Jessica Gonzales, Founder of Happen Venture and Global Pioneer on "Beneficial Reuse" of Waste

Join Tal and PJ as they welcome Jessica Gonzales, a Latina powerhouse in resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurship, to the Braving Business Podcast. Jessica's journey is a testament to overcoming adversity, bootstrapping innovation, and redefining sustainability.Episode Highlights:Jessica began her entrepreneurial career by bootstrapping her first company, InCharged, from her parents' house, turning it into a global event technology success, partnering with brands like Google and Coca-Cola. But the pandemic turned her world upside down, leading to the bankruptcy of both her companies. Instead of giving up, Jessica pivoted and launched Lux Disinfect, a disinfection tech company, during COVID-19. This new venture not only thrived but also prepared Jessica for her next chapter.Today, Jessica is the founder of Happen Ventures, where she’s tackling sustainability head-on, focusing on "beneficial reuse" to transform waste into community resources. A single mother and mentor, Jessica’s "nothing is impossible" mantra fuels her relentless drive to make a difference.Key Discussion Points:Bootstrapping InCharged from scratch and landing powerhouse clients like Google and T-Mobile.Navigating the collapse of her companies during COVID and the mindset to pivot quickly.Launching Lux Disinfect and selling it within two years.Exploring the sustainability industry through Happen Ventures and its mission to reduce landfill impact.What "beneficial reuse" means and its transformative potential for communities.Challenges of being a Latina CEO in male-dominated industries.The role of resilience in entrepreneurship and Jessica's belief that "nothing is impossible."Balancing single motherhood with leading high-impact businesses.Vision for expanding Happen Ventures and making a global environmental impact.Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs facing setbacks.Quotable Moments:"Sometimes you sulk, but then you pivot and move on quickly." "Nothing is impossible if you have the will to push through the hard moments."Connect with Jessica:Instagram: @happenventuresLinkedIn: Happen VenturesYouTube: Happen VenturesFacebook: Happen VenturesListener Engagement:What resonated most with you from Jessica’s story of resilience and reinvention? Share your thoughts and stories of overcoming challenges at www.bravingbusiness.com.Disclaimer:The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Braving Business Podcast or its hosts.Remember to subscribe, rate, and review us wherever you get your podcasts. Stay brave!