Against the Odds

As founder of the Leaders Organization at Ben Gurion University, Gadi Bahat helps students from all disciplines turn ideas into profitable startups. Drawing from his experience as a CEO and sales leader, he shows why execution alone isn’t enough—mental toughness is what sustains entrepreneurs through uncertainty and challenge. In this episode, Gadi unpacks the mindset, discipline, and resilience needed to thrive in the startup world. His insights are a roadmap for anyone ready to lead and build under pressure.

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Shir Kleyman has built her career bridging the gap between Israeli entrepreneurs and the global stage, teaching innovators how to communicate with clarity and courage. In this conversation, she shares how mental toughness plays in pitching ideas while respecting cultures, investors, and audiences along the way. Packed with practical tips, Shir reveals how to balance bold ambition with grounded authenticity. This episode is a masterclass in turning vision into a message the world can hear.

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Nir Yogev is not your typical healing specialist—he’s on a mission to help people escape chronic back pain by taking full ownership of their health. In this episode, Nir shows why accountability is the ultimate foundation for building both physical resilience and mental toughness. Forget quick fixes and shortcuts; his approach is about consistency, mindset, and strength that lasts. A raw and powerful conversation about how caring for your body is inseparable from training your mind

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Yoav Yosha has dedicated his work to mastering the science and mindset behind ice bath training. In this episode, he explains how stepping into the cold teaches us to face pain without turning it into suffering—one of the core lessons of mental toughness. From physiology to philosophy, Yoav shares how controlled discomfort can unlock strength far beyond the body. A conversation that redefines resilience through the power of the cold.

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During a class in 5th grade, a tragic accident left Alexander Shub visually impaired. Rather than letting it define him, he leveraged this adversity to become a Paralympic surfer representing Israel on the world stage. In this episode, Alexander shares how riding waves became a way to ride for something greater—purpose, resilience, and a cause bigger than himself. His mission is a reminder that strength is not found in what happens to us, but in how we rise with it.

In this opening episode, I sit down with my wife to explore what it means to embody mental toughness when life turns upside down. From supporting her husband through brain surgery, to raising children in the midst of uncertainty, she shares the quiet strength required to face the unknown. Together, we talk about resilience, love, and preparing for challenges no one ever sees coming. Her story reminds us that mental toughness isn’t only about the one in the fight—it’s also about those who stand beside them.

Instagram: Danielle Shechter