Episode 298: Build a Growth Mindset That Thrives in Constant Change with Tim Cakir

About the Guest: Tim Cakir is the Founder of AI Operator and a seasoned growth leader with over a decade of experience spanning growth marketing, executive leadership, and AI enablement. Formerly a CEO leading teams of 100+ people, Tim now focuses on helping companies and individuals adopt an AI-first mindset rooted in curiosity, experimentation, and intentional decision-making. He’s also a Growth Mentor, global operator, and vocal advocate for navigating permanent change with love over fear.

About the Episode: In this episode of the GrowthReady Podcast, Steve Mellor sits down with Tim Cakir to explore what it truly means to be growth ready in an era of permanent change, especially as AI continues to reshape how we work, think, and lead.

Key Takeaways:

• What “permanent change” really means in the AI era
• Growth mindset vs. fixed mindset in high performers
• Curiosity as a leadership advantage
• Love vs. fear as a decision-making framework
• Why experimentation beats perfection
• Decision journals and intentional decision-making
• Avoiding consumption paralysis (consume → create)
• Using AI to remove friction and reclaim focus
• Mental health, panic attacks, and presence
• Leading yourself before leading others

Links & Resources Mentioned

• AI Operator
• The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
• Tools referenced: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, voice notes, AI agents