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If you’ve ever felt lonely in a packed city or overwhelmed by “community” that never leaves the screen, this conversation will reset your compass. Jason Iliffe, co‑founder of CLIQ, joins us to unpack how a simple idea help community founders manage, market, and monetise in one place grew into a fast moving IRL platform spanning London, the US, Australia, Bali, and Dubai. We dig into the quiet mechanics that make groups thrive: brand signals people actually say out loud, clear rituals that bring strangers back next week, and the counterintuitive choice to solve builders’ problems first so users show up for the right reasons.

We get practical about strategy why ideas aren’t unique, why patience beats panic, and how 1% daily gains create “overnight wins.” Jason maps the “third space” crisis, with offices empty, pubs closing, and our feeds filled with brands instead of friends. That’s where CLIQ leans in: run clubs as new dating, DJ in the sauna nights, sober socials, swim clubs, intimate dinners, and cultural groups claiming space on their own terms. He shares the leadership habits that hold it all together: doing the boring jobs, setting standards by example, building resilience through rejection, and treating rest as a strategic input after a health scare forced a reset.

We also talk about building with your partner how complementary skills, honest read outs in investor rooms, and a dual lens on safety create real advantages. Looking ahead, Jason outlines US expansion, a major funding round, and a long term vision for community hubs in global cities: physical homes where connection compounds. If you care about community building, product strategy, or simply finding your people offline, this one’s for you.

If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s building something, and leave a quick review, your feedback helps us bring more thoughtful conversations your way.

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What does it really take to build a successful creative career? Photographer Darrel Hunter pulls back the curtain on his journey from East London sports enthusiast to sought after fashion photographer shooting Tracy Ellis Ross for the Met Gala.

The conversation explores how early sports participation instilled valuable discipline that translated directly to creative pursuits. Hunter reveals the surprising truth about finding purpose: "There's no deadline. It could have been 10 years ago, could be 3 years ago, could be today when you wake up and figure out 'this is my purpose.'" This refreshing perspective challenges our cultural obsession with early success and predetermined timelines.

Behind the glamorous Instagram posts of fashion weeks and celebrity photoshoots lies an exhausting reality rarely discussed. Hunter describes the grueling schedule of 3am bedtimes followed by 6:30am wake-ups, constant travel between locations, and the challenge of maintaining creativity while managing the business side of photography. These candid insights demolish the "just push a button" misconception about professional photography.

Perhaps most valuable is Hunter's emphasis on community building. "Nearly every job I've had has been from someone advocating for me," he shares, highlighting how genuine relationships—built without expectation of return—create the foundation for sustainable creative careers. His approach challenges the stereotype of the competitive creative industry, instead promoting collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

Whether you're an established creative, aspiring photographer, or someone seeking their purpose, this conversation offers valuable guidance: build authentic relationships, embrace the unglamorous work behind success, and remember that purpose can reveal itself at any moment. What are you silently building today that will speak for itself tomorrow?

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What does it really take to build something that lasts? After my fascinating conversation with Maximilian Cooper, founder of Gumball 3000, I felt compelled to share the powerful insights that resonated most with me about consistency, community-building, and turning passion into global impact.

Twenty-six years of unwavering dedication has transformed Gumball 3000 from a car rally into one of the world's most recognizable lifestyle brands. Max's journey – from fashion student to model to race car driver to visionary entrepreneur – demonstrates the power of staying true to your vision through challenges. Despite the glamorous appearance, Gumball didn't generate profits for its first three years, yet Max persisted. This mirrors my own experience with Basketball Nation, where consistency through difficulties has been crucial to our growth.

What makes Gumball truly special isn't just luxury vehicles but its ability to unite people across traditional boundaries. The events bring together hedge fund managers, skateboarders, world leaders, entrepreneurs and creatives in a shared space of passion. This concept of community as "future building" is transformative – when people rally around shared values, they create structures that can ultimately reshape nations. Through Basketball Nation and our expanding network of sports media initiatives, we're similarly committed to connecting people across continents through the universal language of sports.

The conversation with Max has expanded my vision for what's possible when you persistently nurture community and refuse to quit at the first obstacle. If you haven't already, I encourage you to watch the full interview with Maximilian Cooper and explore our other episodes as we continue building a global platform that connects, inspires, and creates lasting impact. Subscribe, comment, and join us on this journey!

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From fashion to fast cars – the incredible journey of a cultural icon.

In this electrifying episode of Beyond The Athlete, we’re joined by Maximillion Cooper, the visionary behind the world famous Gumball 3000. From leaving home at 18 to pursue fashion in London, modelling for top brands, and diving into motorsport culture, Maximillion’s story is one of bold moves, creative ambition, and building a lifestyle empire from the ground up.

What to Expect:
• Life lessons from leaving home young
• Behind the scenes of the fashion & modelling industry
• The birth of Gumball 3000 and its cultural impact
• The fusion of style, sport, and spectacle
• Insights on entrepreneurship, branding, and legacy

You can also watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mFuqgM4PacY?si=9Ehfh2tJVb798S0f

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Coach David reflects on his podcasting journey from humble beginnings to international reach, emphasizing the importance of simply starting rather than overthinking your goals.

• Just start – don't overcomplicate things or overthink it
• Learning happens along the way – from video production to social media management
• We're scaling up the Nation Sports Association with multiple community partners
• This summer brings major events including a Europe-wide football tournament
• Building international connections in Netherlands and France
• The greats never take shortcuts – excellence requires discipline behind the scenes
• We owe our best to the next generation who will carry on the legacy
• The podcast now reaches listeners worldwide from Rwanda to Singapore to Australia

Subscribe to Beyond the Athlete on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Soundcloud and all listening platforms. Follow Coach David at @coachdavidbbn on Instagram and don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe!

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In this special solo episode, Coach David dives into a powerful reflection on what it truly means to be great. Drawing from his journey in sports, fashion, and community building, he unpacks the lessons, habits, and mindsets he’s learned from speaking with top athletes, creatives, and leaders.

From the sacrifices behind the scenes to the inner battles that shape greatness, this episode explores how greatness is not just about talent but about resilience, consistency, and purpose.

Whether you’re an athlete, creative, or someone striving to reach your potential, this episode will challenge you to redefine your own vision of greatness.

Listen now and be inspired to become the best version of yourself.

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In Episode 27 of Beyond The Athlete, we sit down with Ezinne Kalu, a two-time Olympian, professional basketball player, and key figure in Nigerian women’s basketball. From her early days in the game to competing at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics, Ezinne shares her journey, the challenges and triumphs of representing Nigeria on the world stage, and what it meant to be part of the first African women’s basketball team to reach the Olympic knockout rounds.

We also dive into the state of women’s sports, the growth of basketball in Africa, and the mindset it takes to compete at the highest level. Don’t miss this powerful conversation!

Subscribe and Download and let us know your thoughts on this episode.

Ezinne Kalu (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/_thenigerianqueen/?hl=en

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This week, we’re thrilled to welcome Benny Bonsu, one of the most influential voices in global sports media, youth development, and community building. From London to Africa, Benny has dedicated her career to creating opportunities for underserved communities through the power of sports.

We dive into her incredible journey, including:

• Transforming communities through grassroots sports in North London & Africa.
• Empowering future leaders through the Saint Benedict’s Foundation & Otumfuo Osei-Tutu Foundation.
• Building dreams at the SEED Academy in Senegal.
• Expanding basketball’s reach across Africa with the BAL & NBA Africa.

This episode is all about breaking barriers, building stronger communities, and inspiring the next generation through sports.

Don’t miss this inspiring episode full of actionable insights, real-world impact, and the stories of lives changed through sports.

📌 Subscribe and Download and let us know your thoughts on this episode.

Benny Bonsu (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/msbennybonsu/

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