Episodes

  • Your Starting Point Doesn't Decide Your Finish - Dulat Tastekey

    Your Starting Point Doesn't Decide Your Finish - Dulat Tastekey
    Oct 21 2026

    What does it take to go from a small village in eastern Kazakhstan, speaking only Kazakh, to building one of the country's largest non-bank lenders? We sat down with our dear friend Dulat Tastekey, Jam's classmate at Harvard, and we loved every minute of it. It's honest, funny and full of lessons you can take straight into your own life and work.

    Dulat grew up loving maths and dreaming of running a bank one day. He finally landed a job at the bank he'd always wanted to work for, took a lower salary to get there, and drove a taxi after hours to make ends meet, only to leave within a couple of months because the culture wasn't what he'd hoped for. With 50,000 US dollars in savings, he bought an unprofitable pawn shop branch in Almaty, and 16 years later TAS Credit has more than 600 employees and branches right across Kazakhstan. Dulat opens up about scaling, the culture lessons that came with growth, and why speed, not money, is what his business really sells. He also shares his work on the Almaty City Council, his Assyltas Foundation, and the values he's trying to pass on to his four children.

    In this episode, we cover:
    - Why Dulat defines success across every area of life, not just business
    - Learning English as his third language, and the cost of going back to Harvard, Stanford and Oxford
    - Moving from his village to Almaty and changing schools four times, and how it taught him to adapt
    - Taking a pay cut for his dream bank job, then walking away to build his own
    - Starting with 50,000 US dollars and an unprofitable pawn shop branch he still runs today
    - Why culture keeps breaking at 50, 100 and 500 people, and the five values that hold his team together
    - The one minute late rule: miss the 9am meeting and learn a poem by Abai by heart
    - Getting money to clients in 30 minutes, and why 40% of new clients come through recommendations
    - Kazakhstan's opportunities, its Soviet legacy, and living "between the dragon and the bear"
    - Giving back through his foundation, and why "your starting point doesn't decide your finish"

    Connect with Dulat:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dulat-tastekey-3a832354
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dulat_tastekey/
    TAS Group: https://tasgroup.kz/en/
    Assyltas Foundation: https://assyltas.kz/

    Chapters:
    00:00 Introduction and Dulat's background
    02:14 What success means to Dulat
    05:27 Learning English and personal growth
    06:46 Early life and childhood in Kazakhstan
    11:12 From student to entrepreneur
    18:31 Milestones in scaling the business
    23:55 Building organisational culture
    32:16 Digital transformation and innovation
    38:05 Kazakhstan's business landscape and opportunities
    44:50 Challenges and limitations in Kazakhstan
    53:15 Philanthropy and giving back
    1:00:45 Values and lessons for the next generation
    1:08:05 Reflections on learning and future plans
    1:09:14 Success and ongoing growth

    #Kazakhstan #Loans #TASCredit

    Follow us on all your favourite platforms:
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheQuestforSuccessPod
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    Twitter: https://x.com/quest4success_
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-quest-for-success
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    Website: www.thequestforsuccesspodcast.com

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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • What It Really Takes to Become a World Champion | Jeff Horn

    What It Really Takes to Become a World Champion | Jeff Horn
    Oct 14 2026
    “I got bullied every single day. But I made a decision that it wasn’t going to define me. It was going to fuel me.”Jeff Horn’s journey from a quiet kid who copped relentless bullying in school to becoming the WBO welterweight champion of the world is one of the most remarkable underdog stories in Australian sport. But the full picture of what it took to get there, and what came after, is something most people never hear.In this episode of The Quest for Success, Jeff sits down with us to share the raw, unfiltered version. Growing up without confidence, finding boxing as an outlet, the gruelling years of training with no guarantee of anything, and then the moment everything changed: the night he defeated Manny Pacquiao in front of 51,000 people at Suncorp Stadium. A result almost nobody outside his camp believed was possible.But Jeff’s story doesn’t end with a belt around his waist. He opens up about the pressure of being champion, the toll that losses took on him mentally, and the difficult transition out of professional sport. And he talks about what drives him now: Bullyproof Australia, his organisation dedicated to helping young people stand up to bullying through resilience, confidence, and self-belief.This is a conversation about what it really means to fight, in the ring and in life.What we cover:How childhood bullying became the catalyst for Jeff’s boxing careerThe role his parents played in building his resilience and self-beliefThe years of sacrifice and discipline behind his rise through the ranksWhat really happened in the Manny Pacquiao fight, and how he prepared for itManaging expectations and pressure as world championThe mental toughness required to come back from devastating lossesWhy the transition out of professional boxing was harder than any fightBuilding Bullyproof Australia and turning pain into purposeGoal setting frameworks and how Jeff approaches challenges todayHis advice for young people facing adversity“You don’t have to be the most talented. You just have to be the one who refuses to quit.”“The hardest fight I ever had wasn’t against Pacquiao. It was figuring out who I was after boxing.”Connect with Jeff Horn:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffhornboxer/Bullyproof Australia: https://bullyproofaustralia.org.au/Chapters:0:00 Introduction and Welcome0:46 Early Life and Growing Up2:35 Experiences with Bullying5:19 The Impact of Parents and Family Support8:03 Finding Boxing and Early Career11:42 Turning Professional and Key Fights15:28 The Manny Pacquiao Fight and Rise to World Champion20:14 Life as World Champion and Managing Expectations24:50 Mental Toughness and Handling Pressure28:36 Overcoming Setbacks and Losses in Boxing32:12 Transition from Professional Boxing35:47 Starting Bullyproof Australia39:30 Mission and Vision Behind Bullyproof43:15 Goal Setting, Resilience, and Self Belief47:00 Community, Mentorship, and Giving Back50:45 Advice for Young People Facing Adversity54:20 Reflections on Success and Legacy57:21 Closing Thoughts and Where to Follow Jeff#JeffHorn #Boxing #WorldChampion #MentalToughness #Resilience #BullyproofAustralia #Bullying #AntiBullying #Pacquiao #WBO #AustralianBoxing #SuccessMindset #GoalSetting #SelfBelief #MindsetMatters #Podcast #TheQuestForSuccess #Inspiration #Motivation #Underdog #Champion #FightBack #BoxingLife Follow us on all your favourite platforms:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheQuestforSuccessPodFacebook: 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-successTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequestforsuccesspodWebsite: www.thequestforsuccesspodcast.com Please share this around to anyone you think will get value from it : )
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    58 mins
  • He Went to 4 Olympics. Then He Changed What He Was Playing For - Hugo Inglis

    He Went to 4 Olympics. Then He Changed What He Was Playing For - Hugo Inglis
    Oct 7 2026
    "Success is shown through the people you surround yourself with."In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, Jam and Dylan Pathirana sit down with Hugo Inglis, a four-time New Zealand Olympic hockey player and founder of High Impact Athletes, for an honest conversation on what success actually looks like when you strip away the medals and the scoreboard.Hugo shares his early childhood and the sports experiences that shaped him, the cultural bonds and rituals that make New Zealand's sporting environment so distinctive, and why he believes small groups with the right culture can produce genuine breakthroughs. He reflects on competing across four Olympic Games, the goals and motivation that kept him going, and what he learnt from setbacks, injuries and the moments that didn't go to plan.The conversation moves beyond sport into Hugo's transition from elite athlete to impact-driven entrepreneur. He opens up about founding High Impact Athletes, an organisation that channels the influence and platform of athletes into global causes including climate action. He shares what he's learnt about building trust, storytelling and impact-driven teams, and why he believes the role of athletes in driving societal change is only just beginning.Hugo also offers practical advice for young athletes navigating their careers and thinking about life after sport, and reflects on the relationships, not the results, that he wants to define his legacy.This episode is a powerful reminder that the most meaningful form of success is rarely something you achieve alone.What we cover:Hugo's definition of success and why relationships matter mostEarly childhood and the sports experiences that shaped himBuilding high-performance teams and the role of cultureGoals and motivation in elite sportNew Zealand's sporting culture and why it punches above its weightCultural bonds and rituals that bind New Zealand teamsHugo's Olympic debut and career highlights across four GamesReflections on setbacks, injuries and Olympic disappointmentsMemorable moments and lessons from the Olympic experienceThe impact of culture and teamwork in elite sportTransition from athlete to impact-driven entrepreneurThe mission and work of High Impact AthletesBuilding impact teams and future visionAdvice for young athletes and life after sportHugo's vision for his legacy and what success means to him"Success is shown through the people you surround yourself with." Hugo Inglis"In small groups, you can build a culture that leads to breakthroughs." Hugo Inglis"Focus on relationships, trust, and impact for a meaningful life." Hugo InglisConnect with Hugo Inglis:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugo-inglis/High Impact Athletes: https://www.highimpactathletes.org/Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Hugo's background02:10 What success means to Hugo04:18 Early childhood and sports influences06:19 Building high performance teams and culture08:37 Goals and motivation in sports10:07 NZ's sports success and secret sauce11:21 Cultural bonds and rituals in New Zealand12:38 Olympic debut and career highlights15:03 Reflections on Olympic experiences and setbacks17:57 Memorable moments and lessons from Olympics20:24 Handling injuries and setbacks22:44 The impact of culture and teamwork in sports24:44 Transition from sport to impact entrepreneurship37:30 High Impact Athletes' mission and projects43:42 Building impact teams and future vision54:03 Advice for young athletes and life after sport56:56 Hugo's vision for his funeral and legacy57:57 Reflections on success and relationships01:00:37 Closing thoughts and gratitude#QuestForSuccess #HugoInglis #Olympics #Hockey #Leadership #TeamCulture #HighImpactAthletes #ClimateChange #Impact #Entrepreneurship #NewZealand #SuccessMindset #Podcast #Inspiration #AthleteLifeFollow us on all your favourite platforms:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheQuestforSuccessPodFacebook: 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-successTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequestforsuccesspodWebsite: www.thequestforsuccesspodcast.com Please share this around to anyone you think will get value from it : )
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    58 mins
  • From Pro Surfer to Startup Founder: Jevon Le Roux's Journey

    From Pro Surfer to Startup Founder: Jevon Le Roux's Journey
    Sep 30 2026
    Most founders start with a solution and go looking for a problem. Jevon Le Roux says it should be the other way around.In this episode of The Quest for Success, hosts Dylan and Jam Pathirana talk with Jevon about his journey from professional surfer to business leader and startup founder. After building Nike's Hurley brand in South Africa and leading major retail and e-commerce businesses, Jevon Le Roux is the founder of Keeyu, an Ecommerce automation and AI Ecommerce Operations company. You can find Jevon and Keeyu at https://keeyu.com.Jevon shares how early failures shaped his approach to business, what he learned from making tough leadership decisions, and how a warehouse sale during COVID revealed a costly problem with online orders. He also explains why Keeyu's first product was more of a "vitamin" than a "painkiller," how customer feedback led the team to rethink its product, and what it takes to keep going through fundraising rejection and startup uncertainty.In this conversation: - Why Jevon sees success as constant evolution, not money or status - Lessons from professional surfing that carried over into business - What it takes to move from selling a product to building a company - How listening and collaboration can help leaders earn trust - The difference between a "vitamin" and a "painkiller" product - Why founders should find a real problem before building a solution - How Jevon and his co-founders divide responsibilities and handle challenges - What resilience, customer discovery, and fundraising look like in practiceWhether you're building a startup, leading a team, or considering a career change, Jevon's story offers an honest look at the setbacks, decisions, and persistence behind business growth.Chapters00:00 Intro and meeting Jevon Le Roux03:03 Jevon’s definition of success04:17 Growing up competitive and discovering surfing07:41 Family support and values for the next generation08:35 Funding a surfing career through hustle and self-promotion11:03 From professional surfing to building a business12:15 Retail sales vs. B2B SaaS go-to-market13:11 Learning to run a business while building Hurley15:05 Learning from failure and making reversible decisions16:13 Leading Gloria Jeans through a difficult turnaround17:11 Making SurfStitch profitable and learning e-commerce18:55 Leadership mistakes and earning trust21:13 Jevon’s 90-day plan for listening before making changes22:41 The COVID warehouse sale that revealed a hidden problem26:12 Turning that problem into the idea for Keeyu28:25 Validating the problem before building a solution29:55 Why Keeyu’s first product was a “vitamin,” not a “painkiller”33:29 How Keeyu helps retailers prevent order problems36:14 Why distribution and go-to-market matter38:12 Winning early customers and learning from product feedback40:36 Building a strong co-founder relationship42:02 Dividing roles across the founding team43:10 Raising $7 million and navigating fundraising46:29 What early-stage investors are really backing48:51 Returning to startup life after corporate leadership50:24 Product lessons and Keeyu’s evolving direction52:24 AI, changing roles, and the future of work54:02 Keeyu’s global growth plans55:25 The values Jevon hopes to pass on to his son57:05 Advice for corporate leaders considering a startup59:23 Jevon’s long-term definition of success#QuestForSuccess #JevonLeRoux #Keeyu #Entrepreneurship #StartupJourney #AI #Leadership #Resilience #ProductMarketFit #Fundraising #SuccessMindset #BusinessPodcast #Inspiration #FounderStory #EcommerceFollow us on all your favourite platforms:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheQuestforSuccessPodFacebook: 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-successTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequestforsuccesspodWebsite: www.thequestforsuccesspodcast.com Please share this around to anyone you think will get value from it : )
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • From Engineer to CEO: How Cristina Marques Took Over the Family Business

    From Engineer to CEO: How Cristina Marques Took Over the Family Business
    Sep 23 2026

    "Success means you are free to choose."

    In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, Jam and Dylan Pathirana sit down with Cristina Marques for an honest conversation on leadership, legacy, and what it actually takes to lead, and eventually let go of, a family business.

    Cristina shares her early life and the influence of her parents, her unexpected journey from a technical career in engineering into leadership, and the moment she was asked to take over the family business her father had built. She reflects candidly on how that felt, the key lessons she carried from him, and what it actually took to build credibility and earn respect as a leader who hadn't always been part of the business.

    The conversation explores how she innovated inside a long-standing company, built a genuine culture of trust and transparency, and led the business through the uncertainty of COVID-19. Cristina also opens up about one of the most difficult chapters of her career, negotiating the sale of the family business, and what came after, from organising family and estate matters to figuring out her next chapter.

    She shares the values she hopes to leave her own children, and reflects on how her personal definition of success has evolved at every stage of her life and career.

    This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership isn't just about building something. Sometimes it's about knowing when, and how, to let it go.

    What we cover:
    Cristina's early life and family influence
    What success means to Cristina, and how that's changed over time
    Her journey from engineering into leadership
    Family business history and the transition of leadership
    Lessons learned from her father
    Working outside the family business before taking over
    The moment she was asked to take the reins
    Building credibility and reputation as a new leader
    Innovating inside a long-standing business
    Building a strong, trust-based company culture
    Navigating COVID-19 as a leader
    Negotiating the sale of the family business
    Organising family and estate matters
    The values she wants to leave her children
    Reflections on success and what's next

    "Success evolves over time." Cristina Marques
    "Success means you are free to choose." Cristina Marques
    "Every problem has a solution." Cristina Marques

    Chapters:
    00:00 Introduction and Cristina's background
    01:40 What does success mean to Cristina?
    05:00 Early life and family influence
    07:25 Cristina's journey into engineering
    11:12 Family business history and transition
    16:00 Lessons from her father
    18:39 Working outside the family business
    20:43 The moment Cristina was asked to take over
    21:29 Cristina's feelings about taking over
    22:56 Key lessons from her father
    26:07 Building credibility and reputation
    28:34 Innovating in a long-standing business
    29:55 Building a great company culture
    31:07 Handling challenges during COVID-19
    37:34 Selling the family business
    42:47 Negotiating the sale
    48:49 Post-sale plans and future ambitions
    54:52 Organising family and estate matters
    01:00:16 Values Cristina wants to leave her children
    01:08:47 Reflections on success and next steps

    #QuestForSuccess #CristinaMarques #Leadership #FamilyBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Success #Negotiation #Transformation #Trust #Empathy #BusinessLegacy #WomenInLeadership #SuccessMindset #Podcast #Inspiration

    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

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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • Success Is Not What You Own. It's How Content You Are.

    Success Is Not What You Own. It's How Content You Are.
    Sep 16 2026
    "Success is satisfaction with what you are and have."In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, Jam and Dylan Pathirana sit down with Buddhist monk Ven Thalpavila Kusalagnana for a profound conversation on success, happiness, mindfulness, and what it actually means to live a meaningful life.Ven Thalpavila Kusalagnana explores the Buddhist view of gain, loss, praise and blame, and why success should be defined as satisfaction rather than accumulation. He walks us through three ways to understand yourself, mindfulness, virtue and wisdom, and explains the difference between healthy goals and the kind of craving and clinging that leads to suffering. He also addresses a common misconception directly: that Buddhism rejects wealth or success. Instead, he explains the principle of right livelihood, earning and living in an ethical way rather than a harmful one.The conversation moves into some of life's hardest questions. What does it mean to truly understand that everything, our bodies, our minds, our relationships, is temporary? How do you stay steady through the eight worldly conditions of gain and loss, praise and blame, fame and disrepute, pleasure and pain? Ven Thalpavila Kusalagnana offers practical wisdom on fear, failure and authenticity, and speaks candidly about how Buddhist principles intersect with modern mental health challenges, including stress, depression, anxiety and overthinking.He also shares a simple morning practice anyone can start today, guidance on choosing good people, good thoughts and good habits, and how to begin approaching Buddhism as a practical way to overcome suffering, regardless of religious background.This is one of the most reflective and genuinely useful conversations we've had on the show. Sometimes the deepest wisdom is also the simplest.What we cover:The Buddhist view of gain, loss, praise and blameSuccess defined as satisfaction rather than accumulationThree ways to understand yourself: mindfulness, virtue, wisdomHealthy goals versus craving and clingingWealth, lay disciples, and why Buddhism does not reject successRight livelihood and earning in an ethical wayWanting things while accepting their temporary natureThe impermanence of body, mind and relationshipsThe eight worldly conditions and staying steady through changeWhat a good life looks like in BuddhismWhat a trained mind notices that an untrained mind missesA simple morning practice for lay peopleChoosing good people, good thoughts and good habitsFear, failure and being authentic in interviews and workBuddhism, mental health, stress, depression and anxietyOverthinking, OCD, and not feeding unnecessary thoughtsLetting go after breakups and other lossesHow to begin exploring Buddhism and what it means to be a good humanBuddhism as a practical way to overcome sufferingSome of our favourite quotes:"Success is satisfaction with what you are and have." "Being content with your thoughts and actions is success.""Understand that all things are temporary." Chapters:00:00 The Buddhist view of gain, loss, praise, and blame03:02 Success defined as satisfaction rather than accumulation06:26 Three ways to understand yourself: mindfulness, virtue, wisdom08:35 Healthy goals versus craving and clinging10:46 Wealth, lay disciples, and why Buddhism does not reject success12:47 Right livelihood and earning in a harmful versus ethical way15:35 Wanting things while accepting their temporary nature17:15 Impermanence of body, mind, and relationships20:35 The eight worldly conditions and staying steady through change22:04 What a good life looks like in Buddhism25:53 What a trained mind notices that an untrained mind misses30:35 A simple morning practice for lay people33:10 Choosing good people, good thoughts, and good habits34:42 Fear, failure, and being authentic in interviews and work38:13 Buddhism, mental health, stress, depression, and anxiety42:15 Overthinking, OCD, and not feeding unnecessary thoughts44:30 Letting go after breakups and other losses45:48 How to begin Buddhism and what it means to be a good human48:15 Buddhism as a practical way to overcome suffering52:02 The one takeaway: be happy and live in this moment#QuestForSuccess #Buddhism #Mindfulness #Success #Happiness #Contentment #Impermanence #Wisdom #MentalHealth #Spirituality #LifeLessons #Podcast #Inspiration #SriLanka #MeditationFollow us on all your favourite platforms:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheQuestforSuccessPodFacebook: 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-successTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequestforsuccesspodWebsite: www.thequestforsuccesspodcast.com Please share this around to anyone you think will get value from it : )
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    55 mins
  • The Zero to One Mindset That's Changing Sri Lanka | Jeevan Gnanam

    The Zero to One Mindset That's Changing Sri Lanka | Jeevan Gnanam
    Sep 9 2026
    He inherited a family legacy. Then he rebuilt it from zero to one.In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, Jam and Dylan Pathirana sit down with Jeevan Gnanam, a Sri Lankan entrepreneur and third-generation business leader, for an honest conversation on purpose, legacy, and what it takes to build a genuine entrepreneurial ecosystem in a country most investors overlook.Jeevan shares his early influences and the pressure of carrying a family legacy forward, reflecting on the lessons in humility and discipline he learned from his grandfather. He opens up about recognising problems and building ventures from a young age, and what it actually took to rebel against old mindsets within his own family and community in order to create new opportunities. He speaks candidly about the zero to one mindset, the importance of visualisation, and why getting others to genuinely buy into a vision is the most important skill any founder can develop.The conversation moves into Sri Lanka's evolving startup ecosystem, the unique talent and investment potential the country holds, and how artificial intelligence is giving Sri Lanka a rare opportunity to scale and innovate rapidly on the global stage. Jeevan also shares his vision for building a vibrant innovation district that brings creatives, investors and entrepreneurs together in one place, along with the personal challenges of balancing family, faith and business.This episode is a powerful reminder that legacy isn't something you simply inherit. It's something you have to earn, question, and ultimately rebuild in your own image.What we cover:Jeevan Gnanam's background and early influencesDefining success and purposeFamily legacy and the pressure of being a third-generation entrepreneurRecognising problems and building ventures from childhoodRebelling against old mindsets and creating new opportunitiesThe importance of continuous evolution in businessSri Lanka's talent and investment potentialConvincing family and community to innovateThe zero to one mindset and the power of visualisationCommunicating vision and leadership in startupsBringing entrepreneurial thinking into legacy businessesThe role of AI and Sri Lanka's tech futureBuilding a vibrant innovation districtBalancing family and business lifeThe importance of faith and purposeLearning from failure and resilienceLegacy, impact, and how Jeevan wants to be remembered"Success is fulfilling your purpose and serving others." Jeevan Gnanam"AI gives us an opportunity to scale and innovate rapidly." Jeevan Gnanam"I want to be remembered as someone who gave back and made a difference." Jeevan GnanamChapters:00:00 Introduction and Jeevan Gnanam's background02:29 Defining success and purpose04:16 Early influences and family legacy07:15 The pressure of being a third-generation entrepreneur10:40 Recognising problems and building ventures from childhood13:36 Rebelling against old mindsets and creating new opportunities16:10 The importance of continuous evolution in business17:27 Sri Lanka's talent and investment potential20:13 Convincing the family and community to innovate22:32 The zero to one mindset and visualisation27:26 Communicating vision and leadership in startups28:13 Bringing entrepreneurial thinking into legacy businesses35:28 The role of AI and Sri Lanka's tech future40:57 Building a vibrant innovation district45:11 Balancing family and business life48:27 The importance of faith and purpose49:58 Learning from failure and resilience52:52 Legacy, impact, and how Jeevan wants to be rememberedConnect with Jeevan Gnanam:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeevangnanam/#QuestForSuccess #JeevanGnanam #Entrepreneurship #SriLanka #AI #StartupEcosystem #Purpose #Innovation #Leadership #FamilyBusiness #Investment #Tech #SuccessMindset #Podcast #InspirationFollow us on all your favourite platforms:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheQuestforSuccessPodFacebook: 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-successTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequestforsuccesspodWebsite: www.thequestforsuccesspodcast.com Please share this around to anyone you think will get value from it : )
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    59 mins
  • Why Great Cities Aren't Measured By Their Skyscrapers | Dr Sarath Mataraarachchi

    Why Great Cities Aren't Measured By Their Skyscrapers | Dr Sarath Mataraarachchi
    Sep 2 2026
    "To assess a city, look at the street level, not the skyline."In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, Jam and Dylan Pathirana sit down with Dr Sarath Mataraarachchi, an urban planner and academic whose life spans Sri Lanka and Australia, for a thoughtful conversation on what actually makes a city great, and why the answer has almost nothing to do with height, density or spectacle.Dr Sarath shares his early childhood and influences growing up in Sri Lanka, his education and early career in land economics and town planning, and the formative years he spent working alongside informal settlements, where he witnessed firsthand the impact of poverty on how communities live and grow. He reflects on what he learned from international experience, particularly in Australia, and how those lessons have shaped his thinking on empowering local authorities and genuinely engaging communities in the decisions that shape their own neighbourhoods.The conversation explores the real challenges facing Sri Lankan urban development, the role of mentorship in shaping his career, and his belief that a great city is ultimately one where people want to come and belong. Dr Sarath also shares his vision for the future of smart cities and sustainable urban environments, his hopes for Colombo and Sri Lanka more broadly, and the unique assets he believes Sri Lanka holds that the rest of the world often overlooks.This episode is a compelling reminder that the health of a city, much like the health of a life, is measured not by what impresses from a distance, but by what actually happens on the ground, every single day.What we cover:Dr Sarath's early childhood and influences in Sri LankaWhat success means in the context of urban planningEducation and early career in land economics and town planningExperiences with informal settlements and community lifeThe impact of poverty on city developmentLessons learned from international experience, including AustraliaChallenges in Sri Lankan urban developmentThe importance of local authority empowermentThe role of community and mentorship in planningWhat makes a city great and why street level matters mostThe future of smart cities and sustainable developmentA vision for Colombo and Sri Lanka's urban futureOvercoming obstacles and implementing real changeThe unique assets and qualities of Sri LankaCore traits of a successful life and leadershipChapters:00:00 Introduction and Dr Sarath's background00:28 What success means to Dr Sarath00:36 Early childhood and influences in Sri Lanka00:41 Education and initial career in land economics and town planning01:10 Experiences with informal settlements and community life01:37 The impact of poverty and community stories01:41 Understanding town planning and its purpose01:49 Learning from international experiences and Australia02:17 Challenges in Sri Lankan urban development02:35 The importance of local authority empowerment02:42 The role of community and mentorship in planning03:11 What makes a city great and the importance of street level03:40 The future of smart cities and sustainable development03:47 Vision for Colombo and Sri Lanka's urban future04:10 Overcoming obstacles and implementing change04:39 The assets and unique qualities of Sri Lanka05:09 Core traits of a successful life and leadership05:33 Closing thoughts and message to listeners#QuestForSuccess #SarathMataraarachchi #UrbanPlanning #SriLanka #Australia #CityDevelopment #SustainableCities #Community #PlaceBasedPlanning #UrbanJustice #SuccessMindset #Podcast #Inspiration #SmartCities #ColomboFollow us on all your favourite platforms:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheQuestforSuccessPodFacebook: 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-successTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequestforsuccesspodWebsite: www.thequestforsuccesspodcast.com Please share this around to anyone you think will get value from it : )
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    1 hr and 20 mins