Journeys to the Summit

Ilya Zlotnik
  • 5.0 (1)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Journeys to the Summit is your gateway to the private stories of entrepreneurs who have navigated their way to the top. Hosted by Ilya Zlotnik of Vivaldi Capital Management. Each episode explores adventures of the people who built great businesses and are living fulfilling lives. From their initial struggles to masters of their craft, our guests share candid experiences, challenges faced, and invaluable lessons learned along the way. Whether you're a successful entrepreneur or seeking inspiration, this podcast offers a compass to guide you along your journey.

Episodes

  1. JAN 7

    The Psychology of Elite Trading: Sleep, Stress, Tilt, and Staying in Your Lane

    Elite trader Lance Breitstein joins Ilya Zlotnik (Adviser & Partner at Vivaldi Capital Management) for a raw conversation on what it actually takes to become a top performer in prop trading, and what it costs. Lance shares his journey from obsessing over the Market Wizards books as a college student to grinding through a brutal first year with no profitable months, to ultimately becoming the #1 trader at Trillium, setting records and leading/mentoring other traders. This episode goes deep on the psychological game of handling stress, avoiding tilt and FOMO, surviving the comparison trap, and why Lance found that sleep quality was one of the strongest predictors of his daily P&L. He also opens up about massive drawdowns, including a $2.3M loss in ~15 minutes, and the frameworks that helped him recover and improve long-term expected value. We also cover the “Super Bowl” period of trading during 2020–2021, including the mania around GME/AMC, and why Lance ultimately stepped away from trading full-time to pursue philanthropy, health, and building what he calls “the greatest free trading course ever created.” Topics include: -Why prop trading attracts entrepreneurs (and why it breaks most people) -The real learning curve: 6+ months just to have a clue -Process vs. P&L and why early success is dangerous -Sleep, stress, identity, and performance under pressure -Tilt, FOMO, and the comparison game -GME/AMC volatility and “in-play” stocks -Leaving at the top: fulfillment beyond the scoreboard Subscribe for more conversations on performance, mindset, investing, and building a life that actually works. #journeystothesummit #entrepreneurialinsights #podcast #entrepreneurship

    48 min

  2. JAN 6

    From Physics to Financial Planning: Craig Lemoine on Building Careers, Curriculum, and Talent

    In this episode of Journeys to the Summit, Ilya Zlotnik, Advisor + Partner at Vivaldi Capital Management, sits down with Craig Lemoine, Director of Financial Planning at the University of Illinois, to talk about the real evolution of wealth management and why the next generation of talent is entering the profession differently than ever before. Craig shares his unconventional path from physics major to financial planning, his early career inside a high-volume planning team, what the old GDC “grid” sales culture taught him about incentives, and why today’s students can build a real career in planning without starting in pure sales. They also break down how Illinois grew its program from 82 students to ~240, why Craig pushed to make estate planning required (“everybody dies, not everybody retires”), and how electives like Money & Happiness are preparing students for the human side of advice. Plus: why firms increasingly prefer candidates who have already passed high-stakes exams like the SIE/Series 65. If you’re building a firm, hiring advisors, or starting your career in wealth management, this one is packed with practical insight. #FinancialPlanning #WealthManagement #FinancialAdvisor #UniversityOfIllinois #AdvisorRecruiting#EstatePlanning #Leadership #JourneysToTheSummit

    46 min

  3. 12/04/2025

    From Risk-Averse Consultant to AI Healthcare Founder

    In this episode of Journeys to the Summit, host Ilya Zlotnik (advisor & partner at Vivaldi Capital Management) sits down with healthcare entrepreneur and climbing partner Ian Strug for a candid, high-altitude look at risk, failure, and building again. Ian walks through his path from: -Liberal arts major at Vanderbilt with PhD dreams -Early career at Epic and management consulting -Co-founding Virgo, an AI-enabled GI/endoscopy company -Surviving COVID, the SVB collapse panic, and a painful founder exit -Launching a new, Mayo Clinic–backed company focused on OR efficiency and surgical access They cover: -Why being “risk-averse” doesn’t mean you’re not entrepreneurial -How a Techstars experience flipped Ian’s career trajectory -What he’d do differently around fundraising, capitalization, and banking -How to think about equity realistically as an employee -The mental health cost of tying your identity to your company -Where AI actually makes sense in healthcare—and where it’s overkill If you’re curious about healthcare startups, AI, or what it actually feels like to walk away from your “baby” and start again, this is a powerful, honest conversation. 🔔 Subscribe to Journeys to the Summit for more in-depth conversations with builders, leaders, and climbers pushing toward their own summits. 🎧 Listen to more episodes:     / @journeystothesummit   #JourneysToTheSummit #EntrepreneurialInsights #VivaldiCapitalManagement

    52 min

  4. 10/29/2025

    From the Army to Alternatives: Randy Golden’s Journey to Building Vivaldi

    What does it take to pivot from military service to co-founding a multi-billion-dollar wealth management firm? In this episode of Journeys to the Summit, host Ilya Zlotnik interviews Randy Golden, co-founder of Vivaldi Capital Management. Randy shares his unexpected path from academic probation to the U.S. Army, the lessons he carried into finance, and the bold moves that helped him and his partners grow Vivaldi into a leader in alternatives. You’ll hear: How setbacks in college redirected Randy’s life Lessons learned serving in Panama and how they shaped his discipline and perspective Why he embraced fee-based advice early, before it was mainstream His pioneering focus on alternatives for high-net-worth clients The importance of thinking big, surrounding yourself with the right people, and never becoming too comfortable 🎧 Listen to more episodes:     / @journeystothesummit   📌 Learn more about Randy and the Vivaldi team: https://www.vivaldicap.com/team/ #JourneysToTheSummit #EntrepreneurialInsights #VivaldiCapitalManagement

    43 min

  5. 09/25/2025

    Chef to Deal Maker: Sam Bendix on Healthcare Private Equity and Healthcare Real Estate

    From kitchens to private equity boardrooms: Partner Sam Bendix of Chicago Pacific Founders (CPF) shares how classical culinary training shaped his discipline, how healthcare private equity shares common demographic and operating fundamentals with healthcare real estate, and practical advice for owners preparing to sell. He and host Ilya Zlotnik (Partner & Wealth Advisor, Vivaldi Capital Management) dig into value-based care, senior housing, and medical offices—and how to partner with PE while maintaining your company’s value proposition.

    42 min

  6. 08/14/2025

    From Gas Stations to Gate 39: Shane Stiles' Entrepreneurial Evolution

    What drives someone to leave the familiar and build something from the ground up? In this episode of Journeys to the Summit, host Ilya Zlotnik sits down with Shane Stiles, founder and president of Gate 39 Media, to explore his entrepreneurial roots, shaped by a childhood working in his father’s gas stations. Together, they unpack Shane’s transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship, the founding of a firm that now serves clients in finance and agriculture, and the mindset it takes to lead in times of both clarity and uncertainty. Learn how family, resilience, and a willingness to pivot have shaped Shane’s journey, and what advice he offers to the next generation of business builders. Subscribe for more conversation:  @journeystothesummit

    45 min

  7. 06/30/2025

    Josh Rogers on Grit, Growth, and Building Something That Lasts

    In this episode of Journeys to the Summit, Ilya Zlotnik sits down with business leader Josh Rogers to explore the early struggles, strategic pivots, and leadership lessons that helped shape his success. Whether you're building a startup or leading a team, Josh's story offers insight into what it takes to grow with purpose. 🔗 Subscribe for more: @journeystothesummit  🔗 Learn more about Vivaldi: https://www.vivaldicap.com #JourneysToTheSummit #EntrepreneurialInsights #VivaldiCapitalManagement

    1h 15m

  8. 05/21/2025

    From Moldova to Manufacturing Mastery: The Khakham Family’s Journey to Building Gil Sewing

    What does it take to build a thriving, forward-thinking manufacturing business in America today? In this episode of Journeys to the Summit, host Ilya Zlotnik sits down with Alex Khakham, co-owner of Gil Sewing and High Performance Uniforms, to explore his family’s inspiring immigrant story, their start with six sewing machines, and how they’ve grown into a powerhouse serving retail brands, Fortune 500s, and the U.S. military. Learn how Alex navigates global supply chains, evolving labor markets, and rising tariffs - all while remaining agile and values driven. From producing 25,000 bomber jackets in less than four months for Walgreens to building proprietary ordering tech, this is a story of vision, grit, and modern manufacturing at its best. 📌 Subscribe to Journeys to the Summit 🔗 Learn more about Vivaldi Capital Management: https://www.vivaldicap.com 👉 Like, comment, share, and subscribe for more real-life entrepreneurial journeys. #JourneysToTheSummit, #EntrepreneurialInsights, #VivaldiCapitalManagement, #AlexKhakham, #GilSewing

    48 min

  9. 04/17/2025

    A Restauranteur's Advice for Building a Successful Brand

    In this inspiring episode of Journeys to the Summit, host Ilya Zlotnik, Partner at Vivaldi Capital Management, sits down with Chicago entrepreneur and restaurateur Dimitri Syrkin-Nikolau, the founder of Dimo’s Pizza and upcoming Southport Betty's. From crafting experimental slice combos to creating face shields during COVID, Dimitri's entrepreneurial spirit is as creative as it is resilient. In This Episode: How an 8-year-old with a BB pencil prototype grew into a business owner with five restaurant locations. -Launching a pizzeria at age 22 in the middle of a financial crisis. -Navigating burnout, stepping away—and coming back stronger. -Building a people-first culture that nurtures entrepreneurs and long-time staff. -Using technology to build a competitive advantage in restaurant operations. -Why stability—not just growth—is the next summit for this founder. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just love a good origin story, Dimitri's candid insights on creativity, resilience, and risk-taking will leave you inspired. Watch now and subscribe to Journeys to the Summit for more stories from business builders who took the leap and carved their own paths to the top. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe so you never miss an episode of Journeys to the Summit! #JourneysToTheSummit #EntrepreneurialInsights #VivaldiCapitalManagement #DimosPizza

    51 min

  10. 02/24/2025

    Risk, Reinvention, & Building a Legacy: David Sternberg's Entrepreneurial Journey

    Join me in an exclusive conversation with David Sternberg, CEO and Co-Founder of Vivaldi. From his unexpected leap into trading at the Chicago Board Options Exchange to navigating market crashes with precision and discipline, David shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career. Discover how he reinvented himself after trading, built a firm that redefines wealth management, and empowered the next generation of leaders at Vivaldi. This episode dives deep into the mindset of an entrepreneur who thrives on risk management, innovation, and a relentless passion for creating value. Tune in and subscribe!

    40 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

Journeys to the Summit is your gateway to the private stories of entrepreneurs who have navigated their way to the top. Hosted by Ilya Zlotnik of Vivaldi Capital Management. Each episode explores adventures of the people who built great businesses and are living fulfilling lives. From their initial struggles to masters of their craft, our guests share candid experiences, challenges faced, and invaluable lessons learned along the way. Whether you're a successful entrepreneur or seeking inspiration, this podcast offers a compass to guide you along your journey.

Information

  • Creator
    Ilya Zlotnik
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Ilya Zlotnik
  • Show Website
    Journeys to the Summit