The Quest for Success

Redefining Success with Dr. Dorian von Freyhold: From Global Upbringing to Consulting & Private Equity

In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Dorian von Freyhold to unpack success beyond titles and trophies. Dorian shares how an international upbringing, a PhD in consumer psychology, and a career spanning consulting and private equity shaped a people-first view of success rooted in happiness, relationships, and real-world experiences.

We explore the transition from academia to industry, why organic networking beats transactional connections, and how hard work, openness to experience, and adventure accelerate personal...

In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast we sit down with Mark Plueckthun, Managing Director of Allied Metals, for a candid and insightful conversation on what it truly means to succeed in business and life.
Mark shares his personal story, from his early upbringing and formative experiences to building a successful career rooted in leadership, mentorship, and relationship management. He offers practical advice on building strong teams, cultivating authentic leadership, and navigating the challenges of the metals industry in an era increasingly shaped by sustainability and innovation.

This episode dives deep into the principles...

In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, we sit down with Yohani De Silva, Sri Lanka’s global music sensation, whose journey from an aspiring corporate professional to an internationally celebrated artist is both inspiring and deeply human. Yohani opens up about her early life, where music was never the primary plan, and how a bold leap into the industry transformed her life forever.

She shares how her first performances, though challenging, became the foundation of her resilience and artistic identity. With the rise of social media, Yohani quickly found herself connecting with audiences far be...

In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, we sit down with Sangeeth Wijesuriya, one of Sri Lanka’s celebrated musicians, to explore his journey of passion, discipline, and cultural impact. From a childhood steeped in music to becoming a recognised artist, Sangeeth reflects on how his path has been shaped by family, mentors, and his unwavering dedication to personal growth.

He opens up about his belief in internal success - happiness, mindfulness, and presence - as being more meaningful than external validation. Drawing on his martial arts practice, Sangeeth shares how discipline and balance influence bo...

In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Lasantha Malavige, a medical doctor turned entrepreneur, whose journey from the world of medicine to building one of Sri Lanka’s most recognised floral and lifestyle brands is both inspiring and thought-provoking. As the founder of Lassana Flora and Treats of Ceylon, Dr. Malavige has redefined what it means to blend professional expertise, family values, and innovation to create lasting societal impact.

He shares how his early influences and upbringing instilled in him the importance of happiness and service to others - principles th...

The Heart of a Mother: Sunethra Weerasinghe’s Journey of Compassion and Service
 
In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, we sit down with Sunethra Weerasinghe, a woman whose life’s work has been dedicated to caring for abandoned and disabled children in Sri Lanka. Her definition of success isn’t tied to wealth, recognition, or career milestones - it is rooted in love, compassion, and the profound impact one individual can have on a community.

Sunethra reflects on her early life, marriage, and the pivotal turning points that inspired her to open her hea...

In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, we sit down with Shea Wickramasingha, Group Managing Director of CBL Group, to explore her inspiring evolution from a self-described reluctant entrant into her family’s business to one of Sri Lanka’s most respected leaders in the FMCG space.

Shea opens up about how her definition of success has changed over the years, shaped by education, personal experience, and her unique vantage point as a second-generation leader. She reflects on the challenges of navigating leadership in a legacy business, and how she learned to adapt her style to c...

In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, we sit down with Dheerajj Agarwaal - co-founder and CEO of VSynergize AI - to explore how he fused entrepreneurial ambition with mindfulness and social impact to create a more holistic version of success. From facing early life challenges in India to becoming a leading voice in empathetic AI and meditation, Dheerajj’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and inner clarity.

Dheerajj opens up about moving to the U.S. with a dream, building a global business, and learning that success goes beyond wealth - it’s abou...

In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, we sit down with Hanan Nagi - founder & CEO of HNI Training & Coaching - to unpack her remarkable journey from a challenging childhood in Egypt to leading one of the Middle East’s most innovative learning and development companies.

Hanan opens up about how adversity shaped her drive, why education and coaching became catalysts for change, and how she built (and scaled) a business through empathy, innovation, and bold risk-taking - even in the middle of a pandemic. We dive into leadership rooted in humility, the evolution of co...

In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, we sit down with George Szegö, CEO of Mecalore, to explore his journey from engineer to third-generation leader of a pioneering refrigeration company. Raised in a Hungarian immigrant family in Brazil, George shares how his upbringing, education, and early career shaped his approach to leadership and personal growth.

George opens up about the complexities of family business succession, stepping into leadership after the tragic loss of his father, and the bold decisions he had to make to ensure Mecalore’s future. From implementing financial controls to navigating innovation in...

In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, we sit down with Pinny Gniwisch -rabbi, entrepreneur, educator, and ecommerce pioneer - to explore what it truly means to live with purpose and impact.

Born into a family of Holocaust survivors, Pinny shares how trauma, gratitude, and faith shaped his definition of success and inspired his journey through rabbinical studies, business ventures, and global teaching. He opens up about building a successful jewelry business during the dot-com boom, the bold marketing that made it thrive, and the lessons learned from both triumphs and failures.

As...

In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, we sit down with Divya Ramraika, Managing Director of Star Engineers, to explore his journey from working hands-on in his family’s factory to becoming a key force in India’s automotive electronics sector.

Divya opens up about growing up in an entrepreneurial household, learning from his father’s leadership style, and the values that continue to shape his business decisions today. From automating production lines to setting up a plant in Vietnam, Divya shares how quick thinking and a resilient mindset helped him scale a legacy business into a...

In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast we sit down with Michael Fox - veteran property developer, former Toll Holdings executive, and father of two - to unpack a career defined by bold decisions, strategic growth, and a commitment to leaving something that lasts.

Michael traces his journey from modest beginnings to leading the construction of more than 2,000 apartments across Melbourne. He reflects on scaling Toll Holdings, why empowering teams is the only way to achieve sustainable growth, and how relationships built on trust underpin every strong business.

Family remains his guiding force...

In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, we sit down with Palak Shah, CEO of Ekaya Banaras, to trace her journey from the cultural heart of Varanasi to the forefront of India’s luxury-fashion scene.

Palak explains how she re-imagined the classic Banarasi sari - elevating it from a cultural staple to a contemporary, versatile fashion statement. She speaks candidly about the early challenges of entrepreneurship, the self-confidence it demands, and the power of storytelling at the heart of her brand.

Beyond design, Palak is on a mission to empower artisans, preserve Indian te...

In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, we’re joined by Bob Mosbaugh - an accomplished business leader whose career spans over 40 years in global consumer products. Bob shares his evolution from a young college graduate stepping into sales, to a visionary executive driving innovation, branding, and business growth at scale.

Raised in a tight-knit family where confidence and creativity were core values, Bob reflects on how those early influences shaped his leadership style and passion for helping others. He walks us through his journey of managing household-name brands, navigating the complexities of global trade, an...

In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, we sit down with Tomasz Misiak, a former senator of Poland turned entrepreneur and investor, to explore his remarkable journey through business, politics, and personal growth. Born in communist-era Poland, Tomasz shares how his early environment shaped his view of success - not as a destination, but as “playing the next level.”

He takes us through founding his first business in the early ’90s, his foray into politics, and the challenges of being a public figure under constant scrutiny. From facing political fallout to reinventing himself in the world...

In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, we sit down with Saloni, founding partner of Sun Icon Ventures, to uncover her inspiring journey from a humble upbringing in Karnataka and Mumbai to becoming a trailblazer in India’s venture capital ecosystem. She shares how her childhood, strong family values, and early exposure to her father’s investment banking business laid the foundation for a career driven by purpose and integrity.

Saloni offers a candid look into the evolving Indian startup landscape-highlighting the rise of women entrepreneurs, the impact of AI, and how successful investing today requ...

In this insightful episode, Adrian Gonzalez Guerra, CEO of Grupo Stiva, shares his journey on success, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Discover how aligning personal and professional life can redefine success, drawing from his experiences and the influence of his family.

Adrian dives into balancing corporate structure with an entrepreneurial mindset, emphasizing the critical role of emotional intelligence and soft skills in effective leadership. Learn how investing in people and navigating office politics with empathy can transform your approach to business and personal relationships.

Key discussion points include family legacy versus innovation, and Grupo Stiva's vision for...

In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, we sit down with Felipe David, founder of BIP, a medical apparel brand revolutionising what healthcare professionals wear. From his childhood in Brazil to investment banking and entrepreneurship, Felipe shares how discipline, personal struggles, and family influence shaped his journey. He reveals how BIP blends function and fashion to fight burnout in the healthcare industry, and why true success is emotional, functional, and societal. Whether you’re scaling a mission-driven business or just curious about purpose-led innovation, Felipe’s story is a masterclass in listening to customers, building with empathy, and...

In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, we sit down with Rangana Herath - the world's number one left-arm Test wicket-taker and a former captain of the Sri Lankan cricket team. Rangana shares his inspiring journey, from his early days balancing work and cricket to achieving global recognition in the cricketing world. His definition of success focuses on the value of embracing processes, continuous learning, and maintaining composure under pressure.

We dive deep into Rangana's mindset, exploring how he turned challenges into opportunities and the crucial role of mentorship throughout his cricketing career. Rangana also...

In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, we sit down with Mostafa ElBermawy - growth advisor, AI strategist, and founder of NoGood, one of the fastest-growing marketing agencies in the US. He's also the founder of Goodie AI, a revolutionary tool to help brands prepare for the transition to Answer engine optimisation. From his early days in a family business in Cairo to leading cutting-edge marketing strategies for global startups and Fortune 500s, Mostafa shares his definition of success, rooted in purpose, impact, and adaptability.

We dive deep into the evolving world of growth marketing...

In this heartfelt episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, Mike and Melissa Stoltzfus take us on an unforgettable journey through love, legacy, and leadership in the aviation industry. From their unexpected love story to building a values-driven business, Mike and Melissa open up about what success truly means when it’s grounded in family, faith, and passion.
Mike shares the entrepreneurial lessons he’s learned from leading in a highly regulated industry, while Melissa offers wisdom on navigating change with grace and intuition. Together, they reflect on one of their missions: restoring the first Air Force One as a...

Join Rahul Garg as he reveals the secrets to happiness, personal growth, and resilience. Discover how to cultivate a positive mindset and navigate life's challenges with grace.
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In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, we sit down with Rahul Garg, the visionary founder of Moglix, to explore his journey from humble beginnings to leading one of India’s most innovative B2B e-commerce platforms. Rahul opens up about the early life experiences that shaped his character, his time at Google, and what it really takes to transition from a technologist to an impactful entrepreneur.

In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, Brazilian entrepreneur and marketing visionary Rapha Avellar shares his inspiring journey—from a lower middle-class childhood to building a thriving career in the creator economy. Rapha opens up about his humble beginnings, his pivot from investment banking to entrepreneurship, and the mindset shifts that helped him scale success.
 
He dives deep into the evolving world of influencer marketing, the power of personal branding, and why authenticity is the currency of modern content creation. Rapha unpacks the rise of smaller creators, the democratisation of influence, and what the future of...

Welcome to the milestone 50th episode of The Quest for Success Podcast! Father and Son hosts, Jam and Dylan, sit down to reflect on their incredible journey over the last 50 episodes, sharing the insights and powerful lessons learned from their diverse range of guests. They explore the evolving meaning of success, emphasising that it’s a personal and dynamic journey, unique to each individual.

In this special conversation, Jam and Dylan highlight the recurring key traits of success discovered throughout their discussions, including the importance of continuous learning, authenticity, humility, gratitude, adaptability, and resilience. They dive deep in...

In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, Paresh shares his journey across industries—from event planning and mining to healthcare startups—and the ever-changing nature of success. He reflects on the unpredictability of event planning, the importance of mentorship, and how philanthropy has shaped his personal and professional growth.
 
Paresh also dives into healthcare entrepreneurship, discussing the challenges of building a unique patient experience, the impact of strong leadership, and the realities of investment in the startup world. He shares insights on delegation, the role of family values in success, and how businesses can stand out i...

In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, we sit down with Gennady Galanter, an AI expert and entrepreneur, to explore his inspiring journey from a challenging upbringing in the Soviet Union to building a successful business in the United States. Gennady reflects on the challenges of immigration, the power of mentorship, and how resilience and adaptability helped shape his entrepreneurial success.

Gennady shares insights on strategic project management, opportunistic growth in technology, and the future of AI in a rapidly evolving world. He discusses the importance of specialisation, the role of personal relationships in business...

In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, Uju Uzo-Ojinnaka, founder and CEO of Traders of Africa, shares her inspiring journey from growing up in a large Nigerian family to becoming a successful entrepreneur. She opens up about the challenges of transitioning from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, the importance of family, resilience, and visibility in trade, and the lessons she’s learned from building a Pan-African marketplace.

Uju discusses the trust barriers in African trade, the role of logistics in business growth, and key takeaways from Alibaba’s model that helped shape her company. She also...

In this inspiring episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, Dr. Nona Djavid, chiropractor, entrepreneur, and mindset coach, shares how personal growth defines success more than achievement. She reflects on her transformative journey—from experiencing loss to building a thriving business—highlighting the mindset shifts that helped her overcome self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and limiting beliefs.

Dr. Nona discusses the power of visualisation, crafting an unshakable vision, and setting unreasonable goals to unlock one’s full potential. She breaks down the role of curiosity in personal development, how daily routines shape success, and why thinking bigger is essential for en...

In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, we sit down with Sheetal Jaitly, founder of TribalScale, to explore his entrepreneurial journey and personal definition of success. Sheetal emphasises the importance of health, family, and emotional well-being while reflecting on the lessons learned from early career challenges and the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

Sheetal shares valuable insights on embracing failure as a path to innovation, the critical role of company culture, and why execution matters more than team...