01: Zawadi Bryant: On Taking An Unexpected Leap Of Faith Into Entrepreneurship

Episode Summary:
I’m joined by Zawadi Bryant, my amazing mentor who is the former CEO and Co-Founder of NightLight pediatric urgent care clinic, to discuss her entrepreneurial journey all the way from her humble beginnings. 

Show Notes:
In this conversation Zawadi shares her story. Prior to NightLight, Zawadi had a successful corporate career as an engineer. Entrepreneurship was not in her sight at all, but the opportunity came while helping a church member (a Pediatrician) create the business plan for NightLight. Building a business from the ground up proved to have its ups and downs, but it created flexibility as Zawadi grew her family and has ultimately placed her in a position to now focus on other passions after selling NightLight—one being bridging the income and wealth gap for black households.

In this conversation, Zawadi reveals what she wishes the younger version of herself knew, the decision to sell NightLight and ultimately step away after 1 year into the acquisition, taking time to reflect and shift focus, and what’s on the horizon in this next chapter of her life after 15 years of major hustle.

Topics Covered:

• Why your circumstances don’t dictate your capacity or capabilities 
• Early career influences
• Lessons learned while expanding NightLight
• Navigating motherhood as a co-founder of a growing business 
• Shifting focus during different times and seasons of your life
• What’s next for Zawadi 

Guest Info:

• Zawadi's LinkedIn

Follow Us:

• Follow us on Instagram 
• Follow us on Tik Tok

Sponsors:

• Thanks to Pamoja for supporting Diaries of a Modern Trailblazer