What if the secret to thriving isn’t about being the toughest in the room, but the most adaptable?In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Rand Selig—veteran investment banker, author of “Thriving,” and master of intentional living—to uncover the hidden strategies behind building a life and career filled with purpose, energy, and fulfillment.
From turning down a giant corporate offer to redefining what it means to be successful, Rand shares raw stories and practical tools for anyone ready to break free from society’s expectations. Discover how resilience, relationships, and a service mindset can transform setbacks into opportunities—and why your only real competition is the person in the mirror.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why resilience is about bouncing back, not just being tough—think rubber ball, not metal.
- The power of saying “no” to deals that don’t align with your values, even when Goliath comes knocking.
- How to stop letting society define your success and start living by your own standards.
- The three pillars of a thriving mindset: service, intentional relationships, and relentless positivity.
- Why your greatest growth comes from evolving past your former self—not outshining others.
Timestamps:
- 00:00 – The Rubber Ball vs. The Metal Ball: What True Resilience Looks Like
- 04:15 – David vs. Goliath: Turning Down a Giant and Winning Your Freedom
- 10:30 – Redefining Success: Are You Living for Yourself or for Society?
- 16:45 – The Man in the Mirror: Competing with Your Former Self
- 21:20 – The Power of Mentorship and Building Your Support Circle
- 26:00 – Three Tools for Thriving: Service, Relationships, and Positivity
- 32:10 – Star Trek, Beekeepers, and the Secret to Attracting Opportunity
**Guest Links:**
- Website: randselig.com
- LinkedIn: Rand Selig on LinkedIn
- Book: ”Thriving” by Rand Selig on Amazon
- Instagram: @randselig
Junaid Ahmed is a multi-passionate creator, storyteller, and home studio architect who believes your voice can change your world. As the host of Hacks and Hobbies, he dives deep into the journeys of people turning passion into purpose — from garage inventors to global entrepreneurs.
The podcast began as a simple idea: record honest conversations about side projects, creativity, and the hustle behind the scenes. Years later, it’s become a movement — showcasing the real, raw, and inspiring stories of everyday innovators.
Whether he’s building pro-level studios or geeking out over podcast gear, Junaid’s mission is clear: help people show up with confidence, clarity, and character.
🎧 New episodes weekdays. New perspectives in every story.
