Kesha Stickland's mission is clear: to make healthy food accessible and delicious. After a life-changing health crisis, she turned to mushrooms as a powerful tool for healing—and now she's revolutionizing the meat alternative industry. Discover how her journey from software engineer to food innovator is transforming consumer behavior and building healthier communities.

Episode Summary:
Kesha Stickland, CEO and co-founder of The Mushroom Meat Co., shares her journey from software engineering and consulting to food innovation. Following a severe health crisis and personal journey to recovery, Kesha discovered the healing power of mushrooms. Her commitment to health drove her to develop award-winning beef and pork alternatives using functional mushrooms as the star ingredient.

In this episode, Kesha breaks down the science behind mushrooms, their nutritional power, and why they outperform many meat alternatives in both health benefits and sustainability. She also explores how she's working with farmers to grow mushrooms as a profitable alternative to traditional livestock, unlocking new economic opportunities and utilizing existing supply chains. Throughout the conversation, Kesha opens up about her leadership journey, her role as a visible role model, and how she embraces every learning as a powerful tool for innovation and growth.

Listen in to hear how Kesha's dedication to health is driving impactful change in the food industry and what we put in the center of our plates.

Key Themes:

• How Kesha Stickland's health journey inspired her to build The Mushroom Meat Co.
• The powerful nutritional benefits of mushrooms and their role in overall health
• Why reducing friction is key for changing consumer behavior, even when health is the motivating factor
• Why Kesha doesn't believe in failure and sees everything as a learning moment
• How a successful career in software, engineering, and consulting translates to her role and strengths as a founder
• Why celebrating wins and finding moments of laughter are key to her success

Links & Resources

• Connect with Kesha Stickland and our host Kt McBratney
• Learn more about Kesha's work with The Mushroom Meat Co.
• Follow The Mushroom Meat Co. on Instagram for chef-driven recipes and more
• Want more founder stories? Subscribe to Founded on Purpose
• Learn more about Renew VC, and follow on LinkedIn to stay in the know

Jilea Hemmings isn’t just ahead of the curve — she’s defining it. From pioneering meatless meals before the plant-based boom to transforming food access with AI-driven retail, Jilea is proving that innovation and impact go hand in hand. In this episode, she shares how she navigates resistance to change, the importance of asking the right questions, and why laughter is her secret to sustainable entrepreneurship.

Episode Summary:
Jilea Hemmings, co-founder & CEO of Nourish + Bloom, has spent her career pioneering solutions before the market even realizes it needs them. In this conversation, she shares how her early adoption of trends — from plant-based nutrition to AI-driven retail — has positioned her at the forefront of innovation.

Jilea discusses the power of asking questions and learning from customers, highlighting how initial skepticism can shift when people experience the benefits of new technology firsthand. She breaks down how AI enables Nourish + Bloom to serve communities that big box retailers often ignore, proving that automation can be a force for social good.

Beyond business, Jilea opens up about the role of joy and play in entrepreneurship. She and her husband, Jamie, have built not only a thriving company but also a resilient partnership, grounded in humor and shared purpose. Whether it’s navigating setbacks or celebrating wins (something she admits she needs to do more), Jilea emphasizes the importance of perspective, patience, and asking the right questions.  Listen in to learn how Nourish + Bloom is redefining retail, reshaping perspectives, and proving that impact-driven businesses can also be highly profitable.

Key Themes: 

• The market and impact opportunity at the intersection of food, retail, and innovation
• Overcoming resistance to change and shifting consumer behavior 
• What it means to dare to fail up
• The realities of building a company by community, for community
• The power of laughter and celebrating milestones in business 
• Why asking the right questions is an essential leadership and life skill

Resources & Mentions: 

• Connect with Jilea Hemmings and Kt McBratney
• Learn more about Nourish + Bloom Market and Technologies, including their Purpose Round
• More information about food access, including terminology and USDA food access data
• Follow Nourish + Bloom on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook
• Subscribe to Founded on Purpose
• Explore other initiatives from Renew VC and follow on LinkedIn for more

Entrepreneurship is rarely a straight path. Walter Ley breaks down how he forged his own, built his own playbook, and learned to trust his instincts as he celebrates his company, Branch, hitting the 1 million user milestone. 

Episode Summary:
Walter Ley didn’t follow a prewritten script — he built his own playbook for success with his company, Branch. In this episode, we dive into his journey as a founder, the pivotal moments that shaped his career, and how he navigates the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship. From embracing uncertainty to making bold decisions, Walter shares insights that can help any entrepreneur carve their own path. 

Walter and host Kt McBratney discuss bootstrapping and VC funding, the joy and challenges in growing a team, learning from failures, and the different ways we can define success for ourselves. His approach to building a company without a fixed framework provides valuable lessons for anyone looking to break conventional molds and build something truly unique and impactful. 

Key Themes & Takeaways: 

• How Walter developed his own entrepreneurial framework 
• The power of adaptability and trusting your instincts 
• Lessons from building a company without a set playbook 
• Strategies for navigating uncertainty and making tough decisions 
• What hills would Walter and Kt die on? (Hint: they involve alternative milks and punctuation)

Links & Resources Mentioned: 

• Learn more about Branch, including upcoming elections near you
• Connect with Walter Ley and follow Branch on LinkedIn
• Connect with Kt McBratney on LinkedIn and Bluesky
• Subscribe to Founded on Purpose
• Explore other initiatives from Renew VC

What does it take to fully integrate impact into entrepreneurship? Laurie Lane-Zucker has spent decades shaping a new paradigm where business drives measurable social and environmental good.

Episode Summary: In this episode of Founded on Purpose, host Kt McBratney sits down with Laurie Lane-Zucker, founder and CEO of Impact Entrepreneur, a pioneering force in the impact economy. Laurie shares his journey from environmental NGO leadership to spearheading a global community of systems-minded entrepreneurs, investors, and scholars. He discusses the significance of shifting from a single bottom line to a triple bottom line framework, the evolution of the term "impact entrepreneur," and how branding can shape movements. Laurie also reflects on the importance of wisdom traditions in business, the role of community in effecting real change, and why the concept of "healing" is at the core of his purpose. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or purpose-driven leader, Laurie’s insights will inspire you to rethink success and embrace business as a tool for real impact.

Key Themes & Takeaways: 

• Defining the Impact Economy: The shift from profit-only models to sustainable, socially responsible business practices. 
• Building a Movement: How the term "impact entrepreneur" became a global identity for change-makers. 
• Ancient Wisdom & Modern Impact: The unexpected role of historical and esoteric wisdom traditions in shaping the future of impact-driven entrepreneurship. 
• The Power of Community: Why networks, mentorship, and shared knowledge are critical to systemic change. 
• Rethinking Success: Beyond Profits to Purpose: Laurie’s perspective on success beyond profits, including long-term systemic transformation. 

Mentioned Resources & Links:
• Impact Entrepreneur
• Laurie Lane Zucker’s 2023 Textbook: Sustainability, Business, and Investment Implications
• Orion Magazine
• Wendell Berry’s Works

Connect with Us:  

• Connect with Laurie and Impact Entrepreneur on LinkedIn
• Connect with Kt and Renew VC
• Subscribe to Founded on Purpose
• Explore other initiatives from Renew VC

What does it take for women entrepreneurs — especially women of color — to break through and thrive? Gayle Jennings-O'Byrne, CEO and founder of Wocstar, shares how she backs bold entrepreneurs and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Episode Summary: In this episode of Founded on Purpose, Kt McBratney sits down with Gayle Jennings-O'Byrne, a trailblazing investor, founder, and ecosystem builder, to explore what it really takes to fund and support diverse founders. Gayle dives into the importance of owning mistakes, having hard conversations, and trusting your instincts. She shares her philosophy on "fessing up to your f*** ups," why ghosting is never the answer, and how scaling impact in venture capital remains one of her biggest challenges. From discussing how she plays—through cooking, cycling, and jigsaw puzzles—to navigating advice as both a mentor and mentee, Gayle offers invaluable insights on balancing the serious nature of venture capital with creativity and joy. She also reveals her deep belief in storytelling as a tool for systemic change and how it shapes her approach to investing, founder education, and media.

Key Takeaways: 

• Fess Up to Your Mistakes: Mistakes aren’t fatal—acknowledge them, learn from them, and move forward. 
• Difficult Conversations Matter: Avoiding hard discussions only prolongs discomfort. Addressing issues head-on leads to clarity and resolution. 
• No More Ghosting: Whether in investing, partnerships, or leadership, communication is key—just say yes, no, or that you need more time.
• Scaling Impact is Hard But Necessary: The real challenge is not just funding great founders but changing the entire system that supports them.
• Play is Essential: From cooking gourmet meals to solving puzzles, making space for joy fuels better decision-making and leadership. 
• Advice is a Practice: Taking advice is a skill—be selective, consider the source, and be intentional about seeking mentorship. 
• Storytelling Drives Change: Media and narratives have the power to reshape perceptions, unlock opportunities, and foster human connection. 

Mentioned Links and Resources 

• Connect with Gayle Jennings-O'Byrne and Kt McBratney on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Wocstar
• Building and/or investing with purpose? Sign the Pledge!  
• Subscribe to Founded on Purpose
• Explore other initiatives from Renew VC

Ever wondered how to turn life’s challenges into a springboard for innovation? Merav Goldman’s story will inspire you to rethink setbacks and redefine creativity.  

Episode Summary
In this episode of Founded on Purpose, we sit down with Merav Goldman, founder of the award-winning company All Better Co. Merav shares her entrepreneurial journey, focusing on two powerful themes: how slingshot moments can transform obstacles into opportunities and the art of innovative product design. From navigating parenting challenges to crafting solutions that resonate deeply with her customers, Merav offers invaluable lessons on resilience, creativity, and problem-solving. Tune in to discover how she turned personal experiences into a purpose-driven business that’s making life easier for parents everywhere.  

Key Themes and Takeaways 

• Slingshot Moments: Learn how Merav reframes setbacks as opportunities to gain momentum, offering actionable advice for turning challenges into growth. 
• Innovative Product Design: Hear the story behind "Don’t Scratch That" pen and other innovative first aid products by All Better Co., and how Merav’s unique approach to design addresses real-world problems. 
• Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship: Explore how Merav’s personal experiences fueled her mission to create products that solve meaningful problems. 
• Lessons from Parenthood: Discover how being a parent informed Merav’s entrepreneurial perspective and her commitment to supporting other parents. 

Mentioned Links and Resources 

• Connect with Merav Goldman on LinkedIn and Instagram
• Learn more about All Better Co. including their award-winning Don’t Scratch That Pen
• Listen to our interview with Merav's co-founder Stacy Bernstein
• Follow All Better Co. on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok
• Join the journey and invest in moms making it better
• Connect with Kt McBratney on LinkedIn and Bluesky
• Building and/or investing with purpose? Sign the Pledge!  
• Subscribe to Founded on Purpose
• Explore other initiatives from Renew VC

Can we change the world by changing how we consume media? Ashwath Narayanan, co-founder and CEO of Social Currant, thinks so. In this episode, he discusses how purpose-led organizations can further their impact by embracing and investing in the rapidly evolving creator and media landscape.

Episode Summary
Ashwath Narayanan joins host Kt McBratney to talk about his work in the evolving media landscape and how investing in people (creators) rather than platforms (TikTok, Instagram, etc) is a winning strategy for change. He shares the challenges faced by nonprofits in adopting new strategies, and the significance of creativity in impact storytelling. They also touch on the complexities of content strategies and tactics, and the realities of being a content creator. Ashwath shares insights on learning from mistakes, trusting one's instincts as a founder, and the significance of building infrastructure to support the impact ecosystem.

Key Themes:

• Media consumption is a key factor in changing societal behaviors.
• Investing in people is crucial for the impact space and leads to more authentic storytelling.
• Nonprofits are beginning to recognize the value of content creators.
• Building capacity within organizations is crucial for success. Building infrastructure is key to supporting impact organizations.
• The disconnect between decision-makers and media consumers is significant.
• Finding joy in work is essential for sustaining energy. Rest and recovery is essential for sustainable work.
• Trusting your instincts is vital as a founder.

Sound Bites

• "Consumption is how we change the world."
• "Invest in people, not platforms."
• "It's all about connecting with people."
• "Long form never died."
• "You can't do everything all the time."
• "Being a content creator is a real job."
• "The algorithm doesn't listen to you."

Links & Resources

• Learn more about Social Currant
• Connect with Ashwath and Kt on LinkedIn 
• Read and subscribe to Keeping it Currant, the newsletter sharing insights on how to navigate the intersection of the creator economy and the political and social impact space.
• Building and/or investing with purpose? Sign the Pledge!  
• Subscribe to Founded on Purpose

What happens when purpose meets community? In this special live episode of Founded on Purpose, recorded at the vibrant Holiday UnCorporate Party, Paul Armstrong (General Partner at Renew VC) and Madilynn Beck (Founder & CEO of The Better Spot) join host Kt McBratney to explore how helping others shapes careers, communities, and even the future of entrepreneurship. Plus, hear from other inspiring guests as they share their unique takes on purpose and impact.

Episode Summary 
In this celebratory live recording at The Better Spot’s UnCorporate Party, host Kt McBratney sits down with Paul Armstrong (General Partner at Renew VC) to discuss his journey as a designer, communicator, and advocate for purpose-driven leadership. Paul shares how his role as a conduit between ideas and people has shaped his career and influenced his approach to impact and innovation.

But this episode goes beyond one conversation. We chat with Madilynn Beck (Founder & CEO of The Better Spot) about her purpose for the new year, and she shares her thought process distilling her professional and personal intentions into a single word. Featuring a diverse array of other voices — including founders, dreamers, and changemakers from the UnCorporate Party — listeners will hear perspectives on purpose that range from helping others and overcoming fear to building legacies and fostering motivation. This collective exploration of purpose offers a thought-provoking close to the year and a hopeful look toward the future.

Key Themes

• Purpose as a guiding force in work and life
• Helping others: from personal values to professional missions
• The evolving role of design and communication in leadership
• Insights from a live, dynamic community of founders and changemakers
• Building legacy and overcoming fear in entrepreneurship
• How purpose connects people and drives impact

Links & Resources Mentioned

• Connect with Kt, Renew VC and featured guests from the episode:
  • Paul Armstrong
  • Madilynn A. Beck
  • Caelyn Phillips
  • Kristin Slink
  • Reiko Jordan Brown
  • Whitney Ward
  • Tanisha Yorick-Allen
  • Nichole Healy
• Building and/or investing with purpose? Sign the Pledge!  
• Subscribe to Founded on Purpose

What does it take to build a supportive community for women and nonbinary people in male-dominant fields? In this episode, Old Girls Club founder Mallory Contois and host Kt McBratney delve into the unexpected parallels between relationships and business success. Mallory shares her take of the roles of support networks, partners, and friendships in achieving professional goals. Can who you choose as a partner impact your entrepreneurial journey? How important is context when it comes to who's giving you advice?

In this conversation, Mallory discusses her evolving purpose centered around lifting others, her recent wins in treating her passion project as a business, and the importance of community and human connection. She reflects on missed opportunities in her field, shares insights on learning from mistakes, and digs into why surrounding yourself with the right people matters. This conversation is packed with personal stories and reflections that highlight the interplay between personal growth, community building, and professional development.

Key Themes & Takeaways

1. The Power of Supportive Relationships
   Mallory reflects on the importance of choosing the right life partner and community, explaining how the people you keep close can influence your mindset, motivation, and career trajectory.
2. Advice vs. Input
   Mallory explains her approach to advice—viewing it more as "input" or "perspective." She emphasizes the value of contextualizing others' feedback within her own goals and experiences.
3. Balancing Play and Rest
   Whether spending time with her fiancé in New York or retreating to her parents' home in Connecticut, Mallory believes in balancing play with moments of quiet solitude.
4. Being Open to Growth and Change
   Her journey from COO to founder, product roles to community leader, shows a willingness to take risks, reframe personal limits, and stay open to life’s unexpected directions.

Resources & Links

• Learn more about Old Girls Club, a community for women and non-binary people in male-dominated fields
• Connect with Mallory Contois on LinkedIn and her personal website
• Connect with Kt and Renew VC on LinkedIn
• Building and/or investing with purpose? Sign the Purpose Pledge!  
• Subscribe to Founded on Purpose

How can we drive systemic change in the apparel industry while building a sustainable, community-driven brand? Marianna Sachse, founder of Jackalo, shares her journey of designing clothes that stand the test of time.

Episode Summary  

In this episode, Marianna Sachse, founder of Jackalo, dives into the world of sustainable fashion, focusing on durability and responsible production. A lifelong environmentalist who believes humans have the power to do better, Marianna shares her background as a social worker and how her passion for environmental impact led to creating Jackalo, the first circular children's clothing company in the US. From sourcing sustainable materials to designing clothing that withstands the wear and tear of childhood, Marianna discusses Jackalo’s mission to disrupt the fast fashion cycle and make one part of parenting easier. This conversation reveals how one founder blends her values of sustainability and social responsibility to inspire change across the apparel industry. 

Key Themes & Takeaways

• Sustainable Fashion: Marianna shares what sustainability means for Jackalo and how they operates differently from sourcing to production through to retail and disposal.
• Circular Economy: Jackalo’s innovative model, including a buyback program, extends the life cycle of its products while also supporting continuous learning and product development in service of sustainability. 
• Building Community: Through Jackalo, Marianna has cultivated a customer community that values sustainable products, slow fashion, and brand loyalty
• Resilience in Entrepreneurship: The conversation also touches on the challenges of being an impact-driven founder, including navigating economic hurdles and scaling a purpose-centered brand.

Links & Resources

• Connect with Marianna on LinkedIn 
• Browse Jackalo for the kids (and adults!) in your life
• Learn more about Jackalo's sustainability & circular model 
• Check out their innovative TradeUp program and Mend It Guide
• Connect with Kt and Renew VC on LinkedIn
• Building and/or investing with purpose? Sign the Purpose Pledge!  
• Subscribe to Founded on Purpose