Equity in Business
The United States is facing a racial wealth gap that has existed for over 330 years. But at the same time, businesses run by systematically excluded communities of color (Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, and Native American) still contribute nearly $400 billion to the U.S. economy, even though these communities face barriers to information, capital, and contracts. Hosted by the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), this podcast channel explores how growing minority business enterprises (MBEs) is central to not only addressing the racial wealth gap but also creating a stronger, more resilient society for all.
Equity in Business
Sidd Ahmed, CEO of VDart Group, Talks Building a $240M Global Business with NMSDC’s Support
This NMSDC Equity in Business Podcast episode features Sidd Ahmed, Founder and CEO of VDart Group, which has emerged as a global leader in digital talent management, solutions, and products, generating over $240M in revenue. Sidd has redefined success through his unwavering commitment to the principles of his North Star: "people, purpose, planet."
As a minority-owned company certified by NMSDC as both an MBE and a Corporate Plus member, VDart’s success story is intricately linked with Sidd’s involvement with the NMSDC. He shared that VDart had to rise to the occasion by 1) joining the network, 2) obtaining certification, 3) leveraging the network, 4) gaining access, and 5) showing up at industry group meetings. These efforts led to NMSDC educational opportunities with companies like Kellogg’s, Delta Air Lines, and Accenture, which were pivotal in driving the growth of the VDart Group of businesses.
Some of Sidd’s other key insights for MBEs include:
- Diversity of thought is critical to a company’s success.
- In every action on the job and in business, ask the “key question”: Am I helping to create value for employees, customers, and all stakeholders?
- A purpose-driven business fosters a sense of belonging across multiple and diverse communities, which ultimately drives business growth.
- Access to opportunities is more likely when you have a “proof of concept.” This proof can be developed with other MBEs before you pitch to a Fortune 1000 company.
- Get evaluated to identify if you have the right skills and seek training if needed.
- Skilled talent in emerging technologies has a longer professional life span than non-skilled trades, although trades can also be lucrative.
Guest:
Sidd Ahmed, Founder and CEO, VDart Group
Host and Production Specialist:
John G. Daniel is a believer, advocate for underserved communities, and published writer, with vast transformative leadership experience in the energy sector, economic development, hurricane recovery, and youth/community education and empowerment. Itoro Umontuen is the Editor of this project and is an award-winning photographer, reporter, and mixed-media journalist.
About the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC):
Founded in 1972, NMSDC is the longest-operating business growth engine for the broadest group of systematically excluded communities of color (Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, and Native American), and our impact goes far beyond the supply chain. It’s about upward mobility for the emerging majority of Americans, an equal shot at participating in the American experiment of free-market capitalism and entrepreneurship. Our work is about correcting the unequal access to wealth-building opportunities. For more information, please visit nmsdc.org.
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