What does it really take to build a billion-dollar company before 30?

In this episode, Emil Barr shares the bold truth behind entrepreneurship—starting from earning $70K in high school to building multi-million dollar businesses and aiming for a billion-dollar exit. He opens up about the mental and physical cost of going big, the real reasons people don’t chase their dreams, and why most entrepreneurs get stuck thinking too small.

We dive deep into what sets high-impact founders apart: clear superpowers, relentless curiosity, and a willingness to fail fast. Emil breaks down why reading billionaire biographies changed his mindset, how he uses discomfort to grow, and why having big ambition isn’t crazy—it’s necessary.

Tune in to hear how Emil is building companies with 99% margins, finding mentors in unlikely places, and why he believes aiming for massive impact is the best strategy—even if you fall short.

Key Topics:

-Why big goals lead to bigger results

-The power of knowing your strengths and building around them

-How curiosity fuels entrepreneurial growth

-What most people get wrong about mentorship and success

-Why America's system gives entrepreneurs an edge

Quote From The Episode:

"Set your sights on a big target, because even if you fail, it could still be a life-changing outcome for you."

- Emil Barr

Timestamp:

[01:09] Why Building Big Is Easier Than You Think

[13:10] The Billion Dollar Vision Starts With Belief Not Just Sales

[21:01] Why Self-Aware Founders Hire for Strengths They Don't Have

[30:46] Why Knowing Your Superpower Is the Ultimate Founder Advantage

[40:49] Why Thinking Different in College Led to Millions Before Graduation

[50:53] Why Most People Don't Become Entrepreneurs Even If They Want To

[1:00:52] How Relentless Curiosity and Big Bets Shape the Most Successful Founders

[1:11:33] Why Going Big Young Might Be the Smartest (and Hardest) Move You’ll Ever Make

[1:21:44] Outro

Connect with - Emil Barr:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/emil-barr

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrepreneurial-excellence-podcast

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurialExcellencePod

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@eepodcast24

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570329516959

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence