113. A No Has Never Killed Me with Roshun Austin

Most people think nonprofits survive on grants and goodwill.

Roshun Austin thinks that’s the wrong mindset.

As president and CEO of The Works, Inc., she’s spent the last 14 years building one of Memphis’ most impactful community development organizations by treating it like a business. Today, The Works has grown from fewer than five employees and a $2 million budget to more than 30 employees, a $10 million operating budget and major development projects transforming neighborhoods across Memphis.

Her philosophy is simple:

“We’re a corporation, and corporations don’t go in to lose money.”

In this episode of Driven By, Roshun shares how growing up in poverty, hearing “no” throughout her life and learning to think like an entrepreneur shaped her approach to leadership.

She talks about raising $62 million in donor equity for the $82 million Northside Square redevelopment, why she believes every fundraiser is ultimately a salesperson and how she built a career by refusing to let rejection dictate her future.

One of the most memorable moments comes when she explains her relationship with the word “no.”

“A no has never killed me. So, I’m gonna keep going back.”

The conversation also explores Memphis, faith, leadership and why fear is holding too many people back from doing meaningful work.

If you’ve ever been told something couldn’t be done, this episode is a masterclass in persistence, vision and believing in your mission long enough for others to believe in it too.