Built to Lead with Jory Evans: Tactical Business Advice, Practical Leadership Principles

Hosted by Jory Evans

Business Entrepreneurship Education

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Jul 2026

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About the show

Do you want to take your leadership to the next level? Do you want to build a business bigger and better than you dreamed possible? Time to expand your mindset! This is podcast is for you and this is… Built to Lead.

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32 recent

July 1, 2026Episode 351 min

Kingdom vs. Empire: What Are You Really Building?

In this episode, we dive into one of the most important distinctions a leader or entrepreneur can make: are you building a kingdom or an empire? Drawing from Oz Guinness' Calling, historical figures like Alexander the Great, Napoleon, and others, and biblical characters including David, Solomon, and Job, we explore how self-focused building leads to emptiness, despair, and a tortured existence — no matter how much is accumulated. We contrast that with what it looks like to build with a Christ-centered purpose, and why that makes all the difference in experiencing the joy, peace, and freedom we're all ultimately after. If you've ever felt the weight of the entrepreneurial grind and wondered why it's not bringing you what you expected, this episode is for you. We also share practical ways to stay anchored to your calling and avoid the drift toward empire that every leader faces.

December 1, 2025Episode 31 hr 12 min

Author Josh Kosnick on the Five Bridges we need to cross: The Kairos Code

In this episode of the Built to Lead podcast, Jory Evans interviews Josh Kosnick, a successful entrepreneur and author of 'The Kairos Code.' They discuss the concept of 'Kairos' time, the importance of relationships, and the Five Bridges methodology for personal growth. Josh shares his experiences with coaching, navigating corporate challenges, and the transformative impact of the 75 Hard program. The conversation highlights the importance of integrity, offers leadership lessons from geese, and emphasizes the need for intentional living and business.

November 1, 2025Episode 255 min

Be a Man Part 2: The 6 Stages Every Man Must Master

There are six stages of manhood according to John Eldredge's "Fathered by God" - from boyhood through sage. Jory challenges modern views of masculinity, showing how Jesus was a warrior and why men need to be capable of violence under control.

October 1, 2025Episode 144 min

Be a Man (part1)

A candid, faith-driven conversation calling men to “be a man” by coming through for those they serve. Drawing on Wild at Heart, Fathered by God, and the true saga Endurance, the hosts unpack three core longings of men—a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue. They explore the inner wound and the nagging question “Do I have what it takes?”, contrast God’s voice with the enemy’s lies, and show how misdirected masculinity turns destructive. With vivid stories, statistics, and practical examples—work, family, risk, and leadership—the episode challenges men to pursue purpose, cultivate healthy adventure, and love sacrificially, anchoring identity in God rather than approval or infatuation.

August 1, 2025Episode 121 hr 10 min

The Entrepreneur's Marriage Survival Guide

Entrepreneurs have a 48% divorce rate - 5% higher than the general population. After 18 years of marriage while building multiple businesses, we're sharing the real challenges that destroy entrepreneurial marriages and the specific strategies that saved ours. In this episode, we dive deep into: • The 5 biggest threats to entrepreneurial marriages (financial strain, neglect, conflicting goals, stress, and risk-taking personalities) • Why we got married at 18 & 19 despite everyone's opposition - and why it worked • The "core four" system that keeps our family aligned while building businesses • Love languages, communication strategies, and the "same team" mindset that changed everything • Why we prioritize our marriage over our kids (controversial but effective) • The stay-at-home spouse "hack" that unleashed business growth • How to serve your spouse's needs without losing your entrepreneurial edge Whether you're building a business, planning to start one, or just want a stronger marriage, this conversation reveals the practical systems and mindset shifts that help couples thrive together instead of growing apart. Warning: We get real about money fights, communication failures, and the mistakes that almost derailed us in the early years. This isn't theory - it's 18 years of trial, error, and hard-won wisdom.

July 1, 2025Episode 1142 min

The Three Pillars of Leadership: Built, To, and Lead Explained

In this foundational episode, Jory Evans takes listeners on a deep dive into the philosophy behind the "Built to Lead" podcast name and mission. He methodically breaks down each component - "Built," "To," and "Lead" - to explain his belief that humans are created by God with intentional purpose, designed to serve others through leadership. Evans contrasts this worldview with secular perspectives, arguing that understanding our divine creation provides the "why" necessary for sustained motivation and fulfillment. He explores how knowing our Creator helps us discover our gifts and calling, emphasizing that true leadership is about servanthood rather than dominion over others. The discussion covers finding purpose through relationship with God, the importance of leading oneself first, and how entrepreneurship can be a vehicle for positive impact and stewardship. Evans concludes by explaining why he focuses on business leaders and entrepreneurs - because of their multiplying influence on communities and their ability to create significant positive change when they lead with purpose and serve others well.

June 1, 2025Episode 101 hr 26 min

The Real Cost of Opening a Second Business Location

You've built a successful business, but now you're staring at the opportunity to expand to a second location - and you're terrified. The statistics are brutal: most second locations fail, draining cash flow and destroying everything you've worked to build. You lie awake wondering if you're about to make the biggest mistake of your entrepreneurial life. But imagine walking into your thriving second location one year later, watching your handpicked team serve customers while your original business continues to flourish. You're no longer trapped in one location - you've multiplied your impact and created something that works without you being there every day. In this episode, Kelly Weiers, CEO of Granite Rocks, reveals exactly how he navigated the three biggest obstacles to expansion and built a successful multi-location business by knowing when to wait and when to move. Kelly shares his journey from cabinet maker to successful entrepreneur and the real challenges of expanding to a second location in British Columbia. He discusses the importance of waiting for the right timing, working through banking obstacles, and recognizing when opportunities align for business growth. Discover the practical insights every entrepreneur needs before expanding to multiple locations, including how to find the right people, secure financing when banks say no, and balance faith with action in critical business decisions.

May 6, 2025Episode 958 min

How to buy a business (without money) in 2025

If you know someone who wants to sell their business, message me on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/joryevans Join Jory and Tyler as they reveal why buying an established business beats starting from scratch. Get practical tips on building relationships with owners, creative financing, and navigating negotiations. With Jory’s real-world stories and Tyler’s insightful questions, you’ll learn exactly how to make your first acquisition a success.

April 1, 2025Episode 81 hr 14 min

Brand Magic: Tyson Leavitt and Charmed Playhouses

Brace yourself for an unfiltered dive into the rollercoaster of brand-building—where a single spark can ignite global recognition. In this episode of Built to Lead, host Jory welcomes Tyson Leavitt, the visionary behind Charmed Playhouses and Charmed Resorts, to dive into the exhilarating and unpredictable journey of building a brand. From humble beginnings in landscaping to crafting whimsical playhouses for celebrities like Steph Curry, Tyson shares how he turned a creative spark into a globally recognized name. Expect raw insights on seizing opportunities, navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, and staying authentic while scaling a business. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned leader, Tyson’s story of grit, innovation, and family-driven purpose will inspire you to build something extraordinary.

February 28, 2025Episode 71 hr 0 min

Tough Conversations: A Leaders Guide to Dealing with Conflict

In this episode of the Built to Lead podcast, Jory and his co-host, Tyler, explore the intricacies of crucial conversations and conflict resolution in leadership. Jory shares personal anecdotes and emphasizes the importance of timely intervention, staying focused on issues, and building trust with team members. He highlights the need for leaders to be proactive, prepared, and empathetic, understanding others' perspectives to foster effective communication. The episode provides practical advice on maintaining a positive attitude, controlling the conversation's tone, and improving people skills to create a harmonious and productive work environment.