DO GOOD X Podcast

Welcome to the DO GOOD X podcast, hosted by Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis. In today’s conversation, we dive into the importance of embracing failure as part of the entrepreneurial journey and how setbacks can be catalysts for growth. With the support of the DO GOOD X community, we explore how to reframe failure, adopt a mindset of "failing forward," and the power of gratitude in overcoming challenges. Tune in for practical advice, encouragement, and a reminder that your path to success is about learning, adapting, and growing stronger.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:20) Let’s discuss failure

(03:00) Failure should be seen as failing forward

(06:12) Failure and setbacks are unavoidable

(08:26) The role of gratitude

(10:37) Be encouraged by seeking support from the DO GOOD X community

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Failure is a natural part of entrepreneurship and should be seen as a learning opportunity. Embracing "failing forward" means using setbacks to grow, adapt, and make better decisions, ultimately helping you pivot and move closer to your goals with greater resilience.
• Failure is not a negative setback. It can catalyze personal and business growth, helping entrepreneurs pivot, refine their products, and improve their strategies. Viewing failure as a chance to learn and adapt strengthens resilience and perseverance, ultimately setting you and your business up for long-term success.
• Reflecting on gratitude and successes, especially at year-end, is essential. A supportive community can help you see achievements, navigate challenges, and reduce negative mindsets, fostering resilience and growth.

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. 

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 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, where hosts Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis highlight changemakers transforming industries and communities. This episode features Justin McLeod, founder of Surthrive and creator of Atlanta Tech Village's first pre-accelerator program. Justin shares his journey from startup challenges to launching Square One Startup School for non-traditional entrepreneurs. Tune in for insights on avoiding founder pitfalls, sourcing opportunities in Atlanta, and building sustainable businesses while prioritizing well-being.

IN THIS EPISODE: 

(00:00) Introduction

(04:41) Justin’s inspiration for Surthrive and the challenges he experienced

(12:49) Common mistakes made by founders

(17:40) Where to seek opportunities in Atlanta

(24:50) What resources are available for startups

(28:29) What should founders consider for the long-term viability of their business

(32:45) The “Off the Cuff’ segment 

(40:08) How your well-being impacts the sustainability of your business

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Avoid rushing: Validate your idea, test the market, and define its value before investing in product development to avoid wasting resources
• Embrace flexibility: Founders should adapt to feedback and market needs, pivoting as necessary. Starting with a service-based product can generate sales and fund a sustainable tech solution
• Lack of knowledge hinders founders, making education and guidance key to confident, strategic decisions and 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

Surthrive - Website

Justin McLeod - LinkedIn

GUEST BIO: 

Justin McLeod is a visionary entrepreneur dedicated to uplifting his community through innovation and economic development. Guided by his mantra, “Think Big. Start Small. Work Fast,” he has opened doors for underrepresented entrepreneurs, pioneering Atlanta Tech Village’s first pre-accelerator program for women and people of color. As founder of Surthrive, a consultancy helping small businesses scale, Justin has supported over 500 socially disadvantaged businesses, creating 800+ jobs and raising $44M in capital. Inc. recognizes him and NPR and continues to drive positive change, bridging gaps and empowering innovators.

Welcome to this episode of the DO GOOD X podcast. Are you a founder questioning whether to stick with your business because financial goals or other expectations aren’t being met? If so, this episode will be a helpful resource. We’ll explore what to do when you’re considering giving up, how to assess your business's challenges and strategies for staying resilient. From overcoming financial hurdles to finding support and inspiration in the DO GOOD X community, this conversation offers practical advice and encouragement to help you reimagine your path to success.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:33) What should a founder do when you are considering throwing in the towel

(04:22) Taking an assessment of the challenge your business is facing

(07:08) Getting over the financial hump and seeing yourself as successful

(11:10) Get the support you need to move forward

(12:33) Be encouraged by listening to others' stories and seek support from the DO GOOD X community

TAKEAWAYS: 

• Giving up shouldn’t be the first option; instead, focus on pivoting when needed. Assess if the market aligns with your vision or if timing and luck are factors. Success often requires adaptability, courage, and reimagining your path forward
• Assessing your business challenges requires uncovering the root cause. Examine pricing, overhead costs, market demand, marketing effectiveness, and industry trends. Identifying the core issue helps determine if it’s solvable and guides your next steps, from strategic adjustments to exploring new paths.
• Working a job while building your business shows dedication, not failure. Balance requires clear priorities and time management, as many companies take time to grow sustainably. Create a contingency plan to navigate challenges, stay resilient, and use resources to boost your chances of success.

LINKS: 

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 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. She 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 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 the next generation of faith-inspired leaders and entrepreneurs. Stephen co-authors Another Way: Living and Leading Change on Purpose (2020) and A Way Out of No Way: An Approach to Christian Innovation

Welcome to the DO GOOD X podcast, where hosts Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis engage in insightful conversations with changemakers making a difference in their industries and communities. In this episode, they sit down with Shruti Shah, Partner at Symphonic Capital, to discuss her journey from educator to entrepreneur and the lessons she's learned along the way. Shruti opens up about the challenges and triumphs of scaling a business, building confidence as a founder, and the importance of empathy in the investor-founder relationship. From her experiences navigating a failed exit strategy to the essential resources she recommends for startup entrepreneurs, Shruti shares invaluable insights that will inspire and empower any founder. Stay tuned to unpack key takeaways to help you on your entrepreneurial journey.

IN THEEPISODE:

(00:00) Introduction

(04:13) Shruti transitions from teacher to entrepreneur

(06:24) How Shruti built her confidence to be successful

(09:18) A failed exit strategy

(21:07) Identifying with an entrepreneur from the investor's side

(26:18) Resources that Shruti would recommend to start up entrepreneurs

(37:42) Shruti answers questions in the “Off the Cuff’ segment 

(43:13) The hosts bring it all together

TAKEAWAYS:

• Building confidence as an entrepreneur comes from navigating challenges and reflecting on how you overcome them. When you're starting, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by how much you don't know. But through that process, you develop self-awareness and learn to lean on others' expertise, recognizing that your role is to hold the vision and learn from your team.
• In the early stages of building a business, founders should prioritize generalists—flexible, adaptable team members who can jump in and help figure things out. As the startup scales, however, bringing on specialists with deep industry expertise who can provide insights and solutions quickly is crucial to success. 
• The best type of investor for an entrepreneur is one who brings deep empathy and understands the challenges of building a company. Entrepreneurs face constant uncertainty, making decisions with limited information and juggling many responsibilities. A supportive investor doesn't just provide capital—they help founders navigate challenges and offer guidance.

RESOURCES:  

Symphonic Capital - Website

Shruti Shah - LinkedIn

DO GOOD X - Website

DO GOOD X - LinkedIn

DO GOOD X - YouTube

DO GOOD X - Spotify

DO GOOD X -  Instagram

Kimberly Daniel - LinkedIn

Stephen Lewis - LinkedIn

BIO: 

Shruti Shah is a partner at Symphonic Capital, a pre-seed investment fund, and has extensive experience as an entrepreneur, advisor, and investor. She was previously an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Nike and Silicon Valley Bank. She co-founded Move Loot, a Y Combinator-backed marketplace for buying and selling used furniture that raised $22 million. Forbes has recognized Shruti as a 2016 30 Under 30 honoree in Retail and E-Commerce and by the Aspen Institute as an Aspen Ideas Festival Scholar. She holds a BA in Political Science from the University of North Carolina and an MS in Education from Johns Hopkins University.

Welcome to this episode of the DO GOOD X podcast. If you’re a founder ready to step away from being the face of your business and shift the focus to the impact your company is making, this is a must see episode. Whether you’re considering an exit strategy, transitioning your role, or simply no longer want to be the go-to person, especially in public-facing situations, we’ll walk you through the steps to make it happen. We’ll discuss how to build a strong team representing your business, shift your brand focus from you to the collective mission, and empower your team to take on leadership roles. Tune in for key insights on creating a thriving business that doesn’t rely solely on your presence.

THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:32) Founders who no longer want to be the face of their business

(03:59) A founder needs to build a strong team if they want to step back from being the face of the business

(06:45) Stephen shares his insights on team building

(07:48) Kimberly discusses building a solid brand that is not founder focused

(11:00) Be willing to relinquish power and delegate to the team you’ve built

TAKEAWAYS: 

• A business founder must build a strong team that excels in their roles and can represent the company publicly. By empowering them as brand ambassadors and leaders, your team becomes an extension of you, sustaining the business's presence and allowing you to step away.
• As a founder, if you want to step away from being the face of your business, shift the brand focus from you to the impact your company is making. Your brand is defined by how people perceive your team and the communities you serve, not just your personal story. The mission and the problem you’re solving should resonate with your audience.
• If you want to step away as the face of your business, you must relinquish responsibilities and share authority with your team. Shifting focus to your team’s impact requires trusting them, delegating power, and empowering decision-making. This gradual transition helps your business thrive independently of your presence while allowing your team to grow into leadership roles.

LINKS: 

DO GOOD X - Website

DO GOOD X- LinkedIn

DO GOOD X - YouTube

DO GOOD X - Spotify

Building a Strong Brand with Demi McCoy

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. She is committed to producing effective processes and creating authentic, “sticky” brands that are community-centered. She 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 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. 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 DO GOOD X. Kimberly and Stephen are joined by Victor Koo, Co-Founder of Tianren Culture, to explore how businesses can drive positive social change by integrating technology, media, and finance. Victor shares his journey of co-founding Tianren Culture and discusses leveraging tech for social impact. He delves into the philosophy of "One Wisdom, One Health," which connects mental, spiritual, and physical well-being. Stay tuned for insightful discussions on entrepreneurship, meditation, and the future of socially-minded business.

THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:27) How businesses can contribute to positive social change via tech, media and finance

(07:19) How Victor co-founded Tianren Culture with no experience in this space

(11:39) Leveraging technology to enhance social impact and one wisdom, one health

(21:12) Listening to our inner voice regarding business

(26:40) Victor's resources beneficial for entrepreneurs regarding meditation, and he describes how the practice benefits him

(33:41) Key elements that impact communities when starting a business

(36:32) Resources to assist social entrepreneurs in building their business

(38:05) Victor's greatest lessons learned, his impact on the world, and the technology he values

TAKEAWAYS:

From the start, positive social change should be embedded in a company's founding intentions and DNA. Designing with a mission that benefits the broader community is essential, exemplifying the platform's mission to share joy, wisdom, and heart. Additionally, having a socially-minded core team is crucial, ensuring responsibility not just to investors but also to all stakeholders, considering the potential externalities and consequences in all aspects of the business, including workplace culture and global supply chains.

One Health focuses on diet and food system change, addressing physical health. What we put inside our body is shown to be the leading root cause of the key acute and chronic diseases and the major leading causes of death. One Wisdom addresses the mind, heart, and spirit, whereas One Health addresses the body, which is also interconnected with the inner aspects of self.

RESOURCES: 

DO GOOD X - Podcast

DO GOOD X - LinkedIn

DO GOOD X - YouTube

DO GOOD X - Spotify

Kimberly Daniel - LinkedIn

Stephen Lewis - LinkedIn

Victor Koo - Speaker - Global Wellness Summit

Victor Koo - LinkedIn

In late 2016, Victor co-founded Tianren Culture, a next-generation social platform that serves as a catalyst and enabler of social innovation with the mission to foster positive global values and lifestyles. Tianren Culture's core strategic focus is to promote "One Wisdom, One Health" by encouraging and enabling wisdom and service via contemplative practices and healthy lifestyles, especially those with Eastern roots believing that the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health and wellness of human beings are interconnected with the broader environment and ecosystem. Tianren Culture works with foundations, NGOs and business partners to put in place high-impact, effective social innovation initiatives to improve both physical and mental health. He is also a board director of Good Food Fund and on the advisory board of Global Wellness Inst

Welcome to this DO GOOD X podcast episode hosted by Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis. Are you ready to take the leap and go all-in on your business idea? Today, they'll explore the critical steps entrepreneurs must take before transitioning their side hustle into a full-time venture. From mindset shifts to financial planning, system setups, and legal considerations, this episode offers a roadmap for those ready to scale their business. Be sure to join the DO GOOD X LinkedIn community to connect with fellow entrepreneurs committed to purpose-driven growth.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:48) How do I know when to go all in on my business

(05:34) Getting the right mindset to take the leap of faith

(09:45) The importance of making sure your idea is viable

(11:36) Your budget should look at expenditures from several months to several years, which also requires financial projections

(15:43) Having systems and staff in place to support your business processes

(17:21) Hire a professional to assist with the legal structure of your business

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Entrepreneurs should elevate their business from part-time to full-time when their finances, mindset, time available for their project, community support and legal structure allow them to work full-time on their business
• If an entrepreneur doesn't have the proper mindset, they can be their own worst enemy. People can talk themselves out of believing in themselves or hamper their confidence in the business's product or service. Positive affirmations are essential
• Obtain affirmation of your business idea by testing it in the marketplace. Don’t just get the approval of your friends and family; do some testing in the market to establish the need for the service or product you want to provide. Do people like it, and will it solve a problem?

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

Welcome to the DO GOOD X podcast, where hosts Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis sit down with Devin Baptiste, a serial entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder/CEO of GroupRaise. GroupRaise is a marketplace that facilitates large group charitable bookings at restaurants, with over 10,000 restaurant clients in 500+ cities. In this episode, Devin opens up about his entrepreneurial journey, the growth of GroupRaise, and the importance of validating ideas quickly. He shares valuable lessons learned from both his successes and unresolved challenges. The conversation dives into the unique hurdles underrepresented founders face in securing funding, effective mentorship, and how mentees can grow from their mistakes. Tune in for insights on technology, wellness, faith, and legacy.

THIS EPISODE:

• [1:46] Meet Devin, who discusses his upbringing and why he started GroupRaise, and he is transparent about entrepreneurship
• [12:27] The steps Devin took to position his business for growth and the overnight growth he experienced
• [18:48] Effective tactics to assist underrepresented founders in securing funding and principles he has learned and what qualities represent good candidates
• [29:37] Discussion of mentees learning from their mistakes and the mentor/mentee relationship
• [34:48] Devin discusses technology, wellness, faith and legacy
• [41:53] Stephen shares the technology he has found effective in his work, and Kimberly shares her favorite financial tracking system

TAKEAWAYS: 

• Being an entrepreneur takes work. You need to have done your homework. Know that there is a reward, but there is also hard work involved
• Expansion and growth can be good things, but they also require a lot of revenue up front, and the yield takes time. Fast growth can be exciting but strenuous.
• There are some principles that are tried and true for a startup, but they may not translate to underrepresented communities because they face hurdles that others don’t

RESOURCES:  

DO GOOD X - Website

DO GOOD X - Podcast

DO GOOD X - LinkedIn

DO GOOD X - YouTube

DO GOOD X -  Instagram

Kimberly Daniel - LinkedIn

Stephen Lewis - LinkedIn

Devin Baptiste - LinkedIn

GroupRaise - Website

GUEST BIO: 

Devin is a serial entrepreneur and investor who is the co-founder/CEO of GroupRaise, a marketplace for large group charitable bookings at restaurants, active in over 500 cities with 10,000+ restaurant clients. 

He has raised venture capital and investment from investors such as Techstars Ventures, Magma Partners, Kapor Capital and various top-tier angels.

As an advisor, Devin has translated the lessons he’s learned to help founders raise just over $50 million for their companies. The vast majority of these have been underrepresented, and emerging market founders are getting their first and second checks. 

Devin speaks from his experience attempting to raise money three times unsuccessfully and then the lessons he learned raising money six times successfully.

Devin is passionate about supporting the startup ecosystem and helping underrepresented and emerging market founders get unfair advantages in bringing their impact and visions to life. He lives in San Juan with his wife and four children.

Welcome to this episode of the DO GOOD X podcast, hosted by Kimberly Daniel! Today, Kimberly dives into the benefits of working with a co-founder, sharing key insights and advice for purpose-driven entrepreneurs. She provides three essential tips on building a successful partnership, including the importance of expanding your skillset, maintaining consistent communication, and choosing a co-founder with access to investment opportunities. She also emphasizes the relationship portion of the partnership. Remember to join the DO GOOD X LinkedIn community to connect with fellow entrepreneurs on the path to purpose-driven growth.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:59) Kimberly discusses three tips for having a co-founder in your business

(02:56) Tip One: Expansion of your skillset 

(05:02) Tip Two: Consistency in communication-knowing how to navigate conflict

(08:02) Tip Three: Choosing a co-partner who has access to investment opportunities and entrepreneurial programs

(11:07) Recap

TAKEAWAYS: 

• Some investors require a co-founder. However, if you have a strong team, that may be optional or not necessary.
• Businesses with co-founders thrive when they each contribute different skills and stay in their own lane. Having an exit strategy, if the partnership doesn’t work, is imperative
• A co-founder's credit rating is often forgotten when setting up a partnership. Still, how a person manages finances impacts how the business operates and opportunities to secure funding.

Links:

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

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).

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).

Today, we’re joined by Kyra Barker, Founder and Principal Consultant at K8R, LLC. Kyra specializes in Situational and PESTLE analysis, helping businesses develop effective marketing strategies that solve real problems. Tune in as Kyra shares her journey from marketing to venture capital, critical steps for startup success, and how her faith and AI have been game-changers for her entrepreneurial journey. She also discusses her journey as she conquered stage 3 cancer. 

IN THIS EPISODE: 

(00:00) Introduction

(01:30) Kimberly introduces Kyra, who shares why she left marketing for venture capital

(07:48) Kyra discusses critical steps for developing effective marketing strategies: making sure you are solving a problem and building your customer base, and she shares an example

(14:45) Kyra addresses how a new startup can stand out, and she provides an example

(26:27) Kyra answers the question of when you hire professional help and how to assess their firm

(20:17) Kyra shares resources that every entrepreneur should have 

(29:53) Check out DO GOOD X - Website and DO GOOD X - Linkedin

(31:07) Kyra answers questions in the “Off the Cuff’ segment regarding surviving cancer and wellness, and she speaks about the value of prayer, her faith in God and praise and gratitude

(34:47) Kyra says her smartphone and AI have been the game changers for her business, and she attributes all of her success to her faith and her God-given talent

TAKEAWAYS: 

• Marketing is not just social media or email campaigns. Its core lies in building a solid brand, understanding customers' needs and solving those real problems.
• Before building a product, you should do Situational and PESTLE analysis.
• Helpful resources are ChapGPT, Notion, Google Drive, Google Form, Canva, Zapier, Eda Data, and Typeform. 

LINKS:  

Kyra Barker - Website

ChatGPT - Website

Notion - Website

Canva - Website

Zapier - Website

Eda Data - Website

Typeform - Website

BIO: 

Kyra Barker is a dedicated business strategist, cancer survivor and advocate for achieving success without sacrificing well-being.

With over 15 years of experience in marketing and business, Kyra is a trusted advisor to corporate leaders and entrepreneurs seeking to build and grow flourishing companies. Her extensive experience spans enterprise and startup environments, making her adept at driving growth across various sectors. Her battle with and triumph over stage 3 rectal cancer fuels her mission to promote a holistic approach to success.