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 building lean, intelligent, people-powered businesses.

🔑 What you’ll learn in this episode:

 * Why your first hire should be an executive assistant—and how to delegate properly
   

 * The secret power of hiring international talent (and why gratitude matters)
   

 * Why most leaders unknowingly hire for mediocrity—and how to avoid it
   

 * How AI will eliminate “average” work and supercharge the top 20%
   

 * The one thing every business should do with AI right now
   

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 – Recap & why AI is a performance amplifier

05:44 – The first hire every founder needs: an executive assistant

13:40 – How global hiring changes economies (and your business)

22:00 – The Pareto principle of talent: stop hiring for mediocrity

29:20 – How AI exposes inefficiency and replaces “Jerry” the mediocre employee

40:00 – Practical AI integration for any business today 

54:50 – The one piece of advice he’d give his younger self

📌 Connect with Kasim:

Website: kasim.me [https://kasim.me]

Book: You vs Google

✨ These rewrites are:

 * SEO-rich (keywords: “scale and exit,” “AI era,” “world-class teams,” “delegation,” “international talent”).
   

 * Authentic (pulled direct phrases: “proctology exam,” “failure is cost of admission,” “replace yourself,” “Jerry the mediocre employee”).
   

 * Structured like DOAC (hook, authority, bullet takeaways, timestamps, guest links).
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Kasim Aslam: How to Build World-Class Teams and Thrive in the AI Era

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’ll explore the incredible opportunities that come from hiring international talent, and how gratitude and impact can transform your business and the lives of your team. Plus, we tackle the big question: is AI a threat to jobs, or the ultimate performance amplifier for top talent? Qasim breaks down how AI is reshaping the future of work, and offers practical advice for integrating AI into your business right now.

Get ready for actionable strategies, inspiring stories, and a fresh perspective on building a lean, intelligent, people-powered business. Let’s jump in!Where to reach Our Guest

youtube.com/kasimaslam
kasimaslam.com3 Hacks to take away



 1. Effective Delegation Starts with Hiring an Executive Assistant: The most scalable move for founders is to delegate routine and administrative tasks to an executive assistant, freeing up mental space and time to focus on high-value activities and business growth.

 2. Hiring International Talent Creates Mutual Value: Leveraging skilled professionals from around the world not only brings gratitude and dedication to your team but also has a transformative impact on their lives and local economies, while providing businesses with access to top talent.

 3. AI Will Amplify Top Performers and Transform Work: AI is set to dramatically increase efficiency for high performers, making it essential for businesses to integrate AI tools and processes. Companies should focus on empowering their best people and using AI to streamline operations, rather than fearing job loss.

E752B - Kasim Aslam - How to Build a Future-Ready Business by Delegating, Hiring International Talent, and Leveraging AI

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 journey, the pivotal moments that inspired her to break the mold, and her mission to make luxury both inclusive and exclusive.

We’ll dive into her insights on finding the right clients, building a legacy, and why diversity is essential in the luxury industry.

Whether you’re dreaming of launching your own luxury brand or just love a good story of reinvention, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Stay tuned as we unlock the secrets to thriving in the world of luxury with Elizabeth Solaru!3 Hacks to take away



 1. Bold Career Transitions: The episode highlights the power of embracing change, as the guest shares her journey from scientist to cake designer to luxury business consultant, demonstrating that reinvention is possible at any stage.

 2. Inclusivity in Luxury: The discussion emphasizes the importance of making the luxury industry more inclusive, not just in terms of race or gender, but also in ideas and craftsmanship from around the world, showing that diversity can drive both representation and business growth.

 3. Building a Legacy and Finding the Right Clients: The guest shares her perspective on creating a legacy in the luxury market, including the need for detailed guidance for newcomers and the value of understanding the psychology and needs of high-end clients.

Connect with our Host Junaid



Want to be a guest on Hacks and Hobbies – Passion to Profit Stories?

Send Junaid Ahmed a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/hacksandhobbies



📖 Check out Junaid's book on Home Studio: https://homestudiobook.com

🔗 Find me on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid

E751A - Elizabeth Solaru - How to Build a Successful Luxury Brand by Embracing Inclusivity and Reinvention

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, repeatable systems are the secret to scaling, and how bringing purpose into every room can fuel your journey. Plus, I’ll give you a sneak peek at what’s coming in episodes 751 to 754, featuring inspiring guests from luxury branding to franchise success.

Get ready for practical tips, memorable quotes, and a fresh perspective to help you build what matters. Let’s jump in!

3 Hacks to take away

Connect with our Host Junaid



Want to be a guest on Hacks and Hobbies – Passion to Profit Stories?

Send Junaid Ahmed a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/hacksandhobbies



📖 Check out Junaid's book on Home Studio: https://homestudiobook.com

🔗 Find me on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid

E750 - Junaid - How to Scale Your Business by Serving Better, Simplifying Systems, and Leading with Purpose

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 episode, Chad shares powerful strategies for investing outside your business, setting ambitious goals, and surrounding yourself with growth-minded people.

We’ll also discuss how to avoid burnout, recharge your energy, and create a business that supports the life you love.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your success to the next level, Chad’s insights will inspire you to take action and build the future you deserve. Stick around—this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Where to reach Our Guest

https://chadwillardson.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadwillardson/3 Hacks to take away



 1. Invest Outside Your Business: Entrepreneurs should not tie all their net worth to their business. It’s crucial to invest in assets outside the business—such as retirement accounts, the stock market, or real estate—to build long-term wealth and financial security.

 2. Surround Yourself with Growth-Minded People: The people you associate with greatly influence your success. Being around ambitious, growth-focused individuals helps expand your mindset and accelerates your personal and business growth.

 3. Set Big Goals and Take Massive Action: Success comes from setting ambitious goals and following through with determined, consistent action. Combine this with regular self-investment—whether in skills, training, or masterminds—to achieve both business and personal growth.

Connect with our Host Junaid



Want to be a guest on Hacks and Hobbies – Passion to Profit Stories?

Send Junaid Ahmed a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/hacksandhobbies



📖 Check out Junaid's book on Home Studio: https://homestudiobook.com

🔗 Find me on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid

E749B - Chad Willardson - How to Build Wealth, Achieve Lifestyle Freedom, and Avoid Burnout as an Entrepreneur

Welcome to another episode of Hacks and Hobbies! I’m your host, Junaid Ahmed, and today we’re joined by a truly inspiring guest—Chad Willardson. Chad is the founder of Pacific Capital, a firm dedicated to helping high net worth entrepreneurs achieve both lifestyle and financial freedom.

He’s also the creator of Platinum Elevated, an exclusive coaching program for growth-focused entrepreneurs. In this episode, Chad shares his journey from working at Merrill Lynch to building a business that puts family and personal values at the forefront. We dive deep into the challenges entrepreneurs face in balancing business success with a fulfilling home life, and Chad reveals powerful strategies for being intentional with your time, building strong communities, and focusing on what truly matters.

Plus, hear how his story became a featured chapter in the book “10x is Easier Than 2x.” Get ready for actionable insights and inspiration to help you win big in both business and life.

Let’s jump in!Where to reach our Guest

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjconsciousness/3 Hacks to take away

 1. Achieving true success means balancing business accomplishments with a fulfilling personal and family life—being intentional with your time and focus is essential.

 2. Entrepreneurs often struggle with giving up control, but learning to delegate, collaborate, and build strong teams enables both business growth and personal well-being.

 3. Surrounding yourself with supportive communities and like-minded individuals accelerates personal and professional growth, helping you stay accountable and inspired.

Connect with our Host Junaid



Want to be a guest on Hacks and Hobbies – Passion to Profit Stories?

Send Junaid Ahmed a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/hacksandhobbies



📖 Check out Junaid's book on Home Studio: https://homestudiobook.com

🔗 Find me on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid

E749A - Chad Willardson - How to Achieve Success in Business and Life by Building Strong Foundations and Intentional Habits

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 within organizations.

We’ll explore how this subtle yet profound shift can reduce conflict, burnout, and division, while boosting openness, authenticity, and purpose.

Plus, we’ll discuss the intersection of consciousness and artificial intelligence, and why true leadership means nurturing both the minds and souls of your team. If you’re ready to rethink company culture and discover the root of lasting success, you won’t want to miss this episode. Let’s get started!Where to reach our Guest

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjconsciousness/3 Hacks to take away



 1. Integrating consciousness into business through roles like Chief Consciousness Officer can profoundly reduce conflict, burnout, and division, while fostering creativity, openness, and authentic connections within organizations.

 2. Traditional wellness programs and conscious leadership initiatives often fall short because they address symptoms rather than the root cause—consciousness itself. Sustainable change requires a foundational shift in awareness at every level of the company.

 3. Leaders should prioritize self-education on consciousness, expand their awareness, and focus on authentic engagement with their teams to create a healthier, more purpose-driven workplace culture.

Connect with our Host Junaid



Want to be a guest on Hacks and Hobbies – Passion to Profit Stories?

Send Junaid Ahmed a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/hacksandhobbies



📖 Check out Junaid's book on Home Studio: https://homestudiobook.com

🔗 Find me on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid

E748B - Charley Johnson - How to Transform Your Company Culture by Integrating Consciousness and Purpose

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 shares how true transformation in organizations starts with expanding awareness—not just at the executive level, but throughout the entire company.

We discuss the power of presence, the importance of bridging corporate, nonprofit, and personal growth, and how consciousness can unlock new levels of creativity, connection, and fulfillment. If you’re ready to rethink leadership and discover practical steps to build a more conscious culture, you won’t want to miss this episode.

Stay tuned as we challenge old paradigms and uncover the next evolution in business and life!Where to reach Our Guest

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjconsciousness/3 Hacks to take away



 1. The future of leadership requires expanding awareness throughout organizations, not just at the executive level—introducing the need for a Chief Consciousness Officer to help embed consciousness into company culture.

 2. True transformation in business comes from bridging corporate, nonprofit, and personal development, and recognizing that consciousness is the foundation for creativity, connection, and fulfillment.

 3. Practical steps to build a more conscious culture include being fully present in interactions, questioning old paradigms, and making awareness and neutrality central to leadership and daily operations.

Connect with our Host Junaid



Want to be a guest on Hacks and Hobbies – Passion to Profit Stories?

Send Junaid Ahmed a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/hacksandhobbies



📖 Check out Junaid's book on Home Studio: https://homestudiobook.com

🔗 Find me on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid

E748A - Charley Johnson - How to Build a Conscious Company Culture and Transform Leadership in the 21st Century

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 systems that help him stay consistent, the importance of curiosity and building relationships, and how he’s turned challenges into opportunities for growth. Whether you’re living with ADHD or just looking for ways to boost your creativity and productivity, this episode is packed with practical advice and encouragement.

Plus, don’t miss Ron’s special resource: “3 Simple Hacks to Get Curious,” available at Advocate.xyz/hacksandhobbies. Get ready for an honest, uplifting conversation that will inspire you to embrace your own journey and keep moving forward. Let’s jump in!Where to reach Our Guest

www.dadhdwss.com

@ronsolo813 Hacks to take away



 1. Embracing ADHD as a Strength: The episode highlights how understanding and accepting ADHD can transform it from a perceived weakness into a unique strength, especially when channeled into creative pursuits like podcasting.

 2. The Power of Routines and Systems: Establishing daily routines and systems—such as consistent sleep, morning rituals, and planning content in advance—helps maintain focus, productivity, and consistency, which are crucial for success in podcasting and life with ADHD.

 3. Building Curiosity and Connection: Developing curiosity and fostering deeper relationships are essential for personal growth and overcoming feelings of inadequacy. The episode also shares practical resources, like “3 Simple Hacks to Get Curious,” to help listeners engage more meaningfully with themselves and others.

Connect with our Host Junaid



Want to be a guest on Hacks and Hobbies – Passion to Profit Stories?

Send Junaid Ahmed a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/hacksandhobbies



📖 Check out Junaid's book on Home Studio: https://homestudiobook.com

🔗 Find me on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid

E747B - Ron Souers - How to Harness Podcasting as a Creative Outlet and Build Routines for Thriving with ADHD

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 focus, passion, and resilience, and how mindfulness and the right support have made all the difference.

Whether you’re navigating ADHD yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode is packed with insights, encouragement, and real talk about the ups and downs of the journey. And stay tuned—next time, we’ll dive into how podcasting and ADHD combine to create something truly powerful. Let’s get started!

Where to reach Our Guest

www.dadhdwss.com

@ronsolo813 Hacks to take away



 1. Embracing ADHD as a Strength: The episode highlights how recognizing and accepting ADHD can transform it from a challenge into a unique asset, allowing individuals to leverage their creativity, passion, and focus when engaged in meaningful activities.

 2. The Importance of Mindfulness and Support: Ron shares how mindfulness practices and seeking professional support, such as therapy, have been crucial in managing ADHD, reducing anxiety, and improving daily life.

 3. Overcoming Stigma and Finding Community: The conversation emphasizes the value of talking openly about ADHD, seeking help, and connecting with others who understand the journey, which helps reduce stigma and fosters personal growth.

Connect with our Host Junaid



Want to be a guest on Hacks and Hobbies – Passion to Profit Stories?

Send Junaid Ahmed a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/hacksandhobbies



📖 Check out Junaid's book on Home Studio: https://homestudiobook.com

🔗 Find me on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid

E747A - Ron Souers - How to Embrace ADHD as a Superpower and Thrive in Everyday Life

Junaid Ahmed digs in deep as he converses with hobbyists, entrepreneurs, cyclists, artists, actors, and leaders from around the world. These hackers of life have one thing in common. They’re passionate about their craft and built businesses and movements around what they love to do every single day. We get to learn about their journeys, origins and how they got to where they are today. The lessons shared by our guests are immediately actionable and if applied accurately they give you immediate results and success in your day-t operations. Follow the stories: http://hacksandhobbies.com

Junaid Ahmed

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