At Wise Underdogs, you are joining a global movement and a safe, empowering community for those who have been underestimated—individuals who have faced systemic barriers, discrimination, and the pressures of being underrepresented leaders. We believe that true leadership and personal fulfillment emerge from embracing your authentic self and transforming your challenges into wisdom and strength. Our mission is to turn every obstacle into an opportunity for profound growth, ensuring your story of resilience becomes a catalyst for inspiration and change.
- Love: We lead with love, fostering a kind community where every individual is seen, heard, and celebrated for who they are.
- Wisdom: We leverage lived and embodied knowledge to transform and lead not just from the head, but also from the heart.
- Authenticity: We encourage everyone in our community to live and lead authentically, embracing their true selves without fear or reservation.
- Community: We are stronger together. Our community is a safe haven where members support, learn from, and grow with each other.
Minority Tech (Co)Founders, CXOs, and Leaders:
In the fast-paced world of (tech) entrepreneurship, underrepresented / minority founders face unique challenges whether it’s overcoming imposter syndrome, navigating systemic barriers, or maintaining a startup’s cultural integrity as it scales. At Wise Underdogs, we specialize in providing tailored coaching and strategic support designed to help (tech) founders and co-founders navigate the complexities of scaling their ventures. Our focus is on empowering you to turn adversity into an advantage, leading with wisdom and transforming challenges into powerful catalysts for growth. While our primary expertise lies in the tech industry, we are open to working with non-tech founders when there is a strong alignment with our mission and values, particularly in navigating similar scaling challenges.
We are dedicated to empowering (tech) leaders and co-founders who have been underrepresented in the entrepreneurial landscape. This includes, but not limited to:
- Founders of “Colors”: Entrepreneurs from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds in their own countries who often face systemic barriers in the tech industry.
- Women Founders: Female entrepreneurs who navigate a male-dominated tech space, confronting challenges in leadership, funding, and growth.
- LGBTQIA2S+ Founders: Individuals from the LGBTQIA2S+ community who are building ventures while overcoming societal biases and discrimination.
- Immigrant and “Third World” Founders: Entrepreneurs who come from the developing or “third world” countries or who are navigating the complexities of building a startup in the West, often dealing with cultural and systemic obstacles.
- First-Generation Founders: Those who are the first in their family to embark on entrepreneurial ventures and have risen from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, often without the safety net or access to resources that more privileged founders might have.
- Founders with Different Abilities: Entrepreneurs who face physical, social, or systemic challenges due to their different abilities.
We understand the unique pressures and systemic challenges you face and are here to provide tailored coaching and support to help you lead with resilience, wisdom, and innovation.
LGBTQIA2S+ Individuals:
Navigating personal and professional life as an LGBTQIA2S+ individual often means overcoming societal barriers and personal challenges and finding a safe and supportive environment is crucial for personal growth and empowerment. At Wise Underdogs, we create a brave and safe place where you can be your true authentic self, nurturing online and offline spaces where you can heal from traumas, grow, and connect with others who understand your journey within a supportive community. Our offerings are designed to empower you on your journey, helping you embrace your true self and turn your experiences into sources of strength and wisdom. Here, you are not just accepted—you are celebrated, supported, and inspired to thrive.
The term “underdog” evokes the image of someone who, against all odds, rises to overcome challenges and prove their worth. It embodies the profound capacity to not only survive adversity but also to thrive and flourish because of it. Drawing inspiration from stories like David and Goliath, underdogs are those who have been dismissed, underestimated, or pushed aside by society. They are the ones who start from a place of disadvantage and yet with intelligence and courage find the strength within to rise above these obstacles.
The underdog narrative is about becoming antifragile—where struggles don’t just leave scars, but cultivate resilience and innovation. At Wise Underdogs, we embrace this narrative not as a tale of mere survival but as a story of transformation. The journey of the underdog is one of resilience, courage, and ultimately, wisdom. It’s not just about proving others wrong; it’s about proving to oneself that you have the strength, intelligence, and perseverance to succeed on your own terms.
The “wise” in Wise Underdogs is a testament to the power of reflection, learning, and growth. An underdog who becomes wise is someone who has not only faced adversity but has learned from it, shaping them into a stronger, more insightful individual and leader. Wisdom, in this context, is the ability to integrate the lessons of the past and use them to create a better future—not just for oneself, but for others who walk a similar path. By coming together in a community, underdogs can pool their collective experiences and insights, supporting one another in their journeys. The wisdom gained from overcoming adversity becomes a source of strength that can be passed on, helping others to navigate their own challenges.
At Wise Underdogs, we recognize that every individual’s journey is unique, shaped by both challenges and triumphs. Our approach is integrative and holistic, designed to support you through the complexities of leadership, personal development, and healing. We combine personalized coaching, community support, and transformative experiences to address not only the professional aspects of leadership but also the emotional and spiritual dimensions that are often overlooked. Our method is deeply rooted in the understanding that true growth comes from embracing all facets of your experience. We leverage the power of shared experiences and the collective wisdom within our community to create spaces where you can heal, connect, and rise above adversity. Whether you are navigating the scaling challenges of your venture or seeking to live and lead with more authenticity, resilience, and wisdom, Wise Underdogs is here to support your journey toward becoming a stronger, wiser individual and leader. We believe that by connecting with others who walk a similar path, you are part of a global movement of transformation, where every challenge becomes a catalyst for growth, connection, and the realization of your true potential.
PROFESSIONAL OFFERINGS
WISE UNDERDOGS LEADERSHIP TRANSFORMATION
Wise Underdogs empowers underrepresented tech founders and co-founders through specialized coaching and training designed to transform leadership, foster inclusive cultures, and navigate the unique challenges of scaling startups. Our services include personalized executive coaching, co-founders coaching to strengthen co-founders dynamics, leadership training for scaling with integrity, immersive retreat-based coaching, and an online community for peer support and growth. Whether you’re a solo founder, part of a co-founding team, or leading a scaling startup, our programs offer the support, insight, and community you need to lead with authenticity and resilience.
SERVICES FOR UNDERREPRESENTED TECH
(CO)FOUNDERS & LEADERS:
One-to-One Executive Coaching
Embarking on the journey of leadership in a startup is akin to navigating uncharted waters. Whether you're at the helm of a burgeoning startup or steering a rapidly growing company, leadership demands evolve with every growth stage. Our 1:1 Executive Coaching is a personalized experience tailored to your specific needs, helping you develop the leadership skills essential for guiding your venture through these pivotal moments. This coaching is not just about solving immediate challenges—it's about cultivating a leadership style grounded in consciousness, wisdom, and authenticity. For example, many minority founders struggle with imposter syndrome, loneliness, or the pressure to constantly grow and innovate, which can lead to burnout or decision paralysis. Our coaching provides the tools to build emotional wellness and authenticity, leverage your unique strengths, and align your leadership with the evolving demands of your startup. As your venture scales, so too must your ability to lead with clarity and purpose, ensuring that your startup’s growth is both sustainable and values-driven.
Co-Founders (2 to 4)
Coaching
Co-founding a startup is often likened to a marriage—without the romantic entanglement with just two lovers but potentially more than two with all the complexities of deep partnership. It’s a relationship that requires trust, communication, aligned values, and a shared vision, as the strength of this partnership directly impacts the startup's success. Yet, as your venture grows, so do the challenges that can strain these relationships, much like any marriage. Our Co-Founders Coaching acts as a form of “couples or group therapy” for founders, addressing the interpersonal dynamics that can make or break a startup. Consider the common scenario where founders clash over strategic direction or equity distribution or communication breakdown. These conflicts, if left unresolved, can lead to discord and even the dissolution of the partnership. Our coaching sessions are designed to enhance communication, rebuild trust, and ensure that your team is aligned and cohesive as you navigate each growth stage. This service is crucial for unifying your leadership team, allowing you to lead your startup with a strong, united front.
Leadership Training for Scaling Startups
Scaling a startup is a delicate balance of growth and preservation—expanding your operations without losing the essence of what made your company unique. Leadership during this phase becomes increasingly complex, as you’re not just managing a team but also guarding your startup’s culture, values, and vision amidst rapid growth. It’s easy for a scaling venture to fall into common pitfalls: toxic company culture, misaligned priorities, or leadership bottlenecks that hinder progress. Our Leadership Training for Scaling Startups equips your VPs and emerging leaders with the tools and strategies needed to navigate these challenges effectively. For example, leaders often face difficulties in maintaining open communication as teams grow, leading to silos and miscommunication. This training focuses on building scalable leadership rituals, reinforcing core values, and fostering a culture of productivity and positivity. By maintaining alignment across all levels of the organization, you can ensure that your startup grows in a way that is sustainable and true to its original mission.
Retreat-Based Coaching
In the relentless pace of startup life, it’s all too easy for founders and leadership teams to lose sight of the bigger picture. Our Retreat-Based Coaching offers a vital opportunity for your team to step away from the day-to-day pressures and refocus on what truly matters. These immersive retreats are meticulously designed to foster deep strategic foresight, personal renewal, and a strong reconnection to your startup’s core mission and vision. This isn’t just a break—it's a strategic reset. In a serene, distraction-free environment, your leadership team will engage in guided reflections,facilitated conversations or intensive strategy sessions, and collaborative discussions that drive clarity and alignment. Whether you're facing critical decisions or simply need to realign with your company’s goals, these retreats empower your team to return with renewed purpose, clear direction, and the inspiration to propel your startup forward.
Community/Retreat for Founders & CXOs
The Wise Underdogs community is more than just a network—it's a movement. Leadership, especially when scaling a startup, can be lonely. Our Online Community for Founders and CXOs provides a supportive space to connect with peers and fellow minority founders facing similar challenges. It’s a dynamic forum for exchanging ideas, sharing resources, and finding inspiration from those who understand the pressures of leading a growing venture. This is a space to heal, transform, and connect with others who understand your journey. Our retreats offer a strategic reset in a distraction-free environment, with guided reflections, facilitated conversations, and strategy sessions that foster clarity and alignment. These gatherings, both online and in-person, empower your team to return with renewed purpose, clear direction, and fresh insights. The community supports continuous growth and collaboration through both virtual and in-person interactions.
SERVICE FOR LGBTQIA2S+ INDIVIDUALS:
HEALING RETREATS
Navigating personal and professional life as an LGBTQIA2S+ individual often involves overcoming unique challenges, from societal barriers to personal struggles. Our Healing Retreats are designed to provide a safe, nurturing environment where you can explore your identity, process these challenges, and connect with others who share similar experiences. These retreats offer a transformative experience, fostering deep personal growth and a sense of belonging that can be hard to find elsewhere. Participants often leave these retreats with a renewed sense of self, greater clarity, and a stronger connection to a supportive community. Whether you’re seeking to heal from past experiences or simply want to connect with other queer siblings in a meaningful way, these retreats are a powerful step toward flourishing as your true self.
ONLINE/OFFLINE COMMUNITY
Our community is the heart of Wise Underdogs—a vibrant, inclusive space where LGBTQIA2S+ individuals can find support, connection, and opportunities for growth. Whether you’re engaging in online discussions or attending in-person events, this community offers a space to build meaningful relationships and deepen your sense of belonging. Through online platforms, you can participate in discussions, access resources, and connect with others who understand your journey. Our offline self-organized events and gatherings provide a deeper level of connection, offering a safe space to share experiences, learn from each other, and grow together.
STORIES OF TRANSFORMATIONS
Alfatih Timur, President & Co-founder Kitabisa
Jourdan excels at guiding you to find solutions through probing questions.
His coaching method is insightful, empowering, and effective, helping you uncover and address key issues with clarity.
Tim Salikhov, VP of Finance at Collectly
In just two hours with Jourdan, I felt a profound sense of relief and stillness that I hadn’t experienced in years. His somatic coaching was transformative, helping me release deep-seated fears through a blend of physical touch, sounds, and scents. Jourdan’s intuitive approach helped me confront and work through years of self- doubt, shame, and anger, leading.
Takafumi Yamada, Vice President at Quona Capital
Jourdan’s tailored questions and deep listening revealed key areas for my leadership & personal growth. His early-stage coaching has been a crucial asset, significantly impacting my career and leadership growth.
Anderson Sumarli, CEO & Co-Founder of Ajaib
Jourdan has been a trusted guide through some of our toughest leadership challenges. Over four months, he helped me evolve from a seed-stage leader to one who navigates hyper-growth with mindfulness, balancing people and metrics. His belief in authenticity and values as pillars of true leadership has been pivotal for our success. Our company wouldn’t be where it is today without him.
Amrita Vir, Co-founder of Findicate
Jourdan has been invaluable in identifying patterns in my work and reactions under pressure. He helped me address these patterns and provided tools I still use. I’m grateful for his guidance during a critical career moment.
Mantana Lertchaitawee, COO at Ajaib
Jourdan’s coaching has been a life-changing experience. He has helped me navigate professional challenges and define my leadership path through various formats like one-on-one coaching and group sessions. His guidance has not only improved my approach to problems but also strengthened my relationships, making my journey of personal and professional growth one of the most rewarding experiences I've had.
Bank P, CEO of Global Sports Ventures
Working with Jourdan has been invaluable. He helped identify challenges and develop strategies, leading to immediate improvements in my tasks and ongoing growth in business and life.
Clay Runtung, Head of CPO Office GovTechEdu
Jourdan’s professional yet personal approach has been transformative. His ability to listen deeply and ask reflective questions helped me navigate complex emotions with clarity. Blending logic with moments of guided meditation, Jourdan’s coaching has been instrumental in my personal growth and self-love, providing both structure and empathy.
FAQ
General Q&A for Wise UNDERDOGS
Wise Underdogs is a global movement and safe community designed for minority and underrepresented (tech) founders, CXOs, and LGBTQIA2S+ individuals. We support those who have faced systemic barriers, discrimination, and the challenges of being an underdog. Our community empowers members to lead with authenticity, resilience, and vision, transforming adversity into a source of strength.
Wise Underdogs is more than just a coaching platform; it’s a global movement dedicated to reshaping the narrative for an underdog through healing and transformation with wisdom. We believe in collective empowerment—where each member’s journey contributes to a larger cause. Our community fosters shared wisdom, mutual support, and the collective power to drive change, both within ourselves and in the broader world. This movement is about more than individual success; it’s about creating a supportive and inspiring network that helps everyone rise together.
Our approach is holistic, combining personalized coaching, community support, and transformative experiences. We offer a range of services, including one-to-one executive coaching, co-founders coaching, leadership training, and healing retreats, all designed to address both the professional and emotional aspects of leadership and personal development. Our focus on emotional intelligence, somatic healing, and nervous system reset helps leaders and individuals develop resilience, manage stress, and lead with clarity and purpose.
Minority and underrepresented founders often face loneliness and emotional baggage from the systemic barriers such as limited access to capital and resources, lack of mentorship, and industry biases or discrimination. Additionally, they may struggle with imposter syndrome, burnout, and the pressure to prove themselves in environments that may not fully recognize their value. Wise Underdogs is committed to helping these founders navigate these challenges, build resilience, and lead with wisdom and confidence.
You can get involved by joining our community, participating in our events, and engaging with our offerings. Whether through coaching, retreats, or connecting with like-minded individuals, there are numerous ways to engage and benefit from our supportive network. Visit our website and follow our social media accounts to learn more about how you can join and become part of this transformative community.
Wise Underdogs stands out for its focus on underrepresented leaders and its holistic approach to growth. We integrate traditional coaching with somatic practices, nervous system reset, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges our members face. Our emphasis on community, shared experiences, and the transformation of adversity into strength sets us apart as a movement that is both empowering and transformative.
While Wise Underdogs primarily supports tech founders and CXOs, we welcome individuals from non-tech backgrounds who face similar challenges and align with our mission. If you are navigating leadership, scaling, or systemic barriers, and resonate with our values, you are welcome to explore how Wise Underdogs can support your journey.
Challenges Faced by Underdogs
Emotional intelligence is at the core of our coaching philosophy. We help founders and leaders develop self-awareness, manage emotions effectively, and cultivate empathy, which are crucial for authentic leadership. By enhancing emotional intelligence, our clients are better equipped to lead teams, navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, and build inclusive work environments.
Somatic coaching is integral to our methodology, helping clients connect with their bodies and understand the physical manifestations of stress, anxiety, and other emotions. Through somatic practices, we support clients in releasing tension, increasing self-awareness, and developing a grounded presence that fosters authentic leadership and informed decision-making.
Burnout and stress are prevalent among founders, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds who may face additional pressures. At Wise Underdogs, we offer tools and strategies such as nervous system reboot practices, somatic coaching, and emotional and relational intelligence training to manage these challenges. Our retreats and coaching sessions provide spaces for reflection and renewal, helping leaders reconnect with their purpose and approach their roles with renewed energy.
Community support is a cornerstone of Wise Underdogs. We believe that healing and growth are most effective when experienced within a supportive network, in a collective fashion. Our community offers a space for sharing experiences, mutual support, and learning from one another. Whether through online forums, in-person events, or collaborative projects, our members benefit from the collective wisdom and encouragement of the community.
Offerings-related Q&A for WISE UNDERDOGS
We offer a comprehensive range of offerings tailored to minority and underrepresented leaders, including one-to-one executive coaching, co-founders coaching, leadership training for scaling startups, and healing retreats. Each service is designed to address the unique challenges our members face, helping them to lead with greater authenticity, resilience, and wisdom.
The investment for our services vary depending on the type and duration of the program. All of the coaching and training offerings are priced by the stage of the ventures, the weight and scale of the targeted problems, and the available budget. One-to-one and co-founders coaching is also priced based on goals for the transformative journey which also considers session frequency, number of founders, and duration of the journey. Leadership training, retreats, and other programs have fixed fees that cover all related activities and materials. For detailed pricing information, please contact us directly through the two forms connected to the videos on the main page.
You can access a wealth of resources through our Resources Page on the website, where you’ll find videos, articles, podcasts, and tools designed to support your growth. Additionally, follow us on YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn for regular updates, insights, and community interactions.
The location and format of our retreats vary depending on the type of retreat you inquire about. Each retreat is held in a carefully chosen environment that provides the ideal setting for the specific goals of the experience—whether it’s for company leadership teams, individual founders, or members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community.
- Coaching Retreats: These are designed for leadership teams within a single company and focus on strategic planning, team cohesion, and aligning the company’s mission with its growth trajectory. The location is chosen to foster collaboration, reflection, and strategic foresight.
- Founders’ Retreats: Tailored for individual founders or co-founders from different startups, these retreats emphasize personal renewal, leadership development, and strategic clarity. The serene settings allow founders to step back from the daily grind, connect with peers facing similar challenges, and reconnect with their vision and purpose.
- LGBTQIA2S+ Retreats: These retreats offer a safe and nurturing space for LGBTQIA2S+ individuals to explore identity, heal, and connect with others who share similar experiences. The locations are selected to provide a supportive environment for deep personal growth and community building.
To find the retreat that best suits your needs and receive specific details about the location and activities, please complete our inquiry form. This will help us tailor the experience to your specific goals and ensure that you gain the most from your retreat.
Our retreats are immersive experiences designed for deep reflection, transformation, meaningful connections, and personal renewal. Activities may include guided meditation, breathwork, embodiment practice, group discussions, one-on-one coaching, and somatic practices.
Our online community is hosted on a secure platform where members can participate in discussions, access resources, and collaborate with peers. We also hold regular virtual meetups, webinars, and workshops to foster deeper connections and continuous learning.
Yes, many of our services, including coaching sessions, workshops, and community events, are available remotely. We utilize video conferencing tools and online platforms to ensure that all members can participate fully, regardless of location.
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