Episodes

  • Stop Just Surviving—Start Thriving | Christopher Pitt’s Guide to Purpose & AI Skills

    Stop Just Surviving—Start Thriving | Christopher Pitt’s Guide to Purpose & AI Skills
    Aug 8 2025
    Getting ahead is tough when you’re stuck in survival mode—grinding every day just to stay afloat. In this episode of the Pursuit to Own Podcast, Christopher Pitt gets real about what that mindset costs us. It’s not just about money—it’s about missing your shot at something bigger. He breaks down how generations are raised to hustle but never taught how to build, especially in a world reshaped by AI and rapid change. The shift? It starts with purpose. Christopher shares how finding clarity gave him the push to stop surviving and start building a life with meaning, not just motion. Quotes: "We're put in a position where we wear a badge of courage for surviving, not succeeding—surviving because so many things around us put us in a situation where survival is the only way out." — Christopher Pitt "If you're always surviving, are you really being successful? If the road is always filled with barriers and challenges, are you really successful?" — Christopher Pitt "Either you're going to learn how to use it, or someone is going to be using you at the end of the day. " — Christopher Pitt Key Takeaways: Ask yourself if you are just surviving or truly succeeding. Make a one-year plan to adapt to rapid changes in technology. Identify your purpose and how it can help you move forward. Explore ways to use AI and new tools to improve your skills. Assess if your daily actions are routine or moving you closer to your goals. Episode Timeline: [00:00] Why surviving is not the same as succeeding [03:17] How purpose changes the way we measure success [09:34] What tech disruption means for your next move [12:21] What first-gen success really takes behind the scenes [14:41] Why purpose still matters in a world full of change Conclusion: Real success means moving beyond just doing what’s needed to get through the day. It calls for clear intention, steady focus, and the courage to take action that reflects what matters most. As technology, especially AI, changes how we work and live, staying sharp and open to learning is more important than ever. Growth comes from honest reflection, taking smart risks, and making sure your daily efforts move you in a direction that feels right and meaningful. Tune in to the Pursuit to Own podcast for more inspiring stories and strategies on how to turn your struggles into a pursuit of ownership and success. Links: Pursuit to Own: Opportunity Ownership – https://pursuittoown.com/ Connect with Christopher Pitt on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-pitt-mba/ Watch Your Pain Can Provide The Blueprint To Your Success | Christopher Pitt | TEDxWilmington – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULTBmmY1Uos&t=2s
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    19 mins
  • From Poverty to Power How I Changed My Life!

    From Poverty to Power How I Changed My Life!
    Jul 31 2025
    Most people are just trying to survive—but what happens when surviving isn’t enough? In this episode of the Pursuit to Own Podcast, Christopher Pitt opens up about the harsh reality facing so many: rising costs, unstable jobs, and systems that feel rigged from the start. He shares his own story of hitting dead ends, watching AI and economic shifts erase opportunity almost overnight. But instead of giving in, he chose to build something different. This isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about choosing purpose over panic. If you’re tired of feeling stuck, this conversation might help you see a new way forward. Quotes: "Your purpose is so embedded in you—so deep in the flesh—that your DNA cannot be sold." — Christopher Pitt " You would think that would be a good thing, but helping people can be hard. Helping people is the hardest business I've ever been in my entire life." — Christopher Pitt "You have 99 reasons to stop; your job is to find the one reason to keep going, and most times that one reason is when you look in the mirror. " — Christopher Pitt "The most valuable thing you have is your time, and that is what purpose requires from you—to give up the most valuable thing in your life." — Christopher Pitt "You can't save your way out when you're struggling. You need a strategic plan to get you out of there." — Christopher Pitt Key Takeaways: Map out a side income strategy using your current job's skills and network, aiming to create revenue streams outside your primary employment. Identify a personal pain point or challenge from your past that could become the foundation of a purpose-driven business or mission. Create a 30-day personal challenge focused on understanding your core motivations and breaking through self-imposed limitations. Develop a 2-3 year strategic plan that includes specific goals for business ownership, real estate investment, or alternative income generation. Audit your current financial ecosystem and identify at least one concrete step to protect yourself against potential job market disruptions caused by emerging technologies. Episode Timeline: [00:00] Why purpose matters more than just making money [05:08] How personal pain shaped a mission to build [10:14] What no one tells you about helping people [14:47] How poverty mindsets keep people from change [21:04] What ai means for your job and your future [25:47] Why ownership is the only way out of the trap [32:19] What to do now if you want real stability Conclusion: Work rooted in purpose often asks more of us—it calls for emotional strength, personal sacrifice, and a willingness to turn hardship into action. In today’s shifting economy, especially with the rise of AI, financial stability depends less on traditional paths and more on ownership and diverse income sources. Escaping cycles of poverty takes more than a plan; it takes a shift in thinking. Letting go of self-doubt, pushing past gatekeepers, and taking full responsibility for one’s future are key steps toward lasting change. It's not easy, but it’s necessary. Tune in to the Pursuit to Own podcast for more inspiring stories and strategies on how to turn your struggles into a pursuit of ownership and success. Links: Pursuit to Own: Opportunity Ownership – https://pursuittoown.com/ Connect with Christopher Pitt on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-pitt-mba/ Watch Your Pain Can Provide The Blueprint To Your Success | Christopher Pitt | TEDxWilmington – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULTBmmY1Uos&t=2s
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    27 mins
  • From $1 to $1 Million: Building a Purpose-Driven Real Estate Portfolio

    From $1 to $1 Million: Building a Purpose-Driven Real Estate Portfolio
    Jul 10 2025
    Flipping a rundown house for fast cash might sound like a dream—but most real estate “hacks” leave new investors spinning their wheels. In this episode of the Pursuit to Own Podcast, Christopher Pitt strips back the hype and talks real numbers, real neighborhoods, and real responsibility. Buying cheap property isn’t the magic move—it’s what you do with it that counts. Christopher shares how he’s turned overlooked lots into thriving spaces by focusing on long-term impact instead of short-term gain. It’s not about luck or quick flips—it’s about purpose. From rebuilding trust in neglected communities to creating real value where others see risk, this episode challenges everything you think you know about investing. If you’ve ever wondered whether real estate could actually mean something beyond profit, this one’s for you. Because sometimes the biggest return isn’t just financial—it’s knowing you left something better than you found it. Quotes: "If you got a property for $1, there's a reason—and that's what most people don't understand. They see the dollar but don't understand the damage." — Christopher Pitt "The cabinets don't make the neighborhood. The community does." — Christopher Pitt "Real estate ain't free for anybody. Either you're going to pay for acquisition or you're going to pay through construction. One way or another, you're going to pay. " — Christopher Pitt "This game is about the snowball effect. When you get a $1 property, the only way to reach a $1 million purpose portfolio is through hard work, dedication, and the snowball effect." — Christopher Pitt "If you don't have some level of ‘why’ in this, you can't succeed, because what you're going to run into—you can't even imagine." — Christopher Pitt Key Takeaways: Research local housing authorities and non-profit organizations that offer $1 property opportunities in underserved communities. Develop a community-first mindset: Plan to invest time and resources beyond renovation, focusing on neighborhood improvement and building trust. Create a realistic budget that accounts for unexpected challenges, including potential tool theft, unreliable workers, and extensive structural repairs. Create a comprehensive budget worksheet comparing potential mortgage scenarios, interest rates, and total ownership costs to make an informed decision. Build a long-term strategy for multiple property acquisitions, understanding that your first project is the most challenging and sets the foundation for future success. Episode Timeline: [00:00] How $1 homes turned into a million-dollar vision [03:30] What to know before buying a home for $1 [07:57] Why cheap homes often come with costly issues [11:20] Getting real support from the neighborhood first [15:13] Budget traps that can break your investment [19:22] Building value with time trust and real presence [22:40] What this strategy really means for your future Conclusion: Buying a home is more than just a transaction—it’s a long-term financial move that calls for thoughtful planning. It starts with knowing where you stand financially and working with people who truly have your back. It’s not just about picking the right house, but making sure the whole process supports your bigger financial picture. Being informed, asking smart questions, and staying firm on what matters to you can make all the difference. The best outcomes come when you approach homeownership with clarity, confidence, and care. Tune in to the Pursuit to Own podcast for more inspiring stories and strategies on how to turn your struggles into a pursuit of ownership and success. Links: Pursuit to Own: Opportunity Ownership – https://pursuittoown.com/ Connect with Christopher Pitt on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-pitt-mba/ Watch Your Pain Can Provide The Blueprint To Your Success | Christopher Pitt | TEDxWilmington – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULTBmmY1Uos&t=2s
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    36 mins
  • The Pursuit of Ownership: First-Time Home Buyer's Guide: Essential Steps to Purchasing Your Dream Home

    The Pursuit of Ownership: First-Time Home Buyer's Guide: Essential Steps to Purchasing Your Dream Home
    Jun 26 2025
    Trying to break into real estate can feel like you’re playing a game with rules no one bothered to explain. Prices climb, paperwork piles up, and even when you think you're making progress, it somehow slips through your fingers. In this episode of the Pursuit to Own podcast, Christopher Pitt teams up with guest Pamela Debnam to break down why so many people feel stuck when trying to buy a home. It’s not just about money—it’s about knowing the rules of the game. From confusing mortgage terms to credit score myths and tricky realtor relationships, Pamela shares what most first-time buyers get wrong. This conversation is all about flipping the script. Homeownership isn’t out of reach—it just takes a smarter strategy. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start building, this episode gives you the tools to take control. Quotes: "If you find a good realtor, they will nurture you. Between your lender—who, in most cases, has repair people or companies signed up with them—they can also tell you what to do to get your scores up." — Pamela Debnam "Don't be discouraged, and please don't rely on Credit Karma. I know a lot of those third-party credit monitoring apps are great for showing you. But if you think that's your actual score, when you pull your credit from a lender's perspective, it could be higher, it could be lower—it will not be the same." — Pamela Debnam "There are good realtors who focus only on ready-to-go buyers. They feel like they don't have the time to nurture someone. But there are also people in it not just for financial reasons—they truly want to guide and help actual people achieve homeownership." — Pamela Debnam "Commissions are negotiable—they always have been. But due to all the different lawsuits and changes in the market, everything has been fine-tuned in the hope of making it better." — Pamela Debnam "Do not feel obligated to anyone. You can get out of any agency agreement, and you can go to any new lender. Don't just go for something just to go for it." — Pamela Debnam Key Takeaways: Pull your official credit report from a direct lender, not third-party apps, to understand your true financial standing and potential home buying power. Schedule a strategy session with a realtor who demonstrates genuine commitment to nurturing your home ownership goals, not just closing quick sales. Map out a 12-month credit improvement plan with specific milestones, targeting realistic enhancements that will strengthen your mortgage qualification potential. Create a comprehensive budget worksheet comparing potential mortgage scenarios, interest rates, and total ownership costs to make an informed decision. Build a network of trusted professionals - a realtor, lender, and financial advisor - who are aligned with your specific home ownership objectives and willing to provide transparent guidance. Episode Timeline: [00:21] How to start the home buying process right [02:07] What to know before checking your credit [04:12] Why early realtor support really matters [06:36] How to spot a realtor who actually cares [11:12] What to ask about commissions and fees [15:59] Why your first loan offer isn’t always best [20:55] Final tips for a smart and stress-free purchase Conclusion: Buying a home is more than just a transaction—it’s a long-term financial move that calls for thoughtful planning. It starts with knowing where you stand financially and working with people who truly have your back. It’s not just about picking the right house, but making sure the whole process supports your bigger financial picture. Being informed, asking smart questions, and staying firm on what matters to you can make all the difference. The best outcomes come when you approach homeownership with clarity, confidence, and care. Tune in to the Pursuit to Own podcast for more inspiring stories and strategies on how to turn your struggles into a pursuit of ownership and success. Links: Pursuit to Own: Opportunity Ownership – https://pursuittoown.com/ Connect with Christopher Pitt on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-pitt-mba/ Watch Your Pain Can Provide The Blueprint To Your Success | Christopher Pitt | TEDxWilmington – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULTBmmY1Uos&t=2s
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    24 mins
  • The Pursuit of Ownership:Pursuit or Poverty: Finding Your Purpose in a Changing Economy

    The Pursuit of Ownership:Pursuit or Poverty: Finding Your Purpose in a Changing Economy
    Jun 6 2025
    In a world where survival trumps dreams, you're either in pursuit or trapped in poverty. What if your current path leads to a dead end? In this episode of the Pursuit to Own Podcast, Christopher Pitt gets real about what it means to fight for a future in a world that’s changing fast. If you’re stuck surviving while the economy shifts and AI threatens your job, this message hits home. Christopher shares the hard truth: you’re either moving forward or falling behind. Raised in struggle, fueled by purpose, he urges listeners to stop waiting for a rescue. This isn’t about chasing success—it’s about refusing to settle. When the system isn’t built for you, you’ve got two choices: stay stuck or start building your own way out. Quotes: "You're going to have 99 reasons to stop. Your job is to find the one reason to keep going—and most of the time, that one reason is when you look in the mirror." — Christopher Pitt "Sometimes, somebody just has to crack the door open for you. It doesn't have to be all the way—just a crack." — Christopher Pitt "You cannot save your way out when you're struggling. You need a strategic plan to get you out of there." — Christopher Pitt "We are bred without belief. That means you were bred without belief. That means you have made things happen without anybody believing." — Christopher Pitt "Pursuit to own is about getting in position to own. It's a timing thing. You have to be ready." — Christopher Pitt Key Takeaways: Map out your personal purpose by identifying a painful past experience that drives you to help others. Create a side income stream outside your current job within the next 30 days to protect against potential job displacement. Develop a 2-3 year strategic plan for financial stability that includes real estate or business ownership. Challenge yourself to break through self-imposed limitations and the "poverty mindset" by taking one concrete step toward your goals this week. Build a support network of people who are committed to growth and pursuing opportunities, not making excuses. Episode Timeline: [00:00] When profit stops being enough to keep going [06:36] Why purpose-driven work hits harder than most [08:51] Doing work no one claps for still matters [10:03] You need more than hustle to keep moving [28:19] What to know about jobs money and ownership [30:41] Building with people who get where you're headed [34:41] Stop waiting and start building something real Conclusion: Doing work that’s rooted in purpose often demands more from a person than chasing profit. It calls for steady focus, emotional strength, and a belief that change is possible—even when the odds are stacked high. As technology and AI shift the economy, knowing how to build and protect income has become essential. Many find that their deepest sense of purpose comes from personal struggle, which can become a source of strength for others. To move forward, people must stay persistent, challenge old beliefs, and take ownership of their future. Tune in to the Pursuit to Own podcast for more inspiring stories and strategies on how to turn your struggles into a pursuit of ownership and success. Links: Pursuit to Own: Opportunity Ownership – https://pursuittoown.com/ Connect with Christopher Pitt on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-pitt-mba/ Watch Your Pain Can Provide The Blueprint To Your Success | Christopher Pitt | TEDxWilmington – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULTBmmY1Uos&t=2s
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    37 mins
  • The Pursuit of Ownership: Breaking Free from Poverty Through Determination and Self-Belief

    The Pursuit of Ownership: Breaking Free from Poverty Through Determination and Self-Belief
    May 22 2025

    Are you tired of being trapped in a cycle of financial struggle, watching opportunities slip away while the world rapidly changes? In this episode of the Pursuit to Own Podcast, Christopher Pitt speaks directly to those raised to survive but never taught how to build. If you’re tired of watching life pass by while stuck in the same paycheck-to-paycheck loop, this one’s for you. Christopher unpacks what it means to be part of the “pursuit breed”—those wired to hustle without direction. He calls for a shift: from reacting to life to building something that lasts. It’s not just about making money—it’s about reclaiming your future. Because when the system isn’t built for you, you learn to build one for yourself.

    Quotes:

    "Poverty only exists for people that don't have a vision. If you start to change what you see, you start seeing ways out of poverty." — Christopher Pitt

    "You cannot see what's at the end of the road if you don't go." — Christopher Pitt

    "Ownership isn't about just owning the house. It's the principles that come with ownership." — Christopher Pitt

    "If the last person you had to bet on was you, and you knew that person was gonna come through, that's power." — Christopher Pitt

    "Through pain, there is purpose." — Christopher Pitt

    Key Takeaways:

    · Audit your current job and skills: Map out how your industry will transform in the next 10-30 years with AI and technology, then create a strategic plan to stay relevant or pivot.

    · Calculate your financial survival runway: Determine exactly how long you could sustain yourself if all income stopped tomorrow, then develop alternative income streams or emergency skill sets.

    · Build a "pursuit network" of ambitious, growth-minded individuals who challenge and support your goals, replacing negative influences that keep you trapped in poverty mindset.

    · Invest time learning financial trends instead of fashion trends: Commit 30-60 minutes daily to understanding stocks, real estate, emerging technologies, and wealth-building strategies.

    · Create a generational wealth blueprint that extends beyond your immediate needs, thinking about how your current actions could impact your grandchildren's opportunities.

    Episode Timeline:

    [01:10] Why Aaliyah wants more than just an apartment life

    [05:12] What surprised Aaliyah most about the first session

    [08:07] How to avoid delays by coming fully prepared

    [14:16] Landing three jobs before graduation day hits

    [33:37] Treating the program like a big class assignment

    Conclusion:

    Breaking generational cycles of poverty takes more than personal success—it calls for a thoughtful, consistent plan that supports long-term financial stability. It means building habits, systems, and knowledge that can be passed down and adapted over time. This kind of approach helps families stay strong even when life is uncertain. When done with care and purpose, it can shift the direction of not just one life, but many.

    Tune in to the Pursuit to Own podcast for more inspiring stories and strategies on how to turn your struggles into a pursuit of ownership and success.

    Links:

    Pursuit to Own: Opportunity Ownership – https://pursuittoown.com/

    Connect with Christopher Pitt on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-pitt-mba/

    Watch Your Pain Can Provide The Blueprint To Your Success | Christopher Pitt | TEDxWilmington – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULTBmmY1Uos&t=2s
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    33 mins
  • The Pursuit of Ownership: Aaliyah's Journey from Renting to Owning

    The Pursuit of Ownership: Aaliyah's Journey from Renting to Owning
    May 15 2025

    Struggling to escape the rent cycle while everything around you keeps getting more expensive? In this episode of the Pursuit to Own Podcast, Christopher Pitt and Aaliyah Hackney get real about what it actually takes to buy a home through NACA’s program. From overwhelming paperwork to juggling multiple jobs, they don’t sugarcoat the grind—but they also show it’s possible. Aaliyah shares how she’s breaking generations of renting in her family by treating homeownership like a mission, not a maybe. If you’re tired of feeling stuck, this episode shows how structure, grit, and belief can change your future—one document at a time.

    Quotes:

    • "I want to call it a generational curse, but breaking out of the generational norms we have, like my mother's mother who didn't own anything, allows us to branch out into something different and have something that's mine." — Aaliyah Hackney
    • "Right now, I'm living in something that's not even mine. I don't own anything, so maybe I should work on owning something." — Aaliyah Hackney
    • "I don't like wasting time, so let me make sure I don't. If this is going to waste my time, I don’t want to do it." — Aaliyah Hackney
    • "No one's gonna go out and give it to me, I gotta earn it." — Aaliyah Hackney
    • "When I get a really big assignment, I look at it, then put it away for a second. I digest it, come back, and adjust the first part. We're not going to look at the bottom half yet; we're just going to fix this part and then move on, piece by piece. That's how I'm going to attack it." — Aaliyah Hackney

    Key Takeaways:

    • · Break generational financial patterns by setting clear property ownership goals and creating a strategic plan to achieve them.
    • · Gather all required financial documents proactively before meetings to maximize program support and demonstrate preparedness.
    • · Diversify income streams in your professional field to increase financial stability and create opportunities for personal growth.
    • · Approach complex processes systematically by breaking large tasks into smaller, manageable steps and addressing them incrementally.
    • · Use life transitions (like graduation) as momentum to immediately pursue professional and financial objectives with focused energy.

    Episode Timeline:

    [01:10] Why Aaliyah wants more than just an apartment life

    [05:12] What surprised Aaliyah most about the first session

    [08:07] How to avoid delays by coming fully prepared

    [14:16] Landing three jobs before graduation day hits

    [33:37] Treating the program like a big class assignment

    Conclusion:

    Overcoming generational financial limits takes clear planning and steady action. It starts with getting organized—tracking income, keeping proper records, and understanding how money flows. Building multiple income sources adds security and helps create long-term stability. When these habits are passed on, they lay the foundation for real financial progress across generations. It’s not about shortcuts, but about making smart, consistent choices that last.

    Tune in to the Pursuit to Own podcast for more inspiring stories and strategies on how to turn your struggles into a pursuit of ownership and success.

    Links:

    Pursuit to Own: Opportunity Ownership – https://pursuittoown.com/

    Connect with Christopher Pitt on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-pitt-mba/

    Watch Your Pain Can Provide The Blueprint To Your Success | Christopher Pitt | TEDxWilmington – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULTBmmY1Uos&t=2s
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    37 mins
  • The Pursuit of Ownership: Finding Your Bridge to Success

    The Pursuit of Ownership: Finding Your Bridge to Success
    Apr 18 2025

    Feel like you're stuck chasing the next task while your real goals stay out of reach? In this episode of the Pursuit to Own Podcast, Christopher Pitt lays out a raw, practical roadmap for turning pain into fuel and building something meaningful. He challenges you to stop waiting for ideal conditions and instead use what you have—right now—to create a bridge to the life you want. The struggles you’re facing aren’t roadblocks; they’re raw materials. Start stacking them with intention, and you won’t just move forward—you’ll create a path others can follow.

    Quotes:

    • "Pain is the foundation, but the bridge is built with purpose." — Christopher Pitt
    • "You can't be passive and be with purpose. You gotta be in pursuit of your purpose." — Christopher Pitt
    • "The more you care about the people behind you, the further you will go." — Christopher Pitt
    • "That’s the difference between my organization and many others—we don’t just sell real estate; we serve real estate with purpose." — Christopher Pitt
    • "It's not just about what you do, it's what have you done for others." — Christopher Pitt

    Key Takeaways:

    • · Identify your current pain points and map out how they can become the foundation for your personal growth strategy.
    • · Find 3 people in your desired field who have already achieved what you want and actively seek their mentorship or guidance.
    • · Create a step-by-step bridge plan for your next career or personal development goal, focusing on small, achievable actions. Shift your mindset from self-protection to serving others by asking: "How can my success help people behind me?"
    • · Spend 30 minutes this week documenting your unique path and potential ways you can create opportunities for others in your community.
    • Episode Timeline:

    [00:01] – Turning pain into a path that actually works

    [02:40] – Why your circle can slow down your growth

    [03:19] – What stops most people from leveling up

    [06:30] – Why real wins don’t come from going viral

    [11:13] – Helping others cross the bridge you built

    [13:16] – Dropping the mindset that keeps you small

    [17:17] – Time to lace up and build something real

    Conclusion:

    Success comes from learning how to use setbacks as fuel for something greater. It means building steady habits, finding people who support your growth, and keeping your focus on what really matters. When you shift from chasing rewards to making a real difference, progress becomes more lasting. The impact grows even stronger when your work opens doors for others, not just yourself. In the end, it's that kind of purpose that gives success its meaning.

    Tune in to the Pursuit to Own podcast for more inspiring stories and strategies on how to turn your struggles into a pursuit of ownership and success.

    Links:

    Pursuit to Own: Opportunity Ownership – https://pursuittoown.com/

    Connect with Christopher Pitt on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-pitt-mba/

    Watch Your Pain Can Provide The Blueprint To Your Success | Christopher Pitt | TEDxWilmington – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULTBmmY1Uos&t=2s
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    19 mins