Founded On Purpose

Can we change the world by changing how we consume media? Ashwath Narayanan, co-founder and CEO of Social Currant, thinks so. In this episode, he discusses how purpose-led organizations can further their impact by embracing and investing in the rapidly evolving creator and media landscape. Episode Summary Ashwath Narayanan joins host Kt McBratney to talk about his work in the evolving media landscape and how investing in people (creators) rather than platforms (TikTok, Instagram, etc) is a winning strategy for change. He shares the challenges faced by nonprofits in adopting new strategies, and the significance of creativity in impact storytelling. They also touch on the complexities of content strategies and tactics, and the realities of being a content creator. Ashwath shares insights on learning from mistakes, trusting one's instincts as a founder, and the significance of building infrastructure to support the impact ecosystem.Key Themes:Media consumption is a key factor in changing societal behaviors.Investing in people is crucial for the impact space and leads to more authentic storytelling.Nonprofits are beginning to recognize the value of content creators.Building capacity within organizations is crucial for success. Building infrastructure is key to supporting impact organizations.The disconnect between decision-makers and media consumers is significant.Finding joy in work is essential for sustaining energy. Rest and recovery is essential for sustainable work.Trusting your instincts is vital as a founder.Sound Bites"Consumption is how we change the world.""Invest in people, not platforms.""It's all about connecting with people.""Long form never died.""You can't do everything all the time.""Being a content creator is a real job.""The algorithm doesn't listen to you."Links & ResourcesLearn more about Social CurrantConnect with Ashwath and Kt on LinkedIn Read and subscribe to Keeping it Currant, the newsletter sharing insights on how to navigate the intersection of the creator economy and the political and social impact space.Building and/or investing with purpose? Sign the Pledge! Subscribe to Founded on Purpose

What does it take to build a supportive community for women and nonbinary people in male-dominant fields? In this episode, Old Girls Club founder Mallory Contois and host Kt McBratney delve into the unexpected parallels between relationships and business success. Mallory shares her take of the roles of support networks, partners, and friendships in achieving professional goals. Can who you choose as a partner impact your entrepreneurial journey? How important is context when it comes to who's giving you advice?In this conversation, Mallory discusses her evolving purpose centered around lifting others, her recent wins in treating her passion project as a business, and the importance of community and human connection. She reflects on missed opportunities in her field, shares insights on learning from mistakes, and digs into why surrounding yourself with the right people matters. This conversation is packed with personal stories and reflections that highlight the interplay between personal growth, community building, and professional development.Key Themes & TakeawaysThe Power of Supportive RelationshipsMallory reflects on the importance of choosing the right life partner and community, explaining how the people you keep close can influence your mindset, motivation, and career trajectory.Advice vs. InputMallory explains her approach to advice—viewing it more as "input" or "perspective." She emphasizes the value of contextualizing others' feedback within her own goals and experiences.Balancing Play and RestWhether spending time with her fiancé in New York or retreating to her parents' home in Connecticut, Mallory believes in balancing play with moments of quiet solitude.Being Open to Growth and ChangeHer journey from COO to founder, product roles to community leader, shows a willingness to take risks, reframe personal limits, and stay open to life’s unexpected directions.Resources & LinksLearn more about Old Girls Club, a community for women and non-binary people in male-dominated fieldsConnect with Mallory Contois on LinkedIn and her personal websiteConnect with Kt and Renew VC on LinkedInBuilding and/or investing with purpose? Sign the Purpose Pledge! Subscribe to Founded on Purpose

What if peak performance isn’t about doing more but being more? Jason Cavnar unpacks how founders can harness mental health practices to drive innovation, foster resilience, and redefine what it means to lead sustainably in high-pressure environments.Episode SummaryIn this candid and deeply personal conversation, Jason Cavnar, executive director of the Founder Mental Health Pledge, discusses how founders can transform their mental health from an afterthought to a cornerstone of their success. Drawing from his own journey as well as well-documented systemic challenges in the startup ecosystem, Jason highlights why proactive mental health practices are essential for sustaining high performance in entrepreneurship.The episode explores the interplay between mental well-being and peak leadership, why founders often feel trapped in survival mode, and how small daily rituals can lead to big changes. Jason shares stories about reimagining leadership through consciousness, embracing vulnerability, and using tools like travel and play to foster creativity and innovation. I Whether you’re a founder, an investor, or simply interested in building better systems, this episode offers actionable wisdom and a call to join the movement.Key ThemesShifting from a break-fix model to proactive mental health practices.How wellbeing and performance are deeply interconnected.The Founder Mental Health Pledge: what it is and how it’s making a difference.Reframing "wrongness" in leadership as an opportunity for growth.The power of play, travel, and consciousness in sustainable entrepreneurship.Links & ResourcesLearn more about the Founder Mental Health PledgeConnect with Jason Cavnar on X (Twitter), LinkedIn, InstagramConnect with Kt on LinkedIn and BlueskyLearn more about the IntegratronExplore the work of Renew VCSign the Purpose PledgeSubscribe to Founded on Purpose

How can media be a vehicle for change in our noisy, fragmented world? Julian Walker, CEO of PushBlack, joins host Kt McBratney to discuss building a platform that reaches millions in the Black community with powerful stories, history, and a call to action. Hear about his journey, challenges, and insights into impact entrepreneurship as he shares what it takes to build and grow a purpose-driven media platform and the pivotal role of community engagement.Julian Walker explores the evolution of PushBlack, a media platform dedicated to Black news, history, and issues. He shares how PushBlack has successfully tapped into the power of storytelling to build a connected, engaged community and drive social impact including voter registration and turnout. Julian also digs into the influence growing up in Little Rock has on him to this day, his journey from film school to leading PushBlack, and his broader vision for changing the narrative and amplifying Black voices for liberation. Key Themes & Takeaways Building a Media Platform for Social Impact: Julian shares how PushBlack's focus on Black history, news, and awareness has fostered a dedicated following and supported its goal of social change.The Role of Storytelling in Community Building: PushBlack leverages stories to educate, inform, and inspire, creating a deeply engaged audience in the process.Challenges in Media Entrepreneurship:** From funding hurdles to content challenges, Julian offers insights into what it takes to sustain and grow a purpose-driven media platform.The Power of Community: Julian talks about how PushBlack has cultivated a strong sense of community, mobilizing millions for advocacy and positive change.Links & ResourcesLearn more about PushBlack's work at PushBlack.orgInteract with stories and podcasts centering Black history and experiences Connect with Julian on LinkedInConnect with Kt on LinkedIn and follow Renew VCJoin our Community of Purpose

How do you mix centuries-old garments with modern business strategies? Fashion Conservatory’s Melinda Villareal takes us inside the vintage fashion world as she discusses her journey from passionate vintage clothing seller to building a growing retail platform that marries history with the future of fashion. Episode Summary: In this episode, Melinda Villareal (CEO of Fashion Conservatory) dives deep into the vintage fashion world, sharing insights into the preservation versus personalization debate within the vintage community and the biggest missed opportunity in her industry.Melinda also discusses the challenges of being taken seriously in both the fashion and startup worlds, how her team keeps vintage clothing alive for future generations, and the excitement she finds in restoring garments to their former glory. Whether you're a fashion enthusiast or curious about the business side of vintage fashion, this episode is packed with insights, history, and inspiration.Key Moments:[00:04:30] Melinda's journey from a vintage enthusiast to CEO, and her mission to preserve history through fashion.[00:13:00] Exploring the tension between altering vintage garments and maintaining historical integrity.[00:22:00] Melinda's "hill to die on" about preserving vintage pieces and how her work ensures future generations can experience these unique garments.[00:27:00] How vintage fashion, often seen as "women's work," is undervalued in the business world and the challenges of running a vintage business in the startup ecosystem.[00:34:00] The opportunity Melinda sees in uniting fragmented vintage sellers and creating a stronger marketplace for one-of-a-kind pieces.[00:36:30] The joy and play Melinda finds in her work, from sourcing vintage clothes to overseeing garment restoration.[00:39:00] How to get started with vintage fashion and explore the vast archives on Fashion Conservatory’s website.Top Quotes:"There aren't making 1950s dresses anymore. We need to preserve what we have." "Play for me is unpacking boxes, washing something filthy, and seeing it get clean again." "Fashion Conservatory is about preserving not just the glamorous pieces, but also the everyday wear that tells the story of people from the past." – "The problem is the opportunity. And the problem of fragmentation in vintage fashion is exactly what we're solving." Links & ResourcesConnect with Melinda on LinkedIn Visit Fashion Conservatory to explore vintage fashion. Learn about fashion history in the Label Archive and their blog. Follow Fashion Conservatory on Instagram and TikTok.Connect with Kt on LinkedInLearn more about Renew VCSign the Purpose PledgeSubscribe to Founded on Purpose

What does it take to be driven by purpose while tackling some of society’s most complex challenges? In this episode, Devin Thorpe, impact investor, author, and host of Superpowers for Good, shares how persistence, optimism, and a strong belief in collective action have shaped his career and mindset. Devin’s reflections will inspire you to embrace hard challenges and see your own potential to create meaningful change.Episode Summary:In this engaging conversation, host Kt McBratney sits down with Devin Thorpe, a champion of social impact, crowdfunding expert and creator of Superpowers for Good. They explore the powerful role persistence and optimism play in making an impact, even when the road seems tough. Devin reflects on key moments in his life, from his early career lessons to his personal experiences raising a son who embodies the belief that we can do hard things. He also discusses the barriers to making social change, lessons learned from mistakes, and the critical importance of play and balance in a purpose-driven life.Whether you’re an entrepreneur, an advocate, or someone looking to make a difference in the world, Devin’s insights will leave you inspired to face challenges with confidence, knowing that together we can accomplish the impossible.Key Takeaways:The Power of Persistence: Devin emphasizes that persistence is his superpower, a trait that's crucial when tackling long-term goals like addressing climate change. Success, he explains, requires ongoing effort, even in the face of mistakes and challenges.We Can Do Hard Things: Drawing from personal stories, including his son’s decision to pursue a PhD in physics and Rotary International’s efforts to eradicate polio, Devin passionately argues that both individuals and society can achieve incredibly difficult goals if they commit to the challenge.Optimism in the Face of Global Problems: While acknowledging the complexity of issues like poverty and climate change, Devin remains optimistic. He believes that with enough collective effort and innovative thinking, society can rise to the challenge and make a difference in even the most daunting areas.Crowdfunding with Purpose: Devin shares his insights on crowdfunding, including the mindset shift needed when asking for money — it's not about weakness, but rather offering people an opportunity to be part of something bigger.The Importance of Play and Rest: Despite focusing much of his energy on solving major global issues, Devin admits the need for balance. He reflects on how appreciating nature and moments of joy — like watching wildlife near his home — help him maintain perspective and stay grounded.Lessons from Failure: In his honest and humorous way, Devin talks about making mistakes, especially when it comes to his weekly investment picks in his newsletter. He openly shares how embracing failure has helped him grow and learn over the years.Themes:Persistence and overcoming barriersThe intersection of social impact and entrepreneurshipCollective action and optimism in solving global issuesBalancing hard work with play and restThe evolving role of crowdfunding in the impact spaceLinks & Resources:Superpowers for Good NewsletterSuperpowers for Good podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcastsLearn more about impact crowdfunding, including regular events from The Super CrowdBooks by Devin ThorpeLearn more about Renew VCSign the Purpose PledgeSubscribe to Founded on PurposeWant more?If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe to Founded on Purpose for more inspiring conversations with change-makers like Devin. Leave us a review and share the episode with someone who could use a dose of optimism and practical advice for tackling big challenges.

Sometimes pushing the limits means climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, and sometimes it means making the fertility journey more proactive and inclusive. Today's guest can attest to both. Kt sits down with Jessica Bell van der Wal, co-founder and CEO of Frame Fertility, to talk about her purpose-driven path to help people navigate family planning with confidence and care. She shares her insights on as proactive care, embracing mistakes as a founder, and how taking care of others is one successful path to raise millions, represent women in leadership to the next generation, and live a life full of purpose and adventure.Key Takeaways:Purpose at the Core: Jessica shares how her purpose of taking care of others is deeply tied to her work in healthcare, where she finds meaning by supporting others through complex systems. She reflects on her background in public health and how her early experiences shaped her career focus on mission-driven organizations.Proactive Care in Fertility: Jessica highlights Frame Fertility’s unique approach of focusing on early identification of fertility risks. She emphasizes the need for fertility screening at routine health checkups, not just when individuals are actively trying to conceive, and discusses how Frame is building a new standard for proactive fertility care for both men and women.Personal Wins: Jessica reflects on a special moment when her daughter watched her speak on stage, a moment that brought together her roles as both a mother and a business leader. She shares how important it is to her that her daughter grows up seeing women in leadership roles, especially in spaces where they can make meaningful change.Entrepreneurial Lessons: As a founder, Jessica talks about the inevitability of making mistakes and how embracing those mistakes creates a culture of transparency and learning. She believes that the ability to pivot and adjust quickly is key to success in entrepreneurship.Links & Resources:Learn more about Frame Fertility and its personalized approach to fertility care.Follow Jessica Bell van der Wal on LinkedIn.Discover the VC Backed Moms community.Learn more about Renew Venture Capital. Sign the Purpose Pledge.Quotes from the Episode:“At my core, my purpose is to take care of others. I feel most at home when I’m aligned with that mission.”“We should be screening for fertility-related risk factors much earlier, so people aren’t reacting to challenges after the fact.”“The best thing you can do as a founder is to encourage openness about mistakes — because they will happen. It’s all about how you learn and move forward.”

How do you sift through the noise of advice, embrace the messiness of life, and find success on your terms? Startup and venture capital veteran Anastasia Simon shares her framework for evaluating advice, how she’s redefining success in her life and, perhaps most importantly, her stance on Drake vs. Kendrick. Episode Summary:In this episode, we dive deep with Anastasia Simon, a force in the venture capital space, about her refreshing perspective on mental health, play, and what success really means. Anastasia candidly shares how she navigates the complexities of taking advice, embracing challenges, and learning to play again in a world that often prioritizes productivity over well-being. She reveals her strategies for maintaining mental health in a demanding industry, the importance of intergenerational relationships, and why it's crucial to discern which advice to take and which to leave behind. Whether you’re a founder, creative, or just someone trying to make sense of the noise, this episode is packed with wisdom on how to rethink success and find joy in the process.Key Themes:Navigating Advice: How to determine what advice to take and what to leave.Mental Health & Self-Care: Strategies for maintaining well-being in a high-pressure environment.Rethinking Success: Challenging conventional ideas of success and finding your own path.Relearning Play: The importance of play and imagination in adult life.Intergenerational Wisdom: The value of learning from both younger and older generations.Being Right & Wrong: The importance of introspection and humility in decision-making.