Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Taylor Davis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Taylor, great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.
My ability to take risks has really developed through learning and experience. I’ve always been grounded in the principles of finance, which emphasize understanding risk and reward. But beyond financial risks; I also consider risks in terms of life choices. I started small, taking calculated risks like leaving my first corporate job to go back to grad school for my MBA then later a bit larger with leaving investment banking to launch a tech startup. Those moves were risky, but they were informed by the support I have around me, the experiences I’ve gained, and the knowledge that I can always pivot back to a career path if needed. It’s about weighing the upside and downside and making decisions that help me grow both personally and professionally.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Sure, so I’m a two-time founder, former investment banker, and venture capital fellow with a passion for innovation, connection, and equity. My journey as an entrepreneur started early, with experiences like being featured in Black Enterprise and Fortune and even opening the NASDAQ with my family. I started my first business at 9 years old and have had the desire to build something meaningful ever since.
As an avid traveler and foodie, I’ve explored cuisines across multiple continents, including cooking lessons in Italy and dining undersea in the Maldives. My travel experiences, along with those of my community, inspired me to launch Troodie, a food and travel app designed to connect foodies, empower creators, and support small businesses. I’m excited to launch Troodie and help fellow food and travel enthusiasts share the best dining experiences from around the world. Troodie will launch Q1 2025, you can follow our journey and join our community through @troodieapp on socials or our website www.troodieapp.com.
I also founded the Generational Wealth Education Initiative to teach others how to build wealth within their families by focusing on personal finance practices and equity building. I’m deeply committed to helping people secure their financial futures while also creating meaningful connections. I’m launching a podcast this year where I’ll talk about personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship. You can follow that journey at @davisgenerationalwealth.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
For me, the three most impactful qualities were a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and staying levelheaded when faced with stress or tough decisions. These are all things I’ve learned and honed through experience. I also focused on public speaking and networking, building relationships and speaking up has been key in shaping my journey.
In terms of knowledge, finance has been a huge asset because it’s given me the tools to understand how money works and how to build wealth. I also learned the importance of equity, not just in business but in how we create opportunities for others. Community has always been a foundational value for me and I truly believe that supporting others is a huge part of building success.
For those just starting out, my advice is to learn the skills you need, figure out who’s the best at those skills in your circle and in the professional world, and seek those people out. Build relationships with people who’ve experienced what you want to achieve and fellow entrepreneurs who have dreams and goals like you do. Treat everyone with kindness and never pass up an opportunity to learn. Also, balance the front and the back of your resume. The front showcases your experiences, but the back can help you develop the skills you need to move forward.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was create a safe and supportive environment. From a young age, I always knew that no matter how risky my decisions were, I’d have a place to come back to, to regroup and try again. Their support gave me the confidence to take risks, bet on myself, and keep pushing toward my goals. The same goes for my extended family and friends. Their belief in me has helped me believe in myself and that has been vital in my ability to dream big and keep achieving. I’m forever grateful for that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.troodieapp.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/troodieapp/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-a-davis/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TroodieApp
- Other: https://www.ifundwomen.com/projects/troodie-app-eat-share-monetize
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.