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In this episode of The Exit: Wendy Diamond, social entrepreneur, investor, and founder of Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization (WEDO) and LDP Ventures, shares her journey from launching businesses in Turkey and New York to building global impact initiatives. She reflects on lessons from philanthropy, investing, and empowering women founders worldwide.
Key Takeaways:
From Fashion Trade to Social Impact
Wendy began her entrepreneurial career in her early twenties, exporting designer surplus from Turkey to Russia. After moving to New York, she shifted focus to social causes—first homelessness, then animal rescue—creating cookbooks, TV shows, and even coining “Yappy Hour” to raise millions for shelters.
Creating Women’s Entrepreneurship Day
A volunteer trip to Honduras in 2013 exposed Wendy to the transformative power of microloans for women. Shocked by the lack of support for women entrepreneurs, she launched Women’s Entrepreneurship Day at the United Nations. Today it’s celebrated in 100 countries, uniting leaders, governments, and investors to economically empower women.
Lessons in Investing
Wendy transitioned into angel investing and venture funding, backing women-led startups. Her success story: Basepaws, a “23andMe for pets,” acquired by Zoetis. Her cautionary tale: investing in a flashy founder without due diligence, which led to failure. Her core principle—invest in people, not just ideas.
Keys to Entrepreneurial Success
- High integrity and passion in founders are non-negotiable.
- Collaboration matters—contribute to others, not just your own agenda.
- Build a strong support team and advisors early; it’s a lonely journey otherwise.
- Be open-minded and willing to pivot—nothing goes as planned.
Women Entrepreneurs Face Unique Hurdles
Wendy emphasizes that women often lack early capital and networks. Her advice: don’t just talk about yourself—collaboration creates opportunities. Even equity-sharing with advisors can bring the right people on board.
Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest mistake is aligning with the wrong people. Due diligence, references, and cultural fit are critical. Not every investor, founder, or partner is the right match.
Final Advice
“Enjoy the journey.” Wendy reminds entrepreneurs that true fulfillment comes from the process—the ups, downs, and lessons along the way—not just the financial exit.
What’s Next – WEDO & More
Through joinwedo.org, Wendy is teaching AI and entrepreneurship skills to a million disadvantaged women and girls globally, including incarcerated women. She’s also working on a rom-com film based on her book How to Understand Men Through Their Dogs.
Personal &/or Company Bio:
Wendy Diamond is an internationally renowned social entrepreneur, impact investor, humanitarian, bestselling author, and media personality dedicated to using innovation and disruptive technologies for positive global impact. She is the Founder and CEO of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization (WEDO)/#ChooseWOMEN, a movement with chapters in 144 countries and 112 universities focused on empowering women and alleviating poverty. As CEO of LDP Ventures, she invests in impactful companies and funds while serving on boards that advance sustainability, women’s leadership, and animal welfare. A keynote speaker at the UN, Harvard, and the World Economic Forum, her work has been featured by Oprah, NBC, Bloomberg, The New York Times, and Forbes. Through her ventures and ten books, Wendy continues to champion innovation, entrepreneurship, and the underdog worldwide.
Websites: https://www.joinwedo.org/
Wendy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendydiamond/
