Built to Finish

Welcome to Built to Finish! Join host, Steven Pivnik, each week as he explores the journeys of audacious goal setters. This includes experienced Founders, CEOs and entrepreneurs sharing pivotal moments that propelled their success. We’ll also be talking with endurance athletes who push the limits of physical and mental ability. This show is brought to you by Acresis — offering tailored, high-impact advisory services to help founders get to their finish line with a strategic acquisition or majority investor recapitalization. To learn more, go to: https://acresis.com/

Why Most Companies Are Behind on AI (And Don’t Know It) with Brian Dainis 04/16/2026

Why Most Companies Are Behind on AI (And Don’t Know It) with Brian Dainis “The compounding effect of time in your business is incredible. Most of the value gets created at the end of that curve. Just stick with it.” In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven sits down with Brian Dainis, Founder and CEO of Curotec, to break down what it really takes to scale a business in today’s technology-driven world. Brian shares his unconventional path from waiting tables and door-to-door sales to building a global software development firm approaching a $10M run rate. Together, they dive into the realities of early-stage entrepreneurship, the evolution of strategic thinking, and the major shifts happening in technology today. The conversation explores why so many companies are falling behind in AI adoption, the risks of outdated systems, and the critical decisions leaders must make between building custom solutions or buying existing software. Brian also unpacks the concept of technical debt and why imperfect decisions early on can compound into major challenges later. This episode is a must-listen for founders, operators, and executives navigating growth, technology, and long-term scalability. Key Takaways: Most founders spend years figuring things out before gaining real traction Many mid-market companies are running outdated technology AI adoption is happening faster than any previous technology shift Most companies know they need AI but don’t know where to start Culture of experimentation is critical for innovation Bureaucracy slows down progress and technology adoption Build vs buy decisions are becoming more complex with AI AI tools are dramatically increasing developer productivity Technical debt is unavoidable and compounds over time Long-term success in business comes from compounding effort CONTACT BRIAN Brian Dainis, Founder & CEO, Curotec Website: LinkedIn: Search “Brian Dainis Curotec /episode/index/show/a48a940c-de72-410a-a6f6-0d2d9488b7cc/id/40898180

Relationships Over Transactions: The Trust-Based Selling Blueprint with Todd Duncan 04/08/2026

Jim Stryker's Take On Why Founders Lose Millions Without Exit Planning 04/01/2026

Confidence Comes After Action. The Real Formula for Transformation with Cara Poppitt 03/25/2026

Confidence Comes After Action. The Real Formula for Transformation with Cara Poppitt "Confidence does not come before change. Confidence comes because you choose to change." What does real transformation actually look like for founders, leaders, and high performers? In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven Pivnik sits down with Cara Moeller Poppitt, three time bestselling author of Big Freaking Change, entrepreneur, coach, and host of the Big Freaking Change podcast. With a background in dance, entrepreneurship, and leadership coaching, Cara shares a powerful framework for navigating change, overcoming fear, and creating meaningful momentum in business and life. The conversation explores why high performers sabotage themselves, how identity affects founders during exits, and why confidence only comes after action. Cara also breaks down her Cycle of Change methodology, an eight step model designed to help entrepreneurs move from feeling stuck to taking bold action. Steven and Cara also discuss founder psychology, the emotional impact of selling a business, and how reflection and intentional pauses can unlock the next level of growth. If you are navigating change, building toward an exit, or looking to create meaningful progress in the next 90 days, this episode provides a practical roadmap for transformation. Key Takeaways Being stuck is not failure. It is a signal that growth is available Confidence comes after action, not before High performers often sabotage themselves by chasing change without clarity Founders must prepare psychologically for identity shifts after an exit Small momentum building steps create lasting transformation Fear is part of bold change and should be expected Reflection and simmering after success builds long term confidence Transformation starts by identifying the feeling you want, not the outcome You cannot change your environment but you can change your response to it The most powerful change often begins with investing in yourself Contact Cara Website Speaking and Coaching Cara offers a free Cycle of Change toolkit along with resources to help entrepreneurs create meaningful transformation in business and life. She can also be contacted through her websites and social media for coaching, speaking, and leadership programs. /episode/index/show/a48a940c-de72-410a-a6f6-0d2d9488b7cc/id/40610945

The Party Within: Rethinking Social Life and Belonging with Evan Cudworth 03/18/2026

From Boardroom to Basecamp: The Ecuador Executive Retreat with Mark Hodges and Griffin Mims 03/11/2026

From Boardroom to Basecamp: The Ecuador Executive Retreat with Mark Hodges and Griffin Mims “Mountaineering is very much a game of stepping stones.” This week on Built to Finish, Steven Pivnik shares exciting details about his upcoming Ecuador Climbing Executive Retreat — a unique experience designed to bring together founders, business leaders, and aspiring climbers for a powerful blend of exit strategy, leadership development, and high-altitude adventure. Steven first sits down with repeat guest Mark Hodges, an experienced exit advisor who has personally achieved several exits and advised on more than 30 others, helping generate over $1 billion in founder wealth. Together, they unpack the business side of the retreat, including the types of founder conversations that will take place before the trip, the mastermind-style discussions planned during the retreat, and the practical issues founders must address if they want to build toward a successful exit. In the second half of the episode, Steven is joined by Griffin Mims of Alpenglow Expeditions, the mountaineering partner for the retreat. Griffin explains why Ecuador is such an ideal destination for first-time high-altitude climbers, what participants can expect from the experience, and how Alpenglow’s high-touch approach, guide quality, and safety infrastructure make this an exceptional environment to learn mountaineering fundamentals. The conversation makes clear that this retreat is not just about climbing mountains — it is about giving founders a rare opportunity to step away from the day-to-day, challenge themselves physically and mentally, and gain clarity around what it takes to finish strong in business and in life. Business Takeaways: - Founders who successfully prepare for an exit tend to trust expert guidance, grow more confident in their market position, become more sophisticated about money, and think intentionally about what comes next after the deal closes. - A major theme of the retreat is helping founders understand the difference between headline purchase price and actual take-home proceeds, including how working capital adjustments, taxes, bonuses, legal fees, and other deal costs can materially shrink the final outcome. - Mark highlights several high-value topics for retreat mastermind sessions, including recruiting senior talent, handling non-performing executives or partners, and scaling a company successfully without losing focus. - The episode also surfaces several “valuation killers,” including underinvesting in sales, losing key customers, and getting distracted by shiny new opportunities that pull leadership away from core execution. - Steven outlines a thoughtful retreat structure that includes pre-trip one-on-one founder and leadership conversations, group mastermind sessions in Ecuador, and follow-up guidance aimed at helping participants map out the next 12 to 36 months toward a potential exit. Climbing Takeaways: - Ecuador is presented as one of the best places in the world to learn high-altitude mountaineering because of its access to 6,000-meter peaks, efficient logistics, and strong balance of real mountain experience with manageable risk. - The retreat is designed for beginners, with no prerequisite climbing experience required, though Griffin emphasizes that participants who train for a few months beforehand will enjoy the experience more and set themselves up for better success. - Alpenglow provides a highly supported experience from airport pickup to departure, along with acclimatization in Quito, mountain instruction, and access to local guide infrastructure that helps maximize safety and responsiveness. - Participants can expect comfortable accommodations for most of the retreat, including haciendas with real beds, hot showers, electricity, and often wifi, with only one night spent in a mountain hut before a summit push. - Griffin notes that for many climbers, Ecuador becomes the first stepping stone to bigger objectives, with a large percentage of participants eventually going on to higher peaks elsewhere in the world. Contact Info Steven Pivnik Website for the retreat: stevenpivnik.com/executive-retreat LinkedIn: Steven Pivnik Mark Hodges Email: Griffin Mims Email: Phone: 308-293-6629 Also available via the inquiry form on the Alpenglow Expeditions website. /episode/index/show/a48a940c-de72-410a-a6f6-0d2d9488b7cc/id/40388440

From Stand-Up to TEDx: The Blueprint Behind Talks That Actually Convert with Cesar Cervantes 03/04/2026

From Necessity to 100 Million Views with Christopher Kriel 02/25/2026

From Necessity to 100 Million Views with Christopher Kriel "I get more done in those three hours than anyone can in 10 hours while being a little bit distracted on the side the whole time." This episode of Built to Finish features Christopher Kriel, a medical student and content creator who has turned a personal financial necessity into a digital powerhouse with over 900,000 followers. Host Steven Pivnik explores Christopher’s unique journey from growing up in South Africa to studying medicine in Hungary, all while building a business that has amassed over 100 million views. The conversation dives into the science of peak performance, as Christopher breaks down the critical importance of sleep consistency, the "sedative" trap of alcohol on memory, and his "Deep Work" philosophy that allows him to out-produce those working twice the hours. Christopher also shares his latest venture: Rise, a screen-time control solution designed to help users reclaim their dopamine systems and focus from the addictive designs of social media. From debunking medical school myths to discussing the potential link between circadian rhythm disruption and long-term health, this episode is a masterclass in discipline, habit formation, and finishing what you start. Key Takeaways The Power of Small Habits: Reading just 20 minutes a day leads to finishing roughly 20 books a year, proving that consistency compounds into massive knowledge over time. Focus Over Duration: Adopting "Deep Work" sessions of two to three hours without distractions is significantly more effective than working long hours with constant interruptions. Prioritize Sleep Consistency: Getting eight hours of sleep is less important than waking up and going to bed at the same time every day to maintain your circadian rhythm. The Dangers of Distraction: Modern social media and adult content are designed to "hack" the dopamine system, requiring external tools like Rise to regain self-control. Avoid "Over-hyped" Health Trends: Christopher warns against unregulated trends like black-market peptides that lack human clinical trials and quality control. Alcohol’s Impact on Memory: Even small amounts of alcohol can disrupt REM sleep and the hippocampus, preventing the brain from properly storing memories. Connect with Christopher Instagram: TikTok: /episode/index/show/a48a940c-de72-410a-a6f6-0d2d9488b7cc/id/40223085

Preparation and Stubbornness: From War Zones to Mount Everest with Mike Tobin 02/18/2026

Preparation and Stubbornness: From War Zones to Mount Everest with Mike Tobin “Preparation and stubbornness will get you up any mountain.” In this episode of Built to Finish, host Steven Pivnik sits down with veteran journalist and war correspondent Mike Tobin for a gripping conversation on pressure, perspective, and what it really means to keep going when the stakes are life-or-death. Mike has spent decades running toward chaos — reporting from conflict zones including Iraq, Afghanistan, Israel, Gaza, Ukraine, and beyond — often becoming a firsthand witness to history in real time. Known for his calm demeanor under extreme pressure, he shares how staying focused in breaking-news environments mirrors the mindset required in high-risk mountaineering. The conversation moves from war zones to the world’s highest peaks as Mike and Steven reflect on their shared Mount Everest expedition, with Mike opening up about his summit push, the brutal conditions leading up to it, the critical role of preparation and gear choices, and the mental resilience required to keep moving when quitting feels easier. He explains why he often feels stronger the higher he climbs, how pushing past perceived limits has shaped his approach to both life and career, and how that same intensity has also carried a cost — particularly in frontline journalism, where coping with trauma, loss, and grief is often avoided by flooding life with constant motion. Mike speaks candidly about the emotional toll of always moving forward without slowing down, and the importance of acknowledging what we carry long after the story ends. This episode is a powerful listen for entrepreneurs, leaders, endurance athletes, and anyone navigating high-pressure environments, offering raw insight into resilience, discipline, and what it truly takes to finish what you start. Key Takeaways Staying calm under pressure is a trainable skill — whether in war reporting or extreme mountaineering. Getting it right matters more than getting it first, especially in a world flooded with misinformation. Preparation and stubbornness outperform talent when the conditions get hard. Big mountains — and big goals — often require pushing past your perceived quitting point. Gear choices, systems, and planning can be the difference between success and failure. High performers often cope with stress by avoiding stillness — awareness is the first step toward healthier processing. Major pursuits don’t just affect you — they impact your family, relationships, and support system. Links X (Twitter): @MikeTobinFox Documentary: Everest — streaming on Fox Nation (free trial available) /episode/index/show/a48a940c-de72-410a-a6f6-0d2d9488b7cc/id/40151340

The Yes Audit: Where Your Time, Money, and Focus Are Going with Ryan Pink Langford 02/11/2026

The Yes Audit: Where Your Time, Money, and Focus Are Going with Ryan Pink Langford “Every tiny yes we give away is slowly stealing our life. The most powerful word isn’t yes — it’s no.” In this episode of Built to Finish, host Steven Pivnik sits down with speaker, storyteller, and former serial entrepreneur Ryan Pink Langford for a powerful conversation on focus, purpose, emotional resilience, and what it really takes to build a life that lasts, not just a business. Ryan shares insights from his journey of building and exiting multiple companies, including the systems and mindset required to scale without burnout. He introduces his concept of the “Yes Audit,” a practical framework for identifying the small, unconscious commitments that slowly drain our time, energy, and attention — and why learning to say no is one of the most important skills any founder can develop. The conversation goes deeper as Ryan opens up about his experience with trauma, a traumatic brain injury, and how that chapter reshaped his definition of success. Today, his work focuses on helping entrepreneurs and high performers develop their inner edge, emotional health, clarity, and resilience, alongside their external achievements. Drawing from personal experience, coaching, and his work in trauma recovery, Ryan explains how emotions can be trained like habits, allowing leaders to operate from peace, confidence, and purpose rather than constant pressure. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, executives, and anyone feeling stretched thin, offering honest perspective, actionable tools, and a reminder that finishing strong starts from the inside. Key Takeaways Tiny yeses add up — subscriptions, obligations, and distractions quietly drain time, energy, and money. Conduct a regular “Yes Audit” to identify commitments that no longer serve your biggest goals. The framework for reclaiming focus: Define, Design, Defend your biggest yeses. Saying no is not selfish — it protects the life and work you care about most. Systems, automation, and delegation are essential for building a business that can scale and survive without you. True success requires developing both your external edge (skills) and your inner edge (emotional health). Purpose-driven work sustains energy far longer than money-driven ambition. Links Email: Instagram: @MrRyanPink /episode/index/show/a48a940c-de72-410a-a6f6-0d2d9488b7cc/id/40068390

Core Turnaround Strategy — Telling the Truth, Fixing the Core, and Saving Companies with Walter Simson 02/04/2026

Core Turnaround Strategy — Telling the Truth, Fixing the Core, and Saving Companies with Walter Simson “If you can’t admit you need a turnaround, you’re probably not going to make it.” In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven Pivnik sits down with Walter Simpson, a veteran business turnaround consultant with 40 years of experience and more than 60 middle-market company turnarounds under his belt. Walter is the author of the newly released book Core Turnaround Strategy: The Indispensable Restructuring Guide, which challenges conventional wisdom around fixing distressed companies. Rather than starting with layoffs and cost-cutting, Walter advocates for something far more fundamental: telling the truth, identifying the core, and fixing strategy before expenses. Drawing from real-world turnaround stories—including his very first engagement inside his family’s business—Walter explains how leaders can diagnose problems through products, customers, execution, and measurement errors, and why credibility with lenders, employees, and partners is the most valuable currency in a turnaround. Steven and Walter also revisit their own past work together, offering listeners an inside look at how turnaround principles apply not just to distressed companies, but to fast-growing businesses that need clarity, focus, and disciplined execution. This episode is a masterclass for founders, CEOs, operators, and investors facing complexity, pressure, or stalled momentum—and for anyone who believes businesses can be fixed when leaders are willing to face reality head-on. Key Takeaways A turnaround starts with telling the truth, not softening the message Strategy issues often hide behind financial symptoms Core products and core customers matter more than cutting headcount first Most struggling companies suffer from strategy, measurement, or execution errors Credibility with lenders is built by transparency and “showing your work” Turnarounds require partnership—between leaders, teams, and financial stakeholders The right team includes people beyond the executive suite Sustainable recovery comes from clarity, focus, and disciplined follow-through Connect with Walter Simpson Book: Core Turnaround Strategy: The Indispensable Restructuring Guide Firm Website: Email: /episode/index/show/a48a940c-de72-410a-a6f6-0d2d9488b7cc/id/39988195

The Magic of CEO Effectiveness: Scaling, Exiting, and Leading at the Next Level with Jim Schleckser 01/28/2026

The Magic of CEO Effectiveness: Scaling, Exiting, and Leading at the Next Level with Jim Schleckser “At a certain point, the business doesn’t need a harder-working founder — it needs a more effective CEO.” In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven Pivnik sits down with Jim Schleckser, a seasoned entrepreneur, CEO coach, and trusted advisor to hundreds of founders who are scaling companies, navigating complexity, and preparing for successful exits. Jim has grown and exited multiple businesses himself and now serves as the Founder and CEO of The CEO Project, a peer advisory organization designed exclusively for growth-minded CEOs. Leaders seek Jim out when they hit the ceiling of what got them “here” — and need help building the systems, leadership habits, and decision-making frameworks to get them “there.” The conversation blends hard-earned operational insight with real-world leadership truth. Drawing from his experience coaching elite CEOs — and from moments as intense as conversations at Everest Base Camp — Jim breaks down what actually moves the needle for executives once the basics are no longer the problem. Key Takeaways Why CEO effectiveness, not effort, becomes the constraint at scale The hidden leadership mistakes founders make as companies grow How to shift from operator to true executive leader Why peer accountability is essential for high-performing CEOs The difference between building a profitable company and a sellable one Decision-making frameworks that reduce noise and increase clarity Why founders must evolve faster than their organizations The “magic” that happens when strategy, leadership, and discipline align Preparing for exits long before a transaction is on the table This episode is a must-listen for founders, CEOs, and operators who know their next level won’t be reached by working harder — but by leading differently. Links: LinkedIn: The CEO Project: /episode/index/show/a48a940c-de72-410a-a6f6-0d2d9488b7cc/id/39903085

Primal Truths: What Evolutionary Psychology Teaches Us About Leadership, Power, and Relationships with Tim Ash 01/21/2026

Primal Truths: What Evolutionary Psychology Teaches Us About Leadership, Power, and Relationships with Tim Ash “We are not broken as humans — we’re living in a culture that ignores how we actually evolved.” In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven Pivnik sits down with Tim Ash, renowned expert in evolutionary psychology, persuasion, and human behavior, for a wide-ranging and unapologetically honest conversation about what truly drives leadership, relationships, and modern society. Tim is a best-selling author, international keynote speaker, and founder of a digital marketing agency that helped create over $1.2 billion in value for global brands including Google, Expedia, and Nestlé. Returning to the podcast as Steven’s first-ever repeat guest, Tim brings a deeply informed evolutionary lens to topics most people are afraid to discuss openly. The conversation centers around Tim’s latest book, Primal Dating, co-authored with Dr. Lamour Gottlieb, and explores why so many modern challenges—from broken relationships to dysfunctional workplace cultures—stem from ignoring our evolutionary wiring. Episode Takeaways: Why evolutionary psychology is foundational to leadership, marketing, and culture. How tribes, hierarchy, and initiation rituals shape high-performing organizations. The evolutionary differences between men and women—and why modern culture distorts them. Why most relationships fail (and why that doesn’t mean you’ve failed). The myth of “happily ever after” and what humans actually evolved for. Loneliness, technology, and the unintended consequences of digital optionality. How sexual marketplace dynamics affect ambition, power, and self-worth. Why depopulation, polarization, and loneliness are accelerating—and what it means for society. Lessons Tim would give his son vs. his daughter about life, relationships, and long-term strategy. Writing books with conviction: why AI should assist, not replace, original thinking. How leadership, dating, and corporate culture all follow the same primal rules. Salsa dancing as a metaphor for fully expressed living. Links: Website: Primal Dating: LinkedIn: Social Media: @primaltim /episode/index/show/a48a940c-de72-410a-a6f6-0d2d9488b7cc/id/39790910

Redefining Wealth Management: A Human-Centric Approach to Financial Success | Lisa Kirchenbauer 01/07/2026

Redefining Wealth Management: A Human-Centric Approach to Financial Success | Lisa Kirchenbauer In this episode of the Built to Finish podcast, Steven Pivnik sits down with Lisa Kirchenbauer, Founding Partner and Senior Advisor at Omega Wealth Management, to unpack what really happens before and after a liquidity event. Recognized by Newsweek and Money.com, Lisa shares how her firm has challenged the traditional, investment-first wealth management model for more than 25 years — putting life planning, psychology, and human behavior at the center of financial decision-making. Together, Steven and Lisa explore the hidden realities founders face after “winning the game,” including loss of identity, lack of structure, and the emotional whiplash that can follow sudden wealth. They dive deep into what “enough” actually means, why most founders get the number wrong, and how preparing years in advance — both financially and personally — can dramatically change outcomes. From identity shifts and post-exit mistakes to routines, goals, and the future of wealth management in an AI-driven world, this episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs planning an exit or navigating life on the other side. Takeaways: Investment management was the primary focus in traditional wealth management. A human approach to wealth management is essential. Many entrepreneurs experience a loss of identity after a liquidity event. Establishing structure and goals is crucial post-event. Defining 'enough' is more complex than just a number. Life planning questions can help clarify personal goals. Choosing the right wealth advisor involves understanding their process. Lessons learned from early mistakes can guide future decisions. Personal insights from endurance sports can improve business performance. The future of wealth management will focus on holistic approaches. Quote of the Show: "If you dont deal with the human side of wealth, the money doesn't fix anything... it just amplifies what was already there." Links: /episode/index/show/a48a940c-de72-410a-a6f6-0d2d9488b7cc/id/39636600