Amal Wakim is the co-founder and CEO of health-tech company IQ, a Forbes 30 Under 30 entrepreneur, and one of the most impressive founders I’ve ever sat down with.

Her business was scaling fast until a $10 million funding deal collapsed mid-flight. No money. Half the team. And somehow… 300% growth.

In this episode, Amal reveals what happened next and how rebuilding with fewer people, a tighter focus, and more discipline led to the company’s biggest growth year yet.

If you’re scaling a business and feel like the pressure is mounting, this episode gives you the blueprint for doing more with less and leading without losing yourself.

We dive deep into the identity shifts that fuel sustainable growth, the reality of leadership without perfection, and what it really takes to build a business that’s profitable, purposeful, and built to last.

From losing 30kg and reshaping her entire identity, to letting go of ego and leading without pretending to have all the answers, Amal’s journey is raw, real, and wildly relevant.

This one is honest, energising, and a reminder that the best businesses are built by founders who do the inner work, stay true to themselves, and play the long game.

Find Amal Here:

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Intro

02:00 – Deal Collapse: The Turning Point

06:00 – Rebuild Under Pressure

12:00 – Identity Shift & Inner Work

18:00 – 300% Growth With Less

24:00 – Leadership Without Ego

30:00 – Sustainable Scaling & Purpose

36:00 – Closing Thoughts & Action Steps