Hacks and Hobbies with Junaid Ahmed | Passion to Profit Stories

What happens when a young woman with nothing but raw determination decides to transform her family's struggling business?Martha Razo's journey is a masterclass in entrepreneurial resilience, mathematical precision, and strategic thinking.Starting in a freezing trailer with just a shoebox of papers, Martha turned her father's pallet company from a struggling enterprise into a $14.2 million powerhouse. Her story is not ju...

Are you trapped in the corporate maze, dreaming of entrepreneurial freedom?

Meet John Anderson, the franchise whisperer who has helped countless professionals escape the 9-to-5 grind and build businesses that align with their lifestyle. As a seasoned franchise consultant and author of "Be the CEO of Your Life," John decodes the complex world of franchising, revealing strategies that transform ordinary people into successful business...

Hey hobby hackers! Today's episode is going to blow your mind. We're diving deep into the world of franchising with John Anderson, the man known as "that franchise guy." Imagine going from operating a student painting business in college to running multiple successful franchise locations, and then becoming a top franchise consultant who helps others navigate this exciting business landscape.John's journey is anything but ordinary.

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What if the real future of business isn’t about replacing people with AI—but using AI to amplify top performers?

In this follow-up episode, Kasim Aslam explains how he built global teams, why hiring international talent is the most overlooked growth strategy, and how AI exposes mediocrity while rewarding excellence. From his “replace yourself” mindset to his predictions on AI-driven economies, Kasim lays out the blueprint for buildi...

Welcome to another episode of the Hux and Hobbies podcast! I’m your host, Junaid Ahmed, and today we’re diving deep with Qasim Aslam—entrepreneur, strategist, and one of the brightest minds in building businesses that don’t burn you out. In this episode, Qasim shares game-changing insights on how to build and lead high-performing teams, the power of effective delegation, and why your first hire should be an executive assistant.

We’...

Welcome to another episode of Hobby Hackers! Today, we’re joined by the incredible Elizabeth Solaru—a true trailblazer who’s made bold career transitions, from scientist to celebrity cake designer, and now, a leading luxury business consultant. As CEO of Diversity in Luxury and founder of the Diversity in Luxury Awards, Elizabeth brings a fresh perspective to the world of high-end brands. In this episode, she shares her fascinating...

Welcome to episode 750 of Hacks and Hobbies! I’m your host, Junaid Ahmed. Today, we’re diving into the next level of business—not by chasing more, but by serving better.

We’ll reflect on five powerful conversations from episodes 745 to 749, pulling out the most actionable ideas around three big themes: service and access, systems and simplicity, and purpose and presence.

You’ll hear how real people solve real problems, why simple, r...

Welcome to another episode of Hacks and Hobbies! I’m your host, Junaid, and today we’re diving deep into the world of entrepreneurship, wealth-building, and lifestyle freedom with our returning guest, Chad Willardson.

Chad is the founder of Pacific Capital and creator of the Platinum Elevated coaching program, where he helps entrepreneurs not just grow their businesses, but also achieve true financial and lifestyle freedom. In this...

Why do so many entrepreneurs achieve financial success but end up with broken personal lives?

In this episode, Chad Willardson—founder of Pacific Capital and Platinum Elevated—shares the truth about building wealth while keeping your family and health intact. From leaving Merrill Lynch after the 2008 recession to building his own firm, Chad reveals the hidden traps that keep entrepreneurs overworked, unhealthy, and unfulfilled, and ...

Welcome to another episode of Hacks and Hobbies! I’m your host, Junaid Ahmed. Today, we’re diving deep into a revolutionary concept that’s transforming the way companies operate: integrating consciousness into business.

Our special guest, Charlie Johnson, shares his powerful journey and introduces us to the groundbreaking role of the Chief Consciousness Officer—a position designed to elevate awareness, creativity, and connection wi...

Welcome to Hacks and Hobbies! In today’s episode, we dive deep into the future of leadership with our special guest, Charley Johnson. Charley brings over 20 years of business experience, seven years leading the Pay It Forward Foundation, and a decade of spiritual mentorship to the table.

Together, we explore what it means to be a Chief Consciousness Officer and why this role is becoming essential in the modern workplace. Charley sh...

Welcome to another episode of Hacks and Hobbies! I’m your host, Junaid Ahmed. Today, we’re joined once again by Ron Souers, who’s back to share more of his inspiring journey with ADHD.

In our last episode, Ron opened up about embracing ADHD as a unique strength, and today, we’re diving even deeper—exploring how podcasting has become a powerful creative outlet and a tool for focus and self-expression.

Ron reveals the routines and syst...

Welcome to another episode of Hacks and Hobbies! Today, we’re diving into the world of ADHD—not as a challenge, but as a superpower. I’m your host, Junaid Ahmed, and joining me is Ron Souers, a regular guy with an extraordinary story. Ron opens up about his journey with ADHD, from childhood diagnosis to turning workplace struggles into opportunities for growth.

We’ll explore how embracing his unique brain wiring has helped Ron find...

Welcome back, hobby hackers! In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the world of content creation and emotional resilience with the incredible Jayna Swan.

If you’ve ever struggled to stay consistent with your content, felt overwhelmed by life’s chaos, or wondered how to balance your passion with family and business, this episode is for you. Jayna shares powerful insights on why understanding your “why” is the foundation for suc...

What if your greatest pain could become your greatest teacher?

In this conversation, I sit down with Jayna Swan—founder of HER (Healthy Emotional Regulation) Embodiment Retreats—to explore how emotional regulation saved her life and became the foundation of her mission. From enduring years of physical pain and trauma to discovering the connection between emotions and health, Jayna reveals how facing pain head-on unlocks resilience, ...

Welcome to another episode of Hacks and Hobbies! I’m your host, Junaid Ahmed, and today we’re diving deep into the world of government contracting with the incredible Melinda Colon.

If you’ve ever wondered how to land lucrative government contracts or scale your business with stable, long-term revenue, this episode is for you. Melinda shares her proven GovCon sales strategy, breaking down the five essential steps to winning contrac...

Welcome to another episode of Hacks and Hobbies! If you’ve ever wondered how to secure major government contracts and scale your business, you’re in for a treat.

Today’s guest, Melinda Colon, is a powerhouse in business strategy and government contracting, with over two decades of experience and a track record of helping clients generate an astonishing $4.4 billion in new business. Melinda is a sought-after speaker, podcast host, a...

Welcome back to another episode of Hacks and Hobbies! I’m your host, Junaid Ahmed, and today we’re diving deep into transformation, discipline, and the power of community with our returning guest, Austin Page.

In this episode, Austin shares his journey from in-person to online coaching, revealing the unique “Gym Flow” method that’s helping people break through barriers and achieve real, lasting change. We’ll explore why imperfect a...

Welcome back to Hacks and Hobbies! I’m your host, Junaid Ahmed, and today’s episode is one you won’t want to miss. We’re joined by Austin Page, founder of Gym Flow Coaching—a man who turned personal adversity into a mission of empowerment.

After surviving a life-altering accident, Austin rebuilt his life from the ground up, mastering the habits, discipline, and mindset that now fuel his coaching business. In this episode, Austin sh...