EP. 26: SECOND CHANCES: CATHERINE HOKE ON REDEMPTIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP

"What would it be like if you were only known for the worst decision that you've made for the rest of your life?" I'm excited for you to hear this episode because I think it will challenge you as it did me. My guest is Catherine Hoke. "Cat" is a former venture capitalist who is using training in entrepreneurship to solve a very serious social problem, high recidivism rates in the US prison system. And to that end, founded two successful nonprofits; the Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP) and Defy Ventures. In 14 years over five thousand incarcerated people have graduated from these two programs and earning Baylor University MBA certificates and the programs have resulted in industry leading low recidivism rates of less than seven percent. Fast company named "Cat" one of the hundred most creative people in business. Forbes named her 40 women to watch over 40. She was also one of the first recipients of the MakeTechHuman Agents of Change award given to global influencers who are shaping how technology is expanding human possibility She has a new best selling book (published by Seth Godin BTW)  called A Second Chance: For You, For Me, And For The Rest Of Us, about the struggles and triumphs of her journey and on her graduates journey, telling the stories of America's most unforgivable people redeeming their lives. This was an emotional interview - for me - in many levels.  I was personally challenged by her vulnerability, as you will hear, she is incredibly brave. I was also humbled by her commitment to her mission as she did the interview despite very difficult circumstances. So many times I've been waylaid by something or some event and there goes the day. Not Cat. We all make stupid decision and mistakes that, on a continuum range from the benign bad to the life changing horrible. Cat will challenge you to 'step to the line,' forgive yourself and others then move forward in making a difference. ...and I challenge you to listen to what she has to say Enjoy!  

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