The Journey of an Entrepreneur: Resilience, Community, and Making a Difference
You can listen to this episode on the Technically Speaking website or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.
In this episode of the Technically Speaking Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Stephen Green, a successful entrepreneur, investor, and CEO based in Portland, Oregon. Stephen is the founder of Pitch Black, a Shark Tank-like event that supports black entrepreneurs, and the CEO of A Kids Book About, a company that empowers adults to have tough conversations with children through books. Throughout our conversation, Stephen shared his insights on the journey of an entrepreneur, the importance of community, and the power of solving problems. Let’s dive into the key themes that emerged from our discussion.
The Power of Community and Relationships
Stephen’s upbringing in a diverse family and his experiences growing up in Portland shaped his perspective on the importance of community and relationships. He emphasized the value of connecting with others and building a network of support:
“I’m a guy that knows a guy that knows a gal that knows a person. That’s a thing. I think that’s a problem. I love bringing the homies together and doing things in community. Life’s really about spending it with other people.”
Stephen’s ability to connect people and foster a sense of community has been instrumental in his work with Pitch Black. By creating a platform for black entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and connect with investors, Stephen has helped these founders gain visibility and access to resources they may not have otherwise had.
The Accessibility of Entrepreneurship
One of the key takeaways from our conversation was the accessibility of entrepreneurship in today’s digital age. Stephen highlighted how the tools and resources available now make it easier than ever to start a business:
“Now is easily the cheapest, quickest time to ever start a business. If you and I wanted to start a business, we could start a business, literally right now. We could have a website up in no time, and it would cost us less than $400.”
He emphasized the importance of taking the leap and giving oneself permission to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors:
“I wish I would have started earlier. I think for so many of us, we wait for permission to do certain things, and for folks that look like us, we never get that permission. Give yourself permission today. Start that business.”
Stephen’s advice resonates with aspiring entrepreneurs who may be hesitant to take the first step. By highlighting the accessibility and potential for success, he encourages individuals to pursue their passions and turn their ideas into reality.
The Fundamentals of Running a Successful Business
Throughout our conversation, Stephen emphasized the importance of solving a problem and understanding one’s target market. He stressed the need for founders to focus on the fundamentals of running a successful business:
“I always tell people, solve a problem. What problem do you want to solve? If you know the problem you’re willing to solve, you’ll not only be the CEO, but you’ll also be the janitor.”
Stephen’s advice highlights the importance of staying grounded and being willing to do whatever it takes to make a business successful. He also emphasized the significance of defining a clear vision, mission, and values for the company:
“Your vision is that horizon that you’ll never get to. Your mission is the path that you go along, and your values are the human decisions that are done along the way.”
By staying true to their vision, mission, and values, entrepreneurs can navigate the challenges and decisions that arise on their journey.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
Stephen Green’s journey as an entrepreneur is a testament to the power of resilience, community, and making a difference. Through his work with Pitch Black and Kids Book About, he has created platforms that empower underrepresented entrepreneurs and facilitate important conversations with children. His insights on the accessibility of entrepreneurship, the importance of community, and the fundamentals of running a successful business provide valuable guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs.
As we look to the future, it is clear that the landscape of entrepreneurship is evolving. The digital age has opened up new opportunities and made it easier than ever to start a business. However, it is essential for founders to stay grounded, solve real problems, and build strong relationships within their communities. By doing so, they can create meaningful impact and pave the way for future generations of entrepreneurs.
In conclusion, Stephen Green’s journey serves as an inspiration for all aspiring entrepreneurs. By embracing the power of community, staying true to their values, and solving real problems, entrepreneurs can make a lasting impact and create a better future for themselves and their communities. So, what are you waiting for? Give yourself permission to start that business and embark on your own entrepreneurial journey today.
You can listen to this episode on the Technically Speaking website or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.
