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Shopify Masters | The ecommerce business and marketing podcast for ambitious entrepreneurs
When Lauren Levy struggled through a freezing diaper change with 30 snaps to close, she spotted a gap no one had filled in a century of baby clothing. She and co-founder Lawrence Scheer spent two years perfecting a patented magnetic closure before selling a single item. Today, Magnetic Me has 50 employees and has been profitable since 2012. For more on Magnetic Me and show notes click here Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.
Send us Fan MailPart 3 of the Near Memo brand-building series brings brand down to earth in professional services — specifically legal, where a client hires once in a lifetime, can't judge quality, and every ad on the screen looks identical. Gyi Tsakalakis, co-founder of AttorneySync, joins Greg Sterling and Mike Blumenthal to talk about what actually moves the needle for personal-injury and other high-stakes firms.The throughline: you can't outspend a bad intake experience. Gyi makes the case for treating intake and even rejections as review-generation surfaces, signing prospects up before you qualify them, and manufacturing brand demand offline that you route back through Google Business Profiles. They close on AI — still a top-of-funnel research tool for most local consumers, while Google (and the GBP data ChatGPT scrapes) remains the last click.Watch Part 1 (John Jantsch) and Part 2 (Cyrus Shepard) for the general and technical sides of local brand.Links:- AttorneySync: https://www.attorneysync.com/- EP 265 — Decoding Local Branding with John Jantsch: https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-265-decoding-local-branding-with-john-jantsch/- EP 266 — Cyrus Shepard: What Local Brand Actually Means to Google and AI: https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-266-cyrus-shepard-what-local-brand-actually-means-to-google-and-ai/- Michigan Auto Law "3K for Free": https://www.google.com/search?q=3k4Free- Kruger & Hodges, The Hometown Lawyers: https://thehometownlawyers.com/- Lunch Hour Legal Marketing Summit: https://lunchhourlegalmarketing.com/- Google ATLAS study: https://ai.google/static/documents/GoogleATLASv1.pdfSubscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/
In this episode of FinFactor, host Blaine Bertsch sits down with Dr. Angela Zeng, founder of Karviva, to explore her journey from medical research scientist to functional beverage entrepreneur. Drawing from her background in pathology and her family's roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine, she shares how she translated ancient healing wisdom into a thriving retail drink brand. Blaine and Angela dive deep into the realities of early-stage business growth, including product formulation challenges, getting those crucial first shelf placements, the hidden traps of expanding too quickly, and how staying obsessed with your customer's needs builds a resilient brand.https://youtu.be/qXGTRtk-TwkConnect with Angela: linkedin.com/in/angelazeng1Learn about Karviva: karviva.comDryrun empowers CFOs and executive leaders to move beyond static spreadsheets with clear, dynamic cash flow forecasting and interactive scenario modeling at dryrun.com.https://youtu.be/qXGTRtk-Twk#FinFactor #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #BusinessGrowth #RetailStrategy #FunctionalBeverage #CFO #CashFlow #DryruMaster the Future of Your Finances.From cash flow management to forecasting and scenario planning, see the impact of your decisions before you act.dryrun.com
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcast Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Yahya Muhammad. Topic: Entrepreneurship, legacy, and community impact through his ice cream business, Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream Yahya Muhammad shares his journey from tasting unforgettable homemade ice cream as a child to founding one of Chicago’s most beloved ice cream brands. His story is one of perseverance, cultural pride, and community service, rooted in faith and inspired by family and fraternity.
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcast Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Nicole Roberts Jones.
Brand equity is essential to win on AI platforms. Equity can't be built without memory, and memory can't be built without attention. WARC's Alex Brownsell discusses what role attention plays in AI visibility for brands, and practical advice to implement, with experts Dr. Karen Nelson Field, Carl Wåreus and Scott Reinders. Guests: Dr Karen Nelson-Field, Founder & CEO of Amplified Carl Wåreus, Head of Partners & Specialists, Google Nordics Scott Reinders, COO, Connect - part of The Up&Up Group Chapters: 00:00 - Intro: Brand, AI Search and Attention on The WARC Podcast 02:08 - From Blue Links to Conversations: How AI is Changing Search Behaviour 03:31 - Collapsing the Messy Middle: LLMs as the New Consideration Engine 04:41 - Brand Equity as an AI Ranking Signal: Google Example from Sweden 06:54 - Levers vs Drift: Managing Brand Signals AI and LLMs Can See 08:21 - Automated Creative at Scale: Avoiding the ‘AI Slop' Trap 10:32 - Visibility Starvation: The Risk of Low-Attention, Fast-Decay Media 12:32 - Misattribution and Invisibility: How Low Attention Hurts LLM Visibility 14:54 - Media Quality Redefined: High-Attention vs High-Intent Environments 16:14 - Silent Zone vs Vocal Zone: Human Noise, Reviews and AI Training Data 18:37 - Moving Beyond an Attention Metric: Attention as System Architecture 19:35 - Inside Attention AI: Generative Attention Modelling for Media and Creative 22:54 - Media Ceilings, Creative Hooks: How Formats and Assets Shape Attention 26:58 - Practical Advice: Multiplying Brand Equity, Attention and AI Visibility For 40 years, WARC has been providing the marketing industry with rigorous, unbiased evidence and expert effectiveness guidance. The WARC Podcast publishes a new episode every Tuesday and Thursday. Subscribe to The WARC Podcast here: https://www.warc.com/en/warc-podcastsSign up to daily WARC News for free: https://www.warc.com/en/latestBook a demo: https://www.warc.com/en/subscribe
Brand isn't just a marketing expense. It's one of the best long-term investments you can make as a business owner. In this episode, Guy Bauer steps away from filmmaking and creative direction to talk owner-to-owner about why Umault has invested more than half a million dollars into building its brand over the past seven years. Drawing from his own experience of putting marketing on pause while making his feature film Ana the Cleaner, he explains why strong brands continue generating results long after campaigns end. If you're focused entirely on short-term lead generation, this episode is a reminder that the strongest businesses are built by investing in something people remember long after they've seen it.
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Felecia Hatcher. Purpose of the Interview To spotlight Black Ambition, a national initiative founded by Pharrell Williams that funds and mentors Black and Brown entrepreneurs. To share insights on entrepreneurship, access to resources, and strategies for scaling businesses. To inspire and educate small business owners and innovators on how to leverage opportunities for growth. Key Takeaways About Black Ambition Founded by Pharrell Williams to close the opportunity gap for Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs. Provides capital, mentorship, and masterclasses to help founders scale. Has invested in 131 companies and awarded millions in funding. Competition Structure Annual national competition with 2,500–3,000 applications. Categories include HBCU, National Finalists, Top Prize Winner, People’s Choice. Process: Applications → 250 semifinalists → 3-month cohort → Demo Day for top 20–25 companies. Unique Approach Focus on high-quality mentorship, not “low vibrational” guidance. Includes mental health and wellness support for entrepreneurs. Partnerships with brands like Louis Vuitton for luxury retail insights. Challenges for Entrepreneurs Many fail by rushing applications and skipping info sessions. Success requires clarity, traction, and persistence—sometimes multiple attempts. Black women are the fastest-growing entrepreneurs but often remain solopreneurs; Black Ambition prioritizes team-building. Pharrell’s Motivation Believes in democratizing opportunity: “Talent is not equally distributed by zip code, but opportunity can be.” Inspired by those who believed in him early in his career. Felecia Hatcher’s Journey Former founder of Center for Black Innovation and Black Tech Week. Emphasizes resilience: “I’m a C student and a college dropout, but I never let that define me.” Advocates for creative pathways to success and capital access. Notable Quotes “Success leaves clues.” – On learning from past winners. “Talent is not equally distributed by zip code, but opportunity can be.” – Pharrell’s guiding principle. “If it doesn’t work on you in that moment, it works for you in that moment. Either way, it works.” – On persistence. “We have to start enjoying the process… be stretched, be cut by the process.” – On entrepreneurial growth. “Wealth has a need for speed.” – On urgency in closing the wealth gap. #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Send us Fan MailCyrus Shepard, founder of Zyppy, joins Greg Sterling and Mike Blumenthal for Part 2 of the Near Memo brand-building series — this time on the technical side: how Google and AI systems actually model a brand, and what a local business can do about it.To Google, a brand isn't a feeling. It's an entity — an entry in a database, connected to your website, your Business Profile, and you. Cyrus walks through what strengthens those connections, why branded search volume is still the single best lever in SEO, and why the decade-old fundamentals came roaring back the moment AI systems started needing the same entity signals local search always needed.We also get into why ranking first no longer guarantees you're recommended, why Google stopped wanting content and started wanting evidence, whether llms.txt is worth your time (Cyrus says no), and the surprisingly low review threshold where a local flywheel starts turning.Plus: the cross-business referral tactic neither host had heard proposed before, and a plan involving an unreasonable number of pizzas.▶️ Be sure to listem to Part 1 of this series, with John Jantsch on small business brand buildingSubscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed, Itiona Scott. The conversation focused on her entrepreneurial journey, the development of the Essie Marie brand, its health-focused product line, the company's placement in Whole Foods, and her vision for nationwide growth. Purpose of the Interview The interview served several purposes: To highlight Itiona Scott's journey from therapist to entrepreneur. To increase awareness of heart disease and its impact on underserved communities. To showcase Essie Marie as a healthier, heart-conscious food brand. To inspire entrepreneurs, especially women and minority founders, to pursue purpose-driven businesses. To discuss strategies for building and scaling a consumer packaged goods brand. Key Takeaways 1. Personal Tragedy Can Fuel Purpose Scott transformed the loss of her mother into a mission to improve health outcomes through better nutrition and education. 2. Business and Social Impact Can Coexist Essie Marie was built not only to generate revenue but also to address a public health issue affecting many families. 3. Healthy Food Doesn't Have to Sacrifice Flavor The brand focuses on products that are flavorful while also being vegan, low-sodium, gluten-free, and dairy-free. 4. Differentiation Matters Essie Marie has carved out a unique niche as a Black woman-owned heart-healthy dressing and marinade brand. 5. Persistence Leads to Growth Opportunities Scott discussed the steps involved in getting her products into Whole Foods, demonstrating the importance of preparation, branding, and perseverance. 6. Legacy Is a Powerful Business Motivator The company reflects Scott's commitment to honoring her mother's memory while helping others live healthier lives. 7. National Expansion Is Part of the Vision Scott's long-term goal is to make heart-healthy products accessible to more consumers across the country. Notable Quotes "My mother's death became the motivation for the company." "Essie Marie was created to impact the heart health epidemic within the women and minority communities." "Itiona plans to take Essie Marie products national, to help as many people as possible fight against the silent killer, heart disease." "This family recipe salad dressing is tasty, healthy and the perfect addition to any family gathering." Executive Takeaway Itiona Scott's interview is ultimately a story of turning pain into purpose. By combining her family's legacy, a commitment to healthier living, and entrepreneurial determination, she created a brand that seeks to make a meaningful difference in people's lives while building a successful business. The interview demonstrates how mission-driven companies can create both social impact and commercial success. #BEST #STRAW #SHMSSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shopify Masters | The ecommerce business and marketing podcast for ambitious entrepreneurs
When Andrew Blackmon couldn't find a rental tuxedo that actually fit, he didn't just start a company—he rebuilt the entire formalwear supply chain from scratch, turning a strip-mall industry into a nine-figure business with seven flagship stores and showrooms in more than 40 Nordstrom locations. For more on The Black Tux and show notes click here Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.
84% of the time, buyers choose a brand that was already on their radar before they ever started shopping. So why do so many marketing budgets only chase the people ready to buy today?This week, Elena, Angela, and Rob talk with brand strategist and author James Hurman about his new book, Future Demand. James breaks down why brands hit a growth ceiling when they lean too hard on performance marketing. He also explains why feelings outlast facts in memory, and why that changes which channels deserve your investment. Marketers will leave with a clearer case for building demand among tomorrow's customers, not just converting today's.Topics covered:[05:00] Defining current demand versus future demand[07:00] Splitting budgets 50/50 between brand and performance[12:00] Why American marketers lag on brand-building principles[18:00] Measuring future demand through brand tracking[22:00] Why feelings outlast facts in memory[26:00] The case for creativity in earning attention[35:00] James's own future demand brand: Land RoverTo learn more, visit marketingarchitects.com/podcast or subscribe to our newsletter at marketingarchitects.com/newsletter.Resources:Resources: 2021 WARC White Paper: https://www.warc.com/the-rise-of-digital-commerce 2026Future Demand Book: https://futuredemand.com/ James Hurman's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameshurman/Get more research-backed marketing strategies by subscribing to The Marketing Architects on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Tremayne Thompson Summary of Tremayne Thompson's Interview with Rushion McDonald Thompson discussed his entrepreneurial journey from concert promotion in Chicago to establishing a thriving venue in Birmingham, Alabama, and later expanding into the Atlanta market. Throughout the conversation, he emphasized faith, service, community engagement, resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of mentorship in business. Purpose of the Interview The interview was intended to: Share the entrepreneurial journey behind The Perfect Note. Highlight the importance of community-driven business practices. Discuss how entertainment, food, and culture can create meaningful experiences. Provide lessons on business ownership, leadership, and perseverance. Inspire aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams while remaining committed to service and excellence. Key Takeaways 1. Build Around Service, Not Profit One of Thompson's strongest messages was that his business was never built solely to make money. Instead, it was created to serve people, provide memorable experiences, and create a place where adults could enjoy music, food, and fellowship. 2. Faith Guided the Business Journey Thompson repeatedly credited faith and spiritual guidance for helping him and his wife navigate challenges, including economic uncertainty, growth decisions, and the pandemic. 3. Start Small and Do the Work The Perfect Note began with humble roots. Thompson and his wife personally set up tables and chairs, decorated venues, handled operations, and tore everything down after events. Their success came from hands-on commitment and consistency. 4. Adaptability Creates Survival During COVID-19, when many businesses struggled to remain open, Thompson and his wife pivoted quickly. They transformed their operation into a parking lot food service model, maintaining customer relationships and supporting employees during a difficult time. 5. Community Support Drives Long-Term Success By serving the community during challenging periods, The Perfect Note earned lasting goodwill. Thompson believes that businesses that genuinely support people often receive that support back many times over. 6. Mentorship Is Essential Thompson advised aspiring entrepreneurs to seek guidance from people who have already navigated the challenges of business ownership. Learning from experienced mentors can help avoid costly mistakes and accelerate growth. 7. Create Experiences, Not Transactions The Perfect Note's success comes from providing more than food or music. It offers an environment where people connect, celebrate, build relationships, and create lasting memories. 8. Continuous Learning Matters Before entering the restaurant business, Thompson intentionally worked at Waffle House to learn kitchen operations and food preparation. He stressed the importance of understanding every aspect of a business before investing in it. Notable Quotes "Our purpose is to be able to have grown folks something for them to continue to still do." A reflection of The Perfect Note's mission to provide a quality entertainment experience for mature audiences. "It wasn't motivated by making money. It was motivated by serving." Perhaps the most powerful statement in the interview, highlighting the philosophy behind the business. "When we knew how to serve, the money came." A lesson that sustainable success often follows value creation and community impact. "When this is over, how you've reached out to the community, they're going to reach back out to you." His description of how community support helped the business survive and thrive after the pandemic. "Always get a mentor, somebody who has been in it." Advice to entrepreneurs about seeking guidance before and during business ownership. "Information is free. I don't own it." A statement reflecting his belief in sharing knowledge and helping others succeed. "Go all in or go home." His summary of the commitment required to build a successful business. Bottom Line Tremayne Thompson's interview is a powerful story of entrepreneurship, faith, perseverance, and community leadership. His journey demonstrates that long-term business success is built on service, relationships, adaptability, and a willingness to do whatever work is necessary to achieve a vision. Through The Perfect Note, Thompson and his wife have created more than a venue—they have built a cultural gathering place that brings people together through food, music, and meaningful experiences. #STRAW #BEST #SHMSSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Miko Branch. Here is a clear, structured summary of the Miko Branch interview with Rushion McDonald, along with its purpose, key takeaways, and notable quotes, drawn directly from the transcript you provided.All information cites the uploaded file. SUMMARY OF THE INTERVIEW In this Money Making Conversations Masterclass episode, Rushion McDonald interviews Miko Branch, co‑founder and CEO of Miss Jessie’s, a pioneering hair‑care brand serving people with textured, curly, kinky, and wavy hair. Miko recounts how she and her late sister, Titi Branch, built Miss Jessie’s from their kitchen table in their Brooklyn brownstone, developing products designed to genuinely work for people with textured hair. She highlights the brand’s deeply personal roots—named after their grandmother Jessie Mae Branch, the first “CEO” they ever observed in action. Throughout the interview, Miko explains how Miss Jessie’s expanded from grassroots marketing, word‑of‑mouth, and early internet chat rooms to becoming a national brand found in Walgreens, CVS, Target, and more. She stresses the brand’s emphasis on education, authenticity, and providing solutions for all textured hair types. Miko also discusses signature product lines (Curly Pudding, Pillow Soft Curls, Daily Soft Curls, sulfate‑free shampoo) and how Miss Jessie’s became a leader in the natural hair movement—well before it became a mainstream trend. PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW 1. To showcase Miss Jessie’s origin story and entrepreneurial journey McDonald highlights how Miko built a multimillion‑dollar brand from her kitchen table. 2. To inspire current and aspiring entrepreneurs Miko demonstrates how authentic problem‑solving creates brand loyalty and long-term success. 3. To educate listeners about textured hair and the natural hair care industry The interview reinforces that natural hair is not a trend—it's an identity and lifestyle. 4. To highlight the importance of cultural heritage and family influence Miko shares how her grandmother, her sister, and her Brooklyn salon shaped Miss Jessie’s values and innovation. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Miss Jessie’s was built on authenticity and real consumer needs The brand emerged from real hairstyling challenges Miko and Titi solved for themselves and their salon clients.. 2. Education is central to the brand’s success Miss Jessie’s teaches customers how to understand and care for their curl types—wavy, curly, kinky, multicultural, or transitioning.McDonald says the site offers more information than any hair‑care brand he has interviewed. 3. Family legacy guides the company Their grandmother Jessie Mae’s leadership, work ethic, and kitchen‑table lessons inspired their business approach. 4. The natural hair movement is here to stay People increasingly embrace their God‑given texture; straightening is no longer the dominant norm. 5. Social media amplified—did not create—their success Word‑of‑mouth began long before social media; platforms today simply extend their reach. 6. Miss Jessie’s serves everyone with texture—not just Black women Men, boys, Latinas, mixed‑race individuals—anyone with curls or waves—can find a solution. 7. Product innovation drove their growth Curly Pudding, Pillow Soft Curls, Daily Soft Curls, and sulfate‑free shampoos transformed textured hair care. 8. Their Brooklyn salon doubled as R&D It allowed the sisters to test products directly on customers and ensure real‑world performance. NOTABLE QUOTES (from transcript) On the company’s beginnings “We started our business in our brownstone right at our kitchen table.” “Curly Pudding was the groundbreaker—the game changer.” On the brand’s philosophy “The bottom line is being able to create products that are helpful.” “Information and communication is key to success.” On inclusivity “Anyone who has texture… we have something for you.” On natural hair “Natural hair, curly hair is preferred… it’s how people want to express themselves.” “Natural hair is not a trend—it’s here to stay.” On social media and growth “We were going viral before ‘going viral’ was a word.”. On legacy “Our grandmother Jessie was the first female CEO we’d ever seen.”. #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Tremayne Thompson Summary of Tremayne Thompson's Interview with Rushion McDonald Thompson discussed his entrepreneurial journey from concert promotion in Chicago to establishing a thriving venue in Birmingham, Alabama, and later expanding into the Atlanta market. Throughout the conversation, he emphasized faith, service, community engagement, resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of mentorship in business. Purpose of the Interview The interview was intended to: Share the entrepreneurial journey behind The Perfect Note. Highlight the importance of community-driven business practices. Discuss how entertainment, food, and culture can create meaningful experiences. Provide lessons on business ownership, leadership, and perseverance. Inspire aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams while remaining committed to service and excellence. Key Takeaways 1. Build Around Service, Not Profit One of Thompson's strongest messages was that his business was never built solely to make money. Instead, it was created to serve people, provide memorable experiences, and create a place where adults could enjoy music, food, and fellowship. 2. Faith Guided the Business Journey Thompson repeatedly credited faith and spiritual guidance for helping him and his wife navigate challenges, including economic uncertainty, growth decisions, and the pandemic. 3. Start Small and Do the Work The Perfect Note began with humble roots. Thompson and his wife personally set up tables and chairs, decorated venues, handled operations, and tore everything down after events. Their success came from hands-on commitment and consistency. 4. Adaptability Creates Survival During COVID-19, when many businesses struggled to remain open, Thompson and his wife pivoted quickly. They transformed their operation into a parking lot food service model, maintaining customer relationships and supporting employees during a difficult time. 5. Community Support Drives Long-Term Success By serving the community during challenging periods, The Perfect Note earned lasting goodwill. Thompson believes that businesses that genuinely support people often receive that support back many times over. 6. Mentorship Is Essential Thompson advised aspiring entrepreneurs to seek guidance from people who have already navigated the challenges of business ownership. Learning from experienced mentors can help avoid costly mistakes and accelerate growth. 7. Create Experiences, Not Transactions The Perfect Note's success comes from providing more than food or music. It offers an environment where people connect, celebrate, build relationships, and create lasting memories. 8. Continuous Learning Matters Before entering the restaurant business, Thompson intentionally worked at Waffle House to learn kitchen operations and food preparation. He stressed the importance of understanding every aspect of a business before investing in it. Notable Quotes "Our purpose is to be able to have grown folks something for them to continue to still do." A reflection of The Perfect Note's mission to provide a quality entertainment experience for mature audiences. "It wasn't motivated by making money. It was motivated by serving." Perhaps the most powerful statement in the interview, highlighting the philosophy behind the business. "When we knew how to serve, the money came." A lesson that sustainable success often follows value creation and community impact. "When this is over, how you've reached out to the community, they're going to reach back out to you." His description of how community support helped the business survive and thrive after the pandemic. "Always get a mentor, somebody who has been in it." Advice to entrepreneurs about seeking guidance before and during business ownership. "Information is free. I don't own it." A statement reflecting his belief in sharing knowledge and helping others succeed. "Go all in or go home." His summary of the commitment required to build a successful business. Bottom Line Tremayne Thompson's interview is a powerful story of entrepreneurship, faith, perseverance, and community leadership. His journey demonstrates that long-term business success is built on service, relationships, adaptability, and a willingness to do whatever work is necessary to achieve a vision. Through The Perfect Note, Thompson and his wife have created more than a venue—they have built a cultural gathering place that brings people together through food, music, and meaningful experiences. #STRAW #BEST #SHMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed, Itiona Scott. The conversation focused on her entrepreneurial journey, the development of the Essie Marie brand, its health-focused product line, the company's placement in Whole Foods, and her vision for nationwide growth. Purpose of the Interview The interview served several purposes: To highlight Itiona Scott's journey from therapist to entrepreneur. To increase awareness of heart disease and its impact on underserved communities. To showcase Essie Marie as a healthier, heart-conscious food brand. To inspire entrepreneurs, especially women and minority founders, to pursue purpose-driven businesses. To discuss strategies for building and scaling a consumer packaged goods brand. Key Takeaways 1. Personal Tragedy Can Fuel Purpose Scott transformed the loss of her mother into a mission to improve health outcomes through better nutrition and education. 2. Business and Social Impact Can Coexist Essie Marie was built not only to generate revenue but also to address a public health issue affecting many families. 3. Healthy Food Doesn't Have to Sacrifice Flavor The brand focuses on products that are flavorful while also being vegan, low-sodium, gluten-free, and dairy-free. 4. Differentiation Matters Essie Marie has carved out a unique niche as a Black woman-owned heart-healthy dressing and marinade brand. 5. Persistence Leads to Growth Opportunities Scott discussed the steps involved in getting her products into Whole Foods, demonstrating the importance of preparation, branding, and perseverance. 6. Legacy Is a Powerful Business Motivator The company reflects Scott's commitment to honoring her mother's memory while helping others live healthier lives. 7. National Expansion Is Part of the Vision Scott's long-term goal is to make heart-healthy products accessible to more consumers across the country. Notable Quotes "My mother's death became the motivation for the company." "Essie Marie was created to impact the heart health epidemic within the women and minority communities." "Itiona plans to take Essie Marie products national, to help as many people as possible fight against the silent killer, heart disease." "This family recipe salad dressing is tasty, healthy and the perfect addition to any family gathering." Executive Takeaway Itiona Scott's interview is ultimately a story of turning pain into purpose. By combining her family's legacy, a commitment to healthier living, and entrepreneurial determination, she created a brand that seeks to make a meaningful difference in people's lives while building a successful business. The interview demonstrates how mission-driven companies can create both social impact and commercial success. #BEST #STRAW #SHMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Miko Branch. Here is a clear, structured summary of the Miko Branch interview with Rushion McDonald, along with its purpose, key takeaways, and notable quotes, drawn directly from the transcript you provided.All information cites the uploaded file. SUMMARY OF THE INTERVIEW In this Money Making Conversations Masterclass episode, Rushion McDonald interviews Miko Branch, co‑founder and CEO of Miss Jessie’s, a pioneering hair‑care brand serving people with textured, curly, kinky, and wavy hair. Miko recounts how she and her late sister, Titi Branch, built Miss Jessie’s from their kitchen table in their Brooklyn brownstone, developing products designed to genuinely work for people with textured hair. She highlights the brand’s deeply personal roots—named after their grandmother Jessie Mae Branch, the first “CEO” they ever observed in action. Throughout the interview, Miko explains how Miss Jessie’s expanded from grassroots marketing, word‑of‑mouth, and early internet chat rooms to becoming a national brand found in Walgreens, CVS, Target, and more. She stresses the brand’s emphasis on education, authenticity, and providing solutions for all textured hair types. Miko also discusses signature product lines (Curly Pudding, Pillow Soft Curls, Daily Soft Curls, sulfate‑free shampoo) and how Miss Jessie’s became a leader in the natural hair movement—well before it became a mainstream trend. PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW 1. To showcase Miss Jessie’s origin story and entrepreneurial journey McDonald highlights how Miko built a multimillion‑dollar brand from her kitchen table. 2. To inspire current and aspiring entrepreneurs Miko demonstrates how authentic problem‑solving creates brand loyalty and long-term success. 3. To educate listeners about textured hair and the natural hair care industry The interview reinforces that natural hair is not a trend—it's an identity and lifestyle. 4. To highlight the importance of cultural heritage and family influence Miko shares how her grandmother, her sister, and her Brooklyn salon shaped Miss Jessie’s values and innovation. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Miss Jessie’s was built on authenticity and real consumer needs The brand emerged from real hairstyling challenges Miko and Titi solved for themselves and their salon clients.. 2. Education is central to the brand’s success Miss Jessie’s teaches customers how to understand and care for their curl types—wavy, curly, kinky, multicultural, or transitioning.McDonald says the site offers more information than any hair‑care brand he has interviewed. 3. Family legacy guides the company Their grandmother Jessie Mae’s leadership, work ethic, and kitchen‑table lessons inspired their business approach. 4. The natural hair movement is here to stay People increasingly embrace their God‑given texture; straightening is no longer the dominant norm. 5. Social media amplified—did not create—their success Word‑of‑mouth began long before social media; platforms today simply extend their reach. 6. Miss Jessie’s serves everyone with texture—not just Black women Men, boys, Latinas, mixed‑race individuals—anyone with curls or waves—can find a solution. 7. Product innovation drove their growth Curly Pudding, Pillow Soft Curls, Daily Soft Curls, and sulfate‑free shampoos transformed textured hair care. 8. Their Brooklyn salon doubled as R&D It allowed the sisters to test products directly on customers and ensure real‑world performance. NOTABLE QUOTES (from transcript) On the company’s beginnings “We started our business in our brownstone right at our kitchen table.” “Curly Pudding was the groundbreaker—the game changer.” On the brand’s philosophy “The bottom line is being able to create products that are helpful.” “Information and communication is key to success.” On inclusivity “Anyone who has texture… we have something for you.” On natural hair “Natural hair, curly hair is preferred… it’s how people want to express themselves.” “Natural hair is not a trend—it’s here to stay.” On social media and growth “We were going viral before ‘going viral’ was a word.”. On legacy “Our grandmother Jessie was the first female CEO we’d ever seen.”. #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed, Itiona Scott. The conversation focused on her entrepreneurial journey, the development of the Essie Marie brand, its health-focused product line, the company's placement in Whole Foods, and her vision for nationwide growth. Purpose of the Interview The interview served several purposes: To highlight Itiona Scott's journey from therapist to entrepreneur. To increase awareness of heart disease and its impact on underserved communities. To showcase Essie Marie as a healthier, heart-conscious food brand. To inspire entrepreneurs, especially women and minority founders, to pursue purpose-driven businesses. To discuss strategies for building and scaling a consumer packaged goods brand. Key Takeaways 1. Personal Tragedy Can Fuel Purpose Scott transformed the loss of her mother into a mission to improve health outcomes through better nutrition and education. 2. Business and Social Impact Can Coexist Essie Marie was built not only to generate revenue but also to address a public health issue affecting many families. 3. Healthy Food Doesn't Have to Sacrifice Flavor The brand focuses on products that are flavorful while also being vegan, low-sodium, gluten-free, and dairy-free. 4. Differentiation Matters Essie Marie has carved out a unique niche as a Black woman-owned heart-healthy dressing and marinade brand. 5. Persistence Leads to Growth Opportunities Scott discussed the steps involved in getting her products into Whole Foods, demonstrating the importance of preparation, branding, and perseverance. 6. Legacy Is a Powerful Business Motivator The company reflects Scott's commitment to honoring her mother's memory while helping others live healthier lives. 7. National Expansion Is Part of the Vision Scott's long-term goal is to make heart-healthy products accessible to more consumers across the country. Notable Quotes "My mother's death became the motivation for the company." "Essie Marie was created to impact the heart health epidemic within the women and minority communities." "Itiona plans to take Essie Marie products national, to help as many people as possible fight against the silent killer, heart disease." "This family recipe salad dressing is tasty, healthy and the perfect addition to any family gathering." Executive Takeaway Itiona Scott's interview is ultimately a story of turning pain into purpose. By combining her family's legacy, a commitment to healthier living, and entrepreneurial determination, she created a brand that seeks to make a meaningful difference in people's lives while building a successful business. The interview demonstrates how mission-driven companies can create both social impact and commercial success. #BEST #STRAW #SHMSSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Tremayne Thompson Summary of Tremayne Thompson's Interview with Rushion McDonald Thompson discussed his entrepreneurial journey from concert promotion in Chicago to establishing a thriving venue in Birmingham, Alabama, and later expanding into the Atlanta market. Throughout the conversation, he emphasized faith, service, community engagement, resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of mentorship in business. Purpose of the Interview The interview was intended to: Share the entrepreneurial journey behind The Perfect Note. Highlight the importance of community-driven business practices. Discuss how entertainment, food, and culture can create meaningful experiences. Provide lessons on business ownership, leadership, and perseverance. Inspire aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams while remaining committed to service and excellence. Key Takeaways 1. Build Around Service, Not Profit One of Thompson's strongest messages was that his business was never built solely to make money. Instead, it was created to serve people, provide memorable experiences, and create a place where adults could enjoy music, food, and fellowship. 2. Faith Guided the Business Journey Thompson repeatedly credited faith and spiritual guidance for helping him and his wife navigate challenges, including economic uncertainty, growth decisions, and the pandemic. 3. Start Small and Do the Work The Perfect Note began with humble roots. Thompson and his wife personally set up tables and chairs, decorated venues, handled operations, and tore everything down after events. Their success came from hands-on commitment and consistency. 4. Adaptability Creates Survival During COVID-19, when many businesses struggled to remain open, Thompson and his wife pivoted quickly. They transformed their operation into a parking lot food service model, maintaining customer relationships and supporting employees during a difficult time. 5. Community Support Drives Long-Term Success By serving the community during challenging periods, The Perfect Note earned lasting goodwill. Thompson believes that businesses that genuinely support people often receive that support back many times over. 6. Mentorship Is Essential Thompson advised aspiring entrepreneurs to seek guidance from people who have already navigated the challenges of business ownership. Learning from experienced mentors can help avoid costly mistakes and accelerate growth. 7. Create Experiences, Not Transactions The Perfect Note's success comes from providing more than food or music. It offers an environment where people connect, celebrate, build relationships, and create lasting memories. 8. Continuous Learning Matters Before entering the restaurant business, Thompson intentionally worked at Waffle House to learn kitchen operations and food preparation. He stressed the importance of understanding every aspect of a business before investing in it. Notable Quotes "Our purpose is to be able to have grown folks something for them to continue to still do." A reflection of The Perfect Note's mission to provide a quality entertainment experience for mature audiences. "It wasn't motivated by making money. It was motivated by serving." Perhaps the most powerful statement in the interview, highlighting the philosophy behind the business. "When we knew how to serve, the money came." A lesson that sustainable success often follows value creation and community impact. "When this is over, how you've reached out to the community, they're going to reach back out to you." His description of how community support helped the business survive and thrive after the pandemic. "Always get a mentor, somebody who has been in it." Advice to entrepreneurs about seeking guidance before and during business ownership. "Information is free. I don't own it." A statement reflecting his belief in sharing knowledge and helping others succeed. "Go all in or go home." His summary of the commitment required to build a successful business. Bottom Line Tremayne Thompson's interview is a powerful story of entrepreneurship, faith, perseverance, and community leadership. His journey demonstrates that long-term business success is built on service, relationships, adaptability, and a willingness to do whatever work is necessary to achieve a vision. Through The Perfect Note, Thompson and his wife have created more than a venue—they have built a cultural gathering place that brings people together through food, music, and meaningful experiences. #STRAW #BEST #SHMSSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcast Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Howard Hewett. Rushion McDonald invited legendary R&B vocalist Howard Hewett to share the lessons behind his four-decade music career, focusing on perseverance, preparation, personal vision, integrity, and long-term success. The conversation was designed not only for music fans, but also for entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals seeking insight into how sustained success is built over time. The interview blends Howard's personal journey—from Akron, Ohio, to becoming the lead voice of Shalamar—with practical life and business principles that helped him remain relevant and respected throughout his career. Executive Summary Howard Hewett reflected on his early years as a performer, the unexpected opportunity that led to his joining Shalamar, and the mindset that enabled him to capitalize on life-changing opportunities. He emphasized that success is rarely accidental; it comes from preparation, visualization, discipline, and maintaining integrity. A major theme throughout the interview was that individuals must prepare for opportunities long before they arrive. Hewett explained how years of practice and dedication allowed him to seize the moment when an audition unexpectedly presented itself, eventually launching him into one of R&B's most successful groups. Key Takeaways 1. Preparation Creates Opportunity Howard stressed that talent alone is not enough. Success occurs when preparation meets opportunity. He spent years singing and performing before receiving his breakthrough. When the opportunity to audition for Shalamar arrived, he was ready because he had already done the work. Being "ready" often matters more than being lucky. Business Lesson: Continuous preparation allows people to act decisively when opportunities appear. 2. Visualization Is Powerful Howard discussed the importance of mentally seeing success before it happens. After moving to California, he regularly visualized performing in front of thousands of people. He imagined achieving professional goals long before they became reality. Visualization strengthened his confidence and focus. Business Lesson: Successful people often create a clear vision of their future and work consistently toward it. 3. Your Reputation Matters Throughout the conversation, Howard highlighted the value of character and professionalism. Relationships in the entertainment industry were built on trust. Integrity helped sustain a career that has lasted more than 40 years. Success without character is difficult to maintain. Business Lesson: Reputation is one of the most valuable assets a person can possess. 4. Stay Ready for Unexpected Opportunities One of the most compelling stories involved how Howard joined Shalamar. He received an unexpected phone call while at the Motown building. He auditioned shortly afterward. Within days, he had joined the group and was performing on television. The rapid sequence of events showed how quickly life can change when preparation meets opportunity. Business Lesson: Major breakthroughs often arrive with little warning. 5. Longevity Requires Adaptability Howard's career has spanned multiple generations of music fans. He discussed evolving with the industry while maintaining authenticity. He recognized the importance of growth without losing his artistic identity. Longevity comes from balancing innovation with consistency. Business Lesson: The ability to adapt is essential for sustained success. 6. Believe in Yourself Before Others Do Howard spoke about having confidence in his abilities long before widespread recognition. Self-belief helped him persevere through challenges and uncertainty. Confidence strengthened his willingness to pursue ambitious goals. External success followed an internal commitment to excellence. Business Lesson: Confidence and vision often precede achievement. Notable Quotes & Memorable Messages The interview centered around several recurring themes that Howard expressed throughout the conversation: "Preparation turns opportunity into success." "You have to be ready when the door opens." "Visualization helps create the life you want to live." "Integrity is something nobody can take away from you." "Don't wait for opportunity—prepare for it." "Success starts with believing in yourself." "Always be ready because your opportunity can come when you least expect it." Overall Message The interview was ultimately a masterclass on preparation, vision, self-belief, and longevity. Howard Hewett's story demonstrates that sustained success is not built on luck alone. It comes from years of disciplined preparation, maintaining strong values, visualizing success, and being ready when opportunity arrives. For entrepreneurs, artists, and professionals alike, his message was clear: Stay prepared, protect your integrity, believe in your vision, and be ready when opportunity knocks. #STRAW #BEST #SHMS Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcast Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Howard Hewett. Rushion McDonald invited legendary R&B vocalist Howard Hewett to share the lessons behind his four-decade music career, focusing on perseverance, preparation, personal vision, integrity, and long-term success. The conversation was designed not only for music fans, but also for entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals seeking insight into how sustained success is built over time. The interview blends Howard's personal journey—from Akron, Ohio, to becoming the lead voice of Shalamar—with practical life and business principles that helped him remain relevant and respected throughout his career. Executive Summary Howard Hewett reflected on his early years as a performer, the unexpected opportunity that led to his joining Shalamar, and the mindset that enabled him to capitalize on life-changing opportunities. He emphasized that success is rarely accidental; it comes from preparation, visualization, discipline, and maintaining integrity. A major theme throughout the interview was that individuals must prepare for opportunities long before they arrive. Hewett explained how years of practice and dedication allowed him to seize the moment when an audition unexpectedly presented itself, eventually launching him into one of R&B's most successful groups. Key Takeaways 1. Preparation Creates Opportunity Howard stressed that talent alone is not enough. Success occurs when preparation meets opportunity. He spent years singing and performing before receiving his breakthrough. When the opportunity to audition for Shalamar arrived, he was ready because he had already done the work. Being "ready" often matters more than being lucky. Business Lesson: Continuous preparation allows people to act decisively when opportunities appear. 2. Visualization Is Powerful Howard discussed the importance of mentally seeing success before it happens. After moving to California, he regularly visualized performing in front of thousands of people. He imagined achieving professional goals long before they became reality. Visualization strengthened his confidence and focus. Business Lesson: Successful people often create a clear vision of their future and work consistently toward it. 3. Your Reputation Matters Throughout the conversation, Howard highlighted the value of character and professionalism. Relationships in the entertainment industry were built on trust. Integrity helped sustain a career that has lasted more than 40 years. Success without character is difficult to maintain. Business Lesson: Reputation is one of the most valuable assets a person can possess. 4. Stay Ready for Unexpected Opportunities One of the most compelling stories involved how Howard joined Shalamar. He received an unexpected phone call while at the Motown building. He auditioned shortly afterward. Within days, he had joined the group and was performing on television. The rapid sequence of events showed how quickly life can change when preparation meets opportunity. Business Lesson: Major breakthroughs often arrive with little warning. 5. Longevity Requires Adaptability Howard's career has spanned multiple generations of music fans. He discussed evolving with the industry while maintaining authenticity. He recognized the importance of growth without losing his artistic identity. Longevity comes from balancing innovation with consistency. Business Lesson: The ability to adapt is essential for sustained success. 6. Believe in Yourself Before Others Do Howard spoke about having confidence in his abilities long before widespread recognition. Self-belief helped him persevere through challenges and uncertainty. Confidence strengthened his willingness to pursue ambitious goals. External success followed an internal commitment to excellence. Business Lesson: Confidence and vision often precede achievement. Notable Quotes & Memorable Messages The interview centered around several recurring themes that Howard expressed throughout the conversation: "Preparation turns opportunity into success." "You have to be ready when the door opens." "Visualization helps create the life you want to live." "Integrity is something nobody can take away from you." "Don't wait for opportunity—prepare for it." "Success starts with believing in yourself." "Always be ready because your opportunity can come when you least expect it." Overall Message The interview was ultimately a masterclass on preparation, vision, self-belief, and longevity. Howard Hewett's story demonstrates that sustained success is not built on luck alone. It comes from years of disciplined preparation, maintaining strong values, visualizing success, and being ready when opportunity arrives. For entrepreneurs, artists, and professionals alike, his message was clear: Stay prepared, protect your integrity, believe in your vision, and be ready when opportunity knocks. #STRAW #BEST #SHMS See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Have you ever felt like your business was evolving, but no one understood the vision? In this first CEO Diary episode of Social Media Decoded, I'm taking you behind the scenes of my business to share what I'm really building—and why I've shifted my focus from creating more content to building meaningful community. I talk about why relationships have become my greatest business strategy, how Coffee & Connections, my Hidden Gem series, and Connected & Paid Live all fit together, and why I believe the future belongs to entrepreneurs who create ecosystems instead of chasing algorithms. If you're a business owner, creator, or entrepreneur looking to build a brand that's rooted in connection, visibility, and long-term impact, this episode is for you. In this episode, you'll learn: Why I stopped chasing followers and started building community The difference between creating content and creating connection How networking events became relationship accelerators Why community is the future of business growth How partnerships and sponsorships fit into a long-term brand strategy The vision behind Connected & Paid Live Why every entrepreneur should build a visibility ecosystem instead of relying on one platform If this episode resonates with you, send me a DM on Instagram with the word EVENT to learn more about Connected & Paid Live. Resources Mentioned Connected & Paid Live Coffee, Content & Connections Connected & Paid Collective Connect with Michelle: Instagram: @michellelthames Website: https://michellethames.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Howard Hewett. Rushion McDonald invited legendary R&B vocalist Howard Hewett to share the lessons behind his four-decade music career, focusing on perseverance, preparation, personal vision, integrity, and long-term success. The conversation was designed not only for music fans, but also for entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals seeking insight into how sustained success is built over time. The interview blends Howard's personal journey—from Akron, Ohio, to becoming the lead voice of Shalamar—with practical life and business principles that helped him remain relevant and respected throughout his career. Executive Summary Howard Hewett reflected on his early years as a performer, the unexpected opportunity that led to his joining Shalamar, and the mindset that enabled him to capitalize on life-changing opportunities. He emphasized that success is rarely accidental; it comes from preparation, visualization, discipline, and maintaining integrity. A major theme throughout the interview was that individuals must prepare for opportunities long before they arrive. Hewett explained how years of practice and dedication allowed him to seize the moment when an audition unexpectedly presented itself, eventually launching him into one of R&B's most successful groups. Key Takeaways 1. Preparation Creates Opportunity Howard stressed that talent alone is not enough. Success occurs when preparation meets opportunity. He spent years singing and performing before receiving his breakthrough. When the opportunity to audition for Shalamar arrived, he was ready because he had already done the work. Being "ready" often matters more than being lucky. Business Lesson: Continuous preparation allows people to act decisively when opportunities appear. 2. Visualization Is Powerful Howard discussed the importance of mentally seeing success before it happens. After moving to California, he regularly visualized performing in front of thousands of people. He imagined achieving professional goals long before they became reality. Visualization strengthened his confidence and focus. Business Lesson: Successful people often create a clear vision of their future and work consistently toward it. 3. Your Reputation Matters Throughout the conversation, Howard highlighted the value of character and professionalism. Relationships in the entertainment industry were built on trust. Integrity helped sustain a career that has lasted more than 40 years. Success without character is difficult to maintain. Business Lesson: Reputation is one of the most valuable assets a person can possess. 4. Stay Ready for Unexpected Opportunities One of the most compelling stories involved how Howard joined Shalamar. He received an unexpected phone call while at the Motown building. He auditioned shortly afterward. Within days, he had joined the group and was performing on television. The rapid sequence of events showed how quickly life can change when preparation meets opportunity. Business Lesson: Major breakthroughs often arrive with little warning. 5. Longevity Requires Adaptability Howard's career has spanned multiple generations of music fans. He discussed evolving with the industry while maintaining authenticity. He recognized the importance of growth without losing his artistic identity. Longevity comes from balancing innovation with consistency. Business Lesson: The ability to adapt is essential for sustained success. 6. Believe in Yourself Before Others Do Howard spoke about having confidence in his abilities long before widespread recognition. Self-belief helped him persevere through challenges and uncertainty. Confidence strengthened his willingness to pursue ambitious goals. External success followed an internal commitment to excellence. Business Lesson: Confidence and vision often precede achievement. Notable Quotes & Memorable Messages The interview centered around several recurring themes that Howard expressed throughout the conversation: "Preparation turns opportunity into success." "You have to be ready when the door opens." "Visualization helps create the life you want to live." "Integrity is something nobody can take away from you." "Don't wait for opportunity—prepare for it." "Success starts with believing in yourself." "Always be ready because your opportunity can come when you least expect it." Overall Message The interview was ultimately a masterclass on preparation, vision, self-belief, and longevity. Howard Hewett's story demonstrates that sustained success is not built on luck alone. It comes from years of disciplined preparation, maintaining strong values, visualizing success, and being ready when opportunity arrives. For entrepreneurs, artists, and professionals alike, his message was clear: Stay prepared, protect your integrity, believe in your vision, and be ready when opportunity knocks. #STRAW #BEST #SHMS Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Danielle spent over a decade crafting brands behind the scenes. What came next? Saying yes to her own vision—and learning how to juggle businesses, babies, and boundaries in the realest way possible. Danielle is a designer, creative director, strategist, educator, brand mentor and founder of award winning, California-based branding and packaging studio, Designsake. She started her career in publishing as a photographer, then transitioned to be a visual designer at Benefit Cosmetics where she created brand and product strategy, custom packaging, and global advertising campaigns for six years. In 2014, she launched Designsake and since then has partnered with numerous start ups and legacy brands in the beauty, health and wellness, food and beverage, lifestyle, cannabis, and B2B categories. Then in 2022, her and business partner Lauren Meeker, launched SARDINE, a bold yet wearable eyewear brand that is rich in flavor, high in wearability, and seasoned with style. Since launching, the brand has grown its presence nationwide to 100+ boutiques between US and Canada, has collaborated with coveted brands like Freda Salvador, and even popped up for the summer at the Soul Cycle's Barn in the Hamptons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Build a Brand That Opens Doors Before You Walk Into the RoomWhat makes someone memorable?It's not just a great website.It's not posting every day on social media.And it isn't luck.In this episode of Casa De Confidence, Julie DeLucca-Collins sits down with award-winning public relations strategist and entrepreneur Aquila Mendez-Valdez, founder of Haute in Texas and creator of one of the country's first PR agency franchise models.Together they unpack what it really takes to build authority, become visible, attract ideal clients, and create a business that reflects your values—not someone else's expectations.Whether you're building your first business or growing an established brand, this conversation offers practical advice on personal branding, marketing strategy, confidence, delegation, and creating a business that supports your life instead of consuming it.In This EpisodeThe difference between public relations and marketingWhy every founder needs a personal brandBuilding confidence without comparisonHow to stop chasing external validationCreating a business around your valuesWhy women struggle with visibilityBuilding authority before sellingHow PR creates trust with potential clientsWhy testimonials and case studies matterThe importance of founder visibilityStarting a PR agency while raising young childrenFranchising as a pathway to entrepreneurshipWhy collaboration beats competitionCreating sustainable success without burnout
This episode comes to you live from our pop-up studio at the CommerceNext Growth Show in New York City. Our guest: Jason LaRose, CEO of Bombas — the brand that turned socks, underwear, and tees into a mission-powered growth machine, with more than 200 million essential clothing items donated to people experiencing homelessness. But first, the news — and in our summer biweekly format, there's plenty. Steve breaks down Nike's unimpressive quarter: revenues down, China off 12%, and an operating profit boost driven almost entirely by a nearly billion-dollar one-time tariff refund. The contrast with Levi's couldn't be sharper — under Michelle Gass, the brand posted 8% sales growth, expanding margins, and momentum across women's and tops. The winners keep winning elsewhere too. Aritzia's remarkable run continues with comps up an eye-popping 35% and digital up nearly 60%. Uniqlo parent Fast Retailing delivers 22% revenue growth from its 2,500-store global fleet. And Costco's monthly numbers offer fresh evidence of retail's Great Concentration. Then there's Kroger, acquiring regional grocery powerhouse Giant Eagle — a $9 billion revenue business bought at a strikingly low multiple. Michael and Steve debate the real question: does acquiring-to-compete solve Kroger's relevance problem, or just buy cost leverage against Walmart, Costco, and Amazon? Then it's on to Jason LaRose, who joined Bombas after leadership roles at Under Armour and Equinox. What drew him in: a genuine mission wrapped around outstanding economics — profitable essentially since day one. He traces the brand's arc from Indiegogo campaign and Shark Tank's most successful company ever to nearly $2 billion in cumulative sales, now expanding into underwear, tees, footwear, and slippers — the very items most requested in homeless shelters. LaRose also delivers a masterclass in disciplined distribution: highly curated wholesale partnerships with Target, Dick's, Nordstrom, and Scheels, each with distinct assortments for distinct customers, alongside the brand's first stores and expansion into Canada. His mantra — quality, comfort, mission, in that order — explains why repeat rates keep the funnel from leaking where so many DTC peers sprang holes. Wrapping up, on Steve's radar: a Dallas-area tour of the newly merged Container Store and Bed Bath & Beyond format (who exactly is this store for?), plus his provocative new Substack essay, "Convenience is Boring." On Michael's radar: the soon-to-open Gordie Howe Bridge, his conversation with U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra, and why USMCA review limbo keeps piling uncertainty — and cost — onto businesses and consumers across North America. About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling author of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail, The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the NRF as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2026 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.
Introducing Brand Relevance in the Age of AI — A Special Series of Burke's BeyondMeasure Podcast.The path to purchase is evolving. Consumers are increasingly turning to large language models (LLMs) and AI-powered platforms to research products, compare options, and seek recommendations, redefining the traditional discovery journeys. Our series will explore how Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is emerging alongside SEO, why trust remains critical, and what brands can do to remain visible and relevant in this new environment. In this second episode, Rethinking Brand Building for AI Search, host Eric Scheer continues the AI-driven search discussion with Kim Winburn of Mars Petcare, Adam Bittner of BrandRank.AI, and Burke's James Sorensen. Building on the foundation established in Episode 1, they examine how the shift from links (SEO) to answers (AEO) is changing the marketing playbook and what brands must do to remain relevant in an AI-first discovery environment. Perspectives are shared on media effectiveness, shopper marketing, brand strategy, and AEO, exploring how organizations can prepare for a future where being the answer may matter more than being the top search result.Tune in to learn:How AI-driven search is reshaping the marketing funnel and consumer considerationWhy brand visibility, relevance, and content readiness matter more than everWhat leading organizations are doing today to build an effective AEO strategy and prepare for the future of agentic commerce Whether you're responsible for digital marketing, media planning, brand strategy, or customer experience, this episode offers practical guidance for navigating a landscape where AI is influencing how people discover, evaluate, and ultimately choose brands. For more information on how to navigate AI-driven consumer behavior, visit Burke's Expert-led AI Brand Strategy resources.Thanks for listening! Please subscribe to be notified offuture episodes of Burke's BeyondMeasure podcast.
The MAFFEO DRINKS Podcast is a leading drinks business podcast, listened to in 120 countries worldwide with 125+ episodes. Honest conversations about how the industry actually works, from the bar and what it means for the boardroom.This Episode is hosted by Chris Maffeo and brought to you by MAFFEO DRINKS.Daniel Szor is the founder of Cotswolds Distillery, one of the first four distilleries ever to make whisky in England. How do you build a brand in a category that does not exist yet? Why does owning a clear drinking occasion matter more than chasing prestige? And why did Daniel pledge 100 days in trade after hiring a CEO, instead of stepping back?Find all episodes featuring Daniel Szor at themaffeodrinkspodcast.com.Bottom up. Wanna know what the conversation above means for your team? It's in the paid section.For €100 a year you get access to Maffeo Confidential (Private Podcast) and get this analysis and access to the full archive of 125 episodes, each one translated from industry conversation into the commercial decisions underneath it. Find out more at maffeodrinks.com
Shopify Masters | The ecommerce business and marketing podcast for ambitious entrepreneurs
Melissa Mash built Dagne Dover from a business school focus group and $40,000 in pre-sales into a brand now carried in more than 250 retail locations—without ever taking venture capital. By ditching Meta and Google in favor of events, sponsorships, and high-touch retail relationships, nearly half the brand's growth now comes from word of mouth alone. For more on Dagne Dover and show notes click here Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.
Have you ever looked at a brand from your childhood and felt a sudden rush of memory—a connection to a story or character that helped shape who you are today? In an age of fast-moving trends, we often forget that the most powerful brands aren't just products; they are shared experiences that connect us across generations.Today, we are joined by a man who has mastered the art of reviving that magic. Sam Bremner is the founder of IVEST Consumer Partners, a private equity firm dedicated to investing in consumer brands, intellectual property, and those nostalgic franchises that have stood the test of time. Sam Bremner is the founder of IVEST Consumer Partners, a private equity firm focused on investing in consumer brands, intellectual property, and nostalgic franchises that have shaped generations. His work centers on reviving beloved brands and bringing them back into cultural relevance, proving that the stories and characters people grew up with still hold powerful emotional value today. Before founding IVEST, Sam's path took him from entrepreneurship into the corporate world, where he eventually partnered with former Warner Bros. executives behind iconic licensing deals, including Harry Potter. That experience deepened his belief that the most successful brands are more than products, they're shared memories that connect people across generations.Today, Sam leads with what he calls “high-frequency leadership,” a philosophy rooted in emotional connection and authentic partnerships with the brands and teams he works with. He is also the author of the forthcoming book “The Frequency of Leadership”, where he explores how leading through connection rather than control can help brands and the people behind them reach their full potential. CONTACT DETAILS:Business: IVEST Consumer PartnersWebsite: https://ivestconsumer.com/ Social Media:LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sambremnerivest/ Remember to SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss "Information That You Can Use." Share Just Minding My Business with your family, friends, and colleagues. Engage with us by leaving a review or comment on my Google Business Page. https://g.page/r/CVKSq-IsFaY9EBM/review Your support keeps this podcast going and growing. Visit Just Minding My Business Media™ LLC at https://jmmbmediallc.com/ to learn how we can help you get more visibility on your products and services.
There's one guest Emily brings back every single season: her sister, Carolyn Tisch Blodgett. Carolyn's had one heck of a year: she's Governor of Gotham FC (who won the championship again this year!), and she represents the family's ownership stake in the New York Giants. In this episode of She Pivots, Carolyn dives into what it's actually like to build something as it's happening in real time, the bets that could've gone either way, and all the unglamorous stuff nobody posts about. The sisters get into the night Gotham flew to Kansas City as total underdogs, why the new locker room design has an L-shaped entrance, and what's coming this summer as Gotham takes on the Washington Spirit at Citi Field in front of what could be the biggest crowd in NYC women's sports history. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to She Pivots 00:29 The Annual Carolyn She Pivots Episode 02:10 Navigating Women's Sports Ownership 04:01 The Importance of Media Deals in Sports 06:52 Women's Sports as an Investment Opportunity 13:01 Building the First Global Women's Sports Brand 18:57 Breaking into Culture 22:32 The Championship Win and Future Challenges 32:05 Investing in Player Experience and Facilities 35:21 Intentional Design for Women's Soccer 39:29 Lessons from the Giants: Fan Engagement 42:56 Making the Hard Decisions 45:27 Low Point to Launch 46:23 Do You Think You'll Pivot Again? 47:44 Closing Thoughts and Credits You can keep up with Carolyn’s work by following Gotham FC @gothamfc (gothamfc.com) or checking out Next3. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a pivot story, leave us a rating (it really helps!), and share this episode with a woman in your life who you think needs a little inspiration. She Pivots is a podcast created by host Emily Tisch Sussman to highlight influential women voices, share stories of bold career moves, and inspire women with interviews about career reinvention and how personal pivots can redefine professional success. Join our Substack community! Subscribe here for exclusive content and to connect with other pivoters: shepivots.substack.com Learn more about the inspiring women in our pivoter community by following us on instagram @ShePivotsThePodcast, and check out our website shepivotspod.com for resources and updates. She Pivots is proud to be an iheart podcast.Support the show: https://www.shepivotsthepodcast.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shopify Masters | The ecommerce business and marketing podcast for ambitious entrepreneurs
Melanie Bender spent years building some of skin care's most coveted brands before betting her next chapter on fragrance—a category she saw on the verge of its biggest moment yet. By leading with story over specs and making influencer relationships the heart of her strategy, she took Lore from concept to 250 Sephora doors almost overnight. For more on Lore and show notes click here Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.
What if the secret to growing on social media isn't chasing trends—but becoming more authentically yourself? In this special live conversation from the She Believed She Could™ Summit, Allison Walsh sits down with three of today's most influential digital creators—Noelle Schnacky, Ella Schnacky, and Kristin Schnacky—to unpack what it really takes to build a personal brand that creates lasting impact. With millions of followers across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and beyond, the Schnacky sisters have built thriving online communities rooted in authenticity, faith, purpose, and genuine connection. In this candid conversation, they pull back the curtain on the strategies that have fueled their growth, the lessons they've learned along the way, and why staying true to your values will always outperform chasing the algorithm. Whether you're an entrepreneur, creator, speaker, nonprofit leader, coach, or simply someone looking to show up more confidently online, this episode is packed with practical, actionable advice to help you grow your audience, strengthen your personal brand, and create content that truly resonates. In this episode, you'll learn: How to discover your authentic voice and stand out online without pretending to be someone you're not Why knowing your identity matters more than chasing algorithms How vulnerability creates meaningful connection and builds loyal communities The importance of consistency and realistic content planning How to identify your niche and create content people actually want to follow The role of storytelling in growing an engaged audience How to use social media insights to guide your content strategy Why engagement and transformation matter more than vanity metrics Tips for repurposing content across multiple platforms How to avoid creator burnout through batching and scheduling Best practices for Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and cross-platform growth Ways creators monetize their platforms through brand partnerships, affiliate marketing, live streaming, and YouTube How to protect your personal brand by saying "no" to opportunities that aren't aligned with your values Memorable Takeaways "Behind every like, view, and follow is a real person." "What you feed grows. What you starve dies." "You don't have to share everything, but your story is often what creates the deepest connection." "Success isn't measured by followers. It's measured by transformation." Meet Our Guests Noelle Schnacky is a speaker, content creator, and former Miss Florida's Teen who is passionate about helping the next generation embrace authentic confidence, build meaningful connections, and use their platforms to create purpose-driven influence. Ella Schnacky is a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and digital creator whose music and online presence have inspired millions around the world. Through faith-filled storytelling and creative expression, she encourages others to lead with authenticity and use their gifts to make a lasting impact. Kristin Schnacky is a content creator, entrepreneur, and speaker who has cultivated a thriving online community rooted in faith, family, relationships, and honest storytelling. Through her relatable content and genuine transparency, she empowers others to build meaningful connections and live with authenticity. Whether you're building a business, growing a personal brand, or simply looking to make a greater impact online, this conversation will inspire you to lead with purpose, show up authentically, and build a community that lasts. --- Positioned for Partnerships™ Mini Course - Turn your platform into a revenue-generating brand opportunity—without needing a massive following. Learn how to position your brand, create a high-converting media kit, and confidently pitch partnerships so brands instantly understand your value.
Concern over short-termism has more than doubled in three years, from 25% of marketers calling it the biggest industry issue in 2022 to 55% in 2025. And yet, budget allocation has barely moved.This week, Elena, Angela, and Rob dig into why the say-do gap persists in media planning and what it looks like to build a mix based on marketing effectiveness principles instead. They walk through the 60-40 rule and how to make it your own, what warning signs signal a brand is over-indexed on performance, and why channels like TV and audio earn a closer look when competitors are busy piling into the same digital placements. Topics covered:[01:00] The say-do gap and why marketers keep doing what they know doesn't work[05:22] What rebalancing toward brand building looks like in practice[07:27] Warning signs your brand is over-indexed on performance[10:00] How to use reach to grow beyond your existing customers[12:28] Using share of voice to find channel opportunities your competitors have missed[14:08] Linear vs. CTV: how to use each as a distinct strategic tool[17:46] Building a measurement approach that captures both short and long-term impactTo learn more, visit marketingarchitects.com/podcast or subscribe to our newsletter at marketingarchitects.com/newsletter. Resources: 2026 WARC Article: https://www.warc.com/en/article/whats-stopping-cmos-investing-in-brand-building-9ceffeb68530467cb3ecc12959e94670 Get more research-backed marketing strategies by subscribing to The Marketing Architects on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Shopify Masters | The ecommerce business and marketing podcast for ambitious entrepreneurs
Aishwarya Iyer built Brightland into an eight-figure California olive oil brand by saying no to major retailers, outside investors, and every shortcut that came her way. She breaks down the brand's scrappy early days, the organic press strategy that landed her in Bon Appétit, and why she said no to Whole Foods—twice. For more on Brightland and show notes click here Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.
In this episode of The Speed of Culture podcast, Louis Carr, President of BET and founder of Waymaker Media, joins Matt Britton to discuss how one of the most influential media brands in the world is evolving for a new era. Drawing on nearly four decades at BET, Louis breaks down why the brands winning with multicultural consumers lead with growth targets, not purpose statements, and what that distinction means for marketers. The conversation covers BET's community, culture, and connection framework, the network's intentional approach to youth relevance, and what the BET Awards reveal about where black culture is heading next. Louis also gets candid about the $7 million mistake that nearly ended his career and the waymakers who shaped everything that followed.Follow Suzy on Twitter: @AskSuzyBizFollow Louis Carr on LinkedInSubscribe to The Speed of Culture on your favorite podcast platform.And if you have a question or suggestions for the show, send us an email at suzy@suzy.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Brendan Kaminsky.
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Brendan Kaminsky.
Shopify Masters | The ecommerce business and marketing podcast for ambitious entrepreneurs
Leaders Founders behind Ouai, Good Girl Snacks, Heaven Mayhem, Hedley & Bennett, and more share the expensive, embarrassing, and clarifying mistakes that taught them how to build stronger businesses. For more from these leaders click here Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Cherina & Mowbray Rowand.
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Cherina & Mowbray Rowand.
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Cherina & Mowbray Rowand.
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Brendan Kaminsky. Founder of B Known Agency, a boutique branding and digital marketing firm specializing in sports and entertainment. Kaminsky shares his journey from consulting, to working at ESPN, to eventually launching his own agency. He discusses helping major personalities like Stephen A. Smith, Jalen Rose, Harrison Barnes, and Rich Eisen develop strong social media identities and storytelling strategies. Brendan explains why he left ESPN after six and a half years—despite the security, prestige, and Disney benefits—to pursue entrepreneurship. He describes how brand building has shifted from traditional media to a landscape where relatability, vertical video, audience engagement, and consistent content matter more than follower counts. He also talks about the pressure of managing public-facing work in real time, the importance of being accessible to high‑profile clients, the rising role of AI in content creation, and how social platforms have become core to modern marketing strategies. Additionally, Brendan shares specific examples of working with Jalen Rose on mixing sports commentary with community-focused storytelling and describes how Rich Eisen’s annual “Run Rich Run” 40‑yard dash evolved into a signature charitable brand moment. The interview closes with insights on relationship-building, authenticity, and visibility—reinforcing that in the digital era, it’s not just “who you know,” but who knows you. PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW 1. To highlight Brendan Kaminsky’s entrepreneurial journey McDonald explores how Kaminsky transitioned from a major corporation (ESPN) to founding a successful agency. 2. To educate listeners on the evolving world of branding and digital media Kaminsky explains how branding now depends on relatability, vertical video, and engagement over follower count. 3. To provide actionable guidance for entrepreneurs and creators The interview teaches how consistency, accessibility, and storytelling help build a recognizable digital brand. 4. To show how athletes and media personalities use content to expand influence Brendan walks through real client strategies—from Jalen Rose’s community work to Rich Eisen’s fundraising dash. 5. To explore the role of AI in modern marketing Kaminsky discusses how AI assists with analytics, research, and identifying viral content moments. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Relatability drives modern branding People connect with authenticity, not polished promotion. Talk to your audience, not at them. 2. Engagement matters more than follower count Algorithms reward content that resonates, regardless of how many people follow you. A creator with 10,000 followers can hit a million views. 3. Social media requires presence and accessibility High-profile clients expect responsiveness; being available is key to agency success. 4. Vertical video is the new standard Optimizing content for mobile consumption is essential—TV graphics no longer dictate how content is built. 5. AI is an asset, not a threat Kaminsky uses AI for virality scoring, caption suggestions, research, and identifying strong clips from long-form content. 6. Data tells the story Success can be clearly measured through views, engagement, and growth—unlike billboards or traditional media. 7. Use “hot topics” to highlight deeper work For clients like Jalen Rose, trending sports conversations help drive attention to community-focused initiatives like his leadership academy. 8. Brand moments can start from something small Rich Eisen’s 40-yard dash evolved into a signature charity event and content anchor. 9. Entrepreneurship requires trusting your gut He left ESPN without telling anyone beforehand to avoid discouragement—because he felt the pull to build his own vision. 10. Visibility creates opportunity In the digital era, it’s not just who you know—it’s who knows you. NOTABLE QUOTES On entrepreneurship “I trusted my gut… I didn’t tell one person I was leaving ESPN because I didn’t want anyone to make me doubt myself.” On branding “People want to relate to you. They want to get to know you.” “Talk directly to your audience.” On social metrics “It’s become a lot more about engagement and views than total follower number.” On accessibility “You could be the best at your job, but if a client can’t reach you, it doesn’t matter.” On visibility “It’s not about who you know—it’s about who knows you.” On AI “AI is absolutely an asset… it helps us with research, analytics, even virality scoring.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Brendan Kaminsky. Founder of B Known Agency, a boutique branding and digital marketing firm specializing in sports and entertainment. Kaminsky shares his journey from consulting, to working at ESPN, to eventually launching his own agency. He discusses helping major personalities like Stephen A. Smith, Jalen Rose, Harrison Barnes, and Rich Eisen develop strong social media identities and storytelling strategies. Brendan explains why he left ESPN after six and a half years—despite the security, prestige, and Disney benefits—to pursue entrepreneurship. He describes how brand building has shifted from traditional media to a landscape where relatability, vertical video, audience engagement, and consistent content matter more than follower counts. He also talks about the pressure of managing public-facing work in real time, the importance of being accessible to high‑profile clients, the rising role of AI in content creation, and how social platforms have become core to modern marketing strategies. Additionally, Brendan shares specific examples of working with Jalen Rose on mixing sports commentary with community-focused storytelling and describes how Rich Eisen’s annual “Run Rich Run” 40‑yard dash evolved into a signature charitable brand moment. The interview closes with insights on relationship-building, authenticity, and visibility—reinforcing that in the digital era, it’s not just “who you know,” but who knows you. PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW 1. To highlight Brendan Kaminsky’s entrepreneurial journey McDonald explores how Kaminsky transitioned from a major corporation (ESPN) to founding a successful agency. 2. To educate listeners on the evolving world of branding and digital media Kaminsky explains how branding now depends on relatability, vertical video, and engagement over follower count. 3. To provide actionable guidance for entrepreneurs and creators The interview teaches how consistency, accessibility, and storytelling help build a recognizable digital brand. 4. To show how athletes and media personalities use content to expand influence Brendan walks through real client strategies—from Jalen Rose’s community work to Rich Eisen’s fundraising dash. 5. To explore the role of AI in modern marketing Kaminsky discusses how AI assists with analytics, research, and identifying viral content moments. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Relatability drives modern branding People connect with authenticity, not polished promotion. Talk to your audience, not at them. 2. Engagement matters more than follower count Algorithms reward content that resonates, regardless of how many people follow you. A creator with 10,000 followers can hit a million views. 3. Social media requires presence and accessibility High-profile clients expect responsiveness; being available is key to agency success. 4. Vertical video is the new standard Optimizing content for mobile consumption is essential—TV graphics no longer dictate how content is built. 5. AI is an asset, not a threat Kaminsky uses AI for virality scoring, caption suggestions, research, and identifying strong clips from long-form content. 6. Data tells the story Success can be clearly measured through views, engagement, and growth—unlike billboards or traditional media. 7. Use “hot topics” to highlight deeper work For clients like Jalen Rose, trending sports conversations help drive attention to community-focused initiatives like his leadership academy. 8. Brand moments can start from something small Rich Eisen’s 40-yard dash evolved into a signature charity event and content anchor. 9. Entrepreneurship requires trusting your gut He left ESPN without telling anyone beforehand to avoid discouragement—because he felt the pull to build his own vision. 10. Visibility creates opportunity In the digital era, it’s not just who you know—it’s who knows you. NOTABLE QUOTES On entrepreneurship “I trusted my gut… I didn’t tell one person I was leaving ESPN because I didn’t want anyone to make me doubt myself.” On branding “People want to relate to you. They want to get to know you.” “Talk directly to your audience.” On social metrics “It’s become a lot more about engagement and views than total follower number.” On accessibility “You could be the best at your job, but if a client can’t reach you, it doesn’t matter.” On visibility “It’s not about who you know—it’s about who knows you.” On AI “AI is absolutely an asset… it helps us with research, analytics, even virality scoring.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Here’s a structured summary of the Leona Barr‑Davenport interview with Rushion McDonald from Money Making Conversations Masterclass, including its purpose, key takeaways, and notable quotes.
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Here’s a structured summary of the Leona Barr‑Davenport interview with Rushion McDonald from Money Making Conversations Masterclass, including its purpose, key takeaways, and notable quotes.
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Isaac Hayes III.
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Isaac Hayes III.
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Felecia Hatcher CEO of Black Ambition, the national entrepreneurial initiative founded by Grammy-winning artist Pharrell Williams. Black Ambition provides capital, mentorship, mental wellness support, and a nationally competitive platform for Black and Hispanic founders, particularly those from HBCUs and underserved communities. Throughout the conversation, Hatcher breaks down the mission of Black Ambition, how its competition works, success stories, the mentorship pipeline, and her personal entrepreneurial journey from being a self‑described “C student” to running a major national innovation fund. Purpose of the Interview 1. Introduce Black Ambition’s Mission and Impact To explain how Black Ambition funds, mentors, and accelerates Black and Hispanic founders, awarding millions in capital and building pathways to long-term entrepreneurial success. 2. Educate Entrepreneurs on How to Compete Successfully Hatcher breaks down the application process, common mistakes, and how to stand out in one of the nation’s most competitive entrepreneurial prize competitions. 3. Inspire Through Transparency and Personal Storytelling Her journey—from a C student to tech entrepreneur, to CEO working directly with Pharrell—models what perseverance and creativity can achieve. 4. Spread Awareness of Black Ambition Resources & Events She highlights opportunities like Demo Day, masterclasses, mentorship cohorts, and the Fundable Founders Forum. Key Takeaways 1. Black Ambition Creates “Unprecedented Access” for Black & Brown Founders Hatcher emphasizes the organization’s mission of closing opportunity gaps caused by misaligned mentorship and unequal access to funding.Black Ambition invests capital, provides structured mentorship, and connects entrepreneurs to world-class partners (e.g., Louis Vuitton). 2. Highly Competitive National Competition 2,500–3,000 applications annually Only 250 semifinalists Semifinalists enter a three‑month cohort with elite mentorship Top teams advance to Demo Day for capital awards and follow-on support Categories include HBCU, National Finalists, Top Prize, and People’s Choice.. Hatcher stresses: Success leaves clues.Many past winners share insights, host office hours, and guide new applicants. 3. The Process Itself Makes Founders Stronger Hatcher says repeated applications build clarity, sharpen pitches, and transform entrepreneurs—even if they don’t win the first time. She cites an example: Lawrence Phillips, founder of Green Book Global, who succeeded on his third try. 4. Holistic Approach: Mental Health & Wellness Along with capital and mentorship, Black Ambition offers mental-wellness support because entrepreneurship is emotionally taxing.Founders are encountering proximity to wealth and power for the first time, and need guidance on transparency, investor expectations, and emotional resilience. 5. Black Women Are Fastest-Growing Entrepreneurs—But Need Teams Hatcher notes that Black women lead in entrepreneurship but often operate without teams.Black Ambition does not invest in solopreneurs; founders must demonstrate team-building capacity to create economic multiplier effects in communities. 6. Pharrell’s Why: Opening Doors He Once Needed Pharrell invests in Black Ambition because: He once needed others to “believe in him until he could believe in himself.” He wants to dismantle gatekeeping in industries where Black talent exists but opportunity does not. He believes “talent is not equally distributed by zip code, but opportunity can be.” 7. Felecia Hatcher’s Personal Origin Story Her credibility comes from lived experience: A “C student” told she’d never make it to college College dropout Built multiple tech companies Founded Black Tech Week and the Center for Black Innovation Comes from a family of Jamaican farmers and Georgia builders who were “entrepreneurs before the word was used.”. Her takeaway: Creativity builds pathways to success that traditional systems overlook. 8. The Event is Public – and Transformational Black Ambition’s Demo Day is open to the public, creating visibility, inspiration, and networking opportunities for founders and supporters. Notable Quotes (All from the Transcript) On Black Ambition’s Mission “We’ve been building a rocket ship to create unprecedented access to opportunities and resources.”. “People are too comfortable wasting the time of Black entrepreneurs with misaligned resources and low-vibrational mentorship.”. On the Competition “Success leaves clues.” “Apply again… every time I applied, I became a different entrepreneur.” On Holistic Support “Entrepreneurship can swallow you whole.”. On Team Building “We don’t invest in solopreneurs… You need a team mindset.” On Pharrell’s Motivation “He borrowed someone else’s belief in him until that became his own.” “Talent is not equally distributed by zip code, but opportunity can be.” On Personal Journey “I’m a C student and a college dropout… I never let those things define me.”. “There is more than one pathway to success if you get creative.”. On Why Founders Should Join “Do you want to be in the same position this time next year? If the answer is no, then say yes to the process.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Felecia Hatcher CEO of Black Ambition, the national entrepreneurial initiative founded by Grammy-winning artist Pharrell Williams. Black Ambition provides capital, mentorship, mental wellness support, and a nationally competitive platform for Black and Hispanic founders, particularly those from HBCUs and underserved communities. Throughout the conversation, Hatcher breaks down the mission of Black Ambition, how its competition works, success stories, the mentorship pipeline, and her personal entrepreneurial journey from being a self‑described “C student” to running a major national innovation fund. Purpose of the Interview 1. Introduce Black Ambition’s Mission and Impact To explain how Black Ambition funds, mentors, and accelerates Black and Hispanic founders, awarding millions in capital and building pathways to long-term entrepreneurial success. 2. Educate Entrepreneurs on How to Compete Successfully Hatcher breaks down the application process, common mistakes, and how to stand out in one of the nation’s most competitive entrepreneurial prize competitions. 3. Inspire Through Transparency and Personal Storytelling Her journey—from a C student to tech entrepreneur, to CEO working directly with Pharrell—models what perseverance and creativity can achieve. 4. Spread Awareness of Black Ambition Resources & Events She highlights opportunities like Demo Day, masterclasses, mentorship cohorts, and the Fundable Founders Forum. Key Takeaways 1. Black Ambition Creates “Unprecedented Access” for Black & Brown Founders Hatcher emphasizes the organization’s mission of closing opportunity gaps caused by misaligned mentorship and unequal access to funding.Black Ambition invests capital, provides structured mentorship, and connects entrepreneurs to world-class partners (e.g., Louis Vuitton). 2. Highly Competitive National Competition 2,500–3,000 applications annually Only 250 semifinalists Semifinalists enter a three‑month cohort with elite mentorship Top teams advance to Demo Day for capital awards and follow-on support Categories include HBCU, National Finalists, Top Prize, and People’s Choice.. Hatcher stresses: Success leaves clues.Many past winners share insights, host office hours, and guide new applicants. 3. The Process Itself Makes Founders Stronger Hatcher says repeated applications build clarity, sharpen pitches, and transform entrepreneurs—even if they don’t win the first time. She cites an example: Lawrence Phillips, founder of Green Book Global, who succeeded on his third try. 4. Holistic Approach: Mental Health & Wellness Along with capital and mentorship, Black Ambition offers mental-wellness support because entrepreneurship is emotionally taxing.Founders are encountering proximity to wealth and power for the first time, and need guidance on transparency, investor expectations, and emotional resilience. 5. Black Women Are Fastest-Growing Entrepreneurs—But Need Teams Hatcher notes that Black women lead in entrepreneurship but often operate without teams.Black Ambition does not invest in solopreneurs; founders must demonstrate team-building capacity to create economic multiplier effects in communities. 6. Pharrell’s Why: Opening Doors He Once Needed Pharrell invests in Black Ambition because: He once needed others to “believe in him until he could believe in himself.” He wants to dismantle gatekeeping in industries where Black talent exists but opportunity does not. He believes “talent is not equally distributed by zip code, but opportunity can be.” 7. Felecia Hatcher’s Personal Origin Story Her credibility comes from lived experience: A “C student” told she’d never make it to college College dropout Built multiple tech companies Founded Black Tech Week and the Center for Black Innovation Comes from a family of Jamaican farmers and Georgia builders who were “entrepreneurs before the word was used.”. Her takeaway: Creativity builds pathways to success that traditional systems overlook. 8. The Event is Public – and Transformational Black Ambition’s Demo Day is open to the public, creating visibility, inspiration, and networking opportunities for founders and supporters. Notable Quotes (All from the Transcript) On Black Ambition’s Mission “We’ve been building a rocket ship to create unprecedented access to opportunities and resources.”. “People are too comfortable wasting the time of Black entrepreneurs with misaligned resources and low-vibrational mentorship.”. On the Competition “Success leaves clues.” “Apply again… every time I applied, I became a different entrepreneur.” On Holistic Support “Entrepreneurship can swallow you whole.”. On Team Building “We don’t invest in solopreneurs… You need a team mindset.” On Pharrell’s Motivation “He borrowed someone else’s belief in him until that became his own.” “Talent is not equally distributed by zip code, but opportunity can be.” On Personal Journey “I’m a C student and a college dropout… I never let those things define me.”. “There is more than one pathway to success if you get creative.”. On Why Founders Should Join “Do you want to be in the same position this time next year? If the answer is no, then say yes to the process.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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