“If someone’s already doing it, I’m not interested.” This principle has led Lado Okhotnikov to build Holiverse, a metaverse platform that has attracted over 2 million users across 28 countries with its unique approach to digital wellness. To date, his ventures have generated $6 billion in revenue, yet his vision extends far beyond mere commercial success. A visionary who’s not afraid to evolve with the world — and change it for the better — in this conversation, Lado shares the personal philosophy and inner motivation that drives his mission to change how we approach technology, wellness, and human potential.
What experiences and individuals have most profoundly shaped the mindset of a visionary businessman like yourself?
It’s hard to pinpoint specific names or events, because for me, it’s been more of an inner journey. My spiritual path has been the biggest influence, hands down. It’s deeply intertwined with everything I do, the things that truly ignite my passion and bring me joy. It’s not just about making a living – it’s about enriching the soul along the way.
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What idea once seemed utterly crazy to you, yet ultimately changed everything?
My life’s been a wild ride, full of unexpected twists. Even just choosing to study film directing felt crazy at the time. Suddenly, I saw that I was the director of my own life’s story. That was the game-changer. Now, I’m literally bringing that metaphor to life – I’m actually directing a movie.
How has your personal definition of success evolved over the years?
My idea of success has been a real journey, constantly shifting and evolving. Early on, I think I was carrying around some of that old Soviet-era mindset, which, let’s be honest, wasn’t exactly geared towards entrepreneurial thinking. But as I grew, my priorities shifted, new passions ignited, and I found myself drawn to different challenges. I started to realize success wasn’t some fixed point, but more about the journey itself, the trying, experimenting, and discovering what truly mattered to me at each stage of my life.
What was your most unexpected failure, and what did it teach you?
You know, failure sometimes hits you hardest when it comes from where you least expect it. Just this past September, we experienced something like that. It felt like a real betrayal – we discovered sabotage from within our own team, by someone we deeply trusted. It was a conspiracy, really. We were hit hard financially, the whole system we’d built was compromised. Honestly, it was a shock, and it hurt.
But even in that pain, there were lessons. It was a stark reminder to trust our instincts more deeply, to sharpen our observation skills, and build stronger, more resilient systems – systems less reliant on a human.
It forced me to confront a hard truth: I had allowed someone who ultimately betrayed that trust to stay in a position of authority, leaving vulnerabilities exposed. We should have completed that system overhaul long ago. Looking back, it was a painful but powerful wake-up call to never again delay the hard choices that true security demands. Now we’re moving forward, stronger and wiser.
Was there ever a point where you felt like giving up? How did you overcome that?
I’ve had plenty of those moments, and honestly, the sabotage I faced just last September was a real low point. It felt like it would have been easier to walk away from everything and start over. But what truly pulls me through is a core principle I’ve always lived by: consistency is the key. There are commitments you need to see through, no matter what. Even when it feels like nobody gets it or appreciates the effort, it doesn’t change a thing. In the grand scheme, people will see that unwavering dedication, and they will see the result that you were fighting for all along. That’s what truly matters.
How do you handle doubts — both your own and those of others?
We all wrestle with doubt, especially when making big decisions. It’s part of the process, a chance to really test our ideas. But once that decision is locked in, doubt’s got to go. From then on, it’s about commitment. I live by this, and honestly, I think it’s a game-changer for anyone.
What sets a visionary like you apart from merely a successful entrepreneur?
For me, it’s simple: if someone’s already doing it, I’m not interested. My drive comes from creating something entirely new, something that hasn’t been done before. That’s my core principle. It’s not just about being different, it’s about feeling that I’m pushing boundaries and contributing something truly valuable to the world. That feeling, that sense of purpose, is what fuels me and keeps me going, even when things get tough. It’s the fire that fuels the whole thing.
Did your background in Greco-Roman wrestling help you in life, in business, in your projects?
Absolutely, wrestling shaped me in ways I still feel today. It drilled into me the simple truth that real results come from consistent effort. You put in the work, even when you don’t see immediate payoff, trusting that if you keep pushing forward, you’ll get there. That’s the bedrock of any successful business or project too. But beyond that, there’s something about facing a tough opponent.
Before a fight, you secretly hope for an easy win. But let’s be honest, beating someone weaker doesn’t give you the same satisfaction. It’s when you overcome someone you could truly lose to, a worthy adversary, that victory tastes different. It fuels you in a way an easy win never could. Same in business: when you fight your way through, the feeling of accomplishment is incredible.
Wrestling forged a resilience in me that I carry to this day, it definitely helped to prepare me for the harsh reality of big challenges.
What single habit or way of thinking would you recommend to every leader?
It’s tough to pick just one, but for me, it’s about a deep, genuine connection with the community, true empathy. I’ll give you an example: we faced a major setback, serious sabotage that caused significant damage. One of my colleagues noticed that in the aftermath, I was even more driven to make things right, not just for the business, but for the people, the community, who were also impacted. It’s like their well-being was directly tied to my own. When you genuinely care, when you see the community’s interests as your own, people feel that. They sense that authenticity, and it inspires them to follow you, to be a part of something bigger.
Do you have any daily rituals that help you maintain peak productivity?
You know, I’d call them less ‘rituals’ and more like ‘guiding principles.’ For me, it’s all about carving out those crucial moments of solitude, silence, and physical activity. My day always starts with a period of quiet meditation – just breathing, being present, finding that inner calm. Then, throughout the day, I’ve learned that I need to take a walk, ideally somewhere I can be alone with my thoughts or get my body moving with some exercise. These are the things that truly recharge my batteries and let me be my best self.
Do you still pursue your hobby as a tea master?
Absolutely! Once you’ve walked the path of tea, there’s no turning back. When you’ve truly felt that Dao energy, that heightened awareness, it’s something you crave more of. It’s a journey of constant discovery. And excitingly, tea will soon be weaving its way back into my business life, but in a completely new, reimagined way.
Which of your completed projects are you most proud of, and why?
The project that really tugs at my heartstrings right now is the film we just wrapped. It’s got that special something. But another one I’m incredibly proud of is our DNA-based health research program. It’s deeply fulfilling to see it flourish, especially because, honestly, years ago it felt like a pipe dream, miles away from ever happening. To have actually built that dream from the ground up, to see it potentially changing lives — that’s the magic that makes it truly resonate with me.
What do you dream of now that still seems impossible?
Honestly, I’ve reached a point where I don’t see any dream as truly impossible. It’s more about the scale of impact and the journey to get there. Every ‘impossible’ just fuels my drive even more.
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