Search for a command to run...

Timestamps are as accurate as they can be but may be slightly off. We encourage you to listen to the full context.
Brad Blazer shares his extraordinary journey from building an oil company at 23 to raising over $2 billion in capital and teaching thousands how to scale using other people's money (OPM). (01:41) Starting as a cocky kid without a silver spoon, Brad discovered early that success comes from taking calculated risks and doubling down on what works. (03:03) He emphasizes that the biggest mistake entrepreneurs make when raising capital is "premature presentation" - pitching deals too early in relationships before building proper trust. (13:15) His trademarked "Art of Beliefology" philosophy demonstrates how habits create beliefs, which then shape identity and ultimately transform lives. (26:50)
• Main Theme: Mastering the art of capital raising through relationship-building, personal transformation, and systematic execution to achieve massive business growth and financial freedom.Brad Blazer is a capital raising expert who has helped raise over $2 billion throughout his career. Starting from humble beginnings, he built an oil company at age 23 and has since become the founder of Capital School and creator of the trademarked "Art of Beliefology" philosophy. He is a knighted entrepreneur, accomplished author of multiple books including "Winning at the Capital Game," and has trained thousands across 28 countries on how to use other people's money to scale real estate and business deals.
Paul Alex is the host of the Level Up podcast, which is currently ranked #1 in the business category on Apple Podcasts and #15 across all categories. He's a successful entrepreneur who has retired his mother, bought his sister's first home, and transitioned his younger sister from nursing to being a COO in one of his portfolio companies. Paul recently moved to Puerto Rico and is expecting his first child.
The biggest mistake entrepreneurs make is "premature presentation" - pitching deals too early in relationships before establishing trust. (13:15) Brad emphasizes that raising capital is fundamentally about building relationships and trust, not just having a great deal. Instead of rushing to present opportunities, spend 2-3 meetings building genuine connections first. This approach transforms rejection into investment because people invest in people they trust, not just in deals. The key is understanding that when someone says "send me information," they're often politely declining due to lack of relationship foundation.
Brad reveals his systematic approach to building trust through six specific phases: perception, temptation, connection, and validation. (22:52) The process begins with managing how investors perceive you - from your appearance to marketing materials to online presence. Then comes uncovering what motivates each investor by asking strategic questions like "What are you trying to do with your investment capital today?" This allows you to tie your opportunity directly to their specific needs, whether it's college funding for kids or tax advantages for high earners.
Success starts with intentional habits that, practiced consistently for 21-30 days, create new belief systems and ultimately transform your identity. (26:51) Brad's trademarked framework shows how daily actions compound into life-changing results. He shares the transformation story of Jason, who went from 480 pounds to becoming a fitness coach by establishing daily workout habits that eventually created the belief "I'm becoming an athlete." This new identity drove continued success because athletes naturally eat well and exercise consistently.
As Kevin Harrington from Shark Tank told Brad, brilliant people with PhDs leave without deals because "they haven't convinced the sharks they could execute." (19:02) Investors don't fund ideas - they fund people who can deliver results. This means building a complete team including securities attorneys, accountants, and industry experts before seeking investment. When Brad was 23, investors didn't see a solo entrepreneur; they saw someone who had assembled a professional team capable of executing complex strategies.
Don't go to Google asking "how do I do this" - instead ask "who can show me how to get this done." (21:01) This mindset shift connects you with mentors and coaches who have already achieved what you're pursuing. Brad emphasizes that what you pay for is knowledge that builds your future, and working with the right mentor can turn months or years of trial and error into days of focused execution. Someone has already solved every problem you're facing - find them and learn from their blueprint.