Navigating the Waters

Hi, I'm Stephanie Mckinney.  

In this episode, we take a look back at some of our previous guests as we discuss: 

 - Understanding your purpose and your passion 

- The power of relationships and how to build ones that last 

 - The importance of aligning your values with those of your investors and your teams   

Through this series, I will have aspiring guests and answer their questions so we learn together using real-life examples.

Hi, I'm Stephanie Mckinney.  In this episode, I am joined by special guest Akinnuga Ayobami partner at Squid Capital as we discuss

- The importance of finding the talent with a passion for your purpose

- The power of the relationships

- The landscape for African Start Ups

Akinnuga Ayobami is a young african playing a pivotal role in the building of Africa's growing Micro VC - Squid Capital.

Squid Capital is a venture capital firm based in Lagos Nigeria. Investing in early-stage startups from Pre-Seed to pre-Series A.

His strong interest in businesses creating solutions to Africa's problem lead to this decision.

Ayo has experience in business and finance management, marketing,communication and investors relationship.

Akinnuga Ayobami was involved in the Squid's first raise of $100,000 supporting 3 start-ups providing finance, marketing and social service solutions.

He believes Africa's start-up ecosystem is the key to not just Africa's problem but a source of global solutions.

You can find out more about  Squid Capital at https://www.squidcapital.co/ or connect with Ayo https://twitter.com/blvckbillionair 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/akinnuga-ayobami/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesquidcapital/

Through this series, I will have aspiring guests and answer their questions so we learn together using real life examples. 

If you enjoyed the show please like share and comment, and if you are a founder or investor or know someone who is who would like to join us and share their story please get in touch

Hi, I'm Stephanie Mckinney.  In this episode, we delve into the lessons we have learnt and the differences in investing pre and post-COVID.

I chat again with Kim-Adele Randall as we discuss:

- What's changed in investing pre and post covid

- The power of relationships both online and in person

- Building a resilient mindset

Through this series, I will have aspiring guests and answer their questions so we learn together using real life examples.

Hi, I'm Stephanie Mckinney.  In this episode, I am joined by Gina Martin 

Gina is a Self-Leadership expert, Life and Leadership Coach, Mental Fitness Advocate, Entrepreneur, Mother, and Breast Cancer survivor.

Gina's Self-Leadership journey started when she became a single mother and immigrated to the US before turning 18.

As an entrepreneur, she built two direct sales businesses where she drove record personal and team sales and received national recognition and multiple awards.

Her passion for sales, love for people, and personal development led her to start her Retail Leadership journey. She trained, promoted, and impacted hundreds of individuals over a twenty-year career.

She has led cross-functional teams of up to 600 people for prestigious brands such as Victoria's Secret, GUESS, Inc., and Gap. She is the founder of Gina Martin Coaching.

Her mission as a Life and Leadership Coach is to help her clients discover and develop their self-leadership skills, unlock what's keeping them from achieving the success they deserve, and inspire them to take massive action toward creating the lifestyle they've always dreamed of.

You can find out more about Gina at https://www.ginamartin.coach

Through this series, I will have aspiring guests and answer their questions so we learn together using real life examples. 

Hi, I'm Stephanie Mckinney.  In this episode, we delve into the questions to ask yourself to get ready to seek investment.

I chat again with Kim-Adele Randall as we discuss:

- The questions to ask yourself before you go out and seek investment

- The power of relationships and how to cultivate them

- Building your confidence, so you make an impact

Through this series, I will have aspiring guests and answer their questions so we learn together using real life examples. 

Hi, I'm Stephanie Mckinney.  In this episode, we catch-up with Randy Tate CEO and co-founder of iFlip and Kim-adele Randall CEO of Authentic Achievements to get an update on how things are going since they were last on the show sharing their pitch decks.

We discuss:

- Understanding your vision, purpose and values

- Lessons learnt from gaining your lead investor

- Building your belief and getting your message heard

You can find out more about Randy and iFlip at https://iflipinvest.com/ and you can find out more about Kim-adele at https://authenticachievements.com

Through this series, I will have aspiring guests and answer their questions so we learn together using real life examples. 

#investing #founders 

Hi, I'm Stephanie Mckinney.  In this episode, we continue to demystify the jargon of investors by talking about what information investors will ask for as part of due diligence.

I chat again with Kim-Adele Randall as we discuss:

- What you need to prepare for a due diligence assessment

- Creating your data room

- The importance of having a structure and process from day one

Through this series, I will have aspiring guests and answer their questions so we learn together using real-life examples. 

If you enjoyed the show please subscribe, share, stay tuned for more, and comment with questions, stories, and thoughts!

#femalefounders #femaleentrepreneurs #investing #navigatingthewaters

Hi, I'm Stephanie Mckinney.  In this episode, I am joined by Dr Thom Park and Josh Davis as we talk about what investors are looking for.

THOM PARK PH.D., VENTURE PARTNER & COFOUNDER

Dr. Park has had a diverse career spanning sports, the military, education, government and business. Dr. Park played football and wrestled in college, while earning a B.A. in psychology at West Chester State. He then served as a Marine Corps tank officer during Viet Nam. Thereafter, Thom coached college football at West Chester, the University of Maryland, the University of Connecticut, and the Citadel.

Following coaching, Thom spent over 20 years as an Investment Advisor and Branch Manager at Morgan Stanley, managing a portfolio of over $140 million in assets and 1600 clients. He concurrently earned his M.Ed. at the Citadel and his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Florida State University, where he served as an Adjunct Professor of Sports Administration. Thom was also recognized as an FSU Distinguished Alumnus for Business. Thom went on to serve as Athletic Director at Liberty University, prior to returning to investment work with Prescient.

Thom was most recently named Distinguished Alumnus for the 150th year celebration of his undergraduate alma mater, West Chester University of Pennsylvania.

Thom and his wife, Susan, reside in Tallahassee, Florida. They have three well married children and seven grandchildren.

JOSH DAVIS, VENTURE PARTNER

Josh began his career in the realm of public health policy development. After working under key leaders of the State of Florida, Josh led the Process Improvement Unit for the $27 billion Florida Medicaid division, filling a key role during the redesign and reorganization of the division to a managed care model.

After returning to school to complete his MBA, Josh began his career in the private equity space, focusing on evaluating complex businesses primarily in the technology and healthcare fields.  In his six years at Prescient, he has helped them to maintain a high standard of selection, having only taken equity positions in seven companies out of nearly 200 reviewed.

Josh and his wife are long-time residents of Tallahassee, spending as many weekends as they can exploring the outdoors with their two daughters.

Together Dr Thom Park and Josh Davis along with their partner BRUCE THOMAS are the team behind Prescient Cap Ventures, designed to help entrepreneurs to dare to change the status quo. “Prescient” is defined as “having knowledge of coming events.” Bold and daring entrepreneurs have the capacity to look ahead, analyze trends, and provide meaningful intelligence for our society. These qualities, along with commitment to integrity and hard work, produce extraordinary strategies and extraordinary results. 

Prescient Capital Ventures was founded in 2009 to invest in promising early stage ventures. Our mission is to be a reliable resource for our entrepreneurs - enabling them to change the world.

Find out more at https://www.prescientcapventures.com/ 

If you enjoyed the show please subscribe, share, stay tuned for more, and comment with questions, stories, and thoughts!

#femalefounders #femaleentrepreneurs #investing #navigatingthewaters

Hi, I'm Stephanie Mckinney.  In this episode, we continue to demystify the jargon of investors by talking about the main questions investors will ask during a pitch.

I chat again with Kim-Adele Randall as we discuss:

- Key things to consider when becoming an investor

- Understanding your value proposition

- How to invest - from crowdfunding to accredited investors

Through this series, I will have aspiring guests and answer their questions so we learn together using real-life examples. 

If you enjoyed the show please subscribe, share, stay tuned for more, and comment with questions, stories, and thoughts!

#femalefounders #femaleentrepreneurs #investing #navigatingthewaters

Hi, I'm Stephanie Mckinney.  In this episode, we continue to demystify the jargon of investors by talking about the main questions investors will ask during a pitch.

I chat again with Kim-Adele Randall as we discuss:

- Getting ready for investment

- Understanding your burnrate

Through this series, I will have aspiring guests and answer their questions so we learn together using real-life examples. 

If you enjoyed the show please subscribe, share, stay tuned for more, and comment with questions, stories, and thoughts!

#femalefounders #femaleentrepreneurs #investing #navigatingthewaters