The Angel Next Door

Marcia Dawood

The Angel Next Door podcast is a show about how people got started investing in startup companies. Hosted by Marcia Dawood, member of the SEC Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee and Chair Emeritus of the board of the Angel Capital Association, the professional organization of angel investors across the US and globally. If you want to see change in the world you have to create it, invest in it or be it! Tune in to hear stories of what angel investing is, who does it and why!

  1. What Everyone Needs to Know About M&A Integration and Cultural Alignment

    1D AGO

    What Everyone Needs to Know About M&A Integration and Cultural Alignment

    What’s the hidden reality behind entrepreneurship when your company faces a merger or acquisition? Beyond the headlines and the excitement of a potential exit, there’s a deeply human side to these transitions—one filled with change, uncertainty, and the need for strong leadership and cultural awareness. In this episode, Marcia Dawood sits down with Jennifer Fondrevay, a former corporate executive turned M&A expert. Having lived through three multi-billion-dollar deals and authored a book on the subject, Jennifer Fondrevay brings a rare perspective focused not just on the transaction, but on the “people piece” that determines true transformation and sustainable success. Together, they explore the most common pitfalls and opportunities in M&A, from the grief staff can experience to the critical role of humility, communication, and early cultural integration. Packed with actionable advice for leaders, founders, and angel investors, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone preparing for, or curious about, what really makes an M&A deal work.   To get the latest from Jennifer Fondrevay, you can follow her below! https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-fondrevay/ https://jenniferjfondrevay.com/   Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing! Website: www.marciadawood.com Do Good While Doing Well Learn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.com And don't forget to follow us wherever you are! Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.apple Spotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotify LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

    35 min
  2. Buying, Scaling, and Exiting Businesses with Impact: Coco Sellman’s Expert Insights

    FEB 26

    Buying, Scaling, and Exiting Businesses with Impact: Coco Sellman’s Expert Insights

    What does it really mean to balance purpose and profit as an entrepreneur? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, host Marcia Dawood sits down with Coco Sellman to uncover how founders can address real community needs while building profitable, lasting companies. Marcia Dawood introduces Coco Sellman, a serial founder and the author of “A Force for Good.” Coco’s journey began with deeply personal motivations—seeking specialized care for her stepdaughter—which inspired her to launch and later successfully exit a healthcare business. Now, she’s focused on empowering women entrepreneurs to scale with intention and impact. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone navigating the world of startups and scale-ups. Coco Sellman shares hard-earned lessons on timing exits, acquiring businesses, and the essence of her practical growth framework. With honest stories and actionable advice, the conversation makes this episode an essential listen for founders seeking both purpose and profitable growth.   To get the latest from Coco Sellman, you can follow her below! https://www.linkedin.com/in/cocosellman/ https://aforceforgood.biz/ https://www.amazon.com/Force-Good-High-Impact-High-Growth-Enterprises/dp/B0DPVV9Q8Q   Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing! Website: www.marciadawood.com Do Good While Doing Well Learn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.com And don't forget to follow us wherever you are! Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.apple Spotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotify LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

    30 min
  3. How Cherub Connects Investors and Founders for Better Angel Outcomes

    FEB 19

    How Cherub Connects Investors and Founders for Better Angel Outcomes

    What drives someone to make their very first investment in a company that becomes a unicorn, and how can others follow suit? In this episode, host Marcia Dawood sits down with Jaclyn Johnson—serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and founder of Cherub—to unpack her journey from building and selling companies to becoming a prolific dealmaker and innovator in the fundraising space. Jaclyn Johnson shares her candid story, beginning with her initial leap into angel investing and continuing through her experience with high-profile exits and the founding of Cherub. The conversation also explores the challenges founders face today in fundraising, why many potential angels remain on the sidelines, and how Cherub is transforming access and simplicity for both founders and investors. This episode is a must-listen if you want to learn how successful angels think, discover what’s changing in startup investing, or get inspired to start your own journey as an investor or founder. It’s packed with practical wisdom and fresh perspectives on how to build a more inclusive and impactful entrepreneurial ecosystem.   To get the latest from Jaclyn Johnson, you can follow her below! Jaclyn's Linkedin Invest with Cherub Create and Cultivate   Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing! Website: www.marciadawood.com Do Good While Doing Well Learn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.com And don't forget to follow us wherever you are! Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.apple Spotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotify LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

    27 min
  4. Women Investing in Women: How Shalini Vadhera Blends Beauty, Biotechnology, and Space Innovation

    FEB 12

    Women Investing in Women: How Shalini Vadhera Blends Beauty, Biotechnology, and Space Innovation

    What does it mean to truly disrupt an industry—and can one entrepreneur’s vision connect beauty, empowerment, and even space exploration? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, host Marcia Dawood welcomes Shalini Vadhera, a pioneering founder who transformed her passion for global beauty into impact-driven brands and products that have made history by traveling to outer space. Shalini Vadhera shares her journey from a determined 19-year-old entrepreneur in India to celebrity makeup artist, bestselling author, and creator of Ready, Set, Jet—now certified for both human spaceflight and defense use. She’s not only revolutionizing beauty through biotech and space-tested products, but also building communities where women can invest, lead, and thrive. The episode highlights Shalini’s innovative approach to product development, her strategies for empowering women investors, and the game-changing events she’s orchestrated to bring powerful women together. It’s a must-listen conversation for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, innovation, and the real impact that comes from passing the baton to the next generation of changemakers.   To get the latest from Shalini Vadhera, you can follow her below! https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalinivadhera/ https://readysetjetofficial.com/ https://a.co/d/0cDXtYvR - Passport to Beauty   Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing! Website: www.marciadawood.com Do Good While Doing Well Learn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.com And don't forget to follow us wherever you are! Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.apple Spotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotify LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

    35 min
  5. Reimagining Money: Women’s Vision and Values at the Center of Wealth Conversations

    FEB 5

    Reimagining Money: Women’s Vision and Values at the Center of Wealth Conversations

    What does it really take to turn your vision into reality as an entrepreneur—and how do our early experiences shape the leaders we become? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, Marcia Dawood sits down with the dynamic Syama Bunten, whose journey from a driven, creative child writing letters to the White House to a powerhouse in the world of retail and brand consulting is nothing short of inspiring. The episode dives deep into how ambition, creativity, and a determination to improve one’s circumstances can fuel an extraordinary career. Syama brings a wealth of experience to the conversation. She shares her evolution from retail buying at Macy’s to launching her own consultancy, Scaling Retail, where she empowered emerging brands to succeed in a rapidly changing marketplace. She also provides insight into her more recent work as co-founder of Wealth Catalyst, a movement and community dedicated to helping women—and people at large—claim agency over their financial lives. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about entrepreneurship, wealth-building, or changing the narrative around who can lead and invest. Marcia and Syama discuss the real stories behind building businesses, the importance of agency and vision, and why normalizing conversations about money (especially among women) is critical for collective growth. With powerful anecdotes, actionable insights, and a preview of game-changing initiatives like the Wealth Catalyst Freedom Tour, this episode is both inspiring and practical, offering listeners a front-row seat to the next evolution in personal wealth and leadership.   To get the latest from Syama Bunten, you can follow her below! https://www.linkedin.com/in/syamameagher/ https://syamabunten.com/ https://wealthcatalyst.com/   Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing! Website: www.marciadawood.com Do Good While Doing Well Learn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.com And don't forget to follow us wherever you are! Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.apple Spotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotify LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

    35 min
  6. Community, Mindset, and Wealth: Inside the Millionaire Playbook Experience

    JAN 29

    Community, Mindset, and Wealth: Inside the Millionaire Playbook Experience

    What does it mean to truly build a business—and a life—on your own terms, rather than just following society’s rules? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, host Marcia Dawood sits down with Katie Sampayo, a life re-designer and business mentor for women entrepreneurs, to explore the journey from corporate conformity to empowered entrepreneurship. Katie Sampayo shares how she moved from a marketing job in finance to founding her own wellness business and eventually creating the Millionaire Playbook, a program that supports women in scaling their businesses with freedom, fulfillment, and impact. Her insights stem from mentorship, immersion in dynamic communities, and overcoming challenges rooted in misalignment and limiting beliefs. Listeners will come away with actionable steps for finding mentorship, prioritizing inner transformation, and creating a mission-driven business. If you’re ready to break free from routine, create abundance, and connect with a supportive network, this episode delivers essential guidance and real inspiration you can’t afford to miss.   To get the latest from Katie Sampayo, you can follow her below! https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiesampayo/ https://katiesampayo.com/ Here's the  next event from Katie: Millionaire Playbook - Designed for Entrepreneurial Women Ready to Rise in Alignment, Not Burnout Date: February 6, 2026 Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern https://livetothrivetoday.com/millionaireplaybook   Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing! Website: www.marciadawood.com Do Good While Doing Well Learn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.com And don't forget to follow us wherever you are! Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.apple Spotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotify LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

    39 min
  7. Anthony Scaramucci on What’s Next for Bitcoin, Blockchain, and Traditional Banks

    JAN 22

    Anthony Scaramucci on What’s Next for Bitcoin, Blockchain, and Traditional Banks

    What does it take for an entrepreneur to recognize—and embrace—a groundbreaking technological innovation, especially when skepticism is the initial reaction? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, host Marcia Dawood explores this very question with special guest Anthony Scaramucci, diving deep into the evolution of trust, disruption, and adoption in the world of digital assets. Anthony Scaramucci, a renowned financier and author, candidly shares his decade-long journey from Bitcoin skeptic to blockchain advocate. Known for his roles in finance and politics, he details his transformation, inspired by his persistent curiosity and the pivotal influence of friends such as Michael Saylor. As the founder of Skybridge Capital and the author of The Little Book of Bitcoin and his latest book, Solana Rising, Anthony Scaramucci offers a unique perspective on making complex ideas accessible to mainstream investors. This episode covers the fundamentals of Bitcoin and blockchain, why cryptocurrency may be the “perfect money,” and how legacy institutions are slowly but surely embracing this technology—even as old systems resist change. Listeners will gain insight into the mechanics behind crypto, its potential to revolutionize everyday transactions, and the challenges that remain. If you’re wondering how digital currency fits into the future of entrepreneurship or curious about how big banks and regulators are shifting their stance, this conversation is an absolute must-listen.   To get the latest from Anthony Scaramucci, you can follow him below! https://www.linkedin.com/in/anscaramucci/ https://www.instagram.com/scaramucci/?hl=en The Little Book of Bitcoin: What You Need to Know that Wall Street Has Already Figured Out Solana Rising: Investing in the Fast Lane of Crypto https://www.skybridge.com/  https://www.salt.org/    Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing! Website: www.marciadawood.com Do Good While Doing Well Learn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.com And don't forget to follow us wherever you are! Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.apple Spotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotify LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

    30 min
  8. Savvy Tax Strategies for Building Wealth and Minimizing Liabilities

    JAN 15

    Savvy Tax Strategies for Building Wealth and Minimizing Liabilities

    What’s the secret to building financial resilience as an entrepreneur—and how do you make sure you’re never caught off guard by life’s curveballs? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, host Marcia Dawood sits down with financial strategist Leah Williams to tackle these questions head-on, exploring how proactive financial planning and tax strategies can empower you to take control of your wealth journey. Leah Williams brings her story of personal financial transformation—after weathering divorce and witnessing the power of good planning through family loss—to offer practical advice that goes beyond the basics. Her firm, Savvy Financial, is built on a mission to help people, especially women, become confident in their financial decisions, teaching them about insurance, investments, and the hidden levers of tax efficiency. From leveraged charitable deductions to accelerated depreciation and creative ways to involve family in your business, this episode is loaded with real, immediately useful strategies that anyone can apply. If you want to make smarter choices about your financial future and get inspired along the way, this is the episode for you.   To get the latest from Leah Williams, you can follow her below! https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-williams-chfc%C2%AE-clu%C2%AE-wmcp%C2%AE-aa007595/  https://www.savvyfinancialllc.com/   Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing! Website: www.marciadawood.com Do Good While Doing Well Learn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.com And don't forget to follow us wherever you are! Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.apple Spotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotify LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

    32 min
4.8
out of 5
33 Ratings

About

The Angel Next Door podcast is a show about how people got started investing in startup companies. Hosted by Marcia Dawood, member of the SEC Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee and Chair Emeritus of the board of the Angel Capital Association, the professional organization of angel investors across the US and globally. If you want to see change in the world you have to create it, invest in it or be it! Tune in to hear stories of what angel investing is, who does it and why!

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