A Dose of Your Future

A Dose of Your Future welcomes Rayne Steinberg, CEO and Co-Founder of Arca, an institutional grade financial services firm building products utilizing and investing in digital assets. He joins host Jenn Sherman to discuss the journey that led him to the digital asset space, the mission that Arca seeks to serve and advice for future investors and entrepreneurs.

“Do more and do better and learn from others and have the honest conversation.” Ron Reed, Founder and Executive Producer, SXSW EDU, and Liz Stein, Principal, Liz Stein Consulting, discuss the evolution of education and the importance of professional development for teachers and also the upskilling for any workforce. Both guests highlight how this past year has forced teachers and students to pivot and the changes that have occurred in how teachers teach and students learn. In order to shape the future, it is important to take a beat to figure out how to smartly move forward.

“You'd be surprised of all the small things that you can do to make a huge difference.” Cat Janice, Independent Artist, Hydrologist and Remote Sensing Scientist, explains how she combined her mission of Loving Earth a Little More with the art of music. Cat talks about the kind of environment she would love to leave children in and the future of music and art. She also discusses the importance of self-expression, authenticity, and personal branding for artists so that they can make more of an impact.

“More people filed new business applications in 2020 than they did in 2019.” Karen Kerrigan, President & CEO, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council), talks about the trends in the small business sector as industries have shifted, pivoted, and thrived with the new normal. Karen also discusses how the new administration and new regulations affect the small business sector. What is ahead for our global economy and how can small businesses fuel innovation and digital transformation? Tune in to the latest episode to find out.

“Stories can play a tremendous role in keeping people together in a meaningful way.” Erik Ayers, CEO and Co-Founder of GoodSeeker, Inc., talks about the importance of communication and positive reinforcement in a company and how it affects employees. Erik also touches on how the pandemic has shifted the workplace and has made people to forward think and companies to start talks about people first.

Showing up is half the battle. Founder of Black Girl Ventures, Shelly Bell, joined us for a powerful conversation on getting access to capital for underrepresented communities, changing the way people think and leading with the dollar.

What does your life look like when you choose to feel alive? Cami Wolff, Founder and CEO of CANIS, joined us to discuss the connection between physical health and mental health, shifting to a positive mindset through nutrition and adapting mindfulness. 

Shahara Anderson-Davis, CEO of 3D Vision, joined us to discuss starting her own marketing and communications firm, overcoming bias in the workplace and making an impact during these revolutionary times.

Emmett Ferra, CEO and Co-Founder of PAKKE, joined us for a discussion on how businesses in the entertainment and creative industries are innovating due to the shutdown and how PAKKE is approaching this new reality. Emmett also touched on how businesses like PAKKE are working with community members and non-profits to contribute their resources and content to raise awareness. Check them out: https://pakkesocial.com/

Andrew J. Sherman, Partner at Seyfarth Shaw LLP, and Molly Gravholt, CFO at Community Health Charities, discussed strategies on how non-profits can innovate and thrive in a COVID-19 environment through tapping into digital and thinking about new ways to raise money, create revenue streams, and drive growth during these unprecedented times. 

On another episode of "A Dose of Your Future Quarantine Edition," Dan Simons, Founder and Co-Owner of Farmer's Restaurant Group joined us for a discussion on how he shifted his business model to serve the local community through Founding Farmers Market, a grocery delivery service sourcing fresh food from farmers and chef prepared meals. It is all about supporting local. If you live in the DMV, get fresh groceries and meals delivered straight to your door: https://www.foundingfarmersmarket.com/

Brenda Cromer, CEO and Co-Founder of Frontier Kitchen, joined us again on "A Dose of Your Future" to discuss how she has pivoted her business in accordance to the COVID-19 Pandemic. To support local and nourish the community, Brenda launched "Frontier Marketplace" - digitally connecting customers with local farmer markets so the community can get fresh food in a safe manner. 

Shana Greenbaum, CEO of Healthy Fresh Meals, joined us for a discussion about her entrepreneurial journey. Healthy Fresh Meals was born out of the need for a home cooked meal that was delicious, healthy, and convenient. They believe that high quality food should be accessible to everyone. Healthy Fresh Meals is dedicated to delivering meals that are sourced by local ingredients made by professionally trained chefs. You always want to know who the chef is behind your meals because you are what you eat. 

Kim Bryden, CEO of Cureate, joined us for a discussion on how her company built a movement to replace our broken supply system, fulfill unmet consumer demand and shift dollars back into local economies through local sourcing. Cureate built suite of products and services for big and small businesses, and the cities they serve, to work together and create the foundation of a new local supply system.

A true pioneer - Shonali Burke, President and CEO of Shonali Burke Consulting, joined us for a discussion on how she became an entrepreneur accidentally and built a business by having a strong network and reputation. Shonali was at the forefront of the social media wave and grew her business by continuing to ride the wave and integrate innovative services and solutions in her client offerings. Shonali also gave a TEDx Talk on social PR consulting in 2012.

Two amazing female entrepreneurs - CEO and Co-Founder of Frontier Kitchen, Brenda Cromer, and Co-Owner of ColMoni's Catering, Colette Wilson, joined us for a discussion on the future of the food industry and how both businesses are at the forefront of food innovation while providing the best culinary experience. 

Amy Katz, CEO and Founder of Curbside Kitchen, talks about how her company provides the ultimate residential and commercial tenant experience by bringing the best food trucks straight to the curbside. Curbside Kitchen not only provides a great tenant amenity, but also empowers small business owners and connects them to customers. #TruckYeah

Tien Wong, Entrepreneur and Investor, shared his story about how he sold his business and then started one of the largest networking events in the Mid-Atlantic Region, CONNECTpreneur. The Big Idea CONNECTpreneur Forum is a Community of over 8000 CEOs, Entrepreneurs, VCs and angels, CXOs and other business leaders in the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Uri Bar-Jospeh, VP of Marketing at Mindspace, joined us for a discussion on how the Israeli based company have launched and grown co-working spaces around the world. Uri touches on the successes and challenges of building communities in different countries with a variety of cultures and how they adapted. 

JD Kathuria, President and CEO of WashingtonExec, joined us to discuss how he built a niche media company from the ground up. JD saw the opportunity in the GovCon Tech market as it was rapidly growing and created an engaged offline and online community of executives in the DC Metro Region. WashingtonExec's readership encompasses the area's top entrepreneurs, executives, and thought leaders. 

Eye opening interview with Colorectal Cancer Alliance's CEO Michael Sapienza. Colorectal Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in America. This conversation was close to my heart as my grandfather passed away from colon cancer 11 years ago - if he got a colonoscopy he could of possibly survived. Colorectal cancer is preventive - make sure you get checked. Learn more about Colorectal Cancer Alliance here and donate today: https://www.ccalliance.org/

Jake Sandler, CEO of ChangeRoots, joined us for a discussion on how his organization is revolutionizing partisanship by creating a platform that uses social science and public data to score partisan actions. Civilians use micro-donations to reward healthy partisanship. Join the movement to root out toxic partisanship: www.changeroots.com.

Bonus episode with a very special guest, Dr. William Cherniak, Chairman and CEO of Bridge to Health USA. Bridge to Health was founded in 2012 in Toronto, Canada, and has recently expanded into Washington, DC with Bridge to Health USA. We partner with the local government and grass-roots initiatives in low-resource settings to empower them in their work.

Paul Bardack, Managing Director, Maryland Small Business Development Center, joined us for a discussion on how his organization is helping empower small businesses in the DMV area. If you are an aspiring entrepreneur or an existing business owner in Maryland, the Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers free individualized consulting, from start up to established businesses.

Nick Freshman, founder of Mothersauce Partners and owner of Spider Kelly's joined us to discuss venture capital and the hospitality industry and what the future of the restaurant industry looks like. Mothersauce Partners is supporting the next generation of food and drink entrepreneurs with venture capital and advisory services.

Luxury Brand Social Media Strategist, Scent Design Enthusiast, and Entrepreneur, Christopher Grates, joined us for a discussion on the struggles of entrepreneurship and how to build a successful business. Christopher spoke about the future of luxury branding and what defines a luxury brand. His background is primarily in promoting luxury perfume and watch brands. 

Kristine Harjes, Investment Officer at Motley Fool Ventures, joined us for a discussion around how Motley Fool Ventures is helping create a better future through investing in early stage companies who are disrupting the technology industry. What distinguishes Motley Fool Ventures from other VC's is their community approach to venture capital. Motley Fool Ventures has the collective wisdom of over 800 business people, entrepreneurs and advisors, ALL with a transparent and vested interest in the Motley Fool's philosophy and approach.

Aaron Davis, Head of Community at Alpha, joined us for a conversation on how his company is shaping the future by providing companies with on-demand insights about its customers. Aaron has a passion and purpose to build communities and empower the next generation of our workforce.  Check out their podcast: https://www.thisisproductmanagement.com/ Check out Alpha HQ and their story: https://alphahq.com/

President of Pivotal Moments, Bob Morgan, joined us for a discussion about the importance of mental wellness and adversity among the next generation of our workforce. As someone who has personally suffered from anxiety, this conversation was a special one.

CEO's of New Project, Dennis Potami and Patrick Barth joined us for a discussion on the entrepreneur journey as artists and how they built a successful design, fabrication, and installation company in NYC.

Elizabeth Shea, EVP of Public Relations at REQ (formerly CEO of SpeakerBox Communications), joined us to share her entrepreneur journey and how she built a successful tech PR firm that recently got acquired.

Chris Kirksey, President of Direction.com joined us for a discussion about SEO, digital marketing, and the Google algorithm. Direction.com is at the forefront of SEO and helps their clients dominate their market.

Erik Segelbaum, 2019 Food & Wine's Sommelier of the Year and Former Corporate Wine Director of Starr Restaurants and now owner of SOMLYAY, joined us for a live tasting and a discussion surrounding wine, entrepreneurship and love. Subscribe on iTunes: https://apple.co/2w2bIAS Follow us @influencercollectivedc

Matthew Hoffman, Managing Partner of Innovation Ventures, joined us for a discussion around housing tech, impact investing, and affordable housing.

Brian Taff, CEO of Streetsense, joins us for a discussion on how his company is helping transform DC neighborhoods and building vibrant communities through high quality customer experiences.

Jeff Grass, CEO and Chairman of HUNGRY, joined us for a discussion on how HUNGRY is revolutionizing the catering industry through connecting local chefs with businesses and providing an overall quality customer experience. If you have an upcoming event or are a business looking for yummy food from awesome chefs - highly recommend checking out ▶️ https://tryhungry.com/

Matthew Carlin, President of Metropolitan Hospitality Group, joined us for a discussion around how he had a vision 12 years ago to fuel the DC economy with a neighborhood restaurant that consistently delivers high quality food and customer experience. At each of MHG's concepts, we strongly believe in sourcing the freshest ingredients, building seasonal dishes, mixing delicious craft cocktails, and providing great hospitality to our guests.

Surprise! Bonus episode for season two. Ruth Hazel, Executive Director, and President of the Board of Trustees, Stefanie Erkiletian of Emerging Scholars join us for a discussion on how their organization is setting the next generation of our workforce up for success.  Emerging Scholars brings together a community people who create social impact - teachers, board members, found influenced others to join him support Emerging Scholars. In turn, the group creates a new generation. 

22 year retired corporate America executive and now entrepreneur, Tina Fox, joined us for a conversation about the future of the workforce for working parents and how to balance a family while pursuing a successful career. Tina Fox is the Founder of Fox Paradigm and Co-Owner of Cobalt Settlements. She is also the mom of three amazing boys. Her and husband, Jeff, found a way to do it all - raise a great family and pursue their dream careers.  Tina is also ahead of the DC Chapter for Women on Course - the fastest growing national community for business professionals and lifestyle enthusiasts interested in connecting through the game of golf and all it has to offer. 

Founding Partner of Hudson Benefits, Nelson Davy, joined us for a discussion about the importance of employee retention and the future of health insurance for small businesses. 

Greg Kihlström, Author of "The Agile Brand" and SVP of Yes&, joins us to talk about brand agility and disruption. Check out Greg's new podcast, The Agile World ➡️www.gregkihlstrom.com/theagileworld.

David Jack, Director of Marketing and Partnerships at DXFactor, joins us to talk about digital transformation, the wins and the overshadowing failures, the perfect storm and the next big wave of technology. 

Zack Garber, Client Advisor, Vice President, Alex. Brown, A Division of Raymond James, joins us to talk about wealth management and educating the next generation on how to manage and invest their capital. Subscribe on iTunes: https://apple.co/2w2bIAS Follow us @influencercollectivedc -- Any opinions are those of the speaker and not necessarily Raymond James. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected, including diversification and asset allocation.

Owner & Partner of OPX, Steve Polo, talks about how to engage your employees and creating an environment where your team can work better. To help companies nationwide engage their employees, Steve and his team created Work Better Day - an experience-driven program where experts, researchers, and every-day heroes share their stories, inspire ideas in others, and influence the conversation around what it means to work better and provide an atmosphere that will foster engagement and learning, but also one where attendees can walk away with the ability to impact others within their organizations. Learn more: https://www.workbetterday.com/. 

Author of ”Get Attention" and Director at Banner Public Affairs, Kelly Miller, talks about the future of organic branding and community building, particularly within the tech community. Subscribe on iTunes: https://apple.co/2w2bIAS Follow us @influencercollectivedc

Entrepreneur and Digital Pioneer, Geoff Livingston, joins us to discuss the future of AI and marketing and how good quality content is more important than ever. Stay tuned for the release his book, Welcome to the Machine: A Primer on AI for Marketers. 

Jonathan Aberman, Managing Director of Amplifier Ventures and Host of What's Working in Washington, joins us to talk about the future of entrepreneurship, what being an entrepreneur means, and educational programs for startups.

Elizabeth Rojas Levi, Senior Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations at Nokia, joins us to talk about the Nokia innovation journey, 5G, digital transformation, security and privacy public policies. 

Derek Weeks, Co-Founder of All Day DevOps and Vice President at Sonatype, joins us for a conversation on how marketing to communities has changed over the past couple of years. We also discussed the value of going viral versus building a legacy.

Pamela Lynne Sorensen, Founder and President of High Frequency Consulting, joins us for a conversation on the importance of meaningful authentic relationships and the power of listening in business. 

Author and Entrepreneur, Shelby Scarbrough, joins us for a discussion on the importance of civility and the power strong interpersonal relationships.