The Value with Kevin Valley

The Value with Kevin Valley

By Kevin ValleyBusinessEntrepreneurship
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The Value with Kevin Valley episodes

  • 105: No AI Without Data | Raquel Seville on Building the Caribbean’s Info Infrastructure

    What happens when one of the Caribbean’s top data minds builds a tech platform instead of a consultancy? You get a masterclass in turning information into influence

    In this episode of The Value, Kevin Valley talks with Raquel Seville, founder of Dataffluent, about the role of data infrastructure in shaping how the region scales AI, drives smarter business decisions, and builds valuation-ready companies.

    They unpack why AI needs local data, how dashboards drive smarter business decisions, and what it takes to move from service provider to tech builder.

    Topics include:

    • Data strategies for fundraising and valuation

    • Using AI agents in business workflows

    • Building scalable tools in small markets

    Learn more about Raquel at dataffluent.com

    1 hr 26 min
  • 104: Doing It For the Community | Jay Jackson

    Join host Kevin Valley as he dives into the remarkable entrepreneurial journey of Jay Jackson, an award-winning entrepreneur and author. Jay shares his evolution from corporate life to owning a real estate company and establishing RYSE Creative Village, a nurturing hub for creators in music, film, and gaming.
    Discover his passion for community development and empowering artists, the importance of faith, curiosity, and mentorship, and his vision to bridge the gap between creators and major platforms like Netflix.
    Tune in for motivational insights, practical advice, and Jay's exciting plans for national expansion of RYSE Creative Village and their empowering efforts through crowdfunding.
    00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey
    00:51 Welcome to the Podcast
    01:06 Introducing Jay Jackson
    02:26 Jay Jackson's Philosophy on Dreams and Passion
    03:58 Jay Jackson's Early Career and Entrepreneurial Seed
    04:27 The Turning Point: Delivery Job Experience
    12:41 Venturing into Real Estate
    17:42 Navigating the 2008 Financial Crisis
    20:36 From Real Estate to Salon Ownership
    24:14 The Power of Curiosity and Execution
    27:56 Leadership and Team Building
    32:01 Cubicle to CEO: The Book
    42:19 Rise Magazine and Community Impact
    44:32 Launching on a National Scale
    45:08 Relocating to Atlanta
    46:27 Final Event in Orlando
    52:04 Building RYSE Creative Village
    59:28 Acquiring the School Property
    01:06:22 Curating Creativity and Business Savvy
    01:13:25 Funding and Crowdfunding Campaign
    01:20:33 Long-term Vision and Challenges
    01:26:24 Final Thoughts and Advice

    1 hr 29 min
  • 103: 28 Dollars and a Dream | Dareem Jeffrey

    In this episode of The Value, Kevin Valley interviews Dareem Jeffrey, the entrepreneur behind EcoWash—a car wash business that uses just two litres of water per vehicle.

    Dareem discusses his journey from growing up in Trinidad to building a global business, overcoming significant challenges, and empowering youth through innovative business models.

    Listen in to learn about his unique approach to franchising, the importance of resilience, and the strategies that have driven EcoWash's expansion across multiple countries.


    Watch this episode on YouTube

    1 hr 2 min
  • 102: WiPay's Global Expansion | Aldwyn Wayne

    Join us for an insightful episode of 'The Value' hosted by Kevin Valley, featuring Aldwyn Wayne, CEO and founder of WiPay Caribbean. Aldwyn shares WiPay's journey from its 2016 inception to its expansion across the Caribbean, West Africa, South America, and the U.S. Discover innovative solutions like Colour Bank and WeFets, and learn how WiPay navigated pandemic challenges and regulatory hurdles.


    Aldwyn emphasizes the importance of customer feedback, flexible product offerings, and viable execution in startups. Get valuable insights on the FinTech landscape, entrepreneurship, and investment opportunities in the Caribbean.


    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction to Discover Check and Payment Processing

    00:59 Welcome to the Podcast

    02:42 WiPay's Journey and Achievements

    04:26 Expansion and Innovations

    06:29 Impact of the Pandemic on Business

    11:16 Challenges and Strategies in FinTech

    21:15 Entering New Markets: Columbia and Ghana

    41:58 Building Business Ecosystems

    44:27 Acquisitions and Strategic Moves

    44:56 Travel Company Acquisition

    47:21 Microfinance Company Acquisition

    48:53 Valuing Acquisitions

    52:55 Understanding Market Needs

    59:15 Grenada Bacchanal Explained

    01:03:38 Future of Caribbean Fintech

    01:13:47 Web3 and Digital Payments

    01:16:11 Final Thoughts and Advice


    Links:

    WiPay website

    WiTravel

    Watch this episode on YouTube

    1 hr 20 min
  • 101: From Island Boy to Fintech Visionary - The Journey of a Bahamian Olympian | Nicholas Rees

    In this episode, we are with Nicholas Rees; a digital payment specialist, chartered accountant, private equity investor, and two-time Olympian from the Bahamas.

    Nicholas discusses his PPP business model - People, Planet, Profit - and his multifaceted career journey from an Olympic swimmer to founding several businesses, including his successful digital payments platform, Kanoo.

    He elaborates on his family's storied history, educational background, and extensive entrepreneurial ventures, such as his innovative water company, Everfresh. Nicholas also provides insight into Kanoo's operations, its role in the Bahamian digital currency ecosystem, digital financial inclusion efforts, and strategic acquisitions, including the recent acquisition of Trinidad-based fintech, LUHU.

    He emphasizes the importance of technology investment in the Caribbean and shares valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the region.
     
    Chapters:
    02:50 Nicholas Rees' Early Life and Family Legacy
    06:31 From Swimming to Business: The Transition
    08:28 The Struggles and Triumphs of Starting a Business
    10:48 The Water Business: A Social Impact Story
    16:05 Educational Pursuits and Career Milestones
    24:57 The Birth and Growth of Kanoo
    29:21 Kanoo's Vision and Future Plans
    31:13 Empowering Businesses with Digital Tools
    34:05 The Sand Dollar: Bahamas' Digital Currency
    36:57 Challenges and Innovations in Digital Payments
    40:03 Financial Inclusion in Remote Areas
    45:05 Kanoo's Strategic Acquisitions and Partnerships
    57:18 Investment Opportunities in Caribbean Tech
    01:01:37 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
    01:03:53 Conclusion and Farewell


    1 hr 5 min
  • 100: Crowdfunding: Building Community Wealth with Bill Huston

    In this episode, Kevin Valley engages with Bill Huston, a leading expert in the field of investment crowdfunding and recognized by Inc. magazine as one of the top 19 global crowdfunding professionals. Together, they explore the various forms of crowdfunding—donation, rewards, and investment—and discuss their unique advantages, particularly for underserved communities.


    Bill sheds light on his journey from Cincinnati to becoming a prominent figure in the crowdfunding industry, emphasizing the significance of community, mentorship, and access to capital.


    The discussion also highlights the need for increased awareness and education about crowdfunding among government bodies and financiers.


    Bill outlines strategies to use crowdfunding as a demonstration of due diligence and the role of robust business plans. He acknowledges regional advancements, particularly in the Caribbean, and predicts a future with more opportunities for non-accredited investors through community-driven models.


    Throughout the episode, Bill underscores that while not everyone may become an entrepreneur, everyone has the potential to be an investor.

     

    Key Takeaways:

    • Investment crowdfunding goes beyond financial returns by contributing to community wealth-building.
    • The 'crowdfit' strategy is effective in helping small businesses hit their initial funding targets by engaging closely with their primary and secondary networks.
    • There is a big opportunity for crowdfunding in international markets, although regulatory challenges need to be addressed.
    • Crowdfunding has the potential to democratize access to investment opportunities, making it crucial for economic growth and community development.

      •  

      Resources Mentioned:

      • Fund Black Founders
      • Kickstarter
      • Indiegogo
      • WeFunder
      • Raiseway
      • Crowdfund Better
      • 10K Project

        •  

        Chapters:

        02:41 Bill Huston's Early Life and Career
        07:50 Entrepreneurial Journey Begins
        14:14 Crowdfunding Ventures and Challenges
        21:15 The Power of Community Capital
        31:07 Rewards vs. Investment Crowdfunding
        39:22 The Power of Crowdfunding
        40:54 Understanding SAFE Agreements
        43:12 Challenges in Crowdfunding
        43:19 The Role of Raiseway
        44:31 Crowdfunding Statistics
        45:15 The Importance of Community Support
        46:03 Crowdfunding Education and Engagement
        51:19 Crowdfit Investment Strategy
        55:35 Ideal Products for Crowdfunding
        01:01:25 Crowdfunding in the Caribbean
        01:11:06 Future of Crowdfunding
        01:15:00 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

         

        Subscribe to The Value:
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        1 hr 17 min
      • 099: Mastering Public Speaking and Startup Pitches with Will Greenblatt

        In this episode, we converse with Will Greenblatt, an acclaimed author and public speaking coach who has aided founders in raising over $350 million.

         
        The discussion tackles the ever-present issue of stage fright and offers strategies to manage it effectively. Greenblatt shares his upbringing rooted in acting, his experiences as a child star, and overcoming various life challenges that shaped his approach to public speaking and entrepreneurship.
         
        Emphasizing the importance of founder market fit and personal connection to business problems, Greenblatt provides insights into what investors look for, such as credibility and effective communication. He underscores the emotional aspects of pitching and stresses authenticity and passion in delivering compelling pitches.
         
        The episode is filled with actionable advice on improving public speaking skills, building strong investor relationships, and mastering the art of compelling business pitches.
         

        Chapters:

        00:00 Overcoming Stage Fright
        00:37 Introduction to the Podcast
        01:00 Meet Will Greenblatt
        02:06 Will's Acting Journey
        02:57 Family Legacy and Early Acting Career
        06:40 Challenges of Child Acting
        14:58 Coping with Grief and Mental Health
        30:30 Therapy and Personal Growth
        37:17 The Fear of Public Speaking
        38:19 Understanding Anxiety and Its Lies
        39:58 Personal Experiences with Stage Fright
        43:37 Overcoming Stage Fright: Practical Tips
        55:18 The Five Acts Framework for Public Speaking
        01:02:52 The Importance of Emotional Connection in Pitching
        01:10:20 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
         

        References

        • Watch this interview on YouTube
        • Transform Your Speaking Skills: Gain Confidence, Captivate Audiences and Advance Your Career by Will Greenblatt

          • For more of Will

          • LinkedIn: Will Greenblatt
          • YouTube: Your Public Speaking Coach


            • 1 hr 13 min
          • 098: Achieving High Performance and Leadership as an Entrepreneur | Dr. Shelly-Ann Gajadhar
            This episode features educator and high-performance coach Dr. Shelly-Ann Gajadhar. Dr. Shelly is the founder and Mentor of a women’s mentorship online community of 200+ women called the Go Bravely Mentorship Community and the Author of a daily inspirational book for women entitled Go Bravely: Building Confidence Daily. Having shifted careers from law to business and academia, she blends academic principles with effective management and mindful leadership, delivering rapid results.
            In this episode, Dr. Shelly talks about her PhD journey and challenges as a black woman pursuing a PhD. in the UK. She imparts her insights on performance management, a crucial skill for entrepreneurs seeking to excel in their endeavours. Moreover, she also dropped a lot of tips on various topics spanning brand identity, task management, and product launches.
            Get ready to delve into a wealth of knowledge in this episode as we kickstart our journey toward high performance together.
            Highlights:
            00:00 Unlocking Self-Leadership and High Performance
            00:57 Podcast Introduction: High-Performing Entrepreneurs
            02:32 Journey of Transformation: From Law to Leadership
            04:48 Navigating Challenges as a Caribbean Academic in the UK
            07:05 Activism and Advocacy: Championing Diversity in Academia
            19:25 The Genesis of 'Go Bravely': Turning Mantra into Movement
            23:20 Mentorship and Building a Community of Empowered Women
            33:02 High Performance Coaching: Legacy, Vision, and Systems
            39:04 The Power of Staying in Your Lane
            39:45 The Impact of Focusing on Your Audience
            40:22 Leveraging Influence Over Imitation
            40:51 Redefining Success Through Discipline and Inspiration
            41:26 Task Management vs. Time Management: A New Approach
            45:16 Planning Your Week for Maximum Productivity
            51:48 The Magic of Writing Things Down
            56:02 Strategies for Successful Product Launches
            01:04:39 From Message to Movement: Upcoming Leadership Bootcamp
            01:04:51 Vision and Growth: The Future of Alphastute
            01:09:38 Innovative Ideas and Personal Projects
            01:12:17 Final Thoughts: The Dream Chose You
             
            References:
            Episode Video
            Go Bravely - Londrelle, Shelly-Ann Gajadhar | Spotify
            Energy Focussed Weekly Planner
            Go Bravely Mentorship Community
            Go Bravely: Building Confidence Daily by Dr Shelly-Ann Gajadhar
             
            For More of Dr. Shelly:
            Website: www.alphastute.com
            YouTube: Dr. Shelly-Ann Gajadhar
            1 hr 14 min
          • 097: Investment Insights from The Bahamas | Nicholas Higgs
            In this episode, we are with the Managing Director of The Bahamas Development Bank (BDB), Nicholas Higgs. Nicholas was also the Director and Chief Operating Officer for the Access Accelerator Small Business Development Center (SBDC), where he led the business development department. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with deep expertise in development finance, research, and capital raising. 
            Here we delve into investing and raising funds in the Bahamas. Nicholas discusses his journey as a managing director, sharing insights gained along the way. He also emphasizes the importance of networking, tenacity, and expanding one’s horizons. Join us as we look deeper into the Bahamian economy and explore its investment opportunities.
            Highlights:
            [02:08] Taking on the role of Managing Director at the age of 31
            [05:27] The value of networking and controlling your narrative
            [12:36] Overcoming fears and getting out of the box
            [19:00] The power of tenacity
            [24:43] The art of valuation
            [29:23]  Nicholas’ insights on raising funds and securing deals
            [36:07]  The Bahamian economy during the COVID-19 Pandemic
            [40:43]  The Bahamas Development Bank and its rebranding
            [43:05]  The Sleeping Giant: Bahamas’ Potential and Opportunities
            [48:11]  Investing and raising capital in the Bahamas
            [51:38] Crowdfunding in the Caribbean
            [53:45] The BDB’s vision and goals
            [59:22] BDB’s fund allocation
            [01:00:39] How do you present your business for financing
            [01:05:19] Common misconceptions about investing in the Caribbean
            [01:10:57] Nicholas’ upcoming podcast: Mastering Finance
             
            Resources
            Episode Video
            Mastering Finance: The Podcast
            1 hr 22 min
          • 096: Digital Payment Apps in Trinidad and Tobago | Keron Rose
            In this technologically advanced world, everything is getting digitalized. For any business to keep up, it has to learn how to efficiently incorporate technology into its processes. 
             
            In this episode, digital marketing and e-commerce specialist Keron Rose sits with us as we delve into the world of digital marketing and e-commerce. Keron is also a writer and a podcast host, and his platforms aim to educate Caribbean entrepreneurs about the technology they need to start a business.
             
            Here, Keron discusses the different digital payment platforms available in the Caribbean and the value proposition they offer. He emphasizes the importance of considering the pros and cons of the various digital payment facilitators and choosing the most suitable for your business.
             
            Highlights:
            Keron’s journey to digital marketing and e-commerce
            Exploring the different payment platforms and knowing what suits you
            Digital tools and strategies to enhance your online presence
            Utilizing digital tools to build your brand: success stories
            Challenges in adopting digital payment solutions
            Understanding how various digital payments work
            Looking into the value proposition of different payment facilitators
            Republic Bank’s Endcash digital wallet
            Weighing payment solutions and consumer behaviour
            Digital payments: A look into the future
            The importance of legal conversations on fintech
             
            Resources:
            Episode Video
            Digipreneur FM
            Keron Rose Website
            1 hr 55 min

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