On The Mic with Sam Sylk

Sam Sylk

On the Mic with Sam Sylk is where real conversations happen. After more than 30 years as one of radio’s most trusted voices, Sam Sylk brings listeners candid, engaging interviews with comedians, entrepreneurs, influencers, athletes, community leaders, and legendary R&B artists. This is Sam in his rawest form—authentic, insightful, and unfiltered. Every episode delivers inspiring stories, behind-the-scenes moments, business insights, laughs, life lessons, and conversations that matter. If you love great storytelling, powerful interviews, and genuine conversations with today’s biggest names and everyday difference-makers, pull up a chair and get On the Mic with Sam Sylk. “Real Conversations. Real People. Real Stories.”

Episodes

  1. May 27

    Business Longevity Ft. Larese Purnell

    Sam Sylk welcomes financial expert and community leader Larese Purnell of CLE Consulting Company and Real Black Friday to talk about his journey from working at 12 and initially pursuing pharmacy to falling in love with business, accounting, and finance. Larese shares how CLE Consulting has grown over a decade, employing nearly 20 people, and why partnership, industry involvement, and strong foundations matter for business survival. He breaks down common mistakes entrepreneurs make—moving too fast, lacking structure, not knowing numbers, and trying to wear every “hat”—and offers guidance on becoming bank/grant ready through credit, cash reserves, planning, and hiring experts. He reflects on lessons from COVID-related setbacks, the mission behind Real Black Friday, the importance of supporting Black businesses with grace, and the pride he finds in family, legacy, and service. 00:00 Mic Check and Setup 01:07 Podcast Intro and Guest Hype 02:25 Brotherhood and Discernment 03:21 Community Work and Giving Back 04:13 Who Is Maurice Parnell 04:55 Early Hustle and Values 06:44 From Pharmacy to Finance 08:11 A Decade of CLE Consulting 09:12 Keys to Business Longevity 11:16 Finding the Right Partner 14:38 Preparation Over Hype 16:31 Know Your Numbers and Build a Team 21:44 Lessons From COVID and Contingency Plans 24:06 Plan for Curveballs 24:31 Real Black Friday Origins 26:03 Childhood Businesses Saved Me 27:38 Why We Doubt Black Business 29:40 Give Feedback Not Dragging 31:30 Bank and Grant Ready Steps 33:48 Proudest Moments Family First 38:44 Losing My Mother Lessons 42:01 The Hidden Cost of Service 44:37 Support the Leaders Too 46:58 How to Follow and Wrap Up

About

On the Mic with Sam Sylk is where real conversations happen. After more than 30 years as one of radio’s most trusted voices, Sam Sylk brings listeners candid, engaging interviews with comedians, entrepreneurs, influencers, athletes, community leaders, and legendary R&B artists. This is Sam in his rawest form—authentic, insightful, and unfiltered. Every episode delivers inspiring stories, behind-the-scenes moments, business insights, laughs, life lessons, and conversations that matter. If you love great storytelling, powerful interviews, and genuine conversations with today’s biggest names and everyday difference-makers, pull up a chair and get On the Mic with Sam Sylk. “Real Conversations. Real People. Real Stories.”