DO GOOD X Podcast

In today's episode, Kimberly and Stephen have a candid conversation and share practical tools to effectively address a community problem or challenge through your business. Whether you see it as a need or a desire in the community, understanding this issue should be at the core of your business strategy, shaping your products, services, and overall offerings. For social entrepreneurs, it is crucial to focus on what the community genuinely needs and niching down to meet those needs. In this brief episode, we'll outline three essential steps to help you clarify the problem. Let's dive in and explore these steps together, starting with understanding the true nature of the problem and who is affected by it.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Intro

(01:23)  Kimberly discusses three tips for aligning your business strategies with community needs to effectively address problems or fulfill demands

(02:48) What is the problem? Who cares about it? and do you even care?

(04:15) The importance of research for yourself and investors and discussion of who is willing to pay for the solution

(06:33) Discussion of the environment, communities, social system, economic system and political systems

(09:31) Finding your niche, partnering with other entrepreneurs, and determining the cost of the challenge if it goes unmet

(13:17) Check out the self-paced course offered at DOGOODX.org to determine if you are a candidate to become an entrepreneur

TAKEAWAYS: 

• To have a sustainable business, you need to ask yourself what problem you want to solve, who your customers are, whether they care about this problem, and whether you care.
• The importance of research before starting a business or attacking a problem cannot be overstated. It helps you and makes a difference to investors. 
• A problem is an opportunity in disguise.

RESOURCES:  

DO GOOD X Built For This Course

DO GOOD X Startup Accelerator

DO GOOD X - Linkedin

DO GOOD X - YouTube

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 co-authored A Way Out of No Way: An Approach to Christian Innovation (2021).

Stephen Lewis is the president of the Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE) and creator and co-founder of DO GOOD X, a community that 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-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, hosted by Kimberly R. Daniel and Stephen Lewis. In this episode, we are delighted to welcome Jermail Shelton, co-owner of Just Add Honey, a charming tea shop and online business he runs with his wife, Brandi. Jermail shares how they started their business, which was driven by Brandi's passion for tea blending. He delves into the qualities that contribute to entrepreneurial success and provides insights into the dynamic of working closely with a spouse. As a dedicated mentor, Jermail discusses the key factors that foster a successful mentor-mentee relationship. Join us for a rich conversation filled with entrepreneurial wisdom and personal reflections. Today’s episode will inspire you.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Intro

(01:32)  Kimberly introduces Jermail and shares his background

(04:37) Jermail shares how he became a partner with his wife, Brandi, for Just Add Honey

(10:11) The ingredients for running a sustainable company

(15:32) Jermail gives his tips for anyone interested in the tea industry

(21:06) Jermail shares how to create a successful mentor/mentee relationship and why he enjoys being a mentor through being of service

(29:04) Jermail discusses how patience and grace have been a large part of his journey, and he talks about breathing exercises

(33:09) Jermail reflects on how much of his success is based on his faith versus his grit and hustle, and he discusses his impact on the community

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Successful entrepreneurs must know how to pivot and adjust their path to maintain a thriving business
• Successful mentors/mentees begin to build their relationship around trust and honest conversation
• We are all here because of someone else, and we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us

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

Jermail Shelton - LinkedIn

Just Add Honey - Website

GUEST BIOGRAPHY: 

Jermail and his wife Brandi own Just Add Honey Tea in Atlanta, GA. In addition to managing the retail tea shop, online operations and wholesale division, Jermail oversees the company's offsite events and wholesale department.

His approach to life has always been to find ways to be of service to family, friends and customers, building relationships one conversation at a time. He firmly believes in self-care and believes it's more about being intentional than spending a lot of money.

With his deep love for people and community, he lives by the term Ubuntu, which means “I am because we are.” He has a strong desire to empower people to believe in their wildest dreams and goals while standing up to their internal fears and self-doubts.

Welcome to another insightful episode of the DO GOOD X podcast, where hosts Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis delve into the essential question: what sets successful entrepreneurs apart? Join them as they dissect the factors contributing to entrepreneurial success, offering proven strategies and highlighting common pitfalls in building a thriving, scalable business. Whether you're already on your entrepreneurial journey or contemplating taking the leap, Kimberly and Stephen's expertise will guide you through the complexities of entrepreneurship. Be sure to visit their website for a self-paced course designed to help you assess your readiness to embark on this exciting endeavor.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:42) Discussion of 3 reasons why some entrepreneurs are successful, and some are not

(03:55) Kimberly gives an example of how Jay Johnson had to pivot his mindset to become successful

(04:44) Stephen adds that looking ahead to scale is another component of success

(07:02) Kimberly shares information regarding a self-paced course to determine if you are ready to become a successful entrepreneur

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• To be successful in business, you must provide a service that addresses a genuine need in the marketplace
• You must have knowledge of the business endeavor you want to pursue to make it successful
• To be successful in business, you must be willing to pivot and not stay married to your ideas if they are not working

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 an inspiring episode of DO GOOD X. It’s our privilege to host Ray'Chel Wilson, founder of Raise the Bar Investments and ForOurLastNames, a technology company that transforms the way financial professionals do lead generation & how wealth builders heal financial trauma. Ray’Chel’s workbooks and personalized curriculum have helped minorities bridge the wealth gap, making her a pivotal figure in economic education. Listeners will gain valuable tips from Ray'Chel on raising capital and will learn about accessible resources funded by tax dollars. She also reflects on the most significant advice she has received, her faith’s crucial role in her journey, and the guiding principles behind her work.

In the Mystery Segment, Kimberly and Stephen delve into the mindset necessary for positioning oneself for financial success, providing a thought-provoking conclusion to this enriching episode. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn from one of the leading voices in economic empowerment and education.

THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Intro

(01:44)  Meet award-winning educator and author Ray’Chel Wilson

(04:28) Ray’Chel's passion regarding the racial wealth gap in the U.S economy and how she recognized different types of funding that could apply to various projects

(08:33) Ray’Chel discusses “financial trauma” and how the ForOurLastNames app will connect individuals with the proper non-predatory professionals, and she encourages new entrepreneurs to do a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) Analysis

(12:37) Tips regarding raising capital, and she discusses starting a tech business, given she does not have a technical background

(17:16) Ray’Chel outlines factors that helped with her productivity; she mentions resources that tax dollars pay for and also books she has authored and where they can be purchased

(24:21) Ray’Chel discusses the most significant advice she has received, the role her faith has played in her story, and what guides her work

(31:49) Mystery Segment, Kimberly and Stephen explore what mindset one needs to position themselves for success

TAKEAWAYS: 

• McKinsey and Company found that 60 percent of Black men and women have no assets, and the racial wealth gap cost is upwards of 2.1 trillion dollars when we're thinking about stocks or real estate
• Having a tech background isn’t necessary to develop a tech company. It requires a deep understanding of the problem and the ability to recruit experts in the tech field to assist you
• Ray’Chel believes in having a business meeting with God. She points out that Jesus is her favorite social justice warrior

RESOURCES:  

DO GOOD X - Podcast

For Our Last Names - Website

RTB Investments Books

Play Bigger - Book

Rich & Righteous - Book

Build the Damn Thing - Book

BIO:

Ray'Chel Wilson is a changemaker closing the gender & racial wealth gaps, is based in Tulsa, Oklahoma's Black Wall Street. Ray'Chel is a 2x founder - CEO of "Raise the Bar Investments" and of the "ForOurLastNames" app, a technology company that transforms the way financial professionals do lead generation & how wealth builders heal financial trauma.

In this episode of DO GOOD X, we are thrilled to continue our conversation with Nipun Mehta, a distinguished speaker and writer who is celebrated for his dedication to values such as generosity, compassion, and personal growth. If you missed our first interview with Nipun, we highly recommend listening to episode 10 in addition to today's insightful discussion. Nipun shares his thoughts on the legacy he aims to leave and the key factors he attributes to his success. He also highlights the role of meditation in maintaining his balance. We hope Nipun's story and lifestyle inspire and encourage you.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:54) Nipun responds to what piece of technology has been a game changer for his business

(02:42) Nipun shares what the most significant lesson he has learned on his journey

(04:02) Meditation is how Nipun slows down and reconnects with himself

(04:30) Nipun comments on what one gift he feels he brings to the world

(04:30) Nipun discusses what he credits his success to - grit, will and hustle versus faith

(07:04) Nipun completes a sentence posed by Stephen regarding his entrepreneurial endeavors for the community

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• AI can produce code greater than the speed of an entire engineering team, but lacks the relational connections that come with working with teams. 
• Mediation is an essential part of Nipun’s life
• Nipun attributes 90% of his success to grace and 10% to hard work

RESOURCES:

DO GOOD X - Podcast

DO GOOD X - Linkedin

DO GOOD X - YouTube

DO GOOD X - Spotify

GUEST BIOGRAPHY: 

Nipun Mehta founded ServiceSpace, a global community at the intersection of technology, volunteerism and gift culture. As a designer of large-scale social movements rooted in small acts of service and powered by micro-moments of inner transformation, his work has uniquely catalyzed "many to many" networks of community builders grounded in their localities and rooted in practices of cultivating compassion. More recently, ServiceSpace's pandemic response showcased the beauty of its agile ecosystem. Today, ServiceSpace reaches millions every month, is powered by thousands of volunteers, and blossoms into ever-expanding local and virtual service projects that aim to ignite a "whole greater than the sum of its parts." Nipun was honored as an "unsung hero of compassion" by the Dalai Lama not long before former U.S. President Obama appointed him to a council to address poverty and inequality in the U.S. Yet, the core of what strikes anyone who meets him is the way his life is an attempt to bring smiles in the world and silence in his heart: "I want to live simply, love purely, and give fearlessly. That's me." Nipun Mehta

Today on the DO GOOD X podcast, we're excited to host Nipun Mehta, a prominent speaker renowned for championing values like generosity, compassion, and personal growth. Nipun shares the pivotal moment in his youth that inspired him to found ServiceSpace, a platform centered on community, volunteerism, and love-driven action without paid staff or traditional fundraising. His impact has resonated with millions, challenging conventional views on success and happiness. Join us as we delve into Nipun's journey, his profound insights on leading a meaningful life, and the transformative power of small acts of kindness in our modern world.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:34)  Stephen introduces Nipun Mehta, founder of ServiceSpace

(04:22) Nipun explains what promoted him in later years to found ServiceSpace and how nature responds to and rewards love and acts of kindness

(07:36) Nipun tells how ServiceSpace operates under three core principles

(10:15) Nipun discusses being rewarded by doing acts of kindness and how ServiceSpace has operated on the law of love

(19:26) Discussion of AI and how it should be cautiously explored

(26:15) Nipun advises tech entrepreneurs, reminding them that AI can not provide heart intelligence

(33:53) How to use GPT if you have no experience with AI

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• ServiceSpace has three agreements. The first agreement is to operate with heart, so no paid staff exists. The second agreement is to trust in deeper arcs of reciprocity; therefore, there is no fundraising. The third agreement is to give for the love of it.
• Most of our society puts more weight and value on what one does for their career rather than what they put into the world: kindness, selflessness, love, volunteering, etc. 
• Nature rewards kindness, nature doesn’t reward transactions or accumulation. Michael Norton’s Harvard research study on acts of kindness shows nature rewarding acts of kindness in real time. 

RESOURCES:

DO GOOD X - Podcast

DO GOOD X - YouTube

DO GOOD X - LinkedIn

Kimberly Daniel - Linkedin

Steven Lewis - LinkedIn

ServiceSpace - Website

GUEST BIO: 

Nipun Mehta founded ServiceSpace, a global community at the intersection of technology, volunteerism and gift culture. As a designer of large-scale social movements rooted in small acts of service and powered by micro-moments of inner transformation, his work has uniquely catalyzed "many to many" networks of community builders grounded in their localities and rooted in practices of cultivating compassion. More recently, ServiceSpace's pandemic response showcased the beauty of its agile ecosystem. Today, ServiceSpace reaches millions every month, is powered by thousands of volunteers, and blossoms into ever-expanding local and virtual service projects that aim to ignite a "whole greater than the sum of its parts." Nipun was honored as an "unsung hero of compassion" by the Dalai Lama not long before former U.S. President Obama appointed him to a council for addressing poverty and inequality in the U.S.. Yet, the core of what strikes anyone who meets him is the way his life is an attempt to bring smiles in the world and silence in his heart: "I want to live simply, love purely, and give fearlessly. That's me." Nipun Mehta

In this episode of DO GOOD X, we're thrilled to delve deeper into our conversation with William McNeely, an entrepreneurial visionary and the founder of Do Greater, Inc. William shares insights gained from a pivotal failure and how it shaped his journey. He also emphasizes faith's role in guiding significant decisions and everyday choices, highlighting the necessity of faith in all endeavors. Additionally, William discusses the lasting impact he envisions Do Greater will have in the Charlotte area, offering a glimpse into its future legacy. This episode is not to be missed, as William's determination to turn ideas into reality, even against skepticism, is truly inspiring. We highly recommend listening to our latest episode if you still need to catch up on our initial interview with William.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:06) William reveals what he learned from a moment of setback in his business

(04:04) William shares how he finds his center and slows down

(05:54) William discusses what he credits his success to - grit, will and hustle versus faith

(10:04) William shares what he hopes his life’s legacy will be

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Setbacks in business can be a good thing. They can help you discover your true purpose and goals
• Every executive needs relaxation. Finding what centers and calms you early on is essential to avoid burnout
• Faith is the most critical aspect of building a business. Hard work is essential, but you are likely to fail without faith

RESOURCES:

DO GOOD X - Podcast

DO GOOD X - LinkedIn

Do Greater - Website

GUEST BIOGRAPHY: 

William McNeely is a distinguished entrepreneur and non-profit executive with a storied career, including a pivotal role as a Market Development Executive at Apple. He is the visionary founder of Do Greater, Inc., where he has fostered a dynamic community dedicated to nurturing the next generation of creative leaders through cutting-edge technology, inspiring creative spaces, and a robust community network.

At the heart of his initiatives is the Creative Lab platform, which equips youth and young adults with critical skills in design thinking, digital creativity, and entrepreneurship. William's entrepreneurial drive is further evidenced by his successful launch of multiple businesses. His personal story is one of extraordinary resilience, highlighted by his recovery from a double lung transplant, reinforcing his dedication to his life's mission of inspiring impactful change.

William has served on the boards of various non-profits and has been a vital force in faith-based organizations, promoting hope and positivity. His current focus is on broadening the influence of the Creative Lab platform across Charlotte, building an inclusive support system for opportunity youth and underrepresented entrepreneurs. William's unwavering commitment to education, technology, and community empowerment continues to make a significant impact, driving forward positive transformations in countless lives.

Today on the DO GOOD X Podcast, we are thrilled to welcome William McNeely, entrepreneur and visionary founder of Do Greater, Inc. As a non-profit executive, William is mission-oriented with his Creative Lab platform, which equips youth and adults with critical design thinking, digital creativity, and entrepreneurship skills to transform Charlotte's 6 corridors of opportunity. His personal story is one of extraordinary resilience, highlighted by his recovery from a double lung transplant. William discusses how this health crisis inspired him to create Do Greater, Inc. and the challenges and rewards of this venture in the greater Charlotte area. Join us as he shares his journey and the driving force of purpose behind moving ideas into action, even when others say it can't be done. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Intro

(01:25)  Kimberly introduces William McNeely and shares some of his professional and personal background

(04:03) William shares how his diagnosis was the catalyst to starting Do Greater, Inc. and how close he came to losing his life

(10:24) Deciding how to meet the need and expanding from a mobile truck to a brick-and-mortar

(17:07) Do Greater, Inc. is taking steps to reinvigorate their facility to create spaces to generate income and scaling to uptown Charlotte

(29:39) William discusses the structure of the 501c3 and how they attracted investors

(36:22) William advises entrepreneurs who desire to start a nonprofit that are successful and have long term goals and a way to achieve those goals

TAKEAWAYS: 

• [4:13] Do Greater, Inc. was conceived after William McNeely was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and was given two weeks to receive two lung transplants. This diagnosis led WIlliam to assess what it meant to “Do Greater”. and how he wanted to impact the world
• [10:37] Do Greater, Inc. began with a mobile truck lab that would go to the zip codes of participants. COVID-19 affected the ability to go to the neighborhoods, so William McNeely developed a plan to shift to a physical space
• [21:27] Do Greater, Inc. is in the midst of a fundraising campaign to develop a 20,000 square feet space in uptown Charlotte. This space will allow the nonprofit to impact many more community members and future entrepreneurs

RESOURCES:

DO GOOD X - Podcast

DO GOOD X- Linkedin

Kimberly Daniel - Linkedin

Do Greater Charlotte - Website

GUEST BIO:

William McNeely is a distinguished entrepreneur and non-profit executive with a storied career, including a pivotal role as a Market Development Executive at Apple. He is the visionary founder of Do Greater, Inc., where he has fostered a dynamic community dedicated to nurturing the next generation of creative leaders through cutting-edge technology, inspiring creative spaces, and a robust community network.

The Creative Lab platform equips youth and young adults with critical skills in design thinking, digital creativity, and entrepreneurship. His personal story is one of extraordinary resilience, highlighted by his recovery from a double lung transplant, reinforcing his dedication to his life's mission of inspiring impactful change.

William has served on the boards of various non-profits and has been a vital force in faith-based organizations, promoting hope and positivity. His current focus is on broadening the influence of the Creative Lab platform across Charlotte, building an inclusive support system for opportunity youth and underrepresented entrepreneurs. William's unwavering commitment to education, technology, and community empowerment continues to make a significant impact, driving forward positive transformations in countless lives.

We are excited to share additional insights from our conversation with Jay Johnson, CEO and Co-founder of Prep Intel and Founder of College Prep U. Jay delves into the journey of launching his second venture, Prep Intel, describing a slower-than-anticipated start. However, by heeding advice from his team and conducting thorough research, College Prep U became stronger than ever, positioning Jay to invest his time and talent into Prep Intel. Jay offers valuable advice to anyone desiring to begin a second entrepreneurial venture, showcasing the intelligence and determination that have driven his success. If you missed our initial interview with Jay, do yourself a favor and check out that episode. Don’t miss Jay’s insight and advice. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Intro

(01:52) Jay explains the approach he took with his staff when he wanted to start Prep Intel

(04:03) Jay’s staff does not tell him what he wants to hear

(06:26) Jay takes a year to re-train his staff to prepare them to function without his daily presence so he could fund and begin Prep Intel

(09:19) Getting a new team of employees in place for the second venture

(10:08) Bottom-line advice to entrepreneurs who want to start a second venture

TAKEAWAYS: 

• A leader leads individuals that can, themselves learn to lead. A great leader will also listen to valued staff and not let pride get in the way. 
• In order to start another business, you must first prepare your current business for your absence so that the business may succeed while you build your new business. Then, you must have essential staff in place at your new venture.
• When starting a business, do not rely on friends and family to be your clients. Know your target audience and have a plan to find them and work with them. 

RESOURCES:

Do Good X - Linkedin

Jay Johnson - Linkedin

BIOS:

Jay Johnson is CEO and Co-founder of Prep Intel, which aims to solve the challenges faced by educational institutions and military recruiters in identifying and engaging with prospective students and recruits efficiently, leveraging AI and ML-powered technology. He is also Founder of College Prep U, providing parents and students with accurate information to help them properly prepare for education during, and after high school. 

He is a Morehouse Alumnus and President of the Birmingham Chapter of the 100 Black Men of America. Former Executive for a Fortune 100 company, Jay is also a qualified and certified Collegiate Independent Counselor. Having spent years as a Senior Admission Counselor, Jay Johnson is no stranger to the college admission process and has served and chaired many committees. Currently, he sits on the High School Advisory Board for The University of Alabama, The Naval Academy, Clark Atlanta University, and the University of Pennsylvania.

Jay was a finalist for Birmingham Business Journal’s 2021 Cohort for CEO of the Year, Alumnus of BBVA’s 2017 Cohort for Momentum, selected into the Birmingham Business Alliance’s 2022 Inaugural Supply Scaler’s Cohort, Proper Birmingham’s 2022 Inaugural Magic City Match Cohort, AppThink’s 2022 Inaugural Cohort, and TechMGM’s 2nd Tech Accelerator Cohort. He is an Entrepreneur in Residence at Techstars and a member of NACAC and SACAC.

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.

In addition, Kimberly has co-authored A Way Out of No Way: An Approach to Christian Innovation (2021).

Welcome to the DO GOOD X Podcast! In this episode, we are joined by Jay Johnson, CEO and Co-founder of Prep Intel, as well as the Founder of College Prep U. Jay takes us on a journey of faith and entrepreneurship, revealing how his deep-rooted beliefs propelled him to take risks and pursue his entrepreneurial dreams. With a blend of faith and diligence, Jay shares the inception stories of Prep Intel and College Prep U, highlighting the careful planning and hard work that went into their creation. As we delve into Jay's experiences, he offers insightful advice peppered with witty quips, showcasing the intelligence and grit that have fueled his success. Join us as Jay shares how his faith has been a guiding force in his entrepreneurial journey, leading to the growth and prosperity of his ventures.

IN THE EPISODE:

(00:00) Intro

(01:25)  Kimberly introduces William McNeely and shares some of his professional and personal background

(04:03) William shares how his diagnosis was the catalyst to starting Do Greater,Inc. and how close he came to losing his life

(10:24) Deciding how to meet the need and expanding from a mobile truck to a brick-and-mortar

(17:07) Do Greater, Inc. is taking steps to reinvigorate their facility to create spaces to generate income and scaling to uptown Charlotte

(29:39) William discusses the structure of the 501c3 and how they attracted investors

(36:22) William advises entrepreneurs who desire to start a nonprofit that are successful and have long term goals and a way to achieve those goals

TAKEAWAYS: 

• [6:01] Most students are unaware that they can appeal the scholarships offered by colleges. Depending on their policies, they could be granted a higher scholarship.
• [10:07] During the first year of business, 37 students enrolled in college prep. In the second year, the number increased to 2,500. 
• [13.36] Often, it makes good sense to collaborate with your competitors to advance both businesses and to better serve your clientele 

RESOURCES:

DO GOOD X - Podcast

DO GOOD X YouTube

DO GOOD X - Linkedin

DO GOOD X - Instagram

Kimberly Daniel - Linkedin

Jay Johnson - Linkedin

BIOS:

Jay Johnson is CEO and Co-founder of Prep Intel, which aims to solve the challenges faced by educational institutions and military recruiters in identifying and engaging with prospective students and recruits efficiently, leveraging AI and ML-powered technology. He is also Founder of College Prep U, providing parents and students with accurate information to help them properly prepare for education during, and after high school. 

He is a Morehouse Alumnus and President of the Birmingham Chapter of the 100 Black Men of America. Former Executive for a Fortune 100 company, Jay is also a qualified and certified Collegiate Independent Counselor. Having spent years as a Senior Admission Counselor, Jay Johnson is no stranger to the college admission process and have served and chaired many committees. Currently, he sits on the High School Advisory Board for The University of Alabama, The Naval Academy, Clark Atlanta University, and the University of Pennsylvania.

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. In addition, Kimberly has co-authored A Way Out of No Way: An Approach to Christian Innovation (2021).