Build the Damn Thing: A Newsletter from Kathryn Finney
Build The Damn Thing
Dating as an Entrepreneur w/AJ Johnson
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Dating as an Entrepreneur w/AJ Johnson

Entrepreneurship demands dedication, innovation, and unwavering focus… and so does dating. In this episode, Kathryn speaks with celebrity hairstylist and designer AJ Johnson, who has navigated the intricacies of dating while pursuing business ambitions. 

“One thing that I definitely think [that high-powered women] could do is instill in themselves self-love… because you're not gonna be able to share or receive love from nobody else if you don't feel it about yourself.”

To find a life partner successfully, you have to put as much effort into dating as you do into building your career. A key component of this is spending time learning about yourself and, more importantly, loving yourself. 

“In our community, there's a certain level of validation that you get as a Black woman when a Black man ‘chooses’ you...then when you decide that there's more that you want, it is really shocking for people.” 

Women, particularly Black women, often stay in marriages or partnerships where they may not actually be valued because of the outside validation of being “chosen”. Choosing yourself, while not always easy in our social media-driven culture, is the key to lasting happiness. 

Guest 

AJ Johnson: @iamajjohnson 

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Build the Damn Thing: A Newsletter from Kathryn Finney
Build The Damn Thing
No more excuses. No more procrastination. If you’re ready to take your business, side hustle or idea to the next level, then this is the podcast for you! The podcast is hosted by Kathryn Finney, one of the most influential women in tech (INC Magazine), one of the first Black women to sell her startup, and Managing General Partner at the Chicago-based venture firm, Genius Guild.
Based on Kathryn’s bestselling book “Build the Damn Thing: How to Build a Successful Business if You’re NOT a Rich White Guy”, Build the Damn Thing is part storytelling, part mix tape and designed to teach you how to bring your business to the next level. The podcast features lessons and tips from leaders and entrepreneurs who have “Built the Damn Thing” themselves. From serial entrepreneurs to those who take risks to solve problems both abroad and locally — it's all here on the show!