Launching your own business is exhilarating - but it can also be lonely, terrifying, and full of unexpected challenges.
In this episode of the mentl space, Scott Armstrong sits down with Dr. Naim Maadad, CEO & Founder of Gates Hospitality and a judge for 'the mentl awards 2025', alongside Shamia Abdul Aziz, a seasoned marketing leader turned first-time entrepreneur, to explore how mentorship can shape the entrepreneurial journey.
From the emotional rollercoaster of leaving corporate life, to building resilience, finding discipline, and celebrating small wins, this candid conversation dives deep into what it really takes to step into entrepreneurship - and why having the right mentor can make all the difference.
🏆 Dr. Naim also shares what inspires him as a mentl awards judge, and why recognizing mental health leadership in the workplace matters more than ever.
🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.
👉 Visit mentlawards.com to learn more.
⏱ Timestamps / Chapters
0:00 – Welcome & Introduction
1:07 – Shamia’s leap from corporate life to entrepreneurship
5:24 – Why mentorship matters: Naim’s personal story
6:40 – Lessons from mentees: reverse mentorship
9:06 – How having a mentor shapes the journey
10:29 – Why Naim chose Shamia & the evolving business landscape
14:15 – Facing the emotional highs and lows of entrepreneurship
17:12 – Best advice Naim received from his mentors
19:23 – Building resilience and stepping back to see the bigger picture
21:01 – Mentorship as a support system
22:33 – Celebrating small wins to stay motivated
24:19 – Learning from setbacks and avoiding comparison traps
37:02 – Gates Hospitality’s new venue reveal
38:30 – Mentl Awards 2025: Why it matters to celebrate mental health
40:51 – The value of entering the mentl awards
42:26 – Shamia’s advice for new entrepreneurs: asking for help
43:26 – Choosing the right mentor
45:35 – Three mistakes to avoid when starting out
47:26 – Patience as a superpower in business
48:46 – Final advice from Dr. Naim
49:39 – Closing thoughts & outro