David Selley – A Life of Resilience, Risk, and Global Impact

From Poverty to Possibility

Born in wartime England and raised in poverty without electricity, water, or heat, David Selley could have allowed adversity to define him. Instead, those early hardships built resilience and determination that would fuel an extraordinary entrepreneurial journey spanning more than seven decades. Now 87 years old, David is a celebrated author, mentor, and founder of the International Entrepreneurs Association (IEA), with a bold mission to empower 700 million entrepreneurs worldwide. His story is not only about survival but about transformation—proving that challenges can become the very foundation of success. In this episode, he reflects on the lessons poverty taught him, how resilience carried him through life’s hurdles, and the deep influence of family in shaping his values. Married for 65 years, David credits his long partnership and the love of his grandchildren as key inspirations behind his work and writing.

The Wisdom of a Global Entrepreneur

Over his long career, David has built businesses, made and lost fortunes, and learned the value of risk, research, and adaptability. He candidly shares how mistakes—sometimes very costly ones—became opportunities for growth, reinforcing his belief that ideas only matter when acted upon. With seven published books and more underway, David is now pursuing a Guinness World Record as the oldest author to publish the most books in a single year. He describes how encouragement from his grandchildren set him on this literary path, leading him to write millions of words and create both insightful and lighthearted titles. David also explains how technology, including AI, is revolutionizing his research and writing process, giving him fresh tools to share wisdom with the world. Along the way, he offers practical advice: vet every idea carefully, be willing to pivot when necessary, and never lose your optimism or courage.

Legacy, Mentorship, and Living a Fantastic Life

David’s proudest achievement is launching the International Entrepreneurs Association, a global initiative designed to provide training, licensing, and opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those marginalized or without access to traditional education. Rooted in grassroots experience and coupled with his belief in giving back, the IEA blends mentorship, philanthropy, and practical tools to empower people to step outside conformity and build freedom through enterprise. David also reflects on lessons learned from mentors like Mark Victor Hansen and Robert Allen, who helped him unlock creativity and embrace bold thinking. Despite setbacks—including the collapse of a brilliant idea due to industry resistance—David views both success and failure as essential parts of his journey. Today, he continues to live what he calls a fantastic life: planning a global book tour, opening new doors for entrepreneurs, and spreading his “Go, Be, Do” philosophy. His message is clear—true happiness comes from having someone to love, something meaningful to do, and something exciting to look forward to.

Resources

Learn more about David Selley: www.davidselley.net

Explore the International Entrepreneurs Association: www.iea777.com

Discover more about Dr. Allen Lycka and Living a Fantastic Life: www.drallenlycka.com

BIO:

David Selley is an 87-year-old global entrepreneur, author, and founder of the International Entrepreneurs Association, leading a bold mission to empower 700 million entrepreneurs worldwide. Born in wartime England and rising from poverty, David has built a legacy of innovation, mentorship, and impact over seven decades. With seven books already released and more to come, he's currently pursuing a Guinness World Record while continuing to inspire others with his “Go! Be! DO!” philosophy and the wisdom of a life fully lived.

Social Media:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/selleydavid