The Intentionally Good Summit Vol. III brought together the Goodie Nation community in a high-energy event that blended inspiration, action, and celebration. With the theme “The Power of Positive Innovation,” this year’s summit served as a pivotal conversation on how to address underrepresentation in the innovation economy. Founders, investors, tech professionals, startup coaches, and corporate partners came together to strategize how to foster a more equitable and inclusive ecosystem in the face of mounting challenges.

With economic instability and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI), the need for intentional efforts toward equity and inclusion has never been more crucial. The summit aimed to not only spark dialogue but to set a course for tangible, lasting impact that extends well beyond the event.

Setting the Tone: The Power of Music

The summit opened with a new anthem, “If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)” by Nas. The song’s lyrics envisions a world where equity and justice reign, setting the perfect tone for a day focused on positive change. As we imagined a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, the music reminded us of what’s possible when innovation is intentionally inclusive.

This alignment of music and mission encapsulated the spirit of the summit—bold, visionary, and dedicated to driving positive, lasting impact. It served as a powerful reminder that change begins with intention, and innovation must be designed to serve everyone, especially those historically left out of the conversation.

A Day of Action-Packed Discussions

The day kicked off with opening remarks that set the tone for what would be a series of meaningful conversations. Attendees were reminded of the challenges facing the innovation economy, particularly for underrepresented groups. However, the focus remained on the power of community and collaboration in fostering a more inclusive future.

As Goodie Nation CEO, Joey Womack noted in remarks, “We’re at a critical moment where we can’t afford to let progress backslide. This summit is about harnessing our collective energy and charting a path toward an innovation ecosystem that leaves no one behind.”

Community Discussion 1: Creating Positive Innovation Sub-Communities

The first session of the day centered around building “Positive Innovation Sub-Communities”. The discussion highlighted the importance of creating spaces where underrepresented founders, innovators, and professionals can connect, collaborate, and thrive.

Using Mentimeter, as a group, we delved into the importance of fostering sub-communities that prioritize inclusivity and support, particularly with non-founders and those who support our programming and resources. The consensus was clear: communities are stronger when diversity is embraced and when innovators work together to solve real-world problems.

Community Discussion 2: Resetting the Conversation Around Capital for Diverse Founders

Access to capital is a persistent barrier for underrepresented founders, and the second panel, sponsored by JP Morgan and Townsend & Lockett, tackled this issue head-on. Featuring industry experts, Miki Reynolds, Shea Taylor, and Chris Gilmore, the panel focused on Resetting the Conversation Around Capital for Diverse Founders.

The conversation emphasized the need for systemic change in how capital is allocated, with relatable insights on how to disrupt the current funding model to provide more opportunities for diverse founders. The panelists shared real-world examples of innovative funding approaches and underscored the importance of corporate partnerships in changing the capital landscape.

Key takeaway: Diverse founders need greater access to capital, and systemic change is required to ensure that funding models are inclusive and equitable.

Community Discussion 3: Leveraging the Community to Hack Sales & M&A

As businesses scale, leveraging the community for growth and success in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) becomes critical. The next discussion of the day explored “Leveraging the Community to Hack Sales & M&A”, with insights from Jaisa Gooden, Silicon Valley Bank and Seth Banks from True Seed.

This discussion also highlighted how underrepresented founders could leverage their networks to overcome barriers, close sales, and build strong business foundations.

Key takeaway: The power of community can be harnessed to accelerate growth, particularly for underrepresented founders navigating sales and M&A processes.

Community Discussion 4: Sustaining Positive Innovation by Sticking to Our Values

The final panel of the day centered around the theme of “Sustaining Positive Innovation by Sticking to Our Values”. As the innovation landscape continues to evolve, it can be tempting for founders and businesses to shift away from their core values to pursue rapid growth or adapt to changing trends. However, this discussion stressed the importance of maintaining integrity and staying committed to inclusive values.

Audience feedback emphasized that positive innovation cannot exist without equity and inclusion at its core. As AI and technological advancements accelerate, staying true to core values is key to ensuring that innovation benefits everyone, not just a select few.

Key takeaway: Maintaining integrity and sticking to inclusive values is essential for sustaining positive innovation in a rapidly changing world.

The Power of Networking and Connection

The summit wasn’t just about panels and discussions—it was about fostering connections. The post-summit happy hour provided a relaxed atmosphere for attendees to network and continue conversations sparked throughout the day. Founders, investors, and corporate partners mingled, exchanging ideas and exploring potential collaborations. It was a fitting end to a day focused on building a stronger, more inclusive innovation community.

A Call to Action

The Intentionally Good Summit Volume III was not just a conversation—it was a call to action. As we move forward, the conversations and connections made at the summit will help shape the future of the innovation ecosystem. Founders, investors, and community members left the event with actionable insights and a renewed commitment to driving positive change.

At Goodie Nation, we believe that innovation should be inclusive, and the path forward requires intentionality, collaboration, and action. As we look to 2025 and beyond, the work of building a more equitable innovation economy continues—and we are excited to see what comes next.

Join the Movement

If you missed this year’s summit, now is the time to get involved. Join the Goodie Nation community as we work to foster an inclusive, positive innovation ecosystem. Join us in creating a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Let’s build a better, more inclusive world—one innovation at a time.

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