Ep. 38 Navigating Challenges and Change: Alisha L. Gordon’s Entrepreneurial Journey
1/14/25
Welcome to the DO GOOD X podcast, your go-to resource for insights and inspiration on building impactful businesses! In this episode, hosts Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis are joined by Alisha L. Gordon—an awarded teacher, faith leader, social strategist, and entrepreneur. As the Founder and Executive Director of The Current Project, Alisha is working to close the social and economic gaps for black single mothers. Through her work, she has navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship, tackled systemic stereotypes, and shared powerful stories that inspire change. Alisha discusses her work with black single mothers, overcoming obstacles, the importance of intentional breaks, and the tools entrepreneurs need to build sustainable and impactful businesses.
In This Episode
- [4:48] As a black single mother, Alisha Gordon's journey inspired her to launch The Current Project
- [8:57] Alisha reveals the biggest obstacle she has had to overcome
- [18:43] How to know when it’s time to take a break from your business as an entrepreneur
- [26:31] Tools entrepreneurs will find instructive for their business
- [31:30] Raising funds by sharing stories and collecting surveys from black single mothers
- [43:50] Alisha answers questions “off the cuff”
Key Takeaways
- Alisha Gordon’s nonprofit, founded in 2020 during the pandemic, has thrived by reshaping stereotypes about black single mothers and sharing their stories. Despite the success, the organization has faced challenges in confronting public narratives and navigating personal grief, highlighting the dual burden black women leaders often bear while driving change.
- Many successful black and brown women entrepreneurs choose to close their businesses and nonprofits, not because they lack success, but because they prioritize personal capacity. Factors like grief, health challenges, and shifting family dynamics highlight their evolving priorities and the need for self-preservation in leadership.
- A well-curated board of advisors is essential for entrepreneurs, helping to fill expertise gaps and stay focused on their mission. While early-stage leaders may rely on familiar networks, intentionally selecting advisors aligned with strategic needs can drive leadership development and long-term success.
About The Hosts
Kimberly R. Daniel
Kimberly R. Daniel catalyzes entrepreneurs and organizations to do good. She is co-founder and project director of DO GOOD X, a community that provides programs and support for faith-driven social entrepreneurs whose businesses focus on positive Change.
Kimberly also helps purpose-driven organizations clarify and design compelling brand and communication strategies. With over 15 years of experience developing and leading communications efforts, she is committed to producing effective processes and creating authentic, “sticky” brands that are community-centered.
In addition, Kimberly has nearly ten years of experience as a certified life coach and has facilitated workshops, spoken to communities, and written about innovation and entrepreneurship centered on social impact. She co-authored A Way Out of No Way: An Approach to Christian Innovation (2021).
She is deeply passionate about purpose, meaning, and the common good in any aspect of her work.
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Stephen Lewis
Stephen Lewis is the president of the Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE) and the creator and co-founder of DO GOOD X. This community provides programs and support for faith-driven social entrepreneurs whose businesses focus on positive change. He is an organizational change strategist and a leadership development specialist focused on inspiring the next generation of faith-inspired leaders and entrepreneurs to live and work purposefully. Stephen co-authors Another Way: Living and Leading Change on Purpose (2020) and co-authored A Way Out of No Way: An Approach to Christian Innovation (2021) with Kimberly R. Daniel.
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