Episode 259

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Published on:

13th May 2025

The Enemy Makes You Rich

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What if the key to your brand’s growth wasn’t trying to please everyone but picking a fight? In this episode, Sharran explains how creating an ‘enemy’ can skyrocket your brand loyalty and revenue.


Sharran reveals the game-changing concept that the most successful brands do. He explains how identifying a "villain" can sharpen your message and rally a loyal following. Whether it’s tackling frustrations, outdated business models, or a big machine, Sharran provides the framework for creating a movement around your brand. With examples from Apple, Starbucks, and even political figures like Donald Trump, he illustrates how having a clear "enemy" drives engagement and loyalty. 


This episode will challenge you to rethink your marketing strategy and build a brand that people can truly get behind. If you want to create a brand that people can’t stop talking about, tune in to learn how picking a fight can make you rich!


“People don’t buy products, they join fights. And for you to have a great fight to win this rigged game, pick your enemy, plant your flag, and watch how fast your brand starts pulling in the right people.”


- Sharran Srivatsaa


Timestamps:

02:59 - Why brands with enemies attract loyalty and profits

05:46 - Attacking frustrations instead of bashing competitors

06:59 - The power of attacking outdated business models

08:21 - How to attack impersonal forces like "the system"

12:05 - The FIGHT method: Frustration, Identity, Guide, Honor, and Tactical Victory

18:13 - Examples of brands that successfully used the "enemy" concept

20:29 - Ethical guardrails when picking your enemy

21:41 - Here's the BIG takeaway

22:36 - Steps to identify your "enemy"


Resources:

- Join the Future Proof Community - https://futureproofsecrets.com/

- The Real Brokerage - https://www.joinreal.com/

- Top Agent Power Pack - https://sharran.activehosted.com/f/121

- The 5am Club - https://sharran.com/5amclub/

- Join the 10K Wisdom Private Partner Podcast, now available to you for free - https://www.highlandprime.com/optin-10k-wisdom

- Join Sharran's VIP Community - https://sharran.com/vip/

- ARC Multifamily Real Estate Investing - https://arcmf.com/

- Sharran's Partnership Program - https://www.highlandprime.com/

- Grab Sharran’s 4-Week MBA for Free - https://sharran.com/4weekmba/


Connect with Sharran:

- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/likesharran

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sharransrivatsaa/

- X - https://x.com/sharran

- LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/in/sharran

- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzpl_gT1bVB1iNZl9yQbWuA?sub_confirmation=1

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About the Podcast

Business School with Sharran Srivatsaa
Business School is hosted by Sharran Srivatsaa, President of Real (TSX: REAX) (NASDAQ: REAX), the fastest-growing, publicly-traded, real estate brokerage in the world. Sharran grew Teles Properties by 10x in 5 years to $3.4 Billion in sales and eventually sold the business to Douglas Elliman. Sharran is also an accomplished “deal guy” and private equity investor. He is the Chairman of private equity firm Highland Prime which focuses on investing in service-businesses and also the Chairman of ARC Multifamily Group which focuses on value-add multifamily investment projects.

Sharran is a former Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse banker and a sought after keynote speaker and is the creator of the wildly-popular 5am Club call for Entrepreneurs.

On this podcast, Sharran shares his best secrets on how to grow your business strategically, how to build your brand elegantly, most importantly integrate the profits in your business with an overall joyful life.

For more free resources visit Sharran.com

About your host

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Sharran Srivatsaa

Sharran is a serial entrepreneur, sought after keynote speaker, and a respected thought-leadership resource for publications such as the Wall Street Journal, SUCCESS magazine, Huffington Post and Forbes.

While Sharran has had 5 exits in the last 19 years, and also a several humbling failed investments and business initiatives. He talks all about them on his top rated Spotify podcast, Business School.

Most recently, Sharran led Teles Properties’ unprecedented 10x growth over 5 years and a 4-year consecutive streak on the Inc. 500 fastest growing companies list resulting in its acquisition by national real estate powerhouse Douglas Elliman.

Prior to Teles, Sharran worked at both Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse, where he collaborated with management teams of fast-growing businesses around the country on investment advisory and corporate strategy. Sharran also spent several years building recreational programs in the Caribbean, Middle East, and Hawaii for some of the finest international resorts such as the Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton, also has deep experience working with technology companies such as Lightera (acquired by CIENA) and Obopay, a fast-growth mobile payments company.

Sharran is a Principal at Srilo Ventures, a multi-factor private investment fund that focuses investing in and advising technology companies and operating businesses in the consumer space. Having successfully completed many acquisitions, joint-ventures, management buyouts, mergers, and capital raises, Sharran serves as a director and advisor on numerous company boards.

He is also a member of the Genius Network, the highest-level marketing mastermind in the world led by whizkid Joe Polish, and also a member of Young President’s Organization (YPO).

After competing on the professional tennis tour, Sharran received his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Luther College and his MBA with Honors from Vanderbilt University.