Finding Fearless
Finding Fearless is an exploration of human-centric leadership and a celebration of ambition. Join host Madeline Reeves, CEO of Fearless Foundry, as she digs deep to learn from the lived experiences of underestimated entrepreneurs, innovators, creators, and fearless founders. Every episode presents an opportunity to learn from their successes—and struggles—while building a company on their own terms. Finding Fearless is produced by Fearless Foundry, a creative consultancy focused on advancing ambitious humans from around the globe to amplify their impact through branding, marketing, and business development.
Finding Fearless
Podge Thomas' Anti-Capitalist Vision: Rethinking Business Beyond Profit
In today’s episode, Madeline converses with Podge, a Notion consultant, Fractional COO, and the founder of Small Business Co-Pilot. Podge narrates how her journey as a founder, is informed by the awareness of her ancestors' struggle for rights and freedoms she now enjoys, and how she's motivated and humbled by the privilege to live and work in the way she does today. In conversation, Madeline & Podge also delve into her freelance journey and how colonialism and imperialism can manifest within the workplace. Podge emphasizes the importance of developing atmospheres of transparency, collaboration, and learning in the workplace instead of siloed and controlling environments. She further shares her approach to reframing work as a place where individuals learn and grow instead of focusing purely on productivity. Finally, Podge discusses a new guide she has developed that focuses on employee stewardship, hiring, onboarding, managing, and separating as a means to decolonize the workplace.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
00:29 Guest's Personal Journey and Ancestry
02:25 Emotional Break and Regrouping
03:27 Guest's Perspective on Privilege and Disadvantage
03:52 Impact of Colonialism and Imperialism on Work Culture
05:33 Guest's Transition from Traditional Employment to Entrepreneurship
06:00 The Role of Notion in Creating Transparent and Collaborative Work Environments
06:16 Discussion on the Need for Change in the Business World
06:53 Critique of Capitalism and Profitability Models
08:20 Challenges with the Traditional 40-hour Work Week
11:05 The Importance of Thought and Discussion in the Workplace
13:37 Decolonizing the Workplace: An Introduction
14:06 Practical Steps to Decolonize the Hiring Process
23:18 Reimagining Power Dynamics in Business
28:46 Transforming the Workplace into a Learning Place
30:27 Aligning Personal Passion with Company Mission
30:54 Creating a Culture of Perfection vs. Learning
31:42 Reframing Work as a Place for Growth
33:00 Rethinking Turnover and Embracing Change
33:40 The Importance of Dignity in Employee Separation
34:09 Employee Stewardship and the Impact on Business
35:20 The Balance of Vulnerability in Leadership
38:04 The Struggles of Fem Identified Leaders
41:21 The Power of Clear Communication and Boundaries
51:58 Decolonizing the Workplace: A Vision for the Future
52:37 The Role of Operations in Employee Stewardship
55:23 Finding Fearlessness in Rest and Reflection
Finding Fearless is an exploration of human-centric leadership and a celebration of ambition, releasing every other week on Wednesdays, 6AM PST. If you liked the show, please rate, review, and share! You can also visit our website to learn more about how to become a sponsor of Finding Fearless!
Finding Fearless is produced by Fearless Foundry, a creative consultancy focused on advancing ambitious humans from around the globe to amplify their impact through branding, marketing, and business development. You can contact us at hello@fearlessfoundry.com if you are interested in our services and can follow us on all social media @fearlessfoundry.
Season 4 music is by Premium Beats. All audio is recorded and owned by Fearless Foundry.
