

So Ambitious
Black Ambition
Hosted by Black Ambition CEO Felecia Hatcher, So Ambitious is a series about what's possible when Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs can build uninterrupted. From the tech founder to the creative entrepreneur, So Ambitious tells the stories of the people building, creating, and organizing - against all odds, with authenticity, and in community. Their stories propel the conversation about ambition beyond money, titles, or vanity metrics and dive into details of what it takes to do impactful, transformative work with longevity.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 16, 2024 • 18min
Best of Overcoming Doubts & Naysayers: The Power of Bold Belief in Black Ambition
Celebrate the indomitable spirit of Black ambition with this special “Best Of” episode, showcasing our founders’ unwavering power of bold belief in the face of doubts and naysayers! Tune in to discover riveting tales of resilience and triumph, as our guests share inspiring narratives of overcoming adversity on the path to success. Don't miss out on this uplifting journey of determination and achievement!KEY POINTS - Ep 203: Beats to Eats: Derrick Turton a.k.a. Chef Teach’s Journey from Music Mogul to Mac & Cheese Maestro- Ep 205: Grown From Ground Up: Shannon Allen’s Culinary Venture with a Purpose- Ep 209: Money, Privilege, and Advocacy: Ana Pompa Alarcón’s Guide to Entrepreneurship and Social Justice in Tech - Ep 211: Empowering Black Voices in the Fragrance World with Exalté Parfum Founder Funmi MonetRESOURCES Felecia HatcherIG | @feleciahatcherBlack AmbitionIG | @blackambitionprizeSo Ambitious is produced by EPYC Media

May 9, 2024 • 43min
212. From College Parties to Empowering HBCUs: Corey Arvinger's Journey in Supporting Black Colleges
In this episode of the So Ambitious Podcast, host Felecia Hatcher sits down with Corey Arvinger, CEO of Support Black Colleges, to dive into his remarkable journey from college party promoter to the helm of a thriving e-commerce brand. Corey shares insights into the evolution of Support Black Colleges and how it blossomed into a full-blown brand with a powerful message of support for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The conversation dives deep into the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, with Corey offering candid reflections on navigating adversity, including overcoming the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and rebounding from significant financial setbacks.Tune in to gain valuable insights into Corey's unique approach to marketing and brand building, including his strategies for forging connections with major influencers and A-list celebrities. Corey also opens up about the importance of legacy and honoring the sacrifices of his ancestors, highlighting his unwavering commitment to leaving a lasting impact on his family and community. With engaging anecdotes and actionable advice, this episode offers a compelling glimpse into the mind of a visionary entrepreneur dedicated to making a difference in the world.KEY POINTS[1:28] - Corey’s entrepreneurial evolution from throwing parties in college to Support Black Colleges [4:03] - How Support Black Colleges Became A Full-Blown Brand [7:27] - Navigating and sharing the real highs & lows of entrepreneurship [11:34] - Thriving amidst adversity: How Support Black Colleges beat the pandemic odds[16:47] - Losing over $40k in one day: How to find the strength to persist in entrepreneurship[20:41] - How Corey finds balance and enjoyment in his work [22:05] - Corey's approach to marketing and building a brand[24:01] - Corey's secret sauce to networking and relationship-building with celebrities [30:56] - Starting from scratch: Why Corey had to shut his website down [32:45] - How to strike a balance between friendships and management [34:14] - The biggest lesson learned from working with Tyler Perry[35:47] - 3 songs that define Corey’s perspective on life and business [38:51] - Corey’s key lessons on failure: Trying things publicly with confidence & consistency[40:17] - Honoring ancestors' sacrifices and building a legacyQUOTABLES “A lot of current entrepreneurs on social media make it seem easy and fun 100% of the time, and I think it is honestly really unfair to those who are interested in going into entrepreneurship because they're going with the false preset.” - Corey Arvinger “It's about legacy; What can I leave to my family and my next generation behind me? How can I change the trajectory of where my family is going?? - Corey Arvinger “Having the right team is so important. You could have a great product with the wrong team and things will not get accomplished at a high level.” - Corevy Arvinger GUEST RESOURCESCorey Arvinger IG | @coreyarvinger X | @mrarvinger LinkedIn | @coreyarvingerTikTok | @coreyarvinger Support Black CollegesIG | @supportblackcollegeRESOURCES [APPLICATIONS OPEN!] | Are you building a high growth business in tech healthcare, AI, media entertainment, or consumer goods and services? If so, we'd like to help you scale. Don't miss your chance to win $1 million, capital coaching, and access to an amazing community of diverse innovators! Apply for the 2024 Black Ambition Prize competition now Felecia HatcherIG | @feleciahatcherBlack AmbitionIG | @blackambitionprizeSo Ambitious is produced by EPYC Media

May 2, 2024 • 39min
211. Empowering Black Voices in the Fragrance World with Exalté Parfum Founder Funmi Monet
Today, we are joined by Funmi Monet, the brilliant mind behind Exalté Parfum, a groundbreaking perfume brand that has been making waves in the luxury perfume space. In this episode, Funmi shares her insights on navigating the fragrance industry, from the inception of her brand to its meteoric rise in the social media sphere. With a keen focus on community building and content creation, Funmi shares the essence of confidently crafting content that resonates with authenticity and ultimately builds a loyal community. She also dives into the intricate science of fragrances, highlighting their profound psychological impacts and the art of curating a personalized fragrance wardrobe for various occasions.Funmi emphasizes the importance of breaking barriers, particularly as a Black woman in the luxury fragrance space. She shares invaluable insights into pricing products based on their worth, not succumbing to external criticism, and staying steadfast in pursuing one's ambitious vision. Funmi Monet's story is an inspiring testament to the power of having the audacity to dream big for yourself and risking your reputation in the name of staying true to your vision. KEY POINTS [1:25] - Funmi Monet’s content creation and community building journey [3:14] - Finding your content comfort zone: How to create content confidently [5:14] - The science of fragrance and its psychological impacts [7:05] - Building your fragrance wardrobe: How to craft essential scents for every occasion [10:41] - How to master the subtle art of fragrance in business relationships[16:37] - Breaking barriers as a Black women in the luxury fragrance space [20:10] - Value over voices: How to price yourself based on worth, not critics[24:50] - What success looks like for Funmi Monet and her brand [27:09] - Finding your North Star and trusting your vision despite the doubters [30:24] - Funmi on risking your reputation in pursuit of your ambitious visionQUOTABLES “No one else has to see your vision but yourself.” - Funmi Monet“You don't have to shrink yourself because of what people think you should do to fit an audience they think that you deserve.’ - Funmi MonetGUEST RESOURCESFunmi Monet | Shop Exalté IG | @funmimonetTikTok |/@funmimonet YouTube | @funmimonetRESOURCES [APPLICATIONS OPEN!] | Are you building a high growth business in tech healthcare, AI, media entertainment, or consumer goods and services? If so, we'd like to help you scale. Don't miss your chance to win $1 million, capital coaching, and access to an amazing community of diverse innovators! Apply for the 2024 Black Ambition Prize competition now Felecia HatcherIG | @feleciahatcherBlack AmbitionIG | @blackambitionprizeSo Ambitious is produced by EPYC Media

Apr 25, 2024 • 36min
210. How One Man's Journey Led to Investing in 50 Companies with ACT House Founder Dominick Ard’is
In this episode of the So Ambitious Podcast, we dive into the dynamic journey of Dominick Ard’is, the innovative mind behind ACT House, a team formation platform, accelerator and VC providing tools and resources to founders to match with co-founders, build their team, and secure their first check.From his upbringing as a military brat to his diverse career spanning management consulting, politics, and now entrepreneurship, Dominick shares the transformative moments that shaped his multifaceted path. With a portfolio of 50 companies and a total of over $4M in investments through the ACT House Accelerator program, Dominick reveals insights into the keys to starting a successful company and the 3 things that make or break its success.Dominick also opens up about his unique approach to personal and professional growth, from adopting a uniform to streamline decision-making to reflecting on life through heartfelt typewritten letters. Dominick also shares his philosophy of incremental progress, highlighting the power of aiming for 2% better every day, and as he explores what success truly means, Dominick will leave you with profound reflections on the essence of investing in human potential and the audacity to reshape the world through passion, support, and relentless determination.KEY POINTS [1:43] - Who was Dominick Ard’is before ACT House?[5:12] - Grad school to start-up: Dominick’s career transitions into entrepreneurship [11:37] - The story behind ACT House's inception and its impact on entrepreneurship[15:58] - The 3 things that make or break a start-up company’s success [18:37] - How to learn and grow from your entrepreneurial failures [21:28] - 3 reasons why Dominick wears a uniform as an entrepreneur [26:35] - Writing letters to the month: How Dominick's typewriter reflections inspired intentional living [28:15] - Dominick reflects on what it means to have invested in 35 companies through ACT House [30:53] - How tapping into the power of 2% in goal setting will result in massive gains[33:19] - What success means to Dominick Ard’isQUOTABLES “Everything starts at the human. And oftentimes, we look at a founder as a founder first instead of a human first.” - Dominick Ard’is “The reality is this entity can be bankrupt tomorrow, but that person isn't bankrupt. And so if you invest in the human, you get an opportunity to actually see them take this vessel to the next level.” - Dominick Ard’is GUEST RESOURCESACT House IG | @theacthouseX | @theacthouseLinkedIn | @theacthouseDominick Ard’is IG | @iamdardisLinkedIn | @dardis RESOURCES [APPLICATIONS OPEN!] | Are you building a high growth business in tech healthcare, AI, media entertainment, or consumer goods and services? If so, we'd like to help you scale. Don't miss your chance to win $1 million, capital coaching, and access to an amazing community of diverse innovators! Apply for the 2024 Black Ambition Prize competition now Felecia HatcherIG | @feleciahatcherBlack AmbitionIG | @blackambitionprizeSo Ambitious is produced by EPYC Media

Apr 17, 2024 • 35min
209. Money, Privilege, and Advocacy: Ana Pompa Alarcón's Guide to Entrepreneurship and Social Justice in Tech
In this episode of So Ambitious, we are joined by Ana Pompa Alarcón, CEO of Founders Registry, as she shares her journey of advocating for marginalized founders and creating impactful solutions in the tech industry.From her beginnings at Rikers Island to supporting our Black Ambition finalists, Ana's story is one of fierce advocacy, resilience, and empowerment. In this conversation we uncover how she navigates the complexities of entrepreneurship and addresses systemic issues faced by minority founders that sometimes even stem from minority organizations. We talk about the importance of using privilege to open doors for others and the need for diverse communities to support each other and work together to create change in the industry. Ana also discusses challenges faced by early-stage entrepreneurs, especially those from diverse backgrounds, in navigating the venture space, and provides insights on how to make the best decisions for their companies while dealing with financial desperation and toxic relationships with money.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in raising capital, advocating for social justice, and empowering underrepresented communities. Tune in to hear Anna's powerful story and insights on building a more inclusive and supportive ecosystem.KEY POINTS [1:56] - How Ana is supporting systemically purposefully marginalized founders in raising capital[2:55] - Ana’s entrepreneurial roots - how her first company started out of Rikers Island [6:38] - How do you get someone that you recently met to introduce you to an investor?[10:12] - Resources and tools to help you negotiate better on your behalf [12:11] - Grappling with privilege gaps and lack of diversity and in VC industry[18:12] - Dealing with disillusionment of organizations’ support (of lack thereof) of marginalized founders [23:46] - How can we create more transparency between founders and investors?[26:04] - Addressing money wounds and toxic relationships with money in the VC space [30:04] - Ana on self-care as an advocate and entrepreneur [32:25] - Who is Ana uninterrupted? QUOTABLES "People need to walk the walk. And if they're not doing this, they need to suffer the consequences, and the consequence is deal flow. Do not take money from people that will throw you under the bus the second they have the opportunity." - Ana Pompa Alarcón“Whatever privilege you have, whether that's money, education, skin, color, race - use that privilege to open doors.” - Ana Pompa Alarcón“I do not believe that we should shame anyone who has been marginalized for where they get the money from.” - Ana Pompa Alarcón"I truly believe that, [and] there's data to back up that, if all indigenous Brown, Black people, Muslims, Arabs would work together and have each other's back, the buying power, the purchasing power that we have, we could take over the economy." - Ana Pompa AlarcónGUEST RESOURCES [megaphone] Ana Pompa AlarcónIG | @ana_pompa_alarcon LinkedIn | @ana-pompa-alarcon-rawls Founders Registry IG | @founders_registryRESOURCES [APPLICATIONS OPEN!] | Are you building a high growth business in tech healthcare, AI, media entertainment, or consumer goods and services? If so, we'd like to help you scale. Don't miss your chance to win $1 million, capital coaching, and access to an amazing community of diverse innovators! Apply for the 2024 Black Ambition Prize competition now Felecia HatcherIG | @feleciahatcherBlack AmbitionIG | @blackambitionprizeSo Ambitious is produced by EPYC Media

Apr 11, 2024 • 27min
208. Vision to Victory: Evan Leaphart’s Road to Entrepreneurial Success & Million-Dollar Grant Win
In this episode, we sit down with Evan Leaphart, founder of Kiddie Kredit, co-founder of Black Men Talk Tech, and recent million-dollar grant recipient of the 43North accelerator program. With such a robust portfolio, what does it entail to lead not just one but two major initiatives that make such a significant impact on the world? Discover how Kiddie Kredit is reshaping credit education by addressing the needs of over 90 million credit-challenged Americans burdened by $1 trillion in credit card debt. Evan stresses the significance of proactive credit education, positioning Kiddie Kredit as a preventive measure rather than a reactive solution in the credit industry. You will also learn how Evan cultivates personal connections to forge partnerships with industry giants like Equifax and Discover, and follow him along his transformative fundraising journey, where a small but powerful shift in mindset towards mission alignment empowered him to navigate the fundraising landscape with confidence and purpose. Tune in as Evan discusses the challenges he faced throughout his many entrepreneurial journeys, how he navigates the complexities of the fundraising world, and the invaluable lessons he learned along his path to success. Get ready to be inspired by the trailblazing entrepreneur shaping the future of the tech industry!KEY POINTS [1:08] - Evan’s entrepreneurial journey to founding Kiddie Kredit [2:51] - How Kiddie Kredit addresses credit card issues that 90 million Americans face[5:55] - Evan Leaphart’s role as co-founder of Black Men Talk Tech and the inspiration behind it[7:55] - What drives Evan’s pursuit of impact through Kiddie Kredit and Black Men Talk Tech [9:22] - Evan’s secret to building is deep resources and support system [11:45] - How Evan cultivated his relationships in funding and investments [13:28] - Evan on navigating shifts in power dynamics in the venture capital space [16:45] - Keeping up with the pace and pressures of being an entrepreneur [18:34] - Challenges faced by Black founders in the venture space and the need for true equality[20:32] - Winning 43North: Evan's process & journey leading up to winning the million-dollar investment[23:34] - Evan’s insights & advice on building partnerships with major corporations like Discover and EquifaxQUOTABLES “4 out of every 10 Adults don't know what goes into their own credit score, and for the first time in US history, credit card debt surpassed $1 trillion.” - Evan Leaphart“10 seconds you spend thinking on how great you are is 10 seconds lost on how much better you could be.” - Evan LeaphartGUEST RESOURCESEvan LeaphartKiddie KreditBlack Men Talk Tech LinkedIn | @evanleaphart IG | @evanleaphart X | @evanleaphart RESOURCES [APPLICATIONS OPEN!] | Are you building a high growth business in tech healthcare, AI, media entertainment, or consumer goods and services? If so, we'd like to help you scale. Don't miss your chance to win $1 million, capital coaching, and access to an amazing community of diverse innovators! Apply for the 2024 Black Ambition Prize competition now Felecia HatcherIG | @feleciahatcherBlack AmbitionIG | @blackambitionprizeSo Ambitious is produced by EPYC Media

Apr 4, 2024 • 32min
207. Shifting the Narrative on Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion with Amber Cabral
In this episode, we are joined by Amber Cabral, renowned DEI expert, author, entrepreneur, and founder of Cabral Co., as she brings us into the intricate world of diversity, equity, and inclusion, offering invaluable insights on creating genuinely inclusive spaces within organizations.Drawing from her rich career budding from her impactful work at Walmart, Amber emphasizes the transformative power of intentional actions, feedback loops, and storytelling in fostering workplace environments that prioritize true belonging and equity. Throughout this conversation, you will discover the tools she employs for navigating challenging conversations with grace, gain a glimpse into her book writing process, and understand the profound influence of storytelling in reshaping narratives around diversity, equity, and inclusion. Amber also reveals her roadmap for individuals and organizations to shift from a deficit-framed to an asset-framed perspective, laying the foundation for meaningful progress in the realm of DEI. Tune in as Amber shares her authentic and passionate approach to equity work, envisioning a world where everyone feels empowered to engage in crucial conversations centered around DEI. KEY POINTS [1:32] - Amber Cabral's diversity career & founder journey[3:10] - Bridging diversity gaps and redefining DEI in Walmart[5:35] - How to navigate heavy situations and tough conversations in DEI[9:39] - What are corporations doing wrong and right in DEI?[12:01] - Can diverse startups get diversity wrong too? [14:50] - How to give and receive feedback effectively in DEI work [18:45] - Amber’s writing process for Allies and Advocates and Say More About That[23:26] - The importance of storytelling in equity work [25:25] - How to move DEI from deficit-framed to asset-framed stories [28:39] - Who is Amber Cabral uninterrupted? QUOTABLES “Starting a tough conversation very often is made easier by asking a question.” - Amber Cabral “People assume that apologizing does not have anything to do with equity, but we've all seen organizations apologize really badly.” - Amber CabralGUEST RESOURCES Amber Cabral IG | @bamcabralLinkedIn | @ambercabralX | @BamCabral Tune in to the Guilty Privilege Podcast! Grab a copy of Amber’s books at Amazon! Allies and Advocates: Creating an Inclusive and Equitable CultureSay More About That: ...And Other Ways to Speak Up, Push Back, and Advocate for Yourself and Others - RESOURCES[APPLICATIONS OPEN!] | Are you building a high growth business in tech healthcare, AI, media entertainment, or consumer goods and services? If so, we'd like to help you scale. Don't miss your chance to win $1 million, capital coaching, and access to an amazing community of diverse innovators! Apply for the 2024 Black Ambition Prize competition now Felecia HatcherIG | @feleciahatcherBlack AmbitionIG | @blackambitionprizeSo Ambitious is produced by EPYC Media

Mar 28, 2024 • 44min
206. RICE and Shine: Cultivating Black Entrepreneurial Excellence with Jay Bailey
Jay Bailey started his first business at 12, bought his first house at 19, and made his first million at 23. But the true turning point in his narrative came when he chose significance over success, recognizing that the real impact lay in building enduring legacies for fellow Black entrepreneurs. This audacious decision marked a profound chapter in his story, reflecting a commitment to empower others with the same bold vision.In this episode, Jay Bailey lets us in on the compelling legacy crafted by Herman J. Russell, the visionary founder of the Russell Center, and his commitment to building an institution that will impact many generations to come. Jay also reveals powerful insights on nurturing high-level relationships, building lasting legacies, and the power of access, opportunity, and exposure when given to Black businesses and entrepreneurs.Jay Bailey's journey echoes a powerful truth – that success finds its highest form in the enduring impact one leaves behind for others. Join in on the conversation as we embrace the spirit of empowerment and leaving legacies that resonate through time.KEY POINTS - (1:36) Jay’s early successes and failures in entrepreneurship - (5:25) The trinity of transformation: Access, opportunity, and exposure - (7:45) The RICE mission to create a sanctuary for Black entrepreneurs to fail and fly - (10:43) Why RICE refers to their entrepreneurs as stakeholders - (12:14) Carrying forward Herman Russell’s powerful legacy - (16:33) Biggest lessons learned and responsibilities shouldered on building a family legacy- (17:53) Jay on the responsibility of building legacy for yourself and for others - (19:50) The importance of trusting in your vision and before it is fully realized - (21:58) Biggest success stories and entrepreneurs to emerge & flourish from the support of RICE - (25:23) RICE's commitment to ensuring that partners properly support their deserving stakeholders - (28:06) Navigating the world of authentic high-level relationships: Insights & tips from Jay himself - (35:47) What success looks like to Jay Bailey (and the last thing Jay Bailey failed at) - (39:17) Jay’s roots of relationship nurturing: How Jay cultivates authentic & enduring connections QUOTABLES “For everything that was done and sacrificed for us to be here right now, we don't have the right to fail.” - Jay Bailey“I went from living in a 10,000 square foot home at 26 to literally living in a nine by nine storage unit at 28. But it was there that I understood this concept of success and significance.” - Jay Bailey “There are very few times in life where you get to be a part of something you know will outlast you. There are even rare moments where you get to be a part of something that could potentially change the course of history. And then there are the rarest moments where you could potentially be the best in the world at something.” - Jay Bailey“Loss creates leaders, and most incredible developments are born out of pain.” - Jay Bailey “Plant seeds that will grow trees whose shade you may never sit on.” - Jay BaileyRESOURCES Jay Bailey | Russell Innovation Center for EntrepreneursLinkedIn | @jaybailey[APPLICATIONS OPEN!] | Are you building a high growth business in tech healthcare, AI, media entertainment, or consumer goods and services? If so, we'd like to help you scale. Don't miss your chance to win $1 million, capital coaching, and access to an amazing community of diverse innovators! Apply for the 2024 Black Ambition Prize competition now Felecia HatcherIG | @feleciahatcherBlack AmbitionIG | @blackambitionprizeSo Ambitious is produced by EPYC Media

Mar 21, 2024 • 53min
205. Grown from Ground Up: Shannon Allen's Culinary Venture with a Purpose
Profound and enduring impact lies at the intersection of entrepreneurship and advocacy - and there is no better testament to this than the story of Shannon Allen. Shannon Allen is the visionary founder of Grown, a healthy fast-casual restaurant franchise that has not only disrupted but redefined the culinary landscape in Miami. Shannon's story goes beyond entrepreneurship; it is a powerful testament to the transformative potential when business acumen meets a deep commitment to positive change.In this episode, Shannon shares her journey from growing up in an entrepreneurial family in Connecticut to becoming an advocate for diabetes awareness and healthy eating. She recounts the life-changing moment her son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and how it propelled her into becoming an advocate, raising awareness and funds for diabetes research. Shannon also discusses the inception of Grown and her vision to scale it as a healthy alternative to traditional fast food. Join in on the conversation as Shannon's resilience, determination, and commitment to making a positive impact shine through, serving as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and advocates. KEY POINTS - (2:02) Shannon’s family background and their entrepreneurial roots - (5:36) Shannon on her initial resistance to entrepreneurship and owning a business- (9:08) How motherhood changed the way Shannon viewed legacy - (12:24) The origin story of Grown: Shannon’s venture into advocacy & revolutionizing the food industry - (23:56) Wearing both hats of entrepreneur and advocate - (28:34) Doing it anyway: How Shannan overcame obstacles & naysayers when building her business- (36:24) Shannon’s definition of success and the future of Grown - (41:51) Shannon on dealing with public closures, learning from losses, and loving risks- (48:42) What’s next for Shannon and the future of Grown? QUOTABLES “Having black ambition is so key because it's so easy to believe that we don't belong here. It's so easy to fall into this belief system that there are limits on what we can accomplish, and it's so easy to forget who we really are.” - Shannon Allen“Of all the venture money that's raised in this country. We know the numbers - only 2% of those dollars ever even touch women's hands. And Black women, we don't even get to sniff it.” - Shannon Allen“I think true entrepreneurs are not risk averse. We love risks. We are like, throw me out of the plane and I'll build the parachute on the way down.” - Shannon AllenRESOURCES Shannon Allen IG | @swalkerwilGrownIG | @grown LunchologyIG | @lunchology.co[APPLICATIONS OPEN!] | Are you building a high growth business in tech healthcare, AI, media entertainment, or consumer goods and services? If so, we'd like to help you scale. Don't miss your chance to win $1 million, capital coaching, and access to an amazing community of diverse innovators! Apply for the 2024 Black Ambition Prize competition now Felecia HatcherIG | @feleciahatcherBlack AmbitionIG | @blackambitionprizeSo Ambitious is produced by EPYC Media

Mar 14, 2024 • 35min
204. Beyond the Spicy Tweets: Brian Brackeen's Tech Odyssey from Philly to Lightship Capital
Although notoriously known as the King of Spicy Tweets, Brian Brackeen, seasoned entrepreneur and General Partner at Lightship Capital, has built a track record of raising billions in support of Black businesses and entrepreneurs, making waves that resonate far beyond the confines of 280 characters.In this interview, Brian Brackeen provides an intimate look into his journey as he recounts the pivotal moment of his removal as CEO, offering profound insights into the distinctive challenges encountered by Black founders. Brian also discusses the crucial theme of legal preparedness, stressing the importance of contracts and protections for founders, especially those from underrepresented communities, to fortify themselves against unjust removals from their own ventures.This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration, legal wisdom, and a deeper understanding of the journey toward a more equitable tech industry. Tune in for a dynamic exploration of Brian Brackeen's remarkable journey and his impactful contributions to the tech and startup ecosystem.KEY POINTS (1:21) - Brian’s role at Lightship Capital and his journey from Philly to Apple and IBM (4:05) - Brian on his move to the Miami startup ecosystem for venture capital raising (8:33) - Starting Kairos: how it shifted from a time clock company to facial recognition technology (10:03) - How to best structure a board and fortify yourself as a founder (12:10) - Brian on the day of his removal from the Kairos board(14:13) - Bridging disparities in legal preparation, transparency, and support for Black founders(17:29) - Fostering transparency and shedding light on inappropriate board removals(19:41) - Brian on the privilege of having safety nets for white vs minority founders (21:32) - The origins of Black Tech Week in providing opportunities & resources for Black entrepreneurs (25:03) - The origin story of Candice & Brian Brackeen and 6 years of building their legacy(27:55) - Creating visibility & opportunities, and featuring the stories of Black founders through Black Tech Week (31:42) - What’s next for Brian Brackeen and Black Tech Week?QUOTABLES “One of the problems of venture and startups in general is that it's highly designed for the young white male founder.” - Brian Brackeen“Unfortunately, one of the worst parts of my job is I probably take between 8 and 12 calls a year, every year, from a founder who has been inappropriately removed asking me for my help.” - Brian BrackeenRESOURCESBrian BrackeenTwitter | @BrianBrackeen IG | @lightship.capitalLinkedin | @brianbrackeen[APPLICATIONS OPEN!] | Are you building a high growth business in tech healthcare, AI, media entertainment, or consumer goods and services? If so, we'd like to help you scale. Don't miss your chance to win $1 million, capital coaching, and access to an amazing community of diverse innovators! Apply for the 2024 Black Ambition Prize competition now Felecia HatcherIG | @feleciahatcherBlack AmbitionIG | @blackambitionprizeSo Ambitious is produced by EPYC Media


