Amy Bird Built a £60M Business, Lost It All, and Came Back Stronger

How Alan Hartin Built a 22-Person Software Agency from the Ground Up Without Knowing How to Code.

In this episode, we sit down with Alan Hartin, the founder who defied the traditional "boss" archetype. Alan grew up on the north coast of Northern Ireland during the "Troubles," a period of intense religious and political conflict that shaped his perspective on life and ambition. Driven by a desire to see more of the world, he left his insular hometown to forge his own path in England. Despite not being a coder himself, Alan built a 22-person software agency from the ground up. He shares how his "secret weapon" simply being a good person helped him lead a team of experts and create a product he didn't fully understand. Now, Alan spends his days cycling through the Himalayas and avoiding lions in Kenya. Tune in to learn how to build a business that serves your life, rather than consumes it.  Connect with Arun: Instagram: @sachdegram LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arunsachdevaca/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/arunsachdevaca/] Website: https://www.sachdevs-ca.com/ [https://www.sachdevs-ca.com/] Podcast produced by MicMoguls.com [https://www.micmoguls.com/]

How Reza Hooda Made £1M+ Working Just 5 Hours a Week

In this episode, Arun Sachdev sits down with entrepreneur and gym owner Amar Takhar to unpack the story of how discipline, obsession, and deep spiritual focus shaped his path from a family-run electronics business to national business success and personal fulfillment. Amar shares how watching his father sell TVs gave him an early lesson in sales psychology, why chasing money never worked for him, and how his unshakable work ethic led him to outgrow and exit a 700-vehicle hire company. Now the co-owner of one of the UK’s most respected independent gyms, he explains how building a business culture rooted in resilience and service can transform lives—including your own. If you’re building a business, juggling family and ambition, or struggling to stay grounded in a success-driven world, this episode offers real lessons in mindset, identity, and sustainable drive. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: * Why chasing money never creates lasting fulfillment * How Amar exited a vehicle hire company with nearly 700 vehicles * The unspoken cost of building a business with family * What it takes to build a gym brand people travel 100+ miles to visit * The difference between motivation and discipline (and why it matters) * Amar’s unconventional method for staying grounded after success * How spirituality powers his business and personal decisions * Why obsession, routine, and work ethic still beat talent   Key Moments to Check Out: [00:11:00] Discipline from childhood to business [00:20:00] “I wake up at 3 a.m. to outwork people still asleep” [00:28:00] Scaling a van hire company from zero to 700+ vehicles [00:37:00] Navigating business conflict with your own family [00:45:00] Buying into a failing gym and rebuilding from scratch [00:59:00] What success means after the money comes [01:12:00] Why Amar puts holes in his socks to stay grounded [01:16:00] How spirituality shapes his decisions and parenting   Connect with Amar Takhar: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amarindertakhar/  [https://www.facebook.com/amarindertakhar/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apollogym.coventry/?hl=en  [https://www.instagram.com/apollogym.coventry/?hl=en]   Like what you heard? Please rate, review, and follow the show — and share it with someone building a business, chasing clarity, or looking for more meaning in their work. Connect with Arun: Instagram: @sachdegram LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arunsachdevaca/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/arunsachdevaca/] Website: https://www.sachdevs-ca.com/ [https://www.sachdevs-ca.com/] Podcast produced by MicMoguls.com [https://www.micmoguls.com/]

How Amar Takhar Turned a Failing Gym Into a UK Champion Through Discipline & Purpose

In this episode, Arun Sachdev sits down with entrepreneur and gym owner Amar Takhar to unpack the story of how discipline, obsession, and deep spiritual focus shaped his path from a family-run electronics business to national business success and personal fulfillment. Amar shares how watching his father sell TVs gave him an early lesson in sales psychology, why chasing money never worked for him, and how his unshakable work ethic led him to outgrow and exit a 700-vehicle hire company. Now the co-owner of one of the UK’s most respected independent gyms, he explains how building a business culture rooted in resilience and service can transform lives—including your own. If you’re building a business, juggling family and ambition, or struggling to stay grounded in a success-driven world, this episode offers real lessons in mindset, identity, and sustainable drive.   What You’ll Learn in This Episode: * Why chasing money never creates lasting fulfillment * How Amar exited a vehicle hire company with nearly 700 vehicles * The unspoken cost of building a business with family * What it takes to build a gym brand people travel 100+ miles to visit * The difference between motivation and discipline (and why it matters) * Amar’s unconventional method for staying grounded after success * How spirituality powers his business and personal decisions * Why obsession, routine, and work ethic still beat talent   Key Moments to Check Out: [00:11:00] Discipline from childhood to business [00:20:00] “I wake up at 3 a.m. to outwork people still asleep” [00:28:00] Scaling a van hire company from zero to 700+ vehicles [00:37:00] Navigating business conflict with your own family [00:45:00] Buying into a failing gym and rebuilding from scratch [00:59:00] What success means after the money comes [01:12:00] Why Amar puts holes in his socks to stay grounded [01:16:00] How spirituality shapes his decisions and parenting   Connect with Amar Takhar: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amarindertakhar/  [https://www.facebook.com/amarindertakhar/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apollogym.coventry/?hl=en  [https://www.instagram.com/apollogym.coventry/?hl=en] Like what you heard? Please rate, review, and follow the show — and share it with someone building a business, chasing clarity, or looking for more meaning in their work. Connect with Arun: Instagram: @sachdegram LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arunsachdevaca/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/arunsachdevaca/] Website: https://www.sachdevs-ca.com/ [https://www.sachdevs-ca.com/] Podcast produced by MicMoguls.com [https://www.micmoguls.com/]

Amy Bird Built a £60M Business, Lost It All, and Came Back Stronger

From scrapyards to boardrooms to a courtroom battle that could be a movie, Amy Bird’s story is unlike any other. In this electrifying episode, Amy sits down with Arun Sachdev to share her jaw-dropping journey from growing up in East London’s scrap metal world to becoming a leading voice for women in a fiercely male-dominated industry. After building a multi-million-pound recycling empire from scratch, Amy’s world came crashing down when a deceptive buyer tried to take everything. What followed was a legal David vs Goliath showdown that tested her sanity, her marriage, and everything she had worked for. In this no-holds-barred conversation, you’ll learn: * How Amy navigated the toxic culture of distrust and secrecy in family business * What it takes to lead (and rebuild) after financial ruin and betrayal * The truth about being a woman in the scrap metal industry * How she became Birmingham’s Businesswoman of the Year * The surprising impact her success has had on her daughter’s mental health * How to rebuild with resilience, grit, and purpose — even when the odds are stacked against you Whether you’re building a business, fighting through a setback, or trying to find your voice in a tough world — this is the episode you need to hear.   Listen now to discover: * The jaw-dropping mistake that nearly cost Amy her business * How to spot manipulation (before it's too late) * Why pressure, power, and protectionism can destroy family businesses * What every entrepreneur can learn from Amy’s courtroom war * The truth about ambition, motherhood, and legacy Don't forget to follow and leave us a review if Amy’s story hits home — and share this with someone who needs a reminder that comeback stories are real.   Connect with Amy Bird: Follow Amy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-bird-connolleys/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-bird-connolleys/] More about Countrywide Metals: https://www.linkedin.com/company/countrywide-metals-ltd/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/countrywide-metals-ltd/]   Connect with Arun: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arunsachdevaca/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/arunsachdevaca/] Website: https://www.sachdevs-ca.com/ [https://www.sachdevs-ca.com/] Connect with Arun: Instagram: @sachdegram LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arunsachdevaca/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/arunsachdevaca/] Website: https://www.sachdevs-ca.com/ [https://www.sachdevs-ca.com/] Podcast produced by MicMoguls.com [https://www.micmoguls.com/]

Welcome to Behind the Numbers with Arun Sachdev

Most founders avoid their numbers — not because they don’t care, but because no one’s ever made them make sense. Hosted by third-generation accountant Arun Sachdev, this show pulls back the curtain on how real businesses grow through financial clarity. With over 20 years of experience helping founders scale, Arun combines old-school accounting wisdom with modern, cloud-based tools to make money talk feel human, not overwhelming.  Each episode features candid conversations with clients and business owners who’ve faced the messy middle — and came out stronger because they understood their numbers.  If you’re building a business and want to make smarter financial decisions without getting lost in spreadsheets, this show is your shortcut to clarity.  New episodes every other week. Connect with Arun: Instagram: @sachdegram LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arunsachdevaca/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/arunsachdevaca/] Website: https://www.sachdevs-ca.com/ [https://www.sachdevs-ca.com/] Podcast produced by MicMoguls.com [https://www.micmoguls.com/]