DO GOOD X Podcast

Welcome to this DO GOOD X episode hosted by Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis. Today, Kimberly and Stephen dive into the values that shape their personal and professional lives as people of faith. Kimberly highlights authenticity, mutual relationships, community, and creativity as her core guiding principles, while Stephen emphasizes listening to intuition, recognizing your unique gifts, and leading with purpose. Together, they challenge listeners to reflect on their divine genius and consider the lasting impact they will leave on the world. Don’t forget to join the DO GOOD X LinkedIn community to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs on a journey of purpose-driven growth.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:27) How do values drive Kimberly and Stephen personally and professionally as people of faith

(02:16) Kimberly shares that authenticity, mutual relationships, community and creativity are core values that are key to her

(05:19) Stephen believes in listening to your intuition, determining what your gifts to the world are, using your imagination, and living and leading with purpose

(09:32) Kimberly challenges listeners to know their divine genius and to think about the imprint they will leave in the world

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Doing your best personally and professionally is accomplished by determining your core values
• Each of us has gifts. Success comes when we use those gifts to do good in our business and the world
• Entrepreneurs should periodically take time for self-reflection to ensure that their values remain consistent, regardless of the successes or challenges they encounter in business. They should stay true to the path they originally set out on

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

Kimberly Daniel - LinkedIn

Stephen Lewis - LinkedIn

Let's dive into robust discussions with changemakers reshaping the future of entrepreneurs within Black and Brown communities. Today’s guest is Eduardo Zaldivar, Managing Partner at Mosaic ETA, an investment firm focused on empowering underrepresented individuals with the Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition model. Eduardo begins by explaining how ETA works and how it differs from private equity, highlighting the unique opportunities it presents. He discusses the importance of selecting the right person to back, emphasizing the role of grit and resilience for CEOs. He also delves into the success rates of startups versus ETAs and the risks involved in acquiring a business. In the resource roundup segment, Eduardo provides valuable tools and names influential voices in the industry. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:24) Eduardo is introduced, and he explains what an ETA is and how it works

(04:53) The difference between private equity and an ETA

(08:33) Eduardo speaks to knowing if a person is ready to be the CEO of a business, the importance of backing the right person, and how “grit” is essential 

(12:50) Eduardo shares what inspired him to co-found Mosaic and what type of person should pursue an ETA

(17:47) Percentages of startups versus ETAs that are successful and the risk factor of buying a bad business

(22:42) Eduardo answers questions in the resource roundup segment, and he mentions searchfunder.com, Jim Sharp at Harvard Business School, AJ Wasserstein, professor of Management at Yale and Peter Kelly, an investor at Mosaic, the Women’s Search Network, the Black Search Network, Hispanic Search Network, Acquiring Minds Podcast and Think Like an Owner Podcast

(29:38) Eduardo answers questions in the “Off the Cuff’ segment

(38:04)  Stephen and Kimberly share impactful experiences

TAKEAWAYS: 

• Buying a business from someone is like acquiring someone’s baby. They have birthed and grown the company; when you acquire it, you must continue to grow and nurture it. It is a full-time job, and you don’t get rich overnight
• If you are a black woman who made it to Harvard Business School and worked at an incredible firm, you are often the only person of color in the room. So grit is essential
• Mentorship is a significant component of the ETA model, and it can be challenging for minorities to get the proper mentorship they need. Mosaic provides that mentorship component

RESOURCES:  

DO GOOD X - LinkedIn

Eduardo Zaldivar - LinkedIn

Article in Forbes on ETA

Mosaic ETA - Website

Search Fund - Website

Acquiring Minds - Podcast

BIO: 

Eduardo Zaldivar is a Managing Partner at Mosaic ETA, a new investment firm whose mission is to empower underrepresented communities through the search fund model, also known as entrepreneurship-through-acquisition (ETA).

Eduardo's greatest inspiration is his mother, a successful small-business entrepreneur, a first-generation immigrant with only a middle school education. Before co-founding Mosaic, he was a private equity investor and startup operator. Eduardo received his MBA from Stanford, MPA from Harvard, and Bachelors from Texas A&M University. He resides in Dallas, Texas, and enjoys hosting community-building events and volunteering at his local church.

Welcome to DO GOOD X hosted by Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis. In today's episode, they explore the question: Is your side hustle a hobby or a business? Tune in as they break down the key differences between hobbyists, tinkerers, and entrepreneurs, helping you determine where your passion falls. Whether you're in it for the love of the craft or you’re ready to transform your side project into a full-fledged business, this conversation offers valuable insights. Don't forget to join the DO GOOD X LinkedIn community to support and encourage your entrepreneurial journey.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Intro

(01:31) Is your side hustle a hobby or a business? Kimberly and Stephen define the differences between a hobbyist, a tinkerer or an entrepreneur

(04:36) Passion does not always translate into a business, but do your research if you want to turn your passion into a business

(07:59) Sometimes your passion isn’t about making money; it’s for the love of what you are doing

(09:29) A passion for making a positive impact can lead to a successful business when it addresses a widespread problem

(11:26) Demi McCoy, featured in a previous episode, is an example of having a passion for graphic design, and it became her full-time job

(12:44) Guy Raz is a good resource for those wanting to explore the entrepreneurial journey. Check out DOGOODX.org for tools for accessing other resources

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Is your side hustle a hobby or a business? Are you a hobbyist, a tinkerer or an entrepreneur?
• A hobbyist is fueled by their passion, a tinkerer creates something from their passion that solves a business only a few people face, and an entrepreneur designs a product or service driven by their passion
• If you want to turn your hobby or project into a business, do your research

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

Kimberly Daniel - LinkedIn

Stephen Lewis - LinkedIn

Ep. 20 Building Brands with Purpose: Rev. Demi McCoy of OutFind Creative

Welcome to the DO GOOD X podcast. Today, we're joined by Rachel Wilson from the BFM Fund, a venture capital firm dedicated to empowering black and brown entrepreneurs. Rachel dives deep into the world of capital access, sharing invaluable insights on how to secure funding for black startups—a challenge many founders face. From navigating private equity and understanding the capital stack to leveraging debt products and bootstrapping, Rachel breaks down the complex language of venture capital. She also highlights critical resources like the African American Association of CDFIs, and initiatives such as SEDI, SSBCI, and SBIR. Whether you're at the seed stage or planning your exit strategy, Rachel's expertise offers a roadmap for wealth generation and sustainable growth in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

IN THE EPISODE:

(00:00) Intro

(04:25) Rachel reflects on what led her to the venture capital space

(07:09) Rachel defines private equity and venture capital and the conditions necessary to obtain it 

(14:46) Discussion regarding a profile of what a seed stage venture looks like to obtain capital

(21:14) Discussion regarding exit strategy, which is a necessary component of obtaining venture capital 

(32:29) Rachel shares resources and support systems for black founders in the early stages of launching their businesses

(37:53) Rachel discusses other resources available to understand the language of obtaining capital and she gives advice to entrepreneurs who are VC ready

TAKEAWAYS: 

• When you hear the word venture capital, it is about: having a business that can be innovative, can take over a particular market or be able to control a specific aspect of it, get some market share and be able to exit in a time frame so that people who have put money into your business can get some type of return through a liquidity event.
• Essentially venture capital is a business in itself. It's people trying to find businesses that can flip themselves for a return of a minimum of three X.
• The investment process is a two-way street. Make sure you have vetted your lender to ensure they have the same goals and objectives you do. 

RESOURCES:  

DO GOOD X - LinkedIn

DO GOOD X - YouTube

Kimberly Daniel - LinkedIn

Stephen Lewis - LinkedIn

Rachel Wilson - LinkedIn

Venture Deals - Book

The Alchemist - Book

BIO: 

Rachel brings over a decade of diverse global experience spanning multiple industries, including Food & Beverage, Automotive, Tech, Healthcare, Music, Fashion, and Media. As managing partner of the BFM Fund, she orchestrated the fund's operational and governance processes. She recently led operations for Collab Capital, a diverse-owned fund with an AUM of $50M. Rachel's role encompassed investor relations, fund reporting oversight, impact metrics strategy, and comprehensive governance responsibilities, including legal and HR management. 

Welcome to "DO GOOD X," hosted by Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis. In today's episode, we turn the spotlight on Stephen Lewis as we dive into his journey and the inspiration behind founding DO GOOD X. Stephen shares his belief that business can be a powerful force for good in the world, highlighting examples of companies that drive social justice and make meaningful contributions to society. You'll hear about the thought process that led him to create DO GOOD X and his passion for building values-driven organizations that leave a lasting legacy. Now is the perfect time if you still need to join the DO GOOD X LinkedIn community. We're here to support your business success and offer encouragement along the way.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Intro

(01:48) Stephen Lewis is the focus of this episode. We will get to know more about him and his journey

(05:25) Stephen believes business can be a force to do good in the world, and Stephen shares some examples

(08:30) Stephen reveals what impetus and thought process created DO GOOD X

(13:57) Stephen discusses how he admires businesses that create change in social justice and make our lives better

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• We can do better. We don't have to accept the world as it is; we can actually create the world as it could be. This requires building organizations grounded in values and being heard within our communities.
• We need to ask ourselves to think about our social footprint. What are the values that you're going to put out in the world through your business? What legacy do you want to leave through your business that will benefit those in the next generation?
• Know what your (X) is. Identify that and then DO GOOD on that spot (X).

RESOURCES:

DO GOOD X - Podcast

DO GOOD X - Linkedin

DO GOOD X - YouTube

DO GOOD X - Spotify

DO GOOD X -  Instagram

Kimberly Daniel - LinkedIn

Stephen Lewis - LinkedIn

Welcome to the DO GOOD X podcast. We are honored to welcome Rev. Demi McCoy, the visionary founder of OutFind Creative. This brand design agency brings equity and cultural awareness to the forefront of branding. As an alumna of the DO GOOD X Startup Accelerator program in 2022, Demi has embarked on an inspiring entrepreneurship journey. Join us as she shares her story, insights on what branding truly means for businesses, and her thoughts on the role of AI in the creative process. Whether you're looking to build a strong brand identity or just curious about the intersection of branding and culture, this episode has something for everyone.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Intro

(01:24) Stephen introduces the Rev. Demi McCoy, founder of OutFind Creative, a brand design agency

(03:57) Demi shares her journey of creating her business

(09:59) Demi defines the different levels of branding for your business

(12:26) Demi describes how she creates branding for her clients through equity and cultural awareness

(16:35) Demi shares her thoughts on AI and her feelings on what she wishes she had known before her start-up

(22:10) Demi’s advice on creating a solid brand identity and resources she recommends 

(31.28) Stephen asks Demi “Off the Cuff” questions 

(36:22) Kimberly and Stephen conclude this episode by discussing what books or podcasts they are currently reading and listening to

TAKEAWAYS: 

• Before you start your business, you need to know the “why” of how it will meet a community's needs
• It’s essential to evaluate your finances and create a budget of what you will need to gross before you quit your day job
• Dedicate at least ten hours to researching, studying, and building a unique brand identity that stands out in your market. Explore effective marketing strategies to reach and engage your target community

RESOURCES:  

DO GOOD X - Linkedin

Outfind Creative - Website

Demi McCoy - LinkedIn

LinkedIn Learning - Website

Kathryn Finney - Podcast

The Invisible Ache - Book

The Power of Now - Book

BIO: 

Rev. Demi McCoy (she/they) is a Black queer creative strategist, visual designer, songwriter, and unconventional minister. She founded OutFind Creative, a brand design agency that centralizes equity and cultural alignment. As a creative, Demi’s mission is to bridge gaps for the most marginalized. Her work primarily focuses on Black liberation, queer expression, and self-motivation. McCoy holds a Master of Divinity from Wake Forest University an

Welcome to DO GOOD X, hosted by Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis. This episode focuses on the leadership challenges faced by early-stage founders, with valuable insights for all business owners. We discuss the common mistake of trying to manage too many aspects of the business and emphasize the importance of delegating responsibilities to your team. Allow your employees to lead in their areas of expertise by trusting them with control. Casting a clear vision for your team helps them become fully invested in that vision. If you are in need of entrepreneurial support or are interested in learning more about the DO GOOD X community, join the DO GOOD X LinkedIn community today. We're here to support you in running a successful business and to offer encouragement along the way.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Intro

(01:18) Leadership challenges for founders who employ others

(03:08) Stephen encourages prioritizing what needs your attention and not to spend all of your time on the little things 

(04:47) Kimberly states it is necessary to release control to others in your team to allow them to lean into their gifts and expertise

(06:14) Stephen discusses casting vision and empowering the team

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• It is essential to lead, equip and support your employees who invest their time and energy into your business
• Allowing an employee to exercise control and leadership in their area of expertise contributes to the organization's health
• Many good resources are available in the DO GOOD X LinkedIn community

RESOURCES:

DO GOOD X - LinkedIn

DO GOOD X - YouTube

DO GOOD X - Spotify

DO GOOD X -  Instagram

Kimberly Daniel - LinkedIn

Stephen Lewis - LinkedIn

About the Hosts

Kimberly R. Daniel catalyzes entrepreneurs and organizations to do good. She is co-founder and project director of DO GOOD X, a community that provides programs and support for faith-driven social entrepreneurs whose businesses focus on positive Change.

Kimberly also helps purpose-driven organizations clarify and design compelling brand and communication strategies. With over 15 years of experience developing and leading communications efforts, she is committed to producing effective processes and creating authentic, “sticky” brands that are community-centered.

In addition, Kimberly has nearly ten years of experience as a certified life coach. She has facilitated workshops, spoken to communities, and written about innovation and entrepreneurship centered on social impact. She co-authored A Way Out of No Way: An Approach to Christian Innovation (2021).

She is deeply passionate about purpose, meaning, and the common good in any aspect of her work.

Stephen Lewis

Stephen Lewis is the president of the Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE) and creator and co-founder of DO GOOD X. This community provides programs and support for faith-driven social entrepreneurs whose businesses focus on positive change.

He is an organizational change strategist, and a leadership development specialist focused on inspiring the next generation of faith-inspired leaders and entrepreneurs to live and work purposefully. Stephen co-authors Another Way: Living and Leading Change on Purpose (2020) and A Way Out of No Way: An Approach to Christian Innovation (2021).

Welcome to the DO GOOD X podcast. We are excited to have John Garry from Garry Elevator, a provider of early-stage capital for companies focusing on community well-being, as our guest. John defines venture capital and outlines three crucial considerations for integrating it into your business plan. He explores how venture capitalists evaluate businesses and discusses the readiness threshold for seeking investment. John offers advice to entrepreneurs needing access to investment channels, suggests various resources for different forms of capital, and highlights red flags to watch for when seeking a venture capitalist. The episode concludes with Kimberly and Stephen discussing strategies for managing stress and avoiding burnout.

THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Intro

(01:27) Meet John Garry and discusses how difficult it is for Black entrepreneurs to secure funding

(05:43) John defines venture capital, discussing three critical things regarding accepting capital in your business

(11:36) How a venture capitalist evaluates a business to invest in and whether there is a threshold of readiness to seek a venture capitalist

(17:18) John shares how he prioritizes social impact and risk-taking and his advice to entrepreneurs who lack access to investment channels and discussion of social goodwill

(30:59) John suggests resources for different forms of capital - See Resources

(34:06) John warns of red flags when looking for a venture capitalist, and he discusses making a pitch for capital 

(43:37) Kimberly asks John “Off the Cuff” questions 

(49:05) Kimberly and Stephen conclude this episode discussing how to manage stress and avoid burnout

TAKEAWAYS: 

• The percentage and total amount of venture capital raised are declining, highlighting a need to explore the reasons for this and potential solutions to increase funding availability for under-resourced communities
• Before you begin raising money, you must develop a business strategy and ensure that your capital provider shares your vision
• If financial return is the only thing you prioritize there, as opposed to some deeper conviction about how the world ought to be, you'll hit the eject button. So, you need to expect some downturn to be realistic and look at the long-term throughout the journey

RESOURCES: 

DO GOOD X - Podcast

DO GOOD X - LinkedIn

DO GOOD X - YouTube

John Garry - LinkedIn

Garry Elevator - Website

Venture Deals by Brad Feld - Book

Bryce Roberts - Website

Nathan Schneider - Website

Brian Stevenson - YouTube

Marshall Ganz - Website

BIO: 

John Garry has spent much of his early life exploring community and capital. His paternal grandfather operated a grain elevator for the better part of the 20th century, and Garry Elevator seeks to continue a legacy of sophisticated, hyperlocal financial services. John’s endowment management and venture capital work have shaped an investment philosophy emphasizing resilience and relationships over other factors. He led the Investment Office’s research into crypto assets at the University of Notre Dame. At High Alpha, he helped invest in early-stage companies and scale the firm’s corporate venture studio arm. 

Welcome to DO GOOD X, hosted by Kimberly Daniel. In this episode, Kimberly focuses on building a supportive community for entrepreneurs and provides practical steps to create the support system you need. She outlines the advantages of staying connected to the community through three steps: identify, engage, and build. Kimberly emphasizes that the entrepreneurial journey can often feel isolating and lonely. She discusses how connecting with the community can provide resilience, a sense of belonging, and a competitive edge. She encourages introverts to engage in intimate, one-on-one conversations or small gatherings to build their networks comfortably. Kimberly also highlights the value of having a personal advisory board, recommending Kathryn Finney's book, "Build The Damn Thing," for further guidance. She encourages entrepreneurs to leave their comfort zones and leverage the DO GOOD X LinkedIn community to build their needed supportive network.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:01) Kimberly discusses the importance of connecting within the entrepreneurial community

(02:45) Kimberly outlines the advantages of staying connected to the community in three steps: identify, engage and build

(03:48) Identify the best types of communities where you thrive and how to engage within those communities

(06:34) Kimberly speaks to introvert entrepreneurs

(09:34) Gain clarity of people and Kimberly refers to the book by Kathryn Finney, Build The Damn Thing, where she recommends selecting a personal advisory board

(13:02) Kimberly encourages you to build the community you need, get outside of your comfort zone and take advantage of the DO GOOD X LinkedIn community

TAKEAWAYS: 

• The community can provide a source of resilience, help you see that you are not alone, give you a place of belonging, and give you a competitive advantage as an entrepreneur
• If you enter a relationship with a sense of reciprocity and curiosity, you will learn their story and how you can serve them. In return, they will be interested in your story
• Introverts should focus their engagement on more intimate conversations. One-on-one conversations or small gatherings of people will make the introvert more comfortable

LINKS:

DO GOOD X - Startup Accelerator Program

DO GOOD X - LinkedIn

DO GOOD X -  Instagram

DO GOOD X - YouTube

DO GOOD X - Spotify

Kimberly Daniel - LinkedIn

Stephen Lewis - LinkedIn

Build The Damn Thing - Book on Amazon

BIO:

Kimberly R. Daniel catalyzes entrepreneurs and organizations to do good. She is co-founder and project director of DO GOOD X, a community that provides programs and support for faith-driven social entrepreneurs whose businesses focus on positive Change.

Stephen Lewis is the president of the Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE) and creator and co-founder of DO GOOD X. This community provides programs and support for faith-driven social entrepreneurs whose businesses focus on positive change.

Stephen and Kimberly co-authored Another Way: Living and Leading Change on Purpose (2020) and A Way Out of No Way: An Approach to Christian Innovation (2021).

Welcome to the DO GOOD X podcast. Today’s guest is Recha Reid, Associate Director of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute at Georgia State University. In this episode, we delve into the transformative work of the Main Street Entrepreneurs Seed Fund (MSESF), a vital resource for aspiring entrepreneurs who lack access to traditional support systems. Recha emphasizes that this inclusive program is designed to foster serious business ventures, not hobbies. Through her coaching, she highlights the importance of identifying and solving real problems and encourages listeners to leverage resources like Startup Atlanta and Innov8GA. Tune in to discover how this program empowers budding entrepreneurs across Georgia to realize and attain their dreams.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Intro

(03:54) Recha shares what created her interest in working in innovation and entrepreneurship

(06:20) Recha shares what she sees as the future for cultivating more inclusive and equitable entrepreneurship opportunities, and she discusses the Main Street Accelerator at Georgia State

(14:46) Discussion of innovation versus invention and the importance of making your space unique and impactful

(20:21) Recha discusses the success of the programs, the coaching involved and details of how one works through the program

(26:09) Recha shares information and resources entrepreneurs should know about in Atlanta, including Startup Atlanta

(33:16) Recha shares the resources that have been helpful to her

(37:19) Kimberly and Stephen ask Recha “Off-the-Cuff” questions

(41:10) Recha advises aspiring entrepreneurs and discusses if she attributes her success to faith or hustle and how she feels communities will benefit from her endeavors

TAKEAWAYS: 

• Many entrepreneurs are looking to start businesses in the tech space. The demand is there
• The Accelerator program stresses innovation over invention. Recha believes in looking at the environment that you're in, looking at the world around you and asking yourself, how can I improve, what can I contribute to meet the needs of my future customers? What can be changed to make this more accessible and easier to navigate?
• To be a successful entrepreneur, you must find a need that people want met and that they are prepared to pay for

RESOURCES:  

DO GOOD X - Podcast

Recha Reid - LinkedIn

Innov8GA

Startup Atlanta

BIO: 

Recha R. Reid is the Associate Director of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute at Georgia State University, responsible for designing, overseeing, and marketing university-wide entrepreneurship events and activities while developing high-level strategic partnership engagements and strengthening key relationships with the local, national, and global entrepreneurship community, industry partners, alumni, and potential donors.

Recha was the Assistant Director of Student Innovation and Undergraduate Research at the Georgia Institute of Technology. She planned, managed, and coordinated new and existing research and innovation programs and competitions there, creating high-impact experiences for undergraduate students. She established partnerships, constructed synergies, and created opportunities for greater student innovation, discovery, research opportunities, and entrepreneurship while bridging existing knowledge gaps. 

Recognized for her dedication to promoting inclusivity and diversity in entrepreneurship, Recha was named the Equity Champion for the 2023 Atlanta Startup Awards. In 2020, she received an Emmy Award for her work on the Georgia Tech InVenture Prize in the Special Event Categories Coverage Live category.