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The Quest for Success

The Quest for Success

Written by: Dylan Pathirana and Jamitha Pathirana
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About this listen

Welcome! Thanks for joining us on this journey. We are a father and son duo on the quest to find the formula to success, and understand what success means to different people. Our goal is to take a deep dive into people's stories and interview people from a range of backgrounds in this quest for success.


About us:
Jam is an experienced founder with over 18 years of experience. He is passionate about helping businesses overcome their supply-chain challenges and achieve success. He is in his final year of the Harvard OPM program where he is deepening his knowledge and network.

Dylan is a renewable energy engineer turned entrepreneur, currently working on building a community based equipment rental platform. He recently completed the Stanford ignite program, a business and entrepreneurship course where he found his love for the startup hustle.

Together, we are on the quest, the quest for success!

© 2026 The Quest for Success
Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Social Sciences
Episodes
  • From Working-Class Roots to Retail Leader - Mark Newman
    Jan 28 2026

    In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, we sit down with Mark Newman for a thoughtful conversation on success, leadership and personal growth. Drawing from his journey from a working-class upbringing in England to a respected career in the retail industry, Mark shares how his definition of success has evolved beyond professional titles to focus on contentment, relationships and being a good human being.

    He speaks openly about the influence of family values, early life experiences and education in shaping his work ethic and leadership style. Mark reflects on the lessons learned throughout his career, the importance of consistency and hard work, and why personal success ultimately outweighs professional achievement. He also offers insights into leading with openness, building inclusive teams and maintaining strong relationships in fast-paced business environments.

    The conversation explores the challenges faced by the retail industry, particularly during COVID-19, and how adaptability and innovation became essential for survival and growth. Mark shares how the pandemic reshaped thinking around business strategy, leadership and opportunity.

    This episode is a grounded reminder that success is a long game built on relationships, resilience and continuous learning. Mark’s vision for the future centres on staying curious, embracing innovation and leaving behind a legacy rooted in integrity, kindness and positive impact.


    Key Takeaways
    • Success is a long-term journey built on relationships.
    • Personal success is more important than professional titles.
    • Contentment in life is a true measure of success.
    • Family values and upbringing shape leadership and work ethic.
    • Hard work and consistency drive long-term growth.
    • Leadership thrives on openness and inclusivity.
    • Retail requires constant adaptability and resilience.
    • COVID-19 created space for innovation and new thinking.
    • Strong relationships are essential in business and life.
    • Legacy is about character, not just career achievements.


    Connect with Mark Newman
    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mark-newman-01456a14

    Follow us on all your favourite platforms:
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheQuestforSuccessPod
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Quest-For-Success-Podcast/61560418629272/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequestforsuccesspod/
    Twitter: https://x.com/quest4success_
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-quest-for-success
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequestforsuccesspod
    Website: www.thequestforsuccesspodcast.com

    Please share this around to anyone you think will get value from it : )

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Months of Work, Minutes of AI: The New Reality - Chi Zhang
    Jan 21 2026

    In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, Chi Zhang, Co-founder and CEO of Neur World, reflects on a purpose-driven definition of success rooted in impact, fairness and meaningful change. Drawing from his journey from a technical background in AI to entrepreneurship, Chi shares how success for him is measured by the positive difference his work creates in the world.

    He speaks about growing up in a unique educational community, the influence of international exposure on his worldview, and how his early interests in physics evolved into engineering and artificial intelligence. Chi offers thoughtful insights into the challenges of today’s information ecosystem, particularly the rise of misinformation through social media, and explains the vision behind Neur World - a platform designed to decentralize information and empower individuals with fair, transparent access to knowledge.

    This conversation is a timely reminder that technology carries both responsibility and opportunity. Chi’s vision for the future centres on ethical innovation, decentralization and building systems that serve people rather than manipulate them. At its core, his journey highlights the importance of purpose, integrity and human values in shaping the next era of technology.


    Key Takeaways
    • Success is defined by creating a positive and lasting impact.
    • Early community and educational environments shape perspective and values.
    • International exposure broadens thinking and worldview.
    • Transitioning into AI can open doors to meaningful innovation.
    • Misinformation is a growing challenge amplified by social media.
    • Decentralization can empower individuals and restore trust in information.
    • Technology should serve people, not control them.
    • Real-world applications are key to meaningful tech solutions.
    • Entrepreneurship requires navigating uncertainty and responsibility.
    • Legacy is built through impact, love and pride - not fame or wealth.


    Connect with Chi Zhang
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chi-zhang-4555852/

    Follow us on all your favourite platforms:
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheQuestforSuccessPod
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Quest-For-Success-Podcast/61560418629272/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequestforsuccesspod/
    Twitter: https://x.com/quest4success_
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-quest-for-success
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequestforsuccesspod
    Website: www.thequestforsuccesspodcast.com

    Please share this around to anyone you think will get value from it : )

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Success Isn't What You Think It Is | Clive Burcham
    Jan 14 2026

    In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, Clive Burcham, serial entrepreneur and philanthropist, reflects on an evolving and deeply personal definition of success. Drawing from his journey across creativity, entrepreneurship and purpose-driven ventures, Clive shares how success has shifted for him from external achievement to curiosity, balance and inner peace.

    He speaks about the influence of his childhood experiences, the curiosity they sparked, and how early creative work shaped his entrepreneurial mindset. Clive offers honest insights into the realities of building businesses, from embracing fear and learning through failure to knowing when to say yes and when saying no is just as important. He also highlights the importance of purpose, strong relationships and maintaining an entrepreneurial mindset while navigating growth.

    This conversation is a powerful reminder that success is not a single destination but a layered and evolving journey. Clive’s reflections emphasise the value of staying curious, grounded and intentional while building meaningful work and a fulfilling life.

    Key Takeaways
    • Success has multiple levels and is deeply personal.
    • Childhood experiences can shape creativity and entrepreneurial thinking.
    • Creativity helps overcome challenges and uncertainty.
    • Failure is an essential part of long-term growth.
    • Curiosity drives continuous learning and innovation.
    • Purpose should guide business and life decisions.
    • Strong relationships are central to sustainable success.
    • Knowing when to say no protects focus and wellbeing.
    • Balance and inner peace are vital for long-term fulfilment.
    • Daily practices support spiritual, physical and emotional health.


    Connect with Clive Burcham
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cliveburcham/
    WeAreCompadres: https://wearecompadres.com/

    Follow us on all your favourite platforms:
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheQuestforSuccessPod
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Quest-For-Success-Podcast/61560418629272/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequestforsuccesspod/
    Twitter: https://x.com/quest4success_
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-quest-for-success
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequestforsuccesspod
    Website: www.thequestforsuccesspodcast.com

    Please share this around to anyone you think will get value from it : )

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 10 mins
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