When I decided to transition my business from 10 years of Entertainment and Advocacy podcasting to start Left of Str8 Media and Consulting, I wasn’t just launching another business—I was crafting a mission. As an LGBTQ entrepreneur, I knew I wanted to create a company that reflected my values, my experiences, and my community. More than that, I wanted to build a workplace where authenticity wasn’t just welcomed; it was celebrated.
Starting a business is like setting the stage for a performance—the culture and tone you establish from day one determine how your team, your clients, and your audience will experience your brand. This journey is not without its challenges, but the lessons I’ve learned from working with LGBTQ Celebrities and Personalities have been invaluable.
Embracing Authenticity in Business
From the outset, I knew that authenticity had to be the cornerstone of Left of Str8 Media and Consulting. As LGBTQ professionals, many of us have spent time in workplaces where we felt we had to shrink ourselves or leave parts of our identity at the door. I wanted to ensure that my company was the opposite—a place where people could show up fully as themselves.
That means being open about my own journey as a business owner. Whether in team meetings, networking events, or marketing materials, I want to make sure that our brand messaging is infused with honesty and visibility. In doing so, I can attract clients and collaborators who value inclusivity and align with our vision.
Pitfall to Avoid: Overcompensating for Market Acceptance
One thing I initially feared in planning this transistion, was trying too hard to appeal to everyone, rather than staying true to the niche I wanted to serve. In the early days, In podcasting, I hesitated to be too "out" in my branding, worrying that it might limit opportunities and I welcomed lgbtq and straight ally guests, but the reality is, trying to be everything to everyone dilutes your message and confuses your audience. Once I fully embraced our LGBTQ-centered approach, I found who our ideal clients and partners will be and our shared our values.
Building an Inclusive and Empowering Company Culture
A company’s culture is its heartbeat. At Left of Str8, I want to foster an environment where employees and collaborators feel valued, heard, and empowered. That means implementing inclusive policies from the ground up—gender-inclusive hiring practices, mental health support, and a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination of any kind. I will strive to include those values as well, for our clients that we are consulting for. That is one of the services I am most proud to offer, how to create a company culture that fits yours and your employee's values and will create a positive and inviting work atmosphere for everyone.
Pitfall to Avoid: Assuming Diversity Alone Equals Inclusion
Many companies focus on hiring diverse talent but fail to create an environment where that diversity thrives. True inclusion means giving employees a voice at the table, ensuring they feel safe to contribute, and actively addressing systemic biases. I make it a priority to have open conversations with my team about their needs and experiences, and I integrated those insights into our company policies.
Defining the Tone: The Power of Representation and Storytelling
Representation is powerful. The media and consulting world is filled with voices, but not all of them uplift diverse narratives. One of the reasons I started Left of Str8 Media and Consulting, was to amplify LGBTQ voices in media, business, and entrepreneurship.
In our content and consulting work, we emphasize storytelling—sharing the journeys, struggles, and triumphs of LGBTQ professionals. By doing so, we not only validate our own experiences but also inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Pitfall to Avoid: Playing It Safe with Branding
It’s easy to default to "safe" branding when launching a business—especially in industries where LGBTQ representation is still emerging. But I find that leaning into our unique voice is a strength, not a weakness. Our bold, unapologetic storytelling approach make us stand out, and will earn us recognition from communities that felt underrepresented in business media.
Creating Partnerships with Aligned Values
Business partnerships can make or break a company’s trajectory. I will make it a priority to collaborate with brands and professionals who share our vision of inclusivity and empowerment. Working with aligned partners not only strengthens credibility but also ensures that you’re building relationships rooted in mutual respect.
Pitfall to Avoid: Partnering for Clout Rather than Alignment
I don't want to be tempted to partner with larger, well-known brands that may not necessarily align with our values—thinking it could boost visibility. But I have learned from my years in business that credibility comes from authenticity, not association. Prioritizing partners who genuinely support our mission will lead to more meaningful, lasting business relationships.
Advocating for LGBTQ Entrepreneurship Beyond the Business
Starting Left of Str8 Media and Consulting is not just about creating a profitable company; it is about making an impact. As LGBTQ entrepreneurs, we have the unique opportunity to advocate for greater representation in business leadership. That means mentoring aspiring LGBTQ professionals, speaking at industry events, and pushing for policies that support diverse business owners.
Pitfall to Avoid: Keeping Advocacy Separate from Business
There was a time when businesses were advised to "stay out of politics." But for LGBTQ entrepreneurs, our existence is inherently political. I have learned that weaving advocacy into my business model isn’t a liability—it is an asset. Podcast listeners, clients and customers appreciate businesses that take a stand, and employees feel more engaged when they’re part of something bigger than just profit. I posted recently about my first social media post that really went viral. In less than 2 days, it got over 80k views and 1800 likes, and it was a political commentary. A lot of the Comments and likes were from straight allies. It is worth taking a stand and being a little brave in the topics we discuss.
Final Thoughts: Building a Business That Reflects Who You Are
Launching Left of Str8 Media and Consulting has been a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and purpose. If there’s one thing I’d tell other LGBTQ entrepreneurs, it’s this: build a business that reflects who you truly are. Your uniqueness is your strength, and there is an audience, a community, and a market that needs exactly what you have to offer.
Success isn’t just about revenue; it’s about impact. By creating a culture rooted in authenticity, a tone that uplifts diverse voices, and a business model that champions inclusivity, we’re not just building companies—we’re shaping the future of entrepreneurship for the next generation. And that’s a legacy worth fighting for.
If you are interested in working with a company that will help elevate your brand, while being authentic to our community and reaching for new markets. I hope you will give us a chance to work with you, or at least listen to the stories we will bring to put you on the road to success. You can message me through the website here or email me directly to: Scott@leftofstr8.com
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