiency.

4. Embrace Responsibility:
   Taking on responsibilities can naturally enhance your motivation and commitment to goals.

• Final Quote:
  "Learn to act despite how you feel, because you're not going to feel good most of the time when you're making progress towards your goals."
  [68:04]

Conclusion

Leila Hermozi's story is a testament to the power of resilience, integrity, and purposeful action. From overcoming a challenging childhood and personal setbacks to building a multi-million-dollar empire, her journey provides invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and individuals seeking personal growth. Her emphasis on behavioral change, responsibility, and authentic leadership underscores the foundational principles that drive sustainable success.

Notable Quotes:

• "I became the parent in the household at a very young age. I had to clean the house, take care of the animals, make sure there was food—everything to keep things stable."
  [04:05]

• "If you believe in something and it matches your values, you don't have to fake it. Conviction comes naturally."
  [27:37]

• "Learn to act despite how you feel. Feelings are something to acknowledge, but they're not directives on how to live your life."
  [68:04]

• "Build the GSD muscle by taking action immediately upon the thought. The more you push yourself, the stronger this muscle becomes."
  [65:06]

• "Most people don't have motivation because they lack responsibility. When you are responsible for others, you have a built-in motivation to act."
  [63:39]

This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs and individuals seeking motivation and actionable strategies to transform their lives and businesses.