Built to Finish

Steven Pivnik

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/

  1. 5d ago

    Your Business Can't Grow If Everything Depends on You with Kim Miller-Hershon

    "If nobody can do it as well as you, train people better." Many founders build their success by being the person who solves every problem. But as the business grows, that strength can become its greatest limitation. In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven Pivnik sits down with executive coach, corporate trainer, and leadership expert Kim Miller-Hershon to examine the behaviors that separate accomplished leaders from transformational ones. Kim explains why unresolved conflict is often more dangerous than visible disagreement, how leaders accidentally create founder dependency, and why asking for input is not the same as handing over decision making power. She also shares practical ways to delegate more effectively, earn genuine team buy in, and create accountability without fear. The conversation challenges leaders to examine their own triggers, loosen their grip on the tactical work, and build teams capable of succeeding without their constant involvement. Because if everything still depends on you, you have not built an enterprise. You have built yourself a demanding job. Key Takeaways Why conventional leadership advice does not work for every leader or team How personal sensitivities shape the way we interpret workplace conflict Why assuming good intent can transform difficult conversations The hidden cost of teams that avoid honest disagreement How leaders can create productive conflict instead of passive aggression Why asking for employee input does not mean giving away decision making power A simple method for confirming that delegated work was understood How founder dependency restricts growth and reduces business value Why "I can do it better myself" is often a training problem How leaders can create accountability without creating fear Why employees need permission to raise problems they cannot solve alone The difference between accomplished leadership and transformational leadership Contact Kim Website: www.kimmillerhershon.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kmillerhershon Instagram: www.instagram.com/kimmhsf Email: kim@kimmillerhershon.com Podcast: Unconventional Wisdom About Conventional Wisdom

  2. Aug 5

    The Exit Tax Mistake That Could Cost You Millions with Brett Swarts

    Most founders spend decades building a valuable company but only a few hours preparing for the tax consequences of selling it. Brett Swarts explains why that mistake can cost entrepreneurs millions. He shares how deferred sales trusts work, when founders should begin planning, why estate taxes are often ignored, and how successful exits require far more than financial preparation. The conversation also explores the emotional side of selling a business, including why so many founders struggle after closing a deal and how intentional planning creates both financial freedom and personal fulfillment. KEY TAKEAWAYS • Begin planning your exit years before a sale, not weeks before closing. • Capital gains taxes are only one piece of the equation; estate taxes can become an even larger issue. • Deferred Sales Trusts allow entrepreneurs to defer taxes while maintaining investment flexibility. • The best exit strategies are built before buyers appear. • Always pressure-test aggressive tax strategies by asking about audits, track records, and legal opinions. • Most entrepreneurs regret selling because they prepared financially, not personally. • A successful exit requires clarity around purpose after the sale. • Wealth should create freedom, not become the only goal. • Family legacy deserves as much planning as financial legacy. • Every founder should start with the end in mind. Connect with Brett Swarts  Website: BrettSwarts.com  Capital Gains Tax Solutions: CapitalGainsTaxSolutions.com  Book: Building a Capital Gains Tax Exit Plan  LinkedIn: Brett Swarts on LinkedIn 📞 Office: (916) 886-2986 If you have a pending business sale or highly appreciated asset, you can also schedule a complimentary strategic consultation through Brett's website.

  3. Jul 29

    How to Reinvent Yourself Without Losing Who You Are with Andreea Dragoi

    ost people spend their lives trying to fit into one box. This week's guest, Andreea Dragoi, has spent hers proving you don't have to. From leaving Romania at 18 to pursue the American dream, becoming a Division I swim captain, competing in modeling and pageants, earning an MBA in finance, and building a personal brand along the way, Andreea shares what it really takes to excel across multiple worlds without losing your identity. Steven and Andreea discuss why discipline beats motivation, how athletes develop resilience that translates directly into business, overcoming rejection, balancing multiple careers, leadership under pressure, and why success is built through ordinary days repeated consistently. If you've ever felt limited by labels or wondered whether you can pursue more than one passion, this conversation will challenge the way you think about achievement. Key Takeaways • Why embracing risk creates opportunity • Lessons elite athletics teach about business • Building confidence through discomfort • Turning rejection into motivation • Leadership lessons from captaining a Division I team • Why discipline always beats confidence • Balancing multiple careers without losing focus • Using AI as a tool without replacing human judgment • Why success is earned through consistency—not overnight breakthroughs Connect with Andreea Dragoi Instagram: @dragoi_andreea LinkedIn: Andreea Dragoi Whether you're an athlete, student, entrepreneur, or aspiring finance professional, Andreea welcomes questions and enjoys helping others navigate similar paths.

  4. Jul 22

    From Tech CEO to Hollywood Director: Building a Feature Film from Scratch with Nick Wilkinson

    "Building a feature film is every bit as hard as building a company." After leading technology companies through billion-dollar operations and successful acquisitions, Nick Wilkinson decided to start over—this time in Hollywood. In this episode, Nick shares the behind-the-scenes story of producing Death on the Brandywine, the unexpected similarities between entrepreneurship and filmmaking, and the leadership principles that have remained constant throughout every chapter of his career. From fundraising and casting to creative vision and learning to let go, this conversation offers valuable insights for anyone building something meaningful. Key Takeaways Reinvention doesn't end after one successful career. Building a film isn't much different than building a startup. Raising capital is only the beginning—the real challenge is execution. Leadership is about creating environments where people do their best work. Great teams outperform great individuals. Letting go is one of the hardest parts of leadership. Every first project comes with expensive lessons. Creativity and business discipline must coexist. Independent filmmaking requires relentless persistence. Success often comes from following curiosity rather than rigid plans. Film Information 🌐 Website: https://deathonthebrandywine.com 📺 Watch Death on the Brandywine: Amazon Prime Video Apple TV 📸 Instagram: @deathonthebrandywine 📘 Facebook: Death on the Brandywine

  5. Jul 15

    Healthspan Over Lifespan: The Future of Longevity with Hunter Ziesing

    "Don't focus on lifespan. Focus on healthspan." Everyone wants to live longer,but what if we've been asking the wrong question? In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven sits down with longevity entrepreneur Hunter Ziesing to explore the future of healthcare, AI-powered medicine, preventive health, and why increasing your healthspan matters more than simply extending your lifespan. Hunter shares his journey from Wall Street to building companies focused on longevity after losing his father and close friends to preventable diseases. Together they discuss the future of AI doctors, why America's healthcare system rewards sickness over prevention, the biggest mistakes startup founders make while raising capital, and the surprisingly simple habits that have the biggest impact on living a longer, healthier life. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to perform at a higher level or simply want to age with purpose, this conversation offers practical insights into building a better future, for both your business and your body. Key Takeaways Why healthspan is more important than lifespan. The future of AI-powered healthcare and personalized medicine. Why preventive health is still largely inaccessible. The four pillars of longevity everyone should prioritize. The biggest fundraising mistakes startup founders make. Why customer feedback matters more than founder ego. How endurance sports shape better entrepreneurs. Why social connection may be one of the greatest longevity tools we have. Hunter's vision for democratizing health data. Contact the Guest - Hunter Ziesing Co-Founder & Head of Partnerships - Longevity Health Executive Director - Global Health Atlas Email: Hunter@LongevityHealth.me Hunter@GlobalHealthAtlas.org

  6. Jul 8

    Build a Business Buyers Actually Want with John Warrillow

    "Your job isn't just to grow revenue. Your job is to build a business that can thrive without you." Most entrepreneurs spend years growing revenue—but very few spend time building a business someone actually wants to buy. In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven sits down with bestselling author and Value Builder founder John Warrillow to discuss what truly drives company value, why so many founders unknowingly make their businesses harder to sell, and the practical changes every entrepreneur should make long before an exit is on the horizon. Together they cover recurring revenue, founder dependency, incentive structures, acquisition mistakes, AI's impact on advisory businesses, and why preparing for an exit should begin far earlier than most founders realize. Whether you plan to sell next year or twenty years from now, this conversation will change how you think about building your company. Key Takeaways Why revenue and profit alone don't determine business value The origin story behind Built to Sell The eight drivers of business value How founder dependency destroys valuation Why recurring revenue commands premium multiples The dangers of proprietary acquisition offers Why every founder should prepare for an exit years in advance How to incentivize employees to think like owners Why AI won't replace great advisors Why human relationships are becoming even more valuable in an AI-driven world Guest John Warrillow Website: Value Builder System LinkedIn: John Warrillow on LinkedIn Email: john@valuebuilder.com Mentioned Resources Built to Sell The Automatic Customer The Art of Selling Your Business Value Builder System Assessment

  7. Jul 1

    The Legal Mistakes That Kill Business Exits (And How to Avoid Them) with Matthew Fornaro

    "Have the uncomfortable conversation now instead of having the really uncomfortable conversation later." Most founders think about legal protection only after something goes wrong. That's backwards. In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven sits down with business attorney Matthew Fornaro to discuss why legal structure, governance, contracts, and documentation should be part of every founder's strategy from day one, not just when preparing to sell. They dive into what buyers actually look for during due diligence, why handshake agreements create massive risk, how poor documentation can destroy multimillion-dollar exits, and why your attorney should be part of your business long before litigation ever appears. They also discuss AI's growing role in professional services, where it helps, where it fails, and why human expertise still matters. If you're building a business with the goal of creating long-term value, or eventually selling it, this conversation could save you years of expensive mistakes. Key Takeaways Why legal planning begins before launching your business The biggest mistakes founders make with LLCs and corporate structure Why governance documents matter more than most entrepreneurs realize How missing paperwork can derail acquisitions The importance of contracts for every business relationship When founders should begin preparing for an exit Why attorneys and accountants should be year-round advisors The hidden costs of partnership disputes How buyers evaluate legal risk during due diligence AI's strengths—and dangerous limitations—in legal work Connect with Matthew Fornaro Website: https://fornarolegal.com Connect with Steven Pivnik Website: https://stevenpivnik.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenpivnik Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenpivnik

  8. Jun 24

    AI Won't Replace Humans. It Will Expose How We Work with Christa Hill

    "The more technology we have at our disposal, the more human we need to be." Everyone is talking about AI tools, prompts, and automation, but few are talking about the human side of transformation. In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven sits down with AI educator, leadership trainer, and Tacit Edge CEO Christa Hill to discuss what truly separates organizations that thrive with AI from those that struggle to keep up. They explore why curiosity may be the most valuable skill of the future, how leaders can create cultures that embrace experimentation, why failure is essential to innovation, and what companies are getting wrong about AI adoption. Christa also shares practical strategies for creating AI-powered workflows, developing personal AI assistants, preparing the next generation for an AI-driven future, and why emotional intelligence may become the most important workplace skill of all. Whether you're a founder, executive, manager, or professional trying to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of AI, this conversation offers a refreshingly human perspective on what comes next. Key Takeaways AI transformation starts with people, not technology. Curiosity is becoming one of the most valuable professional skills. Organizations need experimentation before they can expect ROI. Technical expertise can sometimes limit AI adoption. Leaders who delay AI education risk holding their teams back. Employees are already using AI, whether companies acknowledge it or not. AI should be viewed as a collaborator, not just a tool. Voice conversations often produce better AI outcomes than typing. Emotional intelligence will become more valuable as technology advances. Entrepreneurship remains one of the best ways to future-proof your career. Guest Links Tacit Edge Learnit Training Christa Hill on LinkedIn

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About

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/

Information

  • Creator
    Steven Pivnik
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    88
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026
  • Show Website
    Built to Finish