Built With Purpose

The Radcast Network

Built With Purpose shares thoughtful conversations with the people who design, build, and improve the world around us. Hosted by Chris Fay, the show blends experience from commercial construction and tech leadership to explore how values, systems, and steady execution create enduring companies. Each week, you’ll hear: Builder Conversations: Warm, in-depth interviews with founders, operators, and craft leaders across construction, architecture, engineering, manufacturing, and built-world tech. Field Notes: Short, practical takeaways on leadership, culture, brand, sales, and operational excellence—ideas you can put to work on Monday. If you care about building teams and businesses that last—without losing sight of purpose—this podcast is for you. Subscribe and build with intention.

  1. Step Outside Your World and Challenge Your Own Perspective | Between The Builds

    2 DAYS AGO

    Step Outside Your World and Challenge Your Own Perspective | Between The Builds

    In this solo episode of Built With Purpose: Between the Builds, Chris Fay dives into a simple but powerful idea that can completely change how you lead: context shapes everything. Recorded on the road between meetings and conferences, Chris reflects on recent conversations—including a powerful discussion with Jyot Singh—and a chance encounter with an Uber driver that challenged his perspective on culture, upbringing, and worldview. What unfolds is a thoughtful exploration of how our experiences, environments, and personal wiring influence the way we think, make decisions, and ultimately lead others. Chris breaks down why the best leaders aren’t just decisive—they’re informed. And that comes from actively seeking out different perspectives, engaging in uncomfortable conversations, and expanding your understanding of the world beyond your own experiences. In a time where it’s easier than ever to stay in our own echo chambers, this episode is a reminder that growth doesn’t happen in comfort—it happens when we step outside of it. If you want to become a more effective leader, a better teammate, or simply a more thoughtful human, it starts with one thing: gaining more context. Topics CoveredWhy context is critical for better decision-makingHow your upbringing and experiences shape your worldviewThe connection between perspective and leadership effectivenessLessons from real conversations across different cultures and backgroundsWhy leaders need to step outside their comfort zonesThe risk of surrounding yourself with people who think like youHow curiosity and empathy improve leadershipGiving others grace while expanding your own thinkingKey TakeawaysYour perspective is shaped by your experiences—but it’s not the only oneGreat leaders seek out different viewpoints before making decisionsGrowth happens when you engage with people who think differently than youYou don’t have to agree with others to learn from themExpanding your context leads to better leadership, stronger relationships, and smarter decisionsChallenge for the WeekWhat’s one thing you can do this week to expand your perspective?Have a conversation. Read something new. Step outside your usual circle.You might be surprised what you learn—and how it changes the way you lead.Connect with ChrisChris Fay LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisfay/

    13 min
  2. From Crisis to Clarity: How Vulnerability and AI Are Reshaping Leadership | Jyot Singh

    28 APR

    From Crisis to Clarity: How Vulnerability and AI Are Reshaping Leadership | Jyot Singh

    In this powerful episode of Built With Purpose, Chris Fay sits down with Jyot Singh, Founder and CEO of RTS Labs, to explore how life’s most difficult moments can shape stronger, more intentional leadership. From a deeply personal story of loss early in his career to building a thriving technology company, Jyot shares how resilience and perspective have defined his journey. The conversation dives into the evolving role of vulnerability in leadership and how creating psychological safety within teams can unlock performance, trust, and innovation. Jyot breaks down how embracing uncertainty—especially in today’s rapidly changing AI landscape—is no longer optional for leaders who want to stay relevant. Chris and Jyot also explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping business models, decision-making, and the future of work, while emphasizing that human connection and purpose remain at the center of it all. This episode is a masterclass in navigating change, leading with authenticity, and building something that truly matters. 🔑 TOPICS COVERED Jyot Singh’s journey from engineer to founder of RTS Labs A defining moment of personal tragedy and its impact on leadership Why vulnerability is becoming a leadership superpower Building high-performing teams through psychological safety The real impact of AI on jobs, business models, and innovation Adapting to uncertainty and leading through rapid change Shifting from effort-based work to value-based outcomes How purpose and values drive long-term business success 🤝 CONNECT WITH CHRIS & JYOT Chris Fay LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisfay/ Jyot Singh LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jyotsingh/ Company: https://rtslabs.com

    1hr 29min
  3. Why “That’s How We’ve Always Done It” Is Hurting your Business | Between the Builds

    21 APR

    Why “That’s How We’ve Always Done It” Is Hurting your Business | Between the Builds

    What separates leaders who build lasting companies from those who stall out? In this episode of Built With Purpose, Chris Fay reflects on his conversation with Raj Alva and breaks down the leadership lessons that matter most. From having a chip on your shoulder to understanding your personal wiring, Chris explores how your past experiences shape your leadership style—and why purpose is often the driving force behind long-term success. The episode dives deep into the reality of building a company: if you’re building only to sell, you’ll likely fall short. Instead, the focus should be on building a culture, delivering value, and creating something that lasts—for both employees and customers. Chris also challenges leaders to confront one of the most dangerous mindsets in business: “that’s the way we’ve always done it.” In a world moving faster than ever, embracing change and driving innovation isn’t optional—it’s the difference between growth and failure. 🔑 Topics Covered Why your background and “wiring” shape your leadership style The role of purpose and responsibility in long-term success Why building a company to sell often leads to failure The danger of “that’s the way we’ve always done it” Why businesses are either growing or shrinking—never stagnant Leading change inside organizations and teams Balancing legacy with innovation in a fast-changing worldr 🤝 Connect Chris Fay – https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-fay Raj Alva – https://www.linkedin.com/in/raj-alva-a654801/

    18 min
  4. Working With AI: The Skill That Will Define the Next Decade of Leaders

    31 MAR

    Working With AI: The Skill That Will Define the Next Decade of Leaders

    In this episode of Built With Purpose, Chris Fay takes a different approach—bringing his AI assistant “Abby” into the conversation to explore how artificial intelligence is actually being used inside real businesses today. From brainstorming and decision-making to challenging assumptions, this episode breaks down how leaders can start working with AI instead of fearing it. Chris and Abby dig into one of the biggest questions right now: is AI really replacing jobs—or just reshaping how work gets done? The conversation explores everything from layoffs and market hype to the real impact AI is having on productivity, leadership, and decision-making across industries. They also unpack how employees at every stage—early career, mid-career, and experienced leaders—should be thinking about AI, and why curiosity may be the single most important skill moving forward. If you’re trying to figure out how to actually use AI in your business—or your career—this episode gives you a real, unfiltered starting point. 🎯 Topics Covered How Chris Fay actually uses AI day-to-day in business Why most people overthink AI (and how to start using it immediately) AI vs jobs: what’s real vs what’s hype The rise of AI-assisted decision-making and leadership How to ask better questions (and get better answers from AI) Why curiosity is the most valuable skill in the AI era What AI means for early, mid, and late career professionals Where AI will impact industries like construction, engineering, and manufacturing most The future of AI tools and competing platforms 🤝 Connect with Host & Guest Chris Fay (Host) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisfay Follow BuiltWithPurposePodcast on all social media platforms

    41 min
  5. Scaling Without Sacrifice: The Leadership Lesson Most CEOs Miss | Between the Builds

    24 MAR

    Scaling Without Sacrifice: The Leadership Lesson Most CEOs Miss | Between the Builds

    In this episode of Built With Purpose: Between the Builds, Chris Fay reflects on one of the biggest questions leaders face: Can you build something big without sacrificing what matters most? After a powerful conversation with Novolex CEO Stan Bikulege, Chris breaks down the key lessons that challenged his own thinking around growth, leadership, and family. Drawing from personal experiences—like revisiting his childhood roots in South Florida—Chris explores how the values and lessons we grow up with shape the way we lead, build, and make decisions. For many entrepreneurs and operators, the fear isn’t failure—it’s success at the cost of the people and priorities that matter most. This episode unpacks four core principles that make it possible to scale a company while staying grounded: being rooted in your foundation, making an unwavering commitment to what matters, building the right support system, and living your values daily. These aren’t just ideas—they’re the blueprint for sustainable success. If you’re thinking bigger, pushing boundaries, or feeling the tension between growth and personal life, this episode is your reminder: you don’t have to choose one or the other—you just have to lead with intention. 🎯 Topics Covered Why “thinking bigger” often creates fear around losing what matters most How childhood roots and experiences shape leadership style The real fear behind scaling a business (and it’s not failure) The 4 key principles to balancing growth and family: Rooted foundation Unwavering commitment Building a support system Living your values Why great leaders treat employees like “families,” not headcount The importance of intentional leadership vs reactive growth How to build a business without sacrificing relationships Creating alignment between personal values and company culture 🤝 Connect with Chris Chris Fay LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisfay/

    11 min
  6. From Bankrupt Company to $9B Business: The Growth Story of Novolex with Stan Bikulege

    17 MAR

    From Bankrupt Company to $9B Business: The Growth Story of Novolex with Stan Bikulege

    Stan Bikulege joins Chris Fay to share the leadership philosophy behind building one of the largest packaging manufacturers in the world. Stan reflects on how family values, humility, and discipline shaped his journey from a blue-collar upbringing to leading a global organization with 23,000 employees. Throughout the conversation, he explains how leadership isn’t about titles but about responsibility for the people and families behind the business. Stan also shares the lessons learned while scaling Novolex from a bankrupt company with just a handful of facilities into a global enterprise with more than 100 factories and billions in annual revenue. Chris and Stan discuss the balance between speed and discipline in decision-making, the importance of strong partnerships, and how leaders must constantly think years ahead while acting in the present. At its core, the conversation centers on a simple but powerful idea: great companies are built when leaders stay focused on people, integrity, and purpose. What We Covered Leading with family values – Why leadership begins at home and extends into company culture. Scaling from 1,100 employees to 23,000 – The journey of growing Novolex into a global manufacturing leader. Building culture during acquisitions – How integrating multiple acquisitions requires humility and clarity. Decision-making at scale – Why timing, discipline, and integrity matter when leading large organizations. Balancing leadership and family life – How Stan stayed present for his family while running a global company. The future of leadership – Why data, technology, and strong values will shape the next generation of companies. Connect with the Guest Stan Bikulege Chairman & CEO — Novolex Connect with the Host Chris Fay Host — Built With Purpose LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-fay/

    44 min

About

Built With Purpose shares thoughtful conversations with the people who design, build, and improve the world around us. Hosted by Chris Fay, the show blends experience from commercial construction and tech leadership to explore how values, systems, and steady execution create enduring companies. Each week, you’ll hear: Builder Conversations: Warm, in-depth interviews with founders, operators, and craft leaders across construction, architecture, engineering, manufacturing, and built-world tech. Field Notes: Short, practical takeaways on leadership, culture, brand, sales, and operational excellence—ideas you can put to work on Monday. If you care about building teams and businesses that last—without losing sight of purpose—this podcast is for you. Subscribe and build with intention.