Tom BilyeuCo-founder & Former CMO

I promised myself I would escape that life, become rich, and never let anyone control what I do again. From age twelve I worked summer jobs to buy my own things, and that obsession with financial freedom drove every decision thereafter.

We were running a software company when I quit to pursue something that made me feel alive. My partners and I agreed to focus on health and nutrition, making the first truly sugar-free protein bars. We built our own manufacturing, told our story on early "social media," and led with purpose instead of chasing money. Once we prioritized real value for customers, revenue doubled month over month for years—taking us from $500K to $100 million in record time, and ultimately to that $1 billion exit.

I was the 'people' person—overseeing sales, marketing, and company culture. We pioneered 'mirror marketing,' celebrating our users' transformations instead of talking about Quest, and built a community-driven ethos that turned our customers into brand ambassadors.

Early on we discovered no existing equipment could manufacture a sugar-free bar at scale. Instead of compromising, we built our own line. Internally, our team sampled each iteration, gathering honest feedback, until taste and texture were spot on—then we scaled production.

We hand-delivered bars to influencers—doctors, athletes, even magicians—and simply asked them to be honest with their followers. No scripts, no quotas: "Try them, say what you think." That raw authenticity turned influencers into walking billboards at a time when no one else was doing it.

When we led with a mission—to end metabolic disease—and centered our storytelling on genuine user successes, people connected deeply with our brand. By obsessing over adding real value instead of hitting revenue targets, growth became an organic byproduct.

It's the scientific method applied to life: identify where you want to go, run experiments to overcome obstacles, learn from each attempt, and iterate. Every setback becomes data, every success fuels momentum—that cycle drives both business growth and personal development.

Don't just watch tutorials—dive in today. Experiment with prompts, refine your outputs, and build taste. AI is improving by roughly 300% a year; the sooner you master it, the better you'll ride that curve and amplify your work.

Hard work, targeted skill acquisition, and meaningful progress toward goals you care about. Fulfillment isn't about the end result—it's about the journey of moving closer to something that matters to you.

Cryptocurrency often feels like gambling, but Web 3 rails allow you to prove digital scarcity. Imagine AR experiences where in-game items tie to real-world locations, or limited assets that you truly own. That blend of real and virtual is how a "Ready Player One" future becomes possible.

"Booze don't block dunks." It comes from Kobe Bryant and reminds you that if you master your craft, nobody can stop you. Skill mastery is the ultimate moat in any field.

Morning journaling. Each day I write my top goal, my biggest obstacles, and my plan to overcome them. It clears mental clutter, keeps me accountable, and ensures steady progress no matter how crazy the schedule.

Master one tool or skill that magnifies your impact—whether it's AI, a new programming language, or advanced analytics. Becoming that go-to person for tomorrow's technology is more valuable than any resume credential.

Treat every big goal as a series of small experiments. If one test fails, you learn why and pivot—without betting the farm. That mindset transforms fear of failure into fuel for growth, because every "no" points you closer to what works.