Iman Gadzhi: First Podcast on a Private Jet, money at young age & growing up without a dad

Iman Gadzhi, a 23-year-old entrepreneur, delivers a raw and unfiltered conversation from a private jet, challenging the myth of effortless success. He reveals that his journey from a traumatic childhood—raised by his grandmother in poverty in Dagestan, Russia, after his mother escaped an abusive father—shaped his relentless drive. Far from being a 'trust fund kid,' Iman built his empire through relentless hustle: flipping Instagram accounts at 14, launching a creative agency, and eventually founding software companies that now generate the bulk of his wealth. He candidly admits he doesn’t prioritize happiness, calling it selfish, and instead lives for a 'divine purpose'—to uplift others, build schools in Nepal, and empower men through his content. His philosophy, 'Monk Mode,' is a 21- to 90-day intense focus protocol involving meditation, exercise, and abstinence from alcohol and screens, which he cycles through half the year. Despite the pressure of fame and a 15-million-view-a-month audience, he remains stoic, stating he only feels 'jaded' twice a year. He refuses to give his children money, believing wealth should be earned, and spends 40% of his income on others. His mission? To be an 'honor'—not a job—by creating lasting impact through business, mentorship, and philanthropy.