080: Build Back Stronger | Michael K Jackson The Value With Kevin Valley podcast

1:28:49

Join host Kevin Valley as he dives into the remarkable entrepreneurial journey of Jay Jackson, an award-winning entrepreneur and author. Jay shares his evolution from corporate life to owning a real estate company and establishing RYSE Creative Village, a nurturing hub for creators in music, film, and gaming. Discover his passion for community development and empowering artists, the importance of faith, curiosity, and mentorship, and his vision to bridge the gap between creators and major platforms like Netflix. Tune in for motivational insights, practical advice, and Jay's exciting plans for national expansion of RYSE Creative Village and their empowering efforts through crowdfunding. 00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey 00:51 Welcome to the Podcast 01:06 Introducing Jay Jackson 02:26 Jay Jackson's Philosophy on Dreams and Passion 03:58 Jay Jackson's Early Career and Entrepreneurial Seed 04:27 The Turning Point: Delivery Job Experience 12:41 Venturing into Real Estate 17:42 Navigating the 2008 Financial Crisis 20:36 From Real Estate to Salon Ownership 24:14 The Power of Curiosity and Execution 27:56 Leadership and Team Building 32:01 Cubicle to CEO: The Book 42:19 Rise Magazine and Community Impact 44:32 Launching on a National Scale 45:08 Relocating to Atlanta 46:27 Final Event in Orlando 52:04 Building RYSE Creative Village 59:28 Acquiring the School Property 01:06:22 Curating Creativity and Business Savvy 01:13:25 Funding and Crowdfunding Campaign 01:20:33 Long-term Vision and Challenges 01:26:24 Final Thoughts and Advice…

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103: 28 Dollars and a Dream | Dareem Jeffrey 1:01:06

31 weeks fa1:01:06

1:01:06

In this episode of The Value , Kevin Valley interviews Dareem Jeffrey, the entrepreneur behind EcoWash—a car wash business that uses just two litres of water per vehicle. Dareem discusses his journey from growing up in Trinidad to building a global business, overcoming significant challenges, and empowering youth through innovative business models. Listen in to learn about his unique approach to franchising, the importance of resilience, and the strategies that have driven EcoWash's expansion across multiple countries. Watch this episode on YouTube…

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102: WiPay's Global Expansion | Aldwyn Wayne 1:19:52

32 weeks fa1:19:52

1:19:52

Join us for an insightful episode of 'The Value' hosted by Kevin Valley, featuring Aldwyn Wayne, CEO and founder of WiPay Caribbean. Aldwyn shares WiPay's journey from its 2016 inception to its expansion across the Caribbean, West Africa, South America, and the U.S. Discover innovative solutions like Colour Bank and WeFets, and learn how WiPay navigated pandemic challenges and regulatory hurdles. Aldwyn emphasizes the importance of customer feedback, flexible product offerings, and viable execution in startups. Get valuable insights on the FinTech landscape, entrepreneurship, and investment opportunities in the Caribbean. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Discover Check and Payment Processing 00:59 Welcome to the Podcast 02:42 WiPay's Journey and Achievements 04:26 Expansion and Innovations 06:29 Impact of the Pandemic on Business 11:16 Challenges and Strategies in FinTech 21:15 Entering New Markets: Columbia and Ghana 41:58 Building Business Ecosystems 44:27 Acquisitions and Strategic Moves 44:56 Travel Company Acquisition 47:21 Microfinance Company Acquisition 48:53 Valuing Acquisitions 52:55 Understanding Market Needs 59:15 Grenada Bacchanal Explained 01:03:38 Future of Caribbean Fintech 01:13:47 Web3 and Digital Payments 01:16:11 Final Thoughts and Advice Links: WiPay website WiTravel Watch this episode on YouTube…

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101: From Island Boy to Fintech Visionary - The Journey of a Bahamian Olympian | Nicholas Rees 1:04:32

39 weeks fa1:04:32

1:04:32

In this episode, we are with Nicholas Rees; a digital payment specialist, chartered accountant, private equity investor, and two-time Olympian from the Bahamas. Nicholas discusses his PPP business model - People, Planet, Profit - and his multifaceted career journey from an Olympic swimmer to founding several businesses, including his successful digital payments platform, Kanoo. He elaborates on his family's storied history, educational background, and extensive entrepreneurial ventures, such as his innovative water company, Everfresh. Nicholas also provides insight into Kanoo's operations, its role in the Bahamian digital currency ecosystem, digital financial inclusion efforts, and strategic acquisitions, including the recent acquisition of Trinidad-based fintech, LUHU. He emphasizes the importance of technology investment in the Caribbean and shares valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the region. Chapters: 02:50 Nicholas Rees' Early Life and Family Legacy 06:31 From Swimming to Business: The Transition 08:28 The Struggles and Triumphs of Starting a Business 10:48 The Water Business: A Social Impact Story 16:05 Educational Pursuits and Career Milestones 24:57 The Birth and Growth of Kanoo 29:21 Kanoo's Vision and Future Plans 31:13 Empowering Businesses with Digital Tools 34:05 The Sand Dollar: Bahamas' Digital Currency 36:57 Challenges and Innovations in Digital Payments 40:03 Financial Inclusion in Remote Areas 45:05 Kanoo's Strategic Acquisitions and Partnerships 57:18 Investment Opportunities in Caribbean Tech 01:01:37 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 01:03:53 Conclusion and Farewell…

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100: Crowdfunding: Building Community Wealth with Bill Huston 1:16:39

41 weeks fa1:16:39

1:16:39

In this episode, Kevin Valley engages with Bill Huston, a leading expert in the field of investment crowdfunding and recognized by Inc. magazine as one of the top 19 global crowdfunding professionals. Together, they explore the various forms of crowdfunding—donation, rewards, and investment—and discuss their unique advantages, particularly for underserved communities. Bill sheds light on his journey from Cincinnati to becoming a prominent figure in the crowdfunding industry, emphasizing the significance of community, mentorship, and access to capital. The discussion also highlights the need for increased awareness and education about crowdfunding among government bodies and financiers. Bill outlines strategies to use crowdfunding as a demonstration of due diligence and the role of robust business plans. He acknowledges regional advancements, particularly in the Caribbean, and predicts a future with more opportunities for non-accredited investors through community-driven models. Throughout the episode, Bill underscores that while not everyone may become an entrepreneur, everyone has the potential to be an investor . Key Takeaways: Investment crowdfunding goes beyond financial returns by contributing to community wealth-building. The 'crowdfit' strategy is effective in helping small businesses hit their initial funding targets by engaging closely with their primary and secondary networks. There is a big opportunity for crowdfunding in international markets, although regulatory challenges need to be addressed. Crowdfunding has the potential to democratize access to investment opportunities, making it crucial for economic growth and community development. Resources Mentioned: Fund Black Founders Kickstarter Indiegogo WeFunder Raiseway Crowdfund Better 10K Project Chapters: 02:41 Bill Huston's Early Life and Career 07:50 Entrepreneurial Journey Begins 14:14 Crowdfunding Ventures and Challenges 21:15 The Power of Community Capital 31:07 Rewards vs. Investment Crowdfunding 39:22 The Power of Crowdfunding 40:54 Understanding SAFE Agreements 43:12 Challenges in Crowdfunding 43:19 The Role of Raiseway 44:31 Crowdfunding Statistics 45:15 The Importance of Community Support 46:03 Crowdfunding Education and Engagement 51:19 Crowdfit Investment Strategy 55:35 Ideal Products for Crowdfunding 01:01:25 Crowdfunding in the Caribbean 01:11:06 Future of Crowdfunding 01:15:00 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Subscribe to The Value: Visit https://thevalue.show/subscribe to subscribe. You can also find us on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.…

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099: Mastering Public Speaking and Startup Pitches with Will Greenblatt 1:12:38

43 weeks fa1:12:38

1:12:38

In this episode, we converse with Will Greenblatt, an acclaimed author and public speaking coach who has aided founders in raising over $350 million. The discussion tackles the ever-present issue of stage fright and offers strategies to manage it effectively. Greenblatt shares his upbringing rooted in acting, his experiences as a child star, and overcoming various life challenges that shaped his approach to public speaking and entrepreneurship. Emphasizing the importance of founder market fit and personal connection to business problems, Greenblatt provides insights into what investors look for, such as credibility and effective communication. He underscores the emotional aspects of pitching and stresses authenticity and passion in delivering compelling pitches. The episode is filled with actionable advice on improving public speaking skills, building strong investor relationships, and mastering the art of compelling business pitches. Chapters: 00:00 Overcoming Stage Fright 00:37 Introduction to the Podcast 01:00 Meet Will Greenblatt 02:06 Will's Acting Journey 02:57 Family Legacy and Early Acting Career 06:40 Challenges of Child Acting 14:58 Coping with Grief and Mental Health 30:30 Therapy and Personal Growth 37:17 The Fear of Public Speaking 38:19 Understanding Anxiety and Its Lies 39:58 Personal Experiences with Stage Fright 43:37 Overcoming Stage Fright: Practical Tips 55:18 The Five Acts Framework for Public Speaking 01:02:52 The Importance of Emotional Connection in Pitching 01:10:20 Final Thoughts and Encouragement References Watch this interview on YouTube Transform Your Speaking Skills: Gain Confidence, Captivate Audiences and Advance Your Career by Will Greenblatt For more of Will LinkedIn: Will Greenblatt YouTube: Your Public Speaking Coach…

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098: Achieving High Performance and Leadership as an Entrepreneur | Dr. Shelly-Ann Gajadhar 1:13:58

45 weeks fa1:13:58

1:13:58

This episode features educator and high-performance coach Dr. Shelly-Ann Gajadhar. Dr. Shelly is the founder and Mentor of a women’s mentorship online community of 200+ women called the Go Bravely Mentorship Community and the Author of a daily inspirational book for women entitled Go Bravely: Building Confidence Daily. Having shifted careers from law to business and academia, she blends academic principles with effective management and mindful leadership, delivering rapid results. In this episode, Dr. Shelly talks about her PhD journey and challenges as a black woman pursuing a PhD. in the UK. She imparts her insights on performance management, a crucial skill for entrepreneurs seeking to excel in their endeavours. Moreover, she also dropped a lot of tips on various topics spanning brand identity, task management, and product launches. Get ready to delve into a wealth of knowledge in this episode as we kickstart our journey toward high performance together. Highlights: 00:00 Unlocking Self-Leadership and High Performance 00:57 Podcast Introduction: High-Performing Entrepreneurs 02:32 Journey of Transformation: From Law to Leadership 04:48 Navigating Challenges as a Caribbean Academic in the UK 07:05 Activism and Advocacy: Championing Diversity in Academia 19:25 The Genesis of 'Go Bravely': Turning Mantra into Movement 23:20 Mentorship and Building a Community of Empowered Women 33:02 High Performance Coaching: Legacy, Vision, and Systems 39:04 The Power of Staying in Your Lane 39:45 The Impact of Focusing on Your Audience 40:22 Leveraging Influence Over Imitation 40:51 Redefining Success Through Discipline and Inspiration 41:26 Task Management vs. Time Management: A New Approach 45:16 Planning Your Week for Maximum Productivity 51:48 The Magic of Writing Things Down 56:02 Strategies for Successful Product Launches 01:04:39 From Message to Movement: Upcoming Leadership Bootcamp 01:04:51 Vision and Growth: The Future of Alphastute 01:09:38 Innovative Ideas and Personal Projects 01:12:17 Final Thoughts: The Dream Chose You References: Episode Video Go Bravely - Londrelle, Shelly-Ann Gajadhar | Spotify Energy Focussed Weekly Planner Go Bravely Mentorship Community Go Bravely: Building Confidence Daily by Dr Shelly-Ann Gajadhar For More of Dr. Shelly: Website: www.alphastute.com YouTube: Dr. Shelly-Ann Gajadhar…

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097: Investment Insights from The Bahamas | Nicholas Higgs 1:21:27

47 weeks fa1:21:27

1:21:27

In this episode, we are with the Managing Director of The Bahamas Development Bank (BDB), Nicholas Higgs. Nicholas was also the Director and Chief Operating Officer for the Access Accelerator Small Business Development Center (SBDC), where he led the business development department. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with deep expertise in development finance, research, and capital raising. Here we delve into investing and raising funds in the Bahamas. Nicholas discusses his journey as a managing director, sharing insights gained along the way. He also emphasizes the importance of networking, tenacity, and expanding one’s horizons. Join us as we look deeper into the Bahamian economy and explore its investment opportunities. Highlights: [02:08] Taking on the role of Managing Director at the age of 31 [05:27] The value of networking and controlling your narrative [12:36] Overcoming fears and getting out of the box [19:00] The power of tenacity [24:43] The art of valuation [29:23] Nicholas’ insights on raising funds and securing deals [36:07] The Bahamian economy during the COVID-19 Pandemic [40:43] The Bahamas Development Bank and its rebranding [43:05] The Sleeping Giant: Bahamas’ Potential and Opportunities [48:11] Investing and raising capital in the Bahamas [51:38] Crowdfunding in the Caribbean [53:45] The BDB’s vision and goals [59:22] BDB’s fund allocation [01:00:39] How do you present your business for financing [01:05:19] Common misconceptions about investing in the Caribbean [01:10:57] Nicholas’ upcoming podcast: Mastering Finance Resources Episode Video Mastering Finance: The Podcast…

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096: Digital Payment Apps in Trinidad and Tobago | Keron Rose 1:54:54

2 years fa1:54:54

1:54:54

In this technologically advanced world, everything is getting digitalized. For any business to keep up, it has to learn how to efficiently incorporate technology into its processes. In this episode, digital marketing and e-commerce specialist Keron Rose sits with us as we delve into the world of digital marketing and e-commerce. Keron is also a writer and a podcast host, and his platforms aim to educate Caribbean entrepreneurs about the technology they need to start a business. Here, Keron discusses the different digital payment platforms available in the Caribbean and the value proposition they offer. He emphasizes the importance of considering the pros and cons of the various digital payment facilitators and choosing the most suitable for your business. Highlights: Keron’s journey to digital marketing and e-commerce Exploring the different payment platforms and knowing what suits you Digital tools and strategies to enhance your online presence Utilizing digital tools to build your brand: success stories Challenges in adopting digital payment solutions Understanding how various digital payments work Looking into the value proposition of different payment facilitators Republic Bank’s Endcash digital wallet Weighing payment solutions and consumer behaviour Digital payments: A look into the future The importance of legal conversations on fintech Resources: Episode Video Digipreneur FM Keron Rose Website…

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095: The Rise of Veekle: Jamaica's Latest Peer-to-Peer Car Rental Platform | Cherie Williams 1:16:14

2 years fa1:16:14

1:16:14

In this episode, we are with Cherie Williams, a Jamaican entrepreneur living in the United States, who has identified a billion-dollar market opportunity in the Caribbean car rental industry through her startup, Veekle. Williams shares her inspiring journey from growing up in Kingston, Jamaica, to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the US while balancing being a mother of four. She discusses the challenges and milestones of launching Veekle, a peer-to-peer car rental platform aimed at revolutionizing car rentals in the Caribbean and potentially other developing regions. Williams emphasizes the importance of resilience, continuous learning, and a supportive community in entrepreneurship. The discussion also covers the significance of MVPs (Minimum Viable Products), the power of pitch competitions, and strategies for overcoming setbacks. Williams' story is a masterclass in entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of passion, perseverance, and adaptability in turning innovative ideas into successful businesses. Highlights: 01:59 Guest Spotlight: From Jamaica to a Billion-Dollar Vision 03:48 Cherie Williams' Journey: Education, Entrepreneurship, and Empowerment 08:03 The Birth of Veekle: Revolutionizing Car Rentals in the Caribbean 12:25 Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities Amidst the Pandemic 32:41 Pitching Veekle: Strategy, Storytelling, and Scaling Up 37:01 Future Plans and Expansion: Building a Caribbean-wide Network 39:19 Diving Deep into Financial Modeling and Target Markets 40:05 Tourism Trends and Business Viability 40:53 The Art of Pitching and Seeking Investment 44:54 Expanding Horizons: Beyond the Caribbean 47:03 Navigating the Challenges of a Startup 01:03:13 The Entrepreneurial Journey: Resilience and Learning 01:11:39 Closing Thoughts: Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Contact Cherie Williams: LinkedIn: Cherie Williams, CPA, MBA Instagram: @iamcheriewilliams Find out more about Veekle: LInkedIn: Veekle™ Facebook: facebook.com/justveekle Instagram: @justveekle Twitter: @justveekle…

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094: The Art of Media: | Samantha Best’s Story and Strategies 1:49:14

2 years fa1:49:14

1:49:14

In this episode, we are with the well-known Caribbean media professional and personality Samantha Best. Samantha is widely known as a former prime-time news anchor at CCN TV6, but more than that, she is an accomplished author, content consultant, and insurance agent. It was her ability to connect with the audience and her personal touch that made her one of the most popular media personalities on television and radio. In 2023, she made a career shift as she became a member of the Guardian Group as an insurance agent, making a positive impact on people's lives. Samantha enjoys empowering people to work smart and make more which is what this episode is about. She shares her journey from her humble beginnings in the media industry to transitioning in different career paths. Moreover, she emphasizes the benefits of insurance and the importance of time management in achieving success. Key Takeaways: Samantha's life before entering the media industry Finding her path in media and handling the pressures of being a beginner How can you improve your craft You must have different layers and be in different places to build your brand. Learn from your mistakes. Dealing with burnout and negative comments Samantha's journey on rebranding and getting back to her passion Being a woman in media and Samantha's advice to those aiming to get into the media industry Samantha's unique approach to insurance and financial freedom Build a system of content creation that fits your routine. It can be different for everybody. How to manage your time and get organized. Resources: Episode Video The Balance Block Method: A Guide to Improved Time Management and Productivity by Samantha Best Transform Your Life With Samantha's Balanced Success Checklist Watch this video on YouTube here Contact Samantha Best Website: samanthabest.life…

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093: Upscale Your Business Through Digital Transformation | Ocey Phillips | Jason Valley 2:03:06

2 years fa2:03:06

2:03:06

In this insightful episode, we are with Ocey Phillips, an expert on digital transformation, focused on assisting companies in keeping up with customer needs in a technologically advanced world. He helps companies grow revenue by matching their perceived value with the problems consumers are looking for solutions to. As an experienced digital consultant with over ten years of successes and failures in the digital, technology, ICT, and telecoms sectors, he is adept at handling various projects and challenges. As Ocey sits down with us in this episode, we take a deep dive into the Caribbean financial services sector and talk about reinventing the process to adapt to the technologically advanced world. He also shares his insights on managing and adding value to businesses. Key Takeaways: Defining Digital Darwinism People management through framework and autonomy What inspired Ocey to reinvent himself? Introducing Inifye: A brief overview Key challenges in the Caribbean financial services sector The benefits of reinventing the process and going digital Total customer experience: What determines a value of a company Constantly be proactive with your market research Upscaling your business with a marketplace business model Go into business thoroughly, and understand every aspect. Staying ahead with prompt engineering Business vs. Hobby: What makes a business It is essential to have an understanding of the various business models. Going back to the core business principles Finding value in the Caribbean Fintech sector Challenges in funding within the Caribbean region Resources: Episode Video Disrupt You: Master Personal Transformation, Seize Opportunity, and Thrive in the Era of Endless Innovation by Jay Samit Watch this interview on YouTube here…

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092: How to Value Caribbean Businesses | Kevin Valley on the Digital World Radio Show 46:24

2 years fa46:24

46:24

In this episode of The Value podcast, host Kevin Valley is with Jynynn Edwards and Keron Rose of “The Digital World” radio programme on 106.5FM for an insightful interview about his work as a Chartered Business Valuator and podcaster. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to business valuation and entrepreneurship, including: Kevin's professional background in business valuation Understanding what a Chartered Business Valuator does Basic steps to building an investible business Why do small businesses fail to access capital from banks & available alternatives How to value intellectual property and brands Knowing when to choose a business canvas over a business plan The story behind the Caribbean Power Lunch Podcast and subsequent transition to The Value Show Views on podcasting as a medium in 2023 Throughout the episode, Kevin shares his expertise on these topics and provides practical advice for entrepreneurs and business owners. He also discusses his mission to educate business owners at scale while working with investors to source profitable opportunities. Overall, this episode provides valuable insights into the world of business valuation and entrepreneurship and is a must-listen for anyone interested in building a highly valuable and investible business. Resources: Unlocking Investment Potential: How Chartered Business Valuators Drive Business Success…

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091: A Message to My Younger Self: From Daydreams to Purpose | Kevin Valley 29:17

2 years fa29:17

29:17

Kevin Valley visits his high school alma mater to address the current cohort on the topic “What I Have Learnt”. This series was designed to engage young men in conversations with past students on key lessons they have learnt after leaving the school. The speeches take on a well-rounded perspective on life not limited simply to everyday career advice. In this speech, Kevin leaves the students with three potent lessons: Daydreams are powerful; It’s not about you; your purpose is to serve Resilience wins the long game. Smartly intertwined with stories about his own failures, determination, and success, he drives home the key lesson of listening to your inner voice because it knows you best. Feeling a bit uncertain in your journey? Press play for some inspiration. Resources: From Daydreams to Purpose: How Environment and Resilience Drive Performance…

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090: Help Me Sell | Jarrod Best-Mitchell 1:20:15

2 years fa1:20:15