Diverse Tech Founders Media

Diverse Tech Founders - Interview with Leigh-Ann A. Buchanan
Leigh-Ann A. Buchanan, the founder and Executive Director of Venture Café Miami, joins today's episode of Diverse Tech Founders. Leigh-Ann is dedicated to fostering sustainable growth, more diversity and inclusion, and better connectivity within Miami's innovation and entrepreneurial communities. Also, she is the founder of the Nyah Project. Through transformative experiences overseas, this exclusive fellowship produces diverse youth leaders from marginalized communities, with 100% of Nyah fellows receiving college entrance and 90% receiving scholarships. Throughout the episode, she discusses the millions of dollars worth of experience and expertise she has accumulated along the way.
[02:14] Story so Far – Leigh-Ann recounts her childhood and how she became interested in technology.
[07:51] Aīre Ventures – Leigh-Ann explains what Aīre Ventures is, the type of work they undertake, and the projects in which she is involved.
[18:06] Social Capital – Providing a mind-blowing explanation, Leigh-Ann outlines what we need to think about when it comes to social capital.
[21:07] Non-for-Profit Space – Leigh-Ann illustrates how non-profit organizations operate.
[23:44] Personal Network – Sharing her perspective on professional impact, Leigh Ann describes the impact her personal network had on her.
[25:52] Finding a Co-Founder – Leigh-Ann talks about the characteristics she looks for in a Co-Founder.
[28:52] Million Dollars – Leigh-Ann reveals what she would do with a million dollars if she were awarded one.
[34:17] Innovation City – Mentioning the podcast she has been engaging in for years, Leigh-Ann discusses how she maintains a sense of fun in her business.
[39:53] Miami – Expressing her thoughts on Miami's path to becoming a world-class technology and innovation center, Leigh-Ann shares her view on the impact of Miami's embrace of crypto.
[52:57] Pivoting Point – There can be numerous critical points in our lives. Leigh-Ann discusses another turning point in her life that she believes altered her trajectory.
[58:49] Support - Leigh-Ann shares how numerous brands have aided in the growth of her community and initiatives.
[01:01:31] Billion-Dollar Company – Leigh-Ann discusses if she needs to operate a billion-dollar firm and why she does or does not.
[01:05:39] Genius Zone - While describing her zone of genius, Leigh- Ann mentions her talents and potential.
[01:08:48] The Most Valuable Thing – Leigh- Ann outlines what she believes as the most valuable item that the companies in her venture studio will get out of their endeavors.
Resources:
Connect with Leigh-Ann:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/leighannbuchanan/
Website: leighannbuchanan.com
Instagram: instagram.com/leighann.buchanan/?hl=en

Mentioned in the Episode:
Innovation City Podcast: innovationcity.co

Quotes:
“I think we are now at this point in society, having a broader inflection point where we're questioning the underlying assumptions of the purpose of corporations.”
“There are so many thinkers that are saying it's not about your, you know, maximizing returns for the shareholders. It's about maximizing returns in terms of social impact and doing good, and aligning with your purpose.”
“Too often, the narrative of who we are is often determined by other people's expectations, our social conditioning, or the idea that our roles or titles or affiliations, our platforms are a capsulation of who we are. So if you can empower yourself and take ownership, how do you wish to present yourself to the world. “