Wednesdays Off

What does it really take to build resilience—not just in business, but in life? In this episode of the Wednesdays Off Podcast, Stavros sits down with Rachid Zahidi, CEO, author, and host of the Resilience Across Borders podcast, to explore the journey from humble beginnings in rural Morocco to entrepreneurial success in the U.S. Rachid shares candid stories about overcoming setbacks, the real meaning of resilience, and why focusing on “profit”—in business and in your personal growth—matters more than chasing external validation. Discover practical strategies for hiring, building strong teams, and cultivating gratitude, plus insights on how to help the next generation appreciate the value of hard work.

Episode Timeline:
[02:26] Introduction of Rachid Zahidi and his background.
[03:13] Rachid discusses the meaningful work he does and its impact.
[04:28] Transition from corporate world to entrepreneurship.
[07:33] Challenges and strategies in hiring and building a team.
[13:54] Choosing the background check industry and entrepreneurial journey.
[16:54] The significance of resilience in life and business.
[21:25] Distinguishing between revenue and profit in business and life.
[29:31] Rachid's journey from Morocco to the U.S.
[36:14] Reflections on immigrant experiences and teaching resilience to the next generation.
[46:26] Learning from analogous experiences and life lessons.
[51:58] Overview of Rachid's company and his work on resilience.
[56:37] Importance of being proactive in life and personal growth.
[01:01:58] Details about Rachid's podcast and journal.
[01:07:25] The role of gratitude and self-dialogue in personal development.

Resources:
Routine Rebel: routinerebel.com
Rachid Zahidi's website: atresilience.com
Rachid Zahidi on Instagram: @rachidpodcaster

Creators and Guests

Host
Stavros Michailidis
Stavros Michailidis is a freedom-driven entrepreneur dedicated to helping others escape the grind and build lives of clarity, autonomy, and impact. He’s the creator of Routine Rebel, a movement for entrepreneurs who want to design businesses that serve their lives—not the other way around. Known for his grounded approach and rebellious spirit, Stavros brings real-world experience, deep curiosity, and a bias toward action to every conversation. Wednesdays Off is his latest practice: a weekly invitation to rethink work, freedom, and what really matters.

What is Wednesdays Off?

Wednesdays Off is the freedom podcast from Routine Rebel.

It’s for the leaders who are done being consumed by the very businesses they are building. Through raw conversations, personal insights, and behind-the-scenes stories, we explore what it really means to reclaim your time, energy, and joy—without sacrificing success.

This isn't a hustle podcast.

It’s a call to adventure—to practice freedom in real time, to simplify what matters, to build systems that get you out of the weeds, and to connect with others doing the same.

Each episode helps you challenge old patterns, reconnect with what matters, and build a life that’s spacious, meaningful, and yours.

Because freedom isn’t the reward. It’s the requirement.