Diversity Discourse

MBE magazine
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Biweekly

Diversity Discourse is the official podcast of Minority Business Entrepreneur magazine. This is the space where we create meaningful conversations around business diversity, diverse business entrepreneurship and diversity, equity, and inclusion with some of the industry’s most engaging and successful entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and experts.

  1. 2h ago

    Patience. Strategic Preparation. And a Whole Lot of Concrete.

    What happens when a fourth-generation family business owner walks away from corporate life, steps into construction, and builds credibility from the ground up? Stephanie Hickman shares the hard-earned playbook behind scaling Trice Construction Company without outrunning the business. This conversation gets real about what it takes to move from legacy to growth. Stephanie Hickman, CEO of Trice Construction Company, explains how she used a 25-year career in utilities, law, and lobbying to break into a new industry, win trust, and expand into bigger opportunities one step at a time. Her story is a masterclass in patience, discipline, and knowing when the right answer is no. You'll discover: How Stephanie turned existing relationships and industry knowledge into a foothold in utility work Why 10 contacts may be the minimum before a real contract conversation begins The difference between brand visibility and the trust that actually drives business How a “four-box” decision framework helps Trice evaluate new customers and new scopes of work Why saying no can protect profitability, cash flow, and hard-won brand credibility How “addition by subtraction” improved the company’s bottom line What access to capital really requires for MBE firms, and why talent is always a long lead item This episode goes beyond inspiration and into operating reality. Stephanie opens up about the pressure of carrying family legacy, the lessons of a project that was too far over its skis, and the operational discipline required to survive high-stakes growth in construction. If you are building a business, chasing bigger contracts, or trying to scale without breaking your team, this is the conversation you need. Essential listening for entrepreneurs, MBE leaders, women in construction, and anyone who wants a sharper way to think about growth, readiness, and long-term success. Stephanie Hickman is CEO of Trice Construction Company, where she has built on her family’s 40-year legacy to grow into larger, more strategic work while staying grounded in execution, credibility, and operational readiness.

  2. Jul 23

    Beyond the Logo: Building Trust and Value in Supplier Relationships

    This episode of Diversity Discourse continues our Beyond The Logo series with Jayne Agency, a global brand strategy expert. John “JT” Taylor, a longtime enterprise leader, advocate, and changemaker, joins Jayne Agency’s Brooke Foley to discuss how suppliers can earn and sustain enterprise trust beyond just making a pitch. Whether you're a small business owner or a corporate procurement professional, the insights focus on strategic relationship-building, credentialing, and demonstrating real value through data and storytelling.

  3. Jun 25

    On the Brink of Change

    In this episode of Diversity Discourse, experienced entrepreneurs Trevor Grant and Mike Anguiano share their journeys through building, exiting, and acquiring businesses. They discuss the challenges of change, the importance of leadership during transitions, and how technology and character shape future success.

  4. May 3

    Financial Wellness Starts at Home: Sidney and Saundra Curry on Building BC Holdings for 25 Years

    Sidney and Saundra Curry didn't build BC Holdings by accident. Over 25 years, this power couple turned a vision for financial wellness into a thriving business serving federal agencies and Fortune 500 companies, and they did it by treating their marriage like a business and their business like a marriage. In this first episode of 2026, MBE Magazine founder Tanya Isley sits down with the Currys to unpack what it really takes to scale a diverse-owned business. This isn't about "hustle harder." It's about getting your personal finances right before you try to grow your business. It's about using data instead of hope. It's about pricing for the business you're building, not the one you have today. In this episode, you'll learn: Why your personal net worth determines your business net worth The READS framework BC Holdings uses for every major decision How to track data that proves your value (even as a solopreneur) The pricing mistake that keeps minority business owners stuck and how to avoid it Why Sidney and Saundra give a 5% discount (and only 5%) What it takes to work with your spouse for 25 years without losing your mind How BC Holdings is pivoting from B2B to direct-to-consumer with their new Coho platform Sidney and Saundra are BC Holdings' monthly financial strategy contributors for MBE Magazine, where they break down the money conversations most business advisors won't touch. This conversation goes even deeper. If you're a diverse entrepreneur tired of survival mode and ready to build sustainable wealth, this episode is required listening. Featured Guests: Sidney and Saundra Curry, Co-Founders of BC Holdings Host: Tanya Isley, Publisher & CEO of MBE Magazine Subscribe to Diversity Discourse: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Connect with BC Holdings: https://bcholdingsllc.com/ Explore MBE Magazine: www.mbemag.com

  5. 11/07/2025

    Liz Wool Talks Transforming Your Business with Public Speaking

    Do you want to explode your business or career growth? Public speaking is a means to establish your expertise and connect with customers on a personal level. In this episode of Diversity Discourse, Liz Wool, founder and CEO of Public Speaking and Presentation Pros, shares her inspiring journey from struggling with a speech impediment to becoming a successful public speaking coach. She discusses the importance of finding one's voice, the power of tailored coaching, and effective audience engagement strategies. Liz emphasizes that public speaking is a vital tool for entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and overcome fears. She provides actionable insights on crafting compelling talks, avoiding common mistakes, and building collaborations for success. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to Engage Your Audience Effectively The Power of a Call to Action How to Craft a Winning Talk How to Get Comfortable with Public Speaking How to Define Your Expertise and Goals How to Build Collaborations for Success Join over 6,000 forward-thinking leaders who get weekly insights on sales, leadership, diversity, and success stories from diverse entrepreneurs. Subscribe here.

  6. 07/27/2025

    “We Need a New Logo!” … Or Do We?

    In this episode of Diversity Discourse, the team from Jayne Agency discusses the intricacies of brand strategy, focusing on the importance of alignment, the need for clarity in branding, and the iterative process of managing a brand. They explore when a business should consider rebranding versus realigning, the metrics that can be used to measure brand effectiveness, and the risks associated with imitating competitors. The conversation also highlights the value of the Devil's Advocate, a tool designed to help business leaders navigate their brand strategy effectively.

  7. 07/06/2025

    The Art of Showing Up: Command Presence in Leadership

    In this episode, leadership communications coach Salvatore Manzi discusses the importance of presence in communication and leadership, sharing insights from his experience as a communication coach. He emphasizes that presence can be taught and is essential for effective communication, especially for introverted individuals. The discussion also covers the art of pitching to investors, the significance of agency in communication, and the impact of cultural contexts on how presence is perceived and expressed.

  8. 05/05/2025

    Breaking Barriers in Spirits: Blackleaf Organic Vodka is Redefining Luxury and Sustainability

    In this conversation, Kevin Larkai and Monté Burrow, the founders of Black Leaf Organic Vodka, discuss their journey in creating the first French organic vodka in the U.S., emphasizing their commitment to sustainability, overcoming barriers in the spirits industry, and the importance of cultural authenticity. They share insights on the challenges faced as Black entrepreneurs, the significance of their accolades, and offer advice to other underrepresented founders. The discussion highlights their vision for the future and the importance of consistency in growth.

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About

Diversity Discourse is the official podcast of Minority Business Entrepreneur magazine. This is the space where we create meaningful conversations around business diversity, diverse business entrepreneurship and diversity, equity, and inclusion with some of the industry’s most engaging and successful entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and experts.

Information

  • Creator
    MBE magazine
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Diversity Discourse