What happens when overlooked innovators are empowered to solve problems for communities often left out of the conversation—and, even more, when those innovators have lived experience of the challenges they’re addressing? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, Marcia sits down with Brittany and Rich Palmer, a dynamic entrepreneurial couple, to explore how true innovation and impact are ignited at the intersection of necessity, lived experience, and meaningful capital.

Brittany and Rich Palmer are not only successful entrepreneurs and angel investors but are also the visionary founders behind Adaptation Ventures, an investment firm and community dedicated to empowering startups focused on disability, neurodivergence, accessibility, and aging. Brittany, herself born with a limb difference, brings firsthand perspective to the conversation, while Rich’s journey includes a personal medical challenge that became a catalyst for his mission-driven career shift. Together, they’ve built a unique fund and ecosystem that actively includes investors and decision-makers with disabilities—something almost unheard of in the traditional VC world.

This episode covers why only 1% of venture capital currently flows to accessibility-related innovation, details Brittany and Rich’s journey to plugging that gap, and shares stories of the groundbreaking companies they’re backing—from hardware innovations with million-dollar pipelines to products with the “curb cut effect” that benefit everyone. Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, or passionate catalyst for change, this conversation reveals how capital, community, and lived expertise can combine to drive scalable, high-impact solutions. If you care about innovation that truly changes lives, this episode is a must-listen—showcasing why Adaptation Ventures’ ecosystem model may reshape the future of inclusive investing.

To get the latest from Rich and Brittany Palmer, you can follow them below!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/therichpalmer/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanytofinchio/

https://adaptation.vc/

Rich's first appearance on the Angel Next Door

Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing!

Website: www.marciadawood.com

Learn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.com

And don't forget to follow us wherever you are!

Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.apple

Spotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotify

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

What does it really take to thrive as a first-time fund manager in today’s challenging investment landscape, especially when you’re building a venture fund from scratch while championing diversity and innovation? This episode delves into the real experiences behind the headlines, inviting listeners to consider the often unseen hurdles and triumphs that define entrepreneurial journeys.

Our guest, Laurel Mintz, is the founder of Fabric VC—a new venture capital fund spun out of her extensive 17-year run as the leader of a successful marketing agency. With a background that includes corporate M&A law, entrepreneurship, and marketing, Laurel Mintz brings a unique and practical perspective to the venture capital world. Her approach blends deep sector knowledge with a commitment to supporting underrepresented founders and championing women’s health, fintech, and consumer tech sectors.

In this update, listeners get an inside look at the nuts and bolts of raising and deploying Fabric VC’s first fund—just under $8 million, already largely deployed across 23 portfolio companies. Laurel Mintz shares candid insights on the emotional rollercoaster of fundraising, the critical importance of diversity, and the creative approaches to supporting women-led companies, such as accepting investments via donor-advised funds and retirement accounts. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring investors, founders, or anyone interested in how real change is being made within venture capital. It’s raw, motivating, and packed with unfiltered advice on how to show up, take risks, and put capital to work for the next generation.

To get the latest from Laurel Mintz, you can follow her below!

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurel-mintz/

https://www.fabricvc.com/

Laurel's first appearance on The Angel Next Door 

Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing!

Website: www.marciadawood.com

Learn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.com

And don't forget to follow us wherever you are!

Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.apple

Spotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotify

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

What’s the true cost of getting your startup’s legal foundation wrong—and how can overlooking legal nuances derail even the most promising entrepreneurial dreams? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, host Marcia Dawood dives into the questions every founder and early-stage investor should be asking about company formation, equity, and governance.

Our guest, Meredith Haviland, is a partner in the corporate group at Foley Hoag, a law firm serving clients in innovation-driven sectors like life sciences, technology, and private capital. Bringing years of experience working with both startups and investors, Meredith Haviland shares her expertise on navigating the legal landscape that underpins successful new ventures.

This episode unpacks everything from LLC versus C-corp structures and the importance of choosing the right legal counsel, to equity allocation, 83b elections, and the risks of mishandling intellectual property—especially when AI technology is involved. Marcia Dawood and Meredith Haviland discuss regulatory obligations, governance, board responsibilities, compliance pitfalls, and the growing scrutiny on AI-related legal risks. Whether you’re just starting out or preparing for your next funding round, this conversation is packed with real-world guidance and cautionary tales, making it a must listen for founders, fund managers, and angel investors who want to avoid costly mistakes and build resilient companies from day one.

To get the latest from Meredith Haviland, you can follow her below!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithhaviland/

Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing!

Website: www.marciadawood.com

Learn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.com

And don't forget to follow us wherever you are!

Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.apple

Spotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotify

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

What does it take to redefine entrepreneurship for both impact and profit, and can owning less of a company mean achieving more? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, listeners are invited to consider how traditional business structures and investment models can be transformed for greater societal good without sacrificing returns.

Blake Jones joins Marcia Dawood as today's guest—a self-described accidental entrepreneur who transitioned from engineering in the oil and gas sector to pioneering employee ownership through Namaste Solar. His journey includes international work in renewable energy, founding a successful solar cooperative, and now leading the innovative Kachuwa Impact Fund, which democratizes impact investing via a cooperative model boasting over 300 members and nearly 100 diversified assets.

The episode takes a deep dive into how Blake Jones and the Kachuwa Impact Fund structure investments to balance financial returns with meaningful impact. Offering an accessible, diversified portfolio that pays annual dividends, the fund supports employee ownership conversions, affordable housing, and more—all governed democratically. If you’ve ever wondered how to invest for impact while still earning returns, or how cooperatives operate in practice, this episode is a must-listen for its fresh perspectives, practical insights, and inspiration for anyone looking to shake up traditional business and investing models.

To get the latest from Blake Jones, you can follow him below!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-jones-ab044925/ 

https://www.kachuwaimpactfund.com/

Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing!

Website: www.marciadawood.com

Learn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.com

And don't forget to follow us wherever you are!

Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.apple

Spotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotify

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

How will artificial intelligence transform the most human parts of wealth management? In this episode, we explore where technology meets empathy, and what the future looks like for financial professionals and their clients as AI adoption accelerates across the industry.

Our guest, Carrie Nelson, is the founder of Atlas Point and a veteran leader with experience at Ernst & Young, Experian, and Edward Jones. Carrie shares her journey from big-firm consulting to building a platform that empowers advisors to navigate a rapidly changing landscape, with a focus on the coming great wealth transfer and the next generation of clients.

Together, we discuss why human connection is still essential—even as AI creates new efficiencies—and how Atlas Point blends behavioral science and smart tools to bridge the gap. For anyone interested in the future of finance, entrepreneurship, or the emotional side of money, this is a must-listen episode filled with real-world stories and actionable insights.

To get the latest from Carrie Nelson, you can follow her below!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-nelson-5377864/

https://www.theatlaspoint.com/

Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing!

Website: www.marciadawood.com

Do Good While Doing Well

Learn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.com

And don't forget to follow us wherever you are!

Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.apple

Spotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotify

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

How can we build technology that’s not only innovative, but truly safe for its users—especially in a world of rapid AI and crypto development? This episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast explores the critical intersection of safety, user empowerment, and digital progress in today’s tech landscape.

Our guest, Karima Williams, is a leader in crypto and AI who has brought communities together, educated newcomers, and, following personal adversity, created Crash Out Diary—a wellness app designed to help people regulate emotions and find support online.

In this wide-ranging conversation, you’ll learn about practical safety strategies for both crypto and AI applications, hear Karima’s vision for human-first technology, and get inspired by her drive to create tools that meet users where they are. If you care about the ethical side of tech and want real stories from the front lines, this episode is a must listen.

To get the latest from Karima Williams, you can follow her below!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/idodigitalmedia/

https://www.crashoutdiary.xyz/

Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing!

Website: www.marciadawood.com

Do Good While Doing Well

Learn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.com

And don't forget to follow us wherever you are!

Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.apple

Spotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotify

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

What if your next breakthrough in entrepreneurship comes not from your product, but from the relationships you build and the way you position yourself as a thought leader? In this episode, Marcia Dawood welcomes Chris Haroun—a former hedge fund manager, early investor in tech giants, and top-rated business educator—to share actionable insights for founders and business owners.

With a rich background spanning Goldman Sachs, Citadel, and managing his own billion-dollar fund, Chris Haroun now channels his expertise into teaching practical business skills. He emphasizes networking, leveraging social media, and becoming a resource for others as core pillars of success—challenging traditional MBA paradigms.

Packed with advice on raising capital, building credibility, and even navigating the complexities of crypto investing, this episode is essential for anyone eager to grow their business in today’s fast-paced landscape. If you want real-world strategies from someone who’s walked the walk, you won’t want to miss it.

To get the latest from Chris Haroun, you can follow him below!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/charoun/

https://www.instagram.com/chrisharoun/ 

https://harouneducationventures.com/

Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing!

Website: www.marciadawood.com

Do Good While Doing Well

Learn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.com

And don't forget to follow us wherever you are!

Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.apple

Spotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotify

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

How do the beliefs we inherit about money shape our approach to wealth—and what happens when we finally decide to examine and rewrite those patterns? The Angel Next Door Podcast’s latest solo episode invites listeners to reflect on the roots of their financial behaviors and unpack how history, culture, and family influence their relationship with money.

Host Marcia Dawood draws on her new book, "Unapologetic Wealth: Rewrite Your Money Story from Any Beginning." She shares personal insights, scientific studies, and actionable tools that help listeners understand why so many women feel hesitant or guilty around money, and how these feelings are often passed down across generations without question.

In exploring the importance of financial awareness and intentional decision-making, Marcia demonstrates how changing our money story not only builds confidence and clarity for today, but also models healthier financial patterns for the next generation. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to shift their financial perspective, break free from inherited limitations, and start conversations that can spark lasting change.

Get the Unapologetic Wealth e-book for 99 cents on Amazon!

Get the Unapologetic Wealth e-book for 99 cents at Barnes & Noble!

Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing!

Website: www.marciadawood.com

Unapologetic Wealth

Do Good While Doing Well

Learn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.com

And don't forget to follow us wherever you are!

Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.apple

Spotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotify

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

How do the beliefs we inherit about money shape our approach to wealth—and what happens when we finally decide to examine and rewrite those patterns? The Angel Next Door Podcast’s latest solo episode invites listeners to reflect on the roots of their financial behaviors and unpack how history, culture, and family influence their relationship with money.

Host Marcia Dawood draws on her new book, "Unapologetic Wealth: Rewrite Your Money Story from Any Beginning." She shares personal insights, scientific studies, and actionable tools that help listeners understand why so many women feel hesitant or guilty around money, and how these feelings are often passed down across generations without question.

In exploring the importance of financial awareness and intentional decision-making, Marcia demonstrates how changing our money story not only builds confidence and clarity for today, but also models healthier financial patterns for the next generation. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to shift their financial perspective, break free from inherited limitations, and start conversations that can spark lasting change.

Get the Unapologetic Wealth e-book for 99 cents on Amazon!

Get the Unapologetic Wealth e-book for 99 cents at Barnes & Noble!

Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing!

Website: www.marciadawood.com

Unapologetic Wealth

Do Good While Doing Well

Learn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.com

And don't forget to follow us wherever you are!

Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.apple

Spotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotify

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

What if the key to entrepreneurial success isn't just about making money, but about building confidence and aligning your finances with your personal values? This episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast dives into how shifting your mindset around money can transform not only your business but your whole approach to wealth and life.

Our guest, Shari Rash, founder of GWA Wealth and host of “Everyone’s Talking Money,” brings a wealth of experience in financial advising, with a special focus on empowering women to own their financial journeys. Her unique perspective comes from years in both corporate finance and building her own practice dedicated to closing the confidence gap women often feel around money.

In this episode, Shari Rash and Marcia Dawood candidly discuss the obstacles women face around financial confidence, practical ways to get comfortable with both small and large money decisions, and the major wealth shift underway as more women take control of assets. If you’re ready to rethink your approach to wealth and entrepreneurship, this conversation is packed with relatable stories and tangible advice you can put into action—making it an essential listen for driven, values-minded listeners.

To get the latest from Shari Rash, you can follow her below!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shari-rash/

https://www.gwawealth.com/

Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing!

Website: www.marciadawood.com

Do Good While Doing Well

Learn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.com

And don't forget to follow us wherever you are!

Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.apple

Spotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotify

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood