The Entrepreneurs' Club Podcast

Carter McKinney
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Biweekly

The Entrepreneurs’ Club Podcast, hosted by Carter McKinney, features compelling conversations with entrepreneurs, founders, and creatives who are building impactful brands and shaping culture. Each episode explores leadership, branding, resilience, innovation, and the real stories behind building something meaningful.

  1. 6d ago

    Leader, Lead Yourself: Dr. Michael Koku on Failure, Service & AI | The Entrepreneurs' Club Podcast

    This episode is for entrepreneurs, team leaders, high achievers, and anyone who wants to become the kind of leader people actually trust. Dr. Michael Koku joins me for a conversation on what real leadership looks like when you lead yourself first. He trained as a physician in Nigeria, then built a second career as a Maxwell Leadership certified speaker, coach and trainer, a pastor in Philadelphia, and the author of 12 books. In this episode he breaks down John Maxwell's 5 Levels of Leadership, his 10 pillars of personal leadership, why failure is the road to success, and why service is the heart of leadership. In this episode, we get into: Going from practicing physician to leadership speaker, coach and pastorWhy being "head of the medical team" is still level-one leadershipThe 5 Levels of Leadership: position, permission, production, people development and pinnacleGetting laid off during COVID and using the time to join the Maxwell Leadership teamWriting ten new books in under two years after a 20-year gapLeader, Lead Yourself and the 10 pillars of personal leadershipThe Gandhi sugar story and the moral authority to leadThe biggest mistake high achievers make: treating failure as the enemyFAIL = First Attempt In Learning, and what one bad review taught himThe AREA Code: accept responsibility, exercise authorityWhy dreamers need to become doersAI makes smart people smarter and lazy people lazier: use it as a thinking partner, not a replacementRebuilding confidence after failure: confidence comes after actionWhy everyone needs a mentorThe Vitamin C of leadership: vision, integrity, transparency and competency"We don't burn out because of what we do. We burn out because we forget why."Chapters 0:00 Welcome & meet Dr. Michael Koku2:38 From medical school to leadership4:44 The 5 Levels of Leadership8:16 Joining Maxwell Leadership during COVID11:24 Leader, Lead Yourself: the 10 pillars15:01 The Gandhi sugar story20:19 High achievers & the fear of failure29:10 Why leadership starts with service36:47 Dreamers vs. doers41:21 Using AI in book writing & content44:46 Rebuilding confidence after failure52:37 Integrity & the Vitamin C of leadership Connect with Dr. Koku: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube: Dr. Michael KokuMaxwell Leadership certified speaker, coach & trainerFeaturing: Dr. Michael Koku | Hosted by Carter McKinney Stay connected: McKinney Media: www.mckinneymedia.coThe Entrepreneurs' Club: @theentrepreneursclub.usMcKinney School of Media & Marketing: @mckinneyschoolofmediamarketingIf this episode gave you something, follow the show on Spotify and share it with a friend so we can keep doing this.

  2. 6d ago

    Build Your Own Table: Jacinth Headlam on Film, Books & Innastar | The Entrepreneurs' Club Podcast

    This episode is for creatives, filmmakers, authors, nonprofit founders, and any entrepreneur who is tired of waiting for an invitation and ready to build the table themselves. Jacinth Headlam, founder and CEO of Jacinth Media Productions and Innastar Incorporated, joins me for a real conversation about storytelling, faith, reinvention, and what it takes to turn your story into a book, a film, and a business. From growing up in St. Mary, Jamaica, to Brooklyn, to the Lehigh Valley, Jacinth shares how hitting rock bottom led to her first book, Love After, and how that book opened the door to a documentary and the feature film Love After Holidays on BET+. In this episode, we get into: From Jamaica to Brooklyn to the Lehigh ValleyRunway modeling, banking, and choosing the arts againWhy producers build the table instead of waiting for a seatHow writing Love After became her "power card"Taking a story from book to documentary to feature filmWhy niching down matters when you want distributionHelping other authors write, publish, and scale their storiesWhy she started Innastar and the Trailblazer AwardsTeaching the arts internationally"Build across": why your peers matter more than chasing the people who already made itProtecting and nurturing your relationshipsWorking alongside the actors she grew up watchingBig vision, small budget, and how to keep goingBurnout, restructuring, and building the right teamGratitude, presence, and being faithful over the fewHer next project, Until He Speaks, and its anti-bullying missionConnect with Jacinth: Jacinth Media Productions: https://jacinthmediaproductions.comInnastar: https://innastar.orgFeaturing: Jacinth Headlam | Hosted by Carter McKinney Stay connected: McKinney Media: www.mckinneymedia.coThe Entrepreneurs' Club: @theentrepreneursclub.usMcKinney School of Media & Marketing: @mckinneyschoolofmediamarketingIf this episode gave you something, follow the show on Spotify and share it with a friend so we can keep doing this.

  3. Aug 18

    “Are You Teachable?” The Life & Legacy of Ms. Camilla Greene | The Entrepreneurs’ Club Podcast

    Before her passing, Ms. Camilla Greene wanted her story to be told.I had the honor of sitting down with her for The Entrepreneurs’ Club Podcast and giving her the space to tell a piece of that story in her own words.Camilla Greene was an educator, equity facilitator, consultant, community elder, and lifelong learner whose work spanned decades. From growing up in Brooklyn surrounded by Black excellence, to her experiences as a pioneering Black student, to becoming an educator and working nationally on school reform and educational equity, her life was rooted in learning, questioning systems, building community, and challenging people to see perspectives beyond their own.In this conversation, Ms. Camilla reflects on:• Growing up in Brooklyn and being surrounded by Black excellence• Her family’s connection to education, faith, community, and public service• Becoming an educator and her philosophy that teachers must first know their students• Her experiences with Brooklyn Friends School and Quaker education• Working with educators and school-reform initiatives across the country• Race, equity, public education, and institutional change• Why she embraced hip-hop and listened to younger generations• Moving to the Lehigh Valley and her perspective on the region• Creating Seven Generations Charter School with other local families• The importance of authentic community and courageous conversations• Entrepreneurship, self-awareness, leadership, and knowing your limitations• The difference between “selling the sizzle” and delivering the substanceNear the end of our conversation, Ms. Camilla left entrepreneurs and leaders with a question:“Are you teachable?”She challenged us to examine ourselves critically, understand both our strengths and limitations, seek help where we need it, and continually ask why our work deserves to exist and how it meaningfully changes the lives of other people.This interview was recorded while Ms. Camilla was still with us. I’m grateful to Bart Bailey for encouraging me to sit down with her, and I’m especially grateful to Ms. Camilla for trusting me with a piece of her story.There is no larger promotional message attached to this episode.This is simply an opportunity to listen to her.To learn from her.And to preserve some of her story, wisdom, experiences, and perspective for the people who knew her — and those who never had the opportunity.Rest in peace, Ms. Camilla Greene. 🕊️🎙 The Entrepreneurs’ Club Podcast#CamillaGreene #LehighValley #BlackHistory

  4. Aug 4

    How Labrel Simone Built an Event Planning Business from the Ground Up | Season 1 Ep. 11

    This episode is for entrepreneurs, event planners, creatives, nonprofit leaders, and anyone building a business rooted in relationships, creativity, and purpose.Labrel Simone, founder of FabxCozy Events, joins me for an honest conversation about entrepreneurship, event production, leadership, collaboration, and what it really takes to bring memorable experiences to life.From attending Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts to interning in New York City’s fashion industry and ultimately launching her own event company, Labrel shares how every step of her journey prepared her for entrepreneurship, even before she realized it.In this episode, we get into:• How Labrel discovered her passion for event production• The journey from fashion to entrepreneurship• What actually goes into producing successful events• Why relationships are the foundation of long-term business growth• Building strategic partnerships and sponsorships• Lessons learned from previous jobs that shaped her business• The realities of running an event company• Showing up before anyone is paying attention• Leadership, resilience, and betting on yourself• Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and event professionalsRecorded at WDIY 88.1 FM in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.WATCH • LEARN • BUILD🎙 The Entrepreneurs’ Club Podcast📻 Featured on WDIY 88.1 FM🎥 Video Production: McKinney MediaFollow FabxCozy Events to learn more about their work and upcoming events.👉 Subscribe for more conversations with entrepreneurs, founders, creatives, and community leaders:https://www.youtube.com/@itscartermckinneyListen to The Entrepreneurs’ Club Podcast on Spotify:https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/cartermckinneyConnect with Carter McKinney:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itscartermckinneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/itscartermckinneyTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itscartermckinneyX: https://x.com/cartermckinneyyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carter-the-photographer-mckinney-39607b1a2/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@itscartermckinney🎟 Attend an upcoming event:https://www.eventbrite.com/o/carter-mckinney-of-mckinney-media-67840853883🌐 McKinney Media:https://www.mckinneymedia.co#Entrepreneurship #EventPlanning #SmallBusiness

  5. Apr 27

    Salon Owner Secrets: Ashley Pizarro on Success in the Beauty Industry | Season 1 Ep 10

    This episode is for entrepreneurs, beauty professionals, service providers, and anyone who understands that building a business is not just about talent, it is about resilience, discipline, leadership, and becoming the person your vision requires.Ashley Pizarro of LovelyyFaces Spa Lounge joins me for a real conversation on beauty, business, entrepreneurship, education, personal growth, and what it takes to build a brand that people genuinely trust.In this episode, we get into:• How Ashley got started in the beauty industry• What it takes to build a salon brand from the ground up• The discipline behind becoming a trusted beauty professional• The realities of running a service-based business• Why client experience matters just as much as the service itself• The difference between being talented and being consistent• How education became a bigger part of her vision• The pressure of leadership, ownership, and personal growth• What beauty professionals often underestimate about business• How LovelyyFaces is continuing to evolve• What Ashley hopes people feel when they walk into her spaceRecorded in Bethlehem, PA at WDIY 88.1 FM.WATCH • LEARN • BUILD🎙 The Entrepreneurs Club Podcast🎥 Video Production: McKinney MediaPhoto by Guerby Dorcely aka McKayla Studio Photography LLCFollow LovelyyFaces Spa Lounge for updates, services, education, and more.👉🏽 Subscribe to stay tapped in:/ @mckinneymedia👉🏽 Hit SUBSCRIBE and tap the notification bell to stay tapped in:/ @itscartermckinneyThe Entrepreneurs' Club Podcast on other platforms! Please share with friends!https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/cartermckinneySocials — Follow & Connect:Facebook: / itscartermckinneyInstagram: / itscartermckinneyTikTok: / itscartermckinneyTwitter: / cartermckinneyyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carter-“the-photographer”-mckinney-39607b1a2/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@itscartermckinneySpotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/cartermckinney?si=ec7cb649f9b14b89🎟 Don’t miss an event:https://www.eventbrite.com/o/carter-mckinney-of-mckinney-media-67840853883🌐 McKinney Media: www.mckinneymedia.co

  6. Mar 11

    Raised in the Restaurant: Anthony Trapani on the Family Restaurant Business | Season 1 Ep 9

    This episode is for entrepreneurs, restaurant owners, and operators who understand that building a business is one thing, but carrying forward a legacy is something else entirely.Anthony Trapani of ZEST bar+grille joins me for a real conversation on family business, hospitality, leadership, and what it takes to grow and sustain a restaurant brand in the Lehigh Valley.In this episode, we get into:• What it was like growing up around a family business• Why Anthony chose to step into the family business instead of building something separate• The pressure and responsibility that come with legacy• How hospitality becomes community-building when done well• What actually drives restaurant revenue beyond just food and drinks• The role of events, private bookings, and experience in long-term growth• The realities of staffing, margins, and staying profitable in hospitality• How to create repeat customers instead of one-time visitors• Balancing tradition with evolution in a local restaurant brand• What Anthony hopes people will say about what he built 20 years from nowRecorded in Bethlehem, PA at Venture X.WATCH • LEARN • BUILD🎙 The Entrepreneurs Club Podcast🎥 Video Production: McKinney MediaFollow ZEST bar+grille for updates, events, and more.👉🏽 Subscribe to stay tapped in:/@mckinneymedia

  7. Feb 14

    Basement to Big Leagues: Jonathan Morrissey on Family Business at Rich Mar Florist

    This episode is for entrepreneurs who respect legacy, but still think bigger. Jonathan Morrissey, President of Rich Mar Florist, joins me in person for a real conversation on what it takes to grow a 70-year, 4-generation family business, from a townhouse basement to doing major events across the country. In this episode, we get into:• What it’s like coming up in the family business (starting with the unglamorous work) • The pivotal moment in 2009: the U.S. Women’s Open at Saucon Valley, and how it changed everything • Why flowers matter in sports, VIP hospitality, and high-end experiences (even when people don’t realize it) • What “high-level” execution really looks like: planning, installs, access limits, timelines, maintenance • The reality of resilience, sacrifice, and sustaining success, and why Jon lives by “Attack Life” • What’s next: more universities, bigger races, and dreaming toward the Indy 500, while staying rooted in the Lehigh Valley Recorded in Bethlehem, PA.WATCH • LEARN • BUILD🎙 The Entrepreneurs Club Podcast — Season 1, Episode 8🎥 Video Production: McKinney MediaFollow Rich Mar Florist: @richmarflorist Website: richmarflorist.com 👉🏽 Subscribe to stay tapped in:/ @mckinneymedia

  8. Jan 24

    From Heroin to Hope: Westley Morris on Recovery, Redemption & “Keep Pedaling” | Season 1 Episode 6

    Season 1, Episode 6 — Westley Morris | The Entrepreneurs Club PodcastThis episode is raw, real, and necessary.Westley Morris joins me for a conversation about resilience, recovery, and rebuilding — not as a highlight reel, but as real life. From surviving addiction and homelessness to turning pain into purpose, Westley’s story is a reminder that transformation is possible… but it costs something.In this episode, we explore:• What recovery actually looks like when nobody’s watching• The mindset shift from survival to responsibility• Rebuilding trust with yourself, your family, and your community• How discipline (and consistency) becomes the turning point• Why “keep pedaling” is more than a saying — it’s a rule for lifeIf you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or anyone fighting to become the next version of yourself — this one will hit.Recorded at The Foundry Recording Studio in Bethlehem, PA.WATCH • LEARN • BUILD🎙 The Entrepreneurs Club Podcast — Season 1, Episode 6🎥 Video Production: McKinney Media📍 Location: The Foundry Recording Studio (Bethlehem, PA)📸 Photo: Maya Rucker👉🏽 Subscribe to stay tapped in:/ @mckinneymedia👉🏽 Hit SUBSCRIBE and tap the notification bell to stay tapped in:/ @itscartermckinney🎥 Video Production: McKinney Media🌐 McKinney Media: www.mckinneymedia.coSocials — Follow & Connect:Facebook: / itscartermckinneyInstagram: / itscartermckinneyTikTok: / itscartermckinneyTwitter: / cartermckinneyyLinkedIn:   / carter-“the-photographer”-mckinney-39607b1a2  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@itscartermck...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/carterm...🎟 Don’t miss an event:https://www.eventbrite.com/o/carter-m...🌐 McKinney Media: www.mckinneymedia.co

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5
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The Entrepreneurs’ Club Podcast, hosted by Carter McKinney, features compelling conversations with entrepreneurs, founders, and creatives who are building impactful brands and shaping culture. Each episode explores leadership, branding, resilience, innovation, and the real stories behind building something meaningful.

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