On this episode of the DO GOOD X podcast, host Stephen Lewis speaks with Dr. Argrow “Kit” Evans-Ford, a visionary leader, spiritual director, and social entrepreneur dedicated to healing and empowerment. As the founder of Argrow’s House of Healing and Hope, Dr. Kit provides a safe space and sustainable employment for women healing from violence in the Quad Cities. She is also the force behind Autistic & Loved, a social enterprise that creates sensory-friendly products and resources for children with autism and sensory processing disorders—including the innovative chewery pendants. With an unwavering commitment to community-driven impact, she shares her journey of growing two mission-driven businesses, leadership challenges, and partnerships' power in scaling social enterprises. Tune in as Dr. Kit offers wisdom on listening to your heart and community to create meaningful, lasting change.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Dr. Kit reflects on the growth of the organization

(05:20) The challenges in growing a mission-driven businesses

(08:51) The value of partnerships and the creation of the foundation

(15:31) Securing resources for a mission-driven business and the benefits of working with DO GOOD X

(21:06) Head to DO GOOD X to explore resources

(28:55) Stephen’s takeaways

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The success of Argrow’s House and Autistic & Loved is to listen to the community's needs. By understanding and responding to what women healing from violence and autistic children require, they have been able to shape programs and products that have a meaningful impact.
• A significant challenge in scaling mission-driven businesses is trusting others to share the vision. You must build strong, trustworthy teams and form partnerships with like-minded organizations, allowing both businesses to expand and better serve their communities.
• Aligning funding sources with mission and values is essential for maintaining an organization’s core purpose. Securing resources that genuinely support the vision without compromise ensures long-term impact. Trust-based philanthropy, strong networks, and community support are crucial in sustaining meaningful social ventures.

RESOURCES:

Autistic & Loved - Website

Argrows House - Website

DO GOOD X - Website

DO GOOD X - Podcast

DO GOOD X - LinkedIn

DO GOOD X - YouTube

DO GOOD X - Spotify

DO GOOD X - Instagram

GUEST BIO

Dr. Argrow “Kit” Evans-Ford is a spiritual director, social entrepreneur, and founder of Argrow’s House of Healing and Hope, a safe space offering free services and employment for women healing from violence in the Quad Cities. She also founded Autistic & Loved, LLC and the Autistic & Loved Foundation, creating sensory-friendly products and resources for children with autism. An award-winning author, Kit has received the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award for Public Service and the Tom Locke Innovative Leader Award. She lives in Bettendorf, Iowa,...

Welcome to the DO GOOD X podcast, where hosts Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis explore building and maintaining resilient, purpose-driven ventures. In this episode, we’ll discuss key lessons from entrepreneurs— from past podcast conversations and our experience working with founders. Whether you're in the early stages of building your business or scaling an existing one, these insights will help you avoid common pitfalls, take action on your ideas, and embrace the mindset needed for success. We’ll cover why getting your idea out of your head and testing it is crucial, how the biggest risk is not taking a risk, and how entrepreneurship can drive meaningful change for future generations. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to start, this episode is for you—because done is better than perfect. Let’s dive in! Remember, you can access practical tools and tap into resources available in the DO GOOD X community.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Building a purpose-driven business

(02:59) Testing your idea

(04:28) Striving for perfection and accepting risk

(12:13) Does my business address a market or social need

(18:26) The work of the DO GOOD X Community

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Many great ideas never materialize due to fear, perfectionism, time constraints, or a lack of funding. The best way to validate an idea is to create a simple, tangible version—a sketch on a napkin or a basic prototype—and share it with potential customers and partners for feedback.
• Entrepreneurship is inherently uncertain, but the real risk is never trying at all. By taking small steps—starting as a side hustle or testing an idea on a small scale—you can determine if entrepreneurship is right for you. Course correction is always possible, but you won’t know unless you take the first step.
• Beyond personal success, entrepreneurship can shape future generations and create meaningful change. By building businesses that address real challenges, entrepreneurs contribute to a better world for their communities and future generations.

RESOURCES:

DO GOOD X - Website

DO GOOD X - Podcast

DO GOOD X - LinkedIn

DO GOOD X - YouTube

DO GOOD X - Spotify

DO GOOD X - Instagram

DO GOOD X - Leah Hernandez

DO GOOD X - William McNeely - Part One

DO GOOD X - William McNeely - Part Two

Welcome to the DO GOOD X podcast, your trusted source for insights and inspiration to help you build impactful businesses! In today’s episode, hosts Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis are joined by Sweta Govani, a go-to-market expert who guides businesses through the crucial $0 to $1M stage. Sweta dives into the strategies, challenges, and key insights for entrepreneurs looking to turn their vision into a thriving business. She explores everything from building a strong product-market fit to scaling operations and leveraging marketing for maximum impact. Whether you're just starting or aiming to hit that next milestone, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you grow your business and make a lasting impact. Tune in for expert advice and practical strategies that can transform your entrepreneurial journey!

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Introduction

(04:05) Sweta Govani shares her background and what prompted her to start coaching

(10:11) Sweta defines Go-To-Market

(16:43) Overcoming the barriers of business growth for entrepreneurs

(22:09) Sweta’s tips on essential learning paths and resources

(27:15) To achieve business growth, try to get into your customer's shoes

(29:17) Sweta answers the off-the-cuff questions, and the hosts share their thoughts about this episode

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The transition from $0 to the first $1 million in revenue is crucial for many founders, especially those starting with limited resources. This stage is often overlooked but is fundamental to building a solid foundation for long-term success. Founders in this phase require holistic support, focusing on strategy, market fit, and sustainable growth.
• The entrepreneurship journey can be transformative, especially for those driven by a strong sense of mission or purpose. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to stay true to their vision, breaking through barriers and creating impactful businesses that resonate with their passion and target market.
• Many entrepreneurs fail to identify their ideal customers, leading to mismatched products and wasted resources. Founders must know who they are building for, engaging with potential customers early to validate ideas, refine offerings, and create solutions that meet market needs.

RESOURCES:

DO GOOD X - Website

DO GOOD X - Podcast

DO GOOD X - LinkedIn

DO GOOD X - YouTube

DO GOOD X - Spotify

DO GOOD X - Instagram

Happy Paying Customers

Lean Canvas - Website

The Mom Test - Book

GUEST BIO:

Sweta is a go-to-market expert helping founders grow from $0 to their first $1M. With over 15 years of experience across marketing, tech startups, and mission-driven work, she’s led growth at early-stage companies, including two where she was the first marketing hire. Sweta's career began managing a massive email program that generated $40M annually. Today, she focuses on supporting underestimated tech and tech-enabled startup founders to acquire their first 100 happy-paying customers through her Founder-Led Marketing Club. There, founders receive one-on-one support from Sweta and peers. She’s also passionate about helping entrepreneurs design go-to-market micro-tests, avoid common mistakes, and build customer-funded businesses that generate lasting wealth.

Change is inevitable, but adaptability is the key to long-term success for entrepreneurs. Welcome to the DO GOOD X podcast, where hosts Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis explore building and maintaining resilient, purpose-driven ventures. In this episode, we’ll discuss how staying attuned to customer needs, embracing financial planning, and utilizing available resources can help entrepreneurs thrive in an ever-changing landscape. Whether you're bootstrapping your startup or looking for ways to pivot your business, this conversation will provide practical strategies to navigate challenges and sustain growth. Stay tuned as we discuss insights to support your business, starting small with practical tools and tapping into resources available in the DO GOOD X community.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:30) The only thing constant in life is change

(02:45) Entrepreneurs must remain aware of the needs of their customers and be willing to pivot

(05:06) Financial planning and business adaptability are essential

(08:17) Operating on a bootstrap to achieve your goals

(9:44) Entrepreneurial support is essential. Care for all aspects of yourself

(14:44) Find tools to assist in starting a business in the DO GOOD X Community

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Entrepreneurs must remain flexible and anchored in solving problems rather than being attached to a specific product or service. Economic shifts, unforeseen events like the pandemic, and changing customer needs require businesses to pivot in pricing, customer focus, and service offerings.
• Diversifying revenue streams and maintaining a financial buffer can help businesses navigate economic uncertainties. Entrepreneurs should have contingency plans, distinguish between necessary and optional expenses, and practice good financial stewardship to sustain and grow their businesses.
• A community of peers, mentors, and like-minded entrepreneurs is essential for navigating challenges. Additionally, personal resilience—caring for one’s mind, body, and spirit—is fundamental for sustaining a resilient business in the long run.

RESOURCES:

DO GOOD X - Website

DO GOOD X - Podcast

DO GOOD X - LinkedIn

DO GOOD X - YouTube

DO GOOD X - Spotify

DO GOOD X - Instagram

Welcome to the DO GOOD X podcast, your trusted source for insights and inspiration to help you build impactful businesses! In this episode, hosts Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis welcome Dr. Sara Minard for an engaging conversation on redefining development and fostering social entrepreneurship. Together, they dive into topics like the transformative power of informal markets, economist Amartya Sen's profound work, and social capital's critical role in driving sustainable change. Dr. Minard also shares valuable strategies for measuring and demonstrating impact, navigating fundraising pitfalls, and embracing multidimensional approaches to human well-being. Stay tuned for a thought-provoking discussion, resourceful insights.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Introduction
(03:24) Dr. Minard’s journey of social entrepreneurship and sustainable investing
(09:53) Discussion of the work of Amartya Sen
(14:24) Dr. Minard discusses some fundraising pitfalls
(16:18) How can social entrepreneurs measure and demonstrate their impact
(19:57) Head to DO GOOD X to explore resources
(20:16) Dr. Minard answers questions “off the cuff.”
(25:08) The hosts discuss their guilty pleasures and encourage the listener to indulge for a moment

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Although informal markets are often overlooked, they are rich in social capital and trust and demonstrate remarkable resilience and resourcefulness in low-income communities.
• Actual development focuses on human well-being and capabilities, going beyond GDP measurements to include multidimensional aspects such as education, trust, and community values.
• Trust and reciprocity are critical in addressing market imperfections and fostering collective action in communities facing economic challenges.

RESOURCES:

DO GOOD X - Website

DO GOOD X - Podcast

DO GOOD X - LinkedIn

DO GOOD X - YouTube

DO GOOD X - Spotify

DO GOOD X - Instagram

GUEST BIOGRAPHY:

Dr. Sara Minard, Ph.D. in Economics from Sciences Po, Paris (highest honors), conducted groundbreaking research on social entrepreneurship in Senegal under Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen. Founder and CEO of Manarine LLC, she specializes in impact measurement, sustainable investing, and participatory governance, with over 25 years of experience working globally with organizations like the World Bank, OECD, and NGOs. Dr. Minard is the Associate Director of the Mockler Center for Faith and Ethics at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and a professor at Columbia University, teaching sustainable investing and impact management. Fluent in French and Wolof, she also lives on a family farm in New Jersey and is a certified yoga and meditation instructor.

Welcome to the DO GOOD X podcast, your go-to resource for insights and inspiration on building impactful businesses! This episode, hosted by Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis, explores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in business. From the immense opportunities AI presents to the challenges it poses, Kimberly and Stephen unpack practical tips to help you integrate AI into your operations. Whether you want to enhance efficiency, improve customer experiences, or navigate ethical concerns, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Stay tuned as we discuss leveraging AI to support your business, starting small with practical tools and tapping into resources available in the DO GOOD X community.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:31) Leveraging AI to support your business

(03:31) AI offers efficiency and scalability, enhances decision-making making and improves customer experience

(06:04) Other avenues where AI is effective and discussion of various concerns about AI

(11:56) AI lacks human connectedness and the personal touch

(14:51) Choosing areas of AI to support your business and starting small

(17:55 Find tools to assist in starting a business in the DO GOOD X Community

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• AI and automation offers immense potential for businesses, especially small teams and underrepresented founders, by providing efficiency, enhancing decision-making through data analysis, and improving customer experiences through personalization.
• Concerns such as biases in AI models, environmental impacts, accessibility gaps, and data privacy must be addressed. When black and brown users employ the tool, AI learns from it. Using AI ethically and inclusively is critical for ensuring it serves communities equitably.
• Start by identifying one or two areas where AI tools can reduce repetitive tasks—marketing, financial management, or customer relationship management. Focus on affordable tools within your budget to experiment and assess their impact.

RESOURCES:

DO GOOD X - Website

DO GOOD X - Podcast

DO GOOD X - LinkedIn

DO GOOD X - YouTube

DO GOOD X - Spotify

DO GOOD X - Instagram

Ep. 2 - Relieving the Financial Burden on Families at the End of Life Through Tech

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. With over 15 years of experience developing and leading communications efforts, she is committed to producing effective processes and creating authentic, “sticky” brands that are community-centered. She co-authored A Way Out of No Way: An Approach to Christian Innovation (2021).

Stephen Lewis is the president of the Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE) and the creator and co-founder of DO GOOD X. This community provides programs and support for faith-driven social entrepreneurs whose businesses focus on positive change. Stephen co-authored Another Way: Living and Leading Change on Purpose (2020) and A Way Out of No Way: An Approach to Christian Innovation (2021).

In this episode, we are joined by Carla and Jeremy Vincent, co-founders of GlobeKin, an innovative e-learning platform. In their conversation, Carla and Jeremy discuss the challenges and rewards of being life and business partners, highlighting the importance of self-care, communication, and play to maintain a healthy balance. They share practical advice on navigating the early stages of a business, including tools like Google Suite and Adobe Creative Suite to streamline operations and creative work. They also talk about the struggles of accessing funding for underrepresented entrepreneurs, emphasizing the value of starting where you are, leveraging existing resources, and building incrementally. Finally, they offer insights on building a supportive network, encouraging entrepreneurs to step out of their comfort zones and seek mentorship from others who have faced similar challenges.

IN THE EPISODE:

(00:00) Introduction

(04:44) The inspiration behind e-learning and the guests share their backgrounds

(07:54) Trusting the process, validation, challenges and uncertainties

(16:38) Jeremy comments on their motivation and wearing many hats

(22:04) Tips on married couples working together

(25:44) Tools, software, obtaining funding and finding mentors

(34:13) Carla and Vincent answer questions “off the cuff”

TAKEAWAYS:

• Out-of-school e-learning in shaping children's lives, particularly in addressing gaps in traditional education, is critical and should be made accessible to all children and families.
• Building an e-learning platform, particularly in team-building and managing uncertainties will be challenging. You must stay committed and be resilient, adapt to setbacks, and prioritize self-care, to fuel ongoing motivation for yourself and your team.
• Underrepresented entrepreneurs should start where they are, tapping into existing resources, networks, and communities. Focusing on solving a problem can eventually lead to access to funding and support.

RESOURCES:

DO GOOD X - Website

DO GOOD X - LinkedIn

Square One Startup School - Podcast

GlobeKin - Website

Jeremy Vincent - LinkedIn

Carla Johnson-Vincent - LinkedIn

Jeremy Vincent, co-founder and CEO of an e-learning platform, is passionate about using technology and AI to transform out-of-school learning for children of all backgrounds. Growing up in Grenada, his curiosity was sparked by nature, inspiring his mission to foster holistic development in young learners.

Carla, co-founder and CDO of an e-learning platform, is passionate about transforming out-of-school learning to impact children of all backgrounds. Inspired by her parents' support and her own learning differences, she advocates for tailored education that embraces diverse learning styles.

Welcome to the DO GOOD X podcast, your go-to resource for insights and inspiration on building impactful businesses! Hosted by Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis, this episode dives into one of the most asked questions by aspiring entrepreneurs: How do you start a business? If you’re ready to step into the entrepreneurial world, starting on solid ground is crucial. Kimberly and Stephen walk you through three essential steps that can set you up for success, especially because nine out of ten businesses typically fail. Before you build a website, develop a product or service, or register your business as a legal entity, note these foundational steps to ensure your venture begins with purpose and clarity. Building a business takes time, effort, and strategy, but it can be a rewarding journey with the right tools and community. Tune in to learn more and find support within the DO GOOD X community as you take your first steps toward creating a stronger, more sustainable business.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:01) How can an aspiring entrepreneur start a business

(03:46) Step One: Identify the problem, not your idea

(09:26) Step Two: Identify your paying customer

(14:31) Step Three: Test drive your prototype

(19:06) Building a business takes time

(20:03) Find tools to assist in starting a business in the DO GOOD X Community

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Start by identifying and researching the problem before diving into building a business. Focus on understanding the problem you aim to solve. This involves creating a clear problem statement, conducting research to validate the problem’s significance, and understanding how the problem is currently being addressed. Ensuring the problem is both substantial and solvable increases the likelihood of creating a viable business.
• Define your ideal paying customer because it’s essential to know not just your target customer but your paying customer—the individuals or entities who will benefit from your solution and are willing to pay for it. Engaging in customer discovery, which involves direct conversations and feedback from potential customers, helps refine your business idea and confirms market demand.
• Build and test a prototype to transform your idea into a tangible form, like a prototype or small-scale experiment, to test its viability with potential customers. A prototype helps gather real-world feedback on what works, what needs improvement, and whether customers are willing to pay for your solution. Keep it simple and cost-effective to allow for iterations based on feedback.

ABOUT DO GOOD X:
Hosted by advocates for impactful entrepreneurship, Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis, this podcast creates a space for Black entrepreneurs, with a special focus on Black women entrepreneurs, navigating the intricate path of purposeful business.

The hosts dive into the unique business challenges faced by entrepreneurs while sharing tools, tips, and strategies to drive business growth and create meaningful social impact. With their mission to help listeners foster the growth of their dreams, this podcast empowers a community of changemakers to embrace impactful entrepreneurship.