Leveling Up, Not Selling Out

When Black beauty founders sell their companies to major corporations, they’re often accused of “selling out.” Meanwhile, white founders making the same moves are praised as savvy entrepreneurs. In this candid conversation, P&G’s Eric Austin and Mielle Organics founder Monique Rodriguez unpack the double standards Black founders face, the cultural weight of ownership, and what it really means to scale without losing authenticity. Together, they’ll explore how leveling up through strategic partnerships can empower brands, expand access, and strengthen legacies—challenging the narrative that growth comes at the expense of community.