Are you an entrepreneur seeking to create something that transcends merely selling a product or service? What if community as a business model could help you grow a purpose-driven, sustainable business from the ground up?

In this episode of the DO GOOD X Podcast, hosts Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis are joined by Bri Leever, founder of Ember Consulting, to explore how community as a business model creates a lasting impact, not just profit. Bri shares how she helps entrepreneurs build and grow online communities that align with their values and drive meaningful results.

Bri delves into what it takes to build a thriving community the right way, beginning with clarity, intentionality, and a solid foundation that supports a sustainable business. She warns against a common mistake many entrepreneurs make: trying to launch multiple community types at once. Instead, she emphasizes the power of focus and simplicity when getting started. With clear strategies, real-world examples, and a practical mindset, Bri helps show why community as a business model is more than a trend—it's a long-term path to purpose and profit. Listen now and visit DO GOOD X for resources to help you grow your impact-driven community.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Intro: Meet Bri Leever
• (04:30) How to build a community as a business model the right way, starting with clarity and alignment
• (08:18) Approaching the launch with confidence and delivering what you promise to secure a sustainable business model
• (18:20) The significant change in online communities has been technology and discussion of the challenges, creating multiple community types at once
• (25:11) Bri differentiates between ROI and impact as two key outcomes of a community
• (30:10) Bri shares her process and the platforms she uses
• (34:37) Bri discusses best practices entrepreneurs should employ to grow their community

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Community can be more than just a marketing tool—it can be the business model. Rather than solely focusing on profit, this model centers on building trust, loyalty, and impact, creating long-term sustainable business value.
• To build a thriving community, the entrepreneur must start with a clear understanding of what kind of community best serves their business goals and what value they can consistently provide to members. There’s no one-size-fits-all; communities can vary in structure, purpose, and engagement style.
• One of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make is trying to build multiple types of communities simultaneously. Instead, they should choose one community type that best serves their business and focus on doing it well before layering in complexity.

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

Dear Bri Podcast - Marjorie Anderson

What anchors you in tough times? What’s your North Star guiding your entrepreneurial journey? Today's episode will kick off a new and exciting kind of episode where we will revisit topics and insights from season 1 of DO GOOD X. Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis share insights on building a strong inner foundation. They delve into three key elements—mindset, resilience, and community—offering practical wisdom on cultivating a growth mindset, practicing gratitude, and engaging in physical activity to overcome setbacks, as well as fostering a supportive network for long-term success among entrepreneurs. Plus, discover practical tools and resources from the DO GOOD X Community designed to help entrepreneurs like you grow with support.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Intro
• (01:22) What anchors you? What is your North Star
• (02:25) Beliefs that shape your mindset about yourself and your worldview
• (07:28) Discussion of resilience, faith practices, and the importance of gratitude
• (11:05) Community is critical for the successful entrepreneur, and the different influences around you
• (15:20) Check out the resources of the DO GOOD X Community

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Mindset Matters: Cultivate a growth mindset, believing abilities can improve through effort, to drive success. Reflect on self-talk and surroundings to stay forward-focused.
• Build Resilience: Practice gratitude, engage in physical activity and use positive affirmations to overcome setbacks and maintain your determination.
• Foster Community: Surround yourself with supportive people who challenge and encourage you. Seek local or online groups to build a network for long-term success.

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

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 in developing and leading communications efforts, she is committed to creating effective processes and authentic, “sticky” community-centered brands.

In addition, Kimberly has nearly ten years of experience as a certified life coach. She has facilitated workshops, spoken to communities, and written about innovation and entrepreneurship with a focus on social impact. She co-authored A Way Out of No Way: An Approach to Christian Innovation (2021).

She is deeply passionate about purpose, meaning, and the common good in any aspect of her work.

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...

Are you an entrepreneur or founder seeking a deeper sense of belonging on your personal and professional journey? Are you looking for a community that offers more than just business advice—one that truly sees you?

Welcome to the DO GOOD X podcast, where hosts Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis explore what it means to build and be part of a thriving, purpose-driven community. In this episode, we launch a new series centered on an essential aspect for every entrepreneur: community.

You’ll hear about the transformational impact of being part of a tribe where you’re seen as a whole person, and how real accountability within a community can drive progress in your business. We'll also discuss why community doesn’t just happen—it’s reciprocal and requires presence, time, and a shared commitment.

Plus, discover practical tools and resources from the DO GOOD X Community designed to help entrepreneurs like you grow with purpose, alignment, and support. Let’s dig into what it means to find—and build—a community that truly matters.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Intro
• (01:36) A community of spiritual herbalists and their impact on Stephen
• (06:38) Finding your tribe, belonging, and alignment where you can be seen as a whole person, not just an entrepreneur
• (11:28) Accountability within the community will drive progress in your business
• (13:57) Community doesn’t just happen; it is reciprocal, and it requires entrepreneurs to share their time and energy
• (20:31) Check out the resources of the DO GOOD X Community

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• A true community for entrepreneurs should provide more than transactional support. It should be a sacred space where healing, care, and shared accountability are prioritized. This type of environment fosters both personal and professional growth, particularly for individuals who feel underserved or overlooked by traditional systems.
• Effective communities embrace the whole person, not just their business identity. When individuals feel genuinely seen, heard, and valued in all aspects of their lives, including their heritage, wellness, and purpose, they are more likely to thrive and contribute meaningfully.
• A strong community is rooted in shared alignment and a common mission, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. It also promotes reciprocity—members contribute and receive support, collaborate on problem-solving, and help each other grow, creating a lasting impact both within and beyond the community.

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

Mastermind - Website

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...