Dani Bicknell on Elevating Founders: The Harmony of Feminism and Finances
Ever wondered how embracing the philosophy of "sharing is caring" could be the guiding force for leadership?
Intrigued by how diversifying our understanding of entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for social change? Then this conversation is for you.
Our host Denise Cooper converses with Dani Bicknell, the Senior Manager of Programs at SecondMuse. Dani introduces herself as a woman, mother, lifelong learner, and a fervent advocate for inclusive economies. Her guiding mantra, "sharing is caring", transcends from a life lesson taught by her mother into her professional ethos, believing that sharing resources, time, and most importantly, power, is fundamental to effective leadership. Dani's unique approach contradicts traditional hierarchical leadership models, emphasizing a more collaborative and inclusive model.
The conversation also unravels the often-overlooked aspects of entrepreneurship, a concept Dani believes has been unfairly "whitewashed" over the past few decades. She sheds light on the power and potential of marginalized entrepreneurs, arguing that they embody the true spirit of entrepreneurship through their ability to innovate and create valuable assets despite systemic hurdles. Denise and Dani challenge the notion of individual success stories, reminding us that no leader, company, or individual truly succeeds without the help of others.
If you've been wanting to explore a fresh perspective on leadership, or understand how entrepreneurship can become a more inclusive and diverse space, this episode is an eye-opening encounter with Dani's vision of a more equitable future.
THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOW
- Why do you say that entrepreneurship has become whitewashed? [06:24]
- How is leadership influenced by values of individualism in the United States? [11:33]
- What would you say to a white cisgender leader who feels like they're not doing anything to oppress others? [20:10]
- What is SecondMuse? [30:49]
KEEP UP WITH DANI BICKNELL
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GUEST BIO
Dani (she/her) is the Senior Manager of Programs at SecondMuse, a global social innovation company that runs programs that benefit the planet and people. Her primary focus these days is on Gender Equity in Tech (GET Cities) Chicago project.
Dani works with cohorts of female, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs in the digital health, edtech, and social tech sectors to scale their impact.
Dani is passionate about using education as a force for social good and she has a background in financial technology, education, startups, and gender equality. During her career, she has been on the founding team of several fintech startups, worked as a program specialist for the Gender Equality division at UNESCO’s headquarters, and has advised international organizations and companies through her own social impact consulting studio. Her experiences living and working in North America, South America, and Europe have equipped and provided her with opportunities to work with diverse populations and learn from stakeholders of all backgrounds. Dani believes in education without borders and using cross-cultural learning to create a world that works for all and not just the privileged few.
