The Angel Next Door

What does it really take to turn your vision into reality as an entrepreneur—and how do our early experiences shape the leaders we become? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, Marcia Dawood sits down with the dynamic Syama Bunten, whose journey from a driven, creative child writing letters to the White House to a powerhouse in the world of retail and brand consulting is nothing short of inspiring. The episode dives deep into how ambition, creativity, and a determination to improve one’s circumstances can fuel an extraordinary career. Syama brings a wealth of experience to the conversation. She shares her evolution from retail buying at Macy’s to launching her own consultancy, Scaling Retail, where she empowered emerging brands to succeed in a rapidly changing marketplace. She also provides insight into her more recent work as co-founder of Wealth Catalyst, a movement and community dedicated to helping women—and people at large—claim agency over their financial lives. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about entrepreneurship, wealth-building, or changing the narrative around who can lead and invest. Marcia and Syama discuss the real stories behind building businesses, the importance of agency and vision, and why normalizing conversations about money (especially among women) is critical for collective growth. With powerful anecdotes, actionable insights, and a preview of game-changing initiatives like the Wealth Catalyst Freedom Tour, this episode is both inspiring and practical, offering listeners a front-row seat to the next evolution in personal wealth and leadership.

What does it take for an entrepreneur to recognize—and embrace—a groundbreaking technological innovation, especially when skepticism is the initial reaction? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, host Marcia Dawood explores this very question with special guest Anthony Scaramucci, diving deep into the evolution of trust, disruption, and adoption in the world of digital assets. Anthony Scaramucci, a renowned financier and author, candidly shares his decade-long journey from Bitcoin skeptic to blockchain advocate. Known for his roles in finance and politics, he details his transformation, inspired by his persistent curiosity and the pivotal influence of friends such as Michael Saylor. As the founder of Skybridge Capital and the author of The Little Book of Bitcoin and his latest book, Solana Rising, Anthony Scaramucci offers a unique perspective on making complex ideas accessible to mainstream investors. This episode covers the fundamentals of Bitcoin and blockchain, why cryptocurrency may be the “perfect money,” and how legacy institutions are slowly but surely embracing this technology—even as old systems resist change. Listeners will gain insight into the mechanics behind crypto, its potential to revolutionize everyday transactions, and the challenges that remain. If you’re wondering how digital currency fits into the future of entrepreneurship or curious about how big banks and regulators are shifting their stance, this conversation is an absolute must-listen.

What does it take to turn personal adversity into a transformative entrepreneurial vision? On this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, Marcia Dawood sits down with Kristin Thomas, founder of the Marble Collective, to explore the intersection of personal legacy, financial empowerment, and the urgency of creating spaces for women leaders to shine. This conversation sparks essential questions about how our life experiences shape the opportunities we pursue—and the lasting impact we hope to leave. Kristin Thomas brings a remarkable mix of personal resilience and professional drive to the table. With a background in psychology, real estate investing, and brokerage, her journey is deeply rooted in learning, adapting, and overcoming setbacks—including profound financial loss early in her life. These formative moments ultimately inspired her to launch Marble Collective, an AI-powered platform designed to capture, amplify, and preserve the digital legacy of women leaders, making their wisdom and achievements accessible to future generations. In this inspiring episode, listeners are invited behind the scenes of Marble Collective's mission to unlock and scale the influence of women role models, redefine digital legacy, and disrupt traditional social platforms. Kristin Thomas reveals how Marble stands apart from networks like LinkedIn, automating the creation of rich media portfolios and personalized learning experiences that foster authentic dialogue, not just self-promotion. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about empowering women, building lasting community, and leveraging technology to amplify voices that have historically been marginalized. If you believe in the power of legacy and innovation, you won't want to miss this conversation.

In this special episode, we revisit the most compelling themes and insights from the first half of the year on the Angel Next Door podcast. From innovative approaches to investing and the growing influence of donor-advised funds, to authentic conversations about money mindset and the realities of entrepreneurial resilience, this wrap-up highlights the ideas and lessons that set the tone for 2025. We also reflect on the value of education, community, and adaptability in both business and personal growth. Tune in to get high-level takeaways and prepare for Part 2, where we’ll spotlight standout stories and moments from the back half of the year! Highlights: The evolution of impact investing and philanthropic capital How money conversations and mindset shape our decisions Resilience and adaptability in entrepreneurship Macro trends in innovation and investing The importance of education and supportive communities Stay tuned for Part 2, featuring more stories and actionable lessons to carry into the year ahead!

What happens when entrepreneurial success results in a web of investments, assets, and stories that grew too complex for any one person to manage? This episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast dives into the often-overlooked challenges of building and preserving a family legacy while maintaining clarity and order for generations to come. Our guest, Josh Kanter, brings firsthand experience from growing up as the son of a legendary tax lawyer and later managing his family’s highly intricate financial affairs. His journey through the legal, venture, and family office worlds inspired him to create Leaf Planner—a tool designed to help families and entrepreneurs untangle their personal and financial complexities. Listeners will gain a high-level playbook for managing investments, capturing important family stories, and laying the groundwork for true multi-generational success. Josh Kanter and Marcia Dawood offer practical steps and compelling anecdotes, making this a must-listen for anyone looking to streamline their legacy and protect what really matters.

What does true gratitude look like for entrepreneurs riding the highs and lows of building something new? In this Thanksgiving episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, Marcia Dawood prompts listeners to rethink gratitude—not just as a holiday tradition, but as a daily practice that fuels resilience and community in business. The episode spotlights insights from former guests: Nicola Corzine on the courage of founders and what makes entrepreneurial ecosystems thrive, Melissa Houston on embracing financial success, Dillon Baxter on navigating high-stakes challenges, and Kelly Ann Winget on breaking barriers in the investing world. Each story reveals how appreciation for both wins and setbacks can power growth and innovation. This is a must-listen as Marcia Dawood celebrates the 150th episode with a heartfelt gratitude exercise, reminding us to value not only big achievements but also small acts of support that keep us going. It’s an inspiring listen for anyone pursuing their business dreams with purpose and heart.