About Gui Costin:

Gui Costin is the Founder and CEO of Dakota, a financial software, data, and media company based in Philadelphia, PA.

Dakota’s flagship product, Dakota Marketplace, is a database of institutional investors used by over 6,000 fundraisers and many of the leading global investment firms.

Prior to starting his entrepreneurial career, Gui earned his Bachelor of Science in Rhetoric and Communications from the University of Virginia. In 2001, he relocated to Philadelphia, working for a number of firms in the area before founding Dakota in 2006.

In this episode, Kevin and Gui Costin discuss:

• Building a purpose-driven company culture
• Leadership philosophy of problem-solving and innovation
• Personal growth and self-awareness in leadership
• Hiring and retaining top talent
• Entrepreneurial journey and risk-taking

Key Takeaways

• Problem-solving is a leadership superpower. By approaching challenges with creativity, openness, and a "get to yes" mindset, leaders can transform obstacles into opportunities for growth and innovation.
• Risk is unavoidable in entrepreneurship, but resilience determines whether risk leads to collapse or transformation. Leaders who bounce back from setbacks learn how to turn uncertainty into strength.
• In a world obsessed with transactions, connection is a differentiator. Relationships built on trust, presence, and authenticity are what keep organizations thriving long after products and strategies evolve.
• Culture doesn’t just “happen.” It’s shaped daily by choices, conversations, and behaviors, and leaders who ignore it soon discover that silence builds the wrong kind of culture by default.
• Continuous learning and adaptability are the hallmarks of exceptional leadership. Leaders who remain committed to personal growth, embrace new technologies, and stay open to evolving their strategies can create a lasting impact in their organizations.

"Culture comes down to how you treat people, how you treat people comes down to the words that come out of your mouth and your tone of voice, but even more importantly, the words that you use." – Gui Costin

Connect with Gui Costin:

Websites: https://www.dakota.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dakota-about/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/guicostin/

Connect with Kevin Neal:

Website: https://drkdneal.com

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS

https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Greatness-Mentorship-Developing-professionals-ebook/dp/B0FGBH1VNS

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63