One of the biggest opportunities for folks who want to make an impact through entrepreneurship is to tackle things that Corporate America has gotten wrong and so we’ve asked some of the best and brightest in the community to share examples of what Corporate America is getting wrong in their industries.

Sharon Braxton

In the front offices of professional sports and entertainment, Black American people often encounter systemic challenges that hinder their work experience and overall career progression. However, I remain hopeful that it will change. We are typically underrepresented in middle to senior decision-making positions within professional sports and entertainment organizations. The lack of diversity and input limits a much-needed perspective. Read more>>

Catherine Dewberry

Being a real estate agent is expensive, unpredictable, and not as easy as you may think. I got into real estate because, as a former teacher, I saw how overwhelming and stressful the home buying and selling process can be. I knew I could educate people, while helping them navigate this journey with confidence and ease. Read more>>

Zora Valentine

Great question! At Dirty Little Store, many of our products center around intimacy, which is such a vital part of relationships. Unfortunately, Corporate America often views intimacy in a negative light. Yet, a majority of separated couples point to a lack of intimacy as one of the main reasons for their split. Imagine if there were fewer restrictions and stigmas surrounding intimacy—maybe we’d see a shift toward stronger, more connected relationships. Read more>>

Denver Mcquaid

The biggest financial waste in Corporate America is marketing—and it’s entirely self-inflicted. But there’s a simple fix.

Brands invest millions into hiring specialized marketing teams for e-commerce, social media, and out-of-home advertising, yet they often ignore or second-guess the very experts they hired. The result? Forgettable campaigns, wasted budgets, and poor ROI. Read more>>

Alyse Brown

U.S. apparel manufacturers often play a critical role in implementing more cost-effective solutions than many assume. While labor costs may be higher, we counterbalance that with automation, efficiency, and faster turnaround times, making us more competitive. Our ability to adapt quickly to shifts in consumer demand and respond to trends with flexibility is a key advantage, unlike the slower response times you may get with offshore production. There’s also a growing demand for niche, locally-made products. Read more>>

Janne Robinson

I believe that no one gets out of bed for money.

We get out of bed because we are in searching for meaning in our lives.

One of the biggest gaps in the education system is that no one sits you down and asks you, “What are your gifts? What gives your life fulfillment, meaning, color? What happens intrinsically and organically around you when you’re simply existing? What gives you energy?” Read more>>

Nicole Riniker

One of the biggest issues with large corporate embroidery companies is the sacrifice of quality for speed and cost-cutting. Many mass-produced embroidered items are done quickly using cheap materials, resulting in products that don’t last. Customers are often forced into high minimum order requirements or given very limited options, which can be frustrating for businesses that need flexibility. Read more>>

Eryn Vargo

In my experience, one of the biggest mistakes in our industry is prioritizing short-term metrics over authentic community building. While data and ROI are important, truly successful brands understand that meaningful connections require patience, genuine engagement, and a willingness to listen to and evolve with their community.

Additionally, the lack of creativity and understanding of how small businesses can have corporate social responsibility initiatives that don’t break the bank and that are effective at community building baffles me. Read more>>