Are You Ready to Invest in Your Dreams?

What does it take to transform a vision into a sustainable business and eventually into a lucrative investment opportunity? This week's episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast with Marcia Dawood discusses the often-overlooked world of franchising and angel investing, revealing the essential elements driving entrepreneurial success. Alongside guest Domineca Neal, an experienced entrepreneur and angel investor, listeners are taken on an educational journey through the nuances of starting and scaling a business, whether independently or through franchising.

Domineca Neal brings a wealth of knowledge to this episode. With a diverse background ranging from being a CPA at a big six accounting firm to becoming a seasoned franchise owner and eventually stepping into the world of angel investing, she embodies the quintessential entrepreneurial spirit. Neal has not only thrived in multiple business environments but has also dedicated herself to mentoring others, especially women and BIPOC communities, on their own journeys toward financial and operational success.

They explore the practicalities of owning a franchise, from the initial due diligence to overcoming common challenges like labor and expansion. Moreover, Domineca shares invaluable advice for entrepreneurs considering franchising their own business models. The episode comes full circle with an inspiring discussion about angel investing, where Neal reveals how her portfolio seeks financial returns and aims to generate positive social and environmental impact. This multifaceted conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to gain practical insights and inspiration on creating successful business ventures while giving back to the community.

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LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominecaneal/

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Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn around a failing organization or to drive remarkable change in business, government, and philanthropy? This thought-provoking question sets the stage for an insightful conversation with Lisa Gable, a seasoned expert in orchestrating turnarounds across diverse sectors. In this episode, Marcia Dawood sits down with Lisa to unveil the intricacies of driving meaningful change, tackling complex problems, and navigating the turbulent waters of entrepreneurship.

Lisa Gable boasts an illustrious career, beginning with her time in the Reagan White House and Defense Department at the end of the Cold War. She has served as a troubleshooter for Intel's CEO and has held numerous presidential appointments. Her vast experience spans turnarounds in business, government, and philanthropy, including as a US Ambassador of one of the largest public-private partnerships in the US government. Lisa's journey is a testament to her deep understanding of utilizing manufacturing processes to address complex issues and her commitment to making organizations more robust and future-ready.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the art of the comeback. Lisa talks about the common factors that precipitate organizational failure, including the damaging effects of hubris, and emphasizes the importance of revisiting an organization's founding purpose. She also highlights current trends in AI and technology, showcasing her work with Six Star Capital in combating online hate speech. For those keen on fostering a dynamic, transparent, and resilient workplace culture, Lisa offers invaluable advice, drawing from her extensive experience. Whether you're an entrepreneur facing difficult decisions or an investor mentoring leaders who are striving to create a more cohesive team, the insights and practical strategies shared in this episode will equip you with the tools to navigate and thrive in challenging environments.

To get the latest from Lisa Gable, you can follow her below!

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisagable/

https://www.allsides.com/

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Website: www.marciadawood.com

Learn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.com

And don't forget to follow us wherever you are!

Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.apple

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Have you ever wondered what it takes for a startup, particularly in a niche field like women's health, to secure the necessary funding to move forward and make a meaningful impact? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, Marcia Dawood sits down with Mark Gannott, who brings a unique blend of neuroscience, economics, and entrepreneurship to the table. From navigating the complex landscape of women's health financing to shedding light on economic modeling and network strategies, Mark's insights are invaluable for anyone looking to understand the intricacies of funding in highly specialized areas.

Mark Gannott, an economist and pharmacoeconomist, has a scholarly background in neuroscience and economics. His career took a pivotal turn following a personal tragedy that shifted his focus from medical school to the financing side of healthcare. With a side project in managing a massively popular social media page focused on dogs and mental health, Mark works on critical health issues, including cannabis economics and underfunded areas like endometriosis. His drive to bring more financial resources to women's health startups sets him apart as a thought leader in this space.

In this enlightening conversation, Mark explores why women's health is still struggling to garner sufficient funding despite its massive economic potential. He talks about his work as a pharmacoeconomist and the significance of building financial models that make compelling cases for investment in women's health. Additionally, the episode highlights the importance of network analysis in connecting the right people to foster successful startups. Whether you're an investor, an entrepreneur, or someone passionate about women's health, this episode provides crucial insights into an often-overlooked yet vital sector. Mark's forward-thinking approach to financing and network building makes this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in transforming the landscape for women's health.

To get the latest from Mark Gannott, you can follow him below!

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markgannott/

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Website: www.marciadawood.com

Learn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.com

And don't forget to follow us wherever you are!

Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.apple

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Have you ever wondered what the future of entrepreneurship looks like in a world where artificial intelligence can take on the roles traditionally reserved for human employees? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, host Marcia Dawood sits down with AI expert Sharon Zhang to explore the transformative impact of AI on business and society. Sharon talks about the evolving landscape of AI and its potential to not only automate mundane tasks but also to foster new business models and opportunities for creative entrepreneurship.

Sharon Zhang, who boasts over 16 years of experience in artificial intelligence, emerges as a compelling guest. She began her journey at the MIT CCL lab and has since ventured through various roles, from clinical decision-making at Nuance Communications to algorithm development for hedge funds. Since 2020, she has co-founded Personal AI, a platform that builds digital twins to augment individual lives. Sharon’s extensive background provides a rich foundation for discussing AI’s role in modern entrepreneurship.

This episode is a must-listen as Sharon provides a comprehensive view of the AI ecosystem, breaking it down into essential components like AI chips, infrastructure, foundation models, and applications. She shines a light on data privacy and the significance of user sovereignty over personal data. Furthermore, Sharon shares insights on the financial challenges faced by AI startups, the strategic moves by industry giants like OpenAI and Microsoft, and the burgeoning field of AI agents capable of performing complex tasks. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, an investor, or simply fascinated by AI, this episode offers a treasure trove of knowledge and foresight into the future of artificial intelligence and its profound implications.

To get the latest from Sharon Zhang, you can follow her below!

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/xiaoranz1986/

https://www.personal.ai/

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Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing!

Website: www.marciadawood.com

Learn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.com

And don't forget to follow us wherever you are!

Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.apple

Spotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotify

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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a groundbreaking idea into a successful startup, especially in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, Marcia Dawood sits down with Tricia Compas-Markman, a civil engineer turned entrepreneur, to explore the uncharted waters of innovative problem-solving and business resilience. Through their engaging discussion, listeners gain an intimate look at the complexities and triumphs of launching a mission-driven venture.

With a background in civil engineering from Cal Poly and a passion for providing clean drinking water in disaster zones, Tricia shares her journey from a simple master's thesis to founding DayOne Response—a company dedicated to creating family-sized water treatment devices. Her story is one of visionary thinking, relentless determination, and an unyielding commitment to making a positive impact on vulnerable communities worldwide.

In this episode, Marcia and Tricia go deep into the entrepreneurial process, covering topics such as tech transfer, investor engagement, complex sales cycles, and the strategic shifts required for sustainability. Listeners will learn about the importance of intellectual property, the challenges of regulatory approvals, and the intricacies of selling to large organizations and relief agencies. Moreover, Tricia’s pivot to aiding other entrepreneurs through Venturewell showcases the enduring value of lessons learned, even when a startup doesn't survive. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone intrigued by the journey of turning innovative ideas into impactful realities.

To get the latest from Tricia Compas-Markman, you can follow her below!

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tricia-compas-markman-04103239/

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Website: www.marciadawood.com

Learn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.com

And don't forget to follow us wherever you are!

Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.apple

Spotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotify

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What if the key to a successful startup lies not just in its venture's brilliance but in its workplace's inclusivity? In this episode of "The Angel Next Door Podcast," Marcia Dawood invites Gena Cox to explore a crucial aspect that entrepreneurs often overlook amidst the hustle of financial planning and product development—organizational culture. Cox, an organizational psychologist with over 30 years of experience, asserts that the human experience within an organization is foundational to its innovation, customer satisfaction, and overall success.

Gena Cox is a distinguished expert in workplace culture, employee engagement, and survey design. Hailing from a diverse background—born in England, raised in the Caribbean, and later relocating to the U.S.—Cox offers a unique perspective on diversity and inclusion. Her recent book, "Leading Inclusion," targets senior business leaders and board directors, helping them foster environments where every employee feels seen, heard, and valued. Cox's insights are informed by both her professional expertise and personal experiences, especially in the wake of social events like the death of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd.

In this enlightening episode, Cox talks about the significance of nurturing an inclusive culture right from a startup's inception. She underscores the role of inclusion over sheer diversity, pointing out that everyday experiences and interactions within the workplace shape an organization's culture. Listeners will gain practical guidance on implementing structured hiring processes that align with company values and mitigate biases, ensuring sustainable growth and innovation. It's a must-listen for any entrepreneur, business leader, or angel investor supporting them, aiming to build a successful, meaningful, human-centric organization.

To get the latest from Gena Cox, you can follow her below!

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/genacox/

https://genacox.com/

Gena's FREE e-book 25 Ways to Help Build a Culture of Respect at Work: https://genacox.com/respectebook/

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Website: www.marciadawood.com

Learn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.com

And don't forget to follow us wherever you are!

Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.apple

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Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a personal experience into a thriving business? In this inspiring episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, we dive into the incredible entrepreneurial journey of Jasmine Jones, a remarkable founder and CEO who channeled her life's experiences and challenges into creating a groundbreaking company. This episode offers invaluable insights for anyone interested in the power of resilience, innovation, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

Jasmine Jones, the dynamic founder, and CEO of Myya, joins host Marcia Dawood to share her unique journey. From witnessing her father’s real estate investments to selling diamonds at Tiffany’s, Jasmine’s path to entrepreneurship is anything but conventional. A former beauty pageant winner and Miss DC USA, Jasmine leveraged her varied background and life experiences to create Myya, a company dedicated to providing customizable and insurance-billable breast prosthetics for breast cancer survivors. Jasmine's inspiring story was also featured in the documentary Show Her the Money, showcasing her entrepreneurial journey to a global audience.

This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom and inspiration. Jasmine discusses the evolution of Myya, from its humble beginnings as a boutique store to its current status as a scalable telehealth platform serving patients nationwide. Hear firsthand how Jasmine navigated the complexities of fundraising, securing over $2.25 million in venture capital, and why the COVID-19 pandemic was a surprising catalyst for her business growth. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or an angel investor, Jasmine's compelling story offers invaluable lessons on persistence, adaptability, and the importance of aligning business with purpose. This is a must-listen episode for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact through entrepreneurship.

To get the latest from Jasmine Jones, you can follow her below!

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasminerjones/

https://myya.com/

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Website: www.marciadawood.com

Learn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.com

And don't forget to follow us wherever you are!

Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.apple

Spotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotify

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Have you ever wondered what lies behind the meticulous management of your startup’s equity and the unseen challenges of maintaining a clean cap table? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, host Marcia Dawood dives deep into the essential but often overlooked facets of cap table management with industry expert and guest, Colin McCrea. Together, they unravel the complexities that every founder should be aware of and how to navigate the turbulent waters of startup finance.

Colin McCrea, a seasoned professional in accounting and finance, shares his journey from working at a CPA firm to becoming a pivotal player at Eqvista, a company specializing in cap table management solutions. With a portfolio boasting roughly 16,000 companies, ranging from startups to pre-IPO giants, Colin brings a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience. As the leader of Eqvista’s valuation team, he's uniquely positioned to offer insights into the intricacies of 409A valuations and the vital importance of maintaining a well-organized cap table.

Throughout this episode, listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of cap table management's role in a startup's success, the pitfalls of equity mismanagement, and the critical need for compliance. Colin and Marcia discuss the essential steps founders must take to protect their equity, maintain investor trust, and enable smooth funding rounds. They also explore the nuances of 409A valuations and essential compliance filings like the 83B election. This is a must-listen episode for any entrepreneur aspiring to build a solid financial foundation for their business, as well as the investors, featuring actionable advice and expert insights that can save both time and money.

To get the latest from Colin McCrae, you can follow him below!

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-mccrea-8a50021b7/

https://eqvista.com

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Website: www.marciadawood.com

Learn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.com

And don't forget to follow us wherever you are!

Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.apple

Spotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotify

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/

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