The Visionary with Startup Superstar Wendi Burkhardt

Reflections from a builder, operator, and reinvention partner. For more information about Wendy or to get in touch with her, please visit: Wendi Burkhardt  Email WendiTom's takeaways from this episode with Wendi, as well as words from Wendi can be found below!1. WHAT is success?Success isn’t one-size-fits-all. For me, it’s about surrounding myself with people—capital partners, collaborators, and teams—who share my values and care about the same outcomes I do. Alignment is everything.Success is the quality of people you surround yourself with—and ensuring they’re aligned with what you care about.2. HOW do you achieve it?By stepping into complexity and finding the opportunity others overlook.Rolling up your sleeves, doing the work, and being curious.3. IF you’re stuck, what do you do?Reconnect with what has always driven you—even if your current role doesn’t.Don’t be afraid to try something new4. WHEN do you know it’s time to evolve?When your comfort zone starts to feel like a cage. You know it’s time to evolve when the version of success you’re living no longer feels like yours.What The Tom Matt Show's Audience Should Know About Me - Wendi Burkhardt    1    I build things—from the ground up and the inside out.I’ve led startups, raised capital, fixed broken systems, and helped organizations grow through transition. Whether launching a proptech platform for aging adults or leading growth at a private equity firm focused on special-situation tech companies, I know how to build value where others see complexity.    2    I’ve reinvented myself—and helped others do the same.I’ve shifted from founder to investor, from mission-driven tech to buyouts, and from operating a company to advising others. Reinvention isn’t just a theme for me—it’s a lived experience. I help leaders and organizations navigate those same crossroads with clarity and confidence.    3    I’m values-driven—but results-oriented. I believe in doing meaningful work—but it has to work. I’ve built business models that are financially sustainable and mission-aligned. I care deeply about impact, aging, housing, and equity—but I lead with discipline, accountability, and data.    4    I don’t believe success is one-size-fits-all. Titles, exits, and metrics matter—but what really matters is whether your life and work reflect who you are and what you value. I’ve helped founders, executives, and platforms recalibrate not just what they’re doing—but why.Thank you to Brock Fletcher and the selling team of Keller Williams Realty for their continued support of our programming!For more information on past guests, Tom's published books, and how to get in touch, please visit our newly updated website at https://www.tommattshow.com#RFZ #radio #broadcasting #podcast #lansing #michiganradio #mab #mentalhealth #positivemessaging #capitolinvestments #privateequity #startups #nextbigideaThank you to Brock Fletcher and the selling team of Keller Williams Realty for their continued support of our programming!'The Tom Matt Show' Heard on-The Michigan Talk NetworkWKAR Michigan State Universities AM 870 & 102.3 FMWJIM-AM 1240 LansingWYPV FM 94.5 Mackinac Citywww.tommattshow.com(podcasts)iTunesFor more information on past guests, Tom's published books, and how to get in touch, please visit our newly updated website at https://www.tommattshow.com#RFZ #radio #broadcasting #podcast #michiganradio #lansing #michiganradio #mab #refirementzone #successstory #humaninterestpodcast #selfhelppodcast