Mohammed Mostafa: The Triple Threat Who Conquered Football, Film & Business (And Battled Depression)

Tell us what you like or dislike about this episode!! Be honest, we don't bite! In this episode of the Stripping Off podcast, Matt Haycox sits down with Mohammed Mostafa, a self-described "triple threat" excelling in football, acting, and entrepreneurship, who is also half English and half Emirati. Mostafa shares his incredible journey, from battling injuries in professional football in Ireland to navigating the complexities of a fifth-generation family business. He discusses the decision to "find his own feet" outside the family business, leading him to open a unique gym at 20, and later, to pursue an acting career, culminating in a role in the Apple TV+ series "Hijack". Mostafa delves into the world of product placement in film, and how his agency, Versatile Synergy, is fostering local talent and attracting international productions to the UAE.  He also opens up about his personal struggles with depression and how yoga became a transformative practice, ultimately shaping his philosophy of continuous learning and positive impact.  Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro: Who Is Mohammed Mostafa? 0:29 – Identity, Purpose & The Bigger Picture 6:40 – From Football Dreams to Life Lessons 12:12 – Born to Be an Entrepreneur 17:56 – Real World vs Uni Life 19:57 – How Acting Became His Calling 27:54 – Product Placement Power Moves 32:36 – Building Versatile Synergy 34:22 – Juggling Multiple Businesses 36:40 – Why Bali Changed Everything 44:55 – Finding Focus & Family Business Truths 49:42 – Yoga, Depression & Mental Health Struggles 54:34 – His Legacy & Final Words _________________________________________________________________________________________ Welcome to Stripping Off with Matt Haycox This isn’t your average business podcast. It’s where real entrepreneurs, celebs, and industry leaders strip back the polished PR, and get brutally honest about the journeys that made them. Hosted by entrepreneur and investor Matt Haycox, Stripping Off dives into the raw, unfiltered realities behind success: the wins, the fuck-ups, the breakthroughs, and everything in between. No scripts. No sugar-coating. Just real talk from people who’ve lived it. Whether you’re hustling to scale your business or just love a behind-the-scenes look at how people really make it, this podcast is your front-row seat to the truth behind the triumphs. Who Is Matt Haycox? - Click for BADASS Trailer