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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Lamar Tyler.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Renard “Ray” Sims. Topic: Entrepreneurship, property management, and building generational wealth through real estate. Ray Sims shares his journey from government employee to entrepreneur, founding a property management company in the Metro DC area. He discusses the challenges of transitioning into business ownership, the structure of his company, and the importance of networking, automation, and community service.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Lamar Tyler.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Renard “Ray” Sims. Topic: Entrepreneurship, property management, and building generational wealth through real estate. Ray Sims shares his journey from government employee to entrepreneur, founding a property management company in the Metro DC area. He discusses the challenges of transitioning into business ownership, the structure of his company, and the importance of networking, automation, and community service.
Phil Masiello is a visionary entrepreneur, best-selling author, and host of the popular show Crunching Your Growth on e360tv, bringing over two decades of proven experience in e-commerce, digital marketing, and disruptive brand building. As the founder of CrunchGrowth Revenue Acceleration Agency, Phil strategically guides consumer-focused startups and brands to achieve rapid and sustainable growth by harnessing innovative digital strategies, powerful storytelling, and deep consumer insights. His practical, real-world experience, illustrated through successful ventures like 800razors.com and Raw Essentials Skin Care, helps startups overcome common scaling obstacles, optimize their sales channels, elevate brand visibility, and engage deeply with customers, driving accelerated revenues and profitability.Connect with Phil here: https://philmasiello.com/Don't forget to get our FREE LinkedIn Content Prompts here:https://www.thetimetogrow.com/ecsposttemplates
Shopify Masters | The ecommerce business and marketing podcast for ambitious entrepreneurs
Taza Chocolate didn't follow trends—it built a lasting brand by doubling down on its differences. Founders Alex Whitmore and Kathleen Fulton share how staying true to their product, owning their manufacturing, and leading with purpose helped them weather crises and grow a resilient business.For more on Taza Chocolate and show notes click here Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Lamar Tyler.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Renard “Ray” Sims. Topic: Entrepreneurship, property management, and building generational wealth through real estate. Ray Sims shares his journey from government employee to entrepreneur, founding a property management company in the Metro DC area. He discusses the challenges of transitioning into business ownership, the structure of his company, and the importance of networking, automation, and community service.
Episode 591 of the Lawyerist Podcast explores one of the most urgent questions facing law firms today: how do you stay findable when Google and AI are rewriting the rules of search? SEO expert Cyrus Shepard explains how zero-click search, AI-generated answers, and new “experience” signals are transforming the way law firms must think about content, visibility, and online authority. Cyrus and Stephanie discuss why informational blog posts no longer drive the traffic they once did, how to structure content so LLMs can “read” and reference it, and why brand signals now carry more weight than keywords. They also cover how to evaluate SEO vendors, what metrics matter in an AI-first world, and simple steps lawyers can take to establish trust and expertise online. Links from the episode: lawyerist.com/scorecard Zyppy.com Listen to our previous episodes about Practical AI for Law. #562 – Beyond ChatGPT: The AI Revolution Happening Inside Your Firm, with Charreau Bell — Apple | Spotify | LTN #565 – Becoming the AI-Driven Leader, with Geoff Woods — Apple | Spotify | LTN #452 – Managing AI in Your Practice, with Ed Walters — Apple | Spotify | LTN #501 – Future-Proofing Your Firm in the Age of AI, with Jack Newton — Apple | Spotify | LTN Have thoughts about today's episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X! If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you. Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com. Chapters / Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & Scorecard03:53 – Meet Cyrus Shepard05:12 – How AI Is Changing Search06:00 – Zero-Click & AI Overviews07:26 – Why Old Content Tactics Fail08:57 – Shifting Toward Brand Authority10:09 – Writing Content LLMs Can Read11:33 – Showing Experience with E-E-A-T14:23 – Reddit, YouTube & Source Signals15:51 – Where New Firms Should Start17:18 – Brand Building as SEO Strategy18:27 – Vetting SEO Agencies Today20:40 – Metrics That Actually Matter22:03 – Real-World Visibility Wins22:21 – Wrap-Up & Where to Find Cyrus
Episode 591 of the Lawyerist Podcast explores one of the most urgent questions facing law firms today: how do you stay findable when Google and AI are rewriting the rules of search? SEO expert Cyrus Shepard explains how zero-click search, AI-generated answers, and new “experience” signals are transforming the way law firms must think about content, visibility, and online authority. Cyrus and Stephanie discuss why informational blog posts no longer drive the traffic they once did, how to structure content so LLMs can “read” and reference it, and why brand signals now carry more weight than keywords. They also cover how to evaluate SEO vendors, what metrics matter in an AI-first world, and simple steps lawyers can take to establish trust and expertise online. Links from the episode: lawyerist.com/scorecard Zyppy.com Listen to our previous episodes about Practical AI for Law. #562 – Beyond ChatGPT: The AI Revolution Happening Inside Your Firm, with Charreau Bell — Apple | Spotify | LTN #565 – Becoming the AI-Driven Leader, with Geoff Woods — Apple | Spotify | LTN #452 – Managing AI in Your Practice, with Ed Walters — Apple | Spotify | LTN #501 – Future-Proofing Your Firm in the Age of AI, with Jack Newton — Apple | Spotify | LTN Have thoughts about today's episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X! If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you. Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com. Chapters / Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & Scorecard03:53 – Meet Cyrus Shepard05:12 – How AI Is Changing Search06:00 – Zero-Click & AI Overviews07:26 – Why Old Content Tactics Fail08:57 – Shifting Toward Brand Authority10:09 – Writing Content LLMs Can Read11:33 – Showing Experience with E-E-A-T14:23 – Reddit, YouTube & Source Signals15:51 – Where New Firms Should Start17:18 – Brand Building as SEO Strategy18:27 – Vetting SEO Agencies Today20:40 – Metrics That Actually Matter22:03 – Real-World Visibility Wins22:21 – Wrap-Up & Where to Find Cyrus Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Will Moreland.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Will Moreland.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Will Moreland.
Marty Ozinga IV is chief executive officer of Ozinga. Founded in 1928, Ozinga is a fifth-generation family enterprise best known for its red and white striped concrete mixer trucks. In 2012, Marty took the reins of running the family business as CEO/president from his father, Marty Ozinga III. Marty is joined by his five brothers and one cousin in the fourth generation of ownership. There are thirty-two family members in the fifth generation.Marty earned a BA in economics and business from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA, and an MS in communications from Northwestern University. He has served on numerous not-for-profit boards, including currently serving on the board of the Luke Society. Marty and his wife Amy have six children. They reside in the Little Italy neighborhood of Chicago.Ozinga is a purpose driven business whose purpose is to have a positive impact on individuals, their families, and the community for generations. This purpose is rooted in the Ozinga family mission to first and foremost honor and glorify God and to serve the crown of His creation. In 2019, Ozinga received the Dean's Award from the Illinois Family Business of the Year Awards for excellence social enterprise, supply chain management or emerging markets. Ozinga has 2,000+ employees with operations primarily in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan and Florida. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.Stay connected with us:Follow us on LinkedIn!Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, hosts Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter speak with Matt Blevins, Chief Marketing Officer at Heaven Hill Brands.Matt shares why long-term brand building remains essential in the spirits category and how disciplined measurement guides smarter decision-making. He explains how digital discovery, from YouTube mixology to Reddit communities, shapes in-store behavior, and why premiumization, moderation, and innovation are the real forces reshaping today's beverage alcohol landscape.Additionally, he also breaks down how Heaven Hill decides when to modernize a brand, why nuance is missing from industry headlines, and what it takes to stay grounded in consumer truth while the marketing world chases real-time optimization.Key takeawaysLong-term brand building and strategic patience remain essential in spiritsDigital discovery now heavily shapes in-store purchase decisionsPremiumization, moderation, and innovation continue to drive category trendsBrand modernization works best when rooted in product truth and distinctiveness Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Tech On Demand, host Bill Calkins is joined by two experts from Epicor—a software company delivering comprehensive ERP solutions, as well as CRM tools and a range of supply chain management systems. Epicor truly understands the green industry and partners with garden centers and nurseries to customize business tools. Kerrie Jordan, Epicor's chief marketing officer and Sam Kirkland, a national business development strategist are on the podcast to talk A.I. and ways to take the data you have, digitize it and apply A.I. to use it even more effectively. A.I. has the capability to assist in all fundamental business processes—from product procurement and cash flow management to employee productivity and customer engagement. That's just a snapshot of what Kerrie and Sam share in this episode. Bill and his guests spend time discussing what exactly A.I. means for green industry businesses and applications from other industries can be transformational, as well as ways A.I. can help personalize businesses to level up the customer experience. They close looking to the future and what might be possible as this technology continues to evolve. PODCAST: Artificial Intelligence in the Green Industry (Part 1): https://techondemand.podbean.com/e/artificial-intelligence-in-the-green-industry-part-1-ft-clint-albin/ MORE RESOURCES: Epicor—Artificial Intelligence: https://www.epicor.com/en-us/solutions/technology/people-centric-ai/ ARTICLE: AI—Gaining Back Time: https://www.greenprofit.com/Article/?srch=1&articleID=27602 ARTICLE: Why You Need AI, No Matter Your Size: https://www.greenprofit.com/Article/?srch=1&articleID=27544 ARTICLE: Using AI to Shorten the Customer Journey: https://www.greenprofit.com/Article/?articleid=27702 PODCAST: Next-Level Engagement, Growth & Brand Building with Sam Kirkland: https://youtu.be/P_VMRu0wTHU?si=fBJr9uzxOT4UZu3C
Content vulnerability hangover is real, and it's holding back countless entrepenuers from building authentic brands that truly connect. If you've ever felt exposed after sharing something personal, or found yourself stuck in a cycle of overthinking and perfectionism, you're not alone. This episode dives deep into the emotional side of content creation, offering a roadmap for sharing your story in a way that feels both safe and strategic. We'll explore the difference between connection stories and credibility stories, and why both are essential for a brand that resonates. You'll learn how to open up without oversharing, and how to avoid the pitfalls of turning your content into a diary or trauma dump. Instead, discover how to make your experiences relevant to your audience and your business, so every story you share serves a purpose. Setting boundaries around vulnerability is key, and we'll talk about practical ways to protect your energy while still showing up authentically. From journaling prompts to reflection exercises, you'll get actionable tools to help you decide what to share, when to share it, and how to keep your content aligned with your values. In today's episode, we're chatting about: The difference between connection and credibility stories Sharing personal experiences without oversharing Making your story relevant to your audience and business Setting boundaries for safe, sustainable vulnerability Exercises to uncover and shape your brand-defining stories Connect with me: Website Join our email list! Instagram Pinterest Become the celebrity of your niche and learn how to turn your marketing into a campaign that actually sells out. In the Campaign Crash Course™, you'll learn how to build anticipation and sell your offers with the same strategy behind brands like SKIMS, Poppi, and Rhode — all in just 60 minutes. https://highflierpowerhouse.com/course Get creative support to turn your content into sales before, during and after your launches. From content classes to learn new campaign marketing skills, to custom designed assets completely done for you, we've thought of it all inside Sales Studio. Join today: https://highflierpowerhouse.com/retainer Get the photoshoot, website, and content strategy you need to increase your business revenue and reputation. Apply for The Rebrand Experience https://highflierpowerhouse.com/rebrand-experience
With the rapid onset of AI, the marketing landscape is rapidly changing.Bryan Phelps is the founder and CEO of Big Leap, a digital marketing agency that helps businesses build scalable growth systems through a strategic blend of brand and performance. What began as a self-taught journey in SEO back in 2005 has evolved into a leadership role guiding national brands through today's shifting marketing landscape. Since founding Big Leap in 2008, Bryan has grown the company from a solo consultancy into a 80+ person agency trusted by companies across industries—from high-growth startups to private equity-backed brands. Under his leadership, Big Leap has developed a Brand-Led Performance Marketing framework that helps clients align paid media, SEO, content, digital PR, and revenue operations to build trust, drive efficiency, and improve customer acquisition over the long term. Investors, Founders, and Marketing Leaders alike turn to Bryan and his team when short-term tactics stop working and a more resilient, system-driven marketing strategy is needed.Bryan and his team have led 1,000+ marketing campaigns and bring deep experience in helping brands modernize their marketing foundation while navigating operational complexity. He also plays an active role mentoring marketing leaders and building teams that scale. CONTACT DETAILSEmail: bryan@bigleap.com Business: Big LeapWebsite: https://www.bigleap.com/ Social Media:LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/company/bigleap/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bigleapmktg/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bigleapmktg/ Tiktok - X - https://x.com/BigLeapMKTG/ 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.
Digital Nomading. LinkedIn. Brand Building. Authenticity. Today we welcome, Paige Goldstein — CEO and Founder of The Ripple Effect, soul-led LinkedIn Coach, and global nomad who's empowering heart-centered leaders to show up authentically and build their personal brands with purpose and truth
Mark Thomas walked away from a six-figure salary without a concrete plan.Three co-founders. One investment. Strict 9-month covenants.Then came March: dozens of pitches, everyone loved the vision, but almost no one was buying. The retained leadership search model wasn't landing. They started questioning everything.One week later, four retained searches landed. Revenue hasn't stopped climbing since.12 months in: £1M+ revenue, 75% retained work, and a business model nobody else in insurance recruitment is executing at this level.In this episode:Why he nearly pivoted to golf (and why recruitment pays better)The £150k-£350k leadership gap nobody was serving properlyTurning down every role under £120k to protect the brandBuilding the "Real Madrid of recruiters" with 10-15 elite billersHow retained search gives you three-month revenue visibilityThe profit share model that creates a partnership without equityThis isn't a scale-to-50-people story. This is about building a boutique firm where being the worst recruiter in the room means you've hired brilliantly.For recruitment founders who want quality over quantity and believe 10 great people beats 50 average ones.__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: AtlasAdmin is a massive waste of time. That's why there's Atlas, the AI-first recruitment platform built for modern agencies.It doesn't only track CVs and calls. It remembers everything. Every email, every interview, every conversation. Instantly searchable, always available. And now, it's entering a whole new era.With Atlas 2.0, you can ask anything and it delivers. With Magic Search, you speak and it listens. It finds the right candidates using real conversations, not simply look for keywords.Atlas 2.0 also makes business development easier than ever. With Opportunities, you can track, manage and grow client relationships, powered by generative AI and built right into your workflow.Need insights? Custom dashboards give you total visibility over your pipeline. And that's not theory. Atlas customers have reported up to 41% EBITDA growth and an 85% increase in monthly billings after adopting the platform.No admin. No silos. No lost info. Nothing but faster shortlists, better hires and more time to focus on what actually drives revenue.Atlas is your personal AI partner for modern recruiting.Don't miss the future of recruitment. Get started with Atlas today and unlock your exclusive RAG listener offer at https://recruitwithatlas.com/therag/__________________________________________Episode Sponsor: HoxoEvery recruitment founder is investing in LinkedIn.Spending thousands on Recruiter licences.Building connections. Posting content. Growing networks.But here's the question almost no one can answer:How much revenue is LinkedIn actually bringing into your business?Most founders have thousands of connections but no clear process to turn that attention into cash.That's the problem we solve.At Hoxo, we help recruitment founders build predictable revenue systems on LinkedIn, not just noise or vanity metrics.Our clients are turning LinkedIn into £100K–£300K in new billings within months, using their existing networks and a simple repeatable process.To show you how it works, we've created a short training video exclusively for RAG listeners.In less than 10 minutes, you'll learn:- Why most recruiters are getting zero measurable ROI from LinkedIn- How small, niche teams are generating consistent inbound demand- The 3X Revenue System we use to turn LinkedIn into a predictable cash-generating...
Episode Summary:"You don't have to monetize every gift. Creativity is something you steward, not something you have to prove.” -Steve BrockIn this special episode, host Lisa Smith talks with Steve Brock, the author of "Brand Something Beautiful: A Branding Workbook for Artists, Writers, and Other Creatives." Together, they discuss the intersection of faith and artistry, exploring what it really means to create as an act of grace. They also dive into the challenges of calling, the process of getting unstuck, and how to build a brand authentically.This Episode's Resources: Download your FREE Vocation Trap Tracker: www.soulmakers.org/bemakedo Discover Your Artist Archetype → Take the Free Quiz at soulmakers.org Download the Full Artist Archetypes Guide for deeper insight: www.soulmakers.org/bemakedo Steve Brock's brand new book, Brand Something Beautiful Steve Brock's website: https://www.exploreyourworlds.com/ Connect & Share: Connect with Steve Brock:stevebrock.substack.comwww.instagram.com/StephenWBrockwww.facebook.com/MeaningfulTravwww.pinterest.com/ExploreYourWorlds Subscribe to Be. Make. Do. for more in the Vocation Traps series Share this episode with a friend or creative you know Join the conversation on socials using #VocationTrapsPodcast Join our brand new Instagram Broadcast Channel!Up Next: Join us as we discuss setbacks and mistakes of the vocation traps.
It's a special edition of From the Pasture with Hired Hand! Jaymie and Molly sit down with longtime friend Stacey Schumacher of Schumacher Cattle—and then the mics flip. After sharing Stacey's program and story, Stacey turns the tables and puts our hosts in the hot seat.You'll hear:The early days—how Jaymie, Molly, and Stacey first met and what's changed since.Stacey's playbook for social media that actually sells: building audience, driving private treaty inquiries, directing traffic to her website, and the origin of Hey Scott!.A candid conversation on how Hired Hand has evolved—from features and design to data, and marketing tools.Part nostalgia, part masterclass—this episode blends friendship, practical marketing tactics, and behind-the-scenes insights you can use on your own ranch brand.Schumacher Cattle: http://www.schumachercattle.com/Send us a textFrom the Pasture with Hired Hand:Hired Hand Websites (@hiredhandwebsites): https://hiredhandsoftware.comHired Hand Live (@hiredhandlive): https://hiredhandlive.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiredhandwebsites/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HiredHandSoftwareTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hiredhandwebsitesNewsletter: https://www.hiredhandsoftware.com/resources/stay-informed
Episode Deep-Dive Analysis Available at maffeodrinks.com Maurice Doyle returns to MAFFEO DRINKS to dissect the drinks industry's inflection point, where COVID's artificial peak has given way to a "new reality" of capital constraints and complexity.Drawing from his veteran experience across major spirits and scale-up companies, Maurice reveals how brands can achieve growth without abundant funding by focusing ruthlessly on strategy, particularly what NOT to do.The conversation explores the tension between principles and tactics, why "I don't know" might be the most powerful leadership phrase, and how misaligned expectations between bottom-up brand building and top-down objectives create systemic friction.Maurice's core insight: in a world where 95% of your target market isn't buying at any given moment, success comes from matching physical availability with mental availability while resisting the siren call of premature retail listings.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Industry Veterans Discussion02:30 Current State of Drinks Industry - The Inflection Point08:15 Capital Challenges and New Reality Post-COVID12:45 Strategic Focus: The Power of Saying No18:20 Principles vs Playbooks - Beyond Cookie Cutter Approaches25:10 Getting Out From Behind the Desk Philosophy32:40 Capital-Efficient Growth Strategies38:55 Balancing Long-term Strategy with Short-term Pressures If what we discussed hits home and you want support from us, get in touch at bottomup@maffeodrinks.com or check maffeodrinks.com for the key insights from this episode.
Tired of blending into the background? Discover how pairing creativity with smart brand strategy can help your business stand out and build lasting customer relationships. Go to https://www.thelolaagency.com/ for more information. London : Los Angeles (LO:LA) City: El Segundo Address: 840 Apollo Street Website: https://www.thelolaagency.com
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Katrice Miller. A nationally recognized labor relations expert and career coach. The conversation explores her journey from federal government service to corporate leadership, her insights on labor law, personal branding, and how individuals can navigate layoffs, negotiate salaries, and build resilient careers.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Katrice Miller. A nationally recognized labor relations expert and career coach. The conversation explores her journey from federal government service to corporate leadership, her insights on labor law, personal branding, and how individuals can navigate layoffs, negotiate salaries, and build resilient careers.
I am thrilled to welcome Elizabeth DeMaso to the Warrior Community. She is an entrepreneurial leader that thrives in collaborative environments, with a growth mindset and a proven ability to build businesses. Elizabeth excels at taking ideas from inception and develop them into thriving, revenue-generating operations. Elizabeth has experience across multiple sectors (retail, professional services, technology, luxury, health and wellness, financial services and more) and her work has been recognized by Adweek, Advertising Age, Forbes and Fast Company. She is also an active member of Chief, the private network for female executives. Most recently, she created, hosts and produces the ‘More Everything' podcast, as a platform for content that shares perspectives from expert guests and personal experience, creating a supportive community experience.(3:34) Elizabeth shares her journey and why she chose the work she does in building brands.(5:39) Elizabeth excels at taking ideas from inception to thriving. How has that helped her to navigate her own career?(8:34) What has she learned about transitions, as she has reinvented herself over the years?(12:21) What was Elizabeth's scariest pivot in her career and what did she learn on the other side?(14:34) Elizabeth shares her experience of how to “know when it is time to change/leave”.(16:31) We talk about Elizabeth's podcast, More Everything. Why she created it and what gap is she trying to fill with her authentic conversations.(18:55)) We talk about Elizabeth's style, how her conversations are authentic and intuitive that move people forward.(20:40) Elizabeth shares with us her advice on how to start personal re-branding or changing careers.(23:52) What does Elizabeth want more + less of in the next chapter of her career?(25:22) What is a part of Elizabeth's career that she rarely talks about, that was a unique experience in her life.(30:31) What is the practice that keeps Elizabeth on track and willing to ‘play with the edges”?Connect with Elizabeth DeMasohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethdemaso/Subscribe: Warriors At Work Podcasts Website: https://jeaniecoomber.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/986666321719033/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanie_coomber/Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeanie_coomber LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanie-coomber-90973b4/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbMZ2HyNNyPoeCSqKClBC_w
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Lawrence Phillips. Purpose of the Interview To showcase Lawrence Phillips’ entrepreneurial journey from engineering to founding Green Book Global, a travel review platform for Black travelers. To highlight the significance of Black Ambition, an initiative by Pharrell Williams supporting Black and Brown entrepreneurs. To inspire listeners about resilience, innovation, and the importance of culturally inclusive travel resources. Key Takeaways Background & Career Shift Phillips studied Electrical Engineering at Georgia Tech and worked at Accenture in IT consulting for nearly a decade. Despite career success, he felt unfulfilled and decided to pursue his passion for travel, leading to the creation of Green Book Global. Travel Experience Traveled to 30+ countries across all seven continents, including Antarctica, in less than a year. Realized the need for a platform addressing “traveling while Black” concerns—safety, cultural acceptance, and inclusivity. Green Book Global Inspired by the historical Green Book (1936–1966), which guided Black travelers during segregation. Offers city-level Black-friendly scores, road trip planners, and Black-owned restaurant recommendations. Over 150,000 app downloads in 2025; partnered with Expedia; strong social media presence. Black Ambition Program Phillips applied three times before reaching semifinals, emphasizing persistence. Program provided funding opportunities and a transformative Evoke Wellness experience. His personal “why” statement:“I’m a protective and innovative steward of Black restoration and healing.” Impact & Vision Advocates systemic change by partnering with destinations to improve inclusivity. Highlights the economic power of Black travelers (over $140 billion annually). Encourages Black travelers to explore global opportunities beyond U.S. racial constraints. Notable Quotes “You can be successful and still not be happy.” — On leaving a lucrative career for passion. “I’m a protective and innovative steward of Black restoration and healing.” — His guiding principle. “There’s riches in niches.” — On unapologetically focusing on Black travelers. “Just because somebody said no doesn’t mean they said no to you—they said no at that time.” — On persistence in entrepreneurship. #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Lawrence Phillips. Purpose of the Interview To showcase Lawrence Phillips’ entrepreneurial journey from engineering to founding Green Book Global, a travel review platform for Black travelers. To highlight the significance of Black Ambition, an initiative by Pharrell Williams supporting Black and Brown entrepreneurs. To inspire listeners about resilience, innovation, and the importance of culturally inclusive travel resources. Key Takeaways Background & Career Shift Phillips studied Electrical Engineering at Georgia Tech and worked at Accenture in IT consulting for nearly a decade. Despite career success, he felt unfulfilled and decided to pursue his passion for travel, leading to the creation of Green Book Global. Travel Experience Traveled to 30+ countries across all seven continents, including Antarctica, in less than a year. Realized the need for a platform addressing “traveling while Black” concerns—safety, cultural acceptance, and inclusivity. Green Book Global Inspired by the historical Green Book (1936–1966), which guided Black travelers during segregation. Offers city-level Black-friendly scores, road trip planners, and Black-owned restaurant recommendations. Over 150,000 app downloads in 2025; partnered with Expedia; strong social media presence. Black Ambition Program Phillips applied three times before reaching semifinals, emphasizing persistence. Program provided funding opportunities and a transformative Evoke Wellness experience. His personal “why” statement:“I’m a protective and innovative steward of Black restoration and healing.” Impact & Vision Advocates systemic change by partnering with destinations to improve inclusivity. Highlights the economic power of Black travelers (over $140 billion annually). Encourages Black travelers to explore global opportunities beyond U.S. racial constraints. Notable Quotes “You can be successful and still not be happy.” — On leaving a lucrative career for passion. “I’m a protective and innovative steward of Black restoration and healing.” — His guiding principle. “There’s riches in niches.” — On unapologetically focusing on Black travelers. “Just because somebody said no doesn’t mean they said no to you—they said no at that time.” — On persistence in entrepreneurship. #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Lawrence Phillips. Purpose of the Interview To showcase Lawrence Phillips’ entrepreneurial journey from engineering to founding Green Book Global, a travel review platform for Black travelers. To highlight the significance of Black Ambition, an initiative by Pharrell Williams supporting Black and Brown entrepreneurs. To inspire listeners about resilience, innovation, and the importance of culturally inclusive travel resources. Key Takeaways Background & Career Shift Phillips studied Electrical Engineering at Georgia Tech and worked at Accenture in IT consulting for nearly a decade. Despite career success, he felt unfulfilled and decided to pursue his passion for travel, leading to the creation of Green Book Global. Travel Experience Traveled to 30+ countries across all seven continents, including Antarctica, in less than a year. Realized the need for a platform addressing “traveling while Black” concerns—safety, cultural acceptance, and inclusivity. Green Book Global Inspired by the historical Green Book (1936–1966), which guided Black travelers during segregation. Offers city-level Black-friendly scores, road trip planners, and Black-owned restaurant recommendations. Over 150,000 app downloads in 2025; partnered with Expedia; strong social media presence. Black Ambition Program Phillips applied three times before reaching semifinals, emphasizing persistence. Program provided funding opportunities and a transformative Evoke Wellness experience. His personal “why” statement:“I’m a protective and innovative steward of Black restoration and healing.” Impact & Vision Advocates systemic change by partnering with destinations to improve inclusivity. Highlights the economic power of Black travelers (over $140 billion annually). Encourages Black travelers to explore global opportunities beyond U.S. racial constraints. Notable Quotes “You can be successful and still not be happy.” — On leaving a lucrative career for passion. “I’m a protective and innovative steward of Black restoration and healing.” — His guiding principle. “There’s riches in niches.” — On unapologetically focusing on Black travelers. “Just because somebody said no doesn’t mean they said no to you—they said no at that time.” — On persistence in entrepreneurship. #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of the Athlete Brand Advisor podcast, Greg Glynn, founder & CEO of Pliable Marketing talks about athlete branding and finding purpose with Stephen Seidel, founder of the award-winning PR firm The Seidel Agency. Stephen Seidel is a TEDx keynote speaker, media expert, and founder of the award-winning PR firm The Seidel Agency, amplifying artists and Fortune 500 changemakers. A best-selling author, and creator of the Top 10 Apple podcast Wolves Among Us, and co-founder of men's mental health community GentsJourney.co, he is driven by a mission to do good, give back, and make an impact by using connection as currency to reclaim your purpose and story. Seidel is originally from Bucks County, PA, and lives in Lexington, KY as a proud #GirlDad. With a BSIE from Penn State, he remains loyal to cheesesteaks, pretzels, and his Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles. In this episode, Stephen discussed his background and experience working with athletes, emphasizing the importance of branding, storytelling, and connections in sports. He highlighted the 80/20 rule in building an athlete's brand and shared his work with college athletes, including his involvement with Penn State and Oregon football. Stephen also mentioned his creation of the Gents Journey card deck to help athletes build meaningful relationships and understand their teammates better. Personal Branding and Connection Strategies Greg and Stephen discussed the importance of personal branding and connection in professional and personal contexts. Greg introduced Stephen, highlighting his achievements and expertise in PR, podcasting, and men's mental health. Stephen shared his experience as a Philadelphia Eagles fan and how connecting with others over shared interests can lead to meaningful relationships and opportunities. Building Strong Personal and Professional Brands Greg and Stephen discussed the importance of building a strong network and personal brand, emphasizing that connections are crucial for success. They highlighted the need to focus on one's mission, message, and community before pursuing financial gains from NIL deals. Greg shared a story about two college softball players who used their NIL and brand platform to raise awareness for childhood cancer, demonstrating the power of passion-driven athlete branding. The conversation included Stephen's work in men's mental health and his involvement with Gents Journey. Journey to Empowerment Through Connection Stephen shared his personal journey, including his childhood dream of becoming a great father after his parents' divorce and his recent losses of both parents. He described how these challenges led him to create the Gents Journey Collective, a support group for entrepreneurs facing personal difficulties, and how the group evolved into a product to help other men. Through his experiences, Stephen emphasized the importance of connection, resilience, and reclaiming personal power in overcoming adversity. Supporting Expectant Fathers' Emotional Journey Stephen and Greg discussed the lack of resources for expectant fathers and the importance of men expressing their feelings. They highlighted the 7 Pillars of Manhood and introduced the Gent's Journey card deck, which contains 50 questions designed to foster meaningful connections between people. Building Meaningful In-Person Connections Stephen and Greg discussed the importance of fostering meaningful in-person connections and relationships. They emphasized the value of face-to-face interactions over digital communication, noting how technology like Zoom can enhance connections when in-person meetings are not possible. Greg shared his approach to building relationships by surrounding himself with positive and like-minded individuals, while Stephen highlighted the significance of being present and authentic in relationships. They also discussed the concept of going from "good to great" in relationships, emphasizing qualities like gratitude, empathy, accountability, and transformation. Finding Joy and Resilience Through Sports Stephen shared his personal journey of finding happiness through sports and meditation, emphasizing the importance of coming from a place of joy and play. He discussed his work as a mentor, particularly with athletes at Penn State and Oregon, focusing on core principles like resilience, grit, and the power of love. Stephen also shared his TEDx talk on the hidden power of grief, highlighting the idea that love is never lost and that letting go can lead to greater creativity and connection. Brand Building for Athletes Greg and Stephen discussed the importance of building personal and athlete brands, with Stephen offering insights and resources for brand development. Stephen shared his website and social media details, including a free giveaway of four PR platforms for building a brand. They also discussed the value of sharing personal reflections and experiences, with Stephen encouraging listeners to reflect on childhood aspirations and share them with others. Show Resources: Websites PliableMarketing.com TheSeidelAgency.com StephenSeidel.com Men's Group: GentsJourney.co/join Get Deck on Amazon: https://rebrand.ly/journeydeck TEDx Talk + Speaking Reel: https://rebrand.ly/seidelspeaking 4 Steps to Secure Your Own Media Coverage: https://theseidelagency.com/services/media-platforms/ Social Media @PliableMktg @StephenSeidel @TheSeidelAgency @GentsJourneyco
Welcome to Barn Talk! In today's episode, Sawyer and Tork are joined by brand builder, restaurateur, and bourbon aficionado Tim Jones. From his small-town Kentucky upbringing—where cattle farming, moonshining, and greeting card factories shaped his early days—to working with iconic bourbon brands like Buffalo Trace and Weller, Tim Jones shares his journey through the world of creativity and entrepreneurship. We dig into the grit behind building great brands, Tim Jones's leap into owning his own businesses, including the buzzworthy Boondogs hot dog joint, and how bourbon became a centerpiece of his story. Plus, hear about Tim Jones's behind-the-scenes experiences on Discovery Channel's Moonshiners and Master Distiller, and the lessons learned from both triumphs and setbacks (including exploding cans!). This episode packs practical wisdom, laughs, and inspiration for anyone chasing their own vision—whether you're a farmer, a founder, or just a fellow bourbon lover.Shop Farmer Grade
In this episode of the Drop in CEO podcast, host Deb Coviello welcomes Terry Blachek, an accomplished entrepreneur and franchise leader with over 35 years of experience in the health, fitness, and consumer lifestyle sectors. Terry shares his journey from humble beginnings to scaling major fitness brands like Orange Theory Fitness, discusses the importance of clarity, business models, and mindset, and offers actionable advice for leaders looking to grow and sustain their businesses. Episode Highlights: 2:22 — Terry’s entrepreneurial roots and early career in fitness and business 6:18 — The founding and explosive growth of Orange Theory Fitness 10:25 — The power of clarity, communication, and solving the right problem in business 19:36 — Mindset, overcoming adversity, and building a personal advisory board Terry Blachek is an accomplished entrepreneur, speaker, and franchise leader with over 35 years in health, fitness, and lifestyle industries. As Managing Director at Franvest Capital Partners, he scales high-growth brands, including The Dog Stop. A founding partner of Orangetheory Fitness, he built Austin Fitness Group into 130+ studios and earned induction into the Orangetheory Hall of Fame. A recognized industry voice, he’s spoken at IHRSA, Disney Institute, and hosts the Tuesday with Terry podcast. Formerly an executive at Crunch, Lifestyle Family Fitness, and The Fitness Company, Terry continues to inspire leaders with his proven expertise in growth, culture, and performance. Company Website: https://franvest.ca/our-team/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terry_blachek/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-blachek-78431a174/ For more information about my services or if you just want to connect and have a chat, reach out at: https://dropinceo.com/contact/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Will Moreland.
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 promote the upcoming Black Ambition Demo Day and Fundable Founders Forum in Miami. To inspire entrepreneurs by sharing insights on scaling businesses, accessing resources, and building wealth. Key Takeaways About Black Ambition Founded by Pharrell Williams to close the opportunity gap for Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs. Has invested in 131 companies over five years. Provides capital, mentorship, and holistic support (including mental health). Event Details Demo Day (Nov 14): Entrepreneurs pitch and receive funding. Fundable Founders Forum (Nov 15): Masterclasses with industry leaders like Steve Stoute, Nancy Twine, and Linda Clemens. Focus on actionable strategies, not just inspiration. Competition Structure Annual national competition with 2,500–3,000 applications. Categories include HBCU founders, national finalists, top prize winners, and people’s choice. Process: Applications → 250 semifinalists → 3-month cohort → Top 20–25 awarded funding. Challenges & Advice Many entrepreneurs fail due to rushed applications and lack of preparation. Success requires persistence: “Apply again” if you fail. Building a team is essential—Black Ambition does not invest in solopreneurs. Impact on Black Women Fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs but often limited by resources. Need to shift from solopreneurship to team-building for scalability. Pharrell’s Motivation Believes in democratizing opportunity. Inspired by those who invested in him early in his career. Goal: Close wealth and opportunity gaps quickly—“Wealth has a need for speed.” How to Get Involved Visit blackambitionprize.com and join the newsletter for alerts and resources. Past winners share insights in info sessions. Notable Quotes On closing gaps:“People are too comfortable wasting the time of Black entrepreneurs with misaligned resources and low vibrational mentorship.” On persistence:“If it doesn’t work on you in that moment, it works for you in that moment. Either way, it works.” On Pharrell’s vision:“Talent is not equally distributed by zip code, but opportunity can be.” On entrepreneurship mindset:“We have to start enjoying the process that molds us, not just say, ‘I didn’t make it, I’m upset.’” On Black women entrepreneurs:“They’re the fastest growing, but largely solopreneurs. We need them to think about building teams.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Will Moreland.
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 promote the upcoming Black Ambition Demo Day and Fundable Founders Forum in Miami. To inspire entrepreneurs by sharing insights on scaling businesses, accessing resources, and building wealth. Key Takeaways About Black Ambition Founded by Pharrell Williams to close the opportunity gap for Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs. Has invested in 131 companies over five years. Provides capital, mentorship, and holistic support (including mental health). Event Details Demo Day (Nov 14): Entrepreneurs pitch and receive funding. Fundable Founders Forum (Nov 15): Masterclasses with industry leaders like Steve Stoute, Nancy Twine, and Linda Clemens. Focus on actionable strategies, not just inspiration. Competition Structure Annual national competition with 2,500–3,000 applications. Categories include HBCU founders, national finalists, top prize winners, and people’s choice. Process: Applications → 250 semifinalists → 3-month cohort → Top 20–25 awarded funding. Challenges & Advice Many entrepreneurs fail due to rushed applications and lack of preparation. Success requires persistence: “Apply again” if you fail. Building a team is essential—Black Ambition does not invest in solopreneurs. Impact on Black Women Fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs but often limited by resources. Need to shift from solopreneurship to team-building for scalability. Pharrell’s Motivation Believes in democratizing opportunity. Inspired by those who invested in him early in his career. Goal: Close wealth and opportunity gaps quickly—“Wealth has a need for speed.” How to Get Involved Visit blackambitionprize.com and join the newsletter for alerts and resources. Past winners share insights in info sessions. Notable Quotes On closing gaps:“People are too comfortable wasting the time of Black entrepreneurs with misaligned resources and low vibrational mentorship.” On persistence:“If it doesn’t work on you in that moment, it works for you in that moment. Either way, it works.” On Pharrell’s vision:“Talent is not equally distributed by zip code, but opportunity can be.” On entrepreneurship mindset:“We have to start enjoying the process that molds us, not just say, ‘I didn’t make it, I’m upset.’” On Black women entrepreneurs:“They’re the fastest growing, but largely solopreneurs. We need them to think about building teams.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Will Moreland.
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 promote the upcoming Black Ambition Demo Day and Fundable Founders Forum in Miami. To inspire entrepreneurs by sharing insights on scaling businesses, accessing resources, and building wealth. Key Takeaways About Black Ambition Founded by Pharrell Williams to close the opportunity gap for Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs. Has invested in 131 companies over five years. Provides capital, mentorship, and holistic support (including mental health). Event Details Demo Day (Nov 14): Entrepreneurs pitch and receive funding. Fundable Founders Forum (Nov 15): Masterclasses with industry leaders like Steve Stoute, Nancy Twine, and Linda Clemens. Focus on actionable strategies, not just inspiration. Competition Structure Annual national competition with 2,500–3,000 applications. Categories include HBCU founders, national finalists, top prize winners, and people’s choice. Process: Applications → 250 semifinalists → 3-month cohort → Top 20–25 awarded funding. Challenges & Advice Many entrepreneurs fail due to rushed applications and lack of preparation. Success requires persistence: “Apply again” if you fail. Building a team is essential—Black Ambition does not invest in solopreneurs. Impact on Black Women Fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs but often limited by resources. Need to shift from solopreneurship to team-building for scalability. Pharrell’s Motivation Believes in democratizing opportunity. Inspired by those who invested in him early in his career. Goal: Close wealth and opportunity gaps quickly—“Wealth has a need for speed.” How to Get Involved Visit blackambitionprize.com and join the newsletter for alerts and resources. Past winners share insights in info sessions. Notable Quotes On closing gaps:“People are too comfortable wasting the time of Black entrepreneurs with misaligned resources and low vibrational mentorship.” On persistence:“If it doesn’t work on you in that moment, it works for you in that moment. Either way, it works.” On Pharrell’s vision:“Talent is not equally distributed by zip code, but opportunity can be.” On entrepreneurship mindset:“We have to start enjoying the process that molds us, not just say, ‘I didn’t make it, I’m upset.’” On Black women entrepreneurs:“They’re the fastest growing, but largely solopreneurs. We need them to think about building teams.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Lawrence Phillips. Purpose of the Interview To showcase Lawrence Phillips’ entrepreneurial journey from engineering to founding Green Book Global, a travel review platform for Black travelers. To highlight the significance of Black Ambition, an initiative by Pharrell Williams supporting Black and Brown entrepreneurs. To inspire listeners about resilience, innovation, and the importance of culturally inclusive travel resources. Key Takeaways Background & Career Shift Phillips studied Electrical Engineering at Georgia Tech and worked at Accenture in IT consulting for nearly a decade. Despite career success, he felt unfulfilled and decided to pursue his passion for travel, leading to the creation of Green Book Global. Travel Experience Traveled to 30+ countries across all seven continents, including Antarctica, in less than a year. Realized the need for a platform addressing “traveling while Black” concerns—safety, cultural acceptance, and inclusivity. Green Book Global Inspired by the historical Green Book (1936–1966), which guided Black travelers during segregation. Offers city-level Black-friendly scores, road trip planners, and Black-owned restaurant recommendations. Over 150,000 app downloads in 2025; partnered with Expedia; strong social media presence. Black Ambition Program Phillips applied three times before reaching semifinals, emphasizing persistence. Program provided funding opportunities and a transformative Evoke Wellness experience. His personal “why” statement:“I’m a protective and innovative steward of Black restoration and healing.” Impact & Vision Advocates systemic change by partnering with destinations to improve inclusivity. Highlights the economic power of Black travelers (over $140 billion annually). Encourages Black travelers to explore global opportunities beyond U.S. racial constraints. Notable Quotes “You can be successful and still not be happy.” — On leaving a lucrative career for passion. “I’m a protective and innovative steward of Black restoration and healing.” — His guiding principle. “There’s riches in niches.” — On unapologetically focusing on Black travelers. “Just because somebody said no doesn’t mean they said no to you—they said no at that time.” — On persistence in entrepreneurship. #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Lawrence Phillips. Purpose of the Interview To showcase Lawrence Phillips’ entrepreneurial journey from engineering to founding Green Book Global, a travel review platform for Black travelers. To highlight the significance of Black Ambition, an initiative by Pharrell Williams supporting Black and Brown entrepreneurs. To inspire listeners about resilience, innovation, and the importance of culturally inclusive travel resources. Key Takeaways Background & Career Shift Phillips studied Electrical Engineering at Georgia Tech and worked at Accenture in IT consulting for nearly a decade. Despite career success, he felt unfulfilled and decided to pursue his passion for travel, leading to the creation of Green Book Global. Travel Experience Traveled to 30+ countries across all seven continents, including Antarctica, in less than a year. Realized the need for a platform addressing “traveling while Black” concerns—safety, cultural acceptance, and inclusivity. Green Book Global Inspired by the historical Green Book (1936–1966), which guided Black travelers during segregation. Offers city-level Black-friendly scores, road trip planners, and Black-owned restaurant recommendations. Over 150,000 app downloads in 2025; partnered with Expedia; strong social media presence. Black Ambition Program Phillips applied three times before reaching semifinals, emphasizing persistence. Program provided funding opportunities and a transformative Evoke Wellness experience. His personal “why” statement:“I’m a protective and innovative steward of Black restoration and healing.” Impact & Vision Advocates systemic change by partnering with destinations to improve inclusivity. Highlights the economic power of Black travelers (over $140 billion annually). Encourages Black travelers to explore global opportunities beyond U.S. racial constraints. Notable Quotes “You can be successful and still not be happy.” — On leaving a lucrative career for passion. “I’m a protective and innovative steward of Black restoration and healing.” — His guiding principle. “There’s riches in niches.” — On unapologetically focusing on Black travelers. “Just because somebody said no doesn’t mean they said no to you—they said no at that time.” — On persistence in entrepreneurship. #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Lawrence Phillips. Purpose of the Interview To showcase Lawrence Phillips’ entrepreneurial journey from engineering to founding Green Book Global, a travel review platform for Black travelers. To highlight the significance of Black Ambition, an initiative by Pharrell Williams supporting Black and Brown entrepreneurs. To inspire listeners about resilience, innovation, and the importance of culturally inclusive travel resources. Key Takeaways Background & Career Shift Phillips studied Electrical Engineering at Georgia Tech and worked at Accenture in IT consulting for nearly a decade. Despite career success, he felt unfulfilled and decided to pursue his passion for travel, leading to the creation of Green Book Global. Travel Experience Traveled to 30+ countries across all seven continents, including Antarctica, in less than a year. Realized the need for a platform addressing “traveling while Black” concerns—safety, cultural acceptance, and inclusivity. Green Book Global Inspired by the historical Green Book (1936–1966), which guided Black travelers during segregation. Offers city-level Black-friendly scores, road trip planners, and Black-owned restaurant recommendations. Over 150,000 app downloads in 2025; partnered with Expedia; strong social media presence. Black Ambition Program Phillips applied three times before reaching semifinals, emphasizing persistence. Program provided funding opportunities and a transformative Evoke Wellness experience. His personal “why” statement:“I’m a protective and innovative steward of Black restoration and healing.” Impact & Vision Advocates systemic change by partnering with destinations to improve inclusivity. Highlights the economic power of Black travelers (over $140 billion annually). Encourages Black travelers to explore global opportunities beyond U.S. racial constraints. Notable Quotes “You can be successful and still not be happy.” — On leaving a lucrative career for passion. “I’m a protective and innovative steward of Black restoration and healing.” — His guiding principle. “There’s riches in niches.” — On unapologetically focusing on Black travelers. “Just because somebody said no doesn’t mean they said no to you—they said no at that time.” — On persistence in entrepreneurship. #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#thePOZcast is proudly brought to you by Fountain - the leading enterprise platform for workforce management. Our platform enables companies to support their frontline workers from job application to departure. Fountain elevates the hiring, management, and retention of frontline workers at scale.To learn more, please visit: https://www.fountain.com/?utm_source=shrm-2024&utm_medium=event&utm_campaign=shrm-2024-podcast-adam-posner.Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcastFor all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com SummaryIn this episode, Adam Posner interviews Jay Williams, founder of Freebird Southern Springwater, who shares his journey from a successful 25-year career in real estate to launching a beverage brand. Jay discusses the importance of authenticity, hard work, and building relationships in business. He reflects on the challenges of starting a new venture, the importance of giving back to the community, and the lessons he has learned from his experiences. The conversation highlights the importance of resilience, the impact of social media, and the value of crafting a brand with a soul that resonates with everyday Americans.Takeaways- Jay Williams transitioned from real estate to beverage with Freebird.- Authenticity and being true to oneself are key to success.- Building relationships is crucial in business.- Hard work can outpace talent in competitive fields.- Starting a business requires action over perfection.- Mistakes are valuable learning opportunities.- Resilience is essential for overcoming challenges.- Giving back to the community is a core value of Freebird.- Creating a brand with a soul resonates with consumers.- Networking and research are vital for new entrepreneurs.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Jay Williams and Freebird02:49 The Power of Authenticity and LinkedIn05:38 Lessons from Family and the Importance of Hard Work08:55 The Big Pivot: From Real Estate to Beverage11:01 The Aha Moment: Starting Freebird13:01 Finding a Niche in the Beverage Industry15:05 Navigating the Beverage Landscape19:24 Building a Team and Seeking Expertise20:01 Understanding Your Strengths and Weaknesses21:10 Finding the Right Partners22:36 The Unique Selling Proposition of Freebird24:02 Navigating Early Challenges25:41 Commitment to Community and Philanthropy27:15 Brand Growth and Market Positioning28:34 Building a Brand with Soul29:59 Future Aspirations for Freebird32:20 Advice for Mid-Career Reinvention33:53 Learning from Mistakes and Building Resilience36:16 Authenticity in Leadership
Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Trey Haley.
Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Jim VandeHei.
Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Trey Haley.
Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Jim VandeHei.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Robyn Donaldson. Entrepreneur, Mentor, and Founder of Renew Construction Services & STEM Exposure
Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Booker T. Washington.