Marketing strategy, storytelling, and small business growth take center stage as CEO Jacqui Jones shares proven ways entrepreneurs can build clarity and traction. In this powerful episode, hosts Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis sit down with Jacqui Jones, CEO of One Degree Marketing, to unpack what most entrepreneurs get wrong about marketing and the simple, human-centered approach that actually works. Jacqui explains why understanding your audience, crafting a clear message, and building trust matter far more than chasing trends or posting nonstop. She shares the storytelling framework her team uses to help nonprofits, founders, and small businesses communicate their value with authenticity and confidence.

From branding clarity to emotional connection to long-term strategy, Jacqui gives listeners a practical roadmap for marketing that feels aligned, sustainable, and effective. Whether you’re a new entrepreneur or scaling your next chapter, this episode delivers game-changing insights you can implement right away.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:   

✅ How storytelling transforms your marketing strategy

✅ Why small businesses often miss the clarity needed to grow

✅ The role of trust, empathy, and emotional connection in marketing

✅ Practical steps for building a brand that resonates with the right audience

Join the DO GOOD X Community to access resources, connect with purpose-driven entrepreneurs, and grow your impactful business with intention.

TIMESTAMPS:  

00:00 Introduction: Jacqui Jones’s journey into marketing and entrepreneurship

04:20 Discussion on common small business marketing challenges

07:50 Strategies for building a sustainable marketing approach

11:12 How to define and track marketing success for your business

15:45 Importance of aligning marketing with business goals

20:08 Using AI tools and platforms effectively for small businesses

24:32 Key metrics to measure engagement and brand awareness

28:10 Organizing business operations and systems (HubSpot, CRM)

30:28 Using free trials strategically and understanding tool usability

33:07 Defining goals and determining the right marketing metrics

36:00 Leveraging AI to support business decision-making

38:00 Recommended low-cost or free marketing tools (Later, Hootsuite, Canva)

43:00 Jacqui’s greatest lessons in entrepreneurship

50:00 Impact of entrepreneurial work on clients and communities (healing)

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

💎 Storytelling is the heart of effective marketing, not trends or algorithms.

💎 Clarity in your message drives customer trust and engagement.

💎 Emotional resonance and authenticity matter more than polished graphics.

💎 Marketing works best when it’s simple, strategic, and human-centered.

RESOURCES:  

DO GOOD X - Website

DO GOOD X - Podcast

DO GOOD X - LinkedIn

DO GOOD X - YouTube

DO GOOD X - Spotify

DO GOOD X -  Instagram

Connect with Hosts:

Kimberly Daniel LinkedIn

Stephen Lewis LinkedIn

ABOUT THE GUEST: 

Jacqui Jones is CEO and Founder of One Degree Marketing, based in Birmingham, Alabama. One Degree provides digital marketing support for businesses and organizations through marketing strategy development and digital marketing execution. Jacqui is an alumna of The University of Alabama and the Goldman Sachs 10K Small Businesses Program. She has been awarded American Marketing Association Birmingham Chapter Young Professional Marketer of the year, Birmingham Business Journal (BBJ) Women to Watch, BBJ Top 40 Under 40, and BBJ CEO Awards finalist.

Jacqui serves on the Goldman Sachs 10KSB Advocacy Advisory Board, University of Alabama Women's Initiative Advisory Board and the City of Birmingham Guaranteed Income Advisory Board.

Jacqui teaches and develops curricula for organizations who support small business growth including BEYGood, Mastercard Digital Doors, Empower by GoDaddy, The World Games 2022 (a brand of The Olympic Games), TruFund Financial Services, and more. 

Additional organizations where Jacqui has presented workshops and seminars include: WordPress Wordcamp, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, the City of Birmingham, Sabre Finance (Birmingham, AL), Go.Be. (New Orleans, LA), Mastercard, Our Village United and more. 

With a heart for small businesses, Jacqui founded Elevation Academy in 2019 with the goal of always providing the valuable marketing knowledge needed for growth to the smallest businesses and organizations that need it most. 

Elevation Academy is a subscription-style membership that provides live marketing education workshops and webinars and houses a community and knowledge library for members.

SEO KEYWORDS: DO GOOD X, Entrepreneurs, Entrepreneurship, purpose-driven entrepreneurs, Social Impact, Business Growth, Startup Journey, Faith-Driven Business, Overcoming Self-Doubt, Sustainable Business, Marketing Strategies, small business marketing, storytelling for business, marketing strategy, brand clarity, entrepreneurship, Elevation Academy, One Degree Marketing, Jacqui Jones, Goldman Sachs 10KSB Advocacy Advisory Board, University of Alabama Women's Initiative Advisory Board, City of Birmingham Guaranteed Income Advisory Board, Goldman Sachs 10K Small Businesses Program, marketing strategy development, digital marketing execution, digital marketing support for businesses

A go-to-market strategy is essential for early-stage startups aiming to scale sustainably. In this episode of DO GOOD X, hosts Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis welcome go-to-market expert Sweta Govani, who specializes in helping underestimated entrepreneurs navigate the critical $0 to $1 million revenue stage. Sweta shares her proven framework for finding your first 100 paying customers through intentional customer discovery and authentic engagement. Drawing on her experience advising hundreds of founders, she explains why many entrepreneurs struggle to identify their ideal customer and offers practical solutions for achieving product-market fit. This conversation provides actionable insights for purpose-driven entrepreneurship, emphasizing that mission and profit can coexist when founders stay true to their vision.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:   

✅ How to develop a go-to-market strategy that aligns with your purpose while achieving sustainable business growth 

✅ The five most common mistakes founder-led marketing entrepreneurs make when launching, including why failing to clarify your ideal customer profile leads to wasted resources 

✅ Proven techniques for customer validation through authentic conversations, including why the Mom Test approach helps you gather honest feedback and identify market positioning opportunities

✅ Why underestimated founders have unique advantages in building customer-funded businesses

Join the DO GOOD X Community to access resources, connect with purpose-driven entrepreneurs, and grow your impactful business with intention.

TIMESTAMPS:  

00:00 Intro: Purpose-driven entrepreneurship and early-stage startups

03:46 Sweta helps underestimated founders reach their first 100 happy paying customers through founder-led marketing

06:29 Sweta shares her personal story of being underestimated as a woman and an immigrant

11:41 Defining go-to-market strategy and the holistic approach to customer discovery and market positioning

13:17 Identifying your ideal customer profile and staying true to your business growth parameters without sacrificing mission

17:36 Essential resources, including Lean Canvas, customer validation techniques, and the Mom Test book for early-stage startup founders

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

💎 The most common mistake in go-to-market strategy is failing to clarify who your customers are—purpose-driven founders have an advantage because their mission helps them identify exactly whom they want to serve and what problem they're solving

💎 Money and mission are not mutually exclusive—you can build a customer-funded business on your terms by establishing clear go-to-market parameters and defining your absolute no-gos before pursuing business growth strategies

💎 Start with 100 conversations within your target audience to validate your idea—this customer discovery approach helps you reach strangers through platforms like LinkedIn and ensures you're building solutions that meet real market needs

ABOUT THE GUEST: 

Sweta Govani is a go-to-market expert specializing in helping founders grow from $0 to $1M. With 15+ years in marketing and tech startups, she's been the first marketing hire at two early-stage companies and managed a $40M annual email program. Today, Sweta supports underestimated tech founders through her Founder-Led Marketing Club, where entrepreneurs gain one-on-one guidance to acquire their first 100 paying customers, design go-to-market micro-tests, and build customer-funded businesses that generate lasting wealth.

Lean Canvas - Website

The Mom Test - Book

RESOURCES MENTIONED: 

DO GOOD X - Website

DO GOOD X Start Up Accelerator

DO GOOD X - LinkedIn

Connect with Hosts:

Kimberly Daniel LinkedIn

Stephen Lewis LinkedIn

DO GOOD X, Kimberly Daniel, Stephen Lewis, Entrepreneurs, Purpose-Driven Business, Go To Market Strategy, Early Stage Startups, Sweta Govani, Underestimated Entrepreneurs, Find Your First 100 Paying Customers, Customer Discovery, Product Market Fit, Purpose Driven Entrepreneurship, Business Growth, Founder Led Marketing, Ideal Customer Profile, Customer Validation, Market Positioning, Go To Market Parameters, Mission, Purpose, Small Business, Business Strategies, Revenue Stages

Marketing for entrepreneurs often gets reduced to just posting on social media, but successful business marketing requires so much more. In this episode of DO GOOD X, hosts Stephen Lewis and Kimberly Daniel break down the essential elements every social entrepreneur needs to master. They explore brand storytelling, reaching the right target audience, and driving real customer conversion. Whether you're building a purpose-driven business or scaling an existing venture, this conversation offers practical marketing strategies for social entrepreneurs that go beyond vanity metrics. Learn how to choose the proper marketing channels, measure meaningful conversions, and craft brand messaging that resonates with your customers and supporters.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:   

✅ The four foundational elements of effective marketing strategy: brand identity, storytelling, audience, and call to action

✅ How to move beyond social media and diversify your marketing communications across multiple marketing tools and platforms

✅ Why understanding your customer engagement metrics matters more than chasing likes and followers in content marketing

✅ Practical steps to define your brand, identify your ideal target audience, and select the proper marketing channels for your business growth

Join the DO GOOD X Community to access resources, connect with purpose-driven entrepreneurs, and grow your impactful business with intention.

TIMESTAMPS:  

00:00 Introduction to marketing for entrepreneurs and why it extends far beyond social media marketing

02:32 The four essential elements of marketing: brand, storytelling, target audience, and call to action

05:43 Choosing the proper marketing channels and avoiding the trap of chasing trendy platforms without a strategy

11:07 Real-world examples: How Apple and Charity Water excel at brand messaging and customer conversion

17:44 Four practical marketing strategy steps for social entrepreneurs to implement immediately

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

💎 Marketing for entrepreneurs requires four foundational elements: clear brand identity, compelling brand storytelling, defined audience segmentation, and strategic call to action

💎 Don't put all your eggs in one basket—diversify your digital marketing efforts across multiple marketing channels like email, podcasts, webinars, and social media rather than relying solely on one platform

💎 Focus on meaningful marketing metrics that track customer conversion and actual impact, not just vanity numbers like likes and followers

💎 Start with practical steps: define your brand and the problem you solve, identify your target audience, determine where they spend time, and commit to showing up consistently on one to two channels

RESOURCES MENTIONED: 

DO GOOD X - Website

DO GOOD X - LinkedIn

Connect with Hosts:

Kimberly Daniel LinkedIn

Stephen Lewis LinkedIn

QUOTES: 

"You might be trying to build a business that serves young adults, but it is their parents who are doing the purchasing. Are the primary and secondary audiences close? The point is paying attention to your audience." Stephen Lewis

"Start with one to two channels. Commit to showing up and pay attention to what's working and adjust as you go." Kimberly Daniel

“While some social channels can seem outdated, they actually work well for some organizations, whereas for others, they may not work so well.” Kimberly Daniel

“These  are really valuable questions for founders to consider before you even move to the channels, because these elements will inform which channels are best for your particular customer and best for your particular business, depending on the field that you're in.” Kimberly Daniel

SEO KEYWORDS: 

DO GOOD X, Kimberly Daniel, Stephen Lewis, Entrepreneurs, Purpose-Driven Business,      Marketing For Entrepreneurs, Business Marketing, Social Entrepreneur, Brand Storytelling, Target Audience, Purpose-Driven Business, Marketing Strategies For Social Entrepreneurs, Marketing Channels, Brand Messaging, Marketing Strategy. Brand Identity, Primary Audience, Secondary Audience, Customer Conversion

AI is transforming how social entrepreneurs and small businesses work. In this DO GOOD X podcast episode, hosts Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis explore practical ways underrepresented founders can leverage artificial intelligence applications and business automation tools without feeling overwhelmed. They discuss real opportunities for efficiency across customer relationship management and financial management, while addressing critical concerns about bias, environmental impact, and accessibility. Learn how to use AI in a small business ethically by starting small, identifying one or two repetitive tasks that technology can streamline. Remember, AI for small businesses should enhance, not replace, human connection and community building that drive social impact ventures forward.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:   

✅ How AI for small businesses creates opportunities through efficiency, business scalability, and enhanced customer experience while freeing up time for meaningful community engagement

✅ The real challenges of ethical AI use, including concerns about AI bias, environmental impact, data analytics accuracy, and accessibility for underrepresented founders

✅ Practical strategies for digital transformation by starting small with marketing automation, financial management software, or business operations management tools that fit your budget

✅ Why human connectedness and face-to-face interaction remain irreplaceable in social entrepreneurship, even as task automation handles repetitive work

Join the DO GOOD X Community to access resources, connect with purpose-driven entrepreneurs, and grow your impactful business with intention.

TIMESTAMPS:  

00:00 Introduction to AI for small businesses and business automation tools for social entrepreneurs and underrepresented founders

04:22 Understanding AI and automation: opportunities for efficiency, business scalability, enhanced decision making, and improved customer experience

07:50 Real-world artificial intelligence applications in healthcare, speech pathology, and social impact technology examples like cardio.ai

11:00 Addressing challenges: AI bias concerns, environmental impact, accessibility issues, data privacy, and the importance of ethical AI use

15:50 Business operations management tips: starting small with marketing automation, financial management software, customer relationship management, and task automation

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

💎 Start small with AI for small business by identifying one or two areas where business automation tools can reduce repetitive tasks in marketing automation, financial management software, or customer relationship management systems

💎 Underrepresented founders and communities must actively engage with AI to teach it and reduce AI bias. Technology will only become inclusive when diverse voices shape its development

💎 Ethical AI use requires awareness of environmental impacts, data privacy concerns, and accessibility issues while making intentional decisions that support your social entrepreneurship mission to do good

💎 Task automation and artificial intelligence applications should enhance human connection, not replace it. Prioritize face-to-face touchpoints and community building as irreplaceable elements of your business

RESOURCES MENTIONED: 

DO GOOD X - Website

DO GOOD X Start Up Accelerator

DO GOOD X - LinkedIn

Ep. 75 - AI for Business: The Real Cost of AI Adoption

Ep. 41 - AI for Good: Tools, Tips and Ethical Insights

Ep. 2 - Relieving the Financial Burden on Families at the End of Life Through Tech with Martha Sylla Underwood

Connect with Hosts:

Kimberly Daniel LinkedIn

Stephen Lewis LinkedIn

QUOTES: 

"The only way that AI is going to be inclusive and learn how to speak to our communities is to teach it, and we are the best people to teach it. So for us to be able to leverage and use it, we have to use it." - Kimberly Daniel (referencing guest Martha from Episode 2)

"It's important to start small. Consider one, maybe two areas of your business that you could leverage AI and automation tools to support your work, to free yourself up from mundane manual day-to-day activities. So you can do the kind of human connectedness or the people-building aspect of your work." - Stephen Lewis

SEO KEYWORDS: 

DO GOOD X, Kimberly Daniel, Stephen Lewis, Entrepreneurs, Purpose-Driven Business, AI for Small Business, Artificial Intelligence Applications, Business Automation Tools, Customer Relationship Management, How to Use AI in Small Business Ethically, Business Scalability, Customer Experience, Ethical AI Use, AI Bias, Data Analytics 

AI for entrepreneurs is transforming how businesses solve problems and scale impact. In this episode of the DO GOOD X podcast, hosts Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis are joined by Keyona Meeks, an AI strategy expert who helps organizations navigate intelligent automation. Keyona shares her problem-first, tool-second approach to AI implementation strategies for social entrepreneurs, emphasizing that successful early-stage startups must focus on solving real market problems before adopting technology. She addresses common misconceptions about AI accessibility and environmental sustainability, offering practical guidance on using smaller models and advocating for better data center regulation.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:   

✅ How to apply a problem-first approach to AI for entrepreneurs, ensuring your business model development solves real market needs before adopting technology solutions.

✅ Why entrepreneurship education gaps prevent founders from succeeding, and how AI strategy can help early-stage startups build sustainable revenue generation systems.

✅ Practical ways to use AI ethically while addressing environmental sustainability concerns, including utilizing smaller models and knowledge management systems for your operations.

✅ How to overcome the misconception that AI implementation is beyond you, and why project-based learning with intelligent automation beats perfectionism in building impactful businesses.

Join the DO GOOD X Community to access resources, connect with purpose-driven entrepreneurs, and grow your impactful business with intention.

TIMESTAMPS:  

00:00 Intro: Keyona’s journey from venture capital to AI strategy consulting for early-stage startups

05:51 The entrepreneurship education gap is preventing minority founders from raising capital and building revenue-generating models

11:19 Problem first approach: Defining business as solving problems for qualified customers in exchange for money

16:30 Misconceptions about AI for entrepreneurs, including the belief that AI implementation is beyond reach

20:58 Why consumer technology creates false barriers to understanding AI strategy and intelligent automation

23:22 Environmental sustainability concerns with data centers and practical ways entrepreneurs can reduce AI impact

28:15 How AI enables climate solutions and benefits low-income families navigating complex decisions

33:20 Practical AI tools: voice recording for stream of consciousness and knowledge management systems like Notion

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

💎 AI for entrepreneurs requires a problem-first approach: Your business must solve a real market problem for qualified customers in exchange for money before adopting any technology solution.

💎 Momentum beats perfection in AI implementation—stop trying to master every technical detail before getting started. Use project-based learning, embrace messy experimentation, and focus on business operations improvements rather than coding from scratch.

💎 Address environmental sustainability through smart choices: Use smaller AI models that achieve 80% of results and consider your individual climate impact rather than abandoning AI strategy tools.

💎 Build an AI-first organization by establishing a strong documentation culture first. Use knowledge management systems like Notion and voice recording tools to overcome formal tech accessibility barriers and enable stream-of-consciousness prompting.

ABOUT THE GUEST: 

Keyona Meeks is an AI strategy and systems expert who helps organizations navigate intelligent automation and workforce transformation as the consulting Lead of AI Strategy at Prismm, founder of ReRev, and General Partner at BlackTech Capital. She takes a problem-first, tool-second approach to AI adoption, designing automation systems that enhance human capabilities and creating scalable frameworks for businesses from Silicon Valley startups to West African SMEs. Keyona's unique perspective combines Silicon Valley's technological rigor with global resourcefulness to implement AI solutions that are both cutting-edge and pragmatically sustainable. Through her work with accelerators, startups, and enterprise teams, she focuses on democratizing AI literacy and making intelligent automation as accessible as Excel.

ReRev Labs Website

Speechnotes - Website

Notion - Website

RESOURCES MENTIONED: 

DO GOOD X - Website

DO GOOD X Start Up Accelerator

DO GOOD X - LinkedIn

Connect with Hosts:

Kimberly Daniel -  LinkedIn

Stephen Lewis - LinkedIn

SEO KEYWORDS: 

DO GOOD X, Kimberly Daniel, Stephen Lewis, Entrepreneurs, Purpose-Driven Business, AI For Entrepreneurs, AI Strategy, AI Implementation Strategies For Social Entrepreneurs, Early Stage Startups, Environmental Sustainability, Problem-First Approach, Business Model Development, Entrepreneurship Education, Knowledge Management Systems, Intelligent Automation, ReRev Labs

AI entrepreneurship meets purpose-driven innovation as Martha Sylla Underwood, founder of Prismm, transforms wealth transfer and legacy planning through technology.

In this episode of DO GOOD X, hosts Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis sit down with Martha Sylla Underwood, founder and CEO of Prismm, a groundbreaking platform revolutionizing end-of-life planning and wealth transfer through AI and digital organization tools. Inspired by her own family’s experience, Martha shares how Prismm empowers families to manage vital documents, plan for legacy, and reduce stress during critical moments. She opens up about the challenges and triumphs of being a Black woman in tech, the importance of diversity in AI, and how entrepreneurship can build generational impact. Tune in for a powerful conversation on faith-driven innovation, tech for good, and what it means to keep going when the journey gets hard.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:   

✅ How Martha’s personal story inspired the creation of Prismm

✅ Why AI entrepreneurship can be used for good in legacy and wealth transfer

✅ The unique challenges faced by Black women in tech startups

✅ How end-of-life planning technology can preserve generational wealth

Join the DO GOOD X Community to access resources, connect with purpose-driven entrepreneurs, and grow your impactful business with intention.

TIMESTAMPS:  

00:00 Welcome to the DO GOOD X Podcast

01:22 Meet guest Martha Sylla Underwood, Founder & CEO of Prismm

06:34 The personal story that inspired Prismm’s creation

11:27 Using AI for good: simplifying end-of-life organization

14:33 Diversity, responsibility, and AI ethics in tech

14:43 Barriers Black women face in scaling tech startups

17:22 Best advice Martha received on her entrepreneurial journey

18:02 Building legacy and transferring generational wealth

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

💎 Use technology to simplify life’s hardest moments and protect family legacy.

💎 Representation in AI development ensures more inclusive and ethical innovation.

💎 Networking and access to contracts are critical for scaling Black-owned startups.

💎 “Just keep going” — perseverance turns purpose into lasting impact.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

As a seasoned tech executive and now entrepreneur, I leverage over 25 years of experience to bridge the gap between financial institutions and families, ensuring seamless generational wealth transfer. I am passionate about creating innovative solutions that empower people to safeguard their legacies and make critical information accessible when it matters most.

My journey began at IBM, and throughout my career, I've witnessed the transformation of technology from dial-up to AI. This foundation has shaped my approach to leadership, strategy, and innovation in fintech. Prismm, the digital vault I founded, redefines how wealth is managed and transferred across generations, helping financial professionals and families preserve their economic heritage.

Driven by personal experience, I’ve made it my mission to solve real problems for families, ensuring that assets reach their intended heirs without being lost in probate. I work closely with banks, wealth advisors, and credit unions to deliver practical solutions that offer peace of mind and accessibility.

I’m also dedicated to empowering others, especially women, through mentorship and community involvement. Through platforms like 'Executive Estrogen,' I focus on helping women excel in leadership and business.

I'd love to connect if you're interested in how my team and I at Prismm can help your organization, or if you’re passionate about financial empowerment.

RESOURCES MENTIONED: 

DO GOOD X - Website

DO GOOD X Start Up Accellerator

DO GOOD X - LinkedIn

Martha Sylla Underwood LinkedIn

Prismm Website

Connect with Hosts:

Kimberly Daniel LinkedIn

Stephen Lewis LinkedIn

QUOTES: 

“Technology should make life easier, not harder, especially during our most difficult moments. With Prismm, I wanted to create something that helps families organize, plan, and protect what truly matters: their legacy.” Martha Sylla Underwood

“When people from different backgrounds build technology, we create tools that reflect everyone’s reality. Diversity in tech isn’t just about fairness—it’s about building smarter, more human solutions.” Martha Sylla Underwood

SEO KEYWORDS: 

DO GOOD X, Kimberly Daniel, Stephen Lewis, Entrepreneurs, Purpose-Driven Business, Social Entrepreneurship, Social Enterprises, Mission-Driven Businesses, AI entrepreneurship, Black women in tech, wealth transfer technology, Prismm app, legacy planning, AI for good, Martha Sylla Underwood

AI for social good isn't just a buzzword. It's a critical decision point for every purpose-driven business owner today. In this episode of the DO GOOD X podcast, hosts Stephen Lewis and Kimberly Daniel tackle the tension between tech for good and tech for growth, asking: Are you building ethically or just scaling fast? They explore AI adoption challenges facing social impact entrepreneurs, from environmental impact like energy consumption and e-waste to algorithmic bias and job displacement. Discover how to use AI for social good while staying true to your values, plus real examples like Rainforest Connection's innovative approach to ethical AI in environmental protection. Don’t miss this thought-provoking episode. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:   

✅ The difference between AI for social good and AI for growth, and why social entrepreneurs must consider both when scaling their impact

✅ Real-world examples of responsible AI use, including how nonprofits leverage technology for environmental protection and sustainable business practices

✅ Key ethical considerations when implementing AI in small businesses, from data privacy to workforce impact and environmental sustainability

✅ Practical strategies for measuring impact beyond revenue while adopting emerging technologies that align with your core values and mission

Join the DO GOOD X Community to access resources, connect with purpose-driven entrepreneurs, and grow your impactful business with intention.

TIMESTAMPS:  

00:00 Exploring AI for social good and whether entrepreneurs are building for impact or just growth

02:21 Ethical issues with digital technology, including algorithmic bias, cybersecurity, privacy concerns, and the environmental impact of AI 

04:57 Real example: Rainforest Connection uses AI-powered devices made from recycled smartphones for environmental conservation and protection

08:42 How to be a conscious user of technology during this technological revolution while balancing growth and responsibility

12:20 Key takeaways: Build with intention, measure your impact beyond revenue, stay curious, and align tech adoption with your business values

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

💎 Tech for good and tech for growth aren’t always mutually exclusive—but it is possible for impact-driven entrepreneurs can scale responsibly by aligning AI implementation with their mission and environmental responsibility

💎 The environmental cost of AI is real: data centers, energy consumption, water usage, and electronic waste require conscious technology choices 

💎 AI can create jobs when used intentionally—82% of small businesses using AI increased their workforce, proving technology adoption can support people rather than replace them

💎 Building with intention means asking critical questions: Who benefits? Who could be harmed? How do we mitigate risk while using AI tools to advance our social mission?

RESOURCES MENTIONED: 

DO GOOD X Mastermind Community

DO GOOD X - Website

DO GOOD X - LinkedIn

QUOTES: 

“There's a tension that can exist between tech for good and tech for growth because sometimes the fastest path to profit isn't necessarily what's good for people or our environment in the long run.” - Stephen Lewis

"AI and technology do not replace humans; in some ways, it can support our work, but these days, they are using it as an opportunity to create jobs." - Kimberly Daniel

SEO KEYWORDS: 

DO GOOD X, Kimberly Daniel, Stephen Lewis, Entrepreneurs, Purpose-Driven Business,      Ethical AI, Tech for Growth, Social Impact Entrepreneurs, How to Use AI Ethically in Social Impact Businesses, Responsible AI Use, Technology for Environmental Protection, Sustainable Business Practices, AI in Small Business, Data Privacy, Environmental Sustainability, Tech, Ethical Profit, Tech Founders

Social entrepreneurship requires vision, resilience, and a deep commitment to serving communities. In this episode of DO GOOD X, host Stephen Lewis sits down with Dr. Kit Evans-Ford, founder of two thriving social enterprises: Argrows House of Healing and Hope, and Autistic and Loved. Dr. Kit shares her journey of building mission-driven businesses that provide healing spaces for women survivors of violence and sensory-friendly resources for children with autism. She discusses essential strategies for scaling social entrepreneurship, including customer discovery, navigating nonprofit fundraising, winning pitch competitions, and the power of trust-based philanthropy. This conversation offers practical wisdom on how to start a mission-driven social enterprise while maintaining your values and serving marginalized populations.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:   

✅ How to balance purpose-driven leadership while growing a sustainable business model that serves your community's real needs

✅ Proven startup funding strategies, including grant writing, entrepreneurial journey insights, and leveraging community-based entrepreneurship networks

✅ Why business pivot strategies and listening to your customers are essential for impact-driven ventures that create lasting change

Join the DO GOOD X Community to access resources, connect with purpose-driven entrepreneurs, and grow your impactful business with intention.

TIMESTAMPS:  

00:00 Dr. Kit's advice on building mission-driven businesses: listen to your heart and community needs, practice customer discovery, and pivot based on what families actually want

08:51 Strategies for scaling social entrepreneurship: winning pitch competitions to raise money, and receiving transformational donor support

11:56 Three revenue streams for social enterprise success: business profit, grant writing resources, and private donations that fuel nonprofit fundraising efforts

14:19 How DO GOOD X and networking with like-minded social entrepreneurs create a ripple effect of resources and community-based entrepreneurship connections

17:35 The realities of social entrepreneurship: serving marginalized populations, maintaining boundaries, practicing self-care, and sustaining entrepreneurial resilience through challenges

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

💎 Customer discovery is critical for social entrepreneurship success. Listen to your community's actual needs rather than just your initial vision, and be willing to pivot strategies as you learn what truly serves people

💎 Multiple funding streams strengthen mission-driven businesses, such as combining business profits with nonprofit fundraising, grant writing opportunities, and pitch competitions to raise seed money and sustain your impact-driven ventures

💎 Building a network through community-based entrepreneurship programs like DO GOOD X creates invaluable connections with like-minded social entrepreneurs who provide resources, referrals, and support throughout your entrepreneurial journey

💎 Self-care and entrepreneurial resilience are essential when serving marginalized populations. Protecting your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being ensures you can sustain purpose-driven leadership without burning out.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Dr. Argrow “Kit” Evans-Ford is a spiritual director, social entrepreneur, and founder of Argrow’s House of Healing and Hope, a safe space offering free services and employment for women healing from violence in the Quad Cities. She also founded Autistic & Loved, LLC and the Autistic & Loved Foundation, creating sensory-friendly products and resources for children with autism. An award-winning author, Kit has received the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award for Public Service and the Tom Locke Innovative Leader Award. She lives in Bettendorf, Iowa, with her husband, Pastor Dwight L. Ford, and their children, Imani and Justice.

Autistic & Loved - Website

Argrows House - Website

RESOURCES MENTIONED: 

DO GOOD X Mastermind Community

DO GOOD X - Website

DO GOOD X - LinkedIn

QUOTES: 

"Listen to your idea and to your customers, and part of that is being connected to customer discovery, asking people what they need and want. Otherwise, you're creating a business that won't have any customers." - Dr. Kit Evans-Ford

"The biggest lesson is to listen to your customers. I would say on the other side, as it relates to the social enterprise piece, is to take care of yourself; simple, but take care of yourself too, because who you are, your soul, your mind, your body, your spirit also matters in the midst of the hustle and bustle." - Dr. Kit Evans-Ford

SEO KEYWORDS: 

DO GOOD X, Kimberly Daniel, Stephen Lewis, Entrepreneurs, Purpose-Driven Business,      Social Entrepreneurship, Social Enterprises, Mission-Driven Businesses, Scaling Social Entrepreneurship, Customer Discovery, Nonprofit Fundraising, Trust-Based Philanthropy, How To Start A Mission-Driven Social Enterprise, Marginalized Populations, Purpose-Driven Leadership, Sustainable Business Model, Startup Funding, Dr. Kit Evans-Ford, Argrow’s House of Healing and Hope, Autistic & Loved

Black Church Food Justice is transforming communities through purpose-driven initiatives. Join Stephen Lewis and Kimberly Daniel on the DO GOOD X podcast as they interview Dr. Heber Brown III, founder of the Black Church Food Security Network. Discover how his leadership at Pleasant Hope Baptist Church sparked a movement to combat food apartheid by leveraging church land and Black farmers. Learn how Black food ecosystems empower communities and foster social justice and food sovereignty. Dr. Brown shares insights on building community-led food justice solutions that honor cultural identity and drive lasting change.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:   

✅ How Dr. Heber Brown III founded the Black Church Food Security Network to address food apartheid.

✅ Strategies for creating Black food ecosystems with Black farmers and churches.

✅ The role of social justice in transforming black church food justice initiatives.

✅ How to leverage church assets for food sovereignty and community empowerment.

Join the DO GOOD X Community to access resources, connect with purpose-driven entrepreneurs, and grow your impactful business with intention.

TIMESTAMPS:  

00:00 Meet Dr. Heber Brown III, pastor and founder of Black Church Food Security Network, for food security and food sovereignty

03:35 Dr. Brown shares his core values: agency, love, social justice and the launching of Black Church Food Security Network, inspired by food apartheid patterns of members in his church

09:06 Frustration with the local market leads to a church garden vision; yields 1,200 pounds, tapping community knowledge from the Great Migration

15:39 Utilizing the opportunity that exists in land owned by Black churches: underutilized church land, an opportunity for Black food ecosystems, and engaging rising entrepreneurs

22:14 Favorite story: Ebenezer Baptist Church CSA program with Black farmers, 100 subscribers shifting to food sovereignty

28:21 Approach to lasting change: honor food charity, show congregations by example what can be accomplished

32:24 Aligning funding with values and relationships and being unapologetic for the black base of power

38:24 Dr. Brown speaks to shifting from being a pastor to leading a business, but staying connected to your base and not delegating critical aspects of your core values

42:59 Scaling the philosophy, and allowing the values to guide the ecosystem you have created

44:52 Listeners are invited to join the DO GOOD X Mastermind Community, beginning November 6, 2025

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

💎 Dr. Heber Brown III's vision for Black Church Food Justice transforms communities through black food ecosystems and church gardens.

💎 Food sovereignty thrives as black farmers and churches unite, tackling food apartheid with social justice.

💎 Community-led food justice solutions empower black churches to leverage land for sustainable food security.

💎 Unapologetic Black Church Food Justice aligns funding with values, fostering resilient community gardens.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Reverend Dr. Heber M. Brown, III, has been a catalyst for personal transformation and social change for over twenty years.  For nearly fourteen years, he served as pastor of a Baptist church in Baltimore, where he saw and personally experienced the impacts of food apartheid.  This helped inspire him to launch the Black Church Food Security Network, which advances food security and food sovereignty by co-creating Black food ecosystems anchored by nearly 250 Black congregations, in partnership with Black farmers and other food justice stakeholders.  He serves on the board of Bread For The World. He is Senior Church Advisor to Justice Connection, the premier Black attorney referral network in the country, and has garnered numerous awards, including an Ashoka Fellowship.  He is the author of the forthcoming book, "Nothing More Sacred: Radical Stories of Black Church Faith, Food, and Freedom." 

Dr. Heber Brown III - LinkedIn

Black Church Food Security Network

RESOURCES MENTIONED: 

DO GOOD X Mastermind Community

DO GOOD X - Website

DO GOOD X - LinkedIn

QUOTES: 

“In my own church, we had a great abundance of genius right under our noses that could address the social issue of food apartheid that we were facing. So instead of leaning into a charitable avenue, we tapped into the genius of the people in the pews.” Reverend Dr. Heber M. Brown

“I feel burdened by trying to make a compelling enough argument to rising generations of entrepreneurs and innovators, and creatives to see the Black church as a canvas for your genius that can not only improve your life, but can be the force that can put us in motion as a community to address the fundamental needs of our entire community.” Reverend Dr. Heber M. Brown

SEO KEYWORDS: 

DO GOOD X, Kimberly Daniel, Stephen Lewis, Entrepreneurs, Purpose-Driven Business, Black Church Food Justice, Food Sovereignty, Social Justice, Black Food Ecosystems, Food Apartheid, Black Farmers, Community-Led Food Justice Solutions, Community Gardens, Black Churches, Dr. Heber M. Brown, Pleasant Hope Baptist Church, Food Access, Community Garden, Urban Agriculture, Start A Garden, Grow Your Food

A purpose-driven business is more than just profit. It’s about aligning values with impact, authenticity, and community building. On the DO GOOD X podcast, hosts Stephen Lewis and Kimberly Daniel explore the commitments that guide social entrepreneurs. They discuss the power of authenticity, community building, and creativity in entrepreneurship, as well as how intuition in leadership influences decision-making. Centering your business around faith and intention helps entrepreneurs stay aligned with their vision and purpose. By focusing on mutual relationships and authenticity, this episode inspires growth for anyone building a purpose-driven business designed for sustainable impact.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:   

✅ How to align your purpose-driven business with your core values to create long-term impact.

✅ Why authenticity and mutual relationships are essential for building trust in a purpose-driven business.

✅ Ways to use intuition in leadership to guide decisions and strengthen your community-building efforts.

✅ How creativity in entrepreneurship fuels innovation and growth in a purpose-driven business.

✅ The role of social entrepreneurs in shaping businesses that honor faith, intention, and the common good.

Join the DO GOOD X Community to access resources, connect with purpose-driven entrepreneurs, and grow your impactful business with intention.

TIMESTAMPS:  

00:00 How a purpose-driven business can be rooted in authenticity and community building

04:28 Kimberly shares the key values that guide her life and work—authenticity, mutual relationships, community, and creativity in entrepreneurship

08:26 Listeners are invited to join the DO GOOD X Mastermind Community, beginning November 6, 2025

09:45 Stephen emphasizes the importance of intuition in leadership to create a purpose-driven business

12:45 Stephen discusses living with purpose and intention, sharing how every social entrepreneur carries a “divine genius” 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:  

💎 Discover how building a purpose-driven business anchored in authenticity, mutual relationships, and community building creates long-term impact.

💎 Learn why intuition in leadership, creativity in entrepreneurship, and values are essential for every social entrepreneur seeking meaningful growth.

💎 Explore how aligning purpose and intention with your purpose-driven business fuels innovation, strengthens community, and empowers entrepreneurs to thrive.

💎 Understand how authenticity, creativity in entrepreneurship, and purpose-driven business practices help leaders honor faith, vision, and sustainable impact.

ABOUT THE HOSTS:

Kimberly R. Daniel, co-founder of DO GOOD X, empowers faith-driven social entrepreneurs to create positive change through supportive programs and initiatives. She helps purpose-driven organizations craft compelling brand and communication strategies. With over 15 years of experience, she builds authentic, community-centered brands and effective processes. As a certified life coach, she facilitates workshops and writes on innovation, entrepreneurship, and social impact. She co-authored A Way Out of No Way: An Approach to Christian Innovation (2021).

Stephen Lewis, president of FTE and co-founder of DO GOOD X, supports faith-driven social entrepreneurs through programs fostering positive change. He is an organizational change strategist and leadership development specialist inspiring purposeful leadership and entrepreneurship. Lewis co-authored "Another Way: Living and Leading Change on Purpose" (2020) and "A Way Out of No Way: An Approach to Christian Innovation" (2021).

RESOURCES MENTIONED: 

DO GOOD X Mastermind Community

DO GOOD X - Website

DO GOOD X - LinkedIn

QUOTES: 

“Authenticity is important to me. I have done a lot of work to be able to show up as my full self without apology, and I want other people to do so too.” Kimberly Daniel

“There is in you something that waits and listens to the sound of the genuine within yourself. No one like you has ever been born. And if you cannot hear it, you’ll never find what it is that you’re looking for.” Stephen Lewis, quoting Howard Thurman

SEO KEYWORDS: 

DO GOOD X, Kimberly Daniel, Stephen Lewis, Entrepreneurs, Purpose-Driven Business, purpose and intention, authenticity, mutual relationships, creativity in entrepreneurship, intuition in leadership, business community values, social entrepreneurs, faith, sustainable impact, meaningful impact