Unlocking Moves

Hosted by Kurt Wilkin

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Sep 2026

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(WARNING: May offend listeners of boring business podcasts.) Business leaders love to tell their success stories; but reality is complicated! Stumbles, mistakes, & battle scars catapult professional & personal growth. Successful leaders know exactly the pivotal moves that unlocked their true potential. Unlocking Moves features candid conversations with some of the nation's smartest entrepreneurs, so you can identify when & where to make your move. Veteran entrepreneur & best-selling author Kurt Wilkin shares key moments with the unscripted, irreverent approach that fueled his 30-year career.

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November 13, 2026Episode 7644 min

From Trend Forecaster to Oprah's Favorite Things: Shannon Davenport's Esker Story | Unlocking Moves Ep. 76

From Trend Forecasting to Oprah's Favorite Things: Shannon Davenport's Esker Story Tune in this week to Unlocking Moves , where host Kurt Wilkin explores the pivotal moments that shape a leader's journey. While many entrepreneurs celebrate their successes, Kurt believes the toughest experiences often teach us the most. This week, Kurt sits down with Shannon Davenport, founder of Esker Beauty, to talk about entrepreneurship, taking risks, costly mistakes, and building a beauty brand from scratch. Before launching Esker in 2018, Shannon spent over a decade forecasting consumer trends for companies like L'Oréal and Unilever. She recognized the growing demand for clean ingredients, sustainability, and healthier products long before many major brands embraced those ideas. Eventually, she stopped trying to convince other companies to see what she saw and decided to build something herself. Inspired by her own self-care rituals during years of stressful travel, Shannon created Esker Beauty, a brand dedicated to caring for the skin below your chin. She launched the business while pregnant with her first child, working alongside her husband, Greg Foley, to develop everything from products to packaging. But creating a product was only the beginning. Shannon opens up about raising capital, hiring her first employees, and making expensive growth decisions. From spending heavily on digital advertising to pursuing retail opportunities, she learned that trying to grow through too many channels can do more harm than good. Her biggest breakthrough came when she partnered with a strategic investor who brought more than funding. With the right marketing expertise, Esker refocused its direct-to-consumer strategy, improved conversions, and found a clearer path to growth. Then came a full-circle moment nearly eight years in the making. An image of Oprah relaxing in a bathtub had inspired Shannon early in Esker's journey. Now, after years of challenges, persistence, and product development, Esker's Bubble Soak was selected for Oprah's Favorite Things. Beyond the business, Shannon talks about balancing entrepreneurship with raising three children and the irony of building a relaxation brand while struggling to find time to relax herself. This conversation is a reminder that success isn't about doing everything. Sometimes the biggest breakthrough comes from recognizing what's not working, finding the right people, and changing direction. About Shannon Davenport Shannon Davenport is the founder of Esker Beauty, an Austin-based bath and body care company launched in 2018. A former consumer trend forecaster and trained aromatherapist, she spent over a decade advising global brands before creating Esker. Her company combines clean ingredients, thoughtful design, and self-care rituals inspired by ancient bathing traditions. She continues building the brand alongside her husband, Greg Foley, while raising their three children. About Kurt Wilkin Kurt is a connector of dots, ideas, and people. For over 30 years, he has advised high-growth companies, starting his career with Ernst & Young and today serving as Founder of BusinessEarth and Managing Partner of Bee Cave Capital. He's a serial entrepreneur with multiple successful exits and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and CEOs build their companies. Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unlocking-moves Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unlockingmoves #UnlockingMoves #ShannonDavenport #EskerBeauty #BeautyEntrepreneur #BeautyStartup #CPGFounder #WomenEntrepreneurs #BrandBuilding #Entrepreneurship #KurtWilkin

September 30, 2026Episode 7556 min

Happy in your Own. How Hiyo Turned Family Tragedies into a New Way to Drink | Unlocking Moves Ep. 75

How Hiyo Turned Family Tragedies Into a New Way to Drink Tune in this week to Unlocking Moves, where we explore the key moments that shape a leader’s journey. While many leaders share their “glory” stories, host Kurt Wilkin believes the “gory” ones teach us more. In this episode, Kurt visits with Cygne Cooper, Evan Quinn, and George Youmans, the co-founders of Hiyo, about friendship, sobriety, building a brand, and the many small decisions behind a breakout consumer brand. Hiyo didn’t begin as a polished beverage company. It started with a tough wake-up call. In April 2019, both Evan and George had a family member hospitalized because of alcohol-related issues. The timing was odd and hard to ignore. To support their families, they both started drinking less. They soon realized that socializing without alcohol was harder than expected. Non-alcoholic beer felt like a weaker version of beer, mocktails were usually too sweet, and energy drinks didn’t fit the occasion. Nothing really felt right at the table. That’s where the opportunity appeared. With their close college friend Cygne Cooper, Evan and George started building what would become Hiyo—a functional, non-alcoholic social tonic meant to create a feeling without alcohol. Not a buzz or a high, but something lighter, calmer, and more present. The team calls it “the float.” Kurt, Evan, George, and Cygne talk about the messy early days of Hiyo—from dropping ideas like activated charcoal coconut water, to pitching at UCLA, to winning a $40,000 venture competition that funded their first production run. They also share stories about early flavor failures, like lemon lavender that tasted like soap, ginger lime that wasn’t sweet enough, and cranberry blends that never made it past testing. But this episode isn’t only about a drink. It’s about starting a movement around moderation. Cygne talks about how she turned the idea of “happy in your own” into a visual brand inspired by Southern California sunsets, confidence, inclusivity, and feeling comfortable in your own skin. Evan explains why it was important to focus early on, especially when the team decided to build direct-to-consumer through Shopify before trying every possible channel. George shares one of the toughest moments in their story—flying to freezing Northern Wisconsin right before the holidays to hand-sleeve 40,000 cans for Hiyo’s first big Dry January campaign. There wasn’t one moment that unlocked Hiyo. It was a series of small, tough choices—like sticking with clean ingredients when cheaper options were available, bringing branding in-house early instead of outsourcing, building one channel well before expanding, and saying yes to the unglamorous work that needed to be done. This episode is for founders, brand builders, CPG operators, and anyone trying to create something new in a category that people don’t yet fully understand. Hiyo’s story reminds us that the big move isn’t always a dramatic leap. Sometimes, it’s about showing up again and again until the market finally sees what you saw from the start. About Cygne Cooper, Evan Quinn, and George Youmans Cygne Cooper, Evan Quinn, and George Youmans are the co-founders of Hiyo, an organic, non-alcoholic social tonic designed to help people unwind, connect, and feel present without alcohol. Built with adaptogens, nootropics, botanicals, and fruit-forward flavors, Hiyo created its signature “float” feeling as a better-for-you alternative for social moments. What began as a personal response to alcohol-related family crises has grown into one of the leading brands in the mindful drinking and non-alcoholic beverage space. --- #UnlockingMoves #Hiyo #EvanQuinn #GeorgeYoumans #CygneCooper #NonAlcoholicDrinks #MindfulDrinking #CPGBrand #FounderStory #Entrepreneurship #KurtWilkin

September 9, 2026Episode 7450 min

You’re Rich. But are you Wealthy? Seth Streeter Redefines Wealth | Unlocking Moves Ep. 74

He Built Mission Wealth, Now He's Redefining What Wealth Really Means Join us this week on Unlocking Moves, the show that explores the key moments in a leader’s journey that unlock their true potential. Many leaders like to share their “glory” stories, but host Kurt Wilkin believes we learn more from the "gory" stories. In this episode, Kurt talks with Seth Streeter, co-founder of Mission Wealth and now a purpose coach, facilitator, and guide for leaders designing what he calls Life 3.0. Seth’s entrepreneurial instincts showed up early. As a kid, he mowed lawns, took care of pets, and dove for golf balls to resell. In college, he found an even better hustle: he convinced a Sheraton Hotel to let him take away used mattresses for free, then sold them to students at UC Santa Barbara. That same creative drive eventually led him to financial services. After seven years working at a large firm, Seth realized he wanted to build something different. He and his co-founder started Mission Wealth in a small, windowless room above a McDonald’s in Santa Barbara, with just a whiteboard, some markers, and a belief that clients deserved advice without commissions, proprietary products, or conflicts of interest. Over the next 26 years, Mission Wealth became a nationally recognized wealth advisory firm. But as Seth helped clients build financial success, he noticed something deeper. Some people had millions, beautiful homes, and big incomes, but they still weren’t fulfilled. They were rich, but not truly wealthy. Kurt and Seth talk about that difference throughout the conversation. Seth shares how his own divorce, health challenges, and personal growth made him rethink what wealth really means. Money was just one part of the equation. Relationships, health, purpose, impact, and experiences (among others) matter just as much, if not more. One of the most powerful moments is when Seth admits the lie he once believed: that he had to achieve to be enough. Early in his career, he was so determined to get ahead that he didn’t even stop for lunch. He kept cans of soup in his stick-shift VW Jetta, pulled over between meetings, drank them cold, and kept going. That drive helped him build a great company, but it also came at a cost. Eventually, Seth learned that success without self-acceptance isn’t real freedom. This episode explores Seth’s Life 3.0 work, his TEDx talk, his fear of public speaking, his retreats in places like Bhutan, and the idea that the next chapter after success doesn’t have to be another big achievement. Sometimes, the real unlocking move is learning to stop pushing so hard and start listening to what’s pulling you forward. If you’ve built something, sold something, retired, or just looked around and wondered, “Is this all there is?” this conversation will resonate with you. About Seth Streeter Seth Streeter is the co-founder and retired Chief Impact Officer of Mission Wealth, as well as a purpose coach, transformational guide, facilitator, and TEDx speaker. After helping build Mission Wealth over 26 years, Seth now helps high-performing leaders, entrepreneurs, couples, and families design more meaningful lives beyond traditional success metrics. His Life 3.0 work focuses on purpose, identity, relationships, fulfillment, and redefining wealth across the full human experience. About Kurt Wilkin Kurt is a connector of dots, ideas, and people. For over 30 years, he has advised high-growth companies, starting his career with Ernst & Young and today serving as Founder of BusinessEarth and Managing Partner of Bee Cave Capital. He’s a serial entrepreneur with multiple successful exits and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and CEOs build their companies. --- Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unlocking-moves Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unlockingmoves #UnlockingMoves #SethStreeter #MissionWealth #Life3Point0 #PurposeCoach #WealthManagement #Entrepreneurship #FounderStory #KurtWilkin

August 24, 2026Episode 731 hr 3 min

The Tech Founder Who Wants to Build Heaven on Earth | Brett Hurt, Unlocking Moves Ep. 73

Join us this week on Unlocking Moves, the show that dives into the pivotal moments in a leader’s journey that unlock their true potential. Many leaders love to tell their “glory” stories, but host Kurt Wilkin believes we learn more from the “gory” ones. On this episode, Kurt sits down with Brett Hurt, serial tech entrepreneur, CEO, investor, author of Love Conquers Fear -- and now a man intent on making a positive impact on humanity. Brett has built the kind of entrepreneurial résumé most founders dream about. He founded six companies, helped build major technology businesses like Coremetrics, Bazaarvoice, and data.world, took Bazaarvoice public, and achieved the financial success he once dreamed of as a young founder. He got the big wins. He got the house. He even got the Lamborghini. Then something shifted. In this conversation, Brett opens up about realizing that the money, exits, and material rewards were never the real prize. The journey was. The people were. The mission was. After decades of building companies, Brett began asking a deeper question: what is his highest use now? Kurt and Brett dig into that evolution, from learning to code at age seven with the help of his mother, to setting a goal at Wharton to take a company public by forty, to eventually describing himself as a “successful sleepwalker” before a deeper spiritual awakening changed the way he saw his life, work, and purpose. The conversation also dives into Brett’s new book and movement, Love Conquers Fear. Brett shares why he believes humanity is facing a defining moment, shaped by what he calls the “superfecta” of AI, robotics, quantum computing, and brain-computer interfaces. In his view, these forces could create an age of abundance, or they could magnify our deepest fears. The difference comes down to whether we choose love or fear. This episode goes far beyond business. Kurt and Brett talk about spirituality, ego, psychedelics, leadership, Warren Buffett, what makes great entrepreneurs worth investing in, and why founders don’t need to wait until they’re successful to start healing themselves. If you’re an entrepreneur chasing the next milestone, this episode is a powerful reminder that the real unlock might not be another exit, another title, or another win. It might be waking up to the life you’re already in. About Brett Hurt Brett Hurt is a serial tech entrepreneur, investor, and author of Love Conquers Fear. He was most recently CEO and co-founder of data.world, and previously founded Bazaarvoice and Coremetrics. Through Hurt Family Investments, Brett and his wife Debra have backed more than 150 startups and 50-plus venture funds. His latest work, Love Conquers Fear, explores humanity, AI, technology, consciousness, and the possibility of building an age of abundance for all. About Kurt Wilkin Kurt is a connector - of dots, ideas, and people. For over 30 years, he has advised high-growth companies, starting his career with Ernst & Young and today serving as Founder of BusinessEarth and Managing Partner of Bee Cave Capital. He’s a serial entrepreneur with multiple successful exits and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and CEOs build their companies. Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unlocking-moves Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unlockingmoves #UnlockingMoves #BrettHurt #LoveConquersFear #DataWorld #Bazaarvoice #Coremetrics #Entrepreneurship #AI #Leadership #FounderStory #KurtWilkin

August 10, 202644 min

Naivety, Stupidity, and a Cup Full of Ignorance | Anthony Teen, Unlocking Moves Ep. 72

From Two Ropes and a Drill: Anthony Teen’s Geovert Story Join us this week on Unlocking Moves, the show that dives into the pivotal moments in a leader’s journey that unlock their true potential. Many leaders love to tell their “glory” stories, but host Kurt Wilkin believes we learn more from the “gory” ones. On this episode, Kurt sits down with Anthony Teen, founder and CEO of Geovert, for a conversation about risk, adventure, near-death moments, and building a business that takes on the jobs most people won’t touch. Anthony’s story begins in New Zealand, where climbing, skiing, mining, and a good amount of naivety all came together. After university, he worked in mining in Western Australia, then spent years climbing and skiing around the world. Yosemite, Pakistan, El Capitan, Camp Four, sleeping out of bounds, hiding from rangers—it wasn’t the usual path to founding a global engineering company. But that unusual path laid the groundwork for Geovert. Anthony and his climbing friend Josh saw a chance in a market that hardly existed: managing and reducing natural hazards like rockfalls, slope instability, debris flows, and other tough terrain problems. They started with two ropes, two harnesses, and a battery drill. No polished business plan. No perfect timing. Just enough courage, curiosity, and a bit of recklessness to say yes before they knew all the reasons not to. Kurt and Anthony talk about the wild work Geovert does around the world, from stabilizing rock walls and protecting mines to working on tunnels, dams, water infrastructure, and famous sites like Hoover Dam. Anthony shares stories from tough projects in Kazakhstan, New Zealand, and Santa Fe, where the stakes were high, the conditions were rough, and the team had to find a safe way forward when the job seemed impossible. They also have an honest conversation about what happens when things go wrong. In Anthony’s world, safety isn’t just a corporate slogan—it’s the difference between getting home and not getting home. He explains how incidents became turning points, how mistakes pushed the company to get better, and why the toughest projects often bring the team closer together. The heart of this episode is Anthony’s key insight: sometimes, not knowing too much is what lets you get started. Looking back, he admits that if he knew then what he knows now, he probably wouldn’t have taken those risks. But a mix of courage, naivety, luck, great people, and never giving up helped turn Geovert into a global company. This episode is for anyone who has ever started something before feeling ready, taken on a challenge that seemed too big, or learned that the impossible only stays impossible until the right team starts breaking it down. About Anthony Teen Anthony Teen is the founder and CEO of Geovert, a global specialist in complex geotechnical solutions, natural hazard mitigation, rockfall protection, mining services, and infrastructure safety. Founded in New Zealand, Geovert grew from a small rope-access team into a global company working across some of the toughest terrain and highest-stakes projects in the world. Anthony’s background in climbing, mining, and adventure shaped the way he built Geovert: practical, bold, team-driven, and focused on solving problems others step back from. About Kurt Wilkin Kurt is a connector of dots, ideas, and people. For over 30 years, he has advised high-growth companies, starting his career with Ernst & Young and today serving as Founder of BusinessEarth and Managing Partner of Bee Cave Capital. He’s a serial entrepreneur with multiple successful exits and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and CEOs build their companies. --- Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unlocking-moves Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unlockingmoves #UnlockingMoves #AnthonyTeen #Geovert #Entrepreneurship #FounderStory #GeotechnicalEngineering #RockfallProtection #Leadership #RiskManagement #KurtWilkin

July 2, 202649 min

Green Beret, NCAA football, NFL, ultramarathons | Why Nate Boyer Goes Balls to the Wall | Unlocking Moves Ep. 71

The Leap That Changed Nate Boyer’s Life Join us this week on Unlocking Moves, the show that dives into the pivotal moments in a leader’s journey that unlock their true potential. Many leaders love to tell their “glory” stories, but host Kurt Wilkin believes we learn more from the “gory” stories. On this special episode, Kurt sits down with Nate Boyer, former Humanitarian, Green Beret, Texas Longhorn, Seattle Seahawk, filmmaker, life long adventurer, and co-founder of Merging Vets and Players. Many people know Nate’s story through the uniforms. The military. The Texas Longhorns. The NFL. But before all of that, Nate was searching for purpose. He worked odd jobs, spent time on fishing boats, chased different paths, and wondered where he truly fit. That search eventually led him to Darfur, where he volunteered in refugee camps during one of the region’s most difficult periods. For Nate, Darfur became the unlocking move. It was the first time he truly stepped outside of his comfort zone, refused to take no for an answer, and learned what can happen when you show up with the right intentions. That decision changed how he saw service, patriotism, purpose, and his own potential. Kurt and Nate chat about why he keeps choosing the hardest path, from becoming a Green Beret to walking on at Texas without ever having playing high school football to earning a shot with the Seattle Seahawks. Nate opens up about fear, identity, failure, and why he often chases the thing that scares him most. The conversation also touches on his role in the Colin Kaepernick kneeling conversation, the need for real dialogue in a divided country, his work with Merging Vets and Players, and his film projects focused on veterans, athletes, and life after the uniform. This episode is about more than football, service, or patriotism. It’s about finding purpose by taking the step you don’t feel you're ready for yet. About Nate Boyer Nate Boyer is a former active-duty Green Beret, former Texas Longhorn football player, former Seattle Seahawk, filmmaker, actor, philanthropist, and co-founder of Merging Vets and Players. After serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, Nate walked on to the University of Texas football team despite never playing organized football before college, then later earned an opportunity with the Seattle Seahawks. Today, through MVP and his film work, he helps tell stories about service, transition, purpose, and life after the uniform. About Kurt Wilkin Kurt is a connector of dots, ideas, and people. For over 30 years, he has advised high-growth companies, starting his career at Ernst & Young and today serving as the Founder of BusinessEarth and the Managing Partner of Bee Cave Capital. He’s a serial entrepreneur with multiple successful exits and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and CEOs build their companies. Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unlocking-moves Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unlockingmoves

June 25, 2026Episode 701 hr 5 min

He flunked out of college and built a $15 Million Business | J.B. Sauceda, Unlocking Moves Ep. 70

From T-Shirts and Memes to Texas Country Reporter: J.B. Sauceda’s Journey Kurt Wilkin's Unlocking Moves explores pivotal moments in leaders' journeys that changed the trajectories of their lives and careers. In this episode, he visits with J.B. Sauceda, the host and executive producer of *Texas Country Reporter*. Their conversation covers storytelling, entrepreneurship, and overcoming burnout. J.B. began his career as a freelance photographer and designer, which led to a Texas-themed T-shirt business and, eventually, Sauceda Industries, a logistics firm that grew from his garage to over 100 employees before its acquisition in 2021. He candidly shares the burnout he experienced and the humility it took to step back and rethink his family life. An unexpected opportunity arose when J.B. was invited to take over *Texas Country Reporter* from the legendary Bob Phillips. He reflects on the excitement and pressure of stepping into this iconic role and his mission to revive the show's personal storytelling roots. Kurt and J.B. also discuss the power of storytelling in Texas and how ordinary people can bring families together. This episode serves as a reminder that sometimes the best moves happen when you just get out of your own way. About J.B. Sauceda J.B. is the executive producer and host of Texas Country Reporter , a show highlighting the people and traditions of Texas. He has contributed to Texas Monthly and previously founded Sauceda Industries. About Kurt Wilkin Kurt has over 30 years of experience advising high-growth companies and is a founder of BusinessEarth and Managing Partner of Bee Cave Capital. He's a seasoned entrepreneur who has successfully guided many CEOs and entrepreneurs. Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unlocking-moves Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unlockingmoves #UnlockingMoves #JBSauceda #TexasCountryReporter #Entrepreneurship #Storytelling

May 28, 2026Episode 6954 min

From Supergoop! to WaterOuai! Holly Thaggard is Reinventing Another Category | Unlocking Moves Ep.69

From Supergoop! to WaterOuai!: Holly Thaggard’s Next Category-Defining Move Join us this week on Unlocking Moves as host Kurt Wilkin explores pivotal moments in leadership. In this episode, he talks to Holly Thaggard, founder of Supergoop! and co-founder of WaterOuai!, about reinvention and category creation.Before revolutionizing the sunscreen industry, Holly was a third-grade teacher and professional harpist. She shares lessons learned from her early experiences, including a classroom project that resulted in 24 dead goldfish and a failed trash bag business. These challenges taught her vital skills in problem-solving and resilience.The conversation dives into the Supergoop! story, highlighting how a friend’s skin cancer diagnosis inspired her to make SPF fun and accessible. Despite skepticism about the brand name, she built the business through retail and later advocated for policy changes to introduce sunscreen in schools.Now, Holly is tackling the water industry with WaterOuai!, a premium canned water brand co-created with her son Will. They aim to change consumer behavior regarding bottled water and hydration.This episode offers key lessons for entrepreneurs about knowing when to bring in the right people, identifying your strengths, and taking bold steps in your career. About Holly Thaggard Holly is the founder of Supergoop!, a pioneering SPF brand that emphasizes education and daily sun protection. Following nearly 20 years with Supergoop!, she is now focused on WaterOuai!, created to shift perceptions about bottled water. About Kurt Wilkin Kurt is a connector of dots, ideas, and people. For over 30 years, he has advised high-growth companies, starting his career with Ernst & Young and today serving as Founder of BusinessEarth and Managing Partner of Bee Cave Capital. He’s a serial entrepreneur with multiple successful exits and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and CEOs build their companies.#UnlockingMoves #HollyThaggard #Supergoop #WaterOuai #Entrepreneurship #FounderStory #CategoryCreation #ConsumerBrands #WomenEntrepreneurs #BrandBuilding

May 19, 2026Episode 6840 min

The Mexican Popsicle Shop That Took Over a Texas Town | Paulina & Julian Hernandez, Ep. 68

From ACL Injury to La Ola Pop Shop: How Paulina and Julian Hernandez Bet on Themselves Join us this week on *Unlocking Moves*, where host Kurt Wilkin explores the pivotal moments that reveal a leader's true potential. In this episode, Kurt interviews Paulina and Julian Hernandez, co-founders of La Ola Pop Shop They share their journey through risk, resilience, and building a business that reflects their culture and community. Before La Ola Pop Shop became a beloved dessert brand in Kyle, Texas, Julian was recovering from a serious ACL and MCL injury, prompting him to rethink his future as a Sheriff's Deputy. Paulina was working part-time at Costco while caring for their young son. Together, they chose to take the leap into entrepreneurship. Kurt, Paulina, and Julian share insights from their early days, including the challenges of starting a business as a married couple. Paulina highlights how her intuition guided key decisions, while Julian discusses his drive to move quickly and dream big. A major turning point occurred when they upgraded from a small 800-square-foot shop to a much larger location, transforming their business. The discussion also touches on identity and heritage, with Paulina reflecting on her family's entrepreneurial background and Julian sharing his mission to inspire others. They offer valuable lessons on balancing ambition with patience and fostering a meaningful partnership in both business and life. If you've ever dreamed of starting a business with your spouse or creating a brand that reflects your true self, this episode is for you. About Paulina and Julian Hernandez Paulina and Julian Hernandez are the co-founders of La Ola Pop Shop, a fast-growing paleta and dessert brand based in Kyle, Texas. Inspired by their Mexican and American heritage, they've built La Ola Pop Shop into a beloved community-driven business known for creative flavors, culture, and connection. About Kurt Wilkin Kurt is a connector of dots, ideas, and people. For over 30 years, he has advised high-growth companies, starting his career at Ernst & Young and today serving as the Founder of BusinessEarth and the Managing Partner of Bee Cave Capital. He's a serial entrepreneur with multiple successful exits and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and CEOs build their companies. Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unlocking-moves Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unlockingmoves

April 29, 2026Episode 6754 min

The Founder was the Bottleneck | Sam Goodner, Unlocking Moves Ep. 67

The Moment Sam Goodner Realized HE Was the Bottleneck Join us this week on Unlocking Moves, the show that dives into the pivotal moments in a leader’s journey that unlock their true potential. Many leaders love to tell their “glory” stories, but host Kurt Wilkin believes we learn more from the “gory” ones. On this episode, Kurt sits down with Sam Goodner, entrepreneur, author of Like Clockwork, and former CEO of Catapult Systems, for a conversation about growth, control, and the hardest realization a founder can face. Sam’s journey didn’t start in Texas. He grew up in Switzerland, served in the Swiss Army, and made the leap to Texas A&M, a move that completely changed his life. That path eventually led him to co-found Catapult Systems and grow it into a successful business. But as the company grew, so did the pressure, and the cracks started to show. Eventually, Sam had a realization that many founders conveniently ignore: he was the bottleneck. The same drive and control that helped build the company were now holding it back. That moment forced him to rethink everything, from leadership style to decision-making, and what it truly takes to scale a business beyond yourself. After exiting the company, Sam made another bold move. He and his family stepped away from everything and traveled around the world for 13 months. That time created space to reflect, reset, and redefine success. It also led to writing Like Clockwork and stepping into a new role helping other leaders build businesses that run without them. Kurt and Sam dig into what it truly means to let go, why most founders struggle to transition from operator to leader, and how building systems is the only way to create true freedom. They also discuss his current coaching work, and why so many leaders stay stuck longer than they should. If you’re building a company, leading a team, or feeling like everything still depends on you, this episode is a reminder that the biggest unlocking move might be getting out of your own way. About Sam Goodner Sam Goodner is an entrepreneur, author of Like Clockwork, and former CEO of Catapult Systems, a company he helped grow and successfully exit. Originally from Switzerland, he served in the Swiss Army before moving to the U.S. to attend Texas A&M. Today, he works as an executive coach, helping leaders build businesses that scale beyond themselves. About Kurt Wilkin Kurt is a connector of dots, ideas, and people. For over 30 years, he has advised high-growth companies, starting his career with Ernst & Young and today serving as Founder of BusinessEarth and Managing Partner of Bee Cave Capital. He’s a serial entrepreneur with multiple successful exits and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and CEOs build their companies. Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unlocking-moves Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unlockingmoves