https://www.youtube.com/@TomFM

Ever wondered what it takes to turn a gaming passion into a full-time career? In this episode, Kamal sits down with TomFM, a YouTube sensation with nearly 200K subscribers who’s living every football fan’s dream—playing Football Manager for a living. Tom shares his journey from casually watching his dad play Championship Manager to realizing he could actually build a career around his love for the game.

But this isn’t just about gaming; it’s about hustle, adaptability, and the grind that most people overlook. Tom opens up about the sacrifices he’s made, the mental switch that takes him from a social, laid-back guy to a fierce competitor in the YouTube game, and how he reinvented his approach to build a channel with millions of monthly views. Plus, he drops insights on the evolving world of YouTube, the high stakes of viewer engagement, and what it’s really like to sustain a digital career.

In this high-energy episode, Tom and Kamal explore everything from the highs of hitting 100K subscribers to preparing for England's first Football Manager World Cup—yes, virtually! Tune in for a candid look at the grit behind TomFM’s “overnight” success and actionable advice on following your passion to the next level.

Listeners are in for a treat as Kamau Ellis Hyman re-launches the Aim A Little Higher podcast with an engaging conversation featuring Tom Kelsey, one of the most influential content creators in the Football Manager community. Kamau opens the episode by reflecting on the importance of exposure and aspiration in achieving personal growth, setting a motivational tone that speaks directly to the podcast's young audience. As he shares his vision of introducing remarkable individuals under 30, he emphasizes that their stories can serve as guiding lights for listeners striving to elevate their aspirations. The episode serves as a powerful reminder that the paths to success are often paved with resilience, dedication, and the courage to take risks.

Tom takes center stage as he recounts his unique journey from a casual gamer to a full-time YouTuber, captivating the audience with anecdotes that highlight his passion for Football Manager. He shares how his early experiences—watching his father play the game—ignited his interest and laid the foundation for his future in content creation. As Kamau expertly guides the dialogue, Tom reveals the challenges he faced during his initial foray into YouTube, including the struggle for visibility and the long hours spent learning the craft. Their conversation dives into the essence of what it means to build a personal brand: the need to adapt, innovate, and remain authentic to one’s passion. Tom’s insights into the importance of understanding audience dynamics and the value of creating accessible content resonate strongly with aspiring creators.

As the episode progresses, listeners are treated to candid reflections on ambition, competition, and the sacrifices made in pursuit of success. Tom discusses the delicate balance between personal life and work commitments, shedding light on how his drive for improvement sometimes comes at the expense of social connections. The dialogue culminates in a discussion about the future of Tom’s channel and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead, including his role as an assistant manager in an upcoming FIFA E Football Manager World Cup. Kamau’s adept questioning not only highlights Tom’s accomplishments but also encourages listeners to reflect on their own journeys. This episode is a compelling blend of inspiration and practical advice, reminding young listeners that with focus and determination, they too can aim a little higher and achieve their dreams.

In this episode, Kamal, Eliza and Storme discuss the importance of taking personal responsibility and avoiding the tendency to blame others for our failures. They explore why people continue to walk down a path that is failing them and not take action to change it. The conversation also touches on the fear of failure and the need to have a plan for the future. They provide strategies for coping with stress during exams and emphasise the importance of creating order and structure in managing time. The episode concludes with a reminder to focus on personal growth and becoming a great adult.

Takeaways

Take personal responsibility for your actions and avoid blaming others for your failures.

Don't continue down a path that is failing you without taking action to change it.

Have a plan for the future and be proactive in pursuing your goals.

Create order and structure in managing your time to reduce stress and increase productivity.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

00:46 Taking Personal Responsibility

03:12 The Importance of Personal Responsibility in Education

05:09 Preempting Failure

06:23 The Fear of Failure

08:10 Having a Plan for the Future

09:35 The Importance of Clarity and Direction

10:34 Coping with Stress during Exams

11:32 Creating Order and Structure

12:55 Identifying the Root Cause of Stress

14:17 Finding Strategies to Manage Stress

20:24 Eliminating Distractions and Focusing on the Task at Hand

23:36 Being Realistic and Adapting to Your Environment

25:03 Taking Personal Responsibility for Success

26:46 The Power of Personal Responsibility

29:06 Growing Up to Be a Great Adult

30:00 Conclusion

The conversation explores the concept of imposter syndrome and the tendency to categorise emotions under this label. It delves into the distinction between imposter syndrome and nervousness, highlighting the importance of understanding specific emotions rather than generalising them. The hosts discuss personal experiences with imposter syndrome and the role of confidence and communication in overcoming it. They also touch on the dangers of faking it and emphasise the need for authenticity and adaptability in different situations. The power of clothing and presentation is explored, along with the importance of believing in oneself and doing one's best. The conversation concludes with a reminder of the value of building relationships and the reality of needing others in personal and professional growth.

Takeaways

Imposter syndrome is often used as a catch-all term for various emotions, but it's important to identify and address specific feelings.

Confidence and communication are key in overcoming imposter syndrome and succeeding in professional settings.

Adaptability and authenticity are crucial in different situations, and it's important to present oneself appropriately.

Believing in oneself and doing one's best can help overcome imposter syndrome and achieve success.

Building relationships and seeking support from others is essential in personal and professional growth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:12 Imposter Syndrome and Categorizing Emotions

02:56 Imposter Syndrome vs Nervousness

04:22 Imposter Syndrome in the Game 'Among Us'

05:34 Defining Imposter Syndrome

06:01 Personal Experience with Imposter Syndrome

07:08 The Importance of Confidence and Communication

08:07 The Dangers of Faking It

09:29 Adapting to Different Situations

10:38 The Power of Clothing and Presentation

13:42 Believing in Yourself and Doing Your Best

27:50 Fake It Till You Make It

31:12 The Importance of Building Relationships

32:07 Conclusion