Climbing Greater Heights: A Journey of Growth and Purpose

Tony J. Selimi

Tony J. Selimi, is a globally recognised, award-winning author of several critically acclaimed books, motivational speaker, business strategist, and transformational coach.

He tells us that, “My mission is to empower, educate, and elevate individuals and organisations worldwide, guiding them towards their true potential through a profound understanding of human behaviour and the transformative power inherent within us all.

With over 30 years of experience, I assist movie stars, sports icons, music legends, CEOs, top entrepreneurs, and diverse individuals and businesses worldwide to achieve impactful, lasting success. My science-based and holistic approach uniquely integrates emotional intelligence, neuroscience, cognitive behaviour, growth mindset, spirituality, and physics, offering a cutting-edge path to personal and professional transformation. Through my books, online courses, keynote speeches, documentary films, and personalised coaching, I guide people to unlock their limitless potential, align with their true purpose, and contribute profoundly to humanity’s evolution.

My journey from enduring the ravages of civil war and experiencing homelessness to graduating from one of the top four UK universities, successfully climbing the corporate ladder, and coaching Fortune 500 CEOs and individuals from all professional backgrounds exemplifies the transformative power of continuous education, resilience, and authenticity. Through my books, online courses, keynote speeches, documentary films, and personalised coaching, I inspire and empower people to transcend their limitations and create lives of profound fulfilment and global impact.”

Could you describe your initiative/startup’s purpose and vision and how it benefits its target audience?

At the heart of my initiative to leave the grind of 9 to 5 and start my speaking, training, and coaching business is a clear and powerful vision: to inspire and teach men and women of all professions, nationalities, creeds and colours how to become purposeful and disciplined masters of themselves and dedicated and inspired leaders and teachers of others. My purpose is simple yet profound — transcend personal limitations, align with their core purpose, and make impactful contributions to the world.

Through films, documentaries, books, speaking, coaching, mentoring, education, and training, they build spiritual, mental, emotional, physical, vocational/business, financial, familial, and social awareness, thus more effectively and efficiently serving humanity, exemplifying high human potential.

Through my unique blend of science-based strategies, emotional intelligence, and holistic principles, I guide people toward unlocking their true potential and creating lasting, meaningful success. Whether through my bestselling books, personalised coaching programs, Climb Greater Heights Life and Business Mastery 5-day training retreat, online courses, or keynote speeches, my mission is to elevate human potential and performance in every field.

The purpose is simple yet profound— to inspire, empower, and transform the lives of individuals and organisations globally and assist leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals

For my target audience, this means achieving professional success and living a life of fulfilment and balance. It’s about breaking through mental and emotional barriers, cultivating resilience, and embracing the power of transformation to thrive in an ever-evolving world. Focusing on long-term, sustainable growth empowers individuals and businesses to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, grow profits, and leave a lasting legacy.

As far as entrepreneurship is concerned, your journey is quite inspiring. What are some of your most significant accomplishments and how did you achieve them?

As an entrepreneur, I’ve transformed my heart’s deepest calling into a global business that impacts lives across diverse industries. What started as a burning desire to help others has evolved into a thriving venture that inspires, uplifts, and transforms people’s personal and professional realities. Some of my most profound accomplishments on this journey include:

From Homelessness to Building a Global Legacy

My journey began with humble beginnings, living homeless on the streets. Yet, I was determined to change my story. Through hard work and unwavering dedication, I graduated with honours from University College London while working three jobs to support myself. I didn’t take any holidays, driven by a vision of creating a brighter future. After graduation, I successfully climbed the corporate ladder, managing billion-pound technology transformation programs and leading remote teams. This experience became the foundation for my entrepreneurial career, where I now empower others to break through their challenges and create extraordinary success.

Becoming a Globally Recognized Author

Writing and publishing award-winning books such as A Path to Wisdom, #Loneliness, The Unfakeable Code®, A Path to Excellence, and Climb Greater Heights has allowed me to share my insights with a worldwide audience. These books resonate with readers and are recognized for their profound impact on personal and professional transformation. I achieved this by staying true to my mission of helping people overcome challenges, dedicating years to research and refining my message.

Building a Thriving Coaching Business

Alongside writing, I’ve built a successful transformational coaching business, working with individuals from all professional backgrounds, entrepreneurs, executives, and celebrities. Through bespoke coaching programs like Climb Greater Heights Advanced Life and Business Mastery Training, I’ve helped clients unlock their potential, achieve clarity, and reach extraordinary health, wealth, and success levels. This success stems from my relentless dedication to mastering human behaviour, leadership, and peak performance, ensuring that my services deliver measurable, lasting impact.

Developing a Flourishing Speaking Career

My heart’s calling to inspire and guide others has extended into building a thriving speaking career. By speaking at prestigious conferences and events such as TEDx, UN, and Business and Leadership Conferences, I’ve had the opportunity to share my expertise on a global stage, influencing audiences and leaders from diverse industries. This platform has allowed me to reach people worldwide, helping them take decisive action and transform their personal and professional lives.

Becoming a Filmmaker and Featured Expert

Another proud milestone is my role as a filmmaker and featured expert in the multi-award-winning documentary Living My Illusion. Through this project, I shared deep insights into the human experience, offering viewers a transformative look into what stops businesses grow, relationships, and authenticity. I also served as the executive producer of The Truth Hurts, a documentary produced in partnership with an Emmy Award-winning producer. These films represent my commitment to expanding my reach and using powerful storytelling to inspire global change.

Launching a Successful Online Courses

My Udemy courses, The Fundamentals of Mindfulness for Business and Overcoming Your Resistance to Change, have been a significant milestone, allowing me to reach a global audience. By offering practical strategies to help people break free from limiting beliefs, the course has equipped thousands of learners with the tools they need to embrace personal growth. This endeavour represents my dedication to making transformation accessible and actionable for all.

Empowering Clients in the Age of AI

As technology advances, my most rewarding accomplishments have been guiding clients to thrive in a world where AI and human intelligence intersect. By helping them gain clarity and prepare for the future, I’ve empowered individuals, entrepreneurs, and leaders to embrace innovation and turn uncertainty into opportunity, allowing them to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.

These milestones reflect my journey of resilience, relentless pursuit of growth, and unwavering dedication to helping others unlock their potential. No matter where you begin, with determination, focus, and a commitment to investing in your personal and professional growth, you can create extraordinary success and inspire others to do the same.

Being an entrepreneur, what kind of response have you received from your users/consumers?

As an entrepreneur, the response I’ve received from my clients and audiences has been overwhelmingly positive and deeply affirming. Throughout my career, I’ve worked and continue to work with entrepreneurs, executives, celebrities, and high-level business owners who have embraced my teachings, transforming their personal and professional lives in extraordinary ways. Many of my clients have attributed their newfound clarity, confidence, and success to the coaching and training I provide, with some collectively generating over a billion pounds in sales.

The impact of my books—A Path to Wisdom, #Loneliness, The Unfakeable Code®, and A Path to Excellence—has also been widely recognised. These works have garnered several prestigious awards, including:

-Winner of the London SME Most Visionary Entrepreneur Award

– The EXPY Award

– Corporate Coaching and Recruitment Business Coach of the Year Award**

– Silver Winner of the Literary Book Award

– USA Book Awards

– Top Shelf Magazine

– Chanticleer Hearten Award

– Quilly® Award

– 2023 NYC Big Book Award

– Florida Authors and Publishers Association’s Annual President’s Book Award

– The Literary Titan Golden Book Award

– International Book Awards Finalist

– The Book Excellence Award

– Reader’s Favorite Silver Medal

– Paris Book Festival

– Dan Poynter’s Global eBook Award 2023

– Main Crest Media Award, etc.

These accolades include Personal Growth and Development, Self-Improvement, Self-Help, New-Age, Inspirational, Motivational, Entrepreneurship, HR Training, Business Life, Organizational Theory & Behaviour Management, and Business and Leadership.

In addition to my written work, I’ve had the privilege of featuring in and producing award-winning documentaries, such as Living My Illusion and The Truth Hurts, which have received international recognition for their powerful exploration of authenticity and human behaviour.

Speaking at prestigious conferences such as ALA and working with clients worldwide, from exotic locations like the Maldives and Bora Bora to the heart of major business centres, has allowed me to make a global impact. The testimonials and awards reflect the transformations I have inspired in others, showing that you can achieve greatness and create lasting change in the world no matter where you start with resilience, dedication, and vision.

In what ways has your life changed since you began your entrepreneurial journey?

Since embarking on my entrepreneurial journey, my life has transformed in ways I could never have imagined. From once living homeless on the streets, I have evolved into a global entrepreneur, author, speaker, and transformational coach. This journey has been both challenging and immensely rewarding, allowing me to turn my vision of helping others into a reality that impacts thousands of lives worldwide.

Personal Growth and Resilience: The path of entrepreneurship has taught me invaluable lessons in resilience, perseverance, and adaptability. Overcoming my early struggles and building a thriving business from scratch has strengthened my resolve and deepened my commitment to continuous personal growth. Every challenge has been an opportunity to learn, and every success has fuelled my desire to push even further.

Global Impact: One of the most significant changes is the global reach of my work. Through my books, coaching programs, documentaries, and speaking engagements, I’ve touched lives across continents, helping individuals from all walks of life unlock their potential and transform their businesses and personal lives. The feedback from clients and readers and the awards I’ve received have shown me the profound impact my work has had on others.

A Deep Sense of Fulfilment: There’s no greater joy than knowing that my experiences, struggles, and insights have helped others overcome their challenges. The feeling of fulfilment that comes from seeing someone break through their limitations and achieve their dreams is indescribable. This deep sense of purpose has driven me to continuously refine my message and approach, ensuring I deliver the highest value to those I serve.

Recognition and Validation: The recognition I’ve received through awards such as the London SME Most Visionary Entrepreneur, the EXPY, and the Corporate Coaching and Recruitment Business Coach of the Year, among many others, has been humbling and motivating. These accolades are a testament to the dedication, hard work, and enthusiasm I’ve put into my entrepreneurial journey, reinforcing the belief that I am on the right path.

Collaborations and New Opportunities: Being an entrepreneur has opened doors to exciting opportunities, including partnerships with esteemed professionals, collaborations on documentaries like Living My Illusion and The Truth Hurts, and the chance to speak at prestigious conferences and events. These opportunities have enriched my life and enabled me to expand my reach and influence further.

A Life of Freedom and Purpose: Most importantly, entrepreneurship has given me the freedom to design a life aligned with my values, heart calling, and purpose. I now have the flexibility to choose how I spend my time, whom I work with, and where I direct my energy. This freedom allows me to continually grow, innovate, and make a difference in the world on my terms.

Ultimately, my entrepreneurial journey has reshaped my life, transforming challenges into triumphs and turning my enthusiasm for helping others into a global movement for positive change. The growth I’ve experienced personally, professionally, financially and spiritually is beyond what I could have imagined, and I’m deeply grateful for every step of the journey.

Do you have anyone who is the biggest support system in your life? Please let us know.

Throughout my journey, I’ve been fortunate to have an incredible support system that has helped me rise above challenges and stay grounded in my purpose. While many people have contributed to my success, a few key individuals have been constant sources of encouragement and strength.

My Parents, Family, and Partner: They all have been my foundation, especially during the toughest moments of my life. Their unwavering belief in my potential and their love have given me the resilience to keep moving forward, even when the path seemed impossible. They’ve stood by me through my struggles, celebrated my victories, and always reminded me of the importance of staying true to my values and vision.

Mentors and Coaches: I’ve learned from some of the world’s most successful leaders and thinkers. My mentors and coaches have guided me, offering insights and wisdom that have shaped my entrepreneurial journey. Their support, especially in helping me grow as a leader and navigate the complexities of business and life, has been instrumental in my growth. A special thank you to Jack Canfield, Brian Tracy, Tony Robbins, Vishen Lakhiani, and Dr John Demartini, who, when our paths met a decade ago, believed in me and told me that one day I would be standing on the shoulders of the giants, which today I am.

Close Friends and Colleagues: Over the years, I’ve built strong relationships with close friends and colleagues who understand the highs and lows of the entrepreneurial world. Their camaraderie, advice, and ability to offer perspective during challenging and celebratory times have provided invaluable support. People who truly understand the journey are essential to maintaining balance and clarity.

My Clients: Interestingly, my clients have also been a great source of support. Seeing their transformation, hearing their success stories, and receiving their trust have continuously fuelled my enthusiasm. Their progress reminds me why I do what I do and pushes me to strive for excellence in all my endeavours.

My Soul, Inner Self, and God: Lastly, I’ve realised that my inner self—my faith in God, my soul, and my heart-driven vision and purpose—have been one of the strongest pillars of my support system. Through spiritual growth, meditation, reflection, and self-awareness practices, I’ve learned to tap into an inner strength that has allowed me to stay focused and resilient, even in the face of adversity.

Each member of this support system has played a vital role in helping me become the person I am today, and I’m deeply grateful for their contributions to my life and success.

What key pieces of advice/insights would you offer to aspiring entrepreneurs?

For aspiring entrepreneurs, the journey ahead can be incredibly rewarding but also filled with challenges. Based on my experiences and the lessons I’ve learned along the way, here are some critical pieces of advice and insights that I believe are essential for success:

Stay True to Your Purpose: Everything starts with a clear purpose. Know why you’re doing what you’re doing. Your purpose will serve as your compass when things get tough, and it will guide your decisions and actions. When your business is aligned with your core values and mission, staying motivated and overcoming challenges becomes easier. Constantly revisit your purpose to ensure it remains at the heart of your entrepreneurial journey.

Embrace Failure as Part of Growth: Failure is not the end—it’s an essential part of learning. Every setback brings valuable lessons, and these experiences help you refine your approach, strategy, and mindset. Embrace failure with an open mind and use it to build resilience. The ability to bounce back stronger sets successful entrepreneurs apart from the rest.

Invest in Continuous Learning: The entrepreneurial landscape constantly evolves, so never stop learning. Whether it’s about market trends, business strategies, leadership, or personal development, make it a priority to stay informed and adaptable. Be open to new ideas and never shy away from seeking guidance from mentors, coaches, and experts who can provide valuable perspectives.

Focus on Building Relationships: Your network is one of your greatest assets. Building meaningful relationships with clients, partners, mentors, and even competitors can open doors to new opportunities. Successful entrepreneurship is as much about people as it is about products or services. Surround yourself with individuals who inspire you and challenge you, and you can hire their services when needed.

Stay Adaptable and Embrace Change: The world of entrepreneurship is unpredictable, and success often hinges on your ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Be willing to pivot, innovate, and solve new challenges creatively. Staying flexible in your approach allows you to navigate uncertainty and transform obstacles into opportunities confidently.

Master the Balance Between Vision and Action: A grand vision is essential, but it remains a dream without action. Learn to balance your long-term goals with daily execution. Break down your vision into actionable steps and tackle them consistently. Even small progress is still progress. Over time, these small steps compound and lead to significant achievements.

Value Your Mental and Physical Well-Being: Entrepreneurship can be demanding, but your health is your most valuable resource. Prioritise self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance. A strong mind and body allow you to perform at your best and make better decisions. Incorporate meditation, exercise, and mindfulness into your routine to maintain clarity and reduce stress.

Be Unapologetically Authentic: In my critically acclaimed book The Unfakeable Code®, I share why authenticity is your greatest asset and how to become more authentic. People are drawn to genuine leaders and businesses that reflect real values. Whether building a brand or leading a team, authenticity fosters trust and loyalty. Don’t try to be someone else or emulate what’s trending—stay true to who you are and let that shine through your work.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help: Many entrepreneurs feel they must figure everything out independently. Don’t fall into that trap. It’s okay to ask for help, whether it’s from a mentor, a coach, or a peer. Collaboration and guidance can accelerate your growth and help you avoid common pitfalls. Surround yourself with more experienced people, and don’t fear seeking and paying for expert advice.

Celebrate the Small Wins: Entrepreneurship is a long and often challenging journey, but don’t wait until you’ve “made it” to celebrate. In A Path to Excellence, I share the psychological effect of acknowledging and celebrating every milestone, no matter how small. These moments of recognition will boost your morale and remind you of your progress toward your larger goals.

Success doesn’t happen overnight, but with persistence, clarity of purpose, and the willingness to learn and adapt, you can create a business that thrives and leaves a lasting impact.

Do you think ‘GENDER’ affects entrepreneurship? Your views?

Yes, I believe gender can impact entrepreneurship, but I also believe that with the right mindset, support, and approach, those challenges can be navigated and even turned into strengths. Here’s my perspective on how gender affects entrepreneurship and the opportunities it creates:

Societal Expectations and Stereotypes: Gender can influence entrepreneurship due to the societal roles and stereotypes often attached to men and women. For instance, historically, women may have faced more scepticism or doubt about their abilities in specific industries, especially those traditionally dominated by men. On the other hand, men face societal pressure to conform to specific roles, such as being the primary breadwinner, which adds stress to their entrepreneurial ventures.

However, in my work with diverse clients, I’ve seen that gender does not define ability. Many of my female entrepreneur clients are leading innovative companies, breaking stereotypes, and demonstrating that leadership, creativity, and resilience are not limited by gender. Similarly, male entrepreneurs are finding success in traditionally “female-dominated” sectors by bringing fresh perspectives and approaches.

Access to Funding and Resources: There is still a gender gap in access to capital and resources. Studies have shown that female entrepreneurs often face more barriers to securing investment funding. This can stem from unconscious bias or outdated views in the business world that affect how women are perceived in leadership roles.

On the positive side, we see more initiatives and organisations working to bridge this gap by providing funding, mentorship, and support specifically for women entrepreneurs. Women must actively seek out these opportunities so that the business community can continue supporting a more level playing field.

Work-Life Balance and Family Responsibilities: Gender often influences how entrepreneurs manage work-life balance, especially for women who may shoulder more family or caregiving responsibilities. This can create additional challenges, particularly in the early stages of a business, when time and energy are already stretched thin.

That said, many successful female entrepreneurs have turned this challenge into an opportunity by building businesses that support flexibility, remote work, and work-life integration. Men, too, are increasingly prioritising balance and seeking more flexibility, contributing to a shift in how all genders approach entrepreneurship.

Leadership Styles: There are often perceived differences in leadership styles between men and women, with women viewed as more collaborative and empathetic leaders and men as more assertive and decisive. Effective leadership draws on a combination of these qualities, and both men and women can excel when they embrace a balanced, authentic leadership style.

Gender diversity in leadership and entrepreneurship has been shown to drive better business outcomes. By combining different perspectives, communication styles, and approaches to problem-solving, diverse teams are often more creative, adaptable, and successful.

The Importance of Role Models and Mentorship: Role models and mentors are crucial for any entrepreneur, and gender can affect who you look up to or who you have access to as a mentor. While there is a growing number of successful female entrepreneurs and leaders in the business world today, many aspiring female entrepreneurs still struggle to find relatable role models.

This is why it’s important to foster networks that connect diverse entrepreneurs with mentors, regardless of gender, and to promote visibility for successful entrepreneurs from all backgrounds. When individuals see others who have navigated similar challenges, they feel more empowered to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

Opportunities for Innovation: Gender can also serve as a unique advantage in entrepreneurship. For example, women and men may have different insights into markets, particularly those catering to their needs. Women entrepreneurs, for instance, are often at the forefront of industries like fashion, beauty, healthcare, and wellness because they understand their audience’s needs. Similarly, men in women-dominated sectors can bring fresh perspectives and innovations.

These differences present opportunities for both genders to innovate and disrupt industries by offering unique products, services, and solutions that reflect their diverse experiences.

In conclusion, while gender can influence entrepreneurship through societal expectations, access to resources, coaching, training, and mentoring, it should not limit anyone’s potential to succeed. With increasing awareness of these issues, many organisations are working toward creating a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape.

Ultimately, success in entrepreneurship is about vision, resilience, adaptability, and the ability to leverage one’s unique strengths. Gender can be a factor in how entrepreneurs approach specific challenges, but with the right mindset, perseverance, and support, anyone can thrive regardless of their gender.

Get in touch with him.

Website: https://tonyselimi.com

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