The Art of Leaving w/ Darlene Gillard Jones Prepare for a thought-provoking and candid episode on "Build The Damn Thing" as host Kathryn Finney speaks to the delicate art of leaving. Whether it's navigating the complexities of divorce, stepping away from a business venture, or exiting any significant chapter of your life, this episode explores the nuances of departure and the importance of doing it in a way that doesn't burn the house down. In "How to Leave," Kathryn draws on her own...

Global Impact w/ Gizelle George-Joseph In this episode of "Build The Damn Thing," host Kathryn Finney engages in a compelling conversation with Gizelle George-Joseph, Partner and Global COO of the Global Investment Research at Goldman Sachs as they explore the intersection of finance, diversity, and global impact. They discuss how businesses can be a force for positive change, the importance of diversity in leadership, and the role of inclusive research in shaping a more equitable future.  

Episode 8: What It Takes to Support a Black Woman Leader? w/ Kimberly Bryant Leadership is a collective effort that thrives on support, mentorship, and guidance. In this episode, Kathryn is joined by Kimberly Bryant, Founder of Black Girls Code, who has firsthand experience in supporting leaders and being supported. Together, they unveil the strategies, practices, and nuances that go into fostering a thriving leadership ecosystem. Guest: Kimberly Bryant ________ Stay Connected!   ...

Episode 7: The Power of Resilience w/Torian Richardson Resilience is a superpower developed through life's journey, aiding in bouncing back from adversity and learning from experiences. In this episode of "Build The Damn Thing," Kathryn Finney explores "The Power of Resilience." Listen to the inspiring story of Torian Richardson who has faced setbacks, failures, and doubt head-on, emerging even stronger and more determined. Guests: Torian Richardson ________ Stay Connected!   Kathryn...

Episode 6: Adapting to Change w/Denise Hamilton Change is a perpetual force, influencing not only our professional endeavors but also shaping our personal lives. Join host Kathryn Finney and her special guest Denise Hamilton, founder of WatchHer, as they look at the complexities of adapting to change and uncover effective strategies to navigate these shifts seamlessly. This episode provides valuable insights into cultivating a mindset and acquiring tools that are crucial for navigating the...

Episode 5: Dating as an Entrepreneur w/AJ Johnson Get ready for a candid and relatable conversation on this episode of "Build The Damn Thing" Season 3!  Host Kathryn Finney opens up about a theme that strikes a chord with many: "Dating as an Entrepreneur." Join us as we explore the unique challenges, triumphs, and insights that come with balancing the entrepreneurial journey and romantic relationships. In a world where entrepreneurship demands dedication, innovation, and unwavering focus,...

Get ready for an intimate and empowering episode on "Build The Damn Thing" Season 3 as host Kathryn Finney explores the unique challenges, triumphs, and the delicate balance faced by mothers who are also entrepreneurs. Drawing from her own experiences and those of her guest Fashion Designer Laurence Basse, Kathryn delves into the raw, unfiltered realities of juggling the demands of being a mother while navigating running a business. Guests: Laurence Basse ________ Stay Connected! ...

Episode 3: Balancing Act: Work, Life, and Entrepreneurship w/Darlene Gillard Jones In this episode of Build The Damn Thing Kathryn Finney and her guest, Darlene Gillard Jones, provide practical insights and heartwarming stories to help entrepreneurs maintain a healthy work-life balance while pursuing their dreams and nurturing their personal lives. Listeners will discover how to effectively manage their time, set boundaries, prioritize self-care, and create a supportive, empowering...

Episode 2: Defying Convention w/Roger Carter Many have walked unconventional paths, made bold decisions, and exhibited incredible resilience. They've not only broken barriers but also redefined what's possible. In this episode of "Build The Damn Thing," Kathryn Finney dives into the captivating journey of visual artist Roger Carter who has defied convention, shattered barriers, and paved new paths in the art world.    Guests: Roger Carter Website: https://www.rogerjcarter.art ...

Season 3, Episode 1: Centering Joy w/Bevy Smith In a world that often presents us with challenges and obstacles, Kathryn Finney invites you on a journey to explore the transformative power of centering joy as a fundamental value.  In this episode, Kathryn and her guest Bevy Smith discuss the timeless theme of "Centering Joy" and the significance of finding joy, fostering positivity, and infusing every aspect of your life’s journey with happiness and fulfillment. Join us as we explore the...

Episode 8: Sell The Damn Thing   When the time comes to transition away from your business, know that there is more out there for you.   It may be a new business or a new opportunity but whatever the case, as the saying goes change is good. In this the season finale of BTDT learn the upside to walking away and at the right time.   Guests: Heather Hiles    |   Founder/ Entrepreneur Cheryl Contee   |   Impact Seat  Lisa Price   |   Carol’s Daughter  Hafeezah Muhammad   |   You Me...

Episode 7: How To Get the Money You Need to Grow Your Company   From bootstrapping to venture capital to just plain profits, there are many ways to fund the growth of your business and it’s an important next step that takes thoughtful consideration.  In this episode of Build The Damn Thing, you’ll determine what may be the best route for you and your company as you continue to build it.    Guests: Lisa Price    |    Carol’s Daughter  Brian Aoaeh    |    reFashiond Ventures  Felecia...

Episode 6: How To Build An Amazing Team   Having the right team is crucial to any business and its success is dependent on it. Knowing who to hire as well as when to let them go can make or break your company.  In this episode of Build The Damn Thing, learn how to find the right people with the right skill sets to help elevate you and your company. Guests: Jeffrey Robinson   |   Rutgers  Ellie Bahrmasel   |   Further Faster Ventures  Sharmayne Lueiza Munoz   |   Genius Guild  Citi...

Episode 5: How To Turn Your Solution Into a Money Making Business   Solving a problem is one thing but how to make money doing it is a WHOLE other animal.  In this episode of Build The Damn Thing, myself and others will guide you through the process of generating income and scaling UP as you build the next big thing!   Guests Hafeezah Muhammad   |   You Me Healthcare  Cheryl Contee    |    Impact Seat  Citi Medina    |   Equal Space    ________   Stay Connected!   Kathryn Finney ...

Episode 4: How to Make Sure Your Business Solves a Problem   If you want to build a business…..a REAL business, you’ve got to have customers who are willing to pay for your product or service and I don’t mean just friends and family. On this episode of Build The Damn Thing, learn what you need to know to make sure that your business is solving a problem that people are willing to pay for. Guests:  Tessa Flippin  ​​ |   Capitalized VC  Citi Medina   |   Equal Space  Denise Hamilton ...

Episode 3: How to Build Your Personal Advisory Board   A corporate advisory board gives strategic advice on the management of the business. Your personal advisory board gives strategic advice on the management of you. On this episode of the Build The Damn Thing, find out how a strong support system, aka your personal advisory board, can help you create the business you've always wanted.   Guests: Brian Aoaeh   |   ReFashiond Dr. Lisa DeRoche   |   Roosevelt Institute Felecia Hatcher ...

Episode 2 - How to Mentally Prepare for Entrepreneurship   On this episode of Build the Damn Thing, hear what Kathryn and other builders have learned about what it takes to find balance while building your business. They share how to balance the constant conflict between your professional and personal lives, preventing burnout, and how to get your mind right to make it through the entrepreneurial journey. They also discuss the particular toll finding balance takes on WoC founders, who are...

Welcome to Season 2 of Build The Damn Thing! Episode 1 - Build The Damn Thing: Leaning into your purpose   On this episode of Build the Damn Thing, Kathryn Finney and four other builders talk about how their backgrounds have influenced their sense of purpose when creating their startups. They discuss how they have taken the lessons learned from the historic, systemic obstacles their ancestors have overcome to build their own companies. And by sharing the stories of how they are succeeding...

Welcome to Season 2 of Build The Damn Thing! Have you ever wanted to start a business but were too afraid to try? Or maybe you just don’t think you have what it takes.  In this episode of Build The Damn Thing, Kathryn Finney and other leaders in business share what it takes to build and how leaning into your purpose while standing on the shoulders of your ancestors will take you farther than you ever imagined.    Guests: Brian Aoaeh Dr. Lisa DeRoche Patrice Grell Yursik Felecia Hatcher ...

The story of Genius Guild, the power of investing in Black entrepreneurs, and the importance of sticking to your core values. In "Black Muse," the season finale of Build The Damn Thing, serial entrepreneur Kathryn Finney is joined by guests to discuss black excellence, entrepreneurship, and investing.

They may be called “micro investments”, but they’re anything but small. Kathryn Finney started The Doonie Fund, a social enterprise that provides micro investments to Black women entrepreneurs during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode of Build The Damn Thing, learn about the importance of investing in Black women and how frictionless micro investments can change the game and disrupt the world of entrepreneurship.

Innovation and the goal of disrupting the industry isn’t just about the work, it also requires a significant emotional lift that many don’t anticipate. In this episode of Build the Damn Thing, Kathryn Finney shares for the first time why, after eight years of leading digitalundivided -- an organization that she founded to help Black and Latinx women tech entrepreneurs get the mentorship and support they desperately needed -- she made the courageous move to walk away for the sake of her sanity.

With a team of “co-conspirators” Kathryn Finney builds a powerful company empowering Black and Latina women in tech and helping them raise money through Digital Undivided. She also pioneered the groundbreaking research study, Project Diane, which exposed the disparities in venture capital investing in Black women businesses and went viral. But while disrupting the industry, Kathryn had to overcome some serious challenges and make major decisions that would have a major impact on her business...

Diverse entrepreneurs often feel like they have to stick to the businesses they started and grown for years. But what happens if you want to do something different? How do you pivot?  In this episode, hear how to exit a company and start something new.