The Out Entrepreneur | Bringing Our Whole Selves to Work | Conversations with Leading LGBTQ Bosses

Donovan Holden enjoys putting the music into the world knowing that people will hear his voice and feel his spirit. He loves getting the feedback from his listeners. He comes from a south Florida musical background and started writing songs in junior high school and has continued throughout the years. He loves to write music and started using samples and digital instruments to write and produce Blues Rock/R&B Jazz music. Since then he has released two albums, produced by Patty Sanders. What makes Donovan Holden different? Aside from his passion towards music, his harmonic imagination and his way of using more interesting chord changes are what sets him apart from the other songwriters.

Donovan Holden enjoys putting the music into the world knowing that people will hear his voice and feel his spirit. He loves getting the feedback from his listeners. He comes from a south Florida musical background and started writing songs in junior high school and has continued throughout the years. He loves to write music and started using samples and digital instruments to write and produce Blues Rock/R&B Jazz music. Since then he has released two albums, produced by Patty Sanders. What makes Donovan Holden different? Aside from his passion towards music, his harmonic imagination and his way of using more interesting chord changes are what sets him apart from the other songwriters.

In celebration of International Pronouns Day, we are replaying a special panel discussion featuring local transgender, non-binary, and ally community leaders committed to expanding economic opportunities through the PDX Trans Works Project. Airing this panel discussion is timely given that tomorrow is International Pronouns Day – an annual event that seeks to make sharing, respecting and educating about personal pronouns commonplace. If you are an #OutBoss curious as to how you can expand economic opportunities for transgender and nonbinary people by creating a more inclusive business, you don't want to miss the this episode!

Todd Brown, better known to his fans as Kenneth Obi, is an acclaimed narrator of many best-selling fiction books. He started his career thinking he would be the “voice of horror” until an offer came his way that he didn’t really read beyond the books sales figures. With almost 80 titles available on Audible in the M/M romance genre he has put voicing horror aside to go full-time in a genre he never even considered.  

Todd Brown, better known to his fans as Kenneth Obi, is an acclaimed narrator of many best-selling fiction books. He started his career thinking he would be the "voice of horror" until an offer came his way that he didn't really read beyond the books sales figures. With almost 80 titles available on Audible in the M/M romance genre he has put voicing horror aside to go full-time in a genre he never even considered.

Too many stories of burn out, layoff’s, low margins, the inability to never say no, missed vacationed, loss of passion and zero work life balance compelled Jennifer Houston, a 20+ year veteran in the marketing space, to build the business of her dreams. She and her business partner, Sarah Musgrove, problem solvers at heart, created the bench, "your marketing team for the gig economy." The Bench is a deconstructed marketing and branding agency that businesses with in house agency teams, and start-ups with placing fully vetted teams constructed of all freelance talent. 

Too many stories of burn out, layoff's, low margins, the inability to never say no, missed vacationed, loss of passion and zero work life balance compelled Jennifer Houston, a 20+ year veteran in the marketing space, to build the business of her dreams. She and her business partner, Sarah Musgrove, problem solvers at heart, created the bench, "your marketing team for the gig economy." The Bench is a deconstructed marketing and branding agency that businesses with in house agency teams, and start-ups with placing fully vetted teams constructed of all freelance talent.

Jef Strauss is the founder and co-owner of Wag N' Wash, a natural pet food and grooming store. He and his partner, Dan Remus, started the business 20 years ago so they could spend more time with their beloved Dalmatian, Geni. Wag N' Wash Natural Pet Food & Grooming, a full-line specialty retail destination for cats and dogs, has a mission to recognize, promote and foster the positive impact that companion pets and their humans have on each other. Wag N' Wash provides fresh-baked dog treats, natural food, supplements, full-service grooming and self-wash facilities and toys. Today, there are 18 Wag N' Wash locations in eight states.

Cat has over ten years of experience across strategy, operations, and the arts. She is the co-founder and managing partner of Diver Collective, a Brooklyn based tech company. Diver Collective exists to help organizations understand and meet their digital engagement needs in a way that supports their mission and values. Cat also speaks to corporations and groups of professionals about leveraging her lived experiences as an out professional to inspire organizations to develop more LGBTQ+ inclusive workplaces.

During this week’s Office Hours, we take a candid look at the entrepreneurial loneliness epidemic. In truth, breaking out as an entrepreneur is a singular position where you’re working long hours, and making incredible sacrifices. Allon and I unpack these realities and offer some of our own strategies to bust out of our collective isolation. It’s our hope we can shine a light on the entrepreneurial shadow side and offer support to connect you with our dynamic community of Out Bosses.