Imagine going from being homeless to ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange. Sounds like a fairy tale, right? Well, for Grace Vandercruze, this journey was all too real. Grace’s life story and professional triumphs are not just inspiring—they offer powerful lessons for anyone in business or planning their financial future. The host of The Deep Wealth Podcast and post-exit entrepreneur Jeffrey Feldberg spoke with Grace who hared her experiences and wisdom on investment banking, mergers and acquisitions, and personal growth.
Grace Vandercruze is the founder and managing director of Grace Global Capital. But her roots trace back to Guyana, South America, where she was the second oldest of seven children. Her family moved to the United States for better opportunities, only to face serious struggles, including homelessness. Grace reflected, “I have a son who just finished college… Acorn has several promotions… I’m like, this is absolutely amazing.”
Grace went on to become a CPA, attended Wharton School for her MBA, and jumped into the bustling world of Wall Street. “I began my career as a CPA. I went to Pace University, and from there I went to Wharton Business School after completing my MBA,” she shared.
Grace begins by sharing a vital lesson: understanding your financial history is key to unlocking your potential. “We all have a money history,” she explains. Many of us might find that our first memories about money are filled with themes of scarcity and lack. Grace believes these early experiences could even be a form of “financial PTSD,” impacting how we handle money today. She encourages us to write a new money story, shifting from scarcity to abundance.
The Power of Belief
Grace’s journey is a testament to the power of belief. Growing up, her grandmother instilled in her the mantra, “believe beyond your limits.” Grace explained how this belief carried her through tough times, including living in a homeless shelter while attending college. She says, “Find buried in valuations are treasures that they might be overlooking.”
This mindset helped her climb 25 mountain peaks across three continents and navigate the complex world of mergers and acquisitions. Today, Grace is an advocate for financial literacy and the author of the bestseller “Homeless to Millionaire: Six Keys to Uplift Your Financial Abundance.”
Grace’s personal journey is nothing short of inspiring. At 17, she found herself in a homeless shelter, yet she didn’t let adversity stop her. “Education was my bridge out,” she remembers. She continued going to college, using her education as a stepping stone to transform her circumstances. Her journey from that shelter to becoming a respected figure in investment banking is a testament to resilience and determination.
The words of Grace’s grandmother were profound: “Believe beyond your limits.” This belief has been Grace’s guiding principle, whether climbing mountain peaks or starting her own company. She shares, “Never plan your goals based on your current circumstances.” By embracing this mindset, we can overcome limitations and unlock our vast potential.
Crafting Powerful Narratives
In the podcast, Jeffrey and Grace discussed the importance of crafting a strong narrative when preparing a business for sale. Grace detailed a memorable transaction with Warren Buffett. “As I started looking and reading the history of the company, I could not be more excited,” Grace said. Her ability to convey the historical and financial value of a company led to a successful sale that pleased both her client and one of the world’s most discerning investors.
Understanding your value is crucial, especially when preparing a company for sale. Grace shares a story about selling a life insurance company during the pandemic. The CEO initially thought of giving the company away. However, Grace identified overlooked treasures in the company’s valuation, focusing on its valuable long-dated bonds. She emphasizes the importance of a powerful narrative when selling a business, highlighting the company’s strengths and potential.
Keys to Financial Abundance
Grace’s book outlines several keys to financial abundance, including understanding your financial history and mindset. She believes that many people suffer from what she terms “financial PTSD,” due to past money traumas. Grace urges readers to change their money story and view challenges as opportunities. “It’s time to write a new money story. It is time to shift our mindsets from a scarcity to abundance,” she advises.
Living debt-free is one of the pillars of financial success Grace emphasizes. She recommends tools like the Acorn app to help people save by rounding up purchases and investing the change. Grace used this strategy to help her son save over $30,000 while in college.
Succeeding in M&A
Mergers and acquisitions can be risky, but Grace shared insights on how to succeed. Preparation is key, including having a data room ready and ensuring a cultural fit between merging companies. She advises, “Preparation for sale is important… having key leaders in your company who understand the industry.”
Grace also warned against relying on a single buyer and explained the importance of exploring multiple options to secure the best deal for a company. She recounted a deal gone awry because of overconfidence in a “friend” buyer.
Grace reveals fascinating insights into the world of M&A. Despite the staggering statistic that 90% of mergers fail, Grace demonstrates how being part of the successful 10% involves strategic preparation and cultural compatibility. She shares a lesson from a failed deal where cultural differences hindered progress. Always remember, “Don’t stay focused on just one buyer. Explore the marketplace.”
Embracing AI and Future Opportunities
The world of business is rapidly evolving, especially with innovations like artificial intelligence. Grace is excited about AI’s potential. “I think every business should be incorporating AI. And if you’re not, you’re going to be bankrupt,” she said. Grace believes AI will drastically change business operations in the next five to ten years.
Grace is excited about the future, especially with AI transforming industries. She warns, “Every business should be incorporating AI. If not, you’re going bankrupt.” In an evolving world, staying ahead with innovation is no longer optional but essential.
Reflection and Moving Forward
Grace’s life story isn’t just about overcoming adversity—it’s about using those experiences to fuel future successes. Her advice to anyone on a similar journey? Remember how far you’ve come and keep moving forward. Grace tells her younger self, “Look how far we’ve come… You’ve gone a long way.”
Her insights on financial abundance, crafting powerful business narratives, and adapting to change are lessons anyone can apply, whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or just someone looking to improve their financial health. Grace’s journey from homeless to millionaire shows that with the right mindset and strategies, anything is possible. As she puts it, “Look at the riches in the niches.”
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