The Root of All Success with The Real Jason Duncan

What if AI could solve one of fashion’s biggest problems—waste—while helping men look sharp without ever setting foot in a mall? In this episode of The Root of All Success, I sit down with Anya Cheng, a Silicon Valley tech executive turned founder of TAELŌR, an AI-powered clothing rental and styling platform for men that’s transforming how fashion meets technology and sustainability. Before launching TAELŌR, Anya helped build Facebook and Instagram Shopping at Meta, led innovation at eBay and Target, and scaled McDonald’s global food delivery. Today, she’s using AI to make fashion smarter, more sustainable, and accessible to busy professionals. We dive into how Anya turned a personal frustration into a groundbreaking business model—and what her journey reveals about innovation, leadership, and courage in a male-dominated industry. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn: How AI is transforming the fashion industry from waste to sustainability Why Anya left big tech to build a purpose-driven startup The mindset shift needed to move from executive to entrepreneur How TAELŌR uses AI + human stylists to create personalized fashion experiences The surprising link between style confidence and business success Why sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the future of business Anya’s story is proof that true success starts when you stop chasing trends—and start creating them. 🎧 Watch or listen to the full episode now to discover how innovation, purpose, and sustainability can reshape entire industries. Who is Anya Cheng? Anya Cheng is the Founder & CEO of Taelor, an AI-powered men's clothing subscription service promoting sustainable fashion. A Silicon Valley entrepreneur, she has been recognized among "Girls in Tech 40 Under 40" for her expertise in tech product management and marketing. Anya played a pivotal role in launching Facebook and Instagram Shopping at Meta, led new business expansion at eBay, and helped grow McDonald’s global food delivery. She also shaped Target’s mobile commerce and has led teams in AI, product management, UX, and marketing across Fortune 500 companies. Her work has earned 20+ prestigious awards, including the Webby Award for Best Shopping App, Best Mobile App Award, and The Communicator Award. A best-selling author, adjunct professor, and two-time TED speaker, she lectures at Northwestern University and 500 Global and is a sought-after keynote speaker. Anya’s award-winning venture, Taelor, won first place at Draper University’s Startup Competition and was named a Startup to Watch by Bay Area Inno. She holds a Master’s in Integrated Marketing Communications from Northwestern University and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Anya Cheng’s Website Link:  ⁠https://taelor.style/⁠ Anya Cheng’s  Social Media Link:  Taelor: ⁠https://taelor.style/pages/membership⁠ Anya LinkedIn: ⁠linkedin.com/in/anyacheng⁠ Taelor LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/taelor/⁠ Taelor Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/taelor.style/⁠ Anya Photo: ⁠https://tinyurl.com/anyaphoto⁠ Anya Detailed Bio: ⁠https://tinyurl.com/anyasbio⁠ Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott Ramey, a former Fortune 500 C-suite executive and founder of The Ramey Group, shares his journey from corporate success to authentic leadership coaching. He explains why embracing authenticity trumps perfectionism and how empathy can transform leadership. Topics include managing anxiety during high-stakes deals, the significance of tone in communication, and the importance of building trust over polished messaging. Ramey emphasizes that true success is about freedom and connection rather than just titles or profits.

What if giving up alcohol didn’t mean giving up fun, friends, or success—but instead made you wealthier, healthier, and more productive? That’s exactly what happened to James Swanwick, today’s guest on The Root of All Success. James is an Australian-American investor, entrepreneur, and former ESPN SportsCenter anchor who went from interviewing stars like Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, and Kobe Bryant… to helping high achievers transform their lives through his Alcohol-Free Lifestyle and Project 90 programs. He’s also the founder of Swanwick Sleep, known for their famous blue-light-blocking Swannies glasses that improve sleep quality. In this episode, James and I discuss how ditching alcohol unlocked his energy, confidence, and clarity—ultimately fueling his success as an entrepreneur and coach to thousands of executives worldwide. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Why alcohol-free living is about freedom, not deprivation How quitting drinking helped James land the ESPN SportsCenter gig with no TV experience The unexpected cost of “just a few drinks” on your wealth, relationships, and energy Why high achievers struggle with alcohol more than most The power of building like-minded communities for real change James’s definition of success (inspired by LL Cool J) If you’ve ever wondered whether alcohol is holding you back in business—or what’s possible without it—this episode will challenge your beliefs and inspire you to step into a healthier, wealthier future. Who is James Swanwick? James Swanwick is an Australian-American investor, entrepreneur, speaker, and former SportsCenter anchor on ESPN. He is the creator of Alcohol Free Lifestyle, a program that helps successful high achievers change their relationship with alcohol. He also hosts the Alcohol Free Lifestyle podcast and founded Project 90, which empowers high achievers to gain lasting control over alcohol. Additionally, he created Swannies—blue-light blocking glasses by Swanwick Sleep designed to improve sleep quality. Swanwick has interviewed numerous celebrities, including Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Kobe Bryant, David Beckham, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. James Swanwick’s Website Link:  alcoholfreelifestyle.com James Swanwick’s  Social Media Link:  INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/jamesswanwick WIKIPEDIA: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Swanwick ALCOHOL FREE LIFESTYLE: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com SWANWICK SLEEP: www.swanwicksleep.com Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This special episode of The Root of All Success is different—because this time, I’m the guest. I had the honor of joining Christian Maurer on the Successful Spiritualpreneur Podcast for a deep conversation about what it really means to live with faith, purpose, and freedom as an entrepreneur. For those who don’t know my backstory, I didn’t start as an entrepreneur. I was a schoolteacher who got pushed out of the profession I thought I’d spend my whole life in. That painful exit opened the door to my entrepreneurial journey—and eventually to building a company that did $2.3 million in revenue within its first year. In this episode, we cover: ✨ Faith and Entrepreneurship – why spiritual alignment matters in business more than strategy alone 🚪 My Unexpected Journey – from being forced out of teaching to building multiple companies 📘 Exit Without Exiting – how I built freedom into my business without having to sell it 🏗️ Culture and Leadership – why the foundation of your company determines if it can run without you 🙏 Spiritual Principles in Business – lessons on stewardship, generosity, and finding purpose beyond profit Whether you identify as a spiritualpreneur, Christian entrepreneur, or simply someone searching for deeper meaning in your work, this episode will inspire you to build a business that not only generates wealth but also serves a higher calling. 👉 Tune in to discover how to align faith, purpose, and profit to create success that lasts—without sacrificing your values. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the greatest thing holding you back in business… is you? That’s exactly what today’s guest, Israel Duran, discovered after a life-changing car accident in 2018. Known as the Visionaries’ Mentor, Israel is a global speaker, author, and entrepreneur who has helped purpose-driven leaders and corporate teams align identity with business success. In this powerful conversation with Jason Duncan, Israel shares how blind spots keep visionaries stuck, why identity always precedes purpose, and how you can build a business that generates profit and impact without compromising your values. 🔑 Key Takeaways: The #1 misconception visionaries have about building a business Why identity is more important than purpose How Israel’s near-death experiences reshaped his mission The danger of perfectionism and the power of releasing your value Why AI is the biggest pivot entrepreneurs need to embrace now How to monetize your gifts without losing authenticity The timeless principle of “Be → Do → Have” in creating success If you’ve ever struggled to balance profit and purpose, or felt stuck by your own blind spots, this episode will inspire you to get out of your own way and finally build the business the world needs from you. 👉 Grab Israel’s free Online Business Blueprint at israelduran.com  (DM “blueprint” on IG to get access). Who is Israel Duran? Israel Duran is a sought-after business growth partner, speaker, and trainer who empowers purpose-driven leaders and corporate organizations to build profitable, impactful ventures grounded in servant leadership. With expertise in business, finance, and the art of meaningful communication, Israel has inspired thousands of entrepreneurs and corporate teams worldwide. His mission is to help leaders leverage their skills and knowledge to create sustainable businesses that drive positive change while staying true to their core values. Israel Duran’s Website Link:  https://idagrowth.com/our-company/ Israel Duran’s  Social Media Link:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/israelduran/ https://www.instagram.com/israelduranassociates/ https://www.facebook.com/people/Israel-Duran/100070106933555/ https://www.youtube.com/c/IsraelDuran https://www.tiktok.com/@israelduranassociates https://x.com/Israel_DavidD Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Jenyns, bestselling author and founder of SYSTEMology, shares his journey from marketing memorabilia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to systemizing his digital agency for freedom. He explains why entrepreneurs resist systems and how these frameworks can enhance creativity. David highlights the critical need for effective systems in preventing business bottlenecks and discusses the role of AI in process efficiency. His new book, 'Systems Champion,' empowers teams to take charge of systematization, ultimately enabling founders to reclaim their time and freedom.

From the streets of Manchester to global recognition, Dr. Rob Kelly—known as the Addiction Doctor—shares his extraordinary story of hitting rock bottom and rising to become one of the world’s leading voices in recovery and neuroscience. In this episode of The Root of All Success, Dr. Rob reveals: ✅ The truth about addiction: “It’s not the drinking, it’s the thinking.” ✅ Why trauma is the real root of addiction—and how to rewire the brain to heal. ✅ His no-nonsense, Gordon Ramsay–style approach that achieves a 98% success rate with over 11,000 patients. ✅ How entrepreneurs and high-achievers can overcome limiting beliefs using neuroscience. ✅ His personal journey from session musician at Abbey Road Studios to world-renowned recovery expert featured on The Doctors, Good Morning Texas, and more. Whether you’re battling addiction, overcoming personal trauma, or striving for entrepreneurial success, Dr. Rob’s story and strategies will shift your perspective and give you tools to unlock your potential. Who is Dr. Robb Kelly, PhD? Dr. Robb Kelly, PhD is a sought-after recovery expert who believes in treating the causes of addiction and not the symptoms. Dr. Kelly has appeared on such shows as The Doctors, Eye Opener, Good Morning Texas, and Kens5 morning news.  A frequent contributor to radio and print interviews including The Jim Bohannon show, Miracles in Recovery, USA Today, and participated in McLean Hospital’s (Harvard Medical School) study on the stigma associated with mental illness. Dr. Kelly hosted Sober Celebs show on KLIF radio in Dallas, and currently hosts the Breaking Through Addiction podcast featuring special guest discussing a variety of mental health issues.   Dr. Kelly created Let’s Get Back to 98% Recovery DVDs used in prisons and recovery treatment centers throughout the US. He has lectured on addiction and trauma at high-profile universities, national conferences, treatment facilities, public schools, churches, business organizations and hospitals. Dr Kelly is currently the CEO of the Robb Kelly Recovery Group, an addiction and mental illness recovery coaching company he created based on extensive research and behaviour studies that he conducted over the past 20 years. Dr. Kelly shares his personal highs and lows as he struggled and overcame crippling alcoholism in the November 2019 release of the book “Daddy, Daddy Please Stop Drinking”.   Dr. Robb Kelly’s Website Link:  www.robbkelly.com Dr. Robb Kelly’s  Social Media Link:  https://www.instagram.com/addiction_doctor/ https://www.facebook.com/drrobb.kelly.1 Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine going bankrupt at 21 with over a quarter-million dollars in debt—only to rebuild and create brands that now reach millions worldwide. That’s exactly what today’s guest, Nick Edmundson, did. Nick is the Founder & CEO of Wandering Weddings, the global hub for adventurous couples who want rule-free, epic celebrations. From washing cars for $6.50 an hour to running multiple successful brands—including a die-cast racing venture called Tiny Track Cars—Nick’s story is one of persistence, creativity, and never letting other people’s limits define his own. In this episode, we dive into: The $250,000 car business disaster that forced him into bankruptcy at 21 How he turned photography into a thriving business and simplified success with his wife Building Wandering Weddings into a worldwide platform Balancing business with family life while protecting his time Why persistence—not intelligence—is the ultimate success key Nick also shares how joining the Exiter Club mastermind shifted his mindset, taught him the power of delegation, and helped him move from being the brand to running the brand. 👉 Whether you’re chasing freedom, rebuilding after failure, or looking for a model of persistence, Nick’s journey will inspire you. Who is Nick Edmundson? Nick Edmundson is the Founder & CEO of Wandering Weddings, an elopement and intimate wedding planning platform dedicated to adventurous couples who value unique, rule-free celebrations in epic landscapes. Based in Poulsbo, Washington, he launched the venture to help couples craft elopements that reflect their passions rather than conforming to tradition. Wandering Weddings operates as both an inspiration hub and a vendor directory—featuring hundreds of couples and specialized service providers like photographers, planners, and florists across the globe. Nick has highlighted how interest in adventure elopements has surged post-pandemic, with daily site traffic climbing from around 30–40 organic clicks to as many as 1,400–1,500 users Nick Edmundson’s Website Link:  wanderingweddings.com Nick Edmundson’s  Social Media Link:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderingweddings Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special solo episode of The Root of All Success, I (Jason Duncan) dive into the life and legacy of Napoleon Hill—one of the most celebrated and controversial figures in personal achievement. Hill interviewed the titans of industry and wrote the frameworks that shaped generations, yet privately, he wrestled with the same issue that destroys countless entrepreneurs today: a lack of self-discipline. I’ll share: Hill’s hidden battle with discipline and the turning point that saved him How self-discipline powers every success principle—from persistence to planning My own story of drifting, losing focus, and how discipline transformed my business Why you can’t out-strategize a lack of discipline in business, marriage, or life If you’re struggling to stay consistent or focused, this episode will hit home. Success doesn’t belong to the smartest or most connected—it belongs to the disciplined. 🌟 Stay Connected with Jason Duncan  📖 Learn more: ⁠therealjasonduncan.com⁠  🎙 Listen to The Root of All Success: ⁠therootofallsuccess.com⁠  🚀 Join the Mastermind: ⁠theexiterclub.com⁠  📱 Instagram: ⁠@therealjasonduncan⁠  💼 LinkedIn: ⁠linkedin.com/in/therealjasonduncan⁠ 💡 About The Real Jason Duncan Jason helps entrepreneurs #ExitWithoutExiting, freeing them from daily operations while keeping ownership and profits. Subscribe for more strategies on achieving true freedom and living with purpose. 👉 Don’t Forget: ✔ Like, comment, and share this video if it resonated with you.  ✔ Subscribe to the channel for weekly content on entrepreneurship and success. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! ⁠https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast⁠. Jason's Website Link   Jason's Social Media Facebook Instagram Linkedin Youtube Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the thing holding your business back… is you? In this special guest episode, Jason Duncan returns to the Not Your Average Financial Podcast to share how a single decision to focus completely changed the trajectory of his company. From nearly purchasing a truck and RV dealership to tripling membership in his mastermind, Jason breaks down the mindset shift that helped him scale, systematize, and reclaim his time. You’ll hear how he turned Exeter Club into a movement—and why "own it, don’t run it" is more than a motto. It’s a challenge to entrepreneurs everywhere to stop building prisons disguised as businesses. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Why "diversification" can be a dangerous lie The real reason most entrepreneurs stay stuck in the grind How Jason’s XOS framework builds scalable, exit-ready businesses The difference between owner-operators, owner-managers, and owner-investors Why attention is more powerful than time How the Bank On Yourself strategy reduces financial stress for founders The most important question Jason would ask if you never heard from him again 🌟 Stay Connected with Jason Duncan  📖 Learn more: ⁠therealjasonduncan.com⁠  🎙 Listen to The Root of All Success: ⁠therootofallsuccess.com⁠  🚀 Join the Mastermind: ⁠theexiterclub.com⁠  📱 Instagram: ⁠@therealjasonduncan⁠  💼 LinkedIn: ⁠linkedin.com/in/therealjasonduncan⁠ 💡 About The Real Jason Duncan Jason helps entrepreneurs #ExitWithoutExiting, freeing them from daily operations while keeping ownership and profits. Subscribe for more strategies on achieving true freedom and living with purpose. 👉 Don’t Forget: ✔ Like, comment, and share this video if it resonated with you.  ✔ Subscribe to the channel for weekly content on entrepreneurship and success. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! ⁠https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast⁠. Jason's Website Link   Jason's Social Media Facebook Instagram Linkedin Youtube Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices