Igniting Opportunities in Existing Companies AND New Ventures
Disruption isn’t hypothetical—it’s here, and it’s hitting hard.
Federal funding for clean energy programs has tightened, causing many cleantech founders to face reduced budgets and hard choices. Meanwhile, entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities are navigating a harsh political climate, with backlash against DEI programs and reduced institutional support. These challenges are real—and for many mission-driven founders, they’ve made this path steeper.
And yet, despite these headwinds, I’ve found ways to maintain momentum in my core business and gain strong early traction in a new collaborative venture: NM Tech Talks.
In this post, I want to share some of the strategies I’m using that are helping me move forward in a time of uncertainty. My hope is that they spark new ideas and a sense of grounded next steps for you as well.
Staying Resilient in a Disrupted Economy
My core business—coaching and consulting for social entrepreneurs, cleantech founders and leaders from underrepresented communities—continues to be the heart of my work. And I’ve never been more clear on what sustains it.
1. Stay lean.
I’ve resisted the pressure to build a big, overhead-heavy operation. Instead, I’ve invested in robust systems—templates for everything, repeatable workflows, and carefully selected AI tools that extend my capacity. For example, I use Resound and Castmagic to streamline my podcast production, saving large amounts of time while preserving quality. I get support when I need it on things like bookkeeping, tech troubleshooting, design and more. But I keep a mindful eye on my expenses. Staying lean gives me flexibility and resilience.
2. Serve a specific client.
I’m not trying to serve every business out there. My focus is sharp: cleantech entrepreneurs and leaders from historically underrepresented communities. These are the folks building solutions that matter—climate tech, inclusive ventures, regenerative models. That clarity shapes how I market, where I invest my time, and who I mentor.
3. Go deep in marketing, not wide.
Rather than chasing every trend, I’ve chosen a few key platforms and committed robustly. My podcast, Awarepreneurs, is now the longest-running podcast in the world focused on social entrepreneurship. And I’ve steadily grown my LinkedIn presence—closing in on 12,000 followers—by showing up consistently with focused, mission-aligned content. These are platforms I have come to understand well via time, energy and resources. My suggestion for you is to find your 2-3 priority marketing strategies and then invest accordingly.
4. Overdeliver for your clients.
My first career was as a mental health counselor - but I’ve been out of that work for a long time. Recently, when a client had a family member facing a mental health crisis, I quietly reached out to trusted colleagues to find resources. That’s not something I advertise—it’s just part of how I show up. I work to support the whole entrepreneur, not just their business model or marketing plan.
These strategies—clear focus, lean operations, strong marketing foundations, and deep client care—are what keep my practice steady, even when the larger ecosystem feels shaky.
Saying Yes to What’s Emerging
At the same time, sustainability doesn’t mean standing still. And when the opportunity arose to help co-found a new collaborative venture—NM Tech Talks—I felt the spark.
NM Tech Talks grew out of a simple but powerful idea: what if tech organizations in New Mexico worked together more intentionally? What if we stopped operating in silos and instead co-created a thriving innovation ecosystem?
In 2024, 3 local groups came together to host the first half day TechFest event. The momentum was undeniable. By 2025, we’d expanded to include 8 local organizations and a two day, multi venue event with 55 speakers and over 300 attendees.
Feedback for this event was extraordinary. Why? Because we didn’t play it safe.
People asked us to keep providing this type of programming. And I was invited to be the co-founder of NM Tech Talks—a collaborative committed to co-branded events, ecosystem building, and sparking meaningful conversations across sectors.
Our tagline says it all: Igniting Opportunities Through Live Events and Community.
We offered clear tracks on relevant, future-focused themes, like “Climate and Advanced Energy” and “Innovative Uses of AI.” We curated knowledgeable, diverse speakers who brought practical insight and bold ideas. And we focused on the in-person experience—creating space for spontaneous connection and the kind of serendipitous sparks that only happen face-to-face.
People showed up hungry for something different. They were tired of the same-old speakers and echo chambers. We gave them fresh perspectives, collaborative energy, and permission to think bigger.
In short, we gave them the chance to be part of a community worth investing in.
The Power of Both / And
I share all this because I believe in this current economy, we need both: the sustainability of our core business and the boldness to explore new ideas.
Too many founders feel like they have to pick one: hold tight to what’s stable, or abandon what’s been and start something new. But there’s another path—one where we root deeply in what we know works, while also exploring what’s innovative.
For me, that looks like continuing to serve the founders and leaders I’ve supported for years and co-creating a company that’s helping shape the future in my state.
It’s not always easy. But it is deeply aligned. And it’s the kind of work that gives me energy—even in a season of uncertainty.
What About You?
If you’re a founder, leader, or changemaker navigating this uncertain economy—ask yourself:
Where are the legacy systems that still serve you well?
Where are you being called to say yes to something new?
Because disruption isn’t just something to survive. It’s a chance to ignite something that matters.
If you need a little help figuring out your game plan, I’m here to support you. Learn about my services.