Business Mic

Ashley is the CEO of True North Retirement Advisors, an independent financial advisory firm managing $230 million in client assets, and located just outside of Portland, Oregon. Ashley specializes in designing, building, and implementing custom-designed exit plans to help her business owner clients secure their final and most important business decision – the exit from their business. 

Valerie is an expert in community and organizational development with a mission to strengthen the capacity of organizations to make a positive impact on the communities they serve. Valerie recently launched Nonprofit Utopia, LLC. which is a community of emerging nonprofit leaders that provides a safe environment in which members can innovate, speak candidly about the issues and concerns they face daily, and share ideas and resources. 

Sujit is the Founder of Inspiration Unlimited (Global Inspirational Media). He is the author of Life Simplified! which is a simple coffee-table read solving complex problems of life for youngsters (14-28 years of age). He was awarded the Connecting The World Award at 1LifeFullyLived Conference organized in November 2015 in Sacramento, California. He was a Speaker at One Young World Conference 2012 in Pittsburgh and has been a returning Ambassador for One Young World since 8 years.

Kim is the President and Founder of Frame of Mind Coaching™ which works with executives, entrepreneurs, leaders, business owners and other highly driven people to help them reach new levels of accomplishment and to live outstandingly successful lives. Whether for business success or personal transformation, the foundation of Frame of Mind Coaching™ is that a person’s thinking has a greater impact on their outcomes than any other contributing factor.

Sarah is the founder of Leonista, the first 100% Karoo agave spirit in South Africa made the traditional way. The production process follows an age-old recipe used in Mexico to make agave spirits like Mezcal. It requires smoke and fire, hence Leonista’s delicious smokey flavour, similar to that of a Mezcal. In this episode, Sarah shares her inspiration for starting the business as well as the lessons she's learned along the way.

In January 2018 Charlie launched a training and education business that helps business owners and consultants win more business and grow the value of their brand using LinkedIn and strategic networking. In this episode Charlie reveals some of the ways in which LinkedIn as a platform can grow your business and generate leads in the least expected ways.

Zamaswazi is the Executive Creative Director of IndiLang.  IndiLang serves to bridge the gap and create a platform through which indigenous information across the African continent is shared. They see the value of African elders as a rich source of indigenous knowledge. Indilang collects, presents, stores and publishes this knowledge through their platform. In this episode, Zamaswazi and her mother share their journey and future plans for IndiLang.

Stephan is the President and Creative Director of ICVM Group; an organisation that provides consulting, creative design, web development and hosting services to a diverse array of prominent national and international firms and organizations. In this episode Stephan talks about the importance of having a brand strategy and the steps you need to take in order to implement it.

Zoe is the founder of Zoe Zulu Productions. Her company offers authentic African cultural activities and complimentary spin-off themes such as Zulu Dialect coaching, regalia and dress demonstrations, cultural music and dancing workshops, ethnic African arts & crafts presentations, all of which augment our existing range of tutorials and lectures. In this episode, Zoe shares the path she took when starting her business along with the lessons she learned along the way.

Stacy is the CEO and founder of Hollywood Branded, a Los Angeles influencer marketing, branded content and product placement agency established in 2007, and host of the podcast Marketing Mistakes (& How To Avoid Them).  Stacy has over twenty-three years of leadership experience building global entertainment branding campaigns for top Fortune 500 companies and hundreds of brands, including BlackBerry, Bumble, Canadian Club, Lacoste and Pilot Pen.

Thembi Bheka is the founder of "She Breaks Thru", and believes in helping entrepreneurs reignite their passion, gain more clarity and reconnect with their bigger purpose. Thembi is heavily involved in empowering women in Africa, as a result, she trains young women on opportunities of creating income online working as virtual assistants.

Amy is the CEO of the renewable energy startup muGrid Analytics. Her company solves problems at the edge of energy technology and economics using math and modeling, and is dedicated to creating a sustainable energy future for the planet, one project at a time. As a young, female executive in the tech world, she puts her theories about disruptive innovation and bringing your whole self to work into practice every single day. In this episode Amy shares her experience as a renewable energy expert and its impact on the energy industry in general.

Cindy has worked as a photographer for 6 years. In that time she has garnered an understanding on the sort of influence photographers have on society. In this episode Cindy shares the common misconceptions about photographers and the industry in general, plus what it takes to make it as a top professional. 

Tommy is a Featured Keynote Speaker, Published Author and Business & Mindset Coach. He guides his clients and audiences to discover a life of significance, while building a lasting legacy. The tools he shares show them how to work in their zone of brilliance, obtain financial freedom, and live with meaning and balance. 

Andrena is the founder of PERK Consulting, an advisory firm that is equipped to bridge the gap from concepts and ideas to solutions that enable their clients' goals become reality. Their services include nonprofit and small business registration, grant writing, marketing and fundraising support, strategic planning, and capacity building workshops for small businesses and nonprofits. In this episode, Andrena discusses in detail the basic challenges small businesses have and how she helps them. 

Steve is the founder of Nerd Rage News, a vertically Integrated company that focuses on creating and distributing first class content and intellectual property across multiple platforms. Nerd Rage News is comprised of an extremely devoted group of nerds with and intense love of the written word and visual media. Their mission is to entertain and inspire all generations of Nerd Culture. In this episode, Steve discusses the rise of nerd culture in the mainstream media.

Sharika is the founder of My Cotton Tree, a fashion brand that creates comfortable, stylish clothing for children that allows them to move freely and fearlessly to explore a world of delightful possibilities. In this episode, Sharika shares tips on how she built her brand using strategic partnerships from highly skilled Africans from across the continent. 

Polish Management was formed by Nthabiseng in 2014 after identifying a gap in enterprises that independently run their own HR and Payroll functions with little understanding of regularities around the employment practices within the industries they operate in, leaving them vulnerable to high penalties and interests accumulated due to lack of knowledge. In this episode, Nthabiseng shares her journey in founding the business and lessons learned along the way. 

Paul is the founder of Wellings Capital; an income and growth-focused commercial real estate investment firm centered on providing stable, yield-producing investments to our clients. Paul also co-hosts a wealth-building podcast called How to Lose Money. In this episode, Paul shares his entrepreneurial journey including how he got into debt and gave money away in order to become free from it. 

Ntsoaki is the founder of Tsoabelo, a 100% black woman and youth owned security company that specialises in security guarding services, the installation of access control biometric systems and CCTV surveillance systems. In this episode, Ntsoaki talks about her journey from being a receptionist to starting her own security company that has found its own place in the market. 

Donna is an Amazon #1 best-selling author who helps entrepreneurs, consultants, speakers, coaches and professionals stop the client chase by leveraging their knowledge to gain authority status in their industry. Using her proven Become Business Famous signature seven-step system, she works together with her clients to build powerful personal brands and grow their businesses through speaking, publishing and publicity. In this episode, Donna discusses; The benefits of publishing a book as a local business owner and how it can position you as an authority in your industry. What type of content to publish in order to convert readers into clients. Case studies of successful local business owners who've had incredible success from publishing a book.  How she got started with her consultancy. Where to download her new book MAKE THEM CHOOSE YOU.

Colin is a podcaster, a speaker and a PhD in digital education. He and his team at ThePodcastHost.com create podcasts on everything from mountain biking to space exploration. They teach how it’s done in the Podcast Host Academy and provide the tools to do it with Alitu, the Podcast Maker. In this episode, Colin shares tips on how to get started with podcasting and how to leverage the medium for business marketing.

Jesse is a former professional soccer goalkeeper (played in Zimbabwe, Africa and Aberdeen, Scotland), radio host, podcaster, author, and speaker. In this episode, Jesse discusses his soccer journey and how that experience taught him about discipline and leadership. He also highlights the benefit of sports in shaping future leaders.

Damon is the founder of SEO National a successful search engine optimization agency. In the past decade+ in running his internet marketing agency, he has spoken at conferences, been featured on BuzzFeed, USA Weekly, and has optimized websites for INC5000 companies, NBA teams, and businesses featured on Shark Tank. In this episode, Damon discusses the most effective ways to leverage Search Engine Optimization.

Lisa is the founder of Affordable Real Estate Investments which turns Black professionals into rental property owners, and helps them achieve financial freedom by creating: - A passive income rental portfolio - Real generational wealth - The freedom to connect to their higher calling - Empowered investors that make the world a better place In this episode, Lisa shares some amazing tips on how to successfully run a rental property business.

Thor is an Entrepreneur, Profitability Consultant and host of his daily podcast, Peak Performers Podcast. The first company Thor created was a global risk management consulting firm that served the private equity community. His top 15 clients had a combined revenue of $12.7 billion USD and operated in over 100 countries worldwide. His background, in risk management, served him well when he lost 1/3 of his team, in the World Trade Center attacks, on 9/11. Since that time, he has started, bought and sold several multi-million dollar businesses making him a sought after, cross-industrial resource for entrepreneurs and executives in all stages of business. In this episode, Thor shares some helpful tips on how to become an efficient entrepreneur.

DeShuna is the founder of Kweli TV, an interactive streaming platform that celebrates the African Diaspora experience, community and culture through dope, undiscovered documentaries, films, web shows, children’s programming, news and more. In this episode DeShuna talks about how Kweli TV came to be, it's importance and significance to the African community, and the process they go through to make sure their subscribers get the best quality content. 

Julia is the Founder of Financial Freedom Wealth Management Group, LLC.  She has been practicing financial planning for more than 20 years and specializes in helping people who are either retired or close to retirement. Julia is recognized as being especially knowledgeable on topics relating to tax strategies for retirement and distribution planning. In this episode, Julia discusses the 7 steps in her book "Fit Money" giving real-life examples in an approachable style to explain how these steps help take the fear out of finances, empower listeners to act, and inspire them to pursue financial freedom.

Lisle is the co-founder of Element Applications. A South African based all-woman team. Their first app is called LILA. It was designed with an ultimate goal of seeing small business owners gain access to technology usually reserved for large corporations with massive budgets and to enable them to use that technology to grow and expand their lives to their full capacity. In this episode, Lisle shares the ups and downs of building a business by bootstrapping and all the lessons she's learned along the way.

Drew is the founder and president of Southern Web, an award-winning digital agency specializing in web development and digital marketing solutions. He is also the author of “The Buyer’s Guide to Websites,” which was written to empower business owners who are in the process of working with a digital agency to build a website. In this episode Drew discusses the fundamental decisions every business owner needs to make before, during and after their website design. He also breaks down how search engine optimization works and the types of content you need to have on your website in order to stand out.

Don started his career in technology hardware, working at Arche Technologies which offered IBM PC compatible hardware. He transitioned from hardware to software and worked at Seagate, Borland, and Oracle. He is now the Head of Revenue at Mixmax, a company that offers a dynamic tool to provide powerful analytics, automation, and enhancements for your outbound communications to make you a sales pro. In this episode Don shares the different ways business owners can boost their sales, tips to avoid having your sent emails end up in the recipient's spam folder, what to consider when speaking to a potential customer plus the benefits of sales automation software.

Thembe is one of Zimbabwe’s leading voices when it comes to brand-building, business growth and personal development. She is the founder and Managing Director of Brandbuilder, a brand strategy firm helping entrepreneurial leaders and SMEs achieve visibility and growth through comprehensive brand strategy, creative execution and social media content strategies. In this episode we discuss all things branding including, why your brand matters more than you think, maintaining a uniform voice on all communication platforms and the impact of social media on corporate branding.

Sharifah is the CEO of X ROADS TV. She is a business consultant, radio host, and influencer. With over twenty five years of business experience, Sharifah has positioned herself to be one of the top executives in entertainment and has been able to harness the power of the Internet to build successful businesses, while simultaneously reducing  costs since the 90s. Her innovative style brings fresh ideas to the ever-changing landscape of business, technology, entertainment, media, marketing and advertising. In this episode Sharifah discusses the top things to look out for on your website plus the thought process that drives her to success.

Max is the founder of theblindblogger.net and The Midway Marketplace, a website that helps people sell new and used amusement, concession, and confection equipment all over the world. He has written three books and is also a speaker. In this episode Max talks about how he overcame his fear and achieved his dreams of becoming a writer, blogger, podcaster, speaker among other things.

Gerald is a veteran, consultant, and coach who has spent his life leading teams and empowering people.​ He specializes in helping business owners free themselves from self-employment and become the CEOs of DOPE businesses. He is also the host of the Buy Black Podcast which provides free marketing for black businesses, education for budding entrepreneurs, and a reliable place for consumers to find and spend money in Black-Owned Businesses. In this episode Gerald explains the (DOPE) four-piece framework your business needs to stand and grow on its own foundation.

Scott is a real estate investor and asset protection attorney in Austin, TX. He founded Royal Legal Solutions to offer tax, business, and legal strategies to real estate investors. He has spent the past 8 years of his career diving through case law, reading the ever-changing tax code, and analyzing real estate investment so that you don’t have to. In this episode we discuss the difference between copywrite, trademark and patents, plus why all of your operations should be through a completely separate shell operating company that doesn’t own anything, but manages all of your affairs.

Dane is the CEO & co-founder of Inplaze; a sales collaboration platform for all direct sellers and buyers created with direct selling lifestyle in mind. Its revolutionary matchmaking software super=boosts the sales of products, services, and opportunities for all independent distributors and their companies. In this episode Dane shares his inspiration for starting the company and also how Artificial Intelligence may change the landscape of so many business industries.

Eric is the founder of Dillinger Brewing Company; a microbrewery located in Tucson, Arizona founded by University of Arizona alumni. Dillinger Brewing Company strives to make clean, consistent brews and serve them in a comfortable speakeasy-esque taproom. In this episode Eric discusses his inspiration for starting this business, the pros and cons of the industry plus vital processes needed for any entrepreneur to have a good foundation for their business.

Danny is the CTO & Head of Toy Division at Young Engineers e2, and Co-Founder of Algobrix. e2 Young Engineers develops a selection of different programs for students from pre-school through high school. Algobrix is a new way for teaching girls and boys the basic of programming using physical bricks and cool, fun robots. In this episode, Danny shares his inspiration for children's edutainment as well as the opportunities and challenges this industry has to offer.

Scott is the lead Content Master for the Social Media Lab at Agorapulse. In this episode, Scott talks about some social media myths that are completely false and the different experiments he has ran at Social Media Lab. We also discuss the potential of Twitch as a growing social Media option for both individuals and businesses.

Enrico is a basketball coach with the PSK Lions in Germany. He is also the founder of IVT Basketball where he trains professional basketball players in the off-season and helps them work on their individual skills. In this episode, Enrico talks about what it takes to become a top athlete, what separates a winning team from the competition and how to sustain success as a team in business or sports.

Naomi is a writer, improviser, actress and comedian, best known for her regular television role as Bobbi in Mr. D and her appearance as Nina in Saw 3D. She is also the host of a podcast called Firecracker Department in which she interviews the brightest minds and most charismatic women in entertainment. In this episode, we discuss her career and life lessons she's learnt from comedy.

Connie is the co-founder of Flywheel Associates. With 20 years of experience working in start-ups, Fortune 500 companies, B2C and B2B businesses, Connie understands how to propel organizations forward by not only developing their business and marketing strategies, but also ensuring the successful execution of those efforts. In this episode, she talks about Agile Marketing and its benefits for any business.

Bame is the founder of Amara Consulting, a one stop-shop for Virtual Assistance Service that takes care of client's admin and everyday tasks. Her business works closely with its clients from design right through to Implementation to provide the right results that fit into their business process. In this episode, Bame tells her story and inspiration for starting the business and shares some advice for fellow entrepreneurs.

Thabiso is the founder of BlackBird books, a ground-breaking move in the South African literary landscape and looks forward to continue pioneering and establishing a framework for new South African narratives. In this episode, she talks about the book industry in South Africa and how her business is changing the landscape one book at a time.

Jeff started his own company at the age of 7 buying and reselling candy at school to support his family. He's been featured in over 100 podcasts, radio shows and blog interviews. In this episode, Jeff talks about the advantages of optimizing your website for search and how best to do it.

Afia & Belinda run Studentshubgh, a registered non-profit youth organization in Ghana. Using digital technology and literacy tools we aim to empower the youth of Africa through Youth Mentorship, Youth Magazine and Scholarships for deprived students. In this episode, they share their inspiration for starting this initiative as well as the lessons they've learnt from running the organisation.

Terry is the renowned owner and Lead Business Coach of Ogburns Business Solutions. His proprietary coaching system and personal devotion to the development of others has contributed to the success of hundreds of small to large business ventures. In this episode, Terry discusses the various mistakes entrepreneurs make and shares tips on how to grow a business successfully.

Chika is a researcher, teacher, non-fiction and fiction writer, and a public intellectual, Chika holds a Ph.D. in African Development and Policy Studies from Howard University in Washington D.C. In this episode, we discuss the various traditional African knowledge that has been ignored which can help transform the continent.

Jonathan is a professional mind reader and author. As a mentalist he's been on America’s Got Talent, entertained United States troops stationed overseas, performed on Vegas main stages and cruise ships. In this episode, Jonathan discusses the benefits of thinking like a mind reader and how we can use this "mind reader" approach in our day to day lives.

Yejide is the founder of Eres Bella,  affordable African Black Soap, Essential Oils & Shea Butter based Products. In this episode, Yejide talks about her experience of quitting a job and jumping head first into entrepreneurship. She also shares lessons learnt along the way plus tips for those planning to start the journey.