Superpowers for Good: Empowering Changemakers for Social Impact via Regulated Investment Crowdfunding from the SuperCrowd.

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.

Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.

Devin: What is your superpower?

Scott: Bias for action

Firefighters face life-threatening risks every day, and for too long, many of these dangers have gone unaddressed. Scott Holman, CEO and Founder of Red Line Safety, is on a mission to change that with innovative technology designed to protect firefighters in real time and improve their long-term health.

Scott, a retired firefighter himself, brings decades of experience to this venture. His company builds wearable devices that gather physiological and environmental data, an advanced communication infrastructure to transmit the data, and a cloud-based dashboard for incident managers to monitor conditions and make data-driven decisions. "We create a solution that not only protects firefighters in real time but also helps them address long-term health issues," Scott explained during this episode of Superpowers for Good.

The technology has already proven its potential. In one pilot test, Red Line Safety identified a critical health issue in a 24-year-old firefighter, enabling life-saving surgery. Scott shared, “When you tell firefighters these stories, they can’t wait to use the technology. They want to know what they’re exposed to, how they’re responding physiologically, and they want to create an exposure record.”

The market opportunity for Red Line Safety is enormous. Scott explained that the global market for firefighter safety equipment is valued at $20 billion. With patented technology and first-to-market status, Red Line Safety is poised to scale quickly. The company has already attracted attention from national and international organizations.

To bring this life-saving technology to more firefighters, Red Line Safety is raising capital through a regulated crowdfunding campaign on Wefunder. Anyone interested in supporting this mission can visit s4g.biz/redline to learn more and consider investing.

Every firefighter deserves to come home safely. Scott’s vision, paired with Red Line Safety’s groundbreaking technology, makes that goal closer to a reality.

tl;dr:

Red Line Safety develops wearable tech and cloud systems to protect firefighters in real time.

Founder Scott Holman, a retired firefighter, brings decades of firsthand experience to the company’s mission.

The technology has already saved lives and provides invaluable data for long-term firefighter health.

The $20 billion global market offers enormous potential for scaling Red Line Safety’s patented solutions.

A Wefunder campaign invites everyone to invest in this innovative, life-saving technology.

How to Develop Bias for Action As a Superpower

Scott Holman describes his superpower as a “bias for action.” This stems from his Marine Corps training, which instilled a belief that he could accomplish any goal he set his mind to. “I came out of [boot camp] feeling extremely confident, like there’s nothing I couldn’t do,” Scott shared. This confidence has driven him to tackle challenges head-on, even in unfamiliar territory.

Early in his life, Scott exemplified his bias for action by building a home for his family. Despite having no prior experience, he purchased a kit home, bought land in a rural community, and assembled the house largely on his own. “I realized we needed a house, and the only way I could do it was to build it myself. And I did,” he recalled, inspiring others to take bold steps as well.

Tips for Developing the Superpower:

Don’t talk yourself out of trying something just because you haven’t done it before.

Believe in your ability to learn and adapt as you go.

Build a support system—seek advice and collaboration from others with complementary skills.

Don’t fear failure; instead, view it as a learning opportunity, as Edison famously did.

Take the first step and commit to seeing the project through, even if you need to pivot.

By following Scott’s example and advice, you can make a bias for action a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.

Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!

Guest Profile

Scott Holman (he/him):

Founder & CEO, Red Line Safety

About Red Line Safety: Red Line Safety is a mission-driven technology company founded by a retired Fire Captain and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, dedicated to protecting those who protect us. We develop cutting-edge wearable technology and deployable communication networks that provide real-time data on firefighter location, environmental hazards, toxic exposures, and vital signs, especially in remote areas without cellular coverage. By equipping incident commanders and safety officers with actionable insights, Red Line Safety enhances operational effectiveness, firefighter health and wellness, and public safety during structure fires, wildland incidents, and all-hazard emergencies.

Website: redlinesafety.com

X/Twitter Handle: @RLSFire

Company Facebook Page: facebook.com/redlinesafety2018

Other URL: wefunder.com/redlinesafetyinc

Biographical Information: Scott Holman is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and recently retired Fire Captain from the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, with over 33 years of experience in Fire & EMS. He is the Founder and CEO of Red Line Safety, a veteran-owned, Delaware C-corporation formed on 9/11/2018, dedicated to advancing wearable technology and deployable communication networks for first responders. With degrees in Fire Administration and a proven record of innovation, including initiating the effort to develop a fire service drone program, working to establish a Type II hand crew, and co-creating a leadership program, Scott brings deep industry insight and frontline credibility to the complex challenges facing public safety. His work is driven by a personal mission to prevent line-of-duty deaths and occupational illnesses through real-time data, and to deliver scalable solutions that enhance firefighter safety, operational efficiency, and long-term health outcomes.

Personal Facebook Profile: facebook.com/scott.holman.54

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/scott-holman-2013a93a/

Instagram Handle: @redlinesafetyinc

Support Our Sponsors

Our generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today’s advertisers include FundingHope, Kingscrowd, and Crowdfunding Made Simple. Learn more about advertising with us here.

Max-Impact Members

The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:

Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name Here

Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar

If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.

Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on June 17, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.

SuperCrowdHour, June 18, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern. Jason Fishman, Co-Founder and CEO of Digital Niche Agency (DNA), will lead a session on "How to Spin $1 of Advertising into $10!" He’ll reveal proven strategies and marketing insights drawn from years of experience helping successful crowdfunding campaigns. Whether you're a founder planning a raise or a supporter of innovative startups, you’ll gain actionable tips to boost visibility, drive engagement, and hit your funding goals. Don’t miss it!

Join us on June 25, 2025, at 8:00 PM Eastern for the Superpowers for Good Live Pitch—streaming on e360tv, where purpose-driven founders take the virtual stage to present their active Regulation Crowdfunding campaigns to a national audience of investors and changemakers. Selected startups are chosen for their commitment to community, alignment with NC3’s Community Capital Principles, and their drive to create real-world impact. Thanks to sponsors DNA and DealMaker, this event is free to watch and amplifies the voices of underrepresented and mission-aligned entrepreneurs. Don’t miss this inspiring evening where capital meets purpose—tune in to discover and support the next wave of impact-driven innovation.

SuperCrowd25, August 21st and 22nd: This two-day virtual event is an annual tradition but with big upgrades for 2025! We’ll be streaming live across the web and on TV via e360tv. Soon, we’ll open a process for nominating speakers. Check back!

Community Event Calendar

Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.

Devin Thorpe is featured in a free virtual masterclass series hosted by Irina Portnova titled Break Free, Elevate Your Money Mindset & Call In Overflow, focused on transforming your relationship with money through personal stories and practical insights. June 8-21, 2025.

Join Dorian Dickinson, founder & CEO of FundingHope, for Startup.com’s monthly crowdfunding workshop, where he'll dive into strategies for successfully raising capital through investment crowdfunding. June 24 at noon Eastern.

Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.

Call for community action:

Please show your support for a tax credit for investments made via Regulation Crowdfunding, benefiting both the investors and the small businesses that receive the investments. Learn more here.

If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 9,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.

We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode.

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.

Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.

Devin: What is your superpower?

Tamara: My ability to listen to people and connect with people, understand what their needs are, and then really creating spaces and connections for them to get those needs met.

When life feels overwhelming, many of us long for a helping hand. Tamara Lucas, the founder and CEO of My Panda, has turned that universal feeling into a business that’s transforming lives and communities. My Panda, short for “Personal Assistant Next Door App,” connects people with trusted, hyper-local assistants—called Pandas—who can handle everything from grocery runs to household chores.

“What we need is community,” Tamara said during today’s episode. “What we need is people to turn to that we trust to be able to ask for the help that we need and also an opportunity for people to provide assistance and help.”

Unlike gig-economy platforms like TaskRabbit or Uber, My Panda emphasizes community, trust, and mutual support. Tasks submitted through the app are matched with Pandas in the user’s local area, fostering a sense of connection and accountability. “You’re a lot less likely to steal someone’s grandmother’s jewelry if you’re going to run into them at Publix,” Tamara joked.

The business model is as innovative as it is impactful. Users pay a flat hourly rate for services, with membership options that offer discounts and additional perks. Pandas, who are independent contractors, are primarily women—just like the users they assist. This creates what Tamara describes as “a culture of women helping women,” which has become a hallmark of My Panda.

Tamara is also leveraging community to fund her vision. Through a regulated investment crowdfunding campaign on Wefunder, anyone can invest in My Panda, starting with as little as $100. “By doing crowdfunding, not only are we raising the capital that we need to grow,” she explained, “but we’re also giving people a sense of ownership and deepening relationships within the community.”

As My Panda prepares to expand beyond Atlanta to new markets like Charlottesville, Virginia, Tamara’s vision of creating a modern-day village is gaining momentum. Her approach is about more than convenience—it’s about rebuilding the connections we’ve lost in today’s fast-paced, individualistic world.

My Panda isn’t just a service; it’s a movement. It’s a reminder that we’re better together, and with the right tools, we can create a community that lifts everyone up.

tl;dr:

My Panda connects people with hyper-local assistants to provide trusted help for daily tasks.

The app fosters community by hiring local Pandas and creating a culture of mutual support.

My Panda’s business model includes flat hourly rates, memberships, and perks for users.

Tamara’s superpower is empathy, helping her identify and act on others’ needs.

The company is raising capital via a WeFunder crowdfunding campaign to support its expansion.

How to Develop Empathy and Connection As a Superpower

Tamara Lucas’s superpower is her ability to deeply listen, empathize, and connect with others. “My biggest superpower is my ability to listen to people and connect with people, understand what their needs are, and then really creating spaces and connections for them to get those needs met,” she explained in today’s episode. Tamara’s background in psychology and social work has informed her approach, but it’s her natural ability to engage and understand people that has been the foundation of her success.

One day, a conversation with a friend sparked the idea for My Panda. Tamara’s friend, a dog walker, shared her frustration: “I go into people’s homes, and they need so much more than just a dog walk.” That moment of connection inspired Tamara to envision a platform where people could easily ask for—and get—the help they need. My Panda was born from her ability to listen, empathize, and act on the needs of others.

To develop this superpower, Tamara’s advice is straightforward yet profound:

Practice Active Listening: Stop rehearsing your response in your head and focus entirely on what the other person is saying.

Cultivate Empathy: Try to understand the emotions and experiences behind someone’s words.

Think Creatively About Support: Look for ways you—and your community—can offer help and share resources.

Embrace Connection: Remember that humans are meant to live in community, not in isolation.

By following Tamara’s example and advice, you can make empathy and connection a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.

Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!

Guest Profile

Tamara V Lucas (she/her):

CEO & Founder, My Panda

About My Panda: My Panda (Personal Assistant Next Door App) is a tech-enabled, community-powered platform that connects people with trusted, local assistants, called Pandas - to help with everyday personal tasks. From laundry and errands to organizing and event support, we make it easy to delegate the never-ending to-do list. Our mission is to help individuals, especially women and working parents, reduce stress, reclaim time, and feel more supported, both at home and in life in general. My Panda offers services directly to consumers and also partners with companies to provide assistant hours as a unique employee benefit that supports work-life balance and mental wellness.

Website: mypandaapp.com

Company Facebook Page: facebook.com/bookapanda

Other URL: wefunder.com/my.panda

Biographical Information: Tamara Lucas is the founder and CEO of My Panda (The Personal Assistant Next Door App), a tech-enabled, community-powered platform that connects people with trusted local assistants for everyday personal tasks. A single mother and lifelong advocate for women and their families, Tamara created My Panda out of her own experience with the constant pressure and exhaustion of balancing career, home, and caregiving responsibilities.

Her career spans over 30 years across social work, education, wine sales, and business management, all of which shaped her deep understanding of the support systems people need to thrive. With My Panda, Tamara is redefining productivity by making it easier - and more acceptable - for people to ask for help. Through her leadership, the company is helping to alleviate stress, build community, and create flexible economic opportunities, especially for women. She is passionate about shifting societal expectations and building solutions that promote wellness, connection, and a more sustainable way to live.

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/tamara-vrooman-lucas-094a089

Instagram Handle: @mypandaapp

Support Our Sponsors

Our generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today’s advertisers include FundingHope, RedLineSafety, Kingscrowd and Crowdfunding Made Simple. Learn more about advertising with us here.

Max-Impact Members

The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:

Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name Here

Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar

If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.

Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on June 17, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.

SuperCrowdHour, June 18, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern. Jason Fishman, Co-Founder and CEO of Digital Niche Agency (DNA), will lead a session on "How to Spin $1 of Advertising into $10!" He’ll reveal proven strategies and marketing insights drawn from years of experience helping successful crowdfunding campaigns. Whether you're a founder planning a raise or a supporter of innovative startups, you’ll gain actionable tips to boost visibility, drive engagement, and hit your funding goals. Don’t miss it!

Superpowers for Good Live Pitch – June 25, 2025, at 8:00 PM Eastern - Apply for free by June 6, 2025, to pitch your active Regulation Crowdfunding campaign live on Superpowers for Good—the e360tv show where impact meets capital. No fee if selected! Selected founders will gain national exposure, connect with investors, and compete for prizes. To qualify, you must be raising via a FINRA-registered portal or broker-dealer and align with NC3’s Community Capital Principles. Founders from underrepresented communities are especially encouraged to apply. Don’t miss this chance to fuel your mission and grow your impact!

SuperCrowd25, August 21st and 22nd: This two-day virtual event is an annual tradition but with big upgrades for 2025! We’ll be streaming live across the web and on TV via e360tv. Soon, we’ll open a process for nominating speakers. Check back!

Community Event Calendar

Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.

Devin Thorpe is featured in a free virtual masterclass series hosted by Irina Portnova titled Break Free, Elevate Your Money Mindset & Call In Overflow, focused on transforming your relationship with money through personal stories and practical insights. June 8-21, 2025.

Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.

Call for community action:

Please show your support for a tax credit for investments made via Regulation Crowdfunding, benefiting both the investors and the small businesses that receive the investments. Learn more here.

If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 9,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.

We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode.

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.

Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.

Devin: What is your superpower?

Steve: Intellectual curiosity, paired with a problem-solving mindset.

Media shapes perception, and perception shapes reality. That simple truth drives Steve Jones, Founder and CEO of pocstock, to challenge the way people of color and other underrepresented groups are portrayed in stock photography and now artificial intelligence.

Steve launched pocstock after discovering, while running a digital marketing agency, that major stock photo libraries lacked images reflecting diverse identities. "People of Black, Asian, Hispanic and other backgrounds, people who were older than 50, or living with a disability" were all underrepresented, Steve said. This gap was not unique to the U.S. — it was global.

Today, pocstock is meeting a bigger challenge: the biases baked into AI image generation. Because AI was trained on biased media libraries, "the data is literally what the AI industry needs in order to become what it's going to be," Steve explained. With AI expected to generate 80% of online imagery soon, pocstock's culturally accurate, bias-free library positions the company as a vital resource for the future of ethical AI.

But Steve isn’t stopping with just providing imagery. He’s ensuring that the creators of these visuals—photographers and artists—can share in the value AI creates. "We created a model where our creators can be included in the AI boom," he said, highlighting pocstock's mission to avoid leaving behind the very people it seeks to represent.

As part of that effort, pocstock is raising capital again, this time through a regulated investment crowdfunding campaign on WeFunder. By setting a minimum investment of just $250, Steve and his team are inviting everyone—not just venture capitalists or accredited investors—to participate. "This gives people an opportunity to access AI through pocstock," he said.

The implications are profound. "Imagery is how you change people's perceptions of people they haven't met," Steve noted. The consistent underrepresentation or stereotyping of certain groups impacts real-world outcomes, from law enforcement to healthcare. "If you let the media tell it, everybody's racist... and this couldn't be further from the truth."

Supporting pocstock, whether by investing or using its imagery, helps rewrite those narratives. Steve's work stands as a reminder that inclusion isn’t just a value—it’s a strategy for both equity and innovation.

To invest, visit wefunder.com/pocstock or s4g.biz/poc.

tl;dr:

Steve Jones founded pocstock to address the lack of diverse, accurate imagery in media and technology.

pocstock’s inclusive content is now powering major AI projects and helping to reduce bias in technology.

The company is raising capital through regulated investment crowdfunding, inviting everyone to invest for impact.

Steve’s superpower is intellectual curiosity, which drives him to solve problems and connect across differences.

Listeners are encouraged to embrace curiosity, meet new people and invest in more inclusive representation.

How to Develop Intellectual Curiosity As a Superpower

Steve Jones’s superpower is intellectual curiosity, paired with a problem-solving mindset. He explained, “I’ve always looked to see how I can make the world the way I think it should be.” This constant questioning of the status quo fuels his drive to address social injustices, foster inclusion, and solve challenges in innovative ways. From tinkering with objects as a child to reshaping the media landscape with pocstock, Steve’s curiosity and creative thinking guide his efforts to make a positive impact.

Steve shared a story about a chance encounter that changed his career trajectory. While working in IT, he bonded with a coworker over a shared love of Batman and Dr. Dre. Despite their differences—Steve, a 6’5” Black man, and his coworker, a middle-aged Irish man—they became close friends. Years later, that friendship resulted in Steve receiving his biggest contract for his marketing agency. This anecdote highlights how Steve’s openness and curiosity about others help him build meaningful connections and seize new opportunities.

Tips for Developing Intellectual Curiosity:

Seek to understand problems deeply and envision how they could be solved.

Challenge preconceptions by engaging with people from different backgrounds and perspectives.

Be open to learning from everyone you meet, both professionally and personally.

Approach each day with a fresh mindset, ready to embrace new challenges and opportunities.

Stay informed about trends and developments in your field to spark new ideas.

By following Steve’s example and advice, you can make intellectual curiosity a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.

Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!

Guest Profile

Steve Jones (he/him):

Founder & CEO, pocstock

About pocstock: pocstock is a global content company that creates, curates, and licenses stock images featuring people of color to businesses for marketing, advertising, and artificial intelligence.

We partner with businesses of all sizes to ensure they have the right images, insights, and data to be inclusive of everyone.

Website: pocstock.com

Company Facebook Page: facebook.com/pocstock

Other URL: wefunder.com/pocstock

Biographical Information: Steve Jones is a serial entrepreneur with a background in tech, marketing, and creative.He’s currently the Founder & CEO of pocstock, a global content company headquarteredin Newark specializing in inclusive content for marketing, advertising, and artificialintelligence.

Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/pocstock

Instagram Handle: @pocstock

Support Our Sponsors

Our generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today’s advertisers include FundingHope, RedLineSafety, Ovanova PET, and Kingscrowd. Learn more about advertising with us here.

Max-Impact Members

The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:

Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name Here

Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar

If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.

Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on June 17, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.

SuperCrowdHour, June 18, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern. Jason Fishman, Co-Founder and CEO of Digital Niche Agency (DNA), will lead a session on "Crowdfund Like a Pro: Insider Marketing Secrets from Jason Fishman." He’ll reveal proven strategies and marketing insights drawn from years of experience helping successful crowdfunding campaigns. Whether you're a founder planning a raise or a supporter of innovative startups, you’ll gain actionable tips to boost visibility, drive engagement, and hit your funding goals. Don’t miss it!

Superpowers for Good Live Pitch – June 25, 2025, at 8:00 PM Eastern - Apply by June 6, 2025, to pitch your active Regulation Crowdfunding campaign live on Superpowers for Good—the e360tv show where impact meets capital. Selected founders will gain national exposure, connect with investors, and compete for prizes. To qualify, you must be raising via a FINRA-registered portal or broker-dealer and align with NC3’s Community Capital Principles. Founders from underrepresented communities are especially encouraged to apply. Don’t miss this chance to fuel your mission and grow your impact!

SuperCrowd25, August 21st and 22nd: This two-day virtual event is an annual tradition but with big upgrades for 2025! We’ll be streaming live across the web and on TV via e360tv. Soon, we’ll open a process for nominating speakers. Check back!

Community Event Calendar

Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.

Devin Thorpe is featured in a free virtual masterclass series hosted by Irina Portnova titled Break Free, Elevate Your Money Mindset & Call In Overflow, focused on transforming your relationship with money through personal stories and practical insights. June 8-21, 2025.

Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.

Call for community action:

Please show your support for a tax credit for investments made via Regulation Crowdfunding, benefiting both the investors and the small businesses that receive the investments. Learn more here.

If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 9,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.

We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode.

Today, I had the pleasure of co-hosting a special livestream on Substack with Jen Risley, the editor of the Main Street Journal. We're calling it “Jen and Devin Live,” and we hope it marks the beginning of a recurring series to strengthen the ties in our shared community of impact crowdfunding enthusiasts.

Jen and I both publish on Substack and share a mission to promote community capital. While we could be viewed as competitors, we see ourselves more as complementary partners. That’s why we came together—to cross-promote, build bridges, and amplify the voices in this growing movement.

What’s New at the Main Street Journal

Jen highlighted a recent MSJ Extra feature: an in-depth interview with John Abrams, author of the forthcoming book From Founder to Future. John transitioned his company—South Mountain Company, a design, building, and solar firm on Martha’s Vineyard—into a worker cooperative. Now retired, he’s focused on helping other founders do the same. Jen shared that the response to this piece was overwhelmingly positive, confirming that interest in worker ownership models is growing fast.

Updates from Superpowers for Good

On my end, I shared some exciting updates about Superpowers for Good. Our recent SuperCrowdLA event, which was livestreamed to e360tv and Substack, drove tremendous traffic. But what’s been even more rewarding is the success of our new initiative, Super Crowd Voices (read it here, submit your contribution for consideration here). This channel invites new writers to share their perspectives, and it’s working better than we imagined. In fact, one of the first posts—by Dorian Dickinson of Funding Hope—became our most-read post ever. His powerful argument for giving investment crowdfunding “a seat at the table” clearly struck a chord.

It was particularly rewarding to learn from Jen that our feature on Dorian inspired Main Street Journal to expand their platform listings in their weekly offering summaries. They had initially focused on just a few platforms—but now, they include more, making their coverage even stronger. That kind of cross-pollination is exactly what this collaboration is all about.

Shared Admiration for Kathleen Minogue

We also talked about our mutual admiration for Kathleen Minogue and her “Crowdfund Better” methodology. Jen and I both hold her in high regard. Michael Shuman’s interview with Kathleen in MSJ Extra—which I was able to read as a paying subscriber—was one of the best practical pieces I’ve seen. She explains how a rewards-based campaign can serve as a stepping stone to a successful investment crowdfunding raise. Kathleen’s approach is a masterclass in how to crowdfund strategically, and Jen shared how Kathleen supported a local crowdfunding initiative in her home region of New Hampshire. It's amazing to see this kind of thought leadership making a real-world impact.

Reflections on SuperCrowdLA and a Preview of SuperCrowd25

Jen kindly mentioned how much she appreciated the summary I wrote following SuperCrowdLA. She quoted a line I often use: “Capital is not just about dollars. It's about power, purpose, and possibility.” That meant a lot. I shared that we’re working on a full book based on the conference’s transcripts and insights—something far deeper than a quick summary. We hope to release it by the end of June.

I also highlighted some standout speakers from the event:

* Doug Willmore, CEO of World Tree, which has raised $17M (including $12M from the crowd) to fund a carbon-sequestering tree farm model.

* Sarah Hardwick, former CMO of Aptera, who helped the company raise $140M through Reg CF and Reg A offerings. Her speech was both riveting and deeply insightful.

Looking ahead, SuperCrowd25 is coming up on August 21–22, and we’re streaming it live again on E360tv. I’m thrilled by how many people discover crowdfunding for the first time through these events. I invited Jen—and Michael Schuman as well—to join us as speakers. Their voices are essential to this community.

Closing: Stronger Together

I closed by encouraging our community to subscribe to Main Street Journal—especially since some of their best content, like the Kathleen Minogue piece, is behind a paywall. It's worth every penny. Jen added that their Monday events roundup is always free, giving folks a way to sample the value before committing. You can subscribe at mainstreetjournal.substack.com or visit their website at mainstreetjournal.org.

Jen returned the love, reminding her community to subscribe to Superpowers for Good and promising to keep highlighting our latest work.

We both agree: if you're serious about crowdfunding for impact, you need both publications. This partnership is just getting started, and we can’t wait to see where it takes us next.

Max-Impact Members

The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:

Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name Here

Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar

If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.

* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on June 17, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.

* SuperCrowdHour, June 18, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern. Jason Fishman, Co-Founder and CEO of Digital Niche Agency (DNA), will lead a session on "Crowdfund Like a Pro: Insider Marketing Secrets from Jason Fishman." He’ll reveal proven strategies and marketing insights drawn from years of experience helping successful crowdfunding campaigns. Whether you're a founder planning a raise or a supporter of innovative startups, you’ll gain actionable tips to boost visibility, drive engagement, and hit your funding goals. Don’t miss it!

* Superpowers for Good Live Pitch – June 25, 2025, at 8:00 PM Eastern - Apply by June 6, 2025, to pitch your active Regulation Crowdfunding campaign live on Superpowers for Good—the e360tv show where impact meets capital. Selected founders will gain national exposure, connect with investors, and compete for prizes. To qualify, you must be raising via a FINRA-registered portal or broker-dealer and align with NC3’s Community Capital Principles. Founders from underrepresented communities are especially encouraged to apply. Don’t miss this chance to fuel your mission and grow your impact!

* SuperCrowd25, August 21st and 22nd: This two-day virtual event is an annual tradition, but with big upgrades for 2025! We’ll be streaming live across the web and on TV via e360tv. VIP’s get access to our better-than-in-person networking! Get your VIP access for just $25. Soon, we’ll open a process for nominating speakers. Check back!

Community Event Calendar

* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.

* African Diaspora Investment Symposium 2025 (ADIS25), Wednesday–Friday, May 28–30, 2025, at George Washington University, Washington, D.C., USA.

* Devin Thorpe is featured in a free virtual masterclass series hosted by Irina Portnova titled Break Free, Elevate Your Money Mindset & Call In Overflow, focused on transforming your relationship with money through personal stories and practical insights. June 8-21, 2025.

* Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.

Call for community action:

* Please show your support for a tax credit for investments made via Regulation Crowdfunding, benefitting both the investors and the small businesses that receive the investments. Learn more here.

If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 9,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.

Manage the volume of emails you receive from us by clicking here.

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.

Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.

Devin: What is your superpower?

Sona: Resilience—the unwavering determination to overcome obstacles and solve critical problems.

Every year, millions of people in low-income countries suffer due to a lack of access to basic medical technology. Sona Shah, CEO and co-founder of Neopenda, is tackling this challenge head-on with an innovative solution—a wearable vital signs monitor called Neoguard. This simple yet powerful device is already saving lives in sub-Saharan Africa and has the potential to make a global impact.

Neoguard is a headband-style device that monitors four key vital signs: pulse rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and temperature. The data is transmitted wirelessly via Bluetooth to a centralized dashboard on a tablet, allowing clinicians to monitor multiple patients simultaneously. “The intent of this product,” Sona explained, “is really to alert clinicians in really overcrowded, understaffed hospitals that something could be wrong with the patient so that our clinicians can provide more timely and appropriate care to the patients that need it most.”

What makes Neoguard even more remarkable is that it was specifically designed for low-resource settings. Sona shared how she and her team traveled to Uganda during the early days of Neopenda to understand the unique challenges faced by hospitals in such environments. “We saw hospitals that didn’t have any functioning medical equipment. They had rooms that nurses called the ‘equipment graveyard,’ just mounds of broken equipment,” she said. This inspired her to create technology that is resilient and tailored to these conditions, addressing issues like power instability and limited connectivity.

Beyond its life-saving potential, Neoguard represents a significant business opportunity. With a $3.4 billion market for vital signs monitoring across Africa alone, Neopenda is poised for growth. The company has already launched in over 45 hospitals, primarily in Kenya, and is generating revenue. To scale further, Neopenda is raising capital through a regulated crowdfunding campaign on WeFunder, allowing anyone to invest with as little as $100. “What better way to scale than involve the community in our efforts?” Sona said, emphasizing the value of democratizing access to investment opportunities.

Neopenda is more than just a company—it’s a movement to bring equitable healthcare to underserved populations while offering investors a chance to make both an impact and a profit. Sona’s story is proof that innovation and compassion can go hand in hand to create a better world.

tl;dr:

Neopenda creates affordable medical technology like Neoguard, a wearable vital signs monitor saving lives.

Sona Shah’s passion for equitable healthcare drives her innovative solutions for underserved populations.

Neoguard is designed for low-resource settings, addressing challenges like power instability and broken equipment.

Neopenda is raising capital via a WeFunder crowdfunding campaign, democratizing investment opportunities.

Sona’s resilience and vision have propelled Neopenda’s growth, proving impact and profit can coexist.

How to Develop Resilience As a Superpower

Sona Shah’s superpower is resilience—the unwavering determination to overcome obstacles and solve critical problems. She described it as the ability to “move mountains” when faced with challenges. Sona’s resilience stems from her passion for addressing inequities in healthcare. “If there’s something that I’m really passionate about, I will move mountains to figure out how to make it work,” she said. This mindset has enabled her to navigate the complexities of developing medical devices, securing funding, and building a sustainable business model in underserved markets.

Illustrative Story:One of Sona’s most challenging moments came during the early stages of Neopenda’s journey when she and her team had to establish a manufacturing process—something completely outside their expertise. Through determination and by hiring the right talent, they overcame this obstacle. Later, when funding became tight, Sona’s resilience drove her to find creative solutions, ensuring that Neopenda stayed on track. Another pivotal moment came in 2023 when the company pivoted from a distributor-led sales model to selling directly to hospitals, a risky but ultimately successful decision that significantly boosted their growth.

Tips for Developing Resilience:

Find a Problem Worth Solving: Focus on a mission that ignites your passion and commitment.

Surround Yourself with Support: Build a network of people who care about you and your cause.

Invest in Self-Care: Prioritize your mental health to maintain your capacity to lead effectively.

Embrace Feedback: Learn from mistakes and be open to constructive criticism.

Stay Persistent: Don’t let setbacks deter you; keep moving forward with determination.

By following Sona Shah’s example and advice, you can make resilience a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.

Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!

Guest Profile

Sona Shah (she/her):

CEO & Co-founder, Neopenda

About Neopenda: Neopenda is a healthtech company designing wearable medical technology for under-resourced hospitals in emerging markets. Our flagship product, neoGuard, is a CE-marked, patented vital signs monitor built specifically for environments with limited infrastructure. It tracks four critical vitals, pulse, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and temperature, without requiring stable electricity or internet. Already in use across 45+ hospitals in five African countries, neoGuard has delivered over 35,000 hours of patient monitoring, helping healthcare workers detect early signs of distress and intervene before it’s too late. Headquartered in Chicago and operating globally, Neopenda’s mission is to close the healthcare access gap with scalable, context-appropriate innovation.

Behind every device we build is a story, of a nurse who stayed calm because an alert came in time, of a baby who went home safely, of a health system that finally had the right tool for the job. We didn’t set out to build technology for the sake of it. We set out to build trust, dignity, and access where it’s been missing for too long. Because where you’re born shouldn’t determine whether you survive.

Website: neopenda.com

X/Twitter Handle: @neopenda_health

Company Facebook Page: facebook.com/Neopenda

Other URL: wefunder.com/neopenda

Biographical Information: Sona Shah is the CEO and Co-founder of Neopenda, a healthtech company bringing life-saving innovation to underserved health systems.

Her journey began while teaching in Kenya, where she witnessed firsthand the challenges facing under-resourced hospitals. That experience shaped her lifelong commitment to global health equity and continues to inform how she leads today, with empathy, purpose, and persistence.

With a background in biomedical and chemical engineering, Sona has spent the past decade designing and scaling technologies that work in real-world clinical settings across East and West Africa. Under her leadership, Neopenda has developed and commercialized neoGuard, a CE-marked wearable vital signs monitor tailored to the needs of low-resource hospitals. The company has sold to over 45 hospitals, delivered more than 40,000 hours of neonatal monitoring, and launched local manufacturing in Kenya.

Sona is a graduate of Columbia University and Georgia Institute of Technology. Amongst other accolades, she’s been recognized as an MIT Solve Fellow, Inc 30 under 30 recipient, a UN Women prize recipient, White House invitee, and a global leader in maternal and newborn health. Her work lives at the intersection of innovation, equity, and impact, and is driven by a deep belief that everyone, everywhere deserves access to quality care.

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/sonarshah

Support Our Sponsors

Our generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today’s advertisers include FundingHope, Ovanova PET and Crowdfunding Made Simple. Learn more about advertising with us here.

Max-Impact Members

The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:

Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name Here

Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar

If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.

Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on June 17, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.

SuperCrowdHour, June 18, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern. Jason Fishman, Co-Founder and CEO of Digital Niche Agency (DNA), will lead a session on "Crowdfund Like a Pro: Insider Marketing Secrets from Jason Fishman." He’ll reveal proven strategies and marketing insights drawn from years of experience helping successful crowdfunding campaigns. Whether you're a founder planning a raise or a supporter of innovative startups, you’ll gain actionable tips to boost visibility, drive engagement, and hit your funding goals. Don’t miss it!

Superpowers for Good Live Pitch – June 25, 2025, at 8:00 PM Eastern - Apply by June 6, 2025, to pitch your active Regulation Crowdfunding campaign live on Superpowers for Good—the e360tv show where impact meets capital. Selected founders will gain national exposure, connect with investors, and compete for prizes. To qualify, you must be raising via a FINRA-registered portal or broker-dealer and align with NC3’s Community Capital Principles. Founders from underrepresented communities are especially encouraged to apply. Don’t miss this chance to fuel your mission and grow your impact!

SuperCrowd25, August 21st and 22nd: This two-day virtual event is an annual tradition but with big upgrades for 2025! We’ll be streaming live across the web and on TV via e360tv. Soon, we’ll open a process for nominating speakers. Check back!

Community Event Calendar

Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.

African Diaspora Investment Symposium 2025 (ADIS25), Wednesday–Friday, May 28–30, 2025, at George Washington University, Washington, D.C., USA.

Devin Thorpe is featured in a free virtual masterclass series hosted by Irina Portnova titled Break Free, Elevate Your Money Mindset & Call In Overflow, focused on transforming your relationship with money through personal stories and practical insights. June 8-21, 2025.

Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.

Call for community action:

Please show your support for a tax credit for investments made via Regulation Crowdfunding, benefiting both the investors and the small businesses that receive the investments. Learn more here.

If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 9,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.

We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode.

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.

Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.

Devin: What is your superpower?

Prof. Alan: Creative problem-solving

The world doesn’t change on its own—people with vision, grit and creativity drive progress. Few embody this more than Prof. Alan Arthur Tratner, who helped organize the very first Earth Day in 1970 and has since built a global legacy supporting green entrepreneurs and inventors.

Alan’s work reminds me that bold action in the face of crisis can spark lasting transformation. In today’s episode, he shared the story of rushing to the oil-soaked beaches of Santa Barbara after the catastrophic 1969 spill, an experience that moved him to tears and propelled him into environmental activism. “I broke down, fell on my knees and cried... and then I just said we’ve got to stop this. We have to find a way to do it,” Alan recalled.

That determination led him to found Green2Gold, a unique non-profit incubator that has nurtured over 100,000 inventors, entrepreneurs and more than 300 non-profits focused on environmental and social responsibility. Alan’s approach is rooted in the belief that innovation can solve the problems it helped create. “We invented our way into this mess, we could innovate and invent our way out,” he explained.

One of the most compelling aspects of Alan’s work is his early embrace of investment crowdfunding. He recognized that democratizing access to capital could accelerate the development of climate solutions. “Equity crowdfunding was the democratization of investing. No longer did you have to be wealthy or be in power... anyone in the world, accredited or unaccredited, could invest in an American company,” Alan said.

Through Green2Gold’s programs, Alan continues to champion breakthrough technologies in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and disaster recovery. His “Build Back Green” project, for instance, emerged in response to the devastating wildfires in Lahaina and now provides a blueprint for rebuilding communities in sustainable, resilient ways.

If you’re inspired by Alan’s vision or want to learn more about Green2Gold’s work, visit green2gold.org. For entrepreneurs and inventors seeking support—or anyone interested in investing in a better world—Alan and Green2Gold are showing what’s possible when we put creativity and collective action to work for the planet.

tl;dr:

Alan Tratner shared his journey from the first Earth Day to launching the Green2Gold impact incubator.

He described the critical role of innovation and entrepreneurship in addressing environmental crises worldwide.

Alan emphasized the power of equity crowdfunding to democratize investment for green ventures and climate solutions.

He highlighted the importance of perseverance, creativity and passion for lasting impact in nonprofit and business work.

Alan offered actionable advice for aspiring changemakers to lead with purpose and build sustainable ventures.

How to Develop Creative Problem-Solving As a Superpower

Alan’s superpower lies in the fusion of creativity, scientific thinking and practical experience. As he described, “I think that creative spark, that passion, you know, I try to give our entrepreneurs and our nonprofits the same feelings about... inventing in the fields that are going to make a difference.” He credits his background in science, art and design, as well as years of nonprofit leadership and invention, for giving him a “quiver of superpowers” that enable him to help others become problem solvers and critical thinkers.

Illustrative Story:Alan shared how he has supported over 315 nonprofits and 100,000 entrepreneurs through Green2Gold by applying his expertise in nonprofit management, invention and funding. For years, he persisted with a wind turbine invention that was ahead of its time, waiting 45 years for the right moment to see it realized. He emphasized that passion and perseverance are crucial. “If you quit, you can’t win,” Alan said, reflecting on the decades he devoted to innovations that now have renewed relevance.

Actionable Tips for Developing Creative Problem-Solving:

Treat your venture or nonprofit as a passionate career, not just a hobby

Put your whole self—brain, energy and opportunities—into your mission

Embrace challenges and persist through setbacks; don’t give up if progress is slow

Surround yourself with people who share your passion and drive

Think entrepreneurially, even in nonprofit work, to build sustainability and legacy

By following Alan’s example and advice, you can make creative problem-solving a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.

Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!

Guest Profile

Prof. Alan Arthur Tratner (Earthling):

Founder /Chairman of  Green2Gold, Green2Gold global impact Incubator---501 c 3

About Green2Gold global impact Incubator---501 c 3: Helped found Earth Day and the first UN International Conference on the Human Environment. Pioneered impact incubation for over 55 years in green tech, sustainability, and regenerative solutions. Leading the transition to sustainability and a global, inclusive green economy. Supported over 100,000 members and 315 socially and environmentally responsible nonprofits.

Website: Green2Gold.org

Biographical Information: Alan Arthur Tratner, is the International Director of Green2Gold and has served as the President of the Inventors Workshop International and the Entrepreneur’s Workshop, Director of the Small Business Entrepreneurship Center in California, a SCORE (US SBA) consultant, and was publisher of the Lightbulb Journal and INVENT! magazines. He is an inventor and serial entrepreneur, with 13 inventions/patents. He has been dubbed the “Minister of Ideas” by the media and has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Inc., Entrepreneur, Business Week, TIME, USA Today, America Online Forum, NPR, and has appeared on OPRAH, CNN, Good Morning America, and CNBC. Alan has mentored and assisted thousands of green technology, sustainable ecology and energy companies and inventors. He was a former Professor of Environment and Energy, participated in the First International United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, Stockholm Sweden, was staff member of Environmental Quality Magazine and helped establish Earth Day. He founded the Environmental Education Group Foundation with many supporters, including Nobel prize winner Dennis Gabor. Alan traveled the USA conducting the Ultimate Crisis and Solutions for Survival seminars, led an environmental and alternative energy delegation to the former Soviet Union for the Citizen’s Ambassador Program. He was editor of Energies Journal for the Solar Energy Society of America, published the Geothermal Energy magazine and Geothermal World Directory. In the 1990’s he became Director of the Green Business Conference of the ECO EXPO, created the Eco Inventors and Eco Entrepreneurs Workshops, and the New Environmental Technologies Exhibits. In 2012, Alan was inducted into the International Green Industries Hall of Fame and honored with Lifetime Achievement.

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/prof-alan-tratner-3935506/

Support Our Sponsors

Our generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today’s advertisers include FundingHope, RedLineSafety, and Ovanova PET. Learn more about advertising with us here.

Max-Impact Members

The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:

Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name Here

Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar

If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.

Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on June 17, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.

SuperCrowdHour, June 18, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern. Jason Fishman, Co-Founder and CEO of Digital Niche Agency (DNA), will lead a session on "Crowdfund Like a Pro: Insider Marketing Secrets from Jason Fishman." He’ll reveal proven strategies and marketing insights drawn from years of experience helping successful crowdfunding campaigns. Whether you're a founder planning a raise or a supporter of innovative startups, you’ll gain actionable tips to boost visibility, drive engagement, and hit your funding goals. Don’t miss it!

Superpowers for Good Live Pitch – June 25, 2025, at 8:00 PM Eastern - Apply by June 6, 2025, to pitch your active Regulation Crowdfunding campaign live on Superpowers for Good—the e360tv show where impact meets capital. Selected founders will gain national exposure, connect with investors, and compete for prizes. To qualify, you must be raising via a FINRA-registered portal or broker-dealer and align with NC3’s Community Capital Principles. Founders from underrepresented communities are especially encouraged to apply. Don’t miss this chance to fuel your mission and grow your impact!

SuperCrowd25, August 21st and 22nd: This two-day virtual event is an annual tradition but with big upgrades for 2025! We’ll be streaming live across the web and on TV via e360tv. Soon, we’ll open a process for nominating speakers. Check back!

Community Event Calendar

Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.

African Diaspora Investment Symposium 2025 (ADIS25), Wednesday–Friday, May 28–30, 2025, at George Washington University, Washington, D.C., USA.

Devin Thorpe is featured in a free virtual masterclass series hosted by Irina Portnova titled Break Free, Elevate Your Money Mindset & Call In Overflow, focused on transforming your relationship with money through personal stories and practical insights. June 8-21, 2025.

Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.

Call for community action:

Please show your support for a tax credit for investments made via Regulation Crowdfunding, benefiting both the investors and the small businesses that receive the investments. Learn more here.

If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 9,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.

We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode.

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.

Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.

Devin: What is your superpower?

Lyneir: What I believe is my calling is to see value in people and places that other people overlook or undervalue.

Democratizing commercial real estate isn’t just a lofty vision for Lyneir Richardson, it’s his mission. As the CEO of The Chicago TREND Corporation, Lyneir is pioneering a model for strengthening urban neighborhoods by enabling small investors to own a stake in commercial properties. In today’s episode, he shared how his organization is transforming communities while offering everyday people the opportunity to invest alongside wealthy, institutional players.

Lyneir explained, “Retail is the first impression of a neighborhood. If the retail corridor is blighted, it attracts crime, brings down property values, and becomes a liability.” Recognizing this, The Chicago TREND Corporation focuses on revitalizing retail spaces in underserved neighborhoods, blending community impact with financial returns.

Since its founding in 2016, Chicago TREND has completed three crowdfunding campaigns, raising nearly $1 million from impact-oriented individuals. Lyneir described these investors as “small dollar, impact-oriented individuals who want to see progress in a neighborhood.” In one project, they partnered with a local nonprofit to redevelop a blighted industrial site. After acquiring the property for $3 million, they demolished a decaying building and planned a new 100,000-square-foot warehouse. Before construction began, another buyer offered $4.5 million. This exit not only provided a threefold return for investors but also strengthened their balance sheet for future projects.

Lyneir emphasized that crowdfunding is more than a financial tool—it’s also a way to foster community ownership. “We call it #WeOwnThis,” he said, describing how local investors are more likely to patronize and protect these properties. This inclusive approach to ownership creates a ripple effect, empowering communities to take pride in their neighborhoods while benefiting financially.

Today, Chicago TREND is actively raising capital for additional projects. By combining crowdfunding with old-school community organizing—meeting in church basements, library common areas, and on Zoom—Lyneir and his team are proving that inclusive investment can transform neighborhoods.

Lyneir’s work demonstrates that commercial real estate can be a powerful tool for social change. By inviting ordinary people to invest in their own communities, he’s creating opportunities for financial growth while building stronger, more vibrant neighborhoods.

tl;dr:

Lyneir Richardson democratizes commercial real estate by enabling small investors to revitalize underserved neighborhoods.

Chicago TREND uses crowdfunding to finance retail projects that strengthen communities and boost property values.

A recent project gave investors a threefold return while transforming a blighted industrial site.

Lyneir’s superpower is recognizing value in overlooked places and fostering community-driven redevelopment.

By balancing profit and impact, Lyneir is creating opportunities for ordinary people to invest in change.

How to Develop Seeing Value in Overlooked People and Places As a Superpower

Lyneir’s superpower is his ability to recognize potential where others see obstacles. As he explained, “What I believe is my calling is to see value in people and places that other people overlook or undervalue.” This skill allows him to envision opportunities for revitalization in underserved neighborhoods, often dismissed by traditional investors as “too hard” or “too small.” By combining his expertise in commercial real estate with a deep passion for community, Lyneir transforms overlooked areas into thriving hubs of activity and investment.

Illustrative Story:

In one project, Lyneir’s team purchased a shopping center hampered by outdated covenants, including a racial restriction dating back to the 1940s. Instead of bypassing the issue, they engaged with 119 local homeowners to amend the covenant, not only removing the offensive language but also garnering community support for the redevelopment. This effort exemplifies Lyneir’s ability to see both the immediate and long-term value in addressing historical barriers while building trust within the community.

Tips for Developing the Superpower:

Learn to See Potential: Practice identifying value in places or people others dismiss.

Engage with the Community: Build trust by listening to and involving local stakeholders in decision-making.

Blend Passion with Expertise: Use your professional skills to address challenges in a meaningful way.

Balance Profit and Impact: Focus on projects that deliver financial returns while improving lives.

Address Historical Challenges: Don’t shy away from difficult or sensitive issues; tackle them to build trust and create lasting change.

By following Lyneir’s example and advice, you can make seeing value in overlooked opportunities a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.

Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!

Guest Profile

Lyneir Richardson (he/him):

CEO, The Chicago TREND Corporation

About The Chicago TREND Corporation: Chicago TREND was established in 2016 to strengthen urban commercial corridors through strategic, community-driven commercial real estate investment and small business support. Since then, Chicago TREND has assembled a dedicated team that supports every aspect of community ownership projects, including business capacity building, credit underwriting, portfolio management, capital improvements, public outreach, and mixed-use transactions.

Website: chicagotrend.com

X/Twitter Handle: @TheChiTREND

Company Facebook Page: facebook.com/ChicagoTREND

Biographical Information: Lyneir Richardson is CEO of The Chicago TREND Corporation (TREND), a commercial real estate firm that owns urban shopping centers and provides economic advisory services to corporations, government agencies and large philanthropic organizations. Lyneir is also Associate Professor of Professional Practice at Rutgers Business School and serves as the Executive Director of the university’s Center for Urban Entrepreneurship and Economic Development.

Previously, Lyneir was the CEO of the primary economic development corporation in Newark, NJ attracting investment and jobs to the city during two mayoral administrations. Prior to that he also served as Vice President of General Growth Properties Inc. and led a national initiative to develop shopping centers in urban underserved areas. Early in his career, Lyneir founded LakeShore Development and Construction Company and was named a U.S. Small Business Administration "Young Entrepreneur of the Year." Lyneir began his career as a corporate attorney at the First National Bank of Chicago.

Lyneir holds an appointment as a Nonresident Senior Fellow of the Brookings Institution. He graduated from Bradley University and the University of Chicago Law School.

Personal Facebook Profile: facebook.com/lyneir.richardson

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/lyneir

Instagram Handle: @LyneirRich

Support Our Sponsors

Our generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today’s advertisers include FundingHope, KribSavUp, and Crowdfunding Made Simple. Learn more about advertising with us here.

Max-Impact Members

The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:

Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name Here

Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar

If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.

Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on June 17, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.

SuperCrowdHour, June 18, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern. Jason Fishman, Co-Founder and CEO of Digital Niche Agency (DNA), will lead a session on "Crowdfund Like a Pro: Insider Marketing Secrets from Jason Fishman." He’ll reveal proven strategies and marketing insights drawn from years of experience helping successful crowdfunding campaigns. Whether you're a founder planning a raise or a supporter of innovative startups, you’ll gain actionable tips to boost visibility, drive engagement, and hit your funding goals. Don’t miss it!

Superpowers for Good Live Pitch – June 25, 2025, at 8:00 PM Eastern - Apply by June 6, 2025, to pitch your active Regulation Crowdfunding campaign live on Superpowers for Good—the e360tv show where impact meets capital. Selected founders will gain national exposure, connect with investors, and compete for prizes. To qualify, you must be raising via a FINRA-registered portal or broker-dealer and align with NC3’s Community Capital Principles. Founders from underrepresented communities are especially encouraged to apply. Don’t miss this chance to fuel your mission and grow your impact!

SuperCrowd25, August 21st and 22nd: This two-day virtual event is an annual tradition but with big upgrades for 2025! We’ll be streaming live across the web and on TV via e360tv. Soon, we’ll open a process for nominating speakers. Check back!

Community Event Calendar

Crowdfunding Exits: Getting a Return on Your Investment, May 22, 2025, 2:00 PM Eastern.

Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.

African Diaspora Investment Symposium 2025 (ADIS25), Wednesday–Friday, May 28–30, 2025, at George Washington University, Washington, D.C., USA.

Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.

Call for community action:

Please show your support for a tax credit for investments made via Regulation Crowdfunding, benefiting both the investors and the small businesses that receive the investments. Learn more here.

If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 9,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.

We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode.

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.

Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.

Devin: What is your superpower?

Timothy: My faith, my passion to see this get into the hands of people that really need it.

The dream of homeownership is slipping further out of reach for many, but innovative solutions are emerging to address this challenge. The most powerful change comes from combining financial technology with a genuine desire to help people succeed—especially first-time buyers who often lack guidance and support.

Timothy Griggs, CEO and Founder of Kribsavup, knows firsthand how heartbreaking it can be to deliver a mortgage denial to someone whose only mistake was not understanding the process. As Timothy explained in this episode, “They have a vision for their family. They have a good heart, but they have no idea about the steps to take to prepare for homeownership… That just hurts my heart and me wanting to help them prepare for homeownership.”

That pain point inspired Timothy to create Kribsavup—a social fintech app designed to help users understand their finances, monitor their credit, and get ready for the mortgage process well before applying. Kribsavup links accounts, provides real-time credit information, and enables users to invite friends and family members to join them on the journey. “You can save together. You can improve your finances together. We’re not sharing data. We’re very sensitive about that. But the users can actually interact with each other,” Timothy shared.

The app also brings in gamification and AI features to make the process less daunting and more engaging. Timothy described how users can compete with an AI character, Stuart, in a race to better credit and stronger finances. This approach aims to make financial health not just accessible but enjoyable, especially for young people and those unfamiliar with the complexities of buying a home.

Kribsavup is currently available in app stores, and Timothy is inviting the crowd to participate directly in the company’s growth through a regulated investment crowdfunding campaign on Netcapital. “We are seeking to get help by going to our audience and investors to come on board to see our vision and to help us get this out to market, to get Kribsavup out to the market, get it out to the users, get it into our communities to be able to help users to be able to improve the process of home ownership,” Timothy said.

By blending technology, community, and a clear mission, Kribsavup stands out as a tool designed not just to help people buy homes, but to transform lives and build a stronger path toward financial wellness. The opportunity to invest alongside the Kribsavup team makes this an especially compelling story for anyone who believes in the power of impact crowdfunding to change the world.

tl;dr:

Timothy Griggs shares how Kribsavup helps first-time homebuyers prepare for mortgage success.

The app offers gamification, real-time credit info, and community support for financial wellness.

Kribsavup is raising capital through regulated investment crowdfunding on Netcapital.

Timothy’s superpower is his faith-driven passion to help others achieve homeownership.

Personal stories highlight the impact of encouragement, guidance, and community support in reaching financial goals.

How to Develop Faith-Driven Passion As a Superpower

Timothy’s superpower is an unwavering faith and deep passion to help others achieve homeownership and financial security. As Timothy described, “It’s my superpower, my faith, my passion to see this get into the hands of people that really need it… It’s a passion to be able to help users in our communities to be able to purchase a home.” His drive comes from seeing the dream of homeownership diminish for younger generations and wanting to keep that hope alive, making the process engaging and accessible for all.

One story Timothy shared illustrates his superpower in action. A longtime friend who owned a beauty salon wanted to buy a home but didn’t realize her business tax filings made her ineligible for a loan. Timothy patiently counseled her, laying out specific steps she would need to take to qualify. She followed his advice, and a year later, Timothy was able to help her secure a home for her family. The reward of seeing her succeed—and knowing he played a part—motivated him to help many others with similar challenges, always providing encouragement and guidance through the process.

Timothy’s suggestions for developing faith-driven passion as a personal strength include:

Encourage others, especially younger generations, to believe homeownership is possible

Lead with faith and keep moving forward despite setbacks

Seek out people and groups who share your mission to help others

Provide clear, actionable steps for those you mentor or support

Celebrate the successes of those you help to keep your own passion alive

By following Timothy’s example and advice, you can make faith-driven passion a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.

Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!

Guest Profile

Timothy Griggs (he/him):

CEO - Founder, Kribsavup

About Kribsavup: Kribsavup is a Social Fintech App that prepares users for homeownership by auto populating budgets, improving their credit profile, saving for their dream home or investment property using AI and gamification features.

Website: kribsavup.com

X/Twitter Handle: x.com/TheGoodSteward_

Company Facebook Page: facebook.com/tgsisthegoodsteward

Other URL: netcapital.com/companies/kribsavup

Biographical Information: With over 25 years in the real estate and brokerage industry, Timothy Griggs noticed that many of his clients struggled to navigate the modern home-buying market. Determined to make a difference, Timothy founded Kribsavup—a personal finance fintech app designed to help future generations and underrepresented individuals achieve their homeownership dreams.

Personal Facebook Profile: facebook.com/timothy.griggs.7

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/timothy-griggs-81352b94/

Instagram Handle: @kribsavup

Support Our Sponsors

Our generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today’s advertisers include FundingHope, RedLineSafety, and Crowdfunding Made Simple. Learn more about advertising with us here.

Max-Impact Members

The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:

Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name Here

Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar

If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.

Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on May 20, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.

SuperCrowdHour, May 21, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Devin Thorpe, Champion of Social Good and CEO of The Super Crowd, Inc., will lead a session on "The Secret to Higher Investment Returns via Impact Crowdfunding." He’ll share powerful strategies and real-world examples that show how aligning your investments with your values can lead to strong financial and social returns. If you're an investor looking to maximize impact or curious about the growing world of impact crowdfunding, this is a session you won’t want to miss! Don’t miss it!

Superpowers for Good Live Pitch – June 25, 2025, at 8:00 PM Eastern - Apply by June 6, 2025, to pitch your active Regulation Crowdfunding campaign live on Superpowers for Good—the e360tv show where impact meets capital. Selected founders will gain national exposure, connect with investors, and compete for prizes. To qualify, you must be raising via a FINRA-registered portal or broker-dealer and align with NC3’s Community Capital Principles. Founders from underrepresented communities are especially encouraged to apply. Don’t miss this chance to fuel your mission and grow your impact!

SuperCrowd25, August 21st and 22nd: This two-day virtual event is an annual tradition but with big upgrades for 2025! We’ll be streaming live across the web and on TV via e360tv. Soon, we’ll open a process for nominating speakers. Check back!

Community Event Calendar

Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.

African Diaspora Investment Symposium 2025 (ADIS25), Wednesday–Friday, May 28–30, 2025, at George Washington University, Washington, D.C., USA.

Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.

Call for community action:

Please show your support for a tax credit for investments made via Regulation Crowdfunding, benefiting both the investors and the small businesses that receive the investments. Learn more here.

If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 9,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.

We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode.

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.

Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.

Devin: What is your superpower?

Cameron: Ability to foster collaboration and build meaningful connections.

Peter: Courage to speak truth, even when facing potential backlash.

A major obstacle to global prosperity is the chronic underfunding of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), especially in emerging markets. In this episode of Superpowers for Good, Cameron Neil, CEO of LendForGood, and Peter Rostovsky, CEO of Raiseway, discussed their new collaboration that aims to close that gap. Together, they're making it easier for impact-driven businesses to raise capital and for everyday people to lend across borders.

LendForGood is already empowering impact enterprises in places like Asia, Africa, Latin America, and beyond to access much-needed debt financing from a global pool of lenders. Now, with Raiseway's support, these entrepreneurs will have access to tools that make running a crowdfunding campaign simpler, more efficient and more likely to succeed.

Peter explained, "There are so many elements to a crowdfunding campaign...this is super challenging even for large organizations...we want to be that platform that supports the campaign throughout the process."

The two companies align not just in function, but in values. Cameron emphasized that "the gap for small business capital access is significant...it's a real growing problem" that requires global infrastructure and collaboration to solve. The World Bank and UN have estimated that SMEs in emerging markets face an annual $5 trillion funding shortfall. The traditional financial system simply isn't built to serve them effectively. As banks consolidate, smaller loans become less profitable and more scarce.

Raiseway and LendForGood aim to fill that void. Their shared belief in the potential of debt crowdfunding—versus equity financing, which isn't ideal for most small businesses—fuels their work. As Peter noted, "Your community is never going to foreclose you."

Though not currently raising capital through a regulated investment crowdfunding campaign, both platforms are building the infrastructure and momentum for an ecosystem where everyday investors can meaningfully support small businesses doing good in the world.

This collaboration underscores the power of mission-aligned tech partnerships to tackle some of the world’s most stubborn problems. By streamlining access to impact capital, they’re helping to rewrite the rules of small business finance—on a global scale.

tl;dr:

LendForGood and Raiseway collaborate to simplify cross-border impact crowdfunding and support small businesses globally.

Cameron explains how LendForGood connects global lenders with impact enterprises needing debt financing.

Peter shares Raiseway's role in streamlining campaigns and making crowdfunding more accessible and effective.

Cameron and Peter discuss the massive global SME funding gap and why crowd lending is a vital solution.

They reveal their superpowers—collaboration and courage—and offer tips on using them to drive meaningful impact.

How to Develop Collaboration and Connectivity As a Superpower

Cameron Neil’s superpower lies in his ability to foster collaboration and build meaningful connections. Reflecting on his approach, he shared, “I have found an ability to… build collaborative initiatives, to build posses… or a network to form.” Cameron’s knack for bringing people together with shared goals and inspiring them to work collectively has been a cornerstone of his success. He credits this skill with driving impactful projects like LendForGood’s partnership with Raiseway.

Illustrative Anecdote:Cameron’s collaboration with Peter Rostovsky is a testament to his superpower. By recognizing the synergy between LendForGood and Raiseway, Cameron initiated a partnership that equips impact enterprises with tools to succeed in crowdfunding. Reflecting on this collaboration, he explained, “Peter and I connected and we took it somewhere… bringing our organizations and others on this journey.”

Tips for Developing the Superpower:

Visualize Outcomes: Identify a future state or goal that requires collective effort to achieve.

Seek Alignment: Find individuals or organizations that share your objectives and values.

Inspire Participation: Use your vision to motivate others to join and contribute meaningfully.

Build Trust: Focus on integrity and mutual respect to strengthen collaborative relationships.

Embrace Diversity: Collaborate with people who bring complementary skills and perspectives.

By following Cameron’s example and advice, you can make collaboration and connectivity a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.

How to Develop Courage to Speak Truth As a Superpower

Peter Rostovsky’s superpower is his courage to speak truth, even when facing potential backlash. Reflecting on a life-changing moment, Peter shared, “Something drastic really changed… I started being far more open about my views.” This courage to express his convictions, even at the cost of venture investor interest, has strengthened his connection with supporters and colleagues. His openness has inspired others, creating a space for dialogue and solidarity.

Illustrative Anecdote:Peter’s courage was tested following October 7th, when he began publicly sharing his views on Israel’s policy in Gaza. Despite knowing that his candidness would alienate venture investors, Peter chose integrity over business interests. This bold stance not only demonstrated his values but also attracted a supportive community that shares his vision for Raiseway.

Tips for Developing the Superpower:

Find Supportive Allies: Surround yourself with people who encourage and respect your honesty.

Prioritize Integrity: Focus on values over short-term gains to build lasting trust.

Practice Courage: Start by sharing your beliefs in safe spaces before expanding to larger platforms.

Embrace Vulnerability: Accept the risks of being open as a necessary part of authentic communication.

By following Peter’s example and advice, you can make courage to speak truth a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.

Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!

Guest Profile

Cameron Neil (he/him):

Co-Founder and CEO, LendForGood

About LendForGood: LendForGood is a global impact loan syndication platform mobilising millions in impact finance for the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Entrepreneur support organisations, accelerators, incubators, venture studios and early stage investors use LendForGood to run campaigns and raise impact debt from both our individual and organisational lender community and the supporters of their portfolio enterprises who are borrowing. Investors use LendForGood to efficiently discover and deploy capital to courageous impact enterprises helping to deliver the SDGs around the world. 

Website: lendforgood.io

Biographical Information: Cameron Neil is the co-founder, director and CEO of LendForGood, an impact loan syndication platform that is mobilising millions of dollars to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Has has three decades of experience in the impact sector, working across and between finance, business, technology, international development, corporate advisory and startups. Cameron played a pioneering role in the Fairtrade movement in the region, as well as the early days of B-Corp and Shared Value. His work now focuses on capital entrepreneurship and innovative finance to meet the challenges of the 21st century. As demonstrated through LendForGood, Cameron believes strongly in the power of people to come together in solidarity and through collaboration to create the communities and world that they want - 'all of us' is the largest untapped impact investment fund in the world!

Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/lendforgood

Guest Profile

Peter Rostovsky (he/him):

Co-Founder and CEO, Raiseway

About Raiseway: Raiseway is developing an affordable SaaS platform to equip businesses with AI-enabled tools to execute effective crowdfunding campaigns on platforms like LendForGood.

Website: raiseway.app

Company Facebook Page: facebook.com/raisewayapp

Biographical Information: Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Russia, Peter moved to New York at the age of 16. Peter studied political science and economics at CUNY Hunter College. Before joining the crowdfunding industry, he worked as a capital markets intelligence salesman.

Personal Facebook Profile: facebook.com/peter.rostovsky.7

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/peter-rostovsky

Instagram Handle: @pool_bread

Support Our Sponsors

Our generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today’s advertisers include FundingHope, KribSavUp, SuperCrowd25, and Crowdfunding Made Simple. Learn more about advertising with us here.

Max-Impact Members

The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:

Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name Here

Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar

If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.

Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on May 20, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.

SuperCrowdHour, May 21, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Devin Thorpe, Champion of Social Good and CEO of The Super Crowd, Inc., will lead a session on "The Secret to Higher Investment Returns via Impact Crowdfunding." He’ll share powerful strategies and real-world examples that show how aligning your investments with your values can lead to strong financial and social returns. If you're an investor looking to maximize impact or curious about the growing world of impact crowdfunding, this is a session you won’t want to miss! Don’t miss it!

SuperCrowd25, August 21st and 22nd: This two-day virtual event is an annual tradition but with big upgrades for 2025! We’ll be streaming live across the web and on TV via e360tv. Soon, we’ll open a process for nominating speakers. Check back!

Community Event Calendar

Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.

African Diaspora Investment Symposium 2025 (ADIS25), Wednesday–Friday, May 28–30, 2025, at George Washington University, Washington, D.C., USA.

Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.

Call for community action:

Please show your support for a tax credit for investments made via Regulation Crowdfunding, benefiting both the investors and the small businesses that receive the investments. Learn more here.

If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 9,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.

We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode.

Manage the volume of emails you receive from us by clicking here.

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.

Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.

Devin: What is your superpower?

Todd: I care

What if a favorite drink could change the world? That’s the ingenious idea behind Chef Todd Manley’s Mutiny Island Vodka. By using breadfruit—a tropical superfood—as its primary ingredient, Mutiny Island Vodka addresses two pressing global challenges: poverty and climate change.

Todd, a chef turned entrepreneur, explained how breadfruit transforms lives in tropical regions. “One breadfruit tree will feed a family of four for life,” he noted, emphasizing its nutritional and economic potential. In regions plagued by food insecurity and poverty, breadfruit provides not only sustenance but also economic opportunities. Farmers can grow breadfruit to feed their families, sell it locally, or export products like breadfruit flour. Mutiny Island Vodka incentivizes the planting of these trees, creating a sustainable cycle of economic growth and environmental restoration.

Breadfruit’s environmental benefits are equally impressive. Todd highlighted, “Breadfruit trees sequester hundreds of tons of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and they’re long living.” Unlike annual crops like wheat or corn that require replanting, breadfruit trees thrive for decades, continuously bearing fruit while pulling carbon dioxide from the air.

Mutiny Island Vodka, the world’s first vodka made from breadfruit, is more than just a spirit—it’s a movement. The company’s partnerships with organizations like the Trees That Feed Foundation amplify its impact. For every bottle sold or investment made, a breadfruit tree is planted in a region that needs it most. This initiative not only addresses food security but also serves as a scalable climate solution.

Todd and his team are currently raising funds through a regulation crowdfunding campaign on Start Engine. This capital will help expand production and distribution, bringing Mutiny Island Vodka to more people and creating even greater impact. Todd shared his ambitious vision: “We are set on becoming a household name...better cocktails, better planet.”

Todd’s innovative approach and commitment to making a difference demonstrate how business can be a force for good. Mutiny Island Vodka isn’t just a drink—it’s a tangible example of how ingenuity and purpose can tackle global challenges. Those interested in supporting this mission can explore the opportunity to invest and join the effort to fight poverty and save the planet, one sip at a time.

tl;dr:

Mutiny Island Vodka uses breadfruit to fight poverty and climate change while producing award-winning spirits.

Breadfruit trees provide food security, economic opportunities, and carbon sequestration in tropical regions.

Mutiny Island Vodka is raising funds via regulation crowdfunding to expand production and impact.

Todd’s superpower, caring, drives his work and fosters a network of trust and collaboration.

During the pandemic, Mutiny produced hand sanitizer for frontline workers, showcasing care and ingenuity.

How to Develop Caring As a Superpower

Todd’s superpower is his genuine care for others. He explained, “I think my number one superpower is I care.” This deep empathy fuels his work and draws like-minded people into his orbit, fostering a network of trust and collaboration. Todd elaborated, “When you find someone else that has that same superpower, you tend to really latch on to them...having that is just incredible.”

Illustrative Story:During the pandemic, Todd noticed that the Virgin Islands had no hand sanitizer for hospitals, police, or frontline workers. Leveraging Mutiny Island Vodka’s resources, his team began producing sanitizer using breadfruit-derived alcohol. This act of care not only met the community’s critical needs but also helped sustain the business during a challenging time.

Tips for Developing the Superpower:

Practice listening actively by using “two ears and one mouth” to understand others better.

Reframe negative thoughts or words into positive, solution-oriented language.

Cultivate empathy by considering what others might be experiencing.

Surround yourself with like-minded, caring individuals to foster collaboration and trust.

By following Todd’s example and advice, you can make caring a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.

Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!

Guest Profile

Chef Todd Manley (he/him):

CEO, Mutiny Island Vodka

About Mutiny Island Vodka: Our company was founded to produce the World's first, Island Vodka, hand crafted with breadfruit, Mutiny Island Vodka. The business has grown to encompass a production distillery, restaurant, tourist attraction, event venue, and of course Mutiny Island Vodka as a brand on its own. Mutiny Island Vodka is being featured on the shelves and menus of some notable partners such as:  The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Applebee's Franchisees, American Airlines Lounges, Virgin Voyages, and more. The partners align with the sustainability and altruistic components of the brand, ie; breadfruit!

Website: mutinyislandvodka.com

Company Facebook Page: facebook.com/search/top?q=mutiny%20island%20vodka

Other URL: startengine.com/offering/mutinyislandvodka

Biographical Information: Todd has been honored to receive numerous awards from "Chef of the Year" to multiple recognitions of his restaurants as the "best" in several categories, and nominated for an Elby Award in 2012 as a restaurant visionary. He has largely been self-employed his entire life, loving the challenge of taking ideas out of thin air and turning them into tangible, profitable realizations. He is a graduate and former graduate school student of Virginia Commonwealth University.

Since making the USVI his home, he has opened 5 successful businesses in a short four years, continually reinvesting in Christiansted and the USVI effectively helping pull up the town by reinvigorating interest in Christiansted during an economically gloomy period of time. In 2015, the community honored him through the Chamber of Commerce awarding him "Business Man of the Year.” The same year he received the U.S. Congressional Award for contributions to community and betterment of society for his achievements and helping the community of St. Croix.

His commitment to better the global community through his work with breadfruit and the breadfruit community resulted in being honored at the Global Breadfruit Summit in Hawaii in both 2018 and 2022 for contributions to the community and innovation. Mutiny Island Vodka also received an endorsement from a charity, Trees That Feed Foundation for using breadfruit as a substrate incentivizing the planting of breadfruit trees.

When he has free time, he can be found with his wife from Dominica, playing guitar, scuba diving, or on a beach! Todd works approximately 70-80 hours per week in his roles with Mutiny Island Vodka and approximately 1/2 hour per week as a founding Member of Smorrebrod, LLC.

Personal Facebook Profile: facebook.com/todd.manley.182

Instagram Handle: @cheftoddmutiny

Support Our Sponsors

Our generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today’s advertisers include FundingHope, SuperCrowd25, and Crowdfunding Made Simple. Learn more about advertising with us here.

Max-Impact Members

The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:

Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name Here

Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar

If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.

Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on May 20, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.

SuperCrowdHour, May 21, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Devin Thorpe, Champion of Social Good and CEO of The Super Crowd, Inc., will lead a session on "The Secret to Higher Investment Returns via Impact Crowdfunding." He’ll share powerful strategies and real-world examples that show how aligning your investments with your values can lead to strong financial and social returns. If you're an investor looking to maximize impact or curious about the growing world of impact crowdfunding, this is a session you won’t want to miss! Don’t miss it!

SuperCrowd25, August 21st and 22nd: This two-day virtual event is an annual tradition but with big upgrades for 2025! We’ll be streaming live across the web and on TV via e360tv. Soon, we’ll open a process for nominating speakers. Check back!

Community Event Calendar

Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.

Crowdfunding Addict: Lessons Learned from a Year of Daily Investments, Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET.

Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.

Call for community action:

Please show your support for a tax credit for investments made via Regulation Crowdfunding, benefiting both the investors and the small businesses that receive the investments. Learn more here.

If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 9,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.

We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode.