How to Build a Business That Lasts with Kristin Zhivago – Love, Legacy & Leadership

In this powerful episode of AIBiz, we sit down with Kristin Zhivago—revenue coach, marketing turnaround expert, and author of Roadmap to Revenue—to uncover the core truths behind building a business that not only survives but thrives long-term. Drawing from decades of experience across industries, Kristin reveals why sustainable success is rooted in empathy, customer focus, and character—not just metrics or tech trends. We talk about the impact of AI, the myth of hustle culture, and why love (yes, love) is a serious business strategy. If you're an entrepreneur, founder, or leader aiming for real impact, this conversation will change how you think about growth, leadership, and legacy.

About the Guest – Kristin ZhivagoKristin Zhivago is a revenue coach, founder of Zhivago Partners, and author of the bestselling book Roadmap to Revenue. She has worked with startups and billion-dollar companies alike, helping them shift from reactive selling to proactive customer-first strategies. A pioneer in marketing, tech, and business development, Kristin is known for her practical wisdom and human-centered approach to leadership and sales.

Key Takeaways:

1. Customer First, Always: Kristin emphasizes that all revenue comes from customers, not investors or hype. Even in an AI-driven world, human connection drives sales.

2. Love is Strategy: Leading with care, empathy, and respect—for employees, partners, and clients—isn’t soft. It’s what sustains and scales.

3. Listen Better: The biggest business gap Kristin sees? A mismatch between what companies think customers want and what customers actually want. Real conversations—not surveys—reveal the truth.

4. Jerks Cost Business: A single toxic person can poison company culture. Kristin shares her rule: no jerks allowed—in teams or clients.

5. Build for Resilience: Save consistently (10–20% of revenue), act with character, and focus on what will never change (like customer expectations).

6. AI Needs Ethics: While AI is powerful, Kristin warns that without teaching it human values like honesty and character, we risk long-term consequences.

 

Connect with Kristin Zhivago:Website: https://zhivagopartners.comExplore her Revenue Growth Audit and find her bestselling book Roadmap to Revenue for more insights.

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