To kick off 2019 we caught up with Kori Hale (@kori.hale), the founder of CultureBanx (@culturebanx). Kori launched CultureBanx to tell diverse, market-driving news, from deals that will impact the global economy to POC making waves in venture. She and her team are also getting ready to launch the CultureBanx Channel on Roku TV this month and we can't wait. Below we ask Kori all of our favorite AWU questions!
Tell us about how you conceived of CultureBanx and where you found the oomph to take the entrepreneurial leap?
The vision for CultureBanx came to me while I was still working as an investment banker at Goldman Sachs. I was sitting under one of the TVs on the floor and looked up to see that no one on the screen was like me or from my community. That’s when I knew I needed to create diverse business news content through a culturally attuned lens.
What have been some of the best and worst surprises of starting your own venture?
The best surprise has been how responsive people have been toward our content. The worst thing that’s happened is the constant shutdown from various investors who don’t understand your business.
Where do you reside and what is your favorite local spot close to home?
I reside in Brooklyn, NY and I love the eclectic and urban vibe out here! My favorite spot to hit up is Barboncino pizza in Crown Heights because it’s literally the best pizza place in Brooklyn probably the entire city. Not to mention they make the best cocktails to pair with my favorite Cherry Stone Clam pizza. Just writing about this is making me hungry...lol.
It's breakfast time on a weekday, where are you and what are you eating?
I spend a lot of time working from home which makes it very convenient to make a good morning smoothie with chia seeds. Though breakfast tacos are my favorite, I just generally don’t have time to make those.
It's dinner time on a weekday, where are you and what are eating?
Dinner for me typically doesn’t happen or it’s a working dinner meeting. I’m not someone who cooks a lot because I’m always on the go. Uber Eats and I are very well connected and sometimes I’ll use the app multiple times a day.
Describe your workwear style.
My work style varies a lot but I love wearing heels because they always make me feel more confident. I’m always into patterns but love staple solid pieces for blazers and sweaters. A nice bright colored, form fitting knee length dress is always a go-to that can be easily accessorized. Some of my favorite workwear brands include Ted Baker, Karen Millen, Sandro and Reiss.
I can't live without a long cardigan, usually a chunky one for winter (right now I’m obsessed with my dark green Topshop one) and a lightweight one for the spring.
You're about to give a big presentation/have a big meeting, what are you wearing:
I’m wearing a power dress with good texture and color along with a strong pair of corresponding heels.
How do you prepare for said big presentation or meeting?
It really just depends on what the presentation is about. A lot of my presentations/meeting are to investors so I pretty much have my pitch down and just go over it and make slight adjustments. So it’s really just ongoing preparation. In my mind I’m always hearing Jay Rock’s song “WIN” and use it to motivate me.
What constitutes a good day at work?
A good day at CultureBanx consists of accomplishing as many things that can be checked off the list. Anytime we reach a new milestone that we’ve been working on for months is cause for celebration.
How do you unwind and turn work off?
I like to watch a lot of Nat Geo Wild and the Wendy Williams show. The name of the game is mindless television in order to get my brain to power down. I try to always take off one day a week (usually Sunday) where I don’t do anything with the business and just completely chill. I always read a daily devotional and pray in the morning before I answer any emails. I’m a huge foodie and love going to new restaurants. I actually keep a running list of restaurants that I love or need to try across the city in the notes section of my phone.
What is your favorite thing to allocate time to outside of “the office?”
I really love going to the movies by myself. I typically go early in the morning on Saturday when no one else is really there so I can just enjoy the film without any interruptions. I’m pretty sure we can all agree there’s no better popcorn than movie theater popcorn!