Ep. 8 From Health Challenge to Creative Catalyst: William McNeely’s Mission to Do Greater

Today on the DO GOOD X Podcast, we are thrilled to welcome William McNeely, entrepreneur and visionary founder of Do Greater, Inc. As a non-profit executive, William is mission-oriented with his Creative Lab platform, which equips youth and adults with critical design thinking, digital creativity, and entrepreneurship skills to transform Charlotte's 6 corridors of opportunity. His personal story is one of extraordinary resilience, highlighted by his recovery from a double lung transplant. William discusses how this health crisis inspired him to create Do Greater, Inc. and the challenges and rewards of this venture in the greater Charlotte area. Join us as he shares his journey and the driving force of purpose behind moving ideas into action, even when others say it can't be done. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [1:25]  Kimberly introduces William McNeely and shares some of his background
• [4:03] William shares how his diagnosis was the catalyst to starting Do Greater, Inc. and how close he came to losing his life
• [10:24] Deciding how to meet the need and expanding from a mobile truck to a brick-and-mortar
• [17:07] Do Greater, Inc. is taking steps to reinvigorate their facility to create spaces to generate income and scaling to uptown Charlotte
• [29:39] William discusses the structure of the 501c3 and how they attracted investors
• [36:22] William advises entrepreneurs who desire to start a nonprofit that are successful and have long term goals and a way to achieve those goals

TAKEAWAYS: 

• [4:13] Do Greater, Inc. was conceived after William McNeely was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and was given two weeks to receive two lung transplants. This diagnosis led WIlliam to assess what it meant to “Do Greater”. and how he wanted to impact the world
• [10:37] Do Greater, Inc. began with a mobile truck lab that would go to the zip codes of participants. COVID-19 affected the ability to go to the neighborhoods, so William McNeely developed a plan to shift to a physical space
• [21:27] Do Greater, Inc. is in the midst of a fundraising campaign to develop a 20,000 square feet space in uptown Charlotte. This space will allow the nonprofit to impact many more community members and future entrepreneurs

RESOURCES:

DO GOOD X - Podcast

DO GOOD X- Linkedin

Kimberly Daniel - Linkedin

Do Greater Charlotte - Website

GUEST BIO:
William McNeely is a distinguished entrepreneur and non-profit executive with a storied career, including a pivotal role as a Market Development Executive at Apple. He is the visionary founder of Do Greater, Inc., where he has fostered a dynamic community dedicated to nurturing the next generation of creative leaders through cutting-edge technology, inspiring creative spaces, and a robust community network.

The Creative Lab platform equips youth and young adults with critical skills in design thinking, digital creativity, and entrepreneurship. His personal story is one of extraordinary resilience, highlighted by his recovery from a double lung transplant, reinforcing his dedication to his life's mission of inspiring impactful change.

William has served on the boards of various non-profits and has been a vital force in faith-based organizations, promoting hope and positivity. His current focus is on broadening the influence of the Creative Lab platform across Charlotte, building an inclusive support system for opportunity youth and underrepresented entrepreneurs. William's unwavering commitment to education, technology, and community empowerment continues to make a significant impact, driving forward positive transformations in countless lives.