54: How to Work Smarter & Build an Impactful Platform with Blavity’s CEO Morgan DeBaun

Wanna know the secrets to upleveling your business? Well, press play, and get ready for the most amazing chat. Zuri sits down with Morgan Debaun who is a serial entrepreneur, corporate advisor, founder, and CEO of Blavity. Sharing her unique story, Morgan details how she got her start in Silicon Valley and how she scaled her business to become one of the top voices in the VC funding and entrepreneurship realm. From how she avoids burnout, to her predictions for the tech space, and why she thinks cryptocurrency is here to stay (and why YOU need to shift your mindset). How she stayed grounded and focused amidst the naysayers and those who wanted her to stay in her lane. Morgan shares with Z, how she finally found her peace, what it means to not only live in your purpose but ON purpose, and her 5 Pillars of Success. Keep up with Z on Instagram + let her know how you felt listening to this episode: @ZuriHall A Closer Look at The Episode: [8:50] Morgan’s journey to creating Blavity and expanding its brand power [9:48] Why Blavity was needed to speak to the Black millennial experience [11:40] Importance of staying grounded and not seeking approval [13:01] Using discernment to build your team  [15:25] How Morgan determined when it was time to scale her business  [17:52] Morgan’s signature Advising Program ‘WorkSmart’ teaches business owners how to successfully scale their business. [18:30] Why and when you should hire an executive coach (and the red flags on finding a coach) [20:34] Mistakes Morgan made (and growing pains she learned from) while building her business [21:34] Importance of having both an advisor for business coaching and a therapist for emotional support  [22:18] The history of AfroTech and its importance for diversity in tech [25:20] Why Morgan would rather be behind the radar vs living as a public figure  [28:19] How Morgan navigates protecting her peace and setting boundaries within the public sphere  [30:29] Zuri’s thoughts on cryptocurrency for stored value and equity [31:54] Morgan