I had a blast being interviewed by Dariush Soudi on his podcast! This guy knows his stuff and has an incredible following in the entrepreneurial world, so it was an honour to be invited on. We really dug into my journey as an entrepreneur, starting right from the beginning and all the wild twists and turns that brought me to where I am today.

We kicked off by discussing my decision to start a strip club—definitely not your typical business route! I shared insights into navigating the nightlife industry, the challenges of asset financing, and how tipping culture varies between the US and the UK. It’s fascinating stuff that reveals how culture impacts business.

We didn’t shy away from the tough topics, either. I opened up about the influence of gangs in the UK and what that means for entrepreneurs. Plus, we talked about hiring in a unique environment like a strip club and what it takes to find the right fit.

On a personal level, I shared what a balanced life looks like for me and reflected on the lessons I learned from my first marriage. Let’s be honest—I also had to confront my experiences with bankruptcy and how that rock-bottom moment turned into a story of redemption.

Throughout the episode, we explored key themes like venture capital, the current economic landscape, and the allure of yachting. I also revealed my personal recipe for success and what’s next for me.

What You Can Learn from This Episode:

• Resilience: How to bounce back from setbacks and failures.
• Navigating Challenges: Strategies for overcoming obstacles in unconventional industries.
• Cultural Insights: Understanding how different cultures influence business practices.
• Personal Growth: The importance of learning from personal experiences and relationships.
• Future Planning: Insights into venture capital and how to prepare for economic shifts.
• Community Impact: How to get involved in charitable initiatives and make a difference.

If you’re interested in real talk about entrepreneurship, personal growth, and the rollercoaster ride that is business, this episode is for you. Huge thanks to Dariush for having me on—don’t miss it! 

Timestamps
0:00 Matt’s Journey to Entrepreneurship
8:53 Starting a strip club
21:09 Asset financing and the American culture of tipping
26:06 Gangs in the UK
31:47 Hiring girls
37:51 Getting a license for a strip club
42:02 What is a balanced life?
43:28 Why Matt’s first marriage failed
47:01 Losing everything and becoming bankrupt
53:22 Redemption
55:31 Matt Haycox’s new life and business
1:00:51 Venture Capital
1:04:32 Inflation and the recession
1:10:33 England is a mess
1:15:28 Yachting
1:23:31 Podcasting
1:27:25 The recipe of success
1:28:38 The future for Matt
1:31:47 Help Alfie Walk