Episode 4

Clarence Bethea: From the Streets to Venture Capital

Published on: 16th June, 2026

In this episode of Leading Forward, hosts Nick Edwards and Jeremy Prather interview entrepreneur and investor Clarence Bethea. Clarence shares his powerful, redemptive life journey—from growing up on the streets of Decatur, Georgia, selling drugs and facing a 15-year prison sentence, to receiving a second chance from a compassionate judge. Guided by humility and an openness to learn, he transitioned into the corporate world under the mentorship of the CEO of Best Buy, eventually founding the successful technology startup Upsie and becoming a venture capitalist. Clarence breaks down key differences between the founder and investor sides of the table, details the true power of vulnerability, and explains his newest initiative, What VCs Won't Say.

Clarencebethea.com

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About the Podcast

Leading Forward
Leadership through the Lens of Faith
Nick Edwards & Jeremy Prather discuss life, leadership, and business through the lens of faith.

About your host

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Nick Edwards

Nick Edwards isn’t just an executive coach. He’s a mission-driven builder of people, purpose, and legacy. With two decades of leadership experience across business and ministry, he’s helped leaders untangle complexity, implement scalable systems, and return to the core of who they are.
Through My Leadership Coach, 410 Consulting Group, and his nonprofit IMPACT320, Nick is equipping this generation of leaders to lead with clarity, conviction, and courage.
Because the world doesn’t just need more companies.
It needs more aligned leaders building what matters.