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AJ Williams: From Housing Commission to 8-Figure Sauna Empire
Guest: AJ Williams - Co-founder Revel Saunas, mental health advocate, former pro athlete

The Story: Built 8-figure business in 18 months, but real breakthrough came from understanding how childhood trauma was sabotaging his success.

Key Insights
The Thursday Night Pattern: AJ still gets panic attacks every Thursday - the exact night his alcoholic stepfather came home violent. His nervous system never forgot the timing, 20+ years later.

Scaling Trauma:

• $1-3M: Power through with control
• $3-10M: Must delegate (triggers abandonment fears)
• $10M+: Leadership requires healing survival patterns

The People-Pleasing Paradox: Fought abusive stepfather at 14, but struggles setting boundaries with employees. Childhood protectors become adult people-pleasers.

The 1% Strategy: "If I help one CEO, that impacts hundreds of employees. If I help one NRL player become a better father, thousands of kids benefit."

Business Lessons
Hiring: "Dating before marriage" - contractors before full-time, plus DISC profiling prevents culture disasters.

Accessibility Trap: Being too available undermines managers and burns you out. Boundaries improve relationships, not harm them.

The Relatability Factor: Why traditional therapy failed him but breathwork/ice baths worked - relatability beats qualifications for real breakthrough.

Quotables
"I'm not afraid to fail. I've had nothing before - I'll figure it out again."
"Success is a long, healthy life surrounded by people who love me and being a good father."
"Your childhood is running your company whether you realize it or not."

The Uncomfortable Truth
8-figure revenue didn't stop panic attacks. External success can't heal internal patterns - that requires different work.

Connect: @iamaajwilliams | Revel Saunas | Breathwork retreat coming Gold Coast May
Your trauma might be your superpower, but only if you're willing to transform it.