The Growth Concept With Keoni Upton

What if the biggest reason most startups collapse has nothing to do with the product and everything to do with the founder behind it?

In this episode, we sit down with Greg Cassar: self-made multimillionaire, growth hacker, investor, and the strategic mind behind scaling 350+ companies. He’s built businesses generating over two million dollars a month… but the part that stands out is the freedom he’s created along the way. Greg surfs every day, spends time with his family, mentors entrepreneurs around the world, and lives a lifestyle he intentionally designed.

Together, we break down why nearly 90% of startups fail—and what the remaining 10% do differently. Greg reveals the mindset founders need before launching, the structural traps that set most startups up to burn out, and the real marketing and investing strategies that matter in 2025’s attention-driven world.

You’ll hear insights on how Greg chooses the right businesses to back, how to shift from “doing everything” to becoming the CEO of a self-managing company, and which skills will genuinely separate winning founders as AI reshapes digital marketing.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, creator, or future business owner, this episode gives you a roadmap to scale smarter—not harder—while building a life you actually want to live.

WHAT WE COVER

• The truth behind why most startups fail before year one
• Greg’s mission beyond money—and what drives him today
• The mindset he developed growing up and how it shaped his success
• The biggest structural mistakes founders make when launching in 2025
• The key criteria Greg looks for when investing in or backing a startup
• How to transition from founder to CEO and build a self-managing company
• The marketing skills that now matter most in the era of AI and attention
• What metrics actually matter for real growth (no vanity metrics)
• How founders should think about investing—personally and professionally
• Listener question: “What’s the most important skill to become the best salesman?”
• Greg’s advice to his younger entrepreneurial self

DISCLAIMER

This conversation is for educational purposes only. We are not financial advisors. Always seek professional advice before making financial decisions.

Watch on YouTube: The Growth Concept - YouTube!

What if procrastination isn’t a sign of laziness but a symptom of a deeper problem in how our minds are wired today?

In this episode, I sit down with Jesse Holmes, a serial entrepreneur who scaled a supplement business to eight figures and later pivoted to coaching high performers through one of the biggest challenges in business and life: procrastination.

Jesse shares his journey from building a multimillion-dollar company to realizing that true success isn’t about working harder it’s about working higher. He unpacks the principles of clarity, flow, and leverage, and explains how small, consistent action can outperform motivation every time.

We dive into the attention crisis affecting entrepreneurs in today’s digital world, what’s really holding us back from deep work, and how to reclaim your focus in an environment built to distract you.

If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in overthinking, waiting for the “right time,” or struggling to follow through, this conversation will help you understand why it’s happening and what you can do to break free from it.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why procrastination isn’t your fault and what’s really behind it
• The truth about the modern attention crisis and its impact on focus
• How Jesse went from burnout to flow by focusing just 10 minutes a day
• The habits and mindset shifts that create real momentum
• How to work “higher,” not harder, and build consistency that lasts

Connect with Jesse Holmes:
Free Guide

Instagram

Connect with The Growth Concept:
🎧 Follow The Growth Concept on all platforms:  Instagram
💬 Share your biggest takeaway from this episode on Instagram Instagram

Watch on YouTube: The Growth Concept - YouTube!

In this episode, I sit down with Kylee Leota, a leadership coach and cultural transformation expert who’s spent over 20 years helping leaders and teams perform at their best even in times of uncertainty and change.

We dive deep into what it really takes to build an unbreakable team, one built on trust, authenticity, and shared purpose. Kylee shares powerful lessons on why most teams and businesses fail, how to navigate difficult people and personalities, and what true leadership looks like in today’s fast-changing world.

This conversation will challenge the way you see leadership, growth, and teamwork. Whether you’re leading a business, managing a team, or working on becoming a better version of yourself, this episode will give you tools and insights you can apply right away.

🎧 Tune in and learn how to lead with purpose, empower others, and create a culture where everyone thrives.

Watch on YouTube: The Growth Concept - YouTube!

In this powerful episode of The Growth Concept, I’m joined by Lawrence Shuruma, founder of Eagle Mentality, professional footballer, and global speaker dedicated to helping people unlock their true potential.

Lawrence’s story is one of discipline, gratitude, and resilience, from overcoming career-threatening injuries to empowering youth and professionals worldwide to rise above adversity. Together, we explore why success without gratitude eventually crumbles, how to build unshakable mental toughness, and the true meaning of resilience in both life and business.

You’ll learn how your identity, ego, and mindset shape your growth; why gratitude is the foundation of long-term success; and how to rise above setbacks with purpose.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why unlocking your potential starts with inner work and awareness
• The fine line between mental toughness and burnout
• How to bounce back from life’s toughest moments
• Building resilience that lasts beyond motivation
• The power of gratitude in sustaining success
• How to stay authentic and cut through the noise in today’s world

A message from Lawrence:

“No matter how much success you have, if you don’t have gratitude — it will come tumbling down.”

This conversation is for anyone who’s chasing growth, rebuilding after setbacks, or striving to find purpose through challenges.

🎧 Tune in to The Growth Concept and get inspired to embrace the eagle mentality, rise above, stay grounded, and never stop growing.

Lawrence's Website: Home | Lawrence Shuruma 1

Follow Lawrance On social Media: lawrence.shuruma

Watch on YouTube: The Growth Concept - YouTube!

In this episode, I sit down with Jerimiah to dive deep into the realities of modern business and the rise of artificial intelligence. We explore the sacrifices entrepreneurs must make, what the future of business really looks like, and why AI is becoming an unstoppable force in today’s world. 

Jerimiah shares his perspective on: 

• Why AI is such a powerful tool for businesses right now
• Practical ways to start using AI effectively
• Common fears and misconceptions about AI (and how to overcome them)
• The massive opportunities behind ChatGPT-5 compared to GPT-4
• His one piece of advice for anyone starting their entrepreneurial journey

This conversation is all about embracing change, preparing for what’s ahead, and learning how to use new tools to create opportunities instead of fearing them.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how AI will impact your business—or what success truly means in this new era this episode is for you.
 

Jeremiahs Socials

Instagram:  (1) Instagram 

Linkin:  (3) Jeremiah Bear | LinkedIn 

YouTube:  Jeremiah Bear - YouTube 

Watch on YouTube: The Growth Concept - YouTube!

On September 27, 2023, I released the very first two episodes of The Growth Concept. One year later, we’re celebrating not just a podcast milestone, but the journey of growth, resilience, and community that came with it. 

In this solo episode, I take you behind the mic to reflect on: 

• Gratitude & Celebration → A huge thank you to every listener, guest, and supporter who’s been part of this journey.
• Lessons Learned → From consistency and discipline to discovering that true clarity comes with action.
• Challenges & Failures → The raw moments of self-doubt, technical hiccups, and mistakes that shaped me.
• Wins & Highlights → Favorite conversations, personal growth, and the impact beyond numbers.
• The Rebrand Story → Why I shifted from focusing on young people to creating a space for all growth journeys.
• A Message for You → Why you don’t need to wait until you’re “ready” to start chasing your dreams.
• Future Vision → What’s next for year two of The Growth Concept and how you can be part of it.

This episode isn’t just about the past year it’s an invitation for you to reflect on your own journey. Where were you one year ago? How have you grown? And where do you want to be one year from now?
 
Tune in for a mix of celebration, honesty, and inspiration and let’s keep growing together!

Watch on YouTube: The Growth Concept - YouTube!

 In this powerful episode of The Growth Concept, I’m joined by Dr. Talia Steed, founder of BODI ALCHEMY and a passionate advocate for holistic healing. Together, we explore a thought-provoking question: Is the modern healthcare system truly serving us—or is it leaving critical pieces of our well-being behind? 

Dr. Talia shares her journey of moving away from conventional medicine to create a space that empowers people to heal on a deeper level, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. We discuss: 

• Where the modern healthcare system is falling short in addressing the root causes of illness
• Why emotional and mental health are often ignored in mainstream medicine
• Practical steps to reclaim your health through holistic practices
• How to take responsibility for your well-being without feeling lost or disempowered

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by quick fixes, overlooked symptoms, or a lack of answers in the traditional system, this episode will give you tools and perspective to reconnect with your body, mind, and soul—and start taking control of your health journey today.

Book Talia:  Online Consults | Personalised Holistic Support with Dr. Talia
| Bodi Alchemy | Holistic Healing for Body, Mind, and Soul 

www.drtaliasteed.com
FB: www.facebook.com/DrTaliaSteed/
Insta: www.instagram.com/bodi_alchemy/
 
Tune in for a conversation that challenges the status quo and invites you to step into your own healing power.
 

Watch on YouTube: The Growth Concept - YouTube!

What does it really take to scale a start-up? How do you set goals that actually move the needle? And is work-life balance even possible as an entrepreneur? 

In this episode of The Growth Concept, I’m joined by Jeremiah Bear a young entrepreneur who has already worn many hats. From selling gym equipment to running a car business to launching a clothing brand and now leading the way in AI consulting, Jeremiah’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Today, he helps businesses implement AI systems to scale faster, automate customer service, and proactively capture leads. 

Together, we unpack the hidden sacrifices of entrepreneurship, the mental and emotional challenges behind the scenes, and the power of setting bold goals that fast-track success. Jeremiah also shares how he transitioned into the AI space, what it means for the future of business, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. 

If you’re a dreamer, builder, or anyone curious about the raw reality of modern business, this conversation will challenge your perspective and fuel your growth. 

Jeremiahs Socials

Instagram:  (1) Instagram 

Linkin:  (3) Jeremiah Bear | LinkedIn 

YouTube:  Jeremiah Bear - YouTube 

Watch on YouTube: The Growth Concept - YouTube!

Everything you think you know about what it means to be a “real man” might just be wrong. And here’s the thing this episode isn’t only for men. It’s for anyone who wants to really understand what goes on inside a man’s head and heart in this day and age. 

In this raw and eye-opening conversation, Duncan opens up about a life-changing experience he had at a men’s retreat. It was a moment that completely broke down old beliefs and reshaped how he sees manhood, purpose, and personal growth. 

We dive into what it truly means to be a good man in today’s world, how to let go of outdated stories, and the practical tools you can use to step into your highest potential. Duncan also shares the essential skills every man needs to build a values-driven, purpose-filled life. 

What You’ll Take Away: 

• The difference between living by values vs. living by discipline—and which one actually lasts.
• The biggest distractions holding both men and women back from their full potential.
• How your upbringing shapes your identity and how to break free from limiting patterns.
• Honest conversations about the stigmas—both positive and negative—that men face today.

Questions to Ask Yourself:
 

• Do I want to live with more clarity, purpose, and self-respect?
• Am I ready to question the stories society has told me about who I should be?
• Could I benefit from understanding the struggles and strengths of modern masculinity—even if I’m not a man?

If any of these hit home, this episode will give you the mindset shifts and practical steps to grow, no matter your gender or age.
 
Connect with Duncan:
 
Instagrams:
 
https://www.instagram.com/forbes_healthandwellness/

Men's Health Focused

https://www.instagram.com/_themanabove_/
 

Watch on YouTube: The Growth Concept - YouTube!

 In this powerful and perspective-shifting episode, I sit down with Obie (Tom O’Brien) to explore the deeper, often overlooked forms of wealth that shape a truly fulfilling life.

From his core belief system and influence in society, Obie shares how we can live with more intention, influence, and balance in a world obsessed with financial success and hustle culture. 

We unpack The 9 Dimensions of Wealth, how they interconnect, and why chasing only financial gain might leave you empty. Obie reveals the top three dimensions he'd personally focus on and what outcomes he'd expect if we all shifted our priorities. 

We also dive into the transformative power of solo travel, the breakthroughs that come from discomfort, and the inner truths that only reveal themselves when we step away from the noise. 

This episode is your reminder to redefine wealth, live with intention, and chase what truly matters to you. 

Obie's Instagram: Instagram 

YouTube:  Obies Ordinary - YouTube 

TikTok:  (18)Tom (@obies_ordinary) | TikTok 

Watch on YouTube: The Growth Concept - YouTube!