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How Black Innovation Alliance Built a National Coalition in the Midst of a Global Pandemic

Kim Anthony • September 22, 2021

Today, Black Innovation Alliance (BIA) is a national coalition with 50 member organizations supporting nearly 300K Black entrepreneurs and innovators. A year and a half ago, they weren’t even an idea. But through the commitment and dedication of a mighty few, they’ve been able to build an undeniable force in the advancement of economic justice and the remediation of the racial wealth gap.


Here are the top 7 things that have made all the difference in their ability to scale a national coalition in a relatively short time and in the midst of a global pandemic.

1) They Maintained Steady Momentum

When joining a coalition, many people have more negative experiences than positive ones. Sure, it starts great, but such efforts lose momentum over time, and little comes from it. Participants leave jaded and more resolved to just “go it alone”.


They knew this going in and wanted to telegraph in every way possible that BIA was different. So, they scheduled a regular meeting cadence and committed to making meetings matter. The sense of accomplishment associated with early milestones made us feel like we were a part of something greater. Even now, they derive a sense of pride from how fast the work has moved, which has caused them to want to drive even harder (and wiser) going into their next chapter.

2) They Move at the Speed of Trust

They are a pretty ambitious bunch, so the work has moved rather quickly. They agreed early that if at any point they reached an impasse, that they would pause to ensure everyone was clear and that members felt good about the general direction. They operated by the principle, of when building anything new with others, trust is the glue. Without it, people lose faith, disengage and move on. Over time, their “trust battery” grew stronger. Members began to build relationships with the organization and with one another. The more they accomplished together, the more faith they had in one another and in BIA. Today, trust remains focal for them. They’re always trying to find new ways to build it because they know that BIA will not survive without it.

3) They Prioritized Member Benefits


The Black Innovation Alliance model has always been about figuring out the most efficient and effective ways to direct resources and opportunities to ecosystem leaders and builders. As a result, their members have received access to free memberships, subscriptions, speaking opportunities, earned media and press, grant funding, earned revenue opportunities, and even membership stipends.

We know that people join coalitions for the cause, but Black people are disproportionately expected to support the cause, often receiving little in return – either directly or indirectly. At BIA, we’re always looking to add value for our members because they are the lifeblood of our work.



4) We Empower people to lead.

At BIA, we believe that the genius necessary to solve our community’s greatest challenges lies in the hearts and minds of Black people. Therefore, our biggest task at BIA is to build the infrastructure that allows them to activate that genius (what we refer to as giving birth to their “idea babies”).

They  relied on their  members to guide our strategic work and support program implementation as a distributed network. If someone had a bright idea that the community agrees aligns with their mission, their members know they will be asked to lead on it. Their work is alive and dynamic because their members are not following; they lead in just about every aspect of their work.


5) They Focused on Culture

Because they know the power of organizational culture in creating a quality experience, they’ve been intentional about building a healthy one from the beginning. This meant creating safe and fun spaces, doing what they said they were going to do, being transparent, offering people grace, assuming the best (not the worst), showing up for one another, and committing to action. At BIA, it’s their commitment to ensure that their  members feel welcomed, seen, felt, and heard at all times.

6) They Committed to Learning

At this stage, they wanted to learn as much as they could about one another, their partners, the space, the work, and the communities they serve. In all things, their members knew that they were committed to learning and doing better. They encourage each other to hold them accountable and prioritized iteration in all things.

7) We Lead with Love

Love is not a foreign word in their work. We have great affection for their members and a deep love for the work and the communities they show up for every day. It’s not a weak or a sappy love, but a bold and audacious love that allows them to speak the truth and bring life. They efforts to deploy a generative love in their work, from the most expansive plans to the tiniest of details.

Says BIA, "Love is a powerful thing. It’s what will keep BIA growing, our work transforming, and our vision for the world ever unfolding."

8 Things to Consider if You're Thinking About Running for Office

By Kim Anthony • September 4, 2023
The prospect of running for public office is both exciting and daunting. It offers an opportunity to make impactful changes, but it also exposes you to scrutiny and requires tremendous commitment. If you're contemplating throwing your hat into the political ring, it's essential to think through multiple factors before making your decision. Here are eight critical considerations to mull over: 1. Personal Readiness Entering politics is a life-altering choice, not just for you but also for your family and close ones. The demands on your time, privacy, and emotional well-being can be overwhelming. Questions to Ask : Are you emotionally, mentally, and physically prepared for the challenges? Have you discussed this with your family, and are they supportive? 2. Core Beliefs and Values Politics is an arena of competing interests and ideologies. Having a clear understanding of your core beliefs and values will guide your political journey. Questions to Ask : What causes or issues are most important to you? Are your views aligned with the electorate you wish to serve? 3. Skill Set and Qualifications Being in public office requires a diverse skill set, including but not limited to leadership, public speaking, and policy analysis. Questions to Ask : Do you possess the skills needed to succeed in office? If not, are you willing to learn or surround yourself with experts who do? 4. Financial Considerations Campaigning can be expensive, and public office may not offer the financial rewards that other careers do. Questions to Ask : Do you have the financial resources to run a campaign and sustain yourself in office? Are you ready to disclose your financial status, as is often required? 5. Electability and Public Perception Popularity and public perception play a crucial role in politics. Your history, conduct, and even appearance are often subject to public scrutiny. Questions to Ask : How are you perceived by the community? Do you have any skeletons in the closet that could become public and harm your candidacy? 6. Team and Support System A successful campaign requires a dedicated team for various functions: strategizing, fundraising, public relations, and more. Questions to Ask : Do you have a trustworthy team or know how to assemble one? Do you have mentors or advisors in the political arena? 7. Regulatory and Legal Requirements Different positions have different eligibility criteria, filing requirements, and regulations. Questions to Ask : Are you familiar with the legal requirements for the position you are considering? Do you meet the eligibility criteria? 8. Long-Term Goals and Exit Strategy Public office is often not a lifetime appointment. Whether you serve one term or multiple, you will eventually move on. Questions to Ask : What are your long-term goals? Do you see politics as a career or a stepping stone to other endeavors? What's your exit strategy? The Starting Point, Not the Destination Contemplating these eight points is just the starting point; running for public office is a long, complicated journey that will demand constant adjustment and reevaluation. However, these considerations can give you a solid foundation for making an informed decision. Running for public office is a significant decision that should not be taken lightly. If you are considering this path, taking the time to reflect on these eight considerations will provide valuable insights and prepare you for the challenges and rewards that lie ahead.

What Chris Smalls, President of Amazon Labor Union, Has Taught Us About Leadership

By Kim Anthony • September 4, 2023
Chris Smalls has emerged as an unlikely hero, not just for the workers of Amazon but for the labor movement across America and beyond. He has become the President of the Amazon Labor Union, catalyzing significant shifts in a company known for its tough anti-union stance. His rise from a rank-and-file worker to a labor organizer has lessons in leadership that transcend industrial contexts and have universal applicability. 1. Embrace the Unexpected Chris’s journey began when he unexpectedly walked out of Amazon three years ago. His decision, driven by a deep-rooted sense of justice, has today turned him into a symbol of hope for many. Leaders often need to embrace the unexpected and leverage it for positive change. 2. Prioritize the Immediate Task Despite the allure of media attention and numerous emails, Chris has remained focused on getting a contract for JFK workers. Leaders should always keep their eyes on the immediate goal, ensuring it aligns with the broader mission. 3. Share the Reality Chris paints a vivid picture of the demanding work environment at Amazon. By sharing his personal experience, he humanizes the struggle and educates the masses on the realities many face. Great leaders tell stories that connect and mobilize. 4. Find Inspiration from Setbacks The failed unionization attempt in Bessemer, Alabama, became a source of inspiration for Chris. Leaders often encounter setbacks; the key is to learn from them and use them as fuel to keep going. 5. Build Solidarity Beyond Borders Chris's commitment isn't limited to America. He has connected with workers from London to Cuba, demonstrating the universality of the labor struggle. Leaders must think globally, fostering international collaborations and solidarity. 6. Stay Motivated While challenges abound, Chris is driven by the possibility of causing billionaires to rethink their decisions. He's inspired by stories of grassroots movements and international solidarity. Leaders must find their unique source of motivation to persist. 7. Learn Continuously From understanding the deep divides in organizational alignments to the intricacies of American labor politics, Chris's journey is one of continuous learning. Effective leaders are always students, open to gaining new insights and understanding. 8. Foster International Solidarity Chris's efforts have sparked interest from other organizations and countries. By fostering international collaboration, leaders can amplify their cause and create a more substantial impact. 9. Celebrate Victories but Look Ahead The Amazon Labor Union's election win was monumental, but Chris understands that it's the beginning. Leaders should celebrate victories but must always focus on the next milestone. 10. Hold Entities Accountable Whether it's Amazon or established unions, Chris stresses the importance of accountability. Leaders must consistently challenge existing systems, pushing them towards greater fairness and justice. In conclusion, Chris Smalls's leadership journey is an inspiration to many. His commitment, resilience, and vision offer lessons not just for labor organizers but for leaders across sectors. As the labor landscape continues to evolve, it's voices like Chris's that will guide the way, urging us all to build a more equitable and just world.

7 Lessons We Learned from Daymond John About Entrepreneurship

By Kim Anthony • September 3, 2023
Entrepreneurship is a journey paved with challenges, risks, and opportunities. In the world of business, there are few voices as authoritative and inspiring as Daymond John's. As a successful entrepreneur, investor, and star of the hit TV show "Shark Tank," Daymond John has shared his wisdom and insights that have become valuable lessons for aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs alike. Here are eight lessons we've learned from Daymond John about entrepreneurship: 1. Start Small, Think Big Daymond's journey began with a modest investment of $40, sewing homemade hats in his mother's living room. This humble start taught him the importance of taking the first step, even when resources are limited. He emphasizes the need to think big but start small, leveraging what you have to make gradual progress toward your goals. 2. Solve Real Problems One of Daymond's key principles is to identify problems that need solving. Successful businesses often emerge from addressing genuine pain points faced by consumers. By focusing on solutions that add value to people's lives, entrepreneurs can tap into sustainable demand and build a loyal customer base. 3. The Power of Branding Daymond is a firm believer in the power of branding. He turned FUBU (For Us, By Us) into a global fashion brand by connecting with the hip-hop community and championing inclusivity. His lesson? Build a brand that tells a story and resonates with your target audience. A strong brand creates emotional connections and sets you apart in a competitive market. 4. Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity Failure is often seen as a setback, but Daymond sees it as a stepping stone to success. He acknowledges his past failures and emphasizes that learning from mistakes is crucial for growth. Every failure provides valuable lessons that can guide future decisions and strategies. 5. Stay Hungry and Persistent Daymond's journey to success was far from smooth, marked by rejections and obstacles. His story teaches us the importance of perseverance and hunger. Entrepreneurship requires a relentless drive to overcome challenges, adapt to change, and keep pushing forward, even when the odds seem stacked against you. 6. Know Your Numbers Inside and Out Numbers are the language of business, and Daymond stresses the significance of understanding your financials. Whether it's profit margins, costs, or revenue projections, a deep understanding of your financial metrics empowers you to make informed decisions and negotiate effectively. 7. Build Relationships and Networks In the business world, relationships matter. Daymond's success was shaped by his ability to build strong connections with mentors, partners, and customers. He advises entrepreneurs to network, seek mentorship, and nurture relationships as they can provide valuable guidance, opportunities, and support. Daymond John's journey from a small start to a globally recognized entrepreneur is a testament to his expertise and insights into the world of business. These eight lessons serve as a roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs, guiding them through the challenges and triumphs of building and growing a successful enterprise. By embracing these principles, entrepreneurs can navigate their own paths to success with confidence and determination.
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