This PhD's Social Mission Pulled Her from Academia into Entrepreneurship

Personal Finance for PhDs

In this episode, Emily interviews Dr. Rasheda Weaver, the founder of the Weaver Social Enterprise Directory. Rasheda studied and taught social entrepreneurship as a graduate student and faculty member and along the way launched her own social enterprise out of her research and work with social entrepreneurs. As her business grew, she felt pulled toward full-time entrepreneurship and eventually left her faculty position. Rasheda and Emily discuss the financial steps that Rasheda took while still in her full-time job to give herself runway when she went full-time in her business, including opportunities uniquely available inside academia. Rasheda describes her weekly schedule in detail and how much time and money she allows herself to invest in physical and mental health and her growing business. If you are passionate about a social cause, don't miss this interview—even if you're not currently pursuing or planning to pursue entrepreneurship!