Episode 8 — The Entrepreneurship Mindset: Coach Bert Robinson’s Blueprint for Building Successful Founders

In this episode of the Build Your Empire Podcast, I sit down with Coach Bert Robinson — Principal Owner of the Entrepreneur Competency Center (ECC) and founder of Coaches C.L.A.S.S. (Communication, Leadership, Action, Success, Service). Bert has spent decades shaping leaders and founders across Dallas–Fort Worth, bringing real-world experience from corporate leadership (including Xerox and more) into the startup world through entrepreneurship education, financial literacy, and community building.  We dig into what separates real entrepreneurs from “corporate thinkers,” why mindset and perseverance are the difference-makers, and why so many early-stage companies stall out. Bert also breaks down how he teaches founders to think strategically — from ideation to launch — using frameworks like Kauffman FastTrac and the Ice House Entrepreneurial Mindset curriculum.  What you’ll learn in this episode: The 3 pillars that drive Bert’s mission: entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and community building The patterns Bert consistently sees in founders who succeed (and what derails the rest) Why leadership + capital are recurring make-or-break variables — and why leadership wins when investors evaluate founders The #1 entrepreneurial trait that keeps founders alive when things get dark: perseverance Why financial literacy isn’t “accounting” — it’s leadership, and why founders must understand their P&L and financial model How to avoid common early-stage financial mistakes like skipping real MVP validation and spending money in the wrong places Bert also shares books and concepts that helped shape his thinking — including Who Owns the Ice House? and The Entrepreneurial Imperative — and why it’s never too late to build something meaningful (especially for those starting after 40).  Connect with Coach Bert Robinson If you want to learn more about Bert’s programs, entrepreneurship coaching, or how to get involved: Email: [email protected]  Website: https://vgi.io/coachesclass Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bertrobinson/ #BuildYourEmpirePodcast #BuildYourEmpire #Entrepreneurship #EntrepreneurMindset #StartupLife #BusinessGrowth #BusinessCoach #LeadershipDevelopment #FinancialLiteracy #FounderJourney #SmallBusinessOwner #Innovation #DFWBusiness #DallasEntrepreneurs #KauffmanFastTrac