The Lighthouse
A place for diverse founders, builders, and funders
The Lighthouse is an ongoing fireside-chat series from Leap by McKinsey focused on lifting up and celebrating diverse entrepreneurs, founders, business builders, and funders.
Latest episode
Video Player is loading.
Video
Borne out of passion and curiosity
In this episode of the Lighthouse, music industry serial founder and tech investor Troy Carter speaks with McKinsey partner Julie Gilbert about how learning to understand his intrinsic gifts helped him see that even though he had found huge success with his first company, it was time to move on and focus on technology. His talent management company Atom Factory had nurtured the careers of artists such as Lady Gaga, Meghan Trainor, and John Legend, but when he started advising Spotify in its pre-IPO days, he was seized by the potential of technology, and went on to found Venice, the SaaS company for independent musicians.
Previous episodes
Video Player is loading.
Video
Bringing values to life
In this episode of the Lighthouse we talk with Carlos Vargas, the country director for Cargill’s Mexico and Central America aqua-nutrition business. In this discussion with McKinsey’s Julie Gilbert and Marta Hiernaux, Vargas talks about how his Central American identity informs his work, and the values he seeks to manifest every day.
Video Player is loading.
Video
It takes a village—supported by technology
In this episode of the Lighthouse we talk with Sheila Lirio Marcelo, a serial founder who recently launched Ohai.ai, a virtual assistance platform designed to lighten the load of family schedule management and task delegation. Speaking with McKinsey partner and business building expert Julie Gilbert, Sheila talks about her experiences growing up in an immigrant family, being a young mother while navigating law school and work, and how they led her to a career focused on supporting “chief household officers.”
Video Player is loading.
Video
Building on a family tradition of entrepreneurship
In this episode of the Lighthouse we talk with Kathryn Finney, managing general partner of Genius Guild, a venture capital firm that invests in diverse founders of high-growth health and green/clean-tech companies. In this discussion with McKinsey partners Julie Gilbert and Belkis Vasquez-McCall, Kathryn talks about the power of being raised in a family with a long history of entrepreneurship and higher education, and how selling her first business sparked her desire to share the gift of financial self-determination with others.
Video Player is loading.
Video
‘Every investor is invaluable’
In this episode of the Lighthouse we talk with Joelle Kayden, the founder of Accolade Partners, the Washington, DC-based fund of funds. Speaking with McKinsey's Julie Gilbert and Adjatay Nyadroh, Joelle described her unexpected entry into business and finance, the challenges of starting a private-equity fund in the early 2000s, and what inspired her to start a fund that focuses on investors who are women and people of color.
Video Player is loading.
Video
The importance of having a Black woman in the room
In this episode of the Lighthouse we talk with independent board director Kim Nelson. Speaking with McKinsey’s Julie Gilbert and Nick Noel, Kim talks about the power of being a Black woman serving as an independent director, her work today on the boards of Cummins, Tate & Lyle, and Colgate-Palmolive, and her years at General Mills.
Video Player is loading.
Video
Empowering Africa’s youth through connectivity
In this episode of the Lighthouse we talk with telecommunications executive and mobile content entrepreneur Magnus Mchunguzi. The Group CEO of YellowDot and co-founder of LéO Africa Institute, he talked with McKinsey’s Julie Gilbert and Gottfreid Mutumba about how he went from an early childhood of traditional village living to an advanced education and a career in telecommunications, mobile content, and helping empower young African entrepreneurs.
Video Player is loading.
Video
Focusing on opportunities, not challenges
In this episode of the Lighthouse we talk with Jasmin Sethi, the founder and CEO of Sethi Clarity Advisers. In this discussion with McKinsey's Julie Gilbert, Jasmin talks about how being the daughter of immigrants and losing her sight to a genetic eye disease led her to understand the importance of financial independence and a career centered on financial education.
Video Player is loading.
Video
Turning solitude into strength
In this episode of the Lighthouse we talk with Meka White Morris, executive vice president and chief business officer of the Minnesota Twins. In this discussion with McKinsey partners Julie Gilbert and Clayton O’Toole, Meka talks about the power of being “seen” in the workplace, the challenge and opportunity of being “alone in the meeting,” and holding oneself and others accountable.
Video Player is loading.
Video
Creating access and opportunity
In this episode of the Lighthouse we talk with James D. White, the independent director, multipublic CEO, and philanthropist. In this discussion with McKinsey’s Julie Gilbert and Josh Johnson, James talks about how the murder of George Floyd led him to speak publicly for the first time about the racism he experienced in his early career and to write a book on antiracist leadership with his daughter.
Video Player is loading.
Video
Playing through the game
In this episode of the Lighthouse we talk with sports executive Kevin Warren. In this discussion with McKinsey’s Julie Gilbert and Adjatay Nyadjroh, Kevin talks about how the experiences of recovering from a serious childhood accident and an unexpected path as a collegiate athlete laid the groundwork for his leadership style today in his career leading elite athletics organizations.
Video Player is loading.
Video
Bringing an entrepreneurial focus to children’s health
In this episode of the Lighthouse we talk with child health experts about the importance of prevention, early intervention, and coordinated services to ensuring children can grow up prepared for their education and careers. McKinsey’s Julie Gilbert and Laura Semlies spoke with Sonika Agarwal, an associate professor of neurology and pediatrics at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania; and Amy Brin, the executive director and CEO of the Child Neurology Foundation; Gigi Chawla, the chief of general pediatrics at Children’s Minnesota; and Diane Cross, the president & CEO of the Minnesota autism, mental health, and disability organization Fraser.
Video Player is loading.
Video
When true passion reveals itself
In this episode of the Lighthouse we talk with the award-winning choreographer Claudia Schreier about the entrepreneurialism required of her field, as she carves out new space in the American classical dance landscape. In this discussion with McKinsey’s Julie Gilbert and Grace Kamara, Schreier talks about how her childhood love of dance and movement led her to forge a career in choreography, the business building it requires, and how family and self-care help nurture her art.
Video Player is loading.
Video
Leadership, entrepreneurship, and the American dream
In this episode of the Lighthouse we talk with Pat Basu, the managing partner for operations of Varsity Healthcare Partners. In this discussion with McKinsey partner Julie Gilbert and consultant Sabrina Clark, Basu discusses his choice to pursue advanced degrees in multiple fields, how both he and his sister ended up serving United States Presidents, and the mindsets that help and hinder entrepreneurs.
Video Player is loading.
Video
Exerting agency to open doors
In this episode of the Lighthouse we talk with Paula Boggs, the lawyer, businesswoman, writer, musician, and public speaker. In this discussion with McKinsey’s Julie Gilbert and Roselyn Cason-Marcus, Boggs discusses the experiences that led to her mosaic of careers, and how maintaining her “personal force field” helps her stay strong and keep her entrepreneurial and creative fires burning.
Video Player is loading.
Video
The value of personal strength
Founder and funder Ann Winblad talks about how sheer will and an open mind allowed her to move past near-unanimous rejection to start the first software-focused venture capital firm.
Video Player is loading.
Video
Excellence as a path up
In this episode of the Lighthouse we talk with Robert E. Knowling, Jr., the chairman of Eagles Landing Partners. In this discussion with McKinsey's Julie Gilbert and Gottfreid Lutumba, Knowling shares the experiences and learnings that formed his leadership style, his advice for young entrepreneurs, and how a young New York City elementary school student convinced him to take the job that would become his best job ever.
Video Player is loading.
Video
Staying on the long road to the bright lights
In this episode of the Lighthouse we talk with the multitalented Harrell Holmes Jr., who performs the role of Melvin Franklin in the touring musical Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations. He spoke with McKinsey partners Julie Gilbert and Tawanda Sibanda about how his childhood fascination with the legendary Motown quintet led him to a school talent show in his native Saginaw, Michigan, and eventually a career in show business.
Video Player is loading.
Video
Speaking up, being heard, and making it to the top
In this episode of the Lighthouse we talk with lawyer, entrepreneur, and NFL team president Sandra Douglass Morgan. She spoke with McKinsey partner Julie Gilbert and consultant Shayne Skov about falling in love with law as a first-generation college student, her influential and high-profile positions in the public and private sectors, and her current role at the helm of the Las Vegas Raiders football team. She is the National Football League’s first Black woman team president.
Video Player is loading.
Video
The ‘if not now, then when’ approach to business building
In this episode of the Lighthouse we talk with Monalisa Zwambila, the founder and CEO of Riverbed, South Africa's largest advertising agency. She spoke with McKinsey partner Julie Gilbert and practice manager Adjatay Nyadjroh about the life challenges that inspired her to launch a company based on her conviction that respectful and caring workplace relations lead to greater business success.
Video Player is loading.
Video
Sistering up: Building women’s financial wellness
In this episode of the Lighthouse, we talk with founder, investor, philanthropist, and changemaker Jacki Zehner. She spoke with McKinsey’s Julie Gilbert and Roselyn Cason-Marcus about being the first female trader at Goldman Sachs to make partner, her work to support women on their journey to financial freedom, and why funding Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) founders and fund managers is so important.
Video Player is loading.
Video
Pulling each generation into greater opportunity
In this episode of the Lighthouse we talk with Peter Braxton, the managing director for investor relations at Akoya Capital. In this discussion with McKinsey's Julie Gilbert and Tawanda Sibanda, Peter shares his experience of being an Air Force pilot on 9/11, bringing a multicultural view to seizing opportunity, and taking a more inclusive mindset on value creation in the private capital markets.
Video Player is loading.
Video
Capitalizing on integrity's compounding effects
In this episode of the Lighthouse we talk with Eric Reeves, the managing director and head of private capital investments at Duchossois Capital Management. In his discussion with McKinsey's Julie Gilbert and Grace Kamara, Reeves talks about how integrity and accountability inform his work in private equity.
Video Player is loading.
Video
The hard work of getting what you want
In this episode of the Lighthouse, Rumiko Hasegawa, retired Goldman Sachs partner and managing director, talks with McKinsey partner Julie Gilbert and recruiting director Roselyn Cason-Marcos. Hasegawa shares her experiences of being one of few women executives in Japan at the time and of founding More Than Musical, a Hong Kong–based arts advocacy organization dedicated to making opera more accessible.
Video Player is loading.
Video
A commitment to service
In this episode of the Lighthouse series, we talk with Dr. Chris Howard, the executive vice president and chief operating officer of Arizona State University, A Public Enterprise. In this discussion with McKinsey's Julie Gilbert and Adjatay Nyadjroh, Howard talks about his career as a leader of universities and about learning and inclusivity in the United States.
Video Player is loading.
Video
Persevering through ‘no’ to succeed
In this episode of the Lighthouse series, we talk with Bahram Akradi, the founder, chair, and CEO of Life Time, a health and fitness company. In this discussion with McKinsey partner Julie Gilbert, Akradi talks about how leaving Iran to study aeronautical engineering led to building a national chain of athletic clubs, living centers, a digital platform, products and services, and an events portfolio.
Video Player is loading.
Video
The need for more diverse capital allocators
In this episode of the Lighthouse series, we talk with four entrepreneurs about expanding access to capital. Danny Ball is co-founder and managing partner of the operator-investment firm Bruin Point Partners, Deborah Choi is co-founder and managing director of Founderland, Harold Mills is CEO of VMD Ventures, and Grathel Motau is group financial director of the Black-owned South African investment firm Thebe Investment Corporation.
Video Player is loading.
Video
An engineered approach to advancing economic opportunity
In this episode of the Lighthouse, we talk with entrepreneur and philanthropist Robert F. Smith, the founder, chairman, and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, a leading investment firm specializing in enterprise software. In his discussion with McKinsey Senior Partner Shelley Stewart III and Partner Julie Gilbert, Smith describes how his upbringing shaped his views on racial equity and what he sees as the greatest opportunities for eliminating wealth disparity.
Video Player is loading.
Video
Tackling poverty through housing and health
In this episode of the Lighthouse series, we talk with Myung Lee, president and CEO of Volunteers of America-Greater New York. An adviser to not-for-profit organizations, Lee has long worked to serve low-income communities and promote democracy, and seeks to bring new business building to the work of ending homelessness.
Video Player is loading.
Video
Powering through and up as Black women founders
In this episode of the Lighthouse series, we talk with four founders about overcoming start-up challenges. Sanyade Okoli is CEO of Alpha African Advisory, Lisa-Marie Monsanto is a partner with Rimon, April Johnson is founder and CEO of Happied, Michele Ozumba is CEO of Michele Ozumba and Associates, and Shirley Billot is founder and CEO of Kadalys.
Video Player is loading.
Video
Helping live music survive through crisis
In this episode of the Lighthouse series, we talk with Dayna Frank, president and CEO of First Avenue Productions, about helping live music venues survive the pandemic shutdowns by starting a trade association to lobby Congress for passage of the largest arts funding legislation in American history.
Video Player is loading.
Video
The opportunity for Latin American founders
In this episode of the Lighthouse series, we we talk with Luisa Fuentes, founder and CEO of Rayito De Sol schools; Ignacio Salgués, founder and CEO of Inviu; and Bárbara González Briseño, CFO of Bitso, on the experience of being Latin American founders, the opportunity available, and just how key talent is to success.
Video Player is loading.
Video
Changes in health and wellness
In this episode of the Lighthouse series, we talk with Efonda Sproles, vice president of Life Time; Dr. Verna Price, founder and president of Power of the People Consulting Group; Jeremy Hills, president of Kollective; Carla Robinson, co-founder and CEO of Canary Telehealth; and Dr. Emeka Ofobike Jr., co-owner and medical director of Vessel Longevity, to share their experiences and challenges faced in the health and wellness space, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Video Player is loading.
Video
The shifting funding landscape
In this episode of the Lighthouse series, we talk with Yumi Mera Kuwana, founding principal at Cook Pine Capital LLC; Heather Redman, co-founder and managing partner of Flying Fish Capital; Ann Winblad, founding partner of Humming Winblad; Ashif Mawji, venture partner at Rising Tide; and Gina Lee Peyton, partner and head of capital formation at Castlelake, on the challenges and shifts in the funding space during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Video Player is loading.
Video
Funding for societal impact
In this episode of the Lighthouse series, we talk with Jacki Zehner, angel investor and founder of ShePlace; Laura Gonzalez-Estafani, founder and CEO of TheVentureCity; Judith Aidoo-Saltus, founder of Caswell Capital Partners Ghana Limited; and Eva Ho, general partner at Fika Ventures and Entrepreneur-in-Residence at City of Los Angeles, on funding for societal impact and what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur.
Related articles
Article
Women in the Workplace 2022
-
Women leaders are switching jobs at the highest rates we’ve ever seen, and ambitious young women are prepared to do the...
Article
Mining for tech-talent gold: Seven ways to find and keep diverse talent
-
A wealth of diverse tech talent is available, if companies expand their approach to hiring them.
Executive Briefing
Asian American workers: Diverse outcomes and hidden challenges
-
Asian Americans often face invisible challenges at work. Organizations can maximize more of this group’s potential by acknowledging...
Report
Race in the workplace: The frontline experience
-
Three of four frontline workers want to be promoted, but less than one in four achieves it. Companies can take targeted actions...
Article
The Committed Innovator: Women continuing to change the world
-
Perseverance is a common theme in the second edition of our ongoing series highlighting women innovators.
Report
The economic state of Latinos in America: The American dream deferred
-
Addressing the barriers preventing Latinos from full economic participation could have a multitrillion-dollar impact, further...
Article - McKinsey Quarterly
Being transgender at work
-
Although corporate America has stepped up its public support of LGBTQ+ rights, it still has a long road ahead to foster a truly...
Report - MGI Research
The economic state of Black America: What is and what could be
-
Closing racial gaps across the economy is not only about righting historic wrongs. It is also about choosing a more dynamic future...
Report
Diversity wins: How inclusion matters
-
The business case for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) is stronger than ever. Taking a closer look at diversity...
Article - McKinsey Quarterly
Diversity still matters
-
Inclusion and diversity are at risk in the crisis—but are critical for business recovery, resilience, and reimagination.
For more insights on business building, visit our business-building practice, Leap by McKinsey.