On this episode of Build the Damn Thing, Kathryn Finney and four other builders talk about how their backgrounds have influenced their sense of purpose when creating their startups. They discuss how they have taken the lessons from the historic, systemic obstacles their ancestors have overcome to build their own companies. 

“If you're a startup founder and you are Black, no matter what you're doing, you're probably playing some sort of pioneering role.”

Brian Laung Aoaeh, co-founder of Refashioned Ventures, uses his own experiences as a founder to give some pivotal and straightforward advice to Builders: Just do it. Don’t think about data and statistics at first. Start with a problem that grabs you and just won't let go. Then, think about how you can solve that problem.

“You do a disservice to the world when you live small…the world needs you to be the best you can be.”

Kathryn’s mantra is that the universe is conspiring for your greatness. There’s no reason to limit yourself despite your fear and uncertainty that things may not work out. All you have to do is listen and pay attention. 

 

Guests

Brian Laung Aoaeh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/industrialtransformationandsupplychaintechnology/ Dr. Lisa DeRochė: https://www.hrdrderoche.com/about/ Patrice Grell Yursik: https://about.me/afrobella Felecia Hatcher: https://www.feleciahatcher.com/

 

 

Get full access to Build the Damn Thing: A Newsletter from Kathryn Finney at kathrynfinney.substack.com/subscribe