Disruption Now

Eric Brown Jr. is the founder of ELVTE Coaching and Consulting and a Generative AI innovation lead at Microsoft. In this powerful conversation with Rob Richardson, he unpacks how early adversity became fuel for legacy. From mentoring underserved youth to helping enterprise teams align tech with purpose, Eric proves that impact isn't just about innovation — it's about elevation.Disruption Now Episode 180Inside This Episode:-Life Hacker Mindset: How reframing pain unlocks potential-AI with Empathy: Why tech that doesn't center people fails-The Power of Context: Making technology relatable and actionable for allConnect with Eric Brown Jr.:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ericbrownjrForbes Council: councils.forbes.com/profile/Eric-Brown-Jr-Founder-%7C-Chief-Transformation-Officer-ELVTE-Coaching-and-Consulting/440ec31a-0e0d-4650-ae7c-a2b401148572Thought Leadership: linkedin.com/pulse/empowering-dreams-lessons-learned-from-any-fellow-eric-brown-jrDisruption Now Apply to be a guest: form.typeform.com/to/Ir6AgmzrWatch more episodes: podcast.disruptionnow.comDisruption Now: Building a fair share for the Culture and Media. Join us and disrupt.Apply to get on the Podcast: https://form.typeform.com/to/Ir6Agmzr?typeform-source=disruptionnow.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robrichardsonjr/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robforohio/Website: https://podcast.disruptionnow.com/

"I went from door-to-door sales to closing million-dollar tech deals — but the real secret? Asking boldly. Watch [12:33] to hear how Jarrett Albritton turned Clubhouse conversations into 80,000 followers and landed 40+ recruiters on stage. Spoiler: His AI platform is changing how careers are built!"-Why are tech sales misunderstood (and why are they not what you think)?-The biggest misconception about tech sales that's costing you $$$.-3 secrets to breaking into tech sales and dominating AI-driven careers.⏰ Timestamps: 0:00 – "Why Tech Sales Isn't Just for Geeks (Misconceptions)" 12:33 – "How Jarrett Albritton Leveraged Clubhouse to Empower 80K People" 25:47 – "The AI Tool Helping You Land a Job Faster (Why Right C is Different)" 38:55 – "Mastering Interviews with AI: The Future of Job Search" 45:00 – "3 P's to Succeed in Tech Sales (Persistence, Patience, Pivot)"✅ Try Job Search Genius FREE for 7 days: jobsearchgenius.ai

In this episode of the Disruption Now podcast, host Rob Richardson engages in a dynamic conversation with Seema Alexander, a seasoned entrepreneur and business strategist. They delve into Seema's rich background, from her upbringing in an entrepreneurial immigrant family to her current roles as co-founder of Virgent AI and DC Startup & Tech Week. The discussion traverses the evolution of entrepreneurship, the pivotal role of emerging technologies like AI, and the significance of community collaboration in fostering innovation.​Three Key Takeaways for Disruptors:Embrace Emerging Technologies: Seema emphasizes entrepreneurs' need to stay abreast of technological advancements, particularly AI. She notes that the rapid pace of AI development means businesses must adapt swiftly or risk obsolescence.​Focus on Strategic Positioning: Drawing from her experience with the UNIQUE Method™, Seema highlights the importance of businesses identifying their unique value propositions to stand out in competitive markets.​Foster Community Engagement: Through her work with DC Startup & Tech Week, Seema illustrates how building and participating in entrepreneurial communities can lead to shared knowledge, resources, and opportunities for collaboration, driving collective growth and innovation.​This episode offers valuable insights into navigating the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship and the critical role of adaptability and community in achieving sustained success.Seema Alexander:Co-Chair, DC Startup & Tech WeekCo-Founder & President, Virgent AICreator, U.N.I.Q.U.E. Method™Business Podcast HostFrom Spaghetti to GrowthConnectLinkedin Book a 15-Min Founder/CEO Meeting

In this episode of the Disruption Now Podcast, host Rob Richardson sits down with Rachel Desrochers, the founder of Gratitude Collective and a passionate advocate for gratitude, entrepreneurship, and community building. Rachel shares her journey of turning a simple idea into a thriving business while fostering a culture of kindness and connection. She discusses the power of gratitude in both personal and professional life, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and how she supports other business owners through her work with the Incubator Kitchen Collective. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on purpose-driven business, resilience, and the impact of gratitude on success.Top 3 Things You'll Learn from This Episode:1. The Power of Gratitude in Business & Life – Practicing gratitude can fuel success, strengthen leadership, and build meaningful connections.2. Entrepreneurship with Purpose – Rachel Desrochers shares insights on growing a values-driven business while creating opportunities for others.3. Building a Community-Driven Brand – Lessons from Rachel's journey in launching Gratitude Collective and supporting entrepreneurs through the Incubator Kitchen Collective.Rachel's Social Media Pages:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-desrochers-b2356760/Websites:https://www.thegratitudecollective.org/ (Company)https://www.powertopursue.org/ (Company)https://www.incubatorkitchencollective.org/ (Company)Disruption Now:  building a fair share for the Culture and Media. Join us and disrupt. Apply to get on the Podcast https://form.typeform.com/to/Ir6Agmzr?typeform-source=disruptionnow.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robrichardsonjr/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robforohio/Website: https://podcast.disruptionnow.com/

In this episode of Disruption Now, Tremain Davis shares forward-thinking insights on how innovation is upending traditional business models and reshaping entire industries. Here are three things you can learn from this episode:Adaptive Leadership: Davis disrupts conventional norms by staying agile, empowering his team, and constantly reevaluating strategies to drive transformation.Leveraging Disruptive Technologies: Learn how embracing new technologies can drive sustainable growth and create a competitive edge. Tremain's approach as a leader integrates cutting-edge digital solutions that challenge outdated business practices.Strategic Risk-Taking: Understand the value of taking calculated risks and maintaining a proactive mindset to turn challenges into opportunities. As a leader, Davis exemplifies disruption by challenging the status quo and fostering a culture of innovation that inspires others to break away from traditional molds.Davis's journey to becoming a disruptive leader in his community is rooted in his commitment to challenging outdated paradigms and championing local change. He transforms his business and drives community-wide innovation and resilience by empowering emerging entrepreneurs, mentoring future leaders, and building collaborative networks.Tremain Davis's social media page:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tremain-davis-348504a4/Website: https://www.thinkpgc.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamtremain/Apply to get on the Podcast https://form.typeform.com/to/Ir6Agmzr?typeform-source=disruptionnow.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robrichardsonjr/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robforohio/Website: https://podcast.disruptionnow.com/

Today's Disruption Now episode is with LaMar "The Coutureman "Wright. He is a trailblazer in curated lifestyle expertise and image consulting through his business, The Coutureman LLC. As a disruptor in his field, he challenges traditional notions of style and personal branding, helping individuals cultivate an elevated sense of confidence and self-expression through fashion, grooming, and lifestyle refinement. His approach goes beyond just aesthetics—it's about empowerment, self-identity, and making a statement in both personal and professional spaces.LaMar shared deep insights into his journey, highlighting pivotal life lessons that have shaped his career and mindset—how life's challenges and setbacks can serve as catalysts for growth and transformation. He also spoke about the importance of authenticity, emphasizing that success isn't about conforming to societal expectations but about embracing and elevating one's unique identity. His presence in the image consulting space is more than just about style; it's about redefining how individuals own their narratives, making bold statements, and crafting legacies beyond clothing.Lamar Wright Social Media links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thecoutureman/website: https://thecoutureman.com/Disruption Now YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCWDYBJSzBoqgCd1ADPVttSw LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robrichardsonjr/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robforohio/Apply to get on the Podcast: https://form.typeform.com/to/Ir6Agmzr

LEARN about Erin Reddick's inspiring AI journey. She is the creator of ChatBlackGPT Beta, a platform advancing equity in AI. Erin shares how her unique upbringing as a Black woman adopted by a white father shaped her views on race, identity, and belonging. She discusses her transition from being laid off at Meta to becoming a trailblazer in ethical AI. The conversation dives deep into the challenges of promoting inclusivity in technology, the development of ChatBlackGPTBeta, and actionable advice for overcoming biases in AI and the workplace.Top Three Things You Will Learn:1. How Identity Shapes Innovation:Erin's personal experiences, from her upbringing to her career in tech, reveal how deeply identity and perspective influence the drive to create equitable solutions in AI.2. Practical Steps for Ethical AI:This article provides insights into the challenges of addressing biases in AI systems and how tools like ChatBlackGPTBeta aim to promote anti-racism and inclusivity in technology.3. Overcoming Bias in Professional Spaces:Strategies Erin used to navigate a male-dominated industry, ignore biased feedback, and foster positive, inclusive communication in the workplace.ChatBlackGPT Official Page: https://chatblackgpt.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatblackgpt/Erin Reddick LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinreddick/

Disruption Now: Building a Fair Share for Culture and Media. Join us and disrupt! Today, we welcome the two most respected and innovative leaders to the Disruption Now Podcast. Joe and Dwain, despite their demanding schedules, have graciously made time to be DISRUPTIVE with us in this digital age. Joe and Dwain's impressive careers have led them to co-found Dream Exchange, a groundbreaking platform with a purpose and impact that cannot be overstated. Dream Exchange is the first minority-governed and Black-owned company to operate an exchange in U.S. history. It challenges traditional norms and opens doors for underrepresented groups to access capital markets, paving the way for a more inclusive financial landscape. Joe, notably, is the author of the Main Street Growth Act, a bill that has garnered bipartisan support in Congress. Dream Exchange's mission is to revolutionize access to capital for businesses led by underrepresented entrepreneurs. Their vision is rooted in dismantling barriers and fostering an environment where every entrepreneur, regardless of background, can thrive. We are honored to have Joe and Dwain share their journey and insights. Their leadership and commitment to inclusivity are genuinely inspirational.Link to Joe and Dwain's bio: https://www.dreamex.com/our-team/Apply to get on the Podcast: https://form.typeform.com/to/Ir6AgmzrDisruption Now links:Website https://bit.ly/2VUO9sfFacebook https://bit.ly/303IU8jInstagram https://bit.ly/2YOLl26Twitter https://bit.ly/2KfLaTfWebsite https://bit.ly/2VUO9sf

Cyrus Harbin is the founder and host of the popular podcast "Tech is the New Black." He is a prominent figure in the tech community, known for empowering, educating, and entertaining his audience on leveraging the tech industry to enhance their lives. Through his podcast, Cyrus interviews industry leaders, tech influencers, and successful entrepreneurs, offering insights and practical advice on how to break into and thrive in the tech industry.Cyrus is also actively involved in community-building efforts, including the TechPreneur Community, which provides internal job referrals, career coaching, courses, and networking opportunities. His podcast, lauded for its engaging and informative content, is a top-rated tech business and career podcast, mainly celebrated for its focus on diversity and representation in the tech world.In addition to his podcasting efforts, Cyrus collaborates with various tech boot camps to provide discounted courses and resources aimed at helping people, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, launch successful tech careers. His personal journey and professional endeavors have inspired many to pursue and achieve financial independence through tech.Cyrus Harbin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyrus-harbin-6a0892163/

John Hope Bryant is a prominent entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist known for his economic empowerment and financial literacy work. He founded Operation HOPE in 1992 following the Rodney King Riots in Los Angeles, with a mission to provide economic education and resources to underserved communities. Since its inception, Operation HOPE has served over 4 million individuals and directed nearly $4 billion in economic activity into disenfranchised areas. The organization focuses on improving credit scores, facilitating homeownership, and supporting Black entrepreneurs through various initiatives.Numerous U.S. presidents have recognized Bryant's work. He has received several prestigious awards, including the Legacy Leadership Award from Hyatt Hotels and the Outstanding Voice Award from the Atlanta Business Chronicle. Additionally, he is known for co-founding the Financial Literacy for All initiative and the 1 Million Black Businesses initiative, which has significantly impacted Black-owned businesses across America.His numerous books have documented Bryant's efforts, including “How the Poor Can Save Capitalism” and “Financial Literacy For All.” His journey began with a banker visiting his school in Compton, California, which inspired him to pursue a path in entrepreneurship and financial education from a young age.Learn More at Johnhopebryant.com

Step into the digital arena with John Cavanaugh, a renowned digital privacy and safety expert, on this episode of "Encrypting Freedom." Uncover the hidden pitfalls in your digital practices and learn how to fortify your data against the encroaching eyes of AI technologies. John doesn't just outline the problems; he arms you with robust, actionable strategies to take control of your digital identity.This episode isn't just about listening—it's about engaging. Discover resources, communities, and tools that will empower you to join the vanguard of digital defenders. "Encrypting Freedom: AI & The Data Battle" isn't just a conversation—it's a call to action. Tune in to transform your understanding and approach to digital privacy in the age of AI.Website https://bit.ly/2VUO9sfApply to get on the Podcast https://form.typeform.com/to/Ir6Agmzr?typeform-source=disruptionnow.comFacebook https://bit.ly/303IU8jInstagram https://bit.ly/2YOLl26Twitter https://bit.ly/2KfLaTfWebsite https://bit.ly/2VUO9sf

Join Rob Richardson on this episode of Disruption Now as he sits down with Adam Kahn, Chief Creative Director at Grey Midwest, for a riveting discussion on artificial intelligence and its impact on the creative world. Together, they unpack whether AI is a looming threat or a transformative catalyst for creators.In this episode:Discover the Revolutionary Tools: Learn about the innovative AI technologies that are reshaping creativity, from automating mundane tasks to opening up new avenues for artistic expression.Explore the Ethical Frontier: Adam Kahn sheds light on the ethical dilemmas and challenges facing creators as AI becomes more pervasive in the arts. What are the implications for privacy, authenticity, and artistic integrity?Hear Real-World Insights: Gain insights from the front lines of a top creative agency. How is Grey Midwest navigating the integration of AI in their projects? What strategies are they implementing to ensure AI complements rather than replaces human creativity?Website https://bit.ly/2VUO9sfApply to get on the Podcast https://form.typeform.com/to/Ir6Agmzr?typeform-source=disruptionnow.comFacebook https://bit.ly/303IU8jInstagram https://bit.ly/2YOLl26Twitter https://bit.ly/2KfLaTfWebsite https://bit.ly/2VUO9sf

In this episode of "Disruption Now," I interview entrepreneur Pete Blackshaw, who shares his pioneering journey of using AI to protect brands. Blackshaw discusses how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the industry, providing a glimpse into the future and practical insights on how businesses can harness this technology for brand protection. He highlights the necessity for companies to adapt and the transformative potential of AI in managing brand integrity. This episode is essential listening for business leaders and marketers keen to effectively navigate the intersection of AI and brand management.

John Johnson is the founder of a small studio. He has worked with Niantic Labs to build Pokémon Go. Learn how he launched a multi-million dollar design studio and shifted his career from architect to entrepreneur. We also delve into his recent scare with cancer and how it has shaped his perspective as a father and business owner. Things to Learn: - How faith guides his entrepreneurial experience - How to deal with the struggle of entrepreneurship - How cancer gave him a new perspective. Learn more about John Johnson here https://www.asmallstudio.com/ DISRUPTION NOW LINKSApply to get on the Disruption Podcast: https://form.typeform.com/to/Ir6Agmzr.Watch the episode: https://disruptionnow.com/Listen to the podcast episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/2a8ba3d3

Should we ban TikTok? Is it really as dangerous as some say, or is it just a strawman argument to distract us? Listen to our discussion. Let's hear from James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana.

Group Black is dramatically transforming the face of media ownership and investment. Kerel Cooper is President of Advertising at Group Black, where he leads Group Black's revenue operations, revenue strategy and planning, and insights teams.What You Will LearnWhy Black Creators are underpaid for the value they bringWhy equitable distribution of Advertising Dollars mattersHow to Thrive as a Black Corporate LeaderABOUT Kerel CooperKerel Cooper is President of Advertising at Group Black, where he leads Group Black's revenue operations, revenue strategy and planning, and insights teams. He works closely with the executive team to deliver seamless client and customer experiences. Cooper is an award-winning executive with over 20 years of digital media experience building Advertising Operations, Account Management, and Marketing teams. Before joining Group Black, Cooper was the Chief Marketing Officer at LiveIntent, where he led teams that managed campaigns for key publishers and advertisers. He is the co-founder and co-host of the Minority Report Podcast, highlighting people of color, women & and LGBTQ+ leaders within business, media, and technology. He has been widely recognized for his leadership and innovation. Kerel was included in Crain's New York Business Notable Black Leaders and Executives 2021 list. He received the 2021 AdWeek Readers' Choice Best of Tech Diversity Advocate of the Year award, the 2021 Diversity Advocate of the Year by Campaign Tech Awards, and the 2021 Award of Excellence by the Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts.https://www.groupblack.co/

Joshua Ogundu is an advocate of equity, as he believes that it starts with everyone. The common belief that most successful startup founders began their journey from poverty and worked their way up to the top creates unrealistic expectations and makes true equity harder to achieve. Joshua Ogundu explains why this narrative needs to stop and suggests ways to launch a venture capital-backed company, even if you don't have a head start.What You Will LearnHow you can get outside of your bubble and innovateWhy Silicon Valley embraces the poverty narrative How to find your zone of geniusAbout Joshua With over 9 years of experience in product management for both web and mobile platforms, he has established himself in the consumer software industry. His areas of expertise include Product Management, Networking, and Teamwork. Joshua has a strong entrepreneurship background, completing his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Economics from Michigan State University and a Masters from USC.Twitter https://x.com/joshuaogundu?s=21&t=q9qxxnn6Uib-yljB1y9eJwLinkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-ogundu-b92b835b/

"THE WORLD IS CHANGING FAST, but it doesn't have to be scary." Iliana Oris Valiente (IOV) is an optimist for the future of tech and society. IOV wants to encourage humans to live happy, healthy, and purposefully designed lives in a world of endless possibilities. She believes the key is to embrace the ever-shifting technological trends and chaos, actively shape the future, and thrive together. #disruptionow #digitalnomad #globaltrendsWhat You Will LearnCurrent Global Trends in TechThe Future of Digital NomadsHow to Succeed as a Woman of Color in Corporate AmericaABOUT Iliana Oris ValienteIliana Oris Valiente, CPA, CA, is a corporate executive, board member, author, public speaker, and been featured in various media outlets, including TV, radio, and print (Bloomberg, CBC, etc).Currently, a Managing Director and the Head of Innovation at Accenture Canada, she works with senior executives and boards of Fortune500 companies to support their strategic transformation journeys, from idea to scaled execution. She leads multidisciplinary teams across design, data, and the latest emerging areas (with a focus on AI, metaverse/web3, sustainability).Additionally, she's an active board member at Sunnybrook Hospital, CPA Ontario, and DIACC, and active startup mentor.Iliana is a global citizen, speaking English, Russian, Spanish, and French. She has her finger on the pulse of global shifts in talent trends, future of work, and in her spare time, she's building a community of like-minded citizens of the world.www.ilianaOV.comhttps://www.ilianaov.com/writing

Kalista Zackhariyas isn't just envisioning a social media future centered on genuine human interactions – she's crafting it. As the dynamic CEO of SparkSeeker, she's pioneering the way.Learn more at https://sparkseeker.com/

Meet Aswad Thomas, the indomitable Alliance for Safety and Justice Vice President. Once on the cusp of a glittering professional basketball career, a devastating gunshot wound forever altered his destiny. Yet, the injustice didn't end there. In his darkest hour, he was wrongfully labeled a criminal by the system that should have protected him. His is a tale of survival, rebirth, resilience, and redemption.Today, Aswad stands tall, channeling his experiences and passion into transformative change. He's on a relentless mission: to overhaul a flawed system, ensuring no one else suffers the way he did.Learn about the Alliance For Safety and Justice: https://asj.allianceforsafetyandjustice.org/

As innovations surge forward, so do the questions about A.I.'s inner workings. Our guest on Disruption Now is Javier Viaña Pérez, the co-founder of Rezon.ai and a Postdoctoral Associate at the MIT Kavli Institute of Astrophysics and Space Research. His Ph.D. research revolved around the conception of novel transparent algorithms that provide accurate predictions and human-understandable justifications of the results.Reason.ai primarily focuses on comprehending the decision-making process of AI systems, providing the much-needed transparency that is currently lacking.For enthusiasts, skeptics, and everyone in between, this is your gateway to understanding A.I. like never before. Tune in and uncover the story behind the code.

In 2020, over 2 million people were employed by the justice system, with an annual expenditure of a staggering 300 billion dollars in the United States alone. But what has all this investment achieved for victims of crimes? Our guest, Lenore Anderson, is co-founder of the Alliance For Safety and Justice and author of the eye-opening book, "In Their Names: The Untold Story of Mass Incarceration and Victims' Rights."What You will learnHow the militarization of local policing destroys trust and safety How media narratives shape public perception and policyHow victim protection is not a priority.How you can create change.Learn from real victims and survivors of the system. Learn More about In Their Names by Lenore AndersonLearn about Alliance For Safety and Justice

Cessiah Lopez is an Affiliate of the Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy.She is a serial entrepreneur & web3 degen with proven experiences in growing small businesses & creating digital products that elevate self-improvement.Holding an LLM from the University of East Anglia, her thesis focused on the applicability of the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) to modern e-commerce. She has since worked as an Operations and Strategist for crypto and web3-based projects and is a recent ex-Founder at Entrepreneur First.She has a broad range of experiences spanning multiple industries, such as construction, recruitment, law, diplomacy, blockchain, and real estate. Her work lies at the intersection of law, web3, and startups, where she emphasizes the importance of social impact and mobility. Now, she is a Crypto Research Fellow for VentureESG, working to make ESG a standard part of due diligence for VCs in the web3 space.As a polymath, her creative pursuits and innovation-focused approach have extended to her entrepreneurship and current works within web3.You can check https://czawolf.com/ for more.

Diamond Doll is a highly skilled leader who excels at problem-solving and generating effective solutions. Her experience at Microsoft and Juul Labs demonstrates her commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and social responsibility in the workplace. As the founder of NFT CLT, she has taken her expertise and passion for Web3 education and onboarding to the next level, advising organizations on their transition to this exciting new field. She is a trusted community builder who plans educational events and conferences, hosts Twitter spaces, and moderates panels across the country. Her impressive educational background includes a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Southern California, where she received numerous awards and accolades for her leadership and achievements.

Larry Brinker Jr. is an award-winning entrepreneur, impact investor, and mentor. He serves as Chief Executive Officer and President of Brinker, a group of family-owned and operated commercial construction service companies responsible for over $4 billion in construction projects, which plays a critical role in the transformation and revitalization of Detroit. He also serves as the CEO of the Brinker Family Asset Management Company. Before being named Chief Executive Officer and tasked with leading the executive team and driving the future progress of the Brinker portfolio of construction services companies, Larry Brinker Jr. served as President of Brinker and played a crucial role in the company's development. On the philanthropic side, Brinker Jr. has established multiple scholarships, including a COVID-19 Legacy Survivor Scholarship fund. A proud alumnus of the University of Michigan, Brinker Jr. received the African American Alumni Council's “Five Under Ten” award, which recognizes graduates for their professional accomplishments and significant contributions to the community. In the spirit of the Brinker legacy, he co-founded the Minority Business Mentor and Protege Program in 2017, which provides local contractors in Detroit the training, opportunity, and access to more substantial projects often awarded only to larger firms. I'm disrupting the status quo by investing and rebuilding my community and Detroit. I'm challenging the status quo by having the hard conversations that nobody wants to have.

Mark is the CEO, co-founder, and chairman of Direct Digital Holdings, a Houston-based and founded adtech company that brings state-of-the-art buy-side and sell-side advertising platforms for clients (specializing in middle-sized markets) under one umbrella. Mark can speak to Direct Digital Holdings' (DDH) success story and how he and the company are disrupting the adtech industry for companies in these markets, and how DDH is pioneering the space as a smaller but fast-growing player that also focuses on serving under-represented constituencies (gender, race, sexual orientation) and those often overlooked or marginalized in the ad space. Additionally, DDH is seeing record growth despite the market's downward trends, which Mark can discuss alongside upcoming trends/shifts he expects for 2023 in the context of the national and local economy.

Tyra joined the Ohio Justice & Policy Center team as a paralegal in Jan. 2018. After several months of successful outreach on OJPC's behalf, Tyra's role adapted to better describe her gifts and passion: She became OJPC's first Community Outreach Strategy Specialist.Before joining OJPC, Tyra spent 23 years incarcerated for murder and robbery, crimes she did not commit.Tyra used her time in prison constructively to educate herself.  A sixth grade dropout, Tyra eventually earn her GED, obtained a steam engineer's license, became a certified tutor and completed a paralegal training program.On Christmas Day, 2017, Tyra was released from prison. She joined the OJPC staff full-time only weeks later.In her role, Tyra advocates on behalf of OJPC and does outreach work to educate children about the importance of staying in school and avoiding drug use. Tyra also hopes to create a program to provide support to people returning to the community after incarceration.

Dr. Topeka K. Sam spent time in federal prison and, upon her release, vowed to fight on behalf of the women she left behind. Topeka founded The Ladies of Hope Ministries, whose EPIC Vision is to End Poverty and Incarceration of women and girls globally. She was among the first to publicly highlight Ms. Alice Marie Johnson's story and fight for her freedom, first during the Obama Administration's historic clemency effort and then again during the Trump Administration's tenure. President Trump commuted Ms. Alice's sentence in 2018. Erin Haney, Policy Director at REFORM Alliance and Senior Counsel at #cut50 

MNTN (pronounced Mountain) built the first-of-its-kind, self-serve software for buying connected TV that puts performance first. The MNTN platform makes it easy for brands to buy connected TV ads across the top 150 streaming networks like Discovery+, ESPN, CNN, Hulu, PlutoTV and more. Intuitive Self-Service Platform: MNTN's platform makes it easy to buy, manage, optimize and measure your CTV campaigns. Simply select your target, input your KPI goals, upload your creative and watch our AI-driven automated technology deliver unprecedented results in real time. Premium Inventory: MNTN gives brands access to premium inventory across the top 150 streaming networks like Discovery+, CNN, ESPN, Hulu, PlutoTV and more. Every ad is non-skippable and delivered exclusively on the TV. MNTN acquired Maximum Effort Marketing (Ryan Reynold's creative marketing agency) in June 2021. MNTN is ad tech's fastest-growing performance TV platform, and Maximum Effort, is one of the rising stars of the creative world. MNTN believes that the meteoric rise of Connected TV presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring media and creative closer together. The demand for easy-to-use tech and superb, fast-turn creative is certain to climb thanks to an increase in inventory and advertisers new to TV – many of whom can't afford upfronts. Independently, MNTN and Maximum Effort Marketing have embraced and excelled because of their commitment to simplicity and speed. Together, the opportunities are endless. MNTN's proprietary technology delivers unprecedented return-on-ad-spend (ROAS) for performance marketers and is bringing scores of new advertisers to television, with over 60% of our clients never having run a TV ad before. MNTN launched Creative-as-a-Subscription model (CaaS) in December 2021 - a simpler way for brands to unite the creative development and media buying process together. MNTN's self-service platform has transformed connected TV advertising by making it as simple and accessible as paid search and social – empowering marketers to launch and measure campaigns that focus on driving performance. With the introduction of CaaS, MNTN is removing traditional barriers to TV creative, giving marketers easy access to produce great TV creative without investing in anything but their media goals. MNTN acquired QuickFrame, a leading original video creation platform in January 2022. Now branded QuickFrame by MNTN, the company has a network of thousands of creators, streamlining the process of producing video ads for over 1,000 clients across 20 verticals. MNTN announced that it raised $119 million in Series D financing in February 2022. Created some of the most talked about ads of the year: Their viral Peloton ad with Christopher Meloni Mint Mobile Super Bowl ad Bolt Ad *Steve-O's Hot Sauce Ad About Mark Douglas, President & CEO: Mark oversees the direction of MNTN with his 20 years of product development experience gained through repeated success in helping fast-growth companies transition into emerging markets. He started at Oracle. Shortly after, Mark founded a series of successful startups resulting in IPOs and acquisitions. He was the VP of Technology at eHarmony where he built personality-matching technology. More recently, Mark built new technology for Rubicon Project as the VP of Engineering.

Darnell Smith is a CPG and alcohol industry veteran and cannabis entrepreneur, innovator and advocate. Smith is the founder and CEO of MXXN, a non-alcoholic, cannabis-infused spirits brand that is evolving today's cocktail culture and disrupting the alcohol and cannabis industry. MXXN is the first product launch of MOJO Ventures, which is part of the digital + creative consultancy MOJO he founded that has done extensive work for Procter & Gamble Ventures, Barcardi's Incubation group, Pepsico and more.  Prior to founding MXXN and MOJO, Smith was a senior digital transformation lead at Infosys Consulting working with the likes of Adidas, Ralph Lauren, AB InBev, Novartis, GSK, Pfizer, AMEX and more. Prior to that, Smith worked for over a decade in various agency and client side roles focused on innovation and commercialization for the likes of Diageo and Pernod Ricard.     As a Black entrepreneur working in the cannabis industry, Smith is extremely passionate about being on the frontlines of creating a more equitable space. He is committed to working with a diverse set of vendors and supply partners within his companies and always looks to partner with organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to diversity and inclusion.   Smith earned his Marketing degree from the University of Notre Dame, where he played football as a defensive end under legendary coach Lou Holtz.      A portion of all MXXN proceeds from sales benefit organizations working to pass federal cannabis reform and repair the disproportionate harm faced by low-income, Black and Latinx communities. Follow Me:Subscribe to Podcast https://bit.ly/2YxdJ78 Website https://bit.ly/2VUO9sfFacebook https://bit.ly/303IU8jInstagram https://bit.ly/2YOLl26Twitter https://bit.ly/2KfLaTfWebsite https://bit.ly/2VUO9sf#RobRichardson #DisruptionNow #Podcast

Mirthell, is the Founder and CEO of the Onyx brand. For years, he worked as a pastor and marriage & family therapist, but it was his dream to one day work with his family. One day in 2015, he took the giant leap and quit his job; he never looked back since. Now, the family has a multi-million dollar enterprise, which includes a YouTube Original talk show, Onyx Family Dinner (featuring guests such as Jemele Hill and Emmanuel Acho), an animates series, Onyx Monster Mysteries (which has been distributed to platforms such as Peacock and Apple TV), books, a health & fitness app. and more. He tries to inspire and motivate other black men to take the leap too and start their own business too.

Also, the host of the hit podcast, Wrongful Conviction features interviews with men and women who have spent decades in prison for crimes they did not commit, some even sentenced to death. He started his journey to fight the system's injustice last 1993 when he helped a young kid win his case for a non-violence first offense cocaine possession charge for which he served 15 years to life. He also shared statistics that listeners will be shocked that the United States incarcerates black people at six times South African rate per capita during a partile. Jason Flom believes that we should use the resources to uplift people, police are not the answer, and imprisonment is not the answer. He lives by the saying, "If you can help, help, and you can always help!" He always reminds people that Today is a good day to do something good for someone while expecting nothing in return.

Steve is president, special counsel to the CEO of Comcast Cable. He works with executives on a number of important initiatives, including leadership development, strategic planning, diversity, equality, and inclusion, and digital equality. He has enjoyed many affiliations, including his recent board service with Hormel Foods, Shaw Communications, and W.W. Grainger. Steve is active in the academic arena at the University of Denver and serves on the board of New Leaders, which focuses on the leadership development of public school principals. He's a member of Delta Boule' and the Executive Leadership Council. Before Comcast, he worked in some leading companies and was promoted several times. He started working as a young boy with his mom and brothers. Because he started working at an early age he realized that an unwavering work ethic and commitment attracts opportunities that lead to an impactful life. Until now, Steve applies the same uncompromising will to keep his purpose front and center. His purpose is to create a table of prosperity that everyone can participate in and enjoy. His life journey translates into life lessons that he shares in his keynote message with large corporate, academic, nonprofit, trade audiences and soon-to-be-released book Uncompromising.

Laws criminalizing HIV must be changed to Cathcart up to facts and science.What you will learn: How Fear Drive modern HIV Laws in Ohio Why Current HIV Laws are against public health Interest How marginalized communities are hurt by HIV criminalization Why current HIV Laws in Ohio aren't aligned with Science 

 Isoul Harris is the Editor and Chief of EDTION. Edition's mission to uplift and amplify Black creatives across industries. Isoul brings a vast array of expertise in the space – from serving as a multimedia content producer, to fulfilling award-winning journalist roles in which he was able to tell powerful stories disrupting cultural narrative. Prior to joining EDITION, Isoul served as the editor-in-chief at UPTOWN, where furthered the national magazine's mission profiling affluent African American life in partnership with the world's leading celebrities, philanthropists, creatives, futurists across industries throughout the diaspora. Isoul also served as Deputy Editor of exclusive luxury lifestyle magazine, Mosaic where he worked to bring the profiles of LGBTQIA+ people of color front-and-center within the magazine.What you will learn: Why we need to embrace our beaty not just our struggle.  The importance of owning your truth  The power of being uncomfortable

Kern Alexander is a veteran turned business mogul. Learn about his  unexpected Cannabis journey and how his passion for helping veterans lead to a multi million dollar business. US Military Veteran Kern Alexander discusses how he founded and scaled The Higher Collection, an Oakland-based cannabis distribution and delivery company.  

As Founder and Managing Member of Genesis Companies, Karim oversees the firm and it's strategic direction. Karim enjoys focusing on forging new partnerships and pushing innovation in our operations and investment approach. Karim's experience as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch and Goldman Sachs and a private equity investor at General Atlantic Partners, allowed Karim to develop the investment acumen he now devotes to Genesis' financial strategies.Karim holds several advisory seats in local organizations, including his roles as Trustee of the Randall's Island Park Alliance and a Member of the Reform Leadership Council for Vera Institute of Justice. Karim earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Philosophy from Amherst College, an MBA from Harvard Business School and a Master's in Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School. Karim is an active member of the Harlem community where he lives with his wife and two daughters. 

Alexys Feaster is the Founder and CEO of The Kinship Advisors, a strategicadvisory company launched in January 2021, focused on creating alliances withinthe sports, entertainment, and other industries, who are committed to personaldevelopment, social justice, strategic business expansion and sustaining impact inunderserved communities.The Kinship Advisors provides intentional collaboration to close the gaps withculturally connected business and brand strategy, innovative programdevelopment and philanthropic support, creating lasting social and personalimpact. In addition to managing the $5.3M Jrue and Lauren Holiday Social ImpactFund, Alexys leads the advisory work for various NBA Players and clients such asMetro Esports and Bleeker, a company focused on helping people of color createmeaningful careers. She is also the Executive Producer at Just Women's Sports, thepremiere media company focused on shining a light on the stories, athletes and moments that define women's sports.

Phaedra Ellis Lamkins is the CEO of Promise, a payment technology platform that simplifies how people manage government payments like utilities, child support, parking tickets and more by offering customizable plans and providing digital payment options. The organization has secured funding from a wide array of investors including Roc Nation, Starbucks, Bumble, Kapor Capital, XYZ, First Round, and many more. Promise secured 20 million dollars in its Series A collectively raising  50 million dollars overall which is one of the largest funding rounds for a Black, women-led startup with investors like Kapor Capital, Bronze, First Round, and Y Combinator.Phaedra herself is a rockstar in the world of social justice and music: prior to starting Promise, she served as the Executive Officer of the South Bay AFL–CIO Labor Council, she served as the personal manager for legendary musician Prince, and helped procure Prince's ownership of his catalog, negotiating his deal with Warner Bros and co-founding NPG Music Publishing LLC. She also succeeded Van Jones as the CEO of Green For All, and worked with the Congressional Black Caucus to advocate for standards in environmental protection and spearheaded state, local and federal victories in creating solutions to both poverty and pollution.Her work and leadership has been recognized over the course of her career, including highlights like:the World Economic Forum as a Young Global LeaderEssence for their 25 Most Influential African AmericansEbony for their Power 150The Grio for their 100 History Makers in the MakingBlack Enterprise for their 40 Next: Emerging Leaders for our Future2018 SPUR Award from the San Francisco Urban

Nick Hamilton, founder of Nitecast Media, as a guest speaker for your podcast Disruption Now! Nick Hamilton is the founder of Nitecast Media and a single father raising a young autistic son. He is an expert in balancing work and parenting, especially in maintaining a strong bond with your child. Nick founded Nitecast Media during the pandemic and has been in the journalism industry for over 10 years.  He has all the tips on how to build your business during the pandemic and staying in touch with current Entertainment demands. Nick's dedication in empowering BIPOC journalists into action gives him the motivation and tools to handle the blockage of being a black entrepreneur in the media industry. Nick Hamilton is a dynamic media personality best known for his work on SIRIUS XM, SB Nation, NBC, AXS.com, Associated Press, and iHeartMedia. With an AA in Journalism and Communications from El Camino College, Nick quickly made a name for himself as a reporter and content creator.Along with being in the field conducting interviews, filing stories, and exclusive video content, Nick worked to create his own media empire to expand coverage of stories mainstream news platforms refused to cover. From covering the CFB National Championship, Super Bowl LIII, ESPY Awards to Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards to becoming a member of Pro Football Writers of America and National Association of Black Journalists, Nick Hamilton is a media maven in sports and entertainment.

Changing the narratives of what our kids learn is not only disruptive, but it's a long overdue change.   On top of that, changing the system to adapt to the individual needs of kids is the way to guarantee that future generations can move forward.   Ryan MacDonald and Rebecca Wolfe are working hard to change how things are being done for the better. 

We interviewed John Rogers, Founder, and Co-CEO of Ariel Investments about his journey and his recommendations to close the racial income gap in America. What You will learn-Why long-term investors and corporate leaders should view addressing economic inequality and improving diversity as critical forms of risk management.-John's family connection to the Tulsa massacre and how we can close the racial economic gap.-Why we must change the narrative from Supplier Diversity to Business Diversity-How John Rodgers beat Michael Jordan in one on one. -The playbook for corporate America to expand opportunities for black Americans. Follow Me:Subscribe to Podcast https://bit.ly/2YxdJ78 Website https://bit.ly/2VUO9sfFacebook https://bit.ly/303IU8jInstagram https://bit.ly/2YOLl26Twitter https://bit.ly/2KfLaTfWebsite https://bit.ly/2VUO9sf#RobRichardson #JohnRogers #DisruptionNow

What you will learnHow Blockchain technology is the future fir medical record keeping.The opportunities for growth and investment in AfricaHow AI is being used to promote better healthcare resultsFormer VP of Sales & Business Development at Med1 Healthcare Group, where Yaya was instrumental in building a solid company footprint in several African and Caribbean countries. Prior to Med1, he worked as VP of Product at Rally Health (formerly known as Audax Health). As a relatively early member of the product group, Yaya defined the strategy, definition, execution and optimization of the wellness platform for major payers. Yaya also held the Director of Product role at IAC Advertising, where he helped build, launch and roll out a revolutionary direct navigation service for ISPs in 10 countries. Prior to IAC, Yaya held product management roles at Jumptap and AOL with strong focus on mobile, search and advertising. He spent a few years with Orange North America as a Regional Sales and Carrier Relations Manager for the West Africa region

RareBreed Ventures is a pre-seed fund that invests in exceptional founders outside of large tech ecosystems, earlier than everyone else. Unlike other pre-seed funds, RareBreed takes a concentrated portfolio approach by writing checks of up to $250K as the first or one of the first investors. McKeever "Mac" Conwell II is the founder and managing partner of RareBreed Ventures.  We speak with Mac about the path that led him from founder to Venture Captial. Mac is a former software engineer and a two-time founder. One of Mac's companies failed, the other went on to a successful exit.What you will learn Why it's important to lead from conviction in business 00:17:49 Why many VCS miss profitable opportunities with founders from nontraditional backgrounds 00:15:17 Why the culture of Venture must change 00:23:41

Clarence Wooten is a Silicon Valley tech entrepreneur with a track record of success spanning back to 1999 when his debut Internet startup, ImageCafe.com, was acquired for $23 million by Network Solutions (Nasdaq: NSOL) just 7-months after it launched. Wooten has now started Revitalize Ventures Studio whose mission is to change the complexion of tech by building breakout software startups with black founders and diverse teams. Learn more https://revitalizeventures.com/the-storyIn this Episode you will learn: Clarence advises his younger self. 01:44:17 How you deal with different approaches: entrepreneur and not an investor for overall business. 03:10:05 The most important essential skill set for a founder to have to become scalable. 07:40:21 How self-awareness is so important in understanding a business. 09:53:23 Clarence mission, and success look like for Revitalize Studio five years from now. 11:25:16 How you balance being a black person and figuring out a way to move your company forward, knowing the systemic challenges. 14:01:20 What opportunities in this moment at this time and now, how should people of color, black and brown folks, in the tech world should they take in this moment, that's maybe different from prior moments. 15:52:03 Opportunities for what we call “Internet 3.0”. 20:31:18 Who are these three people that Clarence takes advice on in life? 25:11:23 What Clarence billboard or google ad in the 21st century says. 39:11:23

The barriers for diverse artists are real but so are the opportunities. Learn how to create opportunities outside of traditional models. Fireside Chat from the Art and Equity Summit with artists Mark Phi and Jay Kalagayan.Jay B. Kalagayan (MeSseD creator, writer and publisher) has been a writer of plays, cartoon strips, reviews, articles, humorous event calendars, promotional materials, fundraising appeals and grants. A Xavier University graduate from Erie, PA, Jay is founder of Know Theatre of Cincinnati, and one of the founders of the Cincinnati Fringe Festival. His major influences are his wife Jan and daughters Meggie and Fi. His comic book influences are works by Warren Ellis, Neil Gaiman, John Ostrander, Mike Baron & Steve Rude, Keith Giffen, Matt Wagner, Matt Fraction and Brian K. Vaughn just to name a few.  Mark Phi is an international ARTtivist, creator and an ideology rooted in the belief that we all have the ability to create and make an impact on our world.  Mark demonstrates this through Art Philanthropy and Art Wealth Generation.In this Episode you will learn: What do you think new opportunities has been created for emerging artists that may not be able to at least not initially get into the traditional paths of galleries of exhibition at least as you're just starting off. 00:04:22 How is your virtual persona so important to really getting you more opportunities, how will you build your virtual persona? 00:09:45 How you can be intentional about what you are representing and what you're doing on social media if you're an artist or entrepreneur or anything. 00:15:15 How Jay Kalayan, an artist, talks about his experience with MessedComics and how it reflects his authenticity or how he expresses something about himself. 00:23:34 What advice Jay and Mark can give to their younger self or people when they were just starting off or a mistake or view they had wrong about the process of art, knowing all the knowledge now. 00:26:58

Reed has nearly 30 years of experience in the film and TV industry — and over 50 movies under her belt — as an Emmy-winning casting director and producer.  She is behind the breakout movie roles for some of Hollywood's brightest stars, including Halle Berry, Samuel J. Jackson and Jamie Foxx.  Her credits include School Daze, Poetic Justice, Malcolm X, and 125 episodes of In Living Color. 

We believe that black art should mean black equity. Art has always been an effective tool for social change, but black and brown artists haven't always gotten the equity they deserve. For too long, equity has gone through black and brown artists, but not to them. We seek to disrupt that trend and in doing so disrupt the trend of black and brown wealth creation.  This is a summit for black and brown artists, art collectors and allies to connect, network, expose their art to potential investors. Rob Richardson: CEO Of Disruption Now Media  Richardson is the host of Disruption Now Podcast and owner of Disruption Now Media an interactive media platform focused on connecting, empowering and funding black and brown artists, entrepreneurs and leaders. Karla Ferguson CEO of the Yeelen Group. Yeelen Gallery is an incubator and art space dedicated to the development and promotion of contemporary culture and its contribution to the canon of art history.Since its inception in 2006, the gallery has produced dynamic exhibitions by emerging and established artists from around the world, with a curatorial aim to reflect and expand our understanding of history,  culture and contemporary society. Rico Grant is the CEO of Paloozanoire and Curator of Black & Brown Faces, a guest exhibition featuring artwork by each of ten artists of color. The paintings, mixed media works, drawings and photographs on view explore struggle and uplift by focusing on the facial expressions of people of color during the extremes of 2020. Black & Brown Faces responds to the need for creative expression and dialogue to promote openness, health and wellness in communities of color and in our society.Gee Horton is a Cincinnati-based self-trained Hyperrealist visual artist who has recently transitioned from a career in the corporate world to focus primarily on making art and building communities. Using graphite and charcoal pencils, Gee's drawings capture a heightened sense of realism, but it is important to note that the Hyperrealist style is only one facet of comprehending his work. Having earned a master's in social work from the University of Louisville, he often incorporates his education and life experiences into his art to achieve a kind of power that for many triggers' emotional associations. With this in mind, his current work makes a connection between his African roots and their juxtaposition to American attitudes on the social and emotional development of the African American male experience.In this episode you will learn:How to scale your work as an artistsWhat collectors and curators look for from artiststhe opportunities for diverse artists and collectors

Noelle Silver is a technical evangelist at heart and enjoys spreading the good news about what it’s like to work in the field of emerging technology.  She is passionate about Mindful Leadership, work-life harmony and empowering people to achieve their potential through technology. She empowers and inspires minorities to be successful in the technology industry and AI through career coaching and workshops. She also specializes in helping brands develop skills for Amazon Alexa. She has spent many years as a trainer, architect, and evangelist for IBM, RedHat, EMC, Amazon and Microsoft. She is now the VP of Digital Technology at NPR.  She has taught thousands of people the value and importance of voice technology, Democratizing AI, and mindful leadership and has delivered keynotes, workshops and conferences around the world.

Nina Turner grew up the oldest of seven children to working class parents in Northeast Ohio. Turner has dedicated her life to fighting for the underserved, working class and working poor.  In 2020, as national co-chair of Bernie Sanders presidential campaign, Nina built support nationwide for progressive policies like the Green New Deal and health care as a human right in the form of Medicare for All. Nina is now running for Congress for Ohio’s 11th Congressional District. 

Actor, Filmmaker and Poet David Bianchi created the first spoken word NFT. The NFT focused on the continuing injustice of police brutality in America. His piece was sold for over $12,000 and all funds went to the George Floyd Memorial fund. David was interviewed on Forbes regarding his spoken word NFT.