FiredUp KC: Recent Episodes
FiredUp KC
FiredUpKC is a Kansas City based show that provides up-and-coming entrepreneurs and leaders in the community with a platform to share stories of their success (or even failure) that has led them to where they are today. Hosted by Zik Nwanganga, the podcast and talk show also focuses on current events, oftentimes bringing local politicians and change-makers to the table to discuss happenings in the political climate.
In this episode of City Entrepreneur, we sit down with Learie Hercules, the founder of Heft IQ, to explore how AI is revolutionizing supply chain and logistics. Heft IQ’s advanced analytics platform is designed to be the Operating System for Supply Chain & Logistics, enabling real-time decision-making that’s essential for modern e-commerce.Key Topics Covered:AI in Supply Chain: How Heft IQ uses AI to optimize performance, diagnose bottlenecks, and recommend real-time solutions.Real-Time Decision-Making: The critical role of instant analytics in improving logistics efficiency.Future of Shipping: Insights into how AI will shape the future of global supply chains.About Learie Hercules:Learie Hercules, a seasoned C-suite executive in Silicon Valley, discusses how he’s bridging the gap for supply chain companies to compete with Amazon and empowering consumers to market their brands more effectively using AI.Why Watch This Episode:If you’re interested in how technology is transforming supply chains and logistics, this episode is a must-watch. Heft IQ’s AI-driven platform is set to change the game for e-commerce and beyond.🔔 Subscribe to City Entrepreneur for more interviews with industry leaders shaping the future of business.👍 Like and share if you found this episode valuable!🗨️ Comment below: How do you think AI will impact the future of logistics?#SupplyChain #AI #Logistics #HeftIQ #Ecommerce #CityEntrepreneur #FutureOfShipping #Entrepreneurship
In this exciting episode, we sit down with an ex-Kansas City Chiefs NFL player who has successfully transitioned into the world of business. Discover how Cyphr, a cutting-edge fintech company, revolutionized his journey by making business loans fast and easy.Join us as we delve into:The unique challenges faced by former athletes entering the business world.How Cyphr's innovative platform simplifies the loan application process.The impact of quick and accessible funding on small business growth.Real-life insights and advice from a former NFL star turned entrepreneur.Whether you're a sports fan, an aspiring entrepreneur, or looking for ways to streamline your business financing, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Don't miss out on this inspiring story of resilience, innovation, and success!Tune in now and learn how Cyphr is making a significant difference in the world of business loans, one successful entrepreneur at a time.
This upcoming episode is featuring Blake Herren. A Co-Founder/CEO of Raven Space Systems, a pioneering Kansas City company that has raised over $1.5 million for their revolutionary work in 3D printing space return capsules. Blake and his team are transforming space missions with innovative designs that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and push the boundaries of space technology.Tune in on today at 1:00 PM CST for an inspiring episode! We’re thrilled to welcome Blake Herren and Ryan Cowdrey the Co-Founders of Raven Space Systems. Discover how they are leading the charge in space innovation and get insights into their journey of securing successful funding rounds. Don’t miss it!
Meet Nick Love, MD, MBA, the CEO/Co-Founder of Love Lifesciences LLC, who has raised over $1 million for their revolutionary Unipen injection technology. Nick and Bradley Hopper, CTO/Co-Founder, are transforming the patient injection experience, aiming to boost medication adherence while reducing development costs and regulatory hurdles.Thank you, Polsinelli and KCSourceLink for being our sponsors. Click the link in our bio and subscribe for more groundbreaking stories!
Welcome to the reality side of City Entrepreneur! 🌟Ever wondered what it’s like to be a single mom with three kids running two small businesses and a nonprofit? 🤯 Join us this Saturday at 1 PM for an inspiring deep dive into the life of Rosana Polanco, the powerhouse behind Micro Campers, Embrace Your Shine, and Sanabraids. Discover how she juggles it all, the challenges she faces, and the triumphs that keep her going. Don't miss this eye-opening episode! Subscribe and hit the bell for more real-life entrepreneurial stories. 🚀#CityEntrepreneur #SingleMom #SmallBusiness #Nonprofit #EntrepreneurLife #Inspiration #Documentary
In this episode of City Entrepreneur, we explore how Triumfia Houmbie and Sedric Hibler, co-founders of CodeAlgo, are transforming the educational landscape. Discover their innovative approach to turning today's "iPad kids" into tomorrow's high-earning coders. Learn about their journey, the challenges they faced, and their mission to make coding accessible to underrepresented communities. She also shares her journey of coming to the United States at just 16 years old to study Finance. Don't miss this inspiring conversation!Follow us on IG, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Facebook @firedupstudios and @cityentrepreneur
In this episode, I sit down with Joshua I Lewis, the visionary behind Updown Nightlife App & Kin Seltzer. Discover how Joshua transitioned from creating a nightlife app to launching a successful seltzer brand. He shares his insights on leveraging networks, raising over $3 million, and getting Kin Seltzer into 70+ locations in the KC Metro. Tune in to hear about his innovative strategies and entrepreneurial spirit!
Welcome to the premiere episode of City Entrepreneur! In this series, we champion underserved minority and female founders, innovators, and investors, celebrating their successes and learning from their challenges.In Episode 1, meet your host, Zik Nwanganga, a Nigerian immigrant who arrived in the US as an international student and built a thriving video production business. Zik's passion for storytelling helps entrepreneurs share their journeys and inspire others. Join us as we explore Zik's remarkable path from immigrant to innovator. Subscribe and be inspired by real stories of perseverance and triumph!
In our season finale, I dive deep with Victor to dissect the policies he's championing across states, aiming to level the playing field for entrepreneurs. 🌐💼 Plus, we explore the growth trends in KC, uncovering golden opportunities for savvy entrepreneurs.
🌟 In this compelling episode of "Unleashing Resilience," we delve into the extraordinary story of an investor who faced the wrath of Hurricane Katrina, losing everything and left with just a shoebox of hope. 🌀 Join us as we trace his awe-inspiring journey of rebuilding from scratch, defying the odds to emerge not only as a survivor but as a thriving investor. 🏗️ Get ready for a tale of tenacity, courage, and the indomitable human spirit. 🎙️ Don't miss this inspiring episode that proves that even in the face of adversity, the power to rise again lies within us. 🔥 #Resilience #InvestorJourney #HurricaneKatrinaSurvivor
Join us on this transformational journey to unlock your inner potential and find true self-connection. 🌟 #healingjourney #selfconnection #transformation "Alex shares her journey as an entrepreneur and how being in tune with nature helps her excel in her daily life. Don't miss this insightful conversation!
Visit www.theaihubkc.org for more information
Visit our website @ firedupstudiosfilm.com
Download Healthy Hiphop on the App Store and Google Playstore Visit our website @ firedupstudiosfilm.com
Follow King Dwight on social media @kingdeewight
Visit our website @ firedupstudiosfilm.com
On this episode City Entrepreneur, we meet Kevin McGinnis, President/CEO of Keystone Innovation District; the first ecosystem for Kansas City Entrepreneurs. Kevin shares the entrepreneurship journey that led him to create a hub for all entrepreneurs in KC to collaborate.
Follow us on all social media @firedupstudios & @cityentrepreneurFor more info on Keystone Innovation District, visit keystonedistrict.org
Dr. Shelly Cooper is the founder ComeOnNow! A revenue-generating app that replaces no-show medical appointments with telehealth visits. On the show, she shares what inspired her to start the company. She also talks about her journey as an entrepreneur in the Midwest. Further in our conversation, she drops some entrepreneurship gems for other entrepreneurs who are also the grind.
Follow us on all social media @firedupstudios & @cityentrepreneur
For more info on ComeOnNow! visit https://www.comeonnow.io/patient.html
On this episode City Entrepreneur, we meet Kortney Lee, founder of Community Groceries; the first Just-Walk-Out Grocery store in Kansas City. Kortney shares how he built the entire store from scratch. He talks about the challenges he faced bootstrapping the whole project. Kortney is on a mission to ensure that every community has easy access to healthy and affordable groceries.
Follow us on all social media @firedupstudios & @cityentrepreneur
For more info on Community Groceries, visit communitygroceries.com
On this episode of City Entrepreneur, we’ll meet Chef. Shanita MacAfee-Byrant, founder of The Prospect KC; a social enterprise supporting communities suffering from food apartheid with improved food access, nutrition education, culinary job training, and entrepreneurship. Chef. Shanita shares her experience with the lack of healthy food in the inner city and how inadequate public transportation fuels the problem. She goes on to share her reality as an entrepreneur.
Follow us on all social media @firedupstudios & @cityentrepreneur
For more info on The Prospect KC, visit www.theprospectkc.org
On this episode of City Entrepreneur, we’ll meet Jerren Thornhill, founder of One Pair; a shoe and clothing store owned and operated by the kids of Kansas City. Jerren shares his story of growing up in the inner-city and finding entrepreneurial ways of generating income to feed himself. Looking back, he realized he had no one to mentor him on becoming a better entrepreneur. He saw a gap in his community so he created One Pair as an entrepreneurship hub for black kids to learn to be entrepreneurs and have nice shoes while doing it.
For more info, visit onepairkc.com or their physical location at 551 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110.
All social media @onpairkc
Follow us on all social media @firedupstudios or @cityentrepreneur
On this episode of City Entrepreneur, we’ll meet Na'im Al-Amin. Na'im grew up in foster care where he suffered abuse. He has been imprisoned twice. He says one of his first experiences with the prison system was when he was racially profiled and arrested at the age of 8 years old. Regardless of his past, Al-Amin says he was inspired by Nipsy Hustle to write a business plan and start his own company, SWAGG INC, a non-profit that helps returning citizens navigate life after prison.
Follow us on all social media @firedupstudios & @cityentrepreneur
For more info on SWAGG INC, visit swagginc.org
Is Kansas City ready for all the major developments coming it's way? Jermaine Reed - Ep 107 On this episode of FiredUp KC, I sat with Jermaine Reed, MCC Trustee & Managing Partner at KGR Consultants, to chat about how Kansas City is getting ready for developments like the airport renovations, NFL draft in 2023, Fifa 2026 and lots more.
Reach out to https://www.drivingpursuitskc.org/ for more info You can contact Nick Giuliani on LinkedIn
Full episode on Spotify and Apple podcast @firedupkc Check out https://goat-moves.com/ \ https://ftwinvestmentsllc.com/
𝐀𝐬 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬/𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐬, 𝐰𝐞 𝐠𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭.
𝘌𝘱𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘥𝘦 𝘥𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘴 𝘛𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘢𝘵 𝟻𝘱𝘮
On this episode of FiredUp KC, Zik Nwanganga & Zackaria Clay sat with Ebrima "Abraham" Sisay, Storyteller/Filmmaker, and Dr. Kristen Casey, Clinical Psychologist, to talk about ways to manage burn out in relationships and business.
Watch Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, Joel Goldberg, give life lessons that would change your perspective about pursuing your vision.
Listen to hear Joanie's vision on how she plans to revolutionalize pet care with the InterPlay app.
On this episode of FiredUp KC, I sat with Nia Richardson, assistant to Director for small businesses and entrepreneurship at The KC BizCare Office, to chat about her journey to entrepreneurship and how she helps KC small business owners in the early stages of their business.
Legendary comedian, DL Marshal shares his convictions about the LGTQ+, race, cancel culture, and gives a brief history about slavery.
On this episode of FiredUp KC, I sat with Chioma Atanmo, manager of community programs at Sporting Kansas City, to talk about the impact of media representation on Black people in soccer. Our episode drops on YouTube @firedupkc, Roku @kimyoungtvnetwork network or you can listen to our podcast on all platforms @firedupkc. Go to our website firedupkc.com for more information.
Jordan Gallant is the founder of @kansascityfashion on Instagram. A social media platform that highlights Kansas City talents.
Follow at bizzybabies.com or social media @bizzybabieskc
Music from Tunetank.com
StringerBell - Bird's yard (Copyright Free Music)
Download free: https://tunetank.com/t/2lln/5145-bird's-yard
On this episode of FiredUp KC, I sat with TJ Roberts, a serial entrepreneur, and the owner of Kingship Cafe, to chat about his journey to becoming a successful entrepreneur.
TJ, THE MOST DOPE 7-finger, adopted, bi-racial dude you’ll EVER meet, is a
former D1 football graduate from Kansas State University. He is also one of 3 players to play in the big 12 with a deformity. Currently, he is the owner of Tailor Made Insurance Group and Kinship Cafe.
Go to our website firedupkc.com for more information. Connect with TJ Roberts
Abraham shares how he left his home country, Gambia, to escape his childhood trauma and anxiety. He goes on to share how therapy helped him get rid of his stuttering. Now, Abraham has started a movement to make therapy more accessible to all.
learn more at freedomproject.com
On this episode of The Dream, I invited Chinedu Isoh, a two time author and a student at University of Missouri-Kansas City, to share his journey to the United States. In 2019, Chinedu left his dream job as a banker in Nigeria to pursue his aspirations of becoming a published author and to get a degree in political science.
Ikem shares his story of coming to the United States in search of the American dream. On the episode he discusses his struggles as an international student in United States, and how he almost got deported.
Jay Austin, an advocate for decarceration, shares his insights on mass incarnation in the US and what his organization is doing to decarcerate the US.
For more information on how to support Jay's organization visit their website @ rlentlss.org
On this Episode Nassir Criss, a serial entrepreneur and a venture capitalist, shares insights on how Sixty8 Capital, a venture capital he is work with, is helping get more underrepresented businesses get funded. Sixty8 capital has devoted $20 millions dollars to help fund under-represented businesses.
The question is, how do we make sure this money gets to the right businesses? List to Nassir explain his role in making sure the right businesses get funded.
Music from Tunetank.com
omka - Green Tea (Copyright Free Music)
Download free: https://tunetank.com/t/2lln/5280-green-tea
Dave Chapelle, a serial entrepreneur and a successful day trader shares his story on how he went from loosing his job and vending business in 2020 to starting a trading company that makes six figures. He also, shared tips on how anyone can starting day trading with as low as $50.
Check out our podcasts @ firedupkc.com
Artist, Ramey Dawoud, shares his struggles with race being a lighter Skin black man in America.
A conversation with Jermaine Reed and Paul Long talking about not giving up no matter what happens.
A conversation with Scott Havens on his journey to becoming one of the most connected people in Kansas City. We also talked about the in equities in Kansas City and how to go about solving these issues.
A conversation between Dan Smith, Founder at Porter house KC, Adam Arredondo, CEO at StartLand News KC on the need to understand the racial unrest in the United States. Also, talked about the breaking down of the white Savior mentality.
One the show we talked about how HireKC has been instrumental in bringing jobs to students amidst the pandemic.
A conversation about the impact of Covid19 and how the government can learn from the pandemic to scale up the economy.
Our conversation was focused on providing affordable health care for all and working during COVID19.
A conversation on how Joe Sergant has been strategic in decision making that has helped the Kansas City Chiefs brand grow.
Chris Barnett is the founder of Chris Barnett Strategies. A consulting firm that has helped numerous startups sell their companies for over $100 million dollars. On the show he talks about his techniques to making the right connections. He also talks about different Zoom keys.
Isaac Collins is the Franchise owner of the famous Kansas City Yogurtini. Over the past 4 years, Isaac has been successful in branding Yogurtini Plaza as a household name in Kansas City. On the show he talks about his keys to success.
Track: Dread Pitt - Reckless (ft. C.) [NCS Release]
Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds.
Watch: https://youtu.be/Egg-0YwPR30
Free Download / Stream: http://ncs.io/RecklessYO
Erik Bergrud is the Associate Vice President of University Engagements at Park University. On the show he talks about how Park University has been smoothly transitioning to an online learning. He also talks about how they are working to help international students.
Track: Dread Pitt - Reckless (ft. C.) [NCS Release]
Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds.
Watch: https://youtu.be/Egg-0YwPR30
Free Download / Stream: http://ncs.io/RecklessYO
William Callahan is the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA St. Louis Division. On the show he talks about the DEA’s efforts to ensure hospitals get legal drugs for patients.
Track: Dread Pitt - Reckless (ft. C.) [NCS Release]
Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds.
Watch: https://youtu.be/Egg-0YwPR30
Free Download / Stream: http://ncs.io/RecklessYO
Burton Kelso the tech expert gives numerous insights on technology tools we can use to succeed during this pandemic. Here are some topics we talked about:
7 Cyber Scams To Watch Out for during The COVID-19 Pandemic
8 Smart Tips to Run Your Small Business Remotely During the Coronavirus Pandemic
3 Steps To Properly Disinfect Your Tech To Avoid The Coronavirus
5 apps to help you stay connected while social distancing
4 virtual meeting tools for working with coworkers and customers during COVID-19
8 Tech Tips To Help You Deal With The Coronavirus Pandemic
5 Free Apps To Help You Stay Connected While Practicing Social Distancing
4 Apps to Keep your Kids focused on Schooling During Covid19
4 Educational Sites to Keep your Kids occupied during Covid19
5 Tech Items to Keep Seniors Safe and Connected During The Coronavirus Pandemic
Riddhiman Das is the CEO of TripleBlind. TripleBlind enables entities to safely provide and consume sensitive data and algorithms in encrypted space, without compromising privacy or security.
Mr Riddhiman collaborated with MIT and Harvard to develop Private Kit; a voluntary app that smartphone users can install to track where they’ve been in recent days without having to rely solely on their memories.
Dionne King is the CEO DMK Consults. On the show she talks about how she is bringing value to different companies during the COVID19 Pandemic.
On this episode, we talk about cool adjustments you can make to increase your engagements on LinkedIn.
Aaron Fulk is a LinkedIn influencer with over 19,000 followers. She also hosts a Live show on LinkedIn. Through her numerous speaking opportunities, she has met with Gary Vee a couple times. Sit back and enjoy
On the show we talked about how people can take advantage of the #COVID19 pandemic to become victors and not victims.
Eze Redwood is currently the Vice President of Community & Experiences at Lillian James Creative, where he helps businesses stand out from the noise in their industry. He is also a partner at an artisan wings restaurant called Wings Café, which was rated #3 on the "Top Places to Eat" list published by Yelp!,
Bo Nelson is a Kansas City based entrepreneur. He is the CEO/Co-Founder of Thou Mayest Coffee. During the COVID19 pandemic he continues to roast coffee and spread positivity by giving discounts to send coffee to first responders.
The UMKC Business School Dean discusses different principles and actions that has helped him become successful in his field. Prof Gary Obannon talks about his numerous career experiences and how it has helped shape his life for the better. Learn and enjoy
Emmet Pierson is the CEO of Community Builders of Kansas City.
Community Builders of Kansas City – is Kansas City’s largest urban core developer strengthening families and transforming communities. Since 1991, they have invested $225 million in urban renewal, earning recognition and respect on the national community development stage.
Roy Scott is a Kansas City based entrepreneur who created a music app that helps kids make their own music. Gharib is also a KC based inventor who created a headset that helps blind people identify objects.
Chris Goode is the founder of RubyJeans Juicery. A healthy juice company in Kansas City who now partners with Whole-foods to spread their products all over the country. He tells his story of what inspired him to start his company.
John Ikerionwu is a co-founder of ByDesign Magazine. A Kansas City based company focused on exploring Kansas City Talents. He tells his story on how the company started
David Patrick is a Marketing Professor at UMKC. He has been in the Marketing way industry for over 20 years. He is the President as Wizewebz.
Britney, Regan and Melba tells their stories of how the changed their lives from negative to positive through personal development.
Susie Kim is originally from Korea. She moved to the US to play soccer against her parents wish. As a Kid Susie always questioned the norms. Through her journey to discover the highest version of herself she found a friend who partnered with her to build Pluto Money.
Darien case is a KC poet who now has his his own book. He talks about his journey as a KC poet and how he plans to inspire young people with his work. Aaron Emmanuel is a Forex Trader who plans to help enrich the black community and the world through trading.
Carrington is a KC based comedian who shares his faith through comedy. He plans to use his career as a platform to inspire young people. Erica is a UMKC student who practices her faith by helping less privileged people. Ashley shares her faith through her gift as a singer.
Brandon Jackley is the franchise owner of Chick Fil A Blue Springs MO. He tells his story of how he became a Chick Fil A franchise owner and how the leadership at Chick Fil A has improved his life.
Mauli Agrawal is the UMKC Chancellor. He tells his story of how he dreamed of coming to the US as a kid in India. He also talks about choosing a career that challenged his families expectations.
Dj Flip and Le Magicien tell their childhood story of how Afro-beats influenced their lives and how the music genre is now taking over the world.
Marissa Vidler is the CEO/Founder of a marketing research company called Clear Box. She is also an author of the book ‘Millennial With Kids’. She tells the story of how she started a successful research company in Kansas City.
Carolyn Kovar is a Public Relations student at UMKC who interned for Congress man Emanuel Cleaver. She also had a TedX talk on mending the economic divide between minorities races in the Us and the majority race. B Willy is a Business Administration student at UMKC. He plans to use his music career to bring positive change to the world.
Chekwas Okafor is a New York City based fashion designer. He runs an online African Luxury Fashion store. He tells his story of how he transitioned from wanting to be a medical doctor to becoming a fashionista. He also gives us a glimpse of his vision for Africa.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
David Lloyd is a Law Professor at UMKC. He tells his story of how he found his passion in teaching and inspiring young people.
James and Isiah are UMKC Alumni’s who have their own podcast. On this podcast we talked about pursuing your purpose vs doing a job just to pay bills.
Darien Case is a Kansas City poet who is passionate about using poetry to speak the truth for Black people. He also had a Ted X talk about his poet.
Brandon McNace is an inspirational believer from Eternity Church in Iowa. He is passionate about helping young people find their purpose through God.
Terri Jordan is the CEO/Founder of WizeWebz; a digital marketing company. Wizewebz focuses on helping companies enhance their marketing strategies by improving either their websites or advertisements. Terri tells the story on how she started the company while battling Cancer at the same time.
Thai Lam is the founder ‘Luke18’; an on-campus Christian Fellowship in Kansas City. He is passionate about spreading God’s word and giving hope to young people. He tells the story of how he started his organization and the vision behind it.
We will be answering five life questions about purpose and success.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app