Entrepreneurial Appetite

Ready to unearth the inspiring story of a powerful, historically Black institution that continues to thrive? In our latest episode, we're thrilled to bring you into the world of The Piney Woods School, a unique private boarding school steeped in history and dedication to empowering the next generation. Our esteemed guest, Will Crossley, president of Piney Woods, joins us along with our guest host Dr. Daniel Thomas, assistant professor of multicultural and urban education at Texas A&M University, to guide us through his intriguing journey and the school's resilient mission.

In our in-depth conversation, we journey into the history of Piney Woods, established in 1909 against a backdrop of an 85% illiteracy rate and the harsh racist conditions of the  Deep South, and discuss how it has developed a successful entrepreneurial education approach. Fascinating real-life examples, such as students' collaboration with Brown University on an environmental research project, bring the narrative to life.

This episode doesn't just stop at education; it's about the people who make education possible. We highlight philanthropy's instrumental role in shaping the school's ethos of breaking away from the conventional factory model of education. And to wrap up our enlightening discussion, we spotlight Piney Woods' contributions to nurturing young entrepreneurs and preparing students to be the leaders of tomorrow. Don't miss this exploration of education, resilience, and empowerment through Piney Woods School's inspiring story. Prepare to be challenged, engaged, and inspired.

Ever been intrigued by the world of podcasting and how it can be harnessed to tell authentic stories while growing brands? Prepare for an eye-opening journey as guest host  Dr. Briana Barner, an Assistant Professor of Black Podcast Studies at the University of Maryland, interviews  Ona Oghogho, founder of the BlackPod Collective. Ona shares her unique journeys into podcasting as not only a host but curator of community. 

We explore how podcasting transcends beyond just producing initial episodes, diving into the intricacies of marketing, distribution, and consistent growth. With Ona's journey of owning a studio and the creation of a space for underrepresented Black podcasters, we unravel the importance of representation and sustainability in the podcast industry. We also discuss strategies for successful podcasting, the value of a podcast as a marketing tool, and the art of monetizing it.

Imagine journeying from the brave world of firefighting into the creative realm of podcasting. That's exactly what our guest, Corey Paul, did. Corey is a testament to the transformative power of podcasting and entrepreneurship. This episode is ripe with insights from Corey's journey and his book 'Path to Podcast Success'. The book captures his experiences and learnings while working with giants like Google and PRX. We delve into Corey's interesting history and his quest for financial literacy. 

Have you ever wondered how mindfulness can help overcome challenges and help you find your purpose? Corey answers this by sharing his experiences from the Google/ PRX Fellowship program. He reiterates the importance of determination and tenacity, two qualities that played a crucial role in his success. We also touch upon the significance of community-building and continual education, with Corey recounting an inspiring networking story with the CEO of PRX. This intriguing conversation led to her writing the foreword of his book.

We then transition into how empathy and understanding your audience can lead to better content creation. We discuss the vital role of standard operating procedures (SOPs) in podcasting and how these SOPs can help in delegation and creating an efficient workflow. Lastly, we highlight the balancing act required to manage a business, a team, and a personal life. Drawing from his personal experiences, Corey shares his insights on how to optimize time and strike the right balance. Be it a budding podcaster or a seasoned entrepreneur, this episode has something for everyone to take away.

What happens when two cybersecurity gurus take the leap from the corporate world to media entrepreneurship? In our latest episode, Ron Eddings and Chris Cochran, founders of Hacker Valley Media, recount their journeys, from early enchantment with technology to their time in the cybersecurity field and, finally, to the founding of Hacker Valley Media. Tune in for a candid conversation about their transition from cybersecurity industry employees to content creators for the cybersecurity community.

But what exactly sparked this drastic shift? We delve into Chris and Ron's shared passion for learning and teaching and how a unique diet challenge fueled a strong friendship and a shared dream. Hear about their journey to California, setting up a Hacker House, and the creation of their podcast. 

Molly Jensen, CEO of Afropods, takes us on an exhilarating journey through her experience building the podcast industry in Africa. From her transition to Kenya to the establishment of Afropods, Molly shares her unique story, highlighting the ups and downs of her incredible journey.

In this lively chat, Molly dives into the nuances of leading a predominantly Black team in a culturally diverse continent. Drawing from her background as a student-athlete at George Washington University, she discusses how her athletic experiences have influenced her leadership style and the development of a productive work-life balance within her team. Through Molly's anecdotes and insights, you'll discover the sheer power of African storytelling and the importance of understanding the unique cultural expectations of work in Africa.

Beyond Molly's personal journey, we also discuss the wider African podcasting scene. From the evolution of the industry to the roles and responsibilities of leadership, Molly offers a refreshing perspective on this growing platform. With a keen understanding of her team's strengths and weaknesses, Molly brings a unique perspective to the role of CEO. Through her eyes, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the African podcasting scene, the power of African culture and storytelling, and the significance of Afropods in this burgeoning industry. So, sit back, relax, and let's explore the world of Afropods with Molly Jensen.

Have you ever wondered how to create a successful podcast that stands out from the crowd? We did too! On this episode, we welcome Danielle Desir Corbett , a woman who took the podcasting world by storm with her unique blend of travel and finance topics. Danielle's journey is one of resilience and passion, born from an opportunity she seized to support women of color in the podcasting space. She eventually built an entire community around this idea and took a leap of faith to make podcasting her full-time gig. Her story is an exciting testament to breaking the mold and overcoming the fears that hold us back.

Danielle isn't just a podcaster, she's a master of crafting engaging content. She has honed her skills to create punchy dialogues and insightful conversations that resonate with her listeners. Danielle walks us through her process - how she scripts her episodes, pairs them with compelling written content, and even how she turns her insights into published books. Yes, she is an author too! But it's not all smooth sailing, especially in the face of a global pandemic. Danielle shares candidly about how she navigates these challenging times and the role of hard deadlines in keeping her on track. 

The heart of Danielle's success lies in the community she has built. She's intentional about producing content that's genuinely beneficial for her audience, and she gauges her success through their responses.  She shares highlights from two of her favorite episodes, where she tackles the intriguing topics of travel hacking and financial literacy. Throughout our chat, Danielle Desir Corbett offers an abundance of strategies and insights that can inspire fellow podcasters or anyone looking to create impactful content. Don't miss it!

Ever wondered how a community of creatives can change a city's narrative? Unearthed from the core of San Antonio, we present Ja' el Thompson, the dynamic founder of The Down Market and CEO of Symbio Hush Creative Firm. He found a niche and filled it, promoting the city's vibrant creative community through the power of media. Get ready to dive into his inspiring entrepreneurial journey, the challenges He faced, and the strategies that brought her success.

Ja' el's unique approach to balancing the creative haven of The Down Market with the corporate needs of Symbio Hush is a masterclass in entrepreneurship. Explore the intriguing intersection of media, podcasting, and community building as he shares his strategies for leveraging social capital to make meaningful connections through events like the Creative Futures Brunch. 

Ever wondered how the business strategies and philanthropic efforts of Madam C.J. Walker shaped the course of Black history and continue to influence present day philanthropy? We are thrilled to have Professor Tyrone McKinley Freeman, a luminary in philanthropic studies, join us in a conversation brimming with compelling insights on Black philanthropy.

Tyrone takes us on an inspirational journey, charting his path from his roots in a Black Baptist church to his pivotal role as an associate professor and director of undergraduate programs at Indiana University's Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Be prepared to discover how this past informs his work today and his perspective on the power of philanthropy. Our talk further explores the fascinating philanthropic journey of Madam C.J. Walker, her unwavering commitment to her community, and how her unique approach to giving diverged from mainstream models of white philanthropy. 

The latter part of our conversation unravels the dynamic role of millennials and Gen Z in today's philanthropy scene, the power of everyday giving, and the monumental legacy of Madam Walker's philanthropic efforts. Tyrone also shares valuable insights into the work of the Young Black and Giving Back Institute and its role in fostering Black giving, as well as the impact of Black Philanthropy Month on our future. So, tune in to this enriching episode as we delve deep into the heart of Black philanthropy and the enduring legacy of Madam C.J. Walker.

We're thrilled to bring you an engaging conversation with Dr. Gregory Vincent, President of Talladega College. His story is one steeped in philanthropy and mentorship, born out of values his parents instilled in him during his upbringing. He shares how these values have not only influenced his personal life but also guided his professional journey. We delve deep into the history of affirmative action in higher education, drawing on landmark cases like the Bakke decision of 1978 and the Fisher vs. University of Texas case. 

Talladega College, a historic institution that's been open to all since 1867, serves as a symbol of social mobility and inclusivity. We wander through its rich history, paying tribute to some of its influential presidents. The emphasis is on their contributions to the college's philanthropic initiatives and how their efforts reflect Talladega College's commitment to inclusion and equity. As we explore the college's impact, we also unearth valuable lessons on creating genuine diversity that predominantly white institutions can learn from.

As the conversation rolls on, we reflect on the power of strategic philanthropy, the importance of pride in one's alma mater, and the potential of board memberships to drive diversity. Dr. Vincent’s inspiring story unfolds, highlighting the enduring influence of generational philanthropy and the role of faith-based institutions within the Black community. We also delve into the power of young people in movements and the efforts undertaken by institutions like Talladega College and Morehouse to empower the next generation of leaders. Join us for an insightful discussion on the intersection of philanthropy, diversity, and Black leadership.

What if you could transform lives while pursuing your passion for writing? My homeboy, Dr. Desmond Delk, an Associate Professor at Langston University, and I delve into a heartwarming conversation about this very concept. You'll hear about Dr. Delk's inspiring journey from being a professor to a philanthropist, supporting historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) through scholarships and micro-scholarships. He shares the intriguing story behind his book, 'I Love My SSU,' - an innovative tool to raise funds for a scholarship at Savannah State University. Listen to understand how he encourages donations from former students and colleagues.

Can a children's book be a vehicle for philanthropy? Dr. Delk proves it can! We explore his experience with creating a children's book to highlight the history of Savannah State University and using it as a tool to engage with alumni associations to raise funds. Get your pens ready as Dr. Delk shares insightful tips on writing a children's book for a good cause, setting up a scholarship at an institution, and leveraging relationships to maximize donation matching programs. Lastly, you’ll get all the details you need about his book, 'I Love My SSU,' and where to buy it to show your support for this noble cause.

 Imagine a radical initiative aimed at closing the student loan and wealth gap crisis in America. This is what Robert F Smith's Student Freedom Initiative, inspired by his empathetic gift to Morehouse's Class of 2019, strives to accomplish. Dr. Brown executive director of the Student Freedom Initiative, a   501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides a catalyst for freedom in professional and life choices for students attending a Minority Serving Institution (MSI) by increasing their social and economic mobility.

Dr. Brown discusses how this exciting new vision is ushering in a fresh wave of opportunities for HBCU students. This is not just a podcast; it's a conversation about the power of education and how it can change lives. Tune in, get inspired, and learn how an HBCU education can be a game-changer.

Ever been frustrated by the systemic issues and operational inefficiencies that disrupt your day-to-day life on campus? Our guest today, Anastasia Jackson, shares her journey from a shocked Howard University student to the proactive founder and CEO of WeNite Inc., a groundbreaking React Native and blockchain-based platform. She turned her frustration into a solution aimed at streamlining operations and communication within the HBCU ecosystem based on personal experiences, like facing an unjustified $16,000 hold. Join us as we traverse Anastasia's inspiring journey, how she turned adversity into opportunities, and the wisdom and support she received from her alma mater during challenging times.

As we navigate this enlightening discussion, you'll get a glimpse of Anastasia's ambitious vision for WeNite, one that stretches beyond HBCUs into other universities, large corporations, and even the healthcare system. She aims to bring resources to people proactively, transforming more than just the HBCU experience. We also delve into the important role alumni can play in backing students interested in entrepreneurship and investing in transformative initiatives like WeNight. Listen in to be inspired by Anastasia's journey and envision a future where technology and determination can redefine your experience. Tune in, take note, and let's reimagine the shape of HBCUs together.

Have you ever wondered how the trajectory of a company is shaped and influenced? Join us as we sit down with the dynamic Roosevelt Giles, Chairman of the Stakeholder Impact Foundation, for an enlightening conversation on the power of boardrooms and the road to creating more opportunities for future generations. Our dialogue takes a deep dive into the concept of Black Philanthropy, the intersection of entrepreneurship and philanthropy, and Roosevelt's personal journey from humble beginnings to corporate America and entrepreneurship.

Board diversity and stakeholder governance form the backbone of our discussion. We exchange views on the importance of transforming boards' compositions to address the transactional relationship between companies and employees also takes center stage in our discourse. In a candid discussion on the challenges faced by people of color in securing board opportunities, we underline the pressing need for a change in the recruitment process of board members. 

Our final segment paints a vivid picture of the importance of board governance and diversity. Roosevelt generously shares invaluable advice for anyone aspiring to secure a seat at the corporate board table. We also delve into the necessity for generation diversity on corporate boards, the need for a tech-focused CEO and board, and the art of selecting an organization to be a part of the board. So, please tune in and let this episode serve as your guiding beacon as we navigate the intricate world of board governance, diversity, and corporate sustainability together.

Get ready to meet the inspiring philanthropic duo Bobby Blount and Cara H. Wright, board members of the San Antonio area African American Community Fund. What compels a successful trial attorney and a seasoned corporate professional to dedicate their lives to advancing their community? You'll hear all about their personal journeys that led them into philanthropy and their ambitious mission to uplift the African American community in the San Antonio area. 

Their innovative approach to philanthropy extends beyond traditional models. Bobby and Cara have harnessed the power of larger funds and local organizations to fuel their initiatives, from establishing the Social Justice Fund to launching community basketball programs. They explain the concept of meta funds and how they've used them to provide much-needed resources for grassroots organizations and individuals in San Antonio. 

Lastly, you'll hear about their approach to philanthropy as a means of building a strong building community. Their initiatives, such as Casino Night and organizing their biggest fundraiser, Renaissance with the Stars, are designed to engage, empower, and support the local community. Tune in to this enlightening conversation to learn how you can contribute to this noble cause.

Join us for an extraordinary dialogue with Preston James, founder of DivInc, a trailblazer in accelerating Black, minority, and women-owned businesses. We get an exclusive peek into his inspirational journey, exploring his commendable stint in the tech industry spanning a quarter-century and his transformative leadership as the co-founder and CEO of DivInc. Get swept away by Preston's fascinating narrative filled with compelling insights as he unveils how Divinc spawned 73 startups, created a platform for 100 founders, and churned out a whopping $4.8 million in revenue!

Tune in as we trace Preston’s extraordinary career transition from American Online, Dell, to DivInc, revealing his epiphanies about the lack of Black angel investors in the tech startup sphere and how this spurred him to become an investor himself.

We also tackle critical themes like entrepreneurship, equity, and racial wealth disparity. Join us as we dissect the crucial role of homeownership, equity assets, investments, and business ownership in wealth accumulation. We address the prospects and predicaments in broadening capital accessibility for Black-owned businesses and the urgent need for government and financial institutions to pave the way for innovative individuals. Get ready for a thought-provoking discussion as we explore emerging opportunities in tech companies.

Picture this: You graduate with the weight of student loan debt on your shoulders, only to become an ex-pat looking for a debt-free life. That's the story of our guest today, Asha Farrah, the co-founder of Reducify. A fintech app that's designed to alleviate the burden of student loans. Asha's journey is not solitary but beautifully intertwined with her spouse's support and shared goal to achieve a debt-free life in three years.

Asha candidly shares her journey as a first-generation college graduate,  being open about her financial situation and the inspiration behind Reducify. Together with her spouse, they transformed their financial struggles into a platform for helping others. Asha also emphasizes the importance of networking and forming strategic partnerships to support those in similar situations. She highlights the pivotal role of partnering with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to help student loan borrowers get ahead of their debt and prepare for a better financial future post-college.

With grit and resilience learned from her time at Howard University and the GrowHU Accelerator program, Asha honed her entrepreneurial skills to transform Reducify into a revenue-driven business. With tales of her expatriate journey and experiences at HBCUs, Asha opens up about the importance of education and fortitude in achieving success. This episode is a testament to her journey of overcoming student loan debt, setting clear financial goals, and creating a platform to help others. So, tune in for an episode filled with valuable insights, personal experiences, and the power of grit in the face of financial struggle.

Curious about how artificial intelligence, machine learning, and predictive analytics can take a business from good to great? We've got Teasha Cable, CEO and co-founder of C-Model, with us, offering an inside look at how these technologies can provide personalized growth recommendations to businesses. Born in New Orleans, Teasha walks us through her career trajectory from sales operations to revenue operations and finally to the creation of her brainchild, C-Model.

Did you know that C-Model can fuel growth for small businesses, content creators, tech founders, and organizations with revenues ranging from 10 to 100 million? Teasha breaks down how C-Model can be a game-changer for these sectors. We also venture into her dynamic family business as she reveals her unique partnership with her stepdaughter Jasmine, who is also her co-founder. The conversation gets more intriguing as we navigate through the tremendous influence of Singularity University on Teasha's career and her belief in the transformative potential of exponential technology.

As we round off, Teasha candidly shares her enriching experience with Techstars, Build in Tulsa, and the AWS Impact Accelerator. She emphasizes the immense value of community in the entrepreneurial journey, attributing much of her growth to these platforms. Drawing from her experiences, she throws light on how the core principles of AWS have become the bedrock of her startup, C-Model. If you're interested in leveraging technology for business, cultivating a thriving community, and learning from an entrepreneurial journey, this episode is for you.

In this edition of Entrepreneurial Appetite,  we bring you a conversation with Neil Tanner,  founder of Ellomix, a social music app designed to bridge the gap between streaming platforms and make sharing music with your friends seamless.

In this episode of Entrepreneurial Appetite, we bring you a conversation with Anthony Kinslow II, founder of Gemini Energy Solutions, a start-up committed to equitably accelerating and scaling energy efficiency, electrification, and decarbonization in small commercial buildings,  using a community-based, people-powered, and partnership-driven approach.

Imagine being a fourth-generation farmer, carrying on the legacy of your great-grandfather, a runaway slave who managed to buy land and create generational wealth. That's the story of P. Wade Ross, CEO of The Texas Small Farmers and Ranchers Community-Based Organization (TSFR). Join us as we delve into his unique journey and take a closer look at the challenges and opportunities for Black farmers.

Together with Wade, we explore the history of land and labor and discuss how understanding these concepts is crucial for creating generational wealth through agriculture. We also touch upon the roles of community-based organizations in the lives of black farmers and how their efforts to provide access to resources and education can be a game-changer for the community. 

Finally, we delve into the significance of building black economic power through agriculture and the potential partnerships that can be formed with black organizations and institutions. Wade shares valuable insights on the legacy of race relations in the South and its impact on black communities regarding farming. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation that uncovers the challenges and opportunities for black farmers and the importance of building community wealth through agriculture.