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...

This episode of the DO GOOD X Podcast explores funding strategies for entrepreneurs, featuring insights from venture capital experts and successful founders. John Garry of Garry Elevator breaks down venture capital basics and key considerations for entrepreneurs. Rachel Wilson of BFM Fund discusses seed-stage ventures and what makes a business venture capital-ready. Serial entrepreneur Devin Baptiste shares tactics for helping underrepresented founders secure funding. The hosts and guests offer practical advice on determining if venture capital aligns with business goals, what to look for in potential investors, and effective communication strategies when pitching to venture capitalists. This episode provides valuable guidance for entrepreneurs navigating the complex world of startup funding.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Intro: Hosts introduce the funding topic
• (03:26) Three key considerations for accepting capital
• (06:39) Resources for understanding different funding options
• (10:09) Explaining seed stage ventures and VC readiness
• (14:25) What to look for in potential investors
• (17:44) Effective strategies for securing funding

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Venture capital is just one type of early-stage funding, and entrepreneurs should carefully consider if it aligns with their business strategy and growth goals. The capital stack chosen can significantly influence the company's character and future direction.
• When seeking funding, entrepreneurs should assess whether their business faces concept risk or working capital risk. This distinction helps determine the most suitable funding approach and aligns expectations with potential investors.
• The BFM Fund focuses on helping black founders not just secure initial funding, but also achieve successful exits. They work proactively with various firms to create exit opportunities for their portfolio companies.
• Investors won't provide funding simply because a business needs it. Entrepreneurs must focus on communicating how their venture creates value and presents an attractive opportunity for investors, driven by the core capitalist motivations of fear and greed.
• There's a crucial distinction between a business that's good for a founder to operate and one that's an attractive product for investors. Understanding this difference is key to effectively communicating with potential investors and securing funding.

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. 18 Navigating Venture Capital: Insights from John Garry on Funding Challenges and Social Impact

Ep. 22 Navigating Venture Capital: Funding Pathways for Black and Brown Entrepreneurs

Welcome to the DO GOOD X podcast, a space for founders to explore building businesses that meet community needs. This remixed episode addresses leadership challenges for early-stage entrepreneurs, business viability, and focusing on the importance of community support. Hosts Kimberly R. Daniel and Stephen Lewis discuss practical steps for creating a support system, emphasizing the value of a personal advisory board. They explore the dilemma of whether to pivot, persevere, or pause when facing uncertainty in your business. The conversation offers insights on self-reflection, problem-solving, and maintaining well-being. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to engage with mentors and peers, set realistic goals, and prioritize self-care. The episode underscores the significance of leveraging learned experiences for future opportunities, whether continuing in entrepreneurship or transitioning to other roles. Join the DO GOOD X community for resources and support on your entrepreneurial journey.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Intro:
• (05:07) Building a personal advisory board
• (09:25) Leadership challenges for early-stage founders
• (12:20) Considering business viability and pivoting
• (14:06) Exploring alternative ways to support yourself through your entrepreneurial journey
• (15:48) Making challenging decisions and seeking support

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Personal Advisory Board: A personal advisory board is focused on the individual rather than the business. Your advisory board should consist of people who prioritize your personal growth and provide honest feedback, helping you navigate both personal and professional challenges.
• Community as a Competitive Advantage: Community is essential for entrepreneurs, not just as a support system but as a strategic resource. Building relationships with a sense of reciprocity can lead to unexpected opportunities and insights that can propel your business forward.
• Releasing Control for Growth: A significant challenge for founders is the reluctance to delegate tasks as their business grows. By allowing team members to leverage their strengths, founders can focus on their core competencies, ultimately benefiting the entire organization.
• Exploring Alternative Support: For entrepreneurs facing financial challenges, consider alternative income sources while continuing to pursue your business goals. This approach allows for financial stability without abandoning your entrepreneurial dreams, and allowing strategic time management.
• Learning from Closure: If a business must close, the experience gained can be invaluable for future endeavors. The hosts encourage entrepreneurs to view closure not as a failure but as a stepping stone, using the lessons learned to inform and enhance future opportunities.

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

KEYWORDS: DO GOOD X podcast, Kimberly R. Daniel, Stephen Lewis, Founders, Building Businesses, Community Needs, Leadership Challenges, early-stage entrepreneurs, business viability, Community Support, Entrepreneurs, Entrepreneurship, purpose-driven entrepreneurs, Business...

Are you an entrepreneur hoping to address true community needs with aligned products and services? Or maybe you’ve launched your business, but are running into unforeseen issues? Today’s episode of the DO GOOD X podcast offers insights for entrepreneurs at all stages. This mashup episode combines highlights from season one, focusing on building thriving businesses and defining problems. They discuss three key factors for entrepreneurial success: addressing genuine needs, having industry knowledge, and being adaptable. Kimberly and Stephen provide practical steps for clarifying business problems, positioning, and impact. They emphasize the importance of research, understanding systemic contexts, and identifying ideal paying customers. The episode concludes with advice on prototyping and testing business ideas, encouraging listeners to take action and avoid getting stuck in the planning phase. No matter the stage of your business, this episode is packed with insight and resources to best align your business with your goals.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Intro: Meet Kimberly R. Daniel and Stephen Lewis
• (03:28) Mindset for growing and scaling a business
• (05:02) Addressing problems through your business
• (07:07) Researching and validating business ideas
• (10:22) Focusing your business and finding partnerships
• (12:43) Top question: How to start a business
• (14:16) Identifying your ideal paying customer
• (15:59) Building and testing a prototype
• (17:40) Outro: Closing remarks and resources

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Addressing True Community Needs: Aligning business products and services with genuine community needs or desires is crucial for creating a sustainable and impactful business.
• Knowledge and Agility: Having industry knowledge or a knowledgeable team is a must. Your business and team must also must have the ability to pivot, especially in response to market changes, as seen during the pandemic and in the years following.
• Mindset and Growth: A "no-excuse mentality" is essential for business growth. Entrepreneurs should balance hard work with self-care and actively seek feedback to overcome obstacles and scale their businesses.
• Problem Identification and Research: Clearly define the problems a business aims to solve. Then, focus on thorough research and customer discovery to validate assumptions and ensure the business addresses a real need.

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

Entrepreneurs, Entrepreneurship, purpose-driven entrepreneurs, Social Impact, Business Growth, Startup Journey, Faith-Driven Business, Overcoming Self-Doubt, Sustainable Business, Marketing Strategies, startup challenges, business for good, social impact, entrepreneurial mindset, business resilience, entrepreneurial setbacks, customer-focused strategies, business innovation, entrepreneurial inspiration, business development, startup resources, entrepreneurial support, social entrepreneurship, business sustainability, community impact, problem-solving, customer discovery, business ideation, startup strategies, market research,...

Kimberly and Stephen are back with a special episode of the DO GOOD X podcast! This time, mixing things up with a "best of" mashup from last season. You'll hear impactful moments and insights on what it really takes to build something meaningful. Whether you're a longtime listener or just joining, this episode is the perfect taste of what DO GOOD X is all about. Get inspired and keep showing up for your vision of building a business that makes a positive impact.

To kick things off, Kimberly and Stephen reintroduce themselves and DO GOOD X. Diving into their mission of supporting purpose-driven entrepreneurs. Learn why they created DO GOOD X, this podcast and why they aim to provide inspiration, practical strategies, and a supportive community.

The episode dives into the world of purpose-driven entrepreneurship, exploring the challenges, triumphs, and transformative power of social impact ventures. Ready to turn setbacks into stepping stones?

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Hosts reintroduce themselves and the DO GOOD X podcast
• (05:14) Empowering entrepreneurs to thrive in success
• (08:40) Creating businesses that embody deep values
• (13:17) Reframing failure as catalyst for growth
• (16:39) Building a mindset that pushes forward
• (18:19) Invitation to continue the conversation

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Align your entrepreneurial spirit with a deeper calling to create positive change in your community.
• Learn to reframe failures as stepping stones, using them to fuel personal growth and business innovation.
• Understand the importance of surrounding yourself with like-minded entrepreneurs who can uplift and inspire you.

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 1: Black & Brown Entrepreneurs DO GOOD with US

EP 21: Harnessing Business for Social Good: Stephen Lewis Journey

EP 35: Turn Setbacks into Stepping Stones with Growth Mindset

For the season one finale of the DO GOOD X podcast, hosts Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis reflect on the robust conversations and insights shared throughout the season. They discuss key takeaways, including the idea that entrepreneurship isn’t just for those with business degrees—it's for anyone with passion, commitment, and a desire to make a difference. They emphasize the importance of overcoming self-doubt, stepping out of comfort zones, and taking action to bring ideas to life, even in small ways. As they look ahead to the next season, Kimberly and Stephen highlight exciting topics like sales, marketing, and the role of faith in entrepreneurship, all while reaffirming their mission to support early-stage social entrepreneurs in building sustainable businesses for good.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (02:44) Stephen and Kimbrely highlight powerful moments from the season
• (09:52) Key lessons taken from the season
• (12:27) The episodes that resonated the most with Kimberly and Stephen
• (15:45) Key themes throughout the season
• (19:44) Thoughts about entrepreneurship
• (24:30) Kimberly and Stephen share ideas they are excited to explore in the future
• (28:00) Email us with themes or questions you would like to hear more about in season two and don’t forget to head to DO GOOD X to explore resources

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Successful entrepreneurs learn as they go, building their skills over time rather than simply being naturally gifted. This highlights the importance of adaptability, resilience, and continuous learning.
• Meditation and contemplation are crucial in decision-making and creativity. Slowing down and tuning into one's inner voice can lead to more profound and practical solutions than pure analysis alone.
• The entrepreneurial journey varies greatly; some founders launch businesses straight out of college, while others pivot from different careers or even turn hobbies into full-fledged ventures. The key takeaway is that there is no "right" timeline, and the biggest risk is not taking one at all.

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. 44 - Entrepreneurship Unlocked: Expert Tips to Grow Your Business with Sweta Govani

Ep. 30 Building a Socially Conscious Business: Victor Koo on the Value of Contemplative Practices

Ep. 10 - Nipun Mehta - Inspiring Generosity and Compassion

Ep 11 - Nipun Mehta on Leadership, Joy, and Grace