The Top 1% Podcast

Ep 31 | Ground Zero: Broke, Beaten and Still Unstoppable - Part 1

Join host Sam Gordon for an extraordinary episode of the Top 1% Podcast that goes deep into raw, personal stories of resilience, survival, and transformation. In this compilation edition, you’ll hear ultra-high-performing guests open up about the real-life struggles, traumas, and pivotal moments that shaped their drive and success. From escaping war-torn countries and surviving refugee camps to confronting childhood loss, bankruptcy, and bullying, each guest reveals the defining experiences that taught them grit, resourcefulness, and relentless ambition. Packed with honest conversations and insights into what it really takes to overcome adversity, this episode brings a new level of authenticity and motivation. Whether you’re already a fan or new to the Top 1% Podcast, you’ll leave inspired by these incredible journeys and the mindset it takes to turn obstacles into opportunity. Chapters: [00:00] Introduction [00:12] Red Bull Air Race & Leap of Faith  [01:08] Drive, Motivation, and Family   [01:40] The Human Brain & Discomfort   [02:11] Grand Final Rituals   [03:04] Cambodian Refugee Story   [08:58] Growing up in Yugoslavia   [15:04] Childhood Trauma & Resilience   [19:08] Starting a Fitness Business   [23:03] Bankruptcy and Turning Points   [24:43] Losing a Parent & Education   [27:21] Closing remarks & outro Want to learn my exact strategy for building a successful property portfolio? Check out School of Property for a step-by-step investing blueprint that's helped thousands of Aussies start and scale their investments: ⁠⁠ Follow me for more investing & business insights: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samgordonproperty Business: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@australianpropertyscout2026 The content provided on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial, business, or legal advice. The hosts and guests of the podcast are sharing their personal opinions and experiences, which may not be applicable to your unique situation. We strongly recommend that you seek the advice of a qualified financial advisor, business consultant, or legal professional before making any financial or business decisions. Reliance on any information provided in this podcast is solely at your own risk. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information provided. All information is provided "as is" without any guarantees of completeness, accuracy, timeliness, or results obtained from the use of this information. Any references to specific financial products, companies, or services are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast or its hosts. By listening to this podcast, you agree that the podcast and its affiliates are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided in this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Ep 30 | The Relentless Pursuit of Growth + Confronting Failure and How The Top 1% Overcome Hardship

The Top 1% Podcast, hosted by Sam Gordon, dives deep into the journeys and mindsets of ultra high-performing individuals from diverse backgrounds, revealing the raw challenges, setbacks, and fears they've faced—and, more importantly, how they've overcome them. In this inspiring compilation episode, guests like Jack Delosa share honest accounts of experiencing both meteoric success and destabilising hardship, confronting failure, self-doubt, and the relentless pursuit of personal growth. Through powerful storytelling and candid conversation, the episode explores how embracing hardship, building resilience, and maintaining self-belief are essential to reaching the true "top 1%" in life and business. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to the 1% Podcast 00:00:12 - Early Success and Identity: Jack Delosa Shares His Story 00:01:00 - Crisis and Character: Navigating Major Setbacks 00:02:50 - The Nature of Fear and Facing the Worst 00:03:35 - Overcoming Setbacks in Sport and Life 00:04:46 - Transforming Adversity into Strength 00:07:59 - Self-Retrospective: Doubt After Success 00:08:44 -  Living With and Managing Fear 00:10:36 - Rewiring Mindset and Motivation for Peak Performance 00:11:26 - Lessons from Failure and Growth as a Coach 00:12:10 - Confirmation Bias and Hiring Challenges in Business 00:13:55 - Complacency: The Real Enemy of Success 00:14:26 - Best Advice From a Mentor: Learning From the Greats 00:15:18 - Salesmanship, Communication, and Trust 00:16:33 - Embracing Discomfort as a Signal for Growth 0:16:34 - Embracing Failure, Perseverance, and Advice to the Next Generation 0:18:12 - The Power of Being Self-Made and Community 00:20:24 - Why Money and Success Aren't Enough: Inner Fulfillment 0:23:00 - Ego, Identity, and Reframing Success 00:24:40  - Closing Remarks & Outro Want to learn my exact strategy for building a successful property portfolio? Check out School of Property for a step-by-step investing blueprint that's helped thousands of Aussies start and scale their investments: ⁠⁠https://schoolofproperty.com.au⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazZUZmd4eWhXSWNOT2VUZFc0VW5lVVJXNklrQXxBQ3Jtc0tsVzJYM0xIcnlPV2loVE9pd2Y5YkVOMXlmcWVSZHEyaVEzbVlPdEl1emJpa3JaSVFxY3kzNFZka2JpeDN1azdmOW1SNi1weEFzZUhMdjhONzBvSVFFMk5VZTV4OXhhSGdpUmk5b0VnaXI4T1g0VUpSdw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fschoolofproperty.com.au%2F&v=5_sNOzBqK9g]⁠ Follow me for more investing & business insights: Instagram: Sam Gordon Property [https://www.instagram.com/samgordonproperty?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] Business: ⁠⁠https://www.australianpropertyscout.c...⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVJPR3hCS0ZJX01aaTUwc0dWVlZ2dnI0ZjZnd3xBQ3Jtc0tuajByZXdIcG1TTkRjUWNJelUyZ1dyLUJIVUhwSEt4bUZucnkweFAxZTRnU0lOa3pnZWxfM2o5Tlg5Mkh3cEh3eWtTSHVsVmFsSHJNTUQwWnVfUGd1dUR0MVFMSTdaeU14UGtocVdsWURLNTViUTdWSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.australianpropertyscout.com.au%2F%E2%81%A0&v=5_sNOzBqK9g] The content provided on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial, business, or legal advice. The hosts and guests of the podcast are sharing their personal opinions and experiences, which may not be applicable to your unique situation. We strongly recommend that you seek the advice of a qualified financial advisor, business consultant, or legal professional before making any financial or business decisions. Reliance on any information provided in this podcast is solely at your own risk. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information provided. All information is provided "as is" without any guarantees of completeness, accuracy, timeliness, or results obtained from the use of this information. Any references to specific financial products, companies, or services are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast or its hosts. By listening to this podcast, you agree that the podcast and its affiliates are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided in this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Ep 29 | 21 Unfiltered Lessons from the Top 1%: Persistence, Purpose, and the Power of Risk

In this episode of the Top 1% Podcast, Sam Gordon dives deep with a compilation of high performers, entrepreneurs, athletes, and business leaders to uncover the essential character traits and life lessons that separate the best from the rest. Through candid, often vulnerable stories about overcoming adversity, embracing persistence through pain, and developing resilience, guests share how their early experiences, setbacks, and even failures forged their drive and self-belief. The conversation explores topics like the power of compounding effort, staying focused in a world full of distractions, the true nature of wealth and motivation, and why backing yourself and learning from mentors who have walked the path—matters most. Whether you’re seeking inspiration for your business journey or personal growth, this episode is brimming with practical wisdom, relatable struggles, and strategies for building a fulfilling, high-performing life. (01:04) The Mindset of Top Performers  (01:39) Early Money Lessons & Humble Beginnings (5:22) Resilience, Pain, and Business Growth (08:07) Ego, Debt, and Redefining Success (12:09) Balancing Work, Family, and Fulfillment (15:10) Owning Your Path & Building Wealth (16:45) Leadership, Risk, and Growing Teams (20:10) Overcoming Hardship & Learning Discipline (26:18) Money’s Role – Fuel vs. Scorecard (29:06) Mastery, Humility, and Lifelong Learning (31:04) Time, Energy, and Motivation Management (37:41) Lessons on Sales, Outworking, and Compound Effects (45:11) Blocking Out Noise & Self-Made Success Want to learn my exact strategy for building a successful property portfolio? Check out School of Property for a step-by-step investing blueprint that's helped thousands of Aussies start and scale their investments: ⁠⁠https://schoolofproperty.com.au⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazZUZmd4eWhXSWNOT2VUZFc0VW5lVVJXNklrQXxBQ3Jtc0tsVzJYM0xIcnlPV2loVE9pd2Y5YkVOMXlmcWVSZHEyaVEzbVlPdEl1emJpa3JaSVFxY3kzNFZka2JpeDN1azdmOW1SNi1weEFzZUhMdjhONzBvSVFFMk5VZTV4OXhhSGdpUmk5b0VnaXI4T1g0VUpSdw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fschoolofproperty.com.au%2F&v=5_sNOzBqK9g]⁠ Follow me for more investing & business insights: Instagram: Sam Gordon Property [https://www.instagram.com/samgordonproperty?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] Business: ⁠⁠https://www.australianpropertyscout.c...⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVJPR3hCS0ZJX01aaTUwc0dWVlZ2dnI0ZjZnd3xBQ3Jtc0tuajByZXdIcG1TTkRjUWNJelUyZ1dyLUJIVUhwSEt4bUZucnkweFAxZTRnU0lOa3pnZWxfM2o5Tlg5Mkh3cEh3eWtTSHVsVmFsSHJNTUQwWnVfUGd1dUR0MVFMSTdaeU14UGtocVdsWURLNTViUTdWSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.australianpropertyscout.com.au%2F%E2%81%A0&v=5_sNOzBqK9g] The content provided on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial, business, or legal advice. The hosts and guests of the podcast are sharing their personal opinions and experiences, which may not be applicable to your unique situation. We strongly recommend that you seek the advice of a qualified financial advisor, business consultant, or legal professional before making any financial or business decisions. Reliance on any information provided in this podcast is solely at your own risk. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information provided. All information is provided "as is" without any guarantees of completeness, accuracy, timeliness, or results obtained from the use of this information. Any references to specific financial products, companies, or services are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast or its hosts. By listening to this podcast, you agree that the podcast and its affiliates are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided in this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Ep 28 | The $1B Round Table - How to Dominate 2026

Four of Australia's most successful entrepreneurs sit down together for the first time ever in this explosive year-end roundtable. Sammy Gordon (AFR Fast 100 four years running, Young Entrepreneur of the Year), Jack Delosa (five-time AFR Young Rich Lister, founder of The Entourage), Geoff Jowett (serial entrepreneur behind Vision Personal Training and Body Trim), and Josh Morrissey (Co-Founder of Hive Property) share the raw, unfiltered lessons that shaped their success. This isn't your typical business podcast. What starts as a "biggest lessons from 2025" conversation quickly evolves into a masterclass on entrepreneurial psychology, the dangers of ego-driven success, and how to achieve your goals in 2026. In this episode, you'll hear the uncomfortable truth about what really drives early success (and why it eventually breaks you), the "rocket booster" theory of entrepreneurship, and the one habit that separates those who consume information from those who create wealth. 0:00 - Introduction: Four Entrepreneurs, One Table, Zero Scripts 4:25 - Why Breakthrough Entrepreneurs Think Differently (Not Better, Different) 8:40 - The Power of Proximity: What Happens When High Performers Unite 14:45 - "I'm Not Dysfunctional, My Brain Just Works Different" 17:23 - Calling Out Victim Mentality 19:05 - The Minecraft Billionaire's Depression: Money Without Meaning 24:35 - "No Drinks, No Minx": Geoff's Brutally Honest Reflection on What He'd Change 28:14 - The Dirty Fuel Source: Why Ego-Driven Success Eventually Destroys You 31:43 - Equanimity: The Word That Changes Everything About Success 35:03 - Rewiring Your Brain: Sammy's Journey from Negativity to Celebration 38:05 - The Rocket Booster Theory: Why Some Entrepreneurs Can't Sit Still 41:47 - Deep Work Religion: Jack's 4am Strategy That Transformed His Business 49:50 - High Level Grunt Work: The Game-Changing Concept 56:06 - The Shoe Analogy: Why Your Business Systems Are Holding You Back 1:00:14 - Einstein's Brain & The Receptor Theory of Intelligence 1:04:05 - Power of Proximity: Why This Was Sammy's #1 Lesson of 2025 1:07:15 - The 1% Compounding Effect: Small Changes, Massive Results 1:12:41 - 92% of Investors Quit Here: Breaking Through the Two-Property Barrier 1:17:06 - Scar Tissue: Why Problems Stop Shaking You at High Levels 1:25:04 - Comparison is the Thief of Joy: The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything 1:31:07 - The Warren Buffett and Jay-Z Interview That Proves This Blueprint Works 1:37:45 - Final Takeaways: Speed to Implementation Over Information Consumption Want to learn my exact strategy for building a successful property portfolio? Check out School of Property for a step-by-step investing blueprint that's helped thousands of Aussies start and scale their investments: https://schoolofproperty.com.au [https://schoolofproperty.com.au] Follow me for more investing & business insights: Instagram: www.instagram.com/samgordonproperty/ [http://www.instagram.com/samgordonproperty/] Business: https://www.australianpropertyscout.com.au/ [https://www.australianpropertyscout.com.au/] Follow the guests: Jack Delosa: www.instagram.com/jackdelosa/ [http://www.instagram.com/jackdelosa/] Geoff Jowett: www.instagram.com/geoffjowett/ [http://www.instagram.com/geoffjowett/] Josh Morrissey: https://www.instagram.com/josh_hiveproperty.co/ [https://www.instagram.com/josh_hiveproperty.co/?hl=en] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Ep 27 | Hung Chuy: From Refugee Camp to $1.3B: What Nobody Tells You

From a Thai refugee camp to building a $1.3 billion mortgage empire - Hung Chuy's story is nothing short of extraordinary. Born in a refugee camp after his family fled Cambodia's killing fields, Hung arrived in Australia with nothing and faced childhood trauma that could have destroyed him. Instead, it fuelleld his rise. Today, he runs Strategic Brokers, one of Australia's fastest-growing brokerages on track to settle over $1.3 billion in loans this year, while managing a $20+ million property portfolio. In this episode, Hung reveals the brutal lessons from his refugee upbringing, the betrayal that nearly destroyed his business, and the exact mindset shifts that took him from survival mode to building generational wealth. He breaks down his hiring philosophy, why most business owners fail at culture, and the non-negotiable character trait that separates the top 1% from everyone else. 0:00 - Introduction: From Refugee Camp to $1.3 Billion 2:24 - Refugee Origins: Fleeing Cambodia's Killing Fields 4:15 - The Bashing That Changed Everything 10:45 - Survival Mindset: Lessons from Extreme Poverty 15:30 - The Ultimate Betrayal: Trusted Partner's $300K Theft 22:10 - Rebuilding from Zero: Starting Strategic Brokers 34:45 - The $1.3 Billion Business Model Revealed 48:20 - Why Most Businesses Fail at Culture (The Real Truth) 1:02:15 - Building a $20M+ Property Portfolio Strategy 1:15:40 - The Hiring Philosophy That Changes Everything 1:25:17 - Top 1% Character Trait: Resilience & Self-Belief 1:31:36 - Final Advice for Entrepreneurs Starting Out Want to learn my exact strategy for building a successful property portfolio? Check out School of Property for a step-by-step investing blueprint that's helped thousands of Aussies start and scale their investments: https://schoolofproperty.com.au Follow me for more investing & business insights: Instagram: www.instagram.com/samgordonproperty/ Business: https://www.australianpropertyscout.com.au/ Podcast: The Top 1% Podcast Follow Hung Chuy: Instagram: www.instagram.com/strategicbrokers/ #EntrepreneurMindset #RefugeeSuccess#PropertyInvesting #MortgageBroker #BusinessGrowth #AustralianBusiness #WealthBuilding #StartupStory #ResilienceMindset The content provided on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial, business, or legal advice. The hosts and guests of the podcast are sharing their personal opinions and experiences, which may not be applicable to your unique situation. We strongly recommend that you seek the advice of a qualified financial advisor, business consultant, or legal professional before making any financial or business decisions. Reliance on any information provided in this podcast is solely at your own risk. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information provided. All information is provided "as is" without any guarantees of completeness, accuracy, timeliness, or results obtained from the use of this information. Any references to specific financial products, companies, or services are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast or its hosts. By listening to this podcast, you agree that the podcast and its affiliates are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided in this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]