Getting real with Simon

Bart Groot  was my guest on the podcast, he is a successful private banker from the Netherlands who retired early.

When I started my journey as a financial advisor, over 10 years ago, I met Bart.

He had it all:

 ✅ A strong book of clients
 ✅ Financial freedom
 ✅ Years of experience
 ✅ Professional success

And me? I had just started. No real track record yet. Barely any clients…

But Bart still invited me for breakfast a few times a year.

No agenda. Just conversations. Sharing stories, experience and knowledge with me…

How did that make me feel?
Respected.

That feeling has stayed with me ever since.

Some people are just built that way: thoughtful, grounded, and generous with their time.

Bart is one of them.

👉 Watch his story, it’s a great one.

#finance #wealthmanagement #relationships #gettingrealwithsimon #privatebanking #leadership

Dave Crane is an international keynote speaker who has hosted some of the world’s most prestigious events across business, sports, and tech, including Metacon, the World Economic Forum, LEAP, GITEX, ICC T20 World Cup Cricket, NASA, and the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens.

Over his career, Dave has shared the spotlight with global icons like Phil Collins, Jack Canfield, Bruce Willis, Kanye West, Bryan Adams, Slash, and even several Spice Girls, leaving an unforgettable mark on every stage.

Having called Dubai home for 30 years, Dave also leads the Industry Icon Program, empowering individuals to rise as standout thought leaders.

How do you feel your best? Dr. Hanan Selim is changing how we think about health. 

Known as the Pharmacist of the Future, she created the Healology Psychology Wellness Method—a simple yet powerful way to connect your mind, body, and brain for real, lasting change.

By blending psychology, neuroscience, and biohacking, Dr. Selim has helped thousands of people reduce stress, recover faster, and live with more energy. 

Her Mind-Brain-Organ Connection Approach makes it easier to take control of your health and build resilience in your daily life.

She’s an award-winning speaker and author whose work has been featured on Dubai TV, Australian TV, and stages around the world. 

Through her workshops and programs, Dr. Selim gives leaders and professionals the tools to feel better, work smarter, and enjoy more balance in their lives.

Peter is the founder of Consult Group Worldwide (CGW), which specializes in unique fixed income and alternative investment strategies.  

With 16 years of experience in the financial industry, Peter Doyle has built a reputation for helping wealth managers, IFAs, asset managers, and family offices navigate the complexities of alternative investments.

Over the past 12 years, he has played a key role in raising $704 million for SMEs and alternative product providers, solidifying his expertise in financial services, fintech, and capital raising.

Peter is passionate about delivering tailored investment solutions that optimize portfolios, preserve wealth, and unlock new opportunities. 

He has a passion for cars, travelling and music!

Let me introduce you to Robin, the founder of Chumble or has some people known him now…. The Habit guru 🙂

Robin’s not here to push 5am alarms or crash diets. Instead, he focuses on practical, positive habits that support the future you actually want, habits that stick, not just for weeks, but for life.

His journey started at 18, when he tried to cram 100 hours of university, work, professional sports, and social life into one week. That led to burnout, but also to a discovery, habits could restore balance and bring lasting value.

Now, 10 years later, he’s sharing what he’s learned through Chumble, helping others transform their lives in just 66 days.

Robin’s a self-proclaimed habit geek, a former corporate professional (Microsoft, Heineken), a traveller to 67 countries, and a lifelong learner with studies at Harvard, Yale, and more. Oh, and he’s also a proud plant dad.

If you’re ready to stop losing momentum, understand yourself better, and create habits that last, Robin’s your guy.

Habits changed his life, and they can change yours too.

Bart Deuss’s journey with Yaworks is a testament to resilience, growth, and personal strength. Since co-founding the company in 2009, Bart has guided Yaworks to impressive achievements, beginning with its first FD Gazelle Award in 2011—a prestigious recognition given to the fastest-growing companies in the Netherlands. 

This award marked the start of a remarkable winning streak, with Yaworks securing eight consecutive Gazelle Awards by 2018.

In 2018, however, Bart faced an unexpected tragedy when Rob Wennekes, his co-founder and best friend, passed away. 

Stepping into the role of CEO, Bart led Yaworks through this challenging period, honoring Rob’s legacy while propelling the company to new heights.

Under Bart's leadership, Yaworks has continued to grow and thrive, reaching unprecedented levels of success. 

Bart’s entrepreneurial profile is unusual, as he relentlessly practices a people over profit approach, prioritising the welfare of his staff over bottomline optimisation. 

Beyond his business achievements, Bart is a dedicated father and a passionate combat sports enthusiast.

Meet Dylan, an innovative entrepreneur with a knack for creating impactful ventures. At 14, he founded Restyles, revolutionizing online marketing and web development. 💻💪

Dylan transformed Hotel Loodsmans Welvaren on Texel Island into a top-rated destination. 🌴✨

In 2019, he founded Laaddirect, a leading provider of EV charging stations in the Netherlands, promoting a greener future. 🔌🚗

Dylan also mentors aspiring entrepreneurs, helping them scale their businesses and overcome challenges. 🤝💡

Showing up unannounced to one of the Netherlands' top entrepreneurs’ front doors… and actually being invited in.

Marc van der Koelen knew we were coming, but he never could have guessed the surprises I had in store.  

But really we had one burning question: Who is the man behind the fame, the success, and the Quote 500 recognition?

Dubai gave us a glimpse of Marc during his visit on my show - Getting Real with Simon, but it wasn’t enough. 

So, we packed our bags, hopped on a plane, and knocked on his door. 

What happened next? It’s NOT what you’d expect.

In this episode, you’ll see Marc like you’ve never seen him before—unscripted, unfiltered, and unforgettable.

Marc isn’t just a serial entrepreneur; he’s a walking masterclass in perseverance and innovation. 

But here’s the twist: this conversation will reveal the human side of his success, the side most people never get to see...

🚪 Would you have answered the door?

🎥 Find out how Marc did!