So Ambitious Black Ambition

[APPLICATIONS OPEN!] | Are you building a high growth business in tech healthcare, AI, media entertainment, or consumer goods and services? If so, we'd like to help you scale. Don't miss your chance to win $1 million, capital coaching, and access to an amazing community of diverse innovators! Apply for the 2024 Black Ambition Prize competition now
Imagine a world where Black and Hispanic innovators are provided with the resources, mentorship, and backing to thrive without any interruption. In just 3 years, Black Ambition Prize has not only invested in nearly 100 entrepreneurs but has also offered support to over 750 innovators. During this time, the initiative has also granted nearly $6 million to founders dedicated to reshaping the landscape of industries such as product development, healthcare, media, and web technology, influencing their trajectory, mindset, and performance.
In this episode, we take a glimpse into the mind of Felecia Hatcher, visionary CEO of Black Ambition, as she sits down with Sherrell Dorsey, Founder of The Plug, to some exciting light on the impact and future of Black Ambition Prize as well as what to expect from the lineup of entrepreneurs and leaders for Season 2 of the So Ambitious Podcast. You will also uncover the intricacies of her transition from founder of Black Tech Week to CEO of Black Ambition Prize, steering the organization into an epoch of empowerment for Black and Latinx entrepreneurs and founders. 
Join in on the conversation and discover the ground-breaking path to uninterrupted Black Ambition that Felecia Hatcher is forging today. 

KEY POINTS 
(1:33) - Felecia’s journey to CEO of Black Ambition
(4:20) - Celebrating 100 Black Ambition Prize winners & 750 entrepreneurs supported in 3 years
(5:41) - New opportunities for HBCUs and the next cohort of the Black Ambition Prize
(7:20) - What to expect in Season 2 of the So Ambitious Podcast

QUOTABLES 
“Every entrepreneur is different as a result of the pandemic. And so there's new challenges, new opportunities that have sprouted up that we as an organization also have to make sure that we're supporting them at the highest level.” - Felecia Hatcher 
“We should be allowed to tell successful stories about Black and Brown people as well their most ambitious moments.” - Felecia Hatcher 

RESOURCES
Sherrell Dorsey
IG | @sherrell_dorsey

[APPLICATIONS OPEN!] | Are you building a high growth business in tech healthcare, AI, media entertainment, or consumer goods and services? If so, we'd like to help you scale. Don't miss your chance to win $1 million, capital coaching, and access to an amazing community of diverse innovators! Apply for the 2024 Black Ambition Prize competition now

Felecia Hatcher
IG | @feleciahatcher
Black Ambition
IG | @blackambitionprize


So Ambitious is produced by EPYC Media 

[APPLICATIONS OPEN!] | Are you building a high growth business in tech healthcare, AI, media entertainment, or consumer goods and services? If so, we'd like to help you scale. Don't miss your chance to win $1 million, capital coaching, and access to an amazing community of diverse innovators! Apply for the 2024 Black Ambition Prize competition now

In this episode, Felecia Hatcher is joined by Necole Kane - a retired celeb blogger, media mogul, founder of My Happy Flo, and the queen of making pivots. From being the brains behind Necole Bitchie to crafting xoNecole, which she later sold to Will Packer Media, Necole spills the beans on navigating the rollercoaster of business & personal transformations. 
Necole’s journey is a masterclass in embracing change and turning your failures into fuel for success. She doesn't sugarcoat the challenges she faces at each turn, but rather, she shines a light on how to keep pushing forward when the world seems to revel in your missteps. From handling the naysayers to finding your deeper purpose in business, Nicole shares the gritty details of her story like never before on the So Ambitious podcast. Get ready for some real talk on dealing with the messy parts of entrepreneurship, public scrutiny, and facing failures head-on from someone who's not just weathered storms but turned them into opportunities for growth and resilience.

KEY POINTS 
(2:33) - Necole’s interrupted moment: the day she quit her celebrity gossip blog 
(9:12) - How Necole navigated her very public pivots and the pressure of deciding “What’s Next?” 
(16:06) - Necole on selling her website xoNecole.com and seeing it exist without her 
(21:32) - The inspiration, mission, and vision of My Happy Flo 
(28:57) - Setting a new tone on how to care for Black women
(31:11) - Necole on permitting herself to take a break from her brand 
(38:03) - Who is Necole Kane uninterrupted?

QUOTABLES 
“You can't get to the top of the next mountain without coming down off of one.” - Necole Kane 
“When you ask God to use you, you can't choose how he uses you.” Necole Kane
“Success looks differently to everybody on why they started it and what the ending is supposed to look like.” - Felecia Hatcher 
“Sometimes your purpose has to be way greater than your comfort zone.” - Necole Kane

RESOURCES
Necole Kane | My Happy Flo
IG | @hellonecole

[APPLICATIONS OPEN!] | Are you building a high growth business in tech healthcare, AI, media entertainment, or consumer goods and services? If so, we'd like to help you scale. Don't miss your chance to win $1 million, capital coaching, and access to an amazing community of diverse innovators! Apply for the 2024 Black Ambition Prize competition now

Felecia Hatcher
IG | @feleciahatcher

Black Ambition
IG | @blackambitionprize


So Ambitious is produced by EPYC Media 

Meet the man who made Mac & Cheese cool - Derrick Turton a.k.a. Chef Teach, went from managing music artists to becoming the culinary force behind the World Famous House of Mac in Miami. Renowned for his exceptional mac and cheese, Chef Teach's story is a testament to resilience, adaptation, and the pursuit of passion. 

In this episode, Derrick imparts invaluable lessons learned from the music industry that laid the groundwork for his triumphs in the culinary world. You’re going to learn the secret sauce behind House of Mac's branding success and Derrick’s key to mastering the art of cultivating and leveraging relationships. Derrick also gets vulnerable as he shares the poignant moment that sparked his renewed focus on legacy-building after the passing of his father and the biggest storms he had to weather to keep his employees and legacy alive through COVID. 

Get ready to uncover the roots of Derrick's fearlessness and relentlessness in entrepreneurship as he busts the biggest myths on entrepreneurship and imparts crucial wisdom on pursuing passion over chasing monetary gains. Tune in for an episode filled with entrepreneurial gems and the savory tales behind House of Mac's rise to culinary stardom.


KEY POINTS 
(1:26) - Derrick Turton's transition from music mogul to culinary sensation, Chef Teach
(3:24) - Derrick’s biggest lessons from managing artists that led to successfully running House of Mac 
(5:02) - How the passing of his father prompted Derrick’s renewed focus on building a legacy 
(7:20) - How Derrick created culture, community, and an empire from Mac & Cheese
(11:46) - Where Derrick gets his fearlessness & relentlessness in entrepreneurship from 
(17:45) - The secret behind Derrick’s branding strategy & success 
(19:31) - Mastering the art of cultivating and leveraging relationships in entrepreneurship
(21:36) - House of Mac’s evolution from food truck to restaurant empire
(26:07) - How Derrick weathered the storm through COVID and kept his company afloat
(33:52) - Derrick busts the biggest myth about entrepreneurship
(35:35) - Derrick’s insights on the importance of pursuing passion over chasing monetary gains


QUOTABLES 
“Outside of the comfort zone is where the magic happens.” - Derrick Turton

“Culture is different. It's not one size fits all.” - Derrick Turton


RESOURCES
Derrick Turton 
IG | @bigteach718

House of Mac
IG | @worldfamoushouseofmac

[APPLICATIONS OPEN!] | Are you building a high growth business in tech healthcare, AI, media entertainment, or consumer goods and services? If so, we'd like to help you scale. Don't miss your chance to win $1 million, capital coaching, and access to an amazing community of diverse innovators! Apply for the 2024 Black Ambition Prize competition now 

Felecia Hatcher
IG | @feleciahatcher

Black Ambition
IG | @blackambitionprize


So Ambitious is produced by EPYC Media

Although notoriously known as the King of Spicy Tweets, Brian Brackeen, seasoned entrepreneur and General Partner at Lightship Capital, has built a track record of raising billions in support of Black businesses and entrepreneurs, making waves that resonate far beyond the confines of 280 characters.

In this interview, Brian Brackeen provides an intimate look into his journey as he recounts the pivotal moment of his removal as CEO, offering profound insights into the distinctive challenges encountered by Black founders. Brian also discusses the crucial theme of legal preparedness, stressing the importance of contracts and protections for founders, especially those from underrepresented communities, to fortify themselves against unjust removals from their own ventures.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration, legal wisdom, and a deeper understanding of the journey toward a more equitable tech industry. Tune in for a dynamic exploration of Brian Brackeen's remarkable journey and his impactful contributions to the tech and startup ecosystem.


KEY POINTS 
(1:21) - Brian’s role at Lightship Capital and his journey from Philly to Apple and IBM 
(4:05) - Brian on his move to the Miami startup ecosystem for venture capital raising 
(8:33) - Starting Kairos: how it shifted from a time clock company to facial recognition technology 
(10:03) - How to best structure a board and fortify yourself as a founder 
(12:10) - Brian on the day of his removal from the Kairos board
(14:13) - Bridging disparities in legal preparation, transparency, and support for Black founders
(17:29) - Fostering transparency and shedding light on inappropriate board removals
(19:41) - Brian on the privilege of having safety nets for white vs minority founders 
(21:32) - The origins of Black Tech Week in providing opportunities & resources for Black entrepreneurs 
(25:03) - The origin story of Candice & Brian Brackeen and 6 years of building their legacy
(27:55) - Creating visibility & opportunities, and featuring the stories of Black founders through Black Tech Week 
(31:42) - What’s next for Brian Brackeen and Black Tech Week?

QUOTABLES 
“One of the problems of venture and startups in general is that it's highly designed for the young white male founder.” - Brian Brackeen

“Unfortunately, one of the worst parts of my job is I probably take between 8 and 12 calls a year, every year, from a founder who has been inappropriately removed asking me for my help.” - Brian Brackeen


RESOURCES
Brian Brackeen
Twitter | @BrianBrackeen 
IG | @lightship.capital
Linkedin | @brianbrackeen

[APPLICATIONS OPEN!] | Are you building a high growth business in tech healthcare, AI, media entertainment, or consumer goods and services? If so, we'd like to help you scale. Don't miss your chance to win $1 million, capital coaching, and access to an amazing community of diverse innovators! Apply for the 2024 Black Ambition Prize competition now 

Felecia Hatcher
IG | @feleciahatcher

Black Ambition
IG | @blackambitionprize


So Ambitious is produced by EPYC Media 

Profound and enduring impact lies at the intersection of entrepreneurship and advocacy - and there is no better testament to this than the story of Shannon Allen. 

Shannon Allen is the visionary founder of Grown, a healthy fast-casual restaurant franchise that has not only disrupted but redefined the culinary landscape in Miami. Shannon's story goes beyond entrepreneurship; it is a powerful testament to the transformative potential when business acumen meets a deep commitment to positive change.

In this episode, Shannon shares her journey from growing up in an entrepreneurial family in Connecticut to becoming an advocate for diabetes awareness and healthy eating. She recounts the life-changing moment her son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and how it propelled her into becoming an advocate, raising awareness and funds for diabetes research. Shannon also discusses the inception of Grown and her vision to scale it as a healthy alternative to traditional fast food. 

Join in on the conversation as Shannon's resilience, determination, and commitment to making a positive impact shine through, serving as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and advocates.
 

KEY POINTS 
- (2:02) Shannon’s family background and their entrepreneurial roots 
- (5:36) Shannon on her initial resistance to entrepreneurship and owning a business
- (9:08) How motherhood changed the way Shannon viewed legacy 
- (12:24) The origin story of Grown: Shannon’s venture into advocacy & revolutionizing the food industry 
- (23:56) Wearing both hats of entrepreneur and advocate 
- (28:34) Doing it anyway: How Shannan overcame obstacles & naysayers when building her business
- (36:24) Shannon’s definition of success and the future of Grown 
- (41:51) Shannon on dealing with public closures, learning from losses, and loving risks
- (48:42) What’s next for Shannon and the future of Grown? 


QUOTABLES 
“Having black ambition is so key because it's so easy to believe that we don't belong here. It's so easy to fall into this belief system that there are limits on what we can accomplish, and it's so easy to forget who we really are.” - Shannon Allen

“Of all the venture money that's raised in this country. We know the numbers - only 2% of those dollars ever even touch women's hands. And Black women, we don't even get to sniff it.” - Shannon Allen

“I think true entrepreneurs are not risk averse. We love risks. We are like, throw me out of the plane and I'll build the parachute on the way down.” - Shannon Allen


RESOURCES

Shannon Allen 
IG | @swalkerwil

Grown
IG | @grown 

Lunchology
IG | @lunchology.co

[APPLICATIONS OPEN!] | Are you building a high growth business in tech healthcare, AI, media entertainment, or consumer goods and services? If so, we'd like to help you scale. Don't miss your chance to win $1 million, capital coaching, and access to an amazing community of diverse innovators! Apply for the 2024 Black Ambition Prize competition now 

Felecia Hatcher
IG | @feleciahatcher

Black Ambition
IG | @blackambitionprize


So Ambitious is produced by EPYC Media

Jay Bailey started his first business at 12, bought his first house at 19, and made his first million at 23. But the true turning point in his narrative came when he chose significance over success, recognizing that the real impact lay in building enduring legacies for fellow Black entrepreneurs. This audacious decision marked a profound chapter in his story, reflecting a commitment to empower others with the same bold vision.

In this episode, Jay Bailey lets us in on the compelling legacy crafted by Herman J. Russell, the visionary founder of the Russell Center, and his commitment to building an institution that will impact many generations to come. Jay also reveals powerful insights on nurturing high-level relationships, building lasting legacies, and the power of access, opportunity, and exposure when given to Black businesses and entrepreneurs.

Jay Bailey's journey echoes a powerful truth – that success finds its highest form in the enduring impact one leaves behind for others. Join in on the conversation as we embrace the spirit of empowerment and leaving legacies that resonate through time.


KEY POINTS 
- (1:36) Jay’s early successes and failures in entrepreneurship 
- (5:25) The trinity of transformation: Access, opportunity, and exposure 
- (7:45) The RICE mission to create a sanctuary for Black entrepreneurs to fail and fly 
- (10:43) Why RICE refers to their entrepreneurs as stakeholders 
- (12:14) Carrying forward Herman Russell’s powerful legacy 
- (16:33) Biggest lessons learned and responsibilities shouldered on building a family legacy
- (17:53) Jay on the responsibility of building legacy for yourself and for others 
- (19:50) The importance of trusting in your vision and before it is fully realized 
- (21:58) Biggest success stories and entrepreneurs to emerge & flourish from the support of RICE 
- (25:23) RICE's commitment to ensuring that partners properly support their deserving stakeholders 
- (28:06) Navigating the world of authentic high-level relationships: Insights & tips from Jay himself 
- (35:47) What success looks like to Jay Bailey (and the last thing Jay Bailey failed at) 
- (39:17) Jay’s roots of relationship nurturing: How Jay cultivates authentic & enduring connections 


QUOTABLES 
“For everything that was done and sacrificed for us to be here right now, we don't have the right to fail.” - Jay Bailey

“I went from living in a 10,000 square foot home at 26 to literally living in a nine by nine storage unit at 28. But it was there that I understood this concept of success and significance.” - Jay Bailey 

“There are very few times in life where you get to be a part of something you know will outlast you. There are even rare moments where you get to be a part of something that could potentially change the course of history. And then there are the rarest moments where you could potentially be the best in the world at something.” - Jay Bailey

“Loss creates leaders, and most incredible developments are born out of pain.” - Jay Bailey 

“Plant seeds that will grow trees whose shade you may never sit on.” - Jay Bailey


RESOURCES

Jay Bailey | Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs
LinkedIn | @jaybailey

[APPLICATIONS OPEN!] | Are you building a high growth business in tech healthcare, AI, media entertainment, or consumer goods and services? If so, we'd like to help you scale. Don't miss your chance to win $1 million, capital coaching, and access to an amazing community of diverse innovators! Apply for the 2024 Black Ambition Prize competition now 

Felecia Hatcher
IG | @feleciahatcher

Black Ambition
IG | @blackambitionprize


So Ambitious is produced by EPYC Media