I'm excited to welcome Arlan Hamilton to our show. Arlan is a trailblazer in the venture capital world, focusing on helping underrepresented founders. She has a deep passion for both the business and personal aspects of her work, and she's here to share her incredible journey and insights with us. Summary In our conversation, Arlan opens up about her love for "General Hospital" and how her personal challenges, including overcoming homelessness and addiction, have shaped her mission in venture capital. She also dives into her latest book, "Your First Million," providing practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Key Takeaways * Arlan is dedicated to diversifying the entrepreneurial world by supporting founders who often get overlooked. * Her book, "Your First Million," is a must-read for entrepreneurs, packed with strategies on navigating the business landscape. * Arlan's story is a powerful reminder that personal struggles can fuel a mission to create positive change. * For entrepreneurs, it's vital to have a clear vision that aims to benefit more than just oneself. * Preparation and self-funding are crucial steps before seeking external investment. Let's dive into the details of our chat and learn more from Arlan's experiences and wisdom. Notable Quotes * "I only do what I want to do. I figured out those boundaries, so don't feel sorry for me." * "It's the fact that I can still bounce back." * "There's no question here. And again, it goes back to who else is it affecting if it plays out?" * "We have so much agency of our own lives. And it's hard for me... but because of the way that I built Backstage and because of the things I've been through, I know firsthand how much of our own power we have." Resources * Arlan Hamilton's Book: "Your First Million" * Arlan Hamilton’s Podcast: "Your First Million" * Event Mention: Your First Million Live in LA, April 9-12 yourfirstmillionlive.com Arlan Hamilton's journey is a testament to the boundless potential within each entrepreneur, serving as a beacon for those striving to carve their own paths in business and beyond. Don't miss out on the full breadth of wisdom shared in this episode—listen now and be part of the conversation that's shaping the future of innovation and inclusivity. Get full access to Technically Speaking at www.technicallyspeakinghw.com/subscribe