Podcast appearances and mentions of karen rands

Who is Karen?Karen Rands is a dedicated advocate for entrepreneurs and investors, striving to bridge the gap between innovative ideas and financial support. With a strong belief in strategic, world-changing initiatives, she leverages her expertise to instill confidence in investors and guide them towards impactful investments. Through her podcast, Karen addresses the common challenges faced by startups, providing insightful advice to entrepreneurs who often venture into capital-raising without fully understanding the nuances. Her mission is to equip emerging businesses with the knowledge they need to start on the right foot and succeed in their entrepreneurial journeys.Key Takeaways00:00 Misjudging Capital Needs Hinders Growth07:25 Understanding Early Customer Acquisition10:18 Investment Readiness Assessment12:32 Emotional Investing for Impact17:14 Strategic Board Structure for Control19:34 Free Consultation and YouTube Webinars23:01 Discovering Angel Investing's Exclusivity26:59 Entrepreneurship Challenges and Misconceptions28:51 Investing in Startups for Profit_________________________________________________________________________________________________Subscribe to our newsletter and get details of when we are doing these interviews live at https://TCA.fyi/newsletterFind out more about being a guest at : link.thecompleteapproach.co.uk/beaguestSubscribe to the podcast at https://link.thecompleteapproach.co.uk/podcastHelp us get this podcast in front of as many people as possible. Leave a nice five-star review at apple podcasts : https://link.thecompleteapproach.co.uk/apple-podcasts and on YouTube : https://link.thecompleteapproach.co.uk/Itsnotrocketscienceatyt!Here's how you can bring your business to THE next level:If you are a business owner currently turning over £/$10K - £/$50K per month and want to grow to £/$100K - £/$500k per month download my free resource on everything you need to grow your business on a single page :It's a detailed breakdown of how you can grow your business to 7-figures in a smart and sustainable way————————————————————————————————————————————-TranscriptNote, this was transcribed using a transcription software and may not reflect the exact words used in the podcast)SUMMARY KEYWORDScapital consultancy, entrepreneurship, capital raising, investors, angel investors, compassionate capitalist, business podcast, startups, scaling business, venture capitalists, reg a plus, crowdfunding, valuation, financial independence, market validation, revenue generation, investor confidence, competitive marketplace, emotional investment, strategic investment, due diligence, incubation, acceleration, product market fit, financial forecasting, convertible notes, safe agreements, entrepreneurship challenges, angel investing, financial education, investing risk.SPEAKERSKaren Rands, Stuart WebbStuart Webb [00:00:31]:Hi, and welcome back to It's Not Rocket Science, five questions over coffee. I am truly honored today to be in the presence of a real expert in their field. Someone who spent, their dedicated their career to helping entrepreneurs raise capital and guiding investors to make smarter, more respectful in and impactful investments. And that's Karen Brands who brings with her over twenty years of experience in capital consultancy. She consults entrepreneurs, advises to angel investors and networks. She's a leader of the compassionate capitalist movement. And this is a top ranked business postcaster as well. So I'm really, really grateful that Karen has been able to spend a few minutes with us.Stuart Webb [00:01:21]:Karen, welcome to It's Not Rocket Science. Five questions for coffee. I'm really looking forward to this discussion because I think you've got some really valuable things to tell us. So welcome to the show.Karen Rands [00:01:32]:Thank you so very much, Stuart. And and I have been, since we got reconnected on LinkedIn, looking at some of the podcasts and the different interviews that you've done, and it really are some true golden nuggets out there for entrepreneurs to be able to, like, get in there and and, like and I love the way that you do it with just the five questions. So, you know, you chop chop, we get to it, and get good stuff going there.Stuart Webb [00:01:56]:We're only gonna ask the five questions, but, obviously, you know, we are really interested. If anybody is watching on the livestream, they need to pop something in. Please post questions in the chat. We'd love to have this interactive. So but let's start, Karen. Karen, talk to me a little bit about the sort of, investor or entrepreneur you're trying to reach, the sort of person who needs the help that you could give them in order to guide them in the right direction towards the capital they need to raise.Karen Rands [00:02:25]:Okay, Stuart. That so I saw that question before. You paved with a little bit different. It's always a struggle for me because you have two sides of the coin, right, with entrepreneur entrepreneurs and investors and different problems. So one is strategic change the world kind of thing with what I do with investors and bringing in this, you know, to get confidence and confidence in investing. But, you know, the there is a challenge, and part of the big reason why I do my show, my podcast show itself is for those entrepreneurs out there, it they startups always know about, seems like raising capital, and they'll get out there and they'll they'll get some good advice. They they get a lot they oftentimes don't know what they don't know. So they get started wrong.Karen Rands [00:03:16]:They get started with wrong perceptions of what it's gonna take to raise capital and actually get to scaling their business. And as a result of this, you find both sides of that table, the angels and the entrepreneurs find themselves in the same problem spot. And that problem spot is the fact that they raise an early round of capital. They are successful in getting to that point, but they underestimate how much capital they're gonna need in order to fully go all the way to the end, to be able to get to a profitable exit, to be able to continue on their life cycle of growing. And by the time that they figure out that they need to go raise more capital, they oftentimes are now not attractive to the next round of potential capital people like venture capitalists. You know, they find out that they need more money than a bank is gonna be. Let's just so let's say somebody raise give me an example. They raise a million dollars as a technology company, let's say, And they and they think that because of the way they calculated their numbers, that's gonna be enough to get them into making $10,000,000 in revenue.Karen Rands [00:04:28]:But in reality, they end up making 3 or $4,000,000 in revenue with that. They might have a little bit of cash flow and some money that they keep putting back into their business to try to get it to grow. And they struggle with scaling because they really need another 5 to $10,000,000 to become the $50,000,000 or the $70,000,000 company that they originally forecast that they would be when those angels put that million dollars in. So they look around and they go, wait. Okay. I I I'm too I'm wrong industry or too slow quote VCs. I'm not big enough for private equity funds. I need more money than a bank will give us, and I'm too big and stale.Karen Rands [00:05:06]:And I didn't do what I said I was gonna do, so the angels aren't gonna give me any more money. Where do I go? And the angels are looking at them going, this is what the every you know, everybody knows about the ten ten companies in a portfolio. I call the three in the middle of the Midlands. 3 go out of business, three do one does really well, three do pretty good that make up for the others, and the three just sort of putter along the Midland companies. Well, those Midland companies have a great opportunity to be able to use some of the new programs available with the jobs act like reg a plus that's designed for growing companies to go out and raise tens to, you know, up to $75,000,000 in a year. It gives the angels an exit. It gives them access to capital to grow and eventually create a, potential exit way into a Nasdaq small cap. So biggest problem, they don't know what it's gonna take to get all the money to get all the way, and they have no idea that there's a program out there like reg a plus that could solve the problem.Stuart Webb [00:06:10]:And I think that's a really critical point that you've made there, Karen, which is so often people haven't thought through enough what they're gonna do with the capital in order to be able to really properly scale, isn't it? That's one of the major issues. And it's an issue for an angel as well because they're looking at the plan and going, well, they're asking me for this much, but I know they need more. But why aren't they asking for it? What is what is wrong that I have that they haven't actually come to me with the right ask? And, you know, that gives you that gives angels and investors a problem as well because they really want people to ask for the right amount. They don't need somebody coming back for two, three different different asks. It gives them all sorts of problems. We could talk about dilutions and things like that. But the fact of the matter is an angel needs somebody to be on the ball and understand what they wanna ask for as well, don't they?Karen Rands [00:07:00]:Yeah. And it's a sequence. You know, you build value that they it's really down to the numbers. I dig into the numbers deep because then I know whether they have any idea what they're doing and if they're gonna be successful at doing it because and I had a call earlier in the day. A guy was like, yeah. If we just get 1% of this giant market, it's gonna we're gonna be we'll be like, whatever. And I said and I laugh. I always have to laugh.Karen Rands [00:07:25]:It's like, do you understand that that's not the issue? It's how are you gonna get your how are you actually gonna get your first hundred customers that pay you money? Not some euphemistic 1% of a big marketplace. There's a hundred companies chasing after that 1%. You know? So that is such a it's so understanding. And and I and and, yeah, I could we get it. We could probably spend the whole thing talking about financials and how they do the financials, but that's really is the secret of their success is understanding their marketplace, how they're gonna generate revenue, what's gonna cost them to do it, how much time and money is it gonna take them to get to that point so that and and then how much money do they need to get to that point? Right? And if they if you and and not get over into this this bogged down to this percentage thing, because if you get your shares at 25¢ a share, if that's what you're selling, when when Amazon first, you know, started raising capital, they raised a little, and then they go another round at 50, another round at a dollar, another round at a dollar 50, another round at $2 and raising incremental money as their value went up and they delivered on it. And if an investor says to an entrepreneur, okay. Come back to me when you finish this round or come back to me when you have those hundred customers. It's not because they're it's because they don't believe that entrepreneur has the ability to do it, and they don't wanna shoot them in the foot.Karen Rands [00:08:51]:They just wanna, like, put a caveat out there because if they believe that they had the ability to do it, wouldn't they want the stock at 25¢ and not a dollar a share? It's because they don't think they're gonna ever get there. That's why they say that.Stuart Webb [00:09:04]:Yeah. Absolutely. Absolutely. And it is it is you know, it's in everybody's interest to get it right first time, isn't it? It's absolutely the right thing to do to get it right because you then you then save yourself a whole lot of trouble. We could talk for many hours about this, and I'm gonna try. Because you also do as well with with angel investors and helping them to make the right sort of choices and to make the right sort of calls. So is there is there anything you sort of turn around and and and think about in terms of how you help, investors as well to understand how they make their smart investments.Karen Rands [00:09:37]:Well, it's the offering the due diligence. So when I ran my angel investor group for about a decade, you know, I got really, really good at screening companies to see who was worthy of being able to pitch to my investors, which ones I thought the investors would be most likely to invest in. Right? So when you have reviewed a thousand some odd business plans and models and ongoing, you know, you start to pick up a few things here and there. And also in preparation when I was, you know, writing the book, I probably interviewed a hundred investors and I and on my podcast. Right? So it's like, what worked for you? What was your biggest mistake? All that kind of stuff. And it kinda ties right back into what we were talking about. It's the red flags. Right? I I have a program.Karen Rands [00:10:18]:I take companies through an analysis and identify their red flags and give them a red light, green light, yellow light, whatever to go forward to investors. And the, and it really comes down to truly understanding the problem, the solution, why they're the only ones who deliver the solution, and, you know, how are they gonna get there? Do they understand their marketplace well enough to know, like, how they're gonna how they're actually gonna get there and put money in the register? And it's you know, people talk about that, like, incubators and accelerators will sort of talk about the product market fit. That's kind of a thing that people like to throw in there. That's just really catchy little words that came out of a book that, you know, are are do you have do you know where your product fits, and does the market want it willing to pay you the money you need in order to make a profit?Stuart Webb [00:11:13]:Yeah. Yeah. No. Yeah.Karen Rands [00:11:14]:It's still common sense sometimes, but it it's it it because here's the thing. Emotion. So I call it subjective and objective. Emotion so way too often onto investors, buy based off of emotion. And this is when I wrote the book, it was really an anticipation because of crowdfunding that, you know, angel investing has a black eye in a lot of financial sectors for lots of different wrong reasons, not valid reasons, but it's still out there in this in the ethersphere. Right? And the and I was afraid that these people would be like, oh my god. Now I can invest in entrepreneurs. I better go do this.Karen Rands [00:11:54]:And they would see a video. They'd fall in love with the company. They wouldn't look at any of the things that you would need to look at, you know, for buried entry or ability to perform. And they would invest and then lose their money, and it would continue to give angel investing a black eye. And so it was one of those things that you just it there the so I have in my course, I you it's a very disciplined process that you go through and a scoring system so that you can know where if it's between it on a scale of one to 10. Seven to 10, write in. It's your industry. It's your stage.Karen Rands [00:12:32]:It's your the structure of the offering. It, you know, it's it you know this marketplace. It fits it checks about enough of the boxes. And then a five would be like, oh, it's not really perfect, but I just love this entrepreneur. Oh, I love what they're doing. So you consciously are making a decision that says, I know this is riskier. I might lose my money on this, but I'm willing to do it because I just I'm giving credit to my emotion of wanting to do this because it's gonna feel good. Because one of the main reasons why I figured out why millionaires that have the ability to be an angel investor in this sector that is considered, like, so risky, right, is because of the good that they feel when they make an investment with their dollars, and they're having an impact not only to potentially change the world with the problem that that company that founder is solving, but they just like that founder.Karen Rands [00:13:31]:They wanna see that founder be successful. So they if they can balance it properly with objective reasons why this is good a good investment with their emotional reasons why I just really like this and it makes me feel good, then hopefully they get a win win. But they've got to be conscious of that. If they're not conscious that they're making those choices, they will invest on emotion almost all and I've done it. I I have I have broken my own rules and invested on emotion that I'm still, you know, ten years later for waiting for that return on investment. So, you know, it is easy to go down in that slippery slope of doing that, but that's really it's it's it's understanding and really thinking through common sense logic. Do they have what is necessary to succeed?Stuart Webb [00:14:18]:Yeah. Brilliant.Karen Rands [00:14:20]:Sipping my coffee.Stuart Webb [00:14:23]:Karen, I mean, we've we've we've just started started the the talking about this. So so and you've started explaining a little bit about how, investors are and, and and business people sort of end up in these situations. What are the what are the problems that you've seen some of these investors, some of these, some of these, business people get into before they come across somebody like you? And and and and what is it, that you see them do that you can sort of try and help them sort of steer away from those problems before we even get there?Karen Rands [00:14:54]:So we talked we touched on it a little bit with valuation. Valuation is one of those that I think they oftentimes can make mistakes. And then I they come into me and they're struggling with raising capital. I'm sort of like the fixer when it comes to entrepreneurs. A lot of times they're like, oh, I don't know where to go. Karen, can you help? And then I'll look at this stuff and I go, this is why you're having a problem raising capital. And and then and then hopefully, they haven't spent too much money with the wrong people at that point in time so that they can fix themselves to get fixed so they have their odds of being able to raise the capital increases. But if you you know, there used to be a pretty steady rule of thumb that if you were an idea stage, you might be a million dollar valuation.Karen Rands [00:15:37]:Right? And then once you got past that and you had an MVP and you, you know, kind of had some market validation, you might be able to go to 5,000,000. And then based off of actual forecast, you would do some sort of like a net present value of a higher valuation, but you would be raising money along the ways. And that's when convertible notes and safes became all the rage because it got out of that conversation of what are you a million or $5,000,000 company in the beginning, and it would just convert or give you some kind of sweetener for putting money in now for when, an institutional round that set the valuation happen. And so I think that's probably one of the areas. And entrepreneurs will be like, oh, if I'm 1% of the marketplace, I'm gonna have a hundred million dollar business in five years. Therefore, I'm a $75,000,000 valuation. It's like, no. Not really.Karen Rands [00:16:31]:You know what I mean? It's like, no. Because and they're like, well, you know, they just they just have this Pollyanna approach to it thinking that because they believe it, they see it, it will happen, and that's not the case. It's it's always stair stepping your value and getting out of that scarcity mentality of a percentage of. Because if you understand how to structure the company, you're gonna have preferred and common. So common are the voters. Preferred gets the fur VCs all want that because that's the first right of the technology if something happens. Right? And you can end. And also once you get their board of directors are the ones that actually make most of the operational decisions of things.Karen Rands [00:17:14]:And so you set up from the beginning that you're gonna have your core executive as three people on the board, and then you give two seats up. But you put in your your stockholders agreement and in your formation that add certain amount of revenue or a certain amount of capital raise, you add two more seats. So you you can you always you keep control of your company through the structure of it and how you go about raising that capital having to feel like, oh my god, I've gotta have 51% of a $75,000,000 company when you will never raise the capital on that valuation. Because just real quick, I've the reason why is investors think this and I learned this from some of my key investors. When I say, well, how come you didn't like that? I love that company. What do you mean? And they were like, their valuation is too high. I'll never make my money. How do you mean? Well, if they came in at, let's say, 25,000,000, well, that means that in order to get the typical minimum five times the investment, they have to have a revenue number and stuff and such that they will sell for a hundred million, 5 times that valuation.Karen Rands [00:18:24]:And if they raise any more capital, that valuation continues to go up. And it's they can't get to where they can get an exit. That's why you see all of these unicorns imploding because they're not really that value. It's just the money that got put in.Stuart Webb [00:18:39]:Yeah. Yeah. Karen, we talked a lot about some of the the valuable advice. Is there a a a valuable piece of advice, a a free offer that you have? And, this will go in the the the notes, but just describe it. I'll I'll make sure this goes into, into this vault that we have where all of our free stuff is available. But is there is there a free, free piece of advice, an offer you're gonna sort of present people here that we could put into the vault for them.Karen Rands [00:19:10]:Okay. So so I'm gonna three kind of three things. Right? So the Wow. The pure free thing is I have a an ebook. It's called, 12 secrets of innovation. That is, me explaining 12 there's 47 inside secrets in the book, inside secrets to angel investing. And so I explained 12 of them to an investor and an entrepreneur perspective. And that's, you know, a pretty short one.Karen Rands [00:19:34]:I'll put that I'll I'll give that link will be in your with your free stuff. And then, I do offer up a, you know, a free initial twenty minute kind of get to know you, you know, give you some little snippets of of stuff. Happy to talk to people. Give them some quick feedback. You know, they can then sign up for a full hour if they want. And then the thing is on my YouTube channel, this is the re a resource is that I've been making these webinars and talking about how to raise capital and what do you need to do in great detail, interviewing lots of different people about that. And they're all on their video. Some of some of them been lost over time in migration of the RSS feeds for the audio, but the videos are there.Karen Rands [00:20:20]:And the video, there there's a a playlist that says for entrepreneurs. So they go to YouTube, search on my name, Kiera Rance, get the link in your show notes. They can go to the playlist for entrepreneurs, and there's a lot of content there that they can just, at their leisure, learn and digest and, you know, submit questions or whatever.Stuart Webb [00:20:44]:That is a fabulous resource. And I have gone on looked and had a look at that, and I will make sure that link is you get free stuff. Go to systemize at systemise.me/freestuff. You free hyphen stuff, that is. You will go to that link. You can then click on the stuff that Karen has just said, and we'll make sure that those links are all working. And you can go and get that from and that resource that you talked about, those those videos, they are really, really interesting. And you have spoken to some very, very interesting people, Karen.Stuart Webb [00:21:17]:So, I really encourage people to go look at that one. Let's let's just understand a little bit about more more about you as a person that can. Was there a particular book, of course, anything that brought you to the vast knowledge you've got now about how to how to become, a revenue, or a a a capital raising machine? The the sort of person that does that, but also the way that you're helping us to become the the compassionate capitalist.Karen Rands [00:21:49]:So, I would say it's an oldie, but it changed the way I reference it a lot in my book itself. And I, and that would be, thinking well, Robert Kiyosaki's, cash flow quadrant, which was was the the the subsequent to Rich Dad Poor Dad. Right? His first book was Rich Dad Poor Dad. Yeah. And I read that long time when I was still an employee, at IBM, but it was it the whole idea of the white quadrant versus the left quadrant and how you go from being chain changing hour trading hours for dollars to become a custom business owner that could run a business without being there, and it made them money and then taking that money and putting it into other investments. That was profoundly changed my I didn't know ain't about angel investing out there. One of the real ironic things out there, Stewart, and it really it took me I did not unpack this until probably, like, just a few years ago, even though I've been working with angels and entrepreneurs for a long time. I had never heard the term angel investing.Karen Rands [00:23:01]:And then in IBM, I was a I was like a person that package companies up to go get venture capital and come back and spend it with IBM and get our capital money. But I had never heard the term angel investing until I left IBM to help one of my clients raise capital in the middle of the .com bomb, mind you. That's my own little bubble that I was in. And I got invited to this angel group, and I tell them my story that it was like I was walking into a secret society where the people in this room, because we had to close doors back then, you couldn't general solicit. Next big thing because they put their money into it. Right? And it and in any way, it was so it was that piece of it, why more people didn't hear about, know about angel investing, particularly when crowdfunding happened. And then the second piece of it was this perception that 20 people in that room picked one company, the other two weren't worthy. Well, no, you when going through with my process, you might review six companies, pick three that you think are are the best for your particular audience doesn't mean those other three aren't good.Karen Rands [00:24:09]:And the one that they pick doesn't mean the other two aren't fundable. It's just that's the scarcity of capital. Right? So that was my that was the book that really set me on a journey of thinking different about money and looking at, you know, how you put money to work for yourself. That one, and then, you know, there's been, when I'm first learning about angel investing, there wasn't any book out there about it. I was one of, oh, wait. The guy that was starting New York angels, he he wrote his book a little bit before me, but it was really about how angel groups should do. And then there was, Jason Connes' book came out at the same time line. It's really about his own personal experiences.Karen Rands [00:24:50]:But I wrote my book because people were coming to me saying, hey, Karen. How how do I learn how to be an angel investor? I've got clients that wanna be an angel investor, and they don't know how to be an angel investor, and I can't advise them. I work for Maryland. I'm not allowed to talk to him about that. So where where can I send them? And so all the entrepreneur books I read about how to raise capital and all the sessions I had gone to, like, talk people talking about their experience, I started reverse engineering it to be how what should investors look for in companies and how to be a good investor. And that's where I, you know, wrote the book, my book, to be the step by step guide for how to go about should you would you could you be an angel investor.Stuart Webb [00:25:33]:And, Karen, you are now an absolute, an expert on this. This is this is a valuable resource because, you know, there are people who wanna get into this but just don't understand the value of increasing their capital by putting it into the right place safely and in a sensible way. And, you know, thank you for being that resource. We're we're kind of coming up to, coming up towards the end of this. And and I wanna give you the opportunity of sort of telling me the question I should have asked, which I have not yet done. So it's not a question I haven't yet asked. And if there is, you know, please, tell me what is it you would have liked me to have asked? And obviously, when you ask that question, you're gonna have to answer it becauseKaren Rands [00:26:19]:Well, I know the answer. I'm not sureStuart Webb [00:26:23]:Tell us the question and the answer.Karen Rands [00:26:27]:So you you maybe you can fit tell me what the question would have been for this answer. So, it would be like why I mean, would I'm gonna do a simple version of the answer, but why is it that more people, aren't investing in entrepreneurs? Okay. Yeah. TheStuart Webb [00:26:45]:because they should.Karen Rands [00:26:46]:That the answer the so the US Treasury and the SEC commissioned a report last year, and their findings were pretty much the same. Lack of awarenessStuart Webb [00:26:58]:Mhmm.Karen Rands [00:26:59]:Lack of tools and lack of of education. Right? So I solve that's my trifecta. I'm solving that. But I also think that there, we have a deep rooted sort of like very deep roots in our American psyche that says to be financially successful, to be financially independent, you need to be a successful entrepreneur. And the reality is that not everybody's cut out to be a successful entrepreneur. You know, if you're doing a market participant, may you're opening up another restaurant, you're opening up another thing that other people do, then you've got a whole different set of challenges and competition to deal with. If you're being a market maker where you're saw you're creating a solution that nobody's done before, it's a one off or wedging into an existing marketplace, You know, that's a whole other set of things. Right? And both of them take you know, one of the things when I first started teaching about entrepreneurs, I say, if you can't figure out how you're gonna make double the amount of money you make in your day job right now in the next two years, don't even get started.Stuart Webb [00:28:03]:Yeah. Yeah. It's a start. Yeah.Karen Rands [00:28:04]:Because you got you know, you you keep your job. And now I say, so it is a misnomer to say the best way to create to be create financial independence to be an entrepreneur. Because the reality is for ninety years when it was illegal for everybody else to be involved in in for entrepreneurs to raise money from somebody they didn't already know, that wasn't already a millionaire before the jobs act. And for people that weren't already millionaires to invest in those companies. Okay. During that period of time, we, the, we created this, this myth that it's super, risky. It's not super risky if you know how to do it because millionaires could they don't choose to just throw their money away. Oh, wait a sec.Karen Rands [00:28:51]:I got an extra million bucks. Let me just throw it into some companies so I can lose it. No. They're putting a million dollars into those companies because they expect to get $10.15, $2,030,000,000 back. And the you know? And so you don't have to be the successful entrepreneur that sacrifices everything, your family, your your you know, seeing your kids' football game, your benefits from your job, you can take that extra money that you have, liquidity, the $50 you were gonna invest in the real estate that you got shut out of, or the $50 you were gonna use in your savings to start putting, you know, into starting a business and put that into 50 companies. Put it put 5,000 into 10 companies. Whatever. You know what I mean? There's so many ways that you can share in the success of those entrepreneurs that are solving a problem that you love, that have the gumption, the real desire to work those eighty, ninety hours a week that they have to work, and you they need your money to be successful.Karen Rands [00:29:55]:So it's a win win. When When you figure out how to do that, not only do you get to invest in entrepreneurs that you believe in that are doing something that you're also passionate about, but you share in their success without all the risk of being that entrepreneur.Stuart Webb [00:30:09]:Karen, that is absolutely the right way to end this because you've talked about some things which I'm really passionate about myself, and that is do not start going down the path of starting your own business unless you love what you're doing. Find find ways of supporting those people who do love what they're doing and work with them because so many I find so many business owners who aren't ready to do that. And they do what I call the path of least assistance. They don't look for the assistance they need. They battle out on their own, and they get tired, and it becomes difficult. And I just want to help get out of that problem. But that's another podcast which we will not start now because that's gone for another two and a half hours. So let me just finish by saying, Karen, thank you so much for spending a few minutes with us.Stuart Webb [00:30:57]:Really appreciate it. Love the energy. Love what you've done. I'm just gonna ask everybody who's who's watching at the moment, please go to this link, which is systemize, systemise.me/subscribe. Please put your name, email address into that. It's a very simple just to form your first name, your your email. What I do is I send out an email once a week with who's coming onto the show so that you can hear the true gems that these people bring onto the show and really educate you on the way in which you could, one, get the sort of capital or whatever it is you need into your business to grow it, and two, how you can be more successful in your life. So Karen, thank you so much for spending a few minutes with us.Stuart Webb [00:31:41]:Really appreciate you spending a few minutes with us today. I just hope everybody goes to the, to the vault and gets that free stuff that you've been asked me about because they need to hear this great stuff from you. And I really, really want them to hear more from you. So thank you so much for spending some time with us.Karen Rands [00:31:56]:Yeah. Absolutely. I look forward to continue our conversation when I'm recording you and asking you the questions.Stuart Webb [00:32:02]:I'm looking forward to it as well. Thank you, Karen, and speak to you again soon.Karen Rands [00:32:07]:Alright. Thanks, Stewart. Bye bye. Get full access to It's Not Rocket Science! at thecompleteapproach.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to the Financial Freedom & Wealth Trailblazers Podcast! In today's episode, we're exploring how angel investing and crowdfunding can be powerful tools to grow your wealth.Karen Rands, the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement, is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich. Karen turned the knowledge she gained from her corporate experience of working with startups and innovation at IBM, and the 12 years she spent managing the Network of Business Angels & Investors, one of the top 50 angel groups in the US at its peak, into the best selling primer "Inside Secrets to Angel Investing'.  Her book and the accompanying digital education platform, teaches savvy investors how to diversify their investment portfolio to include private equity ownership into entrepreneur endeavors to create wealth like a millionaire to become a millionaire. Karen hosts the popular business finance podcast The Compassionate Capitalist Show where she chats with Investors, Entrepreneurs and Industry leaders about their journeys and lessons learned.Connect with Karen Here: http://facebook.com/theKarenRandshttp://instagram.com/compassionatecapitalisthttp://linkedin.com/in/karenrandshttps://www.youtube.com/c/KarenRandshttp://tiktok.com/compassionatecaphttp://kugarand.comGrab the freebie here:https://bit.ly/Get12SecretsEbook===================================If you enjoyed this episode, remember to hit the like button and subscribe. Then share this episode with your friends.Thanks for watching the Financial Freedom & Wealth Trailblazers Podcast. This podcast is part of the Digital Trailblazer family of podcasts. To learn more about Digital Trailblazer and what we do to help entrepreneurs, go to DigitalTrailblazer.com.Are you a coach, consultant, expert, or online course creator? Then we'd love to invite you to our FREE Facebook Group where you can learn the best strategies to land more high-ticket clients and customers. QUICK LINKS: APPLY TO BE FEATURED: https://app.digitaltrailblazer.com/podcast-guest-applicationDIGITAL TRAILBLAZER: https://digitaltrailblazer.com/

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?Jess: Well, I love this question because I think there are different kinds of superpowers. The one that makes everybody laugh the most—because one of my superpowers is being able to make people laugh—is that I know how to fold a fitted sheet. And that is only impressive to the people who don't know how to fold a fitted sheet.Creating workplaces that truly foster belonging requires more than superficial gestures or simply ticking diversity boxes. In today's episode of Superpowers for Good, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jess Pettitt, author of Almost Doing Good, who shared insights into why even well-intentioned inclusion efforts can sometimes backfire.Jess's approach begins with a powerful metaphor: “Stop spit polishing a landmine.” She uses this phrase to caution against pouring energy into ineffective or even harmful initiatives. “You could be very good at it,” she notes, “but doing it harder or better if it is the wrong activity is not helping, and in this case, it's actually making it even more dangerous.” Her message resonates with the reality that real progress requires alignment between intention and the specific needs of the workplace culture rather than pursuing blanket solutions.During our conversation, Jess emphasized that many organizations hesitate to take decisive, meaningful action because they are “not the worst” when it comes to diversity and inclusion. Yet, this complacency stifles the momentum needed for real change. Her advice is simple but profound: recognize problems you don't experience yourself. This means cultivating a culture where it's safe to ask questions about unfamiliar challenges and invite perspectives that may feel uncomfortable but ultimately lead to growth.Through humor and a focus on honest, probing questions, Jess's approach to workplace inclusion inspires us to think beyond the surface and strive for sustainable impact. For those of us committed to creating positive change, her insights serve as a vital reminder: only when we stop polishing the landmine can we start to make real progress.tl;dr:* In today's episode, Jess Pettitt shares insights from her new book, Almost Doing Good, exploring how well-intentioned efforts in workplaces often falter due to unpreparedness or knee-jerk reactions.* Jess emphasizes the importance of recognizing “problems you don't experience,” encouraging leaders to approach challenges they may not personally face with empathy and understanding.* To make lasting impact, Jess advocates for thoughtful, prepared responses rather than relying on superficial, one-size-fits-all solutions that can cause more harm than good.* Humor, Jess's superpower, becomes a powerful tool to bridge understanding and ease tension, especially around sensitive topics like diversity, equity, and inclusion.* Jess uses relatable humor to invite people into uncomfortable conversations, transforming resistance and defensiveness into openness and genuine curiosity.How to Develop Humor and Connection As a SuperpowerJess Pettitt's superpower is her ability to use humor to connect with people and shift even the heaviest of situations toward openness and understanding. By finding humor in everyday challenges and serious topics alike, Jess creates an environment where people feel safe to engage deeply without defensiveness or fear, bridging gaps and inviting constructive dialogue.One memorable example Jess shared was from her work as an emcee. She was tasked with following a speaker who had delivered somber, heavy news to the audience. When Jess took the stage, she broke the tension by saying, “So, y'all been talking about anything important lately?” This light-hearted comment sparked laughter, diffusing the tension and setting a new tone for the event. Her humor allowed the audience to reset, making them receptive to her positive energy.Tips for Developing Humor as a Strength* Recognize Humor in Dark Places: Embrace humor even around difficult or sensitive topics, as it can ease discomfort and open up meaningful conversations.* Make Unlikely Connections: Practice linking two unrelated things to create a humorous perspective. Look for similarities in seemingly disconnected ideas.* Use Humor to Break Tension: Address the elephant in the room with humor to reset the tone and connect with your audience.* Embrace Imperfection: Jess believes in being “good enough now,” focusing on doing the best with what you've got. Apply humor in a way that feels authentic rather than perfect.By following Jess Pettitt's example and advice, you can make humor 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 ProfileJess Pettitt (she/her):Speaker/Consultant/Author/Cheese Lover, Good Enough NowAbout Good Enough Now: Consulting/Speaking organization run by 3 rescue mutts and myselfWebsite: www.GoodEnoughNow.comCompany Facebook Page: I am Good Enough NowOther URL: almostdoinggood.comBiographical Information: Perhaps it's her Texas roots, but Jess Pettitt, MBA, M.Ed., CSP, believes that to really thrive in this world, you have to ride two horses—one of giving and one of receiving. For Jess, the giving horse is her passion for service, and the receiving horse is the high she rides entertaining audiences.For almost 10 years, Jess rode one horse by day, serving as an administrator in student affairs for university Diversity and Inclusion programs, and the other by night, performing and hosting three times a week doing stand-up in New York City's most popular comedy clubs (ask her about George Carlin's nickname for her or sharing an eggroll birthday cake with Bob Newhart).Eventually, Jess discovered she could ride both horses at the same time in the same career, and a speaker in the DEI space was born. Now, nearly 20 years and half a million audience members later, Jess gallops from coast to coast delivering her “Good Enough Now” message to anyone willing to take the leap toward creating a much more inclusive (read: much more effective) organization.Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/JessPettittInstagram Handle: @GoodEnoughNowMax-Impact MembersThe following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support to keep us operating:Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.* SuperCrowd Mastermind Group, twice monthly on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays at noon Eastern. This group is for entrepreneurs and small business owners interested in raising money from the crowd. Attend your first meeting free!* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on November 19, 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.* Superpowers for Good Televised Live Pitch, November 13, 9:00 PM Eastern during primetime. We are now accepting applications from businesses raising capital via Regulation Crowdfunding for the Q4 Superpowers for Good Live pitch. Visit s4g.biz/q4app to apply. At the event, judges will select their pick, and the audience will select the SuperCrowd Award recipient. Put the date on your calendar to watch it live!* SuperCrowdHour, November 20, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At November's SuperCrowdHour, Devin will explain six common investment types you need to understand before you can invest like a pro. Free to attend.Community Event Calendar* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events* Live Q&A with Karen Rands, Wednesday, October 30 at Noon ET.* Community Revitalization, Thursdays, 10:00 AM Eastern.* Main Street Skowhegan and NC3 Entrepreneur Finance Workshop Series, September 17 - November 19, 2023.* 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.episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe

Today on the Compassionate Capitalist Show, we are diving deep into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence and its transformative impact on businesses and investment strategies. David Marra, a trailblazer in quantitative asset management and financial innovation, joins host Karen Rands to discuss how AI has evolved to simplify implementation for businesses and its profound potential to drive global growth. In this episode, David Marra shares his expertise on managing investment portfolios using AI, the importance of diversification, and strategies to minimize risk while maximizing returns. Karen and David explore topics such as the state of the technology market, the role of private equity, and the need for balancing portfolios to weather market volatility.  Key Take Aways:  1. The Evolution and Impact of AI on Businesses    + With a look at tech impact since the Industrial Revolution    + The potential for AI to drive growth rates globally    + Application of AI in logistics, customer service, and sales. 2. Risk Management and Portfolio Diversification    + AI isn't a sector so not a bubble, it is fuel for innovation    + The need to decorrelate risk and minimize exposure to large losses.    + Weathering market storms through diversified investment strategies. 3. AI Stocks and Investment Strategies    + Financial advisor recommendations on portfolio allocation in private equity or angel investments.    + Balancing private equity with income-producing assets.    + Diversification principles applicable to angel investments as well. 4. Managing Risk for Long-Term Income    + Impact of market crashes and recovery periods.    + Importance of risk management and capital protection for consistent income.    + Importance of long-term thinking for solid fundamentals and  Holding onto good investments amidst volatility. Whether you're an investor seeking to mitigate risk, an entrepreneur looking to leverage AI, or simply curious about the future of financial markets, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you navigate the ever-evolving landscape. Tune in as Karen Rands and David Marra explore the power of AI in investment strategies and its broader implications for business growth. Don't miss out on this riveting conversation.  Listen on your favorite podcast platform or youtube (https://youtu.be/pWW-wcS8-sg)  David Marra is a distinguished quantitative investment manager who skillfully merges the principles of economics with advanced statistical learning. He is a proud graduate of the University of Chicago's business school, a prestigious institution renowned for its Nobel laureates and contributions to economic theory. David leverages his extensive education in finance to approach investing with a blend of empirical and theoretical knowledge, drawing from the rich history of economic thought from Adam Smith to modern-day advancements. His unique approach also incorporates cutting-edge techniques from statistical learning, emphasizing the use of large datasets and computational power.  Learn More at: Markinfunds.com Karen Rands is a best selling author, top rated podcaster, and sought after advisor for founders and investors.  Learn more at her website:  http://kugarand.com To subscribe to her Linkedin Newsletter,  Learn about hire on demand digital course Intro to Angel/Crowdfund Investing,  Schedule an appointment or find and connect on social media, Or find her podcast on other platforms Please visit http://bit.ly/linkCCS Please be a part of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement and share this podcast and subscribe to not miss a single episode.

Welcome to the latest episode of The Compassionate Capitalist Show! Listen to this truly inspiring story of Compassionate Capitalism, the rise of angel investing across Europe, and how a world-wide pandemic triggered a connection and community that may not exist otherwise.  Our guest, Cintia Mano, is the CEO of Core Angels, a dynamic network of angel groups that spans across Europe and beyond. Core Angels is revolutionizing the world of angel investing by guiding corporate professionals through the transition into impactful investing while fostering a culture of collaboration rarely seen in U.S. angel groups. Cynthia's journey from a corporate career in computer science and consulting to becoming a startup founder, mentor, and angel investor offers invaluable insights. Her experiences have shaped her mission to dispel myths about who can be an angel investor and to create accessible pathways for "regular" people to support startups. We'll dive into how Core Angels has funded 93 startups with a diverse group of 300 angels, including 15% women, and how they leverage structured portfolio strategies and global connections to thrive during the pandemic. Join us as Cynthia shares her personal experiences, the origins of Core Angels, and the transformative power of angel investing in building vibrant startup ecosystems. Plus, stay tuned as we discuss the similarities and differences between European and U.S. investment landscapes, and the crucial role ex-founders play as angel investors. Get ready to be inspired and informed about the exciting world of angel investing! Some key takeaways:  Fewer real estate investment options in Europe than US Prevailing myths in the U.S. about real estate vs. angel investing limits the potential investor pool  Difficulty convincing successful ex-founders to invest in other small businesses - pay it forward Cynthia Mano's insights into ex-founders' initial reluctance Importance of their expertise and experience for startups Encouragement to invest a small portion of wealth to get started Training angels on metrics and valuation complexities of startups vs established performing companies Transfer of skills and sharing info between ex-founders and startups Blend of science and art in valuations and evaluating the potential of a startup Co-founding a new angel group with a different investment thesis 11 funds across eight countries, 300 active investor angels, 50% with no experience to start Community-driven investing, using a “Fund model” lead investor with pooled member funds 15% female investors and first-time startup investors Collaborative environment to review deals and focus on diverse portfolio Active participation in investment committees, knowledge sharing and diverse expertise for informed decisions Reviewing startups aligned with investment thesis >>> Cintia Mano is the CEO of COREangels, a platform dedicated to helping professionals transition from corporate careers to impactful angel investing in the startup ecosystem.  It mixes the decision power and the involvement of angel investing with the structure and portfolio approach of a VC fund. Learn more: https://www.coreangels.com/press-releases/coreangels-appoints-cintia-mano-as-chief-executive-officer >>> Karen Rands is a best selling author, top rated podcaster, and sought after advisor for founders and investors.  Learn more at her website:  http://kugarand.com To subscribe to her Linkedin Newsletter,  Learn about her on demand digital course Intro to Angel/Crowdfund Investing,  Schedule an appointment or find and connect on social media, Or find her podcast on other platforms Please visit http://bit.ly/linkCCS Please be a part of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement and share this podcast and subscribe to not miss a single episode.  Comparison of the Rise of Angel Investing in Europe vs the U.S.Creating an Ecosystem for Ex-Founders and Business Execs to become Angel InvestorsCore Angels Network Structure that Embraces Diversity

Listen to Karen Rands and Surabhi Shenoy's lively conversation on this episode of  Compassionate Capitalist Show as they talk about the double down on challenges Surabhi faced as a female founder of a tech company, bringing fin-tech innovation to the Banking Industry in India.  Hear how Surabhi overcame the professional challenge of learning a whole other side of the business when her husband and co-founder died suddenly in a car accident and went on to scale her business to a very profitable exit.   Join Karen and Surabhi as they explore her practical advice on scaling businesses, the importance of diversification, and building high-value companies that can operate independently of founders. Plus, don't miss her insightful tips on overcoming decision fatigue by simplifying daily routines. You will learn keen insights related to the following challenges many founders face as they scale their business and look to create exit opportunities:  1 Value vs. Profit • Distinction between business profitability and valuation. • Tech startups prioritizing long-term planning over immediate profitability. • Risks of cash flow instability due to dependence on a few key clients. 2. Business Expansion Challenges and Strategies • Difficulty in scaling and diversifying revenue streams before it's too late. • Developing a capable sales/business development team and overcoming fear of delegating sales functions. • Building trust in new hires and documenting processes for autonomous achievement of KPIs - Key Performance Indicators. • CEO's fear of letting go, delegating, and the impact on growth. 3. Practical Takeaways: • Tips on creating a rhythm of business with a robust and disciplined review mechanism. • Strategies for analyzing customer revenue and prioritizing high-value clients. • The importance of spiritual wisdom and innate leadership in navigating business challenges. • Discovering when you 'don't know what you don't know' and finding the right mentor or coach. • Decision-making despite emotional/professional challenges and decision fatigue. Karen was thrilled to have Surabhi Shenoy as her guest to share her unique experience, yet common ground on challenges of scaling services business into a tech company, without outside capital.  Surabhi, a successful serial entrepreneur and CEO coach, shares her transformative journey from engineering to entrepreneurial excellence. Karen and Surabhi delve into her innovative fintech solutions addressing property valuation and fraud in India's banking sector, her strategies for digital transformation, and the crucial balance between profitability and long-term business valuation. Surabhi candidly discusses her personal and professional challenges, including the profound impact of losing her husband and business partner, and how she found a renewed passion for business coaching.  Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business leader, this episode promises valuable lessons to help you grow and sustain a successful business. Stay tuned! **** Surabhi Shenoy is a CEO Coach who helps ambitious tech founders scale their businesses to increase the value of their business and achieve lasting wealth. Surabhi is a serial entrepreneur, in that she has built 2 multi-million dollar ARR companies which she did with the best source of growth capital -- customer revenue. Surabhi's journey began in 2005 when she co-founded Tejora Technologies with her husband, Nitin. After his passing in 2017, she took full control of the business during a period of intense personal and professional challenges. Despite the odds, she led Tejora to growth and a successful exit in early 2022. Learn More https://surabhishenoy.com/ Sign up for the newsletter under the Newsletter tab and request a free strategy session with code- #ccs Karen Rands is the President of Kugarand Capital Holdings, LLC and is a sought after advisor for founders and investors. Karen is a best selling author, top rated podcaster, and leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement.  Learn more at her website:  http://kugarand.com Karen has a dynamic community on LinkedIn, including the group Angel Investor Matchup - a community focused on equity crowd based direct pubic offerings.  She offers LinkedIn Live Q&A and thought provoking articles on raising capital, creating wealth, and economic empowerment.  To subscribe to her Linkedin Newsletter, and get access to her on demand digital course Intro to Angel/Crowdfund Investing,  Schedule an appointment or find and connect on social media, or find this episode on other platforms, Visit http://bit.ly/linkCCS Please be a part of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement and share this podcast and subscribe to not miss a single episode. Keywords decision-making strategies, fintech innovation, property valuation, banking fraud, digital transformation, banking operations, risk management, business valuation, profitability, tech startups, business expansion, revenue diversification, delegating sales, sales team, business stability, customer base, personal loss, professional loss, business coaching, International Coaching Federation, engineer to entrepreneur, CEO coach, compassionate capitalist, sustainable business, entrepreneurship, building a business, decision fatigue, support system, intrinsic value, wealth creation, selling your company, valuation, profitability

In today's conversation, Karen Rands will unpack the pivotal role statistics and wage data play in employment, the impact of the pandemic on labor markets, and the ongoing "Great Resignation." Her guest, Cary Sparrow will share insights from his fascinating journey from nuclear submarine officer to technology entrepreneur. Cary is the CEO of one of the leading Labor Market Data analytics company that enables Corporate Executives and Business Owners see real-time global pay trends and labor market intelligence to budget and plan resource requirements to be ready far into the future.  The WageScape data platform is the largest and fastest source of real-time labor market data. We'll explore the current labor shortage, wage pressures, and shifting dynamics in workforce management. Cary's expertise on pay equity, transparency, and the evolving skill requirements shaped by AI and automation will shed light on critical shifts affecting CEOs, CFOs, CMOs, and HR execs alike. In this podcast you will learn:  **The Changing Expectations of Workers**   The pandemic sparked a shift in worker priorities, leading to the "Great Resignation," where employees re-evaluated their career paths and life choices. Today, workers expect more than just a paycheck—they're looking for comprehensive benefits packages that include flexibility, mental health support, and career growth opportunities. In fact, job ads mentioning benefits or bonuses jumped from 4% to 40%, reflecting this trend. Key Take Aways:  1. How these trends impact and influence a company's performance and strategic planning for the future.  2. Wage pressure, work condition requirements, rising demand for pay equity and transparency and the impact they have on the bottom line. **The Shift in Workforce Skills for Future Jobs**   With the rise of AI, automation, and remote work, companies are recognizing the need for new skill sets. As industries evolve, skills like data science, AI, and cybersecurity are in high demand, while traditional qualifications are taking a backseat to adaptable and innovative thinking. Additionally, the concept of fractional executives—experienced professionals offering flexibility at lower costs—is gaining popularity, especially in mid-market companies. Key Take Aways:  1. Challenges due to an aging workforce and younger workers not having appropriate skills. 2. Value of gaining experience of senior executive and the flexibility of hiring them as interim/parttime management 3. Challenges for growing companies anticipating and matching talent to company's development phases and corporate culture. **The Value of Data for Budgeting and Future Planning**   As wages fluctuate and skill requirements change, it's vital for companies to stay ahead by using detailed labor statistics. Tools like Wagescape provide critical insights into wage inflation trends and hiring health, helping businesses budget effectively and predict market shifts. For example, wage inflation is stabilizing but still presents localized challenges, making it essential for organizations to use data to plan compensation strategies and ensure pay equity. Key Take Aways 1. Concerns and Impact of the push on wages at the entry level or for low skilled employees. 2. When does the economy of scale of the new tech of automation and AI replace the 'minimum wage' worker.  3. Importance of having data to predict future pay trends to be able to plan budgets and growth requirements.  To learn more about Cary and Wagescape, visit WageScape.com  Karen's Message: I am building the Compassionate Capitalist Movement.  This #Podcast is my megaphone to the world about creating wealth through funded innovation and entrepreneurism. Please join me and amplify this message.    You can reach me (https://linktr.ee/compassionatecapitalist):  also http://bit.ly/linkCCS for all my Links:  *Linkedin Newsletter, The Compassionate Capitalist News* Digital Course: Intro to Angel/Crowdfund Investing Services offered for entrepreneurs and investors Links to the podcast platforms to listen/subscribe to this podcast and YOUTUBE Set an appointment and connect / follow on Karen's social media  #wages #futureofwork #ai #wageequity #strategicplanning #workforceintelligence #workforce #transformation #businessgrowth #compassionatecapitalist #investinginentrepreneurs #labormarket #laborshortage #wageinflation #automation #karenrands

Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement and a nationally recognized expert on angel investing and entrepreneur business capitalization. Karen wrote the best-selling finance book and investor primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing (Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation). She now offers a digital course for new and committed angel / crowdfunding investors: The Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizing System™. The knowledge she shares and her commitment to funding innovation is based on her decades experience as the Managing Director of the nationally ranked angel investor group: Network of Business Angels & Investors (NBA&I); where she screened, prepped, and positioned entrepreneurs to succeed and so that her investors reduced their risk, leading to over $50M invested through her monthly pitch events and annual conferences. She is the host of weekly podcast: The Compassionate Capitalist Show™; ranked top 3% globally and is available on all major platforms. Her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings, assists entrepreneurs that are struggling to get access to capital to move to the next level, and investors with screening and due diligence to reduce risk in their angel investment portfolio. Before starting her firm, Karen was the Complex Opportunity Business Manager at IBM. Listen to this informative Sharkpreneur episode with Karen Rands about her book, Inside Secrets to Angel Investing. Here are some of the beneficial topics covered on this week's show: - How raising capital can be challenging for entrepreneurs even if they have great technology. - Why the Jobs Act of 2012 significantly changed the landscape for entrepreneurs seeking capital. - How equity crowdfunding allows non-millionaires to invest in early-stage companies. - Why it's vital to understand the risks and rewards of angel investing. - Why many people misconceive angel investing as gambling and how that narrative needs to be changed. Connect with Karen: Guest Contact Info Instagram @compassionatecaplitalist Facebook facebook.com/TheKarenRands LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/karenrands Links Mentioned: karenrands.co Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to another episode of The Compassionate Capitalist Show #podcast, where we dive deep into the best practices for creating wealth as a business owner, and using that to discern investing in the companies with the best odds of achieving success to exit.   Today, Host Karen Rands digs into the mechanics of marketing funnels and strategic forecasting with her guest, Taylor Frame from Focus Funnels. Karen and Taylor explore the essential journey a customer undertakes from discovery to purchase and beyond. They also touch upon the importance of adapting strategies to meet the differing needs of digital and brick-and-mortar businesses. Karen and Taylor expand the conversation to talk about the Capital Funnel and how the customer engagement and conversion process in your typical sales funnel is similar to the capital funnel for attracting and converting investors -- It is Karen's Kugarand Theory of Private Capital.  Key TakeAways:  1. **Understanding Sales Funnels:**defines what a marketing funnel is and the significance of different stages: discovery, education, and conversion.  2. **The Importance of Strategic Targeting:** covers how businesses can effectively use digital targeting to curate audiences and engage them at various stages of the marketing funnel. 3. **Digital Crumbs and Customer Behavior:**how digital interactions like purchases and searches can lead to targeted advertising, touching on privacy concerns and the effectiveness of these methods. 4. **Raising Capital with Emotional Intelligence:** insights on raising capital, emphasizing understanding the emotional and financial motivations of potential investors as well as the process and preparation needed when engaging in financial conversations. Taylor Frame began his career in digital marketing working with e-commerce giants Crew and Rei, leveraging Adobe tools to boost online sales. Recognizing the untapped potential in providing similar technologies to smaller e-commerce brands who couldn't afford such advanced tools, Taylor transitioned to Yext. Here, they expanded their skill set into local marketing while continuing to focus on e-commerce strategies like pay-per-click ads and marketing funnels. Inspired by these experiences, Taylor founded Focus Funnels, a company dedicated to delivering effective digital marketing and funnel strategies tailored for emerging e-commerce entities. With a solid background in navigating both large-scale and boutique e-commerce landscapes, Taylor Frame stands out as a dynamic force in digital marketing, committed to empowering businesses with the tools they need to succeed online. Learn more about Taylor Frame and his work at Focus Funnels by visiting http://focusfunnels.com. This episode is packed with insights on nurturing customer leads, optimizing marketing strategies, and the crucial role of understanding customer motivations.  This is also a critical aspect of building the capital funnel - understanding investor motivations.   Whether you're looking to refine your digital marketing tactics or seeking guidance on capital raising, this episode provides invaluable advice backed by Taylor's extensive experience and deep understanding of e-commerce growth strategies. Listen as Karen and Taylor unravel the intricacies of targeting the right customers (or investors) and creating effective funnels for business growth and profitability. Karen Rands is the dynamic host of "The Compassionate Capitalist Show," a podcast dedicated to teaching her audience how to create wealth by building successful, profitable, scalable, exitable businesses, or investing in those businesses as a wealth creation asset class that is superior to real estate and stock market, but often maligned and misunderstood. Karen is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement and Lead instructor for her Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizing System with it recently released digital on demand course:  Intro to Angel & Crowdfund Investing.  Check it out at http://dothedeal.org    Karen is a sought after advisor for entrepreneurs seeking to raise capital, and realize time is as valuable as money to get started right or stop doing what isn't working.  Investors and Angel groups hire Karen's firm to assist in due diligence and syndication.  More info at http://kugarand.com Please like and share this podcast if you find it of value.  TIME STAMP OF CONTENT 00:00 Essential advice for direct-to-consumer business growth. 03:14 100 brands find success sans venture capital. 07:23 Creating marketing funnels requires expertise and adaptability. 11:12 Discovering brand, educating self, identifying desired dress. 15:06 Identify, target, and persuade customers effectively. 19:14 Tracking digital activities to move potential buyers. 21:03 Addressing concerns in the middle of funnel. 25:20 Entrepreneurs underestimate potential reach for raising capital. 28:52 Identifying numbers in sales process, don't give up. 32:38 ROI measures ad spending's return through sales. 34:51 Forecasting sales and revenue for entrepreneurial startups. 39:06 Experience with clients, diverse marketing strategies. 42:50 Personal data used for targeted advertising, surveillance. 46:09 Encouraging clicks and collaboration in digital marketing. 47:08 Grateful for your help, Karen. Pleasure! #marketing_funnel #customer_journey #lifetime_value #digital_targeting #acquisition_funnels #marketing_channels, #e-commerce #growth_strategies, #digital_marketing #sales_funnels #KPI #raising_capital #Capital_funnel 

Today, we have an exciting and enlightening conversation with Rick Jordan, a cybersecurity expert, bestselling author, and host of the "All In with Rick Jordan" podcast. In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of raising capital through Regulation A (Reg A+) and the strategic process that sets companies up for success.  Karen and Rick explore how Reg A+ can create momentum and garner investor trust even before a company goes public, serving as a fascinating alternative to traditional fundraising methods. Rick shares his own journey, from leveraging relationships built at Geek Squad to establishing his company ReachOut in 2010, and how he navigated the challenges and opportunities of Reg A+. They  discuss the importance of documentation, the shift from transactional to relational business approaches, and the critical role of audits in building credibility. Along the way, Rick recounts his personal entrepreneurial journey, the impactful lessons learned from early side hustles, and emphasizes the power of taking action, even when the path isn't perfectly clear. Listen as Karen and Rick explore the blend of passion, purpose, and strategic insight necessary for entrepreneurial success, and discover the intriguing world of Reg A+ fundraising from an insider's perspective. It's an episode filled with valuable lessons and real-world advice you won't want to miss Key takeaways in this episode Regulation A (Reg A) Process - Benefits of Reg A vs. traditional funding (angel investors, venture capitalists) - Raising momentum and awareness before going public - Importance of solid documentation for investor decisions - Establishing marketplace credibility (pink sheets or OTCB) - Credibility with investors through financial statement audits provides third-party validation 2. Strategic Market Building - Avoiding "dog and pony" shows - Genuine market interest and trading activity - Attraction of significant investment (pipe money) - Essence of sales in understanding and solving customer problems 3. Reg A+ as an Iterative Fundraising Strategy - Incrementally raising funds (rounds) to increase company value - A way for Angel Backed companies to raise capital when Angels, VCs, and PEs say NO and Banks won't loan enough - A Strategic way to avoid excessive early equity giveaways - Strategic adaptation and increased valuation through acquisition - Challenges in Reg A+ - Marketing and market creation costs - Reliance on accredited investors and institutional investors to reach capital goals 4. Original Intent of Reg A+ - Provision from the 2012 JOBS Act to make onramp to IPO easier - Democratizing investment in prio IPO companies - Accredited vs. Retail Investors - Primary targets for significant investments - Raising money from retail and institutional investors - Market Enthusiasts and Penny Stocks with Karen's personal anecdote about the allure of penny stocks - Using Reg A Plus to list on OTC market 5. Rick Jordan's Entrepreneurial Journey - Impact of focusing energy on projects - Importance of going "all in" for growth - The allure of multiple side hustles and the importance of full commitment - The journey of entrepreneurship compared to climbing Mount Everest - Importance of passion, purpose, and value creation in entrepreneurship - Positive mindset and avoiding distractions ("weeds") - Starting ReachOut in 2010 - Transitioning from direct client relationships to scalable business 6 Compassionate Capitalism - Investing in ventures aligning with personal passions - Positive societal impact -Karen Rands' Entrepreneurial Journey** - Applying for SBIR funding and facing setbacks and skepticism - Maintaining passion, purpose, and market focus Bio: Rick Jordan's journey into the world of technology began when he was just 10 years old in 1989. A family friend helped him build his very first computer, a Tandy, sparking a lifelong passion for tech. Reflecting on those early days, Rick realizes how pivotal that experience was, shaping his future in an industry that continues to fascinate him. Now, at 44, Rick acknowledges how those simple moments of assembling a Radio Shack Tandy computer paved the way for his career and love for technology. For more info and to connect with Rick Jordan:  https://reachoutit.com/about  WWW.RICKJORDAN.TV  Karen Rands is the President of Kugarand Capital Holdings where her extended team offers coaching and services to small business owners providing capital strategy and investor acquisition through the Launch Funding Network.  As a thought leader in Angel and Crowdfund Investing, Karen offers investors decision tools, education, screening, due diligence, and syndication services through the National Network of Angel Investors.   Karen wrote the best selling primer for new Angel Investors  - Inside Secrets to Angel Investing and now offers digital beginner and advanced courses covering  Angel and Crowdfunding Investing on the Compassionate Capitalist Academy financial education platform. More information can be found at http://karenrands.co   When you subscribe on the contact page you will receive her Compassionate Capitalist short video tips by email, her ebook 12 Secrets of Innovation and Wealth and have an opportunity to schedule time to chat with Karen directly. Please help us build the Compassionate Capitalist community by subscribing, liking, and sharing this podcast.    The Compassionate Capitalist Show is also on Youtube @angelinvesting with a library of over 280 episodes.  Keywords: Regulation A, Reg A+, fundraising, SEC-audited financials, retail investors, accredited investors, public company, pink sheets, OTCB, venture capital, angel investors, iterative fundraising, market building, shareholder awareness, documentation, investor trust, market enthusiasm, penny stocks, passion and purpose, entrepreneurial journey, cybersecurity, side hustles, reverse merger, capital acquisition, market creation, PCAOB audit, public listing, Rick Jordan, Karen Rands, Compassionate Capitalist, Nasdaq

Intro: Listen to this captivating episode featuring a trailblazer in the world of investing, Bob Elliott, CEO and CIO of Unlimited. With an impressive background, including a senior investment role at Bridgewater Associates, Bob has now set his sights on democratizing the investment landscape for "Main street investors."  Karen and Bob explore the slow adoption of crowdfunding investing and highlight the significant potential it holds for average individuals. Bob will share his innovative "replication" strategy, which offers flexibility and cost efficiency, much like the Kirkland Signature products providing brand-name quality at lower prices. We'll unravel the benefits of ETFs, especially the newly emerging actively managed ones, and the pivotal regulatory changes that have opened sophisticated investment strategies to the general public. Listen as Karen and Bob discuss his mission to make institutional-level asset management accessible to all, tackling the challenges faced by individual investors in today's volatile market, and the future potential of actively managed ETFs. Don't miss this enlightening conversation on how you can leverage these strategies to grow your financial knowledge and participate in business investments like never before.  And, remember to share your feedback and spread the word! Key takeaways in this episode 1. Discussion on Investment Vehicles - Explanation of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)   - Role in diversification and tax planning benefits - Contrast between ETFs and hedge funds    - Potential for better returns through diversified investments 2.  Bob Elliott and the mission of Unlimited - Founding of Unlimited in 2022   - Launch of HFND ETF with an emphasis on agile strategy for lower cost and better liquidity - Unlimited's Approach and Strategy   - Critique of traditional hedge fund model (2% management fee and 20% profit share)   - Application of low-cost diversified indexing strategies to hedge funds - Explanation of technology usage   - Tracking of hedge fund strategies   - Offering lower-cost investment products   - Agile response to market changes - Balancing private investments with public market strategies   - Importance for institutional and individual investors 3. Investment Accessibility for Main Street Investors - Slow adoption of crowdfunding investing   - Efforts to raise awareness and the potential benefits for average individuals - Accessibility of investment opportunities for ordinary investors and the need for greater awareness and education to grow financial knowledge 4. Advantages of Replication Strategy and ETFs - Replication strategy   - Flexibility in shifting between hedge fund styles   - Avoidance of being locked into specific managers - Comparison to Kirkland Signature products   - Similar returns to brand-name hedge funds   - Lower costs and better tax efficiency - ETF benefits   - Tax-efficient rebalancing within the fund   - Growth in actively managed ETFs due to regulatory changes   - Limited market awareness and utilization - Growth potential of actively managed ETFs   - Investors' awareness of tax efficiency and flexibility benefits Bio: Bob Elliott, a seasoned financial expert, spent nearly 15 years in the hedge fund industry. Throughout his career, he observed that traditional hedge fund investments, particularly those following the "2 and 20" compensation scheme, often yielded substantial returns before fees but seldom left investors significantly better off due to high costs. Driven by a vision to democratize these investment strategies, Bob founded Unlimited. The mission behind Unlimited is to adopt the principles of diversified low-cost indexing, which revolutionized stock and bond investing, and apply them to the hedge fund sphere. By doing so, Bob aims to make sophisticated investment strategies accessible and affordable to all investors, not just wealthy individuals or institutions. For more information and to connect with Bob Elliot and Unlimited Funds visit:  https://www.unlimitedfunds.com/  Karen Rands is the President of Kugarand Capital Holdings where her extended team offers coaching and services to small business owners providing capital strategy and investor acquisition through the Launch Funding Network.  As a thought leader in Angel and Crowdfund Investing, Karen offers investors decision tools, education, screening, due diligence, and syndication services through the National Network of Angel Investors.   Karen wrote the best selling primer for new Angel Investors  - Inside Secrets to Angel Investing and now offers digital beginner and advanced courses covering  Angel and Crowdfunding Investing on the Compassionate Capitalist Academy financial education platform. More information can be found at http://karenrands.co   When you subscribe on the contact page you will receive her Compassionate Capitalist short video tips by email, her ebook 12 Secrets of Innovation and Wealth and have an opportunity to schedule time to chat with Karen directly. Please help us build the Compassionate Capitalist community by subscribing, liking, and sharing this podcast.    The Compassionate Capitalist Show is also on Youtube @angelinvesting with a library of over 280 episodes.  Keywords: crowdfunding investing, Main street investors, investment opportunities, financial knowledge growth, business investments, Bob Elliott, investor education, economic growth, traditional hedge funds, replication strategy, hedge fund styles, cost efficiency, Kirkland Signature, tax efficiency, Exchange-Traded Funds, ETF advantages, regulatory changes, asset managers, actively managed ETFs, market awareness, future potential, sophisticated asset management, institutional investors, stock market volatility, consumer confidence, private investments, public market strategies, democratization of capital markets, Karen Rands, wealth creation strategies, tax savings.

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 invest after clicking a link here, we may earn a commission. Engage to support our work.Devin: What do you see as your superpower?Karen: I can really help entrepreneurs cut through their own noise to get to the sweet spot of what an investor is going to care about.In today's episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Karen Rands, a visionary leader and founder of Kugarand Capital Holdings, LLC, whose insights into angel investing are reshaping how we view wealth creation. Karen's unique approach, blending compassion with capitalism, is not just inspiring; it's a call to action for potential investors sitting on the sidelines, uncertain of their next move in the investment world.Karen shared a profound perspective, emphasizing that investing in entrepreneurs should not be the exclusive domain of the affluent. She passionately argued against the long-standing myth that ordinary folks aren't savvy enough for angel investing. "The laws prior to the JOBS Act contributed to this lack of awareness and even a negative connotation for investing in entrepreneurs," Karen explained, shedding light on a systemic issue that has kept many potential investors in the dark.What struck me most was Karen's unwavering belief in the potential of the everyday individual to make informed, impactful investment choices. "The main thing that I tell [new investors] is to identify what they know... invest in the things you know and you're passionate about," she advised. This simple yet powerful guidance serves as a beacon for those intimidated by the complexities of the investment landscape.Karen's work, from her enlightening books to her digital courses, is a testament to her dedication to democratizing investment knowledge. She's not just teaching people how to invest; she's empowering them to contribute to the businesses they believe in, fostering a community of informed, compassionate investors.Reflecting on Karen's words, it's clear that angel investing is not just about financial returns; it's about being part of a larger narrative of growth, innovation, and social impact. As we wrapped up our conversation, I couldn't help but feel inspired by the idea that each one of us has the potential to not just witness change but to actively participate in it through thoughtful, informed investing.As we move forward, let's carry Karen's message with us: invest with purpose, passion, and a belief in the power of the collective. Together, we can shift the paradigm of investment and open doors for a new generation of investors ready to make their mark on the world.As the conversation transitioned to Karen's upcoming participation next week in SuperCrowd24, her excitement was palpable. "Oh well, that's an easy one to answer," she began, her enthusiasm infectious as she recounted the value of community and shared experiences in the realm of investing and entrepreneurship. Karen reminisced about her previous involvement in SuperCrowd22, where the power of connection and learning from diverse journeys left a lasting impression on her. "It was so powerful," she recalled, emphasizing how such events foster a unique space for engagement, knowledge exchange, and the building of meaningful relationships.Karen's eagerness for SuperCrowd24 was evident as she spoke about the anticipation of being part of an event that not only brings together like-minded individuals but also aligns with her core mission of compassionate capitalism. "You can't create a community if you don't have events where people can come together and get to know each other," she noted, highlighting the importance of these gatherings in nurturing a supportive ecosystem for investors and entrepreneurs alike.Her commitment to SuperCrowd24, despite previous scheduling conflicts, underscores her belief in the event's ability to inspire and educate. Karen sees SuperCrowd24 as a platform that perfectly embodies the principles of investing with "passion, purpose, and profit." This trio of values resonates deeply with her philosophy that investment should transcend mere financial gain to encompass a broader impact on society and the individuals behind the ventures.In essence, Karen's enthusiasm for SuperCrowd24 is not just about the event itself but what it represents—a convergence of visionaries dedicated to reshaping the investment landscape through empowerment, education, and community building. Her anticipation for the event is a testament to her belief in the transformative power of collective wisdom and the shared pursuit of meaningful, impactful investment opportunities.AI Episode Summary1. Devin Thorpe introduces Karen Rands, a compassionate capitalist who advises angel investors and helps them focus on supporting social entrepreneurs and women founders.2. Karen discusses her evolution since the last interaction with Devin, mentioning the Jobs Act and her efforts in educating people about angel investing through her book, podcast, and digital course.3. Karen highlights a major issue being the historical lack of awareness and negative connotations associated with angel investing due to past securities laws and perceptions, which her work aims to counteract.4. Devin and Karen discuss the challenges that non-accredited investors face due to historical regulations and perceptions that investing in startups is too risky.5. Karen guides new investors by helping them identify what they know, calculate how much they can invest, and coach them on building a diversified investment portfolio.6. Karen has created a digital course and uses a spreadsheet tool to assist investors in their journey, eventually hoping to develop this into an app.7. Devin expresses the significance of Karen's work in helping investors make their first investment, acknowledging the mental barrier investors face.8. Karen reveals her superpower being the ability to create a "Why an Investor Cares" statement (WIC), helping entrepreneurs articulate their value proposition to attract investors.9. She shares a specific story about an entrepreneur who initially struggled to raise capital due to a misunderstanding of their market, highlighting the importance of knowing your customer.10. Karen concludes by offering resources and a discount for her intro level class to the audience, accessible through cougaran.com and providing a link to her course at dothedeal.org, with a 24% discount code SuperCrowd24.How to Develop an Understanding “Why an Investor Cares” As a SuperpowerKaren Rands's superpower, as defined in her own terms during our engaging discussion, can be encapsulated in a few words: understanding "Why an Investor Cares" (WIC). This unique ability allows her to bridge the often wide chasm between entrepreneurs and potential investors, making her an invaluable asset in the world of startup financing.Karen's superpower lies in her exceptional ability to craft compelling WIC statements, which distill complex business propositions into clear, investor-centric narratives. By focusing on a solution's core benefits rather than just its features, she helps entrepreneurs align their pitches with what truly resonates with investors: the problem being solved, its significance, and the potential for financial return. This approach not only clarifies the value proposition but also directly addresses the investor's primary concern: "How will this investment benefit me?"An illustrative story that exemplifies Karen's superpower involves a company that developed a sophisticated surge protector capable of anticipating lightning strikes. Initially, the company struggled with its pitch, targeting electric companies rather than the actual stakeholders affected by the problem – business owners. Karen recounted how, after years of circling in her "ether sphere," the company finally pivoted its approach. They formed a joint venture with a surge protector manufacturer, refining their product to alert business owners directly of imminent lightning strikes. This strategic shift, aligning with what Karen had advocated, ultimately led to the company's success.To develop a similar ability to Karen's WIC superpower, one should focus on truly understanding the investor's perspective, identifying the core problem your solution addresses, and clearly articulating the financial upside. Engaging directly with potential customers to validate the problem and solution fit is crucial, as is a willingness to pivot based on feedback to ensure your offering meets a genuine market need.By following Karen's example and advice, you can make understanding "Why an Investor Cares" a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world, transforming innovative ideas into successful ventures through effective storytelling and strategic alignment with investor interests.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 ProfileKaren Rands (she/her):Founder and Visionary, Kugarand Capital Holdings, LLCAbout Kugarand Capital Holdings, LLC: Kugarand Capital Holdings is in the business of creating wealth and positively impacting our economy with funded innovation - working with both entrepreneurs and investors.   KCH advises small businesses on capital readiness, access to capital, with a keen focus on 'Direct Public Offerings" and best practices for scaling to exit.  KCH advises investors on investment strategy, due diligence, and syndication to complete a capital round.  We are on a mission to bring new investors to the table to invest in entrepreneurs as crowdfunding investors on a path to becoming accredited angel investors and decrease the gap between the number of entrepreneurs seeking capital and the number of available investors to provide capital.  KCH's solution:  The Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizing System.  Website: kugarand.comX/Twitter Handle: @karenrandsCompany Facebook Page: fb.com/thekarenrandsOther URL: dothedeal.orgBiographical Information: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Karen Rands, the visionary founder of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement, dedicated to solving the capital abyss for entrepreneurs. As the host of the renowned "Compassionate Capitalist Show" podcast and author of the best-selling primer "Inside Secrets to Angel Investing," Karen brings over two decades of expertise from working with angel investors and entrepreneurs to the forefront for her listeners, readers, students, and clients. Karen founded her company, Kugarand Capital Holdings, to be a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs and small business owners regarding financing needs, capital readiness, and access to capital, with a keen focus on 'Direct Public Offerings" and best practices for scaling to exit.  Furthermore, Karen advises investors on investment strategy, due diligence, and syndication to complete a capital round. Her mission is clear: to bridge the gap between qualified companies and the number of private investors available to ask for investment and democratize access to angel investing education through her Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizer System. Through her tireless advocacy to consider investing in entrepreneurs and private companies as an asset class that provides Passion, Purpose, and Profit, Karen propels us toward a future where innovation thrives, jobs multiply, and prosperity knows no bounds. Join us in embracing compassionate capitalism as crowdfunding investors and angel investors as we pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape.X/Twitter Handle: @karen_randsPersonal Facebook Profile: fb.com/karenrandsLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/karenrandsInstagram Handle: @compassionatecapitalist Upcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.* SuperCrowd24, April 17-18: This two-day virtual event is our biggest of the year. Don't miss it. Use the discount code “SuperCrowd” to save 50 percent.* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on April 23, 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. Everyone is welcome to join these free events.* SuperCrowdChicago, June 12, 2024. This in-person event at Columbia College Chicago features some of Chicago's prominent citizens and community leaders, along with crowdfunding experts. Use the discount code “SuperCrowd” to save 30 percent!* SuperCrowdHour, April 24, 2024, at 1:00 Eastern. We'll talk with Chip Hauss and other peacebuilders about the role of investment crowdfunding in community building.* Recently, we created an AI GPT to help you learn more about The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, and our upcoming events. Click here to try it.SuperCrowd Community Event Calendar* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET * Incredible New Developments in the Move Your Money Movement, AMIBA, April 11.* Investment Crowdfunding Demystified, Crowdfund Better, April 23 at 2:00 PM ET* Move Your Money Month, April 2024, American Independent Business Alliance* How to Design an Equitable Retirement Plan: A Guide for Nonprofits, Foundations, and Mission-Driven Businesses, April 25, 3:00 PM ET.* Crowdfunding for Small Business, April 25, Crowdfund Better* Crowdfunding Professional Association Webinar, May 8, 2:00 PM ET* The Reg A & Crowdfunding Conference, June 20, Westchester Country Club (Save 20% with the code Super20)* Crowdfunding Professional Association, Summit in DC, October 22-23If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 4,000+ 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

Benjamin Talin's journey began early in life, intertwined with his family's coffee shop, where he honed his skills in IT and marketing. From a young age, he was driven by a desire to outshine his godfather, who owned an IT repair shop. This competitive spirit led him to master various aspects of design and technical work. Remarkably, by the age of 12, Benjamin was earning around €300 a day, a substantial sum compared to his modest monthly allowance. His early experiences laid a solid foundation for his future endeavors, underscoring his ambition and proficiency in technology and business. Intro: Welcome to another insightful episode of CCS! Today, we're diving into a fascinating conversation with our host, Karen Rands, and our renowned guest, Benjamin Talin, CEO of MoreThanDigital.info. As a futurist, serial founder, and government advisor, Benjamin brings a wealth of knowledge on emerging business trends, digital transformation, and global talent competition.  In this episode, we explore how some companies manage to achieve high revenue with minimal marketing expenditure through strategic efficiencies. Benjamin shares his unique approach to providing neutral feedback to businesses, helping them prioritize impactful projects especially relevant for small businesses that can't afford multiple consulting services. We discuss the competitive dynamics between countries and states to attract high-value professionals and the economic impacts of such migrations. Benjamin also highlights the gradual yet transformative process of digitalization and the evolving roles of governments from reactive to proactive entities. You'll also hear about the challenges of labor and workforce mobility in both European and U.S. contexts, the rise of virtual worlds, and the potential future of consumption and convenience driven by technological advancements. Karen and Benjamin touch on social media's impact, the digital divide, global migration, and the concept of virtual citizenship. From the launch of the "More Than Digital" platform to the intriguing idea of countries acting like corporations competing for talent, this episode is packed with thought-provoking discussions and expert insights. Tune in as we navigate the complexities of modern business practices, talent attraction, and the future of a digitally evolving world. Be sure to share this episode with fellow entrepreneurs and enthusiasts! Let's jump right into this engaging conversation with Karen Rands and Benjamin Talin. Relevant subtopics Effective Business Strategies and Revenue**    - Companies achieving similar revenue per employee with less marketing    - Providing neutral feedback in business consultations    - Small businesses' challenges with limited consultant budgets and project risks 2. **"More Than Digital" Platform**    - Launch of the free knowledge platform with no ads or sponsored content    - Aims to diagnose business problems and provide industry-standard analysis    - Karen Rands' appreciation and encouragement to share the podcast 3. **Automation and Future Work Trends**    - Certain tasks like HVAC repairs still requiring human labor    - Development of automation in auto repair and airplane maintenance    - Potential future with increased efficiency and reduced work hours 4. **Country Competitiveness and Talent Attraction**    - Countries competing for high-income professionals and offering benefits like low taxes    - Specific cases like Bulgaria offering tax incentives    - Internal U.S. examples, such as Florida as a "tax haven" 5. **Economic and Workforce Changes**    - Decrease in agricultural and manufacturing GDP due to automation    - Emergence of a "fourth sector" in the digital and virtual realm    - Changing consumption habits towards virtual environments 6. **Social Media and Smartphone Impact**    - Changes in social behavior due to smartphones despite poor user experience 7. **Digital Transformation**    - Slow adaptation by companies to digitalization starting from the 1960s    - Contrast between individual technology adoption and business reliance on outdated methods 8. **Government Proactivity and Economic Policies**    - Shift from reactive to proactive governance    - Sweden's initiatives for a green economy and high employment in government roles    - Issues with internet infrastructure in Georgia, USA affecting education and healthcare 9. **Migration and Geopolitical Impacts**    - Post-COVID migration trends and challenges in less democratic countries    - Resource conflicts and climate change impacts on economies and land erosion    - Talent movement impacting countries' workforce, such as Europe's low birth rates 10. **Future Workforce Projections**     - Germany's significant demand for new workers due to retiring baby boomers     - Immigration policies and economic implications     - Potential economic shrinkage due to restrictive immigration Virtual and Digital Economy**     - Future of virtual citizenship and economic work     - Socioeconomic divides based on digital access     - Increased international mobility due to virtual connections 12. **Government Roles and Talent Competition**     - Governments likened to corporations competing for skilled workers     - Strategies to attract digital nomads and high-income professionals     - Latin American instability affecting talent retention 13. **Youth Trends and Virtual Companions**     - Decreased interest in physical relationships among youth     - Increase in AI companions and its implications on various industries 14. **Entertainment and Virtual Reality**     - Rise of a "fourth sector" focused on entertainment     - Virtual worlds offering escape from physical limitations     - Future consumption habits centered on convenience and virtual experiences 15. **Technological Adoption Timeline**     - Predictions on the adoption timeline for immersive technology and virtual efficiency     - Counter trends embracing traditional formats amidst digital prevalence Lessons in Entrepreneurship**     - Benjamin Talin's early entrepreneurial journey and current role as a futurist     - Talin's contributions as a government advisor and technology expert 17. **Angel Investment Insights**     - Lessons learned in angel investing and venture capital     - Challenges and strategies in raising capital for new ventures Keywords: Business efficiency, revenue per employee, marketing strategies, neutral feedback in business, consulting services, small business challenges, limited project risks, business knowledge platform, more than digital.info, automation in labor, HVAC repairs, computer fixes, technological efficiency, social benefits, declining populations, Country Corps, talent competition, low taxes, war of talent, tax incentives, digital world economy, agricultural sector decline, manufacturing sector decline, fourth economic sector, virtual worlds, changing consumption habits, smartphone impact, digitalization, government proactivity, internet infrastructure, migration and economic opportunity

In this episode, Karen sits down with Renan Devillier, the dynamic founder and CEO of OSS Ventures. Together, they delve into the vital role of local production and community sourcing in industries such as quantum computing and chip manufacturing, highlighting a notable resurgence of factory openings in the US. Renan shares his insights on modern manufacturing models that blend technology with environmental respect, leading to more skilled, higher-paid jobs.  The conversation also explores the democratization of capital markets, with Karen spotlighting the transformative impact of the JOBS Act in enabling broader investment opportunities. Renan discusses OSS Ventures' unique investment strategy, focusing on seed-stage funding with "patient money" to build profitable companies. Since 2018, OSS has partnered with 20+ companies which have created over 340 jobs in Europe. The discussion also covers growth and exit strategies, capital investment access, and the significance of fostering innovation through broader investment channels. Listen as Karen and Renan navigate the future of manufacturing, the evolving role of technology and AI, and the critical need for skill adaptation in the workforce. Renan's diverse background and visionary approach, coupled with Karen's deep knowledge of angel investing and venture capital, make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, manufacturing, and compassionate capitalism. Key takeaways from this episode:  1. Community and Local Production - Importance of local sourcing and Advocacy for sustainable, localized production systems - Geopolitical and supply chain challenges leading to localization - Identifying vulnerabilities in industries like quantum computing and chip manufacturing - Resurgence of US factory openings expected in 2023 and 2024 - U.S. initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Bill 2. Modern Manufacturing Models - Shift towards technology-driven production - Emphasis on environmental sustainability - Better-skilled, higher-paid jobs  and the importance of adapting tech delivery for blue-collar environments - Example of plane factory workers operating complex machinery - Necessary skill adaptation for the workforce with the growth in robotics and AI, with an emphasis on the role of education systems and policies 3.  Economic Democratization - Democratization of capital markets and encouragement of informed investment choices - JOBS Act allowing broader investment in entrepreneurs and small businesses - Transition traditionally reserved for the ultra-wealthy - Advocacy for broader access to capital investment - Importance for startup innovation and Community and government funding as alternatives to traditional venture capital 4. Investment Strategy at OSS Ventures - Investing in seed stages with an eye for investment return goals by year five - "Patient money" strategy for building profitability and the capital requirements for scaling to profitability - Open to ideas from industry professionals, founders, and investors, and site visits and worker communication to uncover market needs - Investment in "operations" roles and identifying operational needs to enhance productivity and safety - Examples: My CE and Siebel Tech - Addressing disconnect between tech and blue-collar environments - Investing in or forming companies to address those needs- Significant economic impact but limited VC funding across the industry 5. Growth and Exit Strategies - Global scaling through mergers, acquisitions, and international expansion - Founders' role in scaling decisions - OSS Ventures' minority shareholding strategy - Scaling solutions for big challenges like solar energy 6. Evolution of SaaS with AI and Machine Learning - Transition from Software as a Service to Service as a Service - AI agents replacing job functions and automating tasks - Concerns about job loss due to AI and technology - Historical context of technology creating new opportunities - Examples from Tesla's manufacturing and robotic welding  Renan Devillier has had a dynamic career marked by significant achievements in various industries. Starting as a factory director, Renan honed his expertise in manufacturing, eventually taking on leadership roles in the racing sector. His entrepreneurial spirit shone through when he co-founded a tech startup, which he successfully sold. Renan's perspective on manufacturing was profoundly influenced by a visit to Tesla's Fremont factory in California. There, he realized the pivotal role of software in modern production, noting that a significant proportion of Tesla's product value is derived from software integration, in stark contrast to more traditional manufacturers like Ford. This insight underscored the transformative shift within the manufacturing landscape, highlighting the growing importance of technological innovation. Today, Renan continues to leverage his vast experience in US Ventures, driving advancements at the intersection of technology and manufacturing. For more information and to connect with Renan Devillier, visit: https://www.oss.ventures/  Karen Rands is the President of Kugarand Capital Holdings where her extended team offers coaching and services to small business owners providing capital strategy and investor acquisition through the Launch Funding Network.  As a thought leader in Angel and Crowdfund Investing, Karen offers investors decision tools, education, screening, due diligence, and syndication services through the National Network of Angel Investors.   Karen wrote the best selling primer for new Angel Investors  - Inside Secrets to Angel Investing and now offers digital beginner and advanced courses covering  Angel and Crowdfunding Investing on the Compassionate Capitalist Academy financial education platform. More information can be found at http://karenrands.co   When you subscribe on the contact page you will receive her Compassionate Capitalist short video tips by email, her ebook 12 Secrets of Innovation and Wealth and have an opportunity to schedule time to chat with Karen directly. Please help us build the Compassionate Capitalist community by subscribing, liking, and sharing this podcast.    The Compassionate Capitalist Show is also on Youtube @angelinvesting with a library of over 280 episodes.  Keywords:  US Manufacturing, Renan Devillier, Local Sourcing, Quantum Computing, Chip Manufacturing, US Factory Openings, Modern Manufacturing Models, Higher-Skilled Jobs, Economic Democratization, Karen Rands, JOBS Act, Capital Markets, OSS Ventures, Seed Stage Investment, Patient Money, Profitability, Mergers and Acquisitions, International Expansion, Capital Investment Access, Tech-Related Pain Points, Solar Energy Scaling, U.S. Jobs Act, Inflation Reduction Act, Infrastructure Bill, Localized Production, Sustainable Manufacturing, SaaS Evolution, AI and Machine Learning, Robotics in Manufacturing, Blue-Collar Workforce Training, Compassionate Capitalist Show

Intro: In today's episode, Karen Rands has a lively and informative conversation with her esteemed guest Dr. Tonya Evans, a law professor and expert in intellectual property and blockchain technology.  Listen as they delve into the cutting-edge world of blockchain, cryptocurrency, and NFTs.  Together, they unravel the complexities of “tokenization of assets”, “Operation Choke Point 2.0”, and the transformative potential of #NFTs and “smart contracts”. Dr. Evans shares her journey from initial skepticism to advocacy, emphasizing the importance of understanding and mitigating risks in the crypto space. With insights into the legal landscape, educational opportunities, and the future of digital innovation, this episode provides a comprehensive look at how blockchain technologies are reshaping industries and investment strategies. Whether you're an investor, a tech enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of finance, this conversation is sure to broaden your horizons.  Listen now as we explore these groundbreaking topics and more, offering a glimpse into the evolving world of blockchain with one of its foremost thought leaders. Key TakeAways from this episode are:  Tokenization of Assets - Tokenization of stocks, bonds, and deeds - Potential to reduce friction in public records - Impact on property ownership and power dynamics 2. Operation Choke Point 2.0 - History and purpose of the original Operation Choke Point - The informal nature of Choke Point 2.0 targeting crypto industries - Constitutional concerns raised by Dr. Evans - Approval of 11 Bitcoin ETFs indicating a changing financial landscape 3. Legal Considerations for Blockchain and Cryptocurrency - Role of blockchain forensics in law enforcement - Warrant requirements for tracing phone numbers - Accessibility of public blockchain records for tracking - Adapting legal discovery processes for digital currencies and the need for transparency, specifically pseudonymity in cryptocurrency transactions - Fourth Amendment concerns regarding private vs. public information - User information disclosure on crypto exchanges - Cryptocurrencies relative to traditional currency in illicit activities and the use of coin mixers to obscure transactions 4. Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) - Explanation of NFTs as unique digital assets - Various potential uses, including digital ownership and event tickets and the potential to reduce fraud in ticketing and identity verification - Comparison of NFTs to physical deeds - Use in secure identity verification without disclosing personal details - Evolving intellectual property concerns in digital media with a look back at the historical impact of Napster on the entertainment industry - Empowerment of creators through NFTs - Combating identity fraud and scams with unique identifiers 5. Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, and NFTs Impact - Basic explanation of cryptography in cryptocurrency and Bitcoin as the first cryptocurrency and its characteristics - Focus on market losses in 2022 and regulatory actions - Guest background: Dr. Evans' expertise and advocacy for balanced investment - Interest in blockchain for intellectual property and technology applications - Misconceptions about different technologies, including crypto and NFTs 6. Digital Ownership and Real-World Applications - Impact of smart contracts on authenticity verification and automation - Significance of smart contracts, particularly with Ethereum blockchain - Examples like real estate management and micro payments for artists - Tokenization of assets forecasted to grow significantly by 2025 - Digital replication concerns and the "double spend" problem and Cryptocurrencies as a solution for digital value exchange Dr. Tonya Evans, a seasoned attorney and a distinguished alumnus of Howard University School of Law, celebrated her 25th reunion from the esteemed institution in 2017. She began her illustrious career clerking in the Third Circuit Court, subsequently joining major law firms where she specialized in trust and estates, focusing on sophisticated planning for high-net-worth individuals. Trained rigorously in risk management and fiduciary responsibility, Dr. Evans was initially skeptical upon entering the cryptocurrency space in 2017, perceiving it through a lens of caution and prudence owing to its association with "magic Internet money" and the darknet. Despite her reservations, her expertise in risk mitigation has greatly informed her progressive steps in the evolving digital financial landscape. Dr. Evans' courses on blockchain, crypto, and law- Identifying how legal frameworks interact with emerging technologies.  Dr. Evans'  book "Digital Money Demystified".   For more information and to connect with Dr. Tonya Evans visit http://AdvantageEvans.com  Karen Rands is the President of Kugarand Capital Holdings where her extended team offers coaching and services to small business owners providing capital strategy and investor acquisition through the Launch Funding Network.  As a thought leader in Angel and Crowdfund Investing, Karen offers investors decision tools, education, screening, due diligence, and syndication services through the National Network of Angel Investors.   Karen wrote the best selling primer for new Angel Investors  - Inside Secrets to Angel Investing and now offers digital beginner and advanced courses covering  Angel and Crowdfunding Investing on the Compassionate Capitalist Academy financial education platform. More information can be found at http://karenrands.co   When you subscribe on the contact page you will receive her Compassionate Capitalist short video tips by email, her ebook 12 Secrets of Innovation and Wealth and have an opportunity to schedule time to chat with Karen directly. Please help us build the Compassionate Capitalist community by subscribing, liking, and sharing this podcast.    The Compassionate Capitalist Show is also on Youtube @angelinvesting with a library of over 280 episodes.  Keywords: Tokenization of assets, cryptocurrency regulations, NFT, Operation Choke Point, blockchain technology, Bitcoin, ETFs, smart contracts, digital identity verification, intellectual property in crypto, digital money demystified, coin mixers, privacy and technology, fourth amendment concerns, legal considerations in crypto, criminal activities with crypto, digital and intellectual innovation, non-fungible tokens, Ethereum blockchain, peer-to-peer file sharing, supply chain identity, automated micro-payments, sound money, tax implications of crypto, public blockchain records, blockchain forensics, Napster, entertainment industry, crypto market losses, venture capital, angel investing, DRM, Digital Rights Management

Join your host Karen Rands and distinguished guest Rashaun Williams as they explore the depths of strategic investing, the importance of financial literacy, and the nuanced role financial advisors play in wealth accumulation.

Don't Miss Howard Chang, CEO of JustBoardrooms and Chairman of theturnlab, as he brings a wealth of entrepreneurial insights and Angel Investor Strategies to the Compassionate Capitalist Show Audience.  From his poignant personal experiences with bankruptcy and overcoming cancer to his innovative solution for underutilized real estate with Just Boardrooms, Howard's journey is as diverse as it is inspiring. Host Karen Rands digs into Howard's wealth of knowledge, exploring the increasing need for collaboration spaces, the challenges of remote work, and the importance of truly understanding your market fit. You won't want to miss Howard's candid discussion about the hardships he's faced, including personal tragedy, and his strategies for resilience. Together, Karen and Howard offer an enlightening dialogue on maintaining a successful business, the integral role of cash flow management, and the advantages of being a B Corp in today's marketplace. Tune in for an episode brimming with invaluable advice for entrepreneurs and a gripping story of adversity, recovery, and triumph. 5 Insights You Will Gain: 1. The Art of Storytelling in Branding - The struggle that major companies face in crafting a consistent narrative - Utilizing unused boardrooms for nurturing in-person collaborations post-Covid 2. The Journey of Just Boardrooms - How Just Boardrooms emerged to address the lack of collaboration spaces - Plans for expansion and success in 250 locations in 55 markets 3. Investment, Growth, and Resilience - Howard's shift from self-funding to seeking an angel round of funding - His emphasis on resilience through personal and professional setbacks 4. Cash Flow and Startup Success - The importance of cash reserves and strategic debt financing - Choosing the right investors and understanding the comprehensive business ecosystem 5. B Corp Values and Sustainable Business - Integration of social values into the corporate culture for a sustainable future - The increasing consumer appeal and economic advantages of B Corporations Be sure to listen to the full episode to absorb the in-depth discussions on these topics, as Karen Rands and Howard Chang navigate through the multifaceted landscape of today's business world. To learn more about Howard Chang and connect to his company JustBoardrooms or engage with the growth hack incubator/accelerator theturnlab, go to these links:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardchang1/ JustBoardRooms: https://justboardrooms.com/booking/public/home theturnlab: https://theturnlab.com/ Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation  **NOW Available as a digital on demand course.** She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional business networks. About Karen https://www.karenrands.co/about-karen-rands/  Visit http://Kugarand.com  and click on the Services tab, to learn more about our Due Diligence Services, Investor Relations, Capital Strategies, Capital Access, and Capital Readiness Coaching serviced offered by her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings.  Sign up for her free ebook while you are there! The Compassionate Capitalist Show™ is a Podcast on YouTube.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological. https://bit.ly/CCSyoutubepod  Please share, subscribe and rate, wherever you listen to podcasts, to help us continue to spread the message of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement. 

We are back with another insightful episode the Compassionate Capitalist Show that will challenge the way you think about traditional industries and the transformative power of technology. This episode features a thought-provoking conversation between our host Karen Rands and a special guest, Faisal Abid, the innovative co-founder of Eirene Cremations, about an inspired entrepreneur's quest to identify a problem and crafting a tech solution that can disrupt an industry, solve inefficiencies and produce a better outcome and experience for the consumers within that industry. No we aren't talking about healthcare, as we know that is an industry that is fraught with inefficiencies and needs to produce a better outcome and experience for the consumers / patients.  This is on the other end of the spectrum in what we are calling 'death tech' to transform the funeral industry and 'Death Care', specifically bringing efficiency and an improved sales process experience when choosing cremation and aquamation for a loved one that has passed. ➤ Karen dives deep with Faisal into how Eirene Cremations is changing the death care industry, offering families peace and comfort through technology during the toughest of times. Tune in to understand how Faisal used technology, specifically Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Voice Recognition, to reshape end-of-life services. Episode Highlights: ✦ The Beginnings: Learn about Faisal's daring decisions and early challenges shaped his path to success.  First with the decision leave college to pursue his entrepreneur aspirations, and later, his leap from corporate software engineer to industry disruptor. ✦ Behind the Scenes: Discover how they used what is best describd as 'the lean startup model' in launching Eirene Cremations in Ontario starting with in depth customer discovery and business process management, manually documenting every aspect of the customer experience, the regulatory and paperwork requirements before writing the first piece of code. Then how the pivotal role of their proprietary, internally built, software enable the company's rapid growth in Canada, and positioned them to expand in to the US in 2024. ✦ A Market Revolution: Hear Faisal recount the tale of how a 'coffee meetup' uncovered a market inefficiency and the potential to transform the customer experience in a stagnant, slow to change and innovate industry that was ripe for disruption. It is a fascinating story to hear how an  idea to solve a problem, that fundamental "what if" moment, evolved into a solution, tapping Faisal's female co-founder's industry knowledge and his ow mastery of software tech and business process management to disrupt a stagnant, slow-to-adopt industry to deliver a tech-savvy, customer-oriented service.  ✦ The Personal Touch: Despite the perception of a web commerce site and tele-video meetings seemingly to be impersonal, the result is exactly the opposite.  Because of their impressive behind the scenes technology, Eirene Cremations can focus on the essence of its business - service and support for grieving families. They use their proprietary 'funeral OS' technology so that they can focus on the customer with a personal experience that helps families make arrangements for their loved ones, any time of day, and even if they are hundreds of miles away.  ✦ Future Frontiers: Faisal gives us a glimpse into potential international expansions and the cool, cutting-edge tech his team is working on for 2024. This episode is more than a success story; it's a masterclass in innovation, strategic scaling, and leveraging tech for genuine service improvements. Eirene Cremations is setting a new standard for the funeral industry, and we're privileged to share this journey with you. As always, your feedback is what shapes our content. After listening, let us know your thoughts on how technology can reinvent traditional industries, the value of realizing the customer discovery process to frame the solution, and the patience to truly understand the problem before building the technology to solve it. Are there other sectors you think could benefit from a similar disruption? Faisal's journey is one marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation and a mission to transform industries that have traditionally been slow to adopt technology. As Co-Founder & CTO of Eirene Cremations, he's at the forefront of leveraging cutting-edge tech to revolutionize traditional industries.-- in this case - Disrupting Death Care !!  His journey is marked by a unique set of circumstances and choices: quitting college to pursue a passion as an entrepreneur, his choice to be a student of many innovators, his profound tenure within Google and decision to forge back into the world of entrepreneurism leading him to meet is co-founder Mallory Greene.  Learn more at http://eirenecremations.com  About Karen Rands: Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation.  She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional  business networks.   About Karen https://www.karenrands.co/about-karen-rands/ Visit http://Kugarand.com and learn more about the Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizer System™.  Read about the Due Diligence Services, Investor Relations, Capital Strategies, Capital Access, and Capital Readiness Coaching serviced offered by her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings.  Or use http://KarenRands.co and get your free gift and get on Karen's mail list.  The Compassionate Capitalist Show™ is a Podcast on YouTube and available on all major podcast players.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  http://bit.ly/linkCSS  Social Media links can be found here as well.  It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological on Youtube.    

Ready to unlock the secrets to smart investing and entrepreneurial success? Dive deep into the world of identifying winning investment opportunities with our latest Compassionate Capitalist Show Podcast episode featuring special guest Andrew Einhorn, co-founder and CEO of LevelFields! Join our knowledgeable host, Karen Rands, as she and Andrew explore the pivotal strategies behind finding companies that stand out through grit and are primed for significant growth. Whether you're an investor or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is loaded with insights! ✨ Key Highlights: *  An in-depth look at Andrew's entrepreneurial journey from "ohmygov" to the creation of LevelFields - AI * Insights on the high-stress process of company acquisition as Andrew discusses the Synoptos' merger, outlining how they capitalized on corporate partnerships and the value of focusing on customers' needs in the midst of industry skepticism. * Andrew's methodology for selecting successful companies, based his impressive portfolio of 53 investments. Learn his secret to investing success in various stages of companies. * The impact of capital efficiency and potential for market disruption with truly novel innovation, that is wanted by the target market.  * Andrew and Karen discuss the significance of strategic value propositions and the the power of pivot in business.  * They discuss the essence of product-market fit in successful entrepreneurship to lead to sustainable growth strategies.   * Lastly the creation of Levelfields and developing an AI and Machine Learning approach to monitor and predict market movement that will prove to revolutionize investment research and decision making.   This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in leveraging technology for smarter investments.   Plus we have a special offer for our Subscribers:  Get a special glimpse into the future of investing with a FREE TRIAL to see the predictive power of their platform firsthand.  https://www.levelfields.ai/ PROMO CODE -- Podcast23 About Andrew Einhorn:  Co-Founder and CEO of Levelfields. an AI-driven fintech application that automates arduous investment research so investors can find opportunities faster and easier. His mission is to create AI tools that make advanced financial strategies effortless and accessible for all. Former founder of OhMyGov and avid angel investor and cultivator of entrepreneurs. 

Karen Rands brings her unique insights about Artificial Intelligence and how it has and will impact our lives.  With a look back to the predictions in 2018, found in the Fortune Magazine article "25 Ways Artificial Intelligence is Changing Business", she addresses the growing media hoopla over AI and Machine Learning.    Listen to uncover the myriad ways artificial intelligence goes beyond voice prompts on our phones. From ID badges and facial recognition to smart weapons and robotics, AI is reshaping industries and redefining the boundaries of technological possibilities. Learn how these advancements are transforming our reality. What to be concerned about and what we can do to make sure that humans are the continued intelligence that drives artificial intelligence and not the other way around.  With rise in AI in analytics and predictions, this show is positioned as a segway to Karen's interview with Andrew Einhorn and how he is taking the volatility out of predicting stock market movement with Artificial Intelligence analysis of other trigger factors based on historical effects.  That Compassionate Capitalist Show is: Levelfields AI: Andrew Einhorn's Answer to Event-Driven Investing. To get to the documents Karen refers to in the intro teaser and the Fortune article of the predictions from 2018:  Fortune Magazine November 2018 25 Ways Artificial Intelligence is Changing Business https://fortune.com/2018/10/22/artificial-intelligence-ai-changing-business/ CBInsights Sam Altman Investment Report   https://www.cbinsights.com/research/report/sam-altman-investments/ CBInsights Chat GPT AI Investment Ecosystem:  https://www.cbinsights.com/research/openai-investment-strategy/ CBInsights Ultimate Guide to AI Disruption https://www.cbinsights.com/research/report/generative-ai-bible To take advantage of Karen's early release offer for the intro level of Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizing system, go to http://dothedeal.org and register.  Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation.  She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional  business networks.   About Karen https://www.karenrands.co/about-karen-rands/ Visit http://Kugarand.com and learn more about the Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizer System™.  Read about the Due Diligence Services, Investor Relations, Capital Strategies, Capital Access, and Capital Readiness Coaching serviced offered by her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings.  The Compassionate Capitalist Show™ is a Podcast on YouTube.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological. https://bit.ly/CCSyoutubepod  Imagine the feeling of investing in a way that had massive impact and a potential pay you back 10x your money. The time is now to find out if Angel Investing / CrowdFunding Investing is the wealth creation strategy for you.  Take action on Karen's offer to learn how to invest with confidence in entrepreneurs and sign up (FREE FOR NOW) the new Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizing System. http://dothedeal.org    

Today's episode is a treasure trove for anyone looking to not only raise capital for their ventures but to transform their business strategy and mindset for unprecedented success. We dive deep into the nuances of long-term versus short-term goals, understand the impact of FOMO on the investor psyche, and explore the transformative potential of mental programming. William shares his personal journey with his first company Dark Energy, his stark revelations the kind of work and reward he wanted in life, and how the discovery of mental programming and the rigor of launching a new business concept that would not only bring financial rewards but also have a profound impact on others lives that are striving in their own way to change the world.  In this episode, William Lam shares his experiences and insights on how to achieve success in the competitive world of startups. We will discusses raising capital, developing effective business strategies, and overcoming challenges to build a successful startup and then the even harder challenge to leap the capital and operational abyss to SCALE the business to exit.  We will dig deep into the value of long term goals vs short term goals.  If you are an investor and wonder why your founders don't hit their milestones when on paper and when they talk to you it seems very doable...  Or if you as a founder have ever felt there was an invisible wall limiting your progress.   This podcast episode is for you.  OR as the CEO of a corporation... maybe not a startup... and you hear you feel you have hit a plateau and need to figure out how to break through to scale, and wonder if you have what it takes to get into the trenches again like a startup.  If you as an investor ever felt you were going to miss out on an opportunity even though bells and whistles were saying DON't make this mistake.  If you ever felt you had to make a financial decision, a merger, a partnership, or you have a trouble customer, or if someone approached you to get you to invest and you didn't know how to say no.. or walk away....  If you feel you can get to the mountain but you just can't climb it successfully, this is episode is for you.  William Lam is Pioneer in Mental Reprogramming & UPGRD® Founder. Recognized for his pioneering efforts, William played a pivotal role in the inception and rise of an innovative startup secured a substantial amount of funding through crowdfunding to launch that company.  More than just an entrepreneur, William is an observer of the human condition, noting that people, like their startups, often operate on impromptu frameworks. He draws a compelling parallel between the makeshift nature of early business ventures and the psychological underpinnings of individuals. Realizing that our mental 'operating systems' are the cumulative patchwork of direct life experiences, as well as the influences of mentors, family, and the broader cultural landscape—rarely crafted by conscious design but rather, improvised through life's unpredictable journey.  As he broke through his own barriers he had the vision to launch UPGRD so as to bring put his own transformation within reach of anyone that wanted to reach new heights and achieve the big bodacious dreams that they had buried within their soul  Visit https://upgrd.com/founder Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation.  She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional  business networks.   About Karen https://www.karenrands.co/about-karen-rands/ Visit http://dothedeal.org to register for  the Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizer System™ intro course.  Visit http://Kugarand.com to learn more about our about the Due Diligence Services, Investor Relations, Capital Strategies, Capital Access, and Capital Readiness Coaching serviced offered by her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings. The Compassionate Capitalist Show™ is a Podcast on YouTube.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological. https://bit.ly/CCSyoutubepod   

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Compassionate Capitalist Show, where curiosity about best practices for wealth creation through funded innovation meets conversation of those that are walking the walk and leading the way, and innovation lights up every story. Today we're diving into a topic that's as cutting-edge as it is crucial—sex tech and its impact on healthcare and how advancements with novel design, biometric innovations, and technology like Bluetooth are literally improving the lives of millions of people and potential for a billion people in the near future. Today, we explore the incredible complex world of medical technology -- getting it funded, clinically proven to work, and to market so both the medical community and the men and women that benefit from the innovation can put it to work to improve their lives without fear or anxiety. Our fascinating guest, Dr. Soum Rakshit is a pioneering force behind nanotech solutions aimed at alleviating health issues that, until now, have remained in the shadows. From combating the pain of mastitis in new mothers to addressing pelvic pain post-cancer treatment, Soum is on a mission to enhance the quality of life with innovation at its finest—simple, accessible, and cost-effective solutions rooted in vibration and heat therapy. Throughout our conversation, we'll delve into the challenges entrepreneurs like Soum face—pushing boundaries in an industry that's notoriously tough to finance. Despite these hurdles, Soum has triumphantly brought Mystery Vibe's advanced technology to the forefront, addressing pelvic pain, dryness, and erectile dysfunction with clinical backing that supports their effectiveness. Hold onto your seats as we discuss Soum's journey from defense electronics to developing sex tech with a therapeutic edge, navigating the intricacies of FDA approvals, and the remarkable process of raising $12 million to fund a company that's not just profitable but paradigm-shifting. His approach to innovation is patient and persistent, mirrored in his company's dedication to owning the entire process, end to end. Joining us on this daring foray into the future of healthcare, Soum will share his insights on the importance of investor support, angel investments coming with expertise beyond dollars, and why having a 10-year plan is crucial for ventures in such complex domains. So, if you're intrigued by how the Internet of Things intersects with healthcare delivery or marvel at the prospect of nanotechnology paving the way for better health outcomes, this episode is for you. Let's get ready to unravel the layers of sex tech with Karen Rands and our accomplished guest, Dr. Soum Rakshit. Speaker Bio: Dr. Soum Rakshit is an innovator and entrepreneur whose mission centers around resolving a widespread medical challenge affecting both men and women globally. Dr. Rakshit's work stands as a testament to the power of technology in transforming healthcare and the potential it has in fostering healthier communities worldwide. Hear about his fascinating journey in BioMetrics took him from the Defense Industry into the Healthcare Industry and set the stage for him to work with medical doctors to understand and design around the human body, where no two bodies are exactly alike. Learn about the products at https://mysteryvibe.com/ for consumers and http://mysexmd.com for medical professionals (more research and peer review studies here) Connect on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soum/ Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation.  She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional  business networks.   About Karen https://www.karenrands.co/about-karen-rands/ Visit http://Kugarand.com and learn more about the Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizer System™.  Read about the Due Diligence Services, Investor Relations, Capital Strategies, Capital Access, and Capital Readiness Coaching serviced offered by her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings.  The Compassionate Capitalist Show™ is a Podcast on YouTube.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological. https://bit.ly/CCSyoutubepod  Imagine the feeling of investing in a way that had massive impact and a potential pay you back 10x your money. The time is now to find out if Angel Investing / CrowdFunding Investing is the wealth creation strategy for you.  Take action on Karen's offer to learn how to invest with confidence in entrepreneurs and sign up (FREE FOR NOW) the new Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizing System. http://dothedeal.org            

In this episode of the Compassionate Capitalist Show, Karen brings back a fan favorite from the vault to explain something she references often -- Hall Martin's strategy to It is a strategy he used to share the risk between angel investors and founders. This is where the term you hear Karen use:  Payroll Exits - comes from.  Their discussion will span from the foundational principles of "compassionate capitalism" to the meticulous art of informed angel investing. Hall will unravel the critical factors for successful angel investments and offer gems on how angel investors can generate evergreen funds through savvy reinvestments. Moreover, Hall will tackle the all-too-common scenario where startup founders start to seek to grow their compensation even as they miss their growth targets.  Founders start to pay themselves more:  payroll exits, while the investors internal rate of return declines the longer it takes the company to achieve a financial / sales level to sell the company for an equity exit.  This 3x in 3 years is a practical approach to sharing that risk and fundamentally structured like a conversion note with a redemption right in the third year. Key Take Aways:  ### Term Sheet and Investor Relations Encouragement for angel investors to create their own terms Qualifying startups based on their exit intentions Rights for investors to exit after three years ### Understanding Investment Outcomes Identifying winners, losers, and lifestyle businesses Impact of payroll exits on investment return Differences between ROI and IRR ### Risk Assessment, Valuations and Exit Strategies Understanding the risks and potential exit strategies before investing Defining risks and clarifying expectations with entrepreneurs Recognizing realistic valuations and exit possibilities Avoiding investments in overvalued companies without clear exit strategies So sharpen your pencils and get your spreadsheets ready as we explore how to mitigate risks, gauge entrepreneur commitment, and understand the nuances of venture viability. Whether you're an entrepreneur searching for that initial investment spark or an investor keen on maximizing returns – this episode promises a wealth of knowledge with both Hall Martin and Karen Rands sharing their experiences.  Hall Martin, an indomitable force in the investment world, boasts a distinguished track record of empowering startups and fueling innovation. With over two decades of investment experience, Hall has facilitated the raising of more than $900 million for entrepreneurs through the TEN Funding Program. A seasoned veteran, he has presided over 10,000+ pitches in various forums, indicative of his vast influence and commitment to entrepreneurial success. The architect of a remarkable 40X return for the Austin angel network, Hall deftly manages a complex orchestration of funding mechanisms. He has successfully raised over $32 million through accelerators and has judiciously invested $13 million through a university angel network, proving his strategic investment prowess. Connect with Hall: https://tencapital.group/about-us/ Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation.  She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional  business networks.   About Karen https://www.karenrands.co/about-karen-rands/ Visit http://Kugarand.com and learn more about the Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizer System™.  Read about the Due Diligence Services, Investor Relations, Capital Strategies, Capital Access, and Capital Readiness Coaching serviced offered by her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings.  The Compassionate Capitalist Show™ is a Podcast on YouTube.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological. https://bit.ly/CCSyoutubepod   Imagine the feeling of investing in a way that had massive impact and a potential pay you back 10x your money. The time is now to find out if Angel Investing / CrowdFunding Investing is the wealth creation strategy for you.  Take action on Karen's offer to learn how to invest with confidence in entrepreneurs and sign up (FREE FOR NOW) the new Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizing System. http://dothedeal.org  

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Compassionate Capitalist Show with host, Karen Rands. Today, we're privileged to have patent attorney and CEO of Blue Iron, Russ Krajec, on the show. Russ will debunk myths and misconceptions about patents. Expect to dive deep into the importance of aligning patents with your business roadmap, with emphasis on the value of data-driven patents vs. prophetic patents. Through interesting examples, Karen and Russ will show how to avoid others' mistakes and when patent management is done right, how companies can monetize patents for growth capital, preserving equity value for their share holders.  Finally, you won't want to miss Russ's enlightening journey into patent law and angel investing. So, tune in for an episode that promises to be filled with actionable insights on the nuances of patent writing, and much more!  5 Insights You Will Gain:  1. Misconceptions and Myths of Patents  - Understanding the role of a patent attorney and their liability concerns  - The misconceptions of revealing too much information in patent description versus the actual claims   2. Explaining the Patent Process    - Understanding data-driven patents vs prophetic patents    - Role of proper market analysis and customer engagement to establish patent relevance and commercialization    - Importance of clarity in the description and writing understandable claims to help in the patent approval process  3. Valuation and Monetizing of Patents    - Importance of mapping patents to business roadmap    - Monetizing patents as a startup financing tool    - Concept of IP-backed loans for companies    - Determining true patent value versus overestimated value    - Use of loans based on real patent valuation 4. Lessons for Startups and Entrepreneurs    - Importance of startups owning all rights to their software and product designs    - Challenges startups face in getting quality legal services    - Explanation of the "patent picket fence" strategy    - Importance of selective patent pursuit due to limited financial resources 5. Highlighting The Importance of Effective Patenting    - Importance of patenting specific product features that make it unique    - Example of iPhone's slide to unlock patent    - Discouraging the use of provisional patent applications    - Understanding the lifespan limit of a patent and strategies to extend patent life  For the basics of types of patents that Karen referenced in the intro:   ARTICLE:   https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/what-are-the-different-types-of-patents Get in touch with Russ, registered patent attorney, CEO of Blue Iron IP Web: BlueIronIP.com Author of "Investing In Patents" and an active angel investor.  Russ offered listeners a copy of his book for free! Send him an email with your address to  russ.krajec AT blueironip.com Connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/krajec/ Host of the Patent Myths Podcast TimeStamp:  00:02 In this episode, the host discusses patents with patent attorney Russ Krajek. They dispel myths and share enlightening information about investing in patents.  04:52 Russ started as a patent attorney, experience with angel investing, and how he got into IP backed loans for companies with revenue. 07:34 Understanding the business is crucial. Validating the solution before wasting money on patents.  Critical to know what is novel and has customer appeal 19:04 Choosing a provisional patent application suggests low expectations to the investor. 21:29 When hiring a patent attorney, it's the entrepreneur's responsibility to ensure the job is done well. Attorney's don't advise, they do what you ask.  24:31 Patent attorney advises getting patents early and often due to risk of someone filing first. However, there is a possibility of prior art invalidating the patent if you share to much in your description. 27:51 Patents pending for a decade, not immune, appealed three times, clarity of patent writing is imperative to avoid costly legal interpretation. 34:20 As patents approach expiration, they lose value to acquirers, limiting a company's time to increase valuation.  Strategies to extend value.  40:12 Large firms often use inexperienced attorneys for patent filings, resulting in poor quality work. The same applies to attorneys handling contract and intellectual property matters. Issues are often discovered during due diligence for investors. 43:57 Patent value often inflated in pre money startups; realistic worth is far lower until market validation is established.  46:31 For angel investment, we look at the whole company, but mainly focus on the founder's ability to grow the invested capital. Imagine the feeling of investing in a way that had massive impact and a potential pay you back 10x your money. The time is now to find out if Angel Investing / CrowdFunding Investing is the wealth creation strategy for you.  Take action on Karen's offer to learn how to invest with confidence in entrepreneurs and sign up (FREE FOR NOW) the new Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizing System.--Intro to Angel Investing and Crowdfunding Investing Training.  http://dothedeal.org Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation.  She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional  business networks.   About Karen https://www.karenrands.co/about-karen-rands/ Visit http://Kugarand.com and learn more about the Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizer System™.  Read about the Due Diligence Services, Investor Relations, Capital Strategies, Capital Access, and Capital Readiness Coaching serviced offered by her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings.  The Compassionate Capitalist Show™ is a Podcast on YouTube.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological. https://bit.ly/CCSyoutubepod     

In this episode of the Compassionate Capitalist Show brought back to life from the vault, Karen Rands engages in a compelling conversation with Rashaun Williams, a late-stage angel investor and venture capitalist. Williams shares his journey from investment banking to venture capital, highlighting the unique approach he takes in late-stage private investments for predictable returns. The discussion provides valuable insights for new investors looking to navigate the startup landscape and collaborate with companies that offer resources for successful scaling and exits. Key Takeaways: 1. Late Stage Investment Strategy: Williams emphasizes the importance of late-stage investing as a strategy for more predictable returns. He reveals the evolution of the late-stage industry, driven by companies staying private for extended periods, creating opportunities for investors to enter one to three years before the companies go public. 2. Accessing Top Deals: Williams shares valuable advice for new investors, suggesting involvement in accelerators and incubators as a means to access promising early-stage companies. He also highlights the significance of discerning the credibility of the deal sources and ensuring alignment with investors who have a track record of success. 3. Diversification and Portfolio Theory: The episode explores Williams' strategic approach to diversification, not only by industry but also by stage, liquidity, and cash flow. By understanding the portfolio theory in venture capital and angel investing, Williams provides a roadmap for building a diversified portfolio with a mix of early-stage, growth-stage, and late-stage investments. 4. Angel Investing Defense: Williams offers practical tips for investors to safeguard their interests by asking critical questions before engaging in deals. He advises ensuring that deal sources have a vested interest, have conducted due diligence, and possess a proven track record in the specific type of deals. Listeners can gain valuable insights into late-stage investing, portfolio management, and effective strategies for navigating the dynamic world of angel investing. Rashaun Williams is a Sum Cum Laude graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA.  As a former investment banker, turned venture capitalist, he focuses investments on tech, consumer products, and media companies. With over 100 investments under his belt, and over 20 exits, he has an impressive track record of picking winners.  He invested in companies like Coinbase, Casper, Ring, PillPack, Lyft, and Dropbox.  Over the last 15 years, he's been primarily responsible for bringing capital to emerging, diverse, and alternative markets while working at Wall Street firms such as Goldman Sachs, Wachovia Securities, and Deutsche Bank.  Currently Mr. Williams is a general partner at MVP All Star Fund, which is a late stage tech fund. Previously, he founded a venture capital fund, Queensbridge Venture Partners.   For more information visit: https://www.mvp.vc/ Karen's call to action:  Imagine the feeling of investing in a way that had massive impact and a potential pay you back 10x your money. The time is now to find out if Angel Investing / CrowdFunding Investing is the wealth creation strategy for you.  Take action on Karen's offer to learn how to invest with confidence in entrepreneurs and sign up (FREE FOR NOW) the new Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizing System. http://dothedeal.org  Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation.  She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional  business networks.   About Karen https://www.karenrands.co/about-karen-rands/ Visit http://Kugarand.com and learn more about the Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizer System™.  Read about the Due Diligence Services, Investor Relations, Capital Strategies, Capital Access, and Capital Readiness Coaching serviced offered by her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings.  The Compassionate Capitalist Show™ is a Podcast on YouTube.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological. https://bit.ly/CCSyoutubepod   

Welcome to another episode of the CCS podcast! In today's episode, we dive into the challenges faced by entrepreneurs with our special guest, Kenneth Berger. Host Karen Rands engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Kenneth as they discuss the struggles, conflicts, and triumphs experienced along the journey to building successful startups. From biases in communication within diverse teams to the difficulties of delegating tasks, Karen and Kenneth shed light on the crucial aspects of entrepreneurship. They also explore the role of executive coaching in uncovering unconscious biases and beliefs that affect interactions and decision-making. Join us as we unravel the complexities of the entrepreneurial world and discover valuable insights from our esteemed guest. Key Topic 1: Challenges faced by startup leaders and navigating personal and company growth - Struggles with baggage (emotional, experiential, developmental) and being open to mentorship - Conflict resolution and toxic relationships in the entrepreneurial journey - Dealing with persistent problems, interpersonal conflict, and burnout Key Topic 2: Challenges in delegating tasks and scaling oneself in startups - Founder's struggle in delegating tasks, even win it is necessary for growth of the company - Is the challenge in delegating tasks related to lack of planning or personality traits? - Emotional process of giving up control in the business - Common archetypes of challenges in delegation  - passive aggression the trojan horse - Working within other people's boundaries and limitations to achieve mutual goals Key Topic 3: Effective communication, unpacking underlying issues, and achieving collaboration - Clear expectations and communication for team productivity - Overcoming internal barriers for effective communication and goal accomplishment Key Topic 4: Challenges of innate biases in communication within diverse teams - Impact of biases on communication and effectiveness in the workplace - Biases related to appearance, accents, and assumptions about productivity - Addressing biases that may not be explicitly expressed or even realized by person in authority - Role of coaches in helping clients uncover unconscious biases - Biases related to education, insecurity, and the need to prove oneself Kenneth Berger is a seasoned entrepreneur who has experienced both the highs and lows of the startup journey. After working at Adobe for several years, he realized that he craved a more exciting and impactful career. With a friend from grad school, he co-founded a startup and experienced the rush of building a business from scratch. Later on, he joined Slack in its early stages, witnessing the company's rapid growth and success. However, along with the triumphs, Kenneth also faced heartbreak and conflict. His co-founder and longtime friend parted ways, and he found himself in disagreements with the CEO of Slack. Despite the challenges, Kenneth remained determined to leave his mark on the tech industry and make a lasting impact.  Visit http://kberger.com to learn more.  Also, as mentioned in the podcast, the link to Karen's "Thumbprint no the World"  https://bit.ly/KCHthumb Find points of interest:  00:01:09 Early investors crucial, need mental stamina. Feedback vital. 00:06:47 Transition from big company to startup challenges. 00:08:21 Startup founders face dilemma of scaling themselves. 00:12:31 Customized coaching helps individuals navigate distinct challenges. 00:16:47 Passive aggressiveness can be detrimental in workplaces. 00:19:21 Passive aggression often stems from unarticulated needs. 00:26:30 Valid feelings, adapt and overcome entrepreneurial challenges. 00:29:34 Entitlement and confidence affect asking for things. 00:30:45 Share personal experience, open to feedback, humble. 00:36:44 Unconscious beliefs influence behavior, often without realization. 00:37:47 Navigating startup challenges, seeking safety and growth. 00:42:12 Kenneth thanks audience and promotes website. >>>>>> Imagine the feeling of investing in a way that had massive impact and a potential pay you back 10x your money. The time is now to find out if Angel Investing / CrowdFunding Investing is the wealth creation strategy for you.  Take action on Karen's offer to learn how to invest with confidence in entrepreneurs and sign up (FREE FOR NOW) the new Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizing System. http://dothedeal.org >>>>>> Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation.  She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional  business networks.   About Karen https://www.karenrands.co/about-karen-rands/ Visit http://Kugarand.com and learn more about the Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizer System™.  Read about the Due Diligence Services, Investor Relations, Capital Strategies, Capital Access, and Capital Readiness Coaching serviced offered by her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings.  The Compassionate Capitalist Show™ is a Podcast on YouTube.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological.  https://bit.ly/CCSyoutubepod   

A "Family Office" is remarkable entity that High-Net-Worth & Ultra-High-Net-Worth Families use to manage their wealth as it grows, and preserve it for their future generations.  A family office provides a wide range of services tailored to meet the needs of HNWIs. From investment management to charitable giving advice, family offices may offer a dedicated team of specialists to service these clients.  Today we are excited to explore the intersection of family businesses and compassionate capitalism on the show. Guillermo Salazar, Founder of Exaudi Family Business Consulting, author and global speaker, shares his insights on best practices establishing and maintaining an effective family office.  Key Points:  1: Define a Unifying Business Purpose based on Shared Values - In the world of family businesses, establishing a clear and unifying purpose for the business is the critical first step. Guillermo Salazar emphasizes that this purpose extends beyond financial success and aims to unite the family and business values. This fosters better communication among family members and lays the foundation for a shared vision, much like a company's mission. By creating an effective family charter, the owners can define the firm's purpose and equip themselves with the tools to identify and manage the next generation of leaders, ultimately preparing for a successful generational transition. 2: Understanding the Essence of Family Offices - Family offices offer a holistic approach to managing the financial and investment needs of affluent individuals or families. Unlike traditional wealth management firms, they bring a wide range of services under one roof, including financial planning, investment management, wealth transfer planning, tax services, and more. Family offices can be tailored to the specific needs of HNWIs, addressing both financial and non-financial concerns, such as managing family assets, private schooling, and travel arrangements. 3: The Decision Between Single-Family and Multi-Family Offices - Karen and Guillermo delve into the decision-making process for high-net-worth families to decide between single-family offices and multi-family offices (MFOs). Single-family offices are dedicated to serving one ultra-affluent family, offering a highly personalized approach. On the other hand, MFOs cater to multiple clients, resembling traditional private wealth management practices. The decision between these options often comes down to cost and control, with HNWIs weighing the benefits of sharing the expenses for specialized resources versus having exclusive control over their family office's services. This episode of "The Compassionate Capitalist Show," is important for all listeners that are working to create great wealth.  Some day you will need to pave your path to the intersection of family businesses and compassionate capitalism, uncovering the essential steps for success, and the role of family offices in managing wealth, and the decision-making process behind choosing the right family office model.  Guillermo Salazar's extensive experience in family business governance and succession planning provides valuable insights for families looking to navigate the complexities of both business and wealth management. Connect and learn more:  https://www.exaudionline.com/ Author: A Road to Triumph in Family Business gives you theoretical and practical strategies to manage each stage, with real examples and a clear guide to best practices for establishing a family office.  https://www.guillermosalazar.com/ Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation.  She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional  business networks.   About Karen https://www.karenrands.co/about-karen-rands/ Visit http://Kugarand.com and learn more about the Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizer System™.  Read about the Due Diligence Services, Investor Relations, Capital Strategies, Capital Access, and Capital Readiness Coaching serviced offered by her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings.  The Compassionate Capitalist Show™ is a Podcast on YouTube.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological. https://bit.ly/CCSyoutubepod  Imagine the feeling of investing in a way that had massive impact and a potential pay you back 10x your money. The time is now to find out if Angel Investing / CrowdFunding Investing is the wealth creation strategy for you.  Take action on Karen's offer to learn how to invest with confidence in entrepreneurs and sign up (FREE FOR NOW) the new Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizing System. http://dothedeal.org      

In this episode of The Compassionate Capitalist Show™, Karen chats with Jon Gosier, a successful entrepreneur turned venture capitalist, who has made a significant impact in the worlds of adtech, fintech, and film financing. Here are the key points they explore: 1. Unlikely Combinations in Entrepreneurship: Jon Gosier is a prominent figure in both the tech and film finance spaces. We'll discuss how this unusual combination of expertise came about and the challenges young entrepreneurs face when deciding which problem to solve and build a company around, and then transitioning from building a company to becoming investors solving the problems they're passionate about. 2. The Film Industry and Georgia's Tax Credits: Georgia's generous tax credits have transformed the state into a filmmaking hub with a massive economic impact. Karen highlights the significance of these credits and how they have attracted big studios, making Georgia second only to California in producing blockbuster movies. However, the challenge remains to create a sustainable year-round industry with benefits for all stakeholder.  This includes both ends of the spectrum - helping creatives understand what is needed to attract funding and includes attracting and educating private investors to back projects with the great potential. 3. Jon Gosier's Entrepreneurial Journey: Learn from Jon's journey, from his early days as a graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where he focused on the technology side of the music industry, to being recognized as one of the "new faces of Black Leadership" by TIME Magazine. Along the way, he co-founded companies like AfriLabs and Appfrica . We'll also touch on his latest venture, Audigent, a rapidly growing adtech data platform for audience engagement analytics in the music industry. 4. Film Financing and Fintech: Jon's most recent ventures, FilmHedge and Southbox Entertainment, are at the heart of this podcast episode. FilmHedge, with $100 million under management, is one of the few groups capable of green-lighting films in Georgia, bringing much-needed capital to the state. Southbox Entertainment, with $80 million in fresh funds, introduces an innovative film finance model, which contributes to the financial funding stack for films and streaming entertainment. We'll explore how fintech is used to manage the risk associated with financing future distribution contracts, revolutionizing the film financing landscape. Join us for an insightful conversation with Karen Rands and Jon Gosier as they explore his entrepreneurial journey, beginning with his Afro Tech businesses in Uganda, to the market impact of his ad-tech innovation in Audigent,the evolution of Georgia's film industry, and his game-changing impact of fintech in film financing. Whether you're passionate about tech, film, or finance, this episode has something to inform and inspire you. To watch Jon's Ted Talk: The problem with 'Trickle-down Techonomics"  https://youtu.be/POTosC2q6Hs?si=o8fn9kG0s8VHz0bb  To learn more about Film Hedge:  http://Filmhedge.com   To learn all about Jon's history visit his Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Gosier To watch this episode on YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/0ZSXVjHmcEw Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation.  She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional  business networks.   About Karen https://www.karenrands.co/about-karen-rands/ Visit http://Kugarand.com and learn more about the Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizer System™.  Read about the Due Diligence Services, Investor Relations, Capital Strategies, Capital Access, and Capital Readiness Coaching serviced offered by her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings.  The Compassionate Capitalist Show™ is a Podcast on YouTube.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological. https://bit.ly/CCSyoutubepod  Imagine the feeling of investing in a way that had massive impact and a potential pay you back 10x your money. The time is now to find out if Angel Investing / CrowdFunding Investing is the wealth creation strategy for you.  Take action on Karen's offer to learn how to invest with confidence in entrepreneurs and sign up (FREE FOR NOW) the new Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizing System. http://dothedeal.org    

In this episode, we delve into the lucrative world of renewable energy investments, specifically focusing on the incredible potential of solar energy projects. Host Karen Rands is joined by Mike Silvestrini, the visionary behind Energea, a company making renewable energy investments accessible to everyone. In today's economic landscape of rising inflation and a volatile stock market, real assets with stable, contracted cash yields are essential for a diversified investment portfolio. Energea's solar portfolios provide the advantage of diversification across international markets, offering long-term revenue streams that align with market inflation rates. This opportunity supports a resilient investment approach, providing stability and growth in uncertain financial environments. Episode Highlights: 1. Breaking the Capital Intensity Myth: * Common misconceptions about investing in renewable energy. * Exploring the perception that renewable energy projects are too capital-intensive. 2. Sustainable Wealth Creation: * Understanding how investing in renewable energy can generate long-term returns. * Mike Silvestrini's journey from founding Greenskies Renewable Energy to Energea. 3. Solar Power's Sweet Spot: * The magic of solar energy and its role in the global energy landscape. * How solar aligns with the energy consumption patterns of Americans and the world. 4. Innovative Investment Structures: * Discovering the unique investment structure offered by Energea. * Why your capital doesn't have to be locked away for years when investing in renewables. 5. Impacting the Industry: * Mike's insights into building a successful renewable energy company and achieving a profitable exit. * The ongoing impact of solar as a reliable alternative energy source. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that breaks down barriers to renewable energy investing, transforming it into an accessible avenue for wealth creation. Learn more about Mike Silvestrini's journey and how you can participate in the solar revolution. Visit Energea's website to explore investment opportunities. https://www.energea.com/   Watch the video recording: https://youtu.be/DHqtgkfsDvA Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation.  She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional  business networks.   About Karen https://www.karenrands.co/about-karen-rands/ Visit http://Kugarand.com and learn more about the Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizer System™.  Read about the Due Diligence Services, Investor Relations, Capital Strategies, Capital Access, and Capital Readiness Coaching serviced offered by her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings.  The Compassionate Capitalist Show™ is a Podcast on YouTube.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological. https://bit.ly/CCSyoutubepod  Imagine the feeling of investing in a way that had massive impact and a potential pay you back 10x your money. The time is now to find out if Angel Investing / CrowdFunding Investing is the wealth creation strategy for you.  Take action on Karen's offer to learn how to invest with confidence in entrepreneurs and sign up (FREE FOR NOW) the new Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizing System. http://dothedeal.org      

In this episode of The Compassionate Capitalist Show we delve deep into the world of reputation marketing and its symbiotic relationship with the 'know, trust, buy' theory of customer engagement. Our guest today is none other than Dean Trevelino, the co-founder of Trevelino/Keller, a renowned full-service digital marketing agency. Dean brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, and together, we'll explore the fundamental principles of reputation marketing and how adopting a 360° media marketing strategy can catapult your brand to new heights. Join us as we uncover the secrets to building trust, driving customer engagement, and achieving unmatched brand domination in the digital age. You know what is even better?  Dean, and his partner Genna Keller, used these same principals to start his business when most business owners were struggling because they knew they could help.  They walk the walk, not just talk the talk as they are a thriving award winning business today, serving business owners from start up to growth stage Learn more about Trevelino/Keller - T/K for short at https://www.trevelinokeller.com/  T/K is top ranked 'best' in many areas - Trusted Firms, Best to Work for, Top Digital Marketing.... Great information on their blog.  Here are the take aways fom today's episode.  1: The 'Know, Trust, Buy' Theory: Karen & Dean introduce us to the cornerstone of reputation marketing - the 'Know, Trust, Buy' theory. In today's digital world, consumers are more discerning than ever before. They want to know a brand, its values, and its offerings. Then, they seek to trust that brand, believing in its credibility and reliability. Only after these crucial steps will they be willing to buy from that brand. We'll explore how reputation marketing aligns with this theory, enabling businesses to strategically cultivate their online presence, fostering familiarity and trust among their target audience. 2:  Reputation Marketing Essentials: Dean takes us through the essential elements of reputation marketing, from managing online reviews and testimonials to optimizing your online presence across various platformsthrough out your network of influencers.  We'll learn how businesses can proactively shape their brand perception, effectively controlling the narrative and building a positive reputation that resonates with their target audience to achieved the desired outcomes. 3: The Power of 360° Media Marketing: In the ever-evolving digital landscape, it's not enough to focus solely on reputation management. Dean emphasizes the significance of adopting a 360° media marketing strategy. This holistic approach incorporates diverse channels, such as social media, content marketing, SEO, and paid advertising, to create a comprehensive engagement ecosystem. We'll explore how leveraging these avenues can amplify brand visibility, reach, and conversion rates to achieve the outcomes for annual growth in revenue and ensure stability to scale. 4: Benefits of Synergy: Reputation and 360° Marketing: Dean expands on their approach to achieve the target outcomes measued by key performance indicators.  Reputation marketing and 360° media marketing are not standalone strategies but two sides of the same coin. The symbiotic relationship between the two enhances brand credibility, trustworthiness, and resonance. When reputation marketing is harmoniously integrated into a 360° media marketing strategy, the results are nothing short of spectacular. We'll uncover real-world success stories and discuss how this synergy can lead to brand domination in today's hyper-competitive digital marketplace. Tune in to this enlightening episode as we embark on a journey to unlock the secrets of reputation marketing and 360° media magic, and discover how these strategies can revolutionize your brand's presence and dominance in the digital sphere. Watch the entire interview on YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/_WoH3S-8YtY Imagine the feeling of investing in a way that had massive impact and a potential pay you back 10x your money. The time is now to find out if Angel Investing / CrowdFunding Investing is the wealth creation strategy for you.  Take action on Karen's offer to learn how to invest with confidence in entrepreneurs and sign up (FREE FOR NOW) the new Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizing System. http://dothedeal.org Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation.  She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional  business networks.   About Karen https://www.karenrands.co/about-karen-rands/ Visit http://Kugarand.com and learn more about the Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizer System™.  Read about the Due Diligence Services, Investor Relations, Capital Strategies, Capital Access, and Capital Readiness Coaching serviced offered by her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings.  The Compassionate Capitalist Show™ is a Podcast on YouTube.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological. https://bit.ly/CCSyoutubepod 

The need for legal contract preparation when starting a business is paramount, as it serves as a crucial investment in safeguarding the interests of founders and investors. These contracts and organizational documents act as essential guardrails for the company, ensuring a smooth course even in times of disagreement, corruption, or unexpected events like the death of a founder. Matt Thiry and Karen Rands discuss on the Compassionate Capitalist Show the importance of proactive legal steps to protect business interests. Contract law may not be glamorous, but it becomes a source of conflict resolution when founders or key personnel exit the company abruptly. Alongside legal documents, specific insurance products can help maintain business operations during challenging times. Three key takeaways for founders and investors include: Proactive Contractual Safeguards: It's vital to establish clear, legally binding agreements and contracts that outline roles, responsibilities, and dispute resolution mechanisms from the outset of the business, as they act as a safety net in times of turmoil. Contingency Planning: Business stakeholders should anticipate unexpected events and have contingency plans in place to address these situations swiftly and efficiently, ensuring business continuity and minimizing disruptions. Explore Insurance Solutions: Beyond legal contracts, exploring insurance products tailored to business continuity can provide an additional layer of protection, helping the company stay afloat during challenging periods caused by unforeseen events. These measures collectively serve to protect the interests of founders and investors, mitigating the risks associated with trigger events that could potentially lead to business failures. As a business lawyer, found at http://mattthirylaw.com, Matt Thiry provides advice to existing businesses and start-ups regarding issues including risk management, covenants, business formation, and other day-to-day matters encountered by businesses. He also routinely assists clients by reviewing, negotiating and drafting contracts keeping business objectives and practicality in mind.--- goal to avoid the disruptions in business due to legal challenges and lawsuits.   Matt is also the host of THE BUILDING BUSINESS PODCAST. https://www.thebuildingbusinesspodcast.com To listen to Matt's interview of me on his podcast discussing investors, entreperneurs and compassionate capitalism:   https://www.thebuildingbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/karen-rands-kugarand-capital-holdings/ Watch this on Youtube: https://youtu.be/8APpSshAoD0 Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation.  She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional  business networks.   About Karen https://www.karenrands.co/about-karen-rands/ Visit http://Kugarand.com and learn more about the Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizer System™.  Read about the Due Diligence Services, Investor Relations, Capital Strategies, Capital Access, and Capital Readiness Coaching serviced offered by her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings.  The Compassionate Capitalist Show™ is a Podcast on YouTube.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological. https://bit.ly/CCSyoutubepod  Imagine the feeling of investing in a way that had massive impact and a potential pay you back 10x your money. The time is now to find out if Angel Investing / CrowdFunding Investing is the wealth creation strategy for you.  Take action on Karen's offer to learn how to invest with confidence in entrepreneurs and sign up (FREE FOR NOW) the new Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizing System. http://dothedeal.org    

Fractional executives offer a unique and valuable growth strategy for startups and emerging growth companies. They distinguish themselves from external consultants by actively exercising executive authority within the organization, aiding in strategy development and execution. These interim leaders are instrumental in building out specific departments, managing growth, and preparing for a seamless transition by hiring full-time replacements. Fractional executives often work across multiple companies simultaneously, adding versatility to their expertise. Brook Janousek of The Grow CMO joins Karen on The Compassionate Capitalist Show to discuss the value of using interim chief level officers to bridge the gap and maximize the value of high level expertise at a 'fraction' of the cost. In more established companies, fractional executives can also serve as a solution for the challenge of prolonged executive leave, ensuring a smooth workflow and preserving job security for valued employees. Moreover, the post-Covid landscape has seen a rise in experienced executives taking on fractional roles, providing access to top-tier talent at a fraction of the traditional compensation cost.  In marketing, fractional CMOs are gaining traction, particularly as businesses adapt to changing work dynamics. To effectively engage with a fractional CMO, startups and scale-ups should consider the right timing for their involvement, pinpoint their organizational weaknesses, and identify pain points that hinder revenue generation. Additionally, it's crucial for marketing teams to comprehend the P&L and leverage prior experience to maximize their impact on business growth. Here are 3 takeaways:  1. Sales and marketing serve different but complementary roles in the customer journey. Marketing's primary focus is on generating awareness and interest in a product or service. It aims to create a strong brand presence, educate potential customers, and attract them to the company's offerings. In contrast, sales steps in to convert these interested leads into paying customers by addressing their specific needs, providing personalized solutions, and closing deals. 2. The customer journey often spans multiple touchpoints and stages. Marketing primarily operates at the top of the funnel, initiating the journey by reaching a broad audience through advertising, content, and social media. It continues nurturing leads through email marketing, content, and other forms of engagement as they progress through the funnel. Sales, on the other hand, plays a more direct role in the later stages, engaging with leads who have expressed a clear interest and are closer to making a purchase. 3. Marketing success is typically measured using metrics like brand awareness, website traffic, engagement rates, and conversion rates. These metrics reflect the effectiveness of marketing efforts in attracting and educating potential customers. In contrast, sales success is measured by more concrete metrics such as revenue generated, deal closure rates, and customer acquisition costs. These metrics directly tie sales efforts to revenue outcomes, making them more transactional and outcome-focused compared to marketing's broader reach and influence metrics. Brooke Janousek is a fractional CMO and digital nomad on a journey to intentionally live a joyful life. She is the founder of The Grow CMO, a fractional leadership solution for effective marketing growth that she founded in 2022 after two decades as a leading expert in the marketing industry. You can follow her digital nomad journey along with her “lessons on the road” at Brooke on the Grow. Relevant links:  The Grow CMO: https://www.thegrowcmo.co/  Brooke on the Grow: https://brookeonthegrow.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brookejanousek/ PREFER TO WATCH:  Find the show on YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/EjzTqCTRpGM Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation.  She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional  business networks.   Visit http://Kugarand.com to learn more about Karen and the services we offer for investors and entrepreneurs. The Compassionate Capitalist Show™ is a Podcast on YouTube.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological. https://bit.ly/CCSyoutubepod   Imagine the feeling of investing in a way that had massive impact and a potential pay you back 10x your money. The time is now to find out if Angel Investing / CrowdFunding Investing is the wealth creation strategy for you.  Take action on Karen's offer to learn how to invest with confidence in entrepreneurs and sign up (FREE FOR NOW) the new Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizing System. http://dothedeal.org  

The very nature of investments is speculative -- Real Estate, Stock Markets, even Angel Investing, can all lose value based on factors outside the control of the investor. Jonathon K. DeYoe joins Karen Rands to discuss the concept of Mindful Money -- having a plan for investing so emotion doesn't kill your wealth and you can hedge against unforseen and unexpected black swan events that can cause investment sectors and assets to collapse in value. During this podcast you will learn that investors do not have to choose between a tremendous financial outcome and living a happy, meaningful life. With these simple principles, you can accumulate and protect your wealth, and avoid the stress and worry about your financial future.  Jonathan DeYoe started his own financial services firm in California after a storied career on Wall Street. He saw value in helping families build a beachhead against the invevitable financial storms, regardless of what administration is in office or financial malfeasance has been committed by industry juggernauts or even the next viral outbreak. His team at Mindful Money work one on one with three hundred families and foundations. Jonathan is the author of the best selling book "Mindful Money". He has been interviewed for the The WSJ and is a contributor to Huffington Post. Visit http://mindful.money Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation.  She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional  business networks.   About Karen https://www.karenrands.co/about-karen-rands/ Visit http://Kugarand.com and click on the Services tab, to learn more about the Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizer System™.  Read about the Due Diligence Services, Investor Relations, Capital Strategies, Capital Access, and Capital Readiness Coaching serviced offered by her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings.  The Compassionate Capitalist Show™ is a Podcast on YouTube.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological. https://bit.ly/CCSyoutubepod  Imagine the feeling of investing in a way that had massive impact and a potential pay you back 10x your money. The time is now to find out if Angel Investing / CrowdFunding Investing is the wealth creation strategy for you.  Take action on Karen's offer to learn how to invest with confidence in entrepreneurs and sign up (FREE FOR NOW) the new Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizing System. http://dothedeal.org      

In this episode of The Compassionate Capitalist Show, join host Karen Rands as she delves into the intricate world of business valuation with esteemed guest Gregg Ficery, President of Integgra Valuation & Advisory Services. Valuing private companies, particularly startups and pre-revenue ventures, is a complex challenge that demands careful consideration. Gregg's vast experience in business valuation sheds light on this critical aspect of entrepreneurship. Episode Highlights: The Complexity of Valuation: Valuating a private company involves a labyrinth of considerations, especially for startups and those yet to generate revenue. Getting it wrong at the start can seriously hamper a founder's ability to raise capital during their seed round.  Hence the reason so many startups use convertible notes and SAFE Notes. Factors Influencing Valuation: The calculation of a company's valuation isn't a one-size-fits-all equation. Multiple factors, from industry trends and market conditions to growth potential and competition, play significant roles in determining a company's worth. Diverse Reasons for Valuation: Companies require valuations for various reasons beyond the traditional fundraising and exit strategies. Gregg  sheds light on how valuation influences stock option pricing, mergers and acquisitions, legal disputes, and the reasons to not think you are one and done.  Best Practices: The SCORE Method: Gregg introduces the SCORE method, a robust framework that combines data-driven insights with industry-specific factors. The method helps establish a more objective valuation by considering factors like stage of development, market size, competition, and funding needs. Key Takeaways: 1. Valuing startups and pre-revenue companies is a complex task requiring nuanced approaches. 2. Industry trends, competition, growth potential, and even tax implications contribute to the intricate valuation process. 3. Business valuation serves various purposes througought the lifecycle of a company, from fundraising to legal disputes to exiting 'rich'. 4. The SCORE method offers a comprehensive and data-informed approach to determine a company's value. 5. Flexibility and adaptability are key when dealing with ever-changing valuation factors. Join Karen Rands and Gregg Ficery in this enlightening episode as they unpack the challenges, strategies, and methodologies involved in calculating the valuation of private companies. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or business enthusiast, this episode provides invaluable insights into a crucial aspect of the business world. Stick to the end to hear about Gregg's passion project who took family history folklore turned sports historian to sleuth uncovering one of the greatest unsolved mysteries with his book GRIDIRON LEGACY  http:gridironlegacy.com Gregg Ficery is the President of Integgra Valuation & Advisory Services, which he founded in 2011. He has over 20 years of business valuation consulting experience and has valued nearly 1,000 private companies. He also has over ten years of industry experience in the technology, telecommunications, and financial services sectors in finance, accounting, and corporate development roles.  For more information about Gregg Ficery and Integgra Valuation & Advisory Services, visit http://www.integgra.com. Gregg offers the value of an experienced 3rd party professional to calculate a company's valuation at a fixed price.  The Compassionate Capitalist Show is your go-to resource for insightful discussions on all things entrepreneurship. Tune in regularly to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamic landscape of business and innovation - creating wealth as founders, and investors in those private innovative entrepreneur endeavor. Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation.  She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional  business networks.   About Karen https://www.karenrands.co/about-karen-rands/ Visit http://Kugarand.com and click on the Services tab, to learn more about the Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizer System™.  Read about the Due Diligence Services, Investor Relations, Capital Strategies, Capital Access, and Capital Readiness Coaching serviced offered by her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings.  The Compassionate Capitalist Show™ is a Podcast on YouTube.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological. https://bit.ly/CCSyoutubepod    Imagine the feeling of investing in a way that had massive impact and a potential pay you back 10x your money. The time is now to find out if Angel Investing / CrowdFunding Investing is the wealth creation strategy for you.  Take action on Karen's offer to learn how to invest with confidence in entrepreneurs and sign up (FREE FOR NOW) the new Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizing System. http://dothedeal.org  

Listen to Karen's interview of Shachar Oren, of Sound Media Ventures, as he shares his journey from boot strapped startup to successful exit to lead a Media Tech VC firm in Atlanta, GA.  Karen first met Shachar nearly 2 decades ago when he was raising capital for Neurotic Media and wanted to present to her angel group, the Network of Business Angels & Investors.   Shachar's  journey as an entrepreneur gave him keen insights into the concepts of growth hacking, lean start up, boot strapping, raising capital, and getting to a profitable exit.  His experience has provided an unique perspective as an angel investor and venture capitalist sitting on the opposite side of the table.   Shachar also shares his insights as to what he looks for when considering investments in the emerging field of Media Tech.  Enjoy their conversation and learning moments.  Shachar Oren is the Founder & CEO of Sound Media Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests in companies at the nexus of media and technology. Prior to starting this fund, Shachar founded Neurotic Media, a high-tech music platform that served global Fortune 500 brands for 18 years. Shachar led the successful exit of Neurotic Media to Peloton Interactive in 2018. For the last decade, Shachar has also offered executive counsel pro bono for incubators, educators, and start-up founders. He currently serves as the President of Georgia Music Partners, and advises startups in technology, media and entertainment through organizations such as TechStars Music, GA Tech's Create-X and College of Creative Design, ATDC, GSU Main Street among others.  He is a member of Atlanta Technology Angels and active in the growing entrepreneur/investor ecosystem in Georgia.   For more information please visit: https://soundmedia.vc/ Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation.  She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional  business networks.   About Karen https://www.karenrands.co/about-karen-rands/ Visit http://Kugarand.com and click on the Services tab, to learn more about the Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizer System™.  Read about the Due Diligence Services, Investor Relations, Capital Strategies, Capital Access, and Capital Readiness Coaching serviced offered by her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings.  The Compassionate Capitalist Show™ is a Podcast on YouTube.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological. https://bit.ly/CCSyoutubepod   Imagine the feeling of investing in a way that had massive impact and a potential pay you back 10x your money. The time is now to find out if Angel Investing / CrowdFunding Investing is the wealth creation strategy for you.  Take action on Karen's offer to learn how to invest with confidence in entrepreneurs and sign up (FREE FOR NOW) the new Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizing System. http://dothedeal.org  

What if there was a way to do what many have unsuccessfully tried and accomplish many think impossible: to invest in low- economic neighborhoods, benefit the community, and actually make money at the same time?   In this case, the idea of making money while doing good isn't about bringing an innovation to market that will solve a universal problem like accessible clean water, or provision of quality health care and education, or economic uplift of living wages with affordable work-force housing.  In fact in the case of urban renewal, it is all of those things and more.   We are on the threshold, if we do this right, that history will look back on this time as the turning point for an urban renaissance.  This is replay of a popular episode from 2020 where I interviewed best selling author  Terrence Gallman and we were all excited about the potential for urban renewal as as result of the Opportunity Zone tax exemptions offered in the 2017 tax reform laws.  We went on to continue to look for opportunities to uplift those disadvantaged communities that had been left behind in the economic prosperity that has helped so many other communities thrive.  That became the GIG opportunity to provide a resource portal of tools for aspiring entrepreneurs and those that want to increase their financial understanding to gain access too.  It also is core to the story that will be the redemption story that will be told with the release of No Right Way.   The episode wraps with a live chat with Terrence about the current state of affairs and how he has built a coalition of partners committed to the urban renaissance.  Stay tuned to hear how you can share in the financial success of GIG.  Watch original on youtube:   https://youtu.be/H6pZu0QR26M Terrence Gallman is an economist and the esteemed author of Wall Street Bonds: The Urban Renaissance, a book about a financial and social revolution that could raise up the people and the GDP at the same time.   To learn more and connect with Terrence, find him on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theurbanren  GIG http://giggroupllc.com Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation.  She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional  business networks.   About Karen https://www.karenrands.co/about-karen-rands/ Visit http://Kugarand.com and click on the Services tab, to learn more about the Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizer System™.  Read about the Due Diligence Services, Investor Relations, Capital Strategies, Capital Access, and Capital Readiness Coaching serviced offered by her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings.  The Compassionate Capitalist Show™ is a Podcast on YouTube.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological. https://bit.ly/CCSyoutubepod    Imagine the feeling of investing in a way that had massive impact and a potential pay you back 10x your money. The time is now to find out if Angel Investing / CrowdFunding Investing is the wealth creation strategy for you.  Take action on Karen's offer to learn how to invest with confidence in entrepreneurs and sign up (FREE FOR NOW) the new Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizing System. http://dothedeal.org  

Jonny Price, VP of Banter at Wefunder, joins Karen Rands on this episode of The Compassionate Capitalist Show™ to discuss the evolution and impact of Crowdfunding to fuel equality and opportunity for founders and create wealth for mainstreet investors.  Crowdfunding platforms, like Wefunder, democratize raising capital and creating wealth, providing investment opportunities to a wider audience. Previously, only wealthy accredited investors had access to early-stage investments, excluding many individuals, especially from marginalized communities. Wefunder's two-sided marketplace connects diverse founders and investors, facilitating fundraising and fostering innovation. Wefunder is a leading crowdfunding platform, with 39% of the marketshare and delivering $172.8 million into companies on their platform, from 140,386 investors, in 2022. Key Takeaways: 1. Regulation Crowdfunding: Wefunder enables companies to raise funds through direct public offerings, allowing customers and the community to invest and share in their success. It provides a flexible and inclusive alternative to traditional fundraising methods of pitching to angel investor groups and venture capital firms. 2. Companies that Benefit: The JOBS Act offers various fundraising options for different types of companies, including tech and non-tech businesses like consumer packaged goods. Proper preparation (to be 'investor ready') and capital marketing strategy for outreach are crucial for crowdfunding success. 3. Investment Structures: Wefunder supports multiple methods for raising capital, also providing different risk profiles for investors – traditional equity with SEC compliance, convertible notes and SAFE notes for early-stage startups and alternative financing options like Revenue Financing loans.  4. Considerations for Investors: Wefunder conducts background checks, due diligence, and fraud prevention on platform companies, enabling investors to focus on evaluating risk factors, portfolio strategy, and industry preferences that match their passions, interests and values. Overall, the impact of crowdfunding on democratizing access to capital and creating wealth has been significant, empowering both entrepreneurs and investors alike to participate in the startup ecosystem, potentially fostering innovation, job creation, and economic prosperity for a more diverse set of individuals and communities. Wefunder is a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) with a mission to democratize capital markets and promote equality in wealth creation. It aims to level the playing field, especially for women and people of color-founded businesses, who historically faced challenges in securing investments from traditional angel investors and venture capitalists. Website = http://wefunder.com and visit wefunder.com/school  for FAQ and more. Jonny Price leads the Fundraising team at Wefunder. Originally from the UK, Jonny started his career in strategy consulting at Oliver Wyman, before founding the U.S. team at Kiva.org (a leading community impact lending platform) which he led for seven years. Jonny has a degree in History from the University of Cambridge, and has served on the Federal Reserve Board's Community Advisory Council.  Twitter = https://twitter.com/jonnycprice LinkedIn = https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnyprice/ Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation.  She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional  business networks.   About Karen https://www.karenrands.co/about-karen-rands/ Visit http://Kugarand.com and click on the Services tab, to learn more about the Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizer System™.  Read about the Due Diligence Services, Investor Relations, Capital Strategies, Capital Access, and Capital Readiness Coaching serviced offered by her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings.  The Compassionate Capitalist Show™ is a Podcast on YouTube.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological. https://bit.ly/CCSyoutubepod  Imagine the feeling of investing in a way that had massive impact and a potential pay you back 10x your money. The time is now to find out if Angel Investing / CrowdFunding Investing is the wealth creation strategy for you.  Take action on Karen's offer to learn how to invest with confidence in entrepreneurs and sign up (FREE FOR NOW) the new Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizing System. http://dothedeal.org    

In this episode of The Compassionate Capitalist Podcast™, host Karen Rands interviews Devin Thorpe, founder of The Super Crowd, a public benefit corporation focused on impact crowdfunding to help diverse founders and social entrepreneurs raise capital. Devin, a champion of social good and a bestselling author, discusses the evolution of crowdfunding and its alignment with his core values and mission to create social impact. As a benefit corporation, he prioritizes social impact over profits and believes crowdfunding provides an avenue to democratize the capital markets and empower underserved founders. The conversation delves into successful social impact of projects funded through crowdfunding and highlights the importance of building a community around these initiatives. Three takeaways: 1. The Power of Benefit Corporations: Devin Thorpe's choice to lead a benefit corporation demonstrates a commitment to both financial success and positive social impact. Benefit corporations aim to prioritize social and environmental goals, which aligns with Devin's mission to create wealth while driving meaningful change in communities. 2. Crowdfunding for Social Impact: Crowdfunding has evolved into a powerful tool for generating social impact. Through democratizing the capital markets, it allows "main street" investors to invest in projects that align with their values, and it provides opportunities for historically excluded groups, such as women and impact founders, to access funding and create profitable ventures. 3. Building and Shared Purpose: Devin emphasizes the significance of building a community around social impact initiatives. Engaging crowdfunding backers beyond financial contributions nurtures a sense of shared purpose and strengthens the impact of these projects. Creating a community ensures long-term support and amplifies the positive effects of the funded initiatives. Overall, this episode sheds light on the transformation of crowdfunding from a financial tool to a vehicle for creating social impact, while also exploring the role of benefit corporations in driving purpose-driven entrepreneurship. To learn more and connect with Devin and the impact of TheSuperCrowd:  https://thesupercrowd.com/     and https://devinthorpe.substack.com/ Get your Free Ebook Devin talks about:  925 Ideas to Help you Save Money, Get Out of Debt & Retire a Millionaire: https://www.smashwords.com/books/256051 Superpowers for Good: The Skills You Can Master to Leave Your Mark on the World https://www.devinthorpe.com/superpowers-for-good Listen to Karen's interview on Devin's podcast: https://devinthorpe.substack.com/p/expert-compassionate-capitalism-can#details  Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation.  She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional  business networks.   About Karen https://www.karenrands.co/about-karen-rands/ Visit http://Kugarand.com and click on the Services tab, to learn more about the Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizer System™.  Read about the Due Diligence Services, Investor Relations, Capital Strategies, Capital Access, and Capital Readiness Coaching serviced offered by her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings.  The Compassionate Capitalist Show™ is a Podcast on YouTube.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological. https://bit.ly/CCSyoutubepod   Imagine the feeling of investing in a way that had massive impact and a potential pay you back 10x your money. The time is now to find out if Angel Investing / CrowdFunding Investing is the wealth creation strategy for you.  Take action on Karen's offer to learn how to invest with confidence in entrepreneurs and sign up (FREE FOR NOW) the new Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizing System. http://dothedeal.org    

Podcasting has emerged as a powerful marketing and customer engagement strategy, enabling businesses to establish credibility and build a trusted connection with their customers. With over 5 million podcasts globally and 70 million episodes, the medium has witnessed substantial growth, reaching targeted platforms and engaging specific audiences. Reports, such as McKinsey's, emphasize that podcasting initiates intimate conversations and plays a vital role in the customer journey, driving customer loyalty and brand trust in the digital age. Karen's Special Guest is Phyllis Nichols, founder of SoundAdvice Strategies, a podcast production company. She's best known for helping clients create unique audio experiences for their listeners. Authors, small business owners and other creatives use their podcasts to tell stories, inspire audiences, and build real connections. Phyllis and the SoundAdvice team make sure they sound great and handle all the tech and marketing details. Karen and Phyllis talk about the benefits of podcasting for businesses: 1. Enhanced Customer Engagement: Podcasting enables businesses to engage customers in a more intimate and conversational manner, building stronger relationships and loyalty. 2. Credibility and Trust Building: Regular podcast episodes showcasing expertise and valuable insights can establish the business as a trusted authority in its industry, boosting credibility and trust among the audience. 3. Personalized Connection: Podcasting allows businesses to connect with their customers as if they are talking directly to them, making them feel connected on a personal level, ultimately leading to increased brand loyalty and advocacy. Three Takeaways: 1. Podcasting's Growing Influence: Podcasting has experienced significant growth, with millions of podcasts and episodes available worldwide. This growth provides businesses with an excellent opportunity to reach their target audience and create personalized connections with them. 2. Dynamic Content for Enhanced Engagement: Unlike traditional forms of content marketing, podcasts offer dynamic content that fosters a deeper connection with listeners. This unique listening experience encourages customers to take action, making them 60% more likely to engage further with the business. 3. Podcasting as a Trust-Building Tool: In the digital age, building customer loyalty and trust requires more than just standard marketing practices. Podcasting proves to be an effective way to initiate and maintain intimate conversations with customers, thus fostering the "Know, Like, and Trust" factor essential for successful brand-customer relationships. Pick up your free gift from Phyllis:  https://www.soundadvicestrategies.com/resource Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation.  She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional  business networks.   About Karen https://www.karenrands.co/about-karen-rands/ Visit http://Kugarand.com and click on the Services tab, to learn more about the Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizer System™.  Read about the Due Diligence Services, Investor Relations, Capital Strategies, Capital Access, and Capital Readiness Coaching serviced offered by her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings.  The Compassionate Capitalist Show™ is a Podcast on YouTube.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological. https://bit.ly/CCSyoutubepod   Go to http://DoTheDeal.org to get on the list for the free access to the Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizing System - intro level. 

Carbon capture has emerged as a crucial climate change recovery strategy, given the catastrophic environmental changes occurring worldwide. The melting of Greenland and Arctic ice sheets, deforestation and the loss of rainforests like the Amazon, warming oceans, declining coral reefs and fish populations, and the significant decline in insect populations have highlighted the urgent need for action. As human carbon emissions have outpaced nature's ability to recover, there is a risk of crossing tipping points that could lead to severe and potentially catastrophic impacts.  To get to net zero by 2050, we will need to reduce the #carbon footprint in all industrial and commercial sectors. This means pretty much reinventing our entire economy. A #greeneconomy is the only way forward.  It is NOT enough to stop producing greenhouse gases and harmful carbon, we must reverse the damage as best we can with restorative innovative technology. In order to continue to thrive, we need to find ways to uncouple our growth from carbon consumption & production, and help nature's ability to heal from the decades of pollution and toxins in our air, land, and sea.  At least a trillion tons of CO2 will need to be removed from the air over the next few decades. The innovative technology exists, and is becoming more efficient and less costly to implement, but still requires a lot of patient capital.  As with any industry, there must be driven, passionate innovators seeking to solve the problem and save the planet, and funding from the the private sector and compassionate capitalists.  In the case of reversing the harm that has been and is being done by global warming, it takes both government policy and funding to boost what the private sector develops to solve the problem. Hardware solutions are also necessary to repair our bodies of water, our 'dead and dying' soil, and repurposing discarded materials into new uses to 'undo' crisis of forever chemicals and toxic waste.  Fortunately, there is a growing community of climate centric 'green' venture funds that are collaborating with each other and focused to putting their money to work solving this critical problem for our local and global communities.  Karen's guest today on this thought provoking episode of The Compassionate Capitalist Show™ is Iris Ten Have, the Head of Science at Extantia Capital.  Karen and Iris explore the topic impact of the climate crisis, what is being done to address it, and what challenges lay ahead.   Key Take Aways:  1.The exponential growth of human carbon emissions has surpassed nature's ability to recover, leading to the need for hardware solutions that can effectively capture and remove carbon from the atmosphere. 2.  Hardware, which is more expensive and requires patience in its funding, is necessary because software alone is incapable of actually doing anything. Software runs hardware that does the physical work of #carboncapture , a vital strategy for reversing the effect of #carbon  on #climatechange. 3. The US government is taking steps towards triggering a reduction in carbon emissions while also funding private sector solutions like carbon capture through the Infrastructure Bill and the Inflation Reduction Act.   Iris Ten Have is a trained chemist who turned into a #climate  tech venture capital investor. During her research years, she was working on the fundamentals behind converting CO2 into sustainable fuels and started wondering: “how can I make a bigger impact?” Determined to make a significant dent in climate change, she spun out of academia. Building on prior knowledge from a minor in business and entrepreneurship as well as inspiration from living in Silicon Valley, she turned to #climate tech venture capital. Apart from being the in-house chemist, she's also an investor and a thought leader. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iris-ten-have/ Extantia Capital: https://extantia.com/ Find articles offering a deep dive into various climate tech verticals here. https://irisctenhave.medium.com/   Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation.  She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional  business networks.   About Karen https://www.karenrands.co/about-karen-rands/ Visit http://Kugarand.com and click on the Services tab, to learn more about the Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizer System™.  Read about the Due Diligence Services, Investor Relations, Capital Strategies, Capital Access, and Capital Readiness Coaching serviced offered by her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings.  The Compassionate Capitalist Show™ is a Podcast on YouTube.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological. https://bit.ly/CCSyoutubepod  Imagine the feeling of investing in a way that had massive impact and a potential pay you back 10x your money. The time is now to find out if Angel Investing / CrowdFunding Investing is the wealth creation strategy for you.  Hear why the most wealthy people invest in entrepreneurs, and you have been told it is riskier than real estate and stocks.  Sign up for the FREE Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Mastery Challenge Power Week.  http://dothedeal.org    

Join us in this episode as we explore the world of Opportunity Zones. Landon Johnson, of CapZone Analytics, joins Karen Rands to dive into the latest IRS regulation changes impacting Qualified Opportunity Zone Funds (QOZFs) and unravel the complexities surrounding compliance. Whether you're new to this concept or already involved as a fund participant, investor, or fund manager and developer, compliance is where the rubber meets the road to ensure you maximize the benefits of investing in Qualified Opportunity Zone Funds.  Karen kicks of the discussion with a brief history behind the bipartisan effort in Congress to be a catalyst for change by providing strong financial incentives for investors to seek investment opportunities in underserved rural and urban communities. The impact and benefit has been siezmic. Since it's passage as part of the Tax Code changes in 2017, there are more than 8,768 designated Qualified Opportunity Zones in the 50 states, and five U.S. territories, including American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Total QOZF equity investments had reached $48 billion by the end of 2020, with 48% of those communities benefiting from projects and investments underway, according to the Economic Innovation Institute, compared to the 18 years it took for the SBA backed Venture Capital program, New Market Tax Credits, to reach the same level.  The economic ripple effect of QOZF felt beyond the targeted areas is clearly evident as well, because the projects are more than affordable housing, they also involve the building of commerce centers, manufacturing and distribution facilities, and modernization and expansion of aging businesses.   Landon sheds light on the nuances of the Opportunity Zone Fund tax codes, including deferral and reduction of capital gains, tax offsets based on investment length, and the differences between real estate development and operating business acquisitions. He shares valuable insight on what red flags to watch out for, and offers a solution to ensure you reap the rewards without facing hefty penalties.  Join Karen and Landon as they explore the transformative impact of Opportunity Zones and how to navigate compliance effectively.  Key Takeaways: 1. Identify compliance issues early to protect your investment and avoid legal and financial penalties. 2. Prioritize investment-grade due diligence and compliance when raising funds to mitigate future risks. 3. CapZone Analytics offers a groundbreaking platform that analyzes OZ compliance data, identifies gaps and risks, and establishes a solid compliance posture. 4. Stay informed about proposed legislation and potential extensions to the Opportunity Zone program, as they can significantly impact your investment strategy. 5. Gain a competitive edge by understanding the shifting landscape of tax codes and implementing intelligent compliance strategies. Guest: Landon Johnson, Chief Marketing Officer at CapZone Analytics, brings extensive experience in optimizing marketing, sales, and go-to-market operations for hypergrowth technology companies. As a passionate change agent focused on driving innovative business strategies and process improvements from ideation to implementation, Landon has served as a leader, consultant, and advisor to over 100 companies throughout his 25 year career. His experience navigating IRS regulations and compliance for QOZFs makes him a valuable resource for investors seeking to unlock the full potential of Opportunity Zones. For more information, visit CapZone Analytics at capzoneanalytics.com and connect with Landon Johnson on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/landonjohnson) and Twitter (@landonkj). Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/Y_jtgHE54Lo Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation.  She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional  business networks.   About Karen https://www.karenrands.co/about-karen-rands/ Visit http://Kugarand.com and click on the Services tab, to learn more about the Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizer System™.  Read about the Due Diligence Services, Investor Relations, Capital Strategies, Capital Access, and Capital Readiness Coaching serviced offered by her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings.  The Compassionate Capitalist Show™ is a Podcast on YouTube.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological. https://bit.ly/CCSyoutubepod  Imagine the feeling of investing in a way that had massive impact and a potential pay you back 10x your money. The time is now to find out if Angel Investing / CrowdFunding Investing is the wealth creation strategy for you.  Hear why the most wealthy people invest in entrepreneurs, and you have been told it is riskier than real estate and stocks.  Sign up for the FREE Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Mastery Challenge Power Week.  http://dothedeal.org      

Donna Griffit, the Corporate Storyteller, joins Karen Rands on the Compassionate Capitalist Show to discuss the art and science of pitching investors. They delve into the essential elements of a pitch deck, including the vision statement, passion, product description, and founder story as the hook. The conversation also explores the importance of creating FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) among investors, the differences between online and in-person pitching, and the nuances of pitching to male investors as a woman. Donna Griffit's expertise as a storyteller has aided numerous Fortune 500 companies, startups, and investors in raising over a billion dollars. Her insights on raising capital for female founders have gained recognition in Forbes, and she is listed among the top 100 tech and business women speakers by The Next Web. Four takeaways: Pitching investors involves a combination of art and science, requiring excellent presentation skills, knowledge of numbers, and the ability to create FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). A compelling pitch deck should include a vision statement, passion, a clear product description, and a demonstration within a user story. Online and in-person pitching may have different dynamics and considerations that should be taken into account. The startup scene still faces a gender disparity, with a small percentage of investor funding going to female-led companies, highlighting the need to address this imbalance. Donna Griffit, Corporate Storyteller, has worked globally for over 16 years with Fortune 500 companies, Start-Ups, and investors in a wide variety of industries. Through her guidance, clients have raised over a billion dollars. She was recently featured on Forbes, where she explained how she has helped female founders raise millions from investors. According to The Next Web, Donna is in the top 100 of the best tech & business women speakers. For more information visit http://donnagriffit.com Also join at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenfoundersunite Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation.  She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional  business networks.   About Karen https://www.karenrands.co/about-karen-rands/ Visit http://Kugarand.com and click on the Services tab, to learn more about the Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizer System™.  Read about the Due Diligence Services, Investor Relations, Capital Strategies, Capital Access, and Capital Readiness Coaching serviced offered by her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings.  To set up your free initial consultation regarding access to capital and help creating your own FOMO, visit http://bit.ly/KYRconsult  The Compassionate Capitalist Show™ is a Podcast on YouTube.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological. https://bit.ly/CCSyoutubepod   

Focus of this episode: Educating about the acquisition and management of self-storage centers and other opportunistic real estate throughout the United States. Today we are going to talk about an asset class that is like real estate investing, but also like investing in a business... One of our goals on The Compassionate Capitalist Show is to understand the different asset classes, the niches of alternative investments, that meet your income and risk profile to help you build wealth so you can achieve the pinnacle of investment and wealth creation that angel investing. According to Bloomberg Markets, storage space is “… the number one alternative investment”. During recent years, self-storage has seen returns in the triple digits, fueled by homeownership dropping to it's lowest point in years after the real estate crash. Key benefits of investing in self-storage properties include: ‍ Resistant to Recession Relatively High Returns Lower Breakeven Occupancy Rate because it has a broad appeal within a community Lower Maintenance and Less Hassle than rental property  In 2020, the global self-storage market was valued at $48.02 billion. It is expected to reach a value of $64.71 billion by 2026, registering a compound annual growth rate of 5.45% from 2021 to 2026. In this episode, you will discover: In this episode, you will discover:  1. who should consider self storage as a niche asset,  2. how do you get started - 3 different ways 3. trends in growth of the sector post COVID,  4. fundamental metrics to consider when evaluating a self storage opportunity, and  5. how you can use your 401k - Self Directed IRA as a source for your funds. My guest today is Jacob Vanderslice is Principal at VanWest Partners, a Denver-based real-estate investment firm focusing on the acquisition and management of self-storage centers. By focusing on this conservative and growing real estate sector, VanWest has established a track record with over $238mm in real estate assets. CONNECT WITH JACOB email Jacob at VanWestPartners.com  Website: http://VanWestPartners.com Linkdein: in/VanWest-Partners and in/Jacob-Vanderslice Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation.  She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional  business networks.   About Karen https://www.karenrands.co/about-karen-rands/ Visit http://Kugarand.com and click on the Services tab, to learn more about the Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizer System™.  Read about the Due Diligence Services, Investor Relations, Capital Strategies, Capital Access, and Capital Readiness Coaching serviced offered by her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings.  The Compassionate Capitalist Show™ is a Podcast on YouTube.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological. https://bit.ly/CCSyoutubepod  Imagine the feeling of investing in a way that had massive impact and a potential pay you back 10x your money. The time is now to find out if Angel Investing / CrowdFunding Investing is the wealth creation strategy for you.  Hear why the most wealthy people invest in entrepreneurs, and you have been told it is riskier than real estate and stocks.  Sign up for the FREE Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Mastery Challenge Power Week.  http://dothedeal.org      

Historically, 7 M Americans, with $75K more in income, invest in Real Estate. The rising cost of real estate and cost of money is pricing new investors out of the market. Crypto investing is all the rage, but it is so volatile, risky, and time consuming. I HAVE GOOD NEWS. There is a little known way to invest, that not only has potential for big returns, but also to bring incredible emotional benefits. It is how the millionaires invest, and when they can invest in anything, why do they invest startups, private early stage companies, growing small businesses, and innovation pioneers? During this episode, Karen explains how you can own a piece of multiple businesses and share in the success of the entrepreneurs that are building the next big thing, solving big problems, or simply a business down the street that you love already. It is called angel investing, or more common for new investors, crowdfund investing. Angel investing refers to investing money in start-up companies or early-stage businesses in exchange for ownership equity or convertible debt. The JOBS Act of 2012 made it legal for non-millionaires to invest in startups and early-stage companies, opening up opportunities for anyone to invest in private businesses. Despite this, angel investing remains relatively unknown and misunderstood compared to other investment options. The Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizing System aims to educate and guide investors in understanding the value and benefits of angel investing. Investing in entrepreneurs can be three times more profitable than traditional investments like real estate or the stock market, and it is no more risky as long as investors build a diversified portfolio. Four takeaways: Angel investing can be three times more profitable than traditional investments like real estate or the stock market. Angel investing is no more risky than other forms of investing if investors build a diversified portfolio. The JOBS Act of 2012 opened up opportunities for non-millionaires to invest in startups and early-stage companies. Investing in entrepreneurs fuels job creation and innovation, and angel investors play a crucial role in providing the capital needed for startups to grow and succeed. You don't have to be a millionaire to invest like one, and begin to bridge the wealth gap that has grown over the 90 years that 'angel investing' was illegal for the middle class to participate in for building wealth. Imagine the feeling of investing in a way that had massive impact and a potential pay you back 10x your money. The time is now to find out if Angel Investing / CrowdFunding Investing is the wealth creation strategy for you.  Hear why the most wealthy people invest in entrepreneurs, and you have been told it is riskier than real estate and stocks.  Sign up for the FREE Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Mastery Challenge Power Week.  http://dothedeal.org  Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation.  She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional  business networks.   About Karen https://www.karenrands.co/about-karen-rands/ Visit http://Kugarand.com and click on the Services tab, to learn more about the Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizer System™.  Read about the Due Diligence Services, Investor Relations, Capital Strategies, Capital Access, and Capital Readiness Coaching serviced offered by her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings.  The Compassionate Capitalist Show™ is a Podcast on YouTube.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  https://youtu.be/3oBlWMiIz9E The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological. https://bit.ly/CCSyoutubepod   

In this episode of the Compassionate Capitalist Show, Karen engages in an enlightening conversation with Brett Martin, a seasoned serial entrepreneur, angel investor, venture capitalist, and visionary. Brett shares his remarkable experiences and profound insights, offering listeners a glimpse into the world of entrepreneurship and venture investing. Here are four key takeaways from the episode: 1. Entrepreneurship- Nature vs. Nurture: The discussion delves into the age-old debate of whether entrepreneurs are born or made. Brett shares his personal journey, starting with his entrepreneur journey 'selling seashells at the seashore' to becoming a venture capitalist, highlighting the combination of inherent passion and cultivated desire to venture into the exhilarating world of startups. 2. Becoming a Angel Investor: Brett reveals the pivotal moment when he transitioned to the investor side of the table, exploring different avenues such as solo angel investing, angel networks, and eventually co-founding Charge Ventures, a pre-seed-focused venture fund. He sheds light on the inherent risks and wealth-building potential associated with investing in successful entrepreneurial endeavors. 3. The Compassionate Capitalist System: Brett emphasizes the significance of compounding impact and return on investment by investing in multiple successful companies. He discusses his shared mission with Karen to educate investors, aiming to create a profound positive influence on the world while generating substantial wealth. 4. Charge Ventures: Brett provides insights into the foundation and philosophy of Charge Ventures, a seed and pre-seed venture firm. He explains their focus on partnering with passionate founders building innovative products and services that tackle future problems. The episode highlights a few portfolio companies like ADAPT, ARA, Bedrock, and Bison Trails, showcasing the diverse industries addressed by Charge Ventures. 5. Future of Work: Innovative way to create community and connection in our new way of work that most often involves remote teams working together, often in isolation.  Brett Martin is President & Co-Founder of Kumospace, the virtual office platform where teams show up, as well as Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Charge Ventures, a pre-seed-focused venture fund based in Brooklyn, NY. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Columbia Business School, where he teaches data analytics and technology strategy. Visit http://kumospace.com and set up your free trial.   If you are interested in getting started with seed stage venture investing (after reading Karen's book Inside Secrets to Angel Investing of course) connect with Brett on Linkedin and check out https://charge.vc/  besides their portfolio, you will find a blog under writings that has thoughtful and well developed articles on tech trends, and resource site for startups with terms and best practices.  Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation.  She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional  business networks.   About Karen https://www.karenrands.co/about-karen-rands/ Visit http://Kugarand.com and click on the Services tab, to learn more about the Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizer System™.  Read about the Due Diligence Services, Investor Relations, Capital Strategies, Capital Access, and Capital Readiness Coaching serviced offered by her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings.  The Compassionate Capitalist Show™ is a Podcast on YouTube.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological. https://bit.ly/CCSyoutubepod  Imagine the feeling of investing in a way that had massive impact and a potential pay you back 10x your money. The time is now to find out if Angel Investing / CrowdFunding Investing is the wealth creation strategy for you.  Hear why the most wealthy people invest in entrepreneurs, and you have been told it is riskier than real estate and stocks.  Sign up for the FREE Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Mastery Challenge Power Week.  http://dothedeal.org    

William Cheshier, founder of CheshTech, joins Karen to share practical tips for building a profitable website that functions as a 24/7 sales and marketing tool. The discussion highlights the common mistake of thinking that simply having a website is sufficient, emphasizing the need for strategy and careful consideration of the target audience's experience. The conversation delves into the importance of aligning a website with the needs and desires of visitors, addressing questions such as what the business offers, how it improves lives, and how to access its products or services. Additionally, the episode also explores the unique challenges faced by sustainable and impact companies, including effectively communicating their value proposition and integrating digital media messaging with website and customer engagement strategies.  Overall, the episode emphasizes the significance of building a compelling website that resonates with visitors, aligns with the company's goals, and enhances user experience-- while also building them to decrease their carbon impact so they are more sustainable for the future.  Key Takeaways: Building a successful website requires strategy and consideration of the target audience's experience. Sustainable and impact companies face unique challenges in communicating their value proposition effectively. Integrating digital media messaging and website strategies is crucial for consistency and engagement. The impact legacy websites have on the environment and sustainability because of the power consumption they require, and how websites can be streamlined to decrease their carbon footpring. William is the CEO and founder of CheshTech: Digital Agency where they enhance the impact of global and local changemakers through websites and products that are built to deliver results. CheshTech offers web development services utilizing sustainable web practices that result in an improved user experience and more conversions while emitting less. In addition, they work with startups as product consultants and technical partners building maintainable, secure, and scalable applications.    William is also the host of the podcast Talkin' Solutions: Highlighting Impact Driven Companies Doing Societal Good where he interviews founders telling their real time stories to provide solutions to societal issues. You can listen across all major platforms. He is also passionate about sustainable web and product development. To  Listen to William's Podcast: https://linktr.ee/talkinsolutionspodcast To get The Free Guide William offers, visit CheshTech website: https://cheshtech.com   Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation.  She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional  business networks.   About Karen https://www.karenrands.co/about-karen-rands/ Visit http://Kugarand.com and click on the Services tab, to learn more about the Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizer System™.  Read about the Due Diligence Services, Investor Relations, Capital Strategies, Capital Access, and Capital Readiness Coaching serviced offered by her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings.  The Compassionate Capitalist Show™ is a Podcast on YouTube.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological. https://bit.ly/CCSyoutubepod  Imagine the feeling of investing in a way that had massive impact and a potential pay you back 10x your money. The time is now to find out if Angel Investing / CrowdFunding Investing is the wealth creation strategy for you.  Hear why the most wealthy people invest in entrepreneurs, and you have been told it is riskier than real estate and stocks.  Sign up for the FREE Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Mastery Challenge Power Week.  http://dothedeal.org    

Cashflow and skilled resources are critical as a business grows. Your business can't grow if the CEO is wearing all the hats.  Kristy Yoder, Founder and CEO of SMART VA, as a successful female business owner, share with Karen lessons learned from her journey of building a virtual assistant and interim execs outsourcing business that helps small businesses manage their resources, hiring, cash flow, and scaling their businesses. In this lively conversation, Karen and Kristy talk about how the importance of identifying your niche and focus, assessing your goals and skills so you can build a strong team, and the challenges she helps her clients overcome.  Key Take Aways are:  1. Building a Strong Team is crucial for any business's success. You will learn key factors around hiring people who share their vision, values, and work ethics, with the right skills for the work you need done as your scale your business.  2.  Cash Flow Management is critically important especially during the initial stages of business growth. This is even more important when you have investors involved that expect you to meet key growth milestones, while managing your monthly cashflow burn. You'll learn what is needed to have a plan in place to manage it effectively. 3. Develop Self-Awareness as this is achieving your goals and living a fulfilling life. This means understanding your values, strengths, and weaknesses, and being honest with yourself about what you want and what you need to work on. 4. Set Clear and Measurable Goals for yourself and the organization. This means identifying what you want to achieve and breaking it down into manageable steps. Kristy also shares visualization techniques to help you stay focused and motivated. 5. Take Consistent Action over time to achieve the goals you have set. This means being willing to put in the work to equip your team, particularly virtual assistants, to successfully meet the goals you have set for them. Staying committed, even when things get challenging and celebrate your successes along the way to stay motivated. Kristy Yoder is a Filipina based in Ohio. She is the Founder and CEO of SMART VAs (SMART stands for Savvy Motivated Adept Responsible Trustworthy) and the host of The Master Delegator Podcast where she teaches entrepreneurs and leaders to grow their business by delegating.   Since 2020 she has created a team of over 70 assistants with a broad range of skills and offerings and has helped more than 200 small business owners with their resource needs.  Learn More at :  https://smartvirtualassistants.com/ Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation.  She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional  business networks.   About Karen https://www.karenrands.co/about-karen-rands/ Visit http://Kugarand.com and click on the Services tab, to learn more about the Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizer System™.  Read about the Due Diligence Services, Investor Relations, Capital Strategies, Capital Access, and Capital Readiness Coaching serviced offered by her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings.  The Compassionate Capitalist Show™ is a Podcast on YouTube.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological. https://bit.ly/CCSyoutubepod  Imagine the feeling of investing in a way that had massive impact and a potential pay you back 10x your money. The time is now to find out if Angel Investing / CrowdFunding Investing is the wealth creation strategy for you.  Hear why the most wealthy people invest in entrepreneurs, and you have been told it is riskier than real estate and stocks.  Sign up for the FREE Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Mastery Challenge Power Week.  http://dothedeal.org      

Devin: What do you see as your superpower?Tawana: I genuinely care about people at their core.The 10K Project CEO, Tawana Rivers, is passionate about investing in the Black community. She sees it as a driver of wealth creation for both the investors and the entrepreneurs.The 10K Project is an association of investors actively working to back Black founders. Not only does this help to address the challenges these entrepreneurs face, but it does so in a way that creates value for the investors, too.AI Summary* Tawana Rivers, CEO of the Ten-K Project, supports black founders via investment crowdfunding.* The Ten-K Project teaches alternative ways to build wealth and invest in startups.* Tawana highlights the need for community support for black founders who often struggle to receive funding.* Accreditation rules that limit equal opportunities need to be reconsidered.* Tawana's superpower is her 30-year experience in HR.* She hopes to inspire others to adopt the ability to care about people genuinely, even with their flaws.* Tawana emphasizes the importance of caring for others and being of service to them.* When one leads with a servant leadership mindset, it makes them think of others organically.* Our society needs to start caring about each other more to avoid devastating incidents such as shootings.* The Ten-K Project's website and social media platforms have more information about their work in supporting black founders.“We are a thriving community of entrepreneurs and investors,” Tawana says of The 10K Project. “We're teaching the community how to build wealth, and we do it in really creative ways.”“We're looking at alternative investments,” she says. “There are enough people out there teaching people how to do traditional investments, but there are a lot of ways to make money in this amazing country that we live in.”“We're also big equity crowdfunding supporters,” Tawana says, highlighting one of her favorite alternative investments. “We believe in what the law is allowing everyday investors the opportunity to do, and so we're teaching the community about that in hopes that we are able to make a difference with founders who are looking to seek capital.”“We focus on the black founder because there are so many challenges with the Black founder getting the funding that they need to get these projects off the ground and to the next phase of success,” she says.Tawana responded with an appropriate and soft scold when I expressed frustration at the lack of improvement in the data around venture capital funding for diverse founders. “If you're frustrated by the reality, imagine how the Black founders feel.”“They really need the community to rally around them, to lift them up, to love on them a little bit, to let them know they're not forgotten,” she says.Tawana doesn't see this as a one-way street or charity. “It also gives the investor the opportunity, a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a project that could end up being very, very successful.”Because she works to bring investors and entrepreneurs together, she sees herself as a “money matchmaker.”SuperCrowd23Tawana will speak at SuperCrowd23, joining a panel discussion on investing like a professional. Andrew Savikas of Yieldtalk will moderate the panel. Dan Devlin of Doriot, Eric Cox of Netcapital and author Karen Rands will complete the roster.“I want people to walk away from the event in its entirety, understanding investment crowdfunding and understanding that at all levels and from all demographics, founders need our support,” Tawana says. “Again, there's something in it for us as investors, right? It's not a one-sided deal. I love that about investment crowdfunding as well. It gives everyone an opportunity to grow, develop, to build.”Superpowers for Good readers can still get 50 off on tickets to the two-day virtual conference on May 10-11. Register now!In all her work, Tawana leverages her superpower. She cares about people.How to Develop Caring About People As a Superpower“I love people, and I understand the needs of people,” Tawana says. “Many of them come to us in broken states or without motivation. Some of them are overly confident, and you need to tame that a little bit because it's not realistic. But I genuinely understand and care about people.”She shared a powerful example of how caring for an individual made a big difference in a person's life:I had to fire someone one time. It was time. Like we all knew it was time, right? I brought her into my office. Her name is Barbara. I said, '“Miss Barbara, we need to talk.”She said, “Okay.” She took a deep breath.I said, “We've talked to you about this. We've had several conversations. It's just not working out. Don't think this is a good fit for you. she looked at me and she started crying and she said, “Thank you so much.” She said, “I hate this job, but I never would have left on my own. So, thank you so much. I realize I need to be doing something else. I keep taking jobs like this, like in customer service. I keep taking these customer service jobs, even though they're not good for me, and I don't like them at all. Thank you so much.”We hugged at the end of that conversation and we sat there for probably another hour and a half talking about what kind of job she should apply for. We then talked about the strengths and the things that she did well and ended up helping her rewrite her resume to highlight those strengths. I was a reference when she went to get another job that was not in customer service. Each day, she chats with me. We will touch we will reach out to each other on social media, and we keep in touch. She's thriving. She's found something that she loves to do. That is one of those things that started with a very difficult conversation that many before me had really been afraid to have because those difficult conversations are not easy. I think that moment was pivotal in her life because she is living her best life now“This is an acquired superpower,” Tawana said when I asked her to share some tips for learning to care about people, implying that we can all learn to do it better.“Humans tend to be a little self-absorbed,” she began. Step one, she says, is to accept that we should care. “It's looking at the fact that we should be of service to others.”Tawana sees it as a leadership skill. “When we think of ourselves in a servant leadership manner, it makes us organically think of others. And if you lead with that, then you can't go wrong.”She offers two additional tips:* Stop and talk to people to get to know them a little better.* When you ask people how they're doing in their day, really mean it.By following Tawana's example and advice, you can make caring about others a skill you can develop into a superpower enabling you to do more good in the world.Guest-Provided ProfileTawana Rivers (she/her):CEO, The 10K Project, Inc.About The 10K Project, Inc.: The 10K Project is a thriving community of wealth builders comprised of entrepreneurs and investors. We educate the community on various alternative investment strategies to assist them in finding their passion. We are particularly fond of investment crowdfunding as a way for both parties to come together to build wealth.Website: The10kproject.comFacebook Group: fb.com/groups/black10kgroupTwitter Handle: @black10KprojectInstagram Handle: @black10kproject.comBiographical Information: Tawana Rivers is an entrepreneur, serial investor and 30-year HR professional. She is the CEO of The 10K Project, a thriving community of Wealth Builders. We focus on raising capital for Black Founders, educating Black investors and curating deal flow. She is the President of Blockchain Investor Group International and the Founder of OEO Holdings, a micro private equity firm that focuses on buying profitable cash-flowing businesses. She plans to spend this next phase of her life building wealth for people that have not only been underrepresented but also for those who‘ve been unseen.Other URL: Roadtocrowdfunding.com Get full access to Superpowers for Good at devinthorpe.substack.com/subscribe

Brad Feld, the Co-Founder of Techstars, the Managing Director at Foundry VC Group https://foundry.vc/blog/ , and author of numerous books as part of the Startup Revolution series, the latest: Startup Boards (https://feld.com/books-on-startups-entrepreneurship-and-venture-capital/) Brad joins Karen to share his fascinating journey from entrepreneur, starting his first businesses while still in college. Early success started him on his journey of discovery of how to lift up innovative startups by investing needed capital and assisting with time, resources, and sometimes more (patient) capital to achieve the goal of a successful exit.   He shares his experiences from successes and failures along the way.  This is such a great opportunity to hear from an investor that began investing before the dotcom, navigating through a dark period for the venture space, the Great Recession and his recommendations for navigating our uncertain current economy.   You will want you to share this with your friends and followers, and we sure hope you do! Karen Rands is the leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement™ and author of the best selling investment primer: Inside Secrets to Angel Investing: Step-by-Step Strategies to Leverage Private Equity Investment for Passive Wealth Creation.  She is an authority on creating wealth through investing and building successful businesses that can scale and exit rich.  Karen is an enthusiastic speaker on these topics for corporations, economic development groups, angel investor networks, and professional  business networks.   About Karen https://www.karenrands.co/about-karen-rands/ Visit http://Kugarand.com and click on the Services tab, to learn more about the Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Maximizer System™.  Read about the Due Diligence Services, Investor Relations, Capital Strategies, Capital Access, and Capital Readiness Coaching serviced offered by her firm, Kugarand Capital Holdings.  The Compassionate Capitalist Show™ is a Podcast on YouTube.  Please visit and subscribe and share.  It is great to watch Karen and her guests live, in action.  The whole library of podcasts and interviews since 2020 can be found there by category or chronological. https://bit.ly/CCSyoutubepod  Imagine the feeling of investing in a way that had massive impact and a potential pay you back 10x your money. The time is now to find out if Angel Investing / CrowdFunding Investing is the wealth creation strategy for you.  Hear why the most wealthy people invest in entrepreneurs, and you have been told it is riskier than real estate and stocks.  Sign up for the Compassionate Capitalist Wealth Mastery Challenge Power Week.  http://bit.ly/CCWMinterest      

Welcome to today's episode of the Master Delegator Podcast, where Karen Rands, best-selling author of Inside Secrets to Angel Investing and founder of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement, shares her insights on making money by investing in entrepreneurs.Learn from listening to this podcast as Karen and Kristy talk about the different types of business funding.Episode Highlights:05:18: Why do bootstrappers need to find investors and how it works11:49: Angel investors & legalizing crowd funding15:42: Investing in entrepreneurs as leverage 16:19: Raising money in crowd funding platform19:27: Finding other ways to fund B2B space26:36: When to find investors27:15: SBA Loan28:10: Business and financial planning30:35: Legal shield company(Selling Equity)34:30: Interstate investing40:30: Failed business & what you can do to pay your investorsAbout Karen RandsKaren Rands is a  compassionate capitalist. She helps business owners ensure they are prepared to scale and raise the capital they need. She evaluates their deals and identifies the risks so that they can make the best possible investments in innovative entrepreneurial endeavors. Learn more about her here:Website: http://kugarand.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenrands/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/karen_rands Are you in need of any assistance? Are you tired and running out of time? It's time to start looking for a virtual assistant! Learn how to get your freedom and life back by visiting Smartvirtualassistants.comBe part of our Facebook community page for entrepreneurs who want to become a master delegator. Do you want to learn how to hire a virtual assistant? Access our free training. Want to know how to delegate effectively? Get access to our mini-course!