SoCal Community Roundtable Podcast with Sedric Hill | Guest: Professor John Bradley Jackson "JJ" What does it take to build a thriving business—and a stronger community? In this powerful conversation, entrepreneur, investor, author, and educator JJ Jackson shares real-world lessons from Silicon Valley, Wall Street, and the classroom. We discuss:

✅ The entrepreneurial mindset and what it really takes to succeed

✅ Funding, investing, and common mistakes to avoid

✅ How AI is changing the future of startups

✅ Why entrepreneurship matters in our communities

✅ Lessons from Silicon Valley, Wall Street, and the classroom

Whether you're a student, startup founder, small business owner, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiration to help you build, grow, and make an impact. 🎙️ About Our Guest: Professor JJ Jackson JJ Jackson is an entrepreneur, investor, author, and Former Director of the Conrey Center for Entrepreneurship at California State University, Fullerton. He has decades of experience helping founders, students, and communities create opportunities and build the next generation of successful businesses. 📌

CONNECT WITH JJ JACKSON Conrey Center for Entrepreneurship, CSUF https://business.fullerton.edu/entrepreneurship

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jjjackson

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About the SoCal Community Roundtable Podcast Real talk. Real solutions. Real impact. The SoCal Community Roundtable Podcast brings together leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers to tackle the issues that matter most in Southern California and beyond. FOLLOW SoCal Community Roundtable Facebook: /SoCalRoundtable Instagram: @SoCalRoundtable LinkedIn: /SoCalRoundtable YouTube: @SoCalRoundtable #SoCalCommunityRoundtable #Entrepreneurship #StartupLife #SmallBusiness #AI #Leadership #CommunityImpact

Episode Notes

From Employee to Entrepreneur: Funding, Risks & Building a Business That Lasts

Can losing your job become the greatest opportunity of your life?

In this episode of the SoCal Community Round Table Podcast, Sedric Hill and Kelly discuss the remarkable story of a professional who unexpectedly became a business owner after a government agency recognized his talent and offered his newly formed company a sole-source contract.

That real-life story launches a broader conversation about why entrepreneurship is booming in today's economy—and what it really takes to build a successful business.

Whether you're considering a side hustle, launching a startup, or growing an existing business, this episode provides practical advice on avoiding common mistakes and positioning yourself for long-term success.

Topics Covered

• Why entrepreneurship is growing after the pandemic

• Turning unexpected opportunities into successful businesses

• Why so many startups fail

• Business planning and strategic marketing

• Access to capital and funding options

• Self-funding vs. outside investment

• Operational efficiency and scaling a business

• Innovation and adapting to changing markets

• Building wealth through entrepreneurship

Connect with SoCal Community Development Corporation

🌐 Website: https://www.socalcdc.org

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SoCalCDC-g3m

Learn more about our programs supporting entrepreneurs, financial empowerment, workforce development, and community leadership.

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast on your favorite listening platform.

In this episode of the SoCal Community Round Table Podcast, Sedric Hill and Kelly Rivas open the mic for a real conversation about money, mindset, and financial management.

We discuss how people can make millions and still end up broke, why smart people sometimes make poor financial decisions, and what everyday families, entrepreneurs, and young people can learn from those mistakes.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why high income does not always equal wealth • The financial mistakes that can lead to losing it all • What most people get wrong about having $1 million • The psychology of spending, saving, and lifestyle pressure • How to shift from paycheck thinking to purpose-driven wealth building • Practical steps to protect, manage, and grow your money

Whether you are building wealth, managing a business, supporting your family, or teaching young people about money, this conversation offers practical lessons that can help create stronger financial futures.

New episodes share conversations focused on community impact, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, education, and economic opportunity.