The Value with Kevin Valley

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.   Chapters: 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: Daydreams are powerful; It’s not about you; your purpose is to serve 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

The Indomitable Tishauna Mullings takes the interview mic on this episode of The Value.   Self-described as a Jamaican “pracademic” who loves to question orthodoxy, Tishauna loves and believes in academia to the extent it can help create real solutions for people’s lives. She is a social entrepreneur who believes the world is full of too many issues for folks to go into business ONLY for profit.   With a resume as long as it is inspiring, Tishauna wears several hats as a youth leader, community builder, and social development practitioner. Her work centres around building community wealth through rural regeneration. She is the founder of the Little Genius programme and NexxStepp Lifelong Educational Services, a social enterprise focused on empowering young people by equipping them with practical skills for employment.   Additionally, Tishauna is a Caribbean 30 under 30 Award recipient, Chevening Scholar, the winner of the 2013/2014 Farm Queen competition, Recipient of the Governor-General’s Award for St. Thomas in 2015, and a delegate for President Barack Obama’s Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative.   This episode is an inspiring and informative conversation on: How to tap into your potential to make change in the space you live in Tishauna’s testimony of how life coaching impacted her life and how she has used her experience to empower others A brief introduction to her Ready-Set-Go Coaching Model and How it works The Little Genius programme and NexxStepp Lifelong Educational Services and their respective social impacts Understanding the value of social enterprises How entrepreneurs can use the cross-subsidization model to meet profit goals while investing in social enterprises Differentiating between Corporate Social Responsibility and Social Entrepreneurship How profit-led businesses can better serve social causes Tune in to this episode as we learn how to build community wealth with Tishauna Mullings.   Resources: Episode Video Article: Building Community Wealth Through Social Entrepreneurship

Operating at the intersection of technology and business analytics, Jason Valley has spent over 2 decades using technology to add value to businesses.  His exemplary career spans the finance, oil & gas, and telecommunications sectors where his projects improved turnaround time on business processes. His unwavering commitment to efficiency and excellence earned him the honour of ‘Employee of the Year’ in 1998 and 2010 while his team was recognized as Best-in-Class globally for process optimization. Following these successes, he ventured into the rewarding world of entrepreneurship seeking to help small to medium-sized businesses optimize their operations. This interview is jampacked with stories, lessons, and advice on: Opening doors for emerging talent using tech The Importance of Passion and Profits in deciding whether to pivot or scale The difference between being "One in a million" vs "One of a million" and what that means for your value The importance of market research and testing seemingly good ideas to identify the right business opportunity Using free trials to sell your Value proposition The importance of a database of leads to build brand awareness and facilitate new business development How to generate client trust with technology How Caribbean service providers can use tech to maximize time and money. Resources: From Accountant to Tech Trailblazer

Steven Jasmin recognized Guyana’s investment potential back when he first arrived in June 2017. The stark similarities between Guyana and Louisiana; the off-shore centre for oil & gas production in the US; made him a believer in Guyana‘s investibility.   5 years after settling in, Steven and his team have a clear understanding of the Guyanese people as well as the opportunities that lie ahead for the "land of many waters". What he brings to the table and offers to multi-generational blue-collar business owners hoping to have a piece of the oil & gas pie, is his ability to speak the language of Fortune 500 companies.    He bridges the gap between local businesses seeking to work with large energy conglomerates by overseeing investments and handling key operational tasks required for big business collaborations.    This episode explores the realities of Guyana’s investibility including Key challenges faced by foreign and local investors; Opportunities for wealth building, investment and economic growth; Capital solutions for investment; Guyana’s diversification options; and The impact of technology on sector development.   Tap in to hear more on Guyana’s investment climate and how Steven and his team are working to create greater opportunities for Investment.    Resources: Article: Investing in Guyana Episode Video

Jay Harris makes an appearance on the podcast to discuss the exciting world of Web 3.  Web 3 or Web 3.0 is referred to as the next generation of the internet’s technical, legal and payment infrastructure. Its focus is on ownership and incorporates technologies and concepts such as decentralization, token-based economies and blockchain.  Our conversation sheds light on some important themes in Web 3 and instructs listeners on the key differences between these digital platforms & technologies.    We discuss: Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Ethereum, NFTs and the Metaverse (what they are and how they are used)  The first step in building a crypto wallet Mitigating risk in an unregulated market How businesses can capitalize on these digital platforms   Jay Harris is the Founder of the W3 Podcasts (Digital Leaders, Web 3 Leaders & World Tech Forum); audio shows aimed at educating and encouraging Web 3 communities.  The tech expert is an engaging speaker who effortlessly connects with the needs of his audience, inspiring performance, collaboration and change. In fact, many of Jay’s listeners credit him with providing the motivation they needed to launch their Web 3 projects.  In the corporate world, he is known as a creative thinker and provider of robust tech solutions for complex business problems.  Plug into this episode to learn more about the next generation of digital platforms.   Resources Episode Video: https://thevalue.show/video/web3-explained-jay-harris Web3 for Business

Every year, I see top talent leaving the country to go live and work somewhere else. And every year it stings - the loss of opportunity. If you are in a developing country, you've most likely felt this as well, and if you are in a developed country you've probably benefitted from this - the Brain Drain. Here are my thoughts on how to fix this. Click here to join the conversation on LinkedIn.