Mark Elbadramany is a distinguished entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist based in Miami, Florida. As a partner at Legacy Ventures, Mark is responsible for sourcing, evaluating, executing and managing investments.
Its goal is to support growth initiatives together with other entrepreneurs and operators. He currently serves on the boards of Hardcore Parts and PRO-Techs and advises the boards of Tin Roof Software and American Flamecoat. Mark’s passion lies at the intersection of business and community service, where he dedicates his time to empowering underserved populations through various nonprofit organizations.
Partner at Legacy Ventures
What motivates you to keep moving forward in both business and philanthropy?
For me, the drive to keep moving forward comes from a deeply held belief that business and philanthropy are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they complement each other. In business, I am motivated by the challenge of creating something lasting: building companies, driving growth, and helping other entrepreneurs succeed. But there is also a strong push for meaningful impact that goes beyond just profits. The idea of being able to use the skills and resources I’ve gained in business to help others improve is incredibly motivating. Whether it’s mentorship, direct investment in social causes, or community engagement, knowing that my work can contribute to positive change is what keeps me going.
How do you handle the inevitable obstacles that come with being an entrepreneur and investor?
Failures are a fact of life in every entrepreneurial journey. I’ve learned that the key to managing them is resilience and perspective. It’s important to recognize that every setback is a learning opportunity. When things don’t go as planned, I take a step back, evaluate what went wrong, and figure out how to improve in the future. It’s also crucial to stay grounded and not let failures define you. Instead, they should perfect you. Over time, I developed the habit of viewing challenges as puzzles to be solved rather than obstacles. This mindset not only helps me overcome obstacles, but also fuels my growth as a leader.
What role does mentorship play in your life and how do you approach it?
Mentoring has been a cornerstone of my journey, both as a mentee and as a mentor. Early in my career, I was fortunate to have mentors who guided me through complex decisions and provided valuable insights that shaped my path. Now, I consider it my responsibility to pay up front. My approach to mentoring is rooted in empathy and active listening. I believe that to be an effective mentor, you need to understand where your mentee is coming from: their challenges, aspirations, and even fears. From there, it’s about providing guidance that’s not just based on what worked for me, but what’s right for them in their unique context. I am always open to learning from those I mentor as well; It’s a two-way street.
How do you maintain ethical leadership in industries where competition is fierce and the stakes are high?
For me, ethical leadership is non-negotiable, regardless of the industry or what is at stake. In highly competitive environments, the temptation to cut corners or compromise values can be strong. But I believe true success is only sustainable when it is built on a foundation of integrity. I approach ethical leadership by setting clear values and expectations from the start, both for myself and my teams. It’s about creating a culture where doing the right thing is ingrained in every decision. I also strive to be transparent and accountable, especially in difficult situations. Leading by example is key; if your team sees that you are committed to ethics even when it’s difficult, they’re more likely to follow suit.
What advice would you give to someone who is trying to balance a demanding career with a commitment to social impact?
Finding a balance between a demanding career and a commitment to social impact can be challenging, but it’s entirely possible with the right mindset. My advice would be to integrate your values into your career rather than seeing them as separate entities. Find ways to align your professional goals with your desire to make a difference. For example, look for opportunities in your industry where you can advocate for change or support initiatives that align with your values. It’s also important to set boundaries and prioritize your time. Not every opportunity is the right one, and being selective allows you to focus your energy on the areas where you can have the greatest impact.
How do you stay innovative in your approach to both business and philanthropy?
Innovation in business and philanthropy requires a willingness to step outside your comfort zone and embrace new ideas. For me, staying innovative means constantly seeking different perspectives and being open to change. It’s important to me to stay informed about emerging trends, not only in my industry but also in areas such as technology, social impact and the global economy. Collaboration is another key element; working with different teams and partners often sparks new ideas and solutions that I wouldn’t have come up with on my own. Finally, I believe in the power of experimentation: trying new approaches, learning from what works and what doesn’t, and continually iterating to improve results.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
The most rewarding aspect of my job is seeing the tangible results of the efforts I’m involved in, whether it’s a business thriving, an entrepreneur reaching new heights, or a community program making a real difference in the lives of people. people. There is a deep sense of fulfillment that comes from knowing that the work I do contributes to something bigger than myself. It’s not just about the immediate successes, but about the long-term impact and legacy I’m helping to build. Seeing others succeed and knowing you played a part in that journey is incredibly rewarding.
How do you see the future of philanthropy and business evolving together?
I believe the future of philanthropy and business is one of increasing integration. We are moving towards a model where social impact and business success are not seen as separate but complementary goals. Companies are recognizing that being socially responsible is not only good for society, but also for business: it attracts customers, engages employees and builds stronger brands. I see a future where more and more companies adopt this mindset, creating a positive cycle where success in one area drives success in the other. As we continue to innovate and collaborate, I am optimistic that we will see even more powerful synergies between business and philanthropy.