Finding Clarity in the Chaos | The WIP by OrangeWIP

October is Women’s Small Business Month—a reminder that women aren’t just building businesses, they’re shaping stronger communities and a smarter future.

Nearly 40% of U.S. businesses are women-owned, generating trillions in revenue and employing millions. When women founders succeed, opportunity multiplies. They hire, mentor, and reinvest in ways that strengthen the entire entrepreneurial ecosystem.

This month, we’re shining a light on the power of women in business and the ripple effect of their success.

10/28 - October Greater CWC Business Breakfast Meeting

10/29 - The Essential Sales Playbook - Part 2

10/30 - STARTING POINT - A New Investor Welcome

What happens when a McKinsey strategist trades spreadsheets for small business chaos? Sri Kaza walked away from corporate comfort to build something real and help others do the same. He learned that success isn’t about scale but about purpose, proximity, and positioning.

In this episode of Hello Chaos, Sri gets real about leading through uncertainty, helping small business owners survive COVID, and learning to let go of the plan without losing the vision.

Hear how he turned chaos into clarity and why small wins can lead to the biggest impact.

Is your voice missing? Speak Up.

Do you have an entrepreneur story to tell? A point to make? An idea to share? We want to hear from you! Sign up to be a Hello Chaos guest today.

Quintin Middleton’s path to becoming the most talented culinary bladesmith in the South was neither straight nor easy, but today his kitchen knives are used by some of the nation’s top chefs. In his 13th year as an entrepreneur, Middleton has had a wide range of experiences that helped forge his deep wisdom as a maker and seller.

Have you had supply chain issues due to COVID? 

A little, but I kind of saw it coming, so I stocked up while the market was normal. That was a good thing during COVID because everybody was cooking and shopping! 

How do you make decisions about design and quality?

My design decisions always start with what looks good to me. As for quality, there are things you should never do to a knife, but I know people will do it anyway, so I torture-test my knives then re-engineer them. I always say the best tools you have in your toolbox are mistakes.

What are the most significant production challenges? 

Demand. I got some great advice a few years ago that blew my mind: I met the president of Pappy Van Winkle and asked him how he got so successful. He said, “Keep the demand high and supply low,” and walked off. I had to figure out how to do that and grow at the same time.

Ready to turn your “someday” idea into a real company?

The Founder Institute is a global pre-seed accelerator program for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to take the leap and turn their ideas into successful startups. Founded in 2009, the program offers a structured curriculum and a network of mentors, advisors, and investors to help founders navigate the early stages of company building. With chapters in over 185 cities and a portfolio of over 4,500 companies, the Founder Institute has a proven track record of helping early-stage entrepreneurs.