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Dariush Soudi is an entrepreneur, sales trainer, motivational speaker and founder of the Gladiator Mastery program. He had an unbelievable life story that took him from rags to riches, back to rags, only for him to rise up and become successful again. His business track-record includes successful ventures in numerous industries including telecommunications, consumer goods and services, and health and beauty. Dariush is no stranger to adversity, after his witnessing his father’s death when he was only 13, he moved from Iran to England to build a new life. He got into sales and became a multimillionaire in a few years, only to lose it all after going through some bad business deals. To top it all off, Dariush was attacked by two robbers at his house in London, a situation that left him and his family scared. It was at this point Dariush decided it was time to move to Dubai, with only $750 and a dream, the trailblazing entrepreneur lands in Dubai just one year after the 2008 financial crisis. Surviving on a donut and two coffee a day, Dariush rebuilt his wealth and is now living in Dubai, with more success than ever. Today, we sit down with Dariush to talk about his beginnings, the lessons his tough life taught him, the future of crypto and more.
What was your first ever job?
I never worked a job, always been an entrepreneur. From a young age, I realized that I wasn’t cut out for the traditional work structure. I couldn’t see myself following rules and regulations set by someone else. Above all, I was dyslexic, which meant that I wouldn’t fit into most jobs.
I always thought outside the box, which enabled me to find creative solutions to problems and create my own rules, so I needed a job. I discovered that success
doesn’t necessarily come from following the traditional path, but rather, from blazing
your own trail and carve out your own unique niche.
At what point did you decide to become an entrepreneur, was there a book or a person that inspired you?
My favorite book Think and Grow Rich by Napolean Hill inspired me to get into business. It reminded me that if I remained true to my values and persisted in working hard every day, I
could eventually get my life back on track. To keep myself motivated, I made a habit
of writing down my goals and breaking them down into actionable steps I could take
each day. At that point in my life, my actions did not align with the values I held dear,
which only motivated me further to work towards my goals.
In September 2009, you landed in Dubai with $750 in your bank account and started working as a consultant to rebuild your wealth. What are some crucial steps you took to establish your name in a new market?
When I first arrived in Dubai, I quickly realized that my pricing strategy had to
change. Since no one knew me and I lacked a track record in the region, I had to
base my prices on this fact. I started low, hoping to attract more clients, and over
time, as I built a reputation and served more people, I gradually increased my prices.
Looking back, I learned that I need to focus on the value I bring to the table,
rather than on my reputation or how long I have been in the business. When I
have confidence in my abilities, I can charge what I’m truly worth, rather than
underselling myself.
Today, my track record and reputation have allowed me to enter a privileged position
where people approach me for my services. But I know that this is only possible
because I have consistently delivered quality work and added value to my clients’
businesses. It’s not just about having a good reputation, it’s about continually
improving and delivering results that exceed expectations.
Being that you own a cryptocurrency trading platform, what are your thoughts on the future of cryptocurrency? With the current decline the market is experiencing, do you still believe that it plays a crucial part in the future, and why?
Cryptocurrency is a relatively new commodity, but it has already made a significant
impact and is here to stay. As a trading platform, we do not have a preference for the
direction in which the currency moves since we charge for each trade. In fact, market
volatility can be beneficial for our trading platform. Unlike gold mining, we cater to
speculators rather than miners.
The cryptocurrency market is known for its volatility, and while this may deter some
investors, it provides an opportunity for traders who are willing to take risks. We serve
this market by offering a platform for traders to buy and sell cryptocurrency quickly
and easily. Our business model is simple: we make money by charging a fee for each
trade, regardless of whether the price of the cryptocurrency goes up or down.
Despite the risks associated with cryptocurrency trading, it has become increasingly
popular over the years. Our platform provides a secure and reliable way for traders to
engage in this market and take advantage of its potential rewards. As a trading
platform, we remain committed to providing our customers with the best possible
service and support, regardless of market conditions.
You’ve been able to build a following of over 450k followers on Instagram, what are 5 tips you have for others looking to build a big following the way you have?
Consistently educate your audience about your niche: Take the time to understand
your target market and consistently provide valuable information that educates your
followers. Don’t hold back on your expertise.
Consistency is key: Building a tribe takes time, and your commitment to your
message will show in your consistency. Post regularly and engage with your followers
to create a strong community.
Authenticity is everything: Speak from the heart and be true to yourself. People
connect with those who are real and genuine, and they will appreciate the honesty
in your message.
Embrace vulnerability: Share your personal story and experiences. Vulnerability is a
strength and can help you connect with your audience on a deeper level.
Authenticity builds trust and rapport, which leads to more followers.
Focus on your message and value proposition: Know your message and how you can
add value to your audience’s lives. Keep your content relevant to your niche, and
don’t get too personal. Your followers should see you as an expert and trust that you
can deliver on your promise.
You’ve had an unfortunate situation that caused you to lose all your wealth before moving to Dubai, what 3 key lessons that you learned from that experience?
I learned three valuable lessons that I believe can help others navigate their own seasons of life. Firstly, I learned the importance of believing in the process and trusting in a higher power. When one consistently works hard and maintains a positive attitude, great things will eventually happen, even if it takes time.
Secondly, I realized the importance of energy. I believe that money, like everything
else, is energy, and it is only attracted to those who have the right energy.
Maintaining a positive and abundant mindset is key to attracting positive energy and
opportunities.
Finally, I emphasize the importance of believing in oneself and taking control of one’s
life. I encourage readers to add value and avoid playing the victim, as this mindset
can hold them back from achieving their full potential.
Every successful person has 6-7 revenue streams. What are yours, and which revenue stream would you advise people to invest in first?
Most people rely on their salaries as their primary source of income, but it’s not a
stable source of income in the long run. Losing a job or facing an emergency can
create financial stress and instability. The key is to take control of your financial future
by making your money work for you. Investing is an excellent way to build wealth
and achieve financial freedom.
Investing in the stock market can be a lucrative way to generate passive income.
Thanks to modern technology, small investors can now buy shares in profitable
companies like Amazon or Apple. I recommend aiming to invest at least 20% of one’s
income in shares, but it’s crucial to have a well-diversified portfolio that includes
other assets like bonds, real estate, and alternative investments. Diversification can
help reduce the risk of loss and maximize returns.
I also recommend investing in real estate, but it’s a personal choice that depends on individual circumstances and goals. While some people believe owning a home is a sound
investment, it’s not always the case. Homeownership comes with additional
expenses, such as maintenance, property taxes, and insurance, and it may not always
appreciate in value. Alternatively, investing in small properties and renting them out
can provide a stable source of income. By living in a rented property, one can have
the flexibility to move as needed while generating income from the rental properties.
But let’s not forget to enjoy life. While achieving financial freedom is essential, enjoying life and having fun is also important. One should set aside a budget for entertainment and leisure activities. Money is a tool that should enable us to achieve our goals and live a fulfilling life, but it’s important to strike a balance and not overspend.
Many business people prefer to make their money and stay off the radar. What makes you want to invest resources and energy into building a personal brand on social media, and how does that help with your business?
Public speaking and holding gladiator mastery events may not necessarily lead to
great wealth, but they can have significant impacts on my life and the lives of others.
The reasons for doing what I do may vary, but for me, it’s about leaving a positive
legacy for future generations.
One of the reasons I want to create a legacy is to provide a guiding light for my
children and their children. Social media platforms have made it easier than ever
before to record and preserve everything I do, and this can be a powerful tool to
create a legacy that lasts beyond my lifetime. By documenting my experiences,
insights, and life lessons, I can create a roadmap that my loved ones can follow and
use as a source of inspiration.
I also want to be a guiding voice for those who are going through similar predicaments. Often, people face challenges and difficulties without the guidance or support they need. By
sharing my stories and providing guidance, I can help others avoid the pain and
tribulations I endured.
While pursuing my passions and helping others can be a rewarding experience, it’s
essential to have a plan to monetize my efforts. I can leverage social media platforms
to reach a broader audience and create revenue streams through advertising,
sponsorships, and product sales. By creating valuable content and building a loyal
following, I can turn my passions into a sustainable business model.
You’ve inspired hundreds of thousands with your content on social media and your “Gladiator Mastery,” what was the most heart-touching feedback you’ve received from someone who follows you or attended your events?
Every day, it is a humbling experience to receive messages from people about the
positive impact I have on their lives. I am constantly reminded of the transformative
power of human connection, even in the digital age. One particular encounter with a
young lady in Africa stands out in my mind. She reached out to me with relevant
questions about my teachings, and over the course of several months, I watched as
she implemented what she had learned and grew in remarkable ways.
However, tragedy struck when her father passed away due to the COVID-19
pandemic. Seeing her profile picture change to her father’s image reminded me of
my experience as a three-year-old orphan, and I felt compelled to help her however I could. After inviting her to Dubai, I spent four months training her and
helping her find employment as a cabin crew for Fly Dubai. It was a rewarding
experience to watch her succeed and flourish in her new career, and I am incredibly
proud of her.
What makes this experience even more fulfilling is the fact that she continues to stay
in touch and express gratitude for my support. Her humility and appreciation are a
constant reminder of the power of human connection, and I am grateful to have
played a small part in her journey to success. It is moments like these that make me
feel truly blessed to be in a position to positively impact people’s lives, and I am
inspired to continue striving to make a difference in the world.
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