Money Making Conversations Master Class

Rushion McDonald
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Hi, this is Rushion McDonald. Welcome to the podcast world of Money Making Conversations Master Class. I interview profits and nonprofits to learn their "Secrets to Success."  I'm a former IBM Executive with a degree in Mathematics. I started my entrepreneurial career as a stand-up comic, then became a sitcom writer, award-winning baker, social media influencer, award-winning television Executive Producer, and brand architect for super-successful celebrities and products. Money Making Conversations Master Class interviews a diverse group of celebrities, entrepreneurs, and influencers in the financial and business community with their advice and tips so you can be successful, too. It's time to stop reading other people's success stories and start building your own. People always talk about their purpose or gifts. If you have a gift, Lead with your Gift, and don't let your friends, family, or co-workers stop you from planning or living your dream. Keep Winning! https://www.moneymakingconversations.com https://www.youtube.com/MoneyMakingConversations https://www.facebook.com/MoneyMakingConversations/ https://twitter.com/moneymakingconv https://www.instagram.com/moneymakingconversations/

  1. Uplift: He highlights the importance of mental health and wellness, in elite sports, and entrepreneurial spaces.

    1 HR AGO

    Uplift: He highlights the importance of mental health and wellness, in elite sports, and entrepreneurial spaces.

    Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Kurt Jones. Purpose of the Interview The conversation aims to highlight the importance of mental health and wellness, particularly in the Black community, elite sports, and entrepreneurial spaces. It focuses on mental resilience, confidence building, and strategies for handling stress and setbacks, while introducing Dr. Jones’ methodology and his mission through Play 21 Wellness Academy. Key Takeaways Mental Health in the Black Community Historically stigmatized; seen as weakness or negativity. Today, awareness is improving, but significant work remains. Customized Approach Dr. Jones does individualized analysis and treatment plans for athletes and business professionals. Rejects “cookie-cutter” solutions—tailors strategies to personal circumstances. The Shelving Method A mental organization system with four shelves: Immediate Shelf: Urgent tasks within 24 hours. Active Shelf: Important but less urgent tasks. Holding Shelf: Items to revisit later. Elimination Shelf: Thoughts/tasks to discard permanently. Helps clients focus on the present and avoid dwelling on past mistakes. Confidence & Setbacks Confidence can collapse after major losses or failures. Strategy: Remind clients of their greatness, review past successes, and rebuild momentum. Consistency and adaptability are key to sustaining success. Play 21 Wellness Academy Founded in memory of Ben Wilson, a top basketball player and Dr. Jones’ best friend. Mission: Support youth athletes, address issues like parent/teacher abuse, and provide mental health resources. Operates as both a nonprofit and for-profit entity. Broader Client Base Works with elite athletes, entrepreneurs, and high-level professionals. Mental clarity and emotional control are critical for success in any field. Health & Balance Encourages regular medical checkups, stress management, and work-life balance. Advocates for self-reward and stepping out of comfort zones while maintaining wellness. Upcoming Projects Book: Chi-Town Blueprints (personal story and mental resilience). Workbook on the Shelving Method for schools, universities, and professionals. Notable Quotes On Mental Health Stigma:“When people talked about mental health, the first thought was negative.” On Focus:“You can’t take the last play to the next play.” On Success:“Mental thinking is a huge part of success.” On Confidence:“Remind yourself of what got you to the point where you were winning.” On Consistency:“You’ve never seen a Brinks truck behind a funeral car—the graveyard is the richest place because people die with million-dollar dreams.” On Purpose:“Walk in your purpose. When you walk in your purpose, there’s no stopping you.” #SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMI See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    39 min
  2. Uplift: He owns an executive search firm; they are hired by companies to find top-tier talent.

    3 HR AGO

    Uplift: He owns an executive search firm; they are hired by companies to find top-tier talent.

    Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ken Taunton. Founder and president of The Royster Group, a nationally recognized, certified Black-owned professional staffing firm. Here's a breakdown of the key themes and takeaways: 🎯 Key Highlights from the Interview 🏢 About The Royster Group Founded in 2001, the firm specializes in: Executive Search (C-suite to Director level) Healthcare Staffing (physicians, nurses, ancillary staff) Operates nationally, serving both public and private sectors. 💼 Executive Search Insights Royster is a retained executive search firm, meaning they are hired by companies to find top-tier talent. Focuses on diverse, seasoned professionals with 7–10+ years of experience. Clients include major corporations like Home Depot, Merck, and Pfizer. Emphasizes the importance of diversity in leadership and actively includes women and people of color in candidate pools. 🏥 Healthcare Staffing Healthcare remains a high-demand field due to an aging population and workforce shortages. Royster recruits nationally and advertises through their website, conferences, and referrals. There’s a growing need for diverse healthcare professionals to reflect the population they serve. 🧾 Resume & Job Search Tips Resumes should be keyword-optimized to match job descriptions. Candidates should reach out to recruiters, follow up, and apply through multiple channels. Avoid vague resumes—include specific achievements and metrics. 🏆 Business Philosophy & Certification Thornton emphasizes the value of being a certified Black-owned business, not as a crutch but as a strategic advantage to gain access to opportunities. He acknowledges the challenges and scrutiny minority businesses face and the importance of capacity and execution. Advocates for mentorship, SBA resources, and relationship-building as keys to success. 📈 Entrepreneurial Journey Thornton transitioned from pharmaceutical sales and HR to founding his own firm after noticing a lack of diversity in executive placements. Started Royster with a bootstrap model—a desk, a phone, and determination. Now leads a $20M+ company and was named Small Business Person of the Year in Georgia.   #STRAW #BEST #SHMS See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    30 min
  3. Overcoming the Odds: How to navigate the emotional and financial challenges of sudden wealth.

    4 HR AGO

    Overcoming the Odds: How to navigate the emotional and financial challenges of sudden wealth.

    Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Troy Hudson. A deeply personal and insightful interview with former NBA player and author Troy “T-Hud” Hudson. Here's a breakdown of the key highlights and takeaways: 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. First-Generation Wealth Troy Hudson’s book, First Generation Rich, explores the emotional and financial complexities of being the first in a family to acquire significant wealth. He distinguishes between being “rich” (temporary, income-based) and “wealthy” (long-term, legacy-building). 2. From Humble Beginnings to the NBA Raised in public housing in Carbondale, Illinois. Came from a tight-knit, low-income family where needs were prioritized over wants. Basketball became his vehicle to travel, grow, and eventually earn a $36 million contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2003. 3. The Pressure of Sudden Wealth Hudson discusses the mental and emotional toll of being the financial “savior” for family and friends. He coined the term “media lock-in” to describe how public knowledge of his contract changed how people treated him. Many relationships became transactional, leading to isolation and stress. 4. Financial Lessons & Mistakes Worst investment: launching a music label using his own money. Learned the importance of using other people’s money (OPM) and having a financial advisor. Even with an advisor, he sometimes made impulsive decisions due to youth and pressure. 5. The Athlete’s Dilemma Athletes often receive large sums of money at a young age with little financial education. Unlike team owners who collaborate, athletes often operate independently, missing opportunities for collective wealth-building. 6. Why He Wrote the Book To document his journey and help others—especially future first-generation earners—navigate the emotional and financial challenges of sudden wealth. Aims to break generational curses and preserve relationships strained by money. 💬 Notable Quotes “Rich is temporary. Wealth is legacy.” “It’s lonely at the top—especially when you’re not getting along with family and friends.” “We don’t operate like the owners. The owners work together. The athletes don’t.” 📘 About the Book Title: First Generation Rich Author: Troy Hudson Available on: Amazon (Kindle & paperback) and 1GRich.com #STRAW #BEST #SHMS See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    27 min
  4. Overcoming the Odds: She was a C student and a college dropout, but she is the CEO of Black Ambition.

    23/12/2025

    Overcoming the Odds: She was a C student and a college dropout, but she is the CEO of Black Ambition.

    Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Felecia Hatcher. Purpose of the Interview To spotlight Black Ambition, a national initiative founded by Pharrell Williams that funds and mentors Black and Brown entrepreneurs. To share insights on entrepreneurship, access to resources, and strategies for scaling businesses. To inspire and educate small business owners and innovators on how to leverage opportunities for growth. Key Takeaways About Black Ambition Founded by Pharrell Williams to close the opportunity gap for Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs. Provides capital, mentorship, and masterclasses to help founders scale. Has invested in 131 companies and awarded millions in funding. Competition Structure Annual national competition with 2,500–3,000 applications. Categories include HBCU, National Finalists, Top Prize Winner, People’s Choice. Process: Applications → 250 semifinalists → 3-month cohort → Demo Day for top 20–25 companies. Unique Approach Focus on high-quality mentorship, not “low vibrational” guidance. Includes mental health and wellness support for entrepreneurs. Partnerships with brands like Louis Vuitton for luxury retail insights. Challenges for Entrepreneurs Many fail by rushing applications and skipping info sessions. Success requires clarity, traction, and persistence—sometimes multiple attempts. Black women are the fastest-growing entrepreneurs but often remain solopreneurs; Black Ambition prioritizes team-building. Pharrell’s Motivation Believes in democratizing opportunity: “Talent is not equally distributed by zip code, but opportunity can be.” Inspired by those who believed in him early in his career. Felecia Hatcher’s Journey Former founder of Center for Black Innovation and Black Tech Week. Emphasizes resilience: “I’m a C student and a college dropout, but I never let that define me.” Advocates for creative pathways to success and capital access. Notable Quotes “Success leaves clues.” – On learning from past winners. “Talent is not equally distributed by zip code, but opportunity can be.” – Pharrell’s guiding principle. “If it doesn’t work on you in that moment, it works for you in that moment. Either way, it works.” – On persistence. “We have to start enjoying the process… be stretched, be cut by the process.” – On entrepreneurial growth. “Wealth has a need for speed.” – On urgency in closing the wealth gap. #SHMS #STRAW #BEST See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    22 min
  5. Uplift: People are divorced from themselves—She teaches you how to stay married to yourself.”

    16/12/2025

    Uplift: People are divorced from themselves—She teaches you how to stay married to yourself.”

    Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Marsha Evans. Purpose of the Interview To highlight Marsha Evans’ work as a licensed professional counselor and founder of Willow Tree Counseling and Educational Center. To explore strategies for navigating life’s complex stages, breaking generational patterns, and building authentic relationships. To provide actionable insights for entrepreneurs and individuals on self-awareness, fear management, and relationship dynamics. Key Takeaways Understanding Complexity Life stages vary in complexity for each person—middle school for some, adulthood for others. Evans emphasizes listening and identifying what balance, peace, or contentment means for each individual. Early Awareness and Discipline At age 12, Evans set a goal to earn a scholarship, showing intentionality and discipline. Athletics taught her teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience, shaping her leadership style. Reading the Room Start by reading yourself—know your energy and intentions. Authenticity and confidence are key to building relationships and leveraging opportunities. Fear and Family Systems Fear often originates from family systems and generational patterns, not just personal experiences. Example: Parents’ limited worldview can project fear of the unknown onto children. Recognizing these patterns helps individuals break cycles and pursue their own paths. Generational Patterns & Healing Evans uses Genograms (visual family trees) to identify psychological and behavioral patterns across three generations. Acceptance of parents and family history is crucial for personal and professional growth. Rejecting parents = rejecting life and success; honor them while creating new narratives. Practical Steps for Change Build a relationship with yourself through solitude, meditation, yoga, and movement. Reduce stress (cortisol levels) to improve clarity and decision-making. Examine your money story—how family attitudes toward money shape your financial behavior. Relationships Romantic: Partners often mirror unresolved childhood issues; do inner work to avoid projecting. Professional: Maintain boundaries; emotional needs should not be placed on workplace relationships. Personal: Define roles clearly; avoid expecting friends to fill parental gaps. Consistency and Authenticity Success requires consistency with yourself before expecting it from others. Ask: Are your goals truly yours or influenced by societal expectations? Notable Quotes “I become a visitor in your world and start listening to your story.” “Reading the room starts with reading yourself.” “Fear is often not yours—it comes from your family system.” “You can’t reject your parents; when you reject your mother, you reject life.” “Consistency with yourself is key to achieving the results you desire.” “Your partner cannot carry the burden of your parents.” “People are divorced from themselves—I teach them how to get married to themselves.” #SHMS #STRAW #BEST See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    37 min
  6. Uplift: Founder of 1 Million Lives Transform, focused on empowering women to reclaim their voices.

    10/12/2025

    Uplift: Founder of 1 Million Lives Transform, focused on empowering women to reclaim their voices.

    Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Stephanie Wall. Purpose of the Interview To share Dr. Wall’s expertise as a neuroscience coach, criminal justice professor, author, and mentor. To discuss her mission through 1 Million Lives Transform, a global movement helping women unmute their voices and lead with authenticity and confidence. To provide actionable strategies for overcoming self-doubt, fear, and imposter syndrome in professional and personal settings. Key Takeaways Background and Roles Served 20 years in law enforcement and continues teaching criminal justice and ethical leadership. Founder of 1 Million Lives Transform, focused on empowering women to reclaim their voices. Unmuting Your Voice Many professionals mute themselves due to fear, lack of confidence, or imposter syndrome. Techniques: Awareness: Recognize when you’re silencing yourself. Pause and breathe before responding. Stand up when speaking in meetings to command attention and project confidence. Use phrases like “I’d like to build on that point” to engage respectfully. Mindset and Fear What you tell yourself matters more than external criticism. Replace negative self-talk with affirmations and surround yourself with positive influences. Neuroscience supports that repeated positive input rewires thought patterns. Boundaries and Time Management Learn to say “No” as a complete sentence. Set boundaries for phone calls and social interactions to protect productivity. Busy professionals should establish communication rules (e.g., “Do you have a minute?”). Authenticity and Leadership Authenticity is key—embrace your natural gifts and use them to transform spaces. Leadership requires mindset shifts when moving from peer to manager roles. Mentorship should be intentional and specific, not generic (“pick your brain” requests need structure). 1 Million Lives Transform A movement to help women rewrite their narratives, reclaim confidence, and lead boldly. Focus on self-awareness, boundaries, and empowerment strategies. Notable Quotes “Notice in that moment that you are muting yourself.” “Stand up when you speak—you command the room.” “No is a complete sentence.” “Our gifts are not for us; they are for other people.” “What you say to yourself does more damage than anything anyone else could say.” “Authenticity isn’t lip service—it’s showing up as who you truly are.” “Boundaries are not selfish; they are necessary.” #SHMS #STRAW #BEST See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    45 min
  7. Career Change: He empowers underserved communities—to leverage AI and design skills for financial upgrades.

    02/12/2025

    Career Change: He empowers underserved communities—to leverage AI and design skills for financial upgrades.

    Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Everett Swain II. Purpose of the Interview The interview aims to: Highlight alternative pathways to high-paying careers without a traditional four-year degree. Showcase how UXD Academy, founded by Everett Swain II, empowers individuals—especially from underserved communities—to leverage AI and design skills for financial and academic freedom. Inspire entrepreneurs and small business owners to embrace AI-driven opportunities. Key Takeaways AI as an Opportunity, Not a Threat AI can amplify human capabilities rather than replace them. Small businesses see 80% positive ROI from AI adoption, making it a major growth lever. Career Without a Degree Over 40% of tech companies no longer require degrees, focusing instead on certifications and portfolios. UXD Academy teaches AI experience design and automation for learners as young as 13. Everett’s Journey Started as a graphic designer, pivoted to UX after self-learning via “YouTube University.” Built UXD Academy to democratize access to tech careers and fight industry gatekeeping. Business Model UXD Academy offers free resources and paid guidance. Created Our Table, an AI experience agency employing top students for real-world projects. Impact on Underserved Communities Programs can transform lives, moving individuals from low-income jobs to salaries of $75K–$140K within 3 years. Focus on youth (starting at age 13) to break cycles of poverty and limited exposure. Future AI Trends for Small Businesses AI agents, automated workflows, and AI-powered customer experiences will dominate in the next 12–18 months. Legacy Everett aims to help 100,000 youth create their own reality through tech education. Notable Quotes On AI’s role:“Think of AI as the smartest intern you know—you can train it to work specifically for you.” On education:“You don’t need a degree for what I do. Over 40% of tech companies don’t care about degrees anymore—they care about your portfolio.” On opportunity:“If you follow what I’m telling you, you can change your life in under a year and a half.” On underserved communities:“For the first time in history, people of color can bridge the gap to academic and financial freedom without a four-year degree.” On legacy:“If I can help 100,000 kids create their own reality, that will be my legacy.” #SHMS #STRAW #BEST See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    36 min
  8. Follow Your Passion: Former USC track star, turned education attorney and now filmmaker, discusses new “Love the Skin You’re In”

    25/11/2025

    Follow Your Passion: Former USC track star, turned education attorney and now filmmaker, discusses new “Love the Skin You’re In”

    Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Sauda Johnson McNeal. To highlight Sauda Johnson McNeal’s journey from a successful law career to filmmaking. To discuss her new film “Love the Skin You’re In”, its themes, production process, and personal significance. To inspire entrepreneurs and creatives to pursue their passions while balancing purpose and practicality. Key Takeaways Career Transition & Dual Roles Sauda started as an actor, realized the instability, and pursued law for financial security. Maintains dual careers: education attorney and filmmaker, blending purpose (helping youth) and passion (storytelling). Film Details Title: Love the Skin You’re In. Themes: Self-love, family healing, caretaking, and African-American experiences. Cast includes Wendy Raquel Robinson, Marla Gibbs, and Oba Babatundé. Release: Limited theatrical run (Dec 17–23 in North Hollywood), streaming planned for February 2026 (Black History Month). Production Challenges Unexpected permit issues caused shutdowns. Tight 4-week shooting schedule due to budget constraints. Importance of leveraging relationships and calling in favors for casting and resources. Personal Connection Story inspired by Sauda’s own struggles with self-worth during college. Emphasizes therapy, faith, and support systems in overcoming self-doubt. Entrepreneurial Insight First project was self-financed; future plans include raising private equity for films. Goal: Maintain creative control while expanding opportunities for others. Impact & Audience Takeaway Encourages self-acceptance and repairing family relationships. Resonates with men on fatherhood and emotional presence. Highlights the underappreciated role of caretakers. Notable Quotes On purpose and passion:“My purpose is to help young people. My passion is this filmmaking business.” On self-love:“Love the skin you’re in is about total self-acceptance regardless of where you are on your journey.” On overcoming fear:“Film is unpredictable… I said, okay, the other fears—do it anyway.” On family relationships:“We are not promised tomorrow… Fix these family relationships if they’re possible to be fixed.” On entrepreneurial mindset:“I absolutely would like to use other people’s money… but keep creative control.” #SHMS #STRAW #BEST See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    32 min
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About

Hi, this is Rushion McDonald. Welcome to the podcast world of Money Making Conversations Master Class. I interview profits and nonprofits to learn their "Secrets to Success."  I'm a former IBM Executive with a degree in Mathematics. I started my entrepreneurial career as a stand-up comic, then became a sitcom writer, award-winning baker, social media influencer, award-winning television Executive Producer, and brand architect for super-successful celebrities and products. Money Making Conversations Master Class interviews a diverse group of celebrities, entrepreneurs, and influencers in the financial and business community with their advice and tips so you can be successful, too. It's time to stop reading other people's success stories and start building your own. People always talk about their purpose or gifts. If you have a gift, Lead with your Gift, and don't let your friends, family, or co-workers stop you from planning or living your dream. Keep Winning! https://www.moneymakingconversations.com https://www.youtube.com/MoneyMakingConversations https://www.facebook.com/MoneyMakingConversations/ https://twitter.com/moneymakingconv https://www.instagram.com/moneymakingconversations/

Information

  • Creator
    Rushion McDonald
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    2K
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    2026 iHeartMedia, Inc. © Any use of this intellectual property for text and data mining or computational analysis including as training material for artificial intelligence systems is strictly prohibited without express written consent from iHeartMedia
  • Show Website
    Money Making Conversations Master Class

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