The En Factor Podcast features conversations with entrepreneurs who have started, stumbled and succeeded.
This week’s episode of the En Factor features Whitney Dueñas Richardson, who is the founder of Global Sprouts. Whitney’s journey is a very inspiring one, where she grew up in Guam before her family moved to the United States while she was in high school, when she was struck by the low level of cultural awareness in the United States. But it was when Whitney saw this same disconnect in her own daughter, she knew she had to do something to educate the future generation about being culturally aware, curious, and understanding. These experiences combined with her constant traveling around the world have resulted in Whitney starting Global Sprouts, which are culturally themed learning kits based off of different cultures around the world that allow families and educators to immerse the younger generation in other cultures. Through resources and activities including board games, toys, children’s stories, recipes and more, Global Sprouts’ boxes instantly immerse and educate children on other people, places, and cultures all around the world.
Tune and in join Whitney and Dr. Rebecca White for this insightful and impactful conversation as they uncover topics including how Whitney’s childhood and heritage shaped her identity and approach to life, the value of experiencing and immersing yourself into other people’s cultures, and how being fearless and open-minded can open so many new doors and opportunities for you as an entrepreneur.
Key Words – Cultural Awareness, Women In Entrepreneurship
Chapters
00:00 • Introduction: Welcome to the En Factor!
01:15 • Introducing Today’s Guest: Whitney Dueñas Richardson
03:00 • Today’s Mindset Moment: New Opportunities Emerge from Stepping Into the Unknown
03:40 • Introducing En Factor Plus: Dr. White’s Community for Building Your Entrepreneurial Mindset
04:15 • Welcome to the En Factor Whitney!
04:51 • Early Life in Guam and Moving to the United States
06:15 • Growing up in Guam and the Chamorro Community
10:00 • Whitney’s Journey to Entrepreneurship and Global Sprouts
18:20 • Global Sprouts: Culturally Themed Learning Kits
21:20 • How Constant Traveling and Being Culturally Empathetic Shaped Whitney’s Perspective and Approach to Life
24:00 • Transitioning from the Workforce to Entrepreneurship
30:50 • Whitney’s Insights on Failure and Overcoming Fear
35:10 • Vision for a Culturally Aware Global Society
37:50 • Advice for Building a Team That Collaborates Remotely
43:15 • Whitney’s Marketing Tactics for Global Sprouts
45:11 • Whitney’s Vision for Global Sprouts
47:45 • How Whitney Keeps Herself Grounded as an Entrepreneur
50:00 • Whitney’s Final Piece of Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
51:00 • Wrapping Up with Dr. White: Thank You for Listening to the En Factor!
Episode takeaways
- Whitney’s identity is shaped by her Chamorro and Dutch heritage, and growing up in Guam before moving to the US while still in high school.
- Constant traveling to numerous different countries around the world has increased Whitney’s curiosity and understanding of different cultures.
- Embracing failure is essential for growth and learning, as Whitney faced and overcame many professional and personal roadblocks on her journey.
- Cultural education is vital for the next generation and is something that is not stressed enough in today’s world.
- Building a diverse team with different perspectives and backgrounds enhances cultural understanding and cross cultural-collaboration.
- Whitney believes marketing strategies that focus on storytelling and connection are just as valuable as simply trying to sell your idea.
- Daily rituals including having grace herself and reading help keep Whitney grounded to maintain focus and stay mentally and physically healthy.
- Whitney’s best piece of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is to have efficiency in your decision-making.
The En Factor® Podcast
Conversations with Entrepreneurs
Hosted by Dr. Rebecca White
Our audience of aspiring and established entrepreneurs are inspired to persevere throughout their entrepreneurial journey. You will hear first-hand stories of success, resilience through failure, and how to become a master in your field.