Elite Insights | Podcast on RSS.com

Elite Insights

by The Elite Collective

Entrepreneurship

Season 2

How Purpose, Patience, and Community Built More Than a Coffee Business with Efrem Fesaha

Building something from the ground up takes vision—but building something that impacts people’s lives takes purpose. In this episode of Elite Insights, Efrem Fesaha shares the real story behind Boon Boona Coffee—from corporate finance to a 7-year journey of persistence, rejection, and belief. This conversation goes beyond entrepreneurship. It’s about alignment, culture, and creating spaces that actually mean something. If you’ve ever questioned your path, your pace, or your purpose—this episode will meet you there. Now streaming on YouTube and Spotify. Elite Insights is produced by The Elite Collective—where ideas, stories, and conversations are built into something more. If you’re thinking about starting a podcast or bringing an idea to life, you can connect with us to explore how to get started.

Redesigning Power from the Inside Out | Derrick Wheeler-Smith

Derrick Wheeler-Smith, Director of the Seattle Office for Civil Rights, joins Elite Insights for a deep conversation on leadership, systems design, and institutional accountability. This episode explores: • Why 70% of leadership is leadership of self • How systems are intentionally designed — and can be redesigned • Institutionalizing racial equity through law • Youth civic engagement as real governance • Building structures of belonging instead of temporary reform Listeners will gain insight into how to operate inside institutions while remaining accountable to community — and how integrity becomes strategy in systems change work. Premieres Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Streaming on YouTube and Spotify. Subscribe, listen, and share with leaders committed to meaningful impact. #EliteInsightsPodcast #TheEliteCollective #LeadershipMatters #EquityInAction #SystemsChange

Turning Data Into Impact with DeiMarlon Scisney

This week on Elite Insights, we sit down with DeiMarlon Scisney (D the Data Guy), founder of The Data Guys. In this episode, we explore how data can be transformed from abstract numbers into real-world impact. From small businesses to community organizations, D shares how understanding data leads to better decisions, stronger outcomes, and greater access to opportunity. You’ll learn: Why most businesses aren’t using their data effectively How storytelling and data work together to drive impact What “democratizing data” actually means How AI and education are shaping the future of opportunity Why community collaboration is key to scaling success This conversation matters because access to information is access to power—and when communities understand their data, they can shape their own outcomes. New episode drops Wednesday at 7:00 PM, streaming on YouTube & Spotify Listen, subscribe, and share.

Walking Through the Mud: Faith, Forgiveness & Finding Purpose with Michael B. Ling

Michael B. Ling — Writer, Speaker, Podcaster, and faith-driven storyteller—joins Elite Insights for a deeply personal conversation on forgiveness, purpose, and transformation. In this episode, Michael shares how navigating instability, identity, and past pain led him to a life rooted in faith, storytelling, and intentional growth. Through his podcast A Walk Through the Mud and his book Journey, he uses real experiences to help others find healing and freedom. Listeners will gain insight into: • Why forgiveness is essential for personal growth • How storytelling can transform pain into purpose • The role of faith in shaping identity and direction • The discipline behind authentic creativity • Building legacy through fatherhood and intentional living This conversation matters because it addresses the internal work required to lead, grow, and live with clarity and purpose. New episode drops Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Watch and listen on YouTube + Spotify Subscribe, share, and pass this on to someone who needs it.

Turning Law Into Real Impact with Anthony Canape & Becca Human

This week on Elite Insights, we’re joined by Anthony Canape (Board President) and Becca Human (Attorney & Board Member) of the QLaw Foundation. This episode explores how legal advocacy becomes real-world protection—especially for LGBTQ+ communities navigating complex systems. You’ll learn: • How legal access directly impacts identity and safety • Why community-centered advocacy is essential • The difference between having rights and accessing them • How small legal actions can create life-changing outcomes • Where individuals can step in to support meaningful change This conversation matters because it goes beyond theory—it shows what leadership and impact look like in practice. 🎙 Episode premieres Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify Subscribe, share, and be part of the conversation.

From Events to Impact: Rethinking Fundraising Strategy with Gazala Uradnik

Fundraising success isn’t created on event day—it’s built long before it. In this episode of Elite Insights, Gazala Uradnik, Founder of GFS Events, shares the strategy behind raising over $100 million through purpose-driven nonprofit events. This conversation explores how fundraising is evolving—and what organizations must do to stay effective. You’ll learn: • Why events alone don’t drive results • How storytelling transforms donor engagement • The real cost of cutting corners • What modern fundraising strategy looks like • How to build long-term donor relationships This episode is essential for nonprofit leaders, event professionals, and anyone committed to creating meaningful impact. Now streaming Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Watch on YouTube + Listen on Spotify Subscribe, share, and send this to someone building with purpose #EliteInsightsPodcast #TheEliteCollective #FundraisingStrategy #NonprofitLeadership #PurposeDrivenWork #EventPlanningExcellence

How Purpose-Driven Events Build Community with Deci Evans

Events may only last a few hours — but the impact can last for years. In this episode of Elite Insights, we sit down with Deci Evans, founder of Kind + Co Events, a Seattle-based event management company known for producing thoughtful, community-centered experiences for nonprofits and organizations across the region. Deci shares the story behind her journey from volunteer event organizer to running a professional event company — and what it really takes to create meaningful gatherings that inspire people to connect, give, and support important causes. In this conversation, you’ll learn: • Why guest experience is critical to successful fundraising events • The behind-the-scenes work that makes great events possible • How organizations can avoid burnout by partnering with event professionals • The role of collaboration between planners, AV teams, and organizations • Leadership lessons from producing dozens of nonprofit events each year If you work in nonprofit leadership, event planning, community building, or creative industries, this episode offers valuable insight into how powerful experiences are designed. Episode releases Wednesday at 7:00 PM Watch on YouTube Listen on Spotify Subscribe, share, and support the show.

Community Leadership & Cultural Preservation with Shaude Moore

This week on Elite Insights, we sit down with Shaude Moore, Corporate President of the Black Employee Network (BEN) at Amazon and President of the Seattle HQ1 BEN Chapter. Shaude is a leader deeply committed to building connections between corporate leadership and the communities they serve. Her work extends beyond the workplace through her involvement with the Central District Community Preservation and Development Authority (CDCPDA) and the Seattle MLK Jr. Coalition, which organizes one of the largest Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations on the West Coast. In this episode, Shaude shares: • How corporate leadership can support real community impact • The importance of preserving cultural legacy in changing neighborhoods • Why leadership must be grounded in trust and accountability • How mentorship and youth leadership create long-term change • The concept of being “vouchable” as a leader Shaude’s journey—from overcoming homelessness as a young mother to becoming a community leader and corporate advocate—offers a powerful perspective on resilience, service, and purpose-driven leadership. This conversation provides valuable insight for anyone committed to building stronger communities and leading with integrity. New episode releases Wednesday at 7:00 PM Watch and listen on YouTube and Spotify. Subscribe, save the episode, and share it with someone who believes leadership should create lasting impact.

Redefining Influence Through Education with Isolina Campbell-Cronin

Isolina Campbell-Cronin — Educator, Director, Cultural Steward — joins Elite Insights for a powerful conversation on leadership through education and community impact. This episode explores how influence becomes legacy when rooted in service. Listeners will gain insight into: • Building leadership skills through teaching • Why representation transforms outcomes • The role of cultural stewardship in community building • How early hustle and mentorship shape long-term success • Why informed parental advocacy matters in the future of education From mentoring at Rainier Scholars to driving measurable classroom growth, Eolina shares real examples of impact in action. This conversation matters for educators, leaders, parents, and anyone committed to building meaningful influence. 🎙️ Premieres Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Streaming on YouTube + Spotify. Subscribe, listen, and share with someone passionate about leadership and community impact. #EliteInsightsPodcast #TheEliteCollective #EducationMatters #LeadershipInAction #CommunityImpact

From Grit to Gourmet: Building Legacy Through Flavor, Hustle & Faith

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Chef Anthony "Tony" Hayes, the founder of Classic Eats and the lifestyle brand "Every Day is Monday" (EDM). A true example of turning "hustle into heritage," Tony shares his journey from the streets of New Orleans to becoming a culinary staple in Washington state. In this interview, Chef Tony breaks down his "started from the bottom" philosophy. He details why he believes every successful restaurant owner must know every position in the house—from dishwasher to bartender—to truly earn respect and manage effectively. We dive into his roots in New Orleans, cooking as a necessity with a single mom, and how that evolved into a passion for feeding the masses. Tony also discusses the reality of the restaurant industry, his unique leadership style that prioritizes his staff’s quality of life, and the importance of consistency in both food and service. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, a foodie, or someone looking for motivation to stop overthinking and just "do it," this episode is for you! #EliteInsights #ChefTonyHayes #ClassicEats #Restauranteur #EveryDayIsMonday #CulinaryJourney #NewOrleansFood #Entrepreneurship #HustleToHeritage

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