Young and Profiting with Hala Taha

Your mindset is sometimes the biggest threat to your success as an entrepreneur. For Shadé Zahrai, self-doubt and imposter syndrome followed her from corporate life into entrepreneurship. She later realized these struggles were rooted in psychological patterns she calls “mind pits” and “inner critics” that quietly sabotage even the smartest entrepreneurs. By confronting them head-on, she rebuilt her confidence, took her business global, and now helps others do the same. In this episode of the Mental Wealth Series, Shadé shares how entrepreneurs can recognize the thinking traps holding them back, quiet their inner critics, and turn self-doubt into healthier self-talk.

In this episode, Hala and Shadé will discuss: 

(00:00) Introduction

(02:35) Shadé’s Decade of Self-Doubt in Corporate

(09:10) Making the Leap Into Entrepreneurship

(19:37) Skill Stacking for Business Success

(24:48) Overcoming Fear to Build Your Brand

(33:03) The Three Mind Pits Holding Entrepreneurs Back

(53:23) Quieting Your Inner Critics

(58:10) How to Crush Imposter Syndrome

(1:04:55) How to Look More Confident

(1:13:43) Science-Backed Hacks for High Performance 

Shadé Zahrai is a behavioral researcher, award-winning peak performance educator, and leading authority on confidence and self-doubt. A former corporate lawyer with an MBA and a background in psychology, she co-founded Influenceo Global and has designed programs for Fortune 500 companies including Google, Microsoft, LVMH, JP Morgan, and McKinsey. Her viral content and LinkedIn Learning courses have reached millions, helping professionals build self-belief and sustainable high performance. 

Sponsored By:

Huel - Get over $50 in savings with the Discovery Bundle from Huel. Use my exclusive code YAP15 for 15% off at huel.com/yap15.

Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/profiting

Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting.

Quo - Run your business communications the smart way. Try Quo for free, plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to quo.com/profiting

Fabric - Protect your family with term life insurance from Fabric by Gerber Life. Apply today in just minutes at meetfabric.com/profiting 

ZocDoc - Stop putting off those doctors’ appointments. Find and instantly book a doctor you love today at Zocdoc.com/PROFITING 

Blinkist - Turn the world’s best nonfiction books into quick 15-minute reads or listens. Grab your free trial plus an exclusive 30% discount at blinkist.com/profiting  

Remitly - Transfer money internationally with Remitly, with no hidden fees. Use code BUSINESS to get a $100 bonus after you send $300 or more. New customers only. 

Prolon - Reset and rejuvenate your body with Prolon’s five-day plant-based fasting mimicking program. Go to ProlonLife.com/PROFITING for 15% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to their 5-Day Program.

Resources Mentioned:

Shadé’s Website: shadezahrai.com 

Shadé’s Instagram: instagram.com/shadezahrai

Shadé’s TikTok: tiktok.com/@shadezahrai 

Shadé’s YouTube: youtube.com/shadezahrai 

Shadé's Mind Pits Quiz: shadezahrai.com/mindpits

Mental Wealth Series E1: youngandprofiting.co/MWS-E1 

Mental Wealth Series E2: youngandprofiting.co/MWS-E2 

Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals 

Key YAP Links

Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap

YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting

Newsletter - youngandprofiting.co/newsletter 

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha/

Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala/

Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com

Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new 

Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, Wellness, Biohacking, Motivation, Manifestation, Brain Health, Life Balance, Self-Healing, Positivity, Happiness, Sleep, Diet

Human nature often pushes us to follow paths that look right on paper, even when they no longer serve us. For years, Gretchen Rubin pursued a prestigious law career that looked perfect on paper, until she realized she lacked passion and was simply drifting through life. That moment led her to leave law and dedicate her work to studying happiness, habits, and human nature. In this episode, Gretchen returns to break down the hidden patterns shaping our decisions and how small “secrets of adulthood” can create meaningful change. She also shares her Four Tendencies framework, explaining how different personality types respond to change.

In this episode, Hala and Gretchen will discuss: 

(00:00) Introduction

(05:13) Why Gretchen Wrote Secrets of Adulthood

(11:45) Spotting Loopholes and Building Better Habits

(16:09) How to Stop Drifting Through Your Life

(28:23) Why Happiness Has No Single Formula

(32:45) Using the Five Senses for Better Focus

(43:07) Do Routines Make Us Happier?

(45:10) The Four Tendencies Framework

(54:53) Tailored Advice for Every Personality Type

(1:03:36) How to Build Deeper Relationships

(1:11:05) Finding Purpose in New Seasons

Gretchen Rubin is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and host of the podcast Happier with Gretchen Rubin. She is known for her work on happiness, the psychology behind habit formation, and personality frameworks, including the Four Tendencies. Her book, Secrets of Adulthood, distills her key insights into simple truths for living with greater satisfaction, clarity, and purpose. 

Sponsored By:

Huel - Get over $50 in savings with the Discovery Bundle from Huel. Use my exclusive code YAP15 for 15% off at huel.com/yap15.

Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/profiting

Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting.

Quo - Run your business communications the smart way. Try Quo for free, plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to quo.com/profiting

Fabric - Protect your family with term life insurance from Fabric by Gerber Life. Apply today in just minutes at meetfabric.com/profiting 

ZocDoc - Stop putting off those doctors’ appointments. Find and instantly book a doctor you love today at Zocdoc.com/PROFITING 

Blinkist - Turn the world’s best nonfiction books into quick 15-minute reads or listens. Grab your free trial plus an exclusive 30% discount at blinkist.com/profiting  

Remitly - Transfer money internationally with Remitly, with no hidden fees. Use code BUSINESS to get a $100 bonus after you send $300 or more. New customers only. 

Prolon - Reset and rejuvenate your body with Prolon’s five-day plant-based fasting mimicking program. Go to ProlonLife.com/PROFITING for 15% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to their 5-Day Program.

Resources Mentioned:

Gretchen's Book, The Secrets of Adulthood: bit.ly/GR-SOA 

Gretchen's Book, The Four Tendencies: bit.ly/GR-TFT 

Gretchen's Book, Better Than Before: bit.ly/GR-BTB 

Gretchen's Book, Life in Five Senses: bit.ly/GR-LIFS 

Gretchen's Podcast, Happier with Gretchen Rubin: bit.ly/HWGR-apple 

Gretchen’s Website: gretchenrubin.com 

YAP E151 with Gretchen Rubin: youngandprofiting.co/GR-E151 

YAP E29 with Gretchen Rubin: youngandprofiting.co/GR-E29 

Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals 

Key YAP Links

Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap

YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting

Newsletter - youngandprofiting.co/newsletter 

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha/

Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala/

Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com

Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new 

Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, Positivity, Human Psychology, Critical Thinking, Robert Greene, Chris Voss, Robert Cialdini

When it comes to career success, Mike Rowe has a contrarian message most entrepreneurs need to hear: stop chasing passion and start chasing opportunity. Before becoming a TV icon, he spent years jumping between industries, side hustles, and freelance gigs, working nearly 200 jobs. That willingness to pivot and embrace unconventional opportunities led to Dirty Jobs, one of Discovery Channel’s biggest franchises. In this episode, Mike challenges the career advice holding people back and reveals why skilled trades and overlooked industries can be powerful paths to financial success in today’s job market. 

In this episode, Hala and Mike will discuss: 

(00:00) Introduction

(01:39) Building a Flexible Mindset for Career Growth

(10:14) Pitching Dirty Jobs and Facing Rejection

(16:47) Why Chasing Opportunities Beats Passion

(25:10) America’s War on Work and the Skills Gap Crisis

(33:01) Debunking Myths About Blue-Collar Work

(42:10) How Entrepreneurs Build Wealth in Skilled Trades

(53:32) The Urgent Need to Prioritize Skilled Trades

(58:36) Embracing Discomfort for Success

(01:00:51) How Pivoting Drives Business Growth 

Mike Rowe is an Emmy Award-winning TV host, producer, narrator, and entrepreneur best known as the creator and host of Discovery Channel’s Dirty Jobs. He has narrated over 1,000 hours of television, including Deadliest Catch. Mike is the founder of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, which has awarded millions in scholarships to students pursuing trade careers. He is also a bestselling author, podcaster, and leading advocate for skilled trades 

Sponsored By:

Huel - Get over $50 in savings with the Discovery Bundle from Huel. Use my exclusive code YAP15 for 15% off at huel.com/yap15.

Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/profiting

Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting.

Quo - Run your business communications the smart way. Try Quo for free, plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to quo.com/profiting

Fabric - Protect your family with term life insurance from Fabric by Gerber Life. Apply today in just minutes at meetfabric.com/profiting 

ZocDoc - Stop putting off those doctors’ appointments. Find and instantly book a doctor you love today at Zocdoc.com/PROFITING 

Blinkist - Turn the world’s best nonfiction books into quick 15-minute reads or listens. Grab your free trial plus an exclusive 30% discount at blinkist.com/profiting  

Remitly - Transfer money internationally with Remitly, with no hidden fees. Use code BUSINESS to get a $100 bonus after you send $300 or more. New customers only. 

Prolon - Reset and rejuvenate your body with Prolon’s five-day plant-based fasting mimicking program. Go to ProlonLife.com/PROFITING for 15% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to their 5-Day Program.

Resources Mentioned:

Mike's Podcast, The Way I Heard It: apple.co/4bVOtLC 

Mike’s Foundation, mikeroweWORKS: mikeroweworks.org

Mike's Website: mikerowe.com

Mike's Instagram: instagram.com/mikerowe/ 

About My Mother by Peggy Rowe: amzn.to/4c04L6h

Vacuuming in the Nude by Peggy Rowe: amzn.to/4ksE1PT

Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals 

Key YAP Links

Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap

YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting

Newsletter - youngandprofiting.co/newsletter 

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha/

Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala/

Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com

Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new 

Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, Business Ideas, Growth Hacks, Career Development, Money Management, Professionals, Workplace, Career Podcast

Mental health is the silent price many entrepreneurs pay for chasing success. Dr. John Delony spent years letting stress and anxiety take a toll on his health, relationships, and personal life. But when the pressure piled on, he finally chose to confront what his body had been signaling all along. Through therapy, radical honesty, and intentional daily habits, he rebuilt life around peace over performance. In this episode of the Mental Wealth Series, Dr. John shares six daily choices entrepreneurs can use to quiet anxiety, beat burnout, and stop outsourcing their self-worth to achievements. 

In this episode, Hala and Dr. John will discuss: 

(00:00) Introduction

(03:19) Burning Out While Chasing Success

(08:31) Masculinity Crisis and the Loneliness Epidemic

(15:20) Redefining Anxiety and Mental Health Labels

(20:41) The Truth About Mental Health Medications

(27:17) How to Become a Safe, Peaceful Presence

(32:33) Six Daily Choices for a Non-Anxious Life

(48:47) The Importance of Decluttering Your Environment

(53:39) Why Real Human Connection Beats AI Therapy

(1:00:34) Building an Authentic Personal Brand That Lasts 

Dr. John Delony is a bestselling author, mental health expert, and host of The Dr. John Delony Show. With two PhDs in counseling and higher education, he has spent over two decades in crisis response and leadership. Now at Ramsey Solutions, John helps people reclaim their mental health, build deep relationships, and live non-anxious lives.

Sponsored By:

Huel - Get over $50 in savings with the Discovery Bundle from Huel. Use my exclusive code YAP15 for 15% off at huel.com/yap15.

Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/profiting

Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting.

Quo - Run your business communications the smart way. Try Quo for free, plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to quo.com/profiting

Fabric - Protect your family with term life insurance from Fabric by Gerber Life. Apply today in just minutes at meetfabric.com/profiting 

ZocDoc - Stop putting off those doctors’ appointments. Find and instantly book a doctor you love today at Zocdoc.com/PROFITING 

Blinkist - Turn the world’s best nonfiction books into quick 15-minute reads or listens. Grab your free trial plus an exclusive 30% discount at blinkist.com/profiting  

Remitly - Transfer money internationally with Remitly, with no hidden fees. Use code BUSINESS to get a $100 bonus after you send $300 or more. New customers only. 

Prolon - Reset and rejuvenate your body with Prolon’s five-day plant-based fasting mimicking program. Go to ProlonLife.com/PROFITING for 15% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to their 5-Day Program.

Resources Mentioned:

Dr. John's Podcast, The Dr. John Delony Show: bit.ly/TDJDS-apple 

Dr. John's Book, Building a Non-Anxious Life: bit.ly/JD-BANAL 

Dr. John’s YouTube: youtube.com/@TheDrJohnDelonyShow 

Dr. John’s Website: johndelony.com 

Dr. John’s Instagram: instagram.com/johndelony 

YAP E362 with Dr. Caroline Leaf: youngandprofiting.co/MentalWellness 

Mental Wealth Series E1: youngandprofiting.co/MWS-E1 

Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals 

Key YAP Links

Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap

YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting

Newsletter - youngandprofiting.co/newsletter 

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha/

Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala/

Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com

Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new 

Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, Wellness, Biohacking, Motivation, Manifestation, Brain Health, Life Balance, Self-Healing, Positivity, Happiness, Sleep, Diet

A small town ballerina with no business background, Julia Hartz had no guarantee that Eventbrite would work. What began as a bootstrapped startup she co-founded became a 20-year journey full of challenges, including a crisis like no other: COVID, wiping out the events industry almost overnight. But each challenge sharpened her leadership skills, and Julia ultimately turned  Eventbrite into the powerhouse it is today before exiting on her own terms. In this episode, Julia shares how these moments shaped her leadership and taught her how to build, scale, and evolve a meaningful business, even when it costs you everything.

In this episode, Hala and Julia will discuss: 

(00:00) Introduction

(02:08) Julia’s Empathy-Driven Founder Mindset

(04:46) Launching a Startup Without a Business Background

(14:14) Co-Founding Eventbrite: Spotting the Gap in 2006

(25:23) Leading Through Crisis and Change

(35:18) The Return of Live Events

(44:04) Building a Company Culture That Evolves

(48:24) CEO Mindset and Underrated Leadership Skills

(1:04:48) Balancing Family and Entrepreneurship

(1:11:02) Leadership Advice in the AI Era 

Julia Hartz is the co-founder and former CEO of Eventbrite, one of the world's leading platforms for live events. She co-founded Eventbrite in 2006 with her husband Kevin Hartz and Renaud Visage, later becoming the sole CEO in 2016 and leading the company through its 2018 IPO. Eventbrite entered a new chapter in December 2025 when Bending Spoons announced a $500 million all-cash acquisition, which closed in March 2026, taking Eventbrite private.

Sponsored By:

Huel - Get over $50 in savings with the Discovery Bundle from Huel. Use my exclusive code YAP15 for 15% off at huel.com/yap15.

Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/profiting

Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting.

Quo - Run your business communications the smart way. Try Quo for free, plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to quo.com/profiting

Fabric - Protect your family with term life insurance from Fabric by Gerber Life. Apply today in just minutes at meetfabric.com/profiting 

ZocDoc - Stop putting off those doctors’ appointments. Find and instantly book a doctor you love today at Zocdoc.com/PROFITING 

Blinkist - Turn the world’s best nonfiction books into quick 15-minute reads or listens. Grab your free trial plus an exclusive 30% discount at blinkist.com/profiting  

Remitly - Transfer money internationally with Remitly, with no hidden fees. Use code BUSINESS to get a $100 bonus after you send $300 or more. New customers only. 

Prolon - Reset and rejuvenate your body with Prolon’s five-day plant-based fasting mimicking program. Go to ProlonLife.com/PROFITING for 15% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to their 5-Day Program.

Resources Mentioned:

Julia’s Instagram: instagram.com/juliahartz

Julia’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/juliahartz 

The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker: bit.ly/PP-TAOG  

Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals 

Key YAP Links

Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap

YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting

Newsletter - youngandprofiting.co/newsletter 

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha/

Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala/

Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com

Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new 

Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, Passive Income, Online Business, Solopreneur, Networking