Small Business Stories

Miriam Rivera is one of fewer than one percent of Stanford University graduates to be decorated with a Stanford Medal. She earned both her MBA and JD degrees there then went on to build one of the largest LatinX venture capital funds in the world. The fund hosts eight unicorns in its portfolio. Miriam founded the VC fund based on the thesis that diversity is more than trendy - it's profitable. The firm is now seeking to expand its executive leadership team. She now holds the role: CEO, Co-Founder and Managing Director Ulu Ventures.

Katie Ferraro is a tour de force! She is the founder of Fortified Family and wildly popular Baby-Led Weaning Made Easy Podcast. As a registered dietician with a specialty in infant feeding and an educator at University of California San Diego, you'd think that would be enough credibility. But there's more ... she gave birth to seven children within three years! A singleton, quadruplets, and then twins Her sister has twins, too so multi-births are common in her family. Having that many mouths to feed required smart planning and uber efficiency. Tune in to this episode to learn more or tune in to her podcast here: https://blwpodcast.com/

Consuelo Valverde is the founder and managing partner SV Latam Capital. She is the driving force behind making capital more accessible to more founders: "SV LatAm Capital partners early with extraordinary entrepreneurs that have the grit and ambition to transform societies, the environment, and health on a global scale. Whether you are a serial founder, a tech entrepreneur, or a scientist, we are here to help you build a breakthrough company, from the moment of inception."

https://www.svlatamcap.com/

Meet Simon Cohen, Chairman of Henco Global, a happy company that "just happens to do supply chain and logistics work." After a life-threatening cardiac event and the realization that he missed many years of his daughters' lives and time with his wife, Mexico's most trusted CEO had a change of heart. He developed the "High Performance, Happy People" model which has been featured at Harvard Business Review. Simon shares his story and his heart in his new book, Fulfilled.

Amanda Jacobson is the Chief of Staff for Oyster Financial, a neobank for SMBs that's co-headquartered in Mexico City and San Francisco. Prior to joining Oyster's executive management team, she managed a portfolio of nine fintech startups for Finlab, the innovation lab of Gentera, focused on generating sustainable solutions for financial inclusion. She also led the expansion of Village Capital, supporting 50 ventures and eight startups.

Bill Gladstone, founder of ViCiNFT, is doing good in the world and for the world with non-fungible tokens. They require a minimum of a 25% contribution to a charity for any NFT that they auction off. And, proceeds are also used for sustainable efforts that impact our environment including planting trees and other initiatives to offset their carbon footprint. From sports memorabilia to a funky seabass, it's possible to make money and help the planet with NFTs.

Christine McKay is known for a few things. One, international recognition as one of the world's leading negotiators. Two, her vibrantly colored hair which matches her personality. Three, her hard-earned rags-to-riches story. Tune in to get tips on negotiation and to be inspired by someone who's been there, done that, found a way to love herself, and to thrive. She shares her story here with Loralyn Mears.

Espree Devora is a serial media entrepreneur and the OG of podcasting, catching the wave back in 2013-14 before podcasting became the "thing" that it is today. All three of her podcasts are categorized as Noteworthy by Apple and her first podcast series, Women in Tech, has been critically acclaimed. To date, the show has posted more than 550 episodes. Today, Espree continues her journey as a serial media entrepreneur with her newest role - the face of Clubhouse. Her ask? Send her a quote that inspires you. Contact her at: [email protected]

Nick Palmisciano is a veteran and serial entrepreneur. He's faced challenges deployed for his country, been named on the ISIS Kill List, and was a single Dad raising an 1- and 3-year old in a warehouse when he was starting his apparel business. The man personifies what our show is about - GRIT. Nick is the only independent filmmaker with a #1 movie on Amazon which also boasts the highest contributions of any crowdfunded creative effort. He's incredible! And he wants you to give back - become a mentor at WarriorRising.org. Loralyn Mears and all of us at Grit Daily News thank Nick for his service and for inspiring us.

Lisa Bowman has held the role of Chief Marketing Officer at UPS and United Way. She didn't set out to become the poster child for #metoo or to take on the world's largest non-profit organization, but that's how things played out. Lisa was fired, but quickly regained her mojo, and here she is sharing her story with Loralyn Mears.