Episode Notes

In this episode, I sit down with Perry Gladstone, a serial entrepreneur who built one of Canada's largest snowboard brands, became friends with Tony Hawk through skateboarding, launched a television network in Israel, competed as a national-record-holding free diver, and now coaches elite performers and business leaders through identity transitions. We talk about the belief that's carried him through every reinvention - "I will figure it out when I get there" - and what happens when that belief meets its limits: a paragliding accident that nearly killed him in front of his pregnant wife, a free diving blackout that ended his competitive career, and the collapse of his identity when a scandal ended his skateboarding business overnight. Perry shares his framework for navigating the "transition trap," why every major decision ultimately comes down to identity, and the powerful question he wishes more people asked themselves.

Don't miss the opportunity to take the first step towards a more fulfilling life. Book your complimentary clarity call today and discover how Will Polston can help you achieve the success you deserve. 💡 https://willpolston.com/book-a-call/

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Video Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 00:05 - Where in the world: Toronto 01:17 - Curiosity from a young age, and the school play story 03:22 - Being a "quick start," not a planner 04:07 - His foundational belief: "I will figure it out when I get there" 04:56 - The origin story: his parents' three different versions of the same event 07:50 - When has "I'll figure it out" not worked? 08:16 - The paragliding accident that nearly killed him 09:43 - Failing big, more than once 10:29 - Every decision eventually comes down to identity 13:13 - Building the muscle of survival through failure 13:52 - Teenage obsessions: skateboards and the surf culture ideal 16:23 - Becoming friends with Tony Hawk through hardware sales 18:51 - Waking up surrounded by skateboarding legends 19:43 - The transition into snowboarding 21:13 - Sneaking onto mountains before snowboarding was allowed 21:24 - Stacy Peralta's mentorship and life-changing advice 25:00 - Starting Limited Snowboards from nothing 25:51 - Selling the business, losing his marriage, and identity collapse 26:32 - The pro rider scandal that ended his skateboard career 28:45 - "So I guess you're out of the industry" - the comment that cut deep 30:42 - Does he believe in luck? 32:00 - Who are you when the thing that defines you is gone? 33:15 - Disruption and leveraging existing infrastructure 34:15 - Will's "mastery spiral" concept 36:32 - The trap of everyone around you still expecting the old identity 37:11 - The shift into music, guitar, and a record deal 38:02 - Making skateboard videos and shaping "reality" through editing 39:30 - Selling the snowboard company and starting a film company 41:21 - The Israel Global Television Network story 44:22 - An "embarrassment of riches" - doors opening everywhere 45:43 - North Star thinking and the value of the journey 46:24 - Wanting to know what's possible, and how far he can take something 47:01 - What is free diving? 47:54 - Competing in depth, time, and distance 48:15 - His national record: 6 minutes, 1 second 48:41 - The training accident that ended his free diving career 51:18 - Chasing flow state through extreme sports 53:20 - Where he finds flow state now, as a father 55:23 - The identity work he does with elite performers and leaders 58:35 - The real question leaders need to ask themselves 1:00:08 - The "transition trap" explained 1:02:47 - What comes first: knowing the next chapter, or knowing who you are? 1:03:17 - His book: Fast and Hot 1:03:49 - How to connect with Perry 1:04:17 - Who are you now? 1:05:09 - Now working with people who can change history 1:05:49 - Knowing when a risk has gone too far 1:08:00 - Who is he becoming over the next 3-5 years? 1:09:31 - Final reflection: the one question he wishes people asked 1:11:04 - Closing remarks

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Relevant Links For the Viewer and Citations Website - https://www.willpolston.com Instagram - https://instagram.com/willpolston Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willpolstonmih LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/willpolston/ Twitter / X - https://x.com/willpolston TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@willpolston Check out Perry's website: https://perrygladstone.com Get Perry's book, "Fast and Hot: How to Open Hearts, Win Minds, and Create a Better Business and a Better Life"

About Me: I am dedicated to helping individuals and businesses unlock their true potential through expert coaching and training programs. I'm passionate about empowering others to achieve their dreams and live a life they love. Subscribe for more insights and tips on personal development, productivity, and achieving your goals. Let's embark on this journey together!

Originally aired: February 2025

Episode Number: 224

Success doesn't always begin with a clear passion or a perfect plan. Sometimes it comes from being willing to learn, take opportunities, solve problems, and keep moving forward when the path becomes difficult.

In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, award‑winning accountant‑entrepreneur and owner of the Pocknells Group John Holliday shares the unconventional journey that took him from wanting to become a professional footballer to building and leading a successful accountancy practice. Discover how embracing risk, developing a problem-solving mindset, and learning through difficult experiences can turn unexpected opportunities into lasting growth, and why continually challenging yourself may be the key to building a career and business that keeps evolving.

Listen to the full episode here:

https://kite.link/johnholliday

Originally aired: February 2025

Episode Number: 223

Building long-term financial security often means making decisions that don't deliver an immediate reward. The choices we make with money today can shape how much freedom, stability, and opportunity we have years from now.

In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, world and five-time British Hairdressing Champion Craig Hubert shares the importance of delayed gratification, strategic decision-making, and developing habits that allow wealth to compound over time. Discover why thinking beyond instant rewards, paying yourself first, and consistently investing even small amounts can create greater financial independence, while giving you the freedom to take risks and build the future you want.

Listen to the full episode here:

https://kite.link/craighubert

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Andrew Threadgold, a former GP turned entrepreneur who has built a portfolio of over 100 properties and now owns four businesses across healthcare, hospitality, and facilities management. We talk about growing up on a council estate near Manchester, the moment a well-intentioned favor for a grieving family triggered an 18-month GMC investigation that pushed him out of medicine, and the property deal that started with £50,000 borrowed from his father-in-law. Andrew shares his philosophy on personal growth over money, the real difference between mentors and "gurus," and why he believes most people never wake up to what they actually want out of life.

Don't miss the opportunity to take the first step towards a more fulfilling life. Book your complimentary clarity call today and discover how Will Polston can help you achieve the success you deserve. 💡 https://willpolston.com/book-a-call/

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Video Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 00:31 - Growing up on a council estate near Manchester 02:58 - Medicine as an escape from poverty, but ultimately limiting 07:46 - Was medicine ever about helping people, or just an escape route? 10:35 - The moment he decided he was done with medicine 10:46 - The cremation form favor that changed everything 13:10 - Referred to the GMC and 18 months of investigation 15:34 - Taking the warning, and vowing never to rely on medicine again 17:13 - Blind panic, and considering a hedge fund career 19:22 - His first property: borrowing £50,000 from his father-in-law 20:53 - Building a property portfolio and starting a podcast for access 21:08 - Leaving medicine and buying four businesses in six months 22:15 - Why none of his businesses are really about making money 23:26 - Personal growth as his real purpose, and avoiding "gold medal syndrome" 24:53 - What the next 5-10 years of growth look like for him 26:49 - Measuring impact vs. measuring meaning 29:24 - Twenty years of contribution before doing something for himself 30:22 - Why growth and contribution shouldn't be either/or 33:15 - Mentoring medical professionals into their next chapter 33:47 - Why medics are easy targets for unscrupulous "gurus" 36:11 - Mentorship as the best ROI he's ever had 37:38 - The real difference between a mentor and a guru 40:05 - Will's own Tony Robbins and Jim Rohn story 43:17 - How to evaluate any coach, mentor, or educator 44:55 - Advice for anyone stuck in a job they don't love 47:13 - How to connect with Andrew 47:33 - Final reflection: "Why did you leave it so long before you woke up?"

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Relevant Links For the Viewer and Citations Website - https://www.willpolston.com Instagram - https://instagram.com/willpolston Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willpolstonmih LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/willpolston/ Twitter / X - https://x.com/willpolston TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@willpolston Connect with Andrew on Instagram: @Andrew_threadgold Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn: search "Andrew Threadgold"

About Me: I am dedicated to helping individuals and businesses unlock their true potential through expert coaching and training programs. I'm passionate about empowering others to achieve their dreams and live a life they love. Subscribe for more insights and tips on personal development, productivity, and achieving your goals. Let's embark on this journey together!

Originally aired: February 2025

Episode Number: 222

Real leadership begins when we stop deflecting responsibility and develop the self-awareness to look at our own contribution.

In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, organizational psychologist, executive coach, and founder of Gallaher Edge Dr. Laura Gallaher explains how radical self-acceptance can reduce defensiveness, strengthen accountability, and create greater psychological safety within teams. Learn why taking responsibility doesn't mean taking blame, how understanding your own triggers can transform difficult conversations, and why leaders who are willing to look in the mirror can build stronger teams, deeper trust, and better performance.

Listen to the full episode here:

https://kite.link/drlauragallaher

Originally aired: December 2024

Episode Number: 189

Capturing someone's attention is often the difference between being heard and being forgotten. In a world filled with distractions, your ability to communicate a clear and compelling message can determine whether people lean in or switch off.

In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, renowned communication expert Sam Horn reveals a simple three-step approach for creating messages that spark curiosity and make people pay attention. Learn how using powerful questions, vivid language, and credible evidence can transform presentations, pitches, and marketing messages into conversations that engage your audience, communicate your value, and make your ideas impossible to ignore.

Listen to the full episode here:

https://kite.link/samhorn

In this episode, I sit down with William Whitecloud, bestselling author of The Magician's Way, The Secrets of Natural Success, and The Last Shaman. We talk about the ten years he spent battling a mysterious illness that doctors couldn't diagnose, the chance encounter in a park that changed everything, and the discovery that "focus creates reality" - a principle he's spent over 30 years teaching to thousands of people. William breaks down the difference between desire and true focus, the concept of structural tension, and how to neutralize the psychological resistance that stops most people from creating the life they actually want.

Don't miss the opportunity to take the first step towards a more fulfilling life. Book your complimentary clarity call today and discover how Will Polston can help you achieve the success you deserve. 💡 https://willpolston.com/book-a-call/

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Video Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and William's background in the creative process 00:53 - Will's admiration for William's books, including The Last Shaman 01:32 - Going back: how it all started, over 30 years ago 01:43 - Being mysteriously sick for 10 years 02:32 - On his deathbed with no diagnosis 02:47 - The chance encounter with a stranger in the park 03:29 - The stranger's unconventional prescription: red meat, wine, and cigarettes 05:10 - Trying it and recovering almost instantly 06:34 - Realizing it wasn't the food or wine - it was his focus 07:07 - Ten years of resisting unwellness 08:01 - Discovering that "focus creates reality" 09:05 - Turning the discovery into his life's mission 10:04 - The accountant who revealed there were already "courses on that" 10:35 - Introducing his books: The Magician's Way, Secrets of Natural Success, and The Last Shaman 11:42 - A key quote from The Last Shaman on fear and the subconscious 12:36 - Why ten years of wanting to get well didn't work 13:14 - The critical difference between desire and focus 14:04 - Why "wanting money" often reflects scarcity, not abundance 17:01 - The "helper" personality type and approval-seeking 18:04 - The safari story: a charity director's existential crisis 20:13 - How to find your true desire versus escaping a problem 21:10 - The high achiever, driven by emptiness 21:49 - Tony Robbins' story about high achievers never feeling satisfied 22:44 - You can't solve problems - only transcend them 23:50 - The alchemist's principle of using the higher against the lower 24:35 - Why problems dissolve when your focus changes 25:31 - Teaching 60,000 people for free during the pandemic 26:16 - Will's own journey: meeting Pat Lyons and discovering the books 26:48 - Introducing the concept of structural tension 27:52 - Why tension isn't good or bad - it's creative 28:22 - The universe, wind, and biology as tension-seeking resolution 30:35 - Setting up tension systems that work in your favor 31:04 - How scientists and inventors use tension to create 33:23 - The Elon Musk and SpaceX example of impossible demands 34:42 - Vivaldi and holding creative tension in composition 36:03 - True end results vs. problem-solving desires 36:37 - Being honest about where you are right now 37:05 - Choosing where you want to be over where you are 38:41 - Will's elastic band analogy and the danger of obsession 40:05 - What happens when the tension "snaps" 41:12 - Cutting down your vision as one way tension resolves 42:44 - The two ways people give up: on the vision, or on reality 43:14 - Introducing psychological tension vs. creative tension 44:08 - How the ego undermines your progress 45:24 - The ego's insinuations: "you're not ready for this" 47:01 - How psychological tension escalates until you snap 49:00 - Learning to neutralize psychological tension 50:31 - "Know thyself" as the most pervasive principle across all traditions 52:29 - The skill of checking in with yourself 54:04 - Observing your problem separates you from it 55:16 - Why beliefs lose their power once you truly see them 56:06 - The Sufi concept: the dysfunctional personality as gateway to the soul 56:54 - Robert Scheinfeld and the concept of "cloud drilling" 58:09 - Defining the difference between perception and intuition 1:01:29 - Will's 4x4 driving analogy for intuition vs. perception 1:02:24 - The role of negative emotions in the creative process 1:03:12 - Anger as short-term powerlessness 1:04:20 - Fear, trust, and safety 1:04:53 - Depression as long-term powerlessness 1:05:11 - Frustration and the loss of control 1:05:40 - Negative emotions as pain and manipulation 1:06:52 - Why negative emotions play no role in true creation 1:07:54 - Robert Fritz and The Path of Least Resistance 1:09:09 - Wrapping up the central mechanism of creating 1:09:24 - Recommending William's books 1:10:18 - William's website: naturalsuccessacademy.com 1:10:46 - A free gift: the "Meet Your Greatness" video series 1:13:39 - Final reflection: what's the real secret to creating? 1:15:00 - There is no hack - it's an education and a system 1:16:24 - Closing remarks

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Relevant Links For the Viewer and Citations Website - https://www.willpolston.com Instagram - https://instagram.com/willpolston Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willpolstonmih LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/willpolston/ Twitter / X - https://x.com/willpolston TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@willpolston Check out William's website: https://naturalsuccessacademy.com Get William's free "Meet Your Greatness" video series: email [email protected] and mention this show.

About Me: I am dedicated to helping individuals and businesses unlock their true potential through expert coaching and training programs. I'm passionate about empowering others to achieve their dreams and live a life they love. Subscribe for more insights and tips on personal development, productivity, and achieving your goals. Let's embark on this journey together!

Originally aired: December 2024

Episode Number: 188

Your starting point doesn't have to determine where you end up. Sometimes the biggest barrier to success isn't a lack of opportunity, but the belief that success is reserved for people who grew up surrounded by it.

In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, founder of Success School Matt Hall shares how growing up without a family of successful entrepreneurs didn't stop him from building a successful business. Discover how seeking out new role models, consuming the right ideas, staying curious, and developing a willingness to figure things out can help you break beyond the limitations of your circumstances and create a path that was never modelled for you.

Listen to the full episode here:

https://kite.link/matthall

Originally aired: December 2024

Episode Number: 187

Building a business that gives you more freedom doesn't happen by working harder. It comes from creating the right foundations, letting go of the need to control everything, and designing a business that can succeed beyond the founder.

In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, Founder of High Value Business Group Nick Bradley reveals the practical steps to building a business that creates both financial independence and operational freedom. Discover why every entrepreneur must choose between a lifestyle business and a growth business, how to overcome the mindset that keeps founders trapped in the day-to-day, and why developing the right people, systems, and structure is essential for scaling a business that works for you, not because of you.

Listen to the full episode here:

https://kite.link/nickbradley

Episode Notes

In this episode, I sit down with Brad Staines, founder of a major commercial window cleaning company operating across London and Manchester, and host of the podcast "Working On It." We talk about his journey from teenage DJ to accidentally discovering window cleaning through a neighbor's flashy cars, the moment a bad accountant left him owing £93,000 in VAT, and the hard lessons learned scaling a team too fast. Brad shares how mastermind groups transformed his mindset, why he's drawn to endurance sports and cold water therapy, and his honest reflections on what it really takes to build inner, "quiet" confidence.

Don't miss the opportunity to take the first step towards a more fulfilling life. Book your complimentary clarity call today and discover how Will Polston can help you achieve the success you deserve. 💡 https://willpolston.com/book-a-call/

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Video Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 00:41 - Starting out DJing at 14 02:03 - Turning pro and nightclub residencies at 21 02:57 - Buying a BMW in cash at 21 03:32 - Watching his dad's affair unravel and losing respect for him 04:45 - Striking out on his own, away from his dad's DJ company 06:03 - Will's parallel story: resentment as fuel for independence 06:56 - Meeting his wife and losing two pregnancies 07:56 - Discovering window cleaning through a mysterious neighbor 09:07 - Building the window cleaning business around his son 10:08 - Growing into major commercial contracts 10:34 - The Manchester story: meeting Israel Moskovitz and 64 developments 11:52 - Staggering the takeover and building systems from scratch 12:31 - Self-taught growth before the days of YouTube 13:52 - Building loyal, long-term relationships with his team 14:27 - Hitting the VAT threshold 15:18 - The £93,000 VAT disaster 17:01 - His business coach's blunt advice: "get off the tools" 17:54 - Uncovering the accounting error and facing the debt 18:32 - Closing the company and starting fresh 19:29 - The value of good advisors vs. bad advice 20:41 - Thinking about exit strategy and business coaches 21:40 - "Sell it or keep it as an asset" - his coach's advice 22:38 - Why so many businesses have messy numbers 23:35 - The five people you surround yourself with 24:08 - Undervaluing mastermind groups until recently 24:53 - Feeling stuck despite reading books and listening to podcasts 25:47 - Joining a mastermind group on Rob Moore's advice 26:23 - The power of surrounding yourself with driven people 27:32 - The value of cross-industry mastermind insights 27:55 - Scaling the team to 40+ people 28:18 - The disastrous month he hired nine people too fast 29:43 - Ignoring his own hiring process - and paying for it 30:36 - Hire slow, fire fast, train well 31:12 - Marianne Page and the McDonald's "one right way" system 32:21 - Bringing structure and discipline into family and health 32:57 - How self-development first came into his life 33:38 - Building identity through fitness and structured habits 34:16 - Meeting an inspiring older triathlete mentor 35:31 - Age as no excuse: lessons from his Ironman mentor 35:57 - Comparison, inspiration, and social media 36:34 - Balancing Ironman training with business demands 37:28 - Filling your day with high-value activities 37:43 - Cold water therapy and ice baths 39:03 - Discovering ice baths through rugby recovery 39:53 - Running Wim Hof workshops with Emma 40:24 - Ten years of daily cold showers 41:08 - Doing something you don't want to do each morning 42:08 - The power of surrender and breathwork 43:37 - Finding mental clarity through discomfort 45:11 - Starting the podcast "Working On It" 46:44 - Turning overwhelming DMs into a podcast, on Rob Moore's advice 47:23 - Time management as priority management 49:14 - The 70/20/10 focus framework 49:33 - Falling into mentoring trades businesses 50:16 - Building a "trade club" community with Chris Archer 51:36 - Mentoring in exchange for equity 52:08 - Why it all happened organically, not by design 52:45 - How to connect with Brad 53:00 - Final reflection: what's the question you wish people asked? 53:36 - Outer confidence vs. inner, "quiet" confidence 54:32 - How to build real inner confidence 55:24 - Wanting what you have vs. wanting more 56:17 - Closing thoughts: audit where you're at, apply gratitude

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Relevant Links For the Viewer and Citations Website - https://www.willpolston.com Instagram - https://instagram.com/willpolston Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willpolstonmih LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/willpolston/ Twitter / X - https://x.com/willpolston TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@willpolston

Connect with Brad on Instagram: @BradStaines10 Check out Brad's podcast "Working On It" on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8Pm5AHdMuAfVteTXvZ15SA

About Me: I am dedicated to helping individuals and businesses unlock their true potential through expert coaching and training programs. I'm passionate about empowering others to achieve their dreams and live a life they love. Subscribe for more insights and tips on personal development, productivity, and achieving your goals. Let's embark on this journey together!