The First Buck

In this episode of the First Buck podcast, host Nic Cary interviews Eric Kessler, a serial entrepreneur and founder of Arabella Advisors, where he led the firm's growth into a leader in the philanthropic sector, advising on billions of dollars in resources annually. Eric shares how he transitioned from public service to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of having a mission-driven approach, surrounding yourself with adaptable people, and validating your market before launching a business. The episode highlights key insights on building teams, navigating challenges, and making a lasting impact through social entrepreneurship.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:

• Discover how to align your business with a mission that drives both profit and social impact.
• Learn effective strategies for building adaptable, high-performing teams in the early stages of your startup.
• Understand the importance of validating your market and listening to potential customers before launching.
• Gain insights into the value of balancing purpose and profit for long-term business sustainability.
• Find out how to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship with resilience and strategic planning.

In this episode...

Nic Cary interviews Eric and they discuss the lessons learned during his career journey including:

• The importance of building inclusive environments where diversity fuels innovation and business success.
• The value of aligning business strategies with long-term social impact to drive meaningful change.
• The necessity of fostering strong relationships and mentorship to support personal and professional growth.

Sponsor for this episode... This episode is brought to you by Sky's The Limit, one of the largest nonprofit programs for underrepresented young adult entrepreneurs in the US. Sky's The Limit is a quick-growing digital platform that connects entrepreneurs with their peers, volunteer business mentors, training resources, and funding. Our goal is to develop the social capital that founders need to chase their business dreams. To learn more, visit https://www.skysthelimit.org.

In this episode of the First Buck podcast, host Nic Cary interviews Richard Bynum, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer at PNC Financial Services Group, where he leads initiatives on community development, diversity, and PNC's $88 billion Community Benefits Plan. Bynum discusses building a culture of service, the importance of diversity, and how entrepreneurs can leverage mentorship and resources for growth and impact. The episode emphasizes how aspiring entrepreneurs can develop business acumen, build a supportive team, and leverage community resources to drive meaningful impact and long-term growth.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: - Discover how to build a culture of service that drives both business success and social impact. - Learn the value of forming strong relationships with mentors and advisors for personal and professional growth. - Understand the importance of financial planning and capital management for long-term business sustainability. - Gain insights on how diversity and inclusion can strengthen your business strategy and problem-solving approach. - Find out how to leverage community resources and corporate partnerships to support your entrepreneurial journey.

In this episode… Nic Cary interviews Richard and they discuss the lessons learned during his career journey including: - The importance of building strong relationships and a culture of service in both business and community work. - The value of diversity and inclusion in fostering innovation and effective problem-solving. - The necessity of financial acumen and strategic planning to support sustainable business growth and impact.

Sponsor for this episode...

This episode is brought to you by Sky's The Limit, one of the largest nonprofit programs for underrepresented young adult entrepreneurs in the US. Sky's The Limit is a quick-growing digital platform that connects entrepreneurs with their peers, volunteer business mentors, training resources, and funding.

Our goal is to develop the social capital that founders need to chase their business dreams.

To learn more, visit https://www.skysthelimit.org.

In this episode of the First Buck podcast, host Nic Cary interviews Sharmadean Reid MBE, Founder and CEO of The Stack World, discusses her journey from launching WAH Nails to creating a platform that powers women's networks and communities. She shares insights on achieving gender equity through community building, the importance of innovation, and supporting women in business. Sharmadean's dedication to her mission earned her the Veuve Clicquot Bold Future award in 2021.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:

• The importance of building and leveraging networks and communities for business success.
• Strategies for achieving gender equity in the workplace and keeping women employees engaged.
• Innovative approaches to creating unique and impactful business spaces.
• The role of consultancy and software solutions in supporting entrepreneurial growth.
• Insights on maintaining passion and perseverance in the face of business challenges.

In this episode...

Nic Cary interviews Sharmadean and they discuss the lessons learned during her career journey including:

• The power of community and networking is essential for driving business growth and success.
• The need for continuous innovation and adaptation is crucial in staying ahead in a competitive industry.
• The importance of gender equity and creating supportive environments for women in the workplace is vital for achieving long-term impact.

Sponsor for this episode...

This episode is brought to you by Sky's The Limit, one of the largest nonprofit programs for underrepresented young adult entrepreneurs in the US. Sky's The Limit is a quick-growing digital platform that connects entrepreneurs with their peers, volunteer business mentors, training resources, and funding. Our goal is to develop the social capital that founders need to chase their business dreams.

To learn more, visit https://www.skysthelimit.org.

In this episode of the First Buck podcast, host Nic Cary interviews Amanda Jenkins, Chief Impact Officer at 10x Banking, where she leads the 10x Impact Agenda focused on people, community, and the planet. Amanda shares her journey from the Lloyd's insurance market to senior roles in New York law firms and her passion for tackling inequality. The episode emphasizes the importance of building relationships, mentorship, and fostering inclusivity and sustainability in business for impactful change.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:

• Discover the importance of building strong relationships and networks for business success.
• Learn how to leverage mentorship to overcome challenges and accelerate growth.
• Understand the value of inclusivity and diversity in fostering innovation and sustainability.
• Gain insights on implementing impactful corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
• Find out how to align your business values with community and environmental goals for long-term success.

In this episode...

Nic Cary interviews Amanda and they discuss the lessons learned during her career journey including:

• The importance of leveraging community support and mentorship to overcome challenges and grow a business.
• The value of sustainable practices and innovation in creating products that meet market demands and drive success.
• The necessity of resilience and strategic planning in navigating the entrepreneurial journey and achieving long-term goals.

Sponsor for this episode...

This episode is brought to you by Sky's The Limit, one of the largest nonprofit programs for underrepresented young adult entrepreneurs in the US. Sky's The Limit is a quick-growing digital platform that connects entrepreneurs with their peers, volunteer business mentors, training resources, and funding. Our goal is to develop the social capital that founders need to chase their business dreams.

To learn more, visit https://www.skysthelimit.org.

In this episode of the First Buck podcast, host Nic Cary interviews Dr. Mahsa Vazin, founder of PawCo, a plant-based dog food company with a mission of making the world a greener place, one meal at a time. Dr. Vazin, with a PhD in nanoscience and experience at Impossible Foods, shares her entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and community support. She discusses the growing plant-based pet food market and its positive impact on pet health and the environment, highlighting that with determination and the right support, aspiring entrepreneurs can achieve their goals.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:

• Discover how to leverage community support and mentorship to grow your startup.
• Learn the importance of innovation and sustainability in creating successful products.
• Understand the value of market research in identifying gaps and opportunities.
• Gain insights on bootstrapping and raising funds effectively for your business.
• Find out how to overcome challenges and turn them into opportunities for growth.

In this episode...

Nic Cary interviews Dr. Mahsa and they discuss the lessons learned during her career journey including:

• The importance of leveraging community support and mentorship to overcome challenges and grow a business.
• The value of sustainable practices and innovation in creating products that meet market demands and drive success.
• The necessity of resilience and strategic planning in navigating the entrepreneurial journey and achieving long-term goals.

Sponsor for this episode...

This episode is brought to you by Sky's The Limit, one of the largest nonprofit programs for underrepresented young adult entrepreneurs in the US. Sky's The Limit is a quick-growing digital platform that connects entrepreneurs with their peers, volunteer business mentors, training resources, and funding. Our goal is to develop the social capital that founders need to chase their business dreams.

To learn more, visit https://www.skysthelimit.org.

In this episode of the First Buck podcast, host Nic Cary interviews Dax Hansen, a partner at Perkins Coie, a leading international law firm, emphasizes the significance of having a clear vision, the necessity of mentorship, and the critical role of networking and relationship building in achieving business success. The episode concludes with Dax emphasizing that passion fuels perseverance, but success in entrepreneurship requires a clear vision, structured planning, mentorship, and financial understanding.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:

• Understand how to identify and seize emerging opportunities in tech and finance.
• Learn the value of finding and leveraging mentors to propel your career and business.
• Discover strategies for overcoming challenges and turning them into triumphs.
• Explore the significance of sustainable practices and how they can benefit your startup.
• Gain insights into building a resilient and innovative entrepreneurial mindset.

In this episode…

Nic Cary interviews Dax and they discuss the lessons learned during his career journey including:

• The key drivers for navigating and succeeding in emerging fields like blockchain and fintech are curiosity and resilience.
• The importance of mentorship and collaboration is crucial in achieving professional growth and pioneering new legal practices.
• The adoption of sustainable and innovative practices can address major challenges and lead to long-term success in both tech and agriculture.

Sponsor for this episode...

This episode is brought to you by Sky's The Limit, one of the largest nonprofit programs for underrepresented young adult entrepreneurs in the US. Sky's The Limit is a quick-growing digital platform that connects entrepreneurs with their peers, volunteer business mentors, training resources, and funding. Our goal is to develop the social capital that founders need to chase their business dreams.

To learn more, visit https://www.skysthelimit.org.

In this episode of the First Buck podcast, host Nic Cary interviews Sekou Kaalund, Executive Vice President and Head of Branch and Small Business banking for US Bank, where he oversees the organization's 2,200+ branches across 26 states. emphasizes the significance of having a clear vision, the necessity of mentorship, and the critical role of networking and relationship building in achieving business success. The episode concludes with Sekou emphasizing that passion fuels perseverance, but success in entrepreneurship requires a clear vision, structured planning, mentorship, and financial understanding.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:

• The importance of having a clear vision and structured planning for successful entrepreneurship.
• The critical role of mentorship and networking in achieving business goals.
• Navigating the complexities of accessing capital and managing finances effectively.
• Strategies for leveraging resources and building a strong support network.
• The transformative power of passion and resilience in overcoming business challenges.

In this episode…

Nic Cary interviews Sekou and they discuss the lessons learned during his career journey including:

• The importance of a clear vision and structured planning in a business' success.
• The critical importance of mentorship and building strong networks.
• The understanding of financial fundamentals and effectively leveraging resources is crucial for growth.

Sponsor for this episode...

This episode is brought to you by Sky's The Limit, one of the largest nonprofit programs for underrepresented young adult entrepreneurs in the US. Sky's The Limit is a quick-growing digital platform that connects entrepreneurs with their peers, volunteer business mentors, training resources, and funding. Our goal is to develop the social capital that founders need to chase their business dreams.

To learn more, visit https://www.skysthelimit.org.

In this episode of the First Buck podcast, host Nic Cary interviews Seth Godin, a renowned entrepreneur and bestselling author. Seth shares his journey from early ventures, like selling ice cream sandwiches, to becoming a marketing guru. He discusses the difference between actual and perceived risk, the importance of genuine value, and the power of small, manageable risks. Seth emphasizes learning by doing, forming supportive peer groups, and picking the right customers. The episode concludes with Seth advocating for giving forward and creating a positive impact.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:

• The difference between actual and perceived risk in entrepreneurship.
• The importance of offering genuine value and building trust with customers.
• Strategies for taking small, manageable risks to grow your business.
• The value of learning by doing and forming supportive peer groups.
• The concept of giving forward and creating a positive impact through your ventures.

In this episode…

Nic Cary interviews Seth and they discuss the lessons learned during his career journey including:

• The importance of distinguishing between actual risk and perceived risk, and how managing perceived risk can lead to innovative and successful ventures.
• The value of creating genuine value for customers and building trust through empathy and authentic offerings.
• The power of small, manageable risks and iterative learning, emphasizing the significance of starting with small projects and growing sustainably.

Sponsor for this episode... This episode is brought to you by Sky's The Limit, one of the largest nonprofit programs for underrepresented young adult entrepreneurs in the US. Sky's The Limit is a quick-growing digital platform that connects entrepreneurs with their peers, volunteer business mentors, training resources, and funding. Our goal is to develop the social capital that founders need to chase their business dreams.

To learn more, visit https://www.skysthelimit.org.

In this episode of the First Buck podcast, host Nic Cary interviews Check Warner, an early stage VC and one of the founding partners of Ada Ventures. Check shares her journey from her early jobs in telesales and advertising to her pivotal switch to venture capital. She discusses the importance of taking risks, the value of sales skills and the significance of diversity in venture capital. She also shared her approach to building and developing teams. The episode concludes with Check stressing the importance of looking after yourself and recommended reading.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:

• The importance of sales skills that are crucial for fundraising and pitching ideas.
• -Advise to aspiring entrepreneurs to start immediately and build momentum even in small ways.
• The importance of validating ideas with real customers and solving genuine problems before seeking funding.
• The critical role of team dynamics and the importance of working with inspiring and motivating individuals.
• The significance of evaluating potential jobs based on the quality of management and the potential for growth.

In this episode…

Nic Cary interviews Check and they discuss the lessons learned during her career journey including:

• How learning to communicate effectively and understand customer needs has been a cornerstone of her success in venture capital.
• Why actively seeking mentorship, following industry leaders, and taking bold steps is important in pursuing career goals.
• Why addressing systemic issues and fostering a more inclusive environment is vital. As one of the few women in venture capital, she felt the need for diverse perspectives in the industry.

Sponsor for this episode...

This episode is brought to you by Sky's The Limit, one of the largest nonprofit programs for underrepresented young adult entrepreneurs in the US. Sky's The Limit is a quick-growing digital platform that connects entrepreneurs with their peers, volunteer business mentors, training resources, and funding. Our goal is to develop the social capital that founders need to chase their business dreams. To learn more, visit https://www.skysthelimit.org.

Stephen Bediako is a social entrepreneur, innovator, impact investor and design expert. They talk about Stephen's journey from selling household goods door-to-door in East London at 13 to starting the Social Innovation Partnership. He emphasizes the importance of education, family support, and the shift in social impact measurement towards integrating profitability and social responsibility. Stephen also discusses the Pathway Fund, which supports black and minoritized fund managers and social enterprises in the UK. He highlights the value of mentorship, maintaining personal well-being, and building a strong, supportive team in managing the stresses of entrepreneurship. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: • The critical role of education, family support, and mentorship in entrepreneurial success. • The evolving importance of integrating profitability and social responsibility in business. • Practical advice on conducting market research and finding product-market fit. • Strategies for managing stress and maintaining personal well-being while running a business. In this episode… How can education and encouragement from family play a crucial role in guiding a person towards a professional career and higher studies? How does building long-term relationships with mentors provide you with valuable insights, credibility, and support throughout his entrepreneurial journey? As an aspiring entrepreneur, why do you need to prioritize collaboration and teamwork? Sponsor for this episode... This episode is brought to you by Sky's The Limit, one of the largest nonprofit programs for underrepresented young adult entrepreneurs in the US. Sky's The Limit is a quick-growing digital platform that connects entrepreneurs with their peers, volunteer business mentors, training resources, and funding. Our goal is to develop the social capital that founders need to chase their business dreams. To learn more, visit https://www.skysthelimit.org.