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Empire Builders with Nick James

Nick James

Welcome to EMPIRE BUILDERS with CEO, entrepreneur, and International speaker, Nick James.

Nick is probably best known for his ground-breaking ‘Expert Empires’ events in the UK. He's dynamic and daring in his approach to business, and genuinely loves to see his clients get results. In a world where self-awareness and humility are rare, you’ll find Nick’s ‘open and real’ style refreshing, challenging, and inspiring.

On this podcast you’ll find a mix of:

1. Original content, recorded especially for ‘EMPIRE BUILDERS’ listeners. Nick will share his current (and often extreme!) views on all things business, including audience growth, lead generation, sales, and how to get the very best out of yourself every single day.

2. Exclusive interviews with some of the world’s best-known experts and authors, including David Goggins, Chalene Johnson, Trent Shelton, Lewis Howes, Ryan Deiss, and many more.

3. Keynote Speeches recorded live at Nick’s previous events, featuring high net-worth entrepreneurs like Gary Vaynerchuk, Lord Sugar, Grant Cardone, Tom Bilyeu, Ed Mylett, and others.

If you’re committed to building an EMPIRE that makes a big difference in the world, AND helps you create vast personal wealth… you’re in the right place!

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July 22 · 41 min
Why You're Really Afraid to Speak (And How to Free Your Voice) — with Judith Quin
In this eye-opening conversation with Judith Quin, Nick James dives deep into why so many of us hold our voices back — and what it really takes to speak with confidence in any room. A public speaking coach, vocal confidence specialist and best-selling author, Judith reveals that what we label a fear of public speaking is really three deeper fears — the fear of judgment, the fear of being seen, and the fear of the unknown — hardwired into us as a primal, tribe-era survival instinct. From why your voice reflects every experience you've ever had, witnessed, or even imagined, to the reframe that turned Nick's own Birmingham accent into a competitive advantage, Judith shares the inner work that sits beneath confident communication. She unpacks her core principle that "recognition creates release," the simple shift from asking "who am I?" to "who AM I?", and why the psychology of speaking must come before any slide deck or stagecraft. Whether you sell from the stage or simply want the courage to raise your hand in a meeting, Judith's holistic, honest insights will challenge you to stop hiding and start speaking as the whole of who you are. VALUABLE RESOURCES https://yourwholevoice.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/judithquinvocalconfidence ABOUT THE HOST Nick James Nick dropped out of university at the age of 21 and failed spectacularly with his first coaching business, which forced him to take a £16k/yr telesales job. Within 12 months he was the top performer and left to start his second business at 24. This time he discovered a winning formula and before long had a multi-six-figure company. He then made a huge mistake which nearly put him out of business and cost him £50,000 in personal cash! Fortunately, Nick kept it afloat, turned it around, and sold that business 2 years later in a seven-figure deal. He then co-founded a multi-million-pound marketing company, which he exited in 2015, and created Expert Empires. Today, Expert Empires is known as the UK's number one business event for Experts, with world-renowned celebrity speakers like Gary Vaynerchuk, Grant Cardone, Chalene Johnson, David Goggins, and Lewis Howes gracing the stage. Nick also specialises in helping Coaches, Consultants, Speakers, Trainers, and Authors take their businesses from zero to six figures and beyond through his Expert Empires Mastermind programme.
July 15 · 40 min
Built A £2.5m/Year Business With Zero Ad Spend — Then Sold It For 6-10x EBITDA [Richard Willis]
In this episode I'm joined by Richard Willis — someone I met at one of my events, who briefly mentioned what he'd built and exited, and I knew immediately I wanted to dig deeper. Richard built Salamander Soft, a software and services company in the education IT sector — helping schools integrate their systems with platforms like Active Directory, Microsoft 365, and Google Workspace. What started as "an accidental business" — Richard just wanted to work from home and support his family — grew into a company turning over £2.5 million a year, with zero ad spend, eventually reaching 60% of UK secondary schools and every school in Wales. We talk about the power of going niche (and why that made him impossible for bigger competitors to compete with on search), how he built the business almost entirely through existing contacts, online communities, and word of mouth, and the journey from "working, eating, or sleeping" as a one-man band to building a leadership team that eventually ran the business without him. Richard also walks us through the exit process in detail — including how the business was valued (a multiple of EBITDA), what nearly went wrong when one buyer tried to drop the price by £2 million two weeks before completion, and why having multiple interested parties matters so much when you're negotiating a sale. Now financially free, Richard's giving back — sitting on the boards of three startups as a non-exec director, in legal tech, environmental/biodiversity, and education. If you're building a business with an eye on an eventual exit — or you're in software/education and want to connect with someone who's been there — this episode is full of practical, honest insight. VALUABLE RESOURCES Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/rpwillis ABOUT THE HOST Nick James Nick dropped out of university at 21 and failed spectacularly with his first coaching business, which forced him to take a £16k/yr telesales job. Within 12 months he was the top performer and left to start his second business at 24. This time he discovered a winning formula and before long had a multi-six-figure company. He then made a huge mistake which nearly put him out of business and cost him £50,000 in personal cash. Fortunately, Nick kept it afloat, turned it around, and sold that business two years later in a seven-figure deal. He then co-founded a multi-million-pound marketing company, which he exited in 2015, and created Expert Empires. Today, Expert Empires is known as the UK's number one business event for Experts, with world-renowned speakers including Gary Vaynerchuk, Grant Cardone, David Goggins, and Lewis Howes gracing the stage. Nick also specialises in helping Coaches, Consultants, Speakers, Trainers, and Authors take their businesses from zero to six figures and beyond through his Expert Empires Mastermind programme.
July 8 · 24 min
£0 To £70k In 3 Months — How Two Property Investors Built A Coaching Business From Scratch [Manny & Gurj]
In this episode I'm joined by Manny and Gurj from Noir Property Group — guys I've been working with for the past few months, who've been smashing it both in their property business and their newly-launched coaching business. We talk about why "flipping" is their number one strategy for building wealth — and why leaving cash sitting in the bank is actually costing you money every single day, not keeping it safe. Manny and Gurj walk us through their very first deal back in 2019 — bought for £50k, sight unseen, with £15k spent on refurb, refinanced for £70k, and revalued at £110k. Since then, they've completed over 50 flips. We also dig into how they took that property expertise and built a coaching business from a standing start — going from posting free content in October, to generating £70k in revenue by their first three months of selling, with no prior following beyond a couple of thousand followers. If you're an "expert" in something — whether that's property, fitness, relationships, or anything else — and you want to see exactly how to turn that following into paying clients, this episode breaks it down step by step. The guys have also created a free guide — Property Flipping Essentials — which they're gifting to our community. VALUABLE RESOURCES https://www.noirpropertyclub.com/learn ABOUT THE HOST Nick James Nick dropped out of university at 21 and failed spectacularly with his first coaching business, which forced him to take a £16k/yr telesales job. Within 12 months he was the top performer and left to start his second business at 24. This time he discovered a winning formula and before long had a multi-six-figure company. He then made a huge mistake which nearly put him out of business and cost him £50,000 in personal cash. Fortunately, Nick kept it afloat, turned it around, and sold that business two years later in a seven-figure deal. He then co-founded a multi-million-pound marketing company, which he exited in 2015, and created Expert Empires. Today, Expert Empires is known as the UK's number one business event for Experts, with world-renowned speakers including Gary Vaynerchuk, Grant Cardone, David Goggins, and Lewis Howes gracing the stage. Nick also specialises in helping Coaches, Consultants, Speakers, Trainers, and Authors take their businesses from zero to six figures and beyond through his Expert Empires Mastermind programme.
July 1 · 38 min
Why Understanding Your Team's Personality Style Boosts Productivity By 30% [Asha Berzon]
In this episode, I'm joined by Asha Berzon from MindAbility — an expert in a tool I've personally been using since I was a kid, and one that's been a massive factor in how I've built and managed my team. We're talking about DISC — the behavioural profiling framework that helps you understand your own natural strengths and blind spots, and just as importantly, how to "speak the language" of the people around you, whether that's in sales, leadership, or just day-to-day communication. Asha breaks down the four DISC styles (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, Conscientiousness), why it's not about boxing people in — most of us are a blend of two — and how understanding this can lead to a 30% increase in productivity across your team. We also get into how DISC applies to neurodivergence (specifically ADHD) and menopause — and why the "gap" between someone's natural style and their adapted style can widen during these times, often making behaviour seem unpredictable when really, it's just neurochemistry at play. Whether you're a solopreneur trying to understand your own strengths, or you're leading a growing team, this episode will change how you think about communication — with your customers, your team, and the people closest to you. Asha's also created two free resources for our listeners — a PDF summary of everything covered in this episode, and a quiz for those of you with a team. Links in the show notes. VALUABLE RESOURCES Quiz: https://welcome.mindability-hypnotherapy.co.uk/team-communication-quiz-sign-up PDF: https://welcome.mindability-hypnotherapy.co.uk/free-disc-guide ABOUT THE HOST Nick James Nick dropped out of university at 21 and failed spectacularly with his first coaching business, which forced him to take a £16k/yr telesales job. Within 12 months he was the top performer and left to start his second business at 24. This time he discovered a winning formula and before long had a multi-six-figure company. He then made a huge mistake which nearly put him out of business and cost him £50,000 in personal cash. Fortunately, Nick kept it afloat, turned it around, and sold that business two years later in a seven-figure deal. He then co-founded a multi-million-pound marketing company, which he exited in 2015, and created Expert Empires. Today, Expert Empires is known as the UK's number one business event for Experts, with world-renowned speakers including Gary Vaynerchuk, Grant Cardone, David Goggins, and Lewis Howes gracing the stage. Nick also specialises in helping Coaches, Consultants, Speakers, Trainers, and Authors take their businesses from zero to six figures and beyond through his Expert Empires Mastermind programme.
June 24 · 35 min
How to Get Featured In The Press (And Why It's More Powerful Than Any Ad You'll Ever Run) [Fiona Harrold]
In this episode, I'm joined by someone who's been in my world for a very long time — the one and only Fiona Harrold, widely known as the UK's queen of PR. Fiona's been featured in (and getting her clients featured in) major publications since the late 1980s. She knows exactly what journalists want, how to pitch them, and how to turn a well-placed media feature into a steady stream of high-quality clients. In this conversation we cover why Gary Vee thinks the media pendulum is swinging back to traditional press, why being featured in a newspaper or magazine still builds instant authority and trust like nothing else can, and how that credibility translates directly into clients who arrive on calls already convinced you're the real deal. We also get into the practical stuff — how to write a pitch that actually gets read, how to find and approach journalists (even if you've never done it before), why X/Twitter is where the relationships are built, and how PR feeds your SEO in ways that are becoming even more powerful in the age of AI search. Fiona also gives away her Pitch to Published Feature resource — real-life pitch examples alongside the actual features they generated — so you can see exactly how it's done. VALUABLE RESOURCES Fiona's free giveaway — https://go.fionaharrold.com/pitch-to-publish-feature fiona@fionaharrold.com ABOUT THE HOST Nick James Nick dropped out of university at 21 and failed spectacularly with his first coaching business, which forced him to take a £16k/yr telesales job. Within 12 months he was the top performer and left to start his second business at 24. This time he discovered a winning formula and before long had a multi-six-figure company. He then made a huge mistake which nearly put him out of business and cost him £50,000 in personal cash. Fortunately, Nick kept it afloat, turned it around, and sold that business two years later in a seven-figure deal. He then co-founded a multi-million-pound marketing company, which he exited in 2015, and created Expert Empires. Today, Expert Empires is known as the UK's number one business event for Experts, with world-renowned speakers including Gary Vaynerchuk, Grant Cardone, David Goggins, and Lewis Howes gracing the stage. Nick also specialises in helping Coaches, Consultants, Speakers, Trainers, and Authors take their businesses from zero to six figures and beyond through his Expert Empires Mastermind programme.
June 17 · 35 min
"There's No Business Problems, Only Personal Problems" — Mark Whittle On The Inner Work Behind Every Block
In this episode, I'm joined by Mark Whittle — a coach who's worked with CEOs, celebrities, professional athletes, and entrepreneurs at the very top of their game. Mark was introduced to me recently by a mutual friend, and within minutes of chatting I knew I had to get him on the podcast. What he shared completely shifted how I think about the "inner game" of business. We dig into why most of us are happy to invest in the mechanics of business — lead generation, marketing, operations — but avoid the inner work, even though Mark believes it's responsible for 80% (or more) of success. He breaks down the five core fears that drive almost every block business owners experience (abandonment, rejection, failure, success, and imposter syndrome), and how they show up as procrastination, undercharging, and self-sabotage without us even realising it. We also get into pricing — specifically the "Rule of Five," a technique Mark learned from Jairek Robbins (yes, Tony's son) for raising your prices incrementally without the psychological whiplash of a huge jump. And Mark opens up about his own story — including discovering at age three that he had "two dads," a career as a professional footballer, and the journey that led him from performance coaching into the deeper work he does today. If you've ever felt "stuck" without knowing why, plateaued without understanding the cause, or found yourself undercharging despite knowing your work is good — this episode is for you. VALUABLE RESOURCES Follow Mark on Instagram: @takeflightworld www.takeflightworld.com ABOUT THE HOST Nick James Nick dropped out of university at 21 and failed spectacularly with his first coaching business, which forced him to take a £16k/yr telesales job. Within 12 months he was the top performer and left to start his second business at 24. This time he discovered a winning formula and before long had a multi-six-figure company. He then made a huge mistake which nearly put him out of business and cost him £50,000 in personal cash. Fortunately, Nick kept it afloat, turned it around, and sold that business two years later in a seven-figure deal. He then co-founded a multi-million-pound marketing company, which he exited in 2015, and created Expert Empires. Today, Expert Empires is known as the UK's number one business event for Experts, with world-renowned speakers including Gary Vaynerchuk, Grant Cardone, David Goggins, and Lewis Howes gracing the stage. Nick also specialises in helping Coaches, Consultants, Speakers, Trainers, and Authors take their businesses from zero to six figures and beyond through his Expert Empires Mastermind programme.
June 13 · 45 min
The "Three C's" Of Trust — Why Audiences Choose You Over Five Identical Competitors [Ravi Rajani]
In this episode I'm joined by Ravi Rajani — a speaker who I can honestly say is up there with the best I've ever seen, and I've seen a lot. Ravi was introduced to me by Dani Wallace, and after watching him present to my mastermind, I knew I had to get him on the podcast. What he shared completely changed how I think about crafting and delivering a talk. We get into Ravi's "Three C's of Trust" framework — Connection, Competence, and Character — and why, when five people offer the same thing at the same price with the same results, the one who wins is the one the audience trusts most. Ravi breaks down his "six Lego bricks" structure for building a signature talk that can flex from 10 minutes to 3 hours, how to choose which story to tell from the hundreds you could tell, and why he believes "amateurs wing it, but professionals make you believe they're winging it." We also cover some brilliant practical advice for event organisers and speakers alike — including why shaving 10% off your allotted time will get you invited back again and again (something every event promoter will thank you for). Ravi also shares a free resource — a sample chapter from his book Relationship Currency, which goes deeper into how to craft a "social proof story" that moves people to action. And if you're coming to Expert Empires in November 2026 — Ravi will be speaking live. Trust me, you don't want to miss it. VALUABLE RESOURCES https://www.theravirajani.com/socialproofstories ABOUT THE HOST Nick James Nick dropped out of university at 21 and failed spectacularly with his first coaching business, which forced him to take a £16k/yr telesales job. Within 12 months he was the top performer and left to start his second business at 24. This time he discovered a winning formula and before long had a multi-six-figure company. He then made a huge mistake which nearly put him out of business and cost him £50,000 in personal cash. Fortunately, Nick kept it afloat, turned it around, and sold that business two years later in a seven-figure deal. He then co-founded a multi-million-pound marketing company, which he exited in 2015, and created Expert Empires. Today, Expert Empires is known as the UK's number one business event for Experts, with world-renowned speakers including Gary Vaynerchuk, Grant Cardone, David Goggins, and Lewis Howes gracing the stage. Nick also specialises in helping Coaches, Consultants, Speakers, Trainers, and Authors take their businesses from zero to six figures and beyond through his Expert Empires Mastermind programme.
March 28 · 27 min
How To Get Consistent National Press Coverage Every Month (With Carol Driver)
In this revealing conversation with Carol Driver, Nick James explores how business owners can get consistent coverage in the national press every single month - and why it's more important now than ever before. Carol, a journalist with nearly 30 years of experience in national media who's now a PR expert, shares the insider secrets that most business owners get completely wrong. From the mistakes that get you blacklisted by editors to the exact headline formulas that grab journalists' attention, Carol breaks down what it really takes to get featured. With the rise of AI and ChatGPT becoming the new Google, national press coverage isn't just about credibility anymore - it's about being found. When someone searches for "the best nutritionist" or "top business coach," AI will trawl the most trusted sources (national press) to give its answer. If you're not showing up there, you're invisible. From crafting headlines that pack a punch to understanding what makes a "good story" in a journalist's eyes, Carol shares the exact framework she uses to get her clients featured month after month. She also reveals why using AI to write your pitch is the fastest way to get blacklisted, the power of "trust stamps" for your brand, and why some PR can actually backfire and damage your reputation. Whether you're new to PR or you've been pitching unsuccessfully for months, this episode will change how you approach getting media coverage. VALUABLE RESOURCES https://caroldriver.com (Freebies section - 50 Headline Ideas Editors Will Love) https://www.expertempires.com/ ABOUT THE HOST Nick James Nick dropped out of university at 21 and failed spectacularly with his first coaching business, which forced him to take a £16k/yr telesales job. Within 12 months, he was the top performer and left to start his second business at 24. This time, he discovered a winning formula and, before long, had a multi-six-figure company. He then made a huge mistake that nearly put him out of business and cost him £50,000 in cash! Fortunately, Nick kept it afloat, turned it around, and sold that business 2 years later in a seven-figure deal. He then co-founded a multi-million-pound marketing company, which he exited in 2015, and created Expert Empires. Today, Expert Empires is known as the UK's number one business event for Experts, with world-renowned speakers such as Gary Vaynerchuk, Grant Cardone, Chalene Johnson, David Goggins, and Lewis Howes gracing the stage. Nick also specialises in helping Coaches, Consultants, Speakers, Trainers, and Authors take their businesses from zero to six figures and beyond through his Expert Empires Mastermind programme.
March 14 · 29 min
The One Thing Impacting Millions of UK Business Owners Right Now — With Claire Bartlett
The one thing impacting millions of UK business owners right now — and most of us don't even know it's happening. In this episode, Nick sits down with Claire Bartlett — The Simplified CEO — for a conversation that surprised even him. Claire specialises in supporting perimenopausal entrepreneurs to simplify their businesses and create a more sustainable, spacious way of working. And the numbers behind this issue are staggering: 13 million women in the UK are currently perimenopausal or menopausal, over 1 million of them are self-employed, and 67% report it's negatively affecting their business. This isn't just a conversation for women. If you employ people, work with clients, or have a business partner, someone in your world is affected right now. In this episode, you'll discover: Why perimenopause can last 7–10 years and what that means for your business The #1 symptom most people don't know about (it's not what you think) How losing over an hour's sleep per night affects decision-making and productivity Simple but powerful ways to restructure your business to work with you through this phase What business owners and employers can do right now to better support their teams and clients Claire also shares details about her free virtual training — The Perimenopausal Business Revolution — where she equips entrepreneurs with the tools and education to navigate this head-on. Register for Claire's free training: claire-bartlett.co.uk/webinar-registration Follow Claire on Instagram: @theclairebartlett
March 9 · 33 min
Why AI and Automation Are Non-Negotiable For Expert Businesses — With Seb Brantigan
In this episode, Nick James sits down with Seb Brantigan — Co-Founder of DBSS Digital and marketing automation expert managing over 12 million emails a year for his clients — to have the honest conversation about AI that most 'gurus' are too afraid to have. Seb reveals why AI calling is still falling short (and the WhatsApp automation strategy that's working right now instead), how his team built a complete event funnel in days instead of weeks and generated five figures in sales, and the one question every expert business owner needs to ask before touching any AI tool. From using AI to turn free event registrants into paying buyers before they even walk through the door, to the "bleeding neck" method for knowing exactly where to start — Seb shares the practical, no-nonsense truth about what AI can and can't do for your business right now. If you're a coach, consultant, or expert who knows AI is important but has no idea where to begin — or you've tried it and not seen results — this conversation will completely change how you look at it. VALUABLE RESOURCES 🔗 Connect with Seb on LinkedIn 🤖 Grab Seb's Free AI Marketing Templates & Campaigns
February 28 · 30 min
How Laura Burton Made £149K in Year One Using LinkedIn (Without Posting Daily)
In this episode, Nick James sits down with Laura Burton - aka "The Brutal Blonde" - to uncover exactly how she generated £149,000 in her first year on LinkedIn with less than 4,000 followers and without posting daily. Laura reveals why chasing likes and comments is actually preventing you from making sales, the exact posting formula that consistently fills her pipeline (3 content posts + 1 sales post per week), and why being in the DMs is more powerful than commenting for growth. From "poking the algorithm" with controversial polls to the simple shift that took her impressions from 2,000 to 60,000 in one weekend, Laura shares the brutal truth about what actually works on LinkedIn right now - and what you need to stop doing immediately. If you're a coach, consultant, or expert who's posting on LinkedIn but not seeing leads or sales, this conversation will completely change your approach to the platform. VALUABLE RESOURCES Connect with Laura on LinkedIn HOW TO SIGN HIGH TICKET CLIENTS ON LINKEDIN [Free Training From Laura]
January 23 · 11 min
[Eddie Abbew] Why Half His 7.5M Followers HATE Him... And How That Made Him Famous
In this raw and revealing conversation with Eddie Abbew, Nick James uncovers the controversial strategies behind building 7.5 million followers across social media. Eddie shares his unconventional approach to personal branding - deliberately polarising his audience, creating debate, and why trying to get everyone to like you is killing your growth. From eating raw meat on camera to screaming in supermarkets about ultra-processed foods, Eddie reveals how authenticity, controversy, and education combine to create viral content that gets massive engagement - even from people who fundamentally disagree with him. His daughter Selena convinced him to take his message online, and the results speak for themselves: millions of followers, life-changing transformations for his audience, and a platform that's disrupting the entire nutrition industry. Whether you're building a personal brand, trying to cut through the noise, or looking to scale your expert business through social media, Eddie's direct approach to content creation, handling criticism, and staying authentic whilst being polarising will transform how you think about building an audience. This is essential listening for anyone who wants to stand out in 2026. VALUABLE RESOURCES https://www.expertempires2026.com/jan-2026-ee https://bit.ly/7figcoachgroup https://www.expertempires.com/podcast/ ABOUT THE HOST Nick James Nick dropped out of university at the age of 21 and failed spectacularly with his first coaching business, which forced him to take a £16k/yr telesales job. Within 12 months he was the top performer and left to start his second business at 24. This time he discovered a winning formula and before long had a multi-six-figure company. He then made a huge mistake which nearly put him out of business and cost him £50,000 in personal cash! Fortunately, Nick kept it afloat, turned it around, and sold that business 2 years later in a seven-figure deal. He then co-founded a multi-million-pound marketing company, which he exited in 2015, and created Expert Empires. Today, Expert Empires is known as the UK's number one business event for Experts, with world-renowned celebrity speakers like Gary Vaynerchuk, Grant Cardone, Chalene Johnson, David Goggins, and Lewis Howes gracing the stage. Nick also specialises in helping Coaches, Consultants, Speakers, Trainers, and Authors take their businesses from zero to six figures and beyond through his Expert Empires Mastermind programme.
January 13 · 36 min
AI Or Die: Why Your Business Can't Afford To Wait (With Matt Harmsworth)
In this conversation with Matt Harmsworth, Nick James explores the AI revolution that's already transforming businesses - and why most business owners are getting it completely wrong. Matt, a former Hollywood film drone pilot turned AI consultant, recently blew away Nick's Top Level Mastermind with his presentation. In this episode, he reveals the uncomfortable truth: most business owners are throwing money at fancy AI tools but getting zero results because they're focusing on tactics instead of strategy. From ChatGPT becoming the new Google to creating AI avatars and automating low-level tasks, Matt breaks down exactly how to approach AI strategically. Nick shares the three specific ways he's using AI in Expert Empires right now - including creating copy, building video avatars, and automating calls - and Matt explains why you need to stop dipping your toes in and take this seriously before your competition leaves you behind. Whether you're just starting to explore AI or you're already using it in some areas, this episode will help you identify where the real opportunities are in your business. Matt's mantra says it all: "Don't dip your toes in this. Take it seriously." VALUABLE RESOURCES Take Matt's Free AI Assessment (30 questions): https://ai-or-die.co.uk https://ai-or-die.scoreapp.com/ Expert Empires Event (Matt will be speaking): https://www.expertempires2026.com/jan-2026-ee ABOUT THE HOST Nick James Nick dropped out of university at the age of 21 and failed spectacularly with his first coaching business, which forced him to take a £16k/yr telesales job. Within 12 months he was the top performer and left to start his second business at 24. This time he discovered a winning formula and before long had a multi-six-figure company. He then made a huge mistake which nearly put him out of business and cost him £50,000 in personal cash! Fortunately, Nick kept it afloat, turned it around, and sold that business 2 years later in a seven-figure deal. He then co-founded a multi-million-pound marketing company, which he exited in 2015, and created Expert Empires. Today, Expert Empires is known as the UK's number one business event for Experts, with world-renowned celebrity speakers like Gary Vaynerchuk, Grant Cardone, Chalene Johnson, David Goggins, and Lewis Howes gracing the stage. Nick also specialises in helping Coaches, Consultants, Speakers, Trainers, and Authors take their businesses from zero to six figures and beyond through his Expert Empires Mastermind programme.
January 11 · 32 min
(Matt Hall) Why AI Means Personal Brand Is No Longer Optional
Online business strategist Matt Hall reveals why AI has made personal brand absolutely essential, the truth about why most memberships fail, and how to build recurring revenue that doesn't feel like a hamster wheel. Plus: The "Spotlight Strategy" for getting visible in the right places and why health is your ultimate business leverage. VALUABLE RESOURCES ⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.expertempires2026.com/jan-2026-ee https://www.instagram.com/matthallofficial/ ABOUT THE HOST Nick James Nick dropped out of university at the age of 21 and failed spectacularly with his first coaching business, which forced him to take a £16k/yr telesales job. Within 12 months he was the top performer and left to start his second business at 24. This time he discovered a winning formula and before long had a multi-six-figure company. He then made a huge mistake which nearly put him out of business and cost him £50,000 in personal cash! Fortunately, Nick kept it afloat, turned it around, and sold that business 2 years later in a seven-figure deal. He then co-founded a multi-million-pound marketing company, which he exited in 2015, and created Expert Empires. Today, Expert Empires is known as the UK's number one business event for Experts, with world-renowned celebrity speakers like Gary Vaynerchuk, Grant Cardone, Chalene Johnson, David Goggins, and Lewis Howes gracing the stage. Nick also specialises in helping Coaches, Consultants, Speakers, Trainers, and Authors take their businesses from zero to six figures and beyond through his Expert Empires Mastermind programme.
Oct 6, 2025 · 27 min
The Hidden Beliefs Sabotaging Your Success (And How To Change Them In Minutes)... [Dennis Richards]
In this episode of Empire Builders, I sit down with Dennis Richards - a psychotherapist, coach, and retreat leader who specialises in helping business owners identify and transform the limiting beliefs that are holding them back. Dennis has run over 30 retreats in the last 10 years and works with experts, coaches, and entrepreneurs to uncover the deep-rooted wounds that prevent them from charging what they're worth, stepping up to bigger opportunities, and creating the life they truly want. This conversation gets personal... We dive into beliefs around money, worthiness, and the three core wounds that affect almost every business owner: "I'm not good enough", "I'm not perfect", and "I'm not worthy". In this episode, you'll discover: The simple exercise to reveal your hidden money beliefs (think about doubling your prices and notice what comes up) How to use your body as a tool to identify where limiting beliefs are stored The quantum regression technique Dennis uses to help people overcome phobias in 30 minutes Why beliefs in your personal life directly impact your business success (and vice versa) The balance between intention and attention - why therapy alone isn't enough How to run successful retreats (from someone who's done 30+) Where to download Dennis's free Belief Blueprint workbook with 10 steps to transform your beliefs Whether you're struggling with pricing, stepping up in your business, or just feel like something's holding you back, this episode will give you practical tools to identify and change those beliefs. Perfect for coaches, consultants, therapists, and expert business owners who know there's another level available to them. VALUABLE RESOURCES ⁠⁠ https://awakenyourinnerpower.com/belief-blueprint-nj https://www.youtube.com/@LightenUpCoaching https://awakenyourinnerpower.com/retreat ⁠https://www.expertempires.com⁠ ⁠https://bit.ly/7figcoachgroup⁠ ABOUT THE HOST Nick James Nick dropped out of university at the age of 21 and failed spectacularly with his first coaching business, which forced him to take a £16k/yr telesales job. Within 12 months he was the top performer and left to start his second business at 24. This time he discovered a winning formula and before long had a multi-six-figure company. He then made a huge mistake which nearly put him out of business and cost him £50,000 in personal cash! Fortunately, Nick kept it afloat, turned it around, and sold that business 2 years later in a seven-figure deal. He then co-founded a multi-million-pound marketing company, which he exited in 2015, and created Expert Empires. Today, Expert Empires is known as the UK's number one business event for Experts, with world-renowned celebrity speakers like Gary Vaynerchuk, Grant Cardone, Chalene Johnson, David Goggins, and Lewis Howes gracing the stage. Nick also specialises in helping Coaches, Consultants, Speakers, Trainers, and Authors take their businesses from zero to six figures and beyond through his Expert Empires Mastermind programme.
#176
May 7, 2025 · 15 min
The $1 BILLION Vision Note: How Vishen Lakhiani Created Mindvalley from His Couch
In this inspiring episode of Expert Empires, Nick James sits down with Vishen Lakhiani, founder of Mindvalley and headline speaker for Expert Empires 2025. Vishen shares the surprising story of how Mindvalley began as a side project selling meditation CDs and grew into a global personal development platform. Learn how a Jim Carrey-inspired vision exercise in 1995 set Vishen on a path to deliver "a billion dollars worth of value to the world," why his first three business ideas failed, and his counterintuitive approach to entrepreneurship: prioritising personal growth over profits. Vishen reveals the secret behind Mindvalley's successful membership model and offers powerful insights for experts and entrepreneurs on building a business that becomes a vehicle for massive personal development and global impact. Grab Your Ticket To Expert Empires To Learn From Vishen In Person -> https://www.expertempires.com/ee2025 VALUABLE RESOURCES https://www.expertempires.com/ee2025 https://www.expertempires.com https://bit.ly/7figcoachgroup https://www.expertempires.com/podcast/ ABOUT THE HOST Nick James Nick dropped out of university at the age of 21 and failed spectacularly with his first coaching business, which forced him to take a £16k/yr telesales job. Within 12 months he was the top performer and left to start his second business at 24. This time he discovered a winning formula and before long had a multi-six-figure company. He then made a huge mistake which nearly put him out of business and cost him £50,000 in personal cash! Fortunately, Nick kept it afloat, turned it around, and sold that business 2 years later in a seven-figure deal. He then co-founded a multi-million-pound marketing company, which he exited in 2015, and created Expert Empires. Today, Expert Empires is known as the UK's number one business event for Experts, with world-renowned celebrity speakers like Gary Vaynerchuk, Grant Cardone, Chalene Johnson, David Goggins, and Lewis Howes gracing the stage. Nick also specialises in helping Coaches, Consultants, Speakers, Trainers, and Authors take their businesses from zero to six figures and beyond through his Expert Empires Mastermind programme.
#175
May 3, 2025 · 31 min
The WhatsApp Breakthrough: Turn Cold Leads Into 10K Sales [With Paul Green]
In this episode of Empire Builders, Nick James sits down with WhatsApp marketing specialist Paul Green to reveal the strategies that are transforming how experts connect with prospects. Discover why WhatsApp has become the essential communication tool for coaches, consultants and course creators who want faster response rates and higher conversions. Paul shares his remarkable journey from commercial airline pilot to marketing innovator, and reveals his simple yet powerful techniques for re-engaging cold leads – including the "90-second selfie method" that's generating £10K sales from a single message. You'll learn why traditional email follow-up is failing and how to leverage the personal nature of WhatsApp to build deeper connections with prospects. Don't miss the live demonstration where Nick implements one of Paul's strategies in real-time, plus access to Paul's complete WhatsApp Playbook featuring 12 proven campaigns that have generated over seven figures for his clients. Whether you're struggling with ghosted leads, slow sales cycles, or simply want to maximise your conversion rates, this episode delivers immediately actionable tactics to revolutionise your follow-up process. VALUABLE RESOURCES www.clientfunnels.co.uk/ee https://www.expertempires.com https://bit.ly/7figcoachgroup https://www.expertempires.com/podcast/ https://www.expertempires.com/ee2025 ABOUT THE HOST Nick James Nick dropped out of university at the age of 21 and failed spectacularly with his first coaching business, which forced him to take a £16k/yr telesales job. Within 12 months he was the top performer and left to start his second business at 24. This time he discovered a winning formula and before long had a multi-six-figure company. He then made a huge mistake which nearly put him out of business and cost him £50,000 in personal cash! Fortunately, Nick kept it afloat, turned it around, and sold that business 2 years later in a seven-figure deal. He then co-founded a multi-million-pound marketing company, which he exited in 2015, and created Expert Empires. Today, Expert Empires is known as the UK's number one business event for Experts, with world-renowned celebrity speakers like Gary Vaynerchuk, Grant Cardone, Chalene Johnson, David Goggins, and Lewis Howes gracing the stage. Nick also specialises in helping Coaches, Consultants, Speakers, Trainers, and Authors take their businesses from zero to six figures and beyond through his Expert Empires Mastermind programme.
#174
Apr 30, 2025 · 1 hr 31 min
Nick James Journey: Building a Resilient Business Empire Through Uncertainty
In this special episode of Empire Builders, the tables are turned as Nick James shares his in-depth interview with Peter Daly-Dickson from the "Not A Straight Line" podcast. Listen in as Peter skillfully guides Nick through the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey, drawing out candid stories and valuable insights rarely shared elsewhere. From Nick's early influences at Tony Robbins events as a 12-year-old to rebuilding from zero after losing everything in 2015, this conversation reveals the unpredictable path to success. Nick opens up about his relationship with his business partner Matt, his "Three F's" philosophy (Family, Fitness, Finance), and the critical lesson of separating your identity from your business. This exclusive interview dives deep into turning setbacks into opportunities, creating multiple income streams for financial resilience, and knowing when your leadership approach needs to evolve for continued growth. Whether you're starting your first venture, rebuilding after a setback, or scaling your existing business, Nick's honest reflections offer a roadmap for navigating entrepreneurship's inevitable "zags" while maintaining both business success and personal fulfilment. Don't miss this revealing conversation between two experienced entrepreneurs that will transform how you view challenges and opportunities on your own business journey. VALUABLE RESOURCES https://www.expertempires.com https://bit.ly/7figcoachgroup https://www.expertempires.com/podcast/ https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/not-a-straight-line/id1749064980 ABOUT THE HOST Nick James Nick dropped out of university at the age of 21 and failed spectacularly with his first coaching business, which forced him to take a £16k/yr telesales job. Within 12 months he was the top performer and left to start his second business at 24. This time he discovered a winning formula and before long had a multi-six-figure company. He then made a huge mistake which nearly put him out of business and cost him £50,000 in personal cash! Fortunately, Nick kept it afloat, turned it around, and sold that business 2 years later in a seven-figure deal. He then co-founded a multi-million-pound marketing company, which he exited in 2015, and created Expert Empires. Today, Expert Empires is known as the UK's number one business event for Experts, with world-renowned celebrity speakers like Gary Vaynerchuk, Grant Cardone, Chalene Johnson, David Goggins, and Lewis Howes gracing the stage. Nick also specialises in helping Coaches, Consultants, Speakers, Trainers, and Authors take their businesses from zero to six figures and beyond through his Expert Empires Mastermind programme.
#173
Mar 31, 2025 · 54 min
Stop Stopping: Paul Mort on Building a 7-Figure Coaching Empire
In this no-holds-barred conversation with Paul Mort, Nick James dives deep into how Paul built his 7-figure coaching business serving 350+ clients while maintaining his sanity. Paul reveals his unconventional approach to scaling through group coaching, how he's developed systems to track client engagement using AI, and why sobriety has been his secret weapon for peak performance. From publishing bestselling books to building a personal brand that connects with married businessmen "who need to get their shit together," Paul shares the uncomfortable truth about what it really takes to succeed: relentless consistency, omnipresence in your marketing, and never-ending content creation. Whether you're just starting your expert business or looking to scale beyond the time-for-money trap, Paul's direct, honest insights on client retention, delivery systems, and goal-setting will challenge you to level up. VALUABLE RESOURCES https://www.expertempires.com https://bit.ly/7figcoachgroup https://www.expertempires.com/podcast/ ABOUT THE HOST Nick James Nick dropped out of university at the age of 21 and failed spectacularly with his first coaching business, which forced him to take a £16k/yr telesales job. Within 12 months he was the top performer and left to start his second business at 24. This time he discovered a winning formula and before long had a multi-six-figure company. He then made a huge mistake which nearly put him out of business and cost him £50,000 in personal cash! Fortunately, Nick kept it afloat, turned it around, and sold that business 2 years later in a seven-figure deal. He then co-founded a multi-million-pound marketing company, which he exited in 2015, and created Expert Empires. Today, Expert Empires is known as the UK's number one business event for Experts, with world-renowned celebrity speakers like Gary Vaynerchuk, Grant Cardone, Chalene Johnson, David Goggins, and Lewis Howes gracing the stage. Nick also specialises in helping Coaches, Consultants, Speakers, Trainers, and Authors take their businesses from zero to six figures and beyond through his Expert Empires Mastermind programme.
#172
Jan 28, 2025 · 1 hr 7 min
From Broadcasting to Happy Place: Fearne Cotton on Building an Authentic Wellness Empire
In this candid conversation at Expert Empires, broadcasting legend Fearne Cotton reveals how personal struggles led her to build the Happy Place empire, which now attracts 7,000+ people to its festivals. She shares intimate insights about transitioning from traditional media to entrepreneurship, building a successful business partnership with her management company, and creating authentic content in the wellness space. Fearne opens up about managing mental health while scaling a business, the power of honest storytelling, and why being real rather than perfect has been key to her success. Whether you're building a personal brand, scaling events, or navigating the creator economy, this episode offers valuable lessons on turning personal challenges into business opportunities while maintaining authenticity. VALUABLE RESOURCES https://www.expertempires.com https://bit.ly/7figcoachgroup https://www.expertempires.com/podcast/ ABOUT THE HOST Nick James Nick dropped out of university at the age of 21 and failed spectacularly with his first coaching business, which forced him to take a £16k/yr telesales job. Within 12 months he was the top performer and left to start his second business at 24. This time he discovered a winning formula and before long had a multi-six-figure company. He then made a huge mistake which nearly put him out of business and cost him £50,000 in personal cash! Fortunately, Nick kept it afloat, turned it around, and sold that business 2 years later in a seven-figure deal. He then co-founded a multi-million-pound marketing company, which he exited in 2015, and created Expert Empires. Today, Expert Empires is known as the UK's number one business event for Experts, with world-renowned celebrity speakers like Gary Vaynerchuk, Grant Cardone, Chalene Johnson, David Goggins, and Lewis Howes gracing the stage. Nick also specialises in helping Coaches, Consultants, Speakers, Trainers, and Authors take their businesses from zero to six figures and beyond through his Expert Empires Mastermind programme.

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