We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Natalie Poindexter. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Natalie below.

Natalie, appreciate you joining us today. undefined

Absolutely. Throughout my career, I’ve seen firsthand that innovation isn’t solely about creating the next big tech disruption—it’s about solving real problems that impact people and organizations. This is particularly true in the world of funding, where access is often limited for those who need it most. Innovation, for me, has been about finding ways to bridge these gaps with meaningful solutions.

One of my recent innovations is the development of *Greta – Your Grant Readiness Advisor*, an AI-powered tool designed to simplify the grant readiness process. Greta was created to address a critical pain point I encountered repeatedly in my consulting work: many organizations simply don’t know where to start with grants, and they struggle to identify areas where they may not be fully prepared. Greta’s conversational interface guides users through assessing their readiness for grants and provides tailored advice, so they can approach funders confidently, knowing they’re well-prepared. The idea was to create a low-barrier, accessible tool that could help any organization make the leap into grant funding, even if they lack the resources to hire a full-time grant writer or consultant.

Beyond Greta, I’m taking this concept further with *Protea*, a B2B SaaS platform developed to support nonprofit and small business clients through the entire lifecycle of grant and procurement applications. While the current MVP of Protea provides a comprehensive grant application workspace built on Notion, our long-term vision is to transform it into an integrated platform with advanced tools for grant writing and technical assistance. This platform will feature AI-driven writing assistance that customizes content based on each client’s brand and language, a modular grant-building process that simplifies application development, and user-friendly prompts that empower clients to tell their unique stories effectively. With Protea, I’m envisioning a tool that not only prepares organizations to succeed in the funding arena but also removes barriers to entry, making funding more equitable and accessible.

In both cases, my focus has been on how innovation can demystify processes that are often opaque and challenging, providing a way for organizations to thrive without needing a huge budget or a specialized team. Innovation is about creating tools that empower users to take control, unlock new opportunities, and grow sustainably. Greta and Protea are my contributions to transforming the landscape of funding access, and they’re built with the aim of giving every organization, regardless of size, the chance to thrive through innovation.

Natalie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself. I’m Natalie Poindexter, the founder of NPI Consulting House in Austin, Texas. I’ve dedicated my career to advancing equity in public health, entrepreneurship, and community building. My path into this work has been both purpose-driven and personal—I’ve always believed in the power of systems to create change, but I also know from experience how challenging it can be to access the resources needed to make a difference. I have a Master’s in Public Health and am a Certified Health Education Specialist, and my journey began with hands-on work in public health and community-based organizations. Over time, I saw a crucial need for tools and guidance that could help organizations access the funding and support required to grow and sustain their missions. This recognition led me to launch NPI Consulting House, where my team and I work to educate, elevate, and empower businesses and communities globally.

At NPI Consulting House, we focus on three main areas:

1. **Authentic Inclusion**: Our flagship service at Authentic Inclusion is helping organizations, especially nonprofits and small businesses, secure funding through grant writing and technical assistance. In my first two years, I helped clients secure nearly $2 million in grants, adding to the $19 million in total funding I’ve facilitated over my career. We combine our expertise in public health, community-building, and technical assistance to support clients as they navigate complex funding landscapes.

2. **Net-Do Community**: This is a community platform I’ve built for entrepreneurs, professionals, and disruptors. Our goal is to foster personal and professional growth, wellness, and impact. I wanted to create a space that wasn’t just about business connections but about building a community that supports each other’s journeys holistically.

3. **Protea – B2B SaaS for Technical Assistance**: Our latest innovation, Protea, is a tool I’m particularly proud of. Protea bridges gaps in funding accessibility by providing a grant application development platform that guides organizations through each step of the grant process. This platform is designed to help organizations develop competitive grant proposals even if they lack resources for a full-time grant writer or consultant. Protea currently exists as a Notion-based MVP, but we’re building out a full-feature platform that will empower clients with AI-driven writing assistance, customizable grant-building workflows, and dedicated support to make their funding goals attainable.

What sets us apart is our commitment to equity and our focus on providing real, sustainable solutions. We’re not just writing grants or providing workshops; we’re building a movement around accessibility and impact. I’m particularly proud of Convergence, a collaboration with Olivia Dell, which I co-launched at SXSW 2024. It’s a new approach to conference networking, focused on creating deep, lasting connections rather than surface-level exchanges. The goal is to build a global network that values relationships as much as results, which is at the core of my personal and professional mission.

If there’s one thing I want readers to know, it’s that my work is grounded in passion and purpose. I’m driven by a commitment to help others succeed, and I believe that innovation and access should go hand in hand. My personal brand is about transforming ideas into inclusive action, fostering an environment where everyone—especially those traditionally underrepresented—has a seat at the table.

My work with NPI Consulting House is more than a business—it’s a platform for change. Through Authentic Inclusion, Net-Do Community, and Protea, I aim to create opportunities that break down barriers, empower communities, and redefine what success looks like in an inclusive world.

Any advice for managing a team?

Leading a team is about recognizing that each person brings unique strengths to the table, and part of my role is to tap into those individual skills and abilities to create a cohesive, motivated group. To do that, I believe in fostering an environment where team members feel trusted and empowered. For me, leadership isn’t just about guiding people through tasks—it’s about connecting on a personal level and acknowledging that the development process is a collaborative journey.

One approach that’s helped me build stronger connections with my team is vulnerability. When I’m open about challenges we’re facing, I find that my team feels more invested in the process and committed to helping us overcome obstacles together. Being vulnerable has allowed me to secure their support and insights in ways that are incredibly valuable, especially when we’re developing something new or navigating uncertainty.

Staying in tune with the team’s energy is also essential. I try to pay close attention to when people need a break, a shout-out, or a moment to reset. Sometimes that means adjusting deadlines or encouraging everyone to take a day to recharge. Other times, it’s simply about recognizing a team member’s hard work and letting them know their efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. Even small gestures of appreciation can have a huge impact on morale.

Consistency is key. I’ve found that a predictable and fair approach builds trust over time. My team knows they can count on me to be both supportive and transparent, and that reliability gives them a foundation to be innovative and take risks. It’s about setting clear expectations and showing up in the same way every day, so they know they’re in a stable environment where they can thrive.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots in my life was the decision to leave Columbus, Ohio, and move to Austin, Texas—a shift that completely transformed my career and ultimately my sense of purpose. I started out in the EMS field, working in pre-hospital emergency care. That work was intense and fulfilling, giving me a front-row seat to the real impact of public health on individuals and communities. Over time, I realized that I wanted to make a broader impact, tackling some of the root causes of the health disparities I saw daily in EMS. This led me to shift my focus toward public health, where I could work more proactively to create change on a larger scale.

The transition wasn’t easy, especially leaving behind a stable career path in EMS to pursue a Master’s in Public Health and eventually moving to Austin to dive into consulting and entrepreneurship. It was a leap of faith, driven by the conviction that I could bring more to the field through a preventative approach rather than reactive care alone.

Moving into entrepreneurship and founding NPI Consulting House was a huge pivot but also felt like the natural next step. I could see a gap in the support available for organizations and businesses working to improve health and equity in their communities. Many lacked the resources or know-how to access the funding and strategic support they needed. That’s when I knew I could make an impact, not just through my own work but by helping other organizations grow and succeed in their missions.

This journey from EMS to public health to entrepreneurship has taught me the importance of staying open to change and trusting your instincts. Each step was a pivot in its own right, and each brought me closer to creating an environment where I could empower others to make a difference. It wasn’t the path I initially envisioned, but it’s one that aligns with my drive to foster equity and build lasting community impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.npiconsultinghouse.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalie.poindexter/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-poindexter-mph-ches/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFYJNtj22xc_P0EWl_cxnfwRGBnVqf8g6&si=DaLKWZ86VkNM3q9B

Image Credits

Image 1 – Doogie Roux Photography