Uncorking a Story

Hosted ByMike Carlon

Stories influence, teach and inspire us, but what about the storytellers who create them? Uncorking a Story profiles storytellers to uncover how their background and life experiences influence the stories they create. We learn what motivates them, their path to success, and what fuels them to keep creating. It all starts by asking one simple question, where does your story begin? Welcome to uncorking a story. All of the books promoted on Uncorking a Story can be viewed and purchased here: https://bookshop.org/shop/UncorkingaStory

Building Wealth with Purpose & Passion, with Karen Rands

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Let help uncork your memoir through a 12 week memoir mentorship program: https://mikecarlon.com/memoir-cohorts/

“People can see themselves in Jane’s journey — that everyday person who realizes they can build wealth by investing in entrepreneurs.”

In this episode of Uncorking a Story, Mike welcomes back Karen Rands, leader of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement and author of Inside Secrets to Crowdfund Investing. Karen shares how her decades in angel investing inspired her newest book, a relatable, story‑driven guide that follows “Jane,” a fictional but very real composite of the many people yearning for a smarter, more meaningful way to invest. Karen breaks down the wealth‑building power of equity crowdfunding, why everyday people (not just the ultra‑wealthy) can become investors, and how purpose, passion, and profit can, and should, align in your investment strategy.

Key Themes:

  1. Angel investing isn’t as exclusive as people think. Karen explains that despite being around for 80+ years, most people — even wealthy professionals — have never heard of angel investing or equity crowdfunding.
  2. Her newest book teaches through storytelling. Unlike her dense first book, Karen’s new one follows “Jane,” a fictional every-person who learns how to invest responsibly and thoughtfully in entrepreneurs.
  3. Crowdfund investing is accessible. You don’t need $25K checks to get started — many platforms allow investments as small as $100 to $2,000, making it a real option for non‑accredited investors.
  4. Diversification is the secret weapon. Karen warns that the “kiss of death” is investing in only a few deals. Building a portfolio across stages, industries, and structures is essential.
  5. Emotion kills good decision‑making. Her advice: don’t chase excitement. Learn the fundamentals, understand your criteria, and avoid investing purely on impulse.
  6. Anyone can start learning — today. From her book to her crowdfunding e‑book, upcoming webinars, and the new Compassionate Capitalist Academy, Karen offers plenty of ways to get educated.

Buy Inside Secrets to Crowdfund Investing

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4qkzukM

Connect with Karen

Website: https://karenrands.co/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@angelinvesting

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheKarenRands/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compassionatecapitalist/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenrands/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@compassionatecapi?_t=8q14kyaqCHO&_r=1

Connect with Mike

Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@uncorkingastory

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory

Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/

If you like this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

#AngelInvesting #CrowdfundInvesting #CompassionateCapitalism #Entrepreneurship #WealthBuilding #InvestmentStrategy #ImpactInvesting #AuthorInterview #UncorkingAStory

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