Challenges are an integral part of an entrepreneur’s journey. This can include balancing work and life, attracting clients and maintaining them, or finding time for self-care when you feel pressure. But what if there was someone that could help you with those things? Someone who has walked in your shoes? What if they could offer advice on handling those tough moments when your business starts slowing down or perhaps chip in some encouragement during a low season?
Austin, Texas-based visionaries Matt Worthington, Christian Smith, and Zach Barney have created every entrepreneur’s dream. Their highly-rated podcast and fast-growing community known as Riser Nation is just what every business owner needs, regardless of industry or niche. Although Riser is still in the early stages of what it has the potential to become, Matt, Christian, and Zach have already amassed a loyal following and hosted events that have caught the attention of some of Austin’s youngest up-and-coming entrepreneurs, influencers, thought leaders, and next-level thinkers.
“Our mission is to share stories, grow leaders, and build community,” the founders explain. “We want to create a long-lasting social impact.” The team applies a three-pronged approach to help them achieve that goal.
First, they focus on sharing stories, which they successfully do through their podcast. This gives the listeners, guests, and hosts an opportunity to share lessons and tips they’ve acquired as entrepreneurs to encourage and motivate each other. “We believe when stories are shared, people are impacted and lives are forever transformed – encouraging today’s mentality and tomorrow’s success,” the hosts explain.
The second pillar of the Riser Nation community is growing leaders. The trio’s goal is to impact people by growing their mentality and empowering them to be leaders in different spheres of their lives. “We believe that great leaders first have to know the way, they then work to go the way, which leads them to show others the way. This overall creates a domino effect that inspires leadership and service to others,” the Riser Nation founders explain.
Community is the third pillar of the Riser Nation network. Matt, Christian, and Zach believe that success is grown in the community; unarguably, everyone needs someone to stand with them. Whether you’re trying to grow a business or succeed in life, the three founders agree that collaborative networking and relationship building are crucial elements to reaching your goals and building the life you desire. To that end, Riser Nation curates memorable experiences and facilitates meaningful connections at their events, bringing together people from different backgrounds and professions.
Furthermore, the team currently sponsors and supports 12 local Austin businesses, including Flor Keeps, Blue Norther, and LifeAid. They have also partnered with a non-profit, Sankofa Bags, to help provide kids in Ghana with the opportunity to get an education. Plans are underway for their next networking event, held at the famous Austin venue, Highbrow Lowbrow, in early February of 2023.
The Riser Nation founders maintain that business success is not necessarily innate. “Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. Believe in yourself because it’s not talent that gets you to center stage – it’s audacity,” they conclude. And if you need the extra push, tune in to Riser Nation and listen to all the inspiring stories from other entrepreneurs who never gave up.
