Trailblazers.FM

We are not short on horror stories of racial disparities in medicine. We saw this most recently during the early days of the pandemic, when Black and brown communities were absolutely devastated by Covid-19. And even beyond the pandemic, health disparities and inequity for people of color persist.Our guest today is Dr. Oni Blackstock. Dr. Oni Blackstock is recognized as a thought leader and influencer in the areas of HIV and health equity. She is a primary care and HIV physician and the founder and Executive Director of Health Justice, a racial and health equity consulting firm, that helps health care and public health organizations to center anti-racism in the workplace and to reduce health inequities in the communities they service.She previously served as Assistant Commissioner at the New York City Health Department where she led the City's response to the HIV epidemic. Prior to that, she was Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of General Internal Medicine at Montefiore Medical Center where she led and conducted research to develop and test interventions to promote HIV prevention and treatment. She holds degrees from Harvard College, Harvard Medical School, and Yale School of Medicine.Dr. Blackstock is passionate about ensuring that all individuals and communities have the resources and support they need to thrive and achieve optimal health and wellbeing.Join our host for this #WomensHistoryMonth special series, Jennefer Witter, Founder and CEO of The Boreland Group, for this conversation with Dr. Blackstock.PLEASE SHARE this episode with 5 Black women (or tag them in the comments). Let them know they need this motivational #MissionFuel TAH-dayyy.

Change can be scary, and when your pivot concerns your professional life, it can become even scarier ... especially for Black Women and other women of color!Our guest is Cecilia Nelson-Hurt, a Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer. In celebration of Women's History Month, we have Jennefer Witter, a past guest of the show, taking over hosting duties for the podcast for March. Jennefer is CEO/Founder of the Boreland Group.

There is an ongoing myth that there are very few Black Women in executive and/or senior leadership positions. Like the pipeline is nearly empty. It's NOT.Our guest for this episode is Ebony Reed. Ebony is the Chief Strategy Officer for the Marshall Project, a non-profit that produces journalism about the criminal justice system. Connect with Ebony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebony-reed-7b18564/In celebration of Women's History Month, Jennefer Witter, a past guest of the show, takes over hosting duties for the podcast for the month of March. Jennefer is CEO/Founder of the Boreland Group. Connect with Jennefer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenneferwitter PLEASE SHARE this episode with 5 Black women who need this motivational #MissionFuel today.

Are you a Unicorn? Have you been called a unicorn? Unicorn is a popular term used when there is an “only” or a “few” and it often means – according to Wikipedia – “a very rare find”.In celebration of Women's History Month, I'm turning over my hosting duties, all month long, to a dear friend and a past guest of the show, Jennefer Witter. Jennefer is the CEO and founder of The Boreland Group, a 20-year-old boutique public relations firm headquartered in New York City. Jennefer's agency specializes in women-led and minority owned businesses as well as grassroots non-profits. Today, I'm sharing a conversation between Jennefer and the Rev Dr. Theresa Thames, talking about unicorns as well as occupying spaces, being our true selves, and how they all wrap into each other.This is the first of this special 4-part Women's History Month feature, hosted by Jennefer Witter. More about Rev Dr. Theresa Thames:Rev Dr Theresa Thames is the founder of Soul Joy Coaching & Yoga, LLC, an in-person and online gathering that centers womxn of color, inviting them to honor their whole divine selves and tap into radical joy. She is also a Dean at an Ivy League university.Dr. Thames is a graduate of Howard University and received a Master of Divinity with a concentration in Gender, Theology, and Ministry from Duke University Divinity School. She has a Doctorate of Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary in Leadership Excellence which explored how best to equip young clergywomen of color to thrive in ministry. As an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church, she served as a local pastor in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area for nine years.More about Jennefer Witter:Jennefer Witter is the CEO and founder of The Boreland Group Inc. (TBG – www.theborelandgroup.com), a 19-year-old boutique public relations firm headquartered in New York City. The agency specializes in women-led and minority owned businesses as well as grassroots non-profits. Jennefer is an active public speaker, with presentations to military, trade and academic organizations on implicit bias; gender-based workplace conversation; inclusive leadership; personal branding; and networking. Jennefer is the author of “The Little Book of Big PR: 100+ Quick Tips to Get Your Small Business Noticed,” published by Amacom/HarperCollins.Connect and follow:https://theresathames.comhttp://www.theborelandgroup.com/ Leave us a rating and reviewPlease leave Trailblazers.FM: I Am Black Success, a 5-star rating and review if you'd not yet done so, on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify. Partner with usWe're also exploring new partners and sponsors. If you're interested in possibly working with us, please shoot me an email to stephen@stephenahart.comLearn more about our show:https://iamblacksuccess.com 

Ready to discover the 4 truths on why we actually struggle chasing PURPOSE?Don't miss “What's The 411?” with our guest Patrice C Washington.In 2020, SUCCESS Magazine named Patrice Washington one of 12 Inspiring Black Voices in Personal Development and she continues to be consistently called on for her expertise by national media. As an award-winning intuitive author, transformational speaker, hope-restoring coach, and conscious media personality, Patrice is committed to teaching a holistic approach to life while redefining the term “wealth” back to its original meaning, “well-being.”Patrice got her start as “America's Money Maven,” a widely-known favorite personal finance expert, but has since expanded her mission to encourage people to chase purpose, not money. She uses her Certification in Financial Psychology to help the masses get beyond budgets and credit reports and dive into the heart of why we behave the way we do with money. Through her Spirit-led teachings and intuitive guidance, Patrice empowers her community to look at life through the lens of abundance and opportunity, instead of lack and scarcity.As host of her award-winning “The Redefining Wealth Podcast,” Patrice has built a thriving international community of high-achievers committed to creating a fulfilled life through balancing their careers, home, health, and personal finances. Featured on Forbes.com as one of "15 Inspiring Podcasts for Professionals of Every Stripe," and highlighted by InStyle Magazine, SUCCESS magazine and Entrepreneur.com, the Redefining Wealth Podcast boasts over 10 million downloads and counting.Leave us a rating and reviewPlease leave us a 5-star rating and review if you'd not yet done so on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify. Partner with usWe're also exploring new partners and sponsors. If you're interested in possibly working with us, please shoot me an email to stephen@stephenahart.com

How Can You Grow Your Solo Business?Join me as I share in conversation with the one and only Ramon Ray, who is going to share some key tips and insights NOT for building a billion-dollar brand but JUST getting to over $100k in revenue-building a great business that generates a few hundred thousand dollars in revenue!In case you hadn't heard about Ramon until now ...Ramon Ray is an in-demand expert on small business success. He's has started five companies and sold two of them and is a five-time author. Ramon's latest books are "Celebrity CEO", all about personal branding and "Grow Your Solo" all about building a successful solo business! Get to know Ramon better at http://www.ramonray.comAlso, be sure to connect and follow:Ramon Ray: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramonraysmallbiz/Stephen A. Hart: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenaihartLeave us a rating and reviewPlease leave us a 5-star rating and review if you'd not yet done so on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify. Partner with usWe're also exploring new partners and sponsors. If you're interested in possibly working with us, please shoot me an email to stephen@stephenahart.com

Empathy is so very important in today's remote work environment, and helps leaders understand their team's perspectives, emotions, and experiences, which leads to better communication and connection.Our featured guest for this episode is Chris Cochran, CEO & Executive Producer of Hacker Valley Media. Chris will be sharing a new segment we've created called 'What's the 411' and talking with us about Leading Empathetically in an Increasingly Remote World. Follow us:Hacker Valley, I Am Black SuccessLinkedIn: Stephen A. Hart, Chris CochranTwitter: Trailblazers.FM, Stephen A. Hart, Chris CochranLeave us a rating and reviewPlease leave us a 5-star rating and review if you'd not yet done so on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify. Partner with usWe're also exploring new partners and sponsors. If you're interested in possibly working with us, please shoot me an email to stephen@stephenahart.com

"If the racial wealth divide is left unaddressed ... median Black household wealth is on a path to hit zero by 2053—about 10 years after it is projected that racial minorities will comprise the majority of the nation's population. Median Latino household wealth is projected to hit zero twenty years later, or by 2073." The Road To Zero Wealth.---Join Gary Cunningham, CEO of Prosperity Now, as he tackles the income and asset gap and highlights ways to build Black wealth for a more inclusive economy.  Follow us: Prosperity Now, I Am Black SuccessInstagram: Trailblazers.FM, Prosperity NowLinkedIn: Stephen A. Hart, Gary CunninghamTwitter: Trailblazers.FM, Stephen A. HartLeave us a rating and reviewPlease leave us a 5-star rating and review if you'd not yet done so on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify. Partner with usWe're also exploring new partners and sponsors. If you're interested in possibly working with us, please shoot me an email to stephen@stephenahart.com

*Today is our 7th birthday as a podcast (wooo hooo). This is the 3rd part of a 3-part Reboot mini series. All three episodes are live right now (episodes 228-230).*The mantra and approach I'll share in today's episode, became the underlying driver that later helped me get:Promoted twice in 6-months at my jobIncreased my income and the number of income streams Got me accepted as one of the first 100- people into LinkedIn's Creator Accelarator programAnd helped me create 50-live streams in 10-weeks There's so much more that I was able to do, including address my mental health and strength, from this mindset shift. Tune in today to learn what I did, and how you can too.--If you've missed the podcast, and you're happy we're back I'll ask you to Follow us: Instagram: Trailblazers.FMLinkedIn: Stephen A. HartTwitter: Trailblazers.FM, Stephen A. HartLeave us a rating and reviewPlease leave us a 5-star rating and review if you'd not yet done so on Apple Podcasts and/or SpotifyPartner with usWe're also exploring new partners and sponsors. If you're interested in possibly working with us, please shoot me an email to stephen@stephenahart.com

When you're navigating somewhere using Google Maps and you've got an accident on your route, Google will typically offer you to accept a different route... and that's what I did in this valley season of my life. I accepted the alternate route. This is the 2nd part of a 3-part Reboot mini series. All three episodes are live right now (episodes 228-230).*In this episode, I share: What happened to me in this 3-year valley season and why I accepted an alternate route to keep me moving toward my goalsHow I landed a huge opportunity with LinkedIn as one of the very first 100 creators they accepted into their accelerator programWhat lead to me landing not one but two job promotions inside a 6-month windowThere's a bunch more in this episode. Go back and check out part 1 if you missed it.--If you've missed the podcast, and you're happy we're back I'll ask you to Follow us: Instagram: Trailblazers.FMLinkedIn: Stephen A. HartTwitter: Trailblazers.FM, Stephen A. HartLeave us a rating and reviewPlease leave us a 5-star rating and review if you'd not yet done so on Apple Podcasts and/or SpotifyPartner with usWe're also exploring new partners and sponsors. If you're interested in possibly working with us, please shoot me an email to stephen@stephenahart.com

What's good fam? Wah gwan? How tings? How ya'll doing? Listen, this episode is being published on February 1 2023 and today marks the 7th anniversary since we launched the Trailblazers.FM podcast. That's right ... it's our 7th birthday as a podcast and community... I'm so incredibly grateful as I reflect on all the amazing accomplishments we've achieved and also the challenges we've endured to get here.Today also marks the official reboot of the show and the beginning of #BlackHistoryMonth 2023 in the US.This is the 1st part of a 3-part Reboot mini series. All three episodes are live right now (episodes 228-230).*In today's episode (Reboot Pt 1) I also share that: We've got an all new title for this podcastAnd we've got an entirely new website that you should absolutely go check out... it's iamblacksuccess.com  There's some additional goodies in today's episode about me, a summary of the show's origin story, and some of where we're going from here. --If you've missed the podcast, and you're happy we're back I'll ask you to Follow us: Instagram: Trailblazers.FMLinkedIn: Stephen A. HartTwitter: Trailblazers.FM, Stephen A. HartLeave us a rating and reviewPlease leave us a 5-star rating and review if you'd not yet done so on Apple Podcasts and/or SpotifyPartner with usWe're also exploring new partners and sponsors. If you're interested in possibly working with us, please shoot me an email to stephen@stephenahart.com

It's New Year's Day and a dear friend of the podcast, Mignon Francois, opens up the year for Trailblazers.FM with this bold statement and challenge to each and everyone of YOU in our BlazerNation community:Throw The Whole Resolution Away...

"God will make us strong, before he makes us happy!"   Join me, Stephen A. Hart this and every Monday morning at 8am ET for a short live stream, to get our minds right as we get started in a new week.   We'll discuss tips and tricks to help channel the right mindset, gratitude, and some recommended actions we can take to help us blaze our trail for the week.   Learn more about Stephen: www.stephenahart.com www.brandindemand.co www.twitter.com/stephenahart www.instagram.com/stephenahart   #StephenAHart #entrepreneurship #leadership #personalbranding #personalbrand #branding #marketing #jobsearch #job #jobseeker #motivation #inspiration #success #mindset #monday #missionfuel #missionfuelmornings #gratitude #mentalstrength #action

  How do you build, grow and scale your black-owned business?   Today's guest is Samia Gore.   Samia Gore is the first Black female founder of Body Complete Rx, who's been able to break significant ground in the male-dominated, nutritional supplement industry. She's since gone on to generate over $10m in the past 4 years in her business.   I hope you're enjoying this 12 Days of Significance series.   If you've missed the podcast, and you're happy we're back I'll ask you to help me by doing one or all of these things:   1) Follow me on LinkedIn right now by visiting stephenahart.com/linkedin 2) Please leave us a 5-star rating and review if you'd not yet done so 3) Hop on over to stephenahart.com/donate and make a small donation, even $5 or $10, to help us get some funds in place to begin getting the resources we need back in the saddle to edit and publish these episodes. We're also exploring new partners and sponsors, so if you're interested in possibly working together in 2022, please shoot me an email to stephen@stephenahart.com

There is a past version of you that is so proud of how far you have come!   I recently shared an emotional memory of a place, a valley I was in back in December 2013, that I wanted to never go back to again. Thank God, I've never been back there. And that Stephen from December 15, 2013 is soooo very proud of where I am today. - Now that brings me to the point I wanted to make today and it's this ... DO NOT QUIT on you because GREAT THINGS TAKE TIME!   I hope you're enjoying this 12 Days of Significance series.   If you've missed the podcast, and you're happy we're back I'll ask you to help me by doing one or all of these things:   1) Follow me on LinkedIn right now by visiting stephenahart.com/linkedin 2) Please leave us a 5-star rating and review if you'd not yet done so 3) Hop on over to stephenahart.com/donate and make a small donation, even $5 or $10, to help us get some funds in place to begin getting the resources we need back in the saddle to edit and publish these episodes. We're also exploring new partners and sponsors, so if you're interested in possibly working together in 2022, please shoot me an email to stephen@stephenahart.com

Everybody can't be a billionaire, but we believe everybody can be a willionaire.   Willionaires believe that where there's a will, there are several ways. And champions are made from something they have deep inside them - a desire, a dream, a vision. We have to have the skill and the will, but the will must be stronger than the skill.   Join Shawn Dove and Stephen A. Hart this and every Wednesday for actionable, impactful and free-flowing Willionaire Wednesday conversations, that aim to help you strengthen your will.   Our episode for our Day 3 of our 12 Days of Significance is Stephen Powell, the chief programs and partnerships officer of the National CARES Mentoring Movement, founded by Essence Magazine's Editor-in-Chief Emeritus Susan L. Taylor; he leads and oversees the organization's affiliate network, program expansion, partnership development, training, and technical assistance efforts.   Some of Stephen's most notable honors include GQ Magazine's Movado Leader Award; Black Enterprise Magazine's 100 Modern Men of Distinction; and an Obama administration White House “Champion of Change Following in the Footsteps of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”   Stephen is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity, Inc. and serves on the Chicago Beyond Trauma Advisory Council, and is also a board member of Cinnamon Girl, Inc and Nth Dimensions, Inc. Stephen is an alum of the Institute for Non-profit Management program at Columbia University's Graduate School of Business and Howard University. He was raised in East Orange, NJ and currently resides in Montclair with his wife, Marlaina and two daughters, Sinclair Adina (14) and Simone Alexandra (10).   Shawn Dove is a speaker, author, and advocate for leaders who want to improve the lives of young people, particularly Black men and boys. He is the co-author of the upcoming book: I Too Am America. You can learn more about Shawn at dovesoars.com and connect with him on twitter @dovesoars   Stephen A. Hart is a marketer, podcaster, content creator, brand strategist, speaker, entrepreneur, husband and #bestdadever. You can learn more about Stephen at stephenahart.com and connect on Twitter @stephenahart   More about: National CARES Mentoring Movement: caresmentoring.org Stephen A. Hart: https://stephenahart.com/ Shawn Dove: https://dovesoars.com/   Sponsoring Partners: Brand In Demand: www.brandindemand.co   #blackmaleachievement #blackexcellence #blackmen #blackboys #blacklove #itooamamerica #book #author #blackhistory #blackowned #blackpride #blackunity #blm #missionfuel #livestream #wednesday #linkedin #podcast #success #mindset #mentalstrength #mentalwealth #mentalhealth

Life has a way of throwing you and I some tough blows during different seasons of our lives. Whether you and I must endure a day, a week or a year of hardships, the challenge is to continue to put yourself out there (like it or not), continue to get up and show up anyway. If you're unclear about how to lead during your present or next season of uncertainty, you should join this conversation. Our guest today is Kandia Johnson, Founder of Kandid Conversations Global, a leadership training and coaching program to help workplace and entrepreneurial leaders tackle self-doubt, and unleash their hidden potential. She also launched She Deserves More, a career confidence and visibility program for mid-career women looking to position, pitch, and promote themselves as leaders--be it at work, in business, or within their communities. Learn more about: Kandia Johnson: https://kandiajohnson.com  Trailblazers.FM: http://tbpod.com   #personalbranding #branding #motivation #inspiration #success #LinkedIn #livestream #TrailblazersFM #tbpod #podcast #blackentrepreneurs #blackfounders #success #missionfuel #founder #owner #entrepreneur #leadership #linkedin #startup #blackwomen #blackleaders #blackexcellence #mindset

As our 5th anniversary as a podcast approached on February 1st 2021, I made a decision to not quit on Trailblazers.FM, but instead I decided to shift. I shifted and committed to producing weekly video live streams and then it became 2-3x a week that I was streaming.   In many ways though, my soul ached. I stopped the podcast that was going for 5 years, and at it's peak, reaching some 15-20,000 downloads a month.   But I made a commitment in that dark valley, that I was going to set my pride aside and I was going to embrace being bad, until it got good for me with live stream videos.   Today's the first published episode in exactly one year. If you've missed the podcast, and you're happy we're back I'll ask you to help me by doing one or all of these things:   1) Follow me on LinkedIn right now by visiting stephenahart.com/linkedin 2) Please leave us a 5-star rating and review if you'd not yet done so on Apple Podcast 3) Hop on over to stephenahart.com/donate and make a small donation, even $5 or $10, to help us get some funds in place to begin getting the resources we need back in the saddle to edit and publish these episodes. We're also exploring new partners and sponsors, so if you're interested in possibly working together in 2022, please shoot me an email to stephen@stephenahart.com   Thank you so much. I'll end today with a  short 3-minute clip of a solo episode I did titled Growth is Uncomfortable. Enjoy and I hope you'll take in all 12-days of significance this holiday season.

All anyone has to do is say the year and it can elicit an emotion. In a few words, this year has been everything from unpredictable, to traumatic, scary, exhausting and bizarre. But, there have been moments of joy as well, despite the pain. For those who are hurting, who need the hope that an opportunity to start over provides, debut author Zim Flores has some thoughts. Flores’ new book, Dare to Bloom: Trusting God Through Painful Endings and New Beginnings (Dec. 8, 2020, Thomas Nelson Gift Books), shows people how to find hope and discover opportunity, even when circumstances and endings are hard and uncertain. OUR FEATURED GUEST THIS WEEK: ZIM FLORES Named a leader using her voice and talent to elevate humanity by Oprah Winfrey, Zim Flores (née Ugochukwu) is the founder of Italicist, an online styling service that helps women discover modest clothing they love, without the time commitment. Previously she was the CEO of Travel Noire, a boutique travel company reaching millions of travelers each month. In 2017 she sold the company to pursue Christ. A serial entrepreneur, Zim is a Forbes "30 Under 30" awardee who has been featured in the New York Times, TIME, ELLE, Glamour, The Nation, Essence, and NPR, among others. She often writes in faraway places and lives with her husband in Illinois. Connect with her at www.zimism.com and @zimism. Dare to Bloom: Trusting God Through Painful Endings and New Beginnings Order your copy today via Amazon. JOIN OUR BLAZER NATION COMMUNITY You’re invited to join our Blazer Nation community and watch full length videos of some of our of conversations there, along with connecting with our tribe of other likeminded Black entrepreneurs and leaders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blazernation. We are seeking a few select partners for Trailblazers.FM for our 2021 campaign. If you’d like to reach out to Stephen regarding sponsorship opportunities, please email stephen@stephenahart.com. THIS EPISODE WAS SPONSORED BY: Today’s episode of the Trailblazers.FM podcast is brought to you by Brand You Academy.  

OUR FEATURED GUEST THIS WEEK: ZACH NUNN Based out of Houston, TX, Zach Nunn is a “Big 4” Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion consultant and thought leader, with over 9 years of experience leading cultural and organizational transformation in a variety of industries. As the CEO and founder of Living Corporate, LLC, Zach amplifies and centers marginalized voices at work by interviewing Black and brown executives, activists, educators, elected officials and influencers which provides practical insight and that reaches over thousands majority Black and brown Millennial and Generation-X listeners a week. Despite all this work, his biggest passions are his wife, Candis and daughter, Emory. So many gems packed into today’s episode. Grab a pad and a pen, or open your fav note taking app and get set to receive today’s mission fuel from Zach Nunn. Enjoy! JOIN OUR BLAZER NATION COMMUNITY You’re invited to join our Blazer Nation community and watch full length videos of some of our of conversations there, along with connecting with our tribe of other likeminded Black entrepreneurs and leaders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blazernation. We are seeking a few select partners for Trailblazers.FM for our 2021 campaign. If you’d like to reach out to Stephen regarding sponsorship opportunities, please email stephen@stephenahart.com. CONNECT WITH ZACH Website:       Living Corporate, LLC Instagram:   @revnunnwisdom Twitter:        @revnunnwisdom   THIS EPISODE WAS SPONSORED BY: Today’s episode of the Trailblazers.FM podcast is brought to you by Brand You Academy.

You've heard the advice to reach out to individual journalists …. but should we work to build rapport with journalists BEFORE we need them? I ask this and several other questions that I wanted more insights on in this conversation with the PR GURU, Pam Perry. OUR FEATURED GUEST THIS WEEK: PAM PERRY Pam Perry is an award-winning communications professional. She teaches and mentors authors, speakers and entrepreneurs on how to build a platform and attract major media and publishing contracts. She is also the publisher of SPEAKERS MAGAZINE. After working with Pam, her clients have been featured on CNN, TBN, The Word Network, Radio One, Oprah Magazine, Tom Joyner Morning Show, Essence, Ebony, Black Enterprise, PBS – and many other major media outlets. Her clients have been offered major publishing contracts, and have created successful full-time careers as “authorpreneurs” earning six-figures. So many gems packed into today’s episode. Grab a pad and a pen, or open your fav note taking app and get set to receive today’s mission fuel from my friend, the PR Guru, Pam Perry. Enjoy! JOIN OUR BLAZER NATION COMMUNITY You’re invited to join our Blazer Nation community and watch full length videos of some of our of conversations there, along with connecting with our tribe of other likeminded Black entrepreneurs and leaders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blazernation. We are seeking a few select partners for Trailblazers.FM for our 2021 campaign. If you’d like to reach out to Stephen regarding sponsorship opportunities, please email stephen@stephenahart.com. CONNECT WITH PAM Website:     pamperrypr.com Instagram: @pam_perry THIS EPISODE WAS SPONSORED BY: Today’s episode of the Trailblazers.FM podcast is brought to you by Brand You Academy.

It's time to open the doors for Black creatives in the fashion industry and provide them direct access to some of fashion's top leaders and vets. OUR GUEST THIS WEEK: CHRISTOPHER BEVANS Christopher Bevans is a native of New York, who began his career apprenticing at a local tailoring house where he eventually became the owner at 19 years old. Christopher’s roots as an expert tailor developed into a passion that carried him to the Fashion Institute of Technology. During his time at FIT, Bevans studied textiles while learning the ropes from Jack Sauma, owner of Mood Fabrics, one of the largest fabric retailers in the world. Bevans developed a reputation as an expert craftsman and visionary while working with top brands and organizations such as Billionaire Boys Club, Head(Tennis), Sean John, Yeezy, Spyder and the MacArthur Foundation, where he received a grant for education in 2012. Bevans was a member of the Sean John design team which went on to win the 2004 CFDA Menswear Award. Prior to launching DYNE, he served as the Creative Director of Nike’s Blue Ribbon Sports Division (now Nike Sportswear) from 2003 to 2007 where he spearheaded the hugely successful Air Force 1 25th Anniversary Campaign. While at Nike, Bevans was instrumental in initiating Roger Federer’s now famous “RF” logo. In January 2013, Bevans was named a MIT Media Lab Director’s Fellow along with CNN commentator Van Jones and distinguished alumni film director J.J. Abrams. The Director’s Fellows continue to work closely with faculty and students on collaborative research and helping to expand MIT’s global community. Bevans has also created bespoke designs for clients such as Jay-Z, Pharrell Williams, New York icon Patrick McDonald, Daryl Hall, John Legend and Kanye West. Bevans’ determination to reach new heights in fashion and technology are the results of his relentless work and education with fabrics and technique. The DYNE label is the culmination of the immeasurable successes he has exhibited over a 20-year career certifying him as a modern-day pioneer. JOIN OUR BLAZER NATION COMMUNITY You’re invited to join our Blazer Nation community and watch full length videos of some of our of conversations there, along with connecting with our tribe of other likeminded Black entrepreneurs and leaders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blazernation. We are seeking a few select partners for Trailblazers.FM for our 2021 campaign. If you’d like to reach out to Stephen regarding sponsorship opportunities, please email stephen@stephenahart.com. CONNECT WITH CHRISTOPHER Website:     hallway.xyz Instagram: @christopherbevans THIS EPISODE WAS SPONSORED BY: Today’s episode of the Trailblazers.FM podcast is brought to you by Brand You Academy.

There are more amazing Black men and women, who aren't poor, aren't criminals, aren't threats to our society, than those who are. Yet, the media's representation of Black people paint a different picture. If we are to alter the media's distorted portrayal, we must among other things, increase the number of Black tv owners, producers, journalists and experts who are the creators of content. I’m excited today to share in a conversation this week with Tunisha Brown, Founder and Editor-In-Chief of IMPACT Magazine and IMPACT TV, a platform that reaches hundreds of thousands daily.   JOIN OUR BLAZER NATION COMMUNITY Feel free to access our show notes for today’s episode over at  https://stephenahart.com/podcast/   You’re invited to join our Blazer Nation community and watch full length videos of some of our of conversations there, along with connecting with our tribe of other likeminded Black entrepreneurs and leaders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blazernation   Follow Trailblazers.FM:   Instagram: @TBPod @StephenAHart Twitter: @TBPod @StephenAHart LinkedIn: /in/stephenaihart   We are seeking sponsors for Trailblazers.FM for our 2021 campaign. If you’d like to reach out to Stephen regarding sponsorship opportunities, please email stephen@stephenahart.com.  

Leading in purpose and with authenticity provides the strength, endurance, and desire to succeed in all areas of life. OUR GUEST THIS WEEK: TRACY L. WILLIAMS, MS Today I share in a conversation with Tracy L. Williams, a nationally recognized leader committed to equity, social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion with expertise creating and executing strategies that uplift women and underserved populations through entrepreneurship, philanthropy, nonprofit, and corporate sectors.  Special thanks to Shawn Dove and to Proctor & Gamble for fueling and sponsoring this #TalkAboutBias series.    JOIN OUR BLAZER NATION COMMUNITY You’re invited to join our Blazer Nation community and watch full length videos of some of our of conversations there, along with connecting with our tribe of other likeminded Black entrepreneurs and leaders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blazernation. We are seeking a few select partners for Trailblazers.FM for our 2021 campaign. If you’d like to reach out to Stephen regarding sponsorship opportunities, please email stephen@stephenahart.com. CONNECT WITH TRACY L. WILLIAMS LinkedIn:    Tracy L. Williams Twitter:       @ellephantparade Instagram: @ellephantparade THIS EPISODE WAS SPONSORED BY: Today’s episode of the Trailblazers.FM podcast is brought to you by Brand You Academy.

How is society being biased, specifically against the segment of citizens who count themselves among the formerly incarcerated?   Today I share in a deep conversation with Bishop Darren Ferguson,  a preacher, teacher, singer, motivational speaker and social activist. In this conversation, Bishop Ferguson shares his own experiences going from prison to the pulpit and beyond.    Special thanks to Shawn Dove and to Proctor & Gamble for fueling and sponsoring this #TalkAboutBias series.    OUR GUEST THIS WEEK: BISHOP DARREN FERGUSON Born and raised in the village of Harlem and in the Bronx, NY, Darren A. Ferguson is known as a leader for this generation – a preacher, teacher, singer, motivational speaker and social activist. He serves as the 7th Pastor in the 102-year history of Bethel Baptist Church in Orange, NJ. He was recently appointed as the Reentry Coordinator for the City and will provide both services for returned citizens as well as create both Credible Messenger and Rites of Passage programs for the city. -- Feel free to access our show notes for today’s episode over at  https://stephenahart.com/podcast/   You’re invited to join our Blazer Nation community and watch full length videos of some of our of conversations there, along with connecting with our tribe of other likeminded Black entrepreneurs and leaders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blazernation   Follow Trailblazers.FM:   Instagram: @TBPod @StephenAHart Twitter: @TBPod @StephenAHart LinkedIn: /in/stephenaihart   We are seeking sponsors for Trailblazers.FM for our 2021 campaign. If you’d like to reach out to Stephen regarding sponsorship opportunities, please email stephen@stephenahart.com.    

Healthy manhood is the solution to ending all forms of gender-based violence and discrimination and can improve the mental and physical health for men and boys. OUR GUEST THIS WEEK: TED BUNCH Ted Bunch is an educator, author, activist, and lecturer working to end all forms of violence and discrimination against women and girls. Bunch is Chief Development Officer of A Call to Men and is internationally recognized for his efforts to prevent violence against women while promoting a healthy, respectful manhood. He is a leading voice on male socialization, the intersection of masculinity and violence against women, and healthy, respectful manhood.   -- Feel free to access our show notes for today’s episode over at  https://stephenahart.com/podcast/   You’re invited to join our Blazer Nation community and watch full length videos of some of our of conversations there, along with connecting with our tribe of other likeminded Black entrepreneurs and leaders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blazernation   Follow Trailblazers.FM:   Instagram: @TBPod @StephenAHart Twitter: @TBPod @StephenAHart LinkedIn: /in/stephenaihart   We are seeking sponsors for Trailblazers.FM for our 2021 campaign. If you’d like to reach out to Stephen regarding sponsorship opportunities, please email stephen@stephenahart.com.    

Whatever your focus - whether you’re a leader, a career professional or a business owner, you’ve got to have a base line code or model that you follow and live by. In today’s episode ALLAN HOUSTON and I discuss an unshakeable value system he’s developed for winning in life called FISLL. This acronym stands for Faith, Integrity, Sacrifice, Leadership and Legacy. OUR GUEST THIS WEEK: ALLAN HOUSTON Allan Houston lives his life with the determination to apply his success as a professional athlete to help others. After winning a gold medal as a member of the U.S. men’s basketball team at the 2000 Summer Olympics, and nine seasons with the NY Knicks, Houston created the Allan Houston Legacy Foundation (AHLF) which has served thousands of participants across the country through programs that promote youth mentoring, responsible fatherhood, and entrepreneurship. In addition, he has served as a spokesperson for the National Fatherhood Initiative, an international ambassador for the NBA, and an analyst for ESPN. Allan Houston conceptualized FISLL (Faith, Integrity, Sacrifice, Leadership, and Legacy) based on principles learned from his parents and other models of leadership in his life. Through these Fundamentals of Life, he aims to share the keys that helped him grow as a student, an athlete, and most importantly, a son, father, and community leader. These life principles serve as a foundation for a healthy mind, body, and spirit, the essential needs for a Life in 3D, inspiring the book, The Fundamentals of Life: Life in 3D. This book is available in print and eBook wherever books are sold.

Desiree joins Stephen to discuss how to take care of yourself… know your limits… give yourself permission to not be ok… and seek the resources you need to be the best you. OUR GUEST THIS WEEK: DESIREE S COLEMAN Desiree S. Coleman works to create equitable and empowering conditions for women & organizations. She is a consultant who has helped numerous groups redefine their diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI) practices. Likewise, she has mentored and coached countless women to rediscover the Queen Within. Inspired by her daughters, Desiree speaks, writes, and curates events to empower women to be their best selves. She holds a Master of Public Administration from Syracuse University, is a Loyola Academy trustee and is the recipient of the 2019 Rising Star Award from Investment News.   Feel free to access our show notes for today’s episode over at  https://stephenahart.com/podcast/   You’re invited to join our Blazer Nation community and watch full length videos of some of our of conversations there, along with connecting with our tribe of other likeminded Black entrepreneurs and leaders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blazernation   Follow Trailblazers.FM:   Instagram: @TBPod @StephenAHart Twitter: @TBPod @StephenAHart LinkedIn: /in/stephenaihart   We are seeking sponsors for Trailblazers.FM for our 2021 campaign. If you’d like to reach out to Stephen regarding sponsorship opportunities, please email stephen@stephenahart.com.    

Inspired by the loss of her aunt, this Black physicist Dr. Hadiyah-Nicole Green is on a quest to cure cancer in a revolutionary new way. Dr. Green is one of the first African American women in the United States to earn a Ph.D. in physics, holds the distinction of being only the second African American woman and is the fourth African American to receive a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Feel free to access our show notes for today’s episode over at https://stephenahart.com/210 You’re invited to join our Blazer Nation community and watch full length videos of some of our of conversations there, along with connecting with our tribe of other likeminded Black entrepreneurs and leaders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blazernation Follow Trailblazers.FM: Instagram: @TBPod @StephenAHart Twitter: @TBPod @StephenAHart LinkedIn: /in/stephenaihart We are seeking sponsors for Trailblazers.FM for our 2021 campaign. If you’d like to reach out to Stephen regarding sponsorship opportunities, please email stephen@stephenahart.com.

You are a product of your choices, NOT a victim of your circumstances. Your biggest challenges can be transformed into the foundation for extraordinary personal growth. Today’s conversation is JT McCormick. JT is the President and CEO of Scribe Media and a bestselling author of the book I Got There: How a Mixed-Race Kid Overcame Racism, Poverty, and Abuse to Arrive at the American Dream JT’s story is truly enthralling. It grips you the moment you hear about him... born the mixed-race son of a drug-dealing pimp father and a orphaned, single mother on welfare, who was raised in the slums of Dayton, Ohio, suffered incredible abuse and racism, and had multiple stints in the juvenile justice system. He barely graduated high school and you have no college degree. Access our show notes for today’s episode: https://stephenahart.com/podcast/   You’re invited to join our Blazer Nation community and watch full length videos of some of our of conversations there, along with connecting with our tribe of other likeminded Black entrepreneurs and leaders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blazernation   Follow Trailblazers.FM:   Instagram: @TBPod @StephenAHart Twitter: @TBPod @StephenAHart LinkedIn: /in/stephenaihart   We are seeking a few select partners for Trailblazers.FM for our 2021 campaign. If you’d like to reach out to Stephen regarding sponsorship opportunities, please email stephen@stephenahart.com.    

Dealing with an internal struggle? Are you mentally exhausted? Needing some motivational #missionfuel to help you build your #mentalstrength so you can manage your emotions and thoughts in 2020 with all that's going on?   It’s been 252 days since I last published an episode and so much has happened since then. I knew that I needed to talk about some of what’s been happening with me in this ’time to be silent’ because 1) it’s helped me grow and get through a really tough valley season and 2) I know so many of you are dealing with a lot of mental challenges, struggles and emotions in this wild and crazy year, from dealing with the pandemic, to job and business losses and furloughs, to kids being home, social injustices, and a million other things in between.   The world is out of control right now and our self care is mandatory if we are to survive and thrive going forward.    Our featured guest today is Karen M. Allen. Karen was on the podcast previously (episode 118). In this episode, Karen helped me discuss and share some great insights, tips and mission fuel on helping us to build our mental strength.    Feel free to access our show notes for today’s episode over at  https://stephenahart.com/podcast/   You’re invited to join our Blazer Nation community and watch full length videos of some of our of conversations there, along with connecting with our tribe of other likeminded Black entrepreneurs and leaders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blazernation   Follow Trailblazers.FM:   Instagram: @TBPod @StephenAHart Twitter: @TBPod @StephenAHart LinkedIn: /in/stephenaihart   We are seeking sponsors for Trailblazers.FM for our 2021 campaign. If you’d like to reach out to Stephen regarding sponsorship opportunities, please email stephen@stephenahart.com.

We've decided to optimize the messaging for Trailblazers.FM to become a podcast focused on exploring successful Black entrepreneurs. We will still feature the legendary creators, best-selling authors, and passionate leaders you have always enjoyed, but we are now able to truly double down and deliver even more targeted content for our self-driven entrepreneur community, so that whether you’re running a brick and mortar or you’re operating a side-hustle, you’ll have top tier Black representation and digital mentors on the Trailblazers.FM platform,  who have done something similar to what you’re working to create and/or that you’re doing now. Feel free to access our show notes for today’s episode over at  https://stephenahart.com/podcast/   You’re invited to join our Blazer Nation community and watch full length videos of some of our of conversations there, along with connecting with our tribe of other likeminded Black entrepreneurs and leaders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blazernation   Follow Trailblazers.FM:   Instagram: @TBPod @StephenAHart Twitter: @TBPod @StephenAHart LinkedIn: /in/stephenaihart   We are seeking sponsors for Trailblazers.FM for our 2021 campaign. If you’d like to reach out to Stephen regarding sponsorship opportunities, please email stephen@stephenahart.com.

Why is our mindset towards money so important? When should we start a business? When do you begin paying yourself as a business owner? This episode was recorded in November of 2019 with our featured guest, Ash Cash Exantus. It was intended to be a part of our January 2020 wealth series which didn’t happen when we paused the podcast back in January. But we couldn't wait to share this episode with Ash, because it’s still (if not even more) important that we take care of our mindset towards our money. No matter where you’re from what your background is or your current circumstance, you can have and do anything you want if you believe that you can and get your mind right. If you’re unfamiliar with Ash Cash - he is one of the nation’s top financial educators. He was dubbed as the Financial Motivator, and he uses a culturally responsive approach to teaching financial literacy. He is also a speaker, bestselling author of many books and the Founder & CEO of MindRight Money Management® a financial education company that blends psychology & personal finance. Ash is best known for helping people maximize their full potential by giving them the inspiration, tools, & resources needed to live their best lives. Blazer Nation, if you’re ready, go ahead and grab your note pad or open your fav note taking app and get set to receive today’s money mindset mission fuel from our featured trailblazer, Ash Cash Exantus. Feel free to access our show notes for today’s episode over at  https://stephenahart.com/podcast/   You’re invited to join our Blazer Nation community and watch full length videos of some of our of conversations there, along with connecting with our tribe of other likeminded Black entrepreneurs and leaders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blazernation   Follow Trailblazers.FM:   Instagram: @TBPod @StephenAHart Twitter: @TBPod @StephenAHart LinkedIn: /in/stephenaihart   We are seeking sponsors for Trailblazers.FM for our 2021 campaign. If you’d like to reach out to Stephen regarding sponsorship opportunities, please email stephen@stephenahart.com.  

In the Bible, the book of Ecclesiastes‬ chapter ‭3 says   “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.    The Word says there is “a time to be silent and a time to speak” ‭‭ Blazer Nation ... for the past 4 years I’ve spoken and shared over 200 episodes with you. I’ve always been honest with you guys and right now I’m telling you the truth when I say that I am not in a great state of mind and I’m entering a time where I believe I need to be silent and to be still. 

Do it before you’re ready!  The action to take is to take action!  

Merry Christmas  Blazer Nation   Last week I shared an inspirational episode titled Acres of Diamonds, where I told you that you had all you needed and that somewhere within the work you are doing today,  lurked an opportunity which could bring you everything you could possibly want for yourself, your family and your career.   As I thought more about that, I wanted to follow up with one of the best episodes we had this year that was an example of someone tapping into their acres of diamonds. We’re going back to March of this year and today you’ll hear from one of my all time fav episodes on this podcast with our friend and trailblazer, Mignon Francois of the Cupcake Collection, who found her acres of diamonds.   If you hadn’t yet done so, please consider joining our community. You can find us at .    So let’s not delay any further. Grab a pad and pen and get set to receive today’s motivational mission fuel from Mignon Francois.    Enjoy!          

Today, I’m going to share a story with you that was originally told by the founder of Temple University in Philadelphia, Dr. Russell Herman Conwell. He told this story more than 6,000 times all around the world.   This famous inspirational lecture, Acres of Diamonds, has inspired me in so many ways and I'd like to share it with you today.

Your vision wants to come to fruition for you just as much as you want to see it for yourself. But a lot of people forget to do the work. You can't just slap a picture up on the board. That's nice, but what are you going to do to get there? What are the steps that you're going to take? And a lot of it has to do with mindset over money. This week's feature is a PON DI REPLAY throwback to December 2016 with past trailblazer Lucinda Cross. My ask today is that you’d help share this episode. If you're posting to social, please tag @tbpod and use the hashtag #TrailblazersFM

Today, I lift my head and I see this seed that I planted over 200 weeks ago. And I didn’t just plant it and leave it. No, I  watered, nurtured and cared for this podcast (my baby) each and every week. Not a Monday morning at 5am went by that I didn’t have an episode going live for you in nearly 4 years. And today, we celebrate yet another amazing milestone in episode 200. There are so many of you who over the years have shared a DM or a WhatsApp, a text, a post or a tweet or a 5 star review and in whatever way you did that and given me a big ups, you’ve let me know you care and that you’re listening.  And I can’t tell you just how much I value and appreciate every  last one of those notes and messages.  My call to action today is to move from a pursuit of success to that of significance because what we are leaving, matters! What we leave will impact others ... for good or bad. My ask today is that you’d .

Many of you might be online, but your website or social media profile doesn't have the right visual and verbal identity. You aren't clarifying  your purpose and mission, and no one can really make sense of who you are, who you’re serving and what you’re serving. In today's episode, we discuss the 5 elements that helped me lay the right foundation for my podcast and personal brand to overcome some of these obstacles. This week's featured trailblazer is yours truly, Stephen A. Hart. In case you don't know ... I'm Stephen A. Hart and I'm a Brand Alignment Strategist who guides busy heart-centered entrepreneurs and leaders through a clear and proven process to build, market and grow their amazing personal brand.  I also host this podcast, Trailblazers.FM, which is the #1 interview style podcast that explores stories of successful black professionals. The podcast has featured more than 150 black professionals and has been heard by more than 250,000 from 140 countries around the world. My ask today is that you’d help share this episode. If you're posting to social, please tag @tbpod and use the hashtag #TrailblazersFM   #Podcast #Podcasting #Trailblazer #BlackExcellence #BlackSuccess #PersonalBranding #PersonalBrand #Entrepreneur #Leaders #Leadership #TrailblazersFM

Teachers are blown away because they'll give me the kids that say they hate math and I'm like, yeah, I'll take them. That's what I look for. And from there they'll do more work in my class the first day meeting me than they would have the entire semester. So this is really impactful. This week's featured trailblazer is Marcus Blackwell. Marcus Blackwell is the CEO and Founder of Make Music Count, a math curriculum taught through music. He received a B.S in mathematics from Morehouse college and has played professional gospel piano since the age of 16. Students are not performing well in mathematics. Marcus dedicates his energy to developing creative methods that convince students to embrace mathematics. His company is designed to go into the school systems to work directly with students connecting the mathematical dots where the traditional methods of teaching fall short. Marcus believes that he is able to connect well with students because he also struggled with math growing up and it was music that allowed him to eliminate the intimidation he had towards mathematics. My ask today is that you’d help share this episode. If you're posting to social, please tag @tbpod and use the hashtag #TrailblazersFM

Messaging is so important because it just makes it clear how you add value to your industry, and a lot of people just aren’t clear about that. Our featured trailblazer is Maya Elious. Maya Elious is a personal branding strategist that teaches experts how to position themselves as the go-to authority figure in their industry so they can confidently launch their signature offer. She’s helped hundreds of students and clients get clear on their message, confidently increase their prices, have successful five-figure launches with their masterclasses, webinars, courses, and programs. Her main mission is to help women increase their impact and income with their gifts and expertise. When she’s not helping her clients build their online empire, she can be found traveling, scrolling through IG, or watching Hulu. My ask today is that you’d help share this episode. If you're posting to social, please tag @tbpod and use the hashtag #TrailblazersFM  

I want to create long-term wealth that will last multiple generations and that produces cash; among the different options to invest, real estate is a very, very clear option. Our featured trailblazer is Tawan Davis. Tawan Davis is the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner of The Steinbridge Group, which has structured, executed and invested nearly $1 billion in commercial and residential real estate. Under Mr. Davis’ leadership—which includes managing the investment program and overseeing the day-to-day operations and transaction pipeline—Steinbridge is now investing more than $425 million in the urban single-family home market. My ask today is that you’d help share this episode. If you're posting to social, please tag @tbpod and use the hashtag #TrailblazersFM

As an entrepreneur and business owner, there is never enough learning that can be done. Our featured guest is Raymond McKenzie. Ray McKenzie, founder of Red Beach Advisors, an executive business and product strategy, operations, and process consultant with more than 20 years of experience with public, private, and start-up tech companies specializing in growth and scaling strategies.  Ray has held various senior executive positions with companies such as Verisign, Neustar, State Farm Insurance, TeleSign, UltraDNS and has served in an advisory role for several start-up companies in Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC. Ray McKenzie completed his studies in Management Information Systems from San Diego State University in 2001 and is a certified AWS Cloud Practitioner (CLF). Mr. McKenzie is also a certified Lean Six Sigma sensei (CLSSS) practitioner from Villanova University, is a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) from Scrum Alliance. Mr. McKenzie currently sits on the board of directors for non-profit organizations such as My Friend’s House, Inc. based in Los Angeles, CA and Students With Aspiring Goals based in Merced, CA and regularly speaks to groups of children and youth regarding entrepreneurship, leadership, and achievement. Ray is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.  My ask today is that you’d help share this episode. If you're posting to social, please tag @tbpod and use the hashtag #TrailblazersFM

It really takes one step, one leap of faith, to grow something beyond what you ever imagined you could. Our featured guest is Jeresha "Sherri J" White. Sherri J started with one childcare facility and opened it because of her passion for education and children. She never imagined becoming a real business guru, opening five more childcare facilities, and starting a business coaching venture. Needless to say, listeners should walk away from this podcast episode knowing that one baby step is still a step, and that one step could be the seed that starts your garden. CONNECT WITH SHERRI J Instagram: ;   Website:         

3 of the many takeaways from my conversation today with Tammeca Rochester of Harlem Cycle: 1. No matter your college degree, you can create the life you want.  2. No career is absolute. At any point you can pivot and change direction  3. To open a business you don't need to be the expert but you need to surround yourself with those that are   Our featured guest today is Tammeca Rochester. Tammeca Rochester is owner and founder of Harlem Cycle, Harlem's 1st and only indoor cycling studio. She has three academic degrees (Mathematics- Spelman College, Mechanical Engineering- The Georgia Institute of Technology and an MBA from the Stern Business School, New York University), multiple professional certifications, and several awards and honors. In 2016, she decided to turn her passion for fitness and open Harlem's 1st and only indoor cycling studio. My ask today is that you’d help share this episode. If you're posting to social, please tag @tbpod and use the hashtag #TrailblazersFM

Eric Thomas, aka E.T. The Hip Hop Preacher kicks off our first episode of the 2019 Trailblazers.FM Entrepreneurs series.    “The version of you that you are right now is keeping you from being everything you should be. Who you are right now is responsible for why you're not where you supposed to be…. who you are is keeping you from being who you should be and your dreams though, are the only thing that's telling you “Come on. Let's go!” Your dreams are the only thing that's telling “You can do more. You can have more. You can be more! Come on, come on, come on! Don’t be comfortable. Don’t sit. DON’T SETTLE!”   My ask today is that you’d help share this episode. If you're posting to social, please tag @tbpod and use the hashtag #TrailblazersFM

The Black Male Equity Initiative is an interactive exploration of what wealth and equity look like and how you can build it. The intent of the Black Male Equity Program is to establish a foundation from which to build, grow, and expand the Legacy Wealth perspective of black men by measuring and monitoring four specific milestones and results of a black male cohort. Our episode this week is a panel discussion about the first cohort of the Black Male Equity Initiative that took place in Detroit, Michigan. Our featured guests today are Dr. Pamela Jolly, Christopher Rutherford and Richard Grundy. Dr. Pamela C.V. Jolly is Founder and CEO of Torch Enterprises Inc, a strategic investment firm committed to minority business growth and development. Torch Enterprises has assisted over 1000 entrepreneurs, national non-profits, trade organizations, the Federal Government, foundations and financial institutions. Christopher Rutherford is a Promise of Place Manager in Detroit, developing strategies with community based organizations to improve life outcomes for Black men and boys. Chris has dedicated over 30 years in Michigan, helping young people from all communities to access opportunity. Richard Grundy is the cofounder and CEO of JOURNi. JOURNi is a non-profit focused on decentralizing tech education for Detroiters. Through partnerships with workforce development agencies, schools, and other organizations, JOURNi has been able to train hundreds of youth in web-development and entrepreneurship skills vital to closing the digital divide in Detroit.  My ask today is that you’d help share this episode. If you're posting to social, please tag Trailblazers.FM. Our handle on twitter and instagram is @tbpod

Cities United works to support the network of Mayors who are concerned with the issue of keeping young Black men and boys and their families safe, healthy and hopeful. Cities United partners with these leaders in the quest to reduce the homicide of Black men and boys by 50% by the year 2025. Our featured guest today is Anthony Smith, CEO of Cities United. My ask today is that you’d help share this episode. If you're posting to social, please tag @tbpod and use the hashtag #TrailblazersFM

Being relational drives business. Your brand/business must be about more than just transactions in order for it to thrive. The beauty happens in between the transactions/deals. When you are relational, you step into the spaces between transactions, so to speak, and that step-in is what makes clients come back, makes them choose you, makes colleagues recommend you, and makes people want to work with you. Our featured guest today is A. Nicole Campbell. Nicole (Nic) is a mom first, and everything else falls into place because of it. She's an MIT graduate and an attorney who has served in senior leadership positions for two billionaire hedge fund giants.  Nic recently transitioned to a new role, having founded Build Up Advisory Group (February, 2019). Her firm specializes in designing and building systems to help nonprofits, philanthropies, social entrepreneurs, and philanthropists thrive. She's working to scale it to create the kind of workplace she's always wanted to work in. Build Up, Inc. is a boutique capacity builder that holistically supports leaders of color and projects and nonprofits led by people of color that serve under-resourced communities. Probably the first of its kind, and hopefully it can serve as a model for other fiscal sponsors. My ask today is that you’d help share this episode. If you're posting to social, please tag @tbpod and use the hashtag #TrailblazersFM

When Black males start to achieve, the mobility rates for our community will pick up exponentially.  That is the opportunity for us, but it is also the risk, if we don’t. Our featured guest today is Jim Shelton. James “Jim” Shelton is Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Blue Meridian Partners. In this role, Jim is investigating new areas where significant focused capital can help solve problems at scale and advising Blue Meridian. Jim is also a founding partner of Amandla Enterprises, Senior Advisor for Education at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and non-resident fellow at the Brookings Institute. Prior to this, he served as President and Chief Impact Officer of 2U, Inc. and was deputy secretary at the US Department of Education (and head of its office of innovation and improvement) under President Obama. There, he served as the Executive Director of the President’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative and served on and led multiple interagency efforts focused on poverty reduction, economic development, entrepreneurship, and increased opportunity, such as the Investing in Innovation Fund, Promise Neighborhoods, and ConnectED.