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

Jacob Levine is the founder of a software startup called Chorus Connection, a company that builds technology making it easy for choirs to manage all aspects of their organization in a single place, from their membership directory and calendar to attendance and dues. I was fortunate to connect with Jacob through StartOut, a vibrant network of dedicated LGBTQ entrepreneurs and supporters. During this conversation, Jacob shares why he established his business values centered around passion, fun, and authenticity. He also talks about the importance of finding mentors further along the entrepreneurship path to offer support and guidance.

Laura Laban is the Co-Founder & CEO of Flying Development Studio. After six years of working in the tech industry, she broke out on her own and turned her side hustle into her full time job – developing a flight simulator software program, called Infinite Flight. I was fortunate to connect with Laura through StartOut, a vibrant network of dedicated LGBTQ entrepreneurs and supporters. During this conversation, Laura shares how she developed a successful business enterprise all while managing coming out as transgender last year. On this episode, Laura gets vulnerable and shares some valuable insights on how to navigate the challenges of transitioning on the job, all while maintaining a thriving business.

Laura Laban is the Co-Founder & CEO of Flying Development Studio. After six years of working in the tech industry, she broke out on her own and turned her side hustle into her full time job – developing a flight simulator software program, called Infinite Flight. I was fortunate to connect with Laura through StartOut, a vibrant network of dedicated LGBTQ entrepreneurs and supporters. During this conversation, Laura shares how she developed a successful business enterprise all while managing coming out as transgender last year. On this episode, Laura gets vulnerable and shares some valuable insights on how to navigate the challenges of transitioning on the job, all while maintaining a thriving business.

Jonathan Lovitz is a Senior Vice President at the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), as well as the Director of the New York LGBT and Allied Business Network of NGLCC. I had the pleasure of connecting with Jonathan at the NGLCC leadership conference last year, and learned first hand how his work and the work of the NGLCC is helping nearly 1,000 LGBTQ-owned businesses thrive. In this special episode, Jonathan shares fresh findings from the ground breaking report, America’s LGBT Economy, and offers several secrets as to why out bosses should consider getting their businesses certified with the NGLCC.

Jonathan Lovitz is a Senior Vice President at the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), as well as the Director of the New York LGBT and Allied Business Network of NGLCC. I had the pleasure of connecting with Jonathan at the NGLCC leadership conference last year, and learned first hand how his work and the work of the NGLCC is helping nearly 1,000 LGBTQ-owned businesses thrive. In this special episode, Jonathan shares fresh findings from the ground breaking report, America's LGBT Economy, and offers several secrets as to why out bosses should consider getting their businesses certified with the NGLCC.

Devra Polack is the Founder and Creative Director of Spinster Design, a tech consulting and creative digital services firm specializing in web, mobile and print applications. Spinster Design basically helps your agency or small business find the best technical solutions to match your needs, and then executes with expertise and passion. Devra is an out boss based in Portland, Oregon, and I had the pleasure of learning from her 15 years of experience running Spinster Design. In this episode, Devra offers a ton of knowledge gems for those aspiring and current out bosses. Check out the show, and prepare to be dazzled by Devra’s brilliance!

Devra Polack is the Founder and Creative Director of Spinster Design, a tech consulting and creative digital services firm specializing in web, mobile and print applications. Spinster Design basically helps your agency or small business find the best technical solutions to match your needs, and then executes with expertise and passion. Devra is an out boss based in Portland, Oregon, and I had the pleasure of learning from her 15 years of experience running Spinster Design. In this episode, Devra offers a ton of knowledge gems for those aspiring and current out bosses. Check out the show, and prepare to be dazzled by Devra's brilliance!

Ron is a funding strategist, specializing in helping startups, early stage firms, and businesses of every size build strong foundations for growth and funding success. He is passionate about supporting LGBTQ business owners, and those aspiring to take the entrepreneurial leap. I was fortunate to connect with Ron through StartOut, a vibrant network of dedicated LGBTQ entrepreneurs and supporters. During this conversation, Ron offers sage advice about how to build a thriving business without compromising your values or covering aspects your authentic self. Give it a listen, and consider connecting with Ron if you are in the early stages of building your own business.

Ron is a funding strategist, specializing in helping startups, early stage firms, and businesses of every size build strong foundations for growth and funding success. He is passionate about supporting LGBTQ business owners, and those aspiring to take the entrepreneurial leap. I was fortunate to connect with Ron through StartOut, a vibrant network of dedicated LGBTQ entrepreneurs and supporters. During this conversation, Ron offers sage advice about how to build a thriving business without compromising your values or covering aspects your authentic self. Give it a listen, and consider connecting with Ron if you are in the early stages of building your own business.

Joel Brown is the Chief Visionary Officer of Pneumos, a consulting firm that specializes in organizational sustainability, leadership development, conflict resolution, executive coaching, and cultural intelligence. I had the pleasure of meeting Joel at the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) Conference last year in Palm Springs, and learned first hand how his work is redefining the diversity & inclusion field. In this episode, Joel shares what it takes to be an authentic boss, role modeling how to create an inclusive workplace culture for his clients, and for those that work with him in his business. He also touches on how brining your whole self to work can also inspire fellow LGBTQ colleagues to stand up and be leaders in the workplace.