Startup, Shut Up, Show Up: How These Creators Made Skeptics Eat Their Words
Episode Title:
Episode Audio Link: https://podcast.ablackexec.com/episode/Startup, Shut Up, Show Up: How These Creators Made Skeptics Eat Their Words
Episode Video Link:
In this electrifying episode of A Black Executive Perspective, hosts Tony Tidbit and Chris P. Reed sit down with the visionary trio behind AKCRU—Anthoni, Patrick, and Kwasi. Together, they unpack the bold creation of AKCRU, a streaming platform that fuses the best of Netflix, Tinder, Uber Eats, and Instagram into one boundary-breaking experience. The conversation dives deep into the uphill battle of building a tech company as outsiders—navigating investor doubt, technical setbacks, and the pressure to prove they belonged in the room. Through it all, the founders leaned on grit, emotional resilience, and an unshakable collective vision. You’ll hear the story behind the platform, their roles as co-creators, and the hard-earned lessons that shaped their path. Plus, they share how their initiative, Forgive Our Honesty, is paying it forward to first-time founders. This episode offers a raw and inspiring look at what it takes to build something revolutionary when the world tells you “No.” Relentless innovation. Real talk. And a roadmap for doing the impossible.
▶︎ In This Episode
00:00: The Power of Persistence
01:03: Introduction to A Black Executive Perspective
01:48: Meet the Founders of AKCRU
07:28: The Origin Story of AKCRU
13:34: Challenges and Triumphs in the Industry
18:33: Innovating the Streaming Platform
20:41: Roles and Responsibilities
26:47: Overcoming Doubts and Building Success
33:30: The Struggle to Raise Initial Funds
35:08: Building the Prototype Against All Odds
37:28: Navigating the Challenges of Development
40:15: Advice for Aspiring Founders
43:04: Introducing the AC Crew App
51:25: Future Vision and Expansion Plans
56:26: Final Thoughts and Encouragement
🔗 Resources
Links and resources mentioned in this episode:
🔔 Listen and Subscribe
Listen to this episode and subscribe for future updates
subscribe to A Black Executive Perspective podcast on
- YouTube Podcasts
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify Podcasts
- Amazon Music
- Other platforms or by searching "TonyTidbit"
if you like what we're doing and would like to support us, here's some ways you can help us continue the uncomfortable conversations that drive change
- subscribe to our newsletter
- give us up to a 5 star review on Apple Podcasts
- share an episode with a friend, family member or colleague
🗣️ Follow @ablackexec
follow us across social media @aBlackExec
⭐️ Follow @TonyTidbit
follow Tony across social media @TonyTidbit
This episode was produced by TonyTidbit ™ . Copyright © 2024 A BLACK EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVE LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this podcast may be reproduced without prior written permission. For permissions, email podcast@ablackexec.com .
