Black Business Fundamentals

Blackstar: Izzy Obeng

Founder at Foundervine 

Izzy is the founder and director of Foundervine, an innovative and inclusive enterprise community dedicated to nurturing and developing early-stage entrepreneurs. Through her leadership at Foundervine, Izzy has created a supportive environment that empowers individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions. Her commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity not only enhances the entrepreneurial landscape but also contributes to the broader goal of economic development. By providing vital resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities, Foundervine plays a crucial role in equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed in a competitive market.

 

Before establishing Foundervine, Izzy began her professional journey at KPMG, a leading professional services firm, where she served as a management consultant in the People & Change practice. During her tenure there, she was instrumental in delivering transformation projects for some of the world’s most renowned brands, aiming to cultivate organizational environments that prioritize employee well-being and engagement. In addition to her role at Foundervine, Izzy holds an enterprise advisory position at the University of London, where she manages an incubator program and oversees grant funding for student-led businesses. Her unwavering passion for diversity and commitment to supporting small business creation extends across the UK and Africa, reflecting her belief in the transformative power of entrepreneurship to drive social change and economic empowerment.

Black Business Book of the Week

Proffessional Troublemaker by Luvvie Ajayi Jones

[The Fear-Fighter Manual]

We're all afraid. We're afraid of asking for what we want because we're afraid of hearing "no.". But in order to do the things that will truly, meaningfully change our lives, we have to become professional troublemakers: people who are committed to not letting fear talk them out of the things they need to do or say to live free. 

Tip of the week

The First Rule For Black Business Success! 

The first and foremost rule of black business is to develop a profound understanding of your core values. These values serve as the foundational pillars upon which your business life is built, providing clarity and direction. 

 

By recognizing the "why" behind your actions, you are better positioned to navigate challenges and harness opportunities, ultimately leading to a more meaningful and enjoyable experience. 

 

Business productivity can be defined as the practice of aligning your work with your natural tendencies, needs, abilities, preferences, and overarching purpose. This holistic approach ensures that your productivity is not merely about checking off tasks on a to-do list but is instead focused on engaging in the business that resonates with who you are at your core.

 

By honoring your values, you empower yourself to define success on your terms, setting boundaries that protect your well-being while enhancing your effectiveness. This alignment not only enriches your business journey but also encourages innovation and creativity, as you are more likely to invest your energy into projects that inspire you.

 

Ultimately, establishing a strong connection between your business values and your productivity will lead to sustainable success and a more gratifying trajectory.

Richard Butler

Founder of Black Business Fundamentals

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