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

I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.

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

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.

Devin: What is your superpower?

Paul: When we're talking about superpowers, I don't think there is a greater superpower than to inspire people. I think that's the ultimate superpower because, in the end, the only minds we have control over changing are our own. The very best we could do for others is to inspire them. Now you have to ask the question, well, how do you inspire somebody? And I think that's done with love.

Crowd investing offers a unique opportunity to shape the future while achieving financial goals. Paul Lovejoy, Principal Investment Advisor of Stakeholder Enterprise, is passionate about this transformative investment approach. His personal journey, marked by financial trauma during the 2008 crisis, led him to discover the power of social enterprises and crowdfund investing.

Paul shared how his experiences inspired a shift in his career. “Through a dedication to practice personal development, I started to heal. And healing meant I needed to face my own past and my financial trauma,” he explained. This journey not only led him to confront his challenges but also to embrace a new way of investing. He described how platforms like SMBX and GroundFloor enable investors to support small businesses and local economies while earning returns.

Paul’s strategy emphasizes the importance of income-producing assets. “There’s no greater way to build wealth than through income-producing assets,” he noted. By investing in offerings with regular income streams, such as short-term real estate loans on GroundFloor or local business notes via SMBX, investors can achieve steady returns while creating positive social impact.

Paul also highlighted the broader implications of investment choices. “Where we place our capital really matters,” he said, urging investors to consider how their investments shape the world. His approach balances financial returns with a commitment to community empowerment, making impact crowdfunding both rewarding and sustainable.

For those looking to fully integrate crowd investments into their portfolios, Paul advocates seeking professional guidance. “You don’t want to go this alone,” he advised, stressing the importance of strategy and diversification.

Today’s episode underscores that impact crowdfunding is not just about funding businesses—it’s about shaping a better future while achieving personal financial goals.

tl;dr:

* Paul Lovejoy shared his passion for investing, sparked by childhood curiosity and personal experiences.

* Today’s episode revealed Paul’s transformative journey from financial trauma to embracing impact investing.

* Paul highlighted peer-to-peer lending and Regulation Crowdfunding as tools for creating social and financial change.

* Paul’s approach emphasizes investing in income-producing assets to build wealth and sustain communities.

* He advocates guiding and inspiring others with love, respect, and thoughtful questions to empower success.

How to Develop Inspiring with Love As a Superpower

Paul Lovejoy’s superpower is the ability to inspire others through love, acceptance, and respect. By fostering an environment of understanding and encouragement, Paul helps people embrace challenges, explore new possibilities, and achieve their goals.

Paul shared a touching story about his younger son, who aspired to join his school’s basketball team despite lacking prior experience. Instead of offering advice, Paul asked thoughtful questions to guide his son to discover his own solutions. By encouraging self-reflection, Paul empowered his son to practice, gain confidence, and actively work toward his goal. Seeing his son practice with friends and an assistant coach underscored the transformative power of inspiration.

Tips for Developing the Superpower:

* Cultivate Acceptance and Respect: Create spaces where people feel valued for who they are.

* Ask Thoughtful Questions: Guide others to discover their own paths rather than dictating solutions.

* Let Go of Blame: Recognize and release anger or blame to open yourself to love and acceptance.

* Embrace Humility: Focus on being the best version of yourself rather than trying to control others.

By following Paul’s example and advice, you can make inspiring with love 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

Paul Lovejoy (he/him):

Principal Investment Advisor, Stakeholder Enterprise

About Stakeholder Enterprise: Stakeholder Enterprise is a Registered Investment Advisory firm and home of the Crowd Investor Program, a three-part initiative to ethically build wealth through private market crowd investing. We offer custom personal financial plans for both unexpected expenses and planned financial goals. Our mission is to accelerate the economic well-being of compassionate people by providing advice and plans on investments seeking risk-adjusted market returns in small businesses, as well as environmental solutions and investments that bridge the wealth divide.

Website: www.stakeholderenterprise.com

Other URL: feeds.captivate.fm/stakeholder-enterprise/stakeholder-enterprise/

Biographical Information: Paul was a defrauded real estate investor in 2008, experiencing intense financial shame and loss. For the next 8 years, he stayed in the real estate industry suffering in silence. In 2016, he began practicing personal development and discovered that personal finance has more to do with personal growth than actual finance. His journey of personal development led him to a career in wealth strategy. It was this career shift that gave him the knowledge to understand the Global Financial Crisis of 2008, the unethical nature of the financial service industry and the regenerative power of crowd-sourced financing. In 2022, Paul opened the doors to the nation's first crowd investment advisory, Stakeholder Enterprise, offering financial plans to compassionate people seeking financial stability through ethical wealth-building practices.

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/paul-lovejoy/

Instagram Handle: @paul.lovejoy

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, Mivium, Abby and SuperCrowd Impact Membership. Learn more about advertising with us here.

Max-Impact Members

The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support to keep us operating:

Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Add Your Name Here

Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar

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

* SuperCrowd Mastermind Group, twice monthly on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays at noon Eastern. This group is for entrepreneurs and small business owners interested in raising money from the crowd. Attend your first meeting free!

* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on November 19, 2024, 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, November 20, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At …

I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.

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

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.

Devin: What is your superpower?

Eric: My superpower is really the ability to communicate. I'm a marketing person.

Mivium, led by CEO Eric Tsai, is pioneering a new wave in semiconductor technology with gallium nitride (GaN), a material poised to replace silicon in a variety of applications. GaN not only increases efficiency but also reduces energy consumption in devices, a benefit that’s especially valuable as AI and data centers grow in demand. “Our process keeps our production output clean, and we don’t use toxic materials,” Eric explained. This shift addresses the environmental and health issues plaguing traditional semiconductor production.

The company’s unique GaN production technique offers substantial benefits, from fast-switching properties to downsized device components. “GaN has a fast-switching property... and it can perform double as fast and better,” Eric said, adding that it’s currently being used in chargers, with plans to expand into data centers where it can dramatically cut energy usage. These advantages make Mivium’s gallium nitride a significant contender in the drive toward sustainable tech.

In a promising move for both the business and potential investors, Mivium is raising capital through a regulated investment crowdfunding campaign on Equifund. This approach allows everyday investors to support groundbreaking tech, which Eric himself champions as a crowdfunding advocate. By sharing Mivium’s journey with the public, he aims to democratize early-stage investment opportunities, giving people a chance to invest in future tech with high social and environmental value.

As Mivium’s crowdfunding progresses, it may inspire tech enthusiasts and impact investors alike to support a cleaner, more efficient semiconductor future.

Explore GaN chargers on Amazon.

tl;dr:

* Eric Tsai’s Mivium focuses on gallium nitride (GaN) to replace silicon, improving efficiency and sustainability.

* GaN's fast-switching properties make devices smaller, more powerful, and less energy-intensive.

* Mivium’s unique, clean GaN production process avoids the toxic materials typical in semiconductors.

* Nevada’s tech-friendly policies support Mivium’s plans to establish a new “gallium valley” in Reno.

* By crowdfunding, Eric brings everyday investors into Mivium’s journey, making early-stage investing accessible.

How to Develop Effective Communication As a Superpower

Eric’s superpower is his ability to communicate complex ideas in relatable ways. As a seasoned marketing professional, he has mastered the art of translating technical concepts into simple analogies that resonate with diverse audiences, especially in high-tech fields like semiconductors. This skill allows him to bridge gaps in understanding, helping people grasp the value and impact of innovations, even without specialized knowledge.

In today’s episode, Eric shared how he explains the intricate science behind Mivium’s gallium nitride (GaN) technology. Comparing GaN to "flour" for baking, he helps people visualize Mivium’s product as a better alternative to silicon. By presenting the science as an everyday item, he enables audiences to connect with Mivium’s mission. This analogy makes it easier for potential investors and customers to understand GaN’s advantages, such as improved energy efficiency, which contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable tech future.

Tips for Developing Effective Communication as a Superpower:

* Think from the Other Person's Perspective: Approach communication by considering the audience's interests and needs. Tailor your message so they feel you genuinely care about them and their concerns.

* Use Analogies to Simplify Complex Ideas: Find familiar comparisons, like Eric’s “flour” analogy, to help people understand technical or abstract concepts.

* Tell a Compelling Story: Craft your messaging as a narrative. A good story resonates more and helps audiences remember your message.

* Conduct Surveys and Gather Feedback: Regularly survey customers and prospects to ensure your message aligns with their needs and experiences, making necessary adjustments to improve clarity.

By following Eric Tsai’s example and advice, you can make effective communication 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

Eric Tsai (he/him):

CEO, Mivium, Inc.

About Mivium, Inc.: Mivium develops advanced semiconductor materials to meet the current and future needs of society. We strive to deliver innovative deep-tech solutions by unlocking the true potential of material science.

Website: www.mivium.com

Other URL: invest.equifund.com/offering/mivium/details

Biographical Information: Eric Tsai is Co-Founder and CEO of Mivium, where he leads the overall strategic vision and oversees the entire business. Experienced in building global brands while operating global supply chains, he previously pioneered numerous hyper-growth business innovations for multiple startups to Fortune 100 companies. More recently, he served as the Vice President of Marketing & Business Development for Joybird, a direct-to-consumer brand he helped build from $10M to $200M+ and was later acquired by La-Z-Boy Corporation. During his tenure with the company, he amassed $790M in total revenue for the business. Eric’s work has been featured by Google, Meta, and Pinterest, as well as in publications such as VentureBeat, Forbes, CMO.com, Entrepreneur, and Internet Retailing.

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/erictsai/

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, Mivium, Abby and Inner Space. Learn more about advertising with us here.

Max-Impact Members

The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support to keep us operating:

Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Add Your Name Here

Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar

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

* SuperCrowd Mastermind Group, twice monthly on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays at noon Eastern. This group is for entrepreneurs and small business owners interested in raising money from the crowd. Attend your first meeting free!

* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on November 19, 2024, 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, November 20, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At November’s SuperCrowdHour, Devin will explain six common investment types you need to understand before you can invest like a pro. Free to attend.

Community Event Calendar

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

* Community Revitalization, Thursdays, 10:00 AM Eastern.

* Crowdfunding Unlocked, WorldTree, Thursday, November 14 at 3:00 ET/Noon PT. Devin Thorpe, Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau and Cathy Key.

* Main Street Skowhegan and NC3 Entrepreneur Finance Workshop Series, September 17 - November 19, 2023.

* 2025 Earthshot Prize Application window open…

I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.

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

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.

Devin: What is your superpower?

Maneesa: I would say my superpower is an inability to give up.

Food waste is the largest contributor to the municipal waste stream, yet it's managed with century-old methods like trash chutes and compactors. This is where ZeroDay, under the leadership of CEO and co-founder Maneesa Wijesinghe-Nelken, steps in. ZeroDay’s solution: robotics and automation designed to handle food waste at the source, within urban buildings like hotels, offices, and restaurants. This innovative approach offers both a reduction in labor and a decrease in the operational expenses associated with traditional waste management.

ZeroDay’s technology compresses food waste into manageable blocks wrapped in a special bio-wrapper. “Our machines achieve significant volume reduction by up to 75 percent,” Maneesa explains, “which cuts down on the truck trips needed to collect and transport waste, ultimately lowering costs for composting or biogas production.”

The potential impact of this innovation is immense. Food waste in landfills emits methane—a greenhouse gas approximately 80 times more potent than CO₂ over a 20-year period. By diverting food waste from landfills and into sustainable processes like composting and biogas production, ZeroDay contributes to reducing urban carbon footprints.

Based in New York City, where waste management challenges are pervasive, ZeroDay is piloting its technology in an environment ripe for change. Maneesa envisions scaling this model to other major cities, where food waste management remains a pressing issue.

tl;dr:

* Today’s episode highlights ZeroDay’s robotic solution that compresses food waste into sustainable, compact blocks.

* Maneesa explains how ZeroDay’s technology reduces landfill waste and methane emissions significantly.

* ZeroDay’s automation helps urban buildings manage food waste more efficiently, saving labor and operational costs.

* Maneesa’s unshakeable optimism drives her to overcome challenges and create impactful technology solutions.

* ZeroDay is currently piloting its waste management technology with business customers across New York City.

How to Develop Relentless Determination As a Superpower

Maneesa’s superpower is a relentless determination to succeed. She describes herself as “a blind optimist” who refuses to give up, driven by an unwavering belief that she’ll overcome any obstacles. This internal drive allows her to push through challenges and keep moving forward, even when the path isn’t clear.

An example of Maneesa’s relentless determination is her experience building ZeroDay’s first working prototype. Despite limited experience in hard tech, she and her co-founder faced the intense challenge of building a robotic food-waste processing machine in a month for a demonstration. Maneesa’s commitment was so deep that, even after injuring herself on a circular saw, she persisted and completed the prototype. Their efforts led to a successful demo that generated significant interest from businesses and validated their concept despite the grueling process.

Tips for Developing This Superpower:

* Cultivate blind optimism by finding an inner voice that reminds you success is possible.

* Embrace spirituality or meditation practices to build resilience and maintain focus.

* Approach challenges with an open mind, seeing each one as an opportunity to learn.

* Believe in the purpose behind your work to fuel your drive, even in tough times.

Closing Paragraph:By following Maneesa’s example and advice, you can make relentless determination 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

Maneesa Wijesinghe-Nelken (she/her):

CEO & Co-founder, ZeroDay

About ZeroDay: ZeroDay automates the archaic food waste management system in businesses, allowing them to save money, comply with regulations, and prevent food waste from entering landfills.

Website: www.zeroday.life

Biographical Information: Maneesa previously served as the Director of the Regenerative and Circular Economy Lab, a think tank at the University of Oxford's Smith School of Enterprise and Environment. In this role, she collaborated with large corporations such as Nike and Unilever and small local organizations to develop and implement circular business solutions on various scales. She is also a fellow of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and has completed a study to earn the "From Linear to Circular" professional certification. She holds an MBA from the University of Oxford, specializing in circular business models. Before this, she was an early employee at disruptive tech companies such as Datadog and Okta, focusing on technical solutions and enterprise sales. Maneesa's educational background includes a Bachelors in Physics and Electrical Engineering from Northwestern University. As a native of Sri Lanka, she has firsthand experience of the environmental damage caused by the waste crisis, including witnessing the 2017 Meethotamulla garbage dump disaster. Her experiences have fueled her ambition to combat the waste crisis.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/maneesawn/

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, Mivium, Abby and The SuperCrowd Mastermind Group. Learn more about advertising with us here.

Max-Impact Members

The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support to keep us operating:

Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Add Your Name Here

Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar

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

* SuperCrowd Mastermind Group, twice monthly on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays at noon Eastern. This group is for entrepreneurs and small business owners interested in raising money from the crowd. Attend your first meeting free!

* Superpowers for Good Televised Live Pitch, November 13, 9:00 PM Eastern during primetime. At the event, judges will select their pick, and the audience will select the SuperCrowd Award recipient. Put the date on your calendar to watch it live!

* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on November 19, 2024, 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, November 20, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At November’s SuperCrowdHour, Devin will explain six common investment types you need to understand before you can invest like a pro. Free to attend.

Community Event Calendar

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

* Community Revitalization, Thursdays, 10:00 AM Eastern.

* Crowdfunding Unlocked, WorldTree, Thursday, November 14 at 3:00 ET/Noon PT. Devin Thorpe, Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau and Cathy Key.

* Main Street Skowhegan and NC3 Entrepreneur Finance Workshop Series, September 17 - November 19, 2023.

* 2025 Earthshot Prize Application window open through November 15, 2024. Apply today!

* Asheville Neighborhood Economics, date TBD following impact of…

I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.

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

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.

Devin: What is your superpower? 

Logan: I think one of the superpowers I like to think I have is the ability to just keep getting back up.

Graze Robotics is making waves by tackling environmental challenges and reshaping labor dynamics in commercial landscaping. At the helm of this pioneering company is Logan Fahey Franz, who’s raised nearly $25 million from everyday investors to scale the company’s eco-friendly, fully autonomous electric lawnmowers. These robots are purpose-built for large-scale sites, including golf courses, solar fields, and municipal properties, where they deliver precision and efficiency at a lower cost than traditional methods.

“Being a fully electric solution is important to us,” Logan explained during our conversation. “But you think about the Graze unit—the tractor holds all of the autonomy. We're not just solving mowing; we have attachments for collecting golf balls on driving ranges and upcoming attachments to clean cart paths.” His passion for environmental solutions shines as he discusses how Graze Robotics’ technology responds to noise restrictions and emissions bans, increasingly common at local and state levels.

The company has mastered unique capabilities like night mowing, which is ideal for solar fields since panels lie flat after sunset. Graze’s approach is both forward-thinking and practical. In Logan's words, “Operating at night is a unique element... mowing at night is really the most efficient because the panels are set to flat.”

As Graze Robotics continues to grow, Logan and his team aim to scale their impact with a projected 150 robotic units rolling out in early 2025. With tens of thousands of potential deployments on the horizon, Graze is poised to meet the ever-growing demand for sustainable, automated lawn care.

tl;dr:

* In today’s episode, Logan Fahey Franz shares insights into Graze Robotics' eco-friendly, autonomous robotic mowers, which are transforming large-scale landscaping for golf courses, solar fields, and municipalities.

* Logan highlights Graze Robotics' unique night-mowing capability, which increases efficiency for solar fields, where mowing during the day would interfere with panel orientation toward the sun.

* Addressing labor shortages and rising environmental standards, Logan emphasizes how Graze’s robots reduce costs, enable workforce reallocation to higher-value tasks and comply with local noise and emissions regulations.

* Logan’s journey from nonprofit social enterprises to leading a high-tech robotics company demonstrates his passion for integrating sustainability and social good with business, especially through innovative, scalable solutions.

* For those interested in impact investing, Logan invites potential investors to explore Graze Robotics’ offerings, which remain accessible to both traditional and crowd investors through ongoing investment opportunities.

How to Develop Resilience As a Superpower

Logan’s superpower lies in his resilience—his ability to “keep getting back up” after failures and setbacks. From early challenges in starting businesses to public defeat in a political campaign, Logan has consistently shown that he can recover and forge ahead with renewed purpose and determination.

One of the most impactful examples of Logan’s resilience came after he ran for city council in Cleveland and lost by a significant margin. Rather than letting the public loss dissuade him, he used this setback as a springboard to create Fay Group, rallying investors—including former campaign donors—to support his vision. Through this experience, he gained invaluable lessons in facing rejection and staying committed to his goals, which he has applied to his leadership at Graze Robotics and other ventures.

Tips for Developing Resilience:

* Embrace Failure as a Learning Tool – Understand that setbacks are part of the process and provide valuable lessons for growth.

* Seek External Advisors – Lean on mentors and experienced professionals for guidance, particularly when evaluating when to pivot or persist.

* Set Personal Goals – Know what you want to accomplish so that internal motivation can fuel your resilience during tough times.

* Build a Supportive Network – Surround yourself with people who can offer perspective and encouragement, helping you see past temporary defeats.

By following Logan’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

Logan Fahey Franz (he/him):

Chief Executive Officer, Graze Robotics

About Graze Robotics: Graze is a full-stack automation, robotics, and AI company focused on enabling the service industry to do more with less. We are more than just a developer of autonomous commercial lawnmowers; we are architects of progress. With each stride we make, we move closer to simplifying maintenance across diverse landscapes. From airports to golf courses and government properties to solar fields, we're redefining how maintenance is approached through intelligent, eco-friendly, autonomous tools.

Website: www.grazemowing.com

X/Twitter Handle: @grazemowing

Company Facebook Page: fb.com/grazemowing

Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/graze-mowing

Other URL: www.invest.grazerobotics.com

Biographical Information: Logan Fahey is the current President and CEO of Graze Robotics - a developer of fully commercial autonomous mowers for airports, golf courses and solar fields.With experience ranging from running a family office to social enterprise to disrupting markets through technology innovation, Logan has built a unique and successful career as an entrepreneur and visionary. In a variety of roles with for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, Logan has headed effective teams and met ambitious goals through strategic innovation, always with a diligent focus on managing the bottom line.Logan started his career in 2012, managing the family office for PartsSource, the world’s largest medical parts provider. He also headed the PartsSource foundation and ran the company’s real-estate venture capital program, New Vista Ventures.Building on relationships developed during his time with Towards Employment (former venture), Logan assembled the board of directors for Fahey Group, a holdings company that he founded in 2016. Fahey Group’s acquisitions include Landmark Lawn and Garden Supply, a northeast Ohio wholesale supplier and retail center that was in the red.At Landmark, Logan and the new management team overhauled the business by consolidating its stores, improving its supply chain, reducing costs, expanding net margins, and increasing net income. Landmark’s successes also included launching an e-commerce business that generated $30+ million in increased revenue, recreating its brand for the direct-to-consumer and direct-to-business markets, and selling its locations, providing a significant return to shareholders.The next venture was Robin Autopilot, a robotic lawn care company based in Dallas-Fort Worth. Fahey Group acquired Robin in 2019 as a distressed asset backed by MTD Holdings (now Stanley Black and Decker). As Robin’s new CEO, Logan hired a new management team and repositioned the company as a RaaS firm with a Software-as-a-Service component (including multi-manufacturer fleet management solutions). Robin later became a Husqvarna Venture.Logan lives in Dallas with his husband, Luke, who is a land-use attorney with L…

I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.

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

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.

Devin: What is your superpower?

Zufi: My superpowers are to bring people together and get them to be passionate or show their passion for a cause they truly believe in.

Gen Z is a generation characterized by its desire for meaningful engagement and activism. In today’s episode of Superpowers for Good, Zufi Deo, co-founder of BizGees Ltd, shares how his social enterprise harnesses that passion to support post-conflict communities through a project called Arts4Refugees.

The program collaborates closely with Gen Z, integrating their talents and perspectives into storytelling that shines a light on the lives and challenges faced by refugees. Zufi explained, “We work with 250 plus Gen Z. They create user-generated content for us, and then we share that publicly. So it's for Gen Z, by Gen Z, with Gen Z.”

What makes Arts4Refugees unique is its multidimensional approach. Participants aren't just creating content; they are directly connected with the subject matter through hands-on learning experiences. “Tomorrow morning, for example, I'm onboarding 17 students from King's College, London, War Studies Department. They’ll be trained as student journalists to write articles on post-conflict topics,” Zufi shared. These articles are often recorded as podcasts, offering a personal touch that highlights the deep connections these young writers have with their topics, especially for those with refugee backgrounds themselves.

The initiative's work goes beyond raising awareness—it informs policymakers and influences strategic frameworks. For instance, BizGees shared insights with the Boston Consulting Group for a UNHCR report, showing the program’s real-world impact.

BizGees, a hybrid social enterprise, demonstrates how for-profit strategies can be leveraged to create sustainable social change, tapping into capitalism to fuel global impact. As Zufi put it, “We use a for-profit mechanism to achieve [social value]. That allows us to tap into the resources of capitalism... to meet everyone’s needs economically, but also emotionally and socially.”

Zufi's insights remind us of the power of peer-to-peer connection and the role young people play in reshaping narratives around refugees.

tl;dr:

* Empowering Gen Z for Social Impact: In this episode, Zufi Deo discusses how BizGees engages Gen Z to create user-generated content that raises awareness about post-conflict communities, fostering a unique "by Gen Z, for Gen Z" model of social involvement.

* Building Passionate Communities: Zufi’s superpower lies in his ability to unite people and inspire them to act on causes they believe in. He recounted organizing business mentorships in London to support thousands of entrepreneurs, highlighting the power of collective passion.

* Human-Centric Engagement: A central theme in today’s conversation was the emphasis on treating people as human beings, not numbers. Zufi shared that this approach, though more time-consuming and costly, leads to deeper connections and more impactful results.

* Personal Stories to Drive Connection: The episode featured moving examples of individuals who, through Arts4Refugees, not only gained support but contributed their experiences to educate and inform others, illustrating the profound peer-to-peer learning model in action.

* Social Enterprise for Sustainable Change: BizGees, described as a hybrid social enterprise, showcases how for-profit structures can be leveraged to support meaningful social outcomes, combining the resources of capitalism with a mission to foster global awareness and empathy.

How to Develop Inspiring Collective Action As a Superpower

Zufi’s superpower lies in his remarkable ability to bring people together and ignite their passion for causes that matter. This talent has allowed him to lead impactful initiatives and support individuals and groups toward achieving meaningful goals.

In today’s episode, Zufi highlighted how he discovered his superpower during his time in London, where he supported over 2,000 entrepreneurs over a decade by organizing teams of business mentors to guide them. He described how fostering an environment where people felt connected to a purpose and to each other was at the core of his work.

An illustrative story that exemplifies Zufi’s superpower involved a well-connected but struggling entrepreneur who had organized a group for women but couldn’t find mentors. Zufi recounted, “She literally came to tears because she did not know what to do or where to go.” He and his team stepped in, mentoring the group monthly and teaching them how to find support, ultimately empowering them to take ownership and thrive.

Zufi’s approach for developing this superpower includes actionable tips:

* See individuals as human beings with inherent value, not just numbers or names.

* Dedicate time and resources to foster genuine, person-to-person connections.

* Build small, manageable groups for better interaction and deeper engagement.

* Embed empathy and respect in every interaction, even if it requires more time and effort.

By following Zufi Deo’s example and advice, you can make inspiring collective 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

Zufi Deo (he/him):

Co Founder, BizGees Ltd

About BizGees Ltd: We use Web 3 gaming to bring autonomy globally.  We achieve this by creating jobs & wealth in post conflict societies and by supporting communities where our customers are based in an eco friendly way. 

Website: www.arts4refugees.com and www.bizgees.org

X/Twitter Handle: @arts4refugees and @BizGees

Company Facebook Page: fb.com/Arts4Refugees

Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/bizgees/

Other URL: impactentrepreneur.com

Biographical Information: Zufi is currently the co-founder of BizGees - a web 3 gaming/ fintech marketplace. He was a Board Advisory member at Marketplace Risk for 2023. Panel facilitator - transition to Web 3 at the MarketPlace Risk Conference, London, 2023. Speaker at the Sharing Economy Global Summit, London, 2021 & '22. Panellist FinTech Week London, 2019 - FinTech, Social Impact and Emerging Markets. Panellist Digital Impact Week London 2019. UK Top 50 Business Advisers 2014 & 2018. Mass Challenge Judge 2019. Guest Speaker at Wharton Social Entrepreneurs course 2018. Winning team member at the UNICEF Fintech Jam 2016, London. Mass Challenge Business Mentor and a Judge on NYU Stern Entrepreneurs Challenge 2015/16. Member of the judging panel for the 2014 Sirius Programme organised by the UKTI. Zufi organised peer-to-peer support for entrepreneurs in London for 10 years. He based this support on the principles of the sharing economy and supported 2,000 entrepreneurs. He has also supported MBA Level Students with their startups for 6 years. This was offered via King's College, London and the Enterprise Future Network (Founding Member). He successfully applied Military Strategic Thought for the High Growth SME sector. He uses a customised version of the SECI Framework (KM Framework) to co-generate innovation.He has an Action Learning based MBA in International Business Management with an SME focus and a qualified Enterprise Mentor. His work on Business Strategy Implementation was published in an Innovation and Entrepreneurial Journal and the Chief Strategy Officer Magazine. He recently authored MBA for Startups (available in 5 international languages).

X/Twitter Handle: @ZulfiqarDeo

Personal…

I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.

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

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.

Devin: What is your superpower?

Frank: My job is to connect ideas, people, resources. And that is, I don't know if that's a superpower or just an obsession, but really constantly looking for creative ways to do that is really what my primary mission and work is.

In today’s world, effective giving can create far-reaching impact, amplifying each dollar’s potential to transform communities and save lives. During this episode of Superpowers for Good, I spoke with Frank Fredericks, Executive Director of One for the World, about this high-impact approach to philanthropy.

Frank shared a compelling truth: “The latest research shows the most highly effective organizations can be a hundred times or even more effective than your average nonprofit.” This revelation underpins One for the World’s mission, which seeks to drive donations toward top-performing charities vetted through rigorous evaluation, including by GiveWell. This process identifies organizations where donations make a substantial impact in areas like global public health and poverty alleviation.

One area where this approach shines is in malaria prevention. “Two of the four organizations on GiveWell's list are…focused on malaria,” Frank explained, highlighting that Against Malaria Foundation and Malaria Consortium use cost-effective strategies like distributing bed nets in malaria-endemic regions, ultimately saving lives at minimal cost per intervention. But the impact isn’t limited to specific diseases. Frank noted that initiatives like New Incentives provide timely support to families needing help with child vaccinations, building community resilience.

This episode illuminates a powerful philosophy: by giving smarter, we can do more with each dollar. Through One for the World, donors can channel their resources into strategies that measurably reduce suffering, especially for vulnerable communities. As Frank noted, we may be closer than we think to a world without extreme poverty—if we commit to giving effectively.

tl;dr:

* In today’s episode, Frank Fredericks highlighted the transformative impact of effective giving, explaining how directing funds to the most effective charities can multiply the impact of each dollar by up to a hundred times.

* Frank described how One for the World leverages research by organizations like GiveWell to identify charities with proven life-saving outcomes, particularly those focused on issues like malaria prevention and childhood nutrition.

* The conversation underscored the power of targeted philanthropic strategies, with Frank emphasizing cost-effectiveness metrics, such as dollars per life saved, as a critical measure for meaningful impact.

* Reflecting on the global decline in poverty and preventable diseases, Frank conveyed optimism that, with continued support, these challenges could be largely eradicated within a generation.

* Frank encouraged donors to keep an open, evolving approach to philanthropy, continually assessing new evidence to maximize impact and achieve sustainable change on a global scale.

How to Develop Connection-Building As a Superpower

Frank’s superpower lies in his talent for connecting people, ideas, and resources to reduce human suffering and expand human flourishing. He sees himself as a conduit for impactful change, fostering relationships and opportunities that multiply the positive effects of social good. This superpower, he notes, is as much an obsession as it is a skill—one he uses consistently in both his personal mission and professional roles.

Frank illustrated his superpower through a consulting experience with a baby skincare startup. The team initially assumed that hypoallergenic products were the primary selling point. But as they engaged with working mothers, they uncovered a deeper emotional need: these mothers valued products that allowed them to demonstrate their care for their children, even while balancing careers. Frank’s curiosity-driven approach revealed an unexpected market insight, enabling the team to reshape its strategy around a genuine connection with their target customers.

Tips for Developing This Superpower:

* Seek Personal Connections – Prioritize relationships in your work and make it personal. Show genuine interest and empathy toward those you work with.

* Focus on Persuasion – Cultivate persuasive skills. Remember that knowledge alone isn’t enough to drive change; creating understanding is essential.

* Embrace Exploration – Stay open-minded and curious. Adopt a “lean startup” approach, continually testing assumptions and being ready to pivot based on real insights.

By following Frank’s example and advice, you can make connection-building 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

Frank Fredericks (he/him):

Executive Director, One for the World

About One for the World: With the mission of scaling the effective giving movement addressing global poverty, One for the World inspires young professionals to commit 1% of their income to highly effective charities. One for the World has moved some $7M to highly effective charities to date and continues to expand through campus engagement and corporate talks.

Website: 1fortheworld.org

X/Twitter Handle: @1fortheworldorg

Company Facebook Page: fb.com/onefortheworldhq

Instagram Handle: @1fortheworld

Biographical Information: Frank Fredericks is the Executive Director of One for the World, an effective giving nonprofit. Previously, Frank founded World Faith, a global NGO addressing religious violence, and Mean Communications, a digital agency for social good. He also worked as a Senior Entrepreneur at Accenture, leading their Social Innovator Accelerator. He did his BM at NYU and his MBA at Oxford University as a Global Shaper Scholar. He teaches Social Entrepreneurship as an adjunct professor at IE. He serves as a Board Member of Community Board 1 in Queens, New York, where he lives with his wife and three children.

X/Twitter Handle: @frankiefreds

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/frankiefredericks

Instagram Handle: @frankiefreds

Max-Impact Members

The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support to keep us operating:

Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Add Your Name Here

Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar

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

* SuperCrowd Mastermind Group, twice monthly on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays at noon Eastern. This group is for entrepreneurs and small business owners interested in raising money from the crowd. Attend your first meeting free!

* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on November 19, 2024, 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.

* Superpowers for Good Televised Live Pitch, November 13, 9:00 PM Eastern during primetime. At the event, judges will select their pick, and the audience will select the SuperCrowd Award recipient. Put the date on your calendar to watch it live!

* SuperCrowdHour, November 20, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneur…

I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.

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

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.

Devin: What is your superpower?

Jess: Well, I love this question because I think there are different kinds of superpowers. The one that makes everybody laugh the most—because one of my superpowers is being able to make people laugh—is that I know how to fold a fitted sheet. And that is only impressive to the people who don't know how to fold a fitted sheet.

Creating workplaces that truly foster belonging requires more than superficial gestures or simply ticking diversity boxes. In today’s episode of Superpowers for Good, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jess Pettitt, author of Almost Doing Good, who shared insights into why even well-intentioned inclusion efforts can sometimes backfire.

Jess’s approach begins with a powerful metaphor: “Stop spit polishing a landmine.” She uses this phrase to caution against pouring energy into ineffective or even harmful initiatives. “You could be very good at it,” she notes, “but doing it harder or better if it is the wrong activity is not helping, and in this case, it’s actually making it even more dangerous.” Her message resonates with the reality that real progress requires alignment between intention and the specific needs of the workplace culture rather than pursuing blanket solutions.

During our conversation, Jess emphasized that many organizations hesitate to take decisive, meaningful action because they are “not the worst” when it comes to diversity and inclusion. Yet, this complacency stifles the momentum needed for real change. Her advice is simple but profound: recognize problems you don’t experience yourself. This means cultivating a culture where it’s safe to ask questions about unfamiliar challenges and invite perspectives that may feel uncomfortable but ultimately lead to growth.

Through humor and a focus on honest, probing questions, Jess’s approach to workplace inclusion inspires us to think beyond the surface and strive for sustainable impact. For those of us committed to creating positive change, her insights serve as a vital reminder: only when we stop polishing the landmine can we start to make real progress.

tl;dr:

* In today’s episode, Jess Pettitt shares insights from her new book, Almost Doing Good, exploring how well-intentioned efforts in workplaces often falter due to unpreparedness or knee-jerk reactions.

* Jess emphasizes the importance of recognizing “problems you don’t experience,” encouraging leaders to approach challenges they may not personally face with empathy and understanding.

* To make lasting impact, Jess advocates for thoughtful, prepared responses rather than relying on superficial, one-size-fits-all solutions that can cause more harm than good.

* Humor, Jess’s superpower, becomes a powerful tool to bridge understanding and ease tension, especially around sensitive topics like diversity, equity, and inclusion.

* Jess uses relatable humor to invite people into uncomfortable conversations, transforming resistance and defensiveness into openness and genuine curiosity.

How to Develop Humor and Connection As a Superpower

Jess Pettitt’s superpower is her ability to use humor to connect with people and shift even the heaviest of situations toward openness and understanding. By finding humor in everyday challenges and serious topics alike, Jess creates an environment where people feel safe to engage deeply without defensiveness or fear, bridging gaps and inviting constructive dialogue.

One memorable example Jess shared was from her work as an emcee. She was tasked with following a speaker who had delivered somber, heavy news to the audience. When Jess took the stage, she broke the tension by saying, “So, y’all been talking about anything important lately?” This light-hearted comment sparked laughter, diffusing the tension and setting a new tone for the event. Her humor allowed the audience to reset, making them receptive to her positive energy.

Tips for Developing Humor as a Strength

* Recognize Humor in Dark Places: Embrace humor even around difficult or sensitive topics, as it can ease discomfort and open up meaningful conversations.

* Make Unlikely Connections: Practice linking two unrelated things to create a humorous perspective. Look for similarities in seemingly disconnected ideas.

* Use Humor to Break Tension: Address the elephant in the room with humor to reset the tone and connect with your audience.

* Embrace Imperfection: Jess believes in being “good enough now,” focusing on doing the best with what you’ve got. Apply humor in a way that feels authentic rather than perfect.

By following Jess Pettitt’s example and advice, you can make humor 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

Jess Pettitt (she/her):

Speaker/Consultant/Author/Cheese Lover, Good Enough Now

About Good Enough Now: Consulting/Speaking organization run by 3 rescue mutts and myself

Website: www.GoodEnoughNow.com

Company Facebook Page: I am Good Enough Now

Other URL: almostdoinggood.com

Biographical Information: Perhaps it’s her Texas roots, but Jess Pettitt, MBA, M.Ed., CSP, believes that to really thrive in this world, you have to ride two horses—one of giving and one of receiving. For Jess, the giving horse is her passion for service, and the receiving horse is the high she rides entertaining audiences.For almost 10 years, Jess rode one horse by day, serving as an administrator in student affairs for university Diversity and Inclusion programs, and the other by night, performing and hosting three times a week doing stand-up in New York City’s most popular comedy clubs (ask her about George Carlin’s nickname for her or sharing an eggroll birthday cake with Bob Newhart).Eventually, Jess discovered she could ride both horses at the same time in the same career, and a speaker in the DEI space was born. Now, nearly 20 years and half a million audience members later, Jess gallops from coast to coast delivering her “Good Enough Now” message to anyone willing to take the leap toward creating a much more inclusive (read: much more effective) organization.

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/JessPettitt

Instagram Handle: @GoodEnoughNow

Max-Impact Members

The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support to keep us operating:

Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Add Your Name Here

Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar

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

* SuperCrowd Mastermind Group, twice monthly on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays at noon Eastern. This group is for entrepreneurs and small business owners interested in raising money from the crowd. Attend your first meeting free!

* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on November 19, 2024, 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.

* Superpowers for Good Televised Live Pitch, November 13, 9:00 PM Eastern during primetime. We are now accepting applications from businesses raising capital via Regulation Crowdfunding for the Q4 Superpowers for Good Live pitch. Visit s4g.biz/q4app to apply. At the event, judges will select their pick, and the audience will select the SuperCrowd Award r…

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

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.

Devin: Carol, what is your superpower?

Carol: I think my superpower is I believe in hard work and persistence, and that's what helps drive forward the progress in polio eradication.

Polio eradication is one of the most remarkable global health initiatives of our time. Today is World Polio Day, a day to focus our attention on history being made.

As I discussed with Carol Pandak, Director of PolioPlus at Rotary International, in today’s episode, the end of polio is not just a dream—it’s a real possibility. Carol highlighted that Rotary’s commitment to this effort dates back to 1979 when the organization first launched a campaign in the Philippines, making a promise to the children of the world.

Rotary leads the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, a collaboration that includes UNICEF, the US CDC, the World Health Organization, the Gates Foundation and GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance.

This isn’t just about numbers. As Carol emphasized, "We made a promise to the children of the world, and as Rotary members and a community, we live up to those commitments. We are in it until every child is protected from polio." Later, she added, “Making history is hard!”

The progress is staggering. In 1988, when the Global Polio Eradication Initiative began, there were 350,000 polio cases annually, paralyzing children worldwide. Today, that number has dropped to just 36 cases, restricted to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Carol noted, “The fact that India achieved the goal is a proof point that we can indeed eradicate polio in some of the most difficult places.”

What makes polio different from other diseases is its eradication potential. "It is possible to stop the transmission of polio through vaccination," Carol explained. The novel oral polio vaccine (NOPV2) has already made a significant impact, reducing vaccine-derived polio cases worldwide.

The possibility of eradicating polio and protecting future generations from paralysis is within reach. This effort represents a historic opportunity, and Rotary’s leadership in the fight against polio is a powerful testament to what can be achieved through global collaboration. To learn more or support the effort, visit endpolio.org.

tl;dr:

* In today’s episode, Carol Pandak emphasized the critical role of persistence and hard work in driving the progress of polio eradication, which Rotary International has been committed to since 1979.

* Carol shared that the eradication of polio is achievable, much like smallpox, through vaccination efforts that stop the transmission of the virus among children, particularly under the age of five.

* Despite significant progress, with only 36 cases in Afghanistan and Pakistan in 2024, Carol stressed that continued effort is necessary to eliminate the wild poliovirus.

* A new oral polio vaccine introduced in 2021 has significantly reduced vaccine-derived polio cases, demonstrating the power of innovation and global partnerships, including the Gates Foundation’s contributions.

* Carol highlighted a remarkable success in brokering a ceasefire in Gaza to immunize 560,000 children, showcasing the extraordinary global collaboration required to continue these efforts, even in conflict zones.

How to Develop Persistence and Hard Work As a Superpower

Carol defines her superpower as a belief in hard work and persistence. In her role leading Rotary’s participation in the global effort to eradicate polio, Carol emphasizes that such long-term, ambitious goals can only be achieved by staying committed, even when the path becomes difficult. This perseverance has been critical in pushing forward the progress toward a polio-free world, showing that unwavering dedication can lead to historic results.

An anecdote that exemplifies Carol’s superpower involves her decision to shift focus mid-way through her doctoral dissertation, a daunting challenge given the established path she had already committed to. Carol pivoted from her original topic to study civil society in post-communist Hungary, requiring her to secure a grant, live in Hungary, and adapt to local conditions for her research. Her hard work and persistence paid off, resulting in her dissertation being published as a book, a proud accomplishment that highlights her ability to overcome obstacles through sustained effort.

Tips for Developing Persistence:

* Focus on the End Goal: Stay motivated by keeping the ultimate objective in mind, even when immediate progress is slow.

* Learn from Setbacks: Use challenges as learning opportunities to adjust strategies and continue moving forward.

* Have Hard Conversations: Engage with others, listen, and problem-solve together, particularly when faced with difficult situations.

* Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge incremental successes to build confidence and fuel further persistence.

By following Carol Pandak’s example and advice, you can make persistence 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

Carol Pandak (she/her):

Director of PolioPlus, Rotary International

About Rotary International: Rotary unites a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges and creating lasting change. Rotary connects 1.2 million people of action from more than 45,000 Rotary clubs in almost every country in the world. Their service improves lives both locally and internationally, from helping those in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. 

Website: rotary.org

X/Twitter Handle: @EndPolioNow @Rotary

Company Facebook Pages: fb.com/EndPolioNow/ fb.com/rotary/

Instagram Handle: @rotaryinternational

Other URL: endpolio.org

Biographical Information: Carol Pandak is the director of PolioPlus, Rotary’s global effort to eradicate polio, working in partnership with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. She has held this position since 2000.

X/Twitter Handle: @carolpandak

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/carol-pandak-31180211/

Max-Impact Members

The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support to keep us operating:

Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Add Your Name Here

Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar

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

* SuperCrowd Mastermind Group, twice monthly on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays at noon Eastern. This group is for entrepreneurs and small business owners interested in raising money from the crowd. Attend your first meeting free!

* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on November 19, 2024, 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.

* Superpowers for Good Televised Live Pitch, November 13, 9:00 PM Eastern during primetime. We are now accepting applications from businesses raising capital via Regulation Crowdfunding for the Q4 Superpowers for Good Live pitch. Visit s4g.biz/q4app to apply. At the event, judges will select their pick, and the audience will select the SuperCrowd Award recipient. Put the date on your calendar to watch it live!

* SuperCrowdHour, November 20, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At November’s SuperCrowdHour, D…

I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.

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

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.

Devin: What is your superpower?

Ana: I would say just there are so many different ways of phrasing this now in the business community. But the idea is just knowing that you're going to be able to figure out the obstacle at some point if your vision is strong enough.

Tantisimo, the Latin American restaurant led by Founder and CEO Ana Aguilar, is expanding into a full-scale brick-and-mortar location in Nashville after a successful crowdfunding campaign on Honeycomb Credit. With $84,000 raised through the platform, Ana is closer to realizing her vision of transforming the pop-up concept into a permanent restaurant.

Ana shared the key to her crowdfunding success during today’s episode of Superpowers for Good. She emphasized the hard work and dedication it took to bring together a diverse group of supporters. “It was really fulfilling having those conversations and kind of proving ourselves to all,” she explained. The campaign drew investments from various sources, including her network, business partners, and customers, demonstrating the broad community support for Tantisimo’s mission of bringing farm-to-table Mexican pastries and savory dishes to Nashville.

While $84,000 is a significant milestone, Ana noted that it’s just part of the larger financial puzzle. Partnering with Pathway Lending, a community development fund that supports minority-owned businesses, Tantisimo secured additional financing to cover essential build-out costs, including a liquor license and a larger space to accommodate both AM and PM service. The crowdfunding success also bolstered her credibility with lenders, as she now has 58 community investors backing her.

Ana’s story showcases the power of community-driven funding and its potential to transform dreams into reality. As Tantisimo’s new restaurant prepares to open its doors, the future looks bright for this thriving business.

tl;dr:

* In today’s episode, Ana Aguilar, Founder and CEO of Tantisimo, discussed her successful crowdfunding campaign, which raised $84,000 on Honeycomb Credit to support her restaurant expansion.

* Ana highlighted the importance of community support and the extensive preparation required before launching a crowdfunding campaign, including leveraging personal and professional networks.

* She shared details of Tantisimo’s journey from a pop-up serving Latin American pastries to its forthcoming full-scale restaurant in Nashville, projecting significant revenue growth.

* Ana emphasized resilience and optimism as her superpower, which helped her navigate unexpected challenges, such as a costly HVAC setback during the restaurant build-out.

* She advised setting boundaries to maintain a positive mindset and focusing on problem-solving rather than dwelling on doubts to cultivate resilience in entrepreneurship.

How to Develop Optimism and Resilience As a Superpower

Ana’s superpower lies in her unwavering optimism and resilience. She possesses the ability to stay focused on her vision, pushing through challenges and obstacles with the belief that she can always figure out a solution. Her strength lies in maintaining a positive outlook while actively working toward her goals every day.

Ana encountered a major setback during the build-out of her restaurant when she discovered the HVAC system was severely underpowered. Initially quoted at $8,500, the true cost ballooned to over $120,000. Despite this daunting challenge, Ana remained composed, trusted her ability to find a solution, and worked with her landlord to bring the building up to restaurant-ready standards. Her optimism and resilience helped her navigate this significant hurdle without losing sight of her end goal.

Actionable Tips for Developing the Superpower:

* Set Boundaries: Protect your mental space by setting boundaries with people who bring doubt or negativity. Spend time with those who encourage problem-solving and open your mind to possibilities.

* Maintain Balance: Allow some room for hearing concerns, but don’t let them dominate your thinking. Ana suggests limiting exposure to doubts to about 10% of your mental space to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

* Stay Focused on Solutions: When faced with obstacles, focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on the problem. Trust yourself to navigate challenges as they come.

By following Ana Aguilar’s example and advice, you can make optimism and 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

Ana Aguilar (she/her):

Founder/CEO, Tantisimo

About Tantisimo: Tantísimo is a farm-to-table restaurant offering small plates, craft cocktails, and experiences celebrating Latin America. We provide consistently excellent meals that tell a story and leave our guests inspired and more connected to their world. We do this with particular concern for the planet, the well-being of our team, the enrichment of our community, and the advancement of our industry.

Website: tantisimo.com

Company Facebook Page: fb.com/aytantisimo

Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/aytantisimo

Instagram Handle: @aytantisimo

Other URL: invest.honeycombcredit.com/campaigns/Tantisimo

Biographical Information: As the CEO, treasurer, and creative director of Tantisimo, Ana guides the company's vision and fosters its unique culture while also diving into the trenches of financial management, marketing, and communications. Ana is deeply involved in the culinary direction of the restaurant, rolling up her sleeves to oversee the pastry and bar programs and ensuring that every menu item reflects the brand's commitment to excellence. With a passion for innovation and a hands-on approach, Ana leads her team to create unforgettable experiences and set new industry benchmarks.

Personal Facebook Profile: fb.com/holaanaaguilar

Max-Impact Members

The following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support to keep us operating:

Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Add Your Name Here

Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar

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

* SuperCrowd Mastermind Group, twice monthly on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays at noon Eastern. This group is for entrepreneurs and small business owners interested in raising money from the crowd. Attend your first meeting free!

* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on November 19, 2024, 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.

* Superpowers for Good Televised Live Pitch, November 13, 9:00 PM Eastern during primetime. We are now accepting applications from businesses raising capital via Regulation Crowdfunding for the Q4 Superpowers for Good Live pitch. Visit s4g.biz/q4app to apply. At the event, judges will select their pick, and the audience will select the SuperCrowd Award recipient. Put the date on your calendar to watch it live!

* SuperCrowdHour, November 20, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At November’s SuperCrowdHour, Devin will explain six common investment types you need to understand before you can invest like a pro. Free to attend.

Community E…

I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.

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

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Devin: What is your superpower?

Alex: I think it's taken a bit of time to really dial it in, but I really do think taking a lot of information and distilling it down into something simple, easy to understand, and compelling in a story format is really what my superpower is.

Storytelling is at the heart of every successful crowdfunding video. In today’s episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Alex Portera, CEO and Co-Founder of Rally On Media, about the art of creating impactful videos that resonate with potential investors. Alex emphasized that the key to an effective video is not cramming in too much information but rather distilling the core elements of the story that will have the greatest emotional impact.

As Alex explained, "You can cram a lot of impact without cramming too much information." He and his team focus on the right points—showcasing the team’s personality, the opportunity, and the emotional depth of the story, all in a concise and visually compelling format. This balance between information and emotion is what engages investors and helps them feel connected to the opportunity.

Alex also shared insights into how Rally On Media helps founders create high-quality videos, even on a limited budget. With the right planning and some affordable gear, founders can produce professional videos that build trust and excitement. For those looking to take their campaigns to the next level, Rally On Media offers services starting at around $10,000 for campaign videos, working with companies aiming to raise at least $500,000.

For any entrepreneur embarking on a crowdfunding campaign, the lesson is clear: a well-crafted story, told through an engaging video, is essential for capturing investors’ hearts—and their capital.

If you're looking to support a founder telling their story through regulated investment crowdfunding, keep an eye on campaigns crafted by Rally On Media.

tl;dr:

* In today's episode, Alex Portera emphasized the importance of using video as a powerful storytelling tool in crowdfunding campaigns, highlighting that video engages multiple senses, allowing for a more emotional and impactful pitch.

* Alex explained how his company, Rally On Media, helps businesses craft concise, emotionally resonant videos by focusing on the essential elements of the story, avoiding the common mistake of overloading viewers with information.

* A key process Alex uses to develop compelling stories is "story finding," a method where he and his team dive deep into a company to identify the moments that evoke strong emotional reactions, which they then incorporate into the video narrative.

* Alex shared an anecdote about working with EpiOne, a company raising funds to detect cancer early. His storytelling blended the founder's personal loss with the company's mission, creating a narrative that resonated deeply with investors, leading Alex to invest in the campaign himself.

* For those with limited budgets, Alex provided practical tips for creating professional-looking videos using smartphones and affordable equipment, stressing the importance of focusing on storytelling and following key compliance guidelines for crowdfunding campaigns.

How to Develop Story Distillation As a Superpower

Alex Portera’s superpower is the ability to distill complex information into a simple, compelling narrative. This skill allows him to take vast amounts of data or detail and transform it into a story that resonates emotionally and is easy to understand, especially for investors in crowdfunding campaigns.

One of Alex's favorite examples of using his superpower is the story of EpiOne, a company developing early cancer detection technology. Alex worked closely with the founder, Michael, who had a deeply personal connection to the cause, having lost his first wife to cancer. Combining Michael’s powerful personal story with the innovative business strategy, Alex created a narrative that highlighted both the emotional and global significance of the company’s work. His storytelling was so effective that it inspired him to invest in the campaign himself.

Tips for Developing the Superpower:

* Identify Key Elements: Focus on the most exciting or interesting aspects of a story, and use that as the foundation for the narrative.

* Simplify the Message: Avoid overwhelming the audience with too much information; instead, focus on a few core points that convey the essence of the story.

* Follow a Structured Approach: Outline the key points, ensuring they build on one another to create a coherent, engaging narrative.

* Emphasize Emotional Connection: Pay attention to moments in the story that evoke strong emotional reactions—both in yourself and others—because those moments often have the most impact.

* Constant Refinement: Treat storytelling as an ongoing process of editing and refining, stripping away anything that doesn’t add value to the core message.

By following Alex Portera’s example and advice, you can make story distillation 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

Alex Portera (he/him):

CEO and Co-Founder, Rally On Media

About Rally On Media: Rally On Media is a marketing agency and production company specializing in helping companies tell their story to grow their business and raise capital. We've worked with over 200 companies and helped raise over $200M. Our clients range from companies as large as the MLB, the UN, and Grubhub to pre-seed startups looking to raise their first dollar.

Website: rallyonmedia.com

Biographical Information: Alex Portera is the co-founder and CEO of Rally On Media. He started his career as a management consultant on Wall Street before quitting his job, buying a car, and driving it around the world, literally. First from London to Mongolia, then from New York City to the bottom of South America. He filmed those trips for Lonely Planet and fell in love with storytelling and filmmaking in the process. Today, Alex runs Rally On, where he helps get companies to the core of their why, and helps the develop narratives to express that to their customers, fans, investors, and more. 

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/alex-portera

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Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar

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

* SuperCrowd Mastermind Group, twice monthly on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays at noon Eastern. This group is for entrepreneurs and small business owners interested in raising money from the crowd. Attend your first meeting free!

* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on November 19, 2024, 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, November 20, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At November’s SuperCrowdHour, Devin will explain six common investment types you need to understand before you can invest like a pro. Free to attend.

* Superpowers for Good …