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In this episode of Decentralized Opportunity, Wyatt and Tanner sit down with Gaby Cardenas, founder and CEO of The Colibri Collective, a dynamic marketing agency that specializes in empowering underrepresented communities. Gaby shares her journey from being a radio sales manager to founding The Colibri Collective, and how she has built a firm that not only delivers top-notch marketing strategies but also prioritizes social impact.

Gaby dives deep into the challenges and rewards of working with diverse communities, particularly in the context of advocacy and electoral campaigns. She discusses the importance of understanding your target audience, the necessity of a well-thought-out marketing budget, and the role of cultural sensitivity in crafting effective campaigns.

Listeners will gain insights into the intricacies of awareness campaigns, the value of transparency in marketing, and how Gaby's personal values have shaped her business. This episode is packed with valuable lessons for entrepreneurs, marketers, and anyone interested in using business as a force for good.

Key Summaries:

• The Colibri Collective specializes in culturally sensitive marketing, particularly for underrepresented communities.
• Gaby emphasizes the importance of a strong marketing budget and knowing your audience.
• Awareness campaigns can be effective when paired with proper research and strategic planning.
• Gaby's commitment to social impact drives the work of The Colibri Collective, making a difference in the communities they serve.

Memorable Quotes:

• "We always want to be trendsetters, not trend followers." — Gaby Cardenas
• "Marketing is not just about selling; it's about understanding and connecting with your audience." — Gaby Cardenas
• "Your work has to show and you have to show up on time because there's always going to be a bigger firm." — Wyatt Carson

Resources:

• Gaby Cardenas on LinkedIn: Gaby Cardenas
• The Colibri Collective: The Colibri Collective Website
• The Colibri Collective on LinkedIn: The Colibri Collective LinkedIn

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The state of esports is currently struggling, with many companies facing financial difficulties. The traditional model of building a league around a single game and relying on sponsorships and ticket sales is no longer sustainable. Ultimate Endgamerz League (UEL) has taken a different approach by creating a league around gaming as a whole, incorporating five competitive genres. They change the games every six months and prioritize the gamer experience. UEL has gained popularity among players and developers, with 95% of their revenue coming from developers. The unique structure of UEL's competitions keeps players engaged and allows for the discovery of new games. The conversation with Titus Walker, the CEO of UEL Esports, covered various topics related to the growth and impact of esports. The main themes include the unique and engaging format of UEL Esports, the journey from the first competition to the current state of the organization, customer acquisition strategies, community engagement, diversity in esports, partnerships and collaborations, and future trends in the industry.

Memorable Quotes
"Esports is definitely in a winter, but gaming isn't going anywhere." - Titus Walker
"We created a league around gaming as a whole, not just a single game." - Titus Walker
"Our community is extremely diverse, and diversity is not just shining but truly appreciated here." - Titus Walker

Links
Titus Walker's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/titus-walker/
Ultimate Endgamers League Website: https://ultimateendgamersleague.com/

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In this enlightening episode of the Decentralized Opportunity Podcast, Wyatt and Tanner sit down with Dahlia Attia-King, the founder of Panacea Genetics. Panacea offers a revolutionary at-home genetic exome test that identifies markers for various diseases. Dahlia shares her journey from aspiring doctor to becoming a trailblazer in genetic testing, emphasizing the importance of understanding our genes to proactively manage our health.

Key Summaries:

• Importance of Genetic Testing: Understanding genes can help identify risks for diseases like cancer and cardiovascular issues, allowing individuals to take preventive measures.
• Panacea’s Unique Approach: Unlike other genetic testing companies, Panacea focuses on health-related genes and offers comprehensive testing and clinical guidance.
• Accessibility and Affordability: Dahlia discusses how Panacea has made genetic testing more affordable by working directly with labs and bypassing insurance complexities.
• Privacy Concerns: Addressing common privacy concerns, Dahlia explains the legal protections and practical realities of genetic data handling.
• Future of Genetic Testing: The conversation delves into how advancements in technology will make genetic testing even more accessible and impactful.

Memorable Quotes:

• "Your genes are not your destiny; understanding them allows you to take control of your health."
• "The goal is to identify a problem in its very early stages or even before it occurs so you can manage it effectively."
• "Most companies are doing their best to protect genetic data, but it's important to be informed about their policies."

Chapters:

1. 00:00 - Introduction to Dahlia Attia-King and Panacea Genetics
2. 06:12 - The Journey from Aspiring Doctor to Genetic Testing Pioneer
3. 15:45 - The Role of Genetic Testing in Preventive Healthcare
4. 22:30 - Privacy and Legal Considerations in Genetic Testing
5. 30:10 - Making Genetic Testing Accessible and Affordable
6. 37:05 - The Future of Genetic Testing and Its Impact on Healthcare

Links:

• Dahlia Attia-King's LinkedIn
• Panacea Genetics Website

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In this episode, we explore the profound study of wisdom with Dr. Laura Gabayan, a physician researcher who has identified eight common elements of wisdom: resilience, kindness, positivity, spirituality, humility, tolerance, creativity, and curiosity. Dr. Gabayan discusses her book, Common Wisdom, which aims to help individuals develop these elements for a more meaningful life. Through her research, Dr. Gabayan provides insights on how wisdom differs from intelligence and emphasizes the importance of life experiences in cultivating wisdom.

Key Summaries:

• Wisdom is not limited to older individuals but requires life experiences to develop.
• The eight elements of wisdom are resilience, kindness, positivity, spirituality, humility, tolerance, creativity, and curiosity.
• Wisdom involves a deeper understanding and application of knowledge, distinct from intelligence.
• Dr. Gabayan's book, Common Wisdom, provides practical guidance for developing these elements.
• There is significant value in physicians and medical personnel seeking wisdom in addition to their intelligence and knowledge.

Memorable Quotes:

• "The eight common elements of wisdom are resilience, kindness, positivity, spirituality, humility, tolerance, creativity, and curiosity."
• "Curiosity is the engine that feeds all the elements of wisdom."
• "Resilience was a common element among all the wise individuals."

Chapters:

1. Introduction to Dr. Laura Gabayan and her study on wisdom (00:00)
2. Integrating scientific methodology into the study of wisdom (06:02)
3. Resilience as a common element among wise individuals (16:16)
4. Internalizing the message of wisdom and personal growth (22:22)
5. The distinction between intelligence and wisdom (25:28)
6. Personal insights and philosophy gained from the research (27:23)
7. Conclusion and future research on wisdom (30:50)

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The conversation with Shonna Dorsey focuses on the technology scene in Nebraska and the initiatives being undertaken to support the growth of startups and the tech workforce in the state. One of the main misconceptions about Nebraska is that it only has large companies, but there are actually many great startups in the area. The Nebraska Tech Collaborative (NTC) was founded in 2018 to bridge the tech workforce gap and increase the percentage of women and diverse individuals in tech. The NTC aims to add 10,000 tech workers by 2025 and support the growth of 300 tech startups. The Intern Nebraska program, powered by Xarvin, provides funding and resources to businesses to hire interns and develop the tech workforce. The program is open to high school and college students, as well as non-traditional students. The NTC is also working on initiatives to promote diversity in tech, such as the Women in STEM program and the Nebraska Women of Color in Tech meetup group.

Nebraska, technology scene, startups, Nebraska Tech Collaborative, NTC, tech workforce, Intern Nebraska, diversity in tech, Women in STEM, Nebraska Women of Color in Tech

Takeaways:
Nebraska has a thriving startup scene, with many great startups in addition to large companies.
The Nebraska Tech Collaborative (NTC) was founded to bridge the tech workforce gap and increase diversity in tech.
The NTC aims to add 10,000 tech workers and support the growth of 300 tech startups by 2025.
The Intern Nebraska program provides funding and resources to businesses to hire interns and develop the tech workforce.
Initiatives like the Women in STEAM program and the Nebraska Women of Color in Tech meetup group are working to promote diversity in tech.

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Annie Thomas-Landrum discusses the differences between living in Alaska and the continental United States, as well as her journey from Kansas to Alaska. She shares her experiences of living in a place that is about 10 years behind in terms of development and the unique challenges of transportation in Alaska. Annie also talks about her work in managing and creating better workplaces for helpers in healthcare and other helping professions. She emphasizes the need for a shift in the approach to work and the importance of creating environments where people can be human. Annie Thomas-Landrum emphasizes the importance of being real and creating space for authentic human connection in organizations. She shares her experiences of working with various teams and leaders, highlighting the power of storytelling and vulnerability. Annie believes that embracing reality and focusing on what truly matters can lead to transformative change. She also discusses the challenges and opportunities of running a consulting business in rural Alaska, emphasizing the need for flexibility and a mindset of adventure.

Alaska, living, differences, career, transportation, managing, helpers, healthcare, burnout, work-life balance, authenticity, human connection, storytelling, vulnerability, embracing reality, transformative change, consulting business, rural Alaska, flexibility, adventure

Takeaways:
• Living in Alaska is different from living in the continental United States, with Alaska being about 10 years behind in terms of development.
• Transportation in Alaska can be challenging, with limited highways and the use of ice roads in certain areas.
• Annie Thomas-Landrum works in managing and creating better workplaces for helpers in healthcare and other helping professions.
• The pandemic has exposed the burnout and challenges faced by healthcare workers, leading to a need for a shift in the approach to work.
• Creating environments where people can be human and have real discussions is crucial for improving workplace satisfaction and reducing burnout. Being real and creating space for authentic human connection is crucial in organizations.
• Storytelling and vulnerability can foster meaningful connections and transformative change.
• Embracing reality and focusing on what truly matters is essential for success.
Running a consulting business in rural Alaska requires flexibility and a mindset of adventure.

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In this special episode of the Decentralized Opportunity podcast, we welcome two distinguished guests from different sides of the entrepreneurial ecosystem: Chris Callen, founder and CEO of Plot, and Liam Reilly, Principal at KC Rise Fund. Join hosts Wyatt and Tanner as they discuss the unique journeys of both guests, exploring the dynamic between a startup founder seeking funding and a venture capitalist building the funds that fuel innovation.

Key Highlights:

1. Chris Callen's Journey:
   • Chris shares his lifelong connection to the construction industry and how he pivoted to technology and entrepreneurship.
   • He reflects on the lessons learned from his first startup and the creation of Plot, a job site coordination tool.
   • Chris discusses the unique challenges and advantages of building a tech startup in Wichita, Kansas.
2. Liam Reilly's Insights:
   • Liam explains the structure of venture capital funds, focusing on KC Rise Fund’s mission to invest in Kansas City-based companies.
   • He talks about his transition from law to venture capital and his passion for supporting innovative entrepreneurs.
   • Liam offers a deep dive into what VCs look for in founders and startups, emphasizing the importance of domain expertise and perseverance.
3. Building and Funding Startups in the Midwest:
   • The conversation highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the Midwest startup ecosystem.
   • Both guests discuss the concept of "Midwest inferiority complex" and how local founders can overcome it.
   • They explore the evolving landscape of tech startups in Kansas and Nebraska, and the growing recognition of these regions as viable tech hubs.
4. The Role of Venture Capital Beyond Funding:
   • Chris and Liam elaborate on the critical role VCs play beyond just providing capital, including mentorship, strategic guidance, and network building.
   • The importance of aligning visions between founders and investors is underscored as a key to successful partnerships.
5. Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs:
   • Chris and Liam share practical advice on finding the right partners, building a strong network, and navigating the challenges of startup life.
   • The episode provides valuable insights for anyone looking to start or grow a business, especially in less traditional tech regions.

Memorable Quotes:

• "The best mentor for someone in the jungle is not someone who's cruising the highway but someone who's just got to the dirt road."
• "Good tech can be built anywhere, and good tech is being built in Wichita, Kansas."

Connect with Our Guests:

• Chris Callen: Find out more about Plot at getplot.com and connect with Chris on LinkedIn.
• Liam Reilly: Learn about KC Rise Fund at kcrise.com and reach out to Liam on LinkedIn.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the startup journey from both a founder and investor perspective, and get inspired by the potential of the Midwest as a burgeoning tech ecosystem.

Don't miss this enlightening episode!

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Guest: Alexander Blum, Founder of Applied Bioplastics

In this episode of Decentralized Opportunity, Wyatt and Tanner sit down with Alexander Blum, the innovative mind behind Applied Bioplastics. Alexander's journey from adversity to making a significant environmental impact is truly inspiring.

What's in This Episode?

The Magic of Bioplastics:
Alexander kicks off by explaining what bioplastics are and how his company uses agricultural waste to create strong, affordable alternatives to traditional plastics. He introduces us to their unique products, BioFi and Better Board, and shares how they are changing the game in the plastics industry.

Breaking Down Barriers:
Ale speaks about the challenges his company faced, from industry skepticism to technical hurdles. He shares how his team overcame these obstacles, making biocomposites that are not only stronger but also cheaper than conventional plastics.

From Homelessness to Innovation:
Alexander’s story is one of resilience. From his early struggles, including a stint of homelessness, to founding a company that aims to make a global impact, his journey is a testament to determination and vision.

Making a Difference:
Learn about Alexander’s philanthropic efforts, such as running for city council to improve local infrastructure and donating a substantial sum to charity. His work in refugee camps, where he helped create durable shelters from biocomposites, highlights his commitment to positive change.

Personal Hardships:
Alexander opens up about his diagnosis with psoriatic arthritis and how it has fueled his drive to leave a lasting legacy. His story is a powerful reminder of how personal challenges can inspire broader impacts.

Future Vision:
Looking ahead, Alexander shares his vision for the bioplastics industry and Applied Bioplastics. He talks about ambitious plans for community-driven production facilities and innovative waste management systems.

A Unique Business Philosophy:
Discover Alexander’s approach to business, which focuses on treating employees with respect and flexibility. His insights into creating a supportive and mission-driven work environment are both innovative and thought-provoking.

Connect with Alexander Blum:

• LinkedIn: Alexander Blum
• Company Website: Applied Bioplastics
• Personal Story: Consequential

Join us for this engaging conversation that blends entrepreneurship, sustainability, and human resilience. Alexander Blum’s story is a powerful example of how one person’s vision and determination can lead to meaningful change.

Tune in next week for another inspiring episode!

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