Legendary operator and author Gui Costin (Founder & CEO, Dakota) breaks down how a failed content bet became a growth flywheel: Dakota Live—a weekly sales meeting turned show that shares real investor intel and creates trust at scale. We get into raising from RIAs, sales coaching (his 4 principles of fundraising), and the “no-policy policy” that built a high-trust culture. Gui also shares why kindness + clear expectations outperform, how hiring for culture compounds, and how to convert content into pipeline without the gimmicks.
Host: Zorina Dimitrova
Books referenced: Millennials Are Not Aliens, The Dakota Way, and Gui’s new leadership book Be Kind.
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📺 Explore our curated playlist THE CAPITAL PLAYBOOK HERE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTJlaeHk03J3Csa1jytu1X1JKyZ_6qTQb
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Explore Strategic Growth & Investment-Ready Opportunities with GrowNLearn
GrowNLearn, led by Zorina Dimitrova, connects select VCs, Family Offices, and Strategic Investors with precisely matched, high-growth ventures.
We also support founders with strategic growth advisory—helping you transform your business model, increase valuation, and prepare for investment or exit.
🎯 No random pitches. No wasted time. Just targeted growth and curated deal flow.
📌 Want Curated Investment Deals?
👉 Book Your Private Briefing: https://grownlearn.org/
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🎧 Listen to the GrowNLearn Podcast
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/at/podcast/grownlearn/id1515759956
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1bUIDGbSQl4BlHeNeeJfva
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/grownlearn
All platforms: https://grownlearn.onpodium.com/
📲 Follow Us on Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grownlearn
X (Twitter): https://x.com/grownlearn1729
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@healnlearn_grownlearn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healnlearn_grownlearn/
Success Mindset Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@healnlearn
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📈 Tools for Investors & Founders
Tax Optimization for Real Estate Investors:
https://mavencostseg.referralrock.com/l/ZORINA/
FREE LinkedIn Profile Audit:
https://ps.linkedvanow.com/r5wgf
AI-Powered Lead Generation for Dealmakers:
https://ps.linkedvanow.com/tjnia9mrkt85
💬 Ready to connect with investor-ready ventures or expert advisors?
Schedule your 1:1 session → https://grownlearn.org/
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Chapters
00:01:12–00:07:11 — Dakota’s Pivot to Live Content
00:07:12–00:09:13 — Marketplace Momentum
00:09:14–00:14:48 — Kindness, Clarity, and the No-Policy Policy
00:14:49–00:20:06 — Data, Demos, and Who It’s For
00:20:07–00:27:30 — Mentorship that Changes Trajectories
Host: Zorina Dimitrova
Books referenced: Millennials Are Not Aliens, The Dakota Way, and Gui’s new leadership book Be Kind.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
📺 Explore our curated playlist THE CAPITAL PLAYBOOK HERE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTJlaeHk03J3Csa1jytu1X1JKyZ_6qTQb
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Explore Strategic Growth & Investment-Ready Opportunities with GrowNLearn
GrowNLearn, led by Zorina Dimitrova, connects select VCs, Family Offices, and Strategic Investors with precisely matched, high-growth ventures.
We also support founders with strategic growth advisory—helping you transform your business model, increase valuation, and prepare for investment or exit.
🎯 No random pitches. No wasted time. Just targeted growth and curated deal flow.
📌 Want Curated Investment Deals?
👉 Book Your Private Briefing: https://grownlearn.org/
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
🎧 Listen to the GrowNLearn Podcast
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/at/podcast/grownlearn/id1515759956
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1bUIDGbSQl4BlHeNeeJfva
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/grownlearn
All platforms: https://grownlearn.onpodium.com/
📲 Follow Us on Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grownlearn
X (Twitter): https://x.com/grownlearn1729
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@healnlearn_grownlearn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healnlearn_grownlearn/
Success Mindset Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@healnlearn
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
📈 Tools for Investors & Founders
Tax Optimization for Real Estate Investors:
https://mavencostseg.referralrock.com/l/ZORINA/
FREE LinkedIn Profile Audit:
https://ps.linkedvanow.com/r5wgf
AI-Powered Lead Generation for Dealmakers:
https://ps.linkedvanow.com/tjnia9mrkt85
💬 Ready to connect with investor-ready ventures or expert advisors?
Schedule your 1:1 session → https://grownlearn.org/
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapters
00:01:12–00:07:11 — Dakota’s Pivot to Live Content
00:07:12–00:09:13 — Marketplace Momentum
00:09:14–00:14:48 — Kindness, Clarity, and the No-Policy Policy
00:14:49–00:20:06 — Data, Demos, and Who It’s For
00:20:07–00:27:30 — Mentorship that Changes Trajectories
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