How do you grow faster in business—by competing or collaborating?

In this episode of the Impel Forward Podcast, we sit down with three successful business owners who have found a way to win together. Instead of competing for the same customers, they built a system of collaboration that helps each of their businesses grow stronger.

We break down how they support each other, share opportunities, and turn individual success into collective power. If you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or creative looking to scale, this conversation will challenge the way you think about competition and show you a better path forward.

In this episode, you’ll learn: • How collaboration can grow your business faster than competition • The mindset shift every entrepreneur needs to succeed • How to build strategic partnerships that actually work • Ways to create win-win opportunities with other business owners • The real benefits of working together instead of alone

Instagrams: @aglassabove @thewestroomraleigh @fullstreetwings

What does it really take to build a brand that lasts?

In this episode of the Impel Forward Podcast, we sit down with the visionary behind one of Durham’s most recognized restaurant brands to talk about what most people never see—the belief, the vision, and the mindset it takes to keep going when nothing is guaranteed.

This isn’t just a conversation about business. It’s about betting on yourself, trusting the process, and building something bigger than the moment in front of you.

If you’re an entrepreneur, creator, or someone chasing a vision, this episode will challenge how you think about success, consistency, and belief.

In this episode, we cover: • The mindset behind building a lasting brand • Turning vision into reality without shortcuts • What belief really looks like in business • Lessons from growing and evolving a brand • How to stay locked in when the results aren’t immediate

IG and FB - Dames Chicken and Waffles

https://dameschickenwaffles.com/

Durham’s nightlife scene just got a new addition. In this episode of the Impel Forward Podcast, we sit down with the owners of Eve Lounge on Parrish Street in downtown Durham to talk about how they turned an idea into one of the city’s newest cocktail lounges.

They share the story behind building Eve Lounge, the challenges of opening a lounge in today’s economy, and what it takes to bring a new concept to life in a growing city like Durham, North Carolina.

We discuss entrepreneurship, risk, business partnerships, and the vision for creating a space that blends cocktails, culture, music, and community.

If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, hospitality, nightlife, or the Durham business scene, this episode gives an inside look at what it takes to open a lounge from the ground up.

Topics discussed: • Starting a lounge business • Entrepreneurship and risk • Durham nightlife and culture • Business partnerships • Building a brand and experience

Subscribe to the Impel Forward Podcast for more conversations with entrepreneurs, creators, and leaders who are building businesses and moving their communities forward.