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Jul 11, 2020 · 24m · how-i-built-this

How I Built Resilience: Live with Morgan DeBaun

Morgan DeBaun · 15m spoken Guy Raz · 7m spoken
0:00 / 0:00

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In this live episode of How I Built This: Resilience Edition, host Guy Raz interviews Blavity founder and CEO Morgan DeBaun on building a premier digital media company for Black millennials, navigating compounding social and economic crises, and managing venture-backed growth.

How this conversation actually went

Every chapter scored 0–10 on four independent dynamics. Hover any point for the reasoning behind the score. Guy holds 32.1% of the talking time here. How this is scored →

Guy as informed peer 4.3 Guest teaching 3.4 Guest disagreement 0.9 Guy pushing back 0.9
05100:0010:0020:001:28–5:35 · Guy as informed peer 4/10 The Genesis, Vision, and Mission of Blavity Guy Raz frames Blavity in context with general millennial digital media outlets like BuzzFeed and Vox. Morgan DeBaun expands on this by explaining the unique cultural necessity and community role of creating a trusted space for Black digital natives.5:35–7:52 · Guy as informed peer 4/10 Leaving Big Tech and the Ferguson Catalyst Guy prompts Morgan on the courage required to leave a stable career at Intuit at age 24. Morgan recounts the emotional toll of corporate tech culture and the Ferguson unrest following Michael Brown's death as the pivotal catalyst.7:52–10:10 · Guy as informed peer 5/10 The Paradox of Surging Traffic and Economic Strain Raz points out the paradox between surging traffic during crisis moments and the broader advertising slowdown. DeBaun educates him further on the specific dynamic in Black media where mainstream advertisers avoid ad placement alongside coverage of racial injustice and police brutality.10:10–14:23 · Guy as informed peer 4/10 Childhood Entrepreneurship and Mid-Episode Break Guy introduces early childhood entrepreneurial anecdotes before pivoting to a listener question on fundraising. Morgan outlines the strict realities of venture capital, clarifying that media platforms must prove revenue scale rather than relying solely on venture funding.14:24–18:03 · Guy as informed peer 5/10 Lessons Learned on Venture Backing and Exit Expectations DeBaun reflects on the structural requirement of venture capital demanding an eventual company exit or sale. Raz demonstrates relevant domain knowledge by contrasting VC exits with going public, referencing Cathy Hughes and Urban One.18:03–20:49 · Guy as informed peer 5/10 Empowering Black Entrepreneurs Through the WorkSmart Program Raz cites macro statistics on declining entrepreneurship rates, asking about paths to a resurgence. DeBaun differentiates between the growing venture capital interest in tech startups versus the acute vulnerability of traditional small business owners lacking banking capital.20:49–23:22 · Guy as informed peer 3/10 Diversified Business Models, Leadership Takeaways, and Conclusion Morgan details Blavity's multi-platform bundling strategy that insulates it from sector-specific advertising cuts. The conversation ends on an agreeable, reflective note about leadership growth.1:28–5:35 · Guest teaching 3/10 The Genesis, Vision, and Mission of Blavity Guy Raz frames Blavity in context with general millennial digital media outlets like BuzzFeed and Vox. Morgan DeBaun expands on this by explaining the unique cultural necessity and community role of creating a trusted space for Black digital natives.5:35–7:52 · Guest teaching 2/10 Leaving Big Tech and the Ferguson Catalyst Guy prompts Morgan on the courage required to leave a stable career at Intuit at age 24. Morgan recounts the emotional toll of corporate tech culture and the Ferguson unrest following Michael Brown's death as the pivotal catalyst.7:52–10:10 · Guest teaching 5/10 The Paradox of Surging Traffic and Economic Strain Raz points out the paradox between surging traffic during crisis moments and the broader advertising slowdown. DeBaun educates him further on the specific dynamic in Black media where mainstream advertisers avoid ad placement alongside coverage of racial injustice and police brutality.10:10–14:23 · Guest teaching 4/10 Childhood Entrepreneurship and Mid-Episode Break Guy introduces early childhood entrepreneurial anecdotes before pivoting to a listener question on fundraising. Morgan outlines the strict realities of venture capital, clarifying that media platforms must prove revenue scale rather than relying solely on venture funding.14:24–18:03 · Guest teaching 4/10 Lessons Learned on Venture Backing and Exit Expectations DeBaun reflects on the structural requirement of venture capital demanding an eventual company exit or sale. Raz demonstrates relevant domain knowledge by contrasting VC exits with going public, referencing Cathy Hughes and Urban One.18:03–20:49 · Guest teaching 4/10 Empowering Black Entrepreneurs Through the WorkSmart Program Raz cites macro statistics on declining entrepreneurship rates, asking about paths to a resurgence. DeBaun differentiates between the growing venture capital interest in tech startups versus the acute vulnerability of traditional small business owners lacking banking capital.20:49–23:22 · Guest teaching 2/10 Diversified Business Models, Leadership Takeaways, and Conclusion Morgan details Blavity's multi-platform bundling strategy that insulates it from sector-specific advertising cuts. The conversation ends on an agreeable, reflective note about leadership growth.1:28–5:35 · Guest disagreement 1/10 The Genesis, Vision, and Mission of Blavity Guy Raz frames Blavity in context with general millennial digital media outlets like BuzzFeed and Vox. Morgan DeBaun expands on this by explaining the unique cultural necessity and community role of creating a trusted space for Black digital natives.5:35–7:52 · Guest disagreement 1/10 Leaving Big Tech and the Ferguson Catalyst Guy prompts Morgan on the courage required to leave a stable career at Intuit at age 24. Morgan recounts the emotional toll of corporate tech culture and the Ferguson unrest following Michael Brown's death as the pivotal catalyst.7:52–10:10 · Guest disagreement 1/10 The Paradox of Surging Traffic and Economic Strain Raz points out the paradox between surging traffic during crisis moments and the broader advertising slowdown. DeBaun educates him further on the specific dynamic in Black media where mainstream advertisers avoid ad placement alongside coverage of racial injustice and police brutality.10:10–14:23 · Guest disagreement 1/10 Childhood Entrepreneurship and Mid-Episode Break Guy introduces early childhood entrepreneurial anecdotes before pivoting to a listener question on fundraising. Morgan outlines the strict realities of venture capital, clarifying that media platforms must prove revenue scale rather than relying solely on venture funding.14:24–18:03 · Guest disagreement 1/10 Lessons Learned on Venture Backing and Exit Expectations DeBaun reflects on the structural requirement of venture capital demanding an eventual company exit or sale. Raz demonstrates relevant domain knowledge by contrasting VC exits with going public, referencing Cathy Hughes and Urban One.18:03–20:49 · Guest disagreement 1/10 Empowering Black Entrepreneurs Through the WorkSmart Program Raz cites macro statistics on declining entrepreneurship rates, asking about paths to a resurgence. DeBaun differentiates between the growing venture capital interest in tech startups versus the acute vulnerability of traditional small business owners lacking banking capital.20:49–23:22 · Guest disagreement 0/10 Diversified Business Models, Leadership Takeaways, and Conclusion Morgan details Blavity's multi-platform bundling strategy that insulates it from sector-specific advertising cuts. The conversation ends on an agreeable, reflective note about leadership growth.1:28–5:35 · Guy pushing back 1/10 The Genesis, Vision, and Mission of Blavity Guy Raz frames Blavity in context with general millennial digital media outlets like BuzzFeed and Vox. Morgan DeBaun expands on this by explaining the unique cultural necessity and community role of creating a trusted space for Black digital natives.5:35–7:52 · Guy pushing back 1/10 Leaving Big Tech and the Ferguson Catalyst Guy prompts Morgan on the courage required to leave a stable career at Intuit at age 24. Morgan recounts the emotional toll of corporate tech culture and the Ferguson unrest following Michael Brown's death as the pivotal catalyst.7:52–10:10 · Guy pushing back 1/10 The Paradox of Surging Traffic and Economic Strain Raz points out the paradox between surging traffic during crisis moments and the broader advertising slowdown. DeBaun educates him further on the specific dynamic in Black media where mainstream advertisers avoid ad placement alongside coverage of racial injustice and police brutality.10:10–14:23 · Guy pushing back 1/10 Childhood Entrepreneurship and Mid-Episode Break Guy introduces early childhood entrepreneurial anecdotes before pivoting to a listener question on fundraising. Morgan outlines the strict realities of venture capital, clarifying that media platforms must prove revenue scale rather than relying solely on venture funding.14:24–18:03 · Guy pushing back 1/10 Lessons Learned on Venture Backing and Exit Expectations DeBaun reflects on the structural requirement of venture capital demanding an eventual company exit or sale. Raz demonstrates relevant domain knowledge by contrasting VC exits with going public, referencing Cathy Hughes and Urban One.18:03–20:49 · Guy pushing back 1/10 Empowering Black Entrepreneurs Through the WorkSmart Program Raz cites macro statistics on declining entrepreneurship rates, asking about paths to a resurgence. DeBaun differentiates between the growing venture capital interest in tech startups versus the acute vulnerability of traditional small business owners lacking banking capital.20:49–23:22 · Guy pushing back 0/10 Diversified Business Models, Leadership Takeaways, and Conclusion Morgan details Blavity's multi-platform bundling strategy that insulates it from sector-specific advertising cuts. The conversation ends on an agreeable, reflective note about leadership growth.

speaking balance: gold is Guy, purple is the guest (3 minute bins)

0:00 · Guy 42.6% · guest 57.4%0:00 · Guy 42.6% · guest 57.4%3:00 · Guy 28.3% · guest 71.7%3:00 · Guy 28.3% · guest 71.7%6:00 · Guy 17.8% · guest 82.2%6:00 · Guy 17.8% · guest 82.2%9:00 · Guy 38% · guest 62%9:00 · Guy 38% · guest 62%12:00 · Guy 35.3% · guest 64.7%12:00 · Guy 35.3% · guest 64.7%15:00 · Guy 36.3% · guest 63.7%15:00 · Guy 36.3% · guest 63.7%18:00 · Guy 22.6% · guest 77.4%18:00 · Guy 22.6% · guest 77.4%21:00 · Guy 34.5% · guest 65.5%21:00 · Guy 34.5% · guest 65.5%24:00 · Guy 100% · guest 0%24:00 · Guy 100% · guest 0%
Sharpest disagreement ▶ 10:50 Rejecting School Vending Rules

In a very collegial episode, Morgan's mildest contrarian streak appears when recalling how she rebelled against school administration rules banning candy sales by setting up her own underground market.

 Hardest push from Guy ▶ 15:28 Introducing the IPO Alternative

Raz gently pushes back on the premise that an exit via trade sale is the sole VC outcome by offering Cathy Hughes and Urban One's public listing as an alternative pathway.

 Biggest teaching moment ▶ 9:02 The Ad-Safety Penalty on Black Media

DeBaun provides deep insider clarity on how digital brand safety algorithms and sensitive advertisers withhold money from coverage of Black trauma, directly punishing traffic spikes on racial justice stories.

 Guy holds their own ▶ 18:03 Historical Entrepreneurship Context

Raz demonstrates industry perspective by contextualizing the discussion with historical macro trends regarding the general decline of U.S. entrepreneurship since the 1980s.
the scores for every segment, with the reasoning behind each
ChapterTopicGuy as informed peerGuest teachingGuest disagreementGuy pushing backWhy
The Genesis, Vision, and Mission of Blavity 4311 Guy Raz frames Blavity in context with general millennial digital media outlets like BuzzFeed and Vox. Morgan DeBaun expands on this by explaining the unique cultural necessity and community role of creating a trusted space for Black digital natives.
Leaving Big Tech and the Ferguson Catalyst 4211 Guy prompts Morgan on the courage required to leave a stable career at Intuit at age 24. Morgan recounts the emotional toll of corporate tech culture and the Ferguson unrest following Michael Brown's death as the pivotal catalyst.
The Paradox of Surging Traffic and Economic Strain 5511 Raz points out the paradox between surging traffic during crisis moments and the broader advertising slowdown. DeBaun educates him further on the specific dynamic in Black media where mainstream advertisers avoid ad placement alongside coverage of racial injustice and police brutality.
Childhood Entrepreneurship and Mid-Episode Break 4411 Guy introduces early childhood entrepreneurial anecdotes before pivoting to a listener question on fundraising. Morgan outlines the strict realities of venture capital, clarifying that media platforms must prove revenue scale rather than relying solely on venture funding.
Lessons Learned on Venture Backing and Exit Expectations 5411 DeBaun reflects on the structural requirement of venture capital demanding an eventual company exit or sale. Raz demonstrates relevant domain knowledge by contrasting VC exits with going public, referencing Cathy Hughes and Urban One.
Empowering Black Entrepreneurs Through the WorkSmart Program 5411 Raz cites macro statistics on declining entrepreneurship rates, asking about paths to a resurgence. DeBaun differentiates between the growing venture capital interest in tech startups versus the acute vulnerability of traditional small business owners lacking banking capital.
Diversified Business Models, Leadership Takeaways, and Conclusion 3200 Morgan details Blavity's multi-platform bundling strategy that insulates it from sector-specific advertising cuts. The conversation ends on an agreeable, reflective note about leadership growth.

Statements from this episode (10)

Assertion Supported
Morgan DeBaun quit Intuit to build Blavity after the Ferguson protests
“You know, I quit my job, and I worked on Blavity full-time. We had already launched a version of it over the summer, but I really, at that point, you know, quit my job in, in the fall right after Mike Brown happened.”
Morgan DeBaun Jul 11, 2020 ▶ 7:41
Insight
Morgan DeBaun: Brands avoid running ads alongside social justice coverage
“You know, people are very sensitive about running ads or campaigns against black death or murder or social justice, because that's not always ad safe or ad friendly.”
Morgan DeBaun Jul 11, 2020 ▶ 9:19
Disclosure
Morgan DeBaun raised over $11 million in venture funding for Blavity
“I've raised, you know, over eleven million dollars, have fantastic investors that support the mission, but it is a for profit entity.”
Morgan DeBaun Jul 11, 2020 ▶ 9:35
Insight
Morgan DeBaun: Venture-backed startups must target $40M to $50M in revenue
“Also, venture funding isn't for every business model, right? You know, you have to very much be on a mission to build a hundred million dollar plus business and be able to Get to 40, fifty million dollars in revenue plus, right?”
Morgan DeBaun Jul 11, 2020 ▶ 13:04
Disclosure
Morgan DeBaun: Blavity raised venture capital as an audience platform
“I think that sometimes people may look at Blavity and say, well, it's a media company that's raised venture funding, and it's really more of a company that raised venture funding because we have a huge audience, and we're building products, brands, experiences…”
Morgan DeBaun Jul 11, 2020 ▶ 13:19
Opinion
Morgan DeBaun: Standalone media companies struggle to raise venture funding
“And I think media alone as an industry is very difficult to get venture funding for we've seen so many media companies go out of business.”
Morgan DeBaun Jul 11, 2020 ▶ 13:37
Insight
Morgan DeBaun: Venture funding creates constant pressure to sell the company
“Now, when you take venture funding, the only way people get their money back is if you exit. That's a very tough thing that I have to struggle with because that means that we are selling it to someone else and that there's a constant push And drive towards tha…”
Morgan DeBaun Jul 11, 2020 ▶ 15:00
Insight
Morgan DeBaun: Founders should plan exit outcomes when initially raising capital
“I know they always say, well, don't worry about the outcome or who you're going to sell to when you're first raising money. I think it's important to think through those things, actually.”
Morgan DeBaun Jul 11, 2020 ▶ 15:23
What-if
Morgan DeBaun: Blavity's 1 million users would raise $5M today, not $500K
“It took me a lot of no's to get 500,000 dollars for Blavity. And I had a million users at the time. If I went out today with that, I would raise five million because there's more venture funds focused on minorities and women of color.”
Morgan DeBaun Jul 11, 2020 ▶ 19:45
Disclosure
Morgan DeBaun: Blavity diversified revenue to avoid relying on venture capital
“Blavity, we've always had a diversified business because I did not want to be dependent on venture funding, so we've prioritized revenue at our core in terms of operating because it was important that We had multiple industries and multiple revenue streams.”
Morgan DeBaun Jul 11, 2020 ▶ 21:02
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