Cary Wheelous

Cary Wheelous is the Founder and CEO of Hayti, a prominent news and podcast app based in Durham, North Carolina. Hayti is recognized as the largest Black-owned platform of its kind, dedicated to highlighting Black culture and amplifying the voices of Black content creators globally.12

Background and Vision

Cary Wheelous has a background in product, marketing, and technology, which he leverages to drive Hayti's mission of addressing the underrepresentation of Black narratives in mainstream media. His entrepreneurial journey was influenced by feelings of unappreciation in corporate environments, prompting him to create a platform that fosters inclusivity and empowers Black creators.23

Achievements

Under Wheelous's leadership, Hayti has achieved several milestones:

• It is the first app to feature over 2,000 Black podcasters and more than 100 Black publishers.
• The app includes a unique feature called “Today in Black History,” available 365 days a year.
• Hayti has innovatively integrated programmatic advertising to generate revenue while supporting Black-owned businesses.12

Personal Philosophy

Cary emphasizes the importance of inclusive representation, economic opportunities for the Black community, and digital innovation as central themes of his legacy. He aims to create a world where Black voices are authentically represented and celebrated, thus challenging stereotypes and promoting diversity.2

His commitment to these values is reflected in his approach to leadership, where he prioritizes building a diverse team that feels valued and empowered.2

For more about Cary Wheelous and his professional journey, you can find him on LinkedIn under the username carywheelous.3