I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Devin: What is your superpower?Rachel: What really, I would say, cultivated my major superpower is that seeking that peace amongst this constant chaos leads me right back to the kid me, the creative me, the child me, the me that existed before, I would say, the world kicked in, before humanity kicked in, before you go through that phase where you're just buried by just everything, you know, and a lot of people get buried, and some people just never resurface.In today’s episode of Superpowers for Good, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Rachel Renee, the Founder and CEO of Goat Moves. Rachel shared her inspiring journey and the mission behind her innovative e-commerce marketplace platform designed to help small business owners and solopreneurs centralize their sales efforts.Rachel’s passion for supporting small businesses comes from her own experiences as a serial entrepreneur. "I have lived many lives," she told me. From working in warehouses to bartending in Vegas, she’s gained an intimate understanding of the challenges many small business owners face, especially when trying to manage multiple platforms for their products and services.Goat Moves simplifies this process by offering an all-in-one solution where entrepreneurs can sell physical products, services, and digital downloads in one place. “You don’t have to spread your offerings across every platform,” Rachel explained. “We have centralized it for our businesses.”What stood out most during our conversation was Rachel’s drive to make wealth and business success accessible to everyone. By launching a regulated crowdfunding campaign, she’s giving everyday people the opportunity to invest in her vision. “I wanted to make wealth accessible to the public,” she said, referencing her journey from Kansas City to Los Angeles, where she often found herself on the short end of financial opportunities.Rachel’s belief in ethical business practices and the power of small businesses to lift communities is clear. “We are built for the people, by the people. I am the people,” she declared, embodying her role as what she calls “the people CEO.”Rachel’s passion and vision are truly inspiring. If you’re an entrepreneur or investor, this is a platform you won’t want to miss.tl;dr:* Introduction of Guest and Business: Rachel Renee, CEO of Goat Moves, discusses her company's marketplace platform designed for small and medium-sized businesses, allowing them to sell products, services, and digital downloads on one centralized platform.* Business Model and User Experience: Rachel highlights that Goat Moves offers a streamlined experience for both sellers and buyers, eliminating the need to manage multiple platforms. The marketplace is still in beta, with over 900 sellers waitlisted, including estheticians selling products and services.* Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Campaign: Rachel explains Goat Moves' current crowdfunding campaign on NetCapital. She emphasizes her commitment to making wealth accessible to the general public, regardless of their financial standing.* Rachel’s Entrepreneurial Journey: She shares her diverse career background, including government contracting and various other jobs, and how this experience shaped her vision to create a business that benefits and supports small businesses.* Superpower and Personal Growth: Rachel describes her superpower as maintaining inner peace amidst chaos, which fuels her creativity and passion. She encourages others to reconnect with their inner child to rediscover joy and creativity.How to Develop Childlike Creativity As a SuperpowerRachel Renee's superpower is her ability to tap into her childlike creativity amidst chaos. By maintaining her inner peace and nurturing the imaginative, compassionate side of herself, she has been able to sustain her drive and passion. This connection to her younger self fuels her vision, creativity, and empathy in her entrepreneurial journey.Rachel shared an inspiring story of how she used her childlike creativity and determination to build Goat Moves despite significant challenges. During the pandemic, she found herself "founder broke," with only her sweat equity to offer. She rallied a team by asking them to believe in her vision, and through passion and creativity, she secured the resources needed to move forward. Her unwavering commitment and childlike drive inspired her team to support her, helping Goat Moves grow significantly in just two years.Tips for Developing the Superpower:* Cultivate inner peace amidst chaos to reconnect with your creative self.* Seek out activities or memories from childhood that bring joy and inspiration.* Allow yourself to be curious and passionate, even if it feels unconventional.* Look for ways to recreate childhood experiences that spark excitement and wonder.* Focus on finding personal joy without needing to justify it to others.Conclusion: By following Rachel’s example and advice, you can make childlike creativity a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileRachel Renee (she/her):Founder & CEO, Goat Moves Inc.About Goat Moves Inc.: We are an innovative and comprehensive approach to e-commerce. Consolidating various services and capabilities into one central platform can offer several benefits for both sellers and customers. Goat Moves Inc.. evolved from its origins as Goat Moves Drug Testing in Kansas City, MO, where it operated as a government contractor providing alcohol & drug testing, DNA testing, and cleaning services to entities such as the Department of Transportation, American Airlines, law offices, and various employers across the Kansas City Metro.Managing multiple platforms for different customer bases proved to be Inc.reasingly challenging and costly. Some platforms allowed only one service, while others had long processing times, high fees, complex setups, or were simply neglected due to subpar user experiences.In recognizing the need for a streamlined approach, we observed a significant demand for consolidating services, not only for B2B transactions but also for achieving B2C synchronicity.The goal was to establish a connection that seamlessly brought together the entirety of the business, entrepreneurs, influencers, and creators with customers, utilizing a harmonious aggregation based on algorithms.Website: netcapital.com/companies/goatmovesCompany Facebook Page: fb.com/officialgoatmovesInc.Other URL: rachelrenee.meBiographical Information: Rachel Renee is the founder and CEO of Goat Moves Inc., an all-in-one e-commerce marketplace, replacing multiple website systems. After bootstrapping over $250k in Q4 of 2023, a $5M pre-seed RegCF raise engagement was secured and is facilitated by NetCapital.Goat Moves Marketplace enables businesses to list their products, services and digital downloads on a unified platform. This patent-pending technology is one of the features that makes Goat Moves Marketplace unique.In January 2024, the company secured a deal with Nibi TV powered by BitCentral for “Kali Streaming” on Goat Moves Marketplace. The company has amassed 6,000+ waitlisted users and 900+ waitlisted sellers. In that same month, Goat Moves Marketplace secured a partnership with Unielogics. Unielogics provides turnkey logistics and warehousing software, granting BIG access to small businesses globally.In April 2024, Goat Moves Inc.. secured a multi-million dollar advertising deal with Consult TV. A programmatic facilitator for SInc.lair Broadcasting, Gray Television and Hearst Media. Rachel Renee is the media co-host on Revolt Media’s “Holdin’ Court Podcast” alongside her father and host Courtney “Big Court” Richardson ll. Her father also serves as a media partner of Goat Moves Inc.., and he is the owner of Nibi TV.Personal Facebook Profile: fb.com/rchlreneeLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/rchlreneeInstagram Handle: @rchl_reneeMax-Impact MembersThe following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support to keep us operating:Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Sheryle Gilihan, CauseLabs | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc.., a public benefit corporation, on September 17, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.* SuperCrowdHour, September 18, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At September’s webinar, Devin Thorpe will provide an in-depth answer to the question, “Can I Beat the Stock Market with Impact Crowdfund Investments?” Free to attend.* Superpowers for Good Live Pitch, September 25, 2024. The application window is open now. Apply today! The Live Pitch will stream simultaneously to the e360tv network, Facebook, Linkedin, YouTube and Superpowers for Good. We hope for an audience of thousands! Don’t miss this opportunity to pitch your regulated investment crowdfunding campaign to the SuperCrowd!* Recently, we created an AI GPT to help you learn more about The Super Crowd, Inc.., a public benefit corporation, and our upcoming events. Click here to try it.Community Event Calendar* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events* Community Revitalization, Thursdays, 10:00 AM Eastern.* SEC - CfPA Webinar, September 17, 2024, at 11:00 AM Eastern.* Main Street Skowhegan and NC3 Entrepreneur Finance Workshop Series, September 17 - November 19, 2023.* Power Your Passion: Funding Social Enterprises Through Crowdfunding, September 19, with Paul Lovejoy, Logan Fahey, Eve Picker and Devin Thorpe.* Crowdfunding Professional Association, Summit in DC, October 22-23* Asheville Neighborhood Economics, November 12-13.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 8,000+ members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe

I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Devin: What is your superpower?Daniel: I'd say that I'm a multidisciplinary high achiever.In today's episode of Superpowers for Good, I had the pleasure of welcoming back Dr. Daniel Farb, CEO and Founder of Flower Turbines. It's been over five years since our last conversation, and the progress Daniel has made with his company is nothing short of remarkable.Flower Turbines isn't just about harnessing wind power; it's about doing it beautifully and efficiently, particularly in urban environments where traditional turbines would struggle. Daniel's vision for small, aesthetically pleasing wind turbines that operate quietly and efficiently has brought a fresh perspective to renewable energy.One of the most intriguing aspects of our conversation was Daniel's explanation of their patented "bouquet effect." This innovation allows their tulip-shaped turbines to be placed close together, enhancing each other's performance—something unheard of with traditional large wind turbines. As Daniel aptly put it, “When you have winds, you can collect [energy] 24 hours a day... We’re the only ones that can place turbines close together, and ours have this great benefit so that we can make better use of tight spaces than anybody else can.”This ability to optimize space without sacrificing efficiency could be a game-changer, particularly for off-grid power solutions. Moreover, Flower Turbines' products are bird-friendly, quiet, and designed to be integrated with solar and battery technologies, offering a comprehensive energy solution.Daniel's passion for innovation, backed by a robust portfolio of patents, is driving Flower Turbines toward what could be a significant leap in the renewable energy market. As they move into mass production, the potential for impact is tremendous, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes them next.Flower Turbines is raising capital from the crowd via StartEngine.tl;dr:* Guest Introduction: Dr. Daniel Farb, CEO and founder of Flower Turbines, returns to the show after several years to discuss the progress and innovations in small wind turbines designed for urban environments.* Innovation and Progress: Dr. Farb shares how Flower Turbines has evolved from early-stage prototypes to manufacturing and selling turbines. They’ve made significant strides in aerodynamics and electronics, leading to unique products that perform better when placed close together.* Crowdfunding Success: Flower Turbines has completed five successful crowdfunding rounds on StartEngine, raising substantial funds from over 8,000 investors. They are now preparing for their sixth round.* Multidisciplinary Approach: Dr. Farb attributes his success to his ability to combine different fields of knowledge, from science and art to business, which has been crucial in developing innovative products and solutions.* Advice on Becoming Multidisciplinary: Dr. Farb encourages others to explore diverse interests, as these experiences often connect in unexpected ways, enhancing both personal and professional growth.How to Develop Multidisciplinary High Achievement As a SuperpowerDaniel’s superpower is his ability to excel across multiple disciplines, combining creativity with scientific and business acumen. This unique blend allows him to approach complex problems from various angles, resulting in innovative solutions that bridge the gap between art and science, as well as between invention and marketing.Daniel exemplifies his multidisciplinary superpower through the design of Flower Turbines' wind turbines. He drew on his diverse background—merging artistic inspiration with scientific rigor—to create beautiful, efficient turbines that are not only functional but also visually appealing. Additionally, he shared an anecdote about his work in e-learning, where he applied creative storytelling to teach complex pharmaceutical regulations, transforming a traditionally dull subject into an engaging, interactive experience.Tips for Developing this Superpower:* Pursue Diverse Interests: Follow your curiosity and explore different fields. Every skill or knowledge you acquire can connect in unexpected ways later on.* Combine Creativity with Discipline: Use both your creative and logical sides to approach problems. Don’t be afraid to blend art with science or other seemingly unrelated disciplines.* Embrace Hard Work: Multidisciplinary excellence requires dedication. Be willing to work hard and push the boundaries of your abilities in multiple areas.By following Daniel's example and advice, you can make multidisciplinary high achievement a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileDr. Daniel Farb (he/him):CEO and Founder, Flower TurbinesAbout Flower Turbines: Flower Turbines is an innovative small wind turbine company with the ambition to become a major global force in renewable energy. With over 30 patents, the company has solved the technology and design problems holding small wind back from being as large an industry as solar. One of its biggest innovations is the cluster effect, whereby the turbines, when placed close to each other correctly, make the whole group perform better. For example, four turbines together produce as much energy as eight separate ones.Website: flowerturbines.comX/Twitter Handle: @flowerturbinesCompany Facebook Page: facebook.com/flowerturbinesInstagram Handle: @flowerturbines_usOther URL: startengine.com/offering/flowerturbinesBiographical Information: School, Degree, Year2019:         NSF Innovation Corps Certification by NYCRIN, New York2011 and 2012:     Course Series: Executive’s Guide to Patent Strategy, Herzliya, Israel, taught by Finnegan law firm and the University of Haifa1999 – 2001:         Courses at UCLA School of Business and Management. - Program in International Trade and Commerce. Partially completed.  Los Angeles, CA2000:        Certification course by Pharmaceutical Education & Research Institute (PERI), on Applied Good Clinical Practices. Online.1997:        Anderson School of Management, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA. Degree in Executive Management. 1978 – 1982:         Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA.  – M.D. Elected to Alpha Omega Alpha honors fraternity. 1976 – 1977:          Special Student in Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT. Advanced Science Courses1972 – 1976:        Yale College, New Haven, CT – B.A., English Literature (Cum Laude) (set academic record for being the only person in Yale history allowed to take double the number of allowed courses in one semester, including many science courses, and getting all A grades). RELEVANT EXPERIENCE2013 – Present:         Founder, CEO, creator of most of the intellectual property, Flower Turbines. Headquartered in NY. Operations in Texas and Netherlands.2006 – Present:         Founder, CEO, creator of most of the intellectual property, Leviathan Energy, a group of renewable energy companies with innovations in a variety of wind, water, wave, and underwater turbines. Originally included a predecessor to Flower Turbines.2005 – 2006:         Patent writer and consultant with an intellectual property law firm 1999 – 2011:        CEO, UniversityOfHealthcare.com, and UniversityOfBusiness.com, for web-based management and healthcare training. 1986 – 2005:        Clinical Practice in Ophthalmology, Los Angeles, CA. Included managing a small medical group. Maintained contracts with 100 care centers. 1978 – 1979:         Summer work researching neurotransmitter pharmacology, National Institutes of Health, laboratory of Dr. Irwin Kopin, Washington, D.C. (One of the world's top labs in catecholamine and antidepressant basic research.) 1977 – 1978:        Research project with World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland on health care delivery in developing countries. Culminated in the presentation of a paper for the Department of Psychiatry on health staff utilization in developing countries.RELEVANT AWARDS•        2010 – Cleantech Open – Won 2nd & 3rd Place for the “Best Clean Technologies in Israel.”•        2011 – Wind Tulip invention on display in Bloomfield Science Museum in Jerusalem as one of Israel’s top 45 inventions.•        His hydro turbine team won the Eurogia and Eureka labels for technological excellence•        2015 – Speaker at US Congress on renewable energy technology•        US Navy SBIR 2015 Phase 1 award for portable underwater turbines•        2021:         Top 1000 Sustainable Solutions, Solar Impulse Foundation•        2021:         Impel+ 2021 Innovator, US Department of Energy•        2021:          Pepperdine University Business School picked Flower Turbines among the top 10 Most Fundable Companies in the US.•        2023:         A winner of the Yes San Francisco Sustainability competition, co-sponsored by the World Economic Forum•        2022 and 2023:         Two-time winner of the Dutch government sustainability awardRELEVANT PUBLICATIONS•        Developed about 80 PCT patents in various aspects of renewable energy. •        Authored and edited over 100 books and CD/e-learning courses in management and health sciences, many of which won four and five star reviews. •        Several ophthalmology journal articles. •        “Wind Energizer” – Front cover article for WindTech Magazine, September 2009. Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/flower-turbines-llcMax-Impact MembersThe following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support to keep us operating:Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Sheryle Gilihan, CauseLabs | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on September 17, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.* SuperCrowdHour, September 18, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At September’s webinar, Devin Thorpe will provide an in-depth answer to the question, “Can I Beat the Stock Market with Impact Crowdfund Investments?” Free to attend.* Superpowers for Good Live Pitch, September 25, 2024. The application window is open now. Apply today! The Live Pitch will stream simultaneously to the e360tv network, Facebook, Linkedin, YouTube and Superpowers for Good. We hope for an audience of thousands! Don’t miss this opportunity to pitch your regulated investment crowdfunding campaign to the SuperCrowd!* Recently, we created an AI GPT to help you learn more about The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, and our upcoming events. Click here to try it.Community Event Calendar* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events* Community Revitalization, Thursdays, 10:00 AM Eastern.* SEC - CfPA Webinar, September 17, 2024, at 11:00 AM Eastern.* Main Street Skowhegan and NC3 Entrepreneur Finance Workshop Series, September 17 - November 19, 2023.* Power Your Passion: Funding Social Enterprises Through Crowdfunding, September 19, with Paul Lovejoy, Logan Fahey, Eve Picker and Devin Thorpe.* Crowdfunding Professional Association, Summit in DC, October 22-23* Asheville Neighborhood Economics, November 12-13.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 8,000+ members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe

I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Devin: what do you see as your superpower?Nicole: My superpower is that I don't get—climate change isn't something I see as a depressing end-of-world must-be scenario. It's very much a call to action.In today’s episode of Superpowers for Good, I had the pleasure of speaking with Nicole Whalen, Founder and CEO of Green Compass, a company dedicated to fighting climate change by retrofitting buildings with green infrastructure. The conversation highlighted the significant yet often overlooked role that buildings play in contributing to climate change. According to Nicole, over 70% of emissions in Washington, D.C., come from buildings, and this trend is common across the globe.Nicole shared how Green Compass utilizes nature-based solutions to retrofit commercial and multifamily buildings. These efforts include installing solar panels, electrification systems, and green stormwater infrastructure, all aimed at reducing emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change. One of her most striking projects involved creating a 2,000-square-foot rain garden that captures almost a million gallons of water per year. "Something as small a footprint as 2,000 square feet can capture almost a million gallons of water a year," she said, emphasizing the scale of impact even small projects can have.What I found particularly compelling was Nicole’s vision for decentralizing both energy and water systems, a step she sees as critical for sustainability. “Decentralizing utilities is something that's...indicative for sustainability. We need to have more decentralization of our energy sources [and] decentralized water systems as well,” she explained.Nicole’s work demonstrates the immense potential of combining private sector investment with innovative green solutions to solve one of the world’s most pressing problems: climate change. Green Compass’s Raise Green crowdfunding campaign is now live, offering a unique opportunity for impact-minded investors to support this mission.Stay tuned for more inspiring stories on how business leaders are using their superpowers for good!tl;dr:* Introduction of Green Compass: Nicole Whalen, founder of Green Compass, explains that her company retrofits commercial and multifamily buildings using green infrastructure to combat climate change, employing nature-based solutions like solar systems and EV charging.* Climate Impact of Buildings: Whalen highlights the significant role buildings play in emissions, with over 70% of emissions in Washington D.C. coming from buildings, and emphasizes the need for retrofitting to reduce these emissions.* Stormwater Retention Credits: Green Compass develops projects that utilize stormwater retention credits, a market-driven solution that allows private investment in green infrastructure, benefiting entities like churches and reducing costs while improving environmental outcomes.* Future Expansion: Green Compass, initially focused in D.C., plans to expand across the U.S. as other municipalities adopt similar stormwater management systems, driven by climate change and inadequate existing infrastructure.* Nicole's Superpower: Whalen attributes her success to her scientific mindset, particularly her ability to view the world through ecological relationships, and her passion for using nature to restore the environment, offering an optimistic approach to addressing climate challenges.How to Develop Green Innovation As a SuperpowerNicole’s superpower lies in her ability to drive significant environmental change through innovative green solutions. By retrofitting buildings with advanced green infrastructure, she tackles climate change head-on. Nicole’s approach integrates nature-based systems like green stormwater infrastructure, solar energy, and electrification to reduce emissions and enhance sustainability in urban environments.An illustrative story from our conversation involved a project where Nicole’s team created a 2,000-square-foot rain garden that captures nearly a million gallons of water annually. This project not only manages stormwater effectively but also enhances the local environment by adding trees and reducing urban heat. Nicole’s innovative approach allows her to address both water management and carbon sequestration simultaneously.To develop green innovation as a personal strength, Nicole suggests focusing on several key areas:* Invest in Learning: Understand the latest technologies and methods in green infrastructure.* Leverage Investment Opportunities: Utilize innovative financing solutions like stormwater retention credits to support your projects.* Embrace Decentralization: Promote decentralized systems for energy and water management to increase sustainability.By following Nicole’s example and advice, you can make green innovation a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileNicole Whalen (she/her):Founder & CEO, Green Compass LLCAbout Green Compass LLC: Based in Washington DC, Green Compass retrofits commercial and multifamily buildings to fight climate change by deploying: 💧 Green Stormwater Infrastructure☀️ Renewable Energy Systems🔋 EV Charging Infrastructure🏢 Building Efficiency MeasuresWebsite: www.greencompass.coOther URL: invest.raisegreen.com/offering/greencompass/detailsBiographical Information: Nicole is the founder and CEO of Green Compass. She has an interdisciplinary background in earth science and economics and followed her lifelong love of the oceans upstream to scale nature-based solutions that reduce air and water pollution.Nicole earned a BA in International Studies/Economics cum laude from New College of Florida and a MA in Global Sustainability, Water Resource Management from the University of South Florida. Her career started in marine science and international development, working on climate adaptation programs funded by USAID and the US Department of State. She is proud to call DC home as a 5th generation Washingtonian and is passionate about deploying nature-based and city-led solutions to climate change.Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/niwhalen/Instagram Handle: https://www.instagram.com/greencompass.co/Max-Impact MembersThe following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support to keep us operating:Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Sheryle Gilihan, CauseLabs | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on September 17, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.* SuperCrowdHour, September 18, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At September’s webinar, Devin Thorpe will provide an in-depth answer to the question, “Can I Beat the Stock Market with Impact Crowdfund Investments?” Free to attend.* Superpowers for Good Live Pitch, September 25, 2024. The application window is open now. Apply today! The Live Pitch will stream simultaneously to the e360tv network, Facebook, Linkedin, YouTube and Superpowers for Good. We hope for an audience of thousands! Don’t miss this opportunity to pitch your regulated investment crowdfunding campaign to the SuperCrowd!* Recently, we created an AI GPT to help you learn more about The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, and our upcoming events. Click here to try it.Community Event Calendar* Community Revitalization - Devin Thorpe - SuperCrowd, Thursday, August 29, 10:00 AM Eastern.* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events* Main Street Skowhegan and NC3 Entrepreneur Finance Workshop Series, September 17 - November 19, 2023.* Power Your Passion: Funding Social Enterprises Through Crowdfunding, September 19, with Paul Lovejoy, Logan Fahey, Eve Picker and Devin Thorpe.* Crowdfunding Professional Association, Summit in DC, October 22-23* Asheville Neighborhood Economics, November 12-13.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 8,000+ members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe

I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.tl;dr:* Guest Introduction: The episode features Brian Belley, VP of Product at KingsCrowd, discussing his analysis on rates of return on various debt structures and how investors should evaluate compensation for risk.* Key Analysis: Brian explains that many investors misunderstand the risks involved in debt and revenue share deals in small businesses and crowdfunding. He highlights the necessary interest rates or payback multiples needed to compensate for these risks.* Revenue-Based Financing Explained: Brian delves into the mechanics of revenue-based financing, where investor returns are tied to company revenues, offering flexibility for companies with fluctuating earnings.* Failure Rates and Required Returns: Data shows that pre-revenue companies have a higher failure rate (around 5.5%), requiring higher interest rates to compensate investors. As companies grow in revenue, failure rates decrease, and required interest rates also lower.* Market Trends: The transcript discusses how rising federal interest rates have influenced the interest rates offered by crowdfunding platforms, showing a trend of increasing returns to align with market conditions.In today’s episode, I had the pleasure of welcoming Brian Belley, Vice President of Product at KingsCrowd, to discuss a profoundly important topic: the risk-return dynamics of debt and revenue share deals in regulated investment crowdfunding. Brian recently published an insightful analysis that sheds light on the realities of these investment vehicles, challenging many common assumptions.As a quick aside, let me say that I love investing in crowdfunded debt offerings. Having made dozens of investments in the space, I’m lucky to report that as yet, I haven’t had a borrower default. I was excited to have Brian on the show to help you learn how to better approach investing in regulated investment crowdfunding debt offerings.When we think about crowdfunding, our minds often gravitate toward high-growth startups. But there’s another side to this space: debt and revenue share deals. These options may seem less risky compared to startup equity, but as Brian highlighted, that perception can be misleading.Understanding the Risk of Debt and Revenue Share DealsMany investors approach these deals with a mindset of minimizing risk, viewing them as safer alternatives to equity investments in startups. Yet, as Brian points out, “What a lot of these investors miss is that there’s still a lot of risk in these deals.” These companies may not aim for venture-backed growth, but they still carry significant risk, especially those that are pre-revenue or early-stage.Brian’s data-driven analysis provided a comprehensive overview of the failure rates associated with companies offering debt and revenue share deals. He explained that pre-revenue companies carry the highest risk, with an 11% return required to compensate investors for potential failures. For more mature businesses generating $1 million or more in annual revenue, the required interest rate drops to around 9.7%. These numbers serve as a wake-up call to those who assume debt investments are inherently low-risk.One of the most compelling aspects of our conversation was Brian’s explanation of the importance of compensation for failure risk. He emphasized, “These aren’t necessarily the super high-growth trying to be a venture-backed startup, but there’s still a lot of risk in this.” As investors, we need to account for these risks when evaluating debt and revenue share deals, just as we would with equity investments.Revenue-Based Financing: A Flexible Option with RisksIn our discussion, Brian took the time to explain how revenue-based financing works, providing valuable insights into the mechanics behind these deals. He described revenue-share deals as having two primary components: the percentage of revenue shared with investors and the payback multiple. He shared a practical example, saying, “Let’s say a restaurant has cyclical revenues. Investors might receive higher returns during busy summer months but less during slower winter months. That flexibility can benefit the business, but it also means the timing of returns is unpredictable for investors.”While this model offers flexibility, it also introduces a level of uncertainty. Investors may get paid back faster than anticipated if the business performs well, but they could also face delays if revenues fall short. As Brian pointed out, “You’re not going to get consistent month-by-month payments, but if you believe that the company has potential, it can give them more flexibility and potentially work out in your favor.”This flexibility, however, comes with a tradeoff. Investors must be prepared for variable returns, which may stretch over an extended period. Yet, the potential for higher-than-expected returns if the company succeeds makes revenue-based financing an attractive option for those willing to accept some level of uncertainty.Failure Rates: A Key Consideration for InvestorsOne of the most critical factors in evaluating any investment is the potential for failure. Brian’s analysis broke down the failure rates for companies at different stages of revenue generation, with pre-revenue companies exhibiting the highest failure rate at around 5.5%. This failure rate decreases as companies generate more revenue, with those earning over $1 million showing a failure rate of just 1.5%.However, Brian cautioned that these figures only represent known failures. “Sometimes companies shut down quietly, or it takes months or even years to fully dissolve,” he explained. This means that the actual failure rates could be higher, and investors need to factor in this uncertainty when considering their potential returns.To compensate for the unknowns, Brian suggests building in a margin for error when calculating required returns. By accounting for potential late payments and unknown failures, investors can better manage their expectations and avoid overestimating their future returns.The Impact of Market Conditions on Interest RatesOur conversation then turned to the effect of broader economic trends on the interest rates offered in debt and revenue share deals. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Reserve dropped interest rates to near zero, but as the economy began to recover, rates steadily increased. Brian’s analysis showed that the interest rates on debt deals offered through crowdfunding platforms followed a similar trajectory. He observed, “The interest rates offered on deals in mid-2022 were just below 10%, but by July 2024, they had risen to over 12%.”As the Federal Reserve continues to adjust interest rates, it will be interesting to see how the crowdfunding space adapts. Lower interest rates could make it more challenging for investors to achieve their desired returns, while higher rates may improve the prospects for those looking to lend. Regardless of market conditions, understanding the factors that influence interest rates is critical for making informed investment decisions.Platform-Specific Trends: Not All Crowdfunding Deals Are EqualFinally, Brian’s analysis looked at interest rates by platform, revealing that different crowdfunding portals offer varying rates depending on their focus. Platforms like Honeycomb Credit and SMBX, which specialize in debt deals, tend to offer rates in the 8% to 11% range, while some smaller platforms may have higher rates. However, as Brian noted, some of these higher rates may come from platforms that have only done a few deals, making their data less representative.He also highlighted the role of social mission in crowdfunding, noting that platforms like Climatize and Crowdfund Main Street often support companies with a clear impact focus. “Some investors may be willing to accept lower returns because they believe in the mission of the company they’re investing in,” he explained. For impact-driven investors, this tradeoff between financial return and social benefit is a key consideration.Conclusion: Balancing Risk and Return in Crowdfunding InvestmentsToday’s conversation with Brian Belley was eye-opening. His data-driven analysis dispels the myth that debt and revenue share deals are inherently low-risk. As investors, it’s essential to understand the failure rates, interest rate trends, and platform-specific dynamics that can impact our returns. By considering these factors, we can make more informed decisions and better balance risk and return in the growing world of regulated investment crowdfunding.Brian’s analysis indicates to me that the high interest rates offered on crowdfunding portals like SMBX and Honeycomb Credit are genuinely required to compensate investors for the risk they take. In other words, I conclude that investors should not think of these rates as usurious or penurious but simply as fair.Brian’s insights remind us that while debt and revenue share deals may offer more predictable returns than startup equity, they still carry risk. As investors, we must approach these opportunities with eyes wide open and be fully aware of the potential pitfalls and rewards. Ultimately, by understanding the data, we can make smarter, more strategic investments in companies that align with our financial goals and values.Guest ProfileBrian Belley (he/him):Vice President, Product, KingscrowdAbout Kingscrowd: Kingscrowd is a team of financiers, venture capitalists, technologists, founders, and experts on a mission to democratize private market investing. Our mission is to educate and empower everyday investors with the same level of access to private investment opportunities and diligence as institutional investors. Kingscrowd collects data -- over 300 data points -- on every online capital raise being conducted under Regulated Investment Crowdfunding (Reg CF and Reg A+). Our platform allows investors and founders to make more informed investment and capital-raising decisions. In addition, Kingscrowd operates the online private market's first data-driven investment fund, Kingscrowd Capital. Website: kingscrowd.comX/Twitter Handle: @kingscrowdincBiographical Information: Brian Belley is an aerospace engineer and Fortune 500 engineering lead turned tech entrepreneur with a keen eye for innovative financing in the startup ecosystem. After a decade in the defense industry working on electronic warfare technology to protect our country, he jumped into the alternative finance space full-time as the founder of Crowdwise. Acquired by KingsCrowd in 2021, Brian now serves as KingsCrowd’s Head of Product. With over 220 personal angel investments under his belt, he's deeply entrenched in the investment landscape, offering invaluable insights to both startups and investors. Always at the forefront of alternative investing - such as mining Bitcoin in his garage back in 2013 to crowd-sourced real estate and peer-to-peer lending, NFTs and art - he’s no stranger to seeking diversification and alpha through areas that mainstream investors haven’t yet discovered.Beyond his executive and entrepreneurial roles, Brian is an active board member for the Crowdfunding Professional Association (CfPA) and a passionate advocate for growth and innovation in the online alternative investing industry. He is also a Board Member of New England FIRST, a STEM youth organization helping to introduce the future leaders and entrepreneurs to STEM fields. In his free time, Brian is an avid runner and also dabbles in numerous side projects to stay technically sharp; one of which led to his sending weather balloons to near-space that were featured on a skit for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.X/Twitter Handle: @brianbelleyPersonal Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/brianjbelleyLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/brianbelley/Max-Impact MembersThe following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support to keep us operating:Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Sheryle Gilihan, CauseLabs | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on September 17, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.* SuperCrowdHour, September 18, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At September’s webinar, Devin Thorpe will provide an in-depth answer to the question, “Can I Beat the Stock Market with Impact Crowdfund Investments?” Free to attend.* Superpowers for Good Live Pitch, September 25, 2024. The application window is open now. Apply today! The Live Pitch will stream simultaneously to the e360tv network, Facebook, Linkedin, YouTube and Superpowers for Good. We hope for an audience of thousands! Don’t miss this opportunity to pitch your regulated investment crowdfunding campaign to the SuperCrowd!* Recently, we created an AI GPT to help you learn more about The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, and our upcoming events. Click here to try it.Community Event Calendar* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events* Main Street Skowhegan and NC3 Entrepreneur Finance Workshop Series, September 17 - November 19, 2023.* Crowdfunding Professional Association, Summit in DC, October 22-23* Asheville Neighborhood Economics, November 12-13.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 8,000+ members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe

I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Devin: What is your superpower?Liza: I think that passion of building something that helps people has always been my superpower.In today’s episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Liza Rodewald, the Co-Founder and CEO of Instant Teams, a company making a powerful impact by helping military spouses thrive professionally despite the frequent relocations that come with military life. Liza shared how her own experience as a military spouse drove her to create a solution for others facing the same challenges.Military spouses often find themselves moving every few years, making it difficult to build a traditional career. Liza understood this struggle firsthand and turned it into a business opportunity that connects military spouses with remote jobs in customer experience roles. “If I was climbing a traditional corporate ladder, I would constantly be starting over,” Liza explained. "I have a high skill set... I have a lot that I can give and contribute."Instant Teams allows military spouses to take their jobs with them when they move, offering stability in their careers. Liza’s company builds entire customer experience teams for brands, providing a highly skilled workforce to companies while giving military spouses the continuity they need.The venture has grown significantly since its inception in 2016, with over 500 employees and 68,000 military spouses on their platform. Liza's innovative approach has not only solved a major problem for military families but also created a scalable business model.Her advice for entrepreneurs, especially women, is simple yet powerful: “Sizing the market upfront and telling the story along with it... made a huge difference in my personal success and being able to raise money.”Liza’s work is an inspiring example of how identifying a problem close to home can lead to a meaningful, impactful business.tl;dr:Guest Introduction: Liza Rodewald, founder of Instant Teams, was featured. The company connects military spouses with customer experience jobs, helping them maintain their careers despite frequent relocations due to military life.Challenges and Achievements: Liza discussed the challenge of raising venture capital as a woman, noting that less than 2% goes to women-led companies. Despite this, she successfully raised funds and grew her company while being a military spouse.Instant Teams' Mission: Instant Teams is dedicated to building remote customer experience teams for companies, using the skills of military spouses who can work remotely and maintain continuity despite relocations.Business Model: Instant Teams works with middle-market and enterprise companies like Aflac and Expensify, offering both a marketplace and fully outsourced services. They have grown to over 500 employees and serve 68,000 military spouses.Superpower and Advice: Liza emphasized her superpower of solving problems by seeing the bigger picture. She advises women entrepreneurs to focus on building relationships, providing transparency to investors, and leveraging networks for long-term success.How to Develop Problem-Solving with Passion As a SuperpowerLiza Rodewald’s superpower is her ability to step back, see the big picture, and solve complex problems. With a background in engineering, she approaches challenges by analyzing issues and finding solutions that not only address the immediate need but create lasting impact. Her deep passion for helping others fuels her drive to solve meaningful problems, particularly those affecting the military spouse community.Liza shared a moving example of how her superpower played out in real life. She opened a co-working space in Southern Pines, designed to connect military spouses with job opportunities. One day, a military spouse came in, overwhelmed and struggling with a rigid job that wasn’t compatible with her lifestyle. Liza and her team were able to match her with a more flexible position that aligned with her needs. The connection transformed the woman’s life, providing a sense of balance and fulfillment. This personal interaction exemplified Liza’s ability to identify problems and create meaningful, life-changing solutions.Tips for Developing This Superpower:* Step Back for Perspective: Take a moment to step back from challenges and view the bigger picture. Analyze how different elements connect and where opportunities for problem-solving lie.* Lead with Passion: Fuel your efforts with genuine passion for helping others. When you care deeply about the outcome, you’ll find creative and effective ways to overcome obstacles.* Build Networks: Establish and nurture relationships with people who can help you solve problems. Keep these connections warm, as they may provide unexpected opportunities for collaboration or support.* Stay Realistic: While passion drives your efforts, temper it with practicality. Make tough decisions when necessary to maintain a sustainable business model while keeping your mission intact.By following Liza Rodewald’s example and advice, you can make problem-solving with passion a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileLiza Rodewald (she/her):Co-Founder/CEO, Instant TeamsAbout Instant Teams: Instant Teams leads the way as a CX talent marketplace committed to the financial well-being of military families while providing companies instant access to remarkable talent.Website: instantteams.comX/Twitter Handle: @Instant_TeamsCompany Facebook Page: fb.com/instantteamsBiographical Information: Liza is a 4x entrepreneur and software engineer. She is currently the CEO and Founder of Instant Teams and Twelve Million Plus. She has scaled the company to over 500 employees, raised more than $16M in venture capital and landed at #13 on the Inc. 5000 list for Human Resources across the nation.She is in the top 3% of graduates from the Founder Institute, alumni of the Blue Startups Accelerator named one of the Top 25 SheEO, and a published Forbes author. She is also a member of YPO and NationSwell and serves as a mentor for female founders.Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/lizarodewaldInstagram Handle: @ceo_lizaMax-Impact MembersThe following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support to keep us operating:Carol Fineagan, Nicholas and Company | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Sheryle Gilihan, CauseLabs | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on September 17, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.* SuperCrowdHour, September 18, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At September’s webinar, Devin Thorpe will provide an in-depth answer to the question, “Can I Beat the Stock Market with Impact Crowdfund Investments?” Free to attend.* Superpowers for Good Live Pitch, September 25, 2024. The application window is open now. Apply today! The Live Pitch will stream simultaneously to the e360tv network, Facebook, Linkedin, YouTube and Superpowers for Good. We hope for an audience of thousands! Don’t miss this opportunity to pitch your regulated investment crowdfunding campaign to the SuperCrowd!* Recently, we created an AI GPT to help you learn more about The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, and our upcoming events. Click here to try it.Community Event Calendar* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events* Main Street Skowhegan and NC3 Entrepreneur Finance Workshop Series, September 17 - November 19, 2023.* Crowdfunding Professional Association, Summit in DC, October 22-23* Asheville Neighborhood Economics, November 12-13.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 8,000+ members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe

I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Devin: What is your superpower?Lindsey: I'm really good at figuring things out. And so that's something that has served me well, both in my past corporate life and then also in running a business. I think that being a good problem solver will take you far because there's only so much information you can actually know.On today’s episode of Superpowers for Good, I had the privilege of sitting down with Lindsey Williams, the founder and winemaker of the Urban Wine Co. Lindsey shared the inspiring story of how she’s transforming the wine industry, particularly in the South, by introducing diversity and a fresh approach to winemaking.Lindsey didn’t take the traditional route to becoming a winemaker. Starting her career as a lawyer and then transitioning to investment banking, she learned firsthand how to handle high-stakes transactions. But a trip to Tuscany sparked her love for winemaking, and that passion evolved into a full-fledged business.Urban Wine Co. isn’t just another winery. Lindsey imports grapes from renowned wine regions like California and Oregon and even from overseas, but the magic happens locally in the Carolinas. “We’re making our wines here locally, and we’re spreading diversity wherever we go,” Lindsey told me during the interview. She explained that her goal is to make the wine world more accessible to people from all walks of life, introducing wine to new communities that might not typically engage with it.Her ambition doesn’t stop at making wine approachable—she’s aiming to scale the business dramatically. Urban Wine Co. has already secured a partnership with Target, bringing their wines to 44 stores. Lindsey sees this as just the beginning, with a vision to grow the company into a multi-million dollar business.I was inspired by Lindsey’s dedication to continuous learning, diversity, and growth. Her journey from corporate America to winemaking is a testament to what can happen when passion meets perseverance.The Urban Wine Company is raising capital from the crowd via Wefunder. I encourage you to visit the site to learn more.tl;dr:* Introduction to the Guest and Business: Lindsey Williams, founder and CEO of Urban Wine Company, discusses her unique winery concept in the South, where they import grapes and use modern fermentation techniques. Her mission is to diversify the wine world and make it more accessible.* Innovative Wine Production: Urban Wine Company imports grapes from various regions, including California, Oregon, and overseas. They’re working on producing North Carolina-grown wines, with their process taking place locally in the Lake Norman area.* Lindsey’s Background and Transition: Lindsey, a former J.P. Morgan investment banker and lawyer, became passionate about wine during her travels. She studied winemaking and transitioned into the industry, eventually founding Urban Wine Company.* Business Growth and Scaling: The company started small but gained popularity, now partnering with Target for a 44-store deal. They’re raising funds to expand production and distribution.* Entrepreneurship and Problem-Solving: Lindsey shares advice for entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of learning, problem-solving, and adapting, particularly during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.How to Develop Problem-Solving As a SuperpowerLindsey’s superpower is her ability to solve problems, a skill she developed during her corporate career, and that has been crucial in her entrepreneurial journey. Her approach to problem-solving has helped her navigate challenges ranging from regulatory issues in the wine industry to the everyday tasks of running a business.Lindsey shared how, early in her business journey, she faced the sudden closure of her wine-tasting room due to COVID-19. At the time, her business relied entirely on in-person sales. With no prior experience in online sales, she quickly learned the legal and technical requirements for selling wine online in North Carolina. By working with a vendor to meet compliance standards, Lindsey successfully transitioned her business to online sales, allowing her to continue serving customers during the shutdown.Tips for Developing the Superpower:* Learn as much as you can: Every new problem is an opportunity to become an expert. Immerse yourself in the issue, whether it's marketing, sales, or regulatory compliance.* Write things down: Organize your thoughts by writing them down, using lists, sticky notes, or vision boards to map out potential solutions.* Prioritize issues: Focus on the most critical problems first and consider what you can control.* Get everything out in the open: Use tools like whiteboards to visualize all possible solutions before determining your approach.By following Lindsey’s example and advice, you can make problem-solving a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileLindsey Williams (she/her):Founder & Winemaker, The Urban Wine Co.About The Urban Wine Co.: The Urban Wine Co. is the first urban winery in the Charlotte regional area and was started out of the desire to bring approachable, affordable and locally made wine options to the Carolinas.Website: www.theurbanwineco.comX/Twitter Handle: @theurbanwinecoCompany Facebook Page: fb.com/theurbanwinecoOther URL: wefunder.com/urbanwinellcBiographical Information: 18+ years of corporate legal and finance experience at companies like JPMorgan and Wells Fargo. Lindsey led teams, oversaw operations, and closed deals exceeding $833 million. Level 1 Sommelier and Winemaker, JD and BA from The Ohio State University.Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/lindsey-williams-a199736/Instagram Handle: @theurbanwinecoMax-Impact MembersThe following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support to keep us operating:Carol Fineagan, Nicholas and Company | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Sheryle Gilihan, CauseLabs | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on August 20, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.* SuperCrowdHour, August 21, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At this month’s webinar, Devin Thorpe will provide a “Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Capital from the Crowd.”* Superpowers for Good Live Pitch, September 25, 2024. The application window is open now. Apply today! The Live Pitch will simultaneously stream live to the e360tv network, Facebook, Linkedin, YouTube, and Superpowers for Good. We hope for an audience of thousands! Don’t miss this opportunity to pitch your regulated investment crowdfunding campaign to the SuperCrowd!* Recently, we created an AI GPT to help you learn more about The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, and our upcoming events. Click here to try it.Community Event Calendar* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events* Main Street Skowhegan and NC3 Entrepreneur Finance Workshop Series, September 17 - November 19, 2023.* Crowdfunding Professional Association, Summit in DC, October 22-23* Asheville Neighborhood Economics, November 12-13.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 8,000+ members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe

I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Devin: What do you see ultimately as your superpower?Jannice: I would say it's that I am a person of action.In today’s episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Jannice Newson, the CEO and founder of Lillian Augusta Beauty, a company revolutionizing the haircare industry with plant-based braiding hair. As someone unfamiliar with braids, I was eager to learn how her innovation could change the beauty landscape—and I wasn't disappointed.Lillian Augusta Beauty isn't just about braids. It’s about creating "hair without harm," as Jannice put it. Synthetic braiding hair, made from low-grade plastic, not only exacerbates traction alopecia and causes allergic reactions but also contributes to a staggering amount of plastic waste. “Synthetic braiding hair results in about 98 million pounds of plastic just in the U.S. each year,” Jannice explained.Her solution? A sustainable, hypoallergenic, plant-based alternative that eliminates the negative effects of traditional braiding hair while supporting environmental health. “We are offering something that is certified hypoallergenic, ultra-lightweight, and compostable,” she added, describing her product’s appeal to both clients and hairstylists alike.Jannice’s journey to creating Lillian Augusta Beauty was inspired by her background in environmental science and her commitment to solving community problems. Her story of perseverance, from experimenting with plant fibers during her time at the University of Michigan to launching the product amid a pandemic, is both compelling and inspiring.As we discussed her ongoing WeFunder campaign, I couldn't help but feel excited about the potential impact her work could have—not only for the beauty industry but also for the environment. Jannice is truly making a difference, and I’m thrilled to share her story with you today.tl;dr:* Introduction to the company: Jannice Newson, the CEO of Lillian Augusta Beauty, introduces her company, which produces sustainable, plant-based braiding hair as an alternative to synthetic hair made from plastic.* Problem with synthetic braiding hair: Synthetic hair causes traction alopecia, allergic reactions, and environmental harm, contributing to 98 million pounds of plastic waste annually in the U.S. alone.* Sustainable solution: Lillian Augusta Beauty provides hypoallergenic, ultra-lightweight, and compostable braiding hair that is better for both users and hairstylists while addressing environmental concerns.* Entrepreneurial journey: Jannice, with a background in environmental science, began developing the product at the University of Michigan and overcame challenges to make the product in her basement during the pandemic.* Business outlook and crowdfunding: The company has launched and is running a crowdfunding campaign on WeFunder, aiming to revolutionize the $2.5 billion Black haircare industry and expand into a $100 million business.How to Make Being a Person of Action Your SuperpowerJannice Newson’s superpower is her ability to take action, no matter the challenges. She embodies a mindset of determination and resourcefulness, always finding ways to move forward despite obstacles. Whether it's developing innovative solutions or driving her business, she refuses to let circumstances hold her back. This superpower allows her to create opportunities and achieve success even in the face of adversity.An excellent example of Jannice’s “person of action” superpower is her journey of creating plant-based hair for Lillian Augusta Beauty. She began by cutting plants with garden shears on her college campus and experimenting with fibers in a basement workshop. Despite making one braid an hour, she persisted through challenges like the pandemic and limited resources, driven by her determination to create a sustainable solution for synthetic braiding hair.Tips for Developing the Superpower:* Courage to Fail: Don’t be afraid to take risks and fail. Jannice’s success comes from her willingness to try, even when the odds seemed against her.* Take Initiative: Look for opportunities where others see obstacles. Jannice took action when others might have stopped.* Complain Constructively: Identify things that bother you and seek solutions. Jannice started Lillian Augusta Beauty because she complained about the negative effects of synthetic hair.* Seek Unexpected Solutions: Explore unconventional resources and partnerships. Jannice found unexpected funding opportunities through avenues like the Regional Transportation Authority.By following Jannice Newson’s example and advice, you can make being a person of action a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileJannice Newson (she/her):CEO, Lillian Augusta BeautyAbout Lillian Augusta Beauty: Lillian Augusta Beauty (LAB) is bringing lightweight and allergen-free braiding hair to the community with its patent-pending plant-based braiding hair. Based on the Chicago southside, LAB promises hair without harm: no more allergic reactions, heavy braids, or plastic waste from tossing out synthetic braiding hair. LAB was founded by two Black female scientists who started this company because of their own troubles with allergic reactions from synthetic hair. They made prototypes in a fiber lab at the University of Michigan and even in the basement during quarantine to get LAB to where it is today.Website: hairwithoutharm.comCompany Facebook Page: fb.com/hairwithoutharmOther URL: wefunder.com/lillian.augustaBiographical Information: Jannice Newson is a social entrepreneur innovating in hair and beauty. She is the founder and CEO at Lillian Augusta Beauty. Her background is in environmental science and ecology. She also sits on the board for Enterprise for Youth's Climate Career Corps and Charles Roundtree Bloom Project. Outside of work, she enjoys cartoons, crocheting, walking off Lake Michigan, and eggs benedict.Personal Facebook Profile: fb.com/jannice.newsonLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/jannice-newson-a3b8a9103/Instagram Handle: @jannicespiecesMax-Impact MembersThe following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support to keep us operating:Carol Fineagan, Nicholas and Company | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Sheryle Gilihan, CauseLabs | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on August 20, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.* SuperCrowdHour, August 21, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At this month’s webinar, Devin Thorpe will provide a “Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Capital from the Crowd.”* Superpowers for Good Live Pitch, September 25, 2024. The application window opens soon! Watch for updates!* Recently, we created an AI GPT to help you learn more about The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, and our upcoming events. Click here to try it.Community Event Calendar* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events* Main Street Skowhegan and NC3 Entrepreneur Finance Workshop Series, September 17 - November 19, 2023.* Crowdfunding Professional Association, Summit in DC, October 22-23* Asheville Neighborhood Economics, November 12-13.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 8,000+ members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode.Superpowers for Good is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe

I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Devin: What is your superpower?Nicole: I would say 90% of what NESsT did and has done has been just the hard work of myself and the team, the wonderful team that I have worked with closely. It's persevering. It's not giving up. In today’s episode of Superpowers for Good, I had the privilege of speaking with Nicole Etchart, Founder and Senior Advisor of NESsT, an organization dedicated to impact-first investing in social enterprises within underserved communities. Throughout our conversation, Nicole shared valuable insights into what it takes to truly make a difference through impact investing.One of the key takeaways from our discussion was the importance of being clear about your intentions as an investor. Nicole emphasized that at NESsT, they approach their investments with an "impact first" mindset. This means prioritizing social impact over immediate financial returns. Nicole explained, “When you're working in remote areas with low-income communities, the changes do not happen overnight. So, having patient capital and accompanying companies through their journey is critical.”Patience isn’t the only characteristic necessary for successful impact investing. Nicole also highlighted the need for risk tolerance, especially when working with diverse, low-income communities in challenging environments. She pointed out that this approach can lead to more resilient companies that are better equipped to navigate obstacles, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.Finally, Nicole stressed the importance of being deeply committed to the local realities of the communities where investments are made. “It's very important for those providing the resources at scale to be committed to the local realities and working with those local realities,” she said. This commitment ensures that investments are not only effective but also sustainable in the long term.Nicole’s experience and wisdom serve as a powerful reminder that impact investing requires more than just financial resources—it demands patience, a willingness to embrace risk, and a deep connection to the communities being served.tl;dr:* Introduction of Nicole Etchart: Nicole Etchart is introduced as a leading figure in social entrepreneurship, having invested decades in supporting underserved communities through her organization, NESsT.* About NESsT: NESsT helps social enterprises grow and become self-sustainable, focusing on dignified employment for underserved communities. The organization has invested in around 250 companies, creating over 112,000 jobs and impacting 1.7 million people, primarily in emerging markets.* Investment in Impactful Enterprises: Nicole discusses NESsT's work with companies like Aswabe in the Brazilian Amazon, which produces Brazilian nuts sustainably. NESsT supports these enterprises through capacity building, business services, and providing capital, ensuring they can grow and have a greater impact.* Impact Investing Approach: Nicole emphasizes that NESsT is an impact-first investor, prioritizing social impact over quick financial returns. She highlights the importance of patience, tolerance for risk, and deep understanding of local realities in successful impact investing.* Personal Insights and Resilience: Nicole shares her personal background and attributes her success to resilience, hard work, and the support of mentors. She also discusses the challenges NESsT faced in starting its own impact fund and the importance of perseverance in achieving long-term goals.How to Develop Resilience and Perseverance As a SuperpowerNicole Etchart’s superpower is her remarkable resilience and perseverance. Throughout her career, she has faced numerous challenges and setbacks but has consistently demonstrated the ability to push through obstacles, remain committed to her mission, and ultimately achieve success. This tenacity has been central to her work with NESsT, where she has led efforts to invest in and support social enterprises in underserved communities.One example of Nicole’s resilience is when NESsT decided to start its own impact fund. Despite skepticism from the board and others who doubted their experience in impact investing, Nicole persisted. She and her team spent a year convincing stakeholders of their capabilities and then successfully raised the necessary funding. This effort culminated in the establishment of two functioning funds in Europe, now investing millions of dollars in social enterprises.Tips for Developing Resilience and Perseverance:* Find Supportive Mentors: Surround yourself with people who believe in you and your mission. These mentors can provide reassurance and encouragement when you face challenges.* Maintain a Long-Term Vision: Keep your eye on the ultimate goal, even when the journey is tough. This focus will help you navigate through obstacles.* Embrace Persistence: Don’t give up, even when others doubt your abilities. Persistence in the face of adversity is key to achieving your goals.By following Nicole Etchart’s example and advice, you can make resilience and perseverance a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileNicole Etchart  (she/her):Founder and Senior Advisor, NESsTAbout NESsT: NESsT invests in enterprises that create quality jobs for underserved communities while sustaining the planet. Locally based social enterprises are uniquely qualified to transform low-income, excluded and environmentally vulnerable communities. These enterprises are on the ground, have the trust of the communities, and have created businesses aligned with their best interests. NESsT supports social enterprises through two businesses: (1) loan funds that provide patient debt financing to purpose-driven small and growing businesses in emerging markets and (2) an accelerator program that catalyzes impact-focused enterprises towards growth and investment readiness.Since its founding in 1997, NESsT has invested over $36M and trained and supported over 35,000 entrepreneurs across 50 countries. It has accelerated and financed 248 enterprises, in total sustaining more than 112,000 formal jobs and improving the lives of 1.7 million people from the most marginalized communities around the world, including smallholder farmers, Black people, Indigenous Peoples, ethnic minorities, the LGBTQIA+ community, migrants and refugees, people with disabilities, women, and youth.Website: www.nesst.orgX/Twitter Handle: @nesstorgCompany Facebook Page: fb.com/nesstorgLinkedin: linkedin.com/company/nesst/Instagram Handle: https://www.instagram.com/nesst_org/Biographical Information: Nicole Etchart, Co-Founder & Senior Advisor of NESsT, plays a pivotal role in driving global strategy, growth, and impact. NESsT invests in and provides strategic business support to social enterprises focused on generating quality jobs for underserved communities while sustaining the planet. During her 27 years as CEO, Nicole oversaw the organization's diverse portfolio of high-impact enterprises through its acceleration program and impact-first funds.  Linkedin Profile: linkedin.com/in/nicole-etchart-437a171Max-Impact MembersThe following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support to keep us operating:Carol Fineagan, Nicholas and Company | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Sheryle Gilihan, CauseLabs | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on August 20, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.* SuperCrowdHour, August 21, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At this month’s webinar, Devin Thorpe will provide a “Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Capital from the Crowd.”* Recently, we created an AI GPT to help you learn more about The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, and our upcoming events. Click here to try it.Community Event Calendar* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events* Main Street Skowhegan and NC3 Entrepreneur Finance Workshop Series, September 17 - November 19, 2023.* Crowdfunding Professional Association, Summit in DC, October 22-23* Asheville Neighborhood Economics, November 12-13.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 8,000+ members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe

I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Devin: What is your superpower?Luni: I call it “if only.” So there are so many people out there that talk about the problems, the SDGs or any way you want to talk about the problems of the world. Usually, they'll sit back and say, “Well, if only this existed, we could solve this problem. If only that existed, we could solve this problem.” I'm one of those people who does sit around and say, “if only.” And then I go make it happen.In today’s episode of Superpowers for Good, I had the pleasure of welcoming back a dear friend and visionary entrepreneur, Luni Libes, the CEO of Africa Eats. Luni is not only an inspiring leader but also a key investor in the super crowd. His innovative company, Africa Eats, is on a mission to end hunger and poverty in Africa through a unique for-profit model, currently crowdfunding on WeFunder.Luni shared the story of how Africa Eats operates differently from traditional non-profits and government initiatives. "We're jumping in as a for-profit company to lower hunger and to literally pull people out of poverty," Luni explained. This approach allows Africa Eats to scale its impact sustainably and efficiently.The company has invested in over 20 enterprises across Africa, focusing on enhancing the food and agriculture supply chain. Luni highlighted how Africa Eats supports small-scale farmers by aggregating their produce and selling processed food in urban markets, thereby doubling the farmers' incomes. "We’ve seen it grow from a few hundred farmers to thousands of farmers," Luni shared, illustrating the substantial growth and potential of these ventures.One of the most compelling aspects of Africa Eats is its commitment to reducing food loss. By managing the supply chain professionally, the company cuts down food loss from the typical 30-40% to just 5-6%, making a significant impact on both food security and economic savings for the continent.Luni’s vision extends beyond just a few companies. He envisions replicating this model across sub-Saharan Africa, empowering more entrepreneurs and scaling operations to new heights. "We could replicate this. We can either bring this company to the next country over or find another entrepreneur in another part of the continent that wants to do the same thing," Luni said, underscoring the vast potential for growth.The journey of Africa Eats is a testament to the power of combining profit with purpose. As Luni confirmed, "When you are doing good profitably, the good becomes infinite."Watch all of today’s episode to hear more about Africa Eats’ transformative work and how you can be part of this incredible mission.Tl;dr:Introduction of Luni Libes and Africa Eats:* Luni Libes is an investor and recurring guest on the show, currently involved in a crowdfunding campaign on WeFunder for Africa Eats, a company he founded to combat hunger and poverty in Africa.Mission and Approach of Africa Eats:* Africa Eats operates as a for-profit investment company, supporting over 20 companies in Africa's food and agriculture supply chain. By purchasing from small farmers and reducing food loss, they increase farmer incomes and save costs on food imports.Success and Impact:* Since its inception, Africa Eats has significantly grown its portfolio companies, demonstrating substantial increases in revenue and farmer support. For example, Peniel Meat Processing in Rwanda grew from $30,000 to over a million dollars in revenue, becoming a major chicken processor.Funding Strategy:* Africa Eats combines traditional funding from accredited investors with crowdfunding campaigns to democratize investment opportunities. The goal is to eventually make Africa Eats a public company, allowing widespread participation in its growth and impact.Luni Libes’ Superpower and Vision:* Luni's "if only" superpower involves identifying unmet needs and making them a reality. He emphasizes the importance of networking, having built a network of over 21,000 contacts to support his ventures. His next goal is to establish market makers in Africa to enhance liquidity and capital market functionality. ​How to Develop “If Only” As a SuperpowerLuni's superpower is his ability to take ideas that begin with "if only" and turn them into reality. Rather than waiting for others to solve problems, he identifies needs and takes action to address them, creating impactful solutions.Luni noticed that African stock markets lacked market makers, which are crucial for liquidity and efficient trading. Seeing this gap, he founded the first market maker in Mauritius, developed a business plan, secured funding, and built the necessary technology. This initiative addressed a critical need and demonstrated his proactive approach to solving problems that others overlook.Tips for Developing the Superpower:* Identify Needs: Constantly look for gaps and unmet needs in your environment.* Take Initiative: Don't wait for others to act; take the first steps to address the problems you see.* Network Extensively: Build a broad network of contacts and maintain those relationships. This can help you find resources and support when needed.* Document Contacts: Keep a detailed record of people you meet and reach out to them when you need advice or assistance.* Embrace Entrepreneurship: Be willing to start new ventures and projects, even if they seem daunting.* Hire Strategically: Hire individuals who can manage day-to-day operations, allowing you to focus on big-picture visionary work.* Push Beyond Comfort Zones: Even if you're an introvert, push yourself to meet new people and expand your network.By following Luni’s example and advice, you can make "if only" a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileLuni Libes (he/him):CEO, Africa EatsAbout Africa Eats: Solving hunger and poverty in Africa by building the profitable food/ag supply chain.Website: africaeats.comX/Twitter Handle: @africaeatsLinkedin: linkedin.com/company/africa-eatsOther URL: wefunder.com/africaeatsBiographical Information: Luni Libes is a 30+ year serial entrepreneur turned mentor, author, and teacher.Africa Eats is a pan-African investment company focused on feeding Africa. This company is a spin-off of Fledge, a global network of impact-oriented accelerators. Realize Impact is a public charity that makes it easy for anyone to make an impact investment, and The Angel Accelerator teaches early-stage impact investing.In addition, Luni was an Entrepreneur in Residence and faculty at The Bainbridge Graduate Institute and an Entrepreneur in Residence Emeritus at the University of Washington’s CoMotion Center for Innovation and Impact.Luni is the author of The Next Step series of books and podcasts, guiding entrepreneurs from idea to startup, The Pinchot Impact Index, a way to measure, compare, and aggregate impact, and Berkshire Africa, explaining how to use the lessons of Berkshire Hathaway in tackling hunger and poverty in Africa.X/Twitter Handle: @lunarmobiscuitMax-Impact MembersThe following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support to keep us operating:Carol Fineagan, Nicholas and Company | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Sheryle Gilihan, CauseLabs | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on August 20, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.* SuperCrowdHour, August 21, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At this month’s webinar, Devin Thorpe will provide a “Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Capital from the Crowd.”* Recently, we created an AI GPT to help you learn more about The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, and our upcoming events. Click here to try it.Community Event Calendar* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events* Raisepapers Reg A+ Office Hours, August 8 at Noon ET.* Main Street Skowhegan and NC3 Entrepreneur Finance Workshop Series, September 17 - November 19, 2023.* Crowdfunding Professional Association, Summit in DC, October 22-23* Asheville Neighborhood Economics, November 12-13.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 8,000+ members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe

I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Devin: What is your superpower?Brian: I definitely feel like empathy is my superpower.Today’s episode of Superpowers for Good features a remarkable guest, Brian Coleman, Founder and CEO of A Heart 2 Help. Brian’s innovative app aims to connect people in need with those who are eager to help, creating a community built on kindness and support.Brian explained the core function of A Heart 2 Help, a mobile app designed to facilitate real-time care sharing. Whether someone needs their driveway shoveled after a snowstorm, groceries delivered, or just a listening ear, this app makes it possible to request assistance and receive help quickly through geolocation technology.Brian’s extensive experience in healthcare, spanning nearly 35 years as a surgical tech, has deeply influenced his passion for helping others. He shared, “For me, that's always just been just a wonderful thing to be, you know, just to be able to help people. And so for this, even though there are so many opportunities when it came to volunteering for me, because of my schedule, a lot of times I just didn't have the time or the opportunity to be able to assist.”A Heart 2 Help goes beyond in-person assistance. The app also supports virtual help, offering services such as career advice, tutoring, and mentoring. “It could be someone that just needs a listening ear,” Brian noted. “At the end of the day, it's just trying to create community and spread kindness throughout the world.”One of the most inspiring aspects of the app is its ability to meet people where they are without judgment. Brian emphasized, “With the A Heart 2 Help app, we're really trying to build a community where it's judgment-free. We want to meet you where you are but then also realize that it doesn't have to come with this negative stigma attached to it.”In a world where everyone faces moments of need, A Heart 2 Help provides a platform for individuals to share their unique gifts and make a meaningful impact. As Brian eloquently put it, “For me, our goal at A Heart 2 Help is to sort of change what the word help means.”This episode underscores the profound impact that A Heart 2 Help can have on fostering a supportive and compassionate community. By leveraging technology to bridge gaps and provide aid, Brian is paving the way for a kinder, more connected world.A Heart 2 Help is raising capital from the crowd via Netcapital. Click here to learn more.tl;dr:* Introduction of Guest: Brian Coleman, founder and CEO of "Heart 2 Help," is introduced. He discusses the purpose and impact of his care-sharing app, which connects people in need with those willing to help, leveraging geolocation technology for real-time assistance.* App Functionality: The "Heart 2 Help" app enables users to request and offer various types of help, from physical assistance like shoveling snow or fixing a flat tire to virtual support such as career advice or emotional support. The app aims to create a community focused on kindness and assistance.* Empathy and Community Building: Brian emphasizes the importance of empathy, kindness, and community support, sharing personal experiences that highlight the need for judgment-free help. The app seeks to change the stigma associated with asking for help, encouraging people to offer and receive assistance without judgment.* Crowdfunding Campaign: The app is currently raising capital on NetCapital to expand its reach and functionality. Brian discusses the fundraising efforts and the goal of aligning with nonprofits to support their causes and needs through the app.* Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to download the "Heart 2 Help" app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store, post offers for assistance, and support the fundraising campaign on NetCapital. The app has already gained 5,000 downloads and aims to grow its user base and impact further.How to Develop Empathy As a SuperpowerBrian’s superpower is empathy. His ability to deeply understand and share the feelings of others drives his mission to help those in need through his innovative app, A Heart 2 Help. Brian's empathy enables him to connect with people on a personal level, offering genuine support and kindness.Brian shared a poignant story from his time in Ohio when he encountered a man in need outside a McDonald's. The man, hesitant and humble, asked for a simple meal. Brian invited him inside and offered him anything he wanted. The man’s gratitude and his subsequent story of personal hardship deeply impacted Brian, highlighting the importance of meeting people where they are and offering help without judgment.Tips for Developing Empathy:* Listen Actively: Pay close attention to what others are saying without interrupting or judging.* Practice Compassion: Approach interactions with a genuine desire to understand and help.* Suspend Judgment: Avoid making assumptions about people's situations or needs.* Put Yourself in Their Shoes: Try to understand the world from the perspective of others.* Offer Unconditional Help: Provide assistance without attaching conditions or expectations.By following Brian’s example and advice, you can make empathy a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileBrian Coleman (he/him):Founder/CEO, A Heart 2 Help About A Heart 2 Help: A Heart 2 Help is a groundbreaking free care-sharing app designed to allow people to help people in real-time, fostering a global community built on kindness and support. Through this innovative app, users can offer and receive assistance swiftly and efficiently, whether it's providing a listening ear, running errands, offering emotional support, or donating items to someone in need. A Heart 2 Help aims to create a network of empathy, compassion and solidarity, empowering users to make a positive difference in each other's lives, one act of kindness at a time.Website: www.aheart2help.comX/Twitter Handle: @AHeart2HelpLLCCompany Facebook Page: @AHeart2HelpOther URL: netcapital.com/companies/aheart2helpBiographical Information: I'm Brian Coleman, born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, the youngest of four siblings. My career began in the Air Force, stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, where I honed my skills as a Surgical Technician. Over more than 30 years, I traveled across the United States as a Surgical Technician, serving in prestigious medical centers.Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, I ventured into different paths, including owning a healthcare staffing agency. One of my proudest accomplishments is inventing the ClipVac, a revolutionary Pre-Surgical Hair Removal System that has transformed pre-surgical procedures in hospitals nationwide.Family is central to my life. I live in sunny California with my beloved wife, Yira, and together we nurture a blended family of seven children. Our home is a sanctuary of love and shared experiences, cherished deeply.Beyond work and family, I find joy in various pursuits. I am a dedicated churchgoer, deriving spiritual fulfillment from my faith community. In my leisure time, I treasure moments with friends, cultivating lasting bonds and creating memorable experiences. My interests range from enjoying the thrill of horror films.My journey is one of dedication, innovation, and a profound appreciation for the people and experiences that shape my world. Personal Facebook Profile: fb.com/profileLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/brian-coleman-03a428286Instagram Handle: @AHeart2HelpUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on August 20, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.* SuperCrowdHour, August 21, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At this month’s webinar, Devin Thorpe will provide a “Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Capital from the Crowd.”* Recently, we created an AI GPT to help you learn more about The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, and our upcoming events. Click here to try it.Community Event Calendar* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events* Raisepapers Reg A+ Office Hours, August 8 at Noon ET.* Main Street Skowhegan and NC3 Entrepreneur Finance Workshop Series, September 17 - November 19, 2023.* Crowdfunding Professional Association, Summit in DC, October 22-23* Asheville Neighborhood Economics, November 12-13.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 8,000+ members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe

I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Devin: What is your superpower?Kimberly: I would have to say that my superpower is the fact that I am a servant of others.In today’s episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Kimberly Evans, the dynamic Founder and CEO of Just Her Rideshare. Kimberly's vision for her company is revolutionary, offering a women-centric rideshare and community mobility service. This innovative concept prioritizes women’s safety, comfort, and empowerment, setting it apart from industry giants like Uber and Lyft.Kimberly’s journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic, giving her ample time to ensure product-market fit and problem-market fit through extensive customer discovery. After a successful soft launch in 2022 and a hard launch in 2023, Just Her Rideshare has seen impressive growth with thousands of sign-ups, many of which came organically from places they never marketed.One of the most compelling aspects of Just Her Rideshare is its dedication to creating a safe space for women. Kimberly shared, "Nearly 40 percent of women have had to report uncomfortable encounters, including serious sexual crimes and, yes, even murder. So to us, one assault or one woman made to feel uncomfortable is more than enough for us to want to create a safe space for them." This focus on safety and community has resonated deeply with both drivers and riders, leading to a remarkable 78 percent ride repeatability rate.The company also ensures better economic opportunities for its drivers by paying them more generously than other rideshare services. "Currently, we are in early adoption deals where our drivers earn 75 percent of every fare. That is a huge difference from industry standard. But again, we wanted to invest in them because we knew that it would create more loyalty and less churn," Kimberly explained.Kimberly's vision extends beyond Charlotte, North Carolina, with plans to expand into other cities such as Atlanta, Miami, and Washington, D.C. The potential for growth is vast, especially given the significant market of women riders who often avoid ridesharing at night due to safety concerns.As Kimberly and her team continue to build and expand, the future looks incredibly promising for Just Her Rideshare. Their commitment to safety, community, and empowerment not only fills a crucial gap in the ridesharing industry but also paves the way for a more inclusive and secure transportation option for women everywhere.tl;dr:* Introduction and Business Overview: Kimberly Evans is the CEO of Just Her Ride Share, a women-centric ride-sharing and community mobility company prioritizing women's safety, comfort, and empowerment. The company aims to create a safe space for women by employing female drivers and serving female passengers.* Business Development and Growth: Just Her Ride Share started during COVID, allowing time for market research and development. The company launched in 2022 with a soft launch and a hard launch in 2023. It has seen significant traction with thousands of sign-ups, high customer retention, and repeatability rates despite minimal marketing expenditure.* Community and Customer Focus: The company emphasizes community and treats both drivers and customers as part of a supportive network. This approach has resulted in customers willing to pay a premium for the service and drivers receiving 75% of every fare, higher than industry standards, fostering loyalty and reducing churn.* Market Potential and Expansion Plans: The ride-sharing industry has significant market potential, especially among women who often avoid ride-sharing at night due to safety concerns. Just Her Ride Share plans to expand beyond Charlotte, North Carolina, into cities like Atlanta, Miami, and Washington, D.C., driven by word-of-mouth demand.* Capital Raising and Future Vision: Kimberly Evans highlights the importance of raising capital to scale the business, improve market visibility, and expand into new cities. The company is using Wefunder for crowdfunding and aims to increase brand awareness and customer acquisition through strategic investments in marketing.How to Develop Servant Leadership As a SuperpowerKimberly Evans's superpower is her servant leadership. She prioritizes building genuine human connections and fostering a community over transactional interactions. This approach drives her mission to serve others and create a supportive environment for both her team and the users of Just Her Rideshare.Kimberly exemplified her servant leadership by routinely taking time each month to support other entrepreneurs. Despite her own overwhelming schedule, she reaches out to her founder friends to offer assistance, helping them tackle their top challenges. This selfless act not only alleviates her own stress but also strengthens her network and community.Tips for Developing Servant Leadership:* Be Intentional: Set specific goals to serve others regularly, such as monthly or quarterly.* Build Genuine Connections: Focus on creating meaningful relationships rather than transactional ones.* Offer Help Proactively: Reach out to your network to see how you can support them, even with small tasks.* Embrace Vulnerability: Understand that being open and supportive does not mean being weak; set boundaries to prevent exploitation.* Shift Focus: When overwhelmed, redirect your energy to helping others find relief and gain perspective.By following Kimberly Evans’s example and advice, you can make servant leadership a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileKimberly Evans  (she/her):Founder & CEO, Just Her Rideshare, Inc. About Just Her Rideshare, Inc.: We are a women-centric rideshare and community mobility company prioritizing women's safety, comfort, and empowerment. Our platform connects female drivers and riders 100% of the time for comfortable, secure rides. By fostering a community of mutual support and trust, we aim to create an environment where women can travel with confidence and professional drivers can thrive while making a positive impactWebsite: justherrideshare.com X/Twitter Handle: @justherride Company Facebook Page: fb.com/justherride Other URL: wefunder.com/justherrideshareBiographical Information: I am Kimberly Evans, a servant of others, a wife of almost 28 years, a mom of three sons and a grandmother of one.  I love traveling, eating at nice restaurants and baseball games.  I am a fourth-generation entrepreneur, a socially conscious entrepreneur, and a business owner of over 30 yrs. I have been in fashion, software sales, and the creator of a call center that served clients in Fintech, Healthtech, VA Services, SaaS and Client Support. I am the Founder & CEO of Just Her Rideshare, Inc.X/Twitter Handle: @JustHerKimberlyLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/justherrideInstagram Handle: @justherrideUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on August 20, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.* SuperCrowdHour, August 21, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At this month’s webinar, Devin Thorpe will provide a “Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Capital from the Crowd.”* Recently, we created an AI GPT to help you learn more about The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, and our upcoming events. Click here to try it.Community Event Calendar* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events* Community Capital Live: Betty Francisco and Aliana Piñeiro of Boston Impact Initiative - Virtual Event: July 31, at 2 pm ET* Main Street Skowhegan and NC3 Entrepreneur Finance Workshop Series, September 17 - November 19, 2023.* Crowdfunding Professional Association, Summit in DC, October 22-23* Asheville Neighborhood Economics, November 12-13.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 8,000+ members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe

I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Devin: What do you see as your superpower?Mara: Honestly, my superpower is my empathy. As the host of "Superpowers for Good," I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Mara McLoughlin, the Program Director of IRL Social Skills. During our conversation, Mara provided invaluable insights into her program, which focuses on helping autistic and neurodivergent individuals improve their social interactions. Today, I want to share some of the key ideas and strategies that Mara discussed that can benefit us all.IRL Social Skills, which stands for "In Real Life," offers a community-based, proactive approach to mental health by teaching essential social skills. Mara emphasized the importance of creating a safe space for participants to learn and practice these skills, stating, "We offer a community-based proactive approach to mental health so that our participants get the opportunity to learn these skills in a safe space with other people who are also struggling."One of the standout strategies Mara shared involves transforming the dreaded small talk into a meaningful exchange. She explained, "You think about the dreaded small talk, right? We think of this more in terms of like a tactical strategy of trading information to find common interests because friendships are based on common interests." By encouraging participants to ask questions, give compliments, and share their own interests, IRL Social Skills helps individuals build genuine connections.Another critical aspect of Mara's program is teaching the concept of "interoception," which involves understanding and interpreting the body's physical sensations. This skill is vital for both personal well-being and social interactions. As Mara put it, "The body speaks in sensation. So we want to learn how to drop into our nervous system to be able to receive the messages that our body is sending us."These strategies are not only beneficial for neurodivergent individuals but can also help anyone looking to improve their social skills and mental health. By focusing on authentic interactions and self-awareness, we can all learn to navigate the complex social world more effectively.If you're interested in learning more about IRL Social Skills or supporting their work, you can visit their crowdfunding campaign on SMBX. Mara and her team are doing incredible work, and it's inspiring to see the positive impact they're making in so many lives.tl;dr:* Introduction and Mission of IRL Social Skills: Mara Mcloughlin, founder of IRL Social Skills, explains that the program helps autistic and other socially struggling individuals (teens, young adults, and older adults) to initiate, cultivate, and sustain relationships. The program focuses on teaching social skills in a safe, community-based environment.* Success Stories and Teaching Methods: Mara shares success stories, including a teen who gained friends and an adult who improved their professional social skills. She describes teaching methods such as using small talk strategically to find common interests, giving appropriate compliments, and fostering genuine connections.* Challenges and Strategies in Social and Romantic Interactions: Mara discusses the challenges neurodivergent individuals face in social and romantic interactions. She emphasizes the importance of building basic friendship skills, understanding and interpreting body sensations, and developing strategies to manage social interactions effectively.* Business Model and Crowdfunding Campaign: IRL Social Skills operates as a for-profit business and is raising investment capital through a crowdfunding campaign on SMBX. Mara encourages people to learn more about the offering on the SMBX website.* Mara's Superpower and Empathy: Mara identifies empathy as her superpower, sharing a personal story of helping her partner recover communication skills after a stroke. She offers advice on developing empathy by reflecting on how one would feel in others' situations and the importance of somatic understanding.How to Develop Empathy As a SuperpowerMara McLoughlin’s superpower is her profound empathy, which she describes as a lifelong trait. Her ability to deeply understand and feel for others drives her work at IRL Social Skills, where she helps neurodivergent individuals build meaningful connections. By fostering an inclusive environment, Mara ensures that everyone has the opportunity to be understood and supported.Mara shared a compelling story about her partner, who had a stroke and lost his ability to speak. Through her empathetic approach, Mara tirelessly documented his attempts to regain speech and navigate workplace accommodations. Her efforts led to a successful settlement with his employer, who had initially failed to provide necessary accommodations. This experience underscores how Mara’s empathy translates into concrete actions that significantly impact others’ lives.Tips for Developing Empathy:* Reflect on Reversed Situations: Regularly think about how you would feel if you were in someone else’s shoes. Focus on not just the mental but also the physical sensations you might experience.* Engage in Active Listening: Pay close attention to others when they speak, showing genuine interest in their experiences and feelings.* Practice Compassionate Responses: Respond to others with kindness and understanding, acknowledging their emotions and validating their experiences.* Learn from Diverse Perspectives: Interact with people from different backgrounds and experiences to broaden your understanding and appreciation of various viewpoints.* Create Inclusive Environments: Foster spaces where everyone feels welcome and supported, ensuring that no one feels isolated or misunderstood.By following Mara’s example and advice, you can make empathy a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileMara McLoughlin (she/her):Speech-language pathologist and program director, IRL Social SkillsAbout IRL Social Skills: IRL Social Skills teaches autistic, adhd and other socially struggling adolescents and young adults the most important skills anyone can learn: How to initiate, cultivate, and sustain relationships.  Website: www.irlsocialskills.com/Company Facebook Page: fb.com/irlsocialskillsOther URL: thesmbx.com/app/auction/IRL-Social-SkillsBiographical Information: With over 14 years of professional experience working with autistic and other neurodivergent people and their families from age 6 months to 60 years and 30+ years as a student and teacher of yoga and mindfulness, Mara knows that the learning and application of these skills will build a better world.A self-diagnosed AuDHD human and certified provider of the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®), Mara holds both her Bachelor’s and Master's degrees in Communication Science. Mara was appointed to the Oregon Commission for Autism by former Governor Kate Brown, serves on the Strategies and Supports subcommittee, and looks forward to working with the state legislature to make significant change in services for autistic people and their families across the lifespan.Personal Facebook Profile: fb.com/maramcloughlinLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/mara-mcloughlin-irl-social-skills/Instagram Handle: instagram.com/irlsocialskills/Upcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on August 20, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.* SuperCrowdHour, August 21, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At this month’s webinar, Devin Thorpe will provide a “Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Capital from the Crowd.”* Recently, we created an AI GPT to help you learn more about The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, and our upcoming events. Click here to try it.Community Event Calendar* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events* Community Capital Live: Betty Francisco and Aliana Piñeiro of Boston Impact Initiative - Virtual Event: July 31, at 2 pm ET* Main Street Skowhegan and NC3 Entrepreneur Finance Workshop Series, September 17 - November 19, 2023.* Crowdfunding Professional Association, Summit in DC, October 22-23* Asheville Neighborhood Economics, November 12-13.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 8,000+ members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe

I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Devin: What do you see as your superpower?Stefan: How about thinking outside the box?Today’s episode features Stefan Martinovic, the visionary founder of Circular, who is pioneering a new era of sustainable and regenerative real estate development. Stefan’s projects seamlessly blend agriculture, hospitality, and urban farming, creating unique environmental and economic synergies that exemplify the potential of thoughtful development.Circular’s flagship project, Livingston Farm, is an 80-room agritourism resort built on a reimagined dairy farm in Sullivan County, New York. This resort integrates farm-to-table dining with a sustainable living experience, offering guests a direct connection to nature. Stefan explains, “We’re transforming this former dairy farm into a thriving hub of regenerative agriculture, where visitors can experience first-hand the benefits of a climate-positive food system.”In addition to the farm, Circular is developing Wren of the Woods, a restaurant in Armonk, New York, which showcases the same commitment to sustainability. The restaurant will serve as a culinary beacon, emphasizing locally sourced and responsibly prepared food. “Our goal with Wren of the Woods is to create a LEED-certified space that not only delights diners but also educates them about the importance of regenerative agriculture,” Stefan says.Circular’s third project is an innovative urban gourmet mushroom farm in Harlem, New York. This farm upcycles organic waste from their restaurants and other sources to produce high-quality mushrooms. Stefan elaborates, “By integrating waste products into our urban farm, we are closing the loop on food production and contributing to a more sustainable urban environment.”Stefan’s projects are interconnected, creating a holistic system where waste is minimized and resources are efficiently utilized. His work demonstrates how regenerative practices can be applied across different sectors to create lasting environmental and economic benefits. As Stefan aptly puts it, “We’re not just building properties; we’re building ecosystems that sustain themselves and the communities around them.”I invite you to listen to today’s episode to learn more about Stefan’s groundbreaking work and the impact Circular is making in the realm of sustainable development.tl;dr:1. Innovative Real Estate Projects: Stefan Martinovic is a real estate developer focused on sustainable and regenerative projects. His company, Circular, has three major projects in New York: an agritourism resort on an old dairy farm, a standalone restaurant down in the Hudson Valley, and an urban gourmet mushroom farm in Harlem.2. Agritourism Resort: The Livingston Farm project involves transforming a historic dairy farm into an 80-room regenerative agritourism resort. It integrates agriculture with hospitality, offering farm-to-table cuisine and accommodations that blend with the landscape. The resort aims to educate guests on sustainable practices and includes restoring the property's ecological health.3. Sustainable Dining: Circular's restaurant endeavors include a formal dining restaurant and a casual café on the resort property, plus an off-site restaurant called Wren of the Woods in the Hudson Valley. These establishments will feature locally sourced, responsibly prepared food, leveraging waste products in composting and other regenerative practices.4. Mushroom Farm and Waste Recycling: The mushroom farm in Harlem is designed to upcycle food waste from Circular's restaurants and other sources into a productive growth environment for organic mushrooms. This initiative highlights the company's commitment to sustainability and creating closed-loop systems.5. Raising Capital for Expansion: Stefan and his family have invested significant personal capital into these ventures. They are now seeking to broaden their investment pool through small change offerings, inviting community members and other investors to contribute. The goal is to complete land acquisition, obtain necessary permits, and move forward with construction and operation phases.These points summarize the core aspects of Stefan's innovative work in creating environmentally sustainable and economically synergetic real estate projects.How to Develop Thinking Outside the Box As a SuperpowerStefan Martinovic’s superpower is his ability to think outside the box. This unique talent allows him to innovate and find creative solutions in the real estate development industry, particularly in integrating sustainability and technology.An example of Stefan's superpower in action is his work on a master plan development in northwest Baltimore. Faced with a heavily blighted area, Stefan and his team proposed bringing the nascent modular building industry to the city. This initiative created jobs paying a living wage and provided a new industry to the area while also delivering new housing supply to replace dilapidated structures. This innovative approach touched on almost every facet of urban development and has principles that carry through to his current projects.Tips for Developing the Superpower:* Embrace Naivete: Approach challenges with a beginner’s mind, free from preconceived notions. This allows for more creative problem-solving.* Always Learn: Continuously seek new knowledge and perspectives to fuel innovative thinking.* Question Established Processes: Don’t be afraid to challenge existing business processes and explore new ways to achieve goals.* Vet Crazy Ideas: Evaluate the viability of unconventional ideas, as they might provide novel solutions others haven’t considered.By following Stefan Martinovic’s example and advice, you can make thinking outside the box a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileStefan Martinovic (he/him):Founder, CircularAbout Circular: Circular is a real estate company developing an ecosystem of sustainability-driven projects across agriculture, hospitality and housing that realize the benefits of regeneration and the circular economy.The Circular project portfolio captures unique economic and environmental synergies by employing an ecosystem-based approach to sustainable development grounded in five core principles: Grow Regeneratively: Cultivate sustenance using practices that promote soil health, ecological restoration and carbon sequestration Consume Consciously: Deliver exceptional hospitality experiences with a focus on local, responsibly sourced fresh ingredients Upcycle Perpetually: Divert organic waste into value-added products, including compost, packaging, and building materials Plan With Purpose: Conserve and improve property with programs designed to respect the land while benefiting areas of community need Build Sustainably: Develop high-performance buildings leveraging new construction technologies and locally sourced bio-based materialsWebsite: www.circular.enterprisesCompany Facebook Page: fb.com/profile.php?id=61556695478286Instagram Handle: @circular.enterprisesOther URL: smallchange.co/projects/circularBiographical Information: Stefan Martinovic is the Founder & Manager of Circular Enterprises LLC. He is a seasoned innovator and serial entrepreneur with expertise in real estate, economic development, technology, and investment management. ​Nearly the entirety of Stefan’s professional career has been a focus on applying emerging technologies to real estate development. He is a Professor at the NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate and was recently an Entrepreneur In Residence at Tenney 110, a subsidiary of AmFam Group, where he launched new real estate technology ventures.​Stefan held key roles as VP of Business Development at Placer.ai, a $1B location analytics technology company. He served as VP of Investments at Midwood, a $2B owner-developer with a 140 property national portfolio across 10 states, positioning Midwood among the most progressive institutional investors in NYC CRE.​Stefan was the Real Estate Board of New York's first Director of Innovation, where he launched NYC's Multiple Listing Service. He co-founded and was CEO of Create.io, a VC-backed software startup pioneering property data & 3D maps for urban development.​Stefan is a member of the ULI’s Technology & Innovation Council and an investor and advisor to numerous real estate tech startups. He holds an MBA in Finance from The College of William & Mary, and a BBA in Finance from Seton Hall UniversityX/Twitter Handle: @stef7321Personal Facebook Profile: fb.com/profile.php?id=61555721235997Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/stefanmartinovicUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on August 20, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.* SuperCrowdHour, August 21, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At this month’s webinar, Devin Thorpe will provide a “Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Capital from the Crowd.”* Recently, we created an AI GPT to help you learn more about The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, and our upcoming events. Click here to try it.Community Event Calendar* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events* Community Capital Live: Betty Francisco and Aliana Piñeiro of Boston Impact Initiative - Virtual Event: July 31, at 2 pm ET* Main Street Skowhegan and NC3 Entrepreneur Finance Workshop Series, September 17 - November 19, 2023.* Crowdfunding Professional Association, Summit in DC, October 22-23* Asheville Neighborhood Economics, November 12-13.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 8,000+ members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe

Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Devin: What is your superpower?Stephanie: My superpower is being able to motivate and mobilize people to create the magic of Rotary, meaning that I'm asking people to amplify their efforts and look at how they can create change in the world.In today's episode, I had the distinct pleasure of speaking with Stephanie Urchick, President of Rotary International. Her insights and experiences offer a profound look into the heart of Rotary's mission and the incredible impact it has worldwide. As President Stephanie shared, the essence of Rotary's magic lies in the transformation it brings to communities.President Stephanie recounted a moving experience in the Dominican Republic, where she installed water filters in a Haitian home. She described how a young boy, amazed by the filter’s ability to produce clean water, exclaimed, “Lady, show me that magic again.” This moment encapsulated the true magic of Rotary for her. It wasn’t merely about the water filter; it was about the profound change that access to clean water brought to that family—enabling children to return to school and freeing women from the burden of fetching water miles away.This story beautifully illustrates Rotary’s broader mission: creating lasting change. President Stephanie emphasized, “Every single Rotarian or family of Rotary member Rotaract or interactor, everybody who engages in something that creates lasting change has that same magic. We create magic because we provide opportunities for people to make their lives better.”In addition to sharing these impactful stories, President Stephanie also highlighted Rotary’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. She discussed the importance of creating Rotary experiences where everyone feels they belong. “When we create environments that are diverse and inclusive and equitable, we really are moving to creating an environment and atmosphere that does make people feel like this is where I belong,” she said.President Stephanie's dedication to fostering inclusive communities and her passion for creating positive change underscore her vision for Rotary’s future. Her leadership is a testament to the organization's enduring commitment to making a difference, one community at a time.tl;dr:* Introduction and Background: Stephanie Urchick, President of Rotary International, discusses her role and the significance of Rotary's international convention in Singapore, where the theme "the magic of Rotary" was highlighted.* The Magic of Rotary: President Stephanie shares a personal story from the Dominican Republic about installing water filters. This story emphasizes the transformative impact of Rotary’s work on communities, particularly in providing access to clean water and improving the lives of families.* Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: President Stephanie underscores the importance of creating inclusive environments within Rotary. She advocates for Rotary Clubs to mirror their communities to ensure everyone feels a sense of belonging and inclusiveness.* Polio Eradication Efforts: The conversation includes an update on Rotary's ongoing efforts to eradicate polio, highlighting the progress made and the dedication of frontline workers in challenging regions like Pakistan and Afghanistan.* Community Engagement and Adaptation: President Stephanie discusses the importance of adapting Rotary meetings to be more inclusive and accessible. She provides examples of clubs changing their meeting times and formats to attract a diverse membership, ensuring that more people can participate in Rotary's mission.How to Develop Motivating and Mobilizing As a SuperpowerResults anecdotePresident Stephanie’s superpower is her ability to motivate and mobilize people to create meaningful change. She leverages storytelling and personal engagement to inspire others to amplify their efforts and contribute to impactful projects within their communities.President Stephanie shared an inspiring anecdote about a flight from Milan to Delhi where she met a young CEO. Initially dismissive of Rotary as an "organization for old people," he became intrigued after hearing about Rotary's professional development opportunities and mentorship. By the end of the flight, he exchanged contact information with President Stephanie and soon after joined a Rotary Club, demonstrating her knack for connecting and motivating individuals to take action.Tips for Developing the Superpower:* Share Stories: Use personal and impactful stories to illustrate the power and benefits of your cause or organization.* Highlight Value: Clearly explain what’s in it for the people you are trying to motivate. Show them the personal and communal benefits of their involvement.* Adapt to Your Audience: Be flexible and tailor your approach to meet the needs and interests of different groups, whether they are young professionals or established leaders.* Promote Inclusivity: Create diverse and inclusive environments where everyone feels they belong and can contribute meaningfully.* Be Present: Engage directly with communities and individuals to understand their needs and how best to motivate them.By following President Stephanie’s example and advice, you can make motivating and mobilizing people a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileStephanie Urchick (she/her):President, Rotary InternationalAbout Rotary International: Rotary unites a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges and creating lasting change. Rotary connects 1.4 million people of action from more than 46,000 clubs in almost every country in the world. Their service improves lives both locally and internationally, from helping those in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. Website: www.rotary.orgX/Twitter Handle: @RotaryInstagram Handle: @rotaryinternationalCompany Facebook Page: fb.com/rotaryBiographical Information: Stephanie Urchick holds a doctorate in leadership studies from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. A Rotary member since 1991, Stephanie has served Rotary in many roles and capacities. Her service includes building a primary school in Vietnam; installing water filters in the Dominican Republic; mentoring new Rotary members in Ukraine; coordinating a Rotary Foundation grant project in Poland; and leading efforts to formulate and adopt Rotary’s Action Plan, a strategic road map that will help bring even more people together to create lasting and positive change in an evolving world.Personal Facebook Profile: fb.com/RotaryPresidentLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/surchickUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on August 20, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.* SuperCrowdHour, August 21, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At this month’s webinar, Devin Thorpe will provide a “Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Capital from the Crowd.”* Recently, we created an AI GPT to help you learn more about The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, and our upcoming events. Click here to try it.Community Event Calendar* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events* Community Capital Live: Betty Francisco and Aliana Piñeiro of Boston Impact Initiative - Virtual Event: July 31, at 2 pm ET* Main Street Skowhegan and NC3 Entrepreneur Finance Workshop Series, September 17 - November 19, 2023.* Crowdfunding Professional Association, Summit in DC, October 22-23* Asheville Neighborhood Economics, November 12-13.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 8,000+ members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe

I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work. Dunamis Charge is an advertiser.Devin: What is your superpower?Natalie: I truly believe, Devin, that my superpower is faith.In today’s episode of Superpowers for Good, I had the pleasure of speaking with Natalie King, the dynamic Founder and CEO of Dunamis Charge. Natalie’s passion and commitment to electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure are truly inspiring, and her insights highlight the importance of equitable access to EV charging stations.Natalie emphasized the “chicken and the egg” scenario that has hindered the widespread adoption of EVs. While EV adoption rates have not met initial expectations, she pointed out that this is largely due to insufficient EV infrastructure. This gap presents a unique opportunity for Dunamis Charge to step in and make a significant impact. As she put it, “You do have real range anxiety for EV drivers and for those interested in purchasing an EV but won't because the EV infrastructure is not there.”Dunamis Charge is not just another player in the EV market; it is a trailblazer focused on serving underserved communities. Natalie passionately described how Dunamis Charge is leveraging billions of dollars in federal investment to create reliable and accessible EV charging stations. By setting up a manufacturing plant in Detroit, Dunamis Charge is not only addressing the infrastructure gap but also creating jobs and supporting local communities. “We are uniquely positioned to take advantage of all of the billions of dollars being invested right now in this EV infrastructure industry and to make it well and to make it right here in America and to employ workers from America to build it,” Natalie shared.Moreover, Natalie’s commitment to environmental justice is evident in her approach. Dunamis Charge’s “Communities in Charge” program partners with faith-based and nonprofit organizations to educate and engage communities about the benefits of EVs. This initiative ensures that the transition to EVs is inclusive and beneficial for all. As Natalie eloquently put it, “We want to be that bridge to those communities because we already work in those communities, we hire from those communities, and we believe that we can bring the EV deployment as an opportunity.”In essence, Dunamis Charge is not only solving the current EV infrastructure challenges but also paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future. Natalie King’s visionary leadership and dedication to equitable access make her a true changemaker in the EV industry. I am excited to see how Dunamis Charge will continue to transform the landscape of EV infrastructure and make electric vehicles a reality for everyone.Dunamis Charge is conducting a regulated investment crowdfunding offering on Rise Up Crowdfunding.tl;dr:1. Guest Introduction and Topic Overview: Devin introduces Natalie King, the CEO of Dunamis Charge, emphasizing her role in the electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure industry in Detroit. They discuss the growing demand and the issues around EV adoption and charging infrastructure.2. Challenges in EV Adoption: Natalie explains the "chicken and egg" issue with EV adoption and charging infrastructure. Despite investments, the anticipated growth rate for EV adoption has not been met, causing some to pull back on infrastructure investments. However, she sees this as an opportunity for Dunamis Charge to address range anxiety and ensure reliable EV infrastructure.3. Focus on Equity and Inclusion: Dunamis Charge aims to bring EV infrastructure to underserved and underrepresented communities. Leveraging initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Natalie speaks about promoting environmental justice and ensuring all communities benefit from EV infrastructure.4. Community Engagement and Education: Natalie discusses the "Communities in Charge" program, which partners with organizations to bring EV education and charging solutions to faith-based and nonprofit groups. This initiative includes educating communities about the benefits of EV adoption and providing information on incentives and economic opportunities.5. Company Growth and Future Plans: Natalie highlights Dunamis Charge's progress, including a forecast for significant revenue growth and ongoing efforts to expand their EV charging solutions across various states. The discussion also covers the company’s crowdfunding campaign on Rise Up Crowdfunding to enable broader community investment and support for their mission.How to Develop Faith As a SuperpowerNatalie King’s superpower is her unwavering faith. This faith has guided her through numerous challenges in the clean energy technology space, particularly as a minority woman in a field with few peers. Her faith propels her to persevere, innovate, and give back to the community, even when the path ahead is unclear.Natalie shared a compelling story about her struggle to secure capital for Dunamis Charge. Despite numerous banks praising her business concept and her vision, they repeatedly turned her down due to various reasons. This recurring disappointment was challenging, but her faith kept her determined. Natalie believes that resources follow passion and vision, which eventually helped her overcome these financial hurdles.Tips for Developing the Superpower:* Persevere Through Challenges: Keep moving forward even when the path is unclear and obstacles arise.* Maintain a Vision: Have a clear vision of your goals and believe in them, even if others do not immediately see the potential.* Seek Support: Connect with people and organizations that believe in your mission and can offer support.* Prepare in Advance: Secure resources before you need them to avoid last-minute challenges.* Trust the Process: Have faith that if you are doing what you are meant to do, everything will eventually work out.By following Natalie’s example and advice, you can make faith a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileNatalie King  (she/her):Founder and CEO, Dunamis ChargeAbout Dunamis Charge: To make high-quality, affordable EV charging solutions accessible everywhere.Dunamis Charge takes great pride in empowering individuals and enhancing their mobility, with a strong emphasis on energy cost savings for our customers across various sectors. We are committed to making best-in-class, cost-effective EV charging solutions available while benefiting our planet.Dunamis Charge aims to transform lives with world-class, dependable EV charging technology. We are dedicated to revolutionizing how people access energy. Our goal is to create a world where going electric is easy and accessible for everyone, whenever and wherever it’s needed.Website: dunamischarge.comX/Twitter Handle:@dunamischargeCrowdfund Offering: riseupcrowdfunding.com/co/dunamis/#/Facebook Page: fb.com/dunamischargeLinkedin: linkedin.com/company/dunamis-charge/mycompany/Instagram Handle: @dunamischarge/Biographical Information: Natalie King is the founder and CEO of Dunamis Clean Energy Partners, LLC, and its affiliated company, Dunamis Charge. Under her leadership, Dunamis has grown into a multi-million-dollar corporation with more than 150 workers throughout Southeastern Michigan. Natalie's innovative vision for Dunamis has resulted in creating a diversified portfolio of products and services, including LED lighting and electric vehicle charger manufacturing, as well as energy efficiency and environmental service solutions. King was selected as a Notable Leader in Energy in 2023 by Crain's, awarded the Most Valuable Entrepreneur for 2023 by Corp! Magazine as well as the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2021 Michigan and Northwest Ohio. Dunamis was selected to join the 2021 inaugural cohorts of the Stellantis National Black Supplier Development Program and Apple Impact Accelerator Program. The Electric Vehicle charger manufacturer is part of the Cummins CARE BOA (Black Owned Enterprise) and is a Tier One Vendor to DTE Energy.As a lauded clean energy and electrification thought leader and trailblazer, King was selected to deliver inspiring remarks and introduce President Joe Biden at the 2023 Small Business Administration's Women's Business Summit at the White House, her company was also mentioned in two White House Fact Sheets.Before entering the clean energy space, Natalie operated The Law Offices of Natalie M. King, PLC, where she managed a successful corporate, real estate, and entertainment law practice for 18 years. She also served as an adjunct professor of Contract and Business Law at Thomas M. Cooley Law School and Liberty University.A native Detroiter, King earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and her Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University Law School. She is also a graduate of the Tuck Executive Education at Dartmouth “Building the Minority Business to Scale'' MBE program. She serves as a board member of the National Business League (formerly the Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce) as well as the Michigan Chamber of Commerce Energy & Environment Committee. She is the Chairwoman and a founding member of Blacks in Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (BEVI).King has been passionately committed to charitable initiatives and community advocacy for over 25 years. She is the founder of Doing the Work Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on serving poor and disenfranchised communities around the world in the areas of homelessness, hunger, poverty eradication, entrepreneurial education, clean energy resources, and spiritual empowerment. She served as the event organizer for the Annual Detroit Red Carpet Backyard BBQ for the Homeless & Hungry which fed over 5,000 Detroit citizens in need annually. She also serves as Board Chairperson for Abayomi Community Development Corporation, a nonprofit youth servicing organization, and as a board member of The Yunion, a nonprofit youth mentoring organization.King is a published author of the book “Let There Be Light”, available on Amazon Kindle, a proud mother, and a licensed and ordained minister. The EV infrastructure trailblazer is a 2022 TEDx alumnus. She presented at the United Nations in 2022 and has been featured on Good Morning America, in Forbes, Bloomberg, People of Color in Tech, Black Enterprise, CBS, Michigan Chronicle, Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, and more!Upcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on August 20, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.* SuperCrowdHour, August 21, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At this month’s webinar, Devin Thorpe will provide a “Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Capital from the Crowd.”* Recently, we created an AI GPT to help you learn more about The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, and our upcoming events. Click here to try it.Community Event Calendar* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events* Investing and Crowdfunding 101, July 22, 2024, 1:00 Eastern: Samreen Arshad of Samreen’s Vanity and Devin Thorpe of The Super Crowd, Inc.* Community Capital Live: Betty Francisco and Aliana Piñeiro of Boston Impact Initiative - Virtual Event: July 31, at 2 pm ET* Crowdfunding Professional Association, Summit in DC, October 22-23* Asheville Neighborhood Economics, November 12-13.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 8,000+ members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe

I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Devin: What is your superpower?Khaliah: I am the queen of sleep.In today's episode of "Superpowers for Good," I had the pleasure of speaking with Khaliah O. Guillory, the dynamic CEO and founder of Nap Bar. Despite her high-energy demeanor, Khaliah's secret to maintaining such vigor lies in something deceptively simple: napping.Khaliah’s journey to creating Nap Bar, the world’s first black queer woman-owned luxury sleep suite, is rooted in her personal practice of prioritizing sleep. From her early days in corporate America, she scheduled daily naps, often finding unconventional spots like unused conference rooms or her car to recharge. This habit not only kept her energy levels high but also laid the groundwork for Nap Bar.One striking statistic Khaliah shared is that one out of every two Americans is sleep-deprived. This widespread issue underscored the need for a dedicated space where people could get quality rest. The data is compelling: a NASA study found that a 26-minute nap could increase productivity by up to 34% and alertness by 54%.Khaliah’s vision for Nap Bar goes beyond providing a place to sleep. She aims to create eco-friendly, luxury sanctuaries where people can experience restorative sleep, even in the hustle and bustle of an airport. With partnerships with brands like West Elm and Lululemon, Nap Bar offers a home-away-from-home feel, complete with bamboo pajamas and high-quality sleep gear.Her recent success includes securing a ten-year contract at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, showcasing the growing recognition of the importance of sleep. Khaliah’s commitment to raising awareness about sleep health extends to her Wefunder campaign, a crowdfunding effort to expand Nap Bar’s reach and impact.Khaliah's story is a testament to the power of prioritizing rest and the transformative impact it can have on productivity and overall well-being. As she continues to advocate for sleep health, her journey inspires others to invest in rest, ultimately leading to healthier, more productive lives.Nap Bar is currently raising capital on Wefunder.tl;dr:1. Introduction of Khaliah O. Guillory and Nap Bar: Devin introduces Khaliah O. Guillory, the CEO and founder of Nap Bar. Despite being a very high-energy person, Khaliah emphasizes the importance of sleep and naps for maintaining her energy levels.2. Importance of Napping and Rest: Khaliah highlights the benefits of naps and restorative sleep, citing a NASA study that supports increased productivity and alertness from even short naps. She shares her personal routine of scheduling naps and the impact it has had on her success.3. Founding and Success of Nap Bar: Khaliah explains the inception of Nap Bar and its growth, including securing a ten-year contract to open a luxury sleep suite at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas. She discusses the challenges and successes in the journey of establishing Nap Bar, including MVP testing and adapting during the pandemic.4. Expansion and Business Models: Khaliah details various business models for Nap Bar beyond airport rest stops, including partnerships with West Elm and Lululemon and potential collaborations with airlines, hospitals, college campuses, and sporting venues. She mentions efforts to scale Nap Bar through innovative solutions like the Metasnooze virtual reality experience.5. Crowdfunding Campaign on Wefunder: Khaliah talks about the ongoing crowdfunding campaign on Wefunder, emphasizing its importance in making the company visible and accessible even in the context of limited VC funding for black women founders. Devin provides details on how viewers can participate and support the campaign.How to Develop Prioritizing Rest As a SuperpowerKhaliah’s superpower is her commitment to prioritizing rest and sleep. By integrating restorative sleep practices into her daily routine, she maintains high energy levels and productivity, enabling her to tackle the demands of entrepreneurship effectively.In 2017, while working in corporate America and facing high stress and long hours, Khaliah decided to change her bedtime habits. She moved her phone away from her bedside to avoid the temptation of checking emails first thing in the morning. This small change significantly improved her mental well-being, demonstrating how prioritizing rest can lead to better performance and a healthier mindset.Tips for Developing the Superpower* Schedule Naps: Make napping a non-negotiable part of your daily routine.* Bedtime Ritual: Establish a consistent bedtime ritual to signal your body it’s time to sleep.* Limit Caffeine: Cut out caffeine ten hours before bed to avoid sleep disruptions.* Avoid Late Meals: Refrain from eating or drinking alcohol three hours before bedtime.* Work Cut-Off: Stop working at least two hours before bed to let your brain wind down.* Reduce Screen Time: Avoid screens and social media one hour before bed to minimize blue light exposure.* Skip the Snooze: When your alarm goes off, get up immediately to avoid grogginess from disrupted REM sleep.By following Khaliah’s example and advice, you can make prioritizing rest a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileKhaliah O. Guillory:Nap BarWebsite: napbarnow.comWefunder: wefunder.com/napbarBiographical Information: The creative mind behind Nap Bar™ is Certified Sleep Coach Khaliah O. Guillory. As a previous Vice President at a Fortune 100 company, she knows a thing or two about handling stress. Nap Bar™ is the first white-glove, eco-friendly, luxe rest sanctuary in the world. We offer communities and companies onsite and en-suite custom suites infused with virtual reality experiences to help sleepy humans rest and charge. Nap Bar’s™ mission is to turn sustainable rest into sustainable productivity for not only health-conscious professionals, entrepreneurs, stay-at-home parents and travelers but sport venues, airports and corporations.Khaliah has been featured in a plethora of national publications not limited to Forbes and Essence. She is also the recipient of the prestigious President Biden’s Lifetime Achievement Award, amongst many others. Based on her philanthropic work in the community, Former Mayor Sylvester Turner declared October 29 as Khaliah O. Guillory Day. Upcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.* SuperCrowdHour, July 17, 2024, at 1:00 Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At this month’s webinar, Pooja Mehta, crowdfund investor and advisor to entrepreneurs, will join us to share her dual perspectives.* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on July 16, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.* Recently, we created an AI GPT to help you learn more about The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, and our upcoming events. Click here to try it.Community Event Calendar* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events* Business Showcase Series, July 16 at 5:30 PM ET, Spark Coworking, 8 Market Place, Baltimore, MD 21202* Community Capital Live: Lisa Nutter of Community Impact Investments - Virtual Event: July 17, at 2 pm ET* Community Capital Live: Betty Francisco and Aliana Piñeiro of Boston Impact Initiative - Virtual Event: July 31, at 2 pm ET* Crowdfunding Professional Association, Summit in DC, October 22-23* Asheville Neighborhood Economics, November 12-13.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 8,000+ members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe

I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Devin: What is your superpower?Usha: It may not sound like a superpower, but I will explain why it is my superpower. My superpower is that I don't belong. I don't belong anywhere.In today’s episode of Superpowers for Good, I had the pleasure of interviewing Usha Devi Venkatachalam, the Founder and CEO of Krishi Janani PBC. Usha’s journey is a fascinating blend of technology and traditional farming methods, a juxtaposition that holds immense promise for the future of agriculture, especially in the least developed parts of the world.Usha, a computer engineer with extensive experience in developing software solutions globally, hails from a multi-generation farming family. She eloquently shared her realization of the stark contrast between the nutrient-rich produce of her grandparents’ era and the vitamin-depleted crops of today. This insight led her to explore regenerative agroecology, which she describes as “a new name for my grandparents' method of farming.”Regenerative agroecology focuses on restoring soil health by mimicking traditional farming practices. Usha explained, “Our soil has been depleted so much that for the same amount of vitamin A that my grandparents would have gotten with their method of farming in one orange, I need to eat eight oranges today.”Krishi Janani has developed an innovative ecosystem called the Giannini Region Ecosystem, consisting of an agri-tech platform, events and trainings, and regional labs. These components work together to digitize and disseminate knowledge from traditional farming practices, making it accessible to smallholder farmers via technology. Usha highlighted, “Technology alone will not solve any problem. It needs to function in a social, political, economic context.”By utilizing this platform, farmers can access information on regenerative practices, attend trainings, and even visit showcase farms. Usha’s vision includes not only helping farmers increase their yield and reduce costs but also building climate resilience and promoting sustainable agriculture.Krishi Janani’s revenue model is equally innovative, deriving income from farmer trainings, corporate partnerships, and startup collaborations. This multi-faceted approach ensures that they can continue to support and expand their mission.Usha’s blend of traditional wisdom and modern technology is truly inspiring. Her work exemplifies how innovative solutions can address some of the most pressing agricultural challenges of our time. I’m excited to see how Krishi Janani will continue to grow and impact the lives of farmers around the world.tl;dr:1. Overview and Mission: Usha Devi Venkatachalam, CEO and founder of Krishi Janani, discussed her initiative that applies high-tech solutions to smallholder agriculture in less developed regions, focusing on regenerative agroecology, which aligns with the traditional farming methods of previous generations.2. Background and Inspiration: Usha's background as a computer engineer with experience in over 20 countries, combined with her family's multi-generation farming heritage, led her to this venture. She emphasized the decline in soil quality and nutrition since the Green Revolution and the need to return to more sustainable farming practices.3. Technological Integration: Krishi Janani is developing a comprehensive ecosystem—consisting of an agritech platform, regional labs, and farmer training events—to support and promote regenerative agriculture. Farmers can access digital knowledge, on-ground training, and product marketplaces through this integrated system.4. Revenue Model: The company generates revenue through paid training sessions for farmers, commissions from sales facilitated through their platform, corporate partnerships for climate resilience and sustainable sourcing, and collaborations with startups for scaling innovative agricultural solutions.5. Vision and Scale: Usha aims to expand their model internationally by licensing their software and ecosystem approach, supported by ongoing fundraising efforts. She stresses the importance of combining technology with traditional farming practices to create sustainable agricultural solutions.How to Develop Not Belonging As a SuperpowerUsha’s superpower is "not belonging." This unique perspective allows her to bridge gaps between different cultures, technologies, and practices. By not fully aligning with any single group or ideology, she can see the strengths and weaknesses of each and integrate the best elements into her work, fostering innovative solutions.In the interview, Usha shared an illustrative story about her work connecting traditional farming practices with modern technology. Growing up in India and later moving to the U.S., she experienced firsthand the benefits and drawbacks of different agricultural practices. By not fully belonging to either culture, she could objectively evaluate the Green Revolution's impact. This perspective enabled her to integrate traditional, regenerative farming methods with high-tech solutions, helping smallholder farmers improve soil health and sustainability.Tips for Developing the Superpower:* Travel Outside Your Comfort Zone: Visit places and experience cultures different from your own to gain new perspectives.* Travel with Humility: Approach new experiences with an open mind and a willingness to learn.* Embrace Diverse Viewpoints: Engage with people and ideas different from your own to broaden your understanding.* Reflect on Your Experiences: Take time to consider how different environments and cultures influence your thinking and approach to problems.* Seek to Build Bridges: Use your unique position to connect disparate ideas and communities, creating innovative solutions.By following Usha’s example and advice, you can make "not belonging" a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileUsha Devi Venkatachalam ():Founder & CEO, Krishi Janani PBCAbout Krishi Janani PBC: Janani is a tech-powered ecosystem enabling farmers' transition to regenerative agroecology to build climate resilience. The Janani Regen Ecosystem consists of an agritech platform with tools and services for transition, events and training to learn regenerative practices, and regen labs to implement innovative scaling models.Our mission is to orchestrate a regenerative and climate-resilient agriculture and food ecosystem that nourishes soil, water, biodiversity, farmers, consumers, and the planet.Website: www.krishijanani.orgCompany Facebook Page: fb.com/janani.regenOther URL: crowdfundmainstreet.com/campaigns/33i5kjtr/Biographical Information: Usha Devi Venkatachalam is the Founder and CEO of Krishi Janani, the social enterprise behind the Janani Regen Ecosystem, which enables farmers to transition to regenerative agroecology and builds climate resilience in communities. She is a technologist who has implemented software solutions and conducted capacity-building training in more than 20 countries. Her professional expertise is in architecting sustainable, culture-specific, and locally appropriate technology solutions in resource-constrained environments. This, combined with her family’s agricultural roots, has resulted in the Janani Regen Ecosystem. Work & passion: technology + agriculture + food + rural livelihoods + social change.X/Twitter Handle: @nadodiPersonal Facebook Profile: fb.com/nadodiLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/nadodi/Instagram Handle: @janani.regenUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.* SuperCrowdHour, July 17, 2024, at 1:00 Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At this month’s webinar, Pooja Mehta, crowdfund investor and advisor to entrepreneurs, will join us to share her dual perspectives.* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on July 16, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.* Recently, we created an AI GPT to help you learn more about The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, and our upcoming events. Click here to try it.Community Event Calendar* NetCapital Demo Day with Katsh Digital ID, Power Hero, Absinthia; July 11 at 7 PM ET.* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events* How Small Businesses Can Raise Capital from the Crowd, today at 1:00 pm ET: Explore transforming your community connections into capital to start or grow a small business through regulated investment crowdfunding.  Learn more about how this type of crowdfunding works and the benefits and challenges of raising capital from the crowd. About our Presenter: Author and journalist Devin Thorpe has over 25 years in finance and a rich background as a former CFO and investment banking firm founder.  He’s also a champion for social good, publishing his Superpowers for Good newsletter and show.* Community Capital Live: Lisa Nutter of Community Impact Investments - Virtual Event: July 17, at 2 pm ET* Community Capital Live: Betty Francisco and Aliana Piñeiro of Boston Impact Initiative - Virtual Event: July 31, at 2 pm ET* Crowdfunding Professional Association, Summit in DC, October 22-23* Asheville Neighborhood Economics, November 12-13.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 7,000+ members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe

I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Devin: What is your superpower?David: Going through very embarrassing and shameful experiences and coming out the other side. It's given me empathy and being and the ability to see across cultures, across boundaries.In today’s episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with David Tamale-Sali, the founder of Okay Doctor. David’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Starting with a childhood ambition to become a doctor, his path took unexpected turns that ultimately led him to create Okay Doctor, a platform dedicated to helping doctors navigate their careers and find fulfillment, whether within or beyond the medical profession.David's story is one of resilience and adaptability. He shared how the rigid expectations of medical school and the healthcare system often leave doctors feeling trapped and unfulfilled. This realization inspired him to create Okay Doctor, initially a blog and forum for doctors to share their frustrations and seek guidance. Over time, it has evolved into a community focused on empowering medics to explore their identities beyond their profession.One key idea that stood out during our conversation was David’s belief that the healthcare system would be more effective if it were staffed by individuals who chose to be there out of passion rather than necessity. He drew a powerful analogy, comparing the ideal healthcare system to a healthy marriage, where partners choose to be together rather than being codependent. David emphasized, “Any system built upon one person being dependent on the other... is fundamentally flawed.”David's mission with Okay Doctor is not just to help doctors leave the profession but to help them rediscover their passion and purpose. He pointed out that many doctors find new careers that align with their personal interests, sometimes even within the medical field but in non-clinical roles. He noted, “There are doctors who say, ‘I’ve always wanted to be a baker,’ and they start a bakery, still caring for people but through a different medium.”In essence, David advocates for a paradigm shift in how we view medical careers, encouraging doctors to bet on themselves and follow their true passions. This transformation, he believes, will lead to a more fulfilled and effective healthcare workforce. As we concluded our conversation, David shared his hope that Okay Doctor would eventually become redundant as more medics found the courage to pursue their true calling.Today’s discussion with David Tamale-Sali was both enlightening and inspiring. His vision for a more compassionate and fulfilled medical community is a testament to the impact of following one’s passion. If you missed this episode, I encourage you to catch up and join the conversation on how we can support our doctors in finding true fulfillment in their careers and lives.tl;dr:1. Introduction and Guest Background: The episode features David Tamale-Sali, the founder of Okay Doctor. David discusses his unconventional career path, including studying medicine, getting expelled, traveling to Uganda, and ultimately creating Okay Doctor, a platform aimed at helping medics manage career frustrations and find fulfillment.2. Mission of Okay Doctor: Initially an app idea, Okay Doctor evolved into a platform providing counseling and support for medics. Its primary mission is to empower doctors to explore their identities beyond their profession, mitigating issues like burnout, frustration, and mental health challenges by providing alternative career options and support forums.3. Challenges in the Medical Field: David describes significant challenges faced by medical professionals, including administrative burdens, long hours, lack of fulfillment, and mental health crises. He emphasizes that some doctors feel trapped in their careers, contributing to high rates of burnout and even suicide.4. Empathy as a Superpower: David talks about his superpower, empathy, which was developed through personal struggles, including being kicked out of med school and working various jobs. This empathy allows him to see beyond professional titles and understand the human behind the role, helping him connect with and support other medics effectively.5. Future and Support for Medics: David's goal for Okay Doctor is to give medics the confidence to follow their true passions, whether that means staying in medicine with a better work-life balance or pursuing entirely new careers. He hopes Okay Doctor will eventually become unnecessary as medics learn to navigate their careers and identities independently. He encourages those interested to visit OkayDoctor.net/SOS to access resources and join the discussion.How to Develop Empathy As a SuperpowerDavid’s superpower is his profound empathy, which he developed through overcoming personal challenges and experiences of shame. This empathy allows him to connect deeply with others, understanding their struggles and offering support in meaningful ways.David's empathy shines through in his creation of the Medic S.O.S. project. One night, he noticed a distressed medic on a private forum and quickly offered comforting advice and steps to manage the situation. This compassionate act inspired David to compile similar advice from various medics into a book aimed at helping others facing burnout and overwhelm. The project was completed in just 45 days and launched on Christmas Day, highlighting his dedication to supporting his peers.Tips for Developing Empathy:* Engage with Different Perspectives: Actively listen to people from diverse backgrounds and experiences to understand their feelings and viewpoints.* Reflect on Personal Experiences: Use your own challenges and emotions as a basis to connect with others’ struggles.* Practice Active Listening: Show genuine interest in others’ stories, validating their feelings without judgment.* Offer Support: When someone is in need, provide help and advice based on your own experiences and understanding.By following David Tamale-Sali’s example and advice, you can make empathy a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileDavid Tamale-Sali (he/him):Founder of Okay DoctorAbout Okay Doctor: Okay Doctor is a transformative platform dedicated to empowering medical professionals to transition out of clinical practice and explore new career paths. Founded by David Tamale-Sali, a former medic turned writer and musician, Okay Doctor offers a blend of practical advice, inspiring stories, and actionable strategies to help medics redefine their professional and personal lives. Through insightful articles, personal anecdotes, and expert interviews, we aim to challenge the status quo of healthcare and education, advocating for a life of fulfillment beyond traditional medical careers. Join us to discover how to leverage your medical expertise in innovative and impactful ways and be part of a global movement reshaping the future of medics worldwide.Website: www.okaydoctor.netCompany Facebook Page: fb.com/okaydoctorOther URL: www.okaydoctor.net/sosBiographical Information: In the spring of 2003, David Tamale-Sali [surname pronounced: Tah Mah Lay Sah Lee] attended a surprisingly life-changing lecture and then four months later found himself kicked out of Medical School at the start of resitting his third year. He then spent the next two decades off the beaten path, having experiences such as summarising patient Medical notes in a GP surgery, selling products on the high street for a Hollywood makeup artist, freelance copywriting, raising a family whilst on benefits, hosting a Franchising podcast, being blackmailed by his Dad into going back to medical school, getting kicked out of Medical school during Lockdown…all while continuing to encourage distressed and frustrated Medics from around the world via email, private forums, his blog at Okaydoctor.net and his recently published book, Medic S.O.S, available for free at: www.okaydoctor.net/sos David is married with 7 kids, a writer/bass player, and an encourager of all Medics looking to enjoy an abundant life: Spirit, Soul and Body.X/Twitter Handle: @savedaliLinkedin: okaydoctor.net/LinkedInInstagram Handle: @okaydoctor17Upcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.* SuperCrowdHour, July 17, 2024, at 1:00 Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At this month’s webinar, Pooja Mehta, crowdfund investor and advisor to entrepreneurs, will join us to share her dual perspectives.* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on July 16, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.* Recently, we created an AI GPT to help you learn more about The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, and our upcoming events. Click here to try it.Community Event Calendar* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events* How Small Businesses Can Raise Capital from the Crowd, Thursday, July 11, 1 – 2 pm ET: Explore transforming your community connections into capital to start or grow a small business through regulated investment crowdfunding.  Learn more about how this type of crowdfunding works and the benefits and challenges of raising capital from the crowd. About our Presenter: Author and journalist Devin Thorpe has over 25 years in finance and a rich background as a former CFO and investment banking firm founder.  He’s also a champion for social good, publishing his Superpowers for Good newsletter and show.* Community Capital Live: Lisa Nutter of Community Impact Investments - Virtual Event: July 17, at 2 pm ET* Community Capital Live: Betty Francisco and Aliana Piñeiro of Boston Impact Initiative - Virtual Event: July 31, at 2 pm ET* Crowdfunding Professional Association, Summit in DC, October 22-23* Asheville Neighborhood Economics, November 12-13.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 7,000+ members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe

I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Devin: Tom, what do you see as your superpower?Tom: I would say the superpower within me has been the ability to bridge and connect both those intangible things like the hereafter with the here and now.In today’s episode of Superpowers for Good, I had the pleasure of interviewing Tom Bassford, the Co-Founder and CEO of EquityVest. Tom’s journey from a pastor to a pioneer in faith-based crowdfunding is a compelling story of combining mission-driven work with innovative financial solutions.Tom shared that EquityVest’s mission is to connect faith-driven entrepreneurs with faith-driven investors, leveraging the passion and compassion found within the faith community to address poverty through business initiatives. His background as a pastor played a crucial role in shaping his vision. He recognized that while charitable efforts are essential, sustainable change requires empowering people to lift themselves out of poverty through business ventures.One of the standout moments in our conversation was when Tom explained, “What if there was a way to mobilize that crowd to use some of the same passion and compassion through business-type things to help people lift themselves out of poverty?” This question encapsulates the transformative potential of EquityVest’s approach.Tom highlighted several unique projects on EquityVest, including an alternative to Uber and Lyft that prioritizes driver welfare, a company creating affordable housing in partnership with urban congregations, and a streaming service for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Each project reflects EquityVest’s commitment to supporting businesses that generate financial returns and create positive social impact.One particularly inspiring example was the story of a company that partners with Christian-based organizations in Nepal, India, and South Africa to provide gainful employment to women rescued from human trafficking. As Tom explained, “He wanted to create a supply chain and a distribution in the United States, but he wanted to work with some Christian-based organizations in Nepal, India, and South Africa that were working with women that they were rescuing out of human trafficking.”This episode showcased the innovative ways in which EquityVest is using faith-based investments to solve real-world problems, demonstrating the power of combining business acumen with a mission for social good. Tom’s vision and EquityVest’s initiatives are truly inspiring examples of how financial tools can be used to create lasting positive change.tl;dr:1. Tom Bassford, CEO and founder of EquityVest, discussed the platform's mission to mobilize the faith-based community to invest in businesses that promote social good, create sustainable solutions, and lift people out of poverty.2. EquityVest operates without a strict religious or business-type vetting process, allowing companies to highlight their faith-driven motivations and social impact goals to attract like-minded investors.3. Bassford shared examples of current offerings on EquityVest, including a ridesharing alternative focused on driver welfare, a faith-based organization creating affordable housing on church land, and a streaming service for the deaf community.4. EquityVest is unique in being owned by a not-for-profit, with start-up costs covered by program-related investments and donor-advised funds aimed at creating an economic engine for launching businesses without ongoing charitable support.5. The platform encourages the faith-based community to integrate tangible actions with spiritual beliefs, promoting the idea that addressing physical and emotional needs is as important as the faith-driven message of salvation.How to Develop Bridging Faith and Business As a SuperpowerTom’s superpower is his unique ability to connect the intangible aspects of faith with practical business solutions. This skill allows him to mobilize faith-driven communities to create sustainable, impactful change.Tom exemplifies his superpower through the creation of EquityVest, a regulated crowdfunding portal owned by the non-profit Significant Matters. By leveraging program-related investments and donor-advised funds, EquityVest empowers faith-driven entrepreneurs and investors to support ventures that address poverty and other social issues. This initiative bridges the gap between charitable efforts and sustainable economic development, embodying Tom’s vision of integrating faith with practical solutions.Tips for Developing This Superpower:1. Embrace Both Spiritual and Practical Aspects: Recognize the importance of addressing both the spiritual needs and the tangible, everyday challenges people face.2. Communicate a Balanced Vision: Clearly articulate how faith can inform practical actions that have real-world impacts.3. Mobilize Community Resources: Leverage the passion and resources within your community to support sustainable projects that align with your mission.4. Adopt the Golden Rule: Apply the principle of treating others as you would want to be treated in all your initiatives.By following Tom’s example and advice, you can make bridging faith and business a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileTom Bassford (he/him):Co-Founder, CEO, EquityVestAbout EquityVest: Regulation Crowdfunding PortalWebsite: equityvest.orgX/Twitter Handle: @realequityvest Company Facebook Page: fb.com/profile.php?id=100093076426847Other URL: significantmatters.comInstagram Handle: @realequityvest Biographical Information: Tom Bassford is the co-founder and CEO of EquityVest, a Reg CF platform that sets itself apart by focusing on the faith-driven crowd. The platform aims to connect faith-driven founders and investors to support innovations that advance the world positively. It’s not just for the regular churchgoer but for anyone inclined towards value-driven investments. EquityVest’s unique approach to addressing societal issues and supporting marginalized communities is through a business IS mission mindset. Upcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.* SuperCrowdHour, July 17, 2024, at 1:00 Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At this month’s webinar, Pooja Mehta, crowdfund investor and advisor to entrepreneurs, will join us to share her dual perspectives.* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on July 16, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, you must first become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.* Recently, we created an AI GPT to help you learn more about The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, and our upcoming events. Click here to try it.Community Event Calendar* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events* How Small Businesses Can Raise Capital from the Crowd, Thursday, July 11, 1 – 2 pm ET: Explore transforming your community connections into capital to start or grow a small business through regulated investment crowdfunding.  Learn more about how this type of crowdfunding works and the benefits and challenges of raising capital from the crowd. About our Presenter: Author and journalist Devin Thorpe has over 25 years in finance and a rich background as a former CFO and investment banking firm founder.  He’s also a champion for social good, publishing his Superpowers for Good newsletter and show.* Community Capital Live: Lisa Nutter of Community Impact Investments - Virtual Event: July 17, at 2 pm ET* Crowdfunding Professional Association, Summit in DC, October 22-23* Asheville Neighborhood Economics, November 12-13.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 7,000+ members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe

I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Devin: What is your superpower?Samreen: I truly think my superpower, Devin, is my ability to connect with people.In today's episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Samreen Arshad, the inspiring founder and CEO of SamreensVanity. Her story is a testament to resilience and the power of community in shaping successful ventures.SamreensVanity is a luxury cosmetic line dedicated to elevating South Asian representation within the beauty industry. Samreen identified a glaring white space: despite 2.1 billion South Asians worldwide, there wasn't a single cosmetic line aimed specifically at their inclusion. She saw this as an opportunity to create something transformative."Our brand is made for the community, and it’s founded by the community," Samreen said. This philosophy guided her decision to launch a Wefunder campaign, choosing community-backed investment over traditional venture capital. She wanted her investors to feel a personal connection to the brand, ensuring that their contributions would lead to meaningful impact.Samreen's journey to founding SamreensVanity is as unique as it is inspiring. Despite facing postpartum depression and not having a background in makeup, she taught herself the craft at the age of 30. Her resilience shone through when she applied seven times for a job at a high-end retailer without success. This rejection fueled her determination to create a brand that represents minority women and immigrants like herself.With only nine SKUs, SamreensVanity has already made significant strides. Their innovative dual-ended lipsticks caught the attention of major retailers like QVC and Costco. Now, as part of the Tower 28 Incubator Program, Samreen is gearing up to pitch to top retailers and expand her brand's reach.Looking ahead, Samreen envisions SamreensVanity becoming an international brand, serving markets in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia, where there is a growing demand for products that reflect their cultural values and needs.I am continually inspired by entrepreneurs like Samreen, who not only identify opportunities but also create solutions that empower and uplift their communities. SamreensVanity is not just a beauty brand; it’s a movement towards greater inclusivity in the industry.In our conversation, Samreen's passion and dedication were palpable. Her vision for the future of SamreensVanity is bright, and I have no doubt that she will continue to break barriers and set new standards in the beauty industry.tl;dr:1. Introduction and Business Overview: Samreen Arshad, the CEO and founder of SamreensVanity, discusses the inception of her luxury cosmetics line aimed at elevating South Asian representation in the beauty industry. She recognized a market gap and launched her brand during the pandemic with initial products like eyeliners and dual-ended lipsticks.2. Product Line and Strategy: Samreen explains that her brand currently offers nine SKUs, including innovative products like dual-ended lipsticks. Starting with eyeliners to test market needs, her strategy has been to grow slowly and steadily rather than flooding the market with products. This approach has led to partnerships with QVC and potential opportunities with Costco and Shark Tank.3. Incubator Program: Samreen is participating in the Tower 28 incubator program, which is a ten-week initiative founded by Amy Liu. The program includes classes led by industry leaders, and it concludes with the opportunity to pitch to major retailers like Sephora and Ulta.4. Vision and Growth Plans: Samreen envisions international expansion for SamreensVanity, citing interest from regions like Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia. She emphasizes that her brand, which has a strong customer base and minimal returns, is poised for significant growth once it ramps up marketing efforts.5. Wefunder Campaign and Investor Relations: To support the community-driven ethos of her brand, Samreen opted for a crowdfunding campaign on Wefunder where individuals can invest. She highlights the backing of Backstage Capital, founded by Arlan Hamilton, and encourages potential investors to participate, emphasizing the collective potential for significant returns.How to Develop Connecting with People As a SuperpowerSamreen’s superpower is her exceptional ability to connect with people. This natural talent allows her to build genuine relationships, fostering trust and collaboration that drive her success as an entrepreneur and influencer.Samreen exemplified her superpower when she connected with Arlan Hamilton, the founder of Backstage Capital. Without any immediate intention to seek investment, Samreen genuinely engaged with Arlan, showing interest in her work and attending her events. This authentic connection led to Arlan eventually offering to back Samreen’s fundraising efforts, illustrating the profound impact of building sincere relationships.Actionable Tips for Developing this Superpower:* Be Genuinely Interested in Others: Focus on learning about people rather than trying to impress them. Show genuine curiosity about their stories and experiences.* Be Open and Vulnerable: Don’t be afraid to share your own strengths and weaknesses. Openness and honesty foster deeper connections.* Voice Your Admiration: When you’re impressed by someone, let them know. Acknowledging others’ achievements builds rapport.* Start Building Relationships Early: Don’t wait until you need something to start connecting. Build relationships well in advance of when you might need support.By following Samreen Arshad’s example and advice, you can make connecting with people a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileSamreen Arshad (she/her):Founder and CEO, SamreensVanityAbout SamreensVanity: SamreensVanity New York offers rich, lush, and vibrantly pigmented essentials for creating captivating looks. Our mission is to offer products that are kind to your skin and good for the environment while feeding your creative soul. We are a clean and conscious brand that creates vegan, cruelty-free and paraben-free cosmetics.Celebrating the True You!Website: samreensvanity.comCompany Facebook Page: fb.com/samreensvanityLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/samreensvanity-540026167/Instagram Handle: @samreensvanityOther URL: wefunder.com/samreensvanityBiographical Information: As the owner of SamreensVanity, my mission is to create clean, vegan, cruelty-free and paraben-free cosmetics that are kind to your skin, good for the environment, and feed your creative soul. With a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from the University of Michigan, I have the skills and knowledge to manage and grow my brand, which is Halal and Kosher compliant and designed for all skin shades and gender expressions. I also leverage my social media marketing and communications expertise to showcase top fashion and beauty brands, designers, and products across digital platforms and forge relationships with key influencers and collaborators. SamreensVanity New York is for those who wish to celebrate the skin they are in and express their unique and authentic selves. I am passionate about elevating the rich heritage of South Asia and empowering people to embrace their beauty and diversity. SamreensVanity – Celebrating the True You!Upcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.* SuperCrowdHour, July 17, 2024, at 1:00 Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At this month’s webinar, Pooja Mehta, crowdfund investor and advisor to entrepreneurs, will join us to share her dual perspectives.* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on July 16, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, you must first become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.* Recently, we created an AI GPT to help you learn more about The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, and our upcoming events. Click here to try it.Community Event Calendar* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events* How Small Businesses Can Raise Capital from the Crowd, Thursday, July 11, 1 – 2 pm ET: Explore transforming your community connections into capital to start or grow a small business through regulated investment crowdfunding.  Learn more about how this type of crowdfunding works and the benefits and challenges of raising capital from the crowd. About our Presenter: Author and journalist Devin Thorpe has over 25 years in finance and a rich background as a former CFO and investment banking firm founder.  He’s also a champion for social good, publishing his Superpowers for Good newsletter and show.* Crowdfunding Professional Association, Summit in DC, October 22-23* Asheville Neighborhood Economics, November 12-13.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 7,000+ members of the We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe