Episodes

  • AI, Supply Chains, and Scaling with Charles Rodriguez

    AI, Supply Chains, and Scaling with Charles Rodriguez
    Mar 24 2026
    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
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    45 mins
  • Ep. 96 How Leah Hernandez Is Diversifying the Publishing Industry

    Ep. 96 How Leah Hernandez Is Diversifying the Publishing Industry
    Mar 17 2026
    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, ...
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    19 mins
  • Supply Chain Management: What Every Small Business Must Know

    Supply Chain Management: What Every Small Business Must Know
    Mar 10 2026

    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 entrepreneur

    03:21 Steven explains why small businesses take their supply chain for granted and overlook it

    04:55 Discussion of rising costs, vendor dependency, and how business resilience gets tested

    08:05 Kimberly walks through a simplified supply chain snapshot exercise for founders

    12:17 Two reflection questions on business risk and business growth to stress-test your operations

    KEY 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 - Website

    DO GOOD X Start Up Accelerator

    DO GOOD X - LinkedIn

    Connect with Hosts:

    Kimberly Daniel LinkedIn

    Stephen Lewis LinkedIn

    SEO 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
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    15 mins
  • Venture Capital Demystified with Rachel Wilson of Project Wellspring

    Venture Capital Demystified with Rachel Wilson of Project Wellspring
    Mar 3 2026

    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 founders

    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 Rachel Wilson, and a discussion of venture capital and capital access for mission-driven founders

    03:25 What led Rachel to capital access entrepreneurship

    06:15 Defining seed stage funding and what makes a startup investor ready

    07:10 Understanding liquidity events and realistic exit strategy planning

    13:08 Why black founders must think proactively about wealth building

    16:34 Final thoughts on private equity and strategic partnerships

    KEY 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 opportunity

    ABOUT 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 - Website

    DO GOOD X Start Up Accelerator

    DO GOOD X - LinkedIn

    Connect with Hosts:

    Kimberly Daniel LinkedIn

    Stephen Lewis LinkedIn

    SEO 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
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    19 mins
  • Beyond Profit: Rachel Wilson on True Entrepreneur Wealth

    Beyond Profit: Rachel Wilson on True Entrepreneur Wealth
    Feb 24 2026
    What separates a business that survives from one that truly thrives? In this episode of DO GOOD X, hosts Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis reunite with Rachel Wilson, Founding Partner of Project Wellspring. She is a seasoned operations and capital access strategist who shares what genuine financial health for entrepreneurs looks like. Rachel challenges founders to move beyond a scarcity mindset and align sustainable business decisions with a deeper sense of purpose. From structuring your company correctly and staying tax-smart to leveraging a self-directed IRA and building purpose-driven capital, this episode is a masterclass in building wealth that lasts and actually matters.What You Will Learn in this Episode:✅ Financial health for entrepreneurs starts with purpose, not profit. Rachel explains how defining a clear mission protects founders from chasing trends, mismanaging assets, or losing sight of the long game in sustainable business growth.✅ The most overlooked operational systems for founders are the ones that seem boring: legal structure, small business tax strategy, and proper financial tracking. Getting these right early prevents costly mistakes that derail even profitable businesses.✅ Entrepreneur wealth building is an intentional practice. From setting up a self-directed IRA as a solopreneur to consulting a wealth advisor for entrepreneurs, Rachel outlines accessible first steps to building wealth that reflects your values.Join the DO GOOD X Community to access resources, connect with purpose-driven entrepreneurs, and grow your impactful business with intention.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Meet Rachel Wilson, capital access strategist and founder of Project Wellspring03:48 Rachel redefines entrepreneur wealth building through the lens of purpose and faith-driven intention09:33 The difference between paper profit and true financial health for entrepreneurs17:50 How missing operational systems for founders create financial stress and instability27:10 Resource Roundup: self-directed IRA, donor-advised fund, and wealth advisor for entrepreneurs tools34:55 Rachel answers the "Off the Cuff" questions37:16 Rachel reflects on how her faith guides her leadership and the decisions she makes in a purpose-driven business38:15 Rachel's final wisdom: embrace an abundance mindset because equitable funding and capital are far more accessible than founders believeKEY TAKEAWAYS: 💎 Your legal and tax foundation determines your financial ceiling. Rachel urges every founder to prioritize a sound business structure and to work with a qualified accountant and attorney before making any major startup financial decisions.💎 Abundance thinking fuels better capital decisions. Rachel challenges founders to reject scarcity mindsets and recognize that equitable funding and non-dilutive funding opportunities are far more accessible than most realize.💎 Purpose-driven capital is not just a concept. It is a strategy. When founders align their business profitability goals with a philanthropic vision, tools such as donor-advised funds and intentional tax planning become part of a coherent wealth strategy that benefits both the entrepreneur and the broader community.ABOUT 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 curating 50+ ecosystem-building events and serving 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.Ep. 22 - Navigating Venture Capital: Funding Pathways for Black and Brown Entrepreneurs 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, Operations And Capital Access Strategist, Financial Health For Entrepreneurs, Sustainable Business...
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    44 mins
  • Ray'Chel Wilson on Closing The Wealth Gap Through Financial Literacy

    Ray'Chel Wilson on Closing The Wealth Gap Through Financial Literacy
    Feb 17 2026
    Wealth gap solutions take center stage as Ray'Chel Wilson, founder of For Our Last Names, shares her journey from educator to FinTech entrepreneur in this episode of DO GOOD X. Wilson addresses the staggering reality that 60% of minorities have no assets. In contrast, the racial wealth gap costs the U.S. economy $2.1 trillion. Wilson explores financial literacy, healing from financial trauma, and accessing capital-raising resources for underrepresented founders. She offers practical tips on entrepreneurship, finding the right funding, and leveraging government resources. Learn how wealth building requires both individual and institutional solutions as she discusses her Black Wealth Freedom Series books and the power of education around financial literacy and generational wealth.What You Will Learn in this Episode:✅ How to address the racial wealth gap by understanding that 60% of minorities have no assets.✅ Proven capital raising tips for entrepreneurs, including practicing your pitch in the mirror with feedback, maintaining resilience through rejection, and identifying the right funding sources.✅ Resources available for solo tech founders and minority entrepreneurs, including U.S. Small Business Administration programs, philanthropic accelerators like DO GOOD X, and how to leverage your current job as your first investor in your entrepreneurial journey.Join the DO GOOD X Community to access resources, connect with purpose-driven entrepreneurs, and grow your impactful business with intention.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Wealth gap solutions and Ray'Chel Wilson's mission to close the racial wealth gap02:53 Data reveals 60% of minorities lack assets and the $2.1 trillion cost of the wealth gap04:27 Finding your voice as a black woman entrepreneur and matching business funding to your needs06:12 Healing financial trauma and connecting individuals to ethical financial professionals07:21 Capital raising tips for entrepreneurs, including mirror practice and resilience strategies11:26 Resources for solo tech founders through SBA, nonprofits, and your job as first investorKEY TAKEAWAYS: 💎 The wealth gap requires dual solutions: healing financial trauma through education while connecting people to non-predatory financial professionals for real estate, investing, and sustainable wealth building throughout their wealth journey.💎 Capital raising success demands intentional practice with feedback, resilience through rejection, and celebrating wins within your means without overspending, which supports core financial literacy principles for long-term success.💎 Non-technical entrepreneurs can build successful FinTech companies by deeply understanding the problem, maintaining passion, and recruiting skilled partners who share your mission to close the gender wealth gap and serve underserved communities.ABOUT THE GUEST: Ray'Chel Wilson, a changemaker closing the gender & racial wealth gaps, is based in Tulsa, Oklahoma's Black Wall Street. As a Teach for America alumna, the challenges faced by Ray'Chel's scholars inspired her to become a 2x founder - CEO of "Raise the Bar Investments" and of the upcoming "ForOurLastNames" app. Ray’Chel’s education workbooks, personalized curriculum, and keynote speaking have reached seven countries. After paying off her student loans with her investment profits - over 300% gains in under two years, y’all - Ray'Chel Wilson dedicated her life to teaching financial literacy & value-based investing. Currently, Ray’Chel serves as Treasurer of the United Nations Association of Eastern Oklahoma, highlighting her cross-national approach to empowering better “money moves.” With an Investment Management specialization from the University of Geneva, a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Ohio State University, and a Certified Financial Education Instructor, Ray'Chel brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her students and future ForOurLastNames app users. Ray’Chel’s purpose is to empower those marginalized by race, gender, or socioeconomic status to build wealth. Why? For our last names.ForOurLastNames a technology company that transforms the way financial professionals do lead generation & how wealth builders heal financial trauma.RESOURCES MENTIONED: DO GOOD X - WebsiteDO GOOD X Start Up AcceleratorDO GOOD X - LinkedInFor Our Last Names - WebsiteRaise The Bar Investments - WebsiteConnect with Hosts:Kimberly Daniel LinkedInStephen Lewis LinkedIn
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    18 mins
  • Pricing Strategies for Entrepreneurs: Build a Profitable Business That Lasts

    Pricing Strategies for Entrepreneurs: Build a Profitable Business That Lasts
    Feb 10 2026

    Are you underpricing your way to business failure? Hosts Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis tackle the critical topic of pricing strategies that separates thriving entrepreneurs from those barely surviving. This episode of DO GOOD X reveals why so many founders leave money on the table and how pricing psychology affects your bottom line. Discover the science and art behind finding your sweet spot, whether you're selling products or services. Learn from real social entrepreneurs who transformed their businesses by understanding profit margins, negotiating wholesale pricing, and implementing pricing experimentation. If you've ever wondered whether you're charging too much or too little, this conversation offers practical frameworks for sustainable business growth and long-term profitability.

    What You Will Learn in this Episode:

    ✅ How to identify if your pricing strategy is causing burnout by forcing you to overwork and over-deliver just to keep your business afloat, and what signs indicate your prices are either too low or too high for sustainable business growth.

    ✅ The essential elements of effective pricing for entrepreneurs, including understanding your actual costs, evaluating the value-based pricing of outcomes you create for customers, and determining if your pricing supports paying yourself and building a team.

    ✅ Practical pricing experimentation techniques used by successful social entrepreneurs, from leveraging wholesale pricing to reduce costs, to creating B2B versus B2C pricing models that match what your customers are willing to pay.

    Join the DO GOOD X Community to access resources, connect with purpose-driven entrepreneurs, and grow your impactful business with intention.

    TIMESTAMPS:

    00:00 Pricing challenges that determine whether entrepreneurs survive or thrive

    03:26 Core elements of sustainable pricing strategy including costs and customer value

    04:21 Evaluating pricing and knowing your costs, experimenting with prices

    07:59 Competitive pricing example: entering markets with lower prices as a strategy

    09:35 Real founder stories: Kit's wholesale pricing discovery and cost reduction tactics

    12:31 Final thoughts on pricing experimentation as a learning journey for your business

    KEY TAKEAWAYS:

    💎 Pricing isn't fixed forever. As the economy shifts, inflation rises, and your business evolves, regular price adjustments are essential. Think of your pricing as an ongoing experiment, continuously refining it based on market conditions and customer feedback.

    💎 Understanding the complete cost structure beyond just production is critical. Factor in your time, energy, supply chain expenses, and delivery costs. Many founders fail because they don't account for operational expenses when setting their profit margins.

    💎 Industry patterns matter, but so does differentiation. Research what competitors charge in your sector, but don't be afraid to price strategically lower to enter markets or higher when offering environmentally responsible products that create additional value for conscious consumers.

    RESOURCES MENTIONED:

    DO GOOD X - Website

    DO GOOD X Start Up Accelerator

    DO GOOD X - LinkedIn

    Connect with Hosts:

    Kimberly Daniel LinkedIn

    Stephen Lewis LinkedIn

    SEO KEYWORDS:

    DO GOOD X, Kimberly Daniel, Stephen Lewis, Entrepreneurs, Purpose-Driven Business, Pricing Strategy For Entrepreneurs, Sustainable Business Pricing, Entrepreneur Pricing Challenges, Pricing For Social Entrepreneurs, Cost-Based Pricing, Value-Based Pricing, Business Sustainability, Pricing Experimentation, Underpricing Risks, Competitive Pricing Strategies, Profit Margins. Pricing Strategy, Inflation, Breaking Even, Thriving Business
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    16 mins
  • From Apple Executive to Social Impact Entrepreneur: William McNeely on Building a Sustainable Nonprofit

    From Apple Executive to Social Impact Entrepreneur: William McNeely on Building a Sustainable Nonprofit
    Feb 3 2026
    Today’s focus is social impact entrepreneurship as hosts Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis of the DO GOOD X podcast revisit their conversation with William McNeely, founder of Do Greater Charlotte. This powerful episode explores how a life-threatening diagnosis led to a purpose-driven business serving underserved communities. McNeely shares his journey from Apple executive to nonprofit leader, revealing how his lung transplant experience clarified his mission to create lasting change through educational technology and youth empowerment. Learn how Do Greater built an innovation lab using an earned revenue model, partnered with corporate sponsors, and created sustainable community development programs that serve over 400 youth annually while generating revenue through memberships and event rentals.What You Will Learn in this Episode:✅ How to develop a mission-driven leadership approach that combines venture capital strategies with social enterprise principles to attract individual investors and build brand reputation in your community.✅ Practical strategies for creating an earned revenue model that generates sustainable funding while keeping programs free for underserved communities.✅ The importance of listening to your target audience by involving youth in designing spaces and programs, ensuring your nonprofit organization truly meets community needs while building authentic stakeholder engagement.Join the DO GOOD X Community to access resources, connect with purpose-driven entrepreneurs, and grow your impactful business with intention.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Exploring entrepreneurial journey challenges for purpose-driven business leaders04:40 William McNeely shares his story of a lung transplant diagnosis, and a perspective shift led him to found Do Greater Charlotte09:20 Evolution from an innovation lab truck to a permanent 8,000-square-foot creative technologies space13:27 Nonprofit branding strategies, building corporate partnerships, and venture capital17:37 Essential advice for starting a nonprofit organizationKEY TAKEAWAYS: 💎 Perspective shifts during crisis can reveal your true calling. McNeely's two-week prognosis became the catalyst for creating Do Greater Charlotte, demonstrating that setbacks can be invitations to discover purpose-driven work that leaves lasting community impact.💎 Treating your nonprofit like an educational technology startup attracts different funders by developing professional pitch decks and targeting high-net-worth individual investors before pursuing corporate grants. Do Greater Charlotte secured 70% of the initial funding from venture-minded donors.💎 Earned revenue sustainability protects mission-building adult memberships, coffee shop sales, and event rentals at the innovation lab, which generates consistent funding that keeps all youth empowerment programs completely free for students.ABOUT THE GUEST: William McNeely is a distinguished entrepreneur and non-profit executive with a storied career, including a pivotal role as a Market Development Executive at Apple. He is the visionary founder of Do Greater, Inc., where he has fostered a dynamic community dedicated to nurturing the next generation of creative leaders through cutting-edge technology, inspiring creative spaces, and a robust community network.At the heart of his initiatives is the Creative Lab platform, which equips youth and young adults with critical skills in design thinking, digital creativity, and entrepreneurship. William's entrepreneurial drive is further evidenced by his successful launch of multiple businesses. His personal story is one of extraordinary resilience, highlighted by his recovery from a double lung transplant, reinforcing his dedication to his life's mission of inspiring impactful change.William has served on the boards of various non-profits and has been a vital force in faith-based organizations, promoting hope and positivity. His current focus is on broadening the influence of the Creative Lab platform across Charlotte, building an inclusive support system for opportunity youth and underrepresented entrepreneurs. William's unwavering commitment to education, technology, and community empowerment continues to make a significant impact, driving forward positive transformations in countless lives.RESOURCES MENTIONED: DO GOOD X - WebsiteDO GOOD X Start Up AcceleratorDO GOOD X - LinkedInEp. 8 - From Health Challenge to Creative Catalyst: William McNeely’s Mission to Do GreaterEp. 9 - Faith, Vision, and Impact: William McNeely’s Journey to Do GreaterConnect with Hosts:Kimberly Daniel LinkedInStephen Lewis LinkedInSEO KEYWORDS: DO GOOD X, Kimberly Daniel, Stephen Lewis, Entrepreneurs, Purpose-Driven Business, Social Impact Entrepreneurship, Nonprofit, Underserved Communities, Educational Technology, Youth Empowerment, Innovation Lab, Earned Revenue Model, Corporate Community Development, Mission-Driven Leadership, Venture Capital, Social Enterprise, Brand Reputation, ...
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    21 mins