SoCal Community Round Table ep 1

Sedric Hill

Welcome to the very first episode of the SoCal Community Round Table Podcast, where we highlight the people, programs, and partnerships transforming communities across Southern California and beyond. In this inaugural episode, we introduce the vision behind the podcast and the mission of SoCal Community Development Corporation—to create economic opportunities for all by expanding access to education, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and housing resources. This conversation sets the foundation for what listeners can expect: authentic discussions with community leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, financial institutions, and changemakers who are working every day to make a meaningful impact. Whether you're a community advocate, aspiring homeowner, business owner, or simply someone passionate about strengthening communities, this podcast is designed to inform, inspire, and connect. 🎯 In this episode, we cover: Why this podcast was createdLeadership, what separates good leaders from great onesThe importance of education and access to opportunityThe AI and STEM gaps in underserved communities and how to close themHow we are building a movement that transforms communitiesSubscribe and join us as we amplify voices, share solutions, and work together to level the playing field.

Episodes

  1. Aug 18

    Building the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs with Professor JJ

    SoCal Community Roundtable Podcast with Sedric Hill | Guest: Professor John Bradley Jackson "JJ" What does it take to build a thriving business—and a stronger community? In this powerful conversation, entrepreneur, investor, author, and educator JJ Jackson shares real-world lessons from Silicon Valley, Wall Street, and the classroom. We discuss: ✅ The entrepreneurial mindset and what it really takes to succeed ✅ Funding, investing, and common mistakes to avoid ✅ How AI is changing the future of startups ✅ Why entrepreneurship matters in our communities ✅ Lessons from Silicon Valley, Wall Street, and the classroom Whether you're a student, startup founder, small business owner, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiration to help you build, grow, and make an impact. 🎙️ About Our Guest: Professor JJ Jackson JJ Jackson is an entrepreneur, investor, author, and Former Director of the Conrey Center for Entrepreneurship at California State University, Fullerton. He has decades of experience helping founders, students, and communities create opportunities and build the next generation of successful businesses. 📌 CONNECT WITH JJ JACKSON Conrey Center for Entrepreneurship, CSUF https://business.fullerton.edu/entrepreneurship LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jjjackson 👍 LIKE this video if you found the conversation valuable. 💬 COMMENT below: What was your biggest takeaway from JJ's insights? 🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more conversations with entrepreneurs, community leaders, and changemakers. About the SoCal Community Roundtable Podcast Real talk. Real solutions. Real impact. The SoCal Community Roundtable Podcast brings together leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers to tackle the issues that matter most in Southern California and beyond. FOLLOW SoCal Community Roundtable Facebook: /SoCalRoundtable Instagram: @SoCalRoundtable LinkedIn: /SoCalRoundtable YouTube: @SoCalRoundtable #SoCalCommunityRoundtable #Entrepreneurship #StartupLife #SmallBusiness #AI #Leadership #CommunityImpact

    Building the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs with Professor JJ
  2. Jul 4

    From Employee to Entrepreneur: How One Opportunity Changed Everything

    Episode Notes From Employee to Entrepreneur: Funding, Risks & Building a Business That Lasts Can losing your job become the greatest opportunity of your life? In this episode of the SoCal Community Round Table Podcast, Sedric Hill and Kelly discuss the remarkable story of a professional who unexpectedly became a business owner after a government agency recognized his talent and offered his newly formed company a sole-source contract. That real-life story launches a broader conversation about why entrepreneurship is booming in today's economy—and what it really takes to build a successful business. Whether you're considering a side hustle, launching a startup, or growing an existing business, this episode provides practical advice on avoiding common mistakes and positioning yourself for long-term success. Topics Covered • Why entrepreneurship is growing after the pandemic • Turning unexpected opportunities into successful businesses • Why so many startups fail • Business planning and strategic marketing • Access to capital and funding options • Self-funding vs. outside investment • Operational efficiency and scaling a business • Innovation and adapting to changing markets • Building wealth through entrepreneurship Connect with SoCal Community Development Corporation 🌐 Website: https://www.socalcdc.org 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SoCalCDC-g3m Learn more about our programs supporting entrepreneurs, financial empowerment, workforce development, and community leadership. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast on your favorite listening platform.

    From Employee to Entrepreneur: How One Opportunity Changed Everything

About

Welcome to the very first episode of the SoCal Community Round Table Podcast, where we highlight the people, programs, and partnerships transforming communities across Southern California and beyond. In this inaugural episode, we introduce the vision behind the podcast and the mission of SoCal Community Development Corporation—to create economic opportunities for all by expanding access to education, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and housing resources. This conversation sets the foundation for what listeners can expect: authentic discussions with community leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, financial institutions, and changemakers who are working every day to make a meaningful impact. Whether you're a community advocate, aspiring homeowner, business owner, or simply someone passionate about strengthening communities, this podcast is designed to inform, inspire, and connect. 🎯 In this episode, we cover: Why this podcast was createdLeadership, what separates good leaders from great onesThe importance of education and access to opportunityThe AI and STEM gaps in underserved communities and how to close themHow we are building a movement that transforms communitiesSubscribe and join us as we amplify voices, share solutions, and work together to level the playing field.