The Angel Next Door

The Angel Next Door Podcast: 2024 Year in ReviewOn this special, year-end episode, our host Marcia Dawood wraps up the year with a joint episode with Laura Nix Gerson, host of the Venture F podcast.This year marked a significant milestone for The Angel Next Door podcast, hosted by Marcia Dawood. With a full year of weekly episodes, we celebrated key achievements, impactful conversations, and global recognition for our contributions to angel investing and impact-driven funding. Here are some of the year's highlights:Milestones Achieved- �� Winner of Best Financial, Investing, and Money Podcast: We are honored to have receivedthis prestigious award from the Women in Podcasting Awards, recognizing the show'scommitment to educating and inspiring listeners in the world of early-stage investing.- �� 100th Episode Celebration: In December 2024, we celebrated a major milestone with aspecial episode featuring Catherine Gray, Executive Producer of the award-winning documentaryShow Her The Money. This conversation spotlighted the funding disparities women face inventure capital, discussed how education and awareness can drive systemic change, andhighlighted the transformative potential of investing in women-founded funds for both economicand social progress.- �� 20,000+ Downloads: This year, the podcast crossed 20,000 downloads, a testament to thegrowing interest in angel investing, impact-driven funding, and the role listeners can play inshaping the future of startups.- �� A Year of Weekly Episodes: We committed to delivering fresh, insightful content everyweek, ensuring that our community of listeners stayed up-to-date on the latest trends, strategies,and opportunities in the angel investing world.- �� Launch of Marcia Dawood’s Book: Do Good While Doing Well: In September 2024, Marciareleased her highly anticipated book, Do Good While Doing Well, which demystifies angelinvesting and empowers individuals to make impactful investments in early-stage companies.The book serves as a "why-to" guide, helping readers understand how angel investing can beaccessible to everyone, not just the wealthy. It offers practical tools to align financialcontributions with personal values while supporting startups that drive innovation and socialchange. The book launch was celebrated with a virtual event attended by listeners, readers, andangel investors from around the world.A Few Episode HighlightsAI and EntrepreneurshipOne of the year's most thought-provoking episodes featured Sharon Zhang, an AI expert, whoprovided a forward-thinking perspective on AI's impact on business, society, andentrepreneurship. Key takeaways included:- The growing AI ecosystem — from chips to infrastructure and foundation models.- How AI is unlocking new business models and entrepreneurial opportunities.- Insights into data privacy, user sovereignty, and the financial hurdles faced by AI startups.Philanthropic InvestingWith Sally Boulter from Impact Assets, we explored a powerful way to merge philanthropy withinvestment. This episode shed light on how to use donor-advised funds (DAFs) to invest in for-profit startups, creating both financial and social returns. Highlights included:- How philanthropic capital can fuel impactful, for-profit startups.- Success stories like Seth Goldman's journey with Honest Tea.- The growing opportunity for individuals to leverage DAFs as a meaningful way to supportentrepreneurship while achieving impact-driven goals.Equity Crowdfunding and the Future of Private MarketsThe conversation with Kendrick Nguyen, founder of Republic.com, spotlighted the evolution ofequity crowdfunding and its potential to democratize access to private market investing. Keyinsights from this episode included:- How regulatory changes enabled everyday investors to participate in private markets, openingup new opportunities beyond traditional tech companies.- Republic's early challenges in competing with established platforms and the importance oftransparency and trust between companies and investors.- The role of blockchain technology in fractionalizing assets, reducing participation costs, andproviding education for new investors.- Kendrick’s inspiring journey from a career in law and traditional finance to building Republicinto a trailblazing platform, driving accessibility and opportunity in private market investing.Looking AheadAs we wrap up this incredible year, our mission remains the same: to empower individuals to seethemselves as change-makers, investors, and catalysts for innovation. Whether it's unpacking thecomplexities of AI, exploring new ways to use philanthropic dollars, or shining a light on theimportance of investing in diverse founders, The Angel Next Door continues to driveconversations that matter. We’re beyond grateful for our listeners, guests, and supporters whohave made this year so memorable. Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to moreinsights, inspiration, and impact in 2025! To get the latest from Laura Nix Gerson, you can follow her below!LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauragerson/https://lauranixgerson.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

Have you ever wondered why some entrepreneurs seem to effortlessly connect with high-profile clients and seemingly land opportunities out of thin air? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, we unravel the secrets behind successful networking and relationship building, which are crucial to making those magic moments happen.Our guest today, Michelle Tillis Lederman, is an accomplished author, networking expert, and dynamic speaker known for her strategic insight into the world of relationships and connections. With a background as diverse as being a former CPA, an adrenaline junkie, and a seasoned entrepreneur, Michelle brings a wealth of knowledge and compelling stories to the table. Her expertise has guided many towards building meaningful and fruitful relationships in both personal and professional arenas.In this enlightening episode, host Marcia Dawood engages Michelle in a deep conversation about the art of networking and connection. Michelle shares invaluable tips from her book, The Connector's Advantage, highlighting how strategic relationship-building can propel entrepreneurs towards their goals faster, easier, and with better results. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to enhance your network, a leader aiming to create a cohesive team, or simply someone seeking to build more meaningful relationships, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiring anecdotes. Don’t miss out on this must-listen episode to learn how to transform your approach to networking and unlock new opportunities. To get the latest from Michelle Tillis Lederman, you can follow her below!LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/communicationexpertspeaker/The Connector's Advantage - https://a.co/d/7SmFn64 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

What does it take to turn a humble beginning into a thriving empire? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, host Marcia Dawood explores the intricacies of entrepreneurship and franchising with Dawn Lafreeda, a highly successful Denny’s franchisee. Dawn's entrepreneurial journey from a young hostess to owning more Denny’s franchises than anyone else globally underscores the power of determination, resilience, and strategic thinking.Dawn Lafreeda began her career at Denny’s at the age of 16 as a hostess and worked her way up to waitress before seizing her first business opportunity. Over the course of a 40-year career, she has owned, among other ventures, up to 120 Denny’s restaurants. In addition to her franchising achievements, Dawn participated as an executive producer in the movie "Show Her the Money," which highlights the challenges and empowerment of women in venture capital.This episode explores the benefits and challenges of franchising, where Dawn offers invaluable insights into site selection, financing, and scaling a business. Dawn also shares personal anecdotes about navigating business through crises like 9/11 and the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of proactive communication and financial prudence. Coupled with her advocacy for women in business and her efforts to mentor aspiring entrepreneurs, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the dynamics of successful entrepreneurship and the feasibility of franchising as a robust business model. Tune in to learn from one of the best in the industry and be inspired by her story of success and determination. To get the latest from Dawn Lafreeda, you can follow her below!LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-lafreeda-36059314/ 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

Ever wondered what it really takes to break into the world of venture capital, especially as an underrepresented entrepreneur or an emerging fund manager? In our milestone 100th episode, host Marcia Dawood sits down with Catherine Gray, the visionary Executive Producer of the award-winning documentary *Show Her the Money,* to demystify this complex space. The film shines a light on the staggering statistics around the lack of funding for female entrepreneurs but goes beyond the numbers with powerful storytelling and remarkable profiles of women founders making a difference.Catherine Gray, the force behind the Invest in Her podcast, She Angels Investors, and She Angels Foundation, is a trailblazer in using media for social change. Her previous work, including the impactful documentary I Can’t Marry You, has consistently driven cultural shifts.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the potential of venture capital as a tool for societal impact. Marcia and Catherine discuss the need for greater education and awareness in this field, emphasizing the unique challenges and opportunities for women investors. They also explore the transformative impact of investing in women-founded funds and the ripple effects this can have on economic and social progress. Don't miss this insightful conversation that uncovers the power of venture capital to foster meaningful change. To get the latest from Catherine Gray, you can follow her below!LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherinelgray/ https://www.sheangelinvestors.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/invest-in-her-with-catherine-gray/id1134670723 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

Have you ever considered the possibilities that arise when philanthropic capital is directed towards funding startup companies? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, host Marcia Dawood sits down with Sally Boulter from Impact Assets to unravel an often overlooked but transformative investment approach—using donor-advised funds to fuel entrepreneurial ventures. If you're an angel investor or contemplating entering the startup ecosystem, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on navigating investments impactfully.Sally Boulter brings a wealth of experience to the table, having a diverse background in nonprofit fundraising and impact investing. Impact Assets, a nonprofit financial services firm, is tailored to investors who wish to make a difference while achieving returns. Sally's journey from traditional fundraising to becoming a pivotal player in impact investing highlights a unique blend of passion for societal betterment and astute financial strategies.Throughout the episode, Marcia and Sally discuss the mechanics of how donor-advised funds can be employed to support for-profit startups, offering both new and seasoned investors a blueprint for high-impact investments. They explore the simplicity and flexibility of setting up a donor-advised fund, the risks and rewards associated with impact investing, and real-life success stories like that of Seth Goldman, who amplified his philanthropic reach after his work with Honest Tea. This episode is a must-listen for anyone eager to understand how to make their investment dollars work harder, not just for financial gains but for genuine societal progress. You’ll walk away with actionable insights and a newfound enthusiasm for merging philanthropy with entrepreneurship. To get the latest from Sally Boulter, you can follow her below!LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallyboulter/https://impactassets.org/ 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

What does it take to transition from being a dedicated emergency medicine physician to a groundbreaking entrepreneur? In this thought-provoking episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, Marcia Dawood explores the journey of Dr. Liz Clayborne, the inspiring founder behind NasaClip. Liz's story sheds light on the innovative process of developing a medical device and the unique challenges she encountered while fundraising for her venture.Dr. Liz Clayborne is not your average entrepreneur. A committed emergency medicine physician and faculty member at the University of Maryland, Liz pivoted her career by creating NasaClip—a revolutionary hands-free nosebleed rescue device. Motivated by her ER experiences, where she treated numerous nosebleed cases, Liz designed a user-friendly solution and successfully raised funds from angel investors, VCs, and now a current Wefunder crowdfunding campaign.In this episode, Liz shares her journey from idea to market, detailing the various stages of fundraising and the obstacles she faced. This episode is essential for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, medical innovations, and using different fundraising strategies to achieve key milestones. To get the latest from Dr. Liz Clayborne, you can follow her below!LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethpclayborne/https://wefunder.com/nasaclip 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

Are You Ready to Invest in Your Dreams?What does it take to transform a vision into a sustainable business and eventually into a lucrative investment opportunity? This week's episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast with Marcia Dawood discusses the often-overlooked world of franchising and angel investing, revealing the essential elements driving entrepreneurial success. Alongside guest Domineca Neal, an experienced entrepreneur and angel investor, listeners are taken on an educational journey through the nuances of starting and scaling a business, whether independently or through franchising.Domineca Neal brings a wealth of knowledge to this episode. With a diverse background ranging from being a CPA at a big six accounting firm to becoming a seasoned franchise owner and eventually stepping into the world of angel investing, she embodies the quintessential entrepreneurial spirit. Neal has not only thrived in multiple business environments but has also dedicated herself to mentoring others, especially women and BIPOC communities, on their own journeys toward financial and operational success.They explore the practicalities of owning a franchise, from the initial due diligence to overcoming common challenges like labor and expansion. Moreover, Domineca shares invaluable advice for entrepreneurs considering franchising their own business models. The episode comes full circle with an inspiring discussion about angel investing, where Neal reveals how her portfolio seeks financial returns and aims to generate positive social and environmental impact. This multifaceted conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to gain practical insights and inspiration on creating successful business ventures while giving back to the community. To get the latest from Domineca Neal, you can follow her below!LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominecaneal/ 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

Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn around a failing organization or to drive remarkable change in business, government, and philanthropy? This thought-provoking question sets the stage for an insightful conversation with Lisa Gable, a seasoned expert in orchestrating turnarounds across diverse sectors. In this episode, Marcia Dawood sits down with Lisa to unveil the intricacies of driving meaningful change, tackling complex problems, and navigating the turbulent waters of entrepreneurship.Lisa Gable boasts an illustrious career, beginning with her time in the Reagan White House and Defense Department at the end of the Cold War. She has served as a troubleshooter for Intel's CEO and has held numerous presidential appointments. Her vast experience spans turnarounds in business, government, and philanthropy, including as a US Ambassador of one of the largest public-private partnerships in the US government. Lisa's journey is a testament to her deep understanding of utilizing manufacturing processes to address complex issues and her commitment to making organizations more robust and future-ready.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the art of the comeback. Lisa talks about the common factors that precipitate organizational failure, including the damaging effects of hubris, and emphasizes the importance of revisiting an organization's founding purpose. She also highlights current trends in AI and technology, showcasing her work with Six Star Capital in combating online hate speech. For those keen on fostering a dynamic, transparent, and resilient workplace culture, Lisa offers invaluable advice, drawing from her extensive experience. Whether you're an entrepreneur facing difficult decisions or an investor mentoring leaders who are striving to create a more cohesive team, the insights and practical strategies shared in this episode will equip you with the tools to navigate and thrive in challenging environments. To get the latest from Lisa Gable, you can follow her below!LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisagable/https://www.allsides.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

Have you ever wondered what it takes for a startup, particularly in a niche field like women's health, to secure the necessary funding to move forward and make a meaningful impact? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, Marcia Dawood sits down with Mark Gannott, who brings a unique blend of neuroscience, economics, and entrepreneurship to the table. From navigating the complex landscape of women's health financing to shedding light on economic modeling and network strategies, Mark's insights are invaluable for anyone looking to understand the intricacies of funding in highly specialized areas.Mark Gannott, an economist and pharmacoeconomist, has a scholarly background in neuroscience and economics. His career took a pivotal turn following a personal tragedy that shifted his focus from medical school to the financing side of healthcare. With a side project in managing a massively popular social media page focused on dogs and mental health, Mark works on critical health issues, including cannabis economics and underfunded areas like endometriosis. His drive to bring more financial resources to women's health startups sets him apart as a thought leader in this space.In this enlightening conversation, Mark explores why women's health is still struggling to garner sufficient funding despite its massive economic potential. He talks about his work as a pharmacoeconomist and the significance of building financial models that make compelling cases for investment in women's health. Additionally, the episode highlights the importance of network analysis in connecting the right people to foster successful startups. Whether you're an investor, an entrepreneur, or someone passionate about women's health, this episode provides crucial insights into an often-overlooked yet vital sector. Mark's forward-thinking approach to financing and network building makes this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in transforming the landscape for women's health. To get the latest from Mark Gannott, you can follow him below!LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markgannott/ 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

Have you ever wondered what the future of entrepreneurship looks like in a world where artificial intelligence can take on the roles traditionally reserved for human employees? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, host Marcia Dawood sits down with AI expert Sharon Zhang to explore the transformative impact of AI on business and society. Sharon talks about the evolving landscape of AI and its potential to not only automate mundane tasks but also to foster new business models and opportunities for creative entrepreneurship.Sharon Zhang, who boasts over 16 years of experience in artificial intelligence, emerges as a compelling guest. She began her journey at the MIT CCL lab and has since ventured through various roles, from clinical decision-making at Nuance Communications to algorithm development for hedge funds. Since 2020, she has co-founded Personal AI, a platform that builds digital twins to augment individual lives. Sharon’s extensive background provides a rich foundation for discussing AI’s role in modern entrepreneurship.This episode is a must-listen as Sharon provides a comprehensive view of the AI ecosystem, breaking it down into essential components like AI chips, infrastructure, foundation models, and applications. She shines a light on data privacy and the significance of user sovereignty over personal data. Furthermore, Sharon shares insights on the financial challenges faced by AI startups, the strategic moves by industry giants like OpenAI and Microsoft, and the burgeoning field of AI agents capable of performing complex tasks. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, an investor, or simply fascinated by AI, this episode offers a treasure trove of knowledge and foresight into the future of artificial intelligence and its profound implications. To get the latest from Sharon Zhang, you can follow her below!LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/xiaoranz1986/ https://www.personal.ai/Use the code PODCAST50 for 50% of any personal plan for 30 days! 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