Cosmos

Welcome back to the show, my fellow extraordinary Americans. Today’s guest is Linda Fisk. Linda is a multi-award-winning leader, keynote speaker, podcast host, TEDx speaker, best-selling author, and university professor. Her mission is to amplify and extend the success of other high-caliber business leaders, which is a truly inspiring dedication. 

As the chairwoman of Leadership Global, Linda leads a community of unstoppable women who are enhancing their leadership blueprint and embracing their power to be the best version of themselves at work and home. Her leadership is making a significant impact on the lives of these ambitious women. 

She forged a career as an entrepreneurial and forward-thinking marketing executive on the brand’s cutting edge. Through those experiences, she developed a passion for bringing inspiring leaders together to create opportunities, discover possibilities, and solve problems. Linda is an extraordinary American, and I’m glad and honored to have her on this show. 

Linda, are you there?

Linda

Oh my gosh, it is so good to be with you. Thank you for that extraordinary introduction and for creating this dynamic platform. We are so grateful.

Cosmos

Thank you for coming to this podcast and sharing your valuable wisdom. 

Linda, I know you’re an entrepreneur and have worked in brand marketing. Can you tell the audience more about yourself, your background, and how you started early in your career?

Linda

I knew that I would be able to leverage the gifts and talents I’ve been given. The best path forward for me was one in advertising and marketing, so I had a major in advertising, a separate major in marketing, and a minor in psychology. 

When I graduated, I immediately began a career working for some of the largest and most prestigious advertising agencies in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, United States.

I worked with incredible leaders in developing, repositioning, and launching brands. It was remarkable and ongoing. I also learned about master classes and what it is to impact people, influence people, and help people with decision-making. 

After working in advertising agencies and climbing the corporate ladder there, I moved into an opportunity to develop the market. I was an in-house marketing agency for media companies, so I could work with some of the largest media companies in the United States, like Scripts and Viacom, and build their marketing practices within those media organizations. 

Again, I rose through the corporate ladder as the only woman; the youngest woman often did a lot of work to break those glass ceilings and allow others to forge creative, resourceful careers. After me and then, at a certain juncture, I recognize that this creates sustainability. Transformational change is when leaders come together to solve problems. When leaders come together to advise and find solutions to global problems, it takes all of us, whether we’re in the nonprofit or the for-profit sector or part of government or higher education, to create transformational change.

So, I moved in an opportunity to work with some of the most Impactful networking organizations in the world that attract extraordinary leaders like YPO and EO like Collective 54, where we helped those leaders grow and develop solutions to some of the most daunting social issues we’re facing. As a generation,

Cosmos

So, Linda, it is impressive that you went from the corporate world into this and dealt with all these leaders. What was your strategic vision for your career over the years, and how did it involve it? And what motivated you to work so hard and achieve all of this?

Linda

You know, I would say that it’s been a learning journey for me. Early in my career, I felt I could leverage my gifts and talent when working for advertising agencies and marketing firms. When I was able to create marketing disciplines within larger media companies, I learned quite a bit about the art and science of building businesses and having direct financial management and accountability over a particular area of the company. And driving results drives revenue-driving results. 

And that was great learning for me as I moved in. In the more senior-level positions in the media companies I worked in, I recognized that marketing is simply a tool to impact people and ensure our audience understands our corporation’s benefits and price of business, and then to ensure that I am holding myself accountable to key performance indicators for key results for that business. Through that experience, I also realized that I’ve learned that no one grows as a leader by themselves. It takes a community of people around that leader to help shape, mold, and perfect their leadership style and impact. 

Through that experience of being in a community of extraordinary leaders, I came to recognize that what I wanted to do for the last third of my career was work in a community of extraordinary leaders around the globe to help them solve some of the most comprehensive and daunting issues we’re facing. 

So, in global leadership, I’ve developed this incredibly impactful community of extraordinary women around the globe, helping members accelerate their success by defining their vision, growing their leadership, expanding their influence, and leaving a lasting legacy.

Cosmos

So Linda, you know, like our generation of millennials and Gen Z, right? They’re really into not just social impact but also creating an impact. They’re also into entrepreneurship and business. However, they feel like many people feel like there’s something exclusive, and they don’t. 

Most people don’t understand social impact, entrepreneurship, and business. I would appreciate it if you could elaborate more on that concept so our audience can understand it.

Linda

Absolutely. Any social good we see increasing worldwide is connected to a visionary passion point. So, if you care about the regeneration of the land, what do you care about climate issues? Education of girls and women, or you care about clean air and clean water, whatever that passion point is, whatever it is that drives you, that makes you recognize that I am connected to an issue or a problem, or a series of solutions that are bigger than I am, and I get to—advanced impact positively against this issue that I feel so connected to. 

That is social entrepreneurship. Social entrepreneurship is about recognizing your passion, vision, and mission connected to regional, national, or global issues that people are struggling with and what we do as global leaders. We try to harness the knowledge, influence, and trust of high-performing and high-integrity women worldwide. 

That idea exchange supports creativity and provides the resources and tools to accelerate personal and professional growth. Still, social entrepreneurship is about leaving the world better than you found it. Following your passion means following those things that mean the most to you—and providing solutions and innovations that will dramatically and positively impact that issue or problem. 

Cosmos

So, Linda, like the constant or social impact of entrepreneurship, cannot be stressed enough because, you know, like money talks, at the end of the day, a lot of people want to do good, but they want to do it in a way that they can sustain themselves. 

There is always a concept that profit has a negative mind on many people; you need to make profits to have a greater impact. 

For example, you can create a big impact when you have money and more resources, but many people think it’s exclusive that to make an impact, like doing good, you must live a sparkly lifestyle. But what are your thoughts on the intersection of making profits and also doing collective good?

Linda

So think about this. 

I always encourage social entrepreneurs to consider the level of impact they can have on the world. Whether they have $10 or $10 million, there’s a stark difference in the level of impact they can have. 

Once you can understand how to attract and manage that revenue, have very sharp financial management skills, and reallocate that revenue to further advance your mission and vision, I also believe that throughout. On your leadership journey, you must continue learning how to serve others better. 

And genuinely support their advancement and overall engagement with your mission and vision. The best way to attract extraordinary leaders to your mission and vision is to ensure they are well compensated for their efforts. You have to become mindful of the opportunity and the responsibility. You have to serve your advancement. Your mission advancement by serving others, and one of the best ways that you can serve others is to ensure that you’re able to employ as many people as possible and offer them a better-than-average lifestyle by ensuring that you’re giving them opportunities to make an impact.

However, opportunities to develop their wealth exist, so as a leader, you must generate revenue to advance your mission. But you have a responsibility to advance revenue and responsibly take care of those around you who have joined you on your journey to create impact. 

And I believe that for those who feel like that is daunting or that’s an exclusive group or club to belong to. I invite you to develop skills in financial management, negotiation, and public speaking. That will help you advance your personal and professional goals with every single step. You will identify new ways of mastering the fundamentals and being creative and resourceful, providing greater clarity and depth of thought to improve your leadership approach and advance your mission and vision.

Cosmos

So, Linda, I completely agree with all this. It’s like a new one. This is a way of doing things, but this was not taught in our traditional education system decades before, especially on college and university campuses. 

So, this form of education where you can get these tools of financial management and all that stuff, like people are now looking at the Internet, they’re going to YouTube and starting to look at all of this. 

Still, society has taught them a certain way, and now, in this trend, like during this transitional period, what are your thoughts? What would be your advice to some? How do you get the educational resources to start this journey? If they have a vision, they want to succeed.

Linda

Yeah, I have to tell you that there are more resources now than ever to help anyone interested in embarking on a continuous journey of discovery and learning. And I would say that they are the most dynamic and impressive leaders I have ever met. We are lifetime learners, and seeking resources and tools can help inform your perspective and nurture new skills and aptitudes. Foods that allow you to take that next step in not just revenue generation but advancing your mission and vision at every single stage of your career. Every dynamic leader must learn to create sustainable impact and influence by being a lifetime learner. 

And as I said, there’s never been a better time to invest in your education because of limited resources. You noted the cosmos. YouTube is one of the best resources, free of charge, to learn anything that you would want to learn about. I also believe that many resources help you with self-paced learning, executive coaching, impactful small-group experiences, mentoring relationships, and influential networking. Many opportunities provide leaders with valuable insight, tools, and resources that may have cost a lot a generation ago. The money would have been exclusively reserved for the elite, but now, because of platforms like YouTube, everyone can access extraordinary learning. 

And I think you must find people around you who will support you and embrace your passion. And help you positively impact the most important issues by helping you accelerate your success. That can be self-directed learning, impactful group experiences, expert LED coaching, or mentoring. Worship, but more people are involved in bringing up the next generation than ever.

Cosmos

So, Linda, this is one question that I wanted to ask you of all people, right? Because there are two modes of thought here. Let’s say I’m a Gen Z or a millennial and want to ensure the environment is good. For example, I want to tackle global warming or global change. 

I’m working a job right now, listening to this podcast, and I’m inspired and want to take action. But now, there are two forms of action. You can either go and do government lobbying, take the political route, or become a social impact entrepreneur and take matters into your own hands. Please start your own company and make it profitable. But I don’t know. I’m confused about the direction. 

I’ve been talking about how my mindset for so long has been the only way to change the government versus there’s a new mode: using your entrepreneurial spirit. So, what are your thoughts on how a person should listen to this? Let’s say they’re doing a job. They’re millennials, so they want to take a step toward making a social impact. That.

Linda

Yeah, there are many different ways to invest your time and money. So, suppose you invest your dollars in only those businesses that share your values and your commitment to combating climate change or regenerating our land. In that case, you will only invest in those businesses that share that value and those principles. 

That’s one way you can advance your vision and mission. You can also advance your mission and vision by simply volunteering, so you can volunteer for those businesses and those initiatives. Those groups, services, and products help advance the issue of climate change, regeneration of the land, or whatever it is that you feel personally tied to, so you can volunteer your time by doing by volunteering with groups and organizations that are deeply embedded in the kind of business that resonates with you, you’re going to learn along the way about how that business is run and how that operation is running. You’ll be able to take tips and insights from that to apply to a business should you want to open up a business. If you want to open up a business committed to advancing a particular cause, then by all means, do that. 

There are millions and millions and millions of young people. Around the world, businesses are beginning every single day connected to a social cause. Initially, that business may just be a side hustle and maybe something they do on weekends and evenings. It may be something they do in their spare time, but over the ensuing weeks and months, they may find that that business that was a bit of a side hustle is generating that kind of endorsement. And support and revenue that allows them to step into that business full-time. And I will also tell you that entrepreneurship is the driving force of every single economy worldwide when you think about businesses, especially small businesses. Women’s LED entrepreneurship can create tremendous positive social change, making women financially empowered and independent. According to the US Census, women entrepreneurs comprise 42% of all American small businesses. 

That’s nearly 13 million, and they employ 9.4 million people and generate nearly $2 trillion in revenue. Now, many of these entrepreneurial businesses are side hustles. They’re not full-time jobs, and in fact, women started 1800 net new businesses. Every single day last year, 64% of these were women-owned. Women of color started businesses. And get this: Latina women-owned businesses grew by more than 87% last year. 

So, there is room for everyone, and if this is stirring within you, I would say there is a ton of opportunity for you to begin your own business. But if that’s too daunting, you can volunteer. You can steward your financial investments. In a way that supports the mission and vision that you feel connected to.

Cosmos

So, Linda, it is a new concept like social impact entrepreneurship, right? Most people think of doing non-profits, right? 

So, from your perspective, what would be the pros and cons of a person starting a non-profit versus starting a business, making profits, and then using that money to do good?

Linda

Yeah, I’m not sure I will understand all the nuances between a nonprofit and a social entrepreneur or social good initiative. I would say that nonprofits have different rules and regulations and are managed. Very differently from a for-profit business. And if you want to move into a nonprofit venture, be sure you are very clear about it. 

The cost of the rules, the regulations, and all the government oversight associated with the nonprofit. If you decide to develop a business, that’s not necessarily a nonprofit, but it is focused on creating social good and advancing a particular mission vision. If it’s a purpose-driven, mission-driven business, whether a nonprofit or for-profit, I would say there is much opportunity to do that. 

As I mentioned earlier, side hustlers are people who have entrepreneurial ventures. Well, they’ve grown nearly twice as fast as the overall growth. Leadership and much of that growth come from minority women, where sidepreneurship is twice as high. It’s 65%, compared to 32%. 

So, even if you did this as a part-time initiative, I feel the opportunities to develop a for-profit business are extraordinary. That’s mission-driven; that is purpose-bound. And I think that even if you’re a woman-owned or a minority-owned business, there are many opportunities to create additional income. Impact and advance the initiative that you feel called to impact. And now we’re seeing more and more women-owned businesses. Female investors and perhaps even more important brands now support them in droves. 

So, if you’re a woman-owned or minority-owned business, if you are A side hustle. You’re a part-time entrepreneur but connected to social good. I will tell you that more and more businesses are lifting those small enterprises that are investing in those small enterprises and making progress. To be recognized and celebrated, I believe that more and more businesses are beginning to invest in social entrepreneurs.

Cosmos

No, I mean it. There’s been a lot of positive change in the last few decades, like the 20th and 21st centuries. You know, there’s been this period of human history for thousands of years where things had been relatively stagnant, and suddenly in the last century, and this one, it’s just exploded in, like an—outward momentum, almost like a pocket. 

There’s just so much going on. When people look at the Internet, they see many resources for self-improvement. But it’s just a matter of how you do it, focus on it, and which resources and information will help you get what you want. In today’s generation, we’re all facing an information overload because there’s so much stuff out there. 

But it’s about where to look. Who do you even listen to? Because, like, there are a lot of people. They’re just saying a lot of different things. Many people say they are talking about information that they don’t know what they’re talking about. There’s a lot of fake news as well. And so, we must be aware of that, which is real and will help you get to where you want to be.

Linda

That’s so smart. You’re right. And I will say that there are resources, too. Beyond the plethora of information you have access to, you have to be a savvy and discerning consumer of that information to understand what fake news is and what a credible source is. What is a credible source of information? But I would also say there are incredible resources available to you. 

The federal government gives millions of dollars in grants yearly to minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses. 

For instance, the Small Business Administration in the United States has specific loan programs for women-owned businesses. The SBA offers minority-owned and veteran-owned women’s business ownership assistance brands. Some business owners might also qualify for US Department of Commerce grants. Minority Business Development Agency and private grant programs give away millions of dollars every year to small businesses, often with very specific criteria. Some of these grants are aimed specifically at women-owned and operated businesses. 

Still, others are very industry-focused, so they may say if you’re connected to climate change, if you’re trying to impact education for girls and women, or what you care about. Clean air, clean water. These grants are specifically earmarked for those businesses. Some of the more well-known business grants include the Open Meadow Foundation and the Amber Grant. Then there are angel investment firms that specifically invest in businesses that create social good businesses that are social entrepreneurs, and some of the most well-known include. Golden Seeds Valor Ventures and Pipeline Angels are funding Sage. 

So, you will also have an incredible number of resources available. And with the rise of Sintex startups. Oh my gosh. There are so many new funding sources, like peer-to-peer lending. Sites. So, if capital or the ability to generate revenue is your concern, I would say to tap into some of these available resources. Where those dollars are, those millions of dollars are earmarked specifically for people just like you.

Cosmos

No, Linda, that is amazing. There are so many resources out there. But one question I would have is: How would you talk to an investor about getting a grant or what kind of business plan they are looking for? 

When it comes to social impact, the cause and vision are important. But ultimately, we know that investors are like that, and they look for a profit. And then, regarding grants, there’s also something different. In the process of getting that, do you have any advice on how they would create that plan?

Linda

Yes. In fact, at Leadership Global, one of the most exciting initiatives we’ll be launching very shortly is almost an investor pitchfest where we will bring women who have an entrepreneurial vision and mission together with funders. People who are active investors, and we want to help the women interested in some sort of social impact entrepreneurial venture. We’re going to help them define their vision. 

We’re going to help them explain their leadership within the. In that particular area, we’re going to expand their influence so that they can create a lasting legacy by tapping into the investment dollars that they need to grow and scale their venture. And what I would say is, you know, there are opportunities. Tap into those dollars. 

But when you stand on that stage and explain who you are and your impact, I would say #1 is to be clear. Division: Be absolutely unapologetic and incredibly firm about the level of impact you will create. What that vision is. Second, you have to convince the investors of your leadership in this area, so you have to explain who is coming along with you and who your other investors are. What does your staff look like, and who are your partners? What’s your advisory board? That’s how that’s made up, so you must explain that people have already invested their time, advice, guidance, or dollars in that vision. And you have to grow that community of leaders around you to be able to, I guess, qualify your credentials. 

So when you are on that stage in front of the investors, you will have to explain how you are growing your leadership within that particular area of advancement and all the people who support you along the way. Then, you have to give a trajectory. How do you expect to expand your influence, and what success look like for you over the next five years? This includes the impact you will make with your idea, mission, vision, and purpose and how you will grow your organization.

 So, this is an organizational plan. This is a financial plan. It is about taking the dollars they will grant you and being a good steward of the investment you’ll receive. It’s about clearly delineating how you are going to expand your information. Allocating the dollars you are receiving in a smart, informed way will help you create a lasting legacy.

Cosmos

Linda, everything you said so far is just so intriguing. And it’s like this has to be done because this is the future of not just America and the world but speaking on a national platform, right? Many people have a vision of the American dream, especially millennials. And like Gen Z, they’re. Have an understanding of what it means to them. So, from your perspective, how can social impact entrepreneurship fit into the American dream of financial freedom? And then they get what they want in their lives.

Linda

The two are inextricably linked. The next wave of millionaires we see in the world will be those with extraordinary vision compared to others. I got excited about it. They latch on to that vision, and they support its advancement. That mission and vision. So, when you can create a movement, a real movement,

Then, you’ll see that obstacles are moved out of the way, roadblocks are removed, and opportunities open up because the more electrifying your vision, mission, and purpose, the more you will find that others will support it. Others will come beside you and ask, how can I be involved? What can I do to help you? How can I support you? And it’s got that kind of momentum. It’s that kind of movement that creates empires. 

So, I’ve got to tell you, despite all the obstacles facing entrepreneurs, specifically social ones, there has never been a better time in U.S. history to be a social impact entrepreneur. The number of firms connected to social impact and social good initiatives has grown by 68% since 2007, much higher than the national average of 47%. Or entrepreneurial ventures. And why? Because people become excited about doing something bigger than they are, they want to leave the world in a better position than they found it. 

They want to be connected to something meaningful and purposeful; everyone yearns for that. They want their life to be meaningful. They want to leave an impact; the best way is to create a clear vision and mission. Others along with you, and out of that, you will see revenue flow.

Cosmos

So, Linda, that is truly inspiring. And one of the questions I wanted to ask was, you know, with the current election cycle and the polarity that is happening, especially in the media, as a millennial and a Gen Z person, if I wanted to make it individual, like if I wanted to do something on an individual level through entrepreneurship. 

What should be my mindset in today’s climate, and should I have that optimistic attitude for the future and America’s future altogether?

Linda

You have lots of reasons to be optimistic. Globally, we are entering a phenomenal decade in which information flows quicker than ever. Talent can be found worldwide, and access to resources, dollars, and investment is faster than ever. 

Suppose you can embrace your passion, clarify the impact you want to create, and be dedicated to positively impacting the lives of this generation and the ones to follow us. In that case, you will find that your ability to accelerate your success is nearly unlimited. The world has speeded up incredibly, and the barriers that once may have held us back a generation ago have all disappeared globally. 

We are more connected than ever before in terms of commerce. We are more interdependent than we have ever been as a race. In terms of recognizing the opportunity to create impact, the opportunity to create real impact globally has never been needed more. It has never been more embraced by the government, by nonprofits, or by think tanks for profit. Even celebrities, everyone embraces the idea that they want their life to be something more than cashing their first $1,000,000 check. They want their lives to be connected to something that will be. Long-lasting that will create sustainable transformation. You find celebrities doing this, and you find St. Sweepers doing this because everyone recognizes the urgency that our planet is facing.

 However, they also recognize the opportunity in a global system. There are certainly now many of the barriers that we may have faced. A generation or two ago, certain communities were closed, certain borders were closed, certain information was not accessible, and certain investment dollars were not being provided to all people equally. Obstacles. All of those roadblocks are falling aside.

Cosmos

Linda, I would also like to add that for people listening to this, you have to have a clear idea and vision of what you want out of your life. Then and then from there because, in today’s world, everybody’s trying to get you to do what they want. 

But it’s about what will make you happy, right? And there’s so much noise out there. Like it or not, you must be focused and always know what you want. You must also know who the people are and the resources that will help you get to that level. And for that, you need to have a solid vision of your life. It is very important, but most people don’t go about doing a vision plan, or, you know, a plan of like a one-year, six-month, or two-year kind of thing. What is the process? I’m here because I want to get to this point. 

So, I wanted to stress that that is also pretty important, not only at an individual level but also on a national level.

Linda

Cosmos, that is such a good point. I would also note that you must be purposeful and intentional about the people you surround yourself with. It would be best to meet inspirational leaders, create lifelong friendships with people who will invest in your vision, and be surrounded by people who will be deeply committed to your success. 

If you purposefully and intentionally seek out those relationships, you will develop and discover partners, employees, and mentors who can take you to the next level. Still, you have to be intentional about who you surround yourself with.

Cosmos

No, Linda. And yeah, that is one of the important things because you have to control the information that comes into your mind because negativity can just seep in. And, you know, as entrepreneurs, mindset is like half the battle—more than half. 

And what you feed your mind ultimately decides whether you’ll succeed. However, I wanted to ask another question regarding global leadership. I know you have it; you started this, but what is the premise of how you got about to start this company?

Linda

As I said, the key to success is to create and support personal and professional breakthroughs in your life and the lives of those around you. We are dedicated to giving women greater leverage and freedom in their careers and businesses.

We provide a global community of world-class women, thought leaders, and experts. Entrepreneurs, business owners, and founders are brought together to collaborate and facilitate excellent outcomes for each other. So, I believe that once you find a community like the one we have created and leadership globally, you can be inspired and motivated. By other leaders who cheer you on, offer counsel to you, and support you to greater and greater success and impact. And so, in my mind, that is the key to long-lasting success. 

We connected with this idea of giving back. The fulfilling feeling of giving back and contributing to others is unparalleled. True meaning and purpose are about how you can better the lives of the people around you, your loved ones, and your community. The people in your business, the lives of people somewhere else in the world, meaning never comes from what you get. It comes from what you give, so find ways to give back and impact the world, and you will find that your life becomes richly rewarded.

Cosmos

Linda, For the women who are listening to us right now, wanting the entrepreneurs that are the entrepreneurs, I would want them to check our global leadership and see what it’s all about because this is a very important resource that can help them in many ways. And Linda, are there any other projects you’re doing now? That you want the audience to. Get a glimpse into it.

Linda

Oh, thank you for asking. Yeah, the one big project that we have coming up, which I’m so excited about, is something I referenced earlier. It’s our pitch fest, where we will match up entrepreneurs ready for their Series A or Series B funding together. Investors who are looking for that incredible unicorn, that new idea that will unlock incredible features for everyone around the globe

So, we are creating relationships between those interested in supporting, especially social entrepreneurship ventures, and those trying to positively impact the world through their social engagement through their businesses and their ventures. Their organizations are trying to create sustainable transformation around the globe by matching them up and helping entrepreneurs present their ideas, organizations, and businesses compellingly. 

Hopefully, we’ll create a new generation of entrepreneurs with the capital necessary to grow and scale their businesses.

Cosmos

That is amazing. Linda and Linda, how can our audience connect with you and learn more about you, your work, and everything else?

Linda

You do? I love those threads. Thank you so much for asking, Cosmos. What I would invite you to do is simply e-mail me. It’s Linda. You can find me at leadershipglobal.com or connect with me on LinkedIn. I’m Linda Fisk, the chairwoman of leadership at Global.com. You can visit our website, leadhershipglobal.com, or drop me a note. In any of those ways, I would be happy to connect with anyone who might be listening to the podcast and anxious to connect to an extraordinary global community of women deeply invested in each other’s success.

Cosmos

Linda, thank you so much for that. I appreciate that you took the time to come into this podcast and share your wisdom because we have a new generation and crucial impact and entrepreneurship are intertwined. We need more of this because that’s how positive impact can be created—globally, not just nationally. I do hope that you take the time to come back onto this show at a later time.

Linda

I would love that, Cosmos. Thank you so much for offering that.

Cosmos

And I want to conclude this episode by letting my fellow extraordinary Americans know that, hey, look, there’s an extraordinary within each one of us, and we have to awaken it and unleash it until next time. Bye for now.