Family, can we talk about rejection? That moment when you’ve put in the work, made the pitch, and poured your heart into something—only to hear that it’s not moving forward. It stings. It frustrates. It disappoints. And yet, it’s inevitable. No matter what you're doing or building, getting a "no" is inevitable.
I recently experienced this firsthand in my Northwestern venture equity class. After weeks of lectures, networking with fellow founders, and trying to prepare my student analysts to secure funding, I was met with silence. No email. No call. No explanation. Sitting in that room, listening to pitch after pitch, I slowly realized that The Qube hadn’t made the cut.
The frustration was real. The lack of communication made it worse. And the weight of what this funding could have meant for The Qube, it hit hard. But here’s the thing: I’ve learned how to handle these moments. Not perfectly, not without emotion, but with an unapologetic commitment.
Here’s how I navigate the "no’s":
1. I Acknowledge My Feelings 💡
Rejection is not just about losing an opportunity; it’s about processing ALL the emotions. I give myself 24 hours to sit in my disappointment. I let myself feel it. I vent. I process. And then, I move forward.
2. I Keep Perspective 🔄
One "no" doesn’t define the worth of my vision. For every rejection, someone else gets a "yes." For every yes I receive, someone gets a “no.” That’s the nature of the game. I don’t take it personally anymore but, when provided, I take the feedback. I sit with the feedback to try and gain perspective. There’s always something to learn. So talk to yourself and say, "Ego get thee behind" okay! Be open to possibility there might be a better way.
3. Pivot with Purpose 🔄
No funding? Okay, what’s next? We move forward. I’ve got a new development team, a new vision for the app’s discovery model, and a strategy that will make this platform stronger. Crowdfunding? Possible. Alternative investments? Absolutely. The work doesn’t stop because of one closed door. Because when one door closes another one opens.
4. Stay Grounded in the "Why" 🎯
I built The Qube to amplify voices that are too often overlooked. I refuse to let systemic barriers silence that mission. The roadblocks are real, but so is my commitment.
5. Find the Next Opportunity 🚀
Rejection can be redirection. While this "no" stung, I know another "yes" is on the horizon. Whether it’s through partnerships, community support, or other funding streams, I’m actively searching for the next door to open. I can't wait for it to come to me. I have to go get it!
Family, if you’re out here chasing dreams, building something from the ground up, you will face rejection. But how you handle it? That’s what will shape your journey. I’m still here. I’m still fighting. And I’m still believing in the vision.
Let’s keep going.
What’s Next?
If you’re in Chicago, come through to our next Podcast Salon on March 21st! We’re partnering with WBEZ for a night of community, storytelling, and celebration.
Also, don’t forget—The Qube’s first vinyl, The Podcast Salon, Volume 1, is now available for pre-sale.
✨ Get your physical archive of Black & Brown audio storytelling
Why vinyl? Because our stories deserve to live beyond digital platforms. And this is just the beginning.
Each featured podcast will have a 2-3 minute clip on the record, and every creator gets $5 per sale. We need 100 preorders to press the first batch, and we’ve already got 11. So if you’re feeling this, let’s make some podcast history together.
Until next time, family. Stay grounded, stay committed, and keep pushing forward.
Peace ✌🏾
-Anna
Share this post