Build the Damn Thing

Sign O' The Times: Building a Company that Ends Racism

Kathryn Finney, founder of HOW MANY startups and habitual rulebreaker, is now the CEO of Genius Guild — a forward-looking company that invests in market-driven innovations that aim to end racism. In this episode, we hear how an unfortunate series of events led to the creation of Genius Guild, which is supported by one of the most powerful women in the world, Melinda Gates.

The Question of U: What it Takes to be a Successful Entrepreneur

Vision, ambition, and intuition about how to generate revenue are characteristics of the most successful entrepreneurs. According to her mom, teachers, and best friends from high school, Genius Guild CEO Kathryn Finney had all of these qualities early on growing up in Minnesota. In this episode, listen to those who were there at the beginning of Kathryn’s journey as a young builder and what led her to become one of the most influential women in tech.

Baby I'm A Star: How to Build a Blog into a Successful Business

Before Google was Google and blogging was a thing, Kathryn Finney founded the Budget Fashionista and became the go-to expert on all things cheap and chic. From a best-selling book to regular appearances on NBC’s Today Show, she was one of the first women to find success in the blogosphere. In this episode of Build The Damn Thing, Kathryn shares the early days of the influencer economy and what it took to build a blog into a successful business.

Free: How to Successfully Exit a Company and Begin Again

Entrepreneurs of color often feel like they have to stick to the business they started and grown for years -- even if it's not working. But what happens if you want to do something different? How do you pivot? In this episode, Genius Guild CEO Kathryn Finney shares how to exit a company and start something new.

Black Sweat: How Data and Determination Can Disrupt an Industry for the Better

With a team of “co-conspirators” Kathryn Finney builds a powerful company based on her mission of empowering Black and Latina women in technology and helping them raise money through Digital Undivided. She also pioneered the groundbreaking research study, Project Diane, which exposed the disparities in venture capital investing in Black women businesses and went viral. But while disrupting the industry, Kathryn had to overcome some serious challenges and make major decisions that would have a major impact on her business and her life.

When Doves Cry: Knowing When It's Time to Exit Your Business

Innovation and the goal of disrupting the industry isn’t just about the work, it also requires a significant emotional lift that many don’t anticipate. In this episode of Build the Damn Thing, Kathryn Finney shares for the first time why, after eight years of leading digitalundivided — an organization that she founded to help Black and Latinx women tech entrepreneurs get the mentorship and support they desperately needed — she made the courageous move to walk away for the sake of her sanity.

Money Don't Grow On Trees How the Concept of Frictionless Investments disrupts the business world

They may be called “micro investments”, but they’re anything but small. Kathryn Finney started The Doonie Fund, a social enterprise that provides micro investments to Black women entrepreneurs during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode of Build The Damn Thing, learn about the importance of investing in Black women and how frictionless micro investments can change the game and disrupt the world of entrepreneurship.

Black Muse: Sticking to Your Values and Investing in Black Excellence

The story of Genius Guild, the power of investing in Black entrepreneurs, and the importance of sticking to your core values. In Black Muse, the season finale of Build The Damn Thing, serial entrepreneur Kathryn Finney is joined by guests to discuss black excellence, entrepreneurship, and investing.

Build the Damn Thing: Leaning Into Your Purpose

On this episode of Build the Damn Thing, Kathryn and four other builders talk about how their backgrounds have influenced their sense of purpose when creating their startups. They discuss how they have taken the lessons learned frmo the historic, systemic obstacles their ancestors have overcome to build their own companies. And by sharing the stories of how they are succeeding and living their best lives, they are giving permission for other builders like you to do the same.

How to Mentally Prepare for Entrepreneurship

On this episode of Build the Damn Thing, hear what Kathryn and other builders have learned about. whatit takes to find balanace while building your busienss. They share how to balance the constant conflict between your professional and personal lives, preventing burnout, and how to get your mind right to make it through the entrepreneurial journey. They also discuss the particular toll finding balance takes on WoC founders, who are often burdened with unfair expectations and encouraged not to set boundaries while having to take on everyone else's issues.

How to Build Your Personal Advisory Board

A corporate advisory board gives strategic advice on the management of the business. Your personal advisory board gives strategic advice on the management of you. On this episode of the Build the Damn Thing, find out how a strong support system, aka your personal advisory board, can help you create the business you've always wanted.

How to Make Sure Your Business Solves a Problem

If you want to build a business…..a REAL business, you’ve got to have customers who are willing to pay for your product or service and I don’t mean just friends and family. On this episode of Build The Damn Thing, learn what you need to know to make sure that your business is solving a problem that people are willing to pay for.

How To Turn Your Solution Into a Money Making Business

Solving a problem is one thing but how to make money doing it is a WHOLE other animal. In this episode of Build The Damn Thing, myself and others will guide you through the process of generating income and scaling UP as you build the next big thing!

How To Build An Amazing Team

Having the right team is crucial to any business and its success is dependent on it. Knowing who to hire as well as when to let them go can make or break your company. In this episode of Build The Damn Thing, learn how to find the right people with the right skill sets to help elevate you and your company.

How To Get the Money You Need to Grow Your Company

From bootstrapping to venture capital to just plain profits, there are many ways to fund the growth of your business and it’s an important next step that takes thoughtful consideration. In this episode of Build The Damn Thing, you’ll determine what may be the best route for you and your company as you continue to build it.

Sell The Damn Thing

As my friend, television personality and author Bevy Smith likes to say It gets greater later. When the time comes to transition away from your business, know that there is more out there for you. It may be a new business or a new opportunity but whatever the case, as the saying goes change is good. In this the season finale of BTDT learn the upside to walking away and at the right time.

Centering Joy w/Bevy Smith

In a world that often presents us with challenges and obstacles, Kathryn Finney invites you on a journey to explore the transformative power of centering joy as a fundamental value.

In this episode, Kathryn and her guest Bevy Smith discuss the timeless theme of "Centering Joy" and the significance of finding joy, fostering positivity, and infusing every aspect of your life’s journey with happiness and fulfillment. Join us as we explore the universal pursuit of joy and the profound impact it can have on our lives.

Defying Convention w/Roger Carter

Many have walked unconventional paths, made bold decisions, and exhibited incredible resilience. They've not only broken barriers but also redefined what's possible.

In this episode of "Build The Damn Thing," Kathryn Finney dives into the captivating journey of visual artist Roger Carter who has defied convention, shattered barriers, and paved new paths in the art world.

lancing Act: Work, Life, and Entrepreneurship w/Darlene Gillard Jones

In this episode of Build The Damn Thing Kathryn Finney and her guest, Darlene Gillard Jones, provide practical insights and heartwarming stories to help entrepreneurs maintain a healthy work-life balance while pursuing their dreams and nurturing their personal lives. Listeners will discover how to effectively manage their time, set boundaries, prioritize self-care, and create a supportive, empowering environment for both business and love.