Build The Damn Thing with Kathryn Finney

Hosted by Kathryn Finney

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Feb 2026

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About the show

No more excuses. No more procrastination. If you’re ready to take your business, side hustle or idea to the next level, then this is the podcast for you! The podcast is hosted by Kathryn Finney, one of the most influential women in tech (INC Magazine), one of the first Black women to sell her startup, and Managing General Partner at the Chicago-based venture firm, Genius Guild. Based on Kathryn’s bestselling book “Build the Damn Thing: How to Build a Successful Business if You’re NOT a Rich White Guy”, Build the Damn Thing is part storytelling, part mix tape and designed to teach you how to bring your business to the next level. The podcast features lessons and tips from leaders and entrepreneurs who have “Built the Damn Thing” themselves. From serial entrepreneurs to those who take risks to solve problems both abroad and locally — it's all here on the show! kathrynfinney.substack.com

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51 recent

February 16, 202644 min

From Corporate Burnout to Finding Your Purpose: How to Build a Life You Actually Love

In this episode of Build a Damn Thing, host Kathryn Finney speaks with Francesca Hogi, a lawyer turned entrepreneur and author, about her journey from corporate law to matchmaking. They discuss the importance of navigating life changes, finding one's passion, and the financial preparations necessary for career transitions. Francesca shares insights on creating multiple income streams, overcoming fear in entrepreneurship, and the significance of aligning business with personal values. The conversation emphasizes that entrepreneurship is nzot just about profit but also about purpose and helping others.TakeawaysFrancesca experienced a pivotal moment that led her to leave law.It's important to confront the shame associated with career changes.Having multiple income streams can provide financial security.Starting a side hustle can help test entrepreneurial waters.Fear is a natural part of entrepreneurship; facing it is crucial.Networking and telling people about your new venture is essential.Pricing your services appropriately is key to sustainability.Transitioning careers can take time and requires strategic planning.Aligning your business with your personal values enhances fulfillment.Entrepreneurship offers the chance to create a life you love.

February 21, 202438 min

Adapting to Change w/Denise Hamilton

We say we want change but often don’t budget for its cost. In this episode, Kathryn and her guest, Denise Hamilton, founder of WatchHer and author of Indivisible, examine the complexities of adapting to change and uncover effective strategies for navigating these shifts seamlessly. “We often say that we want change, but we don't budget for the cost of change, right?” Change means more than just making minor adjustments. There is a cost to real change. For example, change can mean calling out toxic practices or people, even if the people are powerful and the practices are just how things have always been done. “You can't be intentionally exclusive for hundreds of years and then be accidentally inclusive. You have to do the work.” Part of Denise’s diversity and inclusion work is helping leaders understand that they need to push against the status quo actively. They can’t just coast and pretend to do the work to create inclusivity; rather, it’s about changing the company's underlying culture. But this is hard for many leaders because humans, in general, tend to resist change and see it as a threat. As Denise writes in her recent book, Indivisible, the goal should be beyond surface-level inclusivity and focused on making actual change. “If you create a paradigm of change that only suggests sacrifice, it will be mighty hard to get up the hill. You have to show how making these changes benefits everyone.” Many corporations have abandoned commitments made after George Floyd's murder. However, some corporations are sticking to the promises they made in 202, and those that are sticking with their promises are doing very well financially. Guest Denise Hamilton: DeniseHamilton.co To hear more, visit kathrynfinney.substack.com

September 2, 202543 min

From $25 Google Checks to 7-Figure Exit: OG Influencers Reveal the Business Behind Personal Branding

What happens when you turn a fashion blog into a business empire worth acquiring? Marie Denée, founder of The Curvy Fashionista, sits down with Kathryn Finney to break down the real economics of influence - from the wild west days of $12 CPMs and $50K satellite media tours to today's oversaturated market.This isn't your typical "follow your passion" conversation. Marie and Kathryn dig deep into the business fundamentals that separate profitable personal brands from hobby accounts that burn out. You'll learn:Why understanding marketing funnels can 10x your influencer income:- The critical difference between building "Marie Denée" vs "The Curvy Fashionista" (and why it matters for exits)- How a failed 10-month acquisition nearly bankrupted Marie - and the legal mistakes to avoid- The mindset shift from "creating content to create revenue" to "creating revenue to create content"Two pioneers who built their tables before anyone knew the rules existed share hard-won wisdom about turning personal brands into scalable businesses. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up beyond being the product yourself, this episode reveals the strategies that actually work in 2024.Marie Denée is the creator of The Curvy Fashionista, a groundbreaking digital platform that redefined plus-size fashion coverage. Kathryn Finney is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and author of "Build the Damn Thing."

June 10, 2025Episode 654 min

How to Create a Company Culture Before You Have a Team

What if the boldest thing you could do is build the space you’ve been told you don’t belong in?In this powerful episode of Build the Damn Thing, Kathryn Finney sits down with Alex West Steinman, co-founder and CEO of The Coven—a trailblazing co-working space built by and for women, non-binary, and trans professionals. From confronting systemic inequities in the advertising industry to creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels seen, Alex’s journey is a blueprint for leading with purpose, equity, and unapologetic authenticity.Together, Kathryn and Alex dive into how childhood lessons, supportive parents (especially #BlackDads), and bold leadership shaped her entrepreneurial path. They explore building community as a business model, the power of showing up as your full self, and what it means to scale without selling out your values.Whether you’re launching a startup or rethinking your leadership style, this episode will inspire you to bet on yourself—and build something that centers belonging for all.🔗 Follow Alex:The Coven WebsiteInstagram @alexweststeinmanLinkedIn🎧 Don’t forget to rate, share, and subscribe—because you are a big deal.

September 30, 2025Episode 2229 min

How to Build a Powerful Network

How do you build a network that actually fuels your business and life?In this special compilation episode of Build the Damn Thing, Kathryn Finney brings together some of the most powerful insights from past guests on the importance of relationships, risk-taking, and resilience in entrepreneurship.You’ll learn:- How founders turned corporate careers into thriving businesses- Why inclusive communities create better opportunities for everyone- Strategies for balancing leadership and family life- What separates angel investors from venture capitalists- How to embrace pivots, failure, and self-belief to fuel growth- Why networking isn’t optional—it’s the foundation of entrepreneurshipWhether you’re just starting out or scaling your venture, this episode is packed with strategies to expand your network, embrace resilience, and leverage community for long-term success.Learn more Discover Kathryn: kathrynfinney.com Join the community: buildthedamnthing.com

November 10, 202217 min

How to Build Your Personal Advisory Board

On this episode of the Build The Damn Thing, find out how a robust support system–aka your personal advisory board–can help you create the business and life you've always wanted. A personal advisory board differs from a “corporate” advisory board in one fundamental way. The traditional corporate advisory board advises about your company; your personal advisory board advises you about YOU. “As you consider building your personal advisory board, consider areas where you need help and weaknesses.” Your personal advisory board should ideally have people who give you advice and direction, and sometimes the slap upside the head that you need to get through this process of building. You want members of your advisory board not to see the world the same way you do so they can help you rethink your approach when needed. “My community is vital to me because they allow me to do what I need to do.” Because they are in your business, your personal advisory board should go beyond just your business. It can be the people who watch your child so that you can take that late-night meeting. Or the people who bring over homemade cooking when you’re super exhausted. All the people around you who support you and allow you to do what you need to do to be the best you can be are crucial to your success as an entrepreneur. “Think of your personal advisory board as the people who are in the business of you and the people who wanna see you win and succeed.” To build your own personal advisory board, start by asking yourself a few questions: Who are the people around you who offer support? Who do you trust when it's hard? Who do you turn to when you have to make a decision? Your personal advisory board can be a mix of family members, friends, business colleagues, and mentors. It is an imperative piece of support on your journey to build your own damn thing. Guests Brian Laung Aoaeh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/industrialtransformationandsupplychaintechnology/ Dr. Lisa DeRochė: https://www.hrdrderoche.com/about/ Felecia Hatcher: https://www.feleciahatcher.com/ Darlene Gillard-Jones: https://www.darlenegillardjones.com/ To hear more, visit kathrynfinney.substack.com

August 25, 202122 min

Free: How to Successfully Exit a Company and Begin Again

Diverse entrepreneurs often feel they have to stick to what they’ve built. But what happens if you want to do something different? How does one even begin? How do you sell a company? In this episode, you’ll learn how to successfully exit a company–something many entrepreneurs can’t imagine–and how to start something new. “I think what many people don't realize–particularly in the Black community–is how venture capital works.” Selling a company can mean a couple of different things, but fundamentally, it's about seeing some return on the investment of time and money you put into building your company. When she was thinking about leaving The Budget Fashionista, Kathryn had a choice between venture capital, private equity, and just selling it. Accepting venture capital or private equity meant she would have to stay with the company for several years, something she wasn’t interested in doing. So Kathryn decided to sell the company. To sell it, she had to prove that the community and the revenue would stay even if she left. So she spent two more years building a team that could take over The Budget Fashionista when she was gone. “One of the challenges that we have in the Black community is that we overstay, and I know why: security.” In many resource-poor communities, selling, aka exiting your company, isn’t a positive thing. Some see it as a failure. However, in the world of venture capital, exiting is the goal. “This is what a CEO might do, or somebody in charge of a corporation might do: sell and move on to the next and build another one.” Kathryn never saw The Budget Fashionista as just a passion project. It was always about the business and what that could create. Her focus on the b helped her recognize when it was time to leave so she could take the money and go on to her next venture. Guests Kendra Bracken-Ferguson: http://kendrabracken-ferguson.com/ Heather Hiles: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-hiles/ Cheryl Contee: https://dobigthings.today/team-members/cheryl-contee/ Brian Laung Aoaeh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/industrialtransformationandsupplychaintechnology/ John Schmidt: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/au/author/john-schmidt/ Patrice Grell Yursik: https://about.me/afrobella To hear more, visit kathrynfinney.substack.com

November 2, 202225 min

How To Mentally Prepare For Entrepreneurship

Succeeding in entrepreneurship is a mental game. In this episode, learn how to manage the cognitive load of building a company, including tips for managing your personal life. “At the end of the day, as a founder, it ultimately falls on your shoulders, and you ultimately have to be confident in what you're doing, even when it's scary and even when it's fearful.” As an entrepreneur, you will face many obstacles. A crucial part of overcoming these obstacles is understanding what you need mentally to thrive and ensuring you have a support system to help you carry your vision forward. “Think of your company as a wheel, and you as the CEO as the center. If you are broken, the wheel can't turn.” Your health and well-being are intimately tied to the health and well-being of your company. Builders, particularly those of color, are often used to doing whatever needs to be done, even at the cost of their sanity, health, and self-esteem. Take the time to practice self-care, and be sure you’re taking breaks. For your company to be the best it can be, you must be your best self. Guests Kendra Bracken-Ferguson: http://kendrabracken-ferguson.com/ Geri Stengel: https://ventureneer.com/founder-bio/ Danielle Robinson Bell: https://www.medill.northwestern.edu/directory/faculty/danielle-bell.html Mary Pryor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marypryor/ Farah Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farahallen/ Kellee James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelleejames/ Cheryl Contee: https://dobigthings.today/team-members/cheryl-contee/ To hear more, visit kathrynfinney.substack.com

October 27, 202216 min

Build The Damn Thing: Leaning Into Your Purpose

On this episode of Build the Damn Thing, Kathryn Finney and four other builders talk about how their backgrounds have influenced their sense of purpose when creating their startups. They discuss how they have taken the lessons from the historic, systemic obstacles their ancestors have overcome to build their own companies. “If you're a startup founder and you are Black, no matter what you're doing, you're probably playing some sort of pioneering role.” Brian Laung Aoaeh, co-founder of Refashioned Ventures, uses his own experiences as a founder to give some pivotal and straightforward advice to Builders: Just do it. Don’t think about data and statistics at first. Start with a problem that grabs you and just won't let go. Then, think about how you can solve that problem. “You do a disservice to the world when you live small…the world needs you to be the best you can be.” Kathryn’s mantra is that the universe is conspiring for your greatness. There’s no reason to limit yourself despite your fear and uncertainty that things may not work out. All you have to do is listen and pay attention. Guests Brian Laung Aoaeh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/industrialtransformationandsupplychaintechnology/ Dr. Lisa DeRochė: https://www.hrdrderoche.com/about/ Patrice Grell Yursik: https://about.me/afrobella Felecia Hatcher: https://www.feleciahatcher.com/ To hear more, visit kathrynfinney.substack.com

December 10, 202225 min

How To Turn Your Solution Into a Money Making Business

Is your big idea something people will pay for? In this episode, Kathryn and other Builders discuss turning an idea into a successful business. You’ll learn the importance of setting your pricing structure, finding product-market fit, and scaling up your business. “What often happens with entrepreneurs is that they forget that a business is truly about creating something for people will pay a premium.” A business is only an actual business when it builds a product for which people want to pay a premium. If people don’t buy your product at the price you need to charge to be sustainable, it will be tough for your business to succeed. “Finding product market fit is the golden rail to building a successful business, whether a startup or a small business.” To turn your business into a money-making solution, you must find product-market fit. That means you're building a product that the market wants, actively wants, and purchases. “Make sure you always pivot and know when it's time to pivot and when it's time to add new products and services.” If you’re trying to decide whether to add new products or services, you should use the Business Model Canvas tool. It’s a great way to operationalize whether or not a product or service is something you can do. It helps you save time and energy because it gives you a simple snapshot of your business so that you can determine whether a new idea can fit into it. Guests Hafeezah Muhammad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hafeezahmuhammad/ Cheryl Contee: https://dobigthings.today/team-members/cheryl-contee/ Citi Medina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/medinaciti/ To hear more, visit kathrynfinney.substack.com