Wadeeha Jackson is a dynamic Regulatory Strategist and Advisor. With an MBA concentration in General Management and International Strategy, she has spent the majority of her career focused on Financial Services (primarily banking and lending) partnering with division-level and corporate-level executives. Wadeeha is an effective problem solver and connector, adept at defining regulatory risk, strategic plans, implementing mitigating risk and managing through crisis and change, and integrating processes and technology. Throughout her career, she has worked with Fortune 500 companies developing and executing both risk-based compliance programs, as well as organic growth initiatives to enhance profitability through increased revenue and/or realized cost savings. Wadeeha is the Co-Founder of Cowry Crypto Assets Management, LLC, a cryptocurrency platform for individuals and business owners to accumulate savings and lending products through the use of BlockChain technology.
LM: Tell me a little bit about yourself.
WJ: My name is Wadeeha Jackson and I am a Black Women in Tech and I am the Co-Founder of Cowry Asset Management LLC. I am passionate about educating and mentoring individuals to reach their full potential. I recently resigned as the President of the National CARES Movement – Newark Affiliate. During my tenure with CARE Mentoring Movement, I was blessed to work alongside Susan Taylor and carry out the movement initiative to mentor black youth and adults.
LM: Tell us about your business.
WJ: Cowry Crypto Asset Management, LLC is a platform that provides individuals and organizations access to alternative savings and financing options, through the use of BlockChain technology.
LM: What prompted you to start your business?
WJ: As you are aware, COVID 19 unearthed many issues in the area of financing black and minority-owned businesses. The Payroll Protection Program (PPP), funds did not reach many black business owners. My understanding of the freedom and wealth allocation that crypto can provide, inspired me to partner with the co-founder Mark Scott, to utilize and leverage blockchain technology as an alternative to gain financial wealth and access to capital.
LM: Have you always aspired to be an entrepreneur? Why or why not?
WJ: Yes, I have always been inspired to be an entrepreneur as it provides me with the opportunity to think outside the box. Entrepreneurs breed innovation and I enjoy taking the calculated risk. There are failures when taking this path.. however, the failure provides an opportunity for growth.
LM: What’s the best part of being an entrepreneur?
WJ: I would have to say that the best thing about being an entrepreneur is that you can decide the faith of your destiny. That sounds very optimistic for many. However, the true entrepreneur knows that defining your destiny takes a lot of fine-tuning, which will likely test your patients and resilience. As an entrepreneur, you will need to adjust and pivot to assess in order to remain relevant and grow your business. This may sound challenging, and it can be, but the best part is the spiritual, emotional, and personal growth you will attain in the process. Which can be life-altering to reach your full purpose and potential.
LM: What’s the worst part of being an entrepreneur?
WJ: The worst part that I’ve found in being an entrepreneur is really finding that sweet spot. Sometimes you can get caught up and chase “opportunities” that may be great on paper. Sometimes those very opportunities can result in failed attempts that don’t truly align with your brand or service offering. In short, the worst part is the failures… but, it’s apart of the process. You either allow it to take you under or you learn and push forward.
LM: Who’s your inspiration? Why?
WJ: My greatest inspiration is my Mom. She introduced me to the world of finance and banking. As a young child would take me to work with her in New York City. In the mid-’80s, the New York business market was thriving with energy and my Mom worked at a global bank in Downtown Manhattan. I am truly thankful for my mother and her ability to share her experience with me. When my mother had the opportunity, she would take me to work with her. It was during that experience that I was able to witness women in business, dressed in suits, walking the streets of Manhattan, and participating in the finance industry. I remember exiting the twin towers of the World Trade Center and the smell of expensive perfume in the air. It was that experience that opened my eyes to the possibility of working on Wall Street. Fast forward 35 years later, I successfully secured a contract with a global bank on Wall Street to assist with a Regulatory Audit. It was at that moment in my life came full circle. I called my mom that day and reminisced as I sat in front of the red sculpture in front of the same building she worked at on Broadway.
LM: List some of your greatest achievements
WJ: Greatest achievement includes serving as the President of the National CARES Mentoring Movement – Newark Affiliate. Ringing the bell at NASDAQ Mentoring young women to reach their potential Successfully navigating Corporate America and becoming an expert in my industry.
LM: Name a time when things didn’t go right. What happened and how did you get past it?
WJ: I started a Home Health Aide business. My decision to go into the health field was more related to my understanding of the upward trend of the aging population. I knew that there would be an increasing need for home health aids, as the cost to pay for assisted living facilities was expensive for many families. The business failed due to my inability to stay true to myself. I am a businesswoman that appreciates healthcare. However, I do not have a true interest in healthcare as a whole. Home health aide agencies come with a huge risk and operational cost. A cost that increased and impacted my personal credit. The increased debt and lower credit scores were and remain devastating for me. I am still working past the situation as I am paying off debt I’ve accumulated as a result of the failed business. I had to learn the acceptance of failure and to really understand the term…’To Thy Own Self Be True’. The lesson that I learned is that not every great business opportunity is “Your” opportunity. The decision you make as an entrepreneur should align with your personal brand and translate to financial opportunities and not the opposite of allowing the perceived opportunity to define your personal brand and business goals.
LM: Where do you see your business in 3 years?
WJ: Cowry Crypto Asset Management platform will grow and provide the black and people of color with the knowledge and skills to participate in the transference of wealth through virtual currency. I envision that our platform will provide many with access to alternatives ways to fund projects and businesses to serve our interests and empower wealth creation.
LM: What advice would you give a new entrepreneur?
WJ: Stay true to yourself. Focus on elevating your personal brand and find ways to monetize your capabilities into opportunities that work for your business model. Also, don’t fear change or failure… it’s apart of the game and great things can be re-birthed from failure.
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