Create Your Life Series

Episode Summary In this introductory episode your host, Kevin Y Brown, returns to the Create Your Life Series after some time off. He discusses his move to Kenya, his continued dedication to providing value and resources for his listeners, as well as his shift into all aspects of podcast creation. Kevin introduces Africa X, a series dedicated to highlighting conversations and experiences with experts across different industries who are from Africa, live in Africa, and can talk about Africa responsibly.   Kevin Y. Brown Kevin is a seasoned multi-media executive who is passionate about Africa's digital future. As an award winning entrepreneur,  podcast producer (over 1,000 episodes across different genres with over 30 million downloads across clients) and tech veteran, Kevin leads Afripods' multi-country strategy and product vision.   Kevin is the host of the Create Your Life Series podcast and has been featured or spoken in Forbes, Black Enterprise, Essence, Podcast Movement, Podcast Sessions, Ted X, Sirius XM, Inc. magazine, and many more…   Insight from this episode Kevin's return to the Create Your Life Series Podcasting requires a lot, especially when doing it outside your country and culture Introducing the series Africa X Amazing and talented people who live in Africa will contribute to Africa X Strategies from trailblazers to follow their footsteps   Quotes from the Show “Working in the business of Podcasting requires a lot. And so does doing it outside of your native country and culture.” -Kevin Y. Brown, CYLS, Episode #189 “But Create Your Life fam, I want you to know I have never forgotten about you. I actually miss you dearly.” -Kevin Y. Brown, CYLS, Episode #189 “You know the Create Your Life Series is only for self-starters who are looking to live life on their own terms.” -Kevin Y. Brown, CYLS, Episode #189 “I have had the fortunate opportunity to rub shoulders and converse with so many amazing, talented people on the continent of Africa.” -Kevin Y. Brown, CYLS, Episode #189 “Keeping up with the standard that we have built with the Create Your Life Series over these last seven years, you can be sure that Africa X will provide you with the same great strategies behind the success of today's trailblazers by uncovering experiences, daily habits, and defining moments of high achievers.” -Kevin Y. Brown, CYLS, Episode #189   Stay Connected   Create Your Life Series Facebook: Create Your Life Series Instagram: Create Your Life Series   Kevin Y. Brown Website: www.kevinybrown.com Instagram: kevinybrown Twitter: kevinybrown Facebook: kevinybrown   Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, and Spotify. This episode was produced and managed by Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com)

Episode Summary On his adventure to explore Africa, Kevin Y Brown gives his experience traveling in Africa and how he discovered the young market of podcasting on the continent. He highlights the lessons he learned from visiting six countries on the continent and how it has impacted his life. In this episode, Kevin discusses landing a job at Afridpods as the Chief Content Officer and Head Of Strategy and what to expect from CYLS.   Kevin Y. Brown Kevin Y. Brown is a National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) Center For Public Trust (CPT) “Being A Difference” award recipient, international speaker, entrepreneur, and author.  The former MTV Networks host and NYC fashion marketer has created an international following as a speaker on personal excellence, effective communication, and leadership.  Kevin has been featured by Black Enterprise magazine as a “Modern Man of Distinction” and highlighted in various publications for his self-help speaking work and helping students graduate college debt-free.  Recognized for his commitment to empowering foster care youth and as a foster care system alumnus, he has also delivered the keynote address at the International Foster Care Organizations Conference in Sydney, Australia, and Osaka, Japan.  Kevin is currently the creator/host of Sirius XM's “Create Your Life” series, a fellow in the New York Chapter of the Startup Leadership Program, and an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.    Insights from this episode: Kevin's experience in Africa Kevin's curiosity about podcasting in Africa How his trip to Africa impacted him Kevin's transition from an entrepreneurship to office culture Kevin's move to Kenya and getting recruited to work at Afripods   Quotes from the show: “I knew there was an opportunity on the continent, and I understood the importance of podcasting and what it could do in order to preserve the language, the traditions, and customs for people on the continent” –Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #188 “I had the opportunity to see the lineage of black excellence, and culture in all these different countries: unity, family ties, and so much more” –Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #188 “I had to learn that people don't work around the clock 24/7 like I had been doing” –Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #188 “I knew that I saw an opportunity and I needed to get back to Africa, but I just didn't know how” –Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #188 “Living in Africa definitely has its pros and cons, but the pros definitely outweigh the cons, and I am very thankful” –Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #188 “Staying focused, staying true to myself always really helped me and has been a true North even when it seems like things are blurry” –Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #188   Stay Connected:   Create Your Life Series Facebook: Create Your Life Series Instagram: Create Your Life Series Kevin Y. Brown Website: www.kevinybrown.com Instagram: kevinybrown Twitter: kevinybrown Facebook: kevinybrown   Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on  iTunes, Google Podcast, Stitcher, and Spotify.   This episode was produced and managed by Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com)

  Episode Summary In this episode of the Create Your Life Series, Kevin is a guest on Afros & Audios IGTV, where he talks with Talib Jasir about why he made the leap into podcasting and how his experience in other industries laid a foundation for his podcast success.  This uplifting interview on personal evolution and being committed to excellence will inspire you to keep making the hard choices that will bring the success and happiness we are all seeking.   Kevin Y. Brown Kevin Y. Brown is a National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) Center For Public Trust (CPT) “Being A Difference” award recipient, international speaker, entrepreneur, and author.  The former MTV Networks host and NYC fashion marketer has created an international following as a speaker on personal excellence, effective communication, and leadership.  Kevin has been featured by Black Enterprise magazine as a “Modern Man of Distinction” and highlighted in various publications for his self-help speaking work and helping students graduate college debt-free.  Recognized for his commitment to empowering foster care youth and as a foster care system alumnus, he has also delivered the keynote address at the International Foster Care Organizations Conference in Sydney, Australia and Osaka, Japan.  Kevin is currently the creator/host of Sirius XM’s “Create Your Life” series, a fellow in the New York Chapter of the Startup Leadership Program, and an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.    Talib Jasir Talib Jasir is a storyteller, author, podcast producer, and advocate for the people and their collective power. Born a twin in Baltimore, MD, he spent his earliest years traversing the backwoods of Maryland’s Eastern Shore under the guardianship of his Great Grandmother.  Reared by a village of irrepressible folk, he learned the paramountcy of kinship, love, and the dynamism of language. Talib is a creative entrepreneur with over 15 years of professional experience in marketing and advertising.  Founder of the Afros & Audio Podcast Festival and the Vanguard Podcast Network, he is also a dual-certified Life Coach with a focus on supporting creatives, podcast creators, and entrepreneurs.  Talib received his BA in Public Policy/Urban Studies, Africana Studies and Social Justice (Summa Cum Laude) from St. Peter’s University in Jersey City, NJ.   Insights from this episode: Details on why Kevin started on a radio platform, how he built his catalog of shows to launch on SiriusXM, and how that led to starting Podcast Laundry. Differences between being a creative person versus a business person and how to bring those two aspects together to succeed. How to set goals and be intentional in achieving what you desire and the life that you want through personal work and personal evolution. Difficulties Kevin experienced that helped him find a better way forward. Benefits of using a podcast production company beyond just the technical aspects. How to build and surround yourself with a community that provides support and opportunity for everyone.   Quotes from the show: “You’ve got to think outside the box.  If you have places that already have a large distribution network, this is just a way to increase your reach.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #187 “I approached [podcasting] like a business from day one.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #187 “Audio is a cornerstone.  It is an opportunity to expand so far into different creative aspects.” – Talib Jasir, Episode #187 “These legal and small things like that make people come in and respect you and your show on another level and I think that helps to raise your bar.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #187 “In order for you to get where you’re needing to go, you’re going to have to do your due diligence.” – Talib Jasir, Episode #187 “Sometimes the absence of expectation allows you to breed creativity.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #187 “Personal work is what helps you maximize your potential in this lifetime.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #187 “If you have thoughts that don’t serve or support you, then they don’t challenge you to do anything different.” – Talib Jasir, Episode #187 “Protect what you bring into your life … protect your peace.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #187 “The only resource you can’t get back is your time.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #187 “Community leads to opportunity.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #187 “Business is cool but you’ve got to be human.  You’ve got to want to see other people evolve.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #187 “As you manifest your vision, your vision starts to manifest you.” – Talib Jasir, Episode #187   Stay Connected:   Create Your Life Series Facebook: Create Your Life Series Instagram: Create Your Life Series   Kevin Y. Brown Website: www.kevinybrown.com Instagram: kevinybrown Twitter: kevinybrown Facebook: kevinybrown   Talib Jasir Website: talibjasir.com Website: afrosandaudio.com Instagram: @afrosandaudio Instagram: @iamfwdmvmt Facebook: Afros & Audio Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on  iTunes, Google Podcast, Stitcher, and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast    This episode was produced and managed by  Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com)

  Episode Summary What is the most important thing for a podcast to have?  An audience.  Rita Bautista not only found an audience for her own podcast, she also found an audience for a network of podcasts.  In this episode of the Create Your Life Series, the creator of the Latina Podcasters Network tells Kevin that no matter what your approach is to podcasting, the most important thing is to get out of your own way and get started.   Kevin Y. Brown Kevin Y. Brown is a National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) Center For Public Trust (CPT) “Being A Difference” award recipient, international speaker, entrepreneur, and author.  The former MTV Networks host and NYC fashion marketer has created an international following as a speaker on personal excellence, effective communication, and leadership.  Kevin has been featured by Black Enterprise magazine as a “Modern Man of Distinction” and highlighted in various publications for his self-help speaking work and helping students graduate college debt-free.  Recognized for his commitment to empowering foster care youth and as a foster care system alumnus, he has also delivered the keynote address at the International Foster Care Organizations Conference in Sydney, Australia and Osaka, Japan.  Kevin is currently the creator/host of Sirius XM’s “Create Your Life” series, a fellow in the New York Chapter of the Startup Leadership Program, and an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.    Rita Bautista As founder and CEO of the Latina Podcasters Network, Bautista connects aspiring and established Mujeres Latinas and the Latinx community. She has been called a bold innovative thinker and cultural connector by her peers. She’s responsible for hosting the first Latina Podcasters meetup at any podcast convention. Her passion and love for the podcasting industry came in 2019 when she launched her first podcast, Empowerment & All That. This podcast was dedicated solely to empowering women by delivering motivational interviews and episodes. Her desire to keep growing in the podcast community and finding cultural relevance was the driving force to develop Latina Podcasters Network. Latina Podcasters is the first and only global podcast network committed solely to amplifying the voices of Latinas and Latinx mujeres. Bautista is a graduate of the University of New Orleans and has over a decade of experience serving on civic and non-profit boards representing Latinx voices in education, government, business, and sports.   Insights from this episode: Differences between Latino and LatinX, the necessity for the term, and how it gives space for everyone to be themselves. Details on why Rita created the Latina Podcaster Network, the community it created, and the positive promotion of culture that has grown from the network. Rita’s top tips for creating a great audio experience for listeners and how to build an audience. Benefits that podcasting can provide such as a creative outlet, personal growth motivator, and bonus therapy. How to navigate negative feedback, stay motivated, and overcome challenges.   Quotes from the show: “I’m lucky.  I think I’ve had the opportunity to live in some really dynamic and traditionally rich cities and then others, like Houston, that’s a commercial, thriving, business-development type city.” – Rita Bautista, Episode #186 “I started my podcast because I wanted to begin to empower women and basically give back the message that I had been given.” – Rita Bautista, Episode #186 On Rita’s experience starting a podcast: “It was like an additional layer to therapy.” – Rita Bautista, Episode #186 “What’s beautiful about leaving something uncut is you can always go back to it and see your growth.” – Rita Bautista, Episode #186 “We, fundamentally, are all pretty much the same on the inside.” – Rita Bautista, Episode #186 “It’s really okay to start where you are.  I think a lot of people are really afraid of getting started because they don’t have or they lack and having that lack mentality makes more lack.” – Rita Bautista, Episode #186 “When you start the podcast, it’s for you, when you start the second episode, it’s no longer for you anymore.”  – Rita Bautista, Episode #186 On building community: “it’s always just being authentic because the more authentic and more real you are as a person, the more chances are your community is going to build faster.” – Rita Bautista, Episode #186 “As much as people want to believe that our happiness belongs in somebody else, it really doesn’t.” – Rita Bautista, Episode #186 “We all have success amnesia, we forget how dope we are.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #186   Resources: The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz   Stay Connected:   Create Your Life Series Facebook: Create Your Life Series Instagram: Create Your Life Series   Kevin Y. Brown Website: www.kevinybrown.com Instagram: kevinybrown Twitter: kevinybrown Facebook: kevinybrown   Rita Bautista Website: latinapodcasters.com Podcast: Empowerment and All That Instagram: @ritabautista   Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on  iTunes, Google Podcast, Stitcher, and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast    This episode was produced and managed by  Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com)

  Episode Summary Kevin continues his talks with Eric Fondren on how pivoting has benefited their businesses in 2020 and what other strategies they will use to bring success to 2021 including focusing on yourself to help manifest your goals.  Eric talks about how his businesses have been performing and what he’s working on now and Kevin discusses the importance of projection when it comes to creating a stable and growing business.  Discover how to create repeatable strategies for success, in this episode of the Create Your Life Series.   Kevin Y. Brown Kevin Y. Brown is a National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) Center For Public Trust (CPT) “Being A Difference” award recipient, international speaker, entrepreneur, and author.  The former MTV Networks host and NYC fashion marketer has created an international following as a speaker on personal excellence, effective communication, and leadership.  Kevin has been featured by Black Enterprise magazine as a “Modern Man of Distinction” and highlighted in various publications for his self-help speaking work and helping students graduate college debt-free.  Recognized for his commitment to empowering foster care youth and as a foster care system alumnus, he has also delivered the keynote address at the International Foster Care Organizations Conference in Sydney, Australia and Osaka, Japan.  Kevin is currently the creator/host of Sirius XM’s “Create Your Life” series, a fellow in the New York Chapter of the Startup Leadership Program, and an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.    Eric Fondren Eric Fondren is a mixed bag of skills that includes both hard and soft skills. After obtaining his computer science degree from Morehouse College, Eric spent 3 years on Wall Street learning why it's difficult for large companies to innovate. While working full-time, Eric also went on to obtain his Master's degree in professional counseling. After his stint on Wall Street, Eric tried his hand with a number of ventures including web design, relationship coaching among other things. All of this experience showed him his true path, which was to build a technology company. Today, as CEO of ITELLIO (originally branded as FreeATM) Eric has built a large-scale ad network that aggregates 9,000 digital screens into a central buying platform.    Insights from this episode: Updates on Eric’s businesses and business development pipeline, as well as how COVID allowed his business to grow. Details on how Eric is establishing himself as a brand of information using social media and with his new show, Pivot or Die. Updates on Kevin’s businesses, how COVID tested and proved his business model, and his plans to generate more income streams within the same industry. Benefits of using projection to predict business growth and trends and scale your business accordingly to meet those projections. Benefits of using an accountability partner/coach, goal-setting, and other tools to help you stay on track and meet your goals.   Quotes from the show: On Eric’s show:  “[Pivot or Die] is all about the mistakes you can make as an entrepreneur and what you need to do to make the decisions that will lead to success.” – Eric Fondren, Episode #185 On being successful through the pandemic: “If you were selling a product that was ‘nice to have’ maybe you need to pivot into a ‘need to have’ scenario.” – Eric Fondren, Episode #185 On generating success: “I feel that is our best [asset], that we are really good at customer service.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #185 On the intangible aspects of running a business:  “At the end of the day, money’s cool, it’s one thing, but people want to show up to a place where they actually feel welcome and taken care of.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #185 “You know the model; hire slow, fire fast.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #185 “I think I’m pretty adept at building an operation, creating a process, just starting the engine, and I’ve always known that I need to hire the right individuals to help me keep it running at full-steam.” – Eric Fondren, Episode #185 “Success is an ongoing thing.” – Eric Fondren, Episode #185 On the importance of having a business focus: “There’s only so many new things I can do at once before my creativity is dried up.” – Eric Fondren, Episode #185 On knowing when to make changes in your business: “It’s okay to not have the perfect answer, just know that you will make the decision when the time is right.” – Eric Fondren, Episode #185 “You need to take a chance and you need to really gamble on yourself and on the things that you always wanted to do.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #185   Stay Connected:   Create Your Life Series Facebook: Create Your Life Series Instagram: Create Your Life Series   Kevin Y. Brown Website: www.kevinybrown.com Instagram: kevinybrown Twitter: kevinybrown Facebook: kevinybrown   Eric Fondren Website: www.itellio.com Email: info@itell.io LinkedIn: Eric Fondren Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on  iTunes, Google Podcast, Stitcher, and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast   This episode was produced and managed by  Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com)

  Episode Summary In this episode of the Create Your Life Series, Kevin talks with fellow podcaster Talib Jasir about the power and influence of community when it comes to creating not just a successful podcast but a podcast festival.  Talib shares important lessons for potential podcasters or anyone who wants to start a creative endeavor.  Listen in for details on the Afros & Audio Virtual Podcast Festival happening November 14th and 15th and to hear a preview of some of the events.   Kevin Y. Brown Kevin Y. Brown is a National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) Center For Public Trust (CPT) “Being A Difference” award recipient, international speaker, entrepreneur, and author.  The former MTV Networks host and NYC fashion marketer has created an international following as a speaker on personal excellence, effective communication, and leadership.  Kevin has been featured by Black Enterprise magazine as a “Modern Man of Distinction” and highlighted in various publications for his self-help speaking work and helping students graduate college debt-free.  Recognized for his commitment to empowering foster care youth and as a foster care system alumnus, he has also delivered the keynote address at the International Foster Care Organizations Conference in Sydney, Australia and Osaka, Japan.  Kevin is currently the creator/host of Sirius XM’s “Create Your Life” series, a fellow in the New York Chapter of the Startup Leadership Program, and an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.    Talib Jasir Talib Jasir is a storyteller, author, podcast producer, and advocate for the people and their collective power. Born a twin in Baltimore, MD, he spent his earliest years traversing the backwoods of Maryland’s Eastern Shore under the guardianship of his Great Grandmother.  Reared by a village of irrepressible folk, he learned the paramountcy of kinship, love, and the dynamism of language. Talib is a creative entrepreneur with over 15 years of professional experience in marketing and advertising.  Founder of the Afros & Audio Podcast Festival and the Vanguard Podcast Network, he is also a dual-certified Life Coach with a focus on supporting creatives, podcast creators, and entrepreneurs.  Talib received his BA in Public Policy/Urban Studies, Africana Studies and Social Justice (Summa Cum Laude) from St. Peter’s University in Jersey City, NJ.   Insights from this episode: Details on why Talib felt the need to create Afros & Audio podcast and how that has grown into a community and a festival. Talib’s tips for building community around your podcast and how to avoid “pod fade.” Benefits of mentorship and having a circle of support to help you achieve the goals you have set. How to move beyond negative feedback using self-work and what you can gain from those conversations. Difficulties creative people face and the importance of overcoming obstacles and yourself on your way to success.    Quotes from the show: “It’s amazing to be a twin as an adult.  It took us some time for us to understand the importance of one another.” – Talib Jasir, Episode #184 On growing up in rural Maryland: “More than anything it shaped me into understanding what community looks like and feels like and so I keep that integrity with me everywhere that I go.” – Talib Jasir, Episode #184 “A lot of us who create community are really seeking folks to connect with, hold us accountable, be able to support and gain support.” – Talib Jasir, Episode #184 “We all want to monetize and create this legacy and have something amazing but there’s information disparity when it comes to certain industries and I believe that is deliberate.” – Talib Jasir, Episode #184 “We have the resources, we have the finances, we have the genius, we have the innovation and it’s really about [us not] looking outside of ourselves.” – Talib Jasir, Episode #184 “Clear requests will get you clear results every time.” – Talib Jasir, Episode #184 “I think podcasting has a great deal of entrepreneurial spirit behind it but entrepreneurial spirit doesn’t translate to acumen.” – Talib Jasir, Episode #184 “We need to be innovative.  Somebody else doesn’t always have the answers, you have the answers within you and you have to think outside of the box.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #184   Resources: Afros & Audio Virtual Podcast Festival, November 14th & 15th Afros & Audio is a community for and by Black Podcast Creatives and Audio Professionals.  Our primary mission is to shift the conversation beyond the issues of diversity, inclusion, limited resources, and industry barriers. As a collective of creatives and professionals, we are change agents for real strategies that will transform the current landscape of the Podcast Industry. Together we will design and maintain infrastructures of sustainable resources and consistent support.  Our inaugural festival brought together the most progressive, accomplished, and innovative minds of our podcast and tech communities to ask and answer questions that sparked ideas and created tangible change.   Stay Connected:   Create Your Life Series Facebook: Create Your Life Series Instagram: Create Your Life Series   Kevin Y. Brown Website: www.kevinybrown.com Instagram: kevinybrown Twitter: kevinybrown Facebook: kevinybrown   Talib Jasir Website: talibjasir.com Website: afrosandaudio.com Instagram: @afrosandaudio Instagram: @iamfwdmvmt Facebook: Afros & Audio   Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on  iTunes, Google Podcast, Stitcher, and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast   This episode was produced and managed by  Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com)

 Episode SummaryGet information from under the hood on how car repair shops truly operate and what Michael Holland, Jr. has envisioned to change that model.  By creating AMPcar, Michael has brought his guiding principle of “be the change you wish to see in the world,” to life and seeks to take the mystery out of your car repair bill.  Also on the menu, mentorship, motivation, and the importance of friends and family to your ultimate success, in this episode of the Create Your Life Series. Kevin Y. BrownKevin Y. Brown is a National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) Center For Public Trust (CPT) “Being A Difference” award recipient, international speaker, entrepreneur, and author.  The former MTV Networks host and NYC fashion marketer has created an international following as a speaker on personal excellence, effective communication, and leadership.  Kevin has been featured by Black Enterprise magazine as a “Modern Man of Distinction” and highlighted in various publications for his self-help speaking work and helping students graduate college debt-free.  Recognized for his commitment to empowering foster care youth and as a foster care system alumnus, he has also delivered the keynote address at the International Foster Care Organizations Conference in Sydney, Australia, and Osaka, Japan.  Kevin is currently the creator/host of Sirius XM’s “Create Your Life” series, a fellow in the New York Chapter of the Startup Leadership Program, and an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.  Michael Holland, Jr.Michael Holland, Jr. is an auto industry veteran who started his career at the age of 19 as a junior service advisor for Ford and Lincoln. Michael has since held every conceivable client-facing position that a dealership has to offer.  After moving to New York City in 2005, he attended New York University and worked full-time on New York’s 11th Avenue of auto dealers until he, and co-founder Eric, started an automotive-maintenance management company.  AMPcar saves clients time and money while providing honesty and transparency when it comes to servicing their automobiles.  Insights from this episode:Details on why Michael created AMPcar, the cost-saving services they provide, and the next steps they are taking to provide more efficient and affordable solutions for customers.Benefits and difficulties of having a successful career at an early age, such as income versus freedom.Five steps to having a successful career in the automotive industry.How mentorship can provide invaluable resources to help you advance your career, the value in criticism, and accepting help.Three steps to providing great customer service.Strategies for balancing life and career obligations including leaning on your friends and family for help.  Quotes from the show: “I know what it’s like to be on both sides of the coin, I’ve been the dealership person calling and asking for the money and I’ve also been the customer on the other end not sure what I should do.” – Michael Holland, Jr., Episode #183On the benefits of AMPcar: “People have more confidence when they have someone that knows what they’re talking about in their corner.” – Michael Holland, Jr., Episode #183On starting a career early: “It was probably the one of the greatest decisions I made, and also one of the worst decisions I made in a way.  … It afforded me to earn a six-figure income really early in life but it’s kind of like golden handcuffs.”  – Michael Holland, Jr., Episode #183“Everyone can give you their own advice and everyone can give you what they feel is working, it’s my responsibility to take that advice and adapt it to me and my company in a way that makes sense.” – Michael Holland, Jr., Episode #183“When you receive excellent customer service, you remember it, and you want more of it.” – Michael Holland, Jr., Episode #183On how Michael balances work and home life: “Without [friends and family] it would not work.  I’m not anything special, I just have special people around me.” “I love that you’re being solution-based versus emotional in order to make sure that you can push your company forward.”  – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #183On staying motivated: “I haven’t even scratched the surface of where I want to be.” – Michael Holland, Jr., Episode #183On the secret to success: “Not being afraid to just go after what you want and that’s what I’m doing right now.  I’m not afraid anymore.” – Michael Holland, Jr., Episode #183“Show me your friends and I’ll show you who you are.  You are the company you keep.” – Michael Holland, Jr., Episode #183“I judge myself against my performances each month and I try to get better each month.” – Michael Holland, Jr., Episode #183“Educate yourself.  There is no reason to be ignorant on any topic that you’re passionate about or curious about.” – Michael Holland, Jr., Episode #183 ResourcesThe Richest Man in Babylon by Geroge S. Clayson Stay Connected: Create Your Life SeriesFacebook: Create Your Life SeriesInstagram: Create Your Life Series Kevin Y. BrownWebsite: www.kevinybrown.comInstagram: kevinybrownTwitter: kevinybrownFacebook: kevinybrownEmail: kevin@podcastlaundry.com Michael Holland, Jr.Website: www.ampmycar.comInstagram: @ampcarincTwitter: @ampcarincInstagram: @mikehollnycTwitter: @MikeHollandjr Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on  iTunes, Google Podcast, Stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast This episode was produced and managed by Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com)

  Episode Summary In this episode of Create Your Life Series, Kevin is a guest on long-time friend Awesome Nobody’s podcast where they are discussing how musical styles are affected by location.  West-coast Kevin talks about how the music from his hometown in California shaped how he navigated life growing up while East-coast Awesome talks about how his musical background helped him stay out of trouble.  Although the differences are many, music unites both coasts and provides a common experience.     Kevin Y. Brown Kevin Y. Brown is a National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) Center For Public Trust (CPT) “Being A Difference” award recipient, international speaker, entrepreneur, and author.  The former MTV Networks host and NYC fashion marketer has created an international following as a speaker on personal excellence, effective communication, and leadership.  Kevin has been featured by Black Enterprise magazine as a “Modern Man of Distinction” and highlighted in various publications for his self-help speaking work and helping students graduate college debt-free.  Recognized for his commitment to empowering foster care youth and as a foster care system alumnus, he has also delivered the keynote address at the International Foster Care Organizations Conference in Sydney, Australia, and Osaka, Japan.  Kevin is currently the creator/host of Sirius XM’s “Create Your Life” series, a fellow in the New York Chapter of the Startup Leadership Program, and an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.    Awesome Nobody Awesome Nobody is one of the hottest up-and-coming MCs you've never heard of but definitely should.  Awesome is a lyrically skilled artist with a unique style who has been building a solid fan base by consistently putting out projects on SoundCloud and visuals on YouTube.  Awesome Nobody, originally from the New Jersey/New York City area, is taking the music scene to another level.  Musically inspired by songs from the 1990s to 2000s, Awesome focuses on capturing the essence of those decades and recreating it in modern times, a true definition of "Restoring the Feeling." While awaiting an official release, Awesome Nobody stays busy doing numerous shows in the tri-state area and recording.  Awesome is the Motto, Music is the Life!    Insights from this episode: Details on the music scene in the Bay Area of California and Kevin’s experience growing up with the music of that area. How the content of music has changed and the influence it has on its audiences. Differences between the two coasts that extend beyond music, specifically in basketball.   Quotes from the show: “Music, for me, is something that really helped me to understand how to navigate life.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #182 “Even though an artist might be aware of it or not, they think, “is this song the best representation of me at this moment?’” – Awesome Nobody, Episode #182 “Be O.K. with just being the cool person, just being authentic to yourself, and I think that gets lost in music.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #182 On West-coast music: “I can’t sit up here and act like the East [Coast] didn’t influence us.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #182 “You can see the differences between the East and the West in so many different ways.  It’s in our language, it’s in our dress, it’s in our style of basketball.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #182   Stay Connected:   Create Your Life Series Facebook: Create Your Life Series Instagram: Create Your Life Series Kevin Y. Brown Website: www.kevinybrown.com Instagram: kevinybrown Twitter: kevinybrown Facebook: kevinybrown Email: kevin@podcastlaundry.com   Awesome Nobody YouTube: Awesome Nobody Twitter: @AwesomeNobdy Instagram: @awesome_nobody   Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on  iTunes, Google Podcast, Stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast   This episode was produced and managed by Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com)

  Episode Summary In this episode of Create Your Life Series, Kevin directs the focus onto Bridget Boakye’s personal experiences and how things might have gone differently if not for one moment of divine intervention.  Bridget provides advice on entrepreneurship, becoming an ex-pat in Ghana, goal setting, and much more.  You’ll also learn more about Kevin as Bridget turns the microphone and asks him questions about his experiences.  Packed with motivation and inspiration, you will want to listen to this episode again and again.   Kevin Y. Brown Kevin Y. Brown is a National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) Center For Public Trust (CPT) “Being A Difference” award recipient, international speaker, entrepreneur, and author.  The former MTV Networks host and NYC fashion marketer has created an international following as a speaker on personal excellence, effective communication, and leadership.  Kevin has been featured by Black Enterprise magazine as a “Modern Man of Distinction” and highlighted in various publications for his self-help speaking work and helping students graduate college debt-free.  Recognized for his commitment to empowering foster care youth and as a foster care system alumnus, he has also delivered the keynote address at the International Foster Care Organizations Conference in Sydney, Australia, and Osaka, Japan.  Kevin is currently the creator/host of Sirius XM’s “Create Your Life” series, a fellow in the New York Chapter of the Startup Leadership Program, and an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.    Bridget Boakye Bridget Boakye is a data scientist, entrepreneur, and writer on a mission to bridge the gap, to connect people, businesses, and, most importantly, perspectives on the African continent and in the Diaspora. Having grown up in both the U.S. and Ghana, Bridget has a deep connection to the movements in both places and she uses this privilege of perspective to share experiences, trends, and insights that move both the continent and Diaspora forward. On the day to day, Bridget works as a data scientist and consultant, using data to improve business and economic/social-welfare outcomes. She also writes data-driven articles to influence and inform public opinion. On her website, www.boakyeb.com, you can find her newest featured works and her latest blog posts.  She is also the co-founder and chief strategist for Africans on China where they advocate for and elevate the African voice on Sino-African relations, and Women’s Corner GH, a collective to strengthen women’s voice in content creation and storytelling in Ghana. Bridget is passionate about data/technology, education, economics, development, history, women’s rights, as well as pop culture, music, travel, and health/fitness. She is a proud member of the Global Shapers Accra Hub of The World Economic Forum.   Insights from this episode: Benefits of reading on personal growth and perspective. Bridget’s secret to staying motivated and how she continues to find inspiration and renewal. Strategies for becoming an expat in Ghana now and how that may change in the future. Details on how Bridget is creating her best life. Reasons why Kevin moved on from the Debt-Free College Academy and what he learned from the experience. Kevin’s secret to maximizing potential by constantly learning and evolving.   Quotes from the show: “Reading allows me to gain greater perspective about who I am as a person in this world.” – Bridget Boakye, Episode #181 “The people who support you most are not the people you grew up with or are not related to you.  Friends are the family you get to choose.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #181 “For me, the biggest challenge has been myself.  What I tell myself I can do in this world.” – Bridget Boakye, Episode #181 “Realizing what is momentary and fleeting versus what your actual purpose requires of you or is going to demand of you is really key.” – Bridget Boakye, Episode #181 “You honestly don’t fail until you quit.” – Bridget Boakye, Episode #181 Bridget’s motto: “Do what scares you.” – Bridget Boakye, Episode #181 On legacy: “I understood my responsibility as a black man, but I didn’t understand how deep the roots are.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #181 “It’s fascinating to learn of other people’s cultures, the way that they do things, why they do things, and to really go deep because there is so much to learn.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #181 On maximizing potential: “It’s not just learning who you are; it’s also evolving, being in an eternal state of evolution.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #181   Resources The 4-hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss The Arrow of God by Chinua Achebe Debt Free College Academy   Stay Connected:   Create Your Life Series Facebook: Create Your Life Series Instagram: Create Your Life Series   Kevin Y. Brown Website: www.kevinybrown.com Instagram: kevinybrown Twitter: kevinybrown Facebook: kevinybrown Email: kevin@podcastlaundry.com   Bridget Boakye Website: www.boakyeb.com Twitter: @Boakye_B Instagram: @boakyeb LinkedIn: Bridget Boakye   Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on  iTunes, Google Podcast, Stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast   This episode was produced and managed by Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com)

  Episode Summary In this episode of Create Your Life Series, Bridget Boakye talks about moving from Ghana to New York at the age of ten and how those dual life experiences provided her with the discipline and motivation to become a writer and advocate for Africa.  Bridget and Kevin discuss the artificial construct that has been created to portray Africa to the world and the ways they are creating a new narrative to effect powerful change.  Listen in to learn about China in Africa, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and more.   Kevin Y. Brown Kevin Y. Brown is a National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) Center For Public Trust (CPT) “Being A Difference” award recipient, international speaker, entrepreneur, and author.  The former MTV Networks host and NYC fashion marketer has created an international following as a speaker on personal excellence, effective communication, and leadership.  Kevin has been featured by Black Enterprise magazine as a “Modern Man of Distinction” and highlighted in various publications for his self-help speaking work and helping students graduate college debt-free.  Recognized for his commitment to empowering foster care youth and as a foster care system alumnus, he has also delivered the keynote address at the International Foster Care Organizations Conference in Sydney, Australia, and Osaka, Japan.  Kevin is currently the creator/host of Sirius XM’s “Create Your Life” series, a fellow in the New York Chapter of the Startup Leadership Program, and an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.    Bridget Boakye Bridget Boakye is a data scientist, entrepreneur, and writer on a mission to bridge the gap, to connect people, businesses, and, most importantly, perspectives on the African continent and in the Diaspora. Having grown up in both the U.S. and Ghana, Bridget has a deep connection to the movements in both places and she uses this privilege of perspective to share experiences, trends, and insights that move both the continent and Diaspora forward. On the day to day, Bridget works as a data scientist and consultant, using data to improve business and economic/social-welfare outcomes. She also writes data-driven articles to influence and inform public opinion. On her website, www.boakyeb.com, you can find her newest featured works and her latest blog posts.  She is also the co-founder and chief strategist for Africans on China where they advocate for and elevate the African voice on Sino-African relations, and Women’s Corner GH, a collective to strengthen women’s voice in content creation and storytelling in Ghana. Bridget is passionate about data/technology, education, economics, development, history, women’s rights, as well as pop culture, music, travel, and health/fitness. She is a proud member of the Global Shapers Accra Hub of The World Economic Forum.   Insights from this episode: Benefits Bridget received from transitioning from Ghana to the United States and back to Ghana and how those experiences helped shape her future. How Bridget maintained her identity while navigating cultural expectations in Ghana and America. The secret for developing the discipline to accomplish your goals. How to change the narrative of Africa that was created by American Imperialism by using social media.  Details on the Fourth Industrial Revolution and how it is impacting African resources and innovation.   Quotes from the show: “I must say that some of my formative experience, in terms of defining who I am as a person now, definitely came from my educational experiences in the [United States].”  – Bridget Boakye, Episode #180 On being an African immigrant in America: “I’ve always had this sense that I’m navigating a dual identity.” – Bridget Boakye, Episode #180 What compelled Bridget to write: “Creating another million-dollar business isn’t going to change another person on the continent’s perception about what it is, what’s going to change it is the narrative we tell ourselves about who we are.” – Bridget Boakye, Episode #180 “In order to develop discipline you have to care about the thing you’re doing.” – Bridget Boakye, Episode #180 On China positioning themselves in Africa: “If Africans don’t believe they’re not inferior to Chinese, who cares what a Chinese person has to say?” – Bridget Boakye, Episode #180 On the narrative of African inferiority: “Part of that is who has the ability to amplify the voice of whether someone is inferior or superior.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #180 “I’m Black-American. We have the most dominant culture in the world, but we don’t own it.”  – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #180 On social media versus mainstream media: “There is nothing CNN can show that is going to move the needle in the way that our own people are going to move the needle when they have the access (to social media).” – Bridget Boakye, Episode #180 “Africa doesn’t need to be saved.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #180 “There’s this idea that there’s a lot of talent on the (African) Continent but there’s not enough opportunity or enough access.” – Bridget Boakye, Episode #180     Stay Connected:   Create Your Life Series Facebook: Create Your Life Series Instagram: Create Your Life Series   Kevin Y. Brown Website: www.kevinybrown.com Instagram: kevinybrown Twitter: kevinybrown Facebook: kevinybrown Email: kevin@podcastlaundry.com   Bridget Boakye Website: www.boakyeb.com Twitter: @Boakye_B Instagram: @boakyeb LinkedIn: Bridget Boakye   Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on  iTunes, Google Podcast, Stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast This episode was produced and managed by Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com)

  Episode Summary   In this episode of Create Your Life Series, Kevin reflects on the continued persecution of black people at the hands of the police and how that is affecting him personally. He discusses how the passing of one of his mentors has caused him to reevaluate the things that really matter. And Kevin shares some of his favorite quotes, thoughts, and actions that have helped him through stressful times.   Kevin Y. Brown Kevin Y. Brown is a National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) Center For Public Trust (CPT) “Being A Difference” award recipient, international speaker, entrepreneur, and author.  The former MTV Networks host and NYC fashion marketer has created an international following as a speaker on personal excellence, effective communication, and leadership.  Kevin has been featured by Black Enterprise magazine as a “Modern Man of Distinction” and highlighted in various publications for his self-help speaking work and helping students graduate college debt-free.  Recognized for his commitment to empowering foster care youth and as a foster care system alumnus, he has also delivered the keynote address at the International Foster Care Organizations Conference in Sydney, Australia, and Osaka, Japan.  Kevin is currently the creator/host of Sirius XM’s “Create Your Life” series, a fellow in the New York Chapter of the Startup Leadership Program, and an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.    Insights from this episode: Benefits of cultivating a life outside of business and entrepreneurship.  How to gain perspective and understanding in your life. Strategies for evaluating what is important to you and moving forward on that information.   Quotes from the show: “Experiences can shape a person.  As a matter of fact, experiences do shape people.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #179 “Enjoy the journey while you’re on it.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #179 On what Kevin would change about his past experiences: “I honestly would take more chances.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #179 “The answers to my questions and my desires are within me and have always been.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #179 “Are you actively walking in creating a legacy that you will be proud of and that your family will be proud of.”  – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #179   Resources: Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson   Stay Connected:   Create Your Life Series Facebook: Create Your Life Series Instagram: Create Your Life Series   Kevin Y. Brown Website: www.kevinybrown.com Instagram: kevinybrown Twitter: kevinybrown Facebook: kevinybrown Email: kevin@podcastlaundry.com   Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on  iTunes, Google Podcast, Stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast   This episode was produced and managed by  Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com)

  Episode Summary In this special episode of Create Your Life Series,  Kevin shares the top tips and tricks he uses to achieve his goals and discusses additional steps he has taken to find balance during the quarantine of COVID-19.  Having used these lessons to achieve the success and happiness he desires, Kevin creates a clear path for you to reach your goals while protecting your mental space.     Kevin Y. Brown Kevin Y. Brown is a National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) Center For Public Trust (CPT) “Being A Difference” award recipient, international speaker, entrepreneur, and author.  The former MTV Networks host and NYC fashion marketer has created an international following as a speaker on personal excellence, effective communication, and leadership.  Kevin has been featured by Black Enterprise magazine as a “Modern Man of Distinction” and highlighted in various publications for his self-help speaking work and helping students graduate college debt-free.  Recognized for his commitment to empowering foster care youth and as a foster care system alumnus, he has also delivered the keynote address at the International Foster Care Organizations Conference in Sydney, Australia, and Osaka, Japan.  Kevin is currently the creator/host of Sirius XM’s “Create Your Life” series, a fellow in the New York Chapter of the Startup Leadership Program, and an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.    Insights from this episode: How to protect your mental space to make sure you can stay strong for yourself and for others during COVID-19: No distractions in the morning Having a morning routine Meditate Focus on focus Evaluate your relationships Spend time with yourself Plan Get an accountability partner Have a nightly routine  Turn your phone off Bonus: Prioritize what matters  Bonus: Consistency Bonus: Stay in your lane How to promote self-care with Kevin’s AMBITIONS acronym: A - daily affirmations M - listen to something motivational B - the body, stretch I - intelligence, read T - thankfulness I - income, manage finances O - look at opportunities N - nutritional intake S - schedule Benefits of asking questions to encourage personal and relationship growth: Why do I do certain things? What makes me feel good? What makes me feel not so good? How do I feel when [this person] comes around?  How do I feel when I’m around a particular group of people? What actually matters to me? What would I do for fun if no one else was around?  What music would I listen to if no one else was around? What would I do if money didn’t matter?   Quotes from the show:  “The day started on my time, on my schedule versus starting it in reaction.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #178 “Owning your morning is what really sets the precedent for the rest of the day.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #178 “It is so important to spend some time in complete silence and think through your day.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #178 “Stop participating in relationships that cause you stress or make you second-guess yourself.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #178 “I am lucky to live my life on my terms and for that, I am extremely thankful.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #178 On having an accountability partner: “You need someone to hold you accountable to your plans and your true north and this is going to make a huge difference and keep you pushing forward.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #178 “Your nightly routine and what you do before bed are related to your morning routine.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #178 “Working on the right things is more important than working hard.  Make sure you are working on the things that will bring you the results that you want.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #178   Resources Mentioned: Smart Countdown Timer CYLS 173: One Year Back in America Plan for Success with Dr. Myles Munroe   Stay Connected: Create Your Life Series Facebook: Create Your Life Series Instagram: Create Your Life Series   Kevin Y. Brown Website: www.kevinybrown.com Instagram: kevinybrown Twitter: kevinybrown Facebook: kevinybrown Email: kevin@podcastlaundry.com   Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on  iTunes, google podcast, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast This episode was produced and managed by  Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com)

  The Road Less Traveled with Candice Davis   Episode Summary Learn about the host of your favorite podcast as Candice Davis of Little Miss Entertainment turns the microphone on Kevin, in this crossover episode of the Create Your Life Series.  Kevin shares how his experiences in the California foster system gave him the determination to succeed and, ultimately, the ability to create his life.  Kevin and Candice reminisce about his experiences at Clark Atlanta University and how the friends you make can influence your life in the best of ways.  Listen in to find out what’s next for Kevin and what he’s looking forward to in the future.   Kevin Y. Brown Kevin Y. Brown is a National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) Center For Public Trust (CPT) “Being A Difference” award recipient, international speaker, entrepreneur, and author.  The former MTV Networks host and NYC fashion marketer has created an international following as a speaker on personal excellence, effective communication, and leadership.  Kevin has been featured by Black Enterprise magazine as a “Modern Man of Distinction” and highlighted in various publications for his self-help speaking work and helping students graduate college debt-free.  Recognized for his commitment to empowering foster care youth and as a foster care system alumnus, he has also delivered the keynote address at the International Foster Care Organizations Conference in Sydney, Australia, and Osaka, Japan.  Kevin is currently the creator/host of Sirius XM’s “Create Your Life” series, a fellow in the New York Chapter of the Startup Leadership Program, and an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.    Candice Davis Candice graduated from Wilkes University with honors in the prestigious Lambda Pi Eta communications studies National Honor Society.  She is in the Who's Who of College & University Students and has achieved numerous other awards.  Now, Candice is Director of Marketing at Live! Casino and Hotel in Hanover, Maryland, but after college Candice took what she calls a “survival job” before finding what would be the best opportunity of her life at a casino as an entertainment coordinator.  What began as a fun title on a name tag turned into the Little Miss Entertainment brand.   Little Miss Entertainment is any person that loves to go to concerts, loves throwing dinner parties, loves finding a bargain on great designer clothes, loves traveling the world.  Candice took that brand and turned it into an interview-style podcast, The Little Miss Entertainment Show, where she interviews amazing people with amazing stories. They talk about funny things, serious things, and love things and they are the types of stories that everyone can relate to.   Insights from this episode: Details on how Kevin’s childhood cultivated and shaped his path for the future. The benefits of going to Clark Atlanta University, how it provided a history and a basis for Kevin to learn and build from, and how he emerged as a completely different person. Secrets to graduating from college debt-free taken from Kevin’s book 10 Ways Anyone Can Graduate From College Debt-Free: A Guide to Post-College Freedom. Strategies Kevin used to survive foster care and how that experience made him who he is today. Difficulties faced by men of color to express themselves in a meaningful way. How to find and face your flaws. Details on the launch of Podcast Laundry, how it has grown, and what’s next for Kevin.   Quotes from the show: On being in foster care: “It’s one of those situations where you either decide that you’re going to take control of your life or that the circumstances that you were born into, that you have no control over, will then define who you are.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #177 “Going to Clark Atlanta was a great experience.  I feel like, for me, it definitely taught me about the responsibilities that I had to the community as a black male.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #177 “College is about having fun and it’s about finding yourself and your independence, but it’s more so what you need to leave with; college is a network of people that will support you.” – Candice Davis, Episode #177 “Foster care just always has that connotation that that person didn’t want the child or the child is in the system, but it’s so much more than that.” – Candice Davis, Episode #177 On surviving foster care: “You have people that have different levels of resiliency.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #177 “My thing with Create Your Life is that we want to make sure that people walk away with tangible takeaways and that our guests are very, very open, and that we ask the questions, the life hacks, that people can really walk away with.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #177 “You can’t duplicate the ‘what’ somebody does or the ‘why’ they do it but you can duplicate the ‘how’ and that’s what’s really important.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #177 “You invest in other people to see them win.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #177 “We all have areas to improve … change is constant but growth is optional.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #177 “Sometimes we are our biggest critics and we have to know we aren’t perfect and … that there is room to improve and grow and if we all accept that we will become better human beings and better communicators and better partners.” – Candice Davis, Episode #177 “[Kevin] is one of those people that you will not just want to work with because of the quality of work, you’ll enjoy working with him because he is professional and personable.” – Candice Davis, Episode #177   Resources Mentioned: 10 Ways Anyone Can Graduate From College Debt-Free: A Guide to Post-College Freedom by Kevin Y. Brown Pod Decks   Stay Connected: Create Your Life Series Facebook: Create Your Life Series Instagram: Create Your Life Series   Kevin Y. Brown Website: www.kevinybrown.com Instagram: kevinybrown Twitter: kevinybrown Facebook: kevinybrown Email: kevin@podcastlaundry.com   Candice Davis Website: www.candicedavisonline.com Podcast: Little Miss Entertainment Show Instagram: @lilmissent Twitter: @lilmissent Email: thelilmissentshow@gmail.com   Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on  iTunes, google podcast, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast   This episode was produced and managed by  Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com)

  Episode Summary   If you want to increase effective communication and leadership in your business, don’t miss this episode of the Create Your Life Series.  Eric and Kevin discuss their commitment to creating a company culture that reflects the values of their organization and how they incorporate the Hire Slow, Fire Fast method to achieve that goal.  They break down their core concepts of hiring employees, conflict resolution, and how to release the anchor of commitment when you need to take the final step and fire an employee.       Kevin Y. Brown   Kevin Y. Brown is a National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) Center For Public Trust (CPT) “Being A Difference” award recipient, international speaker, entrepreneur, and author.  The former MTV Networks host and NYC fashion marketer has created an international following as a speaker on personal excellence, effective communication, and leadership.  Kevin has been featured by Black Enterprise magazine as a “Modern Man of Distinction” and highlighted in various publications for his self-help speaking work and helping students graduate college debt-free.  Recognized for his commitment to empowering foster care youth and as a foster care system alumnus, he has also delivered the keynote address at the International Foster Care Organizations Conference in Sydney, Australia, and Osaka, Japan.  Kevin is currently the creator/host of Sirius XM’s “Create Your Life” series, a fellow in the New York Chapter of the Startup Leadership Program, and an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.  Eric Fondren   Eric Fondren is a mixed bag of skills that includes both hard and soft skills. After obtaining his computer science degree from Morehouse College, Eric spent 3 years on Wall Street learning why it's difficult for large companies to innovate. While working full-time, Eric also went on to obtain his Master's degree in professional counseling.   After his stint on Wall Street, Eric tried his hand with a number of ventures including web design, relationship coaching among other things. All of this experience showed him his true path, which was to build a technology company.   Today, as CEO of ITELLIO (originally branded as FreeATM) Eric has built a large scale ad network that aggregates 9,000 digital screens into a central buying platform.      Insights from this episode: How to hire employees to create a respectful culture within your organization that fosters success. Strategies for defining who will be a good fit to join your organization. Benefits of having a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), paying attention to the details of your business, and knowing your personnel. How to deal with clients that have a company culture that clashes with your company’s culture. Benefits of taking responsibility as a leader and the impact it makes on your culture. Strategies for effective communication especially through digital methods such as email and text. The secret for dealing with conflict communication; the positivity sandwich.   Quotes from the show: “Creating a culture is probably the most important thing you can do to set up success for your business long-term.” – Eric Fondren, Episode #176 “Being organized starts from the top.  You have to understand your personnel.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #176 “You don’t want to have to spend time teaching somebody the skills necessary to do the job.  That’s an important piece.” – Eric Fondren, Episode #176 “You’re hiring somebody to do the job; you’re not hiring someone to learn the job.  That’s an internship.” – Eric Fondren, Episode #176 “People value different things.  People have different priorities, different motivations.” – Eric Fondren, Episode #176 On communicating with employees: “I had to be mindful of the way that I was communicating as the leader in this situation as well.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #176 “Conflict resolution is a huge part of culture. If people are scared to resolve conflict both internally and externally, it’s going to stop your business almost immediately.” – Eric Fondren, Episode #176 “You have to know what the goal is beyond this conversation or the goal of the conversation.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #176   Stay Connected:   Create Your Life Series   Facebook: Create Your Life Series Instagram: Create Your Life Series Kevin Y. Brown   Website: www.kevinybrown.com Instagram: kevinybrown Twitter: kevinybrown Facebook: kevinybrown   Eric Fondren   Website: www.itellio.com Email: info@itell.io LinkedIn: Eric Fondren Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on  iTunes, google podcast, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast   This episode was produced and managed by  Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com)

  Episode Summary   In this episode of the Create Your Life Series, Kevin talks with Eric Fondren of Itellio about the effects of quarantine on life and business and the lessons they are learning during this time.  Eric discusses his new venture, Bankable Business Blueprint, and other projects he’s working on right now and Kevin shares what the future holds for his business, Podcast Laundry.  Whether you’re starting a business or trying to break a plateau, you don’t want to miss this episode on how to make your venture more effective.     Kevin Y. Brown Kevin Y. Brown is a National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) Center For Public Trust (CPT) “Being A Difference” award recipient, international speaker, entrepreneur, and author.  The former MTV Networks host and NYC fashion marketer has created an international following as a speaker on personal excellence, effective communication, and leadership.  Kevin has been featured by Black Enterprise magazine as a “Modern Man of Distinction” and highlighted in various publications for his self-help speaking work and helping students graduate college debt-free.  Recognized for his commitment to empowering foster care youth and as a foster care system alumnus, he has also delivered the keynote address at the International Foster Care Organizations Conference in Sydney, Australia and Osaka, Japan.  Kevin is currently the creator/host of Sirius XM’s “Create Your Life” series, a fellow in the New York Chapter of the Startup Leadership Program, and an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.    Eric Fondren Eric Fondren is a mixed bag of skills that includes both hard and soft skills. After obtaining his computer science degree from Morehouse College, Eric spent 3 years on Wall Street learning why it's difficult for large companies to innovate. While working full-time, Eric also went on to obtain his Master's degree in professional counseling. After his stint on Wall Street, Eric tried his hand with a number of ventures including web design, relationship coaching among other things. All of this experience showed him his true path, which was to build a technology company. Today, as CEO of ITELLIO (originally branded as FreeATM) Eric has built a large scale ad network that aggregates 9,000 digital screens into a central buying platform.    Insights from this episode: Strategies for attracting and retaining the right customers for your services.  Benefits of evolving and redefining your clientele to ensure business success and growth.  How to set your business up for success and maintain consistent growth. Details on the “six-figure follows” system that Eric created and uses to help his customers reach more customers. Differences between word-of-mouth marketing and content marketing and when to employ each. Benefits of researching your competition to find what made them successful and what didn’t to improve your own business.   Quotes from the show: “I feel like quarantine and pivot has been the story of my life.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #175 “Quarantine has really helped me to become laser-focused.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #175 “The product should be catered to the client and if you don’t know who exactly the client should be you can’t build a good company around it.” – Eric Fondren, Episode #175 On client relationships: “Our success is tied to your success.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #175 “I don’t want to help people build a product … I want to help people go from just product development to sales to a consistent managed sales process.” – Eric Fondren, Episode #175  On the “six-figure follows” system: “Why post all day when you can make money all day.” – Eric Fondren, Episode #175 “Real competition means someone doing the exact same thing as you at potentially higher quality and lower prices.” – Eric Fondren, Episode #175 “Don’t recreate the wheel but you can have a different type of wheel and it can be made of something different.”  – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #175 “People nowadays buy because of authenticity and relatability.” – Eric Fondren, Episode #175   Stay Connected:   Create Your Life Series Facebook: Create Your Life Series Instagram: Create Your Life Series Kevin Y. Brown Website: www.kevinybrown.com Instagram: kevinybrown Twitter: kevinybrown Facebook: kevinybrown   Eric Fondren Website: www.itellio.com Email: info@itell.io LinkedIn: Eric Fondren   Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on  iTunes, google podcast, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast This episode was produced and managed by  Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com)

Episode Summary   In this episode of the Create Your Life Series, Kevin talks with Alechia Reese about how to go beyond empowerment to achieve your goals.  Alechia shares how she successfully juggles the management of three business teams and two brands while being a single mother.  She also discusses her surprising take on higher education, the biggest challenge she had to overcome, and what’s next on her journey.  Whether you're starting a business or want to have better relationships, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways you can immediately employ to transform your own life.     Kevin Y. Brown   Kevin Y. Brown is a National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) Center For Public Trust (CPT) “Being A Difference” award recipient, international speaker, entrepreneur, and author.  The former MTV Networks host and NYC fashion marketer has created an international following as a speaker on personal excellence, effective communication, and leadership.  Kevin has been featured by Black Enterprise magazine as a “Modern Man of Distinction” and highlighted in various publications for his self-help speaking work and helping students graduate college debt-free.  Recognized for his commitment to empowering foster care youth and as a foster care system alumnus, he has also delivered the keynote address at the International Foster Care Organizations Conference in Sydney, Australia and Osaka, Japan.  Kevin is currently the creator/host of Sirius XM’s “Create Your Life” series, a fellow in the New York Chapter of the Startup Leadership Program, and an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.  Alechia Reese    Alechia Reese is the chief brand strategist of 360 Gateway Brands, author of the award-winning book, Eating Elephants, former director of PR & creative marketing of Soledad O'Brien's PowHERful Foundation, and the former strategic marketing director of Disney star, Zendaya Coleman’s fashion line, Daya by Zendaya. She specializes in the development of brand identity, strategy and execution. Her clients have been featured in Glamour, on the covers of Cosmo and are regular speakers for Ivy League institutions and the White House, under the Obama administration. Alechia is also a media personality, certified international professional speaker and humanitarian who has hosted and curated award-winning entertainment and corporate activations. As an event curator and coordinator her company has designed events for Art Basel, Miami Fashion Week and a host of other tours and client campaigns. With a master’s degree and ScrumMaster certification Alechia’s skilled, fun and energetic speaking style has afforded her the opportunity to partner with and speak for a myriad of corporations & organizations from the entertainment stage to the corporate boardroom including Bank of America, UPS, the Miami Marlins, Progressive, Grey Goose, Verizon and others.   Honored as a Woman of Power Awardee presented by Bank of America & NABA NYC, her specialty is purpose leadership, millennial leadership development, effective networking and relationship building, and brand and business development. A firm believer in all things positive empowerment and strategic differentiation, you can catch her on a plane near you interviewing some of the most influential & successful world leaders, or hosting some of the most progressive and exclusive events around the globe. Alechia is a domestic violence thriver and she believes beyond empowerment it is necessary to properly equip all people to succeed. Her life's mantra is, "Your life is the sum total of your beliefs - believe greatly!" Insights from this episode:   Strategies Alechia teaches her daughter to ensure that she can also become the person she wants to be. Benefits of using solid systems and creating an amazing team to help you achieve your goals. Details on Alechia’s program to assist businesses in creating programs for remote workers. Secrets to creating strong relationships with companies and maintaining that relationship. Benefits of personal development and continual learning on emotional and physical wellness. How to develop your brand, process and incorporate feedback, and overcome personal challenges.  Quotes from the show:   “Just because I was born into a certain situation does not mean that I have to accept that and make that what it is for the rest of my life.  Just because it looks like that now, does not mean it has to look that way for life.” – Alechia Reese, Episode #174 “You are the author of your story.  No one else can create it.” – Alechia Reese, Episode #174 “I am just really good at building and developing and then maintaining relationships. I understand it’s not about me, I’m in a position to serve.” – Alechia Reese, Episode #174 “A lot of people get real confused about how to find out what people need and I’m a firm believer in just open your mouth and ask.” – Alechia Reese, Episode #174 “All that degree meant was that I could stick through something and finish it.  It doesn’t mean I’m skilled, it doesn’t mean I’m talented, it doesn’t mean I know how to build something, it just means I know how to finish a class.” – Alechia Reese, Episode #174 “I thought the degree would legitimize me and honestly it didn’t.  The relationships that I built and the results that I was able to achieve, that legitimized me.” – Alechia Reese, Episode #174 On overcoming obstacles: “That’s when I became a survivor and later I became a thriver.” – Alechia Reese, Episode #174 On sharing the struggles of beginning a business: “That window of time is so important for somebody who might be going through a similar experience.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #174   “Make a decision, this is what I want, this is what I’ll have, and then put in the work to get there.” – Alechia Reese, Episode #174   Resources Mentioned:   Women's Business Enterprise National Council LinkedIn Learning The Return to Love by Marianne Williamson The Aladdin Factor by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen International Players Anthem by Underground Kings Stay Connected:   Create Your Life Series   Facebook: Create Your Life Series Instagram: Create Your Life Series Kevin Y. Brown   Website: www.kevinybrown.com Instagram: kevinybrown Twitter: kevinybrown Facebook: kevinybrown   Alechia Reese   Website: www.alechiareese.com Instagram: alechiareese Twitter: alechiareese Facebook: alechiareese YouTube: alechiareese LinkedIn: alechiareese Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on  iTunes, google podcast, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast   This episode was produced and managed by  Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com)

  Episode Summary In this episode of Create Your Life Series, Kevin reflects on the last twelve months and shares his thoughts on the current events that are changing the world.  This episode is real talk on the real impacts of what is happening around us. Kevin talks about his feelings on loss and legacy, how he has been coping, and the books that are helping to shape his approach to life.    Kevin Y. Brown Kevin Y. Brown is a National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) Center For Public Trust (CPT) “Being A Difference” award recipient, international speaker, entrepreneur, and author.  The former MTV Networks host and NYC fashion marketer has created an international following as a speaker on personal excellence, effective communication, and leadership.  Kevin has been featured by Black Enterprise magazine as a “Modern Man of Distinction” and highlighted in various publications for his self-help speaking work and helping students graduate college debt-free.  Recognized for his commitment to empowering foster care youth and as a foster care system alumnus, he has also delivered the keynote address at the International Foster Care Organizations Conference in Sydney, Australia and Osaka, Japan.  Kevin is currently the creator/host of Sirius XM’s “Create Your Life” series, a fellow in the New York Chapter of the Startup Leadership Program, and an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.    Insights from this episode: The stark differences between travelling across Africa and living in the United States as a black man. How COVID-19 has personally impacted Kevin and his wish for his audience and the world. The secrets that he has learned from his experiences especially during the last year. Strategies for coping and finding balance in troubled times. How to continue to strive to be better.   Quotes from the show: On traveling across Africa: “I just never had that heightened level of stress that I have to deal with on a day-to-day basis here in the U.S. [United States]” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #173 “To be honest this is a really stressful reality and one that is even hard to convey to you and it’s something that’s been going on since the beginning of the United States.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #173 “It seems like the world, and the United States, people both white black and people of color are coming together as one in order to talk about the injustice and make a movement.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #173 “For the first time in my life I feel like there might actually be change coming.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #173 “What kind of legacy will you leave behind?” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #173 “Nothing is promised.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #173 “One of the biggest lessons I had to learn was humility, humility, humility.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #173 “I had to understand that I am not the man that I planned to be.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #173  “These twelve books are about wealth creation, mindset, and history and I believe you need all three to be successful in this world.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #173   Recommended Books: Up From Slavery by Booker T. Washington The Power of the subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker Cashflow Quadrant by Robert Kiyosaki The Wealth Choice by Dennis Kimbro Powernomics by Claude Anderson The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo The 12 Week Year by Brian Moran As a Man Thinketh by James Allen The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz F.U. Money by Dan Locke Stay Connected:   Create Your Life Series:   https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/  https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/   Kevin Y. Brown:   www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on  iTunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast This episode was produced and managed by  Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com)

  Episode Summary This episode of Create Your Life Series will motivate you to make and keep your resolutions this year.  Kevin talks with Benoy Thanjan, owner of Reneu Energy, about his path to entrepreneurship in the solar energy industry and his passion project, the Solar Maverick podcast.  Benoy and Kevin look back on their journeys over the past year and discuss what it takes to be successful in entrepreneurship, podcasting, and life.   Kevin Y. Brown Kevin Y. Brown is a National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) Center For Public Trust (CPT) “Being A Difference” award recipient, international speaker, entrepreneur, and author.  The former MTV Networks host and NYC fashion marketer has created an international following as a speaker on personal excellence, effective communication, and leadership. Kevin has been featured by Black Enterprise magazine as a “Modern Man of Distinction” and highlighted in various publications for his self-help speaking work and helping students graduate college debt-free.  Recognized for his commitment to empowering foster care youth and as a foster care system alumnus, he has also delivered the keynote address at the International Foster Care Organizations Conference in Sydney, Australia and Osaka, Japan.  Kevin is currently the creator/host of Sirius XM’s “Create Your Life” series, a fellow in the New York Chapter of the Startup Leadership Program, and an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.  Benoy Thanjan  Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, as well as an advisor for several solar startup companies. Reneu Energy is a premier international solar energy consulting firm and developer, and the company focuses on developing commercial and industrial solar, as well as utility-scale solar plus storage projects. The company also sources financing for solar projects and hedges both energy and environmental commodities. Reneu Energy has brokered $27 million in environmental commodity transactions.  Benoy received his first experience in Finance as an intern at D.E. Shaw & Co., which is a global investment firm with 37 billion dollars in investment capital. Before founding Reneu Energy, he was the SREC Trader in the Project Finance Group for SolarCity, which merged with Tesla in 2016. He originated SREC trades with buyers and co-developed their SREC monetization and hedging strategy with the senior management of SolarCity, to move into the east coast markets. Benoy also worked at Vanguard Energy Partners, Ridgewood Renewable Power, and Deloitte & Touche.   Insights from this episode: Details on Reneu Energy, how the company became involved with Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs), and how states are employing them to incentivize solar development. How to create a more eco-friendly lifestyle on a daily basis and incorporate renewable energy into any household. Strategies on goal-setting, forming a work plan, and taking action steps to attain those goals. How to create a successful podcast in a niche market, facing challenges, and making your own opportunities. Details on how Benoy and Kevin became podcasters and what that process has taught them.    Quotes from the show: “My first background in energy was at Deloitte & Touch and then I knew that renewable energy sustainability was my passion.” – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #172 “There’s a lot of exciting things that are happening with the (renewable energy) industry, specifically related to solar.” – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #172 On having a renewable lifestyle: “There’s the Three R’s that we could all incorporate into our whole lifestyle, which is Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.” – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #172 On what it takes to become an entrepreneur: “A lot of time, in pursuit of running your own company, it takes a while.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #172 On entrepreneurship: “It’s not easy to just go (out) and then suddenly start a company and take that leap, it definitely takes time.” – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #172 On attaining goals: “Every day I come up with a task list… of what are the biggest things that are going to move the needle to get me closer to my goals.” – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #172 On making Solar Maverick: “It’s important to take the feedback that you get from the podcast but it’s also important to be what you wanted the show to be about.” – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #172 On listening to Solar Maverick: “Solar is here to stay and it is something that is becoming bigger and bigger and more a part of our daily lives and with that, we need to be informed and that’s why I tune in to the Solar Maverick podcast” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #172 On Kevin creating the Create Your Life Series: “It was being a professional speaker and I wanted a way to engage with my listeners and audience members on a continuous basis.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #172 On what Kevin has learned through his guests on the Create Your Life Series: “You have to be bold and authentic and actually be doing what it is that aligns with you.” – Kevin Y. Brown, Episode #172   Resources mentioned   Solar Maverick with Benoy Thanjan Create Your Life Series: Episode 134 with Kevin Y. Brown  How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie Stay Connected:   Create Your Life Series: https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/  https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/   Kevin Y. Brown: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Benoy Thanjan: www.reneuenergy.com www.instagram.com/benoit0212 www.linkedin.com/in/bthanjan/   Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on  iTunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast   This episode was produced and managed by  Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com)

Episode summary: Yvonne talks about her entrepreneurial journey, sharing how she used her experiences and her education to become a go-to special event producer in the music industry. She shares inspiration and strategies for navigating negative feedback and holding her own in an industry where women of color are minorities. She also talks about the importance of the behind-the-scenes movers and shakers in all industries: how to value them and how fulfilling a job in that role can be.   About our Guest: Yvonne McNair is CEO of Captivate Marketing Group. She is a certified and Emmy-nominated special events producer and entertainment marketing professional. She was mentored by Esther Gordy Edwards, Berry’s Gordon’s sister and the creator of Motown Museum. At 22, she was featured on the cover of Crain magazine as someone to watch in the industry. Today, she has 20 years and over 10,000 events under her belt. She has worked with artists big and small, including working with Prince as well as top media companies including the Sundance Film Festival and MTV, among others.   Insights from this episode: Strategies for continuing to innovate and evolve with your craft Strategies for cultivating and sustaining relationships How to play the long game when securing clients Secrets to mastering your craft How to show your gratitude for the people in your corner Strategies for pushing past introversion to network successfully Strategies for retaining clients year over year   Quotes from the show: “I wanted to have all those same credentials so there was nothing holding me back.” - Yvonne McNair, Episode #171 On developing strong relationships with clients: “When I’m working with artists, I’m not just gonna hit you up when you’re high.” - Yvonne McNair, Episode #171 “I’m the go-to person when people want something a little different. I compete against myself. I want to do better than the last event.” -  Yvonne McNair, Episode #171 “There are so many things I learned from grad school that I use every day.” -  Yvonne McNair, Episode #171 On navigating negative feedback: “I just shake it off. I feel that I’m really strong and I feel that there’s nothing I can’t handle or do, so you know just having strength and believing in yourself.” -  Yvonne McNair, Episode #171 “I try to go with how a person makes me feel – instinct. If I’m gonna partner with you we gotta both be bringing something to the table.” -  Yvonne McNair, Episode #171 “Be the best that you can be in your own lane” - Kevin Y Brown, Episode #171 On rebuilding her business after moving to New York: “I had to really have the confidence in myself. I had to have a long talk with myself.” -  Yvonne McNair, Episode #171 “I think it’s so important, especially with things that go on in the world, I’ve lost a couple very close friends – they’ve passed away – so I want my friends to know I love them and I appreciate them because you just never know.” -  Yvonne McNair, Episode #171 “A plan is not a plan until you write it down.” -  Yvonne McNair, Episode #171 “You only have one time, in fact you might have half a time to show me who you are before I believe it. That doesn’t mean that I’m through with you, but I might reposition you.” -  Yvonne McNair, Episode #171   Resources mentioned: Keynote   Favorite book: The Success Principles by Jack Canfield   Favorite quote: “When people show you who they are, believe them.” - Maya Angelou   3 keys to Create Your Best Life:     Persistence     Step out of your comfort zone     Be a risk taker   Stay Connected: Show Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/ Kevin Y Brown: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Yvonne NcNair: www.instagram.com/ymcnairasiseeit https://twitter.com/ymcnair www.captivatemarketinggroup.com Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast.

Episode summary: Cherise talks about her educational experience and her pivot from the biomedical field to media and technology through working for Spotify. She describes how her passions and experiences came to coalesce around her current job, and why she finds it fulfilling to work at Spotify and with students and universities.   About our Guest: Cherise Bernard is a senior talent acquisition partner at Spotify, overseeing the outreach strategy and management for all undergraduate business, MBA, and PhD research internships in the United States, Canada and South America, especially those with a focus on diversity initiatives. She also leads the creation of Spotify’s new academic relations division with the goal of initiating and managing partnerships between spotify and us universities to amplify research in artificial intelligence, machine learning and natural language processing for new product development. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Spelman College, an MBA from Rutgers University and a PhD from Rutgers in cellular and molecular pharmacology.   Insights from this episode: How having a spiritual anchor can offer support in your life Strategies for showing up every day in the midst of grief and hard times How to use self reflection in your work life How to use your strengths and experiences to make you flexible along your career path Strategies for securing internships as a student Secrets to becoming your best self Strategies to taking initiative of programs at work to new levels   Quotes from the show: Something Cherise took away from her experience at an HBCU: “We [African Americans] can do more than what was originally slated for us.” - Cherise Bernard, Episode 170 “Learn how to be flexible in terms of how you communicate with people.” - Cherise Bernard, Episode 170 “Be careful how you present yourself to the outside world because it matters.” - Cherise Bernard, Episode 170 On what she took from her PhD experience: “Really how to own something and lead it out on your own is really what I took from that whole experience which is I think the most valuable thing ever.” - Cherise Bernard, Episode 170 “If we were aware of the whole staircase, we wouldn’t want to take any steps, because it would be scary. I’m a person who focuses on one step at a time.” - Cherise Bernard, Episode 170 “Follow your internal compass and be ready for that next step even when you don’t know what it is.” - Kevin Y Brown, Episode #170 “I really love engaging with students because of their hope.” - Cherise Bernard, Episode 170 “You don’t have to be in control to make greatness happen. When you are great it just happens for you and with you when it’s supposed to.” - Kevin Y Brown, Episode #170 “Traveling, seeing the world, learning other cultures is creating your best life.” - Cherise Bernard, Episode 170 “What motivates me is the fact that it’s bigger than me.” - Kevin Y Brown, Episode #170   Resources mentioned: Budget app through Bank of America   Favorite book: The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer   Favorite quote: Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” - Maya Angelou   3 keys to Create Your Best Life:    Focus on self love; make loving yourself a priority     Get used to change     Become okay with forgiving yourself often   Stay Connected: Show Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/ Kevin Y Brown: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Cherise Bernard: www.cherisebernardphd.com https://twitter.com/drCBernard1 www.instagram.com/docshortcut Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast.

Episode summary: Patrice shares her financial and emotional intelligence, telling her story of redefining her quest for money into a quest for purpose. She speaks with compassion for herself – speaking honestly about the challenges she has overcome – and compassion for others in their own journeys to find purpose and financial stability.   About our Guest: Patrice Washington is an award-winning author, personal finance coach, inspiring public speaker and media personality. She is known as “America’s Money Maven,” she is the host of the Redefining Wealth Podcast and she founded the Earn More Money Movement for Women. Her podcast was placed on Forbes’ list of 15 inspiring podcasts for professionals of every stripe. She is also a mom and a wife and an excellent scrapbooker.   Insights from this episode: How to evaluate your money patterns and habits in order to change them How to start saving money by aligning yourself with your purpose Secrets to listening to your heart even when you’re broke Strategies for upholding your relationships in the midst of tough financial times How to create harmony in your life by respecting your important relationships Strategies for cultivating understanding Strategies for organizing your goals   Quotes from the show: “Every time it does get hard, I remind myself that I am blessed to be a blessing.” - Patrice Washington, Episode #168 “I’ve always believed that becoming wealthy has nothing to do with money and everything do to with mindset.” - Patrice Washington, Episode #168 “I don’t believe you can recondition what you’re not gonna recognize.” - Patrice Washington, Episode #168 “Seventy to 80 percent of my audience, even though they were making good money, they were not working in their purpose, therefore they were so unfulfilled that they were using all these other things to cope. Or they were using all these other things to fill the void that’s created when you’re not working or living in your purpose.” - Patrice Washington, Episode #168 On maintaining a healthy relationship through tough times: “I think the foundation of that is he was my best friend before he was my boyfriend so he is my friend friend.” - Patrice Washington, Episode #168 On raising her daughter and cultivating harmony in her life: “It was important to me that she knew that it was possible, that she knew she would never have to grow up and make the choice between I am I going to be a mother or am I going to be a businesswoman or professional.” - Patrice Washington, Episode #168 “If it don’t feel right it’s probably not right.” - Patrice Washington, Episode #168 On seeking therapy: “Going to sit on somebody’s couch I think saved my destiny.” - Patrice Washington, Episode #168 “I do not believe that I could be who I am today had i not gotten the help for the childhood trauma that I experienced.” - Patrice Washington, Episode #168 “I’m not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s okay.” - Patrice Washington, Episode #168   Resources mentioned: Google calendar   Favorite quote: Her motto: “I am who I say I am.”   Favorite book: Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Ecker   3 keys to Create Your Best Life:     Chase purpose not money     You have the power to define wealth as whatever you see it as     Make it a point to create relationships that matter - everything that you need, if it’s not within your reach, you know someone who can get you there.   Stay Connected: Show Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/ Kevin Y Brown: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Patrice Washington: www.patricewashington.com www.instagram.com/seekwisdompcw Redefining wealth podcast: www.patricewashington.com/listen and wherever you listen to podcasts! Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast.

Episode summary: This episode sounds like two friends catching up. It is a beautifully honest conversation between two entrepreneurs full of mutual respect. Jeremy shares his story of leaving a lucrative contract as a rapper to pursue passions closer to his heart. He talks about starting over and his grind to secure a place in the L.A. comedy world. He also talks about his passion for self care and his firm belief in the importance of validating your mental health and wellbeing.   About our Guest: Jeremy Christian is a rapper and musician turned actor and comedian. He currently writes, acts and produces for MTV’s WILD ‘N OUT show. He also helps create and run shows at Let’s Be Honest Comedy and hosts, performs and produces shows at The Comedy Store. He has a degree in television and film communication from Clark Atlanta University. He is also a dad, and says his daughter is his biggest source of motivation.   Insights from this episode: How to use the resources available to you to make it happen How to stick with it when you have to start over Strategies to push past stress and find yourself Strategies for prioritizing your mental health, your needs and your goals   Quotes from the show: On working at a Hallmark store when he first moved to LA: “Everything I did I took pride in, because I was like if I’m gonna be here, I’m gonna be here. If I’m gonna sell cards, I’m gonna be the best at selling cards.” - Jeremy Christian, Episode #167 “I really just stopped thinking about everybody else and started working on my own stuff.” - Jeremy Christian, Episode #167 On self care: “As long as I take care of that core, I think everything else is good.” - Jeremy Christian, Episode #167 “I had to dig up a lot of that stuff in order to really move forward and get that weight off my shoulders I didn’t even realize was there.” - Jeremy Christian, Episode #167 On the power of sharing personal stories and experiences: “Even though you know that these stories happen, you feel like you’re going through it by yourself until you share the same stories.” - Jeremy Christian, Episode #167 On his life outlook: “I just want to be able to look back and say, ‘well done.’” - Jeremy Christian, Episode #167   Resources mentioned: Final Cut Final Draft   Favorite book: 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene Favorite quote: Gumbo’s motto: “Find a way or make one.”   3 keys to Create Your Best Life:     Look into yourself, do some soul searching and figure out what is true for you     Know what it is that you want, but also be open minded about how you’re going to get there     Be a good person and be kind   Stay Connected: Show Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/ Kevin Y Brown: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Jeremy Christian: www.instagram.com/heyitsgumbo https://twitter.com/HeyItsGumbo Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast.

Episode summary: Amanda and KJ eloquently and humorously walk listeners through their entrepreneurial journey to founding a very successful beauty brand for women of color. They talk about their vision, the importance of having a solid team working around them and a solid community supporting and challenging them.   About our Guests: Amanda Johnson and KJ Miller are the founders of Mented, a cosmetics company dedicated to providing consistent, everyday beauty products for women of every shade. The two met at Harvard Business School but developed Mented later, while working corporate 9-5 jobs. Today, they are the 15th and 16th black women to have raised $1 million in venture capital.   Insights from this episode: How to make use of your network as a startup Strategies for locking down your first investors How to be proactive and mindful about building your team Secrets to continuing to innovate How to listen to constructive criticism and tune out the rest   Quotes from the show: “As cool of a strategy as it may seem to be able to say something is sold out, I’d much rather have the dollars in our bank account than the headline that we sold out.” - KJ Miller, Episode #166   “We want women to always feel like they can come to us and get the product they want.” - Amanda Johnson, Episode #165   “The jobs we had were the jobs we had to do, mented was the job we got to do.” - KJ Miller, Episode #165 “At the base of it, there are really amazing women of color influencers out there talking about Mented, constantly introducing us to their audiences, reintroducing us if you will, and an enthusiastic community who wants to tell anybody and everybody they know.” - Amanda Johnson, Episode #165 “It would be great if I had known when we started that yea there will be some really really heavy times and some tough times, but you know you’ll figure it out, you’ll work through it because that’s what you do and you build up almost like a muscle of working through really tough things and as that muscle gets stronger, you get better at it.” - KJ Miller, Episode #165   “Goal setting methods: we pick a really big number, put it on the wall and we’re like that’s the number we’re going to hit next year.” - KJ Miller, Episode #165     Resources mentioned: Google drive   Favorite book: Amanda: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen KJ: Waiting to Exhale by Terry McMillan   Favorite quote: KJ: “Well behaved women seldom make history.” - Eleanor Roosevelt Amanda: “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by and that has made all the difference.” - Robert Frost   3 keys to Create Your Best Life: KJ:     You are smarter and more capable than you’re probably giving yourself credit for     There are going to be a lot of people along the way that will doubt you, but you’re the expert in you     If it’s not fun, whatever the it is that you’re pursuing, you probably won’t be able to make it last   Amanda:     Get you a strong group of people around you     Stay curious     Take care of your emotional health   Stay Connected: Show Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/ Kevin Y Brown: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Amanda Johnson and KJ Miller: www.mentedcosmetics.com hello@mentedcosmetics.com www.instagram.com/iam_kj www.instagram.com/mentedcosmetics Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast.

Episode summary: Kathryn talks about her journey to the legal team at Spotify. She talks about being a woman of color in a white-male-dominated world, the work ethic she employs to be successful, and how her family, friends and travel make it all worth it.   About our Guest: Kathryn Hurley is the legal council for product and tech at Spotify. She spent five years on the legal team at MakerBot, a startup tech company based in New York that is leading the 3D-printing world. She earned her undergraduate degree at Howard University and attended Georgetown Law. She is also secretly the best driver she knows and would be a racecar driver if she wasn’t working in law.   Insights from this episode: How to make yourself irreplaceable to your boss How to get a great job (hint: it starts with applying for it) How to manage your social media as a representative of a big company How to make the most out of your networking Strategies for managing a crazy hectic schedule   Quotes from the show: On going after what you want: “Don’t be afraid to put in the work but know that it’s going to take a lot of work.” - Kathryn Hurley, Episode #165 On pursuing jobs or careers that are traditionally dominated by people outside your demographic group: “You have to try.” - Kathryn Hurley, Episode #165 “A lot of women, a lot of minorities, a lot of diverse candidates, we stop ourselves before we even try, because we don’t feel like we may get it and I think that that is something that has to absolutely stop.”  - Kathryn Hurley, Episode #165   Resources mentioned: Google calendar   Favorite book: The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace by Jeff Hobbs   Favorite quote: Kathryn’s motto: “I understand.” Because “so many conversations could just end when you let the other person know ‘I understand.’”   3 keys to Create Your Best Life:     Travel a lot     Save money; always have a nest     Invest in loving the people around you and receiving their love   Stay Connected: Show Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/ Kevin Y Brown: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Kathryn Hurley: www.instagram.com/katnaima Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast.

Episode summary: Ahyiana tells her story of getting over her fears, again and again, opening herself to new experiences, and using that growth to get to where she really wanted to be. She talks about using the skills she gained working in a corporate environment to ultimately create the life she really wanted to be living, one that helps others to do the same.   About our Guest: Ahyiana Angel is the founder of Mayzie Media, a boutique podcast production company and the host of her own podcast, Switch Pivot or Quit. In her show and through public speaking engagements she offers career advice to a diverse community of contemporary men and women. She spent about a decade as a public relations executive with the NBA before quitting to pursue her passion in creative writing. She then wrote and published a book before starting Mayzie Media and her podcast. Switch Pivot or Quit was ranked as one of the top six podcasts for career advice by girlboss.com and one of 12 women-produced podcasts you should be listening to by entrepreneur.com.   Insights from this episode: Strategies for taking steps to let go Strategies for successful branding Strategies to start prioritizing yourself and your well-being as an entrepreneur Strategies for cultivating a strong networking community How to encourage growth in your personal life, not just your business   Quotes from the show: I realized if I wanted things to be different in my life, yes there was some work I had to do, but I also had to allow myself to be open to the possibilities of what could happen.” - Ahyiana Angel, Episode #164 On travel: “It really helped me to trust myself.” - Ahyiana Angel, Episode #164   On branding: “In order to protect it, you have to really perfect it.” - Ahyiana Angel, Episode #164 “People cannot underestimate the value of consistency when you’re trying to build something.” - Ahyiana Angel, Episode #164 “My word is possible, because I’m in a space right now where I know that anything and everything is possible.” - Ahyiana Angel, Episode #164   “Instead of saying must be nice, she says it must be possible.” - Ahyiana Angel, Episode #164 “I’m not completely fearless, I just try to run up against fear sometimes.” - Ahyiana Angel, Episode #164   Resources mentioned: Calendly   Favorite book: The Success Principles by Jack Canfield   Favorite quote: Ahyiana’s motto is: I am open to all the good the universe has for me. - from Jen Sincero’s book, “You are a Badass”   3 keys to Create Your Best Life:     Let go of expectations of perfection     Stop worrying about what other people might think or say     Embrace more of a fearless attitude   Stay Connected: Show Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/ Kevin Y Brown: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Ahyiana Angel: www.mayziemedia.com www.instagram.com/switchpivotorquit Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast.

Episode summary: Frank talks about his journey and his continuous efforts to use his work to give back to his community. Frank also talks about how to maintain balance in a busy life and the importance of having a strong support network to help you do so.   About our Guest: Frank E. Brady is an educator, entertainer and empowerment speaker. He is a poet, a performer and a mentor. He is the director of The Future Project, a nonprofit organization that empowers high schoolers to turn their passions into projects that impact their schools and communities. He has appeared on BET, NBC, SOUL TRAIN, NPR and, most recently, the Huffington Post. He is a frequent performer on the national poetry circuits and has worked with some of Hollywood’s biggest entertainers. He was recognized as a black man of distinction by Black Enterprise and Black Enterprise’s man of the year.   Insights from this episode: Strategies for “serving your way to the top” How to utilize influence and flip it from negative to positive How to get out of unhelpful patterns in your life How to leverage your opportunities   Quotes from the show: “I just stayed the path and the course and cultivated my gift and my talents and my skill set to continue to leverage those opportunities to get on different stages, to get on different platforms while always maintaining a mindset of how do I use my talents to give back.” - Frank E Brady, Episode #163 “The storms of life will try you and as you’re going through the storms and the situations of life you have to be willing to just learn on the fly and learn what your relationship is to what you go through.” - Frank E Brady, Episode #163 “We all need personal boards of directors that can help us with different things.” - Frank E Brady, Episode #163 “That’s the worst place to stay at when you’re going through stuff is in your own head.” - Frank E Brady, Episode #163 “You can’t complain when you get what you ask for.” - Frank E Brady, Episode #163   Resources mentioned: Google suite   Favorite book: The Bible   Favorite quote: “The dream is for free, but the hustle is sold separately.” - Unknown, attributed to a variety of people   3 keys to Create Your Best Life:     Don’t allow your pain to stop you from walking into your power; let it make you     Your past doesn’t determine where you’re going, it’s the setup for where you’re going     Don’t allow what people say about you to determine your future and your trajectory   Stay Connected: Show Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/ Kevin Y Brown: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Frank E. Brady: www.instagram.com/frankebrady https://twitter.com/FrankEBrady www.facebook.com/Frank.E.BradyOfficialPage   Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast.

Episode summary: Mia talks openly about her life trajectory, how education played a big role in her success and how she is passing along what she has learned to young girls so they can achieve the same. She speaks with humor, humility and optimism about her journey and her future.   About our Guest: Mia Hall is a content producer and the founder of Brown Girls GLOW, an organization dedicated to helping teen girls go from 'the hood' to Harvard and learn how to turn their college and career dreams into a reality. She is a writer, media producer and public speaker. Her past experience includes sports writing and producing for the WNBA, the Brooklyn Nets and NBC. She has written for Black Enterprise and The Root, among others.   Insights from this episode: How going to an HBCU changed her outlook on what was possible Strategies for going all in with what you want to achieve Secrets to staying motivated and optimistic Strategies for maintaining good relationships and mentorships How to cater your communication to the situation   Quotes from the show: “The way I’m going to contribute to the social justice movement I thought would be through media.” - Mia Hall, Episode #162 “People are like bank accounts. You can’t expect to withdraw without making a deposit.” - Mia Hall, Episode #162 “You have to not go into partnerships just looking for something for you. It has to be for the both of you.” - Mia Hall, Episode #162 “If you don’t intentionally keep yourself with motivation around you, then it will be hard.” - Mia Hall, Episode #162 “Mentorship has been the primary key to my success.” - Mia Hall, Episode #162 “Giving back to the community has been a great part of what has helped me to grow.” - Mia Hall, Episode #162 “Communication is so important, not only what you’re communicating but the way you do it.” - Mia Hall, Episode #162 “After high school, you don’t have to go to college but you have to live the rest of your life.” - Mia Hall, Episode #162 “Don’t do something to get rich. Do what you’re good in and get rich at it.” -  Mia Hall, Episode #162 Resources mentioned: iCalendar   Favorite book: What Makes the Great Great by Dennis Kimbro Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki   Favorite quote: Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid, do not be discouraged for the Lord your god will be with you wherever you go.”   3 keys to Create Your Best Life:    Don’t doubt yourself    You can’t grow in isolation, only in community    Be intentional about it   Stay Connected: Show Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/ Kevin Y Brown: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Mia Hall: Brown Girls Glow on Twitter www.instagram.com/mia_hall19   Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast.

Episode summary: Dina shares stories from her journey growing up in a banking family, working in that world and then leaving to found her current startup. She talks about empowering girls through financial literacy and connection to their parents at a young age as well as what she believes leads to successful startups.   About our Guest: Dina Shoman is the founder and CEO of inHerQuests, a New York City-based social enterprise dedicated to teaching girls under age 18 about money and finance through fun. Dina’s first product is a set of games meant to be played between kids and their parents that teach financial skills targeted toward specific age groups. She was formerly the EVP and Head of Branding at Arab Bank. She was also a member of the Board of Arab Bank plc, and its related entities in Switzerland, Tunis and Australia. In 2012, she was ranked Forbes’ 3rd most powerful Arab business woman.   Insights from this episode: How to vet your team members Strategies for connecting early lessons to future confidence for young girls Secrets to successful startups How to manage the loneliness that can come with entrepreneurship   Quotes from the show: “Many girls are still not encouraged to learn these things and work and whatnot. I still hear the whole concept of marry rich and you’ll be all set.” - Dina Shoman, Episode #161 “You need to at least be able to feel confident enough that you can take care of yourself financially or at least feel confident that you could if that comes up.” - Dina Shoman, Episode #161 “Parents are trying to find things that are taking their kids away from the screens. Being a physical product actually creates that attention and quality time with parents.” - Dina Shoman, Episode #161 On entrepreneurship: “The most shocking part to me was how lonely it can be. You really have to have that support group around you.” - Dina Shoman, Episode #161 “Balance is definitely on my list of to-dos.” - Dina Shoman, Episode #161 “You have to make the time. You can’t get far, you can’t do much for your company if you’re not okay. Being okay needs that balance: mental, emotional and physical health.” - Dina Shoman, Episode #161 Resources mentioned: Trello Slack Zoom     Favorite book: The Four Steps to the Epiphany by Steve Blank Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes Favorite quote: “Man plans and god laughs.” - old Yiddish adage   3 keys to Create Your Best Life:     Follow something that you love doing and that you’re passionate about     Although planning doesn’t always go the way you want, some planning is very important     Don’t be afraid to ask for help   Stay Connected: Show Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/ Kevin Y Brown: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Dina Shoman: dina@inherquests.com inherquests.com www.instagram.com/dinashoman https://twitter.com/DinaShoman www.facebook.com/dinamahshoman/    Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast.

Episode summary: Natasha talks about her rise as an emerging journalist and the joy she gets from storytelling. She shares her path to her current career and sheds light on journalism as a career, why she thinks she is meant to do the work and how anyone can adopt attitudes of a journalist to enhance his or her life.   About our Guest: Natasha Alford is the deputy editor of theGrio, a video centric news community devoted to sharing stories about African American communities that are underrepresented elsewhere in the media. At theGrio, she created and hosts the video series “True Story with Natasha Alford,” where she goes into the field and reports on stories impacting black America. She was awarded the 2018 Emerging Journalist of the Year Award from the National Association of Black Journalists. Before her career in journalism she worked in finance, as a middle school teacher and in education policy. Her passion for storytelling and a restless desire to see the whole world propelled her into journalism.   Insights from this episode: Strategies for aspiring journalists How to think like a journalist to inspire your own curiosity The secret to converting critics to fans Strategies for navigating the evolving nature of the journalism industry Strategies to handle social media trolls   Quotes from the show: “It’s not just about writing, it’s about being able to connect with people so they feel comfortable to share their story.” - Natasha Alford, Episode #160 “Don’t try to be likable, don’t try to do what you think people will like, because you just don’t know all the time how they’re going to react. The best thing you can do is be you.” - Natasha Alford, Episode #160 “I feel uniquely gifted to do this work.” - Natasha Alford, Episode #160 “I have a license to be curious.” - Natasha Alford, Episode #160 “You’d be surprised how many people aren’t curious. They just exist in the world and don’t ask questions.” - Natasha Alford, Episode #160 “Things can be good, as good as you imagine.” - Natasha Alford, Episode #160 “You can convert critics into fans if you remove ego out of the way and you listen before you react.” - Natasha Alford, Episode #160 “I think that we should be more present. You can put down the phones and converse and it’s cool. Being able to be in the moment with somebody else. That matters a lot to me.” - Kevin Y Brown, Episode #160 “A lot of times when you’re growing up in lower economic communities, it’s not cool to be smart. Things like that are a significant part of the culture that needs to be changed.”  - Kevin Y Brown, Episode #160 “Being exposed to things that are greater than what you can even imagine just puts you on a different trajectory.” - Kevin Y Brown, Episode #160   Resources mentioned: LandIt Canon T7i DSLR camera   Favorite book: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou   Favorite quote: Natasha’s motto: “The greatest commandment is love.”   3 keys to Create Your Best Life:     The fear is in your head     You have something that the world needs     You only get one life   Stay Connected: Show Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/ Kevin Y Brown: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Natasha Alford: www.instagram.com/natashasalford https://twitter.com/NatashaSAlford https://www.facebook.com/natashasalfordnews Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast.

Episode summary: Arejay offers many, tangible strategies and resources for getting control of your finances. His passion and compassion for helping people manage their money is clear. He uses his experience in the finance world to leverage assistance to people across the financial spectrum today.   About our Guest: Arejay Martin is a financial advisor, personal financial and business consultant and a public speaker. He is a creative, intelligent, new-generation speaker who hopes to pass on financial advice to any person, business or organization willing to listen. He has a master’s degree from North Carolina State University. He offers tailored presentations and workshops to individuals, nonprofits and corporations, educating underserved communities and offering simple, tangible, financial advice.   Insights from this episode: Simple strategies to start budgeting and saving money today How to decide which investments are best for you Secrets to rising above negative feedback Strategies for breaking down your lofty goals into manageable pieces   Quotes from the show: On working a corporate, 9-5 job: “I had so much more energy and so much more to give and I wanted to find a way to continue it, so I thought about taking the knowledge that I’d gained over the years and using that to educate people.” - Arejay Martin, Episode #159 “The first step to beginning to grow is understanding where your money is going.” - Arejay Martin, Episode #159 “We try to save without knowing how much we’re spending and it doesn’t really work.” - Arejay Martin, Episode #159 On seeking a financial advisor even if you’re not wealthy: “Talk to somebody if you don’t have any money.” - Arejay Martin, Episode #159 On what he achieves for his clients: “Peace of mind.” - Arejay Martin, Episode #159 “Don’t think that you need to have big sums of money to play this game.” - Arejay Martin, Episode #159 “Sometimes you have to ask for help.” - Arejay Martin, Episode #159 “If you’re not gonna go after your dream, shut up about it.” - Kevin Y Brown, Episode #159   Resources mentioned: Instagram Mint   Favorite book: Think like an Artist by Will Gompertz   Favorite quote: Arejay’s motto: “If you won’t do it somebody else will.”   3 keys to Create Your Best Life:    Make a plan    Don’t be too hard on yourself    Dream; shoot for the stars   Stay Connected: Show Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/ Kevin Y Brown: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Arejay Martin: https://arejaymartin.com www.instagram.com/arejaymartin Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast.

Episode summary: Ben talks about his journey and the pivots along the way to success as an entrepreneur. He offers insights on what it was really like to be on Shark Tank, the lessons he has learned as an entrepreneur and where he hopes to go next.   About our Guest: Ben Young is the CEO of Sworkit by Nexercise Inc., an exercise app that makes it easy to incorporate physical activity into your everyday life, even for 5 minutes, no matter where you are. He also mentors entrepreneurs and people looking to start new businesses.   Insights from this episode: Strategies for powerful networking How to stay resilient as an entrepreneur How to find a strong business partner Strategies for developing a fitness plan How to find the gems within negative feedback   Quotes from the show: “You have to fall in love with the problem, not the solution.” - Ben Young, Episode #158 On networking: “You gotta be genuinely interested in people. - Ben Young, Episode #158 On finding the right business partner: “You have to be crystal clear and aligned on what the vision is.” - Ben Young, Episode #158 On how to not burn out: “Too many founders try to do too much themselves. You have to take vacations sometimes. Your body is not meant to go continually. You have to recharge.” - Ben Young, Episode #158   Resources mentioned: Slack   Favorite book: The One Thing by Gary Keller   Favorite quote: Ben’s motto is: “Simply work it.”   3 keys to Create Your Best Life:     Have fun     Focus on the fact that it’s a journey     Write down your goals   Stay Connected: Show Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/ Kevin Y Brown: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Ben Young: https://sworkit.com www.instagram.com/sworkitfitness   Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast.

Episode summary: Stephen shares his entrepreneurial journey, talking openly about coming back from an early setback and how that experience shook his worldview. He talks about using his podcast to inspire his own children, and offers advice for staying optimistic and stoked on your own entrepreneurial journey.   About our Guest: Stephen A. Hart is the founder and host of Trailblazers FM, a podcast dedicated to sharing the stories of successful black businessmen and women, the trailblazers and every day heros children of color have to look up to. He is also the marketing and communications director for Isles Media, LLC, just launched his own online course in branding and works as a brand consultant on the side, helping small businesses shine online. His podcast has over 150,000 listeners in over 100 countries around the world, and it is sponsored by the Campaign for Black Male Achievement.   Insights from this episode: Strategies for getting back in the black How to position yourself to develop new relationships How to get over your inertia and make things happen The secret to staying the course through negative feedback The secret to working through the hard times in marriage   Quotes from the show: “My entrepreneurial journey has been a series of ups and downs, but it started back at the womb.” - Stephen Hart, Episode #157 “Your why has nothing to do with money.” - Stephen Hart, Episode #157 “Relationships and experiences mean more than all the material things in the world.” - Stephen Hart, Episode #157 “My whole life has been me creating my path.” - Stephen Hart, Episode #157 “Don’t step into a relationship with ‘what you can do for me?’ Figure out how you can add value.” - Stephen Hart, Episode #157 “I don’t worry about each year. I worry about 10-year, what I call BHAs: Big Hairy Audacious goals.” - Stephen Hart, Episode #157   Resources mentioned: Asana Zencastr   Favorite book: Why Should White Guys Have all the Fun by Reginald F. Lewis   Favorite quote: Stephen’s motto is Legacy, which he defines as planting seeds in a garden you’ll never see.   3 keys to Create Your Best Life:    Take your time     Take action     Enjoy the journey   Stay Connected: Show Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/ Kevin Y Brown: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Stephen Hart: www.instagram.com/stephenahart https://twitter.com/stephenahart https://stephenahart.com https://tbpod.com Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast.

Episode summary: Dennis Kimbro shares many rich stories from the thousands of interviews he has done over the last 25 years while conducting research on how black Americans earn their wealth, and what stops those who don’t. He speaks about his life philosophies, how he hopes to see the world change and how he uses his energy and his work to give back to younger black Americans.   About our Guest: Dr. Dennis Kimbro is an author and a world renowned professor at Clark Atlanta University. He has spent his career interviewing people to glean as many success stories as possible from successful Americans of color. He earned a doctorate from Northwestern University where he studied wealth and poverty in underdeveloped nations. He is the author of five books, including Kevin’s personal favorite: “What Makes the Great Great.” He is a recipient of the Dale Carnegie Personal Achievement Award and In 2005, the National Black MBA Association presented him with the 2005 H. Naylor Fitzhugh award, recognizing him as one of the top professors in the nation.   Insights from this episode: How to think about and organize your goals Strategies for thinking about what is important to you How millionaires build wealth by focusing on their financial legacy How to use the internet to change the world How saving your money and being selfless with your savings can lead to wealth Strategies for incorporating mindfulness into all your actions The secret to life in 3 hard questions How to keep growing every day   Quotes from the show: “You talk about humble and gratitude, that’s the foundation for everything I’ve done.” - Dennis Kimbro, Episode #156 “I never wanted to write a book. What I wanted to do was start a movement.” - Dennis Kimbro, Episode #156 On interviewing and observing millionaires of color: “They know that the underlying theme of this is like a relay race. A relay race isn’t won or lost on how fast the runners can advance. A relay race is won or lost on how capable one runner passes the baton from one to the next. Their relay race isn’t just creating wealth, but also using their life as a model to show black america a way out. - Dennis Kimbro, Episode #156 “A burning desire is an inner flame that cannot be extinguished. You will use the criticism, you will use the laughter, you will use their ridicule to propel you forward.” - Dennis Kimbro, Episode #156 “Service is the price you pay for the space you occupy.” - Dennis Kimbro, Episode #156, quoting Muhammad Ali “All entrepreneurs do is solve problems. Solve a little problem, make a little money. Solve a big problem, and you make bank on bank.” - Dennis Kimbro, Episode #156 “Don’t find somebody that you can spend your life with, find somebody you can’t live without.” - Dennis Kimbro, Episode #156 “The biggest mistake that you will make in your life is to think that something outside of you will bring you happiness.” - Dennis Kimbro, Episode #156   Use your life in service of others, because money is not the bottom line. Love is the bottom line. - Dennis Kimbro, Episode #156   On what the world would miss if Kevin Y weren’t around: “They would miss the inspiration.” - Kevin Y Brown, Episode #156 “If someone is on the path to trying to achieve something then I’m all in. I genuinely love to see people win. It inspires me, because I believe in – I call it friendly competition. I want to see you go as high as you can so that I can have something to aspire to be.” - Kevin Y Brown, Episode #156   Resources mentioned: Square   Favorite book: Capitalism and Freedom by Milton Friedman Lead the Field by Earl Nightingale   Favorite quote: “Before you stand before your students today, never forget: A poor teacher complains. A good teacher explains. An excellent teacher demonstrates, but a great teacher inspires.” - W.E.B. Dubois   3 keys to Create Your Best Life:    Dream big dreams because they do come true    Believe in yourself when no one else will     Focus on serving others.   Stay Connected: Show Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/ Kevin Y Brown: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Dennis Kimbro: www.instagram.com/drdenniskimbro http://www.denniskimbro.com Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast.

Episode summary: Brandon shares his experience and knowledge as an American businessman who has been running his business abroad for five years. He talks about the biggest challenges and the biggest things he has gained from his travels.   About our Guest: Brandon Inniss is the founder and owner of Construction Clean Partners, a national business that connects construction cleaning companies with highly profitable jobs. For the last five years, Brandon has been running his company while traveling abroad, making him quite the digital nomad and someone whose brain we wanted to pick.   Insights from this episode: How to handle your taxes while living abroad Strategies for managing your time while running a business abroad The secret to quickly picking up new languages Strategies for vetting cities around the globe before you settle there The real secret to networking: go global   Quotes from the show: On the number one thing Brandon has learned abroad: “How brainwashed Americans are. We all really think the same, because we are all engulfed in the same energy frequency.” - Brandon Inniss, Episode #155 On building a global network of friends: “I can go stay with friends in many countries. When you’re abroad and you’re doing similar things, you create bonds with people quicker.” - Brandon Inniss, Episode #155 “You learn the most when you are in a new environment and when you’re around new culture.” - Brandon Inniss, Episode #155 “I used to think that money was everything. I still think it’s important to have money to be comfortable and have less stress in our society, so I still think it’s important but I don’t think I should be doing things I don’t like.” - Brandon Inniss, Episode #155   “I let fear and comfortability hold me back, so I’m happy to be out of that.” - Kevin Y Brown, Episode #155     Resources mentioned: Salesforce Dynamite circle The Topical MBA   Favorite book: The 4-hour workweek by Timothy Ferriss   Favorite quote:   Brandon’s motto: “Find a way or make one.”     3 keys to Create Your Best Life:     Time freedom     Location freedom     Financial freedom   Stay Connected: Show Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/ Kevin Y Brown: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Brandon Innis: www.facebook.com/brandon.inniss Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast.

Episode summary: Rana talks transparently about her foray into podcasting, what helped her gain an audience and what her strategies where for growth. She speaks insightfully about her own hangups and fears, shedding light on challenges many entrepreneurs face in a humorous and honest way.   About our Guest: Rana Campbell is the host of the Dreams in Drive podcast, a show for creatives and lifestyle entrepreneurs who want to take their dreams out of park and put them in drive. She is a graduate of Princeton, where she studied sociology. She also owns her own marketing consultancy and by day, works in marketing for an e-commerce fulfillment center. She has always had a passion for storytelling, so she is dovetailing that with her background in sociology and marketing to create great podcasts.   Insights from this episode: The secret to using research skills to get where you want to go Strategies for achieving growth early on in podcasting How to use social media effectively to grow your audience Strategies for settling up interviews with superstars Secrets to goal setting that doesn’t overwhelm you   Quotes from the show: “That’s how I kind of got into the media world is because there was no place for me so I created my own place.” - Rana Campbell, Episode #154 “I want to say I always had the entrepreneurial spirit, but it wasn’t until I was kind of forced to put that into action when I realized that okay I think I got what it takes.” - Rana Campbell, Episode #154 “If you can research and you can figure it out, you can do anything.” - Rana Campbell, Episode #154 “I’m very good at figuring out what my schedule is, figuring out what my goal is, and then minimizing distractions.” - Rana Campbell, Episode #154 “When you have guests on your show you’re able to leverage the audience of your guests in order to grow.” - Rana Campbell, Episode #154 “The biggest struggle in a lot of people’s journeys isn’t the tactical logistical things, it’s those inner things, like convincing yourself that you’re worthy of it and not being scared of failure.” - Rana Campbell, Episode #154 “Nobody is going to show up for you if you don’t show up for yourself.” - Rana Campbell, Episode #154   Resources mentioned: iCalendar   Favorite book: Guerilla Marketing by Jay Conrad Levinson   Favorite quote: “ Jump and build your wings on the way down.” - Olori Swank, celebrity stylist   3 keys to Create Your Best Life:     Know who you are     Be a student of research     Be consistent - show up every day.   Stay Connected: Show Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/ Kevin Y Brown: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Rana Campbell: www.instagram.com/dreamsindrive https://twitter.com/dreamsindrive www.facebook.com/dreamsindrive www.dreamsindrive.com Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast.

Episode summary: Ilbert and Jean talk about their business venture, Garcon Couture, a luxury menswear line that is taking New York by storm. In just two years, the two are making strides into the upper echelons of New York’s fashion clientele. The two talk about how to work as a team and keep things authentic in the face of rapid success.   About our Guests: Ilbert Sanchez and Jean G. Francillion are the co-founders of Garcon Couture, a luxury menswear line based in New York City and Miami. The two met in college at SUNY Cobleskill. Ilbert, was born in Honduras, he’s known for his design work and leads the business side of the venture. Jean, born in Haiti, comes to Garcon Couture from over a decade in the fashion industry and is the leader on the tailoring and fitting side of things.   Insights from this episode: Secret elements to a strong business partnership How to navigate negative feedback and keep moving forward Strategies to manage your time better as an entrepreneur How to give your clients an unforgettable experience   Quotes from the show: “When it comes to us and our Caribbean roots, it’s just working hard, and finding ways and finding alternatives to take things to the next level.” - Ilbert Sanchez, Episode #153 “He’s way different than I am and I’m way different than he is, but it comes together in a perfect form and it works.” - Jean Francillion, Episode #153 “I’ve removed so much negativity from my life. Those people that aren’t good for you but that are around, I’ve removed a lot of them.” - Ilbert Sanchez, Episode #153 “I know what I want and whoever is not willing to help me get there or will downgrade me and things like that, they’re not in my life.” - Jean Francillion, Episode #153 “Me and Ilbert can definitely tell who wants to be around just for the show and who wants to work.”  - Jean Francillion, Episode #153 “We want to make sure that once you walk through that door, that experience is like no other.” - Ilbert Sanchez, Episode #153 “I’ve learned what things aren’t important and what things are, and that has helped the growth of the company, because I’m more focused now.” - Ilbert Sanchez, Episode #153 Ilbert on the pros of entrepreneurship: “That feeling is amazing though, that feeling is like no other. Especially – I used to work in corporate America – That feeling is just unmatched: running your own company, you’re your own boss, so you have so much control of things.” - Ilbert Sanchez, Episode #153 “The support in my  family is extremely important, and that would have taken a toll on me had it went a different way, but because I’ve had their support, that has given me so much drive and push and motivation.” - Ilbert Sanchez, Episode #153   Resources mentioned: Google Sheets   Favorite book: Ilbert: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho Jean: The E-Myth by Michael Gerber   Favorite quote: Ilbert: “F*** it let the fish burn, red or blue pill you live and you learn.” - Jay-Z Jean’s motto: Live life to the fullest.   3 keys to Create Your Best Life: From Ilbert:     Put yourself first     Be authentic with who you are and who you want to become    Set goals and be very optimistic about all of the goals you’re setting   From Jean:     Be organized and set your goals     Have a team     Believe in yourself   Stay Connected: Show Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/ Kevin Y Brown: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Ilbert Sanchez and Jean G Francillion: www.instagram.com/garconcouture www.instagram.com/ijaysanchez www.instagram.com/mrgilly87 mail@garconcouture.com   jfrancilon@garconcouture.com Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast.

Episode summary: Jennifer takes listeners through the journey of transitioning from working as a corporate lawyer to founding a business she’s super passionate about. She talks about her process of getting out of her own way to start the business, and how important it was for her to have a solid business partner, a strong network of people and strong female role models leading the way.   About our Guest: Jennifer Lambert is the co-founder and COO of Swivel Beauty, an app that connects women of color with hair stylists and hair stylists with clients seeking their services. The business empowers women of color by moving toward a world where it’s just as easy for women of color to find talented, affordable and skilled stylists as it is for women of any other ethnicity. She is also a Harvard-trained lawyer, specializing in general corporate mergers and acquisitions as well as cyber security law before leaving to start Swivel.   Insights from this episode: Secrets behind asking for help Strategies for growing your brand Tips for vetting your partners Tips for becoming the founder of a business Strategies for navigating the peaks and valleys of entrepreneurship Strategies for pinning down your business priorities   Quotes from the show: On working in corporate law: “I would be there five nights in a row until 2 or 3 o’clock in the morning and just be like what if I was doing something for myself?” - Jennifer Lambert, Episode #152 On the absence of beauty tech products geared toward women of color: “We saw this huge opportunity in the existing products that were out there.” - Jennifer Lambert, Episode #152 On staying motivated when Swivel first launched: “The soulessness of corporate law and the excitement and opportunity of starting a new venture: That alone was fuel to keep the fire going for a while.” - Jennifer Lambert, Episode #152 “I’m being more aware of wellness and making some time for myself each day.” - Jennifer Lambert, Episode #152 “The secret is you’re never really ready, you just have to do it.” - Jennifer Lambert, Episode #152 “I try to live in a way that I’m leaving positive residue on people.” - Jennifer Lambert, Episode #152   Resources mentioned: Zapier Appsee Instagram   Favorite book: Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes   Favorite quote: “People won’t remember what you said, but they’ll remember how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou   3 keys to Create Your Best Life:     Get over the stuff that’s preventing you from accepting yourself     Do the things that you want to do even if they’re scary     Get out of your own way   Stay Connected: Show Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/ Kevin Y Brown: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Jennifer Lambert: https://www.swivelbeauty.com/ info@swivelbeauty.com www.instagram.com/swivelbeauty - shoot them a DM Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast.

Episode summary: Toya takes us through her journey of rising through the ranks at Patchwerk and talks honestly about what she has learned along the way. She offers amazing insights into the music industry and advice for young women seeking a similar career path.   About our Guest: Toya Brown is the studio manager at Patchwerk Recording Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. She has worked at Patchwerk for over 11 years, and has been in the music industry for even more than that, securing several internships throughout her time in college, including with MTV and Universal Group. She is currently working on a new project, Toya in my pocket, which is a mobile personal assistant application. She has extensive experience in marketing, administration and project management, among many other things.   Insights from this episode: How internships can lead to other opportunities How determination and perseverance can make you stand out How to avoid burnout by giving yourself a vacation or just a change of scenery Strategies for young women hoping to get into the music industry Secrets to becoming more self aware   Quotes from the show:   “There’s no way I’m gonna turn down MTV twice.” - Toya Brown, Episode #151 “Doing the jobs that other people didn’t want to do really pushed me to the next level.” - Toya Brown, Episode #151 “I’ve never treated anybody as less than I, no matter how far I progressed.” - Toya Brown, Episode #151 “The power of relationships and networking is what is taking people and keeping people in their businesses for a long time.”- Kevin Y Brown, Episode #151 “Be passive and aggressive: aggressive because it’s a tough industry and it’s easy to be taken advantage of but be passive because you don’t want to do bad business or give off bad vibes.” - Toya Brown, Episode #151 “Be firm in your own beliefs; be confident in your conviction.” - Toya Brown, Episode #151 “Creative people were my heros when I was younger, now real people are my heros. I see so much fraud and negativity in people. I see how people treat other people and it brings me down a lot, so when I can find somebody who is a genuine person, somebody who gives back, somebody who has positive energy – those are my heros.” - Toya Brown, Episode #151 “I feel like I’m able to get more accomplished by facing my fears.” - Toya Brown, Episode #151 “If anybody doesn't want to work their shift, send me your hours, I will work all of your hours for you and that’s what I did, I worked all of the hours for everybody who didn’t want to work their hours.” -  Toya Brown, Episode #151 “When you continue to work you learn how to do everything.” -  Toya Brown, Episode #151 “You gotta be firm in your own beliefs and you gotta be confident in your conviction.” -  Toya Brown, Episode #151 “Make money but don't let money control you.” -  Toya Brown, Episode #151 “Don’t go to jail but do what you want to do.” -  Toya Brown, Episode #151 “A lot of time when there's no expectation, that’s where the opportunity lies.” -  Toya Brown, Episode #151       Resources mentioned: Microsoft suite   Favorite book: Life and Def by Russell Simmons   Favorite quote: “Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.” - George Addair   3 keys to Create Your Best Life:     Do whatever makes you happy     Create a healthy work life balance     Be smart: make good decisions, make money, but don’t let it control you   Stay Connected: Show Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/ Kevin Y Brown: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Toya Brown: www.instagram.com/toya_elise www.twitter.com/toya_elise toya.brown@gmail.com or toya@pathwerk.com Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast.

Episode summary: Mark goes deep detailing his entrepreneurial journey and the many insights he has picked up along the way. He talks about how his past work experiences facilitated his success as an entrepreneur and takes listeners through his meticulous and thorough thought processes.   About our Guest: Mark Smukler is the co-founder and CEO of Bixby, a tech company that works with real estate professionals to improve their relationship with their tenants and the living experience of the tenants. Bixby created a cloud-based app to facilitate more efficient and sustainable relationships between tenants and property managers. His past experience includes work as a business consultant and web developer.   Insights from this episode: How to vet your potential future employees The secret to sticking through the first six months of your startup How to use your past experiences to propel current success Secrets about the endurance it takes to start your own company Insights on the different skill sets needed for a founder vs a CEO Success hacks for startups How to build a great team   Quotes from the show: “Entrepreneurship is building something from nothing.” - Mark Smukler, Episode #150 “Just because you’re passionate about travel or music doesn’t mean you’re the right person to start a business in that industry.” - Mark Smukler, Episode #150 “It’s really tough to start a company, not to mention starting it on your own.” - Mark Smukler, Episode #150 “We’re not hanging around playing ping pong all day. We’re not playing ping pong at all.” - Mark Smukler, Episode #150 “The best no is a quick no.” - Mark Smukler, Episode #150 “Not only do I not want to celebrate success by myself, but I’m also not likely to find success by myself.” - Mark Smukler, Episode #150 “You don’t learn the skills and processes of starting a company in your curriculum at school.” - Mark Smukler, Episode #150 “Feed your ambition...It will be worth it only when you’re doing what you want to do.” - Kevin Y Brown, Episode #150 “On those days when it’s no for breakfast, no for lunch, no for dinner its having a call and somebody saying you are doing a great job don’t give up” - Mark Smukler, Episode #150   Resources mentioned: Slack   Favorite book: The Lean Startup   Favorite quote: “Everything will be okay in the end, and if it’s not okay, it’s not the end.” - attributed to various people throughout history, this quote may have originated as an Indian proverb, maybe from Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. In contemporary writing, it has been attributed to Brazilian writers Paulo Coelho and Fernando Sabino and more recently, it is often attributed to John Lennon.   3 keys to Create Your Best Life:     Believe in yourself     Find a community that can support you     Don’t stop until you’ve reached your goal   Stay Connected: Show Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/ Kevin Y Brown: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Mark Smukler: www.twitter.com/smukleberry www.instagram.com/smukleberry mark@livebixby.co   Bixby:Livebixby.co – property managers can take a free tour of the app and access free app trials; tenants can download and use the app even if their property management company doesn’t use Bixby to send rent checks easier and access discounts from their favorite brands. Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast.

About our guest: Back for another great episode: Todd Wahnish, the founder and CEO of Clever Era, a business that helps bootstrapped entrepreneurs build businesses. He works with people even if they have no idea, no capital and no technical ability, offering personalized consulting to help businesses get started and achieve the growth they seek.   Episode summary: Kevin and Todd share a view from the inside, transparently talking about what is working and what they’re hoping to improve upon in their respective businesses. They share strategies for getting their first clients and how to stand out in their industries.   Insights from this episode: Strategies for reeling in your first few clients Tips for defining who your ideal client is Secrets to working with customers willing to pay a higher price point Strategies for developing a sense of community with your clients Secrets on authenticity and how it can lead you to success   Quotes from the show:   “It’s really not about the money at the end of the day. It’s about having somebody use the thing that you built and seeing the results that they get.” - Todd Wahnish, Episode #149 “If you’re competing for editing, you’re competing on a downward pricing spiral. The moment that you become more than just an editing service, the floodgates will open.” - Kevin Y Brown, Episode #149   “There is a tendency to believe that when you charge more for a service that your customer or client will be very hands on, and what ends up happening is the opposite.” - Todd Wahnish, Episode #149 “The thing that drives us and makes Podcast Laundry unique, is the fact that I’ve actually taken a live radio show, turned it into a podcast and then got it nationally syndicated.” - Kevin Y Brown, Episode #149 “It’s the relationships and the way that you treat people that are going to make a difference.” - Kevin Y Brown, Episode #149 “If you’re doing something and someone is paying you for it, then that is the validation.” - Kevin Y Brown, Episode #149   Stay Connected:   Show Social Media:   https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/   Kevin Y Brown: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Todd Wahnish: www.cleverera.com https://www.instagram.com/wahnish https://twitter.com/wahnish https://www.facebook.com/todd.wahnish Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast.

About our Guest: Colin Morgan went from professional golfer to finding his passion as an entrepreneur. As an expert in helping leaders create meaningful messages for their organizations, his business, Plan 2 Profit, offers solutions to visionary business leaders. His podcast, The Daily Grind, examines the behaviors and habits that make people success across a diverse spectrum of fields.   Episode Summary Colin Morgan shares his experience running a successful business. From finding sponsors for his podcast to creating goal setting strategies, following his passion has helped Colin advance as an entrepreneur.   Insight from this episode: Secret lessons to learn about why businesses fail. Secrets for finding sponsors for your podcast. Colin shares his two tips for finding sponsors specific to your business. How to use your passion to drown out the negativity. How coaches and mentors create accountability. Strategies for increasing productivity through interval computer-use.   Quotes from the show: “You have to find heroes that are really going to motivate you to do things that you otherwise think you couldn’t.” - Colin Morgan, Episode 148 “You have to create a really solid foundation of who you are. You need to get really self aware of who are and what you want.” - Colin Morgan, Episode 148 “If you get comfortable… when you do face adversity, it’s very hard to overcome that adversity. But if you’re putting yourself into uncomfortable situations everyday, it’s easy to overcome that adversity.” - Colin Morgan, Episode 148 “Make your haters your motivators.” - Kevin Y. Brown, Episode 148 “Accountability is what’s going to push you forward.” - Colin Morgan, Episode 148   Resources Mentioned: Calendly   Favorite Book:   Principles: Life and Work by Ray Dalio     Favorite Quote: “It’s impossible until someone else does it.” - Unknown “We all get butterflies. But our goal is to get those butterflies to fly in formation.” - Colin Morgan’s father   3 keys to Create Your Best Life: Get clear on what you want Become really self aware of what you’re good at and what you’re not Find someone to help you accomplish your goals   Episode Sponsor: This episode was sponsored by http://www.podcastlaundry.com   Stay Connected:   Create Your Life Series: https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/   Kevin: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Colin Morgan: plan2profitgroup.com Dailygrindpodcast.com www.instagram.com/colinmorgan.dgp www.instagram.com/dailygrindpodcast twitter.com/colinmorgandg twitter.com/p2pgroup www.facebook.com/colin.morgan.583 www.facebook.com/plan2profitgroup www.facebook.com/dailygrindpodcast www.linkedin.com/in/colin-morgan www.linkedin.com/company/theplan2profitgroup   Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on  itunes, google play, stitcher andwww.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast     Artwork GUIDe6b58316fa48414bb4bebb3ef4d95642 CreatedMonday, Dec 10, 2018 9:16 PM Last UpdatedMonday, Dec 10, 2018 9:16 PM

About our Guest: Gregg Clunis is a lifelong entrepreneur and side-hustle master. He is the founder of Podsimply, a business marketing company that helps experts create high-performing podcasts. He is also the host of his own podcast, Tiny Leaps, Big Changes, that is being published as a book in January 2019. Gregg’s show was ranked in the top 100 self-help podcasts.   Episode summary: Gregg shares his own journey to podcasting and strategies for others interested in starting their own show. He talks about how to get and keep listeners, how to build and protect your brand, and what it really takes to turn around in 10 years and see you’ve built the life you always dreamed of.   Insights from this episode: How side gigs can give you a real boost Secrets to the practical necessities involved in changing your life Strategies to asking for help in your life and your business Secrets to getting to 1 million downloads on your podcast How to deal with negative feedback Strategies to avoid burning out when you’re starting a podcast   Quotes from the show: On why Gregg started his show: “I wanted to create something that focused exclusively on that piece, the piece no one wants to talk about. The part where you have to grind for 10 years before it actually shows up and affects your life in a real way.” - Gregg Clunis, Episode #147 “The reason I am where I am now is because of all these little decisions along the way that at the time, I thought didn’t matter.” - Gregg Clunis, Episode #147 “I dive headfirst into pretty much everything.” - Gregg Clunis, Episode #147 On standing out as you’re starting a podcast: “Be willing to do the thing no one else wants to do.” - Gregg Clunis, Episode #147 On creating real connections with your listeners and making yourself accessible: “It will work if you’re willing to give your audience the time of day and not act like you’re above it in some way.” - Gregg Clunis, Episode #147 The number one factor that has allowed Kevin to get to where he is now: “Ambition… the undying belief that I can do anything I put my mind to.” - Kevin Y Brown, Episode #147 “Part of entrepreneurship is that we have success amnesia: we forget about the amazing things that we’ve done and that we’ve accomplished, so sometimes we need to look at where we started from.” - Kevin Y Brown, Episode #147 “Even if you have thin skin and it hurts, fine. Keep doing it anyway and it won’t hurt anymore” - Gregg Clunis, Episode #147 “Dont be afraid to go with the opportunities right in front of you, even if it doesnt necessarily match with what you’ve always plotted as your life’s path” - Gregg Clunis, Episode #147   Resources mentioned: Asana Coachaccountable   Favorite book: Awaken the Giant Within: How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical and Financial Destiny The 5 Second Rule: Transform your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage   Favorite quote: The statement Gregg uses to sign off at the end of each episode of his podcast: “All big changes come from the tiny leaps you take every day.”   3 Keys to create your best life: It’s not going to happen fast (no such thing as overnight success) By the time you get to the point where you have created the life you want, your goal post will have moved, so take the time to look back and recognize what your initial goal was – give yourself some credit Don’t be afraid to change the path. Don’t turn down opportunities even if they don’t lead where you always planned to go   Stay Connected:   Show Social Media:   https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/   Kevin Y Brown: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Gregg Clunis: Gregg’s ask: listen to any 2 episodes of his podcast, Tiny Leaps, Big Changes (available wherever you listen to podcasts), and then let him know what you think on Twitter, @greggclunis, or on Instagram, @greggclunis. Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast.

About our Guest: TejPaul Bhatia is the New York startup lead for Google Cloud. Before that, he was an entrepreneur in residence at Citi Ventures. He was the COO for Explain Everything, an interactive screencasting whiteboard app. He was also the CEO and co-founder of Chatwala, a mobile video chat app and Kaptur (acquired), an app that enables users to aggregate photos taken at an event in seconds. He also worked for ESPN as the senior manager of product and international strategy. TejPaul is still an active member of the startup community in New York. Episode summary: TejPaul Bhatia shares an honest story about his journey from founding to startups to ultimately leaving that world. He talks about what happens when your entrepreneurial dreams take you away from who you truly are, and how having a “normal” job has provided more space in his life for authenticity.   Insights from this episode: Strategies to find investors and generate capital for your startup Secrets to handling rejection Secrets to the power of networks and community Strategies to bring yourself into the present moment, as often as possible Tips to make physical and mental health a priority in your life How to leverage the passion and excitement entrepreneurs possess into opportunities Secrets to finding gratitude for your life   Quotes from the show: “With my first startup, I probably hung on to some of the ideas months, maybe years longer than I should have.” - TejPaul Bhatia, Episode #146 “As entrepreneurs we’re relentlessly optimistic, because we have to be, because the odds are against us, but if you can find your truth and hold onto that optimism but try to be yourself throughout it, not lose yourself, you have a much better chance of balance no matter what happens after.” - TejPaul Bhatia, Episode #146 “Those moments when I could be present, were so powerful. They’re so liberating; so freeing.” - TejPaul Bhatia, Episode #146 “It sometimes takes burnout to know how not to get burned out.” - TejPaul Bhatia, Episode #146 On receiving criticism: “Take what serves you and ignore what doesn’t.” - TejPaul Bhatia, Episode #146 “You have to be affectionate and supportive of yourself before you can do that for anyone else.” - TejPaul Bhatia, Episode #146 “Know what you want, but also act on it immediately.” - Kevin Y Brown, Episode #146 “Presence is the most powerful thing that we possess.” - Kevin Y Brown, Episode #146 “The past and the future don’t actually exist, they’re constructs that exist in the computer that is our brain.” - TejPaul Bhatia, Episode #146 Resources mentioned: iCloud Favorite book: Ben Horowitz: The Hard Thing about Hard Things Yuval Harari: Sapiens Favorite quote: TejPaul’s motto: Nothing is that important except those things that are really important, like family. 3 keys to Create Your Best Life: You have to do you Enjoy it – the purpose of life is to live it To the best of your ability, make it better for other people   Stay Connected: Show Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/   Kevin Y Brown: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   TejPaul Bhatia: Email Kevin to get connected with TejPaul.

About our Guest: Matt Giovanisci is a self-proclaimed “Jack of all trades.” He is the co-host of the Listen Money Matters podcast and hosts the Money Lab podcast, a show to share content from his website Money Lab, which is all about personal finance and online entrepreneurship, in audio form. He is also a graphic designer and a musician and leverages all of his skills in his quest to avoid ever working for someone else again.   Episode Summary: Matt shares his journey of creating a successful online media business, including his pitfalls and the insights he gained. He talks about what it takes to wake up at 6 a.m. every day, be your own boss and stay inspired.   Insights from this episode: Tips for how to leverage your past experience to meet your current needs; eg. you were once in a rock band? That probably means you know how to make a great website Strategies for having the best content on the internet Why challenging yourself to keep to a strict timeline can propel you to a better end result How to come back from a falling out with a friend and build the friendship back up Matt shares his secret to successfully working for himself The secret to meeting your goals is fervently keeping track of your progress, every single day   Quotes from the show: “I practice what I call passion-mashing.” - Matt Giovanisci, Episode #145 “I’m just a hobbyist at all of these things. I continue to write music even that no one hears, I continue to hone my audio skills, my writing skills, even if no one’s on the consumer end of that.” - Matt Giovanisci, Episode #145 “Follow your hobbies, you never know when you might need them.” - Kevin Y Brown, Episode #145 “Sticking a timeline on something forces you to trim the fat.” - Matt Giovanisci, Episode #145 “I would do anything not to work for anyone else again.” - Matt Giovanisci, Episode #145 “If you don’t have a good reason why, you’re going to fail.” - Matt Giovanisci, Episode #145 “Follow your passion; do what’s in your heart.” - Kevin Y Brown, Episode #145   Resources mentioned: Asana   Favorite book: Jim Henson: The Biography   Favorite quote: “Do what you love and the money will come easy.” – Arlen Crouch   3 keys to Create Your Best Life:     Find your why     Focus on your strength     Make sure you’re happy every day   Stay Connected:   Show Social Media:   https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/   Kevin Y Brown: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Matt Giovanisci: Moneylab.co Money lab podcast Listen money matters podcast   Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast.  

About our Guest: Carl Joseph Black is currently balancing being a law student and being the founder of Raising Benjamin. Seeing a need for financial literacy and empowerment among minority communities, he created the platform which is dedicated to increasing wealth among young Black millennials by sharing finance insights. Using the knowledge that he gained while completing his Bachelors in finance from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, Carl began his financial career at JP Morgan. There, he spent 4 years working in risk, research, legal, and compliance.   Episode Summary Carl Joseph Black is bringing his financial expertise to the masses through a chatbot, Benjamin, that can answer users’ questions in real-time. He credits his rise to being disciplined and finding the confidence to take unconventional steps to success.   Insight from this episode: Secrets for differentiating discipline versus a habit and why you should know the difference between the two. How to build confidence by researching your field. Strategies for giving people in your life active and passive support. Carl Joseph Black explains why it is critical to find a partner who understands what you are doing and supports you. Strategies for setting micro-goals based on actionable steps.   Quotes from the show: “One of the most important things that I continue to share is using different spaces to learn more about business.” - Carl Joseph Black, Episode 144 “The fastest way to build wealth is to invest. The second fastest is to work.” - Carl Joseph Black quoting his father, Episode 144 “The practice of discipline is doing something you don’t want to do consistently.” - Carl Joseph Black, Episode 144 “Don’t you ever stop the fight, because it’s bigger than you.” - Kevin Y. Brown, Episode 144   Resources Mentioned: Wit AI Microsoft Excel Google Calendar Benjamin   Favorite Book:   Finite and Infinite Games by James Carse Principles: Life and Work by Ray Dalio     Favorite Quote: “Price is what you pay, value is what you get.” - Warren Buffett   3 keys to Create Your Best Life: Believe in yourself Be consistent Really respect your time   Episode Sponsor: This episode was sponsored by http://www.podcastlaundry.com   Stay Connected:   Create Your Life Series: https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/   Kevin: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Carl Joseph Black: www.raisingbenjamin.com bit.ly/itsmebenjamin www.instagram.com/cjoeblack www.instagram.com/raisebenjamin twitter.com/cjoeblack twitter.com/RaisingBenjamin www.facebook.com/raisingbenjamin www.linkedin.com/in/carljosephblack   Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on  itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast  

About our Guest: Jean Joo is an entrepreneur, designer and closet foodie. She is one of the co-founders of Creator’s Group, a media content creation firm based in Kansas City, Kansas. Jeani uses her skills as a designer and her background in product management to create brand awareness and amplify the voices of innovative and exciting businesses in Kansas City. She is also fiercely passionate about inspiring other Asian-American women to pursue their passions and believe in their potential. Episode Summary Jeani shares openly about the twists and turns that lead her to eventually co-found Creator’s Group. She believes that failure is often a part of entrepreneurial pursuits, and she encourages other entrepreneurs to lean into that uncertainty. Insight from this episode: Strategies to manage and build a team Why hiring slow and firing quick is the best strategy when building a team Secrets to find fulfillment by going against social norms Secrets to the power of an inner circle Strategies for goal crushing Solutions and triumphs of networking Quotes from the show: “People would ask me ‘what do you want to be in the future?’ and I would say, ‘I don’t know because I haven’t created my title yet.’” - Jeani Joong, Episode #143 “The secret is no entrepreneur really knows what they’re doing.” - Jeani Joong, Episode #143 “I think emotional intelligence is a lot more important than intelligence itself. EQ over IQ all the time.” - Jeani Joong, Episode #143 “Traveling will meet you where you are in your life, and it will teach you so much and open up so many different perspectives.” - Jeani Joong, Episode #143 On the limited number of successful Asian women portrayed in the media: “It affects your mentality on what you think is possible.” - Jeani Joong, Episode #143 On failure: “Every time I push past that fear, only great things happen on the other side.” - Kevin Y Brown, Episode #143 Favorite Book: Cradle to Cradle  Favorite Quote: In true entrepreneurial spirit, Jeani offered a motto of her own creation: “Don’t be afraid of failure. It’s a learning tool.” - Jeani Joong Resources mentioned: Slack Studiobinder Monday  3 keys to Create Your Best Life:     Know yourself     Get over your fear of failures     Trust your instincts even if it’s wrong Stay Connected: Show Social Media:  https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/   Kevin Y Brown: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Jeani Joong: Instagram: @jeani0 or @creatorsgrp Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast.

About our Guest: As the host of the Entrepreneurs on Fire podcast, John Lee Dumas interviews inspiring entrepreneurs and has completed more than 200 episodes. With more than a million listens each month and seven figures of revenue, the podcast has become a rapid success. John Lee has taken elements from his early life in Maine and time in the Army to create a profitable business that also focuses on the needs of its audience.   Episode Summary John Lee Dumas provides methods for success as an entrepreneur that also can be used in your personal life. He focuses on how to create a daily process for making moves in your business.   Insight from this episode: Secrets to improving your life through journaling and meditation. How to find a mentor that corresponds with your business direction. Strategies for obtaining information from your audience to expand your business. Why you should focus on identifying solutions to your audience’s struggles. John Lee’s Three Success Principles: 1) Pareto’s Principle 2) Parkinson’s Law 3) Pomodoro Technique   Strategies for using funnels in your business. John Lee shares his personal success hacks. Kevin shares his daily routine, AMBITION: Affirmation Motivation Body Intelligence Thankfulness FInances Opportunities Nutrition Schedule   Quotes from the show: “I had a mentor and that mentor was key. I invested in myself, somebody who was currently where I wanted to be.” - John Lee Dumas, Episode 142   “You have to find a mastermind. Because you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” - John Lee Dumas, Episode 142   “When you compare, you will always dispare.” - John Lee Dumas, Episode 142   “The one and only person you should truly be comparing yourself to is you yesterday.” - John Lee Dumas, Episode 142   “Comparison is the death of progress.”  - Kevin Y. Brown, Episode 142   “You need to make sure that you are valuing your time at a very high level. And keeping big blocks of time for yourself to do the meaningful work and go on the meaningful projects that you need to move your business forward.” - John Lee Dumas, Episode 142   “Successful entrepreneurs have one big idea that they go all in on.” - John Lee Dumas, Episode 142   Resources Mentioned: YourBigIdea.IO Real Revenue FunnelOnFire.com The Freedom Journal Scheduleonce.com   What Makes the Great Great: Strategies for Extraordinary Achievement by Dennis Kimbro     Favorite Book:   The Slight Edge: Turning Simple Disciplines Into Massive Success by John Olson - John Lee Dumas The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho - Kevin Y. Brown     Favorite Quote: “Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.” - Albert Einstein   3 keys to Create Your Best Life: Get clear about what your one big idea is. Install a morning routine that is a mandatory part of your day. Prioritize sleep.   Episode Sponsor: This episode was sponsored by http://www.podcastlaundry.com   Stay Connected:   Create Your Life Series: https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/   Kevin: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   John Lee Dumas: Eofire.com eofire.com/podcast www.instagram.com/johnleedumas twitter.com/johnleedumas www.facebook.com/johnleedumas www.facebook.com/EOFire linkedin.com/entrepreneuronfire Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on  itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast

About our Guest: Cassandra Nuamah is a danceaholic, travelista, and a fitness guru. As a certified personal trainer, group exercise instructor, and health and wellness coach, she lost 50lbs and transformed her lifestyle. Using her infectious energy, Cassandra has made it her mission to help individuals, groups, and organizations to live happier and healthier lives using methods and techniques that she uses herself. Originally from Ghana, Cassandra and mother, the founder of Kukuwafitness.com, organize yearly fitness and cultural excursions to Africa. These trips allow clients to travel Africa without a passport through music and dance.   Episode Summary Cassandra practices what she preaches, using fitness and nutrition to help others create better lives for themselves. Her business is built on making others happy and healthy while giving them an unforgettable cultural experience.   Insight from this episode: Cassandra shares her secrets for entrepreneurs who are just starting out. How to ensure success in your business by staying true to yourself. Strategies for monetizing your interests and talents. Cassandra describes her secrets to social media success. The success hacks Cassandra uses in her business. Kevin explains the importance of knowing what you do, why you do it, and where you are going as an entrepreneur. Kevin shares what motivates him and makes him happy.   Quotes from the show: “Death by comparison.” - Kevin Y. Brown on the downside of comparing yourself to others, Episode 141   “I’m a believer that what you give energy to just grows.” - Cassandra Nuamah, Episode 141   “Everything’s a lesson or a blessing.” - Cassandra Nuamah, Episode 141   “Look at every setback as a foundation for where you can step up.” - Cassandra Nuamah, Episode 141   “I’m definitely focused on progress and not perfection.” - Kevin Y. Brown, Episode 141   Resources Mentioned: Canva Hootsuite   The Art of War by Sun Tzu In Touch: How to Tune In to the Inner Guidance of Your Body and Trust Yourself by John J. Prendergast, PhD and Rick Hanson, PhD   Streak   Favorite Book:   Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! by Robert Kiyosaki Success Principles: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be by Jack Canfield and Janet Switzer     Favorite Quote: “Those who know don’t tell and those who tell don’t know.” - Socrates, quoted by Cassandra Nuamah “Create your life” - Kevin Y. Brown “I am the brand I say I am.” - Kevin Y. Brown “Be the labour, great or small, do it well or not at all.” - Quincy Jones, quoted by Kevin Y. Brown “I do this for real, not for thrills.” - Andre Hicks, quoted by Kevin Y. Brown “Love those who love you but don’t never let it (mess) up your vision. How much love did your loved ones have when you was broke or doing time in prison.” - Andre Hicks, quoted by Kevin Y. Brown   3 keys to Create Your Best Life: Start from where you. Don’t compare yourself. Don’t care about what other people say.   Episode Sponsor: This episode was sponsored by http://www.podcastlaundry.com   Stay Connected:   Create Your Life Series: https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/   Kevin: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Cassandra Nuamah: www.kukuwafitness.com Africawithus.com wellnesswithcoachcass.com www.instagram.com/kukuwafitness www.instagram.com/africawithus www.instagram.com/coachcassfit twitter.com/kukuwafitness twitter.com/africawithus twitter.com/cassandranuamah www.facebook.com/KukuwaFitness www.facebook.com/africawithus www.facebook.com/coachcassfit www.linkedin.com/in/kukuwa-fitness www.linkedin.com/in/cassandra-nuamah www.youtube.com/channel/kukuwafitness www.youtube.com/channel/coachcassfit spotify.com/cassandranuamah Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on  itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast

About our Guest: Cassandra Nuamah is a danceaholic, travelista, and a fitness guru. As a certified personal trainer, group exercise instructor, and health and wellness coach, she lost 50lbs and transformed her lifestyle. Using her infectious energy, Cassandra has made it her mission to help individuals, groups, and organizations to live happier and healthier lives using methods and techniques that she uses herself. Originally from Ghana, Cassandra and mother, the founder of Kukuwafitness.com, organize yearly fitness and cultural excursions to Africa. These trips allow clients to travel Africa without a passport through music and dance.   Episode Summary Cassandra practices what she preaches, using fitness and nutrition to help others create better lives for themselves. Her business is built on making others happy and healthy while giving them an unforgettable cultural experience.   Insight from this episode: Secrets to getting your A game together early on in your career. Cassandra shares the resources she learned at the Institute of Innovative Nutrition. How a conversation with her boss led Cassandra to quit her job and become an entrepreneur. Strategies for creating loyalty with your clients. Cassandra explains the importance of travelling and how it can change your perspective. Secrets to staying accountable to your clients. Cassandra shares her strategies for handling criticism in a positive way. The 4 things Cassandra does every day to be happy: 1) Dance 2) Workout 3) Pray 4) Help someone   Quotes from the show: “You don’t know what you don’t know.” - Cassandra Nuamah, Episode 140   “That’s why I’m Coach Cass. I coach you to be and see your best self.” - Cassandra Nuamah, Episode 140   “Success was not an optional thing.” - Cassandra Nuamah on her parents expectations when she was growing up, Episode 140   “Time and tide waits for no one, Cass.” - Cassandra Nuamah quoting her dad, Episode 140“   “You can’t help what they feel or think. But you can help how you receive it.” - Cassandra Nuamah on how she feels about people’s perception of her based on skin color, Episode 140   “No matter how hard it gets or how challenging it is, I’m living in my purpose and on purpose.” - Cassandra Nuamah, Episode 140   “If you’re not in your lane, looking at other peoples lanes, that’s how you’ll crash” - Cassandra Nuamah, Episode 140   “If we could be that gateway, we could be that bridge for somebody to go [to Africa], then why not? ” -Cassandra Nuamah #140   “The doctor says she’s dying, we gotta go” -Cassandra Nuamah #140   “She’s literally like living dead. Like she looks like you could see skeletons everywhere” -Cassandra Nuamah #140   “Business owners come in all different shades and people that you might not think are in levels of authority are. You need to know how to speak to everyone at the same time of level and deal with everyone at the same time of level.” -Cassandra Nuamah #140   “You have to have your niche, and you have to stay true to that niche, and you have to stay in your lane, you’ll literally crash.” -Cassandra Nuamah #140 Episode Sponsor: This episode was sponsored by http://www.podcastlaundry.com   Stay Connected: Create Your Life Series: https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/   Kevin: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Cassandra Nuamah: www.kukuwafitness.com Africawithus.com wellnesswithcoachcass.com www.instagram.com/kukuwafitness www.instagram.com/africawithus www.instagram.com/coachcassfit twitter.com/kukuwafitness twitter.com/africawithus twitter.com/cassandranuamah www.facebook.com/KukuwaFitness www.facebook.com/africawithus www.facebook.com/coachcassfit www.linkedin.com/in/kukuwa-fitness www.linkedin.com/in/cassandra-nuamah www.youtube.com/channel/kukuwafitness www.youtube.com/channel/coachcassfit spotify.com/cassandranuamah   Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on  itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast  

About our Guest: Elise Schuster is the Co-Founder of okayso, an app that provides quick, personalized answers from experts concerning life’s most intimate questions. Her experience working in the field of sex education spans over 15 years, beginning as a sex educator at Babeland. During her time at the company, Elise taught hundreds of workshops and answered thousands of questions. She previously worked on youth development at The Door, the country’s largest development agency serving over 10,000 marginalized youth each year. With a Masters in Public Health from Columbia University, Elise has extensive training and consulting experience in LGBTQ issues, pleasure, sexual health, and adolescent development.   Episode Summary Elise Schuster’s company, Okayso, provides clients with confidential access to experts who cover topics from sexual health to self-image. Using a non-traditional path for a startup, Elise and her co-founder were able to create an innovative app that not only supports positive mental health, but also is funded by a federal grant. The distinct way in which she has achieved success is an inspiring account for any CEO looking for new methods for establishing and operating their business.   Insight from this episode: Secrets to enhancing your business by analyzing other industries. Strategies for building a productive relationship with your co-founder. How to find and embrace your company’s unique path to success. Elise explains how she used skills learned in graduate school when she started her company. Strategies for evaluating the goals of your business using Elise’s “Fantasy Island” technique. How to embrace self-compassion and use it in your life. Why CEOs who are just starting out should seek out the company of other new CEOs.   Quotes from the show: “It’s really always helpful to have kind of those touchstones. I think you can get so in it, that you, kind of pulling back and seeing that bigger picture, every little bit is incredibly helpful.” - Elise Schuster, Episode 139 “I think that, often when you read things about startups or you read about successful businesses, you don’t see the messiness behind them. You also often see only a couple of paths.” - Elise Schuster, Episode 139 “There’s not one way of helping people. You have got to figure out what is going to work right for you.” - Elise Schuster, Episode 139 “Everybody deserves to lead happy and healthy lives. And that includes sexuality. It’s just as much a part of our lives.” - Elise Schuster, Episode 139 “I think that we get so many messages in the world about what it means to be a woman and how you’re supposed to behave and act. So I think most of it, for me, is really just to realize you have everything that you need within yourself to do this.” - Elise Schuster, Episode 139 “Even in those moments that it feels like you don’t know what you’re doing, it’s okay to not know what you’re doing, you don’t have to have every single thing figured out, but you probably have it a lot more figured out than you realize. So keep pushing.”  - Elise Schuster, Episode 139 “Self forgiveness is the biggest thing. That’s the only way you can really move forward.” - Kevin Y. Brown, Episode 139 “It’s okay to take shortcuts. Because everyone takes shortcuts.” - Elise Schuster, Episode 139 “The things that I thought made us unappealing are the things that made us appealing, Sometimes the things that you think are your weaknesses are actually your strengths” - Elise Schuster, Episode 139 Resources Mentioned:   Leapfrog: The New Revolution for Women Entrepreneurs by Nathalie Molina Niño   React Native   Favorite Book:   When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times by Pema Chodron     Favorite Quote: Motto by Brene Brown that everyone is doing the best that they can with what they have.   3 keys to Create Your Best Life: Self-compassion Determination Love   Stay Connected:   Create Your Life Series: https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/   Kevin: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Elise Schuster: www.okayso.co/ www.eliseschuster.com/ www.instagram.com/heyokayso twitter.com/akadallas twitter.com/heyokayso www.facebook.com/akadallas www.facebook.com/heyokayso www.linkedin.com/in/eliseschuster www.linkedin.com/company/okayso elise@okayso.co Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on  itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast