Founders Before 9am

In this episode, we sit down with Sophie Hood, the powerhouse founder and CEO of Seoul Tonic, a disruptive wellness beverage brand inspired by her love for Korean culture. From navigating the early days of entrepreneurship while juggling a full-time job, to being ripped off before she even launched, Sophie’s journey is one of resilience, bold storytelling, and unapologetic confidence.

She opens up about how she turned a personal obsession into a business idea, how she broke into retail with a totally new product category, and what it was really like pitching to Gordon Ramsay and Janine Allis on national TV.

If you’re building something new, or struggling to find your voice in a crowded market—this one’s for you.

What does it take to build unshakable confidence and turn risks into rewards? In this episode, Amy Castano reveals how growing up as an only child shaped her calm energy and mental resilience. She shares her unique perspective on setbacks—seeing them as mere moments, not roadblocks—and how this mindset has fueled her journey through life’s highs and lows. Amy also unpacks the power of word-of-mouth and social media in building Acero, and how knowing the right moment to take a leap made all the difference. Plus, she takes us inside her morning routine, showing how waking up early and starting the day with intention keeps her grounded, focused, and ready to take on anything. Tune in for an inspiring deep dive into resilience, confidence, and the art of making bold moves.

Ever wonder how top professionals stay unshakable in high-stakes situations? In this empowering episode, recruitment powerhouse Alex Montrezor—founder and visionary Recruitment Consultant—reveals her transformative morning ritual to conquer chaos before the day begins.

Join us as Alex shares her battle-tested routine of self-talk, affirmations, and visualization, honed through years of navigating high-pressure negotiations. Discover how a simple 5-minute emotional check-in can clarify your priorities, why phrases like “I navigate challenges with grace” rewire your mindset, and how envisioning success primes you to win—even on the most hectic days.

Alex doesn’t just preach theory: She spills stories from the trenches, including journey of her career where her routine turned a crumbling deal into a major win. Plus, she tackles skeptics head-on, offering bite-sized tips like “one ritual I would never skip” for time-strapped listeners.

Walk away with:
🔹 Actionable steps to design your OWN “fully charged” morning (no hour-long meditation required).
🔹 A sneak peek into Alex’s mantra: “Starting ‘fully’ isn’t optional—it’s your competitive edge.”

Whether you’re closing deals, leading teams, or juggling life’s daily pressures, this episode is your toolkit to own your mornings—and your outcomes.

Subscribe now and never miss an episode. Stay tuned for next week’s deep dive on building unbreakable resilience in remote work! Follow Alex ON Instagram: @⁠alexandragreatness

Perfect for fans of: Productivity hacks, mindset mastery, and real-world career strategy.