Ep. 38 | Follow My Steps | Kashawn Sanders | Starting a Nonprofit & Overcoming Challenges

In this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast, we explore the inspiring journey of Kashawn Sanders, founder of Follow My Steps Foundation. Kashawn shares how his organization provides customized youth mentoring focusing on financial literacy, professional development, and health. He recounts the challenges faced growing up in a non-diverse setting, the inception of the nonprofit during the pandemic and social unrest in 2020, and emphasizes the importance of building a solid team and effective networking. Kashawn also provides insights into starting a nonprofit, maintaining relationships, and the impact of long, lonely, boring work (LBW) necessary for success. Join us to learn how more than 10,000 youths have been positively impacted by Follow My Steps. 00:00 Introduction: Defying Expectations 00:28 Meet Kashawn Sanders 00:44 The Follow My Steps Foundation 01:51 Kashawn's Journey to Nonprofit Leadership 04:23 Building a Mentor Network 05:00 Starting a Nonprofit: Key Steps 06:24 Mission and Impact of Follow My Steps 07:39 Networking and Overcoming Fear 11:22 Advice for Aspiring Nonprofit Founders 12:39 Lessons Learned and Favorite Moments 14:47 Event Planning and Execution 24:24 Feedback and Continuous Improvement 26:25 Final Thoughts and Fun Facts 30:05 Conclusion and Call to Action