What does officiating a high-stakes football match in front of 100,000 fans have in common with building a successful business from the ground up? As it turns out, almost everything.In this episode of Origin to Ambition, Sean Dunne sits down with Simon Micallef, a former international FIFA referee and the founder of business consultancy Finfocus. Simon shares his remarkable journey from a structured career in banking to the disciplined, high-pressure world of elite sports, and finally to the "controlled chaos" of entrepreneurship.This episode is a masterclass in leveraging life experience, embracing failure as a learning tool, and understanding the non-negotiable values that create lasting success. Simon gives a raw account of the shock of going solo, the importance of mindset, and why even the best players in the world still need a coach.Key Takeaway1. The FIFA Referee's Secret Weapon for Business?It’s not the whistle. Simon Micallef reveals the one on-field skill he uses to navigate high-stakes client meetings and control chaos. What could officiating a World Cup match possibly teach you about closing your next deal?2. Why Your Biggest Business Mistake Might Be Your Most Valuable Asset.Most entrepreneurs live in fear of making a critical error. Simon explains the Thomas Edison-inspired mindset that will make you stop dreading failure and start seeing it as the fastest path to a breakthrough.3. The "Chaos Phase" Most New Founders Don't See Coming.Simon thought he was ready to be his own boss. He was wrong. He shares the brutal, unfiltered truth about leaving a stable corporate job and the one shock to the system that almost derailed him in the first 3 months. Are you prepared for it?4. The Dangerous Lie of "It's Just Business."Simon explains why separating your personal values from your professional ones is a recipe for failure. He reveals the one simple rule he follows that builds unbreakable trust and turns clients into long-term partners.5. He Ran Major Financial Firms... So Why Did He Hire an Advisor for His Own Money?The answer isn't what you think. It reveals a critical secret about delegation, focus, and why trying to do everything yourself is the slowest path to growth.SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODEConnect with Sean Dunne: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn |Connect with Simon Micallef: Website |LinkedInDominium Capital

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