Earn Your Leisure

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Welcome to The Earn Your Leisure Podcast. Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings will be your host. Earn Your Leisure will be giving you behind the scenes financial views into the entertainment and sports industries as well as highlighting back stories of entrepreneurs. We will also be breaking down business models and examining the latest trends in finance. Earn Your Leisure is a college business class mixed with pop culture. We blend the two together for a unique and exciting look into the world of business. Let’s go!! #earnyourleisurepodcast

  1. 8H AGO

    Mastering the Art of Fundraising

    In this insightful clip of EYL, hosts Troy Millings and Rashad Bilal sit down with successful entrepreneur and mentor Ryan Breslow to discuss the intricacies of fundraising for startups. Ryan shares invaluable lessons and strategies that have helped him navigate the challenging world of venture capital and investment without falling into common pitfalls.  Ryan dives deep into his personal journey, recounting initially unsuccessful attempts at raising capital and the crucial advice he received from mentors like Michael Carter of Playco. One of the key takeaways from this conversation is the importance of building relationships rather than simply requesting funds outright. Ryan explains why stating you're fundraising can put unnecessary pressure on both the entrepreneur and potential investors. Instead, creating a network of advocates who are genuinely excited about you and your project is more beneficial in the long run.  Ryan also elaborates on the famed Silicon Valley adage: 'If you want money, ask for advice. If you want advice, ask for money.' This approach ensures that you not only gain valuable insights from seasoned professionals but also organically attract investors who believe in your vision and character.  Troy and Rashad probe further, asking Ryan about the strategic targeting of potential mentors and investors, and how to avoid getting a 'no.' Ryan emphasizes the contagion effect of rejection in the investment community and advises playing the long game by impressing potential supporters gradually rather than rushing to secure funds.  Throughout the episode, Ryan reflects on how critical it is to foster genuine connections within a network that can later be leveraged for intros and investments. His advice also covers the importance of not showing desperation to potential investors, as they are adept at detecting it to secure the best deals for themselves.  For anyone looking to raise funds for their startup, this episode is a goldmine of practical wisdom and strategic advice. Whether you're in the early stages of your entrepreneurial journey or looking to refine your approach to fundraising, Ryan Breslow's experience and insights will equip you with the tools to succeed.  Don't miss out on this episode packed with actionable advice and strategies for mastering the art of fundraising. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    10 min
  2. 15H AGO

    Trademark Renewal Process: Key Information from Trademark Attorney Rosezena Pierce

    In this enlightening clip of the EYL, join hosts Troy Millings and Rashad Bilal as they sit down with experienced trademark attorney Rosezena Pierce. Dive deep into the world of trademarks and get crucial insights on how to protect your brand effectively. *Episode Highlights:* *Trademark Renewal:* Rosezena Pierce explains the renewal process and dispels common misconceptions. Unlike annual reports, trademark registrations need to be maintained between the 5th and 6th year anniversary, then the 9th and 10th year anniversary, and every ten years after that. *Scams & Spam:* Learn how to avoid common pitfalls and scams related to trademark renewals. Rosezena details the tactics used by scammers and stresses the importance of having an attorney to navigate these issues. *Service Marks & Trademarks:* What’s the difference? Rosezena clarifies that a service mark is essentially a trademark but used for services instead of products. *International Trademarks:* Discover the complexities of securing trademarks internationally. Rosezena emphasizes the importance of hiring local counsel to navigate different countries' laws effectively. *Costs Involved:* From government filing fees to attorney charges, get a full breakdown of what you can expect to spend on trademarking, both domestically and internationally. *LegalZoom vs. Hiring an Attorney:* Understand the value of personalized, custom legal advice versus using a service like LegalZoom. Rosezena highlights the importance of building a relationship with an attorney who can guide you through the nuances of trademark law and add value to your business. *Classes of Trademarks:* What are trademark classes? Rosezena discusses how you can cover multiple business aspects like media, education, and entertainment under a single class. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    9 min
  3. 6D AGO

    Why Selling Isn’t “Selling Out” | Richelieu Dennis on Essence Fest Fallout & Black Business Issues

    00:00 Fear of Selling Out01:09 Meet Rich Dennis04:40 SheaMoisture Origin Story06:41 Family Business Rules08:33 From Harlem Table to Retail12:37 Building the Right Team15:00 Impact Supply Chain in Africa17:32 Backlash and Exit Strategy26:36 Generational Wealth Reality30:50 Capital Talent and Competition36:53 Grace and Community Support44:09 Why Big Brands Get a Pass47:39 Economic Pressure Builds49:43 Entrepreneurship at Risk51:18 Unemployment Gap Explained53:07 Capital Over Credentials55:41 Losing Cultural Institutions58:03 EssenceFest Backlash Lessons59:51 Festival Pillars and Vision01:03:45 Teyana Taylor Curator Role01:04:22 Future of Media and Wealth01:08:27 Building Black Business Infrastructure01:16:22 Identity Critique Response01:19:51 New Orleans Economic Impact01:23:11 Why Print Still Matters01:25:19 Celebrating Black Women Platforms01:27:26 Festival Dates and Closing In this episode of Earn Your Leisure, we sit down with Richelieu Dennis to break down his journey from selling products on the streets of Harlem to building SheaMoisture into a billion-dollar company and securing a historic $1.6 billion exit. He shares why building the right team was critical, the realities of working with family, and the key decisions that allowed the business to scale to its full potential. We also dive into the backlash he faced after selling the company, addressing the “sellout” criticism and the larger issue of how Black entrepreneurs are judged. Richelieu speaks on investing 10% of revenue into Black women, the importance of unity within the community, and why negative public opinion can slow down economic progress. The conversation also touches on economic instability, unemployment disparities, and whether Black consumers should give more grace to Black-owned businesses. Finally, we explore the future of media, ownership, and cultural influence through platforms like Essence Festival of Culture. Richelieu discusses the impact of Essence Fest on New Orleans, addresses past criticism, and shares his vision for the future—including new leadership with Teyana Taylor. We close with gems on generational wealth, building lasting infrastructure, and how to use market volatility as an advantage in today’s economy. #EarnYourLeisure #RichelieuDennis #SheaMoisture #EssenceFest #BlackWealth #Entrepreneurship #GenerationalWealth #BlackBusiness #Investing #FinancialFreedom #MarketMondays #BusinessLeadershipSubscribe  and watch more videos here: https://www.youtube.com/@EarnYourLeisure Join the EYL community for deeper training and a more detailed approach:https://www.eyluniversity.com Join the number one stock club in the world:https://www.ianinvest.com Invest Fest | August 7-9, 2026Grab early bird tickets now: https://www.investfest.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 30m
  4. MAR 25

    How to Perfect Your Elevator Pitch

    Welcome back to EYL! In this clip, we are joined by the incredible Ashaala Shanae, who provides invaluable insights on how to perfect your elevator pitch. Whether you're preparing for Invest Fest or any other pitch scenario, this video is packed with actionable advice to help you stand out and make a lasting impression. *Key Points Discussed:* 1. *Clear and Concise Messaging:*   Rashad Bilal kicks off the conversation by emphasizing the importance of a clear and concise message. Knowing who you are, what you do, who you serve, and what you offer is crucial. 2. *Identifying the Problem:*   Rashad explains that understanding the problem you aim to solve is fundamental. Your pitch should highlight the specific issue your product or service addresses. 3. *Providing the Solution:*   Beyond identifying the problem, it's vital to clearly articulate the solution your business provides. This includes the methods and vehicles you'll use to solve the issue. 4. *Market Research and Competitor Analysis:*   Knowing your market stats and competitors is essential. Investors are likely to ask about the competitive landscape, making this a critical part of your pitch preparation. 5. *Effective Use of Visual Aids:*   Visual aids can enhance your pitch if used correctly. Keep them clean and easy to understand, ensuring they support rather than distract from your key points. 6. *Clear Call to Action:*   Rashad emphasizes the importance of a clear and realistic call to action. Specify exactly what you're asking for, whether it's funding, partnership, or another form of support. 7. *Understanding Your Numbers:*   Know your financials inside out. Be prepared to detail your budget, forecast, and return on investment, as investors will scrutinize these aspects. 8. *Practice and Preparation:*   Troy Millings and Rashad discuss the importance of practice. Practice in front of a mirror, with family and friends, and even record yourself to identify areas for improvement. 9. *Mindfulness and Visualization:*   Ashaala shares techniques for managing anxiety, including mindfulness exercises and visualization. Walking through your pitch mentally can help build confidence and reduce stress. 10. *Breathing Techniques:*    Specific breathing techniques like the 4-7-8 method can help calm nerves and prepare you for the spotlight. 11. *Arrive Early and Familiarize Yourself with the Venue:*    Visiting the venue in advance and visualizing your performance in the actual space can significantly reduce anxiety on the day of your pitch. 12. *Have a Backup Plan:*    Always have a backup for your visual aids and other electronic materials to avoid last-minute hiccups that can derail your pitch. By following these steps and tips, you can create a compelling elevator pitch that captures the attention of investors and judges alike. Don't miss out on this jam-packed episode that could be the key to your next successful pitch! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    8 min
4.9
out of 5
7,832 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Earn Your Leisure Podcast. Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings will be your host. Earn Your Leisure will be giving you behind the scenes financial views into the entertainment and sports industries as well as highlighting back stories of entrepreneurs. We will also be breaking down business models and examining the latest trends in finance. Earn Your Leisure is a college business class mixed with pop culture. We blend the two together for a unique and exciting look into the world of business. Let’s go!! #earnyourleisurepodcast

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