Built For This: Stories of a Maverick

Jenna Bayuk
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Entrepreneurship

Built for This is the podcast that dives deep into the defining moments of entrepreneurs - the ones where they could have quit but instead chose to push forward. Each episode uncovers the raw, emotional stories of grit, perseverance, and resilience that turned struggle into success. Through candid conversations with founders, visionaries, and game-changers, we explore the pivotal challenges that tested them, the lessons they learned, and the mindset shifts that propelled them to new heights. If you’ve ever faced setbacks and wondered if you have what it takes to keep going - this is the podcast that proves you do. Because those who make it aren’t just lucky. They’re built for this.

  1. She Rebuilt the Wealth Game by Ditching Rentals and Betting on Notes with Tiffany Alexander

    May 27

    She Rebuilt the Wealth Game by Ditching Rentals and Betting on Notes with Tiffany Alexander

    In this episode of Built For This: Stories of a Maverick, host Jenna Bayuk sits down with Tiffany Alexander, Co-Founder & Partner at TaxLens AI, Chief Relationship Officer & Partner at The Pantheon, Host of Unveiling Journeys with Tiffany Alexander, Fund Manager/Owner at Aspen Sage Investment Fund, and Owner/Manager at Thankful Inc, to explore her journey of redefining wealth creation with impact. Tiffany shares how she’s built her career at the intersection of real estate, investment strategy, and community centered development. From her beginnings as a college dropout who wanted to be an astronaut to diving into real estate and helping people flip houses with no money down, Tiffany’s story reveals how overcoming fear, surrounding yourself with the right people, and believing in yourself can lead to unexpected success. She discusses the highs and lows of real estate investing, her journey into purpose driven wealth, and the power of creative financing. Additionally, Tiffany talks about her new ventures and the ways she is integrating AI into her work. Key Takeaways: Tiffany’s journey from aspiring astronaut to successful real estate investorThe role of creative financing in real estate investing and the benefits of owning debtWhy surrounding yourself with the right people can unlock new opportunitiesThe importance of mindset and how persistence and belief can overcome challengesHow Tiffany is shifting towards AI-driven solutions in her new ventures Noteworthy Quotes: “If I can do it, then I have no ability, which I thought in my head to do it that anybody could.” – Tiffany Alexander“Just show up and get your hands dirty. That’s the difference between a good leader and a bad leader.” – Tiffany Alexander“Done is better than perfect.” – Tiffany Alexander“You have to advocate for yourself and show up for yourself.” – Tiffany Alexander“There’s always room for creativity in real estate, and it’s what I love most about it.” – Tiffany Alexander Key Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Tiffany Alexander and her entrepreneurial journey 00:02:34 - Tiffany’s early influences and dreams of being an astronaut 00:07:28 - Overcoming self-doubt and the role of mindset in her success 00:11:50 - What are the lessons she learned in real estate 00:16:27 - The importance of having a solid board of advisors and mentors 00:20:11 - How was the experience as a female in the male dominant industry 00:29:55 - Tiffany’s insights into real estate markets and investment strategies 00:31:23 - How buying bad debt works and entering the note-buying space 00:37:22 - How her investment fund works 00:42:13 - Hidden risks investors overlook, especially insurance costs 00:48:27 - How Tiffany uses AI in her ventures and her vision for the future 00:56:44 - Advice for new real estate investors: Creative finance and networking 01:02:57 - Closing thoughts: Being “built for this” and the power of persistence FOLLOW OUR GUEST TIFFANY ALEXANDER ON: Tiffany Alexander LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thankfulinc/Tiffany Alexander Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tiffspacecadet/Tiffany Alexander Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@unveilingjourneysTiffany Alexander Instagram: instagram.com/tiffsinvestingAspen Sage Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aspensageWebsite: https://aspensagefund.com/TaxLens AI Website: https://go.taxlens.ai/TaxLens AI LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taxlensai/The Pantheon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pantheonfm/Aspen Sage Investment Fund LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aspen-sage-investment-fund/Book a Consultation: https://aspensagefund.com/contact-us/ FOLLOW OUR HOST JENNA BAYUK ON: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennabayuk/Website: https://kinshipkollective.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenna_bayuk/Email: info@kinshipkollective.com FOLLOW BUILT FOR THIS: STORIES OF MAVERICK PODCAST ON: Website: https://kinshipkollective.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kinshipconsulting/X: https://x.com/JBayukTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@builtforthispodcast?Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kinship.consultFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kinshipconsult

    1h 4m
  2. The Inner Work That Saved Her Business and Transformed Her Life with Jennifer K. Hill

    May 13

    The Inner Work That Saved Her Business and Transformed Her Life with Jennifer K. Hill

    In this episode of Built For This: Stories of a Maverick, host Jenna Bayuk sits down with Jennifer K. Hill, Chief Executive Officer of OptiMatch, Certified Independent Trainer at HeartMath, and Founder of the Jen Hill Tribe/Love Club and keynote speaker to explore the deeper dynamics of leadership, human connection, and psychological safety in the workplace. Jennifer began her career in recruiting, working closely with people at key career turning points, which sparked her interest in human behavior, motivation, and connection. She later moved into executive coaching after building and selling her recruiting firm. The conversation explores her journey through entrepreneurship, meditation, and neuroscience, alongside insights on self-awareness, accountability, intuition, and building more connected, psychologically safe workplace cultures. Key Takeaways: How Jennifer K. Hill’s journey from recruiting to executive coaching shaped her perspective on leadership and human behaviorWhy psychological safety is the most important predictor of successful teams and workplace culturesHow leaders can improve connection and performance by understanding human motivation rather than personality labelsWhy self-awareness and inner work are foundational to building trust, relationships, and strong organizationsHow emerging technologies and AI may reshape the future of work while creating more space for creativity and human connection Noteworthy Quotes: “Until you understand yourself, it’s incredibly difficult to truly connect with others.” – Jennifer K. Hill“The only thing you’ll ever see is what you’re looking for.” – Jennifer K. Hill“The higher brain cannot function until the lower brain feels safe.” – Jennifer K. Hill“Psychological safety is the foundation that allows teams to actually perform at their best.” – Jennifer K. Hill“We are all designed differently, and understanding those differences is the key to connection.” – Jennifer K. Hill“The secret to happiness and connection starts with reconnecting to yourself.” – Jennifer K. Hill“Curiosity is the antidote to broken culture.” – Jennifer K. Hill“When leaders slow down and get curious, trust and connection start to grow.” – Jennifer K. Hill Key Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Jennifer Hill’s early career, failure, and diagnosis journey 00:02:15 - From recruiting to entrepreneurship and building a company 00:08:10 - Personal struggles, self-discovery, and leadership transformation 00:14:19 - Meditation, intuition, and developing self-awareness 00:17:02 - Serendipity, career pivots, and stepping into new opportunities 00:28:51 - Trusting intuition and decision-making frameworks 00:31:42 - Building OptiMatch and understanding human motivation 00:35:15 - Psychological safety and its impact on workplace culture 00:37:47 - The “golden triangle” of connection: self, others, purpose 00:39:34 - Neuroscience of stress and emotional regulation 00:49:21 - Practical tools: heart-focused breathing technique 00:58:01 - AI, the future of work, and leadership evolution 01:02:07 - Jennifer’s vision, book launch, and future impact FOLLOW OUR GUEST, JENNIFER K. HILL ON: Jennifer K. Hill LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferkhillJennifer K. Hill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferkhillOptiMatch: https://optimatch.io/OptiMatch LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimatch/HeartMath Inc. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/heartmath-lnc/Jen Hill Tribe/Love Club Website: https://www.jenhilltribe.com/Jennifer K. Hill Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenhillspeaker/Jennifer K. Hill X: https://x.com/JenHillSpeakerJennifer K. Hill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferkhillPodcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/regarding-consciousness/id1642479840 FOLLOW OUR HOST, JENNA BAYUK ON: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennabayuk/Website: https://kinshipkollective.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenna_bayuk/Email: info@kinshipkollective.com FOLLOW BUILT FOR THIS: STORIES OF MAVERICK PODCAST ON: Website: https://kinshipkollective.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kinshipconsulting/X: https://x.com/JBayukTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@builtforthispodcast?Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kinship.consultFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kinshipconsult

    1h 6m
  3. What’s Coming Next Will Make or Break the Next Generation of Leaders with John Frankel

    Apr 29

    What’s Coming Next Will Make or Break the Next Generation of Leaders with John Frankel

    In this episode of Built For This, host Jenna Bayuk sits down with John Frankel, Partner at ff Venture Capital, to unpack the evolution of artificial intelligence and how it is reshaping startups, investing, and the global technology landscape. John Frankel is an investor with decades of experience supporting early-stage startups. He began his career in investment banking at Goldman Sachs and has backed companies across emerging technology sectors, including artificial intelligence, robotics, fintech, drones, and enterprise software. The conversation explores the history of AI from early applications like optical character recognition to modern large language models and why today’s AI moment feels both overhyped and underhyped at the same time. John explains how startups are using AI to operate with leaner teams, how the venture ecosystem is adapting to rapid technological change, and why founders who deeply understand AI tools are gaining massive competitive advantages. Key Takeaways: How artificial intelligence evolved from early applications like OCR to today’s large language modelsWhy AI is both overhyped and underhyped at the same timeHow startups are using AI to grow faster with smaller, more efficient teamsWhat venture investors look for when evaluating AI-driven startups and foundersHow technologies like robotics, drones, and autonomous systems could reshape daily life and industries Noteworthy Quotes: “Technology is always a form of creative destruction, the more creative it is, the more disruptive it becomes.” – John Frankel“However bad AI is today is the worst it will ever be.” – John Frankel“Humans tend to think linearly, but technology improves exponentially.” – John Frankel“Great CEOs are often delusionally optimistic, they believe they can change the behavior of millions of people.” – John Frankel“The companies that understand AI deeply today can run circles around those who don’t.” – John Frankel“AI allows startups to grow faster without growing headcount at the same pace.” – John Frankel“It’s very possible to replace human work with AI and spend more on electricity than the human salary.” – John Frankel“If technology makes something 10x cheaper or 10x better, people will change their behavior.” – John Frankel Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to John Frankel and ff Venture Capital 02:13 – Early Tech Adoption and the Journey into Venture Capital 09:08 – The History of Artificial Intelligence 14:35 – AI in Everyday Life and Invisible Intelligence 20:13 – AI’s Impact on Startups and Productivity 26:50 – Regulation, Global Competition, and AI Governance 49:18 – The Future of Venture and AI-Driven Innovation 51:49 – Rapid Fire: AI Myths, Founder Traits, and Future Technologies FOLLOW OUR GUEST JOHN FRANKEL ON: John Frankel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnfrankel ff Venture LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ff-venture-capital/ff Venture X: https://x.com/ffvcWebsite: https://ffvc.com/ FOLLOW OUR HOST JENNA BAYUK ON: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennabayuk/ Website: https://kinshipkollective.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenna_bayuk/Email: info@kinshipkollective.com FOLLOW BUILT FOR THIS: STORIES OF MAVERICK PODCAST ON: Website: https://kinshipkollective.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kinshipconsulting/X: https://x.com/JBayukTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@builtforthispodcast?Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kinship.consultFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kinshipconsult

    55 min
  4. The Identity Crisis for Entrepreneurs to Rebuild Purpose after a Forced Exit with Josh Kosnick

    Apr 15

    The Identity Crisis for Entrepreneurs to Rebuild Purpose after a Forced Exit with Josh Kosnick

    In this episode of Built For This: Stories of a Maverick, host Jenna Bayuk sits down with Josh Kosnick, Founder & CEO at Kairos Coaching & Consulting, LLC and Professional EOS Implementer at EOS Worldwide to explore the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the realities of leadership, and how adversity can reshape purpose and identity. Josh Kosnick shares the story of his entrepreneurial journey from growing up watching his father lift their family out of poverty through entrepreneurship, to building a successful financial advisory firm, leading hundreds of employees, and eventually navigating an unexpected and painful exit from the company he helped build. The conversation is about leadership, culture, identity, and resilience. Josh reflects on lessons learned from leading teams, managing difficult personalities, and the emotional toll of losing a business he expected to run for decades. He also shares how that experience ultimately led him to a new calling: coaching entrepreneurs, hosting leadership retreats, and helping high performers rediscover purpose, alignment, and personal growth. Key Takeaways: How Josh Kosnick’s upbringing and relationship with his entrepreneurial father shaped his leadership journeyThe hidden challenges of running and exiting a successful businessWhy leaders must distinguish between talent and character when building teamsHow vulnerability and personal development are essential for effective leadershipWhy adversity can become the catalyst for discovering deeper purpose and impact Noteworthy Quotes: “Success is not my identity, it’s something I strive for, but it’s not who I am.” – Josh Kosnick“You’ve already overcome everything in your life up to this point. Technically, you’re undefeated.” – Josh Kosnick“You were built to overcome every obstacle placed in your path.” – Josh Kosnick“We have to focus on what’s right for the company, not who we feel attached to emotionally.” – Josh Kosnick“Vulnerability isn’t weakness. Real vulnerability is strength.” – Josh Kosnick“You’re not speaking to everyone in the room, you're speaking to one person who needs to hear it.” – Josh Kosnick Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Josh Kosnick and his entrepreneurial journey 02:21 – Growing up with an entrepreneurial father and early influences 04:57 – Lessons learned working alongside his father 11:07 – Transitioning into leadership and taking over the firm 16:23 – Difficult leadership decisions and navigating conflict within teams 22:08 – Building culture and managing relationships as a leader 23:04 – The unexpected lawsuit that forced Josh’s exit from his company 29:49 – Processing grief, identity loss, and rebuilding after a painful exit 43:01 – Leadership, vulnerability, and helping high performers confront personal challenges 55:22 – Rapid Fire: Redefining impact, purpose, and what it means to truly be “built for this” FOLLOW OUR GUEST JOSH KOSNICK ON: Josh Kosnick LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshkosnickJosh Kosnick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshkosnickJosh Kosnick X: https://x.com/joshkosnickThe Kairos Code Book: https://www.amazon.com/Kairos-Code-Discover-Purpose-Performance/dp/1636805299Website: https://www.joshkosnick.com/Josh Kosnick Free Assessment: https://www.joshkosnick.com/assessment FOLLOW OUR HOST JENNA BAYUK ON: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennabayuk/ Website: https://kinshipkollective.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenna_bayuk/Email: info@kinshipkollective.com FOLLOW BUILT FOR THIS: STORIES OF MAVERICK PODCAST ON: Website: https://kinshipkollective.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kinshipconsulting/X: https://x.com/JBayukTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@builtforthispodcast?Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kinship.consultFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kinshipconsult

    1h 1m
  5. When Wall Street Isn’t Enough, You Build the Future of Venture with Sarah Adams Anderson

    Apr 1

    When Wall Street Isn’t Enough, You Build the Future of Venture with Sarah Adams Anderson

    In this episode of Built For This, host Jenna Bayuk sits down with Sarah Adams Anderson, Founding Partner at Vault Fund, to explore how venture studios are reshaping the future of company building and early-stage investing. She began her career in investment banking, including time at J.P. Morgan, navigating private companies through major market cycles. After graduating during the 2008 financial crisis, Sarah went on to launch Vault Fund with a bold thesis: repeatable company creation platforms can outperform traditional venture capital. In this episode, she breaks down how venture studios work, why ownership is often misunderstood, and why process and talent matter more than percentage. The conversation covered AI’s accelerating impact on capital cycles, liquidity timelines, workforce shifts, and what the next decade of innovation may look like across healthcare, energy, and private markets. Key Takeaways: Venture Studios Explained: How repeatable company-building models test, kill, and scale ideas more efficiently than traditional VCOwnership Myths: Why taking too much equity can actually hurt outcomesAI & Exit Timelines: How artificial intelligence is compressing company lifecycles and reshaping venture durationTalent Over Everything: Why founder quality and process discipline determine long-term successThe Future of Capital: How AI, private equity roll-ups, and capital efficiency will define the next decade Noteworthy Quotes: “I can’t be average. None of us can be average.” – Sarah Adams Anderson“If you’re taking more than 30% ownership in a studio model, it’s a red flag.” – Sarah Adams Anderson“We want to play with upside. We would prefer not to spend time in the downside.” – Sarah Adams Anderson“The barriers to entry for company creation are lower than they’ve ever been.” – Sarah Adams Anderson“We have essentially built ourselves over time for where we are today.” – Sarah Adams Anderson Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Sarah and her path from finance to venture 07:42 – Why early-stage venture and the move toward company creation 11:40 – Inside the venture studio model and why ownership matters 21:37 – AI’s impact on venture timelines and liquidity strategies 34:57 – Workforce disruption, reskilling, and the human side of AI 39:21 – The future of energy, global leadership, and emerging innovation 49:45 – Rapid Fire: Ownership myths, AI trends, and what “Built For This” means FOLLOW OUR GUEST SARAH ADAMS ANDERSON ON: Sarah Adams Anderson LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarah-adams-anderson-b6231916Vault Fund LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vault-fund/Website: https://www.vaultfund.com FOLLOW OUR HOST JENNA BAYUK ON: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennabayuk/Website: https://kinshipkollective.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenna_bayuk/Email: info@kinshipkollective.com FOLLOW BUILT FOR THIS: STORIES OF MAVERICK PODCAST ON: Website: https://kinshipkollective.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kinshipconsulting/X: https://x.com/JBayukTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@builtforthispodcast?Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kinship.consultFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kinshipconsult

    54 min
  6. The Grit Matters More Than Talent for Founders with Morgan Flager

    Mar 18

    The Grit Matters More Than Talent for Founders with Morgan Flager

    In this episode of Built for This, host Jenna Bayuk sits down with Morgan Flager, Managing Partner at Silverton Partners, to discuss his unconventional journey into venture capital and the future of investing in Austin’s thriving tech ecosystem. Morgan shares insights from his career, from launching his first tech company to growing Silverton Partners into one of the top early-stage venture firms in Austin. With a keen eye for identifying market-defining companies, Morgan explains what it takes to be a successful founder and how to spot the next generation of breakout opportunities. He also dives into the challenges of capital allocation, product-market fit, and the exciting role of AI in shaping the next wave of startups. Key Takeaways: The Austin Advantage: Why Austin’s ecosystem is uniquely positioned to become the next big tech hubFounder Traits: The mindset and resilience Morgan looks for in founders who will succeed long-termThe Importance of Grit: Can you learn grit, or is it innate? Morgan shares his perspectiveInvesting in AI: How Silverton is approaching AI investments without getting swept up in the hypeBuilding a Venture Firm: The challenges and rewards of starting Silverton Partners in a growing city like Austin Noteworthy Quotes: “Grit is something that can be learned, but it has to happen sooner rather than later.” – Morgan Flager“Resilience is key. It’s not just about having an idea, but about sticking with it through the tough times.” – Morgan Flager“Being in Austin allowed us to be the first to back incredible founders without the same kind of competition you see in Silicon Valley.” – Morgan Flager“We didn’t just raise capital; we raised the opportunity to really make an impact in Austin’s ecosystem.” – Morgan Flager“AI is going to be the biggest shift in the market, but it’s all about finding the right timing and the right opportunities.” – Morgan Flager Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: The rise of Silverton Partners and why Austin is the next big tech hub 00:02:32 – Morgan’s unconventional journey from Stanford to venture capital 00:13:04 – Lessons learned from his first startup experience 00:17:09 – The importance of resilience in both founders and investors 00:24:43 – Why Morgan chose Austin over Silicon Valley 00:49:02 – Investing in AI without buying into the hype 01:07:26 – Rapid Fire: Founders, grit, and what it means to be "Built for This" 01:16:22 – How to connect with Silverton Partners and the future of investing in Austin FOLLOW OUR GUEST MORGAN FLAGER ON: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mflager/Silverton Partners LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/silverton-partners/Website: https://www.silvertonpartners.com FOLLOW OUR HOST JENNA BAYUK ON: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennabayuk/Website: https://kinshipkollective.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenna_bayuk/Email: info@kinshipkollective.com FOLLOW BUILT FOR THIS: STORIES OF MAVERICK PODCAST ON: Website: https://kinshipkollective.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kinshipconsulting/X: https://x.com/JBayukTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@builtforthispodcast?Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kinship.consultFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kinshipconsult

    1h 17m
  7. He Left Silicon Valley to Build $25M Founders in the Midwest with Bill Baumel

    Mar 4

    He Left Silicon Valley to Build $25M Founders in the Midwest with Bill Baumel

    In this episode of Built for This, host Jenna Bayuk sits down with Bill Baumel, Managing Director at the Ohio Innovation Fund, to explore what real innovation looks like beyond Silicon Valley hype. With a career spanning telecommunications, cloud computing, and venture capital, Bill shares how his experience in Silicon Valley shaped his approach to investing, and why the Midwest is uniquely positioned to lead the next era of AI, healthcare, and biotech innovation. From backing founders who solve everyday problems to scaling companies from zero to $50M in revenue, Bill breaks down the mindset, humility, and resilience required to build enduring businesses. The conversation dives deep into founder psychology, timing risk, team-building, and what it truly means to be built for this in today’s rapidly changing world. Key Takeaways: Why the Midwest Matters: How healthcare data, research institutions, and talent create an unfair advantage for innovationFounder DNA: The traits Bill consistently sees in founders who succeed long-termBottom-Up Innovation: Why real-world problems outperform abstract tech ideasLessons from Being Early: Market timing, patience, and portfolio balanceBuilt for This: How experience, adaptability, and humility define great leaders Noteworthy Quotes: “Most of the best companies start with someone saying, ‘This is broken, and I need to fix it.’” – Bill Baumel“When founders become comfortable in their own skin, that’s when great things happen.” – Bill Baumel“The Midwest has the raw materials, data, talent, research; it’s about bringing it all together.” – Bill Baumel“You don’t have to be the smartest person in the room. You need to build the smartest room.” – Bill Baumel“Being built for this is about adaptability, not perfection.” – Bill Baumel Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Innovation beyond Silicon Valley hype 02:35 – What Bill looks for in founders today 05:40 – Solving real-world problems with AI and healthcare tech 08:54 – Midwest vs. Silicon Valley: Bottom-up vs. top-down innovation 13:35 – Founder spotlight: Scaling eFuse from zero to $50M 18:16 – Building teams smarter than yourself 24:24 – Founder confidence, humility, and leadership evolution 41:04 – The Ohio Innovation Fund’s looking forward and teams doing together 43:39 – Rapid fire: Habits, mentors, and lessons from failure 46:59 – Defining what “Built for This” really means 48:51 – How to get involved with the Ohio Innovation Fund FOLLOW OUR GUEST BILL BAUMEL ON: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billbaumel/Ohio Innovation Fund LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ohio-innovation-fund/Website: https://www.ohioinnovationfund.com/ FOLLOW OUR HOST JENNA BAYUK ON: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennabayuk/Website: https://kinshipkollective.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenna_bayuk/Email: info@kinshipkollective.com FOLLOW BUILT FOR THIS: STORIES OF MAVERICK PODCAST ON: Website: https://kinshipkollective.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kinshipconsulting/X: https://x.com/JBayukTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@builtforthispodcast?Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kinship.consultFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kinshipconsult

    49 min
  8. From Teen Volunteer to Global Leader: How Stephen Marks Turns Challenges into Impact

    Feb 18

    From Teen Volunteer to Global Leader: How Stephen Marks Turns Challenges into Impact

    Exclusive: Three listeners will be selected to receive a complimentary consultation with Stephen Marks. Like and share this episode to be considered! In this episode of Built for This, host Jenna Bayuk sits down with Stephen Marks, founder of Emmersion, an international Investor and Managing Partner at Apertura. With roots in early volunteer work in Northern Mexico and a bold trajectory through finance, entrepreneurship, and global strategy, Stephen shares a deeply insightful and grounded perspective on how we must navigate this era of transformation. From managing family portfolios through the 2008 financial crisis to investing in AI and eldercare solutions, Stephen unpacks how demographics, technology, and shifting geopolitics are converging to reshape the business world. His approach blends creativity, resilience, and a commitment to solving real-world problems across borders. Through his portfolio companies, such as Apertura, Stephen is actively addressing labor gaps, eldercare crises, and shifts in automation across North and Latin America. Key Takeaways: The Making of a Global Investor: How early exposure to poverty and culture shaped Stephen’s business ethos.Why Grit Still Wins: Personal reflections on resilience from the 2008 crash to today’s market volatility.AI with a Human Touch: Why automation must coexist with human expertise, especially in eldercare and small business transitions.Latin America's Rise: Why this region is a hidden powerhouse for talent, investment, and growth.What Founders Need Now: The traits, creativity, and long-term vision investors are truly looking for. Noteworthy Quotes: “You learn the most in moments of disruption—when everything feels upside down.” – Stephen Marks“Creativity, grounded in reality, is the most powerful currency.” – Stephen Marks“We’re not just investing in trends—we’re investing in people solving real problems.” – Stephen Marks“I think the trades are one of the biggest opportunities for the next generation.” – Stephen Marks“Global shifts are happening fast—diverse thought is the only way to stay ahead.” – Stephen Marks Key Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro: Meet Stephen Marks, global investor and impact-driven entrepreneur 00:03:09 - Eye-Opening Experiences: How volunteering in Mexico sparked a global mindset 00:08:48 - Entrepreneurial Origins: Family roots and building his first business at 17 00:13:07 - Grit, Nature vs. Nurture, and Entrepreneurial Psychology 00:16:17 - Lessons from the 2008 Financial Crisis: Chaos, collapse, and resilience 00:26:49 - Going Global: Why Latin America became his investment focus 00:39:29 - Disruption as Opportunity: Navigating today’s volatile markets 00:51:12 - Advice to Next Gen Founders: Learn fast, think long-term, get creative 01:00:10 - Rapid Fire: Books, rituals, and what 'Built for This' means to Stephen FOLLOW OUR GUEST STEPHEN MARKS ON: Stephen Marks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sdmarks/Emmersion LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emmersion-international/Emmersion Website: https://emmersion.ai/Apertura LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/apertura/Apertura Website: https://apertura.co/ FOLLOW OUR HOST JENNA BAYUK ON: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennabayuk/Website: https://kinshipkollective.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenna_bayuk/Email: info@kinshipkollective.com FOLLOW BUILT FOR THIS: STORIES OF MAVERICK PODCAST ON: Website: https://kinshipkollective.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kinshipconsulting/X: https://x.com/JBayukTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@builtforthispodcast?Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kinship.consultFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kinshipconsult

    1h 6m
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About

Built for This is the podcast that dives deep into the defining moments of entrepreneurs - the ones where they could have quit but instead chose to push forward. Each episode uncovers the raw, emotional stories of grit, perseverance, and resilience that turned struggle into success. Through candid conversations with founders, visionaries, and game-changers, we explore the pivotal challenges that tested them, the lessons they learned, and the mindset shifts that propelled them to new heights. If you’ve ever faced setbacks and wondered if you have what it takes to keep going - this is the podcast that proves you do. Because those who make it aren’t just lucky. They’re built for this.

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