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In this episode, Ella hosts Jason Fishman has he shares the pieces of his journey early career and how they make him the leader he is today. As co-founder and CEO of Digital Niche Agency, he's helped over 900 clients across major industries build and scale marketing engines that actually attract customers and investors. Jason's team has led more than 500 online capital and acquisition campaigns that have raised nine figures collectively, and he's seen firsthand what separates successful founders from those whose marketing efforts never quite get off the ground. He also discusses the current workday setting and the future of digital marketing.
Most real estate agents are grinding for now buyers and now sellers. The agents who actually build wealth are doing something completely different every single day. Kevin Cahill has been a managing broker since 1999, recruited and trained thousands of agents across multiple states, co-founded REALean Real Estate (saving sellers over $4 million in commissions), merged into eXp Realty, and built Realty Funnels, a SaaS marketing and automation platform designed to help agents attract sellers and scale with intelligent systems. In this episode: The 6-12-18-6 daily action framework every agent (and entrepreneur) should follow Why top-of-funnel awareness is your insurance policy for future years of success How to position yourself so clients think of you the moment a real estate need arises The automated 2-year follow-up campaign inside Realty Funnels and how it works Why niche down to grow rich applies to every service business How to do a mindset and environment audit that actually moves the needle Time blocking, calendar discipline, and the rule: if you must erase you must replace How to scale through time leverage and geographic reach Why direct response marketing changed everything for Kevin early in his career Connect with Kevin: Website: realtyfunnels.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realestatebrokerstrategist/ YouTube: youtube.com/@realtyfunnels About Kevin Cahill: Kevin Cahill brings nearly three decades of experience across every layer of residential real estate. Beginning his career in 1999, he has built a track record spanning top-tier home sales, multi-office brokerage leadership, and proptech innovation. He has recruited, trained, and managed thousands of agents across multiple states and co-founded REALean Real Estate alongside his wife Lisa Cahill, CPA. In 2023 they merged their brokerage operations into eXp Realty. Kevin also co-founded Realty Funnels, a SaaS platform helping agents attract home sellers and scale with smart marketing systems. About Test. Optimize. Scale.: Hosted by Jason Fishman, Test. Optimize. Scale. is the podcast for entrepreneurs, marketers, and founders who want to grow smarter. Every episode breaks down the strategies, frameworks, and real-world lessons behind successful brands, campaigns, and capital raises. CHAPTERS 0:00 Introduction 1:14 Kevin's background: from food service to real estate since 1999 2:56 What good customer service actually looks like in 2026 5:28 How to become top of mind before clients are ready to buy or sell 8:14 "My success is in direct proportion to the number of people who think of me" 9:51 The full marketing funnel in real estate: awareness through advocacy 11:34 Why top-of-funnel awareness eliminates the lead roller coaster 12:57 Branding versus direct response and why you need both 15:08 Showing up every day and putting in the reps 17:43 Why now is the best time to grow a business with digital tools 19:24 The 6-12-18-6 daily action framework explained 23:17 What happens when agents commit to the 6-12-18-6 28:07 Realty Funnels and the automated 2-year follow-up campaign 31:14 Four emails a month: seasonal and educational messaging 32:12 Why 90% of salespeople never follow up (and where the deal actually happens) 33:15 Niche down to grow rich: picking your ideal client avatar 37:25 Test, optimize, scale applied to real estate 40:17 Mindset and environment audit 41:55 Time blocking and calendar discipline 43:44 If you must erase you must replace 44:02 Auditing energy drains and staying in your strength zone 47:35 How to find mentors and coaches who are a few steps ahead 51:09 Scaling through time leverage and geographic reach 54:06 Where to find Kevin and final thoughts 55:30 Why direct response marketing changed everything early in Kevin's career
Most marketing fails not because of the platform, the budget, or the targeting. It fails because the story is feeble. Tom Ruwitch is the founder of Story Power Marketing and Implementum. He co-founded Sports Huddle in the late 90s, growing it from 2 to 85 people in 18 months and raising $5.5M in venture capital before exiting. He then founded MarketVolt, an email marketing software and agency he ran for 19 years before selling in 2019. Today he helps businesses build story-powered content that attracts, engages, and converts. In this episode: Why most marketing repels prospects instead of attracting them The three E's: Empathize, Envision, Enable The PLAN framework: Promise, Lesson, Anecdote, Next Step Why boring, info-dump content is the number one headwind for business growth The difference between brand marketing and direct response and why you need both How the Honda Super Bowl ad added 225,000 Facebook followers in one week How to build story-powered content at scale using AI without falling into the mushy middle How storytelling applies to investment campaigns, capital raising, and community building Download a free PDF of Tom's book Story Power Marketing: yourgiftfromtom.com/jason More resources and free tools: storypowermarketing.com Strategy, tech, and team: implementum.net About Tom Ruwitch: For nearly a quarter of a century, Tom has helped businesses attract leads, engage prospects, close sales, and maximize relationships. He founded MarketVolt in 2001, one of the earliest email marketing platforms and agencies in the industry, and ran it for 19 years before selling. He now leads Story Power Marketing, where he helps businesses discover, power up, and scale their core business story across every channel. Follow Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomruwitch/ Check out his website: https://storypowermarketing.com/ About Test. Optimize. Scale.: Hosted by Jason Fishman, Test. Optimize. Scale. is the podcast for entrepreneurs, marketers, and founders who want to grow smarter. Every episode breaks down the strategies, frameworks, and real-world lessons behind successful brands, campaigns, and capital raises. Subscribe:https://www.youtube.com/@DigitalNicheAgency Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-niche-agency Website: digitalnicheagency.com CHAPTERS 0:00 Introduction 1:02 Tom's background: Sports Huddle, $5.5M raised, 85 employees in 18 months 3:25 Building one of the first email marketing agencies in 2001 5:30 The number one headwind for business growth: feeble content 7:47 Stop talking about yourself: putting the focus on the prospect 10:00 The three E's: Empathize, Envision, Enable 12:10 Using story to guide a prospect through a buying journey 13:00 The kitchen contractor and the mother-in-law story 17:52 How story-powered marketing works across digital channels 20:29 Using indirect storytelling to let prospects project themselves 22:00 Why the human brain connects with stories: the John Wick example 24:11 Where brands get it wrong with storytelling 26:18 Stop overcomplicating it: the biggest storytelling mistake 27:30 Branding versus direct response: the Goodyear Blimp problem 29:20 What good direct response marketing actually looks like 32:01 Community building and storytelling in investment campaigns 34:14 The Honda Super Bowl ad and 225,000 new followers in one week 40:06 The PLAN framework: Promise, Lesson, Anecdote, Next Step 44:00 The executive coach delegation story: before and after done right 48:49 How to test and optimize your stories over time 52:12 How story powers content at scale 56:09 Eugene Schwartz: copy is not written, it is assembled 58:54 Where to find Tom and get the free book
90% of agencies never sell, and most owners who do sell hate the price they get. This episode breaks down the boring work that separates the rare agencies that actually exit well from the ones that underperform. Our guest Nick Avaria is the founder of Agency Acquisitions out of Vancouver, Canada. His goal is to help reward people in agencies for their hard work, whether they're agency owners or employees. He developed "The Agency Economics Thesis" that has scaled multitudes of successful companies. www.agencyacquisitions.io | LinkedIn: / nickavaria What you'll learn: →Why the best-run agencies are the ones about to be sold, and how to build that way on purpose. →The churn math that can double or quadruple your top line without adding a single new client. →What actually separates the 3-in-10,000 agencies that reach $10M in revenue. →The 100-day client onboarding philosophy that builds habitual trust. →The "bathtub effect" quietly killing your retention between sale and first monthly meeting. →The three types of insights every B2B client needs, and why missing one gets you fired. →The $100 pen problem and why your best work still loses the client. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:00 Meet Nick Avaria 02:00 The #1 Rule: Run It Like You're Selling It 04:00 Work On the Business, Not In It 06:00 Escaping the Adrenaline Junkie Trap 08:00 Growth Thresholds: What to Let Go at Each Level 09:00 Why Only 1 in 10 Agencies Actually Sell 11:00 Why Owners Let Their Agencies Slowly Die 12:00 The Three Levers of Valuation 14:00 The Churn Math That Doubles Your Revenue 17:00 Only 3 in 10,000 Agencies Hit $10M 18:00 Middle Management: The Boring Work Nobody Does 22:00 The Surf Trip: What Real Ownership Looks Like 25:00 Why Churn Spikes When You Scale 27:00 The Power of Quarterly Strategic Reviews 28:00 The Three Types of Insights Clients Need 30:00 Why B2B Buyers Aren't Logical 31:00 The 100-Day Onboarding Philosophy 35:00 The Bathtub Effect 38:00 The $100 Pen Problem — Test, Optimize, and Scale is hosted by Jason Fishman, CEO of Digital Niche Agency. New episodes every week covering digital marketing, growth, and entrepreneurship. Subscribe: @digitalnicheagency Instagram: digitalnicheagency LinkedIn: digital-niche-agency #AgencyLife #MarketingAgency #Entrepreneurship #BusinessExit #ClientRetention #SaaSMarketing #BusinessGrowth #TestOptimizeScale
Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.Devin: What is your superpower?Roberto: Ability to “channel empathy” as the key skill that drives his success.When Roberto Milk, Co-founder and CEO of NOVICA and Handmade.com, and his friends were still in college, they dreamed of building a business that could change the world. Today, they're achieving that vision at scale by empowering artisans in developing economies to sell their handmade goods directly to consumers. Since its launch over 20 years ago, NOVICA has sent over $142 million to more than 10,000 global artists.“We wanted to figure out a better way [for artisans] to access the market,” Roberto explained. “We built a system around being close to the artists through these Artisan Empowerment Hubs.”These hubs—located in countries like Bali, Brazil, Peru, and Guatemala—allow artisans to set their own prices, access 0% interest microcredit, and retain control over their creations. The model also preserves cultural heritage by sustaining endangered art forms while fostering economic independence for artisans, many of whom are women supporting families in their communities.Roberto's personal connection to this mission is rooted in his family history. “My grandmother on my Peruvian side was an artisan,” he shared, revealing his understanding of the challenges talented creators face. Artists are often geographically distant from buyers and hampered by middlemen, leading to slim profits despite their valuable craftsmanship. NOVICA addressed this gap by restructuring supply chains and creating digital tools to remove barriers for artisans.Now, NOVICA is raising capital for its next phase of growth by broadening investor participation through a StartEngine campaign. On the platform, anyone—not just accredited investors—can invest in NOVICA for as little as $300. Investors also gain perks like discounts or elevated customer status on NOVICA's website. “It's almost like democratizing on the investment side,” Roberto said, emphasizing how the crowdsourcing model aligns with the company's mission.Driven by their success, Roberto and his team recently launched Handmade.com, a complementary marketplace that leverages AI to help artisans manage their own product listings, allowing NOVICA to scale globally.“We're eyeing the $100 million mark,” Roberto shared. “With Handmade.com and other innovations, we're positioned to grow quickly while staying true to our mission.”By building solutions that uplift global artisans, NOVICA demonstrates how social entrepreneurship can make a lasting difference—preserving culture, creating livelihoods, and connecting communities.tl;dr:NOVICA empowers artisans globally, sending them $142 million via artist hubs in 10 countries.Roberto Milk's family connection inspired the creation of NOVICA to disrupt traditional supply chains.NOVICA is scaling through a StartEngine campaign, allowing anyone to invest for as little as $300.Handmade.com expands NOVICA's mission by using AI to help artisans self-manage product listings.Roberto credits “channeling empathy” as key to overcoming obstacles and driving social impact success.How to Develop Channeling Empathy As a SuperpowerWhen asked about his superpower, Roberto identified the ability to “channel empathy” as the key skill that drives his success. “The process of building a social impact company is really hard,” he explained. “Channeling empathy...has helped us push through and succeed because there was no plan B.”Empathy is at the heart of the NOVICA model. By deeply listening to artisans' struggles, needs, and dreams, Roberto and his team designed solutions that respect their craft, such as creating empowerment hubs that treat artists like “queens or kings.” These hubs provide not only financial tools like microcredit but also dignity, collaboration, and access to global markets, enabling artisans to thrive.One artisan, Leoncio Tinoco, an award-winning master weaver from Peru, struggled to make a living despite his expertise. NOVICA commissioned him to create a stunning tapestry depicting the iconic Afghan refugee girl from a National Geographic cover. The project brought Leoncio much-needed income and connected him with global recognition. The finished piece now resides at National Geographic's headquarters, symbolizing the power of empathy to change lives.Tips for Developing Empathy as a Strength:Listen Intentionally: Take extra time to fully understand others' words, emotions, and perspectives before responding.Practice Awareness: Be open to inspiration from conversations, meetings, or everyday experiences.Focus on Impact: Prioritize solutions that help others thrive while preserving dignity and culture.Build Relationships: Collaborate with individuals as partners in shared success, not just as contributors to your goals.By following Roberto's example and advice, anyone can make channeling empathy a skill. With practice and effort, this could become a superpower that enables greater impact in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileRoberto Milk (he/him):Co-founder & CEO, NOVICA & Handmade.comAbout NOVICA & Handmade.com: NOVICA is an established, mission-driven leader in the global artisan marketplace, with over $20M in revenue and global infrastructure already in place. Handmade.com is its new growth division, built to scale that foundation through a social, video-first platform designed for discovery and direct connection. Powered by authentic from-the-workshop maker videos and curated influencer collaborations, Handmade.com is built for scale and positioned to lead the next era of story-driven global commerce. Backed by NOVICA's track record of delivering $142M+ directly to makers, it unlocks powerful network effects between artisans, tastemakers, and consumers worldwide.Website: handmade.comCompany Facebook Page: facebook.com/novicaOther URL: startengine.com/novicaBiographical Information: Roberto is an industry pioneer and expert. The Schwab Foundation named him an Outstanding Social Entrepreneur, the World Economic Form recognized Roberto as a Young Global Leader, The Young Presidents Organization awarded him a Global impact Award, Cause Artist named him one of its 40 Social Entrepreneurs to Watch, and América Economia awarded him their Cultural Preservation Award. Prior to co-founding NOVICA in 1999, Roberto worked as an investment banker for Prudential Securities, where he helped raise more than $1 billion in capital markets transactions, M&A transactions, and venture capital financing. He graduated with honors from Stanford University in 1995, with an AB in International Relations.LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/roberto-milk-1686/Instagram Handle: @robertomilk1 Support Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include Frontier Bio, High Desert Gear, and Mission Booster. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact Members(We're grateful for every one of these community champions who make this work possible.)Brian Christie, Brainsy | Cameron Neil, Lend For Good | Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Hiten Sonpal, RISE Robotics | John Berlet, CORE Tax Deeds, LLC. | Justin Starbird, The Aebli Group | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Mark Grimes, Networked Enterprise Development | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Mike Babbit | Coledger Solutions | Mike Green, Envirosult | Nick Degnan, Unlimit Ventures | Dr. Nicole Paulk, Siren Biotechnology | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.SuperCrowd Impact Member Networking Session: Impact (and, of course, Max-Impact) Members of the SuperCrowd are invited to a private networking session on April 14th at 1:30 PM ET/10:30 AM PT. Mark your calendar. We'll send private emails to Impact Members with registration details. Upgrade to Impact Membership today!SuperCrowdHour, April 15, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern. Devin Thorpe, CEO and Founder of The Super Crowd, Inc., will lead a session on “Compliance Made Easy: Navigating Form C.” Drawing on his extensive experience as an investment banker, impact investor, and crowdfunding expert, Devin will simplify the complexities of Form C filing for regulated investment crowdfunding campaigns. In this session, he'll walk through the key components of Form C, highlight common compliance pitfalls, and share practical strategies to ensure your offering meets regulatory requirements with confidence. Whether you're launching your first campaign or refining your compliance process, this SuperCrowdHour will equip you with the knowledge to navigate Form C efficiently—so you can focus on building trust and raising capital successfully.SuperCrowd26 featuring PurposeBuilt100™: This August 25–27, founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders will gather for a three-day, broadcast-quality global experience focused on disciplined capital formation, regulated investment crowdfunding, and purpose-driven growth. We're bringing together leading voices in impact investing, compliance, digital marketing, and circular economy innovation to deliver practical frameworks, real-world case studies, and actionable strategies. The event culminates in the PurposeBuilt100™ Showcase, recognizing 100 of the fastest-growing purpose-driven companies in the U.S. Register now to secure your seat and get all the details. August 25–27, streaming worldwide.Share the application for the PurposeBuilt100™: Purpose-driven founders deserve recognition. The PurposeBuilt100™ application window is now open—celebrating the fastest-growing companies building profit with purpose. If you know a founder creating real impact and real growth, please share this opportunity. Applications are free and confidential. Explore the program and apply today: PurposeBuilt100.com.Community Event CalendarSuccessful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.ICW 2026 Keynote Kickoff - Apr 13 | 10:30–11:00 AM PT - Tim Draper kicks off ICW 2026 with insights on backing transformative startups. Set the stage for three days of pitches, panels, and competition.Creators as an Asset Class - Apr 13 | 11:00–11:55 AM PT - Scott Kitun and Brian Belley explore creator investing as a new asset class. Learn the opportunities, risks, and emerging playbook.Group A Pitch Session - Apr 13 | 12:00–12:55 PM PT - Devin Thorpe, Hugh McDermott, and Wendel Afonso present live pitches. Vote for the top startup advancing to the Championship.Group B Pitch Session - Apr 13 | 2:00–2:55 PM PT - Paul Lovejoy, Sona Shah, Joe Schaeppi, and Hiten Sonpal pitch live. Cast your vote and back the strongest founder.Capital Dept: Diversifying the Capital Stack - Apr 14 | 11:00–11:55 AM PT - Kelley Frank, Brian Belley, Olowo-n'djo Tchala, Yael Weiss, and Wendel Afonso share proven fundraising strategies. Learn how to plan, launch, and close a successful raise.Group C Pitch Session - Apr 14 | 12:00–12:55 PM PT - Justin Renfro, Franck Lahaye, and Trevor Legwinski feature in this live pitch round. Watch, evaluate, and vote for the standout startup.The Listing Playbook - Apr 14 | 1:00–1:55 PM PT - Ajay Tandon, Chris Lustrino, and Gregg Jaclin discuss post-raise pathways. Learn how startups prepare for listings and liquidity.Group D Pitch Session - Apr 14 | 2:00–2:55 PM PT - Chase Collins, Amanda Benaim, Arthur Erickson, Chad McClennan, and Cole Shepherd pitch live. Vote for who advances to the final round.Beyond Stocks: Alternative Investing - Apr 15 | 11:00–11:55 AM PT - Scott Kitun and Darren Rovell explore collectibles and alternative assets. Discover trends shaping modern portfolios.Group E Pitch Session - Apr 15 | 12:00–12:55 PM PT - Eitan Charnoff, Teddy Lyons, Annette Azan, Jaeson Bang, and Jeremy McCool present the final pitches. Last chance to vote before finalists are selected.Compliance & Regulatory Landscape - Apr 15 | 1:00–1:55 PM PT - Brian Belley, Andrew Stephenson, and Jason Fishman cover key regulations. Understand disclosures, protections, and what's changing.Championship Pitch & Closing - Apr 15 | 2:00–3:15 PM PT - Chris Lustrino, Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau, and Teddy Lyons host the final round. Watch the winner crowned and ICW 2026 conclude.Want to Work to Clean Up Fashion? Career Choices in a Challenging Environment (Washington, DC | Tue, April 21, 2026 | 11:30 AM–1:00 PM EDT): Join Women for Women's Wear during DC Climate Week for an interactive roundtable + networking on building a career in sustainable fashion—whether you're exploring a new path, considering a pivot, or looking to drive impact from within your current role. Hear practical insights from professionals across apparel/footwear, government, technology, and finance, and leave with clearer next steps (bring your lunch; refreshments served). Limited space—registration subject to approval (Chatham House Rules apply). Register: https://luma.com/yyz01e4iFashion and the Climate Crisis: Policy and Innovation for a Cleaner Industry (Washington, DC | Tue, April 21, 2026 | 3:00–4:30 PM EDT): Join Loop Labs and Women for Women's Wear during DC Climate Week 2026 for a high-energy session on how policy, innovation, and entrepreneurship are reshaping fashion—featuring a policy panel on sustainability standards and supply-chain transparency, curated networking across government/industry/creatives, and a sustainable fashion showcase spotlighting circular designs from DC-area makers. Limited space—registration subject to approval. Register: https://luma.com/1ns7cqsjEarthstock Summit, Ojai, CA, May 29-31: The Earthstock Regenerative Summit in Ojai brings together leaders and community members for panels, workshops, films, music, and hands-on projects focused on regenerative agriculture, ecological design, resilience, health, and sustainable living.Save the Date! October 20th and 21st will be the Crowdfunding Professional Association Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit for 2026. This is the event of the year for everyone in the crowdfunding ecosystem.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 10,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.Manage the volume of emails you receive from us by clicking here.We share educational information—not investment advice. Some links may generate compensation. See our full disclosure.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe
Most people think the best product wins. August Biniaz disagrees, and he's built a multi-million dollar real estate private equity firm to prove it. August is the Chief Investment Officer and co-founder of CPI Capital, a real estate private equity firm with two verticals: multifamily value add (Tampa Bay, San Antonio, Austin) and build-to-rent development. In this episode, he breaks down the returns (15–20% multifamily vs. 25–30% BTR), the investor psychology behind raising equity, and the exact marketing systems that helped CPI scale from zero to a cross-border investment platform serving Canadian and US accredited investors. Whether you're building a fund, a company, or a brand — this episode is about the infrastructure behind growth.
Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.Devin: What is your superpower?Suresh: Ability to blend strategy, vision, and action to expand organizational and personal impact.Swan Impact Network takes angel investing to the next level by combining traditional financial returns with social impact. Led by Executive Director Suresh Sundarababu, the organization serves as a lifeline for mission-driven founders determined to tackle societal challenges. In today's episode, I spoke with Suresh about the innovative approach at Swan, including how they're reimagining the world of angel investing.“We equally care about impact and return on investment,” Suresh explained. “Any good value proposition can also be good for the world.” Swan Impact's model creates opportunities for even smaller investors, lowering thresholds to democratize angel investing. For accredited investors, the required minimum investment is just $5,000—shattering traditional barriers to entry that often lock out purpose-driven individuals.Swan's approach also welcomes younger members into the ecosystem, providing them with the time and mentorship opportunities to participate meaningfully even before fully entering the world of angel investing. “The associate group… allows for those who care about impact, especially the younger generation, to come in,” Suresh shared.The organization actively supports high-impact businesses across sectors like clean tech, life sciences, financial empowerment, and education. Among its many success stories are Skyven Technologies, a clean tech company maximizing the efficiency of industrial steam use, and Binary Bridge, which offers portable medical records solutions for underserved, remote areas in developing countries.But Suresh insists Swan's role extends far beyond writing checks. He explained, “Writing a check is the least of what we want to be known for… More important are the knowledge share, the bouncing board that founders don't usually have.” Swan's ability to provide strategic guidance ensures the businesses they fund are not just surviving but thriving.Under Suresh's leadership, Swan Impact Network is proving that purpose and profit can go hand in hand. By opening doors for diverse founders and democratizing angel investing, the organization exemplifies how capital can be a force for good in the hands of those strongly committed to creating a better world.If you're looking to support—or become—a founder driven by purpose, Swan Impact Network might just be your next step.tl;dr:The Swan Impact Network combines meaningful social impact with financial returns to support mission-driven founders.Accredited investors can start with $5,000 investments, giving everyday people better access to angel investing.Swan provides mentorship and guidance, ensuring founders grow their businesses with strategic support.Suresh's superpower for scaling initiatives combines vision, strategy, and action for maximum impact.The associate program educates young members and diversifies angel investing for new generations.How to Develop Scaling for Impact As a SuperpowerSuresh's superpower is scaling initiatives for impact by quickly forming strategies and building teams. “At the most fundamental level, I'm a thinking partner when it comes to scaling anything,” Suresh explained. He highlighted his natural ability to blend strategy, vision, and action to expand organizational and personal impact. Whether scaling a startup, a team, or even parenting his two young boys, Suresh uses this innate skill to amplify positive outcomes.Suresh shared an anecdote about his time working at National Instruments, where he played an essential role in helping the company grow from $125 million in revenue to $750 million during his tenure. Describing the keys to this success, he highlighted the belief in shared purpose and working toward impactful goals in collaboration with smart, like-minded individuals. The culture of trust and the commitment to scaling responsibly defined this success narrative.Tips for Developing the Superpower:Craft a Personal Purpose Statement: Write down your purpose to clarify your priorities and sustain focus.Identify Your Unique Strengths: Reflect or ask others for feedback to uncover your natural talents.Stay Aligned With Your Values: When your work or impact detours from your purpose, be quick to course correct.Combine Vision With Action: Set long-term goals (your flag) while identifying concrete next steps to maintain momentum.Collaborate With Like-Minded Individuals: Surround yourself with people who share your values for increased synergy and trust.By following Suresh's example and advice, you can make scaling for impact a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileSuresh Sundarababu (he/him):Executive Director, SWAN Impact NetworkAbout SWAN Impact Network: SWAN, founded in 2015 in Austin, has grown into a multi-state 501(c)(3) nonprofit network of 120+ members who have invested over $18 million in impact-driven companies. With a mission to make life better for people and the planet, SWAN pairs investment with education, equipping both founders and investors to drive meaningful impact and return on investment.Website: swanimpact.orgBiographical Information: Suresh Sundarababu is a seasoned executive leader with nearly 30 years of experience scaling global organizations. As Executive Director of SWAN Impact Network, he partners with purpose-driven ventures to create meaningful impact and stakeholder value. Guided by the ethos “not trying to change the world, but the world I touch,” Suresh blends multicultural insight with strategic acumen. His trusted leadership and organizational intelligence make him a valued thinking partner for driving transformative change.LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/suresh-sundarababu-a128b93Support Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include rHealth, Frontier Bio, and High Desert Gear. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact Members(We're grateful for every one of these community champions who make this work possible.)Brian Christie, Brainsy | Cameron Neil, Lend For Good | Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Hiten Sonpal, RISE Robotics | John Berlet, CORE Tax Deeds, LLC. | Justin Starbird, The Aebli Group | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Mark Grimes, Networked Enterprise Development | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Mike Babbit | Coledger Solutions | Mike Green, Envirosult | Nick Degnan, Unlimit Ventures | Dr. Nicole Paulk, Siren Biotechnology | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.SuperCrowd Impact Member Networking Session: Impact (and, of course, Max-Impact) Members of the SuperCrowd are invited to a private networking session on April 14th at 1:30 PM ET/10:30 AM PT. Mark your calendar. We'll send private emails to Impact Members with registration details. Upgrade to Impact Membership today!SuperCrowdHour, April 15, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern. Devin Thorpe, CEO and Founder of The Super Crowd, Inc., will lead a session on “Compliance Made Easy: Navigating Form C.” Drawing on his extensive experience as an investment banker, impact investor, and crowdfunding expert, Devin will simplify the complexities of Form C filing for regulated investment crowdfunding campaigns. In this session, he'll walk through the key components of Form C, highlight common compliance pitfalls, and share practical strategies to ensure your offering meets regulatory requirements with confidence. Whether you're launching your first campaign or refining your compliance process, this SuperCrowdHour will equip you with the knowledge to navigate Form C efficiently—so you can focus on building trust and raising capital successfully.SuperCrowd26 featuring PurposeBuilt100™: This August 25–27, founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders will gather for a three-day, broadcast-quality global experience focused on disciplined capital formation, regulated investment crowdfunding, and purpose-driven growth. We're bringing together leading voices in impact investing, compliance, digital marketing, and circular economy innovation to deliver practical frameworks, real-world case studies, and actionable strategies. The event culminates in the PurposeBuilt100™ Showcase, recognizing 100 of the fastest-growing purpose-driven companies in the U.S. Register now to secure your seat and get all the details. August 25–27, streaming worldwide.Share the application for the PurposeBuilt100™: Purpose-driven founders deserve recognition. The PurposeBuilt100™ application window is now open—celebrating the fastest-growing companies building profit with purpose. If you know a founder creating real impact and real growth, please share this opportunity. Applications are free and confidential. Explore the program and apply today: PurposeBuilt100.com.Community Event CalendarSuccessful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.Platform Leaders Workshops Program – 5th ICAFR (Málaga, April 8–10, 2026): Join GECA and EDFA for hands-on, interactive workshops for crowdfunding platforms and ecosystem builders—covering investor UX & engagement, secondary markets/technology/tokenization, and platform data & research—plus dedicated peer exchange with global platform leaders. Register: https://www.crowdfunding-research.org/pagoICW 2026 Keynote Kickoff - Apr 13 | 10:30–11:00 AM PT - Tim Draper kicks off ICW 2026 with insights on backing transformative startups. Set the stage for three days of pitches, panels, and competition.Creators as an Asset Class - Apr 13 | 11:00–11:55 AM PT - Scott Kitun and Brian Belley explore creator investing as a new asset class. Learn the opportunities, risks, and emerging playbook.Group A Pitch Session - Apr 13 | 12:00–12:55 PM PT - Devin Thorpe, Hugh McDermott, and Wendel Afonso present live pitches. Vote for the top startup advancing to the Championship.Group B Pitch Session - Apr 13 | 2:00–2:55 PM PT - Paul Lovejoy, Sona Shah, Joe Schaeppi, and Hiten Sonpal pitch live. Cast your vote and back the strongest founder.Capital Dept: Diversifying the Capital Stack - Apr 14 | 11:00–11:55 AM PT - Kelley Frank, Brian Belley, Olowo-n'djo Tchala, Yael Weiss, and Wendel Afonso share proven fundraising strategies. Learn how to plan, launch, and close a successful raise.Group C Pitch Session - Apr 14 | 12:00–12:55 PM PT - Justin Renfro, Franck Lahaye, and Trevor Legwinski feature in this live pitch round. Watch, evaluate, and vote for the standout startup.The Listing Playbook - Apr 14 | 1:00–1:55 PM PT - Ajay Tandon, Chris Lustrino, and Gregg Jaclin discuss post-raise pathways. Learn how startups prepare for listings and liquidity.Group D Pitch Session - Apr 14 | 2:00–2:55 PM PT - Chase Collins, Amanda Benaim, Arthur Erickson, Chad McClennan, and Cole Shepherd pitch live. Vote for who advances to the final round.Beyond Stocks: Alternative Investing - Apr 15 | 11:00–11:55 AM PT - Scott Kitun and Darren Rovell explore collectibles and alternative assets. Discover trends shaping modern portfolios.Group E Pitch Session - Apr 15 | 12:00–12:55 PM PT - Eitan Charnoff, Teddy Lyons, Annette Azan, Jaeson Bang, and Jeremy McCool present the final pitches. Last chance to vote before finalists are selected.Compliance & Regulatory Landscape - Apr 15 | 1:00–1:55 PM PT - Brian Belley, Andrew Stephenson, and Jason Fishman cover key regulations. Understand disclosures, protections, and what's changing.Championship Pitch & Closing - Apr 15 | 2:00–3:15 PM PT - Chris Lustrino, Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau, and Teddy Lyons host the final round. Watch the winner crowned and ICW 2026 conclude.Want to Work to Clean Up Fashion? Career Choices in a Challenging Environment (Washington, DC | Tue, April 21, 2026 | 11:30 AM–1:00 PM EDT): Join Women for Women's Wear during DC Climate Week for an interactive roundtable + networking on building a career in sustainable fashion—whether you're exploring a new path, considering a pivot, or looking to drive impact from within your current role. Hear practical insights from professionals across apparel/footwear, government, technology, and finance, and leave with clearer next steps (bring your lunch; refreshments served). Limited space—registration subject to approval (Chatham House Rules apply). Register: https://luma.com/yyz01e4iFashion and the Climate Crisis: Policy and Innovation for a Cleaner Industry (Washington, DC | Tue, April 21, 2026 | 3:00–4:30 PM EDT): Join Loop Labs and Women for Women's Wear during DC Climate Week 2026 for a high-energy session on how policy, innovation, and entrepreneurship are reshaping fashion—featuring a policy panel on sustainability standards and supply-chain transparency, curated networking across government/industry/creatives, and a sustainable fashion showcase spotlighting circular designs from DC-area makers. Limited space—registration subject to approval. Register: https://luma.com/1ns7cqsjSave the Date! October 20th and 21st will be the Crowdfunding Professional Association Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit for 2026. This is the event of the year for everyone in the crowdfunding ecosystem.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 10,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.Manage the volume of emails you receive from us by clicking here.We share educational information—not investment advice. Some links may generate compensation. See our full disclosure.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe
Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.Devin: What is your superpower?Dan: Ability to unite people around a meaningful mission.America's deepening polarization is creating profound challenges. Democracy depends on finding common ground, yet politics have entered an era of what Director and Producer Dan Partland calls “extreme negative hyper-partisanship.” In a recent conversation, Dan discussed his upcoming documentary, UNFIT TOO, a sequel to his widely acclaimed film #UNFIT, which dissected the psychology of Donald Trump. This time, he seeks to look beyond Trump and Trumpism to examine how America can navigate out of this political and cultural divide.Dan explained the gravity of the situation, emphasizing how populism on both the right and left distorts democracy. “Populism is really about power...a ruthless majority,” Dan said. “Democracies can easily slip into that...what the study of psychology tells us is that these people are frequently...compelling...but it isn't necessarily good for the world.” Building on this analysis, the new documentary explores how polarization, populism, and societal divisions threaten democracy's core values of negotiation and representation.The concept behind UNFIT TOO takes the mission one step further: finding actionable strategies for individuals and communities to bridge the gaps between ideological divides. Dan sees this challenge reflected everywhere—from political discourse to fractured family dinners. He explained, “Every single family has been affected by this negative hyper-partisanship...What's the appropriate disposition towards that problem? How do you engage with people who you feel so different from?”As compelling as #UNFIT was in analyzing Donald Trump's leadership style, this sequel focuses on solutions. Dan noted that UNFIT TOO isn't just about diagnosing the current crisis but finding pathways to a more collaborative and functional democracy. The documentary aims to give audiences practical tools to discuss and address difficult, deep-rooted divides.Dan and his team are raising capital for UNFIT TOO through a regulated crowdfunding campaign on Wefunder. This approach reflects Dan's belief that business interests and philanthropy can align to create both cultural and social impact. Those interested in supporting the project can visit the campaign at s4g.biz/UNFIT.The success of #UNFIT, which became the top-selling documentary on Apple and a cultural phenomenon, is a testament to Dan's ability to tackle controversial and challenging topics in a meaningful way. UNFIT TOO promises to be equally impactful—a documentary that not only informs but also empowers Americans to reclaim the true spirit of democracy.tl;dr:Dan Partland's new documentary UNFIT TOO explores solutions to America's extreme polarization and populism.The film builds on the success of #UNFIT, examining Trump's psychology and its impact on politics.Dan describes populism as a key threat to democracy's representation, collaboration, and common-ground solutions.The sequel aims to provide tools for healing divides within families, communities, and broader political contexts.UNFIT TOO is raising funds via Wefunder, where business and philanthropy align for cultural impact.How to Develop Mission-Driven Leadership As a SuperpowerDan's superpower is his ability to unite people around a meaningful mission. Describing his work on documentaries like #UNFIT and now UNFIT TOO, Dan shared how engaging in mission-driven projects has fueled his work ethic and collaborations. “I really believe in... unifying people around a sense of mission,” Dan explained. For him, creating films that address real-world problems and inspire compassion in culture brings purpose to his work: “By aiming the lens at the real problems of real people, you engender more compassion.” Dan believes that great storytelling isn't just entertainment but a vehicle for social good, fostering collaboration and actionable impact.One project that exemplifies Dan's mission-driven approach was a documentary show embedded in a suburban high school, documenting students' trials and experiences. To align the production with the school's educational mission, Dan and his team created a filmmaking curriculum. This approach added value not only for the documentary but also for the students and community, demonstrating how mission-based work can serve diverse goals. Dan shared, “Creating this educational component...helped align with the project's objectives, amplifying the subjects' voices while advancing media literacy.”Tips for Developing This Superpower:Align Your Work with a Greater Purpose: Look for ways to connect your goals to real-world impact.Unify Teams Around Shared Missions: Create a sense of collective purpose for a project's success.Seek Collaborative Win-Wins: Ensure your work benefits stakeholders and participants in meaningful ways.Focus on Amplifying Social Good: Go beyond storytelling to highlight actionable change in your work.Cultivate Empathy Through Action: Use every opportunity to foster understanding, compassion, and collaboration.By following Dan's example and advice, you can make mission-driven leadership a skill. With practice and effort, you could develop this superpower to create impact and drive meaningful change in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileDan Partland (he/him):Director and Producer, UNFIT TOOAbout UNFIT TOO: UNFIT TOO is a feature-length documentary film being made to meet America's timely, urgent, and challenging moment.Website: wefunder.com/unfittooCompany Facebook Page: facebook.com/UnfitMovieCompany Twitter Handle: @duty2warnBiographical Information: Dan Partland is a veteran documentary producer and director whose work has defined nonfiction film and television over the past two decades. A two-time Emmy winner for Best Nonfiction Series and a two-time nominee for PGA's Nonfiction Producer of the Year, he began his career apprenticing with cinema verité pioneer Albert Maysles before founding the New York-based indie collective OTHER PICTURES (OPIX). There, he produced acclaimed projects including Welcome to the Dollhouse, which won the Sundance Grand Jury Prize, and The Ballad of Ramblin' Jack, a genre-defining documentary that also earned a Special Jury Prize at Sundance. He later co-created the groundbreaking series American High with RJ Cutler, winning an Emmy, and went on to executive produce and showrun A&E's Intervention for 14 seasons, producing over 150 episodes and helping reshape the national conversation on addiction.Partland has continued to push boundaries in documentary storytelling, serving as showrunner and director for CNN's The Sixties and later founding DOC SHOP, producing projects like Netflix's Afflicted, CNN's American Style, and TNT's American Race. In 2020, he directed #Unfit: The Psychology of Donald Trump, which became iTunes' best-selling documentary of all time. In 2022, he was tapped by Rob Reiner to direct God & Country, a powerful exploration of the rise of Christian nationalism in the United States. Across his career, Partland has consistently combined cinematic storytelling with cultural insight, using film as a tool to explore complex social, political, and human issues.LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/dan-partland-34a0575Support Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include rHealth, Frontier Bio, High Desert Gear, and Pump for Joy. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact Members(We're grateful for every one of these community champions who make this work possible.)Brian Christie, Brainsy | Cameron Neil, Lend For Good | Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Hiten Sonpal, RISE Robotics | John Berlet, CORE Tax Deeds, LLC. | Justin Starbird, The Aebli Group | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Mark Grimes, Networked Enterprise Development | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Mike Babbit | Coledger Solutions | Mike Green, Envirosult | Nick Degnan, Unlimit Ventures | Dr. Nicole Paulk, Siren Biotechnology | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.SuperCrowd Impact Member Networking Session: Impact (and, of course, Max-Impact) Members of the SuperCrowd are invited to a private networking session on April 14th at 1:30 PM ET/10:30 AM PT. Mark your calendar. We'll send private emails to Impact Members with registration details. Upgrade to Impact Membership today!SuperCrowdHour, April 15, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern. Devin Thorpe, CEO and Founder of The Super Crowd, Inc., will lead a session on “Compliance Made Easy: Navigating Form C.” Drawing on his extensive experience as an investment banker, impact investor, and crowdfunding expert, Devin will simplify the complexities of Form C filing for regulated investment crowdfunding campaigns. In this session, he'll walk through the key components of Form C, highlight common compliance pitfalls, and share practical strategies to ensure your offering meets regulatory requirements with confidence. Whether you're launching your first campaign or refining your compliance process, this SuperCrowdHour will equip you with the knowledge to navigate Form C efficiently—so you can focus on building trust and raising capital successfully.SuperCrowd26 featuring PurposeBuilt100™: This August 25–27, founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders will gather for a three-day, broadcast-quality global experience focused on disciplined capital formation, regulated investment crowdfunding, and purpose-driven growth. We're bringing together leading voices in impact investing, compliance, digital marketing, and circular economy innovation to deliver practical frameworks, real-world case studies, and actionable strategies. The event culminates in the PurposeBuilt100™ Showcase, recognizing 100 of the fastest-growing purpose-driven companies in the U.S. Register now to secure your seat and get all the details. August 25–27, streaming worldwide.Share the application for the PurposeBuilt100™: Purpose-driven founders deserve recognition. The PurposeBuilt100™ application window is now open—celebrating the fastest-growing companies building profit with purpose. If you know a founder creating real impact and real growth, please share this opportunity. Applications are free and confidential. Explore the program and apply today: PurposeBuilt100.com.Community Event CalendarSuccessful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.Platform Leaders Workshops Program – 5th ICAFR (Málaga, April 8–10, 2026): Join GECA and EDFA for hands-on, interactive workshops for crowdfunding platforms and ecosystem builders—covering investor UX & engagement, secondary markets/technology/tokenization, and platform data & research—plus dedicated peer exchange with global platform leaders. Register: https://www.crowdfunding-research.org/pagoICW 2026 Keynote Kickoff - Apr 13 | 10:30–11:00 AM PT - Tim Draper kicks off ICW 2026 with insights on backing transformative startups. Set the stage for three days of pitches, panels, and competition.Creators as an Asset Class - Apr 13 | 11:00–11:55 AM PT - Scott Kitun and Brian Belley explore creator investing as a new asset class. Learn the opportunities, risks, and emerging playbook.Group A Pitch Session - Apr 13 | 12:00–12:55 PM PT - Devin Thorpe, Hugh McDermott, and Wendel Afonso present live pitches. Vote for the top startup advancing to the Championship.Group B Pitch Session - Apr 13 | 2:00–2:55 PM PT - Paul Lovejoy, Sona Shah, Joe Schaeppi, and Hiten Sonpal pitch live. Cast your vote and back the strongest founder.Capital Dept: Diversifying the Capital Stack - Apr 14 | 11:00–11:55 AM PT - Kelley Frank, Brian Belley, Olowo-n'djo Tchala, Yael Weiss, and Wendel Afonso share proven fundraising strategies. Learn how to plan, launch, and close a successful raise.Group C Pitch Session - Apr 14 | 12:00–12:55 PM PT - Justin Renfro, Franck Lahaye, and Trevor Legwinski feature in this live pitch round. Watch, evaluate, and vote for the standout startup.The Listing Playbook - Apr 14 | 1:00–1:55 PM PT - Ajay Tandon, Chris Lustrino, and Gregg Jaclin discuss post-raise pathways. Learn how startups prepare for listings and liquidity.Group D Pitch Session - Apr 14 | 2:00–2:55 PM PT - Chase Collins, Amanda Benaim, Arthur Erickson, Chad McClennan, and Cole Shepherd pitch live. Vote for who advances to the final round.Beyond Stocks: Alternative Investing - Apr 15 | 11:00–11:55 AM PT - Scott Kitun and Darren Rovell explore collectibles and alternative assets. Discover trends shaping modern portfolios.Group E Pitch Session - Apr 15 | 12:00–12:55 PM PT - Eitan Charnoff, Teddy Lyons, Annette Azan, Jaeson Bang, and Jeremy McCool present the final pitches. Last chance to vote before finalists are selected.Compliance & Regulatory Landscape - Apr 15 | 1:00–1:55 PM PT - Brian Belley, Andrew Stephenson, and Jason Fishman cover key regulations. Understand disclosures, protections, and what's changing.Championship Pitch & Closing - Apr 15 | 2:00–3:15 PM PT - Chris Lustrino, Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau, and Teddy Lyons host the final round. Watch the winner crowned and ICW 2026 conclude.Want to Work to Clean Up Fashion? Career Choices in a Challenging Environment (Washington, DC | Tue, April 21, 2026 | 11:30 AM–1:00 PM EDT): Join Women for Women's Wear during DC Climate Week for an interactive roundtable + networking on building a career in sustainable fashion—whether you're exploring a new path, considering a pivot, or looking to drive impact from within your current role. Hear practical insights from professionals across apparel/footwear, government, technology, and finance, and leave with clearer next steps (bring your lunch; refreshments served). Limited space—registration subject to approval (Chatham House Rules apply). Register: https://luma.com/yyz01e4iFashion and the Climate Crisis: Policy and Innovation for a Cleaner Industry (Washington, DC | Tue, April 21, 2026 | 3:00–4:30 PM EDT): Join Loop Labs and Women for Women's Wear during DC Climate Week 2026 for a high-energy session on how policy, innovation, and entrepreneurship are reshaping fashion—featuring a policy panel on sustainability standards and supply-chain transparency, curated networking across government/industry/creatives, and a sustainable fashion showcase spotlighting circular designs from DC-area makers. Limited space—registration subject to approval. Register: https://luma.com/1ns7cqsjSave the Date! October 20th and 21st will be the Crowdfunding Professional Association Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit for 2026. This is the event of the year for everyone in the crowdfunding ecosystem.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 10,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.Manage the volume of emails you receive from us by clicking here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe
Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.Devin: What is your superpower?Mark: Refusal to give up, no matter the obstacles.Mark Elenowitz, CEO of Nant Global Finance, is transforming capital markets by creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to raise capital and for everyday investors to participate in early-stage investments. Using regulatory innovations like the JOBS Act, Mark has developed strategies to make capital formation easier, faster, and more accessible. His work effectively democratizes Wall Street, opening doors for smaller businesses and leveling the playing field for individual investors.Mark explained how the traditional investment model excluded non-accredited investors from participating. “The rich were getting richer,” he said, “while everyday Americans who wanted to support businesses and be part of their growth were left out.” Regulations like Reg A+ under the JOBS Act have changed the game, allowing companies to crowdfund investments while offering liquidity through public markets. This enables “individual investors to get the same access the Wall Street elite always had.”Mark Elenowitz, CEO of Nant Global Finance, will be speaking at SuperCrowd26, featuring PurposeBuilt100™. His session, "What Actually Scales: What Survives and What Doesn't," will offer invaluable insights into building sustainable, scalable ventures. Don't miss this chance to learn from an industry innovator. Register now at https://supercrowd26.comNant Global Finance is leading the way by utilizing these updated frameworks to innovate the capital markets. In 2017, Mark spearheaded the first Reg A+ company to go public on the New York Stock Exchange. Since then, similar groundbreaking successes have followed, including the public offering of Newsmax, which raised capital from over 30,000 investors. These milestones highlight a future in which smaller businesses can access public markets without the overwhelming costs associated with traditional IPOs.Part of Mark's mission is to support entrepreneurs who start their journeys with limited capital and resources. Through regulated investment crowdfunding campaigns, Nant Global Finance provides a way for smaller businesses to generate significant capital in ways that mirror traditional IPOs. As Mark noted, “Customers can become shareholders, and shareholders can become customers—it's self-fulfilling.”Mark's approach to capital markets is clear: combine technology and progressive regulations to create wealth-sharing opportunities on an unprecedented scale. Whether you're a business owner with a bold vision or an investor eager to support innovative ideas, this model offers a tangible path to meaningful impact.By creating these opportunities and reconnecting public markets with smaller enterprises, Mark is building a Wall Street that serves both investors and entrepreneurs alike.tl;dr:Mark Elenowitz shares how new laws under the JOBS Act are democratizing early-stage business investments.Nant Global Finance creates new opportunities for small entrepreneurs to raise capital through Reg A+ IPOs.Mark highlights his pioneering efforts, including the first Reg A+ listing on the New York Stock Exchange.Through resilience and creativity, he overcame obstacles to design innovative solutions for emerging markets.Mark's inspiring determination reminds entrepreneurs to embrace persistence as a key to long-term success.How to Develop Unyielding Determination As a SuperpowerMark's superpower is his refusal to give up, no matter the obstacles. He shared, “I've never been one to accept what everyone else is doing without trying to find an alternative path.” Mark explained how this perseverance has fueled his career, allowing him to see possibilities others overlooked. By tackling challenges like modernizing Wall Street and introducing blockchain-based securities, Mark leverages his unrelenting drive to empower others. “I've been an entrepreneur all my life…I earned everything I had,” he said, highlighting how resilience has shaped his approach to business and life.One of Mark's defining moments came during the 2010 collapse of the Chinese cross-border M&A market. Overnight, he faced the stark reality of managing a firm of over 70 employees with no revenue. Standing at a crossroads, Mark embraced the newly emerging JOBS Act as an opportunity to build something transformative. This pivotal decision not only saved his business but laid the foundation for his industry-changing work in crowdfunding and democratizing capital markets.Tips for Developing Determination:Learn from mistakes and consistently use them as stepping stones for growth.Identify risk as an opportunity—take calculated risks to achieve meaningful goals.Challenge conventional paths and always seek creative, alternative solutions.Embrace resilience by committing to your vision, even in the face of setbacks.Focus on persistence by breaking down overwhelming challenges into manageable tasks.By following Mark's example and advice, you can make unyielding determination a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileMark Elenowitz (he/him):CEO, Nant Global FinanceAbout Nant Global Finance: Nant Global Finance, Inc. (“NANT”) is a next generation blockchain enabled financial services company that is creating a fully integrated capital markets platform combining U.S. broker capabilities, exchange operations, transfer agency services, and blockchain technology. NANT brings together three U.S. registered broker dealers, two U.S. transfer agents, a global exchange operator, proprietary software and blockchain infrastructure, a portfolio of blockchain patents and significant marketing support from the Los Angeles Times Media Group, including its partnership with the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) for floor-based broadcasting.Website: nantglobalfinance.comBiographical Information: Mark Elenowitz is a Wall Street veteran with over 35 years' experience. He co-founded a boutique investment bank that was based in Manhattan and its online capital formation platform BANQ® (www.banq.co) *, both which have been instrumental in laying down the framework for Regulation A+ crowdfunding offerings. The methodology Mark Elenowitz structured is what led the first successful Reg A+ IPO to list on a National Securities Exchange — the New York Stock Exchange — with other Reg A+ offerings following the blazing trail. He is a noted speaker at Small Cap and Reg A events, including the SEC Small Business Forum, and has been profiled in BusinessWeek, CNBC, and several other publications. Mr. Elenowitz also was a member of the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) Private Markets Executive Advisory Board tasked with developing DTCC's new Digital Securities Management (DSM) platform.LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/mark-elenowitz-45a438Personal Instagram Handle: @mark.elenowitzSupport Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include rHealth, Frontier Bio, High Desert Gear, and Mission Booster Procurement. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact Members(We're grateful for every one of these community champions who make this work possible.)Brian Christie, Brainsy | Cameron Neil, Lend For Good | Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Hiten Sonpal, RISE Robotics | John Berlet, CORE Tax Deeds, LLC. | Justin Starbird, The Aebli Group | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Mark Grimes, Networked Enterprise Development | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Mike Babbit | Coledger Solutions | Mike Green, Envirosult | Nick Degnan, Unlimit Ventures | Dr. Nicole Paulk, Siren Biotechnology | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.SuperCrowd Impact Member Networking Session: Impact (and, of course, Max-Impact) Members of the SuperCrowd are invited to a private networking session on April 14th at 1:30 PM ET/10:30 AM PT. Mark your calendar. We'll send private emails to Impact Members with registration details. Upgrade to Impact Membership today!SuperCrowdHour, April 15, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern. Devin Thorpe, CEO and Founder of The Super Crowd, Inc., will lead a session on “Compliance Made Easy: Navigating Form C.” Drawing on his extensive experience as an investment banker, impact investor, and crowdfunding expert, Devin will simplify the complexities of Form C filing for regulated investment crowdfunding campaigns. In this session, he'll walk through the key components of Form C, highlight common compliance pitfalls, and share practical strategies to ensure your offering meets regulatory requirements with confidence. Whether you're launching your first campaign or refining your compliance process, this SuperCrowdHour will equip you with the knowledge to navigate Form C efficiently—so you can focus on building trust and raising capital successfully.SuperCrowd26 featuring PurposeBuilt100™: This August 25–27, founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders will gather for a three-day, broadcast-quality global experience focused on disciplined capital formation, regulated investment crowdfunding, and purpose-driven growth. We're bringing together leading voices in impact investing, compliance, digital marketing, and circular economy innovation to deliver practical frameworks, real-world case studies, and actionable strategies. The event culminates in the PurposeBuilt100™ Showcase, recognizing 100 of the fastest-growing purpose-driven companies in the U.S. Register now to secure your seat and get all the details. August 25–27, streaming worldwide.Share the application for the PurposeBuilt100™: Purpose-driven founders deserve recognition. The PurposeBuilt100™ application window is now open—celebrating the fastest-growing companies building profit with purpose. If you know a founder creating real impact and real growth, please share this opportunity. Applications are free and confidential. Explore the program and apply today: PurposeBuilt100.com.Community Event CalendarSuccessful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.Platform Leaders Workshops Program – 5th ICAFR (Málaga, April 8–10, 2026): Join GECA and EDFA for hands-on, interactive workshops for crowdfunding platforms and ecosystem builders—covering investor UX & engagement, secondary markets/technology/tokenization, and platform data & research—plus dedicated peer exchange with global platform leaders. Register: https://www.crowdfunding-research.org/pagoICW 2026 Keynote Kickoff - Apr 13 | 10:30–11:00 AM PT - Tim Draper kicks off ICW 2026 with insights on backing transformative startups. Set the stage for three days of pitches, panels, and competition.Creators as an Asset Class - Apr 13 | 11:00–11:55 AM PT - Scott Kitun and Brian Belley explore creator investing as a new asset class. Learn the opportunities, risks, and emerging playbook.Group A Pitch Session - Apr 13 | 12:00–12:55 PM PT - Devin Thorpe, Hugh McDermott, and Wendel Afonso present live pitches. Vote for the top startup advancing to the Championship.Group B Pitch Session - Apr 13 | 2:00–2:55 PM PT - Paul Lovejoy, Sona Shah, Joe Schaeppi, and Hiten Sonpal pitch live. Cast your vote and back the strongest founder.Capital Dept: Diversifying the Capital Stack - Apr 14 | 11:00–11:55 AM PT - Kelley Frank, Brian Belley, Olowo-n'djo Tchala, Yael Weiss, and Wendel Afonso share proven fundraising strategies. Learn how to plan, launch, and close a successful raise.Group C Pitch Session - Apr 14 | 12:00–12:55 PM PT - Justin Renfro, Franck Lahaye, and Trevor Legwinski feature in this live pitch round. Watch, evaluate, and vote for the standout startup.The Listing Playbook - Apr 14 | 1:00–1:55 PM PT - Ajay Tandon, Chris Lustrino, and Gregg Jaclin discuss post-raise pathways. Learn how startups prepare for listings and liquidity.Group D Pitch Session - Apr 14 | 2:00–2:55 PM PT - Chase Collins, Amanda Benaim, Arthur Erickson, Chad McClennan, and Cole Shepherd pitch live. Vote for who advances to the final round.Beyond Stocks: Alternative Investing - Apr 15 | 11:00–11:55 AM PT - Scott Kitun and Darren Rovell explore collectibles and alternative assets. Discover trends shaping modern portfolios.Group E Pitch Session - Apr 15 | 12:00–12:55 PM PT - Eitan Charnoff, Teddy Lyons, Annette Azan, Jaeson Bang, and Jeremy McCool present the final pitches. Last chance to vote before finalists are selected.Compliance & Regulatory Landscape - Apr 15 | 1:00–1:55 PM PT - Brian Belley, Andrew Stephenson, and Jason Fishman cover key regulations. Understand disclosures, protections, and what's changing.Championship Pitch & Closing - Apr 15 | 2:00–3:15 PM PT - Chris Lustrino, Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau, and Teddy Lyons host the final round. Watch the winner crowned and ICW 2026 conclude.Want to Work to Clean Up Fashion? Career Choices in a Challenging Environment (Washington, DC | Tue, April 21, 2026 | 11:30 AM–1:00 PM EDT): Join Women for Women's Wear during DC Climate Week for an interactive roundtable + networking on building a career in sustainable fashion—whether you're exploring a new path, considering a pivot, or looking to drive impact from within your current role. Hear practical insights from professionals across apparel/footwear, government, technology, and finance, and leave with clearer next steps (bring your lunch; refreshments served). Limited space—registration subject to approval (Chatham House Rules apply). Register: https://luma.com/yyz01e4iFashion and the Climate Crisis: Policy and Innovation for a Cleaner Industry (Washington, DC | Tue, April 21, 2026 | 3:00–4:30 PM EDT): Join Loop Labs and Women for Women's Wear during DC Climate Week 2026 for a high-energy session on how policy, innovation, and entrepreneurship are reshaping fashion—featuring a policy panel on sustainability standards and supply-chain transparency, curated networking across government/industry/creatives, and a sustainable fashion showcase spotlighting circular designs from DC-area makers. Limited space—registration subject to approval. Register: https://luma.com/1ns7cqsjSave the Date! October 20th and 21st will be the Crowdfunding Professional Association Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit for 2026. This is the event of the year for everyone in the crowdfunding ecosystem.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 10,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.Manage the volume of emails you receive from us by clicking here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe
Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.Devin: What is your superpower?Patrick: Ability to envision opportunities that create shared value through connection and collaboration.Patrick A. Howell is a rare combination of humanitarian and financier, blending his deep expertise in capital market formation with a passion for helping people. In today's episode, Patrick revealed that his approach to finance begins and ends with humanity, challenging us all to see the human stories that underpin every decision.Patrick credits much of his perspective to his upbringing, pointing out how his parents influenced his values. “My father always invited me to elevate myself to my highest potential. My mother taught me to do good inside the world,” Patrick shared. These foundational values have shaped an extraordinary career infused with purpose.At Global Market Intelligence & Media, where he serves as CEO, Patrick's vision is rooted in building connections that create “win-win-win-win” outcomes. He explained, “I think there's no reason why we can't do business in such a way where it enhances everybody—the person doing the business, the person receiving the business, and all the others involved.” This commitment to equitable, human-centered solutions is the hallmark of his work.Patrick also hosts a podcast called Global I Am, which highlights inspiring stories and groundbreaking ideas across culture, finance, and innovation. Through his podcast, he amplifies voices from diverse backgrounds while demonstrating the ways business and humanity can intersect to create meaningful change.In addition, Patrick is preparing to release his highly anticipated memoir, Getting Deals Done, in August. The book promises to offer a behind-the-scenes look at his remarkable journey, blending personal stories with insights into capital market formation and strategies for creating impactful connections. “It's my story in many ways, but also the story of several mentors,” Patrick said, offering listeners a glimpse of what's to come.Patrick's belief in the transformative potential of finance has deep roots. Drawing on examples like his efforts to diversify funding and catalyze financial empowerment, Patrick reminded listeners that true impact is driven by relationships and shared vision. “It always comes back to recognizing what's special about the people with whom we engage on a day-to-day basis,” he emphasized, illustrating how purpose and profit can indeed coexist.This conversation inspired me to reframe finance as a tool for collective good. Patrick masterfully shows us how the financial world can serve not only economies but also humanity, often bridging cultural and economic gaps to create opportunities that matter.With leaders like Patrick paving the way, we're reminded that our superpowers—whether insight, vision, or empathy—can be real changemakers in every facet of our lives.tl;dr:Patrick Howell shares how his upbringing shaped his humanitarian approach to finance and culture.Getting Deals Done, Howell's upcoming memoir, offers insights into impact-driven leadership and capital markets.Howell uses his Global I Am podcast to amplify diverse voices and foster meaningful global connections.Global Market Intelligence & Media builds solutions for equitable and transformative opportunities in underserved communities.Howell's visionary connection building inspires a future where humanity and business thrive together.How to Develop Visionary Connection Building As a SuperpowerPatrick's superpower is his rare ability to envision opportunities that create shared value through connection and collaboration. As he put it, “Networking is a very powerful ability, but I also love business development in the context of that networking.” What makes his approach remarkable is his focus on fostering relationships grounded in humanity. Patrick explained, “I think there's no reason why we can't do business in such a way where it enhances everybody...a win-win-win-win situation.” This people-first strategy shapes the way he builds bridges across industries and continents.Patrick demonstrated his superpower while working alongside his team at Global Market Intelligence & Media to reverse-engineer the transatlantic slave trade into a “transatlantic peace and prosperity trade.” Together, his team succeeded in securing a major agricultural grant to help create economic and technological opportunities across the Caribbean, Africa, and beyond. The collaborative process not only strengthened his team's operations but also fostered connections that highlighted the mutually beneficial impact of their visionary work.Tips for Developing This Superpower:Build relationships rooted in shared values instead of focusing only on short-term goals.Surround yourself with diverse individuals who inspire and challenge you to think bigger.Envision solutions where everyone benefits, including people, communities, and organizations.Maintain a daily spiritual practice for grounding and inspiration.Act with confidence and remain focused, even when projects feel overwhelming.By following Patrick's example and advice, you can make visionary connection building a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfilePatrick A. Howell (he/him):CEO, Global Market Intelligence & MediaAbout Global Market Intelligence & Media: Investor Relations & Investment Banking Consultation.Website: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/global-i-am/id1872536884Other URL: penguinrandomhouse.com/books/782344/getting-deals-done-by-patrick-howellBiographical Information: Patrick A. Howell is an award-winning financier, author, and business development leader with nearly 35 years of experience spanning from San Francisco's Market Street to Wall Street. He is recognized for his unique ability to bridge the worlds of capital formation and creative storytelling.LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/howell1banker2importer3publishPersonal Instagram Handle: @getting_deals_done Personal Facebook Profile: facebook.com/BankerWriterVisionarySupport Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include rHealth, Frontier Bio, High Desert Gear, and Mission Booster Procurement. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact Members(We're grateful for every one of these community champions who make this work possible.)Brian Christie, Brainsy | Cameron Neil, Lend For Good | Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Hiten Sonpal, RISE Robotics | John Berlet, CORE Tax Deeds, LLC. | Justin Starbird, The Aebli Group | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Mark Grimes, Networked Enterprise Development | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Mike Babbit | Coledger Solutions | Mike Green, Envirosult | Nick Degnan, Unlimit Ventures | Dr. Nicole Paulk, Siren Biotechnology | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.SuperCrowd Impact Member Networking Session: Impact (and, of course, Max-Impact) Members of the SuperCrowd are invited to a private networking session on April 14th at 1:30 PM ET/10:30 AM PT. Mark your calendar. We'll send private emails to Impact Members with registration details. Upgrade to Impact Membership today!SuperCrowdHour, April 15, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern. Devin Thorpe, CEO and Founder of The Super Crowd, Inc., will lead a session on “Compliance Made Easy: Navigating Form C.” Drawing on his extensive experience as an investment banker, impact investor, and crowdfunding expert, Devin will simplify the complexities of Form C filing for regulated investment crowdfunding campaigns. In this session, he'll walk through the key components of Form C, highlight common compliance pitfalls, and share practical strategies to ensure your offering meets regulatory requirements with confidence. Whether you're launching your first campaign or refining your compliance process, this SuperCrowdHour will equip you with the knowledge to navigate Form C efficiently—so you can focus on building trust and raising capital successfully.SuperCrowd26 featuring PurposeBuilt100™: This August 25–27, founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders will gather for a three-day, broadcast-quality global experience focused on disciplined capital formation, regulated investment crowdfunding, and purpose-driven growth. We're bringing together leading voices in impact investing, compliance, digital marketing, and circular economy innovation to deliver practical frameworks, real-world case studies, and actionable strategies. The event culminates in the PurposeBuilt100™ Showcase, recognizing 100 of the fastest-growing purpose-driven companies in the U.S. Register now to secure your seat and get all the details. August 25–27, streaming worldwide.Share the application for the PurposeBuilt100™: Purpose-driven founders deserve recognition. The PurposeBuilt100™ application window is now open—celebrating the fastest-growing companies building profit with purpose. If you know a founder creating real impact and real growth, please share this opportunity. Applications are free and confidential. Explore the program and apply today: PurposeBuilt100.com.Community Event CalendarSuccessful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.Join the RMAIIG Education Subgroup on March 30, 2026 (6:00–7:00 PM) in the Aerospace Building, AERO N240 (3775 Discovery Dr, Boulder, CO) for “Vision to Reality: AI Avatars in Education” with Karl Dakin (Dakin Capital LLC), exploring how multi-avatar AI (CAP, TAM, and “BEN”) can support learning through Socratic dialogue, assessments, and case guidance—free pizza, RSVP here: https://forms.gle/MBj3mCumdtwXWDo29Platform Leaders Workshops Program – 5th ICAFR (Málaga, April 8–10, 2026): Join GECA and EDFA for hands-on, interactive workshops for crowdfunding platforms and ecosystem builders—covering investor UX & engagement, secondary markets/technology/tokenisation, and platform data & research—plus dedicated peer exchange with global platform leaders. Register: https://www.crowdfunding-research.org/pagoICW 2026 Keynote Kickoff - Apr 13 | 10:30–11:00 AM PT - Tim Draper kicks off ICW 2026 with insights on backing transformative startups. Set the stage for three days of pitches, panels, and competition.Creators as an Asset Class - Apr 13 | 11:00–11:55 AM PT - Scott Kitun and Brian Belley explore creator investing as a new asset class. Learn the opportunities, risks, and emerging playbook.Group A Pitch Session - Apr 13 | 12:00–12:55 PM PT - Devin Thorpe, Hugh McDermott, and Wendel Afonso present live pitches. Vote for the top startup advancing to the Championship.Group B Pitch Session - Apr 13 | 2:00–2:55 PM PT - Paul Lovejoy, Sona Shah, Joe Schaeppi, and Hiten Sonpal pitch live. Cast your vote and back the strongest founder.Capital Dept: Diversifying the Capital Stack - Apr 14 | 11:00–11:55 AM PT - Kelley Frank, Brian Belley, Olowo-n'djo Tchala, Yael Weiss, and Wendel Afonso share proven fundraising strategies. Learn how to plan, launch, and close a successful raise.Group C Pitch Session - Apr 14 | 12:00–12:55 PM PT - Justin Renfro, Franck Lahaye, and Trevor Legwinski feature in this live pitch round. Watch, evaluate, and vote for the standout startup.The Listing Playbook - Apr 14 | 1:00–1:55 PM PT - Ajay Tandon, Chris Lustrino, and Gregg Jaclin discuss post-raise pathways. Learn how startups prepare for listings and liquidity.Group D Pitch Session - Apr 14 | 2:00–2:55 PM PT - Chase Collins, Amanda Benaim, Arthur Erickson, Chad McClennan, and Cole Shepherd pitch live. Vote for who advances to the final round.Beyond Stocks: Alternative Investing - Apr 15 | 11:00–11:55 AM PT - Scott Kitun and Darren Rovell explore collectibles and alternative assets. Discover trends shaping modern portfolios.Group E Pitch Session - Apr 15 | 12:00–12:55 PM PT - Eitan Charnoff, Teddy Lyons, Annette Azan, Jaeson Bang, and Jeremy McCool present the final pitches. Last chance to vote before finalists are selected.Compliance & Regulatory Landscape - Apr 15 | 1:00–1:55 PM PT - Brian Belley, Andrew Stephenson, and Jason Fishman cover key regulations. Understand disclosures, protections, and what's changing.Championship Pitch & Closing - Apr 15 | 2:00–3:15 PM PT - Chris Lustrino, Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau, and Teddy Lyons host the final round. Watch the winner crowned and ICW 2026 conclude.Save the Date! October 20th and 21st will be the Crowdfunding Professional Association Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit for 2026. This is the event of the year for everyone in the crowdfunding ecosystem.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 10,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.Manage the volume of emails you receive from us by clicking here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe
Most entrepreneurs build a business, but only a few build a brand that is actually "fundable" and ready for a multi-generational exit.In this episode of the Exit Strategies Radio Show, host Corwyn J. Melette sits down with Jason Fishman, CEO of Digital Niche Agency (DNA) and a "New Media Enthusiast" with over 15 years of experience in scaling brands. Jason pulls back the curtain on how to move past "hustle marketing" and into data-driven strategies that attract investors and secure your company's future. Whether you are looking into Regulation Crowdfunding or simply want to optimize your digital footprint, this conversation is a masterclass in preparing your business for its next great chapter.Key Takeaways:02:45 – The DNA of Growth: Jason explains the transition from "New Media" curiosity to managing nine-figure digital funding campaigns.08:12 – The 8-Point Strategy: A deep dive into the framework every business needs to audit competitors and map out a scalable path.15:30 – Demystifying Crowdfunding: Understanding Reg CF and Reg A+ as tools for community-driven capital and legacy building.22:15 – Testing vs. Scaling: How to use real-time data to know exactly when to pour fuel on the fire without wasting your budget.29:50 – The "Investimer" Model: Turning your customers into your most loyal shareholders and brand advocates.Legacy Takeaway:"True legacy isn't just about the product you sell today; it's about building a data-backed, fundable asset that can outlast its founder. By leveraging the power of the crowd and digital precision, you transform a 'lifestyle business' into a community-owned pillar of wealth."Connect with Jason:Website: https://www.digitalnicheagency.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-fishman-765777241/Connect with Corwyn:Contact Number: 843-619-3005Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exitstrategiesradioshow/FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/exitstrategiessc/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxoSuynJd5c4qQ_eDXLJaZAWebsite: https://www.exitstrategiesradioshow.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmelette/Shoutout to our Sponsor: Country Boy HomesDo you remember your grandma's front porch? You know that spot where stories were told, kisses were stolen, and sweet tea was always being sipped. Now imagine giving your family a place to make those same memories, but in a brand new, energy-efficient, and home that was built just for you. At Country Boy Homes, we help folks just like you find that forever feeling.Whether it's your first home, your next home, or your, we're done with rent forever, like, seriously home, we specialize in affordable, durable, manufactured, and modular homes, the kind that make room for muddy boots, big dreams, and second helpings. Come see what coming home really feels like. Call 843-574-8979 today.Country Boy Homes, Built to Last, Priced for You.
This episode of the Cambridge Marketing Podcast focuses on how to market an investment crowdfunding campaign. Jason Fishman explains how to attract investors using ads, content and email, why testing different audiences matters, and how retargeting builds trust over time. It highlights the importance of social proof, clear messaging and a strong plan to turn interest into actual investment.
In this episode of Test. Optimize. Scale, Jason Fishman sits down with Gene Eidelman, co-founder and CEO of Azure Printed Homes, to discuss how 3D printed housing could reshape the future of construction. Gene shares his journey from real estate developer to startup founder and explains how his company is building homes faster, more efficiently, and with less waste using factory-based 3D printing. The conversation explores the housing crisis, rebuilding after disasters, solving homelessness, and how new construction technology could dramatically lower the cost of building homes. They also dive into lessons from launching and scaling a startup, raising capital through crowdfunding, and what founders should know about building products that truly resonate with customers and investors. If you are interested in housing innovation, startups, crowdfunding, or the future of construction, this episode is packed with insights. Key topics - The origin story of Azure Printed Homes - Why traditional construction is slow, expensive, and inefficient - How factory-based 3D printing changes the economics of housing - Using modular construction to build homes faster and reduce waste - Rebuilding communities after fires and disasters - Addressing homelessness with scalable housing solutions - The role of design and aesthetics in affordable housing - Lessons from raising millions through investment crowdfunding - How founders can identify the right customer and investor personas - What it really takes to scale a startup in a traditional industry Takeaways - Housing construction has changed very little in decades, creating opportunity for innovation - Factory-built homes can reduce costs, timelines, and construction waste - Solving social challenges like housing shortages requires both technology and execution - Crowdfunding can create a powerful network of investors, customers, and supporters - Strong founding teams with complementary skill sets improve startup success - Scaling a company requires the same persistence and effort as starting one - Understanding your audience is essential for both fundraising and product growth - Real innovation in construction must still navigate permits, financing, and regulations Social and Website: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geneeidelman/ Website: https://azureprintedhomes.com/ Reg CF: https://wefunder.com/azure
In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino sits down with Jason Fishman, founder of Digital Niche Agency (DNA), one of the earliest and most active “capital raising agencies” in equity crowdfunding. (00:00–02:45) |Jason breaks down what actually drives successful Reg CF and Reg A+ campaigns in 2026: setting traffic goals, understanding conversion math (average investment size vs. how many investors you need), and building a multi-channel funnel across Meta, Google, newsletters, retargeting, webinars, events, and organic content. (04:25–10:06) They also unpack the “crowd effect” that causes many campaigns to look flat mid-raise before spiking near the deadline. (10:19–12:30) Finally, they explain why consistent updates and investor relations between rounds can materially influence outcomes—both by improving trust and by strengthening repeat-investor participation over time. (23:04–25:55)
In this episode, Jason Fishman interviews George Rivera, an entrepreneur and author, discussing the transformative power of the "buy back time" framework. George shares his journey from burnout to building a $50 million company while working just 30 hours a week, emphasizing the importance of strategic delegation and systemization. They explore the challenges of balancing business growth with personal life, the significance of letting go of control, and the mindset shifts necessary for sustainable success. The conversation also delves into optimizing business operations, the role of effective team management, and the impact of personal development on professional growth. Takeaways: - Strategic delegation is key to freeing up time and reducing burnout. - Conducting a time audit helps identify low-value tasks to delegate. - Hiring the right team and firing fast can accelerate business growth. - Optimizing copywriting and advertising is crucial for scaling. - Mindset shifts are necessary to build a business that supports personal goals. - Systemization and process improvement lead to sustainable success. -Balancing work and family life enhances overall well-being. -Personal development is integral to professional growth. - Embracing change and letting go of control fosters business expansion. - Building a business engineered for freedom and impact is achievable. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Buy Back Time Framework 06:45 Overcoming Burnout and Achieving Balance 13:30 The Power of Strategic Delegation 20:15 Conducting a Time Audit for Efficiency 27:50 Building and Managing an Effective Team 34:05 Optimizing Business Operations 40:20 Mindset Shifts for Sustainable Success 46:55 Balancing Work and Family Life Social and Website: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-rivera-53b3296/ Website: https://buybacktimeformula.com/branding
In this episode, Jason Fishman hosts Ori Ohayon and Tory Ricalis, co-founders of Titl, to discuss how blockchain and AI are transforming real estate transactions. They share insights into their journey from identifying inefficiencies in traditional property dealings to developing a platform that streamlines title searches and reduces settlement times. The conversation covers the challenges of integrating new technology in a legacy industry, the importance of strategic partnerships, and the mindset shifts required for innovation. Ori and Tory also delve into the role of AI in automating processes, the impact of rebranding on market acceptance, and the future of real estate technology. Takeaways: Blockchain and AI can significantly reduce real estate transaction times. Strategic partnerships are crucial for gaining industry acceptance. Rebranding can enhance market perception and adoption. Automating title searches with AI improves accuracy and efficiency. Building a unified digital land registry offers a single source of truth. Flexibility and customization are key to meeting client needs. Long-term planning and resilience are essential for success. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Titl and Real Estate Innovation 06:45 Addressing Industry Inefficiencies 13:30 The Role of Blockchain and AI 20:15 Strategic Partnerships and Market Acceptance 27:50 Automating Title Searches 34:05 Building a Digital Land Registry 40:20 Rebranding and Market Perception 46:55 Future of Real Estate Technology Social and Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tory-ricalis-548818118/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/oriohayon/ https://titl.co/
In this episode, Jason Fishman interviews Bob Cohen, a business advisor at Braintree, discussing the intricacies of entrepreneurship, crowdfunding, and capital formation. Bob shares his journey into the world of investment crowdfunding, the importance of capital in entrepreneurship, and the role of incubators in supporting startups. They explore the challenges entrepreneurs face in raising capital, the significance of building relationships with investors, and the necessity of testing business ideas before scaling. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of FinTech and cryptocurrency, emphasizing the need for coachability and strategic planning in the entrepreneurial journey. Takeaways - Entrepreneurship consists of three parts: idea, management, and capital. - Many entrepreneurs struggle with capital raising due to lack of knowledge and networks. - Crowdfunding has evolved to become more accessible for typical entrepreneurs. - Building relationships with investors is crucial for success. - Coachability is a key trait for entrepreneurs seeking support. - Testing business ideas through minimal viable products is essential. - Scaling requires hiring the right people and building a strong team. - Networking and establishing credibility can lead to investment opportunities. - The lean startup model encourages testing before full-scale development. - Maintaining a day job can provide stability while pursuing entrepreneurial ventures. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Crowdfunding 07:33 The Importance of Capital in Entrepreneurship 12:23 Navigating the Crowdfunding Landscape 19:02 Exploring FinTech and Cryptocurrency 24:11 Building Relationships with Investors 29:17 Key Factors for Incubator Success 33:07 Testing and Validating Business Ideas 39:55 Scaling Your Business Effectively Social and Website: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobcohenbt/ Website: http://www.braintreepartners.org
Jason Fishman is a marketing strategist with over 15 years of experience helping brands scale through data-driven, multi-channel campaigns. As a "New Media Enthusiast," he has led initiatives across search, social, programmatic, influencer, and content marketing—holding leadership roles on the agency, brand, and vendor sides that give him a unique, 360° perspective. Before founding DNA, Jason led product marketing for a major mobile ad network representing 1,500+ publisher apps and top-tier advertisers. Since launching DNA in 2014, he's worked with 850+ brands and managed 500+ digital funding campaigns, generating nine figures in results across eCommerce, lead generation, and capital raises. A recognized thought leader, Jason has spoken at leading tech and marketing conferences, hosts the Test. Optimize. Scale. podcast, and contributes to the Forbes Agency Council and Crowdfund Professional Association Board. He leads a Los Angeles-based team focused on measurable growth and full-funnel performance. During the show we discuss: What inspired DNA's focus on data-driven, full-funnel marketing for brands and investors How the 8-Point Strategy helps companies launch faster with clarity, precision, and scalability The most common mistakes founders make when marketing to investors—and how to avoid them How to know when a campaign is ready to scale versus when it needs further testing The metrics that actually matter when measuring investor marketing success How first-party data, pixel tracking, and targeting drive consistent 3–10x ROAS How storytelling, validation, and multi-channel strategy convert attention into investor action Resource: https://www.digitalnicheagency.com/
What if a simple LinkedIn message could get you on the phone with decision-makers immediately? In this episode, Jason Fishman shares how DNA has worked on over 500 investment crowdfunding campaigns that have collectively produced nine figures of capital. His agency specializes in investor marketing and user acquisition, helping brands raise capital through Reg CF, Reg A+, and Reg D filings. Jason's mission stems from a sobering statistic: nine out of ten businesses fail in their first year, and nine out of ten that survive fail the next year. Many of them fail because they're undercapitalized. By using his digital marketing skillset to bring the right investors to marketing funnels and measure actual conversion and return on ad spend, Jason helps companies that are having trouble meeting new investors access the capital they need to survive and thrive. He reveals how he met his business partner Tim Martinez at a 2009 conference after almost skipping a workshop. Jason waited in line 10-15 minutes just to talk to Tim, and that conversation eventually led to co-founding DNA together. Jason also shares his LinkedIn outreach strategy: send 25 invitations per day with customized messaging, look for a 20% acceptance rate, and include a scheduling link by message three. This simple tactic helped DNA connect with FINRA regulated portals and build the strategic partnerships that became instrumental to their success. [00:05:20] DNA: Investor Marketing and User Acquisition Focused on investor acquisition, targeting investors with advertising and outreach Worked on over 500 deals that collectively produced nine figures of capital Campaigns in 2025 alone have surpassed $100 million raised altogether Helps brands that are having trouble meeting new investors [00:06:20] Why Jason Does This Work Nine out of ten businesses fail in first year, nine out of ten that survive fail the next year Many fail because they're undercapitalized Can use digital marketing skillset to bring right investors to marketing funnel Measure conversion, return on ad spend, total transactional value [00:07:20] Background in Ad Tech Part of social gaming startup in Los Angeles, played role in capital raise Raised over $3 million in seed capital, created countless versions of deck Company merged with advertising network, started working with Fortune 500s Quickly found fundraising was common part of conversation [00:08:20] First Campaign: $2.83 Million First campaign through Reg D 506(c) which allows solicitation of accredited investors Able to target high net worth, high household income audiences with advertising Raised $2.83 million on first campaign for Rayon Solar back in 2015 Reg CF (Regulation Crowdfunding) went into effect May 2016 [00:09:00] The Filings Available Today Can raise up to $5 million on Reg CF campaign Up to $75 million on Regulation A+ campaign (hoping for $150 million soon) Important to have specialization and niche as marketing agency Fell into this area, succeeded, kept getting introductions [00:11:00] What Inspires Jason Most Stat that nine out of ten businesses fail is not acceptable Part of LA accelerator community, works with universities and founders Want to make sure right eyeballs are on their products, companies, brands Funding could be make or break for them [00:12:00] Watching Companies Grow Watch clients' teams grow, their offices, their equipment, market share Seen groups go from $20 million valuations to $3.5 billion valuations Part of Crowdfund Professional Association working on tax credit for investors Would put Regulation Crowdfunding on tax form for every American [00:15:40] Meeting Tim Martinez in 2009 Met at SR Action Sports Retail conference in San Diego Almost didn't attend workshop, last minute walked into "50 Ways to Promote Your Skate Shop" Tim was professional skateboarder, worked in snow/skate/surf sports world 50-100 business owners taking notes on everything Tim said [00:16:20] Waiting in Line 15 Minutes Had to wait in line 10-15 minutes to talk to Tim after presentation First thing Tim asked: "How old are you?" (Tim few years older) Hit it off, had great discussion Tim said "I'm in Hollywood, you're in Hollywood, why don't we grab coffee sometime?" [00:17:00] The Path to Partnership Started pulling Tim into projects at agency, later worked for Tim's agency When Jason was at ad network, Tim asked if interested in starting new firm Tim was consulting companies with no idea about digital marketing Created DNA together, Tim has brought in countless introductions since [00:19:00] Don't Be Bashful Don't let self-doubt and little thoughts stop you ("maybe I'm too young or he's busy") Everyone wants to talk to speakers, why stick around? But Jason did Speakers are there for a reason, looking to have outcome for their time They're thought leaders, experts, probably things you can do together [00:20:40] How Tim Led to Crowdfunding Wouldn't have been possible without relationship with Tim Tim's relationship with Fundable introduced them to Reg D campaigns After success, Tim had friend in film industry with crowdfunding company That partner brought them to first Reg CF campaign in May 2016 [00:25:20] Building Strategic Partnerships Building strategic partnerships has been instrumental to success Would tell founder to incorporate into business plan, marketing plan, model Went to great lengths because saw how effective it was LinkedIn outreach in 2017-2018 got DNA on phone with portals right and left [00:26:00] The LinkedIn Strategy Can send 25 invitations per day from your profile Search by company, job title, company size, industry, zip code Send message with invitation, look for 20% or higher acceptance rate By message three, add scheduling link to streamline booking process [00:27:00] Customized Outreach Have very clear call to action, very visible opportunity on how to connect Every founder, if not every professional, should be doing this Start manually, really customize messaging Build relationships with people who can introduce you to target audience [00:30:00] Do More Don't think "I have a few relationships, I'll hit my goal" It's all about driving enough traffic at high enough conversion rate 50,000 visits per million raised at 2% conversion rate and $1,000-$2,000 average investment Engage experts, talk to people, do not be bashful KEY QUOTES "It's all about relationships. Your net worth is your network. Some people say it the other way around. Your network is your net worth." - Jason Fishman "Whether they're on television or a billionaire or leading a workshop or whatever it may look like, don't be afraid to go up to 'em and talk to 'em. There's no telling what it could look like 16 years into that relationship." - Jason Fishman "Building strategic partnerships has been instrumental to the success of our business, and it's something I would tell a founder to incorporate into their business plan, marketing plan, and their model." - Jason Fishman CONNECT WITH JASON FISHMAN
Podcasting doesn't fail because of audio quality, gear, or branding. It fails when there's no clear return on the time invested. In Episode 226 of Test.Optimize.Scale, Jason Fishman sits down with Dr. Jeremy Weisz to break down how podcasting can become a predictable engine for partnerships, referrals, and long-term business growth. Jeremy shares how his background as a chiropractor led him into podcasting, why he never obsessed over downloads, and how focusing on giving first helped him build Rise25 into a scalable business. The conversation covers common mistakes founders make when launching podcasts, how to define ROI beyond vanity metrics, and why quality relationships consistently outperform large audiences in B2B. They also dig into practical systems for follow-up, referral pipelines, social proof, and staying top of mind without constant selling. If you're thinking about launching a podcast or using content to deepen strategic relationships, this episode lays out a clear, grounded framework. Guest Dr. Jeremy Weisz is the cofounder of Rise25, where he helps professional service entrepreneurs build authority, partnerships, and scalable revenue through podcasting. He is also the host of Inspired Insider and has been featured in Forbes for building multiple businesses. Connect with Jeremy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drweisz/ Website: https://rise25.com/
Luis is standing at a critical crossroads in his agency's journey. Clients keep requesting additional marketing channels—email, influencers, partnerships—but he's worried about becoming a "do everything" agency that loses its core focus. Preston and Jason Fishman dive deep into the strategic art of service expansion, revealing how to grow your offerings without sacrificing quality or diluting your expertise. From finding your niche to intelligently adding complementary services, this episode is a masterclass in scaling your agency with intention and strategic insight. Support our show sponsors -> https://freelancetofounder.com/sponsors Submit your own question -> https://freelancetofounder.com/ask Jason Linkedin -> https://www.linkedin.com/in/jafishman/ Jason's Business -> https://www.digitalnicheagency.com/ Jason's Podcast -> https://www.youtube.com/@digitalnicheagency Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jason Fishman is a new-media strategist who leads DNA in Los Angeles, a go-to firm for eCommerce brands, digital assets, and crowdfunding-driven growth. He's helped power more than 500 successful crowdfunding campaigns, collectively raising nine figures through data-driven marketing strategies that scale. A frequent speaker at major crowdfunding conferences and a contributor to the Forbes Agency Council, Jason specializes in breaking down where modern PR meets performance marketing—and how brands can leverage both when investment and visibility matter most.The PR Podcast is a show about how the news gets made. We talk with great PR people, reporters, and communicators about how the news gets made and strategies for publicity that drive business goals. Host Jody Fisher is the founder of Jody Fisher PR and works with clients across the healthcare, higher education, financial services, real estate, entertainment, and non-profit verticals. Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok at @ThePRPodcast.Jason FishmanWebsite: https://www.jasonfishman.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonfishman/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonFishmanTwitter/X: https://x.com/JasonFishmanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonfishmanDigital Niche AgencyWebsite: https://www.digitalnicheagency.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-niche-agency/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DigitalNicheAgencyTwitter/X: https://x.com/DigitalNicheInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalnicheagencyThe PR PodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePRPodcast/Twitter: https://x.com/ThePRPodcast1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprpodcast_/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theprpodcast?
Natalie Chen is standing at a pivotal moment in her entrepreneurial journey, wrestling with a challenge many freelancers face: breaking free from being seen as just "the talent" and establishing herself as a true agency owner. Preston Lee and Jason Fishman dive deep into the strategic art of repositioning your business, revealing how to transform client perceptions from viewing you as a solo contractor to seeing you as a comprehensive, high-value agency with a talented team behind you. Support our show sponsors -> https://freelancetofounder.com/sponsors Submit your own question -> https://freelancetofounder.com/ask Jason Linkedin -> https://www.linkedin.com/in/jafishman/ Jason's Business -> https://www.digitalnicheagency.com/ Jason's Podcast -> https://www.youtube.com/@digitalnicheagency Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Marcus is stuck at a critical turning point in his freelance paid ads consulting business. Every time he tries to hire, his carefully built margins evaporate. Preston Lee and Jason Fishman dive deep into the strategic approach of scaling your agency, revealing the essential insights for hiring the right talent, structuring your offer, and ensuring each new team member contributes directly to your bottom line. Support our show sponsors -> https://freelancetofounder.com/sponsors Submit your own question -> https://freelancetofounder.com/ask Jason Linkedin -> https://www.linkedin.com/in/jafishman/ Jason's Business -> https://www.digitalnicheagency.com/ Jason's Podcast -> https://www.youtube.com/@digitalnicheagency Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jason Fishman is the Co-founder and CEO of Digital Niche Agency, a growth marketing and digital advertising firm that helps companies drive customer acquisition, investor outreach, and brand visibility through data-driven campaigns. He launched the agency in 2014 and has since led marketing initiatives for startups and established brands across e-commerce, lead generation, and capital raising. With over 15 years of digital marketing experience, Jason specializes in paid media, content strategy, and scalable growth systems. He also contributes thought leadership and advises emerging companies globally. In this episode… Attracting investors at scale isn't about luck — it's about systems, strategy, and execution. Many founders launch equity crowdfunding campaigns without a clear plan for generating sustained investor demand. So what actually separates campaigns that raise millions from those that stall early? Drawing from years of hands-on experience, Jason Fishman, a growth marketing expert specializing in investor acquisition, explains that scaling investor demand requires treating equity crowdfunding as a full-funnel marketing engine rather than a one-time raise. He highlights the need to align audience targeting, messaging, traffic sources, and social proof to guide investors toward confident decisions. When campaigns are built around data-driven projections and continuously optimized channels, momentum compounds instead of fading. Jason also emphasizes that strategic partnerships and consistent content act as force multipliers, significantly expanding reach and credibility throughout a raise. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Jason Fishman, Co-founder and CEO at Digital Niche Agency, to discuss how founders can attract investors at scale using equity crowdfunding. They explore how top campaigns drive traffic and conversions, the role of social proof and storytelling, and how metrics guide optimization. Jason also shares insights on strategic partnerships that accelerate investor demand.
Does book marketing feel confusing, overwhelming, or like something everyone else understands but you? You're not alone. And more importantly, you're not stuck.In this episode, Jason Fishman, CEO of Digital Niche Agency is my guest expert. With over 15 years of experience scaling digital marketing strategies, Jason pulls back the curtain on what actually works when it comes to marketing a nonfiction book. Not hype. Not hustle. A clear, practical path you can follow with confidence.You'll learn why most authors struggle because they blur the line between marketing and selling, and how separating the two instantly brings focus. We also discuss why understanding your niche and your competition saves time, money, and frustration before you promote anything.We explore simple ways to build momentum using content, partnerships, and small tests that show you what works without blowing your budget. You'll hear how to create early interest, activate your existing network, and make your launch work harder.In this episode, you'll discover:• What your competitors can teach you (without copying them) One quick audit that reveals how to position your book more clearly.• Why most content fails and how to fix it How simple offers and funnels turn attention into real interest.• The hidden purpose of a pre-launch It's not about hype. It's about momentum and visibility that lasts.• Why reviews are easier than you think How repetition, follow-up, and volume do the heavy lifting for you.If you want a simpler, smarter way to market your book and stop guessing what might work, this episode gives you a clear place to start.Here's how to connect with Jason:LinkedIn YouTube Website*************************************************************************How to Turn Your Ideas into Endless Content Feeling stuck every time you try to write for your business? Lisa Bloom's free training, AI Storytelling for Business Growth, is here to change that. She'll show you how to tap into the stories you already have, build a reusable content vault, and use AI to stay creative and authentic. No more blank pages or forced ideas. Three live sessions to choose from. Grab your free seat now and make storytelling your easiest growth tool.
Welcome to The Chrisman Commentary, your go-to daily mortgage news podcast, where industry insights meet expert analysis. Hosted by Robbie Chrisman, this podcast delivers the latest updates on mortgage rates, capital markets, and the forces shaping the housing finance landscape. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just looking to stay informed, you'll get clear, concise breakdowns of market trends and economic shifts that impact the mortgage world.In today's episode, we look at the lack of change from the GSEs over the course of 2025. Plus, Robbie sits down with Digital Niche Agency's Jason Fishman on creative capital deployment solutions for lenders and how the borrower credit box is expanding responsibly. And we close by reviewing what the latest inflation reports say about the Fed's direction in 2026.Thanks to the Refi Recapture Engine from LO Autopilot. Lenders lose ~80% of recapture business. Their plug & play Refi Recapture Engine triples recapture volume. It runs nonstop, analyzes every loan, creates personalized quotes and sends them directly to borrowers, and delivers refi-ready borrowers to your LOs on a silver platter.
In this episode of The Podcast Advertising Playbook, host Heather Osgood sits down with Jason Fishman, Co-Founder and CEO of Digital Niche Agency (DNA), to explore how specialization, podcasting, and thoughtful marketing strategy can drive sustainable growth. Jason shares how building a focused niche helped DNA stand out in a crowded digital landscape and why clarity matters more than ever as AI and automation reshape the industry. Together, Heather and Jason discuss how brands can prioritize their marketing efforts today, from underutilized digital tactics to the role podcasting plays in long-term credibility and thought leadership. Jason also offers practical advice for founders considering launching a podcast and highlights the most common mistakes brands make when advertising in the podcast space. In this episode, you will learn: Underused digital marketing tactics brands should be testing right now How podcasting fits into a modern thought leadership strategy Where new brands should focus first: content, paid ads, or community Common podcast advertising missteps and how to avoid them And more This episode is a must-listen for marketers, founders, and agency leaders looking to build authority, make smarter marketing decisions, and use podcasting as a powerful growth lever.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode of The Podcast Advertising Playbook, host Heather Osgood sits down with Jason Fishman, Co-Founder and CEO of Digital Niche Agency (DNA), to explore how specialization, podcasting, and thoughtful marketing strategy can drive sustainable growth. Jason shares how building a focused niche helped DNA stand out in a crowded digital landscape and why clarity matters more than ever as AI and automation reshape the industry. Together, Heather and Jason discuss how brands can prioritize their marketing efforts today, from underutilized digital tactics to the role podcasting plays in long-term credibility and thought leadership. Jason also offers practical advice for founders considering launching a podcast and highlights the most common mistakes brands make when advertising in the podcast space. In this episode, you will learn: Underused digital marketing tactics brands should be testing right now How podcasting fits into a modern thought leadership strategy Where new brands should focus first: content, paid ads, or community Common podcast advertising missteps and how to avoid them And more This episode is a must-listen for marketers, founders, and agency leaders looking to build authority, make smarter marketing decisions, and use podcasting as a powerful growth lever.
In this episode, host Jason Fishman sits down with John Andrade, entrepreneur, author, and founder of GO4CEO, to reveal the hard truths behind why so many businesses struggle to reach their potential. With over 25 years of experience leading management, sales, and strategy for organizations and his own ventures, John shares real-world lessons from building businesses with top-line revenues over $3.5 million and working in high-level roles within banking and financial services. He has seen the pitfalls that trip up even the most ambitious founders, and he is here to help you avoid them. What you'll learn in this episode: - The most common mistakes that keep entrepreneurs from breaking the $1M barrier - Why mindset and team-building are the true multipliers for growth - The difference between working in your business and working on your business - How to leverage mentors, align with the right people, and avoid the "stranglehold" that limits so many founders - Insider secrets from banking and financial services that can fast-track your business John's mission with GO4CEO is to share the strategies, skills, and stories that help entrepreneurs and business owners achieve their goals without falling into the traps he has seen all too often. Whether you are just starting out or looking to scale, this episode is packed with actionable advice and honest insights you will not hear anywhere else. About John Andrade: With over 25 years of spearheading management, sales, and strategy for organizations and entrepreneurial endeavors, John started GO4CEO to share all that he has learned from his experience and help entrepreneurs and business owners avoid the mistakes he sees all too often in the business world. Having owned businesses with top-line revenues of over $3.5 million and held management positions within banking and financial services, John knows the inside secrets that can fast-track your growth.
Send us a textWe dig into how investor marketing really works, from targeting to funnels to cost of capital, and why visibility beats postcards. Jason shares a clear playbook for using audits, pixels, and regulations to raise money online without wasting ad spend.• defining investor marketing across ads, content, outreach• mapping funnels from awareness to investment• cost per click, cost per lead, and acquisition benchmarks• quality vs quantity and blended traffic sources• geo targeting and audience personas for real estate• competitor audits with Similarweb, SEMrush, SpyFu• using Facebook Ads Library to study live creatives• retargeting with pixels and mid‑funnel ads• scripting, recording calls, and improving close rates• overview of Reg D, Reg CF, and Reg A structures• building first‑party investor data and scaling• growth as discipline, teams over solo, consistencyGive us a follow and a five-star review and write out a message Support the showThanks again for listening. Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave a FIVE-STAR review.Head to Dwanderful right now to claim your free real estate investing kit. And follow:http://www.Dwanderful.comhttp://www.facebook.com/Dwanderfulhttp://www.Instagram.com/Dwanderful http://www.youtube.com/DwanderfulRealEstateInvestingChannelMake it a Dwanderful Day!
We'd love to hear from you. What are your thoughts and questions?The conversation explores the impact of Reg CF under Title III of the Jobs Act, focusing on how it democratizes access to capital for founders and provides retail investors with growth stage deal flow. It highlights the strategies investors use to build portfolios and the importance of networking in crowdfunding.Main Points:Reg CF was designed to democratize access to capital.Investors can gain significant upside by investing early.There are investors with extensive portfolios in Reg CF.Networking is crucial for successful crowdfunding campaigns.Retail investors can access growth stage deals.The potential for high returns attracts diverse investors.Strategic outreach can enhance investment opportunities.Understanding the market is key for investors.Investing in multiple deals can mitigate risks.The crowdfunding landscape is evolving rapidly.Connect with Jason Fishman:jfishman@digitalnicheagency.comdigitalnicheagency.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jafishman/https://www.youtube.com/@DigitalNicheAgencyhttps://calendly.com/jfishman/30min?month=2025-09
Most founders think Regulation Crowdfunding is a quick way to raise capital — but it's far more strategic. In this episode of Test. Optimize. Scale, Jason Fishman sits down with Brian Korn, Head of FinTech & Blockchain at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, and board member of the Crowdfunding Professional Association, to unpack how Reg CF and Reg A+ really work.
Investor Fuel Real Estate Investing Mastermind - Audio Version
In this episode of the Investor Fuel podcast, host Michelle Kesil speaks with Jason Fishman, a growth marketer specializing in investor acquisition. Jason shares insights into his innovative marketing strategies for real estate investors, detailing his approach to building awareness and engagement through digital channels. He discusses the importance of a structured marketing strategy, the success stories from his campaigns, and the evolving landscape of digital marketing. Jason emphasizes the significance of building relationships and leveraging referral partnerships to find clients, while also exploring new trends in marketing, including the use of podcasts and AI tools. Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind: Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply Investor Machine Marketing Partnership: Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true ‘white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com Coaching with Mike Hambright: Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a “mini-mastermind” with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming “Retreat”, either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas “Big H Ranch”? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform! Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/ New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club —--------------------
Why do many equity crowdfunding campaigns fail to meet long-term success despite strong fundraising? In this episode of Test. Optimize. Scale., Jason Fishman interviews Greg Burke, a seasoned researcher focused on private capital markets and startup investing trends. The discussion centers on a key compliance issue in Regulation Crowdfunding: failure to file Form C-AR, the required annual report under Reg CF. Greg brings expertise in early-stage investing, investor behavior, and capital market regulations, drawing from years of research and analysis in the crowdfunding and venture ecosystems. His work focuses on how regulatory compliance affects investor trust, founder credibility, and long-term capital formation. Topics covered include: The purpose and timing of Form C-AR filings Reporting behavior trends across Reg CF campaigns How compliance impacts future fundraising opportunities SEC expectations and enforcement considerations The role of transparency in investor decision-making The conversation provides context for both startups preparing to raise capital and those navigating post-raise responsibilities under Regulation Crowdfunding. Website: https://www.gregory-burke.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-burke/ Follow Digital Niche Agency on Socials for Up-To-Date Marketing Expertise and Insights: Facebook: / digitalnicheagency Linkedin: / digitalnicheagency Instagram: DNA - Digital Niche Agency @digitalnicheagency Twitter: / dnagency_ca YouTube: / @digitalnicheagency
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Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.Devin: What is your superpower?Webb: ResiliencePlastic has become an omnipresent part of childhood, with most toys made from this enduring material. But what if there were a better way—something sustainable, durable, and just as fun? Webb Knudsen, CEO and founder of Playper, has created a solution. Playper produces planet-friendly, buildable toy sets made from an innovative material called “Playper board.” These toys not only spark children's imagination but are also designed to reduce plastic waste.Webb explained, “Playper is award-winning, planet-friendly, buildable playsets and storytelling card sets designed for imagination-inspiring pretend play.” He continued, “We make our toys out of a material called Playper board. It's durable, thick, and flexible… you can spill water, ketchup, whatever on it and wipe it right off.”Playper's toys are designed to endure even the roughest play while inspiring creativity. They feature a unique tongue-and-groove slotting system, creating a satisfying “click” when assembled. This system ensures that kids can build and rebuild their toys, offering hours of hands-on engagement.The company has already gained traction, with products available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Walmart.com, and in dozens of independent toy stores. Webb's mission to create sustainable toys has resonated with parents seeking alternatives to plastic. “There's a lot of demand for more sustainable toy options,” Webb said. “The majority… of all toys are made out of plastic. I really felt like there had to be a better way.”In addition to its environmental focus, Playper emphasizes education. Webb described how the toys' storytelling elements and social-emotional learning features set them apart. “They teach kids about their emotions,” he said. “That's a real big segment within toys.”Playper is also raising capital through WeFunder, allowing everyday people to invest in the company. “I wanted the average person to be able to invest in our business,” Webb explained. “It really is the type of business that resonates with normal everyday people.”By creating toys that prioritize sustainability and imagination, Webb and Playper are building a better future for kids and the planet.tl;dr:Playper creates durable, eco-friendly toys from paper to reduce plastic waste and inspire kids' creativity.The toys are available nationwide, including at Barnes & Noble, and emphasize storytelling and education.Webb Knudsen credits his success to resilience, adapting through challenges to refine Playper's products.Playper is raising capital via WeFunder, inviting everyday people to invest in its sustainable mission.Webb's leadership, team-building skills, and passion for innovation drive Playper's growth and impact.How to Develop Resilience As a SuperpowerWebb Knudsen identifies his resilience as a key superpower, enabling him to persevere through challenges. “When things don't go well, I get back up, brush myself off, and keep going,” he shared. Webb keeps two motivational reminders at his desk: an image of a frog refusing to be swallowed with the caption “never give up,” and a quote from tennis player Vitus Gerolitis, “Nobody beats Vitus Gerolitis 17 times in a row.” These keep him grounded, reminding him to stay persistent despite setbacks.Webb shared that Playper's journey has not been an overnight success. The company has faced numerous challenges, from refining its materials to pivoting product lines. Through trial and error, Webb and his team found the right formula for sustainable, buildable toys. Their persistence paid off, with Playper now sold nationwide at Barnes & Noble and in independent toy stores. Webb's ability to adapt and keep moving forward, even after setbacks, exemplifies his resilience.Tips for Developing Resilience:Focus on the Bigger Picture: Remind yourself of your mission and the purpose behind your work.Stay Motivated with Visual Cues: Use quotes or images that inspire perseverance to keep you grounded during tough times.Adapt and Pivot: Learn from failures and try new approaches until you find what works.Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge milestones, even small ones, to maintain momentum.Draw Inspiration from Loved Ones: Spend time with those who remind you of your “why,” like Webb does with his kids.By following Webb Knudsen's example and advice, you can make resilience a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileWebb Knudsen (he/him):CEO & Founder, PlayperAbout Playper: Playper is a forward-thinking toy brand that makes build-it-yourself storytelling playsets designed to spark imagination and parent-child bonding - with zero plastic waste. Our products use PlayperBoard®, a unique ultra-durable material that's kid-safe, toxin-free, and recyclable. Our “Buildable Storytelling” format is STEAM-accredited and built for brand expansion. We're backed by the former CEOs of Fisher Price, J. Crew, and Dell, and Chief Brand Officer of Mattel. We're led by former execs from Mattel, LEGO, Spin Master, and more.Website: playper.comX/Twitter Handle: @PlayperKidsCompany Facebook Page: facebook.com/PlayperToysOther URL: wefunder.com/playperBiographical Information: Webb Knudsen is a seasoned investor and entrepreneur with a deep track record in consumer brands.As Vice President at the private equity firm Partnership Capital Growth (PCG), Webb leads deal sourcing and investment strategy. PCG, an 18-year-old firm focused on health and wellness brands—from food & beverage to supplements and fitness—has made 35 investments and deployed over $500M across three funds and SPVs, achieving a 2x+ MOIC through 18 exits and six thriving portfolio companies.Webb is also Founder and Managing Partner of Knudsen Capital (KC), a bicoastal family office investing in early-stage, high-growth companies aiming to improve lives. Under his leadership, KC has backed about 40 consumer brands, with four acquisitions and standout returns including one company valued at 10x and another at 30x. The KC portfolio has realized a 3.3x MOIC across its investments.Before investing, Webb built a dynamic operating career across entertainment, tech, and media—holding leadership roles in sales, BD, and marketing at companies like Lucasfilm, Crisp, Aarki, and Millennial Reach. He began in film and media at Walden Media and CAA, and co-founded two startups before stepping in as CEO of Playper, a sustainable toy company for kids.Webb holds a dual degree in Sociology and Speech Communication from Pepperdine. He's a dad of four, Cub Scout Den Leader, dog lover, snowboarder, and music lover, and has lived in 4 countries and 20 cities.X/Twitter Handle: @WebbKnudsenPersonal Facebook Profile: facebook.com/webb.knudsenLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/webbknudsenInstagram Handle: @WebbKnudsenSupport Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include FundingHope, Kingscrowd, and Crowdfunding Made Simple. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact MembersThe following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on June 17, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.SuperCrowdHour, June 18, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern. Jason Fishman, Co-Founder and CEO of Digital Niche Agency (DNA), will lead a session on "How to Spin $1 of Advertising into $10!" He'll reveal proven strategies and marketing insights drawn from years of experience helping successful crowdfunding campaigns. Whether you're a founder planning a raise or a supporter of innovative startups, you'll gain actionable tips to boost visibility, drive engagement, and hit your funding goals. Don't miss it!Join us on June 25, 2025, at 8:00 PM Eastern for the Superpowers for Good Live Pitch—streaming on e360tv, where purpose-driven founders take the virtual stage to present their active Regulation Crowdfunding campaigns to a national audience of investors and changemakers. Selected startups are chosen for their commitment to community, alignment with NC3's Community Capital Principles, and their drive to create real-world impact. Thanks to sponsors DNA and DealMaker, this event is free to watch and amplifies the voices of underrepresented and mission-aligned entrepreneurs. Don't miss this inspiring evening where capital meets purpose—tune in to discover and support the next wave of impact-driven innovation.SuperCrowd25, August 21st and 22nd: This two-day virtual event is an annual tradition but with big upgrades for 2025! We'll be streaming live across the web and on TV via e360tv. Soon, we'll open a process for nominating speakers. Check back!Community Event CalendarSuccessful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.Devin Thorpe is featured in a free virtual masterclass series hosted by Irina Portnova titled Break Free, Elevate Your Money Mindset & Call In Overflow, focused on transforming your relationship with money through personal stories and practical insights. June 8-21, 2025.Join Dorian Dickinson, founder & CEO of FundingHope, for Startup.com's monthly crowdfunding workshop, where he'll dive into strategies for successfully raising capital through investment crowdfunding. June 24 at noon Eastern.Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.Call for community action:Please show your support for a tax credit for investments made via Regulation Crowdfunding, benefiting both the investors and the small businesses that receive the investments. Learn more here.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 9,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe
Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.Devin: What is your superpower?Nicole: Willingness to take bold leaps and embrace the unknown.Imagine a world where cancer is as treatable as the flu. That's the vision Nicole Paulk, the founder and CEO of Siren Biotechnology, is working tirelessly to bring to life. Driven by groundbreaking science, Nicole's company is on the brink of launching clinical trials for a revolutionary cancer treatment.Nicole's work leverages engineered viruses—those that don't make you sick—to deliver genetic medicines directly to cancer cells. These “good viruses” act as a delivery system for anti-tumor drugs, targeting difficult-to-treat cancers like recurrent high-grade gliomas, a fatal brain cancer. “We started to see data that looked really promising in this space,” Nicole explained, adding, “We felt a moral obligation to go after this cancer where there's just this huge unmet need.”Siren Biotechnology's approach is designed to have broad applications. Unlike treatments that target specific genetic mutations, their method has the potential to work on various tumor types. Nicole describes it as using viruses like a “little FedEx delivery truck” that can be engineered to deliver medicine precisely where it's needed in the body.This innovation didn't happen overnight. Nicole, a former professor of virology at UCSF, took the bold step of leaving academia to launch Siren Biotechnology. “I decided to resign from my faculty position and go be the founder and CEO just because I was so excited about the data and what we had so far,” she shared.In addition to traditional venture capital funding, Siren Biotechnology is inviting the public to invest through a regulated investment crowdfunding campaign. This unique opportunity allows patients, families, and supporters touched by cancer to be part of their journey. “We wanted to bring patients and their families onto our cap table,” Nicole said. “It's a way to involve them in the conversation much earlier.”Siren Biotechnology's work could redefine cancer care and inspire a new model for patient-centered innovation. With clinical trials just months away, the future looks brighter for those battling cancer—and for all of us who dream of a world where cancer is no longer a death sentence.tl;dr:Nicole Paulk's Siren Biotechnology transforms viruses into targeted cancer therapies with universal potential.The company focuses on recurrent high-grade gliomas, a fatal brain cancer with no standard treatment.Nicole left academia to lead Siren, leveraging her groundbreaking virology research to launch the company.Siren's unique crowdfunding campaign lets patients and families invest in the fight against cancer.Nicole's superpower, fearless innovation, drives her bold mission to revolutionize cancer care.How to Develop Fearless Innovation As a SuperpowerNicole's superpower is her willingness to take bold leaps and embrace the unknown. After spending nearly two decades building her academic career, Nicole left her position as a virology professor at UCSF to start Siren Biotechnology. She explained, “I feel like my superpower is just kind of being willing to jump off the cliff without a parachute and be like, we're going to figure it out. We're going to make it work.”Nicole exemplified fearless innovation when her research led to a groundbreaking discovery about the biology of a virus, one that required rewriting existing textbooks. Initially met with skepticism, her work was later validated and became a foundation for Siren Biotechnology's cancer treatment. This pivotal moment highlights Nicole's courage to challenge conventional knowledge and pursue transformative ideas.Tips for Developing This Superpower:Be willing to question conventional wisdom and explore new paths.Take calculated risks, even if it means stepping away from a well-defined career path.Embrace discomfort and uncertainty as a necessary part of innovation.Engage others by communicating your vision in relatable and accessible ways.By following Nicole's example and advice, you can make fearless innovation a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileNicole Paulk (she/her):CEO, Founder, President, Siren BiotechnologyAbout Siren Biotechnology: We are combining two transformative therapeutic technologies – AAV gene therapy and cytokine immunotherapy – into a single, reimagined modality that overcomes key challenges and redefines how we destroy tumor cells and elicit anti-tumor immunity.This is the first AAV gene therapy drug product that can be made once and used in numerous indications – a huge leap forward for the field. This drastically reduces clinical development times, manufacturing timelines, and capital needs for each clinical trial. Most importantly, ‘universal' means countless solid tumor cancer patients – regardless of tumor type or mutations – may benefit from this breakthrough approach.Website: sirenbiotechnology.comX/Twitter Handle: @SirenBioCompany Facebook Page: facebook.com/SirenBiotechnologyOther URL: wefunder.com/siren.biotechnologyBiographical Information: Dr. Nicole Paulk is the CEO, Founder, and President of Siren Biotechnology and has dedicated her career to advancing the field of gene therapy. With nearly two decades of expertise, Nicole has been at the forefront of developing cutting-edge advances to propel the field of gene therapy forward for a wide range of diseases.Before founding Siren, Nicole held various leadership positions in academia and industry and most notably was an Assistant Adj Professor of AAV Gene Therapy in the UCSF Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics before leaving to found Siren. Nicole has a B.S. in Medical Microbiology, a Ph.D. in Viral Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine from OHSU, and completed her Postdoctoral Fellowship and Instructorship in Human Gene Therapy at Stanford University prior to starting her lab at UCSF. Nicole is a pioneer in the development of next-generation AAV platforms for gene repair, gene transfer and gene editing, directed evolution for novel engineered capsid evolution, and comparative multi-omic approaches to interrogate translational AAV biology.Nicole is a renowned expert in gene therapy and has consulted extensively for big pharma, written draft CMC guidance for the FDA, and sits on the Scientific Advisory Boards for Sarepta, Astellas, Metagenomi, Dyno Therapeutics, CEVEC, GRO Biosciences, Excision BioTherapeutics, WhiteLab Genomics, Johns Hopkins Gene Therapy Initiative, the Gene Therapy for Rare Disorders Searchlight Program, and several stealth startups. She has been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, The Boston Globe, Endpoints, STAT, Phacilitate, GEN, BioPharma Dive, Evaluate Vantage, SF Business Times, WIRED, Drug Discovery World, MIT Tech Review, C&EN, and more. She sits on the Scientific Editorial Boards of the journals Gene Therapy, Human Gene Therapy, and Biopharma International Gene Therapy. She is the Chair of the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ASGCT) Translational Science Committee, and a member of the ASGCT Cancer Cell and Gene Therapy Committee and the Biocom California Cell and Gene Therapy Committee. She has invented numerous AAV gene therapy technologies that have been shared or licensed to dozens of gene therapy companies and nonprofit groups working in rare diseases.Outside of work, you can find Nicole adventure traveling (think whitewater rafting meets backcountry trekking), snowboarding, planning elaborate Halloween parties complete with animatronics and ghoulish menus, tending her vegetable garden, and obsessing over the latest wearable gadgets. If you're trying to track her down at a conference and can't find her, it's because she snuck off to an oyster bar.X/Twitter Handle: @Nicole_PaulkLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/nicolepaulkInstagram Handle: @sirenbioSupport Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include FundingHope, Kingscrowd and Crowdfunding Made Simple. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact MembersThe following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on June 17, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.SuperCrowdHour, June 18, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern. Jason Fishman, Co-Founder and CEO of Digital Niche Agency (DNA), will lead a session on "How to Spin $1 of Advertising into $10!" He'll reveal proven strategies and marketing insights drawn from years of experience helping successful crowdfunding campaigns. Whether you're a founder planning a raise or a supporter of innovative startups, you'll gain actionable tips to boost visibility, drive engagement, and hit your funding goals. Don't miss it!Join us on June 25, 2025, at 8:00 PM Eastern for the Superpowers for Good Live Pitch—streaming on e360tv, where purpose-driven founders take the virtual stage to present their active Regulation Crowdfunding campaigns to a national audience of investors and changemakers. Selected startups are chosen for their commitment to community, alignment with NC3's Community Capital Principles, and their drive to create real-world impact. Thanks to sponsors DNA and DealMaker, this event is free to watch and amplifies the voices of underrepresented and mission-aligned entrepreneurs. Don't miss this inspiring evening where capital meets purpose—tune in to discover and support the next wave of impact-driven innovation.SuperCrowd25, August 21st and 22nd: This two-day virtual event is an annual tradition but with big upgrades for 2025! We'll be streaming live across the web and on TV via e360tv. Soon, we'll open a process for nominating speakers. Check back!Community Event CalendarSuccessful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.Devin Thorpe is featured in a free virtual masterclass series hosted by Irina Portnova titled Break Free, Elevate Your Money Mindset & Call In Overflow, focused on transforming your relationship with money through personal stories and practical insights. June 8-21, 2025.Join Dorian Dickinson, founder & CEO of FundingHope, for Startup.com's monthly crowdfunding workshop, where he'll dive into strategies for successfully raising capital through investment crowdfunding. June 24 at noon Eastern. Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.Call for community action:Please show your support for a tax credit for investments made via Regulation Crowdfunding, benefiting both the investors and the small businesses that receive the investments. Learn more here.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 9,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe
Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.Devin: What is your superpower?Scott: Bias for actionFirefighters face life-threatening risks every day, and for too long, many of these dangers have gone unaddressed. Scott Holman, CEO and Founder of Red Line Safety, is on a mission to change that with innovative technology designed to protect firefighters in real time and improve their long-term health.Scott, a retired firefighter himself, brings decades of experience to this venture. His company builds wearable devices that gather physiological and environmental data, an advanced communication infrastructure to transmit the data, and a cloud-based dashboard for incident managers to monitor conditions and make data-driven decisions. "We create a solution that not only protects firefighters in real time but also helps them address long-term health issues," Scott explained during this episode of Superpowers for Good.The technology has already proven its potential. In one pilot test, Red Line Safety identified a critical health issue in a 24-year-old firefighter, enabling life-saving surgery. Scott shared, “When you tell firefighters these stories, they can't wait to use the technology. They want to know what they're exposed to, how they're responding physiologically, and they want to create an exposure record.”The market opportunity for Red Line Safety is enormous. Scott explained that the global market for firefighter safety equipment is valued at $20 billion. With patented technology and first-to-market status, Red Line Safety is poised to scale quickly. The company has already attracted attention from national and international organizations.To bring this life-saving technology to more firefighters, Red Line Safety is raising capital through a regulated crowdfunding campaign on Wefunder. Anyone interested in supporting this mission can visit s4g.biz/redline to learn more and consider investing.Every firefighter deserves to come home safely. Scott's vision, paired with Red Line Safety's groundbreaking technology, makes that goal closer to a reality.tl;dr:Red Line Safety develops wearable tech and cloud systems to protect firefighters in real time.Founder Scott Holman, a retired firefighter, brings decades of firsthand experience to the company's mission.The technology has already saved lives and provides invaluable data for long-term firefighter health.The $20 billion global market offers enormous potential for scaling Red Line Safety's patented solutions.A Wefunder campaign invites everyone to invest in this innovative, life-saving technology.How to Develop Bias for Action As a SuperpowerScott Holman describes his superpower as a “bias for action.” This stems from his Marine Corps training, which instilled a belief that he could accomplish any goal he set his mind to. “I came out of [boot camp] feeling extremely confident, like there's nothing I couldn't do,” Scott shared. This confidence has driven him to tackle challenges head-on, even in unfamiliar territory.Early in his life, Scott exemplified his bias for action by building a home for his family. Despite having no prior experience, he purchased a kit home, bought land in a rural community, and assembled the house largely on his own. “I realized we needed a house, and the only way I could do it was to build it myself. And I did,” he recalled, inspiring others to take bold steps as well.Tips for Developing the Superpower:Don't talk yourself out of trying something just because you haven't done it before.Believe in your ability to learn and adapt as you go.Build a support system—seek advice and collaboration from others with complementary skills.Don't fear failure; instead, view it as a learning opportunity, as Edison famously did.Take the first step and commit to seeing the project through, even if you need to pivot.By following Scott's example and advice, you can make a bias for action a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileScott Holman (he/him):Founder & CEO, Red Line SafetyAbout Red Line Safety: Red Line Safety is a mission-driven technology company founded by a retired Fire Captain and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, dedicated to protecting those who protect us. We develop cutting-edge wearable technology and deployable communication networks that provide real-time data on firefighter location, environmental hazards, toxic exposures, and vital signs, especially in remote areas without cellular coverage. By equipping incident commanders and safety officers with actionable insights, Red Line Safety enhances operational effectiveness, firefighter health and wellness, and public safety during structure fires, wildland incidents, and all-hazard emergencies.Website: redlinesafety.comX/Twitter Handle: @RLSFireCompany Facebook Page: facebook.com/redlinesafety2018Other URL: wefunder.com/redlinesafetyincBiographical Information: Scott Holman is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and recently retired Fire Captain from the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, with over 33 years of experience in Fire & EMS. He is the Founder and CEO of Red Line Safety, a veteran-owned, Delaware C-corporation formed on 9/11/2018, dedicated to advancing wearable technology and deployable communication networks for first responders. With degrees in Fire Administration and a proven record of innovation, including initiating the effort to develop a fire service drone program, working to establish a Type II hand crew, and co-creating a leadership program, Scott brings deep industry insight and frontline credibility to the complex challenges facing public safety. His work is driven by a personal mission to prevent line-of-duty deaths and occupational illnesses through real-time data, and to deliver scalable solutions that enhance firefighter safety, operational efficiency, and long-term health outcomes.Personal Facebook Profile: facebook.com/scott.holman.54Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/scott-holman-2013a93a/Instagram Handle: @redlinesafetyincSupport Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include FundingHope, Kingscrowd, and Crowdfunding Made Simple. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact MembersThe following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on June 17, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.SuperCrowdHour, June 18, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern. Jason Fishman, Co-Founder and CEO of Digital Niche Agency (DNA), will lead a session on "How to Spin $1 of Advertising into $10!" He'll reveal proven strategies and marketing insights drawn from years of experience helping successful crowdfunding campaigns. Whether you're a founder planning a raise or a supporter of innovative startups, you'll gain actionable tips to boost visibility, drive engagement, and hit your funding goals. Don't miss it!Join us on June 25, 2025, at 8:00 PM Eastern for the Superpowers for Good Live Pitch—streaming on e360tv, where purpose-driven founders take the virtual stage to present their active Regulation Crowdfunding campaigns to a national audience of investors and changemakers. Selected startups are chosen for their commitment to community, alignment with NC3's Community Capital Principles, and their drive to create real-world impact. Thanks to sponsors DNA and DealMaker, this event is free to watch and amplifies the voices of underrepresented and mission-aligned entrepreneurs. Don't miss this inspiring evening where capital meets purpose—tune in to discover and support the next wave of impact-driven innovation.SuperCrowd25, August 21st and 22nd: This two-day virtual event is an annual tradition but with big upgrades for 2025! We'll be streaming live across the web and on TV via e360tv. Soon, we'll open a process for nominating speakers. Check back!Community Event CalendarSuccessful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.Devin Thorpe is featured in a free virtual masterclass series hosted by Irina Portnova titled Break Free, Elevate Your Money Mindset & Call In Overflow, focused on transforming your relationship with money through personal stories and practical insights. June 8-21, 2025.Join Dorian Dickinson, founder & CEO of FundingHope, for Startup.com's monthly crowdfunding workshop, where he'll dive into strategies for successfully raising capital through investment crowdfunding. June 24 at noon Eastern.Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.Call for community action:Please show your support for a tax credit for investments made via Regulation Crowdfunding, benefiting both the investors and the small businesses that receive the investments. Learn more here.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 9,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe
Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.Devin: What is your superpower?Tamara: My ability to listen to people and connect with people, understand what their needs are, and then really creating spaces and connections for them to get those needs met.When life feels overwhelming, many of us long for a helping hand. Tamara Lucas, the founder and CEO of My Panda, has turned that universal feeling into a business that's transforming lives and communities. My Panda, short for “Personal Assistant Next Door App,” connects people with trusted, hyper-local assistants—called Pandas—who can handle everything from grocery runs to household chores.“What we need is community,” Tamara said during today's episode. “What we need is people to turn to that we trust to be able to ask for the help that we need and also an opportunity for people to provide assistance and help.”Unlike gig-economy platforms like TaskRabbit or Uber, My Panda emphasizes community, trust, and mutual support. Tasks submitted through the app are matched with Pandas in the user's local area, fostering a sense of connection and accountability. “You're a lot less likely to steal someone's grandmother's jewelry if you're going to run into them at Publix,” Tamara joked.The business model is as innovative as it is impactful. Users pay a flat hourly rate for services, with membership options that offer discounts and additional perks. Pandas, who are independent contractors, are primarily women—just like the users they assist. This creates what Tamara describes as “a culture of women helping women,” which has become a hallmark of My Panda.Tamara is also leveraging community to fund her vision. Through a regulated investment crowdfunding campaign on Wefunder, anyone can invest in My Panda, starting with as little as $100. “By doing crowdfunding, not only are we raising the capital that we need to grow,” she explained, “but we're also giving people a sense of ownership and deepening relationships within the community.”As My Panda prepares to expand beyond Atlanta to new markets like Charlottesville, Virginia, Tamara's vision of creating a modern-day village is gaining momentum. Her approach is about more than convenience—it's about rebuilding the connections we've lost in today's fast-paced, individualistic world.My Panda isn't just a service; it's a movement. It's a reminder that we're better together, and with the right tools, we can create a community that lifts everyone up.tl;dr:My Panda connects people with hyper-local assistants to provide trusted help for daily tasks.The app fosters community by hiring local Pandas and creating a culture of mutual support.My Panda's business model includes flat hourly rates, memberships, and perks for users.Tamara's superpower is empathy, helping her identify and act on others' needs.The company is raising capital via a WeFunder crowdfunding campaign to support its expansion.How to Develop Empathy and Connection As a SuperpowerTamara Lucas's superpower is her ability to deeply listen, empathize, and connect with others. “My biggest superpower is my ability to listen to people and connect with people, understand what their needs are, and then really creating spaces and connections for them to get those needs met,” she explained in today's episode. Tamara's background in psychology and social work has informed her approach, but it's her natural ability to engage and understand people that has been the foundation of her success.One day, a conversation with a friend sparked the idea for My Panda. Tamara's friend, a dog walker, shared her frustration: “I go into people's homes, and they need so much more than just a dog walk.” That moment of connection inspired Tamara to envision a platform where people could easily ask for—and get—the help they need. My Panda was born from her ability to listen, empathize, and act on the needs of others.To develop this superpower, Tamara's advice is straightforward yet profound:Practice Active Listening: Stop rehearsing your response in your head and focus entirely on what the other person is saying.Cultivate Empathy: Try to understand the emotions and experiences behind someone's words.Think Creatively About Support: Look for ways you—and your community—can offer help and share resources.Embrace Connection: Remember that humans are meant to live in community, not in isolation.By following Tamara's example and advice, you can make empathy and connection a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileTamara V Lucas (she/her):CEO & Founder, My PandaAbout My Panda: My Panda (Personal Assistant Next Door App) is a tech-enabled, community-powered platform that connects people with trusted, local assistants, called Pandas - to help with everyday personal tasks. From laundry and errands to organizing and event support, we make it easy to delegate the never-ending to-do list. Our mission is to help individuals, especially women and working parents, reduce stress, reclaim time, and feel more supported, both at home and in life in general. My Panda offers services directly to consumers and also partners with companies to provide assistant hours as a unique employee benefit that supports work-life balance and mental wellness.Website: mypandaapp.comCompany Facebook Page: facebook.com/bookapandaOther URL: wefunder.com/my.pandaBiographical Information: Tamara Lucas is the founder and CEO of My Panda (The Personal Assistant Next Door App), a tech-enabled, community-powered platform that connects people with trusted local assistants for everyday personal tasks. A single mother and lifelong advocate for women and their families, Tamara created My Panda out of her own experience with the constant pressure and exhaustion of balancing career, home, and caregiving responsibilities.Her career spans over 30 years across social work, education, wine sales, and business management, all of which shaped her deep understanding of the support systems people need to thrive. With My Panda, Tamara is redefining productivity by making it easier - and more acceptable - for people to ask for help. Through her leadership, the company is helping to alleviate stress, build community, and create flexible economic opportunities, especially for women. She is passionate about shifting societal expectations and building solutions that promote wellness, connection, and a more sustainable way to live.Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/tamara-vrooman-lucas-094a089Instagram Handle: @mypandaappSupport Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include FundingHope, RedLineSafety, Kingscrowd and Crowdfunding Made Simple. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact MembersThe following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on June 17, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.SuperCrowdHour, June 18, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern. Jason Fishman, Co-Founder and CEO of Digital Niche Agency (DNA), will lead a session on "How to Spin $1 of Advertising into $10!" He'll reveal proven strategies and marketing insights drawn from years of experience helping successful crowdfunding campaigns. Whether you're a founder planning a raise or a supporter of innovative startups, you'll gain actionable tips to boost visibility, drive engagement, and hit your funding goals. Don't miss it!Superpowers for Good Live Pitch – June 25, 2025, at 8:00 PM Eastern - Apply for free by June 6, 2025, to pitch your active Regulation Crowdfunding campaign live on Superpowers for Good—the e360tv show where impact meets capital. No fee if selected! Selected founders will gain national exposure, connect with investors, and compete for prizes. To qualify, you must be raising via a FINRA-registered portal or broker-dealer and align with NC3's Community Capital Principles. Founders from underrepresented communities are especially encouraged to apply. Don't miss this chance to fuel your mission and grow your impact!SuperCrowd25, August 21st and 22nd: This two-day virtual event is an annual tradition but with big upgrades for 2025! We'll be streaming live across the web and on TV via e360tv. Soon, we'll open a process for nominating speakers. Check back!Community Event CalendarSuccessful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.Devin Thorpe is featured in a free virtual masterclass series hosted by Irina Portnova titled Break Free, Elevate Your Money Mindset & Call In Overflow, focused on transforming your relationship with money through personal stories and practical insights. June 8-21, 2025.Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.Call for community action:Please show your support for a tax credit for investments made via Regulation Crowdfunding, benefiting both the investors and the small businesses that receive the investments. Learn more here.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 9,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe
Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.Devin: What is your superpower?Steve: Intellectual curiosity, paired with a problem-solving mindset.Media shapes perception, and perception shapes reality. That simple truth drives Steve Jones, Founder and CEO of pocstock, to challenge the way people of color and other underrepresented groups are portrayed in stock photography and now artificial intelligence.Steve launched pocstock after discovering, while running a digital marketing agency, that major stock photo libraries lacked images reflecting diverse identities. "People of Black, Asian, Hispanic and other backgrounds, people who were older than 50, or living with a disability" were all underrepresented, Steve said. This gap was not unique to the U.S. — it was global.Today, pocstock is meeting a bigger challenge: the biases baked into AI image generation. Because AI was trained on biased media libraries, "the data is literally what the AI industry needs in order to become what it's going to be," Steve explained. With AI expected to generate 80% of online imagery soon, pocstock's culturally accurate, bias-free library positions the company as a vital resource for the future of ethical AI.But Steve isn't stopping with just providing imagery. He's ensuring that the creators of these visuals—photographers and artists—can share in the value AI creates. "We created a model where our creators can be included in the AI boom," he said, highlighting pocstock's mission to avoid leaving behind the very people it seeks to represent.As part of that effort, pocstock is raising capital again, this time through a regulated investment crowdfunding campaign on WeFunder. By setting a minimum investment of just $250, Steve and his team are inviting everyone—not just venture capitalists or accredited investors—to participate. "This gives people an opportunity to access AI through pocstock," he said.The implications are profound. "Imagery is how you change people's perceptions of people they haven't met," Steve noted. The consistent underrepresentation or stereotyping of certain groups impacts real-world outcomes, from law enforcement to healthcare. "If you let the media tell it, everybody's racist... and this couldn't be further from the truth."Supporting pocstock, whether by investing or using its imagery, helps rewrite those narratives. Steve's work stands as a reminder that inclusion isn't just a value—it's a strategy for both equity and innovation.To invest, visit wefunder.com/pocstock or s4g.biz/poc.tl;dr:Steve Jones founded pocstock to address the lack of diverse, accurate imagery in media and technology.pocstock's inclusive content is now powering major AI projects and helping to reduce bias in technology.The company is raising capital through regulated investment crowdfunding, inviting everyone to invest for impact.Steve's superpower is intellectual curiosity, which drives him to solve problems and connect across differences.Listeners are encouraged to embrace curiosity, meet new people and invest in more inclusive representation.How to Develop Intellectual Curiosity As a SuperpowerSteve Jones's superpower is intellectual curiosity, paired with a problem-solving mindset. He explained, “I've always looked to see how I can make the world the way I think it should be.” This constant questioning of the status quo fuels his drive to address social injustices, foster inclusion, and solve challenges in innovative ways. From tinkering with objects as a child to reshaping the media landscape with pocstock, Steve's curiosity and creative thinking guide his efforts to make a positive impact.Steve shared a story about a chance encounter that changed his career trajectory. While working in IT, he bonded with a coworker over a shared love of Batman and Dr. Dre. Despite their differences—Steve, a 6'5” Black man, and his coworker, a middle-aged Irish man—they became close friends. Years later, that friendship resulted in Steve receiving his biggest contract for his marketing agency. This anecdote highlights how Steve's openness and curiosity about others help him build meaningful connections and seize new opportunities.Tips for Developing Intellectual Curiosity:Seek to understand problems deeply and envision how they could be solved.Challenge preconceptions by engaging with people from different backgrounds and perspectives.Be open to learning from everyone you meet, both professionally and personally.Approach each day with a fresh mindset, ready to embrace new challenges and opportunities.Stay informed about trends and developments in your field to spark new ideas.By following Steve's example and advice, you can make intellectual curiosity a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileSteve Jones (he/him):Founder & CEO, pocstockAbout pocstock: pocstock is a global content company that creates, curates, and licenses stock images featuring people of color to businesses for marketing, advertising, and artificial intelligence. We partner with businesses of all sizes to ensure they have the right images, insights, and data to be inclusive of everyone.Website: pocstock.comCompany Facebook Page: facebook.com/pocstockOther URL: wefunder.com/pocstockBiographical Information: Steve Jones is a serial entrepreneur with a background in tech, marketing, and creative.He's currently the Founder & CEO of pocstock, a global content company headquarteredin Newark specializing in inclusive content for marketing, advertising, and artificialintelligence.Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/pocstockInstagram Handle: @pocstockSupport Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include FundingHope, RedLineSafety, Ovanova PET, and Kingscrowd. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact MembersThe following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on June 17, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.SuperCrowdHour, June 18, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern. Jason Fishman, Co-Founder and CEO of Digital Niche Agency (DNA), will lead a session on "Crowdfund Like a Pro: Insider Marketing Secrets from Jason Fishman." He'll reveal proven strategies and marketing insights drawn from years of experience helping successful crowdfunding campaigns. Whether you're a founder planning a raise or a supporter of innovative startups, you'll gain actionable tips to boost visibility, drive engagement, and hit your funding goals. Don't miss it!Superpowers for Good Live Pitch – June 25, 2025, at 8:00 PM Eastern - Apply by June 6, 2025, to pitch your active Regulation Crowdfunding campaign live on Superpowers for Good—the e360tv show where impact meets capital. Selected founders will gain national exposure, connect with investors, and compete for prizes. To qualify, you must be raising via a FINRA-registered portal or broker-dealer and align with NC3's Community Capital Principles. Founders from underrepresented communities are especially encouraged to apply. Don't miss this chance to fuel your mission and grow your impact!SuperCrowd25, August 21st and 22nd: This two-day virtual event is an annual tradition but with big upgrades for 2025! We'll be streaming live across the web and on TV via e360tv. Soon, we'll open a process for nominating speakers. Check back!Community Event CalendarSuccessful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.Devin Thorpe is featured in a free virtual masterclass series hosted by Irina Portnova titled Break Free, Elevate Your Money Mindset & Call In Overflow, focused on transforming your relationship with money through personal stories and practical insights. June 8-21, 2025.Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.Call for community action:Please show your support for a tax credit for investments made via Regulation Crowdfunding, benefiting both the investors and the small businesses that receive the investments. Learn more here.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 9,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe
Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.Devin: What is your superpower?Sona: Resilience—the unwavering determination to overcome obstacles and solve critical problems.Every year, millions of people in low-income countries suffer due to a lack of access to basic medical technology. Sona Shah, CEO and co-founder of Neopenda, is tackling this challenge head-on with an innovative solution—a wearable vital signs monitor called Neoguard. This simple yet powerful device is already saving lives in sub-Saharan Africa and has the potential to make a global impact.Neoguard is a headband-style device that monitors four key vital signs: pulse rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and temperature. The data is transmitted wirelessly via Bluetooth to a centralized dashboard on a tablet, allowing clinicians to monitor multiple patients simultaneously. “The intent of this product,” Sona explained, “is really to alert clinicians in really overcrowded, understaffed hospitals that something could be wrong with the patient so that our clinicians can provide more timely and appropriate care to the patients that need it most.”What makes Neoguard even more remarkable is that it was specifically designed for low-resource settings. Sona shared how she and her team traveled to Uganda during the early days of Neopenda to understand the unique challenges faced by hospitals in such environments. “We saw hospitals that didn't have any functioning medical equipment. They had rooms that nurses called the ‘equipment graveyard,' just mounds of broken equipment,” she said. This inspired her to create technology that is resilient and tailored to these conditions, addressing issues like power instability and limited connectivity.Beyond its life-saving potential, Neoguard represents a significant business opportunity. With a $3.4 billion market for vital signs monitoring across Africa alone, Neopenda is poised for growth. The company has already launched in over 45 hospitals, primarily in Kenya, and is generating revenue. To scale further, Neopenda is raising capital through a regulated crowdfunding campaign on WeFunder, allowing anyone to invest with as little as $100. “What better way to scale than involve the community in our efforts?” Sona said, emphasizing the value of democratizing access to investment opportunities.Neopenda is more than just a company—it's a movement to bring equitable healthcare to underserved populations while offering investors a chance to make both an impact and a profit. Sona's story is proof that innovation and compassion can go hand in hand to create a better world.tl;dr:Neopenda creates affordable medical technology like Neoguard, a wearable vital signs monitor saving lives.Sona Shah's passion for equitable healthcare drives her innovative solutions for underserved populations.Neoguard is designed for low-resource settings, addressing challenges like power instability and broken equipment.Neopenda is raising capital via a WeFunder crowdfunding campaign, democratizing investment opportunities.Sona's resilience and vision have propelled Neopenda's growth, proving impact and profit can coexist.How to Develop Resilience As a SuperpowerSona Shah's superpower is resilience—the unwavering determination to overcome obstacles and solve critical problems. She described it as the ability to “move mountains” when faced with challenges. Sona's resilience stems from her passion for addressing inequities in healthcare. “If there's something that I'm really passionate about, I will move mountains to figure out how to make it work,” she said. This mindset has enabled her to navigate the complexities of developing medical devices, securing funding, and building a sustainable business model in underserved markets.Illustrative Story:One of Sona's most challenging moments came during the early stages of Neopenda's journey when she and her team had to establish a manufacturing process—something completely outside their expertise. Through determination and by hiring the right talent, they overcame this obstacle. Later, when funding became tight, Sona's resilience drove her to find creative solutions, ensuring that Neopenda stayed on track. Another pivotal moment came in 2023 when the company pivoted from a distributor-led sales model to selling directly to hospitals, a risky but ultimately successful decision that significantly boosted their growth.Tips for Developing Resilience:Find a Problem Worth Solving: Focus on a mission that ignites your passion and commitment.Surround Yourself with Support: Build a network of people who care about you and your cause.Invest in Self-Care: Prioritize your mental health to maintain your capacity to lead effectively.Embrace Feedback: Learn from mistakes and be open to constructive criticism.Stay Persistent: Don't let setbacks deter you; keep moving forward with determination.By following Sona Shah's example and advice, you can make resilience a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileSona Shah (she/her):CEO & Co-founder, NeopendaAbout Neopenda: Neopenda is a healthtech company designing wearable medical technology for under-resourced hospitals in emerging markets. Our flagship product, neoGuard, is a CE-marked, patented vital signs monitor built specifically for environments with limited infrastructure. It tracks four critical vitals, pulse, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and temperature, without requiring stable electricity or internet. Already in use across 45+ hospitals in five African countries, neoGuard has delivered over 35,000 hours of patient monitoring, helping healthcare workers detect early signs of distress and intervene before it's too late. Headquartered in Chicago and operating globally, Neopenda's mission is to close the healthcare access gap with scalable, context-appropriate innovation.Behind every device we build is a story, of a nurse who stayed calm because an alert came in time, of a baby who went home safely, of a health system that finally had the right tool for the job. We didn't set out to build technology for the sake of it. We set out to build trust, dignity, and access where it's been missing for too long. Because where you're born shouldn't determine whether you survive.Website: neopenda.comX/Twitter Handle: @neopenda_healthCompany Facebook Page: facebook.com/NeopendaOther URL: wefunder.com/neopendaBiographical Information: Sona Shah is the CEO and Co-founder of Neopenda, a healthtech company bringing life-saving innovation to underserved health systems.Her journey began while teaching in Kenya, where she witnessed firsthand the challenges facing under-resourced hospitals. That experience shaped her lifelong commitment to global health equity and continues to inform how she leads today, with empathy, purpose, and persistence.With a background in biomedical and chemical engineering, Sona has spent the past decade designing and scaling technologies that work in real-world clinical settings across East and West Africa. Under her leadership, Neopenda has developed and commercialized neoGuard, a CE-marked wearable vital signs monitor tailored to the needs of low-resource hospitals. The company has sold to over 45 hospitals, delivered more than 40,000 hours of neonatal monitoring, and launched local manufacturing in Kenya.Sona is a graduate of Columbia University and Georgia Institute of Technology. Amongst other accolades, she's been recognized as an MIT Solve Fellow, Inc 30 under 30 recipient, a UN Women prize recipient, White House invitee, and a global leader in maternal and newborn health. Her work lives at the intersection of innovation, equity, and impact, and is driven by a deep belief that everyone, everywhere deserves access to quality care.Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/sonarshahSupport Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include FundingHope, Ovanova PET and Crowdfunding Made Simple. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact MembersThe following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on June 17, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.SuperCrowdHour, June 18, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern. Jason Fishman, Co-Founder and CEO of Digital Niche Agency (DNA), will lead a session on "Crowdfund Like a Pro: Insider Marketing Secrets from Jason Fishman." He'll reveal proven strategies and marketing insights drawn from years of experience helping successful crowdfunding campaigns. Whether you're a founder planning a raise or a supporter of innovative startups, you'll gain actionable tips to boost visibility, drive engagement, and hit your funding goals. Don't miss it!Superpowers for Good Live Pitch – June 25, 2025, at 8:00 PM Eastern - Apply by June 6, 2025, to pitch your active Regulation Crowdfunding campaign live on Superpowers for Good—the e360tv show where impact meets capital. Selected founders will gain national exposure, connect with investors, and compete for prizes. To qualify, you must be raising via a FINRA-registered portal or broker-dealer and align with NC3's Community Capital Principles. Founders from underrepresented communities are especially encouraged to apply. Don't miss this chance to fuel your mission and grow your impact!SuperCrowd25, August 21st and 22nd: This two-day virtual event is an annual tradition but with big upgrades for 2025! We'll be streaming live across the web and on TV via e360tv. Soon, we'll open a process for nominating speakers. Check back!Community Event CalendarSuccessful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.African Diaspora Investment Symposium 2025 (ADIS25), Wednesday–Friday, May 28–30, 2025, at George Washington University, Washington, D.C., USA.Devin Thorpe is featured in a free virtual masterclass series hosted by Irina Portnova titled Break Free, Elevate Your Money Mindset & Call In Overflow, focused on transforming your relationship with money through personal stories and practical insights. June 8-21, 2025.Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.Call for community action:Please show your support for a tax credit for investments made via Regulation Crowdfunding, benefiting both the investors and the small businesses that receive the investments. Learn more here.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 9,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe
Today, I had the pleasure of co-hosting a special livestream on Substack with Jen Risley, the editor of the Main Street Journal. We're calling it “Jen and Devin Live,” and we hope it marks the beginning of a recurring series to strengthen the ties in our shared community of impact crowdfunding enthusiasts.Jen and I both publish on Substack and share a mission to promote community capital. While we could be viewed as competitors, we see ourselves more as complementary partners. That's why we came together—to cross-promote, build bridges, and amplify the voices in this growing movement.What's New at the Main Street JournalJen highlighted a recent MSJ Extra feature: an in-depth interview with John Abrams, author of the forthcoming book From Founder to Future. John transitioned his company—South Mountain Company, a design, building, and solar firm on Martha's Vineyard—into a worker cooperative. Now retired, he's focused on helping other founders do the same. Jen shared that the response to this piece was overwhelmingly positive, confirming that interest in worker ownership models is growing fast.Updates from Superpowers for GoodOn my end, I shared some exciting updates about Superpowers for Good. Our recent SuperCrowdLA event, which was livestreamed to e360tv and Substack, drove tremendous traffic. But what's been even more rewarding is the success of our new initiative, Super Crowd Voices (read it here, submit your contribution for consideration here). This channel invites new writers to share their perspectives, and it's working better than we imagined. In fact, one of the first posts—by Dorian Dickinson of Funding Hope—became our most-read post ever. His powerful argument for giving investment crowdfunding “a seat at the table” clearly struck a chord.It was particularly rewarding to learn from Jen that our feature on Dorian inspired Main Street Journal to expand their platform listings in their weekly offering summaries. They had initially focused on just a few platforms—but now, they include more, making their coverage even stronger. That kind of cross-pollination is exactly what this collaboration is all about.Shared Admiration for Kathleen MinogueWe also talked about our mutual admiration for Kathleen Minogue and her “Crowdfund Better” methodology. Jen and I both hold her in high regard. Michael Shuman's interview with Kathleen in MSJ Extra—which I was able to read as a paying subscriber—was one of the best practical pieces I've seen. She explains how a rewards-based campaign can serve as a stepping stone to a successful investment crowdfunding raise. Kathleen's approach is a masterclass in how to crowdfund strategically, and Jen shared how Kathleen supported a local crowdfunding initiative in her home region of New Hampshire. It's amazing to see this kind of thought leadership making a real-world impact.Reflections on SuperCrowdLA and a Preview of SuperCrowd25Jen kindly mentioned how much she appreciated the summary I wrote following SuperCrowdLA. She quoted a line I often use: “Capital is not just about dollars. It's about power, purpose, and possibility.” That meant a lot. I shared that we're working on a full book based on the conference's transcripts and insights—something far deeper than a quick summary. We hope to release it by the end of June.I also highlighted some standout speakers from the event:* Doug Willmore, CEO of World Tree, which has raised $17M (including $12M from the crowd) to fund a carbon-sequestering tree farm model.* Sarah Hardwick, former CMO of Aptera, who helped the company raise $140M through Reg CF and Reg A offerings. Her speech was both riveting and deeply insightful.Looking ahead, SuperCrowd25 is coming up on August 21–22, and we're streaming it live again on E360tv. I'm thrilled by how many people discover crowdfunding for the first time through these events. I invited Jen—and Michael Schuman as well—to join us as speakers. Their voices are essential to this community.Closing: Stronger TogetherI closed by encouraging our community to subscribe to Main Street Journal—especially since some of their best content, like the Kathleen Minogue piece, is behind a paywall. It's worth every penny. Jen added that their Monday events roundup is always free, giving folks a way to sample the value before committing. You can subscribe at mainstreetjournal.substack.com or visit their website at mainstreetjournal.org.Jen returned the love, reminding her community to subscribe to Superpowers for Good and promising to keep highlighting our latest work.We both agree: if you're serious about crowdfunding for impact, you need both publications. This partnership is just getting started, and we can't wait to see where it takes us next.Max-Impact MembersThe following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on June 17, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.* SuperCrowdHour, June 18, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern. Jason Fishman, Co-Founder and CEO of Digital Niche Agency (DNA), will lead a session on "Crowdfund Like a Pro: Insider Marketing Secrets from Jason Fishman." He'll reveal proven strategies and marketing insights drawn from years of experience helping successful crowdfunding campaigns. Whether you're a founder planning a raise or a supporter of innovative startups, you'll gain actionable tips to boost visibility, drive engagement, and hit your funding goals. Don't miss it!* Superpowers for Good Live Pitch – June 25, 2025, at 8:00 PM Eastern - Apply by June 6, 2025, to pitch your active Regulation Crowdfunding campaign live on Superpowers for Good—the e360tv show where impact meets capital. Selected founders will gain national exposure, connect with investors, and compete for prizes. To qualify, you must be raising via a FINRA-registered portal or broker-dealer and align with NC3's Community Capital Principles. Founders from underrepresented communities are especially encouraged to apply. Don't miss this chance to fuel your mission and grow your impact!* SuperCrowd25, August 21st and 22nd: This two-day virtual event is an annual tradition, but with big upgrades for 2025! We'll be streaming live across the web and on TV via e360tv. VIP's get access to our better-than-in-person networking! Get your VIP access for just $25. Soon, we'll open a process for nominating speakers. Check back!Community Event Calendar* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.* African Diaspora Investment Symposium 2025 (ADIS25), Wednesday–Friday, May 28–30, 2025, at George Washington University, Washington, D.C., USA.* Devin Thorpe is featured in a free virtual masterclass series hosted by Irina Portnova titled Break Free, Elevate Your Money Mindset & Call In Overflow, focused on transforming your relationship with money through personal stories and practical insights. June 8-21, 2025.* Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.Call for community action:* Please show your support for a tax credit for investments made via Regulation Crowdfunding, benefitting both the investors and the small businesses that receive the investments. Learn more here.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 9,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.Manage the volume of emails you receive from us by clicking here. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe
Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.Devin: What is your superpower?Prof. Alan: Creative problem-solvingThe world doesn't change on its own—people with vision, grit and creativity drive progress. Few embody this more than Prof. Alan Arthur Tratner, who helped organize the very first Earth Day in 1970 and has since built a global legacy supporting green entrepreneurs and inventors.Alan's work reminds me that bold action in the face of crisis can spark lasting transformation. In today's episode, he shared the story of rushing to the oil-soaked beaches of Santa Barbara after the catastrophic 1969 spill, an experience that moved him to tears and propelled him into environmental activism. “I broke down, fell on my knees and cried... and then I just said we've got to stop this. We have to find a way to do it,” Alan recalled.That determination led him to found Green2Gold, a unique non-profit incubator that has nurtured over 100,000 inventors, entrepreneurs and more than 300 non-profits focused on environmental and social responsibility. Alan's approach is rooted in the belief that innovation can solve the problems it helped create. “We invented our way into this mess, we could innovate and invent our way out,” he explained.One of the most compelling aspects of Alan's work is his early embrace of investment crowdfunding. He recognized that democratizing access to capital could accelerate the development of climate solutions. “Equity crowdfunding was the democratization of investing. No longer did you have to be wealthy or be in power... anyone in the world, accredited or unaccredited, could invest in an American company,” Alan said.Through Green2Gold's programs, Alan continues to champion breakthrough technologies in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and disaster recovery. His “Build Back Green” project, for instance, emerged in response to the devastating wildfires in Lahaina and now provides a blueprint for rebuilding communities in sustainable, resilient ways.If you're inspired by Alan's vision or want to learn more about Green2Gold's work, visit green2gold.org. For entrepreneurs and inventors seeking support—or anyone interested in investing in a better world—Alan and Green2Gold are showing what's possible when we put creativity and collective action to work for the planet.tl;dr:Alan Tratner shared his journey from the first Earth Day to launching the Green2Gold impact incubator.He described the critical role of innovation and entrepreneurship in addressing environmental crises worldwide.Alan emphasized the power of equity crowdfunding to democratize investment for green ventures and climate solutions.He highlighted the importance of perseverance, creativity and passion for lasting impact in nonprofit and business work.Alan offered actionable advice for aspiring changemakers to lead with purpose and build sustainable ventures.How to Develop Creative Problem-Solving As a SuperpowerAlan's superpower lies in the fusion of creativity, scientific thinking and practical experience. As he described, “I think that creative spark, that passion, you know, I try to give our entrepreneurs and our nonprofits the same feelings about... inventing in the fields that are going to make a difference.” He credits his background in science, art and design, as well as years of nonprofit leadership and invention, for giving him a “quiver of superpowers” that enable him to help others become problem solvers and critical thinkers.Illustrative Story:Alan shared how he has supported over 315 nonprofits and 100,000 entrepreneurs through Green2Gold by applying his expertise in nonprofit management, invention and funding. For years, he persisted with a wind turbine invention that was ahead of its time, waiting 45 years for the right moment to see it realized. He emphasized that passion and perseverance are crucial. “If you quit, you can't win,” Alan said, reflecting on the decades he devoted to innovations that now have renewed relevance.Actionable Tips for Developing Creative Problem-Solving:Treat your venture or nonprofit as a passionate career, not just a hobbyPut your whole self—brain, energy and opportunities—into your missionEmbrace challenges and persist through setbacks; don't give up if progress is slowSurround yourself with people who share your passion and driveThink entrepreneurially, even in nonprofit work, to build sustainability and legacyBy following Alan's example and advice, you can make creative problem-solving a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileProf. Alan Arthur Tratner (Earthling):Founder /Chairman of Green2Gold, Green2Gold global impact Incubator---501 c 3About Green2Gold global impact Incubator---501 c 3: Helped found Earth Day and the first UN International Conference on the Human Environment. Pioneered impact incubation for over 55 years in green tech, sustainability, and regenerative solutions. Leading the transition to sustainability and a global, inclusive green economy. Supported over 100,000 members and 315 socially and environmentally responsible nonprofits.Website: Green2Gold.orgBiographical Information: Alan Arthur Tratner, is the International Director of Green2Gold and has served as the President of the Inventors Workshop International and the Entrepreneur's Workshop, Director of the Small Business Entrepreneurship Center in California, a SCORE (US SBA) consultant, and was publisher of the Lightbulb Journal and INVENT! magazines. He is an inventor and serial entrepreneur, with 13 inventions/patents. He has been dubbed the “Minister of Ideas” by the media and has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Inc., Entrepreneur, Business Week, TIME, USA Today, America Online Forum, NPR, and has appeared on OPRAH, CNN, Good Morning America, and CNBC. Alan has mentored and assisted thousands of green technology, sustainable ecology and energy companies and inventors. He was a former Professor of Environment and Energy, participated in the First International United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, Stockholm Sweden, was staff member of Environmental Quality Magazine and helped establish Earth Day. He founded the Environmental Education Group Foundation with many supporters, including Nobel prize winner Dennis Gabor. Alan traveled the USA conducting the Ultimate Crisis and Solutions for Survival seminars, led an environmental and alternative energy delegation to the former Soviet Union for the Citizen's Ambassador Program. He was editor of Energies Journal for the Solar Energy Society of America, published the Geothermal Energy magazine and Geothermal World Directory. In the 1990's he became Director of the Green Business Conference of the ECO EXPO, created the Eco Inventors and Eco Entrepreneurs Workshops, and the New Environmental Technologies Exhibits. In 2012, Alan was inducted into the International Green Industries Hall of Fame and honored with Lifetime Achievement.Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/prof-alan-tratner-3935506/Support Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include FundingHope, RedLineSafety, and Ovanova PET. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact MembersThe following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on June 17, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.SuperCrowdHour, June 18, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern. Jason Fishman, Co-Founder and CEO of Digital Niche Agency (DNA), will lead a session on "Crowdfund Like a Pro: Insider Marketing Secrets from Jason Fishman." He'll reveal proven strategies and marketing insights drawn from years of experience helping successful crowdfunding campaigns. Whether you're a founder planning a raise or a supporter of innovative startups, you'll gain actionable tips to boost visibility, drive engagement, and hit your funding goals. Don't miss it!Superpowers for Good Live Pitch – June 25, 2025, at 8:00 PM Eastern - Apply by June 6, 2025, to pitch your active Regulation Crowdfunding campaign live on Superpowers for Good—the e360tv show where impact meets capital. Selected founders will gain national exposure, connect with investors, and compete for prizes. To qualify, you must be raising via a FINRA-registered portal or broker-dealer and align with NC3's Community Capital Principles. Founders from underrepresented communities are especially encouraged to apply. Don't miss this chance to fuel your mission and grow your impact!SuperCrowd25, August 21st and 22nd: This two-day virtual event is an annual tradition but with big upgrades for 2025! We'll be streaming live across the web and on TV via e360tv. Soon, we'll open a process for nominating speakers. Check back!Community Event CalendarSuccessful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.African Diaspora Investment Symposium 2025 (ADIS25), Wednesday–Friday, May 28–30, 2025, at George Washington University, Washington, D.C., USA.Devin Thorpe is featured in a free virtual masterclass series hosted by Irina Portnova titled Break Free, Elevate Your Money Mindset & Call In Overflow, focused on transforming your relationship with money through personal stories and practical insights. June 8-21, 2025.Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.Call for community action:Please show your support for a tax credit for investments made via Regulation Crowdfunding, benefiting both the investors and the small businesses that receive the investments. Learn more here.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 9,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe
Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.Devin: What is your superpower?Lyneir: What I believe is my calling is to see value in people and places that other people overlook or undervalue.Democratizing commercial real estate isn't just a lofty vision for Lyneir Richardson, it's his mission. As the CEO of The Chicago TREND Corporation, Lyneir is pioneering a model for strengthening urban neighborhoods by enabling small investors to own a stake in commercial properties. In today's episode, he shared how his organization is transforming communities while offering everyday people the opportunity to invest alongside wealthy, institutional players.Lyneir explained, “Retail is the first impression of a neighborhood. If the retail corridor is blighted, it attracts crime, brings down property values, and becomes a liability.” Recognizing this, The Chicago TREND Corporation focuses on revitalizing retail spaces in underserved neighborhoods, blending community impact with financial returns.Since its founding in 2016, Chicago TREND has completed three crowdfunding campaigns, raising nearly $1 million from impact-oriented individuals. Lyneir described these investors as “small dollar, impact-oriented individuals who want to see progress in a neighborhood.” In one project, they partnered with a local nonprofit to redevelop a blighted industrial site. After acquiring the property for $3 million, they demolished a decaying building and planned a new 100,000-square-foot warehouse. Before construction began, another buyer offered $4.5 million. This exit not only provided a threefold return for investors but also strengthened their balance sheet for future projects.Lyneir emphasized that crowdfunding is more than a financial tool—it's also a way to foster community ownership. “We call it #WeOwnThis,” he said, describing how local investors are more likely to patronize and protect these properties. This inclusive approach to ownership creates a ripple effect, empowering communities to take pride in their neighborhoods while benefiting financially.Today, Chicago TREND is actively raising capital for additional projects. By combining crowdfunding with old-school community organizing—meeting in church basements, library common areas, and on Zoom—Lyneir and his team are proving that inclusive investment can transform neighborhoods.Lyneir's work demonstrates that commercial real estate can be a powerful tool for social change. By inviting ordinary people to invest in their own communities, he's creating opportunities for financial growth while building stronger, more vibrant neighborhoods.tl;dr:Lyneir Richardson democratizes commercial real estate by enabling small investors to revitalize underserved neighborhoods.Chicago TREND uses crowdfunding to finance retail projects that strengthen communities and boost property values.A recent project gave investors a threefold return while transforming a blighted industrial site.Lyneir's superpower is recognizing value in overlooked places and fostering community-driven redevelopment.By balancing profit and impact, Lyneir is creating opportunities for ordinary people to invest in change.How to Develop Seeing Value in Overlooked People and Places As a SuperpowerLyneir's superpower is his ability to recognize potential where others see obstacles. As he explained, “What I believe is my calling is to see value in people and places that other people overlook or undervalue.” This skill allows him to envision opportunities for revitalization in underserved neighborhoods, often dismissed by traditional investors as “too hard” or “too small.” By combining his expertise in commercial real estate with a deep passion for community, Lyneir transforms overlooked areas into thriving hubs of activity and investment.Illustrative Story:In one project, Lyneir's team purchased a shopping center hampered by outdated covenants, including a racial restriction dating back to the 1940s. Instead of bypassing the issue, they engaged with 119 local homeowners to amend the covenant, not only removing the offensive language but also garnering community support for the redevelopment. This effort exemplifies Lyneir's ability to see both the immediate and long-term value in addressing historical barriers while building trust within the community.Tips for Developing the Superpower:Learn to See Potential: Practice identifying value in places or people others dismiss.Engage with the Community: Build trust by listening to and involving local stakeholders in decision-making.Blend Passion with Expertise: Use your professional skills to address challenges in a meaningful way.Balance Profit and Impact: Focus on projects that deliver financial returns while improving lives.Address Historical Challenges: Don't shy away from difficult or sensitive issues; tackle them to build trust and create lasting change.By following Lyneir's example and advice, you can make seeing value in overlooked opportunities a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileLyneir Richardson (he/him):CEO, The Chicago TREND CorporationAbout The Chicago TREND Corporation: Chicago TREND was established in 2016 to strengthen urban commercial corridors through strategic, community-driven commercial real estate investment and small business support. Since then, Chicago TREND has assembled a dedicated team that supports every aspect of community ownership projects, including business capacity building, credit underwriting, portfolio management, capital improvements, public outreach, and mixed-use transactions.Website: chicagotrend.comX/Twitter Handle: @TheChiTRENDCompany Facebook Page: facebook.com/ChicagoTRENDBiographical Information: Lyneir Richardson is CEO of The Chicago TREND Corporation (TREND), a commercial real estate firm that owns urban shopping centers and provides economic advisory services to corporations, government agencies and large philanthropic organizations. Lyneir is also Associate Professor of Professional Practice at Rutgers Business School and serves as the Executive Director of the university's Center for Urban Entrepreneurship and Economic Development.Previously, Lyneir was the CEO of the primary economic development corporation in Newark, NJ attracting investment and jobs to the city during two mayoral administrations. Prior to that he also served as Vice President of General Growth Properties Inc. and led a national initiative to develop shopping centers in urban underserved areas. Early in his career, Lyneir founded LakeShore Development and Construction Company and was named a U.S. Small Business Administration "Young Entrepreneur of the Year." Lyneir began his career as a corporate attorney at the First National Bank of Chicago.Lyneir holds an appointment as a Nonresident Senior Fellow of the Brookings Institution. He graduated from Bradley University and the University of Chicago Law School.Personal Facebook Profile: facebook.com/lyneir.richardsonLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/lyneirInstagram Handle: @LyneirRichSupport Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include FundingHope, KribSavUp, and Crowdfunding Made Simple. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact MembersThe following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on June 17, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.SuperCrowdHour, June 18, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern. Jason Fishman, Co-Founder and CEO of Digital Niche Agency (DNA), will lead a session on "Crowdfund Like a Pro: Insider Marketing Secrets from Jason Fishman." He'll reveal proven strategies and marketing insights drawn from years of experience helping successful crowdfunding campaigns. Whether you're a founder planning a raise or a supporter of innovative startups, you'll gain actionable tips to boost visibility, drive engagement, and hit your funding goals. Don't miss it!Superpowers for Good Live Pitch – June 25, 2025, at 8:00 PM Eastern - Apply by June 6, 2025, to pitch your active Regulation Crowdfunding campaign live on Superpowers for Good—the e360tv show where impact meets capital. Selected founders will gain national exposure, connect with investors, and compete for prizes. To qualify, you must be raising via a FINRA-registered portal or broker-dealer and align with NC3's Community Capital Principles. Founders from underrepresented communities are especially encouraged to apply. Don't miss this chance to fuel your mission and grow your impact!SuperCrowd25, August 21st and 22nd: This two-day virtual event is an annual tradition but with big upgrades for 2025! We'll be streaming live across the web and on TV via e360tv. Soon, we'll open a process for nominating speakers. Check back!Community Event CalendarCrowdfunding Exits: Getting a Return on Your Investment, May 22, 2025, 2:00 PM Eastern.Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.African Diaspora Investment Symposium 2025 (ADIS25), Wednesday–Friday, May 28–30, 2025, at George Washington University, Washington, D.C., USA.Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.Call for community action:Please show your support for a tax credit for investments made via Regulation Crowdfunding, benefiting both the investors and the small businesses that receive the investments. Learn more here.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 9,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe
Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.Has your business been impacted by the recent fires? Apply now for a chance to receive one of 10 free tickets to SuperCrowdLA on May 2nd and 3rd and gain the tools to rebuild and grow!Devin: What is your superpower?Jason: Ability to inspire excitement.Raising money through regulated investment crowdfunding is hard. Too many founders underestimate the difficulty, thinking that once their campaign goes live, the crowd will come running. The truth, as Jason Fishman explains, is that success starts long before a campaign launches.Jason, Co-Founder and CEO of Digital Niche Agency (DNA) and host of the "Test. Optimize. Scale." podcast, is one of the industry's most experienced investor acquisition experts. He helps founders raise capital by creating marketing funnels that turn strangers into advocates. In today's episode, he shared the single most important element of a successful crowdfunding raise: planning."If you fail to plan, you plan to fail," Jason said. "Imagine launching a website tomorrow and trying to bring 50,000 people towards it and get 1,000 of those people to convert at a transactional value of $1,000 or more."That's the scale of the challenge many founders face without realizing it. Jason broke down how campaigns that succeed aren't just lucky—they're methodical. They use strategies built on industry research and competitive marketing audits. These show founders what messaging and channels are working and which aren't, enabling them to craft a custom roadmap for every stage of their campaign.He encourages founders to go deep on pre-launch preparation. That includes clearly identifying audiences, traffic sources, and strategic partnerships. According to Jason, it also means fine-tuning the content and offering page to ensure it's optimized for conversions."You still need to have a well-thought-out plan on where that traffic's coming from," he noted, even for small campaigns targeting $50,000. "One way or the other, I need to figure out how am I getting those actual visits to my offering page."Jason and his team at DNA have helped clients raise hundreds of millions of dollars from the crowd. The secret? They treat marketing as a science—and a strategy-first mindset is always step one.To hear more from Jason, check out this episode and join us at SuperCrowdLA, where he'll speak twice and be available throughout the event. Don't miss the chance to learn from one of the best in the business.tl;dr:Jason Fishman explains why strategic planning and marketing are essential for crowdfunding success at any scale.He shares how the most successful campaigns use research and competitor audits to map traffic and conversions.Jason emphasizes that even small campaigns must create momentum with targeted audiences and compelling content.His superpower, generating excitement, helps him motivate teams, founders, and friends to rally around a vision.Jason encourages understanding your audience's fears and desires to inspire action and build lasting engagement.How to Develop Inspiring Excitement As a SuperpowerJason Fishman's superpower is his ability to inspire excitement and rally people around a shared goal. “Getting people excited…has been present my whole life,” Jason explained. He shared how this skill underpins his success in building impactful marketing campaigns, emphasizing that understanding what drives and motivates people is key. Jason applies this talent to craft compelling messaging and visuals that move audiences to action.Illustrative Story:Jason shared a personal anecdote about planning a wedding for his wife's cousin, who had been overwhelmed by the process. By addressing objections and highlighting exciting details, Jason turned their reluctance into enthusiasm. The result was a beautiful wedding overlooking the beach, with Jason even serving as the DJ. This story exemplifies his ability to energize others and create positive outcomes.Tips for Developing the Superpower:Understand Your Audience: Identify what excites and motivates them, as well as their fears.Communicate the Vision: Show others what success looks like and why it matters.Address Objections: Turn concerns into opportunities by re-framing challenges in a positive light.Leverage Energy: Use your enthusiasm to inspire and rally others around shared goals.By following Jason's example and advice, you can make inspiring excitement a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileJason Fishman (he/him):Co-Founder and CEO of Digital Niche Agency DNA and Host of the "Test. Optimize. Scale." Podcast, Digital Niche Agency (DNA)About Digital Niche Agency (DNA): DNA is a full-service digital marketing agency specializing in surpassing client goals. Our team has over 25 years of experience in Marketing, Start-Ups, and Business Development. While working with clients and launching brands we have learned what works and how to implement a revenue-driving marketing strategy. Watching the digital marketing landscape evolve everyday, our primary objective is to offer the latest technologies and techniques to small to mid level businesses. With a focus on two areas, Content Development and Content Distribution, the DNA model is built for both brand value and performance. Our success is truly measured by the growth rate of our clients companies. Whether you are looking for Social Media, SEO, Content Marketing, Digital PR, Web/ Mobile Media Buying, Marketing Plans, Influencer Marketing, Instagram Ads, Traffic to CrowdFounding Platforms, Investor Materials, CPI / Burst and AOS Campaigns, Development, Video, or Digital Advertising, we know how many options there are out there and have structured ourselves so that you can get everything you need from DNA. We have relationships with the top vendors in the digital world and provide the ability to work with one partner to manage all areas of your digital brand at below industry standard rates. With this approach we want to make the process easy, so we can begin getting you more market share with our formula.Website: digitalnicheagency.comX/Twitter Handle: @DNAgency_CACompany Facebook Page: facebook.com/digitalnicheagencyBiographical Information: Jason Fishman has 15+ years experience as a “New Media Enthusiast”, who genuinely enjoys planning, activating, and managing scalable marketing strategies across the full-spectrum of verticals and goals. He is an expert in digital channels including Search Engines, Social Media Platforms, Programmatic Ad Exchanges, Influencer Networks, Email Automation, Content Marketing, and Partnerships. He has held leadership roles at all sides of the marketing table: Agency, Brand, and Vendor, which explains his ability to structure unique opportunities for DNA clients.Jason managed the Product Marketing Division of a major Mobile Ad Network who exclusively represented ad inventory for 1,500+ Print Publishers' Mobile/Tablet apps and worked with many Top 100 Advertisers. Leveraging traffic algorithms, Jason now takes this knowledge and applies it to scale brands with effective marketing tactics.Since launching DNA in 2014, Jason and the team have worked with over 750 brands and deliver industry-leading results across eCommerce, Lead Generation and Digital Funding campaigns. DNA is now an Inc 5000 company, who has worked with over 350 Reg CF, Reg A+, Reg D, and Digital Asset campaigns that have produced 9-figures of funding.Jason has been showcased in Panel and Individual presentations at a high volume of Tech and Marketing conferences, along with his “Test. Optimize. Scale.” Podcast. He is also committed to a number of Thought Leadership content projects for 2024, including the Forbes Agency Council. Jason manages a Los Angeles team with experience in all aspects of the user journey.Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/digital-niche-agencyInstagram Handle: @digitalnicheagencySupport Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include FundingHope, Make Money with Impact Crowdfunding, SuperCrowdLA and Crowdfunding Made Simple. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact MembersThe following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on April 15, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.SuperCrowdHour, April 16, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Gene Massey, Chairman/CEO of MediaShares, will lead a session on "Secrets For Creating Great Content To Attract Investors." He'll share expert insights on crafting compelling content that engages and converts potential investors. Whether you're launching a crowdfunding campaign or looking to enhance your storytelling strategy, this session is a must-attend! Don't miss it!SuperCrowdLA: we're going to be live in Santa Monica, California, May 1-3. Plan to join us for a major, in-person event focused on scaling impact. Sponsored by Digital Niche Agency, ProActive Real Estate and others. This will be a can't-miss event. Has your business been impacted by the recent fires? Apply now for a chance to receive one of 10 free tickets to SuperCrowdLA on May 2nd and 3rd and gain the tools to rebuild and grow! SuperCrowd25, August 21st and 22nd: This two-day virtual event is an annual tradition but with big upgrades for 2025! We'll be streaming live across the web and on TV via e360tv. Soon, we'll open a process for nominating speakers. Check back!Community Event CalendarSuccessful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.Devin Thorpe joins Entrepreneurs On Fire to share powerful insights on impact investing and doing well by doing good. Tune in on April 10 to hear Devin's inspiring conversation with host John Lee Dumas!Igniting Community Capital to Build Outdoor Recreation Communities, Crowdfund Better, Thursdays, March 20 & 27, April 3 & 10, 2025, at 1:00 PM ET.Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.Call for community action:Please show your support for a tax credit for investments made via Regulation Crowdfunding, benefiting both the investors and the small businesses that receive the investments. Learn more here.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 9,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe
I'm not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Devin: What is your superpower?Muna: I believe my superpower is just empowering and sharing. I believe that there's plenty for everybody.Revitalizing neighborhoods isn't just about beautification; it's about inclusion. Muna Phometsi, President of Strategic Projects Capital LLC, exemplifies this ethos with her groundbreaking project, The Swank Atlanta. Situated in Reynoldstown, this luxury development combines upscale design with an innovative crowdfunded investment model, ensuring that people from all income brackets can share in its success.The Swank Atlanta represents more than luxury living. Muna shared her passion for the project, saying, “We believe that the community should not only benefit from revitalization but also participate in the potential profit.” This principle of inclusion underscores her commitment to building a project where economic and social impacts intersect.Located just a three-minute walk from the Atlanta Beltline, The Swank Atlanta provides easy access to parks, trails, and restaurants, enhancing the neighborhood's appeal. Muna emphasized the area's diverse, tight-knit community, noting that her team engaged with residents to understand and complement their vision. “This was a sore eye to the community,” she explained. “We wanted to bring something beautiful to complement what's going on in the area.”As a seasoned real estate developer, Muna brings two decades of experience to this project, working alongside her husband, an architect with similar expertise. Their approach to development is guided by a philosophy of sharing knowledge and opportunities. “We've never been people that hold information to ourselves. What we know, we want you to know because we believe that there's so much for everybody.”The Swank Atlanta is currently raising funds through Small Change, a regulated investment crowdfunding platform. This effort not only reflects Muna's vision of community empowerment but also paves the way for similar projects across the East Coast and beyond.Muna's innovative approach is a model for leveraging development to create social and financial value, ensuring that everyone has a stake in building better communities.tl;dr:* Muna Phometsi shares her vision for The Swank Atlanta, a crowdfunded luxury redevelopment project.* The project emphasizes inclusivity by enabling middle-class and lower-income investors to participate meaningfully.* Muna highlights Reynoldstown's rich history and community-driven revitalization as central to the development.* Her superpower, empowering and sharing, drives her passion for helping others achieve financial growth.* Muna offers practical tips for creating impact through real estate development and community involvement.How to Develop Empowering and Sharing As a SuperpowerMuna's superpower lies in her unwavering commitment to empowering others by sharing knowledge and opportunities. She believes that by spreading what she has learned, she can inspire others to achieve their dreams, creating a ripple effect of growth and success within communities.Muna shared an inspiring example from her current project, The Swank Atlanta, a crowdfunded luxury development. She explained how the project allows individuals, including those from middle-class and lower-income brackets, to invest in a high-end real estate project—a rare opportunity. Additionally, Muna described helping a former classmate with a construction business, leveraging her husband's expertise as a contractor to guide him toward success. Both instances reflect her drive to empower others by sharing knowledge and creating inclusive opportunities.Tips for Developing the Superpower:* Listen Actively: Pay attention to people's concerns, aspirations, and challenges. Look for cues that indicate areas where you can help.* Identify Opportunities: Be proactive in suggesting solutions or sharing resources that align with others' goals or problems.* Be Willing to Teach: Share your knowledge openly and authentically. Recognize that even small insights can make a big difference.* Foster Inclusion: Create avenues for people from all backgrounds to participate in opportunities, as Muna does with her crowdfunding initiatives.* Adopt a Learning Mindset: Continuously expand your own knowledge so you can provide valuable insights to others.By following Muna's example and advice, you can make empowering and sharing a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileMuna Phometsi (she/her):President, Strategic Projects Capital LLCAbout Strategic Projects Capital LLC: Strategic Projects Capital is a real estate investment company based in Atlanta, Georgia. We are a development manager, asset manager and real estate fund sponsor focused on helping passive investors share in the real estate wealth regardless of income bracket.Our goal is to encourage all who qualify to invest passively in our syndication projects and take advantage of the lucrative benefits that real estate investment has for decades offered to a select few.Website: strategicprojectscapital.comCompany Facebook Page: facebook.com/Empowering InvestorsOther URL: smallchange.co/projects/Swank-AtlantaBiographical Information: Muna serves as the President of Strategic Projects Capital LLC, a Georgia-based real estate investment firm. She is also the co-founder of Strategic Projects Inc., a Georgia-based design-build firm that has been in business for two decades. She brings a wealth management experience in the construction project delivery space, and she is a licensed GA Realtor. She is also a registered pharmacist who has held management positions at several Fortune 500 companies in the pharmaceutical sector. In her current position, Muna plays a key role in identifying, creating, and organizing real estate investment opportunities for development projects and securing capital for project implementation. She is passionate about empowering others by sharing her knowledge and resources and providing access to passive investments.Muna holds an MBA from Mercer University, a Bachelor of Pharmacy from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, Advanced certificates in Real Estate Finance and an Advanced Certificate in Real Estate Development from the Commercial Real Estate Development Association (NAOIP).Personal Facebook Profile: Facebook.com/munaphometsiLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/muna-phometsi-8b1b93119/Instagram Handle: @MunaphometsiSupport Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include FundingHope, Abby, Honeycomb Credit and How to Make Money with Impact Crowdfunding. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact MembersThe following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on January 21, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.* SuperCrowdHour, January 15, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Devin Thorpe will be doing investor-focused training on building an investment strategy focused on investing in debt instruments to match or even exceed stock market returns. This is great for people serious about investing, whether you are starting with $100 or $100,000. Don't miss it!* SuperCrowdLA, we're going to be live in Los Angeles late the spring. Plan to join us there for a major, in-person event focused on scaling impact. Details to come soon!* SuperCrowdHour, December 18, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At December's SuperCrowdHour, Jason Fishman of Digital Niche Agency will present an “Algorithmic Strategy to Reach Your Crowdfund Capital Raising Goals.” Free to attend.Community Event Calendar* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events* Community Capital Live, Havell Rodrigues, New Majority Capital, January 15, 2:00 PM Eastern.* Community Capital Live, Bernall Hall, New Jersey Community Capital, January 29, 2:00 PM Eastern.* NC3 Changing the Paradigm: Mobilizing Community Investment Funds, March 7, 2025* Asheville Neighborhood Economics, April 1-2, 2-25.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 8,000+ members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe
I'm not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Devin: What is your superpower?Lester: I believe that the human spirit is greater than human nature. I think that we allow each other to play small and blame it on human nature. “Oh, that's just human nature.” It's human nature to do as little as possible to try to get as much as possible. But the human spirit says, “How can I contribute as much as possible?”The future of energy lies not just in renewables but in energy abundance, according to Lester Crafton, co-founder of Ovanova. In today's episode, Lester shared how his company is transforming rural America by deploying solar microgrids—systems that combine solar, energy storage, and smart controls—to meet surging energy demands.Lester believes the need for energy will grow exponentially in the coming decades. “What would happen if we went from an energy-starved world to an energy-abundant world? How much better could we treat each other?” he asked. With this philosophy, Ovanova focuses on deploying solar microgrids to ensure energy security, particularly for communities at the greatest risk during power shortages.The demand isn't hypothetical. Lester identified six trends—he calls them a “six-headed monster”—that are pushing the grid to its limits: the return of American manufacturing, electric vehicles, Bitcoin mining, widespread electrification, robotics, and the energy-hungry rise of artificial intelligence. “An AI data center takes like 70 times the energy of a normal data center,” he said, highlighting the urgency of their work.In rural communities, where large-scale grids often fail first, microgrids provide a reliable, local solution. “If Elon's supercomputer and the Blue Oval [Ford plant] need energy, then it doesn't matter if my parents' medical devices need to run. They get the blackout,” Lester explained.Ovanova's mission resonates far beyond energy—it's about economic and community resilience. Lester's vision for microgrids offers both a practical path forward for the solar industry and a brighter, more equitable energy future.If you're looking to support this mission, Ovanova frequently raises capital through regulated investment crowdfunding, empowering people to invest directly in the clean energy revolution.tl;dr:* In today's episode, Lester Crafton shares how Ovanova builds solar microgrids to meet rising energy demands.* Lester explains how six factors—including AI and EVs—drive exponential energy consumption in the future.* This episode highlights how virtual power plants and microgrids secure energy for rural communities.* Lester's belief in persistence and humanity's goodness fuels Ovanova's innovative clean energy solutions.* Lester emphasizes that solar energy's cost-effectiveness and scalability make it essential for energy security.How to Develop Persistence and Belief in Humanity As a SuperpowerLester Crafton's superpower is his unwavering persistence, fueled by a deep belief in the goodness of humanity. He views challenges as opportunities to create, iterate, and improve. By centering his work on contributing as much value as possible, Lester inspires others to join him in solving problems that matter, particularly in renewable energy and disaster preparedness.Lester shared an anecdote about a nonprofit project led by Xena Leone, Ovanova's director. After inspiring people in Peru to clean up rivers, she returned to her North Carolina hometown to establish microgrids for disaster preparedness. This initiative not only strengthened local resilience but also laid the foundation for virtual power plants—systems that keep communities running during grid failures. Lester's persistence and ability to rally talented people like Xena illustrate his commitment to solving real-world problems while inspiring others to contribute.Tips for Developing This Superpower* Focus on Contribution: Ask, “How can I create as much value as possible for others?” rather than focusing on personal gain.* Embrace Feedback as Growth: Treat setbacks as experiments to refine and improve your work.* Surround Yourself with Amazing People: Attract talented, purpose-driven individuals by inspiring them with your vision.* Believe in Humanity's Potential: Even when facing setbacks, remember the inherent goodness and capabilities of people.* Keep Going, No Matter What: Persevere through challenges with a mindset of creating, sharing, and iterating until you succeed.By following Lester Crafton's example and advice, you can make persistence and belief in humanity a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileLester Crafton (he/him):Co-Founder, OvanovaAbout Ovanova: Ovanova's mission is to add as much value as possible to as many lives as possible. We chose energy as the lever that created the most positive impact for the most people. We currently develop, deploy, monitor, maintain and maximize microgrids. We have installed solar projects in 25 states with over sixty utility companies and currently focus on serving disadvantaged and distressed rural communities by giving small business owners and ag producers an easy way to access Inflation Reduction Act benefits intended for them.Website: ovanova.coX/Twitter Handle: @voiceofsolarCompany Facebook Page: fb.com/voiceofsolar/Biographical Information: Lester is from Somerville, TN. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He and his organization worked with over 1500 students directly in America's oldest sales and leadership training program. He began his solar energy journey in 2014, and started Ovanova in 2015.X/Twitter Handle: @lestercraftonPersonal Facebook Profile: fb.com/lcrafton/Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/lestercrafton/Support Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include FundingHope, Abby, Honeycomb Credit and SuperCrowd Impact Members. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact MembersThe following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on December 17, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.* SuperCrowdHour, December 18, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At December's SuperCrowdHour, Jason Fishman of Digital Niche Agency will present an “Algorithmic Strategy to Reach Your Crowdfund Capital Raising Goals.” Free to attend.Community Event Calendar* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events* Community Revitalization, Thursdays, 10:00 AM Eastern.* NC3 Changing the Paradigm: Mobilizing Community Investment Funds, March 7, 2025* Asheville Neighborhood Economics, April 1-2, 2-25.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 8,000+ members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe
I'm not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Devin: What is your superpower?Troy: I would say I kind of have two characteristics that have really helped me, particularly in the last, say, 10 years of my career. The first one is self-discipline… Number two would be tenacity.Success in business and athletics often comes after facing and overcoming challenges. It takes a special kind of resilience to keep going when things get tough. Troy Helming, CEO of EarthGrid PBC, has that resilience in spades. He's a successful entrepreneur and athlete who has won numerous competitions.Troy shared his story on today's episode of Superpowers for Good. I was impressed by how he didn't let age or setbacks hold him back. In his early fifties, he was competing with 20-year-olds in the Ninja Warrior competition. He didn't win the whole thing, but he did win some of the regional events.Troy's entrepreneurial journey has been just as impressive. He's the founder and CEO of EarthGrid, a company that is developing a new technology for tunneling and excavating. EarthGrid has raised millions of dollars in funding from investors, including $4.5 million from regulated investment crowdfunding.Troy's success is a testament to the power of perseverance. He's not afraid of hard work or challenges. In fact, he seems to thrive on them. When asked about his fundraising efforts, Troy said, "I had to put in a lot of work... I had to give over 2,400 pitches."Troy's story is an inspiration to us all. It shows that we can achieve our goals if we are willing to put in the hard work and never give up.Having raised so much from the crowd, I asked Troy for some tips:Have a compelling hook. Your message needs to grab attention amidst the constant bombardment of information people receive. A unique hook, like a science fiction analogy, can intrigue potential investors.Reinvest capital in advertising. Helming suggests reinvesting 10-20% of raised funds back into advertising to boost the campaign's reach.Simplify your message. Potential investors should quickly understand your company, its traction, achievements, potential upside, and expected timeline for returns.Build a strong network. Start with your network and gradually expand by investing in marketing and creating compelling content.Be sure to bookmark this article so you can find them when you need them!Disclaimer: I am an investor in EarthGrid.tl;dr:* Troy Helming, CEO of EarthGrid, discusses his company's innovative plasma tunneling technology.* EarthGrid's technology offers significant cost and time savings compared to traditional tunneling methods.* Helming shares his experience in raising capital, including the challenges and successes of crowdfunding.* He emphasizes the importance of self-discipline and tenacity in overcoming obstacles and achieving goals.* Helming's journey highlights the power of perseverance and innovation in making a positive impact.How to Develop Self-Discipline and Tenacity As a SuperpowerOn this episode of Superpowers for Good, Troy discussed the importance of cultivating self-discipline and tenacity. He believes these two characteristics are essential for navigating the challenges and setbacks that inevitably arise in life.Illustrative Story:Troy shared how he had to give over 2,400 pitches to potential investors to raise capital for EarthGrid. Despite facing rejection after rejection, he never gave up. He knew it was a numbers game and that eventually, he would find the right investors.Tips for Developing the Superpower:* Start with small, achievable goals.* Embrace challenges and view setbacks as opportunities for growth.* Practice delayed gratification.* Surround yourself with supportive people.* Celebrate your successes along the way.By following Troy's example and advice, you can make self-discipline and tenacity a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileTroy Helming (he/him):CEO, EarthGrid PBCAbout EarthGrid PBC: EarthGrid invented plasma tunnel boring robots (think Star Wars light sabers) that consume no water, have no emissions & bore tunnels 100x faster at 1/10th the cost. They're building a network of large, underground infrastructure tunnels to accelerate 100% clean energy: power lines, high-speed data, water, freight transportation, etc. Their BOOM model (Build, Own, Operate, Manage) will lease space to creditworthy Data Centers, Solar/Wind IPPs & Utilities.Website: earthgrid.ioX/Twitter Handle: @earthgrid_ioCompany Facebook Page: fb.com/profile.php?id=100090833724319Other URL: troyhelming.comBiographical Information: Troy Helming is a Unicorn Founder (with 6 company exits) and a modern-day industrialist. He's an inventor (60+ patent claims), an elite athlete (American Ninja Warrior), an author (The Clean Power Revolution + articles), and a clean energy executive. He's founded solar & wind companies that have generated more than $35 Billion of economic impact, and he serves on numerous boards. He's a longtime wellness practitioner, yogi, and family man.X/Twitter Handle: @SolarNinjaTroyPersonal Facebook Profile: fb.com/SolarNinjaTroy/Linkedin:.linkedin.com/in/troyhelming/Instagram Handle: @solarninjatroy/ Support Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include FundingHope, Azolla, Abby and Honeycomb Credit. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact MembersThe following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on December 17, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.* SuperCrowdHour, December 18, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At December's SuperCrowdHour, Jason Fishman of Digital Niche Agency will an “Algorithmic Strategy to Reach Your Crowdfund Capital Raising Goals.” Free to attend.Community Event Calendar* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events* Community Revitalization, Thursdays, 10:00 AM Eastern.* NC3 Changing the Paradigm: Mobilizing Community Investment Funds, March 7, 2025* Asheville Neighborhood Economics, date TBD following impact of Helene.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 8,000+ members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe
I'm not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Devin: What is your superpower?Lauren: What is my superpower? I think I am a mission-driven growth catalyst.Transforming the nonprofit sector starts with empowering its leaders. Gratitude Network, under the leadership of Executive Director Lauren Reilly, has revolutionized nonprofit growth by offering leaders of organizations serving children a robust fellowship program. This unique accelerator equips them with tools to scale their impact globally.Gratitude Network's fellowship program combines executive coaching, a mini-MBA curriculum, and a global peer network. As Lauren explained in our interview, "Organizations that go through our program grow 3x on average after working with us. They grow revenue by almost 40% and, one year post-fellowship, serve an additional 2,300 children on average."Lauren's passion for creating systemic change is deeply rooted in her career as an educator. Early on, she recognized the inequities in education systems and sought innovative solutions. “I wanted to show students what it was like to be a CEO,” she recalled, describing her transition into the nonprofit sector. Gratitude Network provided her with the business acumen she needed to scale her ideas. Within five years, her nonprofit grew 26-fold, serving 21,000 children and collaborating with over 100 Fortune 500 companies.Now, at the helm of Gratitude Network, Lauren's vision is to amplify this impact. She aims to sustain and expand the organization's global network, ensuring that fellows continue to benefit from support long after completing the program. “We're fixing a broken nonprofit sector,” she said. “By supporting Gratitude, donors aren't just helping one organization—they're creating a leveraged social venture with outcomes year after year.”Gratitude Network is a beacon for nonprofit leaders striving to accelerate change. With Lauren's leadership, the ripple effect of their work promises to transform communities worldwide, one leader at a time.tl;dr:* Gratitude Network empowers nonprofit leaders with tools like executive coaching and a scale-up curriculum.* Lauren transitioned from education to nonprofits, scaling impactful ideas into sustainable, thriving organizations.* Fellows in the Gratitude Network's program average a 3x growth and serve 2,300 more children annually.* Success at Gratitude stems from system building, postmortems, and clear KPIs to drive measurable impact.* Lauren encourages dedicating 20% of time to strategic thinking to achieve long-term organizational growth.How to Develop Being a Mission-Driven Growth Catalyst As a SuperpowerLauren's superpower lies in being a "mission-driven growth catalyst." This unique ability allows her to inspire and execute change, transforming innovative ideas into scalable, impactful ventures. She empowers changemakers to evolve into effective business leaders while amplifying their impact.Lauren exemplified her superpower while working with Practice, a nonprofit in New York City. Recognizing the potential of using college students to mitigate summer learning loss for 1.1 million children, Lauren built systems and training programs to scale the initiative. Within five years, the organization grew to serve over 50,000 students annually, showcasing her talent for creating processes that drive large-scale change.Tips for Developing This Superpower:* Analyze Success: Regularly reflect on what is working well. Identify the specific steps and actions that led to success and document them.* Create Systems and Processes: Design repeatable systems for achieving desired outcomes. Train team members to implement these processes at scale.* Set and Track KPIs: Develop key performance indicators aligned with organizational goals. Monitor progress monthly and adjust to meet growth targets.* Carve Out Time for Strategy: Dedicate 20 percent of your time to think about long-term growth and innovative ideas rather than just day-to-day execution.* Engage Teams in Postmortems: After every project or milestone, review outcomes—good or bad—to identify lessons and refine processes.By following Lauren's example and advice, you can make "mission-driven growth catalyst" a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileLauren Reilly (she/her):Executive Director, Gratitude NetworkAbout Gratitude Network: Founded in 2014, Gratitude Network is a leadership development non-profit that improves the lives of children and youth around the world by accelerating the community impact of social entrepreneurs. Gratitude Network offers a 12-month virtual Fellowship focused on leadership and organizational growth, featuring personalized coaching, a scaling curriculum, peer learning sessions, and networking events. Since its inception, Gratitude Network has supported over 200 Fellows across 82 countries. Post fellowship, these Fellows have increased the number of children they serve by 2.7X and boosted their revenue by an average of 38%. The program is highly competitive, with over 1,500 applicants annually vying for just 30 fellowship spots. At Gratitude Network, we don't just give a person a fish or teach them to fish—we help them build sustainable fishing ponds. By empowering social entrepreneurs with the tools, skills, and support to create sustainable solutions, we enable them to drive lasting change that ripples through their entire communities. This way, their impact grows, benefitting future generations.Website: www.gratitude-network.orgCompany Facebook Page: fb.com/gratitudenet/Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/the-gratitude-network/Other URL: www.gratitude-network.org/donateBiographical Information: Lauren Reilly is a results-driven professional with a proven track record in growing and scaling non-profit and social impact organizations. She assumes the Executive Director role at Gratitude Network after having run SuitUp, a college and career readiness organization, for the past six years. As the first employee and inaugural Executive Director of SuitUp, she grew the organization 26x over 5 years, serving over 21,000 students and raising over $3M. Prior to this, Lauren served as a board member and Chief Learning and Program Officer at Practice Makes Perfect, where she played a key role in growing the organization 10x over 5 years. Her background includes impactful roles as a Teach for America alum and NY certified teacher, teaching high school and middle school in the Bronx and Harlem.Lauren's accolades include the Gratitude Network Fellowship, SOCAP Fellowship, Student Success Network Fellowship, NYU Senior Leaders Fellowship, and graduation from the Goldman Sachs 10KSB program. She was also recognized as a finalist in the NYC Imagine Awards in the Rising Star and Excellence in Leadership categories. Notably, Lauren was honored by the Obama administration as a White House Champion for Change for her pioneering work in summer learning. She was one of 17 women-led organizations to undergo Santa Clara's GSBI incubator. Lauren holds a Master's degree in Education from Fordham University and a Bachelor's degree in History from Vassar College. Her contributions have been featured in publications such as Chronicles of Philanthropy, K12 Drive, Manhattan Lifestyle, News12 and more.Personal Facebook Profile: fb.com/lauren.elizabeth.7399Instagram Handle: @thegratitudenetwork/Support Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include FundingHope, Azolla, Abby and How to Make Money with Impact Crowdfunding. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact MembersThe following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on December 17, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.* SuperCrowdHour, December 18, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At December's SuperCrowdHour, Jason Fishman of Digital Niche Agency will an “Algorithmic Strategy to Reach Your Crowdfund Capital Raising Goals.” Free to attend.Community Event Calendar* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events* Community Revitalization, Thursdays, 10:00 AM Eastern.* CfPA Webinar with President-Elect Jenny Kassan sharing her vision for 2025, today, December 11 at 2:00 PM Eastern.* NC3 Changing the Paradigm: Mobilizing Community Investment Funds, March 7, 2025* Asheville Neighborhood Economics, date TBD following impact of Helene.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 8,000+ members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe
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