The WorkSmart Podcast With Morgan DeBaun

Today, I have a fun announcement…WorkSmart+ is officially open! ✨ https://www.worksmartadvisor.com/launch ✨ The doors are open for you to join my new membership network that offers you my signature process to scale your business revenue…on repeat. WorkSmart is for CEOs, small business owners, & solopreneurs that are ready to escape the grind, delegate, & unlock new levels of revenue and freedom. Here's a sneak peek of what you get when you join:  Access to an inclusive community where you connect with our CEOs and WorkSmart Advisors to help you problem-solve.  Access To Our Live Events: We can get a lot done from our pajamas at home, but there is just something about getting in a room full of high-level entrepreneurs that can unlock areas of growth you didn't even know existed. Bi-weekly calls with WorkSmart Advisors including a monthly “all hands” with Morgan to answer your questions live.  Vendor Discounts: Receive premium perks, discounts, and credits to software, tools, and services. Video Library & Templates: Access to "The vault," business owner -approved resources, over 100 videos business answers to your top questions, “done for you” templates and toolkits. Member Directory: An exclusive directory of WorkSmart members listed by stage, industry, expertise, and geography for instant connections. Deals are done in the DMs! You deserve MORE and WorkSmart+ helps you get there. I can't wait to see you inside! Join us today! 

In this episode, I sit down with serial entrepreneur Touré Roberts to learn more on finding balance in life and business. Pastor Touré shares his story as an entrepreneur in tech and how he transitioned to a congregation founder and community builder. His tips for rebalancing your mindset through the ups and downs are crucial for anyone working to prevent burnout. Roberts shares a treasure trove of wisdom built over the years—from how to embrace failure (“Failure is loaded with power for the future”) to his secret to scaling organizations (“The recipe for scaling is to be an amateur.”) I know you'll enjoy our conversation! To connect with Touré Roberts click here: https://www.instagram.com/toureroberts/ To learn more about Touré Roberts's new book, Balance click here: https://www.thebalancebook.com/ To connect with Morgan click here: https://www.instagram.com/morgandebaun/ 

In this series, Morgan interviews top entrepreneurs in her new city, Nashville, to learn about their business journey, chat about the growing community of entrepreneurs in Nashville, and what advice they have for listeners thinking about leaping into entrepreneurship. For this episode, Morgan sits down with Jasmine Sweet, lifestyle blogger, iHeartRadio project manager, tech marketer and Nashville resident. “Nashville is a city that has so many black professionals with degrees and talents that the world doesn't give us credit for,” Sweet says. But in reality, she is one of many women changing the game in the city. They chat about the dynamics of black entrepreneur life in Nashville, evolving your business offerings over time, boundaries on social media, parenting and more.  Whether you're considering a move to Nashville or navigating your space as an entrepreneur or creator in your town, there is so much wisdom for you in this conversation. To connect with Jasmine click here: https://www.instagram.com/jasminekatrina/ Visit Jasmine's blog here: https://jasminesweet.blog/ To access this episode's freebie and check out previous episodes, click here: https://morgandebaun.com/podcast/ To connect with Morgan click here: https://www.instagram.com/morgandebaun/ 

Welcome to our new series: At Home in Nashville In this series, Morgan sits down with a few top entrepreneurs in her new city, Nashville, to learn about their business journey, chat about the growing community of entrepreneurs in Nashville, and what advice they have for listeners thinking about taking the leap into entrepreneurship. In this episode, Morgan sits down with Joshua Mundy, tech CEO, co-founder, non-profit leader, and Native  Nashvillian to talk about his different business ventures, how he first got started as an entrepreneur and his methods for success in business. Watch this episode on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnSkDK0C_zizYw84W1KQImQ To connect with Joshua click here: https://www.instagram.com/iammrmundy/ To connect with Morgan click here: https://www.instagram.com/morgandebaun To join other successful small business owners at CEO Spring Break in Nashville, purchase your ticket here: https://www.ceospringbreak.com/

Welcome to our new series: At Home in Nashville In this series, Morgan sits down with a few top entrepreneurs in her new city, Nashville, to learn about their business journey, chat about the growing community of entrepreneurs in Nashville, and what advice they have for listeners thinking about taking the leap into entrepreneurship.  In this episode, Morgan sits down with Tomiko Harvey, founder & editor of ‘Passports and Grub” a luxury lifestyle publication for Black women, Vice President of the Black Travel Alliance and Nashville resident. Watch this episode on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnSkDK0C_zizYw84W1KQImQ To connect with Tomiko click here: https://www.instagram.com/tomiko.harvey/ To connect with Morgan click here: https://www.instagram.com/morgandebaun To join other successful small business owners at CEO Spring Break, purchase your ticket here: https://www.ceospringbreak.com/

Lucinda Duncalfe, serial tech founder, CEO, and non-profit board member, is an expert when it comes to founding companies, navigating the executive search process, and coaching other executives. With more than 20 years of experience in the tech world, she brings insight into the progress made thus far—and the progress still to go to improve diversity in company leadership. In this episode of the WorkSmart podcast, we dive deep into the topic of executive search firms and why you need them in your life. “You don't have a chance to win the game if you don't even know there is a game happening,” Duncalfe says. By the end of the episode, you'll find the crucial tips you need to know for leveling up in your career. To connect with Lucinda Duncalfe click here:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucindaduncalfe/ To connect with Morgan click here: https://www.instagram.com/morgandebaun/  To purchase your ticket to CEO Spring Break click here:  https://www.ceospringbreak.com/register 

We have an announcement! We're launching CEO Spring Break - a first-of-its-kind retreat this April in Nashville, Tennessee. Listen to this quick episode to hear about the event, who it's for, and how you can get involved.  Make sure to join the waitlist https://www.ceospringbreak.com/ to find out as soon as registration opens and tickets go on sale!

In this week's episode of the WorkSmart podcast, Morgan covers everything you need to know about getting media coverage for your business in the new year. Pitching your company is key to building your brand—but the secret is pitching well.  To start, you need to make your goals for gaining media coverage clear and intentional. Why do you want the press?  From there, you can start crafting pitches for the publications, creators, podcasts and more that you have in mind—but that's just the beginning.  She also talks about building brand awareness amongst your target consumer and how to gain visibility amongst investors, the art of writing an interesting pitch, how to properly follow up, and more.  Click here to subscribe to the WorKSmart Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-worksmart-podcast-with-morgan-debaun/id1547363866  Click here to follow the WorkSmart Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theworksmartpodcast/  Click here to subscribe to the newsletter and be first to know when a new episode drops: www.morgandebaun.com/podcast 

In this episode, Morgan sits down with Grammy-winning artist, songwriter, and angel investor, NE-YO. Morgan and NE-YO have a beyond the music conversation about the realities of the music industry, what his day-to-day team looks like, his investment strategy, and he shares his advice as a veteran in the industry for artists and creatives who want to build lasting careers.  Click here to follow NE-YO: https://www.instagram.com/neyo/?hl=en  Click here to follow the WorkSmart Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/theworksmartpodcast/  Click here to subscribe to the newsletter and be first to know when a new episode drops: https://morgandebaun.com/podcast/ 

In this episode, Morgan sits down with her friend and 2019 WorkSmart alum Ernest B. James to discuss the creator economy and monetizing content. EJ opens up about the lessons he learned in the program and how he's grown and transformed his business over the past two years. As the Founder and Chief Management Officer of Noire Management, a full-service multicultural digital influencer, talent, marketing, and communications agency, EJ has grown his agency well beyond the talent management business that it started as in 2018. Beyond simply managing influencers and talent, Noire is now a growing consultancy and retainer-based agency. Noire champions diversity and inclusive narratives and experiences through talent representation, campaigns, and event executions. It also connects creatives of color with brands looking to bridge the communication gap in order to create authentically engaging content that resonates with today's highly informed consumer groups.  This conversation is full of wisdom and advice for content creators, talent agencies—and anyone considering building and monetizing their personal brand. I hope you enjoy the episode! To connect with EJ and Noire Management click here: https://www.instagram.com/noiremgmt/?hl=en  To access this episode's freebie and check out previous episodes, click here: https://morgandebaun.com/podcast/ To connect with Morgan click here: https://www.instagram.com/morgandebaun/  There's still some time to enroll for the final WorkSmart cohort of this year. Click here to get your application in: worksmartapplication.com

In this week's episode, we're joined by WorkSmart alum and professional ghostwriter, Nakia J.S. Thomas. In 2014, Nakia founded a small writing company that organically transformed and grew into what's now a six-figure full-service creative agency. Today, as the founder and CEO of Few Editorial & Creative Suite, she and her team partner with high-profile entrepreneurs, executives, influencers, and small-to-large businesses and organizations across the country, providing brand development and design, copywriting and editing, podcast studio services, and one-on-one book ghostwriting. Nakia shares her personal story of scaling her business from freelancing to full-service, building a team of high-performers, developing and prospecting new business opportunities, and stepping into the role of CEO. Are you currently a solopreneur or freelancer who is interested in starting an agency or expanding your service offerings? This is the episode for you! We're in the final week of enrollment for the September cohort of the WorkSmart Program. Are you ready to scale your company and build out your network with like-minded entrepreneurs? Click here to apply: https://worksmart.mykajabi.com/application Have questions about WorkSmart? DM Morgan here: https://www.instagram.com/morgandebaun/

In this series, Morgan sits down with small business owners and WorkSmart alumni to explore how they have scaled their businesses, grown their teams, and adjusted their business models to achieve new levels of success.  Andrea Pitter, Designer and Founder of Pantora Inc. joins us this week to share more about her entrepreneurial journey. Andrea is a force and inspiration in an industry that often lacks inclusivity and representation for the independent Black design entrepreneur. She launched Pantora Bridal in 2009 and opened a flagship store in Brooklyn a few years later. As she expands her brand to include additional brick and mortar stores, her commitment to representing the unrepresented in mainstream bridal is continuing to take center stage. Andrea is the most recent winner of Making the Cut, was on the cover of the Spring 2021 issue of the Knot, and has launched a ready-to-wear collection that is available in the Amazon Fashion Store. As an alum of the WorkSmart Program, Andrea is able to share the biggest lessons she's learned along the way. Listen for an honest conversation between two founders/entrepreneurs, the challenges they face in business, and advice they would give to aspiring entrepreneurs.  To apply to the WorkSmart Program click here: https://worksmart.mykajabi.com/application To shop Pantora click here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/996F67D5-C720-4D03-99CF-3B59AB07482C To connect with Andrea Pitter click here: https://www.instagram.com/andrea_pittercampbell/?hl=en Have questions about WorkSmart? DM Morgan here: https://www.instagram.com/morgandebaun/

We're kicking off a multi-part Entrepreneur Series, highlighting WorkSmarters and their business journeys from hiring a team to scaling their revenue. Over the coming weeks, you'll get to listen in on conversations between Morgan service- and product-based entrepreneurs. They'll talk about their business models, their team structure, and why they joined the WorkSmart Program. You'll also hear Morgan coach them in real-time through their current business challenges. These episodes are jam-packed with gems and implementable action steps for any current and aspiring entrepreneurs. Get a BTS into the WorkSmart program and its 5 milestones and take notes - because this series will help elevate you and your business to the next level. In this episode, Morgan chats with Tivi Jones, founder and CEO of the creative studio Hey Awesome Girl. Tivi is a marketing communications executive with experience leading multi-functional marketing teams for media companies, nonprofits, government agencies, and more. Tivi was a member of the September 2020 WorkSmart Cohort. Since WorkSmart, Tivi has been able to grow her team from 3 employees to 10 and her client billing from about $15,000 to $50,000 per month and she is still working to implement the gems learned in WorkSmart. To apply to the WorkSmart September Cohort click here: https://worksmart.mykajabi.com/application To connect with Tivi and Hey Awesome Girl click here: https://www.instagram.com/tivijones/ Questions before applying to the program? DM Morgan on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/morgandebaun/

Have you ever wondered what it's like to build a media company in the modern age? Or perhaps what the future of content creation will look like? In today's episode of WorkSmart, Morgan chats with Carly Zakin and Danielle Weisberg, co-founders and co-CEOs of theSkimm.  They share how they grew The Skimm to one of the most influential media platforms for this generation of women, and how they thought about branding, scale, and mission at every stage of growing their business. Click here for detailed Show Notes and to download this episode's Freebie: https://morgandebaun.com/?p=4923 Click here to listen to the 9 to 5ish Podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/qcfOmZ_X?sid=WorkSmart Click here to learn more about theSkimm: https://www.theskimm.com/ Click here to connect with Carly and Danielle: https://www.instagram.com/carlyanddanielle/

Get a Behind-the-Scenes look into Morgan's WorkSmart Advising Program. Find out why she launched a coaching program, how she built the program, and how you can, too. After years of receiving requests for one-on-one coaching by other entrepreneurs and small business owners, Morgan decided to create WorkSmart to provide coaching to multiple business owners in a cohort setting. Since then, she has advised over 40 business owners on how to successfully scale and grow their businesses. Tune into this episode to get a look behind the curtains and find out why online coaching programs are the future within the creator economy. To learn more about WorkSmart and apply for the next cohort, click here: worksmartapplication.com To connect with Morgan, click here: https://www.instagram.com/morgandebaun/ To join the WorkSmart Facebook Community, click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WorksmartProgram 

In this episode, Morgan deep dives into the topic of angel investing, which has gained more and more interest over the past years. As a passionate angel investor herself, Morgan explains what angel investing is, how to find an angel for your business, and how you should prepare before seeking and approaching angel investors. From pitch decks to elevator pitches and competitive analyses, Morgan explores it all. Do you have to have connections to get access to angel investors or are there databases with people willing and ready to invest in your business? What's the x-factor in going the angel investor route? This episode will give you actionable steps so grab your notebook and listen in! Click here to connect with Morgan: https://www.instagram.com/morgandebaun/ Click here to suggest topics for future episodes: https://www.instagram.com/theworksmartpodcast/ Click here to apply for the WorkSmart Advising Program: https://worksmart.mykajabi.com/application

This week's episode is a lesson on financial planning. Whether you're still working your 9-5 while building your business or you've made the leap to full-time entrepreneur, getting clear on your cash flow and making a financial plan are imperative for success and growth. Grab your notebook and pen and dive into this episode. Also, download the free financial planning template and start building your money grail. To download the FREE financial planning template click here: https://morgandebaun.com/2021/05/08/episode-15/ To apply to the WorkSmart Advising Program click here: https://worksmart.mykajabi.com/application To connect with Morgan on IG click here: https://www.instagram.com/morgandebaun/

In this special episode, Morgan shares her advice on how to run effective meetings - whether you have a small team or a big distributed team across the country. We all know the importance of using our time effectively and meetings are no different. How much time is really necessary for an executive meeting? How do I - as the leader - start, run, and end meetings? What about an agenda? Listen in to get the steps to optimize your future meetings.  As a bonus, get a behind-the-scenes look into Morgan's prep for quarterly board meetings. While you may not need a board for your business, you should ABSOLUTELY put together your personal board. To connect with Morgan click here: https://www.instagram.com/morgandebaun/ To sign-up for the WorkSmart newsletter and receive business tips and advice click here: https://morgandebaun.com/2021/12/28/episode-14/ To increase your productivity and practice mindfulness purchase your Growth Notebooks here: https://growthnotebook.com/

In this episode, Morgan sits down with the duo behind the Earn Your Leisure brand, the number one business podcast in the world. Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings didn't start their careers with a mission to teach financial literacy, but that's what they've accomplished through a podcast that's gone viral and global. Rashad, a financial advisor, and Troy, a financial educator, knew there had to be a way to teach money besides delving into the dryness of a Roth IRA versus 401(k). So the pair combined their skill sets, expanded with intentionality, and focused on being the first of their kind. Here's how they succeeded.  Click here for detailed Show Notes and to download this episode's Freebie: https://morgandebaun.com/2021/04/21/episode-13/ Click here to follow Earn Your Leisure: https://www.instagram.com/earnyourleisure/ Click here to follow the WorkSmart Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/theworksmartpodcast/

In this episode, Morgan and Melissa Butler, CEO and Founder of the eight-figure makeup business The Lip Bar (TLB), chat everything operations – from manufacturing overseas, packaging products, cutting costs, and ultimately hitting the shelves of a retailer near you. Melissa recounts the lessons she learned along her journey to mass distribution, shares the mindset shift that brings aspiring entrepreneurs in-store, and demystifies the shiny bottles behind the beauty industry. Business is an art and a science - learn the BTS of building and scaling a successful beauty business in this episode! Click here for detailed Show Notes and to download this episode's Freebie: https://morgandebaun.com/2021/04/15/episode-12/ Click here to connect with Melissa Butler: https://www.instagram.com/melissarbutler/

In this episode, Morgan sits down with her friend and Blavity's 'early days' HR advisor, Jackie Ross. Jackie and Morgan discuss topics surrounding making your first hire as an entrepreneur, like crafting a job description, where to post the position, and how to navigate onboarding and training new hires. Morgan shares stories about Blavity's initial hiring journey and her advice for founders. Jackie also answers WorkSmart students' questions on the topic. Click here for detailed Show Notes and to download this episode's Freebie: https://morgandebaun.com/2021/04/07/episode-11/ Click here to follow the WorkSmart Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/theworksmartpodcast/ Click here to learn more about the WorkSmart Advising Program: https://worksmartprogram.com/

In this Solo episode, Morgan shares her productivity and time management hacks to help you save 2 hours per day or 8 hours per week. Implement these tips and take control of your daily schedule. As entrepreneurs, your time is money (literally) - what could you accomplish with 2 extra hours per day?  If you want to learn more about Morgan's productivity tips, join the 5-Day Productivity Challenge here: https://morgandebaun.com/productivity-challenge-2/ Click here for detailed Show Notes and to download this episode's Freebie: https://morgandebaun.com/2021/03/30/episode-10/ Click here to order your Growth Notebook: https://growthnotebook.com/

In this episode, Morgan sits down with serial entrepreneur, NYT bestselling author, educator, and podcast host Sophia Amoruso. Morgan and Sophia discuss running e-commerce brands, building media companies, launching online courses, and angel investing. Sophia dives into her new course, Business Class, and why she now advises founders to consider business ventures with lean teams and low start-up costs. Click here to enroll in Sophia's Business Class: https://enroll.takebusinessclass.com/referral/9NGjikwy/ubXyyDnxkbfEX2oE Click here to connect with Sophia: https://www.instagram.com/sophiaamoruso/ Click here for detailed Show Notes and this episode's Freebie: https://morgandebaun.com/episode-8/ Click here to follow the WorkSmart Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/theworksmartpodcast/

You want to build a relationship with an investor? Listen to this joint episode interview between Morgan and Jarrid Tingle, Managing Partner of Harlem Capital. While Harlem Capital was one of Blavity Inc.'s first investors, Blavity Inc. was also one of Harlem Capital's first investments. Morgan and Jarrid discuss their business relationship, why seeking investors should not just be about the money, and why their advice for most founders is to wait before raising. They also discuss the benefits of executive coaching for founders and the importance of having advisors or mentors in your corner, particularly when transitioning from Founder to CEO or when preparing to raise funding. To learn more about Harlem Capital click here: https://harlem.capital/ To listen to the More Equity Podcast click here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-equity/id1523705329 To download this week's Freebie click here: https://morgandebaun.com/episode-8/ To follow the WorkSmart Podcast on IG click here: https://www.instagram.com/theworksmartpodcast/

Should you or should you NOT raise venture capital? While fundraising might seem like the ‘IN' thing to do, the decision to give up equity for capital should not be made lightly. Deciding on the next best step for your business requires strategic thinking and maybe some extra help from an advisor or mentor. In this week's episode, Morgan takes you behind the scenes to listen in on a coaching call with WorkSmart alumna and entrepreneurial success story Carolina Contreras. Carolina opened a hit salon in the Dominican Republic. After years of positive momentum and hard work, she opened a second location in NYC, right before the pandemic hit, and is now in the process of opening a third location in Boston. Carolina is also kickstarting her very own product line. In her current phase of fast growth, she wrestles with whether or not to raise capital and, if so, how to go about it.  Click here for detailed Show Notes and this episode's Freebie: https://morgandebaun.com/episode7/ Click here to connect with Carolina: https://www.instagram.com/miss_rizos/?hl=en Click here to follow the WorkSmart Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/theworksmartpodcast/

Let's talk money! In today's episode, Morgan shares advice for new founders and entrepreneurs on when and how to start paying yourself. Morgan's how-to guide for paying yourself will help you navigate the questions of salary vs. owner's draw, why co-mingling funds is a no-go, and why you should always pay yourself from your net profits. For weekly business and entrepreneurship advice, subscribe to Morgan's newsletter: https://morgandebaun.com/episode6/ Click here to connect with Morgan on IG: https://www.instagram.com/morgandebaun/ Click here for detailed Show Notes and to download this episode's Freebie: https://morgandebaun.com/episode6/ Click here to learn more about the WorkSmart Advising Program: https://worksmartprogram.com/

In this episode of the WorkSmart Podcast, Morgan sits down with Nikki ‘Curly Nikki' Walton to speak about managing your spirit and energy as an entrepreneur in today's busy world. Nikki shares her journey through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and her advice on spiritual growth for other busy founders and CEOs. She also suggests actionable tips and reading materials for anyone wanting to better manage stress and incorporate self-love and meditative practices into their daily lives. Click here for detailed Show Notes and this episode's Freebie: https://morgandebaun.com/episode-5/ Click here to connect with Nikki Walton: https://www.instagram.com/curlynikki/ Click here to follow the WorkSmart Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/theworksmartpodcast/

In this episode, Morgan sits down with Morgan Harper Nichols, Artist - Poet - Musician extraordinaire, who has successfully bridged the gap from creative to entrepreneur. In the age of digitalization, creatives now have the unique opportunity to display their art, build community, and monetize their creations. Morgan shares her advice for creatives who want to create and inspire and are struggling with turning their passion and talent into a business. Morgan and Morgan also dive deep into questions like ‘how should you price your first creations?', ‘how much should you charge for a branded social media partnership?' and ‘how can I grow a successful business if I don't have all of the usual business skills?'.  Morgan's new book ‘How Far You Have Come' is available for pre-order now. Connect with Morgan Harper Nichols here: https://www.instagram.com/morganharpernichols/ Get Detailed Show Notes and our Freebie here: https://morgandebaun.com/episode-4-morgan-harper-nichols/ Follow the WorkSmart Podcast on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/theworksmartpodcast/  

In this episode of the WorkSmart Podcast, Morgan sits down with her business partner and co-founder, Jeff Nelson. Growing up in the 90s on the south side of Chicago as the youngest of 9 kids, an interest in computers and technology was certainly not the norm for Jeff. At an early age, Jeff began building computers and diving head-first into technology, which led him to graduate with a computer science degree from WashU in St. Louis. Now, as one of the co-founders of Blavity and the company's ‘Relatable' CTO, Jeff shares his advice for founders on how to approach building the technical infrastructure or a product for your business. We also answer the important question: does your new business really need a CTO or not? 

Morgan DeBaun introduces WorkSmart (and herself), looks back on her challenges and successes in 2020, running a media company, and gives you an idea of what to expect in 2021.  This episode also provides strategic questions you should be asking yourself as you kick off planning for your personal and business goals. 

We all want to get to the next level of our business, but so many of us get stuck.  The WorkSmart Podcast is specifically designed to help established entrepreneurs get the guidance, accountability, tools, and methodologies needed to accelerate their growth and create a sustainable lifestyle.  
Executive and entrepreneur, Morgan DeBaun, takes you inside real-life advising sessions and behind the scenes of interviews with CEOs talking about how they overcame challenges and grew as business owners.