Podcast Summary: The $100 MBA Show

Episode: MBA2688 - Is Business Harder for People of Color?
Host: Omar Zenhom
Date: October 10, 2025

Overview

In this candid and thought-provoking episode, host Omar Zenhom delves into a deeply personal and rarely discussed question: Is business harder for people of color? Drawing from his own life and over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience, Omar shares honest insights about systemic challenges, subtle biases, and the hidden strengths that arise from navigating a less-forgiving business world. The episode is part motivational, part reality check, and ultimately an empowering call for both resilience and strategic action.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Why Omar Tackled This Topic

• Omar debated whether to address this subject, having never shared these thoughts publicly before.
• Emphasizes personal experience as a person of color, but notes millions face similar obstacles.
• Aims for the episode to resonate with both communities of color and allies.
  • Quote (03:00): "This is my own personal experience, but it's also the experience of millions of people that are in business."

The Reality: It’s Harder For People of Color

1. Access to Capital

• Statistically, venture capital and business loans disproportionately go to white founders.
  • Less than 2% of VC goes to Black founders; less than 1% to Latino founders.
  • Quote (04:05): "This is facts, okay? This is not somebody’s opinion... It means a slower start, more bootstrapping, longer runways to the same results as other people."
• The lack of early funding means slower business growth and greater reliance on self-funding.

2. Network Barriers

• In business, introductions and a strong network are critical.
• For people whose last names, accents, or backgrounds are unfamiliar to gatekeepers, it takes "10 times more effort" to break in.
  • Quote (05:00): "Those doors don’t swing open fast. You need to get over all that stuff."
• Constantly needing to explain their background or "earn the right" just to have the conversation.

3. Double Standards and Stereotypes

• Facing skepticism, professional doubts, and being held to higher standards.
• People often express surprise at basic competence (e.g., command of English), revealing implicit biases.
  • Quote (06:05): "Have you ever been asked this question: 'Wow, you're really articulate. Where’d you learn how to speak English like that?' I got asked this question countless times..."

4. The Invisible Psychological Tax

• The pressure of managing other people’s perceptions, altering behavior, and code-switching drains energy and focus.
  • Quote (09:05): "You’re running your business, and being a successful entrepreneur, that’s one job. But you’re also doing the job of managing other people’s perceptions of you. It’s very, very taxing."

The Flip Side: A Hidden Superpower

Omar reframes the challenge as a source of unique strength and advantage:

Resilience and Resourcefulness

• Overcoming obstacles builds muscles others don't develop.
• Having to hustle, solve problems creatively, and communicate across cultural boundaries amplifies empathy and innovation.
  • Quote (10:02): "When you’ve had to hustle without resources... your build muscles to build things that others don't have."

Expanding the Market

• Entrepreneurs of color often serve neglected communities, creating new lanes and business opportunities.
• Reference to Will Smith’s career as an example of breaking the system and setting new standards.
  • Quote (11:25): "[Will Smith] didn't just beat the system... he understood it better than anyone and built something bigger."

Actionable Advice for Entrepreneurs of Color

1. Play the Long Game

   • Success may come slower due to fewer connections and less capital, but consistency and intent can lead to outlasting competitors.
   • Quote (13:30): "If you're building with intention and you stay consistent, you're going to outlast them."

2. Find Your Community

   • Don’t go it alone: Seek out allies and others facing similar challenges.
   • Leverage niche communities and events for support.

3. Leverage Your Difference

   • Use cultural insight and unique perspective as a strength, not a liability.
   • Tell your authentic story, serve your community, and create a brand that stands out.
   • Example (15:10): Omar highlights how his uncommon last name gives him visibility and uniqueness online.

4. Build in Public

   • Share your entrepreneurial journey openly to inspire others and open doors for those who come after.
   • Visibility breeds trust, and being the example can be a game-changer for your community.

The Bigger Picture: It’s Not "Us vs. Them"

• Omar stresses the importance of collaboration and learning from everyone, regardless of background.
• Acknowledges that most people are not actively biased but encourages listeners to make use of all resources and allies available.
  • Quote (17:45): "You need all the help you can get, including people that are not like you... learn from people regardless of what they look like or where they’re from."

Memorable Reflections and Final Message

• Being a person of color in business is not solely a disadvantage—it can be the foundation of an uncopyable brand and legacy.
• Challenges forge unique pride and perspective.
  • Quote (16:55): "Your story, the grind, the pride, the perspective—it's the advantage no one else can copy."
• Don’t focus on what you can’t change; build your own journey with excellence and authenticity.

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• "Business is harder for people of color. And it's not always what you think..."
  (03:35)
• "This is facts, okay? This is not somebody’s opinion."
  (04:10)
• "Those doors don’t swing open fast... You need to get over all that stuff."
  (05:00)
• "If you’re not a person of color... have you ever been asked this question: ‘Wow, you’re really articulate. Where’d you learn how to speak English like that?’"
  (06:05)
• "There’s also an invisible psychological weight. We need to talk about this."
  (09:05)
• "Being a person of color in business is not just a disadvantage to me, it’s also your superpower."
  (10:20)
• Will Smith story: "He didn’t just beat the system... he understood it better than anyone and built something bigger."
  (11:25)
• "You have a unique story and brand now because of these challenges."
  (16:55)
• "You need all the help you can get, including people that are not like you."
  (17:45)

Episode Structure & Timestamps

• 00:00 – 03:00 — Intro, context, and why Omar is tackling this topic
• 03:00 – 08:22 — Structural barriers: capital, networks, double standards, stereotypes
• 08:53 – 12:00 — Psychological tax and the idea of code-switching
• 12:00 – 16:30 — Flipping the script: unique strengths, famous examples, practical advice
• 16:30 – 18:33 — Final thoughts, not an "us vs. them," actionable inspiration

Tone and Style

Omar’s delivery is warm, honest, and encouraging, blending hard truths with practical optimism. He candidly addresses bias, but his core message is one of empowerment and forging your own path—urging listeners to embrace difference as strength and to build community and resilience.

This episode is vital listening for entrepreneurs navigating systemic obstacles—and for allies looking to deepen their understanding and support.