Radek Sali is an unbelievable success story. After making millions from the sale of Swisse Vitamins, the amiable and charismatic man has used his money for investment into sustainable businesses designed to leave the planet in a better place. He is also now an author, recently releasing How To Build A Billion Dollar Business which provides useful tips for us all on business, and importantly, the people we want to be. He sat down with Features Editor Ros Reines.

Friday morning at Sydney’s hipster-friendly Surry Hills’ café, bills and a top knotted Radek Sali blends in so well with the patrons, it takes me a few moments to spot the high-powered multi-millionaire entrepreneur among the boho diners.

He’s casually dressed with a backpack and absolutely no attitude, which is refreshing. Sydney is at its worst today. We’re in the midst of a rain episode with gridlocked traffic, roadworks and tempers flying high. Parking nearby is impossible, so I almost had to drive to the next suburb and jog back. But Sali’s presence is instantly calming. Something like serenity ebbs at my consciousness. It’s a miracle.

We’ve both decided against the signature scrambled eggs today. Sali was the guest of honour at a Lebanese banquet the night before in Parramatta with a business contact.

“So, the thought of eating more food is not good,” he apologises. For me, well, I get too hungry for breakfast at 8, so I’ve already eaten. We each settle on a coffee – decaf for him and a laté for me.

Radek Sali has a new book out How To Build A Billion Dollar Business, published by Wiley, which is already selling like, well, bills’ Ricotta Hotcakes.

“In a matter of weeks we’ve sold 5,000 copies,” he says.”

“It’s also getting some global attention in Singapore and the US, which is fantastic. A lot of people are very interested in the story,” he proudly explains.

Well, who wouldn’t be? The book details the lows and highs of his business journey, which includes almost being sacked several times over from his well-known CEO role at Swisse Wellness and a personal debt of around $15 million with a possible bankruptcy looming.

“I thought I’d have to go and live in a caravan in Byron Bay, when it was cheap,” he remarks.

However, he and his team, managed to steady the course which saw the vitamins behemoth become a $2 billion enterprise and he walked away with a reported $300 million. He still wound up in Byron Bay where he and his family now reside in a palatial home in Australia’s coolest post code. “That’s why I have this ponytail,” he says with a smile, pointing skywards, “I have to make sure I fit in.”

The journey continues. Sali is now the force behind wellness brand Wanderlust, he has an investment vehicle, Light Warrior, as well as Conscious Investment Management and a media buying agency Stratosphere among other ventures.

This August, Hollywood superstar and cultural icon, Drew Barrymore is flying in to Australia for a series of Wanderlust gatherings that will no doubt bring much attention to the brand.

She’s Oprah for the next generation, focussing on intelligent optimism and maximum fun.

“Drew Barrymore started out as a child actor,” Sali says. “She’s battled addiction with all the ramifications that come with that and she currently hosts The Drew Barrymore Show, which is the biggest talk show in the US.

“She’s a mother, she meditates daily, does yoga and she’s a real representative of what Wanderlust is all about,” he continues. “The plan is for Drew to do interviews on the couch with notable Australians, which will make for a revealing and inspirational event.”

Also in the pipeline is a tour by another big-name international celebrity, with an intriguing backstory.

Sali hopes to announce this visit later in the year. Certainly, this is a completely dierent approach to harnessing Hollywood glamour in a way that nourishes everyone. Sali, also loves to meditate and prefers to start each morning walking in nature with his wife, Helen. This is how he grounds himself. He’s also someone who never gives in to defeat.

After all, the couple waited 10 years to fall pregnant and now have a beautiful, five year old daughter, Elodie, who was born after their ninth IVF attempt. Many would have given up already, but the couple had an unwavering belief that everything comes at the right time.

He also applies this approach to business and believes that many people give up on their goals before they’ve really got started. According to him, it’s a matter of working hard, staying in the best shape, mentally and physically, having the right intentions then being alert to that sliver of light through a window of opportunity. It’s why his new book, How To Build A Billion Dollar Business, needs to be on every bedside table for general life guidance.

Our coffee is now finished and it’s time to step out into the sheeting rain but we’re heading in different directions. Sali did not bring an umbrella. No problems.

“I’m embracing it,” he says with a laugh, leaning into the weather and I notice that top knot of his is at full sail – almost as if it was some kind of spiritual antennae.