In today’s episode, Les interviews Danielle Shoots, who is the Founding Partner and Managing Director of the New Community Transformation Fund, focusing on investments as a tool for economic equity. Here’s a closer look at the episode: Pivoting from corporate finance to starting a, with a focus on consumer behavior and financial discipline. Danielle has extensive experience in finance and strategy, having worked in various industries and held leadership roles at Comcast and the Colorado Trust. Danielle launched her own fund, Daily Boss Up, after recognizing a gap in the market for financial services tailored to young professionals and entrepreneurs. Les and Danielle discuss the potential for AI in scaling businesses, with Danielle sharing their personal experience as a TEDx speaker on leadership. Investing in BIPOC founders with a focus on the US market. Danielle launched a new fund, the Domestic Emerging Market Investment Fund, to invest in early-stage companies in the United States, with a focus on underleveraged groups and long-term growth. Danielle emphasizes the importance of valuation and growth, rather than just focusing on valuation for the sake of it. The fragility of the current venture capital (VC) model, which has not been diversified over time and is centered around a singular, non-diversified approach. Institutions must prioritize diversity and derisking in investment strategies to support founders and build healthy businesses. The importance of solving real-world problems and impacting people's lives, rather than just focusing on making money. The importance of self-awareness and accepting one's limitations to navigate feedback and criticism effectively. Feeling bored and how it can be an Achilles heel, leading to imposter syndrome and burnout. Resources: Website: https://www.demifund.com/ Danielle LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-shoots/ Danielle Twitter: https://twitter.com/danielleshoots?lang=en New Community Transformation Fund LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-community-transformation-fund/