The Angel Next Door

What does it really take to turn your vision into reality as an entrepreneur—and how do our early experiences shape the leaders we become? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, Marcia Dawood sits down with the dynamic Syama Bunten, whose journey from a driven, creative child writing letters to the White House to a powerhouse in the world of retail and brand consulting is nothing short of inspiring. The episode dives deep into how ambition, creativity, and a determination to improve one’s circumstances can fuel an extraordinary career.Syama brings a wealth of experience to the conversation. She shares her evolution from retail buying at Macy’s to launching her own consultancy, Scaling Retail, where she empowered emerging brands to succeed in a rapidly changing marketplace. She also provides insight into her more recent work as co-founder of Wealth Catalyst, a movement and community dedicated to helping women—and people at large—claim agency over their financial lives.This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about entrepreneurship, wealth-building, or changing the narrative around who can lead and invest. Marcia and Syama discuss the real stories behind building businesses, the importance of agency and vision, and why normalizing conversations about money (especially among women) is critical for collective growth. With powerful anecdotes, actionable insights, and a preview of game-changing initiatives like the Wealth Catalyst Freedom Tour, this episode is both inspiring and practical, offering listeners a front-row seat to the next evolution in personal wealth and leadership. To get the latest from Syama Bunten, you can follow her below!https://www.linkedin.com/in/syamameagher/https://syamabunten.com/https://wealthcatalyst.com/ Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing!Website: www.marciadawood.comDo Good While Doing WellLearn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.comAnd don't forget to follow us wherever you are!Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.appleSpotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotifyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

What does it mean to truly build a business—and a life—on your own terms, rather than just following society’s rules? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, host Marcia Dawood sits down with Katie Sampayo, a life re-designer and business mentor for women entrepreneurs, to explore the journey from corporate conformity to empowered entrepreneurship.Katie Sampayo shares how she moved from a marketing job in finance to founding her own wellness business and eventually creating the Millionaire Playbook, a program that supports women in scaling their businesses with freedom, fulfillment, and impact. Her insights stem from mentorship, immersion in dynamic communities, and overcoming challenges rooted in misalignment and limiting beliefs.Listeners will come away with actionable steps for finding mentorship, prioritizing inner transformation, and creating a mission-driven business. If you’re ready to break free from routine, create abundance, and connect with a supportive network, this episode delivers essential guidance and real inspiration you can’t afford to miss. To get the latest from Katie Sampayo, you can follow her below!https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiesampayo/https://katiesampayo.com/Here's the  next event from Katie:Millionaire Playbook - Designed for Entrepreneurial Women Ready to Rise in Alignment, Not BurnoutDate: February 6, 2026Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Easternhttps://livetothrivetoday.com/millionaireplaybook Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing!Website: www.marciadawood.comDo Good While Doing WellLearn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.comAnd don't forget to follow us wherever you are!Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.appleSpotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotifyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

What does it take for an entrepreneur to recognize—and embrace—a groundbreaking technological innovation, especially when skepticism is the initial reaction? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, host Marcia Dawood explores this very question with special guest Anthony Scaramucci, diving deep into the evolution of trust, disruption, and adoption in the world of digital assets.Anthony Scaramucci, a renowned financier and author, candidly shares his decade-long journey from Bitcoin skeptic to blockchain advocate. Known for his roles in finance and politics, he details his transformation, inspired by his persistent curiosity and the pivotal influence of friends such as Michael Saylor. As the founder of Skybridge Capital and the author of The Little Book of Bitcoin and his latest book, Solana Rising, Anthony Scaramucci offers a unique perspective on making complex ideas accessible to mainstream investors.This episode covers the fundamentals of Bitcoin and blockchain, why cryptocurrency may be the “perfect money,” and how legacy institutions are slowly but surely embracing this technology—even as old systems resist change. Listeners will gain insight into the mechanics behind crypto, its potential to revolutionize everyday transactions, and the challenges that remain. If you’re wondering how digital currency fits into the future of entrepreneurship or curious about how big banks and regulators are shifting their stance, this conversation is an absolute must-listen. To get the latest from Anthony Scaramucci, you can follow him below!https://www.linkedin.com/in/anscaramucci/https://www.instagram.com/scaramucci/?hl=enThe Little Book of Bitcoin: What You Need to Know that Wall Street Has Already Figured OutSolana Rising: Investing in the Fast Lane of Cryptohttps://www.skybridge.com/ https://www.salt.org/  Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing!Website: www.marciadawood.comDo Good While Doing WellLearn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.comAnd don't forget to follow us wherever you are!Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.appleSpotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotifyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

What’s the secret to building financial resilience as an entrepreneur—and how do you make sure you’re never caught off guard by life’s curveballs? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, host Marcia Dawood sits down with financial strategist Leah Williams to tackle these questions head-on, exploring how proactive financial planning and tax strategies can empower you to take control of your wealth journey.Leah Williams brings her story of personal financial transformation—after weathering divorce and witnessing the power of good planning through family loss—to offer practical advice that goes beyond the basics. Her firm, Savvy Financial, is built on a mission to help people, especially women, become confident in their financial decisions, teaching them about insurance, investments, and the hidden levers of tax efficiency.From leveraged charitable deductions to accelerated depreciation and creative ways to involve family in your business, this episode is loaded with real, immediately useful strategies that anyone can apply. If you want to make smarter choices about your financial future and get inspired along the way, this is the episode for you. To get the latest from Leah Williams, you can follow her below!https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-williams-chfc%C2%AE-clu%C2%AE-wmcp%C2%AE-aa007595/ https://www.savvyfinancialllc.com/ Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing!Website: www.marciadawood.comDo Good While Doing WellLearn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.comAnd don't forget to follow us wherever you are!Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.appleSpotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotifyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

What does it take to turn personal adversity into a transformative entrepreneurial vision? On this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, Marcia Dawood sits down with Kristin Thomas, founder of the Marble Collective, to explore the intersection of personal legacy, financial empowerment, and the urgency of creating spaces for women leaders to shine. This conversation sparks essential questions about how our life experiences shape the opportunities we pursue—and the lasting impact we hope to leave.Kristin Thomas brings a remarkable mix of personal resilience and professional drive to the table. With a background in psychology, real estate investing, and brokerage, her journey is deeply rooted in learning, adapting, and overcoming setbacks—including profound financial loss early in her life. These formative moments ultimately inspired her to launch Marble Collective, an AI-powered platform designed to capture, amplify, and preserve the digital legacy of women leaders, making their wisdom and achievements accessible to future generations.In this inspiring episode, listeners are invited behind the scenes of Marble Collective's mission to unlock and scale the influence of women role models, redefine digital legacy, and disrupt traditional social platforms. Kristin Thomas reveals how Marble stands apart from networks like LinkedIn, automating the creation of rich media portfolios and personalized learning experiences that foster authentic dialogue, not just self-promotion. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about empowering women, building lasting community, and leveraging technology to amplify voices that have historically been marginalized. If you believe in the power of legacy and innovation, you won't want to miss this conversation. To get the latest from Kristin Thomas, you can follow her below!https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-thomas-1092a01b/ https://www.marblecollective.com/ Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing!Website: www.marciadawood.comDo Good While Doing WellLearn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.comAnd don't forget to follow us wherever you are!Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.appleSpotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotifyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

In this special episode, Marcia reflects on the biggest themes, turning points, and lessons from the back half of 2025. This season, the Angel Next Door community explored what it truly means to build wealth—from rewriting personal money stories, to making intentional, values-driven investments.You'll hear how the podcast has expanded to cover not just angel investing, but also other wealth-building strategies like real estate and alternative assets—always with a focus on access, education, and empowerment. Marcia shares why the show added "Wealth Reimagined" to its name, and reassures listeners that angel investing will remain a cornerstone of future episodes.Whether you're an aspiring investor, experienced founder, or looking to redefine your relationship with money, this episode is packed with inspiration for a wealthier, more intentional new year.Key topics:-Rethinking what wealth means-Spotlight on angel investing and real estate-The power of community and education-Rewriting your money story-Angel Next Door’s “Wealth Reimagined” rebrandSubscribe, share, and join us in 2026 for more practical insights, empowering stories, and bold new conversations! Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing!Website: www.marciadawood.comDo Good While Doing WellLearn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.comAnd don't forget to follow us wherever you are!Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.appleSpotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotifyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

In this special episode, we revisit the most compelling themes and insights from the first half of the year on the Angel Next Door podcast. From innovative approaches to investing and the growing influence of donor-advised funds, to authentic conversations about money mindset and the realities of entrepreneurial resilience, this wrap-up highlights the ideas and lessons that set the tone for 2025. We also reflect on the value of education, community, and adaptability in both business and personal growth.Tune in to get high-level takeaways and prepare for Part 2, where we’ll spotlight standout stories and moments from the back half of the year!Highlights:The evolution of impact investing and philanthropic capitalHow money conversations and mindset shape our decisionsResilience and adaptability in entrepreneurshipMacro trends in innovation and investingThe importance of education and supportive communitiesStay tuned for Part 2, featuring more stories and actionable lessons to carry into the year ahead! Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing!Website: www.marciadawood.comDo Good While Doing WellLearn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.comAnd don't forget to follow us wherever you are!Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.appleSpotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotifyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

What makes a founder’s story truly unforgettable—and why does it matter when pitching to investors? This episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast explores how the art of storytelling can be the determining factor in whether entrepreneurs win support for their ventures.Our guest, Jessica Mastors, is a storytelling coach who leverages neuroscience and practical experience to help founders craft meaningful narratives. Her own journey began with a leap of faith to India and grew into a career guiding others in communicating their motivations and visions with impact.In this engaging conversation, Jessica Mastors and host Marcia Dawood unpack why stories stick in our minds, how to avoid common founder mistakes, and what really builds trust with investors. If you want clear, actionable advice on storytelling that goes far beyond jargon, this episode delivers practical tools and fresh insights for anyone who want to connect, persuade, and inspire. To get the latest from Jessica Mastors, you can follow her below!https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicamastors/https://www.jessicamastors.com/https://www.jessicamastors.com/story-studio Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing!Website: www.marciadawood.comDo Good While Doing WellLearn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.comAnd don't forget to follow us wherever you are!Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.appleSpotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotifyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

What happens when entrepreneurial success results in a web of investments, assets, and stories that grew too complex for any one person to manage? This episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast dives into the often-overlooked challenges of building and preserving a family legacy while maintaining clarity and order for generations to come.Our guest, Josh Kanter, brings firsthand experience from growing up as the son of a legendary tax lawyer and later managing his family’s highly intricate financial affairs. His journey through the legal, venture, and family office worlds inspired him to create Leaf Planner—a tool designed to help families and entrepreneurs untangle their personal and financial complexities.Listeners will gain a high-level playbook for managing investments, capturing important family stories, and laying the groundwork for true multi-generational success. Josh Kanter and Marcia Dawood offer practical steps and compelling anecdotes, making this a must-listen for anyone looking to streamline their legacy and protect what really matters. To get the latest from Josh Kanter, you can follow him below!https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-kanter/https://leafplanner.com Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing!Website: www.marciadawood.comDo Good While Doing WellLearn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.comAnd don't forget to follow us wherever you are!Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.appleSpotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotifyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

What does it really take to break through the myths of entrepreneurship and build a financially independent life—especially as a woman? In this eye-opening episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, host Marcia Dawood invites listeners to rethink traditional notions of wealth, investing, and risk-taking by exploring the power of money mindset, resilience, and strategic investing.Our guest, Bernadette Joy, is a first-generation Filipino American, acclaimed author of "Crush Your Money Goals," and an entrepreneur who’s achieved financial independence by age 40. As a life and money coach, Bernadette Joy opens up about her unconventional path from paying off $300,000 in debt to mentoring the next generation of women investors and entrepreneurs. Her journey is shaped by personal experience, a mission to help others overcome financial misconceptions, and a passion for demystifying the road to millionaire status—especially for women and communities of color.This episode dives deep into actionable strategies for getting your financial house in order, understanding the realities of angel investing, and building businesses designed for both growth and early retirement. Bernadette Joy shares candid stories—both successes and failures—offering a rare, honest perspective on what it means to curate your accounts, invest with intention, and heal your “money wounds.” Whether you’re an aspiring investor, established entrepreneur, or simply looking for practical financial wisdom with heart and humor, this is a must-listen conversation that will inspire you to reimagine what’s possible for your financial and entrepreneurial journey. To get the latest from Bernadette Joy, you can follow her below!https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernadebtjoy/https://www.crushyourmoneygoals.com/ https://a.co/d/1KJRwvJ - Crush Your Money Goals Bookhttps://www.instagram.com/bernadebtjoy/  Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing!Website: www.marciadawood.comDo Good While Doing WellLearn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.comAnd don't forget to follow us wherever you are!Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.appleSpotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotifyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood