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Ep. 110 Intentional Listening: A 7-Minute Practice for Building a Better Business
09/22/26
Are you truly listening to yourself and your customers, or are you simply waiting for your turn to respond?
On this DO GOOD X episode, hosts Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis explore how intentional listening can help entrepreneurs make better decisions, strengthen customer relationships, and build more responsive businesses.
Entrepreneurs spend considerable time explaining, pitching, defending, and doing. Kimberly and Stephen discuss why creating space for stillness, reflection, and curiosity is just as important. Kimberly shares how setting aside intentional time helps her reflect on client feedback, reconnect with her calling, and determine how her business can better serve people and organizations.
The hosts also share personal experiences of being in rooms that were not designed to hear their perspectives. Kimberly reflects on being the only Black woman at a table where people discussed investing in Black communities without inviting her into the conversation. Stephen explains why those experiences inspired him to create gatherings that recognize the collective wisdom within a room.
Kimberly then leads listeners through a seven-minute guided practice designed to help entrepreneurs notice what they are carrying, reconnect with the original reason they started their businesses, and listen more carefully to the people they serve.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
✅ Why intentional listening is essential for entrepreneurs, leaders, and teams
✅ How being excluded from conversations can shape the way you create space for others
✅ Why listening to yourself, your calling, and your customers can lead to better business decisions
✅ A seven-minute guided practice to help you slow down, reflect, and identify your next step
Join the DO GOOD X Community to access resources, connect with purpose-driven entrepreneurs, and grow an impactful business with intention.
In This Episode
TIMESTAMPS
- (00:00) The 7-Minute Listening Practice Every Entrepreneur Needs
- (01:22) Listening to your customers and yourself
- (03:10) Slowing down to reflect as an entrepreneur
- (04:15) What happens when people do not feel heard
- (06:58) Listening to your customers, community, and calling
- (07:30) Creating spaces where every voice is valued
- (10:30) Guided intentional listening practice
- (14:37) Reconnecting with the purpose behind your business
- (15:58) Listening to the people you are building for
- (17:58) Turning reflection into intentional action
- (18:43) Making intentional listening a daily discipline
Key Takeaways
KEY TAKEAWAYS
💎 Entrepreneurs need intentional time to stop doing, become still, and listen to what their experiences and customers are telling them.
💎 Inclusive leaders create spaces where people are not only present but also invited to contribute their perspectives.
💎 Listening to customers can uncover overlooked feedback and inspire stronger products, services, and solutions.
💎 A short daily listening practice can help entrepreneurs reconnect with their purpose and identify one thoughtful next step.
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, it is her commitment to produce effective processes and create authentic, “sticky” brands that are community-centered.
In addition, Kimberly has nearly 10 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 is co-author of A Way Out of No Way: An Approach to Christian Innovation (2021).
In any aspect of her work, she is deeply passionate about purpose, meaning, and the common good.
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Stephen Lewis
Stephen Lewis is the president of the Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE) and creator and co-founder of DO GOOD X, a start-up accelerator for diverse Christian social entrepreneurs. 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 on purpose. Stephen is the co-author of Another Way: Living and Leading Change on Purpose (2020) and A Way Out of No Way: Approach to Christian Innovation (2021).
Social Media to Connect: