The Gstaad Guy sits down with Alex Ikonn, entrepreneur, creator, and co-founder of The 5-Minute Journal and The Productivity Planner, to explore the mindset behind turning hardship into opportunity. From growing up with scarcity and financial struggle to becoming one of the early pioneers in the social media-driven e-commerce boom, Alex’s journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of authenticity.

The conversation dives into what it means to truly “design your life”, balancing entrepreneurship with well-being, kindness, gratitude, self-development, and the discipline of daily habits. Alex shares lessons from building a global brand, navigating the highs and lows of being an online creator, and why embracing hardship can become the foundation for lasting growth. A candid look at how being yourself, even in the toughest moments, can lead to building not just businesses, but a life worth living.

Filmed at The Jet Business showroom in London.

(00:00) Intro ✨

(03:41) Poubel 🗑️🔗

(06:14) Early Life 👶🌱

(08:54) Basics of Business 📊💼

(13:44) Seeking validation through work 🏆💻

(17:42) A business isn’t just lifestyle 🚀🛠️

(19:58) Creating the right mindset 🧠✨

(21:08) Avoid 50/50 businesses ❌⚖️

(23:03) How to be productive ⏱️📈

(24:05) Vision Boards 🖼️🎯

(26:13) Why is vision important? 👁️🔑

(29:16) Helping your life journey 🛤️🌟

(35:52) Acquiring the right mindset 🧘‍♂️💡

(36:45) Delivering value 🎁🤝🏻

(40:18) The best version of self 🪞💎

(41:42) Confronting death 👊🏻🕊️

(43:46) Choosing your reality 🌍🔮

(50:00) Taking responsibility 🙋‍♂️📌

(52:09) Love life ❤️🌹

(52:48) Choosing a partner 💞🤔

(55:10) Aligning with your partner 👫⚡

(57:15) Experiencing true love 💖🌈

(59:43) Success in dating 💌🥂

(01:01:35) How to progress in relationships 👩‍❤️‍👨➡️💍

(01:03:01) Practicing gratitude 🙏🌸

(01:07:09) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨

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