This episode originally aired in February 2024 and quickly became one of the most popular episodes of The Journey. Whether you're tuning in for the first time or revisiting this conversation, this episode will help you make informed decisions in your business!

Ever thought about raising venture capital for your business? In this episode, Morgan DeBaun breaks down everything a founder should know before diving into the venture fundraising process, sharing her invaluable insights from the perspective of both a fundraiser and an investor.

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction to Venture Funding

00:10 Should You Raise Money?

00:48 Understanding Angel Investors

02:55 The Importance of Traction

05:23 Navigating the Seed Round

06:44 Legal Considerations and Mistakes

08:29 Painting a Big Vision

10:57 Executing Your Plan

11:48 Hitting Milestones and Fundraising Timelines

12:31 The Importance of Momentum

13:31 Series Seed and Extensions

15:16 Navigating Series A

17:29 Series B and Beyond

19:19 Balancing Operations and Fundraising

20:56 Final Tips and Resources

First up, Morgan dives into a crucial question: Should you even raise venture capital for your business? Spoiler alert: More often than not, the answer is no. But for those who do opt for the fundraising path, Morgan warns that the venture capital journey won't be easy.

Through the episode, Morgan breaks down the phases of venture funding, from the Friends and Family and Angel Round to the critical Seed Round, all the way to the Series A, B, and C Rounds and beyond. She shares the benefits and challenges of each round and highlights what founders should pay attention to as they navigate the process. Morgan shares what she looks for in the entrepreneurs she chooses to support as an angel investor: resilience and grit. It's these qualities that often make the difference between success and failure in the cutthroat world of startups. Not sure if venture funding is the right choice for your business? After you listen to the episode, check out Morgan's workshop [link below] which will help you decide if fundraising is the appropriate next step for your startup. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review!

Pre-order Rewrite Your Rules: https://worksmartprogram.com/book/

Make sure you are following Morgan on TikTok to follow along with her beauty and wellness journey! https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_

Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast

Visit Mormatcha.com to make a purchase.

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Produced by MicMoguls.

Morgan DeBaun is back with live coaching calls on The Journey! This week, she is joined by Mackenzie and Ben, two high achievers navigating major career decisions who are looking to add more joy and intention to their lives.

In this episode:

00:00 Welcome to the Journey Podcast

01:15 Introducing Mackenzie: A High Achiever's Dilemma

01:40 Balancing Ambitions and Personal Goals

03:14 The Importance of Prioritizing Wellness

05:00 Finding Joy in the Midst of Chaos

07:39 Delegation and Time Management Strategies

11:49 Exploring Passions and Tiny Joys

17:24 Navigating Relationships and Future Plans

25:33 Considering Private Practice and Career Goals

30:15 Exploring Flexible Goals and Partnerships

30:44 Commitments and Wellness Focus

31:27 Introduction to Ben's Journey

31:56 Navigating Corporate and Entrepreneurial Paths

34:05 Revenue and Scaling Challenges

36:29 Balancing Purpose and Profit

44:25 The Importance of Joy and Leisure

52:24 Seeking Guidance and Mentorship

56:51 Final Thoughts and Moving Forward

In the episode, Morgan first speaks with Mackenzie, a dual-degree medical and business student balancing her studies, content creation, and personal life. After facing a setback in her journey, Mackenzie is reevaluating her priorities and struggling to let go of the pressure to always achieve. Morgan helps her redefine success, focus on what truly matters in this season, and embrace tiny joys along the way.

Next, Morgan is joined by Ben, a corporate professional who's recently branched out into the world of entrepreneurship with his media platform, We Rest on Sundays. While deeply passionate about his project, Ben grapples with the pressure to scale and monetize, despite having financial stability. Morgan challenges him to rethink his approach, embrace balance, and find purpose beyond productivity.

Tune in for real-time insights on shifting mindsets, making strategic life pivots, and designing a career that aligns with your values!

Pre-order Rewrite Your Rules: https://worksmartprogram.com/book/

Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast

Make sure you are following Morgan's journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_

Visit Mormatcha.com to make a purchase. Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb

Produced by MicMoguls.

For the first time ever on The Journey, Morgan DeBaun is hosting live coaching calls with entrepreneurs in her community. This week, she is joined by Esther and Leshawnda, two ambitious women each at a career crossroads and seeking Morgan's guidance.

In this episode:

00:00 Welcome to the Journey Podcast

00:43 Introducing Today's Guests: Leshawnda and Esther

02:10 Esther's Journey: From Mental Health Leader to Seeking Balance

03:37 Challenges of Running a Practice

07:36 Envisioning a Balanced Future

11:07 Exploring New Avenues for Income

13:28 Building a Scalable Business Model

18:07 Breaking the Cycle of Overwork

26:21 Creating a Reward System for Efficiency

32:14 Setting Financial Goals

32:48 Leshawnda: Navigating Career Transitions

34:28 Exploring Entrepreneurial Ventures

36:42 Defining Service Offerings

40:01 Building a Sustainable Business Model

44:48 Marketing and Personal Branding

51:03 Balancing Work and Personal Life

57:52 Final Thoughts and Next Steps

In the episode, Morgan first speaks with Esther, a mental health professional pivoting from private practice in the hopes of more freedom. Morgan helps her refine a scalable business model focused on B2B services and executive coaching.

Next, Morgan is joined by Leshawnda, a corporate executive exploring entrepreneurship with hesitations to leave a stable career behind. Morgan guides her in packaging her expertise into retainer-based consulting services for well-funded businesses.

Pre-order Rewrite Your Rules: https://worksmartprogram.com/book/

Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast

Make sure you are following Morgan's journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_

Visit Mormatcha.com to make a purchase. Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb

Produced by MicMoguls.

This episode originally aired in February 2024 and quickly became one of the most popular episodes of The Journey. Whether you're tuning in for the first time or revisiting this conversation, this episode will help you take your business to the next level!

Have a business idea (or a few) swirling around in your head that you'd love to see out in the world? Morgan is sharing her roadmap for taking a new business from idea to launch, and how to decide if it's a business worth starting in the first place. Plus, she's giving a detailed behind-the-scenes look at how she took her original idea for Mor Matcha all the way to launch!

In this episode:
00:00 Introduction to The Journey Podcast
00:13 Evaluating Your Idea: Should You Take the Leap?
00:51 Morgan's Decision-Making Framework
01:34 The DRIP Method: Define Your Decision
03:02 Reviewing the Data: Top-Down and Bottom-Up Approaches
05:19 Imagining Outcomes: Best and Worst Case Scenarios
08:07 Making the Final Decision: Pick Your Pathway
10:15 Budgeting and Financial Planning
12:30 Understanding Your Customer: Building Avatars
14:57 Legal and Operational Preparations
17:01 Launching Your Business: Be Loud and Proud
18:59 Post-Launch: Gathering Feedback and Iterating
22:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

To start things off, Morgan introduces her DRIP decision-making framework as a tool for deciding whether or not a business idea should be pursued. She then delves into the practicalities of preparing for launch, from creating a budget to understanding your customer avatar. Morgan also breaks down what legal and operational considerations need to be squared away before launch, and what can wait. Finally, Morgan shares her thoughts on launching, encouraging business owners to be bold in their launches and also remain open to feedback. She stresses the importance of continuous iteration and optimization post-launch - because the business journey doesn't end at launch.

Tune in and take notes as Morgan guides you through the journey of taking your business from idea to launch with confidence and clarity. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review on Apple! Your support is appreciated!

Pre-order Rewrite Your Rules: https://worksmartprogram.com/book/

Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast
Make sure you are following Morgan's journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_
Visit Mormatcha.com to make a purchase.
Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb

Produced by MicMoguls.

This episode originally aired in January 2024 and quickly became one of the most popular episodes of The Journey. Whether you're tuning in for the first time or revisiting this conversation, this episode is sure to help you along your entrepreneurial journey!

Morgan DeBaun is spilling the tea on how to start a side hustle with just $2000!

In this episode:
00:00 Introduction and Overview
00:48 Starting a Transcription Business
03:38 Venturing into Video Editing
04:56 Voiceover Business Opportunities
07:05 Product Flipping for Profit
08:11 Launching a Virtual Assistant Agency
10:25 Social Media Graphics Packages
12:06 Dropshipping
13:32 Balloon Design Firm
15:07 Inflatable Rental Company
15:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In the episode, Morgan is sharing the 9 types of businesses she'd consider starting if she were at the beginning, and the steps she'd take to turn a profit and build her empire. From transcription and video editing services to balloon art and inflatable rentals, these may not be the sexiest, most brag-worthy businesses, but there is a lot of opportunity to make money!

And when it comes to a side hustle that's meant to increase your flexibility and income, that's what matters. Check out the episode and make sure to let Morgan know what "boring business" you plan to get rich this year!

Pre-order Rewrite Your Rules: https://worksmartprogram.com/book/

Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast
Make sure you are following Morgan's journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_
Visit Mormatcha.com to make a purchase.
Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb

Produced by MicMoguls.

This week, Morgan DeBaun sits down with Paige Turner, a content creator and mother known for her honest conversations about the realities of parenting, the mental load mothers carry, and the importance of equitable partnerships.

In this episode:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:18 Meet Paige Turner
03:05 Paige's Viral Moment
05:17 The Cost of Childcare
11:49 Mental Load and Cognitive Labor
16:55 Navigating Parenting Roles
24:16 Understanding Resentment in Relationships
27:54 Tools and Methods for Fair Parenting
29:27 The Reality of Stay-at-Home Moms
31:32 The Impact of Social Media on Parenting
38:58 Advocating for Family-Friendly Policies
44:25 The Role of Privilege in Parenting and Politics
46:49 Staying Engaged in Political Conversations
47:50 Conclusion and Farewell

In the episode, Paige shares her journey from a career in broadcast journalism to becoming a prominent voice on TikTok, where she sparks critical conversations about the challenges modern women face in balancing work and family life.

The conversation explores how the mental load affects mothers, why equity in the home is important, and the societal factors at play. Morgan and Paige also examine the “tradwife” trend circulating on social media discussing the potentially problematic implications of romanticizing the social media version of this lifestyle. Throughout the episode, they reflect on the pressures social media places on women to excel in every area of life, often creating unrealistic expectations.

Morgan and Paige close out the conversation by discussing the current political climate and the need to engage in conversations surrounding the politics of parenting on social media and in daily life.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating the complexities of modern parenthood or seeking to understand the broader societal changes needed to support families. Tune in to hear Paige’s insights that serve as a reminder that parenting is a shared responsibility, and change starts both at home and in the policies we advocate for!

Pre-order Rewrite Your Rules: https://worksmartprogram.com/book/

More from Paige:
https://www.tiktok.com/@sheisapaigeturner?
https://www.instagram.com/sheisapaigeturner/
https://www.sheisapaigeturner.com/about

Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast
Make sure you are following Morgan's journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_
Visit Mormatcha.com to make a purchase.
Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb

Produced by MicMoguls.

Pre-order Rewrite Your Rules: https://worksmartprogram.com/book/

This week on The Journey, Morgan DeBaun sits down with Dr. Sharon Elefant, founder of The Nonprofit Plug, to explore the complex world of nonprofits. Together, they examine the nuances of choosing between a nonprofit or for-profit model, offering actionable insights for entrepreneurs and change-makers alike.

In this episode:
00:00 Welcome to the Journey Podcast
00:30 Introducing Dr. Sharon Elefant and Nonprofit Insights
01:55 The Birth of Blavity and Social Impact Investing
06:24 Navigating Nonprofit Challenges and Compliance
08:28 Dr. Sharon's Journey into Nonprofit Work
15:00 Deciding Between Nonprofit and For-Profit
18:30 Understanding Nonprofit Ownership and Board Dynamics
21:28 Fiscal Sponsorship vs. 501c3
23:57 Family Foundations and Tax Benefits
27:00 Private Foundations vs. Public Charities
29:45 The Importance of Legal Structure
30:53 Nonprofit vs. For-Profit: Choosing the Right Path
32:24 Funding Your Nonprofit
33:50 Donor Cultivation: Building Sustainable Support
39:08 Restricted vs. Unrestricted Funds
41:34 Financial Stability for Nonprofit Founders
43:19 Leveraging Nonprofit Status for Personal and Community Gain
51:21 Connecting with The Nonprofit Plug
52:26 Final Thoughts and Book Updates

In the episode, Dr. Sharon Elefant shares her expertise on nonprofits, covering everything from compliance, board dynamics, and funding. The conversation highlights critical considerations like fiscal sponsorship versus 501(c)(3) structures and why nonprofits are not the best option when intellectual property is involved.

Morgan stresses the importance of not self-sacrificing for the good of the organization, and they discuss how members of nonprofits can be paid.

If you're considering how you can have the greatest impact with your organization, this episode offers the guidance you need to make informed decisions on whether a nonprofit is the right fit for you! Have more questions? Don't forget to leave a comment!

More from Dr. Sharon Elefant:
https://thenonprofitplug.com/
https://www.instagram.com/drsharonelefant/

Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast

Make sure you are following Morgan's journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_
Visit Mormatcha.com to make a purchase.

Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb
Produced by MicMoguls.

Happy New Year! This week, Morgan DeBaun reflects on 2024, sharing both personal and professional milestones and exploring what's to come in 2025.

In this episode:
00:00 Introduction and Yearly Reflection
01:00 Personal Milestones and Achievements
03:14 Health and Fitness Goals
04:19 Travel and Speaking Engagements
05:49 Book Launch and Future Plans
07:43 Investing in Black Art and Angel Investing
14:19 Afrotech and Blavity Fest
21:01 Business Growth and Future Vision
25:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In the episode, Morgan reflects on her personal accomplishments from 2024, including navigating motherhood, maintaining friendships, and mastering Pilates. She also discusses her professional achievements with AfroTech's astounding growth and the work that's gone into her upcoming book launch.

Morgan then discusses her vision for 2025, including financial goals and plans to engage in angel investing and support black artists. Additionally, she outlines what she envisions for the future of Blavity Fest and AfroTech.

It's time to reflect and reset for the new year, so tune in to hear Morgan's personal and professional journey through 2024 and feel inspired for what is to come in 2025!

Pre-order Rewrite Your Rules: https://worksmartprogram.com/book/

Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast

Make sure you are following Morgan's journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_

Visit Mormatcha.com to make a purchase.

Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb

Produced by MicMoguls.