In this episode of Live with Living Cities, host Justin Charles speaks with Sydney Thomas, Conductor at Symphonic Capital, about reimagining venture capital to serve the 99%. Sydney shares how her personal journey shaped Symphonic’s mission, why intentional growth strategies like seed-strapping matter, and the role of storytelling and representation in building inclusive ecosystems. She also spotlights investments like Canopie, Scout, and Lōvu Health, showing how Symphonic ties business succe...
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In this episode of Live with Living Cities, host Justin Charles speaks with Sydney Thomas, Conductor at Symphonic Capital, about reimagining venture capital to serve the 99%. Sydney shares how her personal journey shaped Symphonic’s mission, why intentional growth strategies like seed-strapping matter, and the role of storytelling and representation in building inclusive ecosystems. She also spotlights investments like Canopie, Scout, and Lōvu Health, showing how Symphonic ties business succe...
In this episode of Live with Living Cities, host Justin Charles speaks with Sydney Thomas, Conductor at Symphonic Capital, about reimagining venture capital to serve the 99%. Sydney shares how her personal journey shaped Symphonic’s mission, why intentional growth strategies like seed-strapping matter, and the role of storytelling and representation in building inclusive ecosystems. She also spotlights investments like Canopie, Scout, and Lōvu Health, showing how Symphonic ties business succe...
In this episode of Live with Living Cities, guest host Valerie McDowell talks with Ashley Gabb, founder of Gabb Consulting and former executive at Estée Lauder, HP, and Discover, about her journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship. Ashley shares lessons on purpose-driven leadership, building equitable systems, and inspiring the next generation of changemakers.
Entrepreneurs can’t succeed alone—they need support systems. In this episode, Philip Gaskin breaks down what it means to build strong business ecosystems. We talk about how cities across the U.S. are helping small businesses grow by connecting people, resources, and funding—and why that matters for creating an economy that works for everyone.
When traditional finance falls short, where can changemakers turn? Host Justin Charles talks with Jim Casselberry of Known about how impact investing directs capital to overlooked communities and ideas. Gain insight, clarity, and real stories of money making the economy more inclusive.
In this episode of Live with Living Cities, host Justin Charles explores the power of catalytic capital and how the Inclusive Capital Council (ICC) is working to transform not just how capital flows—but who controls it and who benefits from it. You’ll hear from Daniel Nissenbaum, CEO of the Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF), and Mileyka Burgos-Flores, founder and executive director of the Allapattah Collaborative CDC in Miami. Together, they share how bold, equity-centered investments are cha...
In this episode of Live with Living Cities, host Justin Charles sits down with Dr. Ahmed Whitt, Director of the Center for Wealth Equity, for a timely and thought-provoking conversation about the rise of artificial intelligence and its far-reaching impact on our economy and communities. As AI rapidly transforms industries, reshapes how we work, and influences who has access to opportunity, this conversation delves into both the promise and the perils of this powerful technology. This episode ...
In this episode of Live with Living Cities, CEO Joe Scantlebury sits down with Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter to explore how shared ownership and solidarity economy strategies are reshaping local governance. Recorded at the City of Saint Paul’s Office of Financial Empowerment conference, this powerful conversation highlights Saint Paul’s role in the Closing the Gaps Network and the broader movement for equitable economic transformation.
Host Justin Charles explores the origin and impact of Living Cities’ Closing the Gaps Network—a bold, national initiative helping cities tackle deep-rooted racial wealth and income disparities. Born out of the 2020 Year of Reckoning, the CTG Network has grown into a coalition of 24 cities committed to advancing long-term, inclusive, and community-driven solutions. In this episode, you'll learn how cities are working to empower entrepreneurs from underserved communities, expand access to...
Welcome to Live with Living Cities, the podcast dedicated to building a just and equitable society by dismantling systemic barriers to financial equity. In this episode, host Justin Charles introduces you to Living Cities, a collaborative of influential philanthropies and financial institutions working to close the income and wealth gap and foster economic justice in cities across the U.S. The episode explores the historical roots of economic disparities, the necessity of systems change, and ...
In this episode of Live with Living Cities, host Justin Charles speaks with Sydney Thomas, Conductor at Symphonic Capital, about reimagining venture capital to serve the 99%. Sydney shares how her personal journey shaped Symphonic’s mission, why intentional growth strategies like seed-strapping matter, and the role of storytelling and representation in building inclusive ecosystems. She also spotlights investments like Canopie, Scout, and Lōvu Health, showing how Symphonic ties business succe...
