1,000 episodes

We host changemakers who are using regulated investment crowdfunding for social impact--impact crowdfunding--as impact investors or social entrepreneurs, catalyzing change with leadership skills we call superpowers.

www.superpowers4good.com

Superpowers for Good: Empowering Changemakers for Social Impact via Regulated Investment Crowdfunding from the SuperCrowd‪.‬ Devin Thorpe

    • Business

We host changemakers who are using regulated investment crowdfunding for social impact--impact crowdfunding--as impact investors or social entrepreneurs, catalyzing change with leadership skills we call superpowers.

www.superpowers4good.com

    Revolutionizing Breastfeeding: A Game-Changer in Women’s Health

    Revolutionizing Breastfeeding: A Game-Changer in Women’s Health

    I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.
    Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.
    When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or invest after clicking a link here, we may earn a commission. Engage to support our work.
    Devin: What is your superpower?
    Sujay: The first one would have to be resilience. That's the biggest quality that I have. That sort of kept me going in this journey as an entrepreneur.

    In today's episode of "Superpowers for Good," I had the pleasure of speaking with Sujay Suresh Kumar, the co-founder and CEO of Lilu, Inc. Our conversation unveiled groundbreaking advancements in breastfeeding technology that are not just innovative but are reshaping the postpartum experience for mothers globally.
    Sujay participated in the Kinect Capital Live Pitch on Superpowers for Good in March, winning the Judges Choice Award. This resulted in a $500 crowdfunding investment from The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation.

    Sujay explained how conventional breast pumps have largely been unchanged for decades, often resulting in painful and inefficient milk extraction. "Moms have been experiencing issues with breast pumping. It's a painful process, making motherhood more miserable," Sujay shared. This revelation highlighted a significant gap in women's health technology—a gap that Lilu is determined to bridge.
    Under Sujay's leadership, Lilu has developed the Omni Breast Pump, which incorporates patented breast massage technology. This isn't just an incremental improvement; it's a leap forward. The massage feature mimics the natural actions of a baby, significantly enhancing milk yield by stimulating milk-producing glands. "What we're doing differently is using our proprietary massage technology to add that extra element of comfort and stimulation to the breast," he explained. This technology helps mothers produce up to 55% more milk, alleviating common issues like clogged ducts and mastitis.
    But Lilu's innovation doesn't stop at hardware. They are also pioneering a lactation tracking app,  the Milksense Tracker, which uses machine learning algorithms to provide actionable insights into a mother's lactation and well-being. This digital tool helps both mothers and healthcare providers by offering data-driven feedback and support, thereby improving both physical and mental health outcomes.
    Reflecting on the broader impact, Sujay remarked, "Helping moms understand their lactation and all the factors around this is going to be very important." This approach not only supports mothers in sustaining breastfeeding but also alleviates the economic burden associated with inadequate breastfeeding solutions.
    As I spoke with Sujay, his passion for making a tangible difference in the lives of mothers and their babies was palpable. It's clear that through innovation and empathy, Lilu is setting a new standard in women’s health, making the journey of motherhood a little easier and a lot more empowering.
    AI Episode Summary
    1. Devin Thorpe introduces the show and Sujay Kumar, CEO of Lilu, highlighting Kumar's win in the Kinect Capital live pitch with a $500 investment.
    2. Kumar expresses gratitude for being on the show and proceeds to discuss the Lilu massage bra, with Devin playing a video from Kumar's YouTube channel showcasing the product's benefits.
    3. Various testimonials in the video highlight the bra's effectiveness in preventing clogged ducts, its comfort, and its ability to significantly increase milk output, emphasizing the positive impact on mothers' experiences.
    4. Kumar describes Lilu as a women's health company focused on creating tech-enabled products for more comfortable and efficient postpartum care, detailing their key products: the Omni Breast Pump and the Milksense lactation tracking app.
    5. He explains the exist

    • 25 min
    Business for Good: How Storyteller Café Combats Human Trafficking

    Business for Good: How Storyteller Café Combats Human Trafficking

    I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.
    Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.
    When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or invest after clicking a link here, we may earn a commission. Engage to support our work.
    Devin: What is your superpower? 
    Steph: I think it's so important that we see the value in people, that we see people. I think that something that's been developed in me, is to see people and to honor them and to see their humanity.

    In today's episode of Superpowers for Good, I had the privilege of speaking with Steph Page, the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Stories Foundation. Steph's pioneering approach to addressing human trafficking through business caught my attention, and I believe it will inspire you too.
    Steph introduced us to an extraordinary project — the Storyteller Café. This isn't just any café; it's a beacon of hope in the fight against human trafficking. "We believe in using business for good," Steph explained. The café serves as a community hub where every purchase helps combat this grave issue. From locally sourced coffee to boutique items crafted by local artisans, each transaction supports the cause.
    What sets Storyteller Café apart is its dual purpose. Not only does it raise awareness about human trafficking, but it also provides tangible support to survivors. The establishment offers job training, employment opportunities, and even housing in the form of apartments above the café. This holistic support system is crucial for survivors embarking on their new lives.
    The idea of integrating business with social impact resonates deeply with me. As Steph highlighted, this approach allows everyone to participate in the solution, moving beyond traditional donations. It's about creating sustainable change through everyday actions.
    As we wrapped up our conversation, I was moved by the potential of such innovative models to make a real difference. The Storyteller Café is more than a place for coffee; it's part of a larger narrative of empowerment and recovery for those who have endured unimaginable hardships.
    Join me in applauding Steph and the Stories Foundation for their visionary work. Their approach not only changes lives but also redefines how we can use our businesses to support and uplift our communities.
    AI Episode Summary
    1. The show introduces Stephanie Page, a social entrepreneur and nonprofit leader working on anti-human trafficking efforts.
    2. Stephanie discusses the Stories Foundation's effort to build the Storyteller Café, which aims to raise awareness about human trafficking, support survivors, and engage the community through the sale of food, coffee, and boutique items.
    3. The café will also serve as a supportive space for survivors, offering jobs, job training, and housing through three apartments located above the café.
    4. The project aims to create a community space that can also function as a large event space for raising awareness about human trafficking.
    5. Stephanie emphasizes that human trafficking often involves exploitation through seemingly trustworthy relationships rather than abduction, targeting vulnerable individuals based on their needs.
    6. The approach to aiding victims involves working with law enforcement and the judicial system, as well as providing rehabilitation and long-term support.
    7. The challenge of finding immediate safe housing for trafficking victims is highlighted, showing the complexity and urgency of responding to survivors' needs.
    8. A successful story is shared about an insurance agent who recognized signs of trafficking in a client and helped her escape her trafficker, emphasizing the importance of community awareness and intervention.
    9. Stephanie reflects on her superpower: seeing and valuing the humanity in others, and the impa

    • 22 min
    Embracing Our Shared Humanity Through "Stranger's Guide"

    Embracing Our Shared Humanity Through "Stranger's Guide"

    I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.
    Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.
    When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or invest after clicking a link here, we may earn a commission. Engage to support our work.
    Devin: What do you see as your superpower?
    Abby: Having spent the last almost 20 years in journalism wearing different hats, I feel like [it’s] bringing like an ecosystems approach, of trying to look at a community–whether that community is a local community or a professional community–and trying to figure out what are the roles each of us can play?

    In today's episode of the Superpowers for Good show, I had the pleasure of speaking with Abby Rapoport, the cofounder and publisher of Stranger's Guide. Abby's vision for the publication stems from a simple yet profound idea: to make the world feel smaller and more interconnected by focusing on the unique, yet universal aspects of different locales.
    Abby shared, "We started Stranger's Guide to create a publication that was rooted in the idea of place and exploring how different places feel to those people who are living there." She continued, "What does it mean for the individual who's going to work, taking their kids to school, making dinner? We aim to dig into what all of those big global themes mean for daily life."
    The essence of Stranger's Guide lies in its commitment to telling the stories of a place through the eyes of those who know it best—the local writers and photographers. Each issue is a deep dive into a single location, crafted by at least 80% of contributors from that area. This approach ensures that the narrative remains authentic and grounded in the community's lived experiences.
    Stranger's Guide isn't just about the exotic or the familiar; it's about bridging the gap between them. It offers readers a multifaceted portrait of a place, mixing human rights, history, sports, and culture to enrich our understanding of the world. It's about seeing the big picture and the tiny, essential details through a lens that respects and values every culture's unique contributions and challenges.
    By reading Stranger's Guide, we don't just learn about different parts of the world; we connect with them on a human level. It's a reminder that despite our differences, we share common threads—family, work, joy, struggle. This connection fosters empathy and, ultimately, a more compassionate worldview.
    In essence, Abby's work with Stranger's Guide serves as a powerful reminder of journalism's role in society—not just to inform but to connect us. By focusing on the universal yet unique experiences of communities around the globe, Abby and her team invite us to celebrate our shared humanity. This, indeed, is journalism as a form of superpower, the kind that nurtures understanding and respect across borders.
    AI Episode Summary
    1. Devin introduces Abby Rapoport, the co-founder and publisher of the Stranger's Guide, highlighting her role in creating impactful journalism.
    2. Abby explains the origin of the Stranger's Guide, which was inspired by the divisive political climate of 2016 and the desire to explore sustainable models for journalism.
    3. The publication focuses on storytelling from the perspective of locals, covering a broad range of topics from human rights to food, emphasizing the importance of understanding different cultures.
    4. Abby shares how the Stranger's Guide has published issues themed around various locations worldwide, aiming to provide a multifaceted portrait of each place.
    5. The conversation shifts towards challenging the notions of "good" and "bad" countries, highlighting the complexity of global affairs and the value of understanding individual perspectives within countries.
    6. They discuss the rise of authoritarianism globally and the role

    • 25 min
    Empowering Artisans and Preserving Heritage Crafts with Navroze Mehta

    Empowering Artisans and Preserving Heritage Crafts with Navroze Mehta

    I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.
    Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.
    When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or invest after clicking a link here, we may earn a commission. Engage to support our work.
    Devin: What is your superpower?
    Navroze: Whatever you do, you do it with complete passion, jumping in with both feet. I do that with everything I believe in.

    In today's episode of Superpowers for Good, I had the pleasure of speaking with Navroze Mehta, Founder and CEO of Mela Artisans, about a mission very close to his heart and crucial to many: the empowerment of artisanal communities in India. Navroze shared the inspiring origins and impactful journey of Mela Artisans, a venture he co-founded with his daughter after a striking revelation about the decline of artisanal communities in India.
    Navroze explained, "From the years 1980 to 2010, we had lost 30% of our artisanal base." This alarming statistic drove him and his daughter to action, leading to the creation of Mela Artisans. Their goal was clear: to empower artisans, enabling them to continue their craft and pass it on through generations. This not only preserves the rich heritage of Indian crafts like woodcarving and metalworking but also sustains these communities economically.
    "The most gratifying part of this," Navroze said, "is giving about 3,500 artisans full-time work every year." His company does more than just employ these artisans; it engages with them on a deeper level, providing infrastructure and support to help them thrive in their native settings without needing to relocate to urban centers.
    Mela Artisans stands out for its commitment to design excellence, which has led to their presence in high-end stores and mass-market retailers alike. Their products are a blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, making heritage crafts accessible to a broader audience. "We want it not to be in a luxury bubble," he emphasized. "We want everyone to be able to afford these products."
    Navroze's approach to business is not just about preserving old techniques; it's about revitalizing them, ensuring they remain relevant and appreciated in a modern context. This philosophy underpins every beautiful piece that comes from Mela Artisans, turning traditional crafts into objects of desire for the contemporary home while supporting the artisans who make them.
    Join us in celebrating the artistry and entrepreneurial spirit that Navroze Mehta brings to the world of heritage crafts. His work not only beautifies homes but also enriches lives, making a tangible difference in the artisan communities of India.
    AI Episode Summary
    1. Devin Thorpe, the host of the Superpowers for Good show, introduces the episode and his guest, Navroze Mehta of Mela Artisans, a company supporting artisans primarily in India.
    2. Navroze Mehta details the founding of Mela Artisans by his daughter, Sonali Matharu, as a response to the decline of the artisanal community in India, aiming to preserve heritage crafts and empower artisans.
    3. The company’s mission is to provide sustainable employment to artisanal communities and sell their handcrafted products in high-end stores and department stores across the U.S., making luxury products affordable and accessible.
    4. Navroze showcases various handcrafted items from Mela Artisans' product line, including a wooden bowl, a tray made of sustainable mango wood, jewelry boxes with bone or resin inlay, a candleholder combining multiple materials, and intricate marble and metalwork pieces.
    5. The discussion includes the expansion of Mela Artisans beyond India to source from artisans in Vietnam and Bali, Indonesia, increasing the variety of handcrafted products offered.
    6. Navroze explains the pricing of their products, emphasizing the go

    • 25 min
    Transforming Water Access: Pulling Water from Air

    Transforming Water Access: Pulling Water from Air

    I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.
    Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.
    When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or invest after clicking a link here, we may earn a commission. Engage to support our work.
    Devin: What is your superpower?
    Cody: A lot of it comes down to just a high level of commitment to my ambitions and goals.

    In today's episode of Superpowers for Good, I had the pleasure of speaking with Cody Soodeen, the visionary CEO & Founder of Kara Water Inc. Cody introduced us to a groundbreaking technology capable of extracting drinking water directly from the atmosphere—even in arid environments. His approach is not just revolutionary; it's a beacon of hope for sustainable water consumption globally.
    Cody shared, "We take the air and make it into what I call locally sourced drinking water." This statement underscores the essence of Kara Water's mission—to innovate for accessibility and sustainability. The technology, according to Cody, is applicable even in desert climates, a testament to its versatility and potential to change lives.
    The implications of this technology extend beyond mere convenience. As Cody explained, "It's not just about producing water; it's about reshaping how we think about water consumption." He emphasized that traditional methods, such as bottling and extensive transportation, are not only inefficient but environmentally detrimental. Cody’s solution offers a localized, eco-friendly alternative that could significantly reduce our ecological footprint.
    One aspect that struck me about Cody's narrative was his background as an architect. He believes that his architectural insights have led to a consumer-friendly product design, distinguishing Kara Water from previous attempts by engineers focused solely on technical aspects. "Engineers think in squares, and architects think in circles," Cody noted, highlighting the importance of design in technology adoption.
    Our discussion ventured into the broader social impacts of such technology. Cody passionately pointed out the alarming prevalence of microplastics in our environment and how technologies like his can play a crucial role in preventing these contaminants from entering our bodies from the start.
    In a world increasingly aware of sustainability and health, the innovations presented by Cody through Kara Water Inc. are not just necessary; they are imperative. As we wrapped up the conversation, it was clear that he is not only a CEO but a pioneer advocating for a world where clean and sustainable water is not a luxury but a given. Today's episode wasn't just enlightening—it was a glimpse into a future where technology meets humanitarian needs head-on.
    In our conversation today, Cody highlighted an exciting opportunity for listeners to engage with Kara Water beyond consumer interaction—through their regulated investment crowdfunding campaign on StartEngine. 
    He expressed his enthusiasm about giving both loyal customers and new supporters a chance to own a part of the company. This initiative not only aims to extend the reach of their innovative water technology but also strengthens community involvement in their mission to make locally sourced drinking water accessible globally. 
    The campaign has already seen significant interest, reflecting confidence in Kara Water's potential and its impact on the future of sustainable water consumption. Cody invites everyone to visit startengine.com/offering/karawater to learn more about the offering and consider becoming a shareholder in a company poised to revolutionize how we access drinking water.
    AI Episode Summary
    1. Devin Thorpe introduces Cody Soodeen, CEO and co-founder of Kara Water, on the "Superpowers for Good" show for a discussion about the company's innovative technology tha

    • 25 min
    Bridging Gaps: How Crowdfunding Is Democratizing Real Estate Investment

    Bridging Gaps: How Crowdfunding Is Democratizing Real Estate Investment

    I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.
    Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.
    When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or invest after clicking a link here, we may earn a commission. Engage to support our work.
    Devin: What is your superpower?
    Eve: Probably my biggest superpower is ignoring people when they say, “No, you can't do this.” Actually, that probably gets me going. If someone says “no” to me, then I put blinders on, and I'm going to make it happen.

    In today's episode of "Superpowers for Good," I had the pleasure of speaking with Eve Picker, the visionary Founder & CEO of Small Change. Eve shared some groundbreaking insights on how her platform is transforming real estate investment.
    Eve's company is a beacon of innovation in the finance sector, leveraging crowdfunding to make real estate investment accessible to all. This model isn't just about raising funds; it's a robust approach to community building and social equity. "What I really love about this regulation," Eve explained, "is that it's the SEC's first attempt to democratize investment." Through Small Change, individuals from any background can invest in projects that reshape their own neighborhoods.
    This democratic approach is crucial. Traditionally, real estate investment has been a bastion for the affluent, often inaccessible to the average person. Small Change disrupts this norm by empowering people from diverse backgrounds to have a stake in the development that affects them directly.
    The impact of Eve's work extends beyond financial returns. It’s about creating inclusive communities and revitalizing areas that traditional developers might overlook. It’s also a testament to the power of innovative financial tools to create real, positive change in society.
    As we wrapped up our conversation, it was clear that Eve’s dedication to democratizing investment is more than just business; it’s a passion for social impact. With leaders like Eve at the helm, the future of real estate investment is not only promising but inclusive.
    Eve will be one of the distinguished participants in SuperCrowd24, a two-day virtual conference beginning tomorrow. This event is a dynamic assembly aimed at revolutionizing the way we think about crowdfunding and investment and Eve's involvement is particularly noteworthy. 
    At SuperCrowd24, she will be engaging with other CEOs in a panel discussion, exploring the complexities and challenges faced by leaders in the crowdfunding sphere. Eve's insights, drawn from her extensive experience as a founder of a crowdfunding platform that emphasizes social impact in real estate, will undoubtedly highlight her commitment to innovation and democratizing investment opportunities. 
    It's an event designed to empower attendees with knowledge and networking opportunities, making the complex world of crowdfunding more accessible and actionable. This is a pivotal moment for anyone interested in the intersection of real estate, social impact, and investment. Register now with the discount code SuperCrowd to save 50 percent!
    AI Episode Summary
    1. Devin Thorpe introduces Eve Picker, CEO and founder of Small Change, a crowdfunding portal for real estate projects with social impact.
    2. Eve discusses recent expansion at Small Change, including the addition of five new partners from another real estate crowdfunding platform.
    3. The short-term effect of this expansion is increased busyness and the need to align the new partners with Small Change's processes and compliance issues.
    4. Long-term implications include the ability to handle more and larger listings and to take on a broader range of projects.
    5. Small Change leverages Regulation Crowdfunding, which enables developers to raise capital from the public for projects with emphasis on

    • 25 min

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