In June 2024, I received this email from Andrew Wilkinson.

“Every year, I invite 100 of the most interesting people in the world to spend two days in my hometown of Victoria, Canada. It’s not a conference. I hate conferences. Conferences are usually about small talk and bragging at the bar. Listening to talks instead of talking. They favor the bold extroverts. The loudest person wins, and no attempt is made to facilitate conversation and friendship amongst the group. This event is different. It’s called Interesting People, and it’s happening on July 25 and 26th at The Fairmont Empress.”

Andrew is an entrepreneur, investor and billionaire**

I added the ** by billionaire because I think he might be a Canadian billionaire and thus only worth a mere $700M USD.

Two men in a fireside-chat on stage, seated on an orange sofa with one holding a microphone

Andrew Wilkinson

Somehow I snuck an invite even though I’m clearly NOT a billionaire.

But to be honest… the morning of my flight – I almost didn’t go.

I was tired, just got back from a ton of travel, and honestly just wanted to chill at home for a week. I almost ate the cost of the flight and travel and stayed home instead.

But the morning of, I said F It, lets go. And I’m glad I did.

Here’s how it went.

Interesting People Event

I got to catch up with a bunch of old friends – and meet up with some new ones.

Shaan Puri, host of the My First Million podcast was there.

As were some other internet famous people, like Greg Isenberg.

We also got some productivity hacks from Sam Corcos, founder of Levels (Continous Glucose Monitor).

Three men talking outdoors at a casual evening gathering
A fireside-chat session on stage with two speakers on an orange sofa in front of a seated audience
Two speakers laughing during an on-stage panel, both holding microphones

I was even asked to speak about “How To Grow a $100m Company”.

Ayman Al-Abdullah presenting his 9 Steps to 9 Figures slide to a small seated audience

Me speaking on stage

The Next Morning

The next morning I got a surprise text from my good friend Nick Gray.

And as a reply, I obviously said “yes”.

iMessage screenshot of an event host inviting Ayman to speak from stage, saying his session was so awesome
iMessage screenshot showing a reply that reads For you? Anything

I got to meet so many cool people and had a blast teaching my methodology – people seemed to like it too. Had a ton of people reach out after my talk.

A large group of about fifty event attendees gathered for a photo on stone steps surrounded by greenery

Group photo

Additionally, Andrewand I got to geek out about business, tactical stuff, and life in his beautiful waterfront home.

A group of men socializing with drinks by the waterfront at dusk

Me and Andrew Wilkinson

Heading Home

On the flight back from Victoria, I reflected.

A sunset view of islands and water seen through an airplane window

I wasn’t even supposed to be here.

Instead it was one of the most impactful events I’ve ever been to.

It was a reminder to me…

Ayman Al-Abdullah speaking into a microphone, captioned Always take the active decision