112-Funding Your Future: How to Navigate the Financial Landscape Like a Pro

112-Funding Your Future: How to Navigate the Financial Landscape Like a Pro

July 20, 20254 min read

Unlocking Entrepreneurial Success with Yvonne Gamble: Purpose, Capital, and the Power of the Mic

What happens when you mix legacy, laser-sharp funding strategy, and the guts to grab the mic? You get Yvonne Gamble. On this episode of The Six Figure Speaker Spotlight, I sat down with the powerhouse behind Sanpete Financial Group—a woman who wears many hats: futurist, humanitarian, venture capitalist, CEO... and straight-up business oracle.

We didn’t talk fluff. We got into the real stuff—how to raise capital without selling your soul, why your purpose isn’t just a feel-good tagline, and how one unexpected speaking gig changed the game for Yvonne—and could do the same for you.

Let’s break it down.

Rooted in Legacy, Driven by Purpose
Yvonne doesn’t just come from a line of changemakers—she embodies it. Her great-grandfather, Andrew Jackson Beard, revolutionized the railroad. She’s revolutionizing how entrepreneurs think about money and mission.

Here’s the vibe:
- Purpose isn’t optional. It’s your business engine.
- Early on, Yvonne wasn’t chasing status—she was building systems that outlived trends.
- If you want longevity, align your business with what actually drives you.

Pro Tip: Don’t just reflect on your values—bake them into your offers, your leadership, your funding model. Legacy doesn’t happen by accident.

Capital Raising Without the B.S.
If you've ever sat across from an investor and walked away feeling like you just gave away your firstborn for a check—this part’s for you.

Yvonne knows the investor mindset inside and out. And here’s her take:
- Stop pitching to people you don’t understand.
- Venture capital is a relationship—so stop treating it like a transaction.
- You better know what you’re giving up before you sign anything with a dollar sign.

Takeaway: Money isn’t free, and not all green is good. Be choosy, do your homework, and never walk into a negotiation unprepared.

Non-Dilutive Financing = Freedom
Yes, there is a way to get money and keep your company. It’s called non-dilutive financing—and Yvonne is shouting it from the rooftops.

Grants. Revenue-based financing. Loans that don’t gut your equity.

Her message? Don’t default to dilution. Especially if you’re building something long-term.

Action Step: Apply for every relevant grant. Enter innovation competitions. Talk to advisors who aren’t just pushing VC.

Diversify That Cap Table
All your funding coming from one place? That’s not power—it’s a vulnerability.

Yvonne lays it out:
- Spread your risk. VCs, customer revenue, grants—mix it up.
- Your customer base is capital. Treat it like gold.
- Build a team investors trust. Lone-wolf energy doesn’t get funded.

Move to Make: Map out where your money is coming from. If it’s not diverse, you’ve got work to do.

Let’s Talk AI (Without the Hype)
Yvonne’s approach to tech is grounded: AI is here to help—not take over. She uses it strategically, not blindly.

Her rule of thumb?
- Lead with strategy, not FOMO.
- Use AI to scale your impact, not lose your voice.
- Protect your data like it’s your secret sauce—because it is.

Reality Check: You don’t have to be a coder to leverage AI—but you do need a clear vision and a team that knows how to execute it.

From “Surprise Speech” to Spotlight Queen
One moment. One microphone. That’s how Yvonne’s speaking journey started.

She didn’t plan it—but it changed everything.

Speaking opened doors she didn’t even know were there. And guess what? It can do the same for you.

Her Rules:
- Say YES to the mic—even when you’re nervous.
- Have your signature story ready. Not polished. Real.
- Speak with purpose, not ego.

Insider Tip: Every stage is an opportunity to build trust, spark curiosity, and convert listeners into champions.

Final Takeaways from Yvonne Gamble’s Playbook
Want to build a business that grows, serves, and actually lasts? Here's how Yvonne would tell you to do it:

1. Lead with Purpose
- Anchor your business in values that matter.
- Use your legacy as a launchpad.

2. Raise Smart Capital
- Know your funding sources inside and out.
- Keep your control. Own your vision.

3. Tech is a Tool, Not a Crutch
- Use AI to amplify your voice, not replace it.
- Stay human in a digital world.

4. Get on Stage
- Speak. Teach. Share.
- Your voice builds trust faster than any pitch deck.

5. Invest in People
- Build a team that reflects your mission.
- Collaboration is the new competition.

One More Thing...
Yvonne’s book "Financing Your Next Billion Dollars" should be required reading. It’s everything founders need to know about getting funded without giving up their power. Think of it as the entrepreneur’s survival guide—with teeth.

Real Talk
Yvonne’s story isn’t just about money or success—it’s about agency. The choice to lead with purpose. The choice to speak up. The choice to build a business that reflects your truth.

And that? That’s what creates legacies.

So what’s your next move?

Because if you’re serious about growing your business and getting your voice heard—it’s time to stop playing small.

Now go grab that mic.

As the host of the Six Figure Speaker Spotlight Podcast and CEO of O’Hara Consulting West, Kelley O'Hara has dedicated her career to helping speakers, authors, coaches, and entrepreneurs elevate their brand, amplify their visibility, and secure the right stages to drive business growth. With over 35 years of experience in marketing, PR, advertising, event management, and show production, Kelley has honed her expertise to guide thought leaders on their journey to becoming recognized and respected in their industries.

Kelley O'Hara

As the host of the Six Figure Speaker Spotlight Podcast and CEO of O’Hara Consulting West, Kelley O'Hara has dedicated her career to helping speakers, authors, coaches, and entrepreneurs elevate their brand, amplify their visibility, and secure the right stages to drive business growth. With over 35 years of experience in marketing, PR, advertising, event management, and show production, Kelley has honed her expertise to guide thought leaders on their journey to becoming recognized and respected in their industries.

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