The First Buck

In this episode of the First Buck podcast, host Nic Cary interviews Samuel Harrison, co-founder and managing partner of Faction, a blockchain venture capital fund, and a seasoned advisor in the crypto and digital currency space. Drawing from his extensive experience investing in early-stage ventures and advising top technology companies, Sam shares insights on the critical role of execution in turning ideas into impactful businesse...

In this episode of the First Buck podcast, host Nic Cary interviews Howard Fischer, Co-Founder and Chief Evangelist of Gratitude Railroad, an organization focused on aligning capital with purpose to drive social and environmental change. Drawing from his extensive experience as a hedge fund manager and impact investor, Howard shares insights on navigating risks, making thoughtful investments, and balancing profit with purpose. He d...

In this episode of the First Buck podcast, host Nic Cary interviews Katharine Weymouth, Chief Operating Officer at Togetherly Parents, a community supporting parents with struggling teens and young adults. Drawing from her extensive leadership experience, including her tenure as CEO and Publisher of The Washington Post, Katharine shares lessons on navigating large-scale disruptions, building resilient teams, and embracing career pi...

In this episode of the First Buck podcast, host Nic Cary interviews Samir Goel, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Esusu, a platform dedicated to unlocking financial stability for renters by enabling credit-building through rent payments. Inspired by his family's experiences as immigrants facing financial barriers, Samir shares how Esusu addresses economic inequality and empowers underserved communities. He emphasizes the importance of missi...

In this episode of the First Buck podcast, host Nic Cary interviews Vince McSweeney, Chief Creative Officer at McCann Central, a global marketing leader with an impressive track record across national and international brands. Vince shares insights on building authentic brands that resonate with audiences, drawing from his unique journey from chef to creative director. He emphasizes the importance of understanding brand identity, b...

In this episode of the First Buck podcast, host Nic Cary interviews Samantha Roady, CEO of Simply Business' U.S. operations, a leading digital insurance marketplace for small businesses. With nearly 25 years of C-suite experience, Samantha shares insights on scaling complex businesses, building brand-driven strategies, and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. She discusses the importance of preparation, resilience, and ef...

In this episode of the First Buck podcast, host Nic Cary interviews John Simon, an entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of the Greenlight Fund, an organization dedicated to addressing economic mobility challenges by scaling innovative nonprofits across the U.S. In this episode, John shares insights from his diverse experiences in both for-profit and nonprofit sectors, emphasizing the importance of identifying unmet needs, buildin...

In this episode of the First Buck podcast, host Nic Cary interviews Gary Izunwa, Co-founder and CEO of Tangent, an employee referral platform designed to make job referrals accessible to everyone, not just the well-connected. In this episode, Gary shares his insights on social mobility, leveraging networks, and overcoming challenges as an entrepreneur. He emphasizes the importance of building meaningful connections, developing resi...

In this episode of the First Buck podcast, host Nic Cary interviews Eric Kessler, a serial entrepreneur and founder of Arabella Advisors, where he led the firm’s growth into a leader in the philanthropic sector, advising on billions of dollars in resources annually. Eric shares how he transitioned from public service to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of having a mission-driven approach, surrounding yourself with adapt...

In this episode of the First Buck podcast, host Nic Cary interviews Richard Bynum, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer at PNC Financial Services Group, where he leads initiatives on community development, diversity, and PNC’s $88 billion Community Benefits Plan. Bynum discusses building a culture of service, the importance of diversity, and how entrepreneurs can leverage mentorship and resources for growth and impact. The episod...

In this episode of the First Buck podcast, host Nic Cary interviews Sharmadean Reid MBE, Founder and CEO of The Stack World, discusses her journey from launching WAH Nails to creating a platform that powers women's networks and communities. She shares insights on achieving gender equity through community building, the importance of innovation, and supporting women in business. Sharmadean's dedication to her mission earned her the V...

In this episode of the First Buck podcast, host Nic Cary interviews Amanda Jenkins, Chief Impact Officer at 10x Banking, where she leads the 10x Impact Agenda focused on people, community, and the planet. Amanda shares her journey from the Lloyd's insurance market to senior roles in New York law firms and her passion for tackling inequality. The episode emphasizes the importance of building relationships, mentorship, and fostering ...

In this episode of the First Buck podcast, host Nic Cary interviews Dr. Mahsa Vazin, founder of PawCo, a plant-based dog food company with a mission of making the world a greener place, one meal at a time. Dr. Vazin, with a PhD in nanoscience and experience at Impossible Foods, shares her entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and community support. She discusses the growing plant-based pet food market and...

In this episode of the First Buck podcast, host Nic Cary interviews Dax Hansen, a partner at Perkins Coie, a leading international law firm, emphasizes the significance of having a clear vision, the necessity of mentorship, and the critical role of networking and relationship building in achieving business success. The episode concludes with Dax emphasizing that passion fuels perseverance, but success in entrepreneurship requires a...

In this episode of the First Buck podcast, host Nic Cary interviews Sekou Kaalund, Executive Vice President and Head of Branch and Small Business banking for US Bank, where he oversees the organization’s 2,200+ branches across 26 states. emphasizes the significance of having a clear vision, the necessity of mentorship, and the critical role of networking and relationship building in achieving business success. The episode concludes...

In this episode of the First Buck podcast, host Nic Cary interviews Seth Godin, a renowned entrepreneur and bestselling author. Seth shares his journey from early ventures, like selling ice cream sandwiches, to becoming a marketing guru. He discusses the difference between actual and perceived risk, the importance of genuine value, and the power of small, manag...

In this episode of the First Buck podcast, host Nic Cary interviews Check Warner, an early stage VC and one of the founding partners of Ada Ventures. Check shares her journey from her early jobs in telesales and advertising to her pivotal switch to venture capital. She discusses the importance of taking risks, the value of sales skills and the significance of diversity in venture capital. She also shared her approach to building an...