The Value with Kevin Valley

In this episode of The Value with Kevin Valley, we are with Nicholas Rees; a digital payment specialist, chartered accountant, private equity investor, and two-time Olympian from the Bahamas.

Nicholas discusses his PPP business model - People, Planet, Profit - and his multifaceted career journey from an Olympic swimmer to founding several businesses, including his successful digital payments platform, Kanoo.

He elaborates on his family's storied history, his educational background, and his extensive entrepreneurial ventures, such as his innovative water company, Everfresh. Nicholas also provides insight into Kanoo's operations, its role in the Bahamian digital currency ecosystem, digital financial inclusion efforts, and strategic acquisitions, including the recent acquisition of Trinidad-based fintech, LUHU.

He emphasizes the importance of technology investment in the Caribbean and shares valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the region.

 

Timestamps:

02:50 Nicholas Rees' Early Life and Family Legacy

06:31 From Swimming to Business: The Transition

08:28 The Struggles and Triumphs of Starting a Business

10:48 The Water Business: A Social Impact Story

16:05 Educational Pursuits and Career Milestones

24:57 The Birth and Growth of Kanoo

29:21 Kanoo's Vision and Future Plans

31:13 Empowering Businesses with Digital Tools

34:05 The Sand Dollar: Bahamas' Digital Currency

36:57 Challenges and Innovations in Digital Payments

40:03 Financial Inclusion in Remote Areas

45:05 Kanoo's Strategic Acquisitions and Partnerships

57:18 Investment Opportunities in Caribbean Tech

01:01:37 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

01:03:53 Conclusion and Farewell

 

 

In this episode, Kevin Valley engages with Bill Huston, a leading expert in the field of investment crowdfunding and recognized by Inc. magazine as one of the top 19 global crowdfunding professionals. Together, they explore the various forms of crowdfunding—donation, rewards, and investment—and discuss their unique advantages, particularly for underserved communities.

Bill sheds light on his journey from Cincinnati to becoming a prominent figure in the crowdfunding industry, emphasizing the significance of community, mentorship, and access to capital.

The discussion also highlights the need for increased awareness and education about crowdfunding among government bodies and financiers.

Bill outlines strategies to use crowdfunding as a demonstration of due diligence and the role of robust business plans. He acknowledges regional advancements, particularly in the Caribbean, and predicts a future with more opportunities for non-accredited investors through community-driven models.

Throughout the episode, Bill underscores that while not everyone may become an entrepreneur, everyone has the potential to be an investor.

 

Segments:

1. Introduction to Investment Crowdfunding

• Bill: Talks extensively about the fundamentals of crowdfunding, distinguishing between investment crowdfunding and rewards crowdfunding. He gives examples like the Oculus Rift to highlight the differences.

Bill Huston's Journey

• Bill: Shares his personal and professional journey from starting local food businesses to becoming a recognized expert in crowdfunding. His experiences emphasize the importance of community-focused investments.

Impact of Crowdfunding on Community Wealth

• Bill: Discusses how crowdfunding can serve as a tool for building wealth in low-wealth communities, especially focusing on black and Latino business owners. He shares success stories such as Black Coffee and Roots & Vines.

Crowdfunding Strategies

• Bill: Introduces the 'crowdfit' strategy, focusing on the importance of engaging one's closest networks first to hit minimum funding targets. He explains how this strategy works and why it's effective for underserved communities.

International Crowdfunding and Regulation

• Bill and Kevin: Discuss the potential for crowdfunding in international markets, particularly the Caribbean. They touch on regulatory challenges and provide insights into making crowdfunding work in these areas.

Future of Crowdfunding

• Bill: Shares his vision on the future of crowdfunding. Talks about its growing importance and potential impact on small businesses, real estate, and community projects.

 

Key Takeaways:

• Investment crowdfunding goes beyond financial returns by contributing to community wealth-building.
• The 'crowdfit' strategy is effective in helping small businesses hit their initial funding targets by engaging closely with their primary and secondary networks.
• There is a big opportunity for crowdfunding in international markets, although regulatory challenges need to be addressed.
• Crowdfunding has the potential to democratize access to investment opportunities, making it crucial for economic growth and community development.

 

Resources Mentioned:

• Fund Black Founders
• Kickstarter
• Indiegogo
• WeFunder
• Raiseway
• Crowdfund Better
• 10K Project

 

Highlights:

02:41 Bill Huston's Early Life and Career
07:50 Entrepreneurial Journey Begins
14:14 Crowdfunding Ventures and Challenges
21:15 The Power of Community Capital
31:07 Rewards vs. Investment Crowdfunding
39:22 The Power of Crowdfunding
40:54 Understanding SAFE Agreements
43:12 Challenges in Crowdfunding
43:19 The Role of Raiseway
44:31 Crowdfunding Statistics
45:15 The Importance of Community Support
46:03 Crowdfunding Education and Engagement
51:19 Crowdfit Investment Strategy
55:35 Ideal Products for Crowdfunding
01:01:25 Crowdfunding in the Caribbean
01:11:06 Future of Crowdfunding
01:15:00 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

 

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In this episode, we converse with Will Greenblatt, an acclaimed author and public speaking coach who has aided founders in raising over $350 million.

 

The discussion tackles the ever-present issue of stage fright and offers strategies to manage it effectively. Greenblatt shares his upbringing rooted in acting, his experiences as a child star, and overcoming various life challenges that shaped his approach to public speaking and entrepreneurship.

 

Emphasizing the importance of founder market fit and personal connection to business problems, Greenblatt provides insights into what investors look for, such as credibility and effective communication. He underscores the emotional aspects of pitching and stresses authenticity and passion in delivering compelling pitches.

 

The episode is filled with actionable advice on improving public speaking skills, building strong investor relationships, and mastering the art of compelling business pitches.

 

00:00 Overcoming Stage Fright

00:37 Introduction to the Podcast

01:00 Meet Will Greenblatt

02:06 Will's Acting Journey

02:57 Family Legacy and Early Acting Career

06:40 Challenges of Child Acting

14:58 Coping with Grief and Mental Health

30:30 Therapy and Personal Growth

37:17 The Fear of Public Speaking

38:19 Understanding Anxiety and Its Lies

39:58 Personal Experiences with Stage Fright

43:37 Overcoming Stage Fright: Practical Tips

55:18 The Five Acts Framework for Public Speaking

01:02:52 The Importance of Emotional Connection in Pitching

01:10:20 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

 

References

• Watch this interview on YouTube
• Transform Your Speaking Skills: Gain Confidence, Captivate Audiences and Advance Your Career by Will Greenblatt

For more of Will

• LinkedIn: Will Greenblatt
• YouTube: Your Public Speaking Coach

This episode features educator and high-performance coach Dr. Shelly-Ann Gajadhar. Dr. Shelly is the founder and Mentor of a women’s mentorship online community of 200+ women called the Go Bravely Mentorship Community and the Author of a daily inspirational book for women entitled Go Bravely: Building Confidence Daily. Having shifted careers from law to business and academia, she blends academic principles with effective management and mindful leadership, delivering rapid results.

In this episode, Dr. Shelly talks about her PhD journey and challenges as a black woman pursuing a PhD. in the UK. She imparts her insights on performance management, a crucial skill for entrepreneurs seeking to excel in their endeavours. Moreover, she also dropped a lot of tips on various topics spanning brand identity, task management, and product launches.

Get ready to delve into a wealth of knowledge in this episode as we kickstart our journey toward high performance together.

Highlights:

• 00:00 Unlocking Self-Leadership and High Performance
• 00:57 Podcast Introduction: High-Performing Entrepreneurs
• 02:32 Journey of Transformation: From Law to Leadership
• 04:48 Navigating Challenges as a Caribbean Academic in the UK
• 07:05 Activism and Advocacy: Championing Diversity in Academia
• 19:25 The Genesis of 'Go Bravely': Turning Mantra into Movement
• 23:20 Mentorship and Building a Community of Empowered Women
• 33:02 High Performance Coaching: Legacy, Vision, and Systems
• 39:04 The Power of Staying in Your Lane
• 39:45 The Impact of Focusing on Your Audience
• 40:22 Leveraging Influence Over Imitation
• 40:51 Redefining Success Through Discipline and Inspiration
• 41:26 Task Management vs. Time Management: A New Approach
• 45:16 Planning Your Week for Maximum Productivity
• 51:48 The Magic of Writing Things Down
• 56:02 Strategies for Successful Product Launches
• 01:04:39 From Message to Movement: Upcoming Leadership Bootcamp
• 01:04:51 Vision and Growth: The Future of Alphastute
• 01:09:38 Innovative Ideas and Personal Projects
• 01:12:17 Final Thoughts: The Dream Chose You

 

References:

• Episode Video
• Go Bravely - Londrelle, Shelly-Ann Gajadhar | Spotify
• Energy Focussed Weekly Planner
• Go Bravely Mentorship Community
• Go Bravely: Building Confidence Daily by Dr Shelly-Ann Gajadhar

 

For More of Dr. Shelly:

• Website: www.alphastute.com
• YouTube: Dr. Shelly-Ann Gajadhar

In this episode, we are with the Managing Director of The Bahamas Development Bank (BDB), Nicholas Higgs. Nicholas was also the Director and Chief Operating Officer for the Access Accelerator Small Business Development Center (SBDC), where he led the business development department. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with deep expertise in development finance, research, and capital raising. 

Here we delve into investing and raising funds in the Bahamas. Nicholas discusses his journey as a managing director, sharing insights gained along the way. He also emphasizes the importance of networking, tenacity, and expanding one’s horizons. Join us as we look deeper into the Bahamian economy and explore its investment opportunities.

Highlights:

• [02:08] Taking on the role of Managing Director at the age of 31
• [05:27] The value of networking and controlling your narrative
• [12:36] Overcoming fears and getting out of the box
• [19:00] The power of tenacity
• [24:43] The art of valuation
• [29:23]  Nicholas’ insights on raising funds and securing deals
• [36:07]  The Bahamian economy during the COVID-19 Pandemic
• [40:43]  The Bahamas Development Bank and its rebranding
• [43:05]  The Sleeping Giant: Bahamas’ Potential and Opportunities
• [48:11]  Investing and raising capital in the Bahamas
• [51:38] Crowdfunding in the Caribbean
• [53:45] The BDB’s vision and goals
• [59:22] BDB’s fund allocation
• [01:00:39] How do you present your business for financing
• [01:05:19] Common misconceptions about investing in the Caribbean
• [01:10:57] Nicholas’ upcoming podcast: Mastering Finance

 

Resources

Episode Video

Mastering Finance: The Podcast

In this technologically advanced world, everything is getting digitalized. For any business to keep up, it has to learn how to efficiently incorporate technology into its processes. 

 

In this episode, digital marketing and e-commerce specialist Keron Rose sits with us as we delve into the world of digital marketing and e-commerce. Keron is also a writer and a podcast host, and his platforms aim to educate Caribbean entrepreneurs about the technology they need to start a business.

 

Here, Keron discusses the different digital payment platforms available in the Caribbean and the value proposition they offer. He emphasizes the importance of considering the pros and cons of the various digital payment facilitators and choosing the most suitable for your business.

 

Highlights:

• Keron’s journey to digital marketing and e-commerce
• Exploring the different payment platforms and knowing what suits you
• Digital tools and strategies to enhance your online presence
• Utilizing digital tools to build your brand: success stories
• Challenges in adopting digital payment solutions
• Understanding how various digital payments work
• Looking into the value proposition of different payment facilitators
• Republic Bank’s Endcash digital wallet
• Weighing payment solutions and consumer behaviour
• Digital payments: A look into the future
• The importance of legal conversations on fintech

 

Resources:

• Episode Video
• Digipreneur FM
• Keron Rose Website

In this episode, we are with Cherie Williams, a Jamaican entrepreneur living in the United States, who has identified a billion-dollar market opportunity in the Caribbean car rental industry through her startup, Veekle.

Williams shares her inspiring journey from growing up in Kingston, Jamaica, to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the US while balancing being a mother of four.

She discusses the challenges and milestones of launching Veekle, a peer-to-peer car rental platform aimed at revolutionizing car rentals in the Caribbean and potentially other developing regions. Williams emphasizes the importance of resilience, continuous learning, and a supportive community in entrepreneurship.

The discussion also covers the significance of MVPs (Minimum Viable Products), the power of pitch competitions, and strategies for overcoming setbacks. Williams' story is a masterclass in entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of passion, perseverance, and adaptability in turning innovative ideas into successful businesses.

 

Highlights:

• 01:59 Guest Spotlight: From Jamaica to a Billion-Dollar Vision
• 03:48 Cherie Williams' Journey: Education, Entrepreneurship, and Empowerment
• 08:03 The Birth of Veekle: Revolutionizing Car Rentals in the Caribbean
• 12:25 Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities Amidst the Pandemic
• 32:41 Pitching Veekle: Strategy, Storytelling, and Scaling Up
• 37:01 Future Plans and Expansion: Building a Caribbean-wide Network
• 39:19 Diving Deep into Financial Modeling and Target Markets
• 40:05 Tourism Trends and Business Viability
• 40:53 The Art of Pitching and Seeking Investment
• 44:54 Expanding Horizons: Beyond the Caribbean
• 47:03 Navigating the Challenges of a Startup
• 01:03:13 The Entrepreneurial Journey: Resilience and Learning
• 01:11:39 Closing Thoughts: Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

 

Contact Cherie Williams:

LinkedIn: Cherie Williams, CPA, MBA

Instagram: @iamcheriewilliams

 

Find out more about Veekle:

LInkedIn: Veekle™

Facebook: facebook.com/justveekle

Instagram: @justveekle

Twitter: @justveekle

In this episode, we are with the well-known Caribbean media professional and personality Samantha Best. Samantha is widely known as a former prime-time news anchor at CCN TV6, but more than that, she is an accomplished author, content consultant, and insurance agent. It was her ability to connect with the audience and her personal touch that made her one of the most popular media personalities on television and radio. In 2023, she made a career shift as she became a member of the Guardian Group as an insurance agent, making a positive impact on people's lives.

 

Samantha enjoys empowering people to work smart and make more which is what this episode is about. She shares her journey from her humble beginnings in the media industry to transitioning in different career paths. Moreover, she emphasizes the benefits of insurance and the importance of time management in achieving success.

 

Key Takeaways:

• Samantha's life before entering the media industry
• Finding her path in media and handling the pressures of being a beginner
• How can you improve your craft
• You must have different layers and be in different places to build your brand.
• Learn from your mistakes.
• Dealing with burnout and negative comments
• Samantha's journey on rebranding and getting back to her passion
• Being a woman in media and Samantha's advice to those aiming to get into the media industry
• Samantha's unique approach to insurance and financial freedom
• Build a system of content creation that fits your routine. It can be different for everybody.
• How to manage your time and get organized.

 

Resources:

• Episode Video
• The Balance Block Method: A Guide to Improved Time Management and Productivity by Samantha Best
• Transform Your Life With Samantha's Balanced Success Checklist 

 

Watch this video on YouTube here

 

Contact Samantha Best

Website: samanthabest.life

 

In this insightful episode, we are with Ocey Phillips, an expert on digital transformation, focused on assisting companies in keeping up with customer needs in a technologically advanced world. He helps companies grow revenue by matching their perceived value with the problems consumers are looking for solutions to. As an experienced digital consultant with over ten years of successes and failures in the digital, technology, ICT, and telecoms sectors, he is adept at handling various projects and challenges.

 

As Ocey sits down with us in this episode, we take a deep dive into the Caribbean financial services sector and talk about reinventing the process to adapt to the technologically advanced world. He also shares his insights on managing and adding value to businesses.

 

Key Takeaways:

• Defining Digital Darwinism
• People management through framework and autonomy
• What inspired Ocey to reinvent himself?
• Introducing Inifye: A brief overview
• Key challenges in the Caribbean financial services sector
• The benefits of reinventing the process and going digital
• Total customer experience: What determines a value of a company
• Constantly be proactive with your market research
• Upscaling your business with a marketplace business model
• Go into business thoroughly, and understand every aspect.
• Staying ahead with prompt engineering
• Business vs. Hobby: What makes a business
• It is essential to have an understanding of the various business models.
• Going back to the core business principles
• Finding value in the Caribbean Fintech sector
• Challenges in funding within the Caribbean region

 

Resources:

• Episode Video
• Disrupt You: Master Personal Transformation, Seize Opportunity, and Thrive in the Era of Endless Innovation by Jay Samit

 

Watch this interview on YouTube here

In this episode of The Value podcast, host Kevin Valley is with Jynynn Edwards and Keron Rose of “The Digital World” radio programme on 106.5FM for an insightful interview about his work as a Chartered Business Valuator and podcaster. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to business valuation and entrepreneurship, including:

• Kevin's professional background in business valuation 
• Understanding what a Chartered Business Valuator does 
• Basic steps to building an investible business 
• Why do small businesses fail to access capital from banks & available alternatives 
• How to value intellectual property and brands
• Knowing when to choose a business canvas over a business plan 
• The story behind the Caribbean Power Lunch Podcast and subsequent transition to The Value Show
• Views on podcasting as a medium in 2023 

Throughout the episode, Kevin shares his expertise on these topics and provides practical advice for entrepreneurs and business owners. He also discusses his mission to educate business owners at scale while working with investors to source profitable opportunities.

Overall, this episode provides valuable insights into the world of business valuation and entrepreneurship and is a must-listen for anyone interested in building a highly valuable and investible business.

 

Resources:

Unlocking Investment Potential: How Chartered Business Valuators Drive Business Success

Kevin Valley visits his high school alma mater to address the current cohort on the topic “What I Have Learnt”. This series was designed to engage young men in conversations with past students on key lessons they have learnt after leaving the school. The speeches take on a well-rounded perspective on life not limited simply to everyday career advice.

In this speech, Kevin leaves the students with three potent lessons:

1. Daydreams are powerful;
2. It’s not about you; your purpose is to serve
3. Resilience wins the long game.

Smartly intertwined with stories about his own failures, determination, and success, he drives home the key lesson of listening to your inner voice because it knows you best.

Feeling a bit uncertain in your journey? Press play for some inspiration.

 

Resources:

From Daydreams to Purpose: How Environment and Resilience Drive Performance

In this episode, Jarrod Best-Mitchell, a sales consultant with almost two decades of experience, shares his insights on the art of sales. He has worked at several top local and international corporations and has trained hundreds of sales professionals in current sales techniques to improve their performance and achieve their goals. His company, Help Me Sell, offers sales team coaching, sales process auditing, and helps C-level executives optimize their LinkedIn profiles.

Jarrod firmly believes that "nothing happens until a sale is made" and has a track record that speaks for itself, having generated over 2 million organic views of his content in the last 22 months. He delves into topics such as the importance of mindset in sales, debunking the myth of the sales personality, the real key to learning how to sell, using content to answer customer questions and reach more people, and the importance of using video content to build trust and authority with strangers. He also touches on how to identify your ideal client and close the sale, understanding your value, and pricing appropriately, as well as the importance of data and insights to solving business problems.

This episode is a must-listen for business owners, sales professionals, and service providers, as it is filled with powerful insights that can help improve your sales performance and achieve your goals. With Jarrod's impressive track record, you can be sure that the advice he shares is practical and actionable.

 

Resources:

• Episode Video
• Sales Success: Why Personality Is Overrated and Process Is Key
• Maximizing Your Sales Strategy: Targeting Prospects and Solving Customers' Problems with Data-Driven Insights