2024 Fellow Focus: Dr. Kortney Ziegler + WellMoney
Solution seeker, community champion, innovation pioneer…2024 Fellow Dr. Kortney Ziegler + WellMoney shares more about his journey as a social impact entrepreneur.
What life experiences propelled you into the entrepreneurial space and made you decide to be your own boss?
My journey into entrepreneurship was propelled by a combination of personal experiences and a deep-seated desire to create impactful change. Growing up, I faced numerous challenges that highlighted the systemic barriers in accessing essential services like financial aid and legal support. These experiences instilled in me a strong sense of justice and the importance of community support.
My academic journey, culminating in a PhD, further fueled my passion for developing solutions that address real-world problems. The blend of academic rigor and real-life experiences was pivotal in shaping my perspective on the power of technology to foster social and financial prosperity.
What truly motivated me to become my own boss was the realization that I could use my skills and experiences to create platforms that directly impact lives. The success of my previous ventures, like Appolition, was a testament to the potential of community-driven initiatives. It reinforced my belief in the power of entrepreneurial endeavors to bring about meaningful, systemic change.
As an entrepreneur, I am driven by the desire to innovate and the autonomy to implement solutions that align with my vision of a more inclusive and supportive world. Each venture I undertake is a step towards breaking down barriers and empowering communities, particularly those who are often marginalized.
What do you enjoy most about being a founder?
What I enjoy most about being a founder is the ability to turn visionary ideas into tangible realities that positively impact communities. It's deeply gratifying to see a concept, born from a desire to address societal challenges, develop into a functioning entity that changes lives. The journey of entrepreneurship is filled with learning and growth, both personally and professionally. Every challenge overcome is a milestone, every success a validation of the vision.
Additionally, the role allows me to be at the forefront of innovation, constantly pushing boundaries and exploring new ways to enhance social and financial prosperity. The freedom to experiment and iterate, to lead a team towards shared goals, and to engage directly with the community we serve, is incredibly fulfilling.
Most importantly, being a founder means being in a position to empower others. Whether it’s through our services, community engagement, or simply by being an example of what's possible, the ability to make a real difference is what I find most rewarding about this role.
What do you wish someone had told you before you started your entrepreneurial journey?
I wish someone had told me about the true scale of resilience and adaptability required in entrepreneurship. It's not just about having a great idea or being passionate; it’s about constantly navigating uncharted territories, facing unexpected challenges, and still pushing forward. The importance of flexibility and the ability to pivot quickly cannot be overstated.
I also wish I had been advised more about the significance of building a strong network. Relationships with mentors, peers, and industry experts can be immensely valuable. They provide not just guidance and support, but also different perspectives that can be crucial for growth and success.
Another valuable piece of advice would have been about the balance between vision and practicality. It's essential to have a clear vision, but equally important to understand the practical steps needed to achieve it. This balance is key to making a vision a sustainable reality.
Lastly, the importance of self-care and maintaining a work-life balance. The journey can be all-consuming, and it's easy to overlook personal well-being. A sustainable venture requires a sustainable self, and understanding this early on can make a significant difference.
Tell us about an experience you had as an entrepreneur or in starting your company that exemplified one of Camelback's core values: "Belief in Mission + Vision"; "Unafraid of Failure"; "Constant Learner"; "Humble + Hungry"; and "Give First."
In the early stages of WellMoney, we faced a significant challenge in gaining trust and building a user base for a platform centered around financial aid. The concept of a community-based, non-repayable financial aid platform was novel and, to some, risky. Despite the potential for failure, we persisted, driven by our belief in the transformative power of our mission. We embraced the risk of introducing an unorthodox solution to a deeply ingrained problem. This period was characterized by constant iteration and learning from feedback, often in the face of skepticism and uncertainty.
Our unafraid stance to embrace failure as a learning opportunity led to a deeper understanding of our users’ needs and refined our approach. This experience not only helped in shaping WellMoney into a more robust and user-centric platform but also reinforced our team's resilience and commitment to our vision. It was a testament to being Unafraid of Failure, viewing challenges as stepping stones rather than setbacks. This mindset has become a cornerstone of how we operate, pushing the boundaries of innovation in the financial aid sector.
Let's talk about your legacy. What is your vision for the kind of world you hope to create through your venture?
My vision for the world through WellMoney is one where financial emergencies no longer dictate a person's future. I hope to create a world where access to emergency funds is not a privilege but a given, regardless of one's socioeconomic background. Through WellMoney, I aim to dismantle the barriers that often lead to cycles of debt and financial instability, especially in marginalized communities.
I envision a global community that's united not just by the need for financial support, but by the shared belief in mutual aid and empowerment. A world where the concept of community-driven financial support becomes a norm, not an exception. In this world, financial resilience is bolstered by the strength of community bonds, and the traditional lending models are challenged by more compassionate, inclusive, and effective alternatives.
Ultimately, my legacy would be to see WellMoney as a catalyst for a broader movement towards financial inclusivity and empowerment. A movement that champions the idea that financial aid can be both a tool for immediate support and a stepping stone towards long-term financial stability and prosperity. I hope that WellMoney's approach inspires more ventures and policies geared towards creating an equitable financial ecosystem.
What's your favorite book or podcast that you draw entrepreneurial inspiration from?
One of my favorite books that has provided substantial entrepreneurial inspiration is 'The Lean Startup' by Eric Ries. This book resonates with me deeply as it emphasizes the importance of agility and iterative design in building a successful startup. Its principles of building, measuring, learning, and pivoting have been instrumental in shaping my approach to entrepreneurship, especially in the early stages of developing WellMoney.
In terms of podcasts, I regularly listen to 'How I Built This' with Guy Raz. This podcast offers a wealth of insights through interviews with entrepreneurs who have built notable companies. Hearing their stories of perseverance, innovation, and sometimes serendipity, provides not just inspiration but also practical lessons that I can apply to my own entrepreneurial journey.
These resources are more than just guides; they are reminders of the resilience, creativity, and determination needed to bring visionary ideas to life and make a lasting impact.
We know balancing the demands of entrepreneurship and life can be challenging. What are some of your favorite ways to prioritize your self-care?
Balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with personal life is indeed challenging, but I've found several ways to prioritize self-care. Firstly, I practice mindfulness and meditation regularly. It helps me maintain mental clarity and manage stress effectively. Additionally, engaging in physical activities, like weightlifting & yoga, is also crucial for me. It not only keeps me physically fit but also serves as a great stress reliever.
Spending quality time with family and friends is another priority. It's important to step away from work and cherish these moments, as they offer emotional support and a different perspective on life. I also make sure to indulge in my hobbies and interests outside of work, like reading or exploring new technologies, which provide a creative and refreshing break.
As a lifelong learner, I dedicate time to personal and professional development. This continuous learning keeps my mind sharp and brings in new ideas and inspiration. Finally, maintaining a structured schedule is key. I ensure that my work doesn't overshadow other aspects of life by setting clear boundaries and allocating time for both work and personal activities.
Self-care, for me, is not just about relaxation but about maintaining a holistic approach to life that fosters both personal and professional growth.
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