The Angel Next Door

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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