Always Business Class

‘Flying High’ Building Networks and communities with Daniel Hakim

Dan Hakim joins Always Business Class to unpack how CUB grew from a premium members club into one of Australia’s most influential business communities. We talk work ethic, proximity, culture, systems for scaling networking, and the real travel hacks founders use, from points strategy to VIP airport shortcuts. What happens when you “turn left” instead of following the obvious path? We dive into the psychology of premium communities, why culture is the hardest thing to scale, and the two traits Dan believes every highly successful founder shares. We also go deep on travel: the comfort equation, status versus points, how business owners can use travel as a competitive advantage, and the “VIP airport” experiences that change the way you fly forever. If you are building a business, craving better rooms and better people, or simply want smarter ways to travel while staying in founder mode, this one is for you. Sponsors: Join Flights Club: https://iflyflat.com.au/membership/ Accor Plus Explorer Membership: https://www.accorplus.com/explorer-membership/ Guest: Daniel Hakim CUB: https://www.instagram.com/clubofunitedbusiness/ https://cub.club/ Daniel: https://www.instagram.com/the.danielhakim/ Key topics covered How Dan’s upbringing overseas shaped CUB’s “premium club” DNA Why CUB started without a rigid plan, and what it became once Dan listened to members The reality of scaling a community: systems, intentionality, and maintaining culture Why “the product is the members”, and what that means operationally The role of pricing and eligibility in creating a high-trust, high-engagement room Proximity, environments, and why location and relationships shape outcomes The two traits Dan sees in every ultra-successful founder: work ethic + network Travel as a business advantage: more in-person time, better deals, faster learning Status vs points: when loyalty matters and when points win Points strategy using business expenses and high-volume hospitality spend Dan’s travel preferences: privacy, seat width, lounge quality, and comfort routines VIP airport services and the shortcuts founders use to save time and friction Bucket list travel, short trips, and why “waiting for two weeks” stops people travelling Where Dan wants to take CUB next: global clubhouses and tiers for every stage Chapters 00:00 Intro: Turning left and the business class mindset 00:47 Dan’s last 10 years and why CUB exists 03:00 The accidental pivot: from club to networking engine 05:15 “Just start”: how founders get stuck before they begin 07:23 The hardest part: scaling culture when members are the product 09:46 Relationship managers and “uncommon connections” 10:58 Proximity, environment, and why the right room changes everything 14:07 Travel as a competitive advantage for founders 17:31 The North Star: building the world’s largest business networking organisation 18:59 What travel means to Dan: privacy, comfort and airline choices 21:49 Status vs points and loyalty decisions 26:17 Memorable travel moments and VIP airport stories 31:35 Using points to unlock more travel and better business outcomes 36:30 Bucket list travel and why short trips matter 40:00 Hotel routines, tipping systems and getting looked after 43:51 How CUB and travel will fuse as it expands globally 47:23 Wrap and what’s next for CUB CUB community, Dan Hakeem, premium networking Australia, business owners community, founders networking, leadership and culture, proximity and success, business class mindset, status vs points, points strategy for business owners, Virgin status, Singapore Airlines lounge, Emirates business class, VIP airport service, travel hacks for entrepreneurs, building community systems.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy New Year from the hosts of Always Business Class.

We hope you’ve had a great break and are feeling ready for what’s ahead. Thank you for being part of the Always Business Class community. We can’t wait to share what’s coming next. We’re back on January 21st, returning to our usual fortnightly release schedule. Here’s to a big year of great conversations, new ideas, and always turning left.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Merry Xmas from Steve Hui and Steve Pirie-Nally

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the hosts of Always Business Class. Thank you for listening, sharing, and being part of the journey this year. We’re incredibly grateful for the support and conversations along the way. We’ll be back on January 21st, returning to our usual fortnightly release schedule. Until then, enjoy the break, travel well, and we’ll see you in the new year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Business Class Is Still the Smart Play in 2026

In this episode of Always Business Class, hosts Steve Hui and Steve Pirie-Nally break down the biggest shifts happening in travel right now — from skyrocketing business class fares post-COVID, to the upcoming Amex devaluation, to the new mindset shaping how Australians are planning their trips. Fresh off a masterclass with 2,300 Accor Plus Explorer members, Steve & Steve unpack what travellers are struggling with, what’s changed in the points game, and why travel is no longer a luxury — it’s an ambition. The conversation digs into strategy, numbers, mindset, and practical examples of how to turn points into real business class seats (without spending $12–15k a ticket). Key Takeaways: The New Travel Mindset:Travel isn’t seen as a luxury purchase anymore — it’s become an essential part of life, growth, and experience. Points vs Cash Reality:Business class can cost 5× more in cash, but only ~2× more in points. Understanding the maths is everything. The Amex 15 December Change:Some airline transfers will now require 50% more Amex points. We explain what this actually means and what to do before it hits. Reward Seats 101:Finding seats is like fishing — you need more rods (more programs) and more ponds (more airlines). Relying only on Qantas or Virgin limits your chances heavily. Why Most Travellers Feel “Confident”… Until They Aren’t:Many Australians only know one program. When they discover how many options exist, confidence drops — which is actually a good thing. Flexible Programs = Freedom:Earning in flexible buckets (Amex, bank rewards, pay rewards) gives you more opportunities to book seats others can’t find. The Million-Point Question:Three business class seats to Europe typically require ~1M airline points. The episode breaks down how to plan backwards from the goal. Seats Come and Go:Award space constantly shifts — it’s not a one-and-done search. Persistence and strategy win every time. Why People Don’t Use Their Points:Billions of points sit untouched because travellers don’t know where to start or believe they can’t find seats. Notable Quotes “Travel is no longer a luxury — it's an ambition.” – Steve Hui “It’s not luxury travel anymore. It’s the luxury to have travel.” – Steve Pirie-Nally “If you’re earning points in one airline, you’ve only got one rod in the water.” – Steve Hui “There’s only one deal in points. A business class reward seat is always a good deal.” – Steve Hui Resources & Mentions Join Flights Club: https://iflyflat.com.au/membership/ Accor Plus Explorer Membership: https://www.accorplus.com/explorer-membership/ Episode Highlights 00:00 – Why travel is no longer a luxury (and why points matter more than ever) 02:00 – Key insights from 2,300 webinar registrants 04:30 – The new travel personas: “journey” vs “destination” 06:20 – Post-COVID shift: experiences > things 08:00 – Why business class cash fares exploded 09:40 – “Somewhat confident” travellers and the big mindset gap 11:10 – How flexible reward programs give you more options 13:00 – Why finding reward seats is like fishing 15:30 – Why you should book one-way flights, not returns 17:10 – The case for earning points across multiple programs 19:00 – The million-point Europe calculation 21:00 – The Amex 15 Dec change — what actually happens 23:00 – How to choose where to transfer your points 25:00 – Why Virgin’s partnership with Qatar changes everything 27:00 – New airlines now accessible to Australians (Japan Airlines, Vietnam, Air Canada, etc.) 29:00 – Real member wins and fast bookings 30:20 – Final takeaway: how to think strategically about points See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Jack Henderson Will Never Fly Economy Again (And How You Can Think Like Him)

In this episode of Always Business Class, hosts Steve Hui and Steve Pirie-Nally sit down with Jack Henderson to explore the mindset, journeys, and strategies of a business owner who’s turned property investment and strategic thinking into a lifestyle of freedom and global travel. While the conversation starts with business class flights and travel experiences, it dives deep into entrepreneurship, mindset shifts, wealth creation, and the value of exposure to new ideas and environments. Jack shares his personal journey from leaving school at 15, working in mining and construction, to becoming a property investor and entrepreneur. He explains how his experiences abroad, from Dubai to the south of France, shaped his perspective on life, business, and success. Along the way, he shares insights into building wealth, leveraging points for luxurious travel, and how strategic thinking applies both in business and personal growth. Key Takeaways: Business Mindset: Success requires continuous thinking about improving your business, solving problems, and generating ideas, no matter where you are. Transitioning from Employee to Entrepreneur: Jack discusses how moving from mining and construction into property and business ownership transformed his life. Travel as Exposure and Inspiration: Travel exposes you to global opportunities and perspectives that shape personal and business growth. Luxury Travel Hacks: Jack explains how he leverages points for first-class travel and high-end experiences without paying full price. Goal Setting and Life Design: Using travel time for reflection, journaling, and planning, Jack defines his “perfect life” and outlines actionable steps to achieve it. Real Estate Insights: Jack provides practical advice on property affordability, geographic strategy, and wealth-building in Australia. Community and Networking: The importance of surrounding yourself with other business-minded people and leveraging relationships for opportunities. Health and Performance: Jack emphasizes limiting alcohol, maintaining sleep routines, and personal discipline for peak performance. Notable Quotes: “Most people think we talk about business class, but we actually talk about always business.” – Steve Hui “Ten years is not all that much time… I fully remember turning 18 and now at 29, my life has completely transformed.” – Jack Henderson “Success isn’t just about money; it’s about reaching a level of skill and capability that allows extreme highs and the ability to navigate lows.” – Jack Henderson “Travel exposes you to things we don’t get exposed to here in Australia and inspires me to think bigger.” – Jack Henderson Resources & Mentions: Jack Henderson: https://www.instagram.com/jackchenderson/ Join Flights Club: https://iflyflat.com.au/membership/ Sponsor: https://www.accorplus.com/explorer-membership/ Episode Highlights: 00:00 – Jack’s first business class flight and transition from employee to entrepreneur 03:00 – The role of travel in inspiring business and personal growth 07:00 – Mining to property investment: lessons in opportunity and strategy 11:30 – Leveraging points for luxury travel and experiences 16:30 – Defining life goals, building wealth, and achieving freedom 26:00 – Housing affordability and geographic strategies in Australia 31:00 – Travel routines, rituals, and hacks for high performance See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.