DO GOOD X Podcast

Should you grow your business through sales or raise investment capital? It's not a one-size-fits-all answer, but understanding the trade-offs can make you feel more confident.

Today’s episode of the DO GOOD X podcast explores the intersection of purpose and business with hosts Stephen Lewis and Kimberly Daniel. Together, they’ll delve into the crucial decision entrepreneurs face: growing through sales or raising investment capital while breaking down the basics of both approaches and discussing the pros and cons of each. 

Kimberly and Stephen also touch on the importance and the challenges of sales, the pressure of securing outside investment, and the benefits of a hybrid approach. Ultimately, each impact-driven entrepreneur must consider their unique circumstances and time horizons when deciding how to fund their businesses and keep doing good. 

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• (00:00) Intro: Welcome to the DO GOOD X podcast
• (05:42) Distinguishing between sales and raising capital
• (09:09) Benefits and challenges of sales-driven growth
• (12:24) Determining the right funding approach for your business
• (15:49) Importance of sales skills in any path
• (17:22) DO GOOD X unique support for purpose-driven entrepreneurs

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Building a business through sales allows entrepreneurs to validate their ideas and create early momentum. This customer-driven approach can lead to more confident investor conversations if capital is needed later, as it demonstrates market demand and traction.
• Sales skills are crucial regardless of the funding path chosen. Even when seeking investment capital, the ability to effectively sell your product, service, and story remains essential for long-term business sustainability and connection with your customers.
• Raising capital through investors can accelerate business growth but may come with added pressure and potential misalignment of goals. Entrepreneurs must carefully consider if the investor's values align with their social impact objectives.
• A hybrid funding model, incorporating small grants or bank loans, can provide capital without sacrificing equity. This approach offers a middle ground between pure sales-driven growth and traditional venture capital.

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 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 is the president of the Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE) and the 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 strategies and 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).

KEYWORDS: Kimberly Daniel, Stephen Lewis, entrepreneurs, purpose-driven entrepreneurs, social impact, business growth, sales strategies, raising capital, venture capital, customer relationships, storytelling, business scaling, investor relations, purpose-driven business, financial options, sustainable business, product validation, market demand, business acceleration, equity considerations, startup funding, customer feedback, business infrastructure, negotiation skills, hybrid funding models, business planning, value proposition, entrepreneurial resilience

What if success isn’t about scaling fast but about slowing down? Could your business model thrive by putting kindness at the center instead of competition? In this episode of the DO GOOD X podcast, hosts Kimberly R. Daniel and Stephen Lewis revisit a robust conversation with Nipun Mehta, founder of ServiceSpace, who shares how building a movement around volunteer power and gift culture redefines what it means to lead with impact. Together, they explore what happens when we align our ventures with heart intelligence and commit to a deeper, more generous way of showing up in the world.

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• (00:00) Redefining entrepreneurial success by centering kindness and Nipun Mehta’s inspiring business model
• (06:55) Service Space operates with no paid staff and a discussion of how kindness is biologically and socially rewarding
• (13:07) Nipun advises entrepreneurs and tech founders to perform acts of kindness to deepen their heart intelligence   
• (16:12) The conversation turns to the future of AI and urges purpose-driven entrepreneurs to prioritize human-centered innovation
• (19:29) Visit DO GOOD X for resources to help grow your values-driven business

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Nipun Mehta emphasizes the importance of cultivating heart intelligence in a rapidly advancing tech landscape. While AI can outperform human IQ and creativity, it cannot replicate the empathy, compassion, and emotional connection that define meaningful leadership. Mehta challenges tech founders and entrepreneurs to center their businesses around the human experience and acts of kindness, reminding listeners that the most valuable resource isn’t code or capital—it’s the human heart.
• The ServiceSpace model rejects traditional business norms, such as hierarchical staffing and fundraising, instead thriving on volunteer power, gift culture, and deep reciprocity. Mehta's reflections question the zero-sum game mentality of the market and invite listeners to explore alternative entrepreneurship models rooted in small acts of kindness, inner transformation, and a shared sense of purpose.
• Rather than designing companies around profit and adding in social impact later, Mehta urges founders to start with the greater good in mind and work backward. By asking, "What benefit to humanity is this creating?" leaders can stay grounded in values-driven entrepreneurship that nurtures both people and the planet. His advice: Do an act of kindness and let that shape how you build, scale, and innovate.

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

ServiceSpace - Website

Nipun Mehta - LinkedIn

BIOGRAPHY:

Nipun Mehta is the founder of ServiceSpace, a global community that works 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 shortly before former U.S. President Obama appointed him to a council 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 to the world and silence in his heart: "I want to live simply, love purely, and give fearlessly. That's me."

Business Model, Kindness, Entrepreneurs, Heart Intelligence, Acts Of Kindness, Gift Culture, Volunteer Power, Nipun Mehta, ServiceSpace, Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurs, Tech Founders With Heart, Business Model Without Fundraising, Kindness, Trust, Values-Driven Leadership

How can entrepreneurs create meaningful change while staying true to their purpose? What does it take to measure the impact that resonates with communities? Welcome to the DO GOOD X podcast, a space where purpose meets action. Today hosts Kimberly Danielle and Stephen Lewis, engage with Amelia Conrad, a seasoned development expert whose work redefines how to approach social impact. From her reflections on global inequities and positionality to her strategies for measuring meaningful impact, Amelia offers a roadmap for entrepreneurs seeking to create systemic equity. Expect a candid conversation about listening deeply, embracing cultural context, and crafting data storytelling that inspires—perfect for anyone committed to doing good while doing business.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Intro: Today’s Topic
• (03:18) Amelia shares how her global experiences shape her approach to social impact
• (09:10) Definition of social impact, short-term impact, focusing on individual changes versus long-term impact targeting systemic equity and policy shifts
• (13:09) The importance of addressing unintended impact and how measurements can go wrong
• (16:53) Discussion of qualitative data and quantitative data collection
• (25:48) Co-creating impact measurement frameworks with stakeholders to align with community needs
• (30:05) Data storytelling to humanize impact communication, using narratives and clear data visualization for stakeholder engagement
• (32:51) Resource Roundup

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Entrepreneurs can drive social impact by grounding their work in cultural context and positionality, ensuring that their strategies reflect community needs and address global inequities. 
• Effective impact measurement requires balancing qualitative data and quantitative data to uncover root causes and address unintended impact, avoiding vanity metrics for authentic insights.
• Co-creating impact measurement frameworks with stakeholders, utilizing data storytelling and clear data visualization, fosters stakeholder engagement and aligns efforts with community-driven systemic equity.

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

Frontier Design

The Data Storyteller's Handbook: How to create business impact using data storytelling

Amelia Conrad | LinkedIn

BIOGRAPHY:

Amelia Conrad, a development practitioner, specializes in Impact Measurement and research, helping organizations enhance Social Impact through data-driven decisions. At Frontier, she supports Fortune 500 companies, foundations, and nonprofits in developing systems to measure and communicate their impact, with a focus on women, girls, and vulnerable populations. Her work spans sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the U.S., addressing women’s empowerment, gender-based violence, and more. Previously, at Emory University, she led studies funded by organizations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, with publications in top-tier journals. Amelia holds a Master’s in Development Practice from Emory and a B.A. from Tulane and was named to Emory’s 40 Under 40 in 2024.

Entrepreneurs, Social Impact, Impact Measurement, Qualitative Data, Data Visualization, Greater Good, Community Accountability, Systemic Equity, Policy Shifts, Unintended Impact, Co-Creating Frameworks, Vanity Metrics, Data Storytelling, Humanize Data, Positionality, Cultural Context, Theory Of Change, Stakeholder Engagement, Root Causes, Intersectionality, Narrative Building

Are you building a business that aligns with your values? How do you create positive social change while staying grounded in your purpose? In this episode of the DO GOOD X podcast, hosts Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis revisit a robust conversation with Victor Koo, co-founder of Tianren Culture. 

Victor shares how cultivating inner wisdom can be a superpower for entrepreneurs, particularly when navigating today’s fast-paced technological world. Together, they explore what it means to design a purpose-driven business with clear intention—one that considers both intended and unintended consequences. Whether you're an early-stage founder or a seasoned social entrepreneur, this episode offers rich insight into aligning your mission, values, and impact. Don’t forget to visit DO GOOD X for resources to help grow your impact-driven community.

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• (00:00) Intro: A Focus on building a purpose-driven business
• (02:21) Shifting from a results-driven mindset to a purpose-driven business 
• (03:26) Tuning into one’s inner voice, looking at social impact and your intentions
• (07:38) Businesses should embed positive social change into their DNA from inception
• (10:13) Victor links global crises, mental health, climate change, and pandemics to a lack of human consciousness
• (14:00) Entrepreneurs are urged to prioritize clear purpose, intentions, and first principles 
• (16:53) Stephen shares his dreams for social entrepreneurs in the future

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Positive social change must be embedded in a business’s founding intention. Entrepreneurs should prioritize a clear purpose and intentional design when launching ventures, especially in sectors such as health, education, and food. Rather than only responding to problems after they arise, startups should focus on preventative solutions and responsible innovation that reduce harm and generate long-term benefits for communities.
• Social entrepreneurs are encouraged to assess both the intentional and unintended consequences of their work. True social innovation requires entrepreneurs to shift away from a purely results-oriented mindset and instead lead with values that support community wellbeing and collective healing.
• Victor Koo advocates for tapping into one’s inner voice, intuition, and contemplative practices as essential tools in the entrepreneurial journey. He warns against the over-reliance on external validation and analysis, arguing that inner awareness and mindfulness fuel creativity, resilience, and better decision-making. In today’s fast-paced tech landscape, striking a balance between action and reflection is crucial for creating a sustainable impact.

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

Victor Koo - Speaker - Global Wellness Summit

Victor Koo - LinkedIn

Ep. 30 Building a Socially Conscious Business: Victor Koo on the Value of Contemplative Practices

BIOGRAPHY:

Victor Koo is a social impact investor and entrepreneur with a focus on inner purpose, wellness, and innovation. He co-founded Tianren Culture in 2016, a next-generation platform that promotes “One Wisdom, One Health” through contemplative practices and healthy lifestyles—the organization partners with NGOs, foundations, and businesses to drive meaningful, community-centered change.

Victor has deep experience at the intersection of tech, media, and finance. He founded Heyi Holdings, which incubated Youku, a leading video platform that he led to IPO and later merger with Alibaba. He’s also a senior advisor to Texas Pacific Group, a business advisor to DeCheng Capital, and sits on the boards of the Good Food Fund and Global Wellness Institute.

KEYWORDS: Entrepreneurs, Results-Driven Mindset, Social Impact, Global Crisis, Positive Social Change, Purpose-Driven Business, Clear Purpose And Intention, Inner Wisdom, Unintended Consequences, Impactful Entrepreneurship, Tianren Culture, impact-driven community

Welcome to the DO GOOD X podcast, where purpose-driven leaders and social entrepreneurs gather to explore what it truly means to build a business rooted in values-driven work. 

In this episode, Kimberly R. Daniel and Stephen Lewis dive into the heart of measuring impact, not just through numbers, but through impact storytelling, lived experiences, and community dialogue. You'll learn how to distinguish between outputs vs outcomes, create impact indicators, and define a social footprint that aligns with your mission. Discover why co-created impact matters, how to practice ethical data collection, and why accountability is central to positive impact. 

With insights into sustainable design, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and transformation and equity, we invite you into a deeper conversation about turning customer discovery into lasting change and running a business with intention. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Intro: Today’s Topic: Measuring Impact
• (01:19) Defining social entrepreneurs and purpose-driven work, creating a positive impact
• (02:23) How do you measure impact, and what is the difference between outputs vs. outcomes
• (05:00) Identify 1 or 2 impact indicators and understand the social footprint of your business
• (10:17) Warby Parker is an example of a company that uses impact indicators and sustainable design
• (15:41) Storytelling, reflective practices, and community dialogue are essential tools for measuring  positive impact
• (18:14) Check out the resources of the DO GOOD X Community

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Impact must be measured thoughtfully and collaboratively. Social entrepreneurs should co-create impact goals with the communities they serve, rather than imposing their definitions of impact. Actual impact reflects what communities value, not just what founders intend.
• Go beyond the numbers and measure what matters. While outputs like meals served or people employed are easier to quantify, meaningful outcomes—such as improved well-being or behavior change—are more difficult but essential to track. Utilize a combination of data, storytelling, and personal experiences to convey the complete story.
• Choose one or two key impacts to focus on, define indicators, and use practical and ethical methods—like interviews or even creative tactics like counting smiles—to measure them. Frameworks like the UN Sustainable Development Goals or tools from SOPACT and Acumen Academy can guide the process.

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

Social Impact Metrics Guide

Acumen Academy

Social Impact Toolkit for Nonprofits

Harvard Business Review

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 in developing and leading communications efforts, she is committed to creating effective processes and authentic, “sticky” community-centered brands.

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 with a focus 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 is the president of the Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE) and the 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 strategies and 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).

Is it possible to seamlessly blend love, business, and global impact? How do you build a business with your life partner while making a difference? Welcome to DO GOOD X, hosted by Kimberly R. Daniel and Stephen Lewis, where we dive into the stories of purpose-driven entrepreneurs. Today, we’re joined by Carla and Jeremy Vincent, co-founders of Globekin, an e-learning platform transforming out-of-school education. As a married couple and business duo, they share how they balance their personal and professional lives, create accessible learning opportunities for kids worldwide, and stay true to their mission. Get ready for actionable insights and inspiring lessons on partnership and purpose.

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• (01:19) Introduction of Carla and Jeremy Vincent, discussing their journey building Globekin 
• (05:57) The inspiration behind creating Globekin, an e-learning platform focused on out-of-school education
• (09:07) Validating Globekin through customer discovery and identifying gaps in engagement 
• (12:59) How to maintain a healthy marriage while being business partners
• (15:44) Advice for underrepresented entrepreneurs on building a supportive network 
• (18:28) Visit DO GOOD X for resources to help grow your impact-driven community

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Focus on self-care, open communication, and fun to sustain a strong partnership while blending business and marriage.
• Utilize digital technology to make out-of-school learning more accessible, thereby addressing disparities in traditional education.
• To build a supportive network, tap into communities, seek mentors, and embrace vulnerability to connect with supportive networks for underrepresented entrepreneurs.

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

GlobeKin - Website

Jeremy Vincent - LinkedIn

Carla Johnson-Vincent - LinkedIn

Ep. 40 Building GlobeKin: Navigating Challenges as Entrepreneurial and Life Partners

BIOGRAPHY:

Jeremy Vincent, co-founder and CEO of an e-learning platform, is passionate about using technology and AI to transform out-of-school learning for children of all backgrounds. Growing up in Grenada, his curiosity was sparked by nature, inspiring his mission to foster holistic development in young learners. Outside of work, he enjoys yoga, hiking, reading, cooking, and quality time with loved ones.

Carla, co-founder and CDO of an e-learning platform, is passionate about transforming out-of-school learning to impact children of all backgrounds. Inspired by her parents' support and her learning differences, she advocates for tailored education that embraces diverse learning styles. When not shaping Globekin, she enjoys exploring trails or creating art.

Are you an entrepreneur seeking to create something that transcends merely selling a product or service? What if community as a business model could help you grow a purpose-driven, sustainable business from the ground up?

In this episode of the DO GOOD X Podcast, hosts Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis are joined by Bri Leever, founder of Ember Consulting, to explore how community as a business model creates a lasting impact, not just profit. Bri shares how she helps entrepreneurs build and grow online communities that align with their values and drive meaningful results.

Bri delves into what it takes to build a thriving community the right way, beginning with clarity, intentionality, and a solid foundation that supports a sustainable business. She warns against a common mistake many entrepreneurs make: trying to launch multiple community types at once. Instead, she emphasizes the power of focus and simplicity when getting started. With clear strategies, real-world examples, and a practical mindset, Bri helps show why community as a business model is more than a trend—it's a long-term path to purpose and profit. Listen now and visit DO GOOD X for resources to help you grow your impact-driven community.

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• (00:00) Intro: Meet Bri Leever
• (04:30) How to build a community as a business model the right way, starting with clarity and alignment
• (08:18) Approaching the launch with confidence and delivering what you promise to secure a sustainable business model
• (18:20) The significant change in online communities has been technology and discussion of the challenges, creating multiple community types at once
• (25:11)  Bri differentiates between ROI and impact as two key outcomes of a community
• (30:10) Bri shares her process and the platforms she uses
• (34:37) Bri discusses best practices entrepreneurs should employ to grow their community 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Community can be more than just a marketing tool—it can be the business model. Rather than solely focusing on profit, this model centers on building trust, loyalty, and impact, creating long-term sustainable business value.
• To build a thriving community, the entrepreneur must start with a clear understanding of what kind of community best serves their business goals and what value they can consistently provide to members. There’s no one-size-fits-all; communities can vary in structure, purpose, and engagement style.
• One of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make is trying to build multiple types of communities simultaneously. Instead, they should choose one community type that best serves their business and focus on doing it well before layering in complexity.

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

Dear Bri Podcast - Marjorie Anderson

Bri Leever - YouTube Channel

About Bri Leever | Ember

Bri Leever - LinkedIn

BIOGRAPHY:

Bri got her start building a community and growing it to a multi-million dollar revenue stream for a brand in Portland, OR. Now, she helps coaches, consultants, and creators build thriving online paid communities for their business. She's a Community Strategist by day and a Campervan host by night on the Big Island of Hawaii, and you'll usually find her on, in, or under the water.

KEYWORDS: Entrepreneurs, Community As A Business Model, Sustainable Business, Bri Leever, Community Strategy, Online Communities, Purpose-Driven Business, Business Growth, Brand Loyalty, Relationship Building, Reciprocity, LinkedIn, Customer Transformation, Community, Selling a Product, Selling a Service, Business Model, Ember Consulting, Lasting Impact, Profit, Revenue, Thriving Community, Types of Community, Strategies, real-world examples, focus, simplicity, practical mindset, Purpose, Clarity, Alignment, AI, Technology, ROI, Return of Investment, Key Outcomes, Best Practices, Marketing Tools, Trust, Loyalty, Impact, Engagement, sustainable business model, building trust, multi-million dollar revenue, coaches, consultants, creators, reciprocity

What anchors you in tough times? What’s your North Star guiding your entrepreneurial journey? Today's episode will kick off a new and exciting kind of episode where we will revisit topics and insights from season 1 of DO GOOD X. Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis share insights on building a strong inner foundation. They delve into three key elements—mindset, resilience, and community—offering practical wisdom on cultivating a growth mindset, practicing gratitude, and engaging in physical activity to overcome setbacks, as well as fostering a supportive network for long-term success among entrepreneurs. Plus, discover practical tools and resources from the DO GOOD X Community designed to help entrepreneurs like you grow with support.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Intro
• (01:22) What anchors you? What is your North Star
• (02:25) Beliefs that shape your mindset about yourself and your worldview 
• (07:28) Discussion of resilience, faith practices, and the importance of gratitude
• (11:05) Community is critical for the successful entrepreneur, and the different influences around you
• (15:20) Check out the resources of the DO GOOD X Community

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Mindset Matters: Cultivate a growth mindset, believing abilities can improve through effort, to drive success. Reflect on self-talk and surroundings to stay forward-focused.
• Build Resilience: Practice gratitude, engage in physical activity and use positive affirmations to overcome setbacks and maintain your determination.
• Foster Community: Surround yourself with supportive people who challenge and encourage you. Seek local or online groups to build a network for long-term success. 

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

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 in developing and leading communications efforts, she is committed to creating effective processes and authentic, “sticky” community-centered brands.

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 with a focus 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 is the president of the Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE) and the 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 strategies and 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).

KEYWORDS:  Entrepreneur, Mindset, Growth Mindset, Fixed Mindset, Resilience, Faith Practices, Community, Entrepreneurial Journey, North Star, Inner Foundation, Success, Perseverance, Determination, Gratitude, Positive Change, Self-Talk, Support Network, DO GOOD X, anchor, long-term success, mindset, resilience, community, tough times, foundation, overcome setbacks, faith practices, positive affirmations, Kimberly Daniel, Stephen Lewis, insights, resources, foster community, shape your mindset, growth, support network

Are you an entrepreneur or founder seeking a deeper sense of belonging on your personal and professional journey? Are you looking for a community that offers more than just business advice—one that truly sees you?

Welcome to the DO GOOD X podcast, where hosts Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis explore what it means to build and be part of a thriving, purpose-driven community. In this episode, we launch a new series centered on an essential aspect for every entrepreneur: community.

You’ll hear about the transformational impact of being part of a tribe where you’re seen as a whole person, and how real accountability within a community can drive progress in your business. We'll also discuss why community doesn’t just happen—it’s reciprocal and requires presence, time, and a shared commitment.

Plus, discover practical tools and resources from the DO GOOD X Community designed to help entrepreneurs like you grow with purpose, alignment, and support. Let’s dig into what it means to find—and build—a community that truly matters.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Intro
• (01:36) A community of spiritual herbalists and their impact on Stephen
• (06:38) Finding your tribe, belonging, and alignment where you can be seen as a whole person, not just an entrepreneur 
• (11:28) Accountability within the community will drive progress in your business
• (13:57) Community doesn’t just happen; it is reciprocal, and it requires entrepreneurs to share their time and energy
• (20:31) Check out the resources of the DO GOOD X Community

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• A true community for entrepreneurs should provide more than transactional support. It should be a sacred space where healing, care, and shared accountability are prioritized. This type of environment fosters both personal and professional growth, particularly for individuals who feel underserved or overlooked by traditional systems.
• Effective communities embrace the whole person, not just their business identity. When individuals feel genuinely seen, heard, and valued in all aspects of their lives, including their heritage, wellness, and purpose, they are more likely to thrive and contribute meaningfully.
• A strong community is rooted in shared alignment and a common mission, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. It also promotes reciprocity—members contribute and receive support, collaborate on problem-solving, and help each other grow, creating a lasting impact both within and beyond the community.

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

Mastermind - Website

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 with a focus 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 is the president of the Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE) and the 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 strategies and 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).

KEYWORDS:  Entrepreneurs, Community, Accountability, Belonging, Alignment, Support, Growth, Purpose, Healing, Wellness, Reciprocity, Collaboration, Inclusion, Identity, Mission, Connection, Resources, Tribe, Wholeness, Impact, Transformation, Empowerment, Authenticity, Visibility, Business Owners, Sense of Belonging, Business Advice, Guidance, purpose-driven community, drive progress, sacred space, underserved communities, underserved individuals, underserved business owners, Purpose-driven entrepreneurs, Conscious business growth, Entrepreneurial leadership, Minority-owned businesses, Visionary founders, Holistic business strategy, Sustainable success, Empowered entrepreneurship, Inclusive business leadership

This episode of the DO GOOD X Podcast explores funding strategies for entrepreneurs, featuring insights from venture capital experts and successful founders. John Garry of Garry Elevator breaks down venture capital basics and key considerations for entrepreneurs. Rachel Wilson of BFM Fund discusses seed-stage ventures and what makes a business venture capital-ready. Serial entrepreneur Devin Baptiste shares tactics for helping underrepresented founders secure funding. The hosts and guests offer practical advice on determining if venture capital aligns with business goals, what to look for in potential investors, and effective communication strategies when pitching to venture capitalists. This episode provides valuable guidance for entrepreneurs navigating the complex world of startup funding.

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• (00:00) Intro: Hosts introduce the funding topic
• (03:26) Three key considerations for accepting capital
• (06:39) Resources for understanding different funding options
• (10:09) Explaining seed stage ventures and VC readiness
• (14:25) What to look for in potential investors
• (17:44) Effective strategies for securing funding

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Venture capital is just one type of early-stage funding, and entrepreneurs should carefully consider if it aligns with their business strategy and growth goals. The capital stack chosen can significantly influence the company's character and future direction.
• When seeking funding, entrepreneurs should assess whether their business faces concept risk or working capital risk. This distinction helps determine the most suitable funding approach and aligns expectations with potential investors.
• The BFM Fund focuses on helping black founders not just secure initial funding, but also achieve successful exits. They work proactively with various firms to create exit opportunities for their portfolio companies.
• Investors won't provide funding simply because a business needs it. Entrepreneurs must focus on communicating how their venture creates value and presents an attractive opportunity for investors, driven by the core capitalist motivations of fear and greed.
• There's a crucial distinction between a business that's good for a founder to operate and one that's an attractive product for investors. Understanding this difference is key to effectively communicating with potential investors and securing funding.

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

Ep. 18 Navigating Venture Capital: Insights from John Garry on Funding Challenges and Social Impact

Ep. 22 Navigating Venture Capital: Funding Pathways for Black and Brown Entrepreneurs

Ep. 28 From Startup to Scale: Devin Baptiste on the Highs and Hurdles of Entrepreneurship