The $250,000 Grant Opportunity Most Entrepreneurs Never Apply For w/ Aisha Glover
What does it really take to get a $250K grant you don’t have to pay back, disrupt institutional barriers, and build generational wealth in communities of color? This conversation spills what most never will.
This week, Victoria Jenn sits down with Afro-Latina C-Cuite Executive, Aisha Glover, the powerhouse behind Audible’s global impact investments and Newark, New Jersey’s tech innovation hub. Learn insider strategies to land six-figure funding, break into elite networks, and turn your background into your biggest business advantage. Discover why most founders miss these opportunities, and how YOU can be the exception.
If you’re a founder of color, aspiring executive, or change-maker ready to play at the next level, this episode delivers game-changing insights you won’t find on LinkedIn.
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Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
What's up, everybody? Welcome back to Banking on Cultura. I am your host, Victoria Jen Rodriguez. And today, darling, the energy going to be on a millie because last my Knicks just won game four. It was crazy. They won in the final hour. When I tell you they exemplified so much grit and resilience and heart. For any of you who are stuck, who are feeling like, oh, am I going to get out of this hole, who are confused, who want to give up, listen, use this series and the energy around this series to make you feel alive again, mi gente. To reignite that badassery within you. Because as long as you never quit, you still are in the game and can win it all, baby. So let's collectively congratulations to the Knicks. And today's guest is a native New Yorker, Afro Latina Boricua. Like, so it just makes sense. It's like serendipitous almost that this is the date we scheduled our interview. So today's guest, I'm going to read her bio because she's that badass, and I want to make sure that we give her the proper introduction, so. Aisha Glover is the global head of Urban Innovation at Audible. She leads Audible's global impact investments and initiatives, which range from supporting the community and economy of its headquarters based in the city of Newark, New Jersey, to innovative programs serving youth and creators in Audible hubs all around the world. For nearly 20 years, she's been a convener, a champion, an agent for economic empowerment and social justice. She has served in leadership economic development positions in both Newark and New York City, including as president and CEO of Invest Newark under Mayor Ross Baraka, as president and CEO of the Newark alliance, and as VP of External affairs at the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation. She went to the City University of New York. Also got your master's at Baruch. Did you know I went to Baruch?
Aisha Glover:
I didn't know. Yes, you told me that you did.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Yes, girl. So we Baruch. You know what I'm saying? And as I said, Afro Latina. Fero Boricua, thank you so much for joining us. I'm being honest. Welcome, Aisha.
Aisha Glover:
I'm excited. The energy is crazy coming through Penn Stationion and the Garden to walk here, I was just like, I look like a tourist. I was taking all these pictures.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
I know. Usually I'm annoyed that our studio is near Penn Station because the traffic and the shenanigans. But it was the day after last night's win.
Aisha Glover:
That's right.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
The energy was just like, oh, grrr.
Aisha Glover:
I'm in the energy.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Give it to me. Oh, y', all, if you're watching this, you see the Knicks hat behind me. I really wanted to come in a full mix, but I was like, chill, B. Chill.
Aisha Glover:
We gonna save that for game five, right?
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
We gonna say that for game five. But I am so honored to have you here.
Aisha Glover:
Thank you.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Because the work that you do is. Our audience is made up of aspiring and established entrepreneurs. And the work that you do with Audible, you are working with entrepreneurs all the time and the majority folks of color. So before we get into that, we like to always kick off the show with some bon chinche. So tell us something. You know, not so many people know about Ms. Aisha Glover.
Aisha Glover:
Ooh. Not so many people know I grew up in Brooklyn.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Flatbush people know that girl.
Aisha Glover:
Little Caribbean. They call it little Caribbean. What else? We're going to PR at the end of the month. That's new and hot off the press. Some chisme, some chisme. Yeah, nothing really juicy.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
You got juicy, girl. You from New York. Afro Latina in the C suite. I'm sorry, you got juice, but I understand. We got to keep things diplomatic. I got it. I got it. We gonna break it down, y'. All.
Aisha Glover:
We gonna break it down.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
We're gonna break it down.
Aisha Glover:
Listen. By the end of the inter.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
But I think the one thing, at least for me, let's say how we met, because I think that is a cool story. So we mentioned that Aisha is in social justice, and you really about that life. And I actually met you at a fundraiser in New Jersey for a mayor who was running for governor.
Aisha Glover:
That's right.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
And we immediately clicked when we met, and there was something about you. I didn't even know that you were Afro Latina, I think, at that time. But it was so interesting because when I met her, she was like, I know you. And I'm like, huh?
Aisha Glover:
And she's like, that's your energy. Your energy. I was like, I know this woman. I know. I know her. And the problem is I know a lot of people. But there was something about your energy.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Well, it's. Cause you saw me go viral and on national TV with banging on gouda. You did remind me, because, you know, we had just interviewed Simone Smith, LL Cool J's wife, and so we connected on that. And then I remember you was a little sicky poo. So I went and I grabbed you some tea.
Aisha Glover:
You got some tea. I was like, oh.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
And I was like, girl, we need to stay in contact. I want to learn more about the work that you do, because I know that Audible is doing some amazing work with entrepreneurs and really putting their money where their mouth is and really investing in entrepreneurs of color and also really building the city of Newark, which I think is absolutely amazing. So needed, especially in this climate.
Aisha Glover:
Absolutely.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
So talk to us about that. Like, what are some of the programming that you do offer for entrepreneurs so that especially this year, going into next year, like, tell us how can they prepare to potentially partner with Audible and take advantage of all the incredible programming you have going on?
Aisha Glover:
For sure. So first, just thank you for the invite to participate. You know, your reach. You are a boss in your own right, for sure. So I appreciate the opportunity to just, you know, share a little bit more about what we do. And also just to give you your kudos, give you your props, your flowers, all that good stuff, because, you know, you're doing it and you're consistent. So just had to say that.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Thank you. I appreciate that. So much consistency, y' all is like 90%.
Aisha Glover:
No, it is. It is. For sure. So, yeah, we have a range of programs that support entrepreneurs. The two, I would say that are probably the most relevant one, Audible is headquartered, that's our global headquarters in Newark, New Jersey. Like, I like to say that we moved to Newark on purpose, you know, with intention and not random. But to. For our founder at the time to say that he wanted the company to be a catalyst for the city's revitalization. So moving with that level of intentionality I've always admired, even before I even came to Audible, I knew how they showed up in Newark. And so one of the. One of our goals is how do we build the tech and innovation ecosystem there even more. Like, how do we use our role and who we are to really support that? And so we have a business attraction program. I know you had Medina from Equal Space on a prior show. We. We've. They. We've worked with them to be part of our business attraction program because they're seeding and incubating businesses as part of a share space and incubator.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
But what is that program specifically? Because that program is. Is y'. All. They giving out six figures for you to move to Newark and start your business. Like, that's how dedicated they are.
Aisha Glover:
Yeah. So it's a program that provides up to $250,000 of grant funds. We're not Seeking equity. This is not a loan. It's a non dilutive grant. And we're investing in the next generation of storytellers, of entrepreneurs, of innovators. And so we've gotten 32 leases signed in Newark in our immediate neighborhood for over the past two years. And so equal space is a key part of that, because you might not be ready to take on your own space. Right. We don't want to force people to grow just because they're chasing grant money. And so equal space acts as a bit of an incubator. You can come, you know, as a member, get your feet wet, learn Newark, build a little bit of your own base first before you're ready to kind of step out and take on your own lease. So they're a critical part of our overall business attraction efforts and trying to build up this ecosystem. So that's really a flagship program for us. And then another one that I think is probably relevant to your listeners is a lot of the work that's focused on emerging creators. And so again, the next generation of storytellers in front of and behind the mic, like really thinking about emerging playwrights, thinking about podcast development and all the different pieces of what it looks like to make an audiobook. Right. So that arc we start at, literally at the high school level, maybe people are switching up careers, right? Maybe they had a corporate job and now they want to get into voice narrating. So we have a range of programs all over the world. We have indigenous writers circles, we have women's fiction prizes, where at different levels, we're trying to meet you where you are and make sure that we have funding, program, mentoring, expertise to really help you along that journey. So those are the two that I'm probably the most proud of and that I think are really strong entry points into working with audible.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
So you, first of all, I think thank you. Because first of all, I know this job ain't easy. Yeah, that's number one. And I know that means that you are constantly pounding the table, you know, building the business case. Even though the organization has a philosophy around this, you still have to make sure you constantly show them the numbers, the progress being made and all of that. And I know that that's not easy.
Aisha Glover:
Right.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
When the world is telling you that it doesn't matter.
Aisha Glover:
Right.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
So. So thank you for that. And because you work with so many different entrepreneurs and you see them pitching and you see them trying to work with organizations, secure contracts, I would love into what do you see in terms of entrepreneurs either not taking advantage of this opportunity and, and, and why, like, what's psyching them out? And then I would love to also talk about what are the things that we can do better, because I think there's a real opportunity for us to learn and position ourselves. And right now it's a super scary time, but it's also a very opportunistic time.
Aisha Glover:
Yep.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
If you play your cards right.
Aisha Glover:
That's right. That's right. No, I think you hit the nail on the head. And, you know, sometimes I'll get frustrated if I'm chatting with an entrepreneur. I'm like, well, why didn't you apply? Or how come this or this is for you? Like, we've designed it with you in mind. And I'm sure you know this as an entrepreneur. You just tap, like you only have but so much capacity. And so we've tried to simplify application processes or vetting processes. Right. So it's not like this big cumbersome process of, you know, you're looking at something and you're thinking, oh, yeah, I could do that, but I don't have the capacity to be responding to something so formal. Right. I would just say get out your own head. You know, a lot of the opportunities that we miss are the opportunities that we're choosing to miss. Right. Not like you applied, you put your heart into everything and then you got declined. Right. So I think that's probably the biggest thing that's getting in the way. It's a capacity thing or people kind of being in their own heads. And then in terms of like the advice or what entrepreneurs miss at times, I never would say that you need to compromise or change, you know, your business model, change your offerings or anything, but you have to be willing to really collaborate and invent and innovate together. Not just like, oh, here's what I do. You guys should work with us. Right. And so I do come across that a lot where it's people are just. Entrepreneurs are just in pitch mode, you know, and it's, you know, really trying to get a partner, a funder, an investor on board for what they're doing, rather than how can we design something together or at least listen to what my priorities are so then you know how to fit in. If you know that we're hyper focused on Newark or that we work with youth and literacy or emerging creators, then why would you pitch me something totally outside of that? Right. No matter how dope it is, like, don't get it twisted just because a funder or an investor is choosing not to work with you is not a reflection on your product or service. It could just not fit into our portfolio of work and what our impact goals are. Right. So I think that that piece of really inventing together is something that entrepreneurs can be doing a little better at.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
I think that's a great call out because so, you know, I have a number of aspiring entrepreneurs that I have come through my Dare to Leap academy and they are so hungry and so like go-getter. They're just like whoever they get in front of, they're gonna sell themselves. And I love that energy.
Aisha Glover:
Right, right.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
But there is a science to relationship building.
Aisha Glover:
That's right.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Especially when you're going after big money. When you're going after big money, you're talking to people who are constantly being pitched, who are constantly being used essentially.
Aisha Glover:
And we don't want to feel like we're being pitched. Right. Like you have to put in the time to build relationships because guess what? There might not be an opportunity right now. There might be in a year from now. There might be in five years from now. Right. And so I think looking at this as like a longer term relationship and then trying to figure out where each of us could plug in is probably the healthiest way because then it doesn't feel transactional. Right. It doesn't feel pitch, like, and I can come into it with a much more open mind around, oh, where can I plug Victoria Jen into. Where can I plug this one into? Because I know, I've seen how they moved. I've seen the success of programs of their outreach, their platform. Right. It, I'll begin to look at it differently. And that's how investors and funders are thinking about it as well. Unless they're just straight up looking for a financial return that is different than like, you know, a fee for service or sponsorship. If they're just looking for a financial return. And that's a different approach. I'm talking about more like partnership, collaboration, what co-investing and invention looks like.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Right. And this, this collaboration piece, I think is, is so important and refreshing right now because it's, it's so intense that if you're able to approach someone first of all with the human element and that energy, like maybe the first interaction, you're not even talking about business at all. You're talking about something personal that you heard them say and you're feeding into that and it's not like you're manipulating the relationship and you're just like, oh, let me get something and let me just double down on that to Pretend like I care. Like executives can see right through that shit.
Aisha Glover:
Oh, absolutely, absolutely.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Like they know when you're full of shit. So don't even try to play the politics of that because you will lose every single time. Just be a dope ass person. Be genuine. Understand that you have to plant the seeds you have to put in the sweat equity.
Aisha Glover:
That's right.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
It is possible that you will meet someone and it happens fast because that has happened to me. It's possible.
Aisha Glover:
That's right.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
However, that is. It's rare. It's very rare. It's kind of like timing and the universe and everything just playing in your favor. But the common theme is it is a long game, it is a relationship business and you need to stay intentional and consistent to stay on top of people's minds. With that being said, I would love to provide some examples of how they can do that because everybody's so freaking busy. Everybody's trying to make something out of nothing. Everybody's got their own initiatives being pulled in so many different directions. So in your experience, like, what has worked really well that someone can consider as they're thinking about building relationships with executives like yourself?
Aisha Glover:
Sure. I'll give one quick example. There was a startup that we were looking to bring into the city of Newark. They threw us on their, you know, newsletter list or whatever. It didn't work out timing wise for them to open a location in Newark, but because they're so good at checking in when they happen to be in town or, you know, sharing video clips of their latest, you know, roll in a festival or whatever, it's like a good soft touch, way to keep me updated. I'm like, oh, they are doing their thing. They're still growing. So they might not have been ready for physical space a year and a half or two years ago whenever we spoke to them. But I could see that they're still growing and I can see that they're intentional about keeping us up to date without it being really aggressive, you know. So some of it was just standard, like throw us on your list. And then some of it is, you know, hey, just letting you know, check out this clip. I was just at such and such conference or festival or this recent news article came out and it mentioned how this industry is growing. I know you said you guys wanted to keep your eye on it, right? So I think that it's, it's that balance of formal, what you would expect them to do and then some of the informal, just quick checking in. Nothing like, you know, are you guys now Officially ready to give us that $250,000 to relocate to Newark. It's not that it's like, we're getting there, you know, it's a little bit lighter Touch
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
and I. And it doesn't need to be complicated.
Aisha Glover:
Right?
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Like, it doesn't. So I know you're a fellow body. I got tickets to the Puerto Rican Day parade last year, and I was like, you want to go to this, right? Because your body, you're a native New Yorker. So it's small things like that. Like if there's an event coming up that you know they would be interested in, you got the plug. Or maybe it's just an FYI, like, those small things make such a huge difference because it means that you're thinking about me and everybody wants to feel special. You know what I mean? Like, you thinking about me. Wow. Thank you. Right? Like, it makes people feel special, and it's just like, like the smallest gesture. And I think it really, like, makes you put in reps of just how to stay connected to people. Like, we're in a world where everybody's just going so, so, so, so fast, and they're losing that connection piece.
Aisha Glover:
That's right.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Right. That human element connects me. So it's like, good practice for you to just like, get into this routine because it can translate also to your personal life. I'm pretty sure y' all need to be checking in with your Thea, your Theo, your mama, your daddy, you know, like, it's good repetition for you to just become the person that is thoughtful
Aisha Glover:
and flex that muscle more frequently.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Yeah, exactly. I want to circle back quickly to this program. So what type of businesses are qualified for this funding? Qualified for this funding.
Aisha Glover:
So on the emerging creator side, we have specific programs. I think there's one application that's still open right now for podcast. We renamed it creator development program because it's not only for podcasting, but you have to be a creator. Right. But for the business attraction program, that's specific to Newark. So you have to have some sort of physical presence in Newark. So either a shared space, co working kind of model, or signing a lease. And so those businesses are falling under two different categories. One, they're kind of more broadly tech or innovation companies or tech adjacent. So we have creative technology companies, companies that are building different apps, making connections, B2B SaaS type companies as software, as a solution. But it's not incredibly restrictive. Right. We picked tech not just because we're a tech company, but because the job rub off for tech companies is significantly higher. So for every tech new tech job created, the impact of that is four additional indirect jobs. Right. And so as we think about the city of Newark, we think about activations having more foot traffic, economic impact, job creation. That's really important to us. So in order for these companies to be able to tap into the funding, they have to sign a lease, but they also have to be growing. So you're getting that 250 max. If you are growing, that's both revenue growth and job growth. And then the other bucket of funding outside of tech and innovation startups is actually retail, like destination retail, because we can say that we're trying to, you know, do creative placemaking and help build this ecosystem if there's not a lot of retail and amenities and things to do, right, like people like going to vibrant places, People like going to dope spaces that are programmed and activated. So I actually have somebody on my team that just runs all neighborhood events and activations, everything from yoga in the park to farmers markets to block parties and to tech mixers. But the focus on retail is really about trying to create more experiences in our neighborhood. So we just opened a building in October called the pillars, and it's 15,000 square feet of retail space. Wellness, yoga, meditation studio, juice bar. You know, you can blend your own fragrance at Pooka Pure and Simple. You can build a terrarium at another retailer that does plants and home decor. And so you're like, wait, wait, I thought you said tech. I thought you said startup. But the fact of the matter is this is our neighborhood. And so we're trying to be very thoughtful about the role that we play in kind of curating the types of experiences that we want, that we want for our neighbors, visitors, students, all of that. And so it's fun. It's like a lot of fun to be meeting these entrepreneurs, retailers with like such amazing ideas. Many of them have already had some track record. Right. But we're not looking for chains and franchises. These are all independently owned, operated. The majority are minority businesses or women businesses, and most of them are both. So we're trying to be very thoughtful about what we're curating, and it's exciting.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Yeah. And the Pillars are dope. It's a really nice space. Shout out to my girl dawn and Puka, she got her spot over there. And this is why I, I wanted to welcome you on, because we need to highlight organizations and programming that is really making a difference, right? Not this surfer level shenanigans, but like, inroads. Like, not only are you investing in these entrepreneurs, but you're literally building a city that needs it.
Aisha Glover:
Yeah. So I am always usually a little careful with this. Right. Because what I don't want to. I want to make sure that we don't sound like we're building a city. The city was there where, if I want to use a sound reference, we're amplifying. Right. We're turning up that infrastructure that was already there, the people that are already there, the culture, the dopeness, the legacy. It's a beautiful, historic city that's older than our country. 1666. Right. And so there was years and years and years of disinvestment. Right. So you had white flight. And after the 60s and 70s, like, there were decades of trying to think about how to rebuild Newark. And I think one thing that Audible has gotten right and I've been trying to make sure we continue to get right, is that we're doing that alongside this city in a way that is respectful of who was there already, so that way we don't end up like every other city. I'm Brooklyn through and through, and I will tell anybody in Jersey, and I'm sorry, I came to Jersey begrudgingly. Right. Like, I wish I could have purchased and raised my children in Brooklyn. And when they were in elementary school and middle school, we moved to Jersey because we wanted to buy a house. Right. You don't see a lot of urban areas across the country. When they develop, you don't see them remain accessible. Right. You see gentrification, you see displacement. And so it takes all of us to really be thoughtful about how we're making space for people that are typically marginalized and that are typically negatively impacted by the growth of a city. And so for Audible to be very thoughtful about who we're investing in and respectful of the city that we chose to be our headquarters. That's why I love my job, and that's why I'm like, I'm not building the city. I'm building with this city. We're amplifying what's already here. It's over 50% black population, 30, I think 8% Latino. And, like, we need to respect that in the types of businesses that we're also bringing in and the stories that we're telling.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
That was so beautiful, girl.
Aisha Glover:
Sorry, sorry.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Oh, my God, you guys. So beautiful. I love that. So, okay, so let's talk about this. $250 thousand real quick. So they getting. How much are they getting up front, like, when they get accepted into the program?
Aisha Glover:
So it really does depend on how much space they take on how many employees they already have, what they're projecting. Right. So we usually tie it to milestones. Once you sign the lease, you get a certain amount of that 250. Once you finish your construction, if you have any fit out related to that, then you get another tranch of funding. And then once you open, you get usually the final tranch or the next to final tranch. The final might be, you know, a certain period after, particularly with retail and make sure that you actually stay open. Right. So there's usually anywhere from three to four payments that we disperse according to whether you're a retail or a tech startup or if you're reaching that milestone for a tech startup of oh, okay. I was using this to leverage and raise some additional funding. Follow on funding. They're far more likely to secure follow on funding after Audible's investment and so follow on funding. Yeah. So let's say you're doing around. Let's say you are a within a stage of pre seed or seed or maybe series A. That's usually how long you've been in business and what your revenue looks like. Right. So let's say you're doing around. Let's say your goal this round is to raise a million dollars. If I come in with 250, it makes it much easier for you to then go out and secure that 750. So as a first mover, we're giving other investors the confidence to invest in that business and so then the startup, the entrepreneur is far more successful and securing follow on funding. What comes after Audible? Right. And so that is that, that's it. That's de risking. Right. For other investors or funders that are like hold on, what is, what's Audible doing over here? Okay, that makes sense. If they went through their vetting process and it works for them, then they, the, the other investors are far more confident.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Got it. Okay. That makes a lot of sense. So just so I can put like hammer the, the nail here. You don't get the 250 up front.
Aisha Glover:
You don't? No.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Depending on what type of business determines how much you get as like the upfront investment and then as you grow, how much you grow and how much progress you making, you get the remaining funding.
Aisha Glover:
That's right.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Okay.
Aisha Glover:
That's right.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Got it. So yeah, you can't just get the. Can't just do that. Okay, that's really helpful. So I want to move into talking about your role as an Afro Latina in the C suite and what. What is that like in this climate? And I know you work for an organization that has this philosophy around still making these type of investments and still doing this work and still understand the significance of communities of color. But there are a lot of others who don't work in those environments, both as an employee as well as an entrepreneur. So can you talk a little bit about what your experience has been like?
Aisha Glover:
Yeah. So I started in 2020, and in 2023, I became part of the executive team. So one of eight of us that globally across, you know, the chief people officer, the chief technology officer, the head of corporate affairs, our general counsel. They're amazing colleagues to work with. But, you know, we're looking at making global business, excuse me, global business decisions. And so it's given me a tremendous amount of insight. Even though I've been in leadership positions for a while now, they've been within nonprofits and working with my board or quasi governmental agencies. Right. And so there is a fundamental difference of making decisions that affect the company, the company's future, that affect employees and employees livelihoods. Right. And so what it feels like as a Afro Latina in that position, it feels like working within every other institution that we have to navigate, quite frankly. Right. So the benefit of being with a company that at least is ideologically and philosophically aligned definitely makes it easier. But the reality is, like, we walk with our identities every day, right? And so there are times where I'm like, is this happening because I'm a woman? Is this happening because I'm black? Is this happening because I'm Latina? Like, what is this? Right. And then what we don't always talk about is what we carry as a responsibility to employees that look like us. Right? So I'm wearing one hat of trying to be a steward for all employees and really be thinking about what's most beneficial to the business. And then another hat of, you know, I have people come to me internally all the time from impact groups and, you know, wanting to learn more, seeking mentorship. And so I've heard people call it a burden. I don't consider it a burden, but it's more of like a responsibility of how we show up once we're in these positions. Right. It's our obligation. At least I look at it that way. I have an obligation to really be thinking about who's coming up behind me, what does their future look like, how can I be intentionally investing in that? And how do I make sure that I'm not proud when I'm the only Latina in the room when I'm the only black person in senior leadership, that is not a point of pride for me. Or if I'm in rooms where I'm in economic development, I'm an economic developer. And so what that looks like when I'm at a conference, that does not look like me. Right. And so I feel like I have a responsibility to just really be thinking about who's coming up behind me and with me and alongside me. And that's already surpassed me, but maybe are not in a corporate setting. Right. Like, I. I just want to correct that so it doesn't come off like, and they're behind me and I have to bring them along. It's not that there are people that. That are my peers or that are exceeding in their industry like you. Right. I wouldn't think of it as like, oh, you're coming behind me, you're coming right alongside me. And you've excelled in areas that I haven't even touched. Right. And so I do feel like I have a responsibility to be making connections, introductions, and to be using my role very intentionally.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
I think that's really. Man, I wish there was more of us like that. Because there is still very much this crabs in a barrel mindset that exists within the community.
Aisha Glover:
Yeah.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
That just continues to just tear us down. And it's like we're.
Aisha Glover:
That's why they call it institutional racism. Right. Because it's institutionalized. It's not like, oh, it's because of that person or that thing, or that's what institutionalization actually means. Like, it is so deep, colonialism and racism has so deeply impacted our daily lives that we don't even recognize it anymore, that we don't even recognize when it comes from our own, that we don't recognize the history behind it. And so we just move as well. This scarcity mindset. Well, we don't have enough so that we have to be crabs in a barrel. Okay. Well, no, that's not true. And it's up to us to really be changing, changing that, changing the narrative around why that happens in our community and recognizing the roots of it.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
How can we have these types of conversations? Because they get spicy and not everyone is receptive. But they need to happen because not everyone understands the root. It's just all that they know. So they've just become accustomed to believe whatever the system constructed them to believe.
Aisha Glover:
I mean, it's easier, Right? Especially if you have privilege. Especially if you have privilege. It's easier to kind of continue the status quo, I think we just have to have these conversations. We have. We absolutely have to. And I think we have responsibility as, as leaders, as parents, as carriers of culture. Like, we have to. How dare us not to. Like, why, why would you not talk about that? Every single opportunity that you get. Right. Like, not to just focus on it, but knowing the interconnectedness of it all, I think is so critically important.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
So what are your thoughts for those who say it's not my responsibility to educate you go pick up a book.
Aisha Glover:
Yeah. I'm not, I'm not saying that we have to carry the burden of continuously educating others, but I do think that sometimes that education is just calling it out. Right. Sometimes the education is being thoughtful about what we're doing with our platforms. Right. So I could be saying this to you right now. Your platform and your listeners is much broader. Right. That doesn't mean that you now then have to go out and be saying the same thing to each one of those listeners and then showing them how or popping up a resource guide, QR code at the end of this. Right. I'm not saying that we have to be the teachers, but I do think that we have a responsibility to talk about this.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
I agree. And I think that's like the conflict. It's like the balance. We're frustrated and annoyed even with each other. Like inter. Community wise.
Aisha Glover:
Yeah.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
With having to do the education and people not having the individual responsibility to learn and to navigate this as a collective. But then you have the other side of the coin where it. It is absolutely needed. Because Motherfuckers ain't gonna do the research. They not gonna do it.
Aisha Glover:
That's why you just gotta call those people out. We don't have time to be educated on everybody. I'm sorry, it's just not gonna do it.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
But I do feel like it is our responsibility to educate. I really do believe that. Because if we don't, then who.
Aisha Glover:
Yeah, yeah, who's gonna do it? I understand people are exhausted. And I think that that's why we have to continue to find creative ways to share these stories. It's one of the reasons why I do love the emerging creator programs that we focus on at Audible because. And I'm not trying to like plug Audible back in, but as I think about.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Listen. Okay. This episode about to be sponsored by Audible. Right.
Aisha Glover:
But I do think, you know, even just in the, in the responsibility, like what we do with that, what stories are we amplifying? Right. Like, like, what are we getting behind to make sure that we're lifting the conversation around Culture carriers. Right. Like that piece, I do feel like that's what gets me excited. Like, what are the newer, creative ways to continue to make sure that we see and hear representation?
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Yes, I love that word. Culture carriers. Like, I think that is such a great way to describe it. And you mentioned identity earlier. And when I think about identity, identity is your internal operating system which very much comprises of where you're from, how you grew up, your traditional values, your roots, your cultura.
Aisha Glover:
That's right.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
So how can you enter any space if your mission is to truly embody your identity, your real identity, not the performing.
Aisha Glover:
That's right.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Right. Not the mask that you're wearing, not you playing the game, but truly embodying your identity. That means that you're carrying your culture with you everywhere you go, so inevitably it's gonna come up.
Aisha Glover:
That's right.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
And you shouldn't say, nah, let me not bring that up. When it is your identity and in my opinion, your competitive advantage, it is.
Aisha Glover:
Oh, absolutely it is.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Right. Because there are so many people who are checking their identity at the door to fit in, to assimilate. And I know that institutionally we've been taught and trained that that's what you have to do in order to make it. And listen, when in Rome, do as Rome does. There's a time and a place, but there's always an opportunity for you to be yourself.
Aisha Glover:
Yeah. And to carry your identity no matter where you go.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Right. And to carry that identity. And I think perhaps that is the messaging that will eliminate some of the frustration when we do that reframing.
Aisha Glover:
Right.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
When it's more about. This is about identity. Right. This is about you being you.
Aisha Glover:
That's right.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
This is about you becoming more comfortable in your own skin and owning your cultura., which means that if the opportunity presents itself, you're talking about it.
Aisha Glover:
That's right. That's right.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
You might need to tell them about the young lords. You might need to tell them about, like, what it is. You know what I mean? You might need to put something, someone on, and that is your responsibility, period. To me, if you're a steward of the cultura., like if you are opposite, if you are a culture carrier, carriers, like, that is your responsibility. And if you continue to carry the narrative of it's not my responsibility to educate you, well, then don't complain and
Aisha Glover:
know that education looks different. That comes in many forms. Right. Like sometimes people are using their microphones, sometimes people are writing about it. Right. Sometimes people will live, check you. Like that's actually not accurate. Right. So I think when people are resistant to that phrase of, you know, it's. Or they, they take the approach of it's not my responsibility to educate you. I felt like that and I do feel like that in many instances. But I, I try to think about it and like, okay, but what do I mean when I'm saying educate you? Is that like, okay, well, here's the books you should read. Here's what I learned, here's what my mother was sure to teach me and. Oh, okay, no, that figure was actually Afro Latino. Okay. You know, that could be that or it could just be how I show up in spaces who I'm trying to work with and bring alongside me. It could be anything. It could be all the comments that are gonna come up when you post this. You know, when people are like, yeah, I'm tired of educating, but this is what I do instead. Right. Or this is what I, this is how I choose to show up when somebody is just ignorant. Yeah.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
And I listen again, I believe it is our responsibility to educate because it is going to better the community.
Aisha Glover:
That's right.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Like it's gonna further us in our benefit. It's in our best interest to put mofos on.
Aisha Glover:
Yeah.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
And I mean that intercommunity-wise as well because there's a lot of ignorance that exists within our communities. Right. But also those outside the community. I could talk about this for hours. Girl, listen, don't even get me started. But, but I am, I think in, in this moment that we are in. It takes leaders like you and I to reiterate.
Aisha Glover:
Yeah.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
You know, the significance of not only the work and how important it is, but the messaging and what we are telling ourselves and what we are telling the people in our lives that we care about and how we are carrying ourselves into these spaces, regardless of how frustrated and tired we are. I would love for us to start thinking about and embodying how much we're all needed in this moment.
Aisha Glover:
Yeah.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
To like shine.
Aisha Glover:
That's right.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Real bright.
Aisha Glover:
To be who we are.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Yes, to be who we are and to really embody that identity and like finally say fuck it. You know what I'm saying? Just finally say fuck it. I'm burning the rule book. I'm making my own damn rulebook.
Aisha Glover:
That's gonna be the title of your book.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Yo. For real. Fuck it.
Aisha Glover:
No, finally say, finally say fuck it.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Like for real though. Like, haven't we gotten to that point? Like, we're here.
Aisha Glover:
Yeah. Yeah. Well, people are also still in self preservation mode. Right? And so what you were talking about is the cultural moment and what it means to advance all of us. Right? But we are also very individualistic people, Right? And so if you're just in self preservation mode, you're not thinking about how do we push the culture forward? What do we all look like in all of our unique experiences as culture carriers? Excuse me, we're like, I'll lose this, you know, this contract. I don't want to, you know, mess this up or, you know, ruffle feathers over here or there. So I think that's the mind shift that we need to get to as a collective. Like, what does this actually look like if we were all shining, right, what does this look like if we were actually working collectively to move the culture
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
forward and if we weren't oiling the
Aisha Glover:
fucking machine and recognizing the role that that plays.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Exactly. Like, if we keep oiling the machine, it's gonna continue to be the same.
Aisha Glover:
That's right. That's right. That's why we have to be innovators. We have to be disruptors. We have to be willing to push the envelope.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Push the envelope, like, rip it up. If you need to be risky, like, do the shit scared, like, be bold, be audacious, like, just like.
Aisha Glover:
And.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
And if you don't have that energy, like, go find it. Go insert yourself into those environments, you know, attach yourself to people who have the energy, go outside. So many of us are, like, in the cocoon, staying at home, like, just in the black hole. You gotta go outside, right? You gotta go shake some hands. Like, you gotta force yourself. You gotta literally lift yourself out of the hole because nobody is coming to save you. And if you do have people in your life that care about you and they're inviting you to go somewhere and they're like, hey, come outside. Take the invitation and just do it. I promise you will feel so much better.
Aisha Glover:
I can't remember the book or who did this. It was a year of yes. Did you ever hear of that?
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Yes.
Aisha Glover:
And to that point, just leaning all the way in and saying yes and taking on the risk and doing stuff that you might not have otherwise. I really wish I can remember who it was, but she said it had changed her. Was it Shonda Rhimes?
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
I don't remember.
Aisha Glover:
It was somebody famous. And that how it changed her perspective and opened up so many more opportunities, personal and professional, that would have never been there had she not said yes. So she spent a year just whatever invitation, whatever meeting request, whatever opportunity to really jump on. She took every single Thing. And she, she wrote about it. I'm a. Look it up.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Yeah, yeah, look it up, look it up. Because a lot of you have been embracing the no. And I know for some people, that took a lot of work because you were a yes'er and so I understand. But there is. Is. Is good in the yes, honey. There is good in the yes, not yes, where people are taking advantage of you. You're prioritizing yourself in the yes.
Aisha Glover:
That's right.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
You're doing it for you. Like, you're accepting the invitation because it's going to benefit you. It's going to make you feel alive again. It's going to help you thrive. You're going to meet new people, connect. Right. So it's the prioritization of you and the yes.
Aisha Glover:
That's right.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. Okay. This has been incredible. Thank you so much. I would love for you to offer some final thoughts to the aspiring and current entrepreneur who is getting a lot of no's right now, who is having a really hard time generating revenue, who is, like, trying to figure out and is just like, really, like, stuck.
Aisha Glover:
Yeah.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
What would you say to them?
Aisha Glover:
I think I will go back to what we were talking about in the beginning. Right? Like, think about the no's that you're getting. Are you going in with your standard package to every single person, your standard pitch? Switch it up. Like, meet them where they are. Think about who you're asking, what they've done in the past. I love when entrepreneurs have done something similar, even if it was smaller. Right. So you're pitching me something. But. And you haven't done it at that scale, but you've done something smaller or you've worked with a similar company. Right. And so you might be asking for the wrong thing. And it's totally okay not to completely pivot and switch up everything, but to take a step back and say, is this the right pitch for this person or this institution, or is there something that I could be doing differently? To look at this from another perspective, or can I just test this out to show this does work? I've done it smaller, but. But here's what I'm going to do with you guys. Right? So keep going. I know it's hard. I. I was an entrepreneur for a hot second and, you know, I couldn't. I couldn't do it full time. I couldn't. I couldn't make it happen full time.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
But you did. You now have a role where you give money to entrepreneurs, and that's the Thing, like, if you're not an entrepreneur, like, it's not in your spirit. Cool. Then go work in an organization. We need y'all.
Aisha Glover:
All.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
We need y'all all to work in the organization because you're the ones who are going to come through to be like, yo, help me build this thing.
Aisha Glover:
Like, that's right.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
We need you. So everybody plays a role.
Aisha Glover:
Everybody has.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Everybody don't need to be an entrepreneur if that's not your calling.
Aisha Glover:
Yeah.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
I do believe everybody should learn the skill of being able to make money outside of your 9 to 5. Absolutely right. It doesn't mean you need to do it full time, but you should know the skills so you never are at the mercy of anyone else. Right. So definitely learn the skill. But if it's not in you to do it full time, that's okay.
Aisha Glover:
Yeah, that's. We need you to be inside.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Yes, we need you to be inside. Everybody can't be the chef. Like, everybody can't be the chef. And, like, that's okay. Doesn't mean, like, your role isn't significant or as needed. It is so needed. Like, we need to see people who look like us who understand in those decision making roles.
Aisha Glover:
Yep. Yep.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Ah, this has been such a great episode. I love this. I love this conversation. Aisha, please let the people know, like, should they connect with you on the LinkedIns and say, Hey, I heard you on Bigger Than Kulture.
Aisha Glover:
Sure.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Like, how can they connect with you?
Aisha Glover:
Yes, yes. I'm on everything. Just Aisha Glover.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Yes.
Aisha Glover:
And so tag me. And I'd love to hear your journeys. If there are entrepreneurs out there that, you know, you've reached a certain point and you're looking to have your own space. Check out Newark. You know, we'd love to have you if this resonated with you. I'd love to hear your story, your entrepreneurship journey and see if it's a fit.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Amazing. I love that. And thank you so much for opening the opportunity for that.
Aisha Glover:
Absolutely.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
I think it really speaks to, like, your leadership. And just a quick story before we go. Before we were like, getting into this interview, walking into the studio, we were waiting for your assistance to come.
Aisha Glover:
Yes.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
And I was like, oh, okay, that's cool. And he was like, yeah. She just started. Like, I want her to get a feel of the land, but what you said next is what really sat with me. You said, and I also want to learn more about her and what's her groove so I can make the proper introduction. So three to five years from now, she can move on to something else. Like, that is leadership.
Aisha Glover:
Shout out to Jerry.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Shout out to Jerry. Okay? That is leadership.
Aisha Glover:
And.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
And that is how we should be thinking about amplifying the community.
Aisha Glover:
Right?
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
Who can I introduce someone to? How can I help get you to the next level? How can I lift you up? Like, that is real leadership. So thank you so much for that, and thank you to all of you for joining. If you enjoyed today's episode. You guys know the routine. Leave it in the. Share it with someone that you think would find value. Fellow entrepreneurs, let them know about this programming that's being offered. 250,000. They have the other creator program. Like, there's opportunity out here for y' all to grow and to scale. If you put in the work to get it, like, it's there. It's there for the taking. So if you can't be complaining when there's stuff out here for you to take advantage of and you are not taking the step to actually, like, tap in and get this money. Okay? So thank you so much for joining us. Let's go, Nyx.
Aisha Glover:
Yes.
Victoria Jenn Rodriguez:
And I'll see you in the next episode. Bye, guys.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
“Opportunities you’re missing are often the ones you’re choosing not to claim.”
Playing small and code-switching is expensive—your story is your ultimate asset.
Wealth isn't a solo pursuit; it’s built with, by, and for community.
Relationships are your currency—transactional energy will cost you millions.
“When you amplify others, you multiply your own power.”
Funding follows intentionality: show up, plant seeds, and document your impact.
Leadership is measured by who you bring with you, not who you leave behind.
ABOUT THE GUEST
Aisha Glover is a powerhouse: a native New Yorker, Afro-Latina Boricua, and global head of Urban Innovation at Audible. For nearly 20 years, she’s led economic empowerment initiatives in Newark and NYC, including as President and CEO of Invest Newark and the Newark Alliance. At Audible, she oversees community impact investments, championing business attraction, creator development, and equitable wealth-building with intention—not just lip service.
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