BILFPOD - From Rock Bottom to World Stage: Derek Warburton’s Story of Resilience & Impact

Episode Date: October 9, 2025

🚨 New Episode Alert – BILFPod x Derek Warburton 🚨From homeless to world-renowned, Derek Warburton has built a career on style, purpose, and generosity. A stylist, media personality, and founder of Mr. Warburton Magazine, he has turned creativity and compassion into a platform that inspires, empowers, and connects people across the globe. Derek’s journey proves that true success isn’t measured by fame or wealth—it’s measured by the impact you leave and the lives you uplift.In this episode:• How Derek transformed adversity into influence. • The power of generosity in building a lasting legacy. • Lessons on staying grounded while achieving global recognition. • Why mindset, resilience, and action matter more than circumstances. • How giving back fuels purpose and personal growth.This conversation is about resilience, impact, and creating success with heart—a reminder that no matter where you start, you can make a difference while achieving your dreams.🎧 Catch the full episode now streaming on all platforms.Get Connected:Follow Mara Dorne → @maradorneFollow Derek Warburton → @derekwarburtonFollow the Podcast → @bilfpod#BILFPod #DerekWarburton #maradorne #StyleIcon #LuxuryWithPurpose #MediaMogul #FashionLeader #Inspiration #Empowerment #Unapologetic #LeadershipPodcast #PersonalGrowth #SuccessMindset #CreativeJourney #Motivation

I took everything that was horrible about my life and turned it. And so how can I turn everything around and not give back to the child that survived? Because I wanted to kill myself. Welcome back to the BiltFod. We're authenticity trumps authority. And for those of you that are tuning in for the first time, my name is Marr Dorn. And we are at the Bilt. And if you don't know what that is, Derek, you want to tell what it is?

It's the boss you want to follow. I love it. Yes, the boss, that is the boss. But it's not me that it's not about me today. It's about you being a boss. And I am going to do the intro. So I'm going to take over because I know you love to take over, but I get to take over for one second. But I am here with my fierce, vivacious friend, Mr. Derek Warbutton.

And you're just so much more than a friend to me. But first, I'm going to tell a little bit about your background. Derek comes from a. small town in New Hampshire. He's a small town guy just, you know, hanging out. And Derek, I mean, I've had such intimate conversations with him. And your story just in itself is incredible. Here you are. You come from this small town. You go to FIT into this huge big city in New York City and you find yourself in a completely different realm of people kind of just figuring things out because I know growing up wasn't easy and we're going to talk about that today and what that

means for you today. But overall, just ended up turning his career into an amazing success. He's a known entrepreneur. He is, I mean, renowned, world renown. He's a celebrity stylist. I know you styled for Jessica Alba. You've done some of the housewives. I mean, your career is endless because you're a true Bilt. You really are. So much better than me. Publisher of Gurus magazine, Mr. Warbute magazine, and the Los Angeles Inquisitor. So it just doesn't stop there. You are constantly going. Every time I talk to him, he's constantly on the run doing something, whether it's with Habitat for Humanity or for bullying or for pride. I mean, you're just endless and giving back. So without further ado, I am beyond honor to introduce my good friend. You have become such a special part

in my heart. I love you. I think you know that I love you. Mr. Dear Gorbue. Yay! Thank you. I'm so excited. I'm so happy to be here. First of all, I'm so proud of you because so many people are afraid to just start. Yeah. Or to reinvent or to just do something. Yeah. You know, and we are bills. And so being a billf is really about just doing something, you know.

And it's funny, you know, the last week or whatever, you know, we're just coming through the LA fires. And people have been frozen in place. And I was like, they, they, they, you. you do something. Like they're doing this, they're doing that. No, you do something because it all starts with one person to build a community. And you've done that. And yes, 100%.

Can you talk about that? Like a little bit, can you just talk first a little bit about your backstory? Because I think it's so important for people to know that, number one, it's okay to be you. Because what's your famous? 100%. Don't be the best. Oh, don't be the best. Be the only.

Where does that come from? I want to know that. But start with your backstory because it's so interesting. and I love how you took a negative, and you're just a ray of sunshine, a breath of fresh air. You really are the most positive light. I love your energy

and you're impeccable to your word. That's all we have. I gave you a lot. Thank you. I know, I was like, whoa, okay. I gave you all. You know, I just, it's so interesting that I have to say for myself,

you know, one, I really lived in a space of, of just being not believing my own light. Yeah. And I always used to say that I live in the light. I look for the light. And I never realized I was the light. You are. That took a long time. And, you know, I think people heal differently.

I think people need to sit down. Some people, you know, you're always running. We're all always running. And that's why. You know, I always say that COVID was the best thing that happened to me because it was the first time of my life where I felt like I didn't have a choice. And when I did sit instead of wallowing, I got to work. Yeah.

And that's when the real work began. But that's why it was so beautiful because it was like for the first time, I couldn't do something else to distract from finding my own love for myself. Yeah. And wow. whoa you don't need to be on a lot of drugs you don't need 10 hours of therapy yeah you need to talk to yourself and I know it sounds crazy no I don't think it is crazy but when I tell you what I got out of that was the best thing that could have ever happened you know I forgave that's important right

forgiveness is important not not for you oh 100 percent you know I forgave selfishly yeah because I forgave family stuff, I forgave things that people did to me. And that's okay. I mean, not for them, but you forgive for you. But you start somewhere. Yeah. You know, so it's okay to forgive selfishly. You know, when I was homeless as a teenager living with my biological mother. Wow. And she had a very abusive partner mentally to me. Yeah. And controlling to her and always the excuse was my childhood, was worse. And it was like, but that's not, your job is to break the cycle. Yeah. Which we've talked, we talked about today, you know, I mean, I post a lot of inspirational things because I feel like that's my place in life is to try to help other people feel good about themselves as well. And,

you know, a lot of times we all get caught in that crossfire of other people's trauma. Yes. And so I don't blame those people for putting that on you, but you have to know where you're it's coming from. And so I just say, got it. Move on. It's fair. You know. And so, but you can't allow that to be carried over because now you become the abuser. Yes. Because of that trauma. It's our job to say, fine. Now, no. You know, now I'm going to take this and grow from it and take what I need. You know, it's funny because everyone asks like all these very sweet things of me. You know, they'll be like, how did you become this giving person? How did you do this and how to do that?

And I said, well, I took everything that was horrible about my life and turned it. And so how can I turn everything around and not give back to the child that survived? I love that. Because I wanted to kill myself. I love that. This is a true story. I don't love that part. But I love what you're saying.

But I wanted to kill myself and I wouldn't have survived. You know, you were at the gurus awards. You won a gurus award. And my stepmom was there. She was. So proud of you. Thank you. My dad, who was in a nursing home now, unfortunately, never got to really feel the love from me

because I had always kind of blamed him for a lot of things. And I just felt defeated because I had a mother who allowed and then a father who just never really understood. Right. You know. But I put them in the same category. and selfishly forgave because that's what all I could handle at the time, you know? And so with her in the end, I left at 15 because my father and my stepmom, mom, I call her mom, took me in and saved my life.

But with her, I did forgive her selfishly, and I'm not mad at it. I acknowledge the fact that. She didn't know any better. I acknowledge everything that I got out of that situation because I was in a forest fire very similar to what we just went through here in L.A. But I was in it running for my life with fire on both sides of me with a little dog that I now have a little dog. And last two weeks ago, I'm watching where there was a fire in our neighborhood and I could see over the roof the fire. and I freaked. Wow.

You know. And so I am constantly thinking about those days. And a program came that was from the fire department, one, because I also got accused for that fire that her partner had set. Wow. So here I am. So crazy. Terrified.

14, 13, being accused of something that I didn't do, already being put to all these other things. things. And so, you know, but if I hadn't gone through all of that, I wouldn't have started my program for the homeless. I wouldn't do all the work I do. I wouldn't give back to that childhood because I wouldn't be alive if that child didn't stay alive for me. Yeah. I love how you like that. And to do all of this and have this amazingly blessed, fun, like experiences like this. Like, I get to have all these incredible, cool, fun experiences, traveled the world and have all this fun, fabulous stuff because I went through that. I love that. And I love how you unapologetically own your past.

Have to. But so many people don't do that. It's woe with me. Oh, so sad this happened. But you didn't do that. You totally took it, flipped it, and said, okay, this happened. And I think that it's important for people to know, too, that. You only have one set of parents in this lifetime. You know, you can pick your nose, you can pick your friends, but you can't pick your parents, right? Right? 100%. And parents, I know as a parent, children don't come with a set of directions. So parents do things, whether it's cultural or that's all they know. And children grow up, you know, angry with parents and whatever the case may be. But I love how you unselfishly forgave your parents and you use that experience to propel you forward into doing things for the community and to use your story to help other people. And that's why you're so relatable.

You know, I just always feel like if we can't use what we have, like, these are the tools I have in my toolbox. Because I never thought I was the most talented. I never thought I was the smartest. I never thought I was any of those things. But what I knew was that I was tactile. I knew that I would never break, but I could pivot. I knew that I could bet. You know, I knew that I could just go with what I needed to do.

And any real entrepreneur, any leader will tell you. you that that's all you need to be. How many times did you fail? Oh, still failing. Right? And I have no problem failing. You feel like you made it? I'm fine. You know, that took a long time because I never feel like I've made it. Ever. Ever. Because I never have enough. But, but at the same time, there's always enough to give. Because I'll never run out of things to give. You know, somebody wrote to me last night, and they're like, you have this heart. And I said, sometimes I have time, sometimes I have money, but I always have my heart. I love that.

And that never stops. It never stops. Kindness is free. Yes. And people forget that because kindness opens a million doors. Do you know how much I've gotten in business, in life, in love, in soul from my heart? Just because I am not afraid. And, you know, like the speech I gave at the Guru's Awards where I said,

I sit in these rooms, like people, I get trust. You know I'm not screwing you over. You know that if I say something, you know it. You're delivering. I am delivering every time. And if I get questioned, you know I'm going to be like, uh-uh, don't even question me. Because if I say I'm delivering, we deliver always. I've always been like that.

But that's how you become a leader strength. And people need that. Because this world is filled with people that talk you to dead. Nothing happens. or they just lie, and I don't work like that. And when you have that kind of trust, that's how you can build a major organization. That's how you can build a community

where people can depend on you. And we are in a time at this moment where if you don't have community, you're in trouble. That's true. Because we are in a very dangerous time and no matter what side of the fence you're on. And, you know, I had a lot. lot of friends at that inauguration, a lot. So I'm very in the middle. Yeah. I hear both sides

because I have to. Right. Number one, I own media. So I have to be able to tell both sides. Right. I have to be able to honor both sides. And also, I have to be able to hear things. And I might not agree with everything. But if I don't know both opinions, I can't make an educated opinion. Yeah. You don't have to agree, but you can be agreeable. One hundred percent. don't know that. I don't know how many people have lost friends and family over this election. How stupid? Business, all of it. So stupid. It's ridiculous. And, you know, just because we all hold different things dear to us. Which is fine. 100%. You know, I also think that people are not educated in the same way. Their needs are different. All different things. And so we all have to live together.

That's what makes community. And I'm telling you, community moving forward, there was a very interesting article that I read two years ago by this very renowned journalist, and he was talking about how three billionaires flew him out, thinking that he's giving a speech at this major forum. They flew him to the desert. He gets in a car and they go an hour.

And he was in just an airplane hangar in the middle of the desert. And the three of them were sitting in this hangar alone. He's driven in this car, like an hour to this airplane hanger. And the three billionaires are sitting there, like gods of industry. And they say, we're scared of what's coming because we know what's coming because they're part of it. Yeah. And they're like, you know, we are developing space programs. and we have hangers and we have security.

And the writer is like, well, what's going to happen when the mob come? And they're worried about the mob, right? The mob coming. And so we have enough food. We have this. Now what? Like, what are we going to do? And he's like, well, who is going to save you from the security?

Right? Makes sense. Yeah. So this is the point. though. You can't survive without community. Yeah. And it's like, why aren't you building farms? Because that's what's happening. The smart people know that and the bigger, a lot of the bigger ones that we don't know about. Because we all think we know the richest people in the world and we don't. Yes. We know who allows themselves to be advertised. Correct. Of course. Because they need the PR.

The real ones don't need it. And they don't want you to know. Yeah. So true. So they know that they've all started, and this is true, they've all started community farming and they own miles and miles and miles and miles and miles of land. And they're moving people there. There's also sustainable cities being built as we speak in places like New Mexico, Arizona. And they're putting boards of directors together

and a friend of mine who has McKeown-Albright syndrome was asked to come in for diversity and for the people living with different types of mental, not mental, but physical handicaps. And so because everyone has to survive in this space, you know, and so cities are being built that can withstand any sort of attack or whatever's going to happen. You know, there's a lot of things that are happening that no one knows about, you know, and then, of course, there's space happening. Yeah, and that makes sense why you're so big on building your community. But what I love about your community is that it's so eclectic. It's not just one, you know, people sometimes stick to one, you know, specific type of group

or, you know, specific gender, specific religion or whatever they're into. But your group, your community is so eclectic. And what I've seen of it personally is that everybody's community. completely supportive. But that's how it needs to be. You know, like when we do pride, and we have a really special pride program, and it's called 30 Voices 30 Days.

We do 30 covers, a cover every single day for the month of pride. It's all digital. Mostly celebrity, maybe influencer, but what's really special about it is that it's really quality. We ask heterosexual men to join us. You know, we had three men this year, one of them being David Arquette, and we did two of his sisters, along with honoring Alexis Arquette, who died of AIDS eight years ago, and who was trans, way before anyone ever knew Laverne Cox, who was also a cover, who I've known got 20 years, who's amazing.

and, you know, who was, Alexis was a real trailblazer. You know, working, 1987, she was diagnosed when she was still living as a boy with AIDS and worked, was doing mainstream movies, everyone knew, and then transitioned and was in, you know, the wedding singer with Adam Sandler, which you would never guess. And, you know, she kept going and that was really incredible. and I want to honor lives like that. I also, my dream was to be a storyteller. And that's what I love about this job.

You know, and what's so great. And that's why I live coming and doing things like this because you're a storyteller. That's why we're here. That's what you wanted to do, you know, and that's what's beautiful about having these kind of platforms because you get to really hear other people's stories and therefore being a storyteller yourself.

And these platforms and being able to, to tell stories makes young people have something to look up to because so many, first so many people like me especially, you know, we didn't have that. We didn't get to see us. No, there was none of that. A lot of places. There was none of that. And a lot of these kids, you know, now are lucky enough to be able to see that, which makes their life so much better and so much easier. And that's all we want, period for the next generation, not just for entrepreneurs, just for their lives, just to make all life better. And that's so important. Yeah, I want to switch gears for a second because I know one cause that's really important to you is bullying. And I don't think that people realize the residual

effect of bullying. And I think, listen, growing up, I do think you got experienced, but I'm not talking about bullying to like the umth degree. You got to get a little tough, but I know that you experienced it. and the humility and just everything that happened, that came from it, I want to talk a little bit about your cause and where the bullying started and how you've used that now for your cause to make awareness about bullying and that it's absolutely not okay. Yeah, you know, it's funny because I will say the older I get, the more I notice that when you're living in it,

it seems worse than what it is. We did talk about that. You were like, I don't think it was that bad. We did talk about it. You know, like I will say as I get older, you know, because I went back to my, talk about healing. Oh yeah, you told me. So all through high school, I felt very bullied because I was already being bullied at home.

So I felt like nothing was safe. Right. You know, and I was homeless. So let's just, let's just add it up. Yeah. You know what I mean? So, facing on the cake over here. Yeah.

So nothing felt safe. And then. As time went on, you know, I put myself in situations. Like, for instance, I was the first male cheerleader in our region in high school. And in that time, there was not many. Oh, no, forget it. You know, and it was, they didn't know what to do. And, but I did it because also at the same time, I was always the same type of person as I am, you know, where I would just go and be brave about something.

And I was like, I'll show you. Because I always, uh-uh, don't play with me. You know, because I will show you that I can stand up and I can really fight. And, but that's the thing, you know, I always demanded respect. Even bullied, I demanded respect because I was just not going to go for that, you know. And luckily I had a fire in me. Not everyone does, you know. And I just, when I did it, I would, you know, go and do it.

and then the other team would tease us, and then I would come back, and our team would go and say, he might be that, but he's ours, because that's very New England. You know, we stick up for our own. Yeah, yeah. And so I was always like that.

You know, and there was a girl, it's funny, I was thinking about this recently, there was a girl that I went to high school with who was horribly bullied, and she couldn't get a prom date. and I went to the prom with my best friend, but we took her with us into dinner, and I actually

I bought her cassage and took her to a fancy dinner with us and all of these things, just because I just felt so bad and I knew how she felt no matter how bad it was, but to me it was the way she was treated was just horrible, and I know she never forgot it

because she's on, you know, she'll be on social and she'll write to me and whatnot. And that was really, that was when I really started and noticing what kindness can do, like how simple it is. It's nothing. And it's like, wow, it doesn't take a lot, you know, and people don't think about it. And nine times out of ten, when people aren't nice or they're not kind, it's because they've

low self-esteem. Or again, here we are. In the space of, you know, they were, something happened to them and they're treated a certain way. And, you know, they're... It's an insecurity. I think that's 100% what it is. When people are bullying you,

because who deliberately goes out of their way? I'm just thinking, like, when I was the mean girl, I was mean because I was jealous. Right. That's the truth. Like, I was mean if I was... But I love that you can admit that, you know? Looking back, like, I definitely was a mean girl,

and I was mean because I was jealous. Right. 100%. That's why it's a complete deflection and it's an insecurity, whatever it was at that time. And then people take that, they carry it, and then they project it on other people all the time. Right. Right.

I just love how... But I love how honest. you are about it. And I also love that you're like, maybe it wasn't that bad, but now today you do a lot of things with bowling, don't you in the community? Of course I always have. You know, when they started

it gets better, which was a video series that was done years ago when Matthew Shepard originally was killed, and then also there was a student who jumped off the Brooklyn Bridge.

And a video series started with, with this gentleman named Dan Savage. She was actually a sex writer. And he started this organization because he was like, enough is enough. And he got some fantastic public figures to come out and just do a video of hope. And so at the time, you know, I had a new team

and I said, listen, this is what I want to do. And we invested our own money. And I started a lounge in New York City during fashion week. And I called everyone the CFDA, Hearst, everyone, and so many incredible, like Gabby Union, who you know is a huge advocate. She came. She's amazing. I love her.

Judith Light came, who's amazing. Miguel came and did a video. Eve, the rapper came. It was fantastic. Isaac Mizrahi. All the editors from Harper's Mazar, a 17 magazine, everyone came. And it was fantastic because it was just, again, you know, Carrie Hilsen. People were just little things.

But, you know, their fans, that could change any of their fans' lives, you know, and just to stay alive. And, you know, it's just like, because it will get better. And you never know who's had that life. Yeah. And you don't know why they're being bullied either. Yeah. And that's the thing. Bullying knows no bounds.

Yes. At all. It doesn't matter if you're gay, you're straight, you're black, you're purple. Like, it doesn't make a difference. You know, it's just. other people's perception or other people's problem. You know, it's like I always say like, I don't care what you think of me because it isn't any of my business.

Yeah. Because it isn't. Like, that's your problem, honey. Bye. I'm up the door, you know, it's like, oh, well, bye. Yeah, it looks like a you problem, not a me problem. 100%. It's absolutely true.

But I want to take a moment too and step back for a second because one thing I know about you is that you were this astound, fashion, that you're a fashion guru, you've dressed people. but also what's really interesting that we were talking about before is I love that you reinvented yourself a few times. What does that look like? If you had to like explain to somebody maybe out there that is kind of struggling and they're at this like point in their life, this pivotal moment that they're trying to figure out should they continue doing what they're doing,

they have a passion, they want to do something maybe that they're just not doing right now. I love that you brought this up because I think about this all the time and I talk about this all the time. you have to get to a place where you see the writing on the wall. Yes, or that inner voice. 100%. Because I, for some reason, have always had the sixth sense to see the writing on the wall. I saw industries change. And I was like, this is going to end soon.

Get out. Right the way. I always. And I guess also, and what is incredible about being in fashion that no one will ever tell you, is that because of the way your mind, line has to work, you're always a forecaster. That way they call it fashion forward. Yep.

Like, you're always thinking ahead because we lived ahead. You know, I was constantly like, what are they wearing next year? What are we doing next year? What is this going to be about? And I guess, I mean, still in the magazine realm, I'm still doing that. Like, oh, you're going to wear this next year. We're doing this. You know, like, the nail polish I have on right now, I've been wearing for two years.

Like, that's what's incredible about having a podcast now or being new media or just having difference in an opinion because it's like people need to hear from real life people that are not trained that are not you know scripted that yeah or scripted that talk real but like we have real life experience we've made it according to the world no but you know what I'm saying like according to the world we've made it and so they need to hear how scrappy it really is how we're up at the crack of dawn working to midnight. Like, I've had so many years of 4 a.m. to midnight, I cannot tell you. I was like, I am done with this shit. Let me tell you. Like, you wonder why we need facial fillers and Botox? Like, get out of here. Okay. You don't even know.

But you have to do it. Like, you have to, if you want to make it, if you really want to make it or make it, you have to sacrifice on the front end, whether it's getting up or staying late. And you can still fail. Yeah. And you can still fail. And you can still fail. I. I've failed 50 times still killing myself to get there. But it doesn't matter. Like, you have to be so hungry. It's like, bitch, put down the potato chips and put your hunger into your work. Because that is the only way if you want a better life.

And 99.99% of us grow up with nothing. And if you grew up with nothing, put down the potato chips and put your hunger into your work and into yourself. Yes. You know, because all these people will go and get some shitty job. And the shitty job isn't going to do nothing. It's true. Nothing. You got to go out there, you got to hustle.

And the best investment you'll ever make in your life is in you. That's 100%. Amen. You said it. That is it. The first belief is in yourself. I was like, that is so true. It might drop.

But it's so true. And it's funny because I literally just had a training. I was in Vegas at my office yesterday. Two days ago, I do a training with just the women. And the leaders come to me. They're like, listen, Mara, I'm having trouble with the girls. They're coming up with a million excuses why they can't come to work. And like for me, I'm in a male-dominated industry.

So when I have women in the industry, I'm just excited that they're there. So I get in a room with all of them and they're all there. So I'm asking them, I'm like, you know, I'm going into my thing, you know, it's really great. You're in this male-dominated space and women we really do have an advantage, blah, blah, blah. So I'm like, well, what's going on here? Like let's go roundtable, I want to hear, and hear what are the excuses? One girl says, well, my period is one. It's like your period.

That's a real excuse. The next one says, well, I have anxiety. I said, okay, well, I have both my period and anxiety, and sometimes I have that at the same time, okay? The other one was, you know, sometimes I fight with my boyfriend. I'm thinking to myself, what the, like, so you know what I did? I bought the might off for the office. I bought anxiety blankets, and then I bought heating pads.

I'm like, now what's the excuse? But if you want better. Yeah, but you know what, though? This is so funny. Remember how I was saying you should do, little vacations and things like this. Yeah, the retreat. And find other people in your industry and get them to come in for your retreat.

Yeah. Right? And you said to me, oh, well, I don't want to bring other people in. And I said to you, no, you bring them in to bring them in to come work for you. Because why do you want to have a bunch of girls? I believe in women working. I agree with it. I believe in the right women working.

I agree. Amen to that. Done. I agree. The right women need to work. I don't want to hear about it anymore. Stop the period. Enough. Enough. Because I know just as many men that'll say the same thing and that are lazy as hell. And I was like, be a man. Shut your mouth. Get to work. Yes. Because just because I don't look like your type of man, does that make me less of a man? No. And my ass is here working. So get to work. I don't want to hear about it. I don't want to hear about it. And that's why you're so successful. I mean, that is 100% why you are so successful.

I was like, sit down and shut up. Done. Get to work or you're out. And you were in an industry that was cutthroat. Oh, everything's cutthroat. Are you kidding? But you made it in that industry, which is crazy because you, I mean, you were at the top of your game there. I was the first one in, the last one out.

That's why. That's what it takes. And every time I've left a situation or something else has happened, they all get pissed. they all, oh my God, the best revenge of my life happened after the end of the pandemic. And I love this human, but he had it coming. That's called karma.

It has a funny way. It's like a big fat bitch at your front door. And so, a colleague, and we had a business together, came to my home with his partner. We had a glass of wine, what not, blah, blah, blah. And the partner said, and we had had a business together.

And the partner says like, what happened to the talent? What happened? Why is this not going as well as it used to go and blah, blah, blah? And I said, well, because the talent's sitting across the table, and I was not treated with the respect I deserved. So I appreciate that because now I have three magazines. Love it.

That's what happened. Yes, I love that. Done. I love it. I love your fears. No dis because still supportive and vice versa. but do not even think about it because I do not put up with that. No.

I love it. I love it. You have the chutzpah. You know, I told you what chutzpah. You can go ahead and disrespect me. My mouth would be closed, but don't ever think that you have the last laugh because you will never.

Ever. I love it. Because I'm up first in the morning. I'm the last one out. And you'll outwork anything. It doesn't matter. Man or woman, you're going to do it doesn't matter.

I love it. I love that you're on a college. And I'm here till I'm dead. And you're like that too. I'm here till I'm dead. I was like, you know, like we had the first annual gurus awards. I was like, you're going to be wheeling me in this joint in a wheelchair at 85. Yeah.

So, and I don't care. That's it. I was like, it doesn't have to happen today because it will be just as good next year. It'll be just as good tomorrow. It will be good in five years too. This is how it's going to go. And this is it. And I do not ever, ever care.

If the money is not, I don't care, it is quality. This is how I do it. This is how it's going to go. If I can't afford it, I don't care. I find a way because why would I ever, ever sacrifice for my community? Because I never want them to sacrifice for me. Yeah. I want them to come to the table just like I come for all of them.

I love that. And they all know that I come. And you know that. your name on something either. What, 100%? I'm not, if I'm not doing it like 100% and nice, I'm not doing it at all. And I definitely am not putting my name on it. And I don't think people understand that.

I love that. I mean, me and you are so similar when it comes to like core values and what we believe in business should look like. And it doesn't matter. I mean, that we look different. It just doesn't matter. Our core values for a business person stay strong at the forefront of our belief system. And I fucking love that about you.

Well, we were just talking about, you know, another guest you had on. We were talking about what they wore to an event I had. And I was like, no, you don't show up at my event looking like that. The way you look, you have one chance to make a first impression, you cannot look like shit. I'm telling you, my mom, from the moment I ever, my mom used to make me always dress nice. I never understood why. She's like, because you get one chance. And then the first day of school is the worst.

I always had to look nice. I'm like, why? She's like, because then the teacher's going to think you have a shitty mother. I'm like, this, but, you know, it. Mova. Mubble. You can go to shit in Mubble. But it's resonating with me my whole life

because when people see you as vain as that sounds, and it does sound vain. I don't care, but that is the first thing they see. And if you look like shit, you're going to perform like shit. And the way you do one thing in life

is the way you do everything like. And another thing that I noticed young too, and this is part of the bullying thing. When I was young, everyone always stared at me. So it was like, well, you might as well give them something to stare at it. I love it.

Because if they're going to stare at me, go bigger, I'm going to go and be me because I thought to be me. And I was like, well, oh, well, there you go. And now they all stare for the right reason because I controlled that narrative now. I love it. Not them. Yes, I love it. I fucking love you. And now they're like, oh my God. And oh, this and that and the other. And I was like, but I control that narrative. So if I want you to talk, here it is. And I do that on purpose. You know, as you grow and that's the thing too, you know, like about bull. I can, I, I, I know how to play it.

You know, I have a friend that will be like, oh, this looks like this. And then he'll see me in the space. And he's like, you really know your audience. You have chutzpah, that's why. You know who you're talking to. You know, you know, if you're in a crowd full of women. You know if you're a crowdful of gay people. It doesn't matter if they're straight.

You just know your audience. And that's like a real talent. That's a sales tactic, but that's knowing your audience. It's also knowing yourself enough. Yes. To be able to be comfortable. comfortable in those spaces with different people. To be able to maneuver.

And I think that's a life skill that, you know, I always say like... You can't teach that. That's like something innately inside of you. That is true. You know, so... But what I do wish is that, like, I wish there was like a gap year where people could really learn some real life skills. They don't teach it in school.

No, nothing. No, they don't teach it. No, and it's so difficult. Could you be uncomfortable in any room? If they put you like in like... Oh, 100%. I can't even think. Like me, I can't even think of a group of people, but I could be, you could put me in any group

of people, anybody, it doesn't matter who it is, I'll be 100%. I don't love being in a room where I don't know people, but I'll be okay. I'll be 100% okay. I always sit in the corner until I assess it out. And then I'm like, okay, now I know how to maneuver. And then you'll know who to talk to also. Yeah, because it's more like a, it's more like a, let me get my maneuvers down. Let me work the room, let me lie it down. We figure it out first. Yeah. And then I can figure out right away who I can definitely go to and see who I have most in common with. 100% I can do that in a room.

100%. Yes, I agree. It has been, I love to. We could do this all, literally, like, forget these mics goodbye, but we could talk all day about just having fun, but ultimately, you truly are a bulf. I mean, I hope that you recognize, like, when I see you, you are fierce. I tell you this all the time. The first time I saw you, you were so intimidating to me.

Like, not many people intimidate me. Like, nobody really does, but you do. But now I know why, because I met my match. Like big mouth, I would say like big mouth Jew But like big mouth I love that you're like You're the Jewish Jew I've ever made And I'm like but I'm not Jewish

They're like you're still the Jewish Jew I've ever met But I love that you are at a space Because I took me a long time too To get into this space where I am 100% Okay with who I am I'm okay, you might not be okay with who I am But I am and I really don't give a shit if you are

Because I know innately inside that my intention is good, my heart is pure, and my vision is clear. But that's, that is the key. And that's the difference. Because you have to come to the table clean. Yes. That's what it is. The people that are not okay with themselves, don't.

They don't. They're dirty. There's always a hidden agenda. There's always something else there that they're hiding. And that's why they can't. So if somebody is just straight up, this is how it goes and whatnot. Because I just tell everyone a friend, I'm like, there's no bullshit here.

This is how it's going to go. Oh, I know. And so I'm like, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom. And don't question me. This is how it is. And I will tell you straight up. Like, if I can't deliver, I'll see. And let's do it this way.

Let's do it this way. This is how I think it could go. And here's why it's better or here's why it can adjust. I know you did that to me. Do you remember you did that? I brought a dress. And then you're like, no, not for this occasion. I was like, uh, uh, but because.

No, but I appreciate it. But I also laughed too that because, clothes, doing what I have done for so long, clothes are a manipulation. Of course. But people take things like body, all of that stuff as, like, it's so funny dealing with models and stuff or people that want to be a model. I'm like, honey, you're a brand if you're going to stand here and do this for a living. So stop taking it personally. Yeah. Like if you need to do something, you do it because it's your business. It has nothing to do with your brand and your business. And I've coached so many kids for so long and everyone

comes to me for advice because I'm straight up. And I'm like, look, this is why this isn't working. And if you want to know the truth, this is the real truth. And if you've got 50 hangups, that's on you. But here is the truth. And that's the way. And it comes down to. And it's an ugly truth, trust me, because it is. But this is how it goes. You know, acting the same. or any business, you know, people have so many hangups about everything and they don't understand, because they don't want to do the work for real success because they're afraid of it. And they're afraid of success because they never think they're good enough and you have to decide you're good enough. And then nothing is personal to you anymore.

Yes, because nothing is personal to me. I'm like, uh-huh, got it. Okay, understood. If somebody went, I'd be like, understood. Okay, I'll work on that. Easy. Easy. That's rule number one. Do you know how easy life would be if people would stop whining and just hear it, take it in, and then be like, okay, I can solve all this stuff, and then they'd be on the road to success?

Nobody does that, though. This would save 20 years of drama if they would just get to work. Boom. It's easy. It's so, I mean, honestly, the pointers and everything you've said today, I hope resignates with the people that watch this. It's just, you know, but it's real talk. It's literally real. I mean, rule number one, don't take it personally. Rule number two. Because it's not personal. Yeah, kindness is going to outweigh anything and it doesn't cost anything to be kind, right? Rule number three, it is okay to reinvent yourself.

And rule number four, you have to be you no matter what and live your authentic truth. It does not matter. Does not matter what all the naysayers are going to say because they're always going to exist. 100%. I can't thank you. I hope you had a good time. I had a great time. I loved it.

I just love you. I just love you. You are a true, though. if anybody was trying to find you, which I'm sure. Oh, my God. Everything, oddly, not on TikTok. You're not, I'm not on TikTok. I just can't do the, I don't want to dance on TikTok.

I don't want to dance. I just don't, I have a TikTok. I'm just not. I just want to go out dancing. Yes, but I don't want to be a dancer. And I do post that on Instagram, though. You do? Oh, yes.

Well, you know I'm not coordinated. We tried this. That's right. Oh, how can I forget? It would be disaster. I'm not dancing ever on TikTok because we already this one of the truth. Oh my God. If you saw my, so I do like lots of model stuff and my poses as like dancing, but that's how I think of it.

You're good at that. So, I love it. I have so much fun with it. But you're good at it. Where would people find you tell you? So you can go to gurusmagine.com. You can go to the Los Angeles Inquisitor.com and you see your brand new cover. Actually, looking gorgeous.

Looking gorgeous. And I love your cover by the way. Shot by the incredible Sequoia Manuel. Put together by the incredible dare. We do our best. You can go to Mr. Warburton magazine.com. All social media platforms, Derek Warburton, and there is Derek Warburton. Wow.

There it is, in a nutshell. Keep it simple. A belf in his own right. Ladies and gentlemen, thanks for tuning in. Until next time.