What does it take to transform leadership into a calling — and build a business that transforms others?

Today, Peter Winick sits down with Daniel Harkavy, founder and CEO of Building Champions, a pioneer in executive coaching and leadership development. Daniel shares how he turned the lessons from his early career in mortgage banking into a structured, scalable system for growing leaders — and why his success is rooted in helping others unlock their potential.

Daniel's approach to thought leadership isn't about pedigree or credentials — it's about proof. He took what worked in one high-performance environment and codified it into frameworks, checklists, and playbooks that any leader could use to create lasting impact. From Becoming a Coaching Leader to Building Champions' current programs, Daniel's work continues to shape how organizations coach, communicate, and cultivate leadership at every level.

The conversation dives deep into what it means to scale a mission-driven business without losing its soul. Daniel opens up about the "near-death" moments that almost derailed his company — from failed partnerships to market crashes — and the resilience it takes to rebuild stronger each time. His story is a masterclass in balancing faith, strategy, and discipline in pursuit of a greater purpose.

Peter and Daniel also explore how AI is reshaping the future of leadership and coaching. Daniel sees it not as a threat but as a copilot — a tool that, when mastered, can amplify human insight, accelerate problem-solving, and deepen relationships. His message is clear: technology can enhance thought leadership, but it can't replace the leader.


Three Key Takeaways:

• Codify What Works: Turning personal insight into repeatable frameworks allows leaders to scale their impact, build stronger teams, and create lasting organizational value.

• Lead with Purpose and Resilience: Sustainable success comes from aligning business strategy with personal values and staying adaptable through inevitable market and operational challenges.

• Leverage AI as a Copilot, Not a Replacement: The future of leadership depends on mastering technology to enhance human insight, accelerate decisions, and deepen relationships — without losing the human touch that defines great leadership.

If Daniel's episode inspired you to think differently about leadership systems, purpose, and resilience, you'll want to listen next to "Becoming Resilient Through Thought Leadership" featuring James Harold Webb.

Both conversations explore how true leaders turn adversity into an advantage — Daniel through codifying leadership frameworks and James through channeling personal reinvention into influence and impact. Together, they reveal the blueprint for thriving in uncertainty: build systems that scale, lead with purpose, and use your story as fuel for growth.

Listen to both and discover how resilience isn't just about bouncing back — it's about building forward with clarity, structure, and intention.