Build the Damn Thing: A Newsletter from Kathryn Finney
Build The Damn Thing
What It Takes to Support a Black Woman Leader? w/ Kimberly Bryant
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What It Takes to Support a Black Woman Leader? w/ Kimberly Bryant

One of the hardest people to be in the world is a brilliant Black woman because Black women leaders are rarely given the mentorship, guidance, and grace needed to be truly successful. In this episode, Kathryn and Kimberly Bryant, founder of Black Girls Code, discuss the power of supporting Black women leaders. This episode explores the strategies, practices, and nuances that go into fostering a thriving leadership ecosystem for Black women.

“We as Black women and Black-women-run entities are undervalued, underfunded, and undersupported.”

Despite doing the work and often doing it even better than others, Black women face a dearth of support in entrepreneurship. They have more barriers to raising capital and creating a strong network. Their businesses often receive less funding and publicity than similar businesses owned by white founders. 

“We need to be very active about aligning Black women to be successful.”

One concrete way to support Black women leaders is not just to open a door but walk with them- hand in hand- across the threshold. One way to do this is to facilitate warm introductions, sharing why you’ve decided to invest.

“And all along the path, there were other women, mostly Black women, that kind of pushed me along and held me up every step of the way.”

Creating a network of support is important for business success. Often the highest level of support comes from those who are most proximate to the problem(s) you are trying to solve. 

Guest

Kimberly Bryant: https://premierespeakers.com/kimberly-bryant/bio

Discussion about this podcast

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!