DO GOOD X Podcast

Hosted by Kimberly Daniel & Stephen Lewis

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105

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Apr 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the DO GOOD X Podcast – where purpose meets business, and the journey is just as important as the destination. Hosted by advocates for impactful entrepreneurship, Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis, this podcast creates a space for Black and Brown folk, especially Black women, navigating the intricate path of purposeful business. In this sanctuary, the hosts understand the challenges of entrepreneurship, and their mission is to help listeners transform doubt into confidence, fostering the growth of their dreams without sacrificing well-being. Embark on a transformative journey, discovering inspiration to fuel your passion for business. Shared experiences and stories act as beacons, nurturing you for the entrepreneurial road ahead. Navigate the challenges of being an under-resourced entrepreneur with practical strategies and resources in the Tools & Tips segment. Overcome obstacles and thrive in the purpose-driven business world. In the Mentorship segment, hear from seasoned guides who have successfully built businesses with a focus on social impact. Gain insights not only from the guests but also from hosts who intimately understand the unique journey of overlooked entrepreneurs. This podcast is more than a productivity machine; it's about slowing down to go further. Each episode invites listeners to exhale, reconnect with inner wisdom, and rediscover the power of community. Embrace the impact your business can make without compromising well-being. Leave feeling lighter, shedding stress, embracing self-compassion, and finding joy in the entrepreneurial journey. Gain actionable insights, learn from diverse perspectives, and expand your knowledge with tools for success, guided by hosts Kimberly and Stephen. Feel empowered, recognizing yourself as your greatest asset. Build confidence to develop and grow a viable, impactful business aligned with the needs of the community. About the Hosts Kimberly R. Daniel catalyzes entrepreneurs and organizations to do good. She is co-founder and project director of DO GOOD X, a community that provides programs and support for faith-driven social entrepreneurs whose businesses focus on positive Change. Kimberly also helps purpose-driven organizations clarify and design compelling brand and communication strategies. With over 15 years of experience developing and leading communications efforts, it is her commitment to produce effective processes and create authentic, “sticky” brands that are community-centered. In any aspect of her work, she is deeply passionate about purpose, meaning, and the common good. Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-r-daniel/ ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-r-daniel/) Stephen Lewis is the president of the Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE) and creator and co-founder of DO GOOD X, a community that provides programs and support for faith-driven social entrepreneurs whose businesses focus on positive change. He is an organizational change strategist and a leadership development specialist, focused on inspiring the next generation of faith-inspired leaders and entrepreneurs to live and work on purpose. Stephen is the co-author of Another Way: Living and Leading Change on Purpose (2020) and A Way Out of No Way: An Approach to Christian Innovation (2021). Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-lewis-8b1b941/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-lewis-8b1b941/)

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June 16, 202625 min

You Are Your Greatest Asset: 4 Entrepreneurial Foundations

An entrepreneurial mindset is the foundation every purpose-driven business needs to thrive. In this Season 3 premiere of DO GOOD X, hosts Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis introduce a powerful framework built for the social entrepreneur: mindset, gifts, resiliency, and community. This episode challenges you to see yourself as your greatest business asset. Drawing from Kathryn Finney's insights as well as their own advice on self-care for entrepreneurs, Kimberly and Stephen guide listeners through four key business foundations and offer reflective questions to help you take inventory of what you bring and what you need for lasting success on your entrepreneurial journey.What You Will Learn in this Episode:✅ How shifting your entrepreneurial mindset transforms the way you make decisions, speak to yourself under pressure, and show up for your purpose-driven business every single day.✅ How identifying your unique personal gifts and building intentional resiliency practices creates a sustainable inner foundation that carries you through the highs and lows of the entrepreneurial journey.✅ Why community building is not just emotional support but a strategic business asset that gives you access, honest feedback, and the people who will help propel your vision forward.Join the DO GOOD X Community to access resources, connect with purpose-driven entrepreneurs, and grow your impactful business with intention.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Intro to Season 3 of DO GOOD X: What it will look like and who can benefit05:51 The current landscape facing entrepreneurs and the Kathryn Finney quote on self-care and preparation08:24 Stephen introduces Foundation 1: Mindset, and Foundation 2: Gifts, with Kimberly adding reflections12:16 Foundation 3: Resiliency and faith practices, including Kimberly's personal daily, weekly, and seasonal examples15:46 Foundation 4: Community as strategy, asset, and access18:29 Practical steps to gain clarity - four questions to answerKEY TAKEAWAYS: 💎Your entrepreneurial mindset is not fixed. The beliefs you hold about yourself and your capacity to create directly shape the trajectory of your purpose-driven business, and they can be intentionally developed.💎Resiliency practices built consistently over time, whether daily meditation, weekly connection, or seasonal reflection, act as an anchor that keeps you grounded through every turbulent season of business growth.💎Community building is a non-negotiable business strategy. The right people in your corner provide access, accountability, and the kind of honest perspective that no amount of solo effort can replace for a social entrepreneur.RESOURCES MENTIONED: DO GOOD X - WebsiteDO GOOD X Start Up AcceleratorDO GOOD X - LinkedInEp. 83 Minimum Viable Solution: Start Small, Play Big With Creative InnovationEp. 6 Faith and Fortitude: The Journey of Jay JohnsonKathryn Finney’s WebsiteConnect with Hosts:Kimberly Daniel LinkedInStephen Lewis LinkedInSEO KEYWORDS:DO GOOD X, Kimberly Daniel, Stephen Lewis, Entrepreneurs, Purpose-Driven Business, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Social Entrepreneur, Purpose-Driven Business, Faith-Based Entrepreneur, Self-Care For Entrepreneurs, Community Building, Resiliency Practices, Business Foundation, Impactful Entrepreneurship, Under-resourced Entrepreneurs, Mindset, Gifts, Community

April 28, 202621 min

Devin Baptiste on Funding Secrets for Underrepresented Founders

Entrepreneurship funding is the focus as DO GOOD X closes season two with a powerful rewind conversation featuring serial entrepreneur Devin Baptiste. Devin co-founded GroupRaise, a company now operating in hundreds of cities, and has become a trusted voice for helping underrepresented founders navigate capital raising. In this episode, he breaks down what investors truly respond to, why your need for money is never a reason to fund your business, and how founder mindset shapes every pitch. Devin also shares his approach to mentoring Black entrepreneurs, offering frameworks that translate across backgrounds while honoring the unique barriers founders of color face in accessing venture capital.What You Will Learn in this Episode:✅ Why entrepreneurship funding is never about need and how reframing your pitch around investor fear and opportunity is the key to unlocking venture capital from even the most skeptical investors.✅ How underrepresented founders can identify the unique translation layer missing from traditional startup advice and use it to navigate rejection, access capital, and build lasting investor relationships.✅ What a strong mentorship relationship actually looks like, including how to bring your hardest problems to a mentor and create a fast, insight-driven feedback loop that accelerates your business growth.Join the DO GOOD X Community to access resources, connect with purpose-driven entrepreneurs, and grow your impactful business with intention.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction to the DO GOOD X podcast and the season two finale with serial entrepreneur Devin Baptiste06:05 Devin shares the first principles of entrepreneurship funding and why investors respond to the fear of missing out, not the founder's need12:33 Discussion of the qualities Devin looks for in mentees and how impact entrepreneurship drives his mentorship choices16:16 Devin explains his mentorship philosophy, helping founders find their own path18:09 What should a mentor-mentee relationship look likeKEY TAKEAWAYS: 💎 Investor relations are built on two core emotions: fear of missing out and the desire for outsized returns. Every slide in your pitch deck should speak to one of those emotions. If it does not, it does not belong in your presentation.💎 The traditional startup advice ecosystem was not built with Black entrepreneurs in mind. Devin Baptiste argues there must be an additional layer of support that accounts for the psychological weight of rejection specifically faced by founders of color seeking access to capital.💎 Great founder support is not prescriptive. The most effective mentors give founders frameworks for thinking, not instructions for acting, so that each founder can show up with their own strengths and solve problems on their own terms.ABOUT THE GUEST: Devin is a serial entrepreneur and investor who is the co-founder/CEO of GroupRaise, a marketplace for large group charitable bookings at restaurants, active in over 500 cities with 10,000+ restaurant clients. He has raised venture capital and investment from investors such as Techstars Ventures, Magma Partners, Kapor Capital and various top-tier angels.As an advisor, Devin has translated the lessons he’s learned to help founders raise just over $50 million for their companies, the vast majority of whom are underrepresented & emerging-market founders getting their 1st & 2nd checks.Devin speaks from his experience of attempting to raise money three times unsuccessfully, and from the lessons he learned from raising money six times successfully. He is passionate about supporting the startup ecosystem and helping underrepresented and emerging-market founders overcome unfair advantages in bringing their impact and visions to life. He lives in San Juan with his wife and four children.RESOURCES MENTIONED: DO GOOD X - WebsiteDO GOOD X Start Up AcceleratorDO GOOD X - LinkedInConnect with Hosts:Kimberly Daniel LinkedInStephen Lewis LinkedInDO GOOD X, Kimberly Daniel, Stephen Lewis, Entrepreneurs, Purpose-Driven Business, Scaling a Business, Business Growth, Business Acquisition, Personal Brand, Mental Health, Female Entrepreneurship, Business Systems, Word Of Mouth Marketing, Business Exit Strategy, Nurse Practitioner, Online Course Business

April 21, 202640 min

Sarah Michelle Boes: Scaling a Business to 7 Figures in 7 Months

What happens when scaling a business collides with a life-altering moment? Sarah Michelle Boes built a seven-figure online course from scratch, fueled by word of mouth marketing and radical authenticity, then sold it while eight and a half months pregnant, days before learning her daughter would need heart surgery. On this episode of DO GOOD X, Sarah joins hosts Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis to unpack what sustainable business growth really looks like, why delegation is the most underrated leadership skill, and how founders can define success on their own terms without sacrificing their well-being.What You Will Learn in this Episode:✅ The real difference between business growth and scaling a business, and why founders who rely on hustle alone will eventually hit a wall that no amount of hard work can break through.✅ How Sarah built a seven-figure business using only word-of-mouth marketing and community, proving that a strong personal brand can absolutely be acquired and still hold enormous value.✅ Why mental health and work-life balance are not soft topics in entrepreneurship but essential infrastructure for any founder who wants to build something that lasts without losing themselves in the process.Join the DO GOOD X Community to access resources, connect with purpose-driven entrepreneurs, and grow your impactful business with intention.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Sarah shares how she began solving a real mental health gap in nurse practitioner exam prep during COVID06:40 The key ingredients behind explosive business growth: problem solving, co-creation with students, radical responsiveness and word of mouth marketing10:06 Early warning signs that your business systems cannot support scale and why hustle is not a business model14:58 What made Sarah’s business attractive for business acquisition and how early founders should start thinking about business exit strategy19:17 Navigating entrepreneurship during a personal crisis, and how Sarah restructured her boundaries, work-life balance, and relationship with the hustle culture25:56 The danger of moving goalposts and why redefining success is essential to sustainable business and founder wellbeing29:40 Resource roundup recommendations for scaling a business and the most important leadership skill founders need during the scaling phase34:44 Sarah reflects on faith, grit, and the invisible thread connecting every hard moment to her mission-driven businessKEY TAKEAWAYS: 💎 A personal brand is not an obstacle to scaling a business or a successful exit. Sarah sold a company built entirely around her name and face for a strong acquisition price, proving that trust and community loyalty carry enormous value to strategic buyers.💎 Founders who wait until they are overwhelmed to build business systems and hire a team will always be one crisis away from collapse. Build the infrastructure before you desperately need it, not after you are already running on empty.💎 Redefining success is not a luxury but a necessity. When business growth metrics become the only measure of your worth, the goalposts will never stop moving. True sustainable business success begins with knowing what peace feels like to you personally.ABOUT THE GUEST: Sarah Michelle Boes, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, is the Founder of Sarah Michelle NP Reviews and formerly served as Chief Nursing Officer at Blueprint Test Prep. After earning her Family Nurse Practitioner degree in 2020, she launched SMNP Reviews, which grew into a seven-figure business within seven months before being acquired by Blueprint in 2022, where she led the nursing vertical and scaled programs supporting NP students nationwide.Sarah's entrepreneurial journey is deeply intertwined with her personal life. Her daughter, Meadow, was born with severe congenital heart defects, an experience that reshaped her professional focus and sparked her work as a CHD activist and philanthropist. She serves on the boards of multiple national and regional CHD nonprofits, contributing to family-centered program development, research advocacy, and strategic fundraising. She is also the author of Meadow and Her Four-Leaf Clover Heart, a children's book designed to help families discuss congenital heart disease in an empowering, developmentally appropriate way.Beyond CHD, Sarah advocates for mental health and female entrepreneurship, drawing on her lived experience with anxiety and OCD to promote sustainable success in high-pressure fields. Through her work, she aims to advance pediatric cardiac care, amplify family voice in research and quality improvement, and expand resources for clinicians and caregivers alike.RESOURCES MENTIONED: DO GOOD X - WebsiteDO GOOD X Start Up AcceleratorDO GOOD X - LinkedInConnect with Hosts:Kimberly Daniel LinkedInStephen Lewis LinkedInDO GOOD X, Kimberly Daniel, Stephen Lewis, Entrepreneurs, Purpose-Driven Business, Scaling a Business, Business Growth, Business Acquisition, Personal Brand, Mental Health, Female Entrepreneurship, Business Systems, Word Of Mouth Marketing, Business Exit Strategy, Nurse Practitioner, Online Course Business

April 14, 202614 min

Second Business Success: Jay Johnson's Blueprint for Smart Growth

What happens when your own team votes down your next big idea? Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis of the DO GOOD X Podcast revisit their conversation with Jay Johnson, founder of College Prep U and co-founder of Prep Intel, to share the raw truth about launching a second business. Jay’s staff rejected his pitch to use company funds, and instead of overriding them, he listened. He invested a year in leadership development, empowering his team around sustainable growth. The result? College Prep U had its highest-grossing year without him, and Prep Intel launched debt-free through Techstars Investment and bootstrapping.What You Will Learn in this Episode:✅ How to know if your business foundation is truly ready before launching a second business, and why skipping this step can put your first company and your team building at serious risk.✅ Why letting go of control is one of the most powerful moves a founder can make, and how investing in leadership development within your existing company can lead to your highest-grossing year ever.✅ How to pursue business funding for a new venture without draining your first company, including how bootstrapping and applying to a business accelerator like Techstars can keep both businesses financially healthy.Join the DO GOOD X Community to access resources, connect with purpose-driven entrepreneurs, and grow your impactful business with intention.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Jay Johnson on second business growth, sustainable growth, and what expansion really requires for founders04:03 Jay shares his biggest challenge: deciding whether to fund his second venture using money from College Prep U05:52 Jay's team votes down his pitch, revealing a powerful stakeholder culture and the importance of letting go of control08:37 Jay commits to a year of leadership development, teaching his team to run the business independently before stepping away09:59 College Prep U hits its highest revenue year without Jay, and Prep Intel launches through Techstars and bootstrapping success12:53 Jay gives parting advice of having a firm foundationKEY TAKEAWAYS: 💎 True business growth means building a team that can thrive without you. Jay's story proves that investing in your people before launching a second business is what separates sustainable founders from overwhelmed ones.💎 Rejection from your own team can be a gift. Jay's stakeholder culture created an environment where honest feedback protected both the company and the community it serves, ultimately leading to a stronger business strategy.💎 Business funding for a new venture should never compromise your first. Pursuing outside capital through a business accelerator like Techstars allowed Jay to launch Prep Intel without putting College Prep U or its team at financial risk.ABOUT THE GUEST: Jay Johnson is the CEO and Co-founder of Prep Intel, an AI- and ML-powered platform that helps educational institutions and military recruiters efficiently identify and engage prospective students. He is also the founder of College Prep U, guiding parents and students through the college-preparation process from high school through beyond.A Morehouse alumnus and certified Collegiate Independent Counselor, Jay is a former Fortune 100 executive who has served as a Senior Admission Counselor and chaired numerous committees. He currently sits on advisory boards for the University of Alabama, the Naval Academy, Clark Atlanta University, and the University of Pennsylvania. He serves as President of the Birmingham Chapter of the 100 Black Men of America.Jay is an Entrepreneur in Residence at Techstars and has been recognized through multiple prestigious cohorts, including Birmingham Business Journal's CEO of the Year finalist, Birmingham Business Alliance's Supply Scalers, and TechMGM's Tech Accelerator. He is also a proud member of NACAC and SACAC.Jay Johnson - LinkedInRESOURCES MENTIONED: DO GOOD X - WebsiteDO GOOD X Start Up AcceleratorDO GOOD X - LinkedInConnect with Hosts:Kimberly Daniel LinkedInStephen Lewis LinkedInDO GOOD X, Kimberly Daniel, Stephen Lewis, Entrepreneurs, Purpose-Driven Business, Second Business, Scaling A Business, Second Venture, Business Growth, Entrepreneurship, Small Business, Business Foundation, Leadership Development, Business Funding, Bootstrapping, Tech Startups

April 7, 202613 min

Before You Scale Your Business, Ask Yourself These Three Questions

Scaling a business is one of the most misunderstood milestones in social entrepreneurship, and this episode unpacks why. Hosts Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis explore what business growth actually demands, using a powerful real-world example of a founder who went from 37 students to 2,500 in a single year. That kind of rapid revenue growth exposes every crack in your systems, your team, and your mission. They walk through the critical questions every mission-driven business owner must ask before scaling, including what will break first, whether impact will get diluted, and how to build a plan before you need one.What You Will Learn in this Episode:✅ What scaling a business actually means beyond revenue, including how rapid business growth can expose weak systems, thin margins, and over-reliance on the founder, threatening long-term business sustainability.✅ How social entrepreneurs must evaluate whether scaling activity truly aligns with scaling impact, and why mission-driven business growth requires asking not just "can we scale" but "should we and when?"✅ Practical business planning questions you can run this week to stress-test your readiness, including what breaks first if you double your revenue and how to protect team capacity and your mission.Join the DO GOOD X Community to access resources, connect with purpose-driven entrepreneurs, and grow your impactful business with intention.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Scaling a business and what it truly means for social entrepreneurs seeking growth02:02 How rapid revenue growth exposed critical weaknesses for a founder scaling from 37 to 2,500 students03:05 Scaling a business magnifies thin margins, shaky systems, and dangerous founder burnout risks04:48 Breaking down key systems, including cash flow management, supply chain, and risk management07:01 Why social entrepreneurship means scaling impact, not just activity or revenue growth07:55 Three practical questions every founder should ask before pursuing any business growth strategyKEY TAKEAWAYS: 💎 Scaling a business without strengthening your systems first is one of the most common and costly mistakes founders make. Doubling revenue without doubling your discipline can turn a promising growth moment into an overwhelming and chaotic experience.💎 For social entrepreneurs, mission integrity is not optional during growth. Expanding your reach while diluting your purpose defeats the very reason your organization exists, making intentional and values-aligned business growth non-negotiable.💎 Founder burnout is a real and underestimated risk when one person carries the weight of rapid expansion. Building checks and balances and distributed team capacity before scaling protects both the leader and the organization's long-term health.RESOURCES MENTIONED: DO GOOD X - WebsiteDO GOOD X Start Up AcceleratorDO GOOD X - LinkedInConnect with Hosts:Kimberly Daniel LinkedInStephen Lewis LinkedInFaith and Fortitude: The Journey of Jay JohnsonSEO KEYWORDS: DO GOOD X, Kimberly Daniel, Stephen Lewis, Entrepreneurs, Purpose-Driven Business, Scaling A Business, Social Entrepreneurship, Business Growth, Revenue Growth, Mission-Driven Business, Founder Burnout, Business Systems, Impact Investing, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Small Business Strategy

March 31, 202619 min

Jermail Shelton: How to Build a Sustainable Business that Stands the Test of Time

Sustainable business growth is at the heart of Jermail Shelton's nearly two-decade journey with Just Add Honey Tea in Atlanta. Co-owner Jermail joins hosts Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis on the DO GOOD X podcast to share how entrepreneurship, resilience, and a willingness to pivot have kept their business thriving. From surviving COVID by moving business operations online to scaling tea-blending classes to over 100 virtual attendees, Jermail's story is one of bold strategy and servant leadership. He also explores the power of mentorship and how open communication and community connection fuel both personal well-being and lasting success.What You Will Learn in this Episode:✅ How sustainable business growth is achieved through a willingness to pivot quickly and fearlessly, even during a crisis like COVID.✅ Why servant leadership and community building are not just values but practical business tools that attract loyal customers, corporate clients, and long-term opportunities for small business owners.✅ How mentorship rooted in honest communication and shared experience can help entrepreneurs break through isolation, overcome self-doubt, and build the resilience needed for lasting success.Join the DO GOOD X Community to access resources, connect with purpose-driven entrepreneurs, and grow your impactful business with intention.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction to Jermail Shelton, co-owner of Just Add Honey Tea, a thriving small business in Atlanta04:22 Jermail shares the ingredients behind nearly 20 years of sustainable business growth06:15 How a bold business pivot during COVID transformed in person tea blending classes into an online business09:49 Stephen and Jermail discuss the key ingredients of a successful mentorship relationship13:51 Jermail reflects on servant leadership, faith, grit and what truly drives his purpose in entrepreneurshipKEY TAKEAWAYS: 💎 Business resilience is built by embracing change rather than resisting it. Jermail Shelton's ability to pivot Just Add Honey Tea during COVID, from a storefront-only model to a thriving online business with nationwide reach, proves that agility is one of the greatest assets a small business owner can have.💎 Servant leadership is not a soft skill but a growth strategy. Jermail's commitment to serving his customers, his community, and his mentees has directly fueled corporate partnerships, brand loyalty, and long-term sustainable business growth that spans nearly two decades.💎 The balance of faith and hard work is non-negotiable. Jermail believes that purpose-driven business success comes not from one or the other, but from the discipline to pray, plan, and then put in the work that most people are unwilling to do.ABOUT THE GUEST: Jermail is co-owner of Just Add Honey Tea Company, based in Atlanta, GA, along with his wife, Brandi. With a retail tea shop, online operations, and a wholesale division, Jermail oversees the company's off-site events and the wholesale department. His approach to life has always been to find ways to serve family, friends, and customers, building relationships one conversation at a time. With his deep love for people and community, he lives by the term Ubuntu, which means “I am because we are.” He has a strong desire to empower people to believe in their wildest dreams and goals, even as they stand up to their internal fears and self-doubts.Jermail Shelton - LinkedInRESOURCES MENTIONED: DO GOOD X - WebsiteDO GOOD X Start Up AcceleratorDO GOOD X - LinkedInConnect with Hosts:Kimberly Daniel LinkedInStephen Lewis LinkedIn

March 24, 202645 min

AI, Supply Chains, and Scaling with Charles Masters Rodriguez

Most entrepreneurs focus on sales and customers while their supply chain management quietly creates chaos behind the scenes. On DO GOOD X, army veteran and founder Charles Masters Rodriguez reveals how operational efficiency, AI in supply chain, and standard operating procedures can transform a struggling business into a scalable powerhouse. Whether you are a solo founder or leading a growing team, Charles delivers actionable insight on cash flow management, supplier diversification, and why lean processes are the future of entrepreneurship.What You Will Learn in this Episode:✅ The three pillars of supply chain management every entrepreneur must understand: supply chain visibility, measurability, and supply chain reliability, and how to use them to diagnose weaknesses before they damage your business.✅ How AI in supply chain operations can automate up to 80% of manual procurement workflows, freeing founders to focus on growth while keeping a human in the loop for critical decisions.✅ Why building standard operating procedures early is essential for bootstrapped businesses to scale without chaos, and how lean processes reduce waste and protect cash flow management.Join the DO GOOD X Community to access resources, connect with purpose-driven entrepreneurs, and grow your impactful business with intention.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Charles shares his journey from his military service to founding a bootstrapped seven-figure wholesale distribution company.06:55 Charles defines supply chain management and breaks down the three pillars: visibility, measurability, and reliability11:56 Discussion on how AI in supply chain can automate procurement workflows and the importance of operational efficiency18:53 Charles reflects on lessons learned as a solo founder and why hiring earlier protects your business's scaling momentum25:27 Resource roundup: diagnostic questions for supply chain visibility and how to measure unit economics for profitability33:42 Charles recommends several books and advice for veteran entrepreneurs entering entrepreneurship37:08 Off the cuff segment: Charles shares the habits, leadership lessons, and faith that shaped his entrepreneurial journeyKEY TAKEAWAYS: 💎 Supply chain visibility is the foundation of a healthy business. If you cannot see and track your systems, you cannot measure or improve them, and your ability to scale will always be limited by what you cannot control.💎 AI in supply chain is a force multiplier for small businesses, but technology is only as powerful as the workflows underneath it. Build and document your processes first before introducing any automation tools or software solutions.💎 Unit economics and knowing your numbers are not optional for founders. Understanding the true cost of every product or service you deliver is what separates profitable, scalable businesses from ones that generate revenue but never build real wealth.ABOUT THE GUEST: Charles Masters Rodriguez is a bilingual army veteran and entrepreneur born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. A West Point graduate, he served as a Captain and Engineer Dive Officer at Joint Base Pearl Harbor, leading underwater recovery missions, including the repatriation of a Navy pilot missing since the Vietnam War.After the military, he bootstrapped MK3 Industries, a B2B wholesale distribution company serving clients such as General Motors, Penske, and Rivian, and scaled it to seven figures in revenue.These experiences led him to found Supply Veins, a venture backed, AI-powered supply chain technology company pioneering the first Unified Supplier Communication System (USCS). Supply Veins helps purchasing teams streamline procurement, centralize vendor communications, and digitize B2B transaction data in order to build the next generation of supply chain intelligence across air, land, and sea. Named Young Entrepreneur of the Year by the FIU Small Business Development Center, Charles is also a dedicated veteran mentor, marathon runner, and lifelong student of quantum theory.RESOURCES MENTIONED: DO GOOD X - WebsiteDO GOOD X Start Up AcceleratorDO GOOD X - LinkedInConnect with Hosts:Kimberly Daniel LinkedInStephen Lewis LinkedInQUOTES: "I define supply chain as your interconnected system of individuals, organizations, systems, technology that help you deliver the best product or service." Charles Masters Rodriguez"I'm one of those types of people who look at AI as a force multiplier. With AI, small businesses will actually be able to be much more competitive from the beginning." Charles Masters RodriguezSEO KEYWORDS: DO GOOD X, Kimberly Daniel, Stephen Lewis, Entrepreneurs, Purpose-Driven Business, Supply Chain Visibility, Procurement Workflows, Entrepreneur Operations, Small Business Systems, Standard Operating Procedures, AI In Supply Chain, Inventory Management, Purchase Orders, Enterprise Resource Planning, Cash Flow Management, Unit Economics, Supply Chain Reliability

March 17, 202619 min

Ep. 96 How Leah Hernandez Is Diversifying the Publishing Industry

Leah Hernandez had a goal to to amplify diverse voices in an industry that has long excluded them. So, she built Muse Inc. In this episode of DO GOOD X, hosts Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis revisit their Season One conversation with Leah, founder and CEO of Muse Inc., a global independent publishing company with over 40 books in print. Leah shares her journey from writing her first book as a college sophomore at Clark Atlanta University to leading a company that is reshaping representation in books. She reflects on navigating the transition from a nonprofit to a for-profit model and offers candid insight into sustainable business decisions that have kept her company growing and aligned with her “why”.What You Will Learn in this Episode:✅ How diverse publishing entrepreneur Leah Hernandez launched Muse Inc. as a college student and grew it into an award-winning independent publishing company with over 40 titles amplifying diverse voices in fiction and non-fiction.✅ Why Leah transitioned from a nonprofit to a for-profit business model, including the structural limitations she encountered with grant funding and how that shift unlocked a more sustainable business path for her authors and company.✅ How college students, especially HBCU entrepreneurs and students of color, can leverage campus resources, pitch competitions, and organizations like Black Girl Ventures to launch a purpose-driven business right now.Join the DO GOOD X Community to access resources, connect with purpose-driven entrepreneurs, and grow your impactful business with intention.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction to the story behind Muse Inc. and diverse publishing leader Leah Hernandez03:53 Leah shares what sparked her passion for diverse voices and how she launched her first book as a college sophomore at Clark Atlanta06:34 The pivot from nonprofit to for-profit: challenges with grant funding and why structure matters for a sustainable business.10:12 Leah's three-part framework for deciding between a nonprofit and a for-profit business model for purpose-driven entrepreneurs12:40 Discussion of resources for breaking into diverse publishing and Legacy Unbound for paid internshipsKEY TAKEAWAYS: 💎 Representation in publishing is not just a creative issue; it is a structural one. Leah Hernandez built Muse Inc. because the people missing from books are also missing from the boardrooms, trade shows, and ownership tables of the publishing industry.💎 Transitioning from a nonprofit to a for-profit model is not a compromise of mission. It can be the most strategic move an impact entrepreneur makes, unlocking the ability to scale, generate returns, and build lasting ownership for underserved communities.💎 Financial literacy and diverse storytelling are not separate conversations. From her earliest work teaching money management on Atlanta's west side to publishing books that kids can sell, Leah has always seen economic access and narrative access as deeply connected.ABOUT THE GUEST: Leah's journey began with a degree in Business Administration with a Marketing concentration from Clark Atlanta University, providing her with the foundation for her entrepreneurial pursuits. Her leadership and contributions to the industry were recognized in 2021 when she was named one of Publisher's Weekly "Star Watch Nominees."Beyond her role at Muse Inc., Leah actively engages in initiatives to foster diversity and inclusion in the publishing world. She sits on the boards of Pubwest, an association of small- to mid-sized publishers, and Portland State University's Master's Publishing Program to create more opportunities for people of color in the field. Under Leah's guidance, Muse Inc. has published over 40 books across all its imprints, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and expanding the literary landscape.Additionally, Muse Inc. proudly distributes works from two black-owned publishers, Through Us Books and POPOUT zine, furthering its commitment to supporting underrepresented voices in the industry. With a steadfast dedication to impacting the lives of others by providing a platform for storytelling, Leah continues to drive Muse Inc. towards its mission of inclusivity and empowerment in publishing.Leah Hernandez - LinkedInMuse, Inc. - WebsiteRESOURCES MENTIONED: DO GOOD X - WebsiteDO GOOD X Start Up AcceleratorDO GOOD X - LinkedInConnect with Hosts:Kimberly Daniel LinkedInStephen Lewis LinkedInDO GOOD X, Kimberly Daniel, Stephen Lewis, Entrepreneurs, Purpose-Driven Business, Diverse Publishing, Independent Publishing, Diverse Voices, Young Authors, Black-Owned Business, Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship, Nonprofit To For-Profit, Children's Literature, Financial Literacy, Underrepresented Entrepreneurs, College Entrepreneur, Publishing Industry, Representation In Books, Impact Business, Social Enterprise, Book Publishing Business, HBCU Entrepreneurs, For-Profit Vs Nonprofit, Sustainable Business Model, Amplifying Diverse Voices, Black Publishing

March 10, 202614 min

Supply Chain Management: What Every Small Business Must Know

Supply chain management is the backbone of every business, and on this episode of DO GOOD X, hosts Kimberly Daniel and Steven Lewis break it down for entrepreneurs at every stage. Whether you offer products or services, your supply chain shapes your costs, your customer experience, and your ability to grow. In today's unpredictable economy, understanding your business resilience is not optional. Kimberly and Steven explore the arc from inputs to delivery and invite listeners to do a simplified supply chain snapshot to identify vendor dependency and plan for both risk and growth.What You Will Learn in this Episode:✅ Why every business, including service-based businesses, has a supply chain and how ignoring it puts your business resilience at risk, even in the early stages of entrepreneurship.✅ How to identify your vendor dependency by pinpointing the one person, one tool, and one process your business most relies on to deliver value to customers.✅ Two powerful questions that will evaluate your supply chain management from both a risk perspective and a business growth perspective to build long-term sustainability.Join the DO GOOD X Community to access resources, connect with purpose-driven entrepreneurs, and grow your impactful business with intention.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Kimberly defines supply chain management and why it matters for every entrepreneur03:21 Steven explains why small businesses take their supply chain for granted and overlook it04:55 Discussion of rising costs, vendor dependency, and how business resilience gets tested08:05 Kimberly walks through a simplified supply chain snapshot exercise for founders12:17 Two reflection questions on business risk and business growth to stress-test your operationsKEY TAKEAWAYS: 💎 Supply chain management is not just for large manufacturers. Every small business relies on a network of people, tools, and processes, and when any one of those shifts, your business's profitability and customer satisfaction are directly at stake.💎 Vendor dependency is a hidden vulnerability. Relying too heavily on a single platform, material, or contractor without a backup plan can quickly turn a minor disruption into a serious financial and operational crisis.💎 Building a values-driven business sustainability strategy means thinking beyond cost. How you source, develop, and deliver your product or service reflects your integrity, your brand, and your long-term impact on the communities you serve.ABOUT THE GUEST: RESOURCES MENTIONED: DO GOOD X - WebsiteDO GOOD X Start Up AcceleratorDO GOOD X - LinkedInConnect with Hosts:Kimberly Daniel LinkedInStephen Lewis LinkedInSEO KEYWORDS: DO GOOD X, Kimberly Daniel, Stephen Lewis, Entrepreneurs, Purpose-Driven Business, Small Business Supply Chain, Entrepreneurship, Service-Based Business, Business Resilience, Business Sustainability, Rising Costs, Vendor Dependency, Business Operations, Supply Chain Disruption, Business Strategy, Customer Service, Purchasing Process, Business Inputs, Product Delivery, Business Risk, Business Growth, Impactful Entrepreneurship, Purpose-Driven Business, Business Profitability, Capital Access

March 3, 202619 min

Venture Capital Demystified with Rachel Wilson of Project Wellspring

Venture capital drives innovation, but few founders understand how it truly works. In this episode of DO GOOD X, Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis revisit their conversation with Rachel Wilson, Founding Partner of Project Wellspring, to break down seed-stage funding, private equity, and capital access for today’s entrepreneurs. Learn how exit strategy planning shapes funding decisions and discover practical insights from how venture capital works for startups. This conversation equips founders with clarity and strategy for sustainable growth.What You Will Learn in this Episode:✅ How venture capital firms evaluate seed stage funding, traction, and market share before investing✅ Why planning an intentional exit strategy shapes business growth and long-term wealth generation✅ The difference between private equity, bootstrapping, and other capital access options for foundersJoin the DO GOOD X Community to access resources, connect with purpose-driven entrepreneurs, and grow your impactful business with intention.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction to Rachel Wilson, and a discussion of venture capital and capital access for mission-driven founders03:25 What led Rachel to capital access entrepreneurship06:15 Defining seed stage funding and what makes a startup investor ready07:10 Understanding liquidity events and realistic exit strategy planning13:08 Why black founders must think proactively about wealth building16:34 Final thoughts on private equity and strategic partnershipsKEY TAKEAWAYS: 💎 Sustainable entrepreneurship requires clarity about your long-term capital plan💎 Strong investor relations begin with understanding how equity and returns function💎 Building toward a family office mindset creates a multi-generational opportunityABOUT THE GUEST: Rachel Wilson is an operations and capital access strategist with over a decade of experience spanning automotive, healthcare, technology, and consumer products. Having raised and managed over $100M in venture and non-dilutive funding, she architects governance models that drive sustainable growth across sectors.Her work bridges philanthropic, private, and public networks to create equitable funding pathways for underrepresented founders—from WNBA stars to tech entrepreneurs. Rachel's collaborative approach has produced tangible results through national supplier diversity initiatives with the National League of Cities and innovative capital programs with emerging and global venture capital firms. Her expertise in redemptive and regenerative capital is further amplified through her curating of 50+ ecosystem-building events and her service as an advisor to organizations, families, founders, and ESOs worldwide.Her leadership extends to board service and prestigious fellowships with Milken IIE, Margaret Atwood's Practical Utopias, and NAIC Women in Alternatives. An active NASP member with Bloomberg ESG Certification, Rachel brings a data-driven approach to sustainable market reporting. Rachel holds a B.A. in Economics and Business from Agnes Scott College and an M.S. in Industrial Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology.RESOURCES MENTIONED: DO GOOD X - WebsiteDO GOOD X Start Up AcceleratorDO GOOD X - LinkedInConnect with Hosts:Kimberly Daniel LinkedInStephen Lewis LinkedInSEO KEYWORDS: DO GOOD X, Kimberly Daniel, Stephen Lewis, Entrepreneurs, Purpose-Driven Business, Venture Capital, Seed Stage Funding, Private Equity, Capital Access, Exit Strategy, How Venture Capital Works For Startups, Market Share, Wealth Generation, Bootstrapping, Liquidity Event, Investor Relations, Rachel Wilson, Project Wellspring, BFM Fund, Business Traction, Founders, Capital Access, capital access strategist