Iman Gadzhi’s story is one of grit, self-education, and relentless ambition. Born in Dagestan, Russia, and raised by a single mother in the UK, he came from modest beginnings, including time spent in a refugee camp and growing up in a rough London neighborhood. With no financial safety net and a fractured education system, Iman knew early on that he’d have to carve his path.
He dropped out of school at 17 not out of rebellion, but out of belief. His first hustle? Flipping Instagram theme pages and doing freelance social media marketing. Armed with nothing but Wi-Fi and determination, he slowly built a client base, learning digital marketing through YouTube videos and trial-and-error. That hustle evolved into IAG Media, an agency that now handles marketing for multi-million dollar brands, especially in fitness, coaching, and e-commerce.
By 21, Iman had reportedly made over $30 million through his agency and digital education business. His online course, Agency Navigator, has become one of the most talked-about in the SMMA (social media marketing agency) world, helping thousands start their agencies from scratch. His YouTube channel has grown to over 2.8 million subscribers, where he shares insights on business, mindset, and personal growth.
He’s also known for his bold stance on education, having publicly criticized the traditional system while investing millions into building schools in developing countries through his charity, Gadzhi Foundation.
