From One Guy in a Booth to Leading a Team: Craig McLaughlin on Building Finalytics AI

Recorded live at GAC 2026 at the Museum of Illusions, hosts Jonathan Taylor (BankSocial/CU Spotlight) and David Dean (EFTG) sit down with Craig McLaughlin, founder of Finalytics AI. Craig shares the raw, unfiltered truth about entrepreneurship—from being "dragged through glass on your stomach" to mastering the shift from doer to manager to leader. He breaks down how to hire for culture over credentials, inspire a team without micromanaging, and build a self-policing organization grounded in shared values. Whether you're one person in a booth or scaling a growing company, Craig's insights will sharpen your leadership and fuel your next move. Shine a light where it matters.