

The Angel Next Door
Marcia Dawood
The Angel Next Door podcast is a show about how people got started investing in startup companies. Hosted by Marcia Dawood, member of the SEC Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee and Chair Emeritus of the board of the Angel Capital Association, the professional organization of angel investors across the US and globally. If you want to see change in the world you have to create it, invest in it or be it! Tune in to hear stories of what angel investing is, who does it and why!
Episodes
Mentioned books

6 snips
Mar 6, 2025 • 32min
Exploring Unique Exit Strategies Using Employee Stock Ownership Plans
Gina Schaefer, a pioneering entrepreneur and founder of a 13-store hardware chain, shares her transformative journey of transitioning to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). She discusses the benefits of empowering employees and fostering community sustainability through intentional exit strategies. Listeners will learn about the complexities of building a business under a cooperative model, the financial mechanics of ESOPs, and the importance of educating owners on this innovative approach. Gina's insights highlight the potential for creating wealth and culture shifts in businesses.

Feb 27, 2025 • 27min
Empowering Entrepreneurs by Shifting Money Mindsets
What drives an entrepreneur to turn personal adversity into impactful ventures? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, we explore this question through the lens of Diana Greshtchuk's compelling journey. Following a profound personal loss, Diana found herself re-evaluating her legacy and impact on the world, leading her to become a passionate advocate for financial literacy and empowerment, especially among women and marginalized communities.Diana Greshtchuk is a seasoned financial expert who brings a wealth of experience from her background as a CPA and financial services professional. Her career spans over two decades, during which she has worked for one of the big four accounting firms and various asset management companies. Currently, she is committed to fanning the flames of potential for individuals and organizations as a financial literacy coach and executive producer of the impactful documentary, "Show Her The Money."Throughout this episode, Diana shares insights into her transition from finance to impact investing, emphasizing the importance of a positive money mindset and financial literacy. She discusses her work in helping founders, particularly women, to view themselves as worthy investments and cultivate an empowered relationship with money. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to transform their financial mindset and understand the intersection of personal growth, entrepreneurship, and impact investing.To get the latest from Diana Greshtchuk, you can follow her below!https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianagreshtchuk/https://fan-your-flame.com/Spark 9-week course: https://fan-your-flame.com/sparkFB: https://www.facebook.com/FanYourFlameLLCIG: https://www.instagram.com/FanYourFlameLLC/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fan-your-flame-llcPublic FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/fanyourflameBluesky: @fanyourflamellc.bsky.social Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing!Website: www.marciadawood.comLearn 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/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

Feb 20, 2025 • 45min
Navigating Funding Challenges: Cindy Gallop's Insights as a Female Founder in Sex Tech
In this engaging discussion, Cindy Gallop, visionary entrepreneur behind Make Love Not Porn, opens up about her groundbreaking work in sex tech and education. She tackles the shortcomings of current sex education and the societal stigma around sexual health. Cindy shares her challenging journey of securing funding as a female founder, reflecting on the emotional toll of rejection faced by women in the industry. She also introduces her new venture, Make Love Not Porn Academy, aimed at providing comprehensive sex education. A thought-provoking listen!

Feb 13, 2025 • 8min
Investing with Philanthropic Dollars Explained in 7 Minutes
What if your charitable donations didn’t just support causes—but actually helped build impactful businesses?In this episode of The Angel Next Door, host Marcia Dawood gives a quick 7-minute overview of the growing interest in investing with philanthropic capital and answers some of the most common questions about how it works. Using insights from past conversations with experts like Sally Boulter of Impact Assets and Patrice and Leah Brickman of Inspire Access, Marcia breaks down how Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) and nonprofit organizations are revolutionizing the way we think about philanthropy and investment. You'll learn about: - How DAFs work – A simple, tax-advantaged way to invest in for-profit impact companies while keeping funds designated for charitable giving. - Inspire Access’ unique model – A 501(c)(3) that allows donors to contribute directly, ensuring capital reaches underrepresented founders working on innovative solutions. - Non-accredited investors can participate too – You don’t need to have a certain amount of wealth or income to make a donation; now more people than ever can back mission-driven startups. Instead of just ‘making a donation’, discover how to create a lasting impact by strategically investing in businesses that align with your values—all while staying within a philanthropic framework. Tune in now to rethink how your giving can fuel innovation and drive meaningful change! Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing!Website: www.marciadawood.comLearn 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/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

Feb 6, 2025 • 6min
In Case You Missed It - A Recap with Marcia in Less than 5 Minutes
Have you ever considered how your financial mindset might impact your entrepreneurial journey? In this episode of the Angel Next Door Podcast, Marcia Dawood recaps insightful conversations with guests, exploring the profound connections between money, leadership, and impact investing, and how these factors influence entrepreneurship.Marcia highlights Sally Boulter's discussion on donor advised funds (DAFs) as a means for accessible impact investing. She also revisits her conversation with Wendy Ryan, who shares her Learn Lead Lift framework, promoting leadership through clarity and collaboration and advocating for investment in diverse founders. Lastly, Marcia reflects on her dialogue with Cammie and Sandi from the Money Tales podcast, who emphasize reshaping our money beliefs.In case you missed any of this great content, you can get a recap here and also go back and listen to the full episodes: https://pod.link/1586445642 Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing!Website: www.marciadawood.comLearn 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/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

10 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 26min
Shifting Financial Mindsets: Creating Wealth with Positive Energy
In this enlightening conversation, Julie Foucht, a dedicated coach for female entrepreneurs, shares her inspiring journey from financial dependency to empowerment. She emphasizes the power of mindset shifts in transforming one's relationship with money. Julie discusses the crucial role of gratitude in financial decisions and encourages women to break free from limiting societal beliefs. With practical advice on building supportive networks and embracing financial awareness, she empowers listeners to dream big and unlock their entrepreneurial potential.

Jan 23, 2025 • 30min
Building an AI-Driven Fashion Company: Anya Cheng's Secrets with Unique Data
Have you ever wondered what it truly takes to turn a groundbreaking idea into a successful business venture? On this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, our host Marcia Dawood explores this question with Anya Cheng, an innovative entrepreneur from the Bay Area. Anya’s journey from big tech to launching her own AI-powered company showcases the transformative potential of unique data in revolutionizing an industry.Anya Cheng is the founder of Taelor, an AI company on a mission to redefine how men dress by leveraging cutting-edge technology and unique consumer data. With a background that includes strategic roles at Meta, eBay, McDonald's, and Target, Anya’s experience in tech is both broad and deep. She played a pivotal role in developing Facebook and Instagram Shopping and expanding McDonald's food delivery services worldwide, equipping her with the skills to seamlessly integrate technology with consumer behavior.In this must-listen episode, Marcia and Anya discuss the intricacies of Taelor's business model, especially its novel approach to using AI and unique data to personalize men's fashion. Anya reveals how her company gathers authentic consumer feedback and detailed garment quality data, providing invaluable insights to brands and improving sustainability in fashion. Additionally, Anya shares her fundraising journey, shedding light on the challenges faced by women and people of color in the startup ecosystem. For anyone interested in AI, the power of unique data, or building a tech startup, this episode is packed with expert advice and inspiring stories, making it essential listening. Taelor — Men’s wardrobe rental with expert styling✨ 30% off first month with code: Angel30. using this link.Give the gift of time and confidence! Taelor Gift Card 🎁 10% off gift card with code: AngelGift10 To get the latest from Anya, you can follow her below!LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anyacheng/ https://www.facebook.com/AnyaChengSiliconValley/ Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing!Website: www.marciadawood.comLearn 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/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

Jan 16, 2025 • 35min
Unlocking Investment Mindsets: Money Conversations Everyone Should Be Having
Why do we hesitate to talk openly about money, and how can breaking this silence transform our financial futures? In this compelling episode of "The Angel Next Door," host Marcia Dawood explores the pervasive taboo surrounding money conversations and how lifting this veil can lead to a healthier financial mindset. Through insightful dialogue, the episode illuminates the importance of embracing vulnerability and the power of open discussions about wealth and investments.Our esteemed guests for this episode are Sandi Bragar and Cammie Doder, co-hosts of the popular "Money Tales" podcast. Sandi, as the Chief Client Officer at Aspiriant, has a deep-seated passion for aligning clients' investments with their values and long-term goals. Her personal journey through family financial conflicts has given her a unique perspective on the importance of financial transparency. Cammie, the Chief Marketing Officer and a dedicated mother, advocates for making financial literacy relatable and engaging. Both bring their wealth of experience and commitment to demystifying financial conversations.This episode is a must-listen as Sandi and Cammie share their mission to normalize money talks, stressing that early financial experiences shape our attitudes and decisions. They discuss the profound impact of aligning one's investments with personal values and how such alignment can lead to more fulfilling life choices. The episode offers practical advice on how to engage in financial conversations without fear and emphasizes the dynamic nature of our financial priorities. Tune in for an episode filled with empowering insights designed to transform how you think and talk about money, leaving you better equipped to navigate your financial journey with confidence. To get the latest from Sandi and Cammie, you can follow them below!LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandi-bragar/https://www.linkedin.com/in/cammiedoder/https://aspiriant.com/https://aspiriant.com/podcasts/ Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing!Website: www.marciadawood.comLearn 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/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

Jan 9, 2025 • 32min
Empowering Founders: Anne Maghas's Approach to Building Successful Companies
What does it take to successfully navigate the transition from being an entrepreneur to a CEO while maintaining your company’s core values intact? This intriguing question sets the stage for a deeply insightful conversation with Anne Maghas on "The Angel Next Door Podcast." Anne’s journey from curiosity about angel investing to becoming a significant mentor and investor is full of valuable lessons about leadership, diversity, and resilience amidst rapid change.Anne Maghas, our esteemed guest, is a three-time entrepreneur and an experienced angel investor who holds a PhD in chemistry. With nearly a decade in corporate America working in consumer product development, Anne transitioned seamlessly into entrepreneurship. Her ventures span a data analytics consulting company, a retail distribution enterprise, and a logistics business that thrived even through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Alongside her entrepreneurial efforts, Anne is deeply committed to mentoring and educating the next generation of angel investors.In this episode, Anne shares her remarkable journey. She goes over essential topics such as the importance of diversity and inclusion in problem-solving, the significant role of mentoring in helping founders become effective CEOs, and the critical nature of cultivating a strong organizational culture. She also offers her hiring philosophy and insights on building trust within teams. Marcia and Anne's discussion is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone involved in or interested in the startup ecosystem. This is a must-listen episode for aspiring entrepreneurs and angel investors looking to glean insights from Anne's multifaceted experience and thoughtful approach to leadership and investment. To get the latest from Anne Maghas, you can follow her below!LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemaghas/ Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing!Website: www.marciadawood.comLearn 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/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

Jan 2, 2025 • 28min
Building Impact Through Investment: Wendy Ryan Talks Leadership and Generational Wealth
Have you ever wondered what it takes to leave a lasting legacy in the world of entrepreneurship? In this illuminating episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, host Marcia Dawood engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Wendy Ryan, who transforms our understanding of leadership, investment, and legacy-building. Wendy's journey from human resources to becoming a game-changing investor offers valuable insights for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in the business world.Our guest, Wendy Ryan, is no ordinary investor. She launched her career in human resources and organizational development before founding her company, Kadabra, in 2014. Wendy's commitment to fostering leadership and extending support to women-led businesses emerged from her own life experiences and generational wealth. A published author and executive producer, Wendy is also a featured star in the influential film, "Show Her the Money."Throughout the episode, Wendy explains her revolutionary "Learn Lead Lift"(also the title of her book) framework, exploring how leadership rooted in mindfulness, skill acquisition, and altruistic motivation can transform not just businesses but entire communities. Listeners will discover how to leverage their resources for broader social impact and navigate the complex landscape of early-stage investing. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs, seasoned investors, and anyone interested in creating a legacy that resonates across generations. Wendy's wisdom and Marcia's insightful questions offer a blueprint for making significant, lasting contributions in a rapidly evolving world. To get the latest from Wendy Ryan, you can follow her below!LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryankadabra/https://www.wearekadabra.com/ Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing!Website: www.marciadawood.comLearn 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/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood