Time, Fuel, & Money
Time, Fuel, and Money is a conversation for founders, investors, operators, and high-performers who want to understand the deeper forces that shape how we live, build, lead, and make decisions. Hosted by Deborah Moorad, Karim ReFaey, and Vassili Kotlov, the show blends neuroscience, psychology, business, energy, and human behavior—turning complex ideas into practical, emotionally intelligent frameworks.
Each week, we explore what really drives progress: alignment, awareness, relationships, incentives, momentum, and the hidden energy behind ambition. Through stories from biotech, venture capital, government, aviation, engineering, and everyday life, we break down how time, fuel, and money work together—and how they quietly shape careers, companies, and character.
This is not a hustle show. It’s a clarity show.
A place to think deeper, grow wiser, and operate with more intention—without losing your humanity.
New episodes weekly. Join us and rethink the rules.
Time, Fuel, & Money
The Hustle Trap: Presence, Pressure & Performative Progress
Why hustle culture feels productive—but often isn’t
Episode 9 breaks down the psychology of hustle culture and why so many founders wear urgency as identity armor. Deb, Vassili, and Karim explore the roots of hustle (from Dutch origins to Silicon Valley mythology), why comparison warps behavior, and how procrastination often signals energy conservation—not laziness.
This episode helps ambitious people separate real momentum from the performative grind, and shows why presence — not pressure — is the real competitive advantage.
Topics:
- Hustle vs. intentional effort
- Comparison, identity & pressure
- Energy conservation vs. procrastination
- Performative work vs. real progress
- Presence as a performance strategy
🔹 New episodes weekly. Subscribe now to rethink the rules.