Startup Savvy: Young Entrepreneur Dr Reza Zahedi Of Leadtainment Shares His Secrets For Rapid Growth and Success
An Interview With Eden Gold
Embrace the uncomfortable and lean into challenges
One of my earliest lessons came when I was just 13, delivering newspapers before school. It wasn’t easy waking up early every day or dealing with tough weather, but I learned discipline and the value of hard work. Later, when I opened my first nightclub at 20 and faced crushing debt for two years, I remembered those early mornings and pushed through. Growth only happens when you step into the uncomfortable, face challenges head-on, and keep moving forward even when it’s tough.
The entrepreneurial landscape is more vibrant and challenging than ever, with young entrepreneurs at the forefront, driving innovation and redefining the boundaries of success in the business world. These dynamic individuals are not only creating new products and services but also building sustainable business models that thrive in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven environment. Their journeys are filled with lessons of resilience, strategic innovation, and the relentless pursuit of growth. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Reza Zahedi.
Born in Iran, Reza Zahedi’s life took a dramatic turn at age 2 when he and his mother fled to Haarlem, Netherlands. With no money or connections, Reza quickly learned the value of hard work. At 13, he started delivering newspapers before school, a job that instilled in him the discipline and commitment that would define his future success.
At 20, Reza opened his first nightclub, which expanded into a chain of three. While managing these ventures, he earned a degree in civil engineering-skills that later laid the foundation for his success in real estate and construction. Balancing multiple businesses and studies strengthened his leadership, adaptability, and work ethic.
In 2016, at age 24, Reza founded his real estate company, focusing on commercial properties. With a PhD in Civil Engineering (PhD in 2024) and a client-centric vision, his company grew rapidly, expanding into China and the U.S. His success proved that calculated risks and thinking outside the box are key to breaking boundaries and creating opportunities.
In 2024, Reza launched Leadtainment, a global platform designed to connect and inspire entrepreneurs. Through podcasts, mentorship, and events, Leadtainment provides a space for like-minded innovators to share ideas and challenge each other to reach new heights. Reza’s goal is simple: to inspire entrepreneurs to think bigger, aim higher, and build businesses that drive change.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about entrepreneurship, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
Thank you for having me, I’m excited to be here.
My journey started far from where I am today. I was born in Iran, and when I was just two years old, my mother and I fled to the Netherlands. We arrived in Haarlem with nothing, no money, no connections, no backup plan. I learned early that if I wanted anything in life, I had to create it myself. By 13, I was delivering newspapers before school. That job taught me discipline — how to show up even when you’re tired, and how to value the little things most people overlook.
At 20, I took my first real risk, I opened a nightclub. Most people thought I was crazy, but I saw an opportunity and went for it. That one club turned into three, and while I was running them, I also went to university to study civil engineering. I was learning the street hustle at night, and the science behind buildings during the day. That mix gave me the foundation to step into the world of real estate later on.
In 2016, I started my real estate company, and what began as a local idea quickly expanded across Europe, then into the U.S. and China. I earned my PhD in Civil Engineering along the way, but my real education came from taking risks, learning from failures, and betting on myself.
Today, I run multiple ventures, including Leadtainment, a platform built to inspire and connect entrepreneurs around the world. I wrote The Self-Made Maverick because I believe the world needs more people who think differently, take bold action, and refuse to play small.
Reminder: The most powerful people in the world weren’t handed anything. They built it from the ground up. That’s been my story, and now I’m focused on helping others write theirs.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
There have been a lot of moments, but one that really stands out happened a few years into my real estate journey. I flew to China for a meeting with a group of serious investors. I was the youngest in the room, and I didn’t know a single person there. No team, no translator, just me.
I remember walking into that boardroom thinking, this is it, this is one of those defining moments. I wasn’t there to impress anyone with fluff. I came with real numbers, a solid vision, and the confidence that I could bring serious value to the table. I didn’t adjust who I was to fit the room. I led with clarity, spoke with certainty, and stayed fully myself.
By the end of that meeting, we had a multi-million-dollar deal on the table. That experience showed me something important. People don’t always invest in the idea; they invest in the person. When your belief in what you’re building is real, people feel it.
That day reminded me that it doesn’t matter where you come from or how big your company is at the time. If you show up with the right energy, the right mindset, and the courage to take the shot, things shift. That was the moment I knew I was playing on a global level.
You are a successful individual. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
I’d say the three traits that shaped everything for me are these: I became friends with failure, I never gave up, and when the path wasn’t clear, I made it up.
First, failure. Most people run from it, but I learned early on to admire it. Failure teaches you things success never could. I remember one of my first big real estate deals where I lost a significant amount of money because I trusted the wrong person. That one hit hard. I could’ve walked away, played it safe after that. But instead, I studied what went wrong and owned it fully. That loss became one of my biggest lessons. Now when I fail, I don’t panic. I observe, learn, and adjust. I actually welcome it, because every failure sharpens your edge.
Second, not giving up. When I launched my first nightclub at 20, I thought it would take off right away. But it didn’t. For two years straight, we were in debt, getting crushed by competitors who had more experience, better locations, and stronger marketing. It was a heavy time. Most people told me to shut it down and cut my losses, but I refused. I stayed around. I studied what the other clubs were doing wrong, what people were complaining about, and I built a team that understood the culture and vibe my audience was looking for. We focused on details our competitors ignored. Slowly, things started to change. That same club turned into a chain. It taught me that sticking around when things are hard is where the real growth happens.
Third, making it up. A lot of people wait for the perfect strategy, the perfect plan. I never had that luxury. There were so many times I had to figure things out on the fly. Whether it was launching that nightclub without experience or walking into investor meetings in new markets, I had to trust my instincts. That ability to think fast, adjust, and move gave me an edge. I didn’t always know how, but I knew I would.
Those three traits still guide me today. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need the courage to take the first step, the strength to keep going, and the mindset to turn every loss into a lesson.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview about young entrepreneurs secrets to rapid growth and success. To start, how would you define success?
Success to me is more than just making money or hitting big milestones, it’s about growth, growing as a person, growing your impact, and building a legacy that lasts. It means waking up every day with purpose, knowing what you do matters not just for yourself but for the people you serve and inspire.
I see success as having freedom — freedom of time, freedom of choice, and freedom to build life on your own terms. When you can take your vision and turn it into something real that helps others, that’s real success.
It’s also about how you handle setbacks. Success is how you respond when things don’t go your way, it’s the mindset to learn fast, adapt, and keep pushing forward. For young entrepreneurs especially, success means embracing the full journey with all its ups and downs and never forgetting why you started.
At the end of the day, success is personal, it’s about knowing what matters most to you and chasing it with everything you’ve got.
What unconventional strategy did you employ that significantly contributed to your startup’s growth, and why do you think it was so effective?
One unconventional strategy I used early on was turning my competitors’ weaknesses into my strengths. When I started my nightclub business, I was competing against well-established clubs with more resources and better locations. Instead of trying to match them dollar for dollar, I focused on what they were missing, things like creating a real community vibe, paying close attention to customer feedback, and building a team that truly cared about the experience we offered.
This approach didn’t just help me survive, it helped me grow because people started talking about how different and authentic our club felt compared to others. It was effective because while most competitors were focused on flashy marketing or trying to outspend each other, I focused on real connection and solving problems the others ignored.
That same principle has carried through all my businesses, looking where others aren’t paying attention and investing there. It’s a simple but powerful way to stand out and grow quickly, especially when you’re just starting out and can’t outspend everyone else.
Can you share a critical pivot point in your startup’s journey and how you navigated the decision-making process?
One of the biggest pivot points in my journey happened when I was expanding my real estate business internationally. At first, I thought I could replicate the exact same model I used in Europe and just apply it to the U.S. and China. But very quickly, I realized that what worked at home didn’t translate overseas. The markets, the culture, the regulations, everything was different.
I faced a choice: stick to what I knew or adapt fast and learn a new way. I chose to pivot. I slowed down expansion, invested heavily in local partnerships, and focused on understanding the unique needs of each market instead of forcing my original approach. That meant a lot of late nights, tough conversations, and rethinking my entire strategy.
It was a risk, but it paid off. By being flexible and listening, I built a foundation that allowed the business to grow sustainably in new markets. This pivot taught me that success isn’t about stubbornly sticking to a plan, it’s about being willing to evolve when the situation demands it.
How do you balance the need for rapid growth with maintaining a sustainable and healthy company culture?
Balancing rapid growth with a healthy company culture is one of the toughest challenges every entrepreneur faces. For me, it comes down to being intentional about the kind of culture I want to create from day one, no matter how fast we’re scaling.
When my businesses started growing quickly, I saw how easy it is to lose sight of the people behind the work. So I made it a priority to build teams that share my core values, hard work, honesty, and a hunger to keep learning. I encourage open communication and make sure everyone feels heard and valued, even when things get intense.
Another key is hiring slowly but firing fast. Growth means bringing in the right people who fit not just the skills needed but also the culture. When someone isn’t aligned, it can drain energy and slow down progress.
Lastly, I try to lead by example. If I’m working long hours, pushing hard, but also taking care of myself and showing respect for others, that sets the tone. Growth without culture is like building a house on sand, it won’t last.
For me, rapid growth and a strong culture don’t have to be at odds. When you get the culture right, growth becomes not just faster but also sustainable and fulfilling.
In what ways has your personal definition of success evolved since the inception of your startup?
When I first started out, like many entrepreneurs, I thought success was mainly about hitting financial goals and reaching milestones that showed I was winning. For a while, my focus was on proving myself, making money, and building a strong business that others would respect. That was important, but it was also just the beginning of the journey.
Over time, my definition of success evolved in a big way. Now, success is less about money and more about legacy, building something that lasts far beyond me, something that carries my name, my values, and my vision into the future. I want to create businesses and brands that don’t just make an impact locally or in the short term, but that inspire people on an international scale and stand the test of time.
International recognition is a big part of this. It’s not about fame or ego, but about showing that what I’m building can cross borders, cultures, and industries. It means setting new standards and opening doors for others to follow. To me, that’s the real meaning of success, creating a ripple effect that influences and empowers others long after the initial work is done.
One of the most important parts of this legacy is the impact I hope to have on the younger generation. I want them to see that you don’t have to come from a rich background or have special connections to build something meaningful from zero. My own journey from being an immigrant kid with nothing to becoming an entrepreneur, shows that with the right mindset, discipline, and courage, anyone can build their own path and break through barriers.
Money and profits are part of the equation, sure. They help fuel growth and open opportunities. But the ultimate goal is impact, the kind of impact that changes industries, inspires innovation, and shapes the future in a way that’s meaningful and lasting.
This shift in mindset has made everything I do more intentional. It’s given me a deeper sense of purpose and keeps me motivated through challenges because I’m not just building for today, I’m building for tomorrow, and for the generations that come after me.
That’s the kind of success that truly drives me.
Based on your experience and research, can you please share “5 Things You Need to Succeed as a Young Person in Business?”
- Embrace the uncomfortable and lean into challenges
One of my earliest lessons came when I was just 13, delivering newspapers before school. It wasn’t easy waking up early every day or dealing with tough weather, but I learned discipline and the value of hard work. Later, when I opened my first nightclub at 20 and faced crushing debt for two years, I remembered those early mornings and pushed through. Growth only happens when you step into the uncomfortable, face challenges head-on, and keep moving forward even when it’s tough. - Always keep learning and have a backup plan
While I was running my nightclubs and starting other ventures, I never stopped studying. I earned my degree in civil engineering while managing my businesses. That gave me not just knowledge but a safety net and new perspectives to apply. Having a solid backup plan gave me confidence to take risks, knowing I was building skills that could open doors even if things didn’t go as planned. Learning continuously is key to staying ahead and adapting to whatever comes your way. - Take ownership and solve problems fast
When I started in real estate, I remember one project where unexpected delays almost blew the whole deal. Instead of waiting for someone else to fix it, I took full ownership and got directly involved with the contractors, clients, and legal team. I worked around the clock to solve the problems and kept everyone informed along the way. That hands-on approach earned trust, saved the deal, and taught me that leaders don’t wait for solutions, they create them. - Build a strong network but be selective
Surround yourself with people who challenge you and support your vision. Early on, I learned that not all connections are equal. I focused on building relationships with mentors, partners, and team members who shared my values and pushed me to grow. The right network opens doors you didn’t know existed. - Have a clear vision but focus on daily discipline
Big visions are important, but they don’t mean much without daily action. I always set long-term goals, but what made the difference was showing up every day and doing the work, even when it felt small or repetitive. Discipline turns dreams into reality. The hustle behind the scenes is what fuels growth.
What is one piece of advice you would give to an aspiring entrepreneur that you wish someone had given you at the start of your journey?
If I could go back and give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be this: focus on building your mindset first, not just your business.
When I started, I was all about the hustle, the deals, the quick wins. I thought success was about moving fast and making money as soon as possible. But what I didn’t realize was that without the right mindset, all the hustle in the world won’t get you through the toughest moments.
Building a strong mindset means embracing failure as a teacher, staying patient when results don’t come quickly, and developing resilience to keep pushing no matter what. It means understanding that the biggest battles are often internal doubts, fears, and the temptation to quit.
If someone had told me that early on, it would have saved me years of frustration and second-guessing. Your mindset shapes every decision you make, how you handle setbacks, and ultimately, how far you go.
So, my advice to every aspiring entrepreneur is to invest just as much time in developing your mindset as you do in building your business. Master your mind and everything else will follow.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
If I had the chance to start a movement, it would be about igniting a fire inside people to believe they can build something amazing from absolutely nothing.
I grew up as an immigrant kid in the Netherlands with almost nothing. I know exactly what it feels like when the world seems stacked against you, when doors close before you even knock. My movement would be about tearing down those walls of doubt, shifting mindsets, and handing people the tools and confidence to carve out their own path no matter where they begin.
This movement isn’t just about business or making money. It’s about inspiring a whole generation to take control of their future, to dream bigger than they ever thought possible, and to realize that your background, your story, your circumstances don’t define what you can achieve.
When millions start believing in their own power, that belief will create a ripple effect of innovation, opportunity, and positive change that spreads through communities and nations.
Because sometimes, the smallest shift in how you see yourself can create the biggest waves of transformation in the world. That’s the movement I want to spark, one that turns hope into action and dreams into reality.
How can our readers further follow you online?
The best way to follow my journey and stay inspired is to visit my website at drrezazahedi.com where you’ll find updates on my latest projects, insights from my book The Self-Made Maverick, and helpful resources for entrepreneurs.
You can also find me across social media, I’m active on Instagram, LinkedIn, X, TikTok, and YouTube. I share daily motivation, business tips, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into my work and life.
If you’re looking for deep dives into entrepreneurship, mindset, and growth, check out my podcast and the Leadtainment.com platform where I connect with entrepreneurs from around the world to share stories and lessons.
I love connecting with driven people who want to build their own path, so don’t hesitate to reach out!
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
Thank you so much for having me and for the opportunity to share my journey and insights. It’s been a pleasure to connect and I’m excited to see so many young entrepreneurs ready to make their mark. I appreciate your kind wishes and look forward to continuing to grow, inspire, and help others build their own paths to success.
Wishing you and your readers all the best on your journeys as well!
Startup Savvy: Young Entrepreneur Dr Reza Zahedi Of Leadtainment Shares His Secrets For Rapid… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.