Business First w/Sonia Alleyne

Mean Ole Lion Media
Mean Ole Lion Media
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Business

At the Business First Podcast hosted by Sonia Alleyne our mission is simple: we want to help Black and Brown Business owners make their businesses Better, Bigger and Bolder. Listen weekly as we provide information and inspiration for new and established business owners, entrepreneurs and those looking to turn that side hustle into a their main hustle. We'll feature guests with dynamic stories to inspire, motivate and guide you wherever you are in your business journey.

  1. 4d ago

    Breaking Up With The Word Can't

    What does it mean to build a successful life rooted in passion, purpose, and legacy? In this episode of Business First with Sonia Alleyne, Sonia sits down with master percussionist and serial entrepreneur Ralph Rolle, whose remarkable career spans nearly five decades. From performing with Nile Rodgers and CHIC, Sting, Bette Midler, Mary J. Blige, The Notorious B.I.G., and other legendary artists to building multiple businesses, Ralph shares the principles that have guided his journey. Ralph introduces his “Five Ps”—passion, power, placement, performance, and purity—and explains how they apply not only to music but also to business and life. He discusses overcoming grief and depression following his mother’s death, eliminating the word “can’t” from his mindset, setting deadlines, and defining success by completing the vision rather than simply making money. The conversation also explores the deeply personal inspiration behind Dear Family Stories, a digital platform created to help families preserve their recipes, photographs, videos, memories, and histories for future generations. Ralph also shares how a century-old family recipe—and an inventive way of meeting girls—eventually became Soul Snacks, a cookie company celebrating its 30th anniversary. It’s a powerful conversation about perseverance, entrepreneurship, community, and why preserving our family stories is a form of generational wealth. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app.

    Breaking Up With The Word Can't

  2. Sep 8

    Vision Brings Intention

    A vision board is not simply a collection of dreams—it can be a practical tool for expanding your thinking, clarifying your goals, and recognizing opportunities you may otherwise overlook. In this episode of Business First with Sonia Alleyne, Sharon A. Keyser returns to the show to discuss how the creativity she strengthened during the pandemic has blossomed into a new collection of digital vision boards, affirmations, power words, and personal-growth resources. Sharon shares how vision boards have influenced her own entrepreneurial journey. After placing the National Museum of African American History and Culture on her board, she remained persistent until her SK Creations products were accepted into the museum store. Later, a desire to expand beyond the Washington, D.C. market opened doors to New York Fashion Week and eventually international fashion shows. The conversation explores why manifestation must be accompanied by commitment, how smaller steps can lead to opportunities bigger than the original goal, and why the path from Point A to Point Z rarely happens in one leap. Sharon also explains how her editable, word-focused digital vision boards make it easier to keep goals visible, update them as life changes, and carry that vision wherever you go. From remembering that “The Universe Is Not on a Budget” to making time for what brings you joy and refusing to shrink in unfamiliar rooms, this episode is a reminder to think bigger, remain open, and never be afraid to take up space. Find Sharon’s digital vision boards and personal-growth resources at SharonAKeyserOfficial.com. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app.

    Vision Brings Intention

  3. Apr 14

    From the Music Business to the Passion for Music

    In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with 90s R&B artist Yvette Michele for a soulful and inspiring conversation about her return to music and her new single, “Mr. DJ.” Yvette reflects on the nostalgia of the 90s era while sharing what it takes to navigate today’s fast-paced, technology-driven music industry. She opens up about overcoming insecurities, staying authentic in a constantly evolving landscape, and how community support has played a key role in her journey. The conversation also dives into Yvette’s unique ability to blend her creative talents with her background in technology and marketing—showing how artists can build sustainable careers beyond just the music. She discusses her songwriting evolution, the importance of perspective, and the personal growth tools that have helped her reclaim her voice. Looking ahead, Yvette shares her excitement for new collaborations and expanding her reach internationally, particularly in the UK and beyond. This episode is a powerful reminder that reinvention is always possible—and that your voice still matters, no matter where you are in your journey. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app.

    From the Music Business to the Passion for Music

  4. Apr 7

    Be In Overflow Pt. 2

    In this dynamic episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with visionary entrepreneur Jeff Watkins, the force behind Overflow—an AI-powered film distribution platform reshaping the industry. Jeff shares his journey of building a disruptive model that leverages AI to amplify storytelling, empower creators, and open doors for underrepresented voices in film. From navigating fear and taking bold risks to developing proprietary tools that increase efficiency, this conversation dives deep into what it really takes to innovate in a rapidly evolving landscape. The discussion also highlights the critical role of community in supporting diverse storytellers, the power of authentic narratives, and how AI is becoming a true equalizer across industries. Jeff reflects on the importance of inner work, overcoming ego, and committing to continuous self-learning as key drivers of both personal and professional growth. If you’re interested in innovation, storytelling, and building with purpose, this episode delivers both inspiration and strategy. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app. Be sure to follow, rate, comment, and share to stay connected and inspired.

    Be In Overflow Pt. 2

  5. Apr 3

    Operation Restaurant Pt. 2

    In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with entrepreneur and restaurateur Andre Truss to discuss how discipline, leadership, and purpose shaped his journey from the United States Marine Corps to building a thriving restaurant business. Andre shares how the leadership principles he learned in the Marines helped him design strong business systems, build effective teams, and create a culture rooted in authenticity and community. The conversation explores the importance of structure, intentional leadership, and spiritual grounding in sustaining long-term success in business. Through personal stories and practical insights, Andre explains how thoughtful system design and a commitment to people can transform a simple idea into a scalable and impactful enterprise. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app and be sure to follow, rate, comment, and share.

    Operation Restaurant Pt. 2

  6. Mar 31

    Be In Overflow

    In this dynamic episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with visionary entrepreneur Jeff Watkins, the force behind Overflow—an AI-powered film distribution platform reshaping the industry. Jeff shares his journey of building a disruptive model that leverages AI to amplify storytelling, empower creators, and open doors for underrepresented voices in film. From navigating fear and taking bold risks to developing proprietary tools that increase efficiency, this conversation dives deep into what it really takes to innovate in a rapidly evolving landscape. The discussion also highlights the critical role of community in supporting diverse storytellers, the power of authentic narratives, and how AI is becoming a true equalizer across industries. Jeff reflects on the importance of inner work, overcoming ego, and committing to continuous self-learning as key drivers of both personal and professional growth. If you’re interested in innovation, storytelling, and building with purpose, this episode delivers both inspiration and strategy. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app. Be sure to follow, rate, comment, and share to stay connected and inspired.

    Be In Overflow

  7. Mar 17

    Operation Restaurant

    In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with entrepreneur and restaurateur Andre Truss to discuss how discipline, leadership, and purpose shaped his journey from the United States Marine Corps to building a thriving restaurant business. Andre shares how the leadership principles he learned in the Marines helped him design strong business systems, build effective teams, and create a culture rooted in authenticity and community. The conversation explores the importance of structure, intentional leadership, and spiritual grounding in sustaining long-term success in business. Through personal stories and practical insights, Andre explains how thoughtful system design and a commitment to people can transform a simple idea into a scalable and impactful enterprise. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app and be sure to follow, rate, comment, and share.

    Operation Restaurant

  8. Mar 10

    CSO: Chief Sleep Officer

    In this episode of *Business First*, sleep strategist and corporate wellness expert **LaShasta Bell** joins the conversation to break down why sleep is one of the most overlooked drivers of success in business and life. LaShasta shares powerful insights into how sleep impacts our mental clarity, physical health, and emotional resilience—especially for entrepreneurs and professionals who often operate in “hustle mode.” She explains how chronic sleep deprivation affects productivity, decision-making, and long-term wellness, and why companies must begin prioritizing rest as a core part of corporate wellness strategies. Throughout the discussion, LaShasta offers practical tools and actionable strategies for improving sleep habits, integrating wellness into workplace culture, and shifting from constant hustle to a more sustainable rhythm of harmony and balance. If you’ve ever sacrificed sleep in the name of productivity, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what true performance and success really look like.

    CSO: Chief Sleep Officer
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

At the Business First Podcast hosted by Sonia Alleyne our mission is simple: we want to help Black and Brown Business owners make their businesses Better, Bigger and Bolder. Listen weekly as we provide information and inspiration for new and established business owners, entrepreneurs and those looking to turn that side hustle into a their main hustle. We'll feature guests with dynamic stories to inspire, motivate and guide you wherever you are in your business journey.

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