Money Making Conversations Master Class

Rushion McDonald

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. Making A Difference: She empowers women and young girls through STEM education and careers.

    19 MIN AGO

    Making A Difference: She empowers women and young girls through STEM education and careers.

    Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Maxine Cain.  Founder of STEM Atlanta Women, joins Money Making Conversations Masterclass to discuss her mission to increase diversity in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. She shares insights on how her organization bridges gaps for Black and Brown women in underserved communities and creates career pathways. 🔑 Key Themes & Highlights Origins of STEM Atlanta Women Founded in 2016, the organization was inspired by Maxine’s challenges as an HR leader in a Fortune 500 company, where recruiting women of color into innovation roles was difficult. She recognized a lack of representation and cultural barriers that discouraged women from entering STEM careers. Her background in corporate event planning and business development helped her secure sponsorships for STEM-focused initiatives. Summerhill Community Hub The organization operates out of a two-story loft space in Summerhill, Atlanta, a historically underserved community. Summerhill lacked essential resources, including a bank and grocery store, for over 60 years. Partnered with Carter Development, which helped provide space for STEM education and community programming. STEM Education & Outreach Works closely with local schools, including King Middle School, Carver Early College, Maynard Jackson High School, and Georgia State University. Runs programs designed to introduce young girls to STEM careers, helping them build confidence and skills early. Annual STEM Events STEMinist Ball celebrates young women excelling in STEM fields by awarding crystal trophies, certificates, and graduation cords at a black-tie event. STEM in the City is an afterschool program that exposes students to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, drone technology, and flavor science with Coca-Cola. Collaborated with Usher’s New Look Foundation and IBM to introduce artificial intelligence concepts to students. College & Workforce Development Partners with Clark Atlanta University and Emory University to provide certification programs in business intelligence and emerging technology. Works with major corporations to create career pathways for Black talent. Helps underserved individuals gain industry-recognized certifications for high-paying tech jobs. Vision & Impact Maxine started STEM Atlanta Women to create opportunities for young women who lacked access to STEM education. She emphasizes mentorship, representation, and hands-on learning to help future leaders navigate STEM careers. 📘 Resources & Contact InformationDr. Maxine Cain’s work is accessible through:🔗 Website: STEM Atlanta Women🔗 Social Media: @STEMAtlantaWomen   #BEST #STRAW #SHMS See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    27 min
  2. Money Tips: He issues a call to action to explore opportunities like Amazon DSP, construction and real estate investment.

    19 MIN AGO

    Money Tips: He issues a call to action to explore opportunities like Amazon DSP, construction and real estate investment.

    Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Justin M. Lee. Purpose of the Interview To showcase Dr. Lee’s journey from a young real estate agent to a multi-industry entrepreneur. To inspire listeners with strategies for wealth-building through real estate, construction, and logistics. To encourage financial literacy, ownership, and collaboration within underserved communities. To issue a call to action for minorities to explore opportunities like Amazon DSP and real estate investment. Key Takeaways Early Career & Education Started young in real estate, embraced discomfort in rooms dominated by older professionals. Leveraged millennial tech skills (social media marketing) to help veteran brokers grow. Earned a doctorate degree and became a licensed real estate broker. Social Media as a Business Tool Built a strong presence on TikTok (90K followers) and other platforms. Helped older real estate firms thrive by creating digital visibility. Emphasized that “business must look as good online as in person.” Financial Literacy & Homeownership African-American communities often lack foundational financial knowledge. Key barriers: misunderstanding credit, fear of debt, and lack of exposure to ownership benefits. Advocates teaching the difference between good debt (real estate) and bad debt (consumer credit). Real Estate Process Initial onboarding: credit score, income, tax filing. Connect clients with lenders, secure pre-approval, then negotiate and close within 30–45 days. Uses property tours as motivation even for those not yet approved. Pooling Resources for Wealth Industry dominated by white men and foreign investors who use syndication. Dr. Lee created a private family fund with fraternity brothers and friends. Acquired 150+ apartment units and commercial properties by pooling resources and forming LLCs. Amazon DSP Opportunity Owns an Amazon Delivery Service Partner business (42 trucks, 200 employees). Offers minorities a chance to apply for DSP with $10K grant. Taught him true CEO skills: HR, payroll, compliance, and scaling operations. Construction Business Entered construction after experiencing exploitation in fix-and-flip projects. Learned the business side (permits, change orders) and got licensed. Built major projects like a 10,000 sq. ft. restaurant in Atlanta. Advocates for Black representation in construction, an industry dominated by whites and Hispanics. Personal Background Raised in New Orleans during Katrina by a single mother and grandparents. Mother invested FEMA checks into real estate, teaching him property management and renovation skills early. Believes knowledge is power and emphasizes planning and consistency. Notable Quotes On embracing discomfort:“I learned to embrace the uncomfort and make it one of my biggest strengths.” On social media:“You have to make your business look the same way online as in person.” On financial literacy:“Real estate is always going to be good debt. Bad debt is the Macy’s card.” On collaboration:“Pooling resources shows how far we can go and how fast we can go—but together.” On planning:“If you don’t plan, you plan to fail. All you have to do is stick to the plan.” #SHMS #STRAW #BEST See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    23 min
  3. Building Brands: She shares her expertise in helping high‑achieving women build sustainable, profitable businesses.

    7 HR AGO

    Building Brands: She shares her expertise in helping high‑achieving women build sustainable, profitable businesses.

    Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ingrid Jacobs. A veteran enterprise leader, former HR executive, and Chief Growth Officer for The Revenue Retreat, a luxury boutique retreat for executive women who want to build profitable businesses without burnout.  She and Rushion discuss her corporate background, her unique approach to customer integration, the challenges women face in entrepreneurship, pricing psychology, common business mistakes, age-related limiting beliefs, and the transformational design of her retreat program. 🎯 Purpose of the Interview The purpose of Ingrid’s appearance was to: 1. Share her expertise in helping high‑achieving women build sustainable, profitable businesses Ingrid works with corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, and women ready to transition from corporate careers into entrepreneurship. 2. Highlight The Revenue Retreat She explains how the retreat helps women clarify their offer, price correctly, identify customers, and prepare mentally and emotionally for entrepreneurship. 3. Educate listeners on business fundamentals Rushion brings her on to break down pricing, customer targeting, confidence, and transitioning from corporate “9–5” to entrepreneurship. 4. Address issues unique to women, executives, and people of color Especially around pricing themselves correctly, recovering from burnout, and building confidence in their value. 💡 Key Takeaways 1. Corporate experience can translate powerfully into entrepreneurship Ingrid spent two decades at companies like Raytheon, Whirlpool, and JLL, working in HR, human capital, and DEI.She emphasizes she wasn’t a traditional HR leader—she focused on customer integration, business growth, and improving client outcomes.  2. High‑achieving women aren’t only executives They can be community leaders, nonprofit leaders, or entrepreneurs who excel in their areas but may not have formal corporate titles.  3. Entrepreneurship requires more work—especially early on New entrepreneurs often don’t realize they must handle every aspect of the business themselves: operations, marketing, sales, pricing, and delivery.  4. Pricing is one of the biggest challenges for women and people of color Key problems: Undervaluing their expertise Fear of charging what they’re worth Worrying clients won’t pay higher rates Getting mentally stuck in low pricing Ingrid says women often dramatically underprice themselves and need help adjusting their mindset.  5. Knowing your customer matters more than trying to sell to everyone Selling to “anybody” makes entrepreneurs sound desperate; true growth comes from targeting the right buyer and offering a solution they value.  6. Avoid common first‑year business mistakes These include: Poor pricing Not knowing your ideal customer Doing everything for everyone Expanding into too many offerings too fast Operating out of desperation rather than strategy  7. Age is an asset—not a liability Older entrepreneurs bring wisdom, experience, critical thinking, and problem‑solving ability.She argues people use age as a cover for deeper fears about failure and judgment.  8. The Revenue Retreat combines luxury, education, and wellness The retreat model includes: A luxury residential environment Chef‑prepared meals 12‑woman cohorts Business planning rigor Pricing clarity Customer identification Mental and emotional readiness Wellness activities 8‑weeks of virtual follow‑up coaching It’s intentionally structured as not a workshop but a holistic transformation experience. [ 9. She priced her retreat through competitive research + self‑awareness She studied other programs, benchmarked pricing, calculated expenses, and aligned it with her unique “sweet spot”—monetization skill + passion for helping women + love of hosting experiences.  🗣 Notable Quotes (with citations) On her corporate background “Bring me on board if you're looking for figuring out how do we get better customer integration… so that we can zero in on more sales.” On defining high‑achieving women “There are movers and shakers who don’t necessarily have a corporate pedigree, but they are still getting things done.”  On underpricing “Many times women… fall in this trap where they're scared to put out the real amount.” [ On realizing she was undercharging “I wasn't even charging half of what she was saying… that epiphany changed the game for me.”  On first‑year mistakes “Desperation is palpable… and that is a turnoff.” [ On age “Age to me is an asset… you’ve got cognitive rigor.”  On burnout “A lot of people who are interested in this work are already burned out and don’t even recognize their own signs.”  On what the retreat delivers “We help everyone come up with their pricing, what is their product… and wrap up where people have a plan forward.” [ Her core sales pitch “I offer executive women a retreat where they can experience luxury and end with a business plan they can use Monday morning to drive revenue.”  #SHMS #STRAW #BEST See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    30 min
  4. Overcoming the Odds:  Shares how he overcame kidney cancer—while simultaneously rising through the executive ranks.

    12 HR AGO

    Overcoming the Odds: Shares how he overcame kidney cancer—while simultaneously rising through the executive ranks.

    Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Anthony Tuggle. Senior executive, transformational advisor, and founder/CEO of Tag Us Worldwide. With more than 30 years of leading global operations at AT\&T and other Fortune 10 organizations, Tuggle shares lessons in leadership, resilience, corporate success, personal health battles, entrepreneurship, and the importance of emotional intelligence in the AI era. His story blends professional excellence with survival, detailing how he overcame kidney failure, a transplant, dialysis, and even kidney cancer—while simultaneously rising to the executive ranks and later launching his own leadership transformation company. 🎯 Purpose of the Interview The interview’s goals were to: 1. Highlight Anthony Tuggle’s leadership journey From a corporate executive managing global teams to the CEO of Tag Us Worldwide. 2. Share actionable insights on corporate success and leadership development He explains the importance of foundation, consistency, emotional intelligence, and taking care of people. 3. Discuss the importance of DEI and equitable leadership Tuggle emphasizes why diverse backgrounds, and diverse thoughts build strong companies. 4. Reveal the personal health challenges that shaped his perspective His story serves as instruction, caution, and motivation. 5. Promote Tag Us Worldwide A transformation consultancy helping organizations elevate culture and leadership. 💡 Key Takeaways 1. Success Requires Hard Work, Foundation & Intentionality Success is not accidental.Tuggle stresses: Education (undergrad + MBA from Emory’s Goizueta Business School) Moving 12 times across the country for opportunities Consistency and showing up  “Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready” is one of his core principles. 2. Leadership = Taking Care of People Tuggle explains that high-performing organizations have one thing in common:Leaders take care of people, and people take care of the business.  He built a reputation for developing leaders who now lead in Fortune 50 companies. 3. Understanding the Rules of the Game Matters Whether you’re an entrepreneur or corporate professional, there are rules: Professionalism Performance Relationship building Consistency Respecting organizational culture  Many people fail because they enter the “game” without learning its rules. 4. DEI and Access Are Non-Negotiable for Strong Organizations Tuggle is a firm supporter of diversity, equity, inclusion, both in culture and thought.He says he would not be where he is today without people giving him a chance.  5. His Corporate Career Was Truly Global He managed large teams across: The Philippines Costa Rica Mexico This global lens influences his approach to transformation and scaling businesses. 6. His Health Journey Defines His Resilience Anthony Tuggle's story is extraordinary: • Kidney failure in his 20s Doctor told him he “should be dead.”Caused by untreated hypertension.  • 25-year kidney transplant survivor He received a deceased donor kidney and outlived the typical 10–15-year expectancy—twice. • Kidney transplant failed again after 25 years He returned to dialysis (hemodialysis → peritoneal dialysis).  • Kidney cancer diagnosis—found early While preparing for another transplant, doctors discovered kidney cancer caused by long-term immunosuppressant medications.He survived it: stage 1, noninvasive.  These challenges fuel his drive, urgency, and refusal to waste life. 7. Faith Was His Anchor Throughout When diagnosed with kidney failure, he got on his knees and prayed.He says God told him, “We're not done.”This became his mantra for survival and purpose. [ 8. Tag Us Worldwide: “Together Achieving Greatness” His company focuses on: Leadership transformation Cultural elevation Organizational outcomes Preparing leaders for the AI-powered future  Tag Us delivers impact through: Real-world corporate experience AI-enhanced strategy Emotional intelligence coaching Business transformation frameworks He blends AI + EQ, insisting companies should never rely on AI alone. 9. AI Won’t Replace Humans—But Humans Who Use AI Will Win Tuggle led an AI organization for four years, and his stance is clear: AI is here to stay The “secret sauce” is people Leaders must embrace change, not fear it Emotional intelligence will enhance AI outcomes 10. Legacy = Family + Leadership + Service He emphasizes shaping his daughter’s worldview and standards.She graduated with honors from USC’s Marshall Business School.  He believes leaders should create environments where people can win—and that is his mission. 🗣 Notable Quotes (with citations) On success “I didn’t just wake up and look like this—I put in the hard work.” [ On leadership “If you take care of your people, they take care of you.” On preparation “Stay ready—we don’t have to get ready.” [ On DEI “You need diversity of color but also diversity of thought.”  On fear “I faced many obstacles throughout my life… fear becomes motivation.” [ On AI “Good leaders embrace change. Great leaders inspire change.” [ On resilience “I am highly favored… I’ve beaten the odds twice.” [ On purpose “My passion is leadership; my purpose is changing lives.” [ #SHMS #STRAW #BEST See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    28 min
  5. Overcoming the Odds: Her workbook is designed to help individuals overcome people-pleasing and prioritizing your own needs.

    8 JAN

    Overcoming the Odds: Her workbook is designed to help individuals overcome people-pleasing and prioritizing your own needs.

    Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Teresa Edwards. Purpose of the Interview The interview aims to introduce Teresa Edwards’ book The Mirror Method: 12 Weeks to Stop Abandoning Yourself, a guided workbook designed to help individuals overcome people-pleasing tendencies, set boundaries, and prioritize their own needs without guilt. It focuses on personal empowerment, mental health, and rediscovering one’s authentic self. Key Takeaways People-Pleasing and Boundaries People-pleasing becomes harmful when you agree to things you don’t want to do, leading to stress and resentment. Setting boundaries is essential for self-respect and mental health. The Mirror Method A 12-week guided process to “unravel” harmful patterns and rediscover your true self. Emphasizes self-reflection, journaling, and gradual transformation at your own pace. Selfishness vs. Self-Care Edwards reframes “selfish” as a positive concept: prioritizing your health and happiness is necessary, not negative. You can’t be your best for others if you’re not your best for yourself. Health as a Wake-Up Call Stress is a silent killer; Teresa’s own health issues (high blood pressure) forced her to reevaluate her life. Happiness and well-being should not be age-limited—“You’re never too old to return to yourself.” Letting Go of Toxic Relationships Users often exploit people-pleasers; recognizing and removing such relationships is crucial. Fully committing to the Mirror Method means accepting hard truths and being okay with losing people who drain you. Therapy and Mental Health COVID accelerated acceptance of therapy in communities where it was previously stigmatized. Mental health is as important as physical health—“The mind is a muscle too.” Workbook Details Available on Amazon and at themirrormethodworkbook.com in print and downloadable formats. Exercises involve writing and self-reflection to confront truths and break patterns. Notable Quotes “Boundaries are key.” “Selfish is not a negative word—it’s perseverance of yourself.” “You can’t throw a party and be mad at your own party.” “Enough is enough—look in the mirror and say it.” “You’re never too old to return to yourself.” “Stress is that silent killer.” “Fully commit means accepting all those good, bad, or ugly moments—and being okay with letting go.” “The mind is a muscle too.” “Be okay with being okay.” #SHMS #STRAW #BEST See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    23 min
  6. Perseverance: Yo‑Yo’s evolution as an artist and entrepreneur, personal transformation and love for cooking.

    6 JAN

    Perseverance: Yo‑Yo’s evolution as an artist and entrepreneur, personal transformation and love for cooking.

    Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Yolanda “Yo-Yo” Whitaker. SUMMARY OF THE INTERVIEW In this interview on Money Making Conversations Master Class, host Rushion McDonald speaks with Dr. Yolanda “Yo-Yo” Whitaker—Grammy‑nominated rapper, actress, radio host, philanthropist, and now the star of Downright Delicious with Yo-Yo, a cooking series on AspireTV. The conversation moves through Yo‑Yo’s evolution as an artist and entrepreneur, her spiritual and personal transformation, her love for food and cooking, and the creation of her television cooking show. She reflects on surviving and thriving in an unpredictable entertainment industry, learning discipline, overcoming fear, and discovering new purpose later in life through cooking. Yo‑Yo also shares her philosophy on authenticity, family, and faith. She describes how the pandemic deepened her love for cooking, how her show blends food + family + culture, and offers practical cooking tips. PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW According to the interview content, the purpose is to: Highlight Yo‑Yo’s transition from iconic hip‑hop entertainer to food‑focused TV personality.  Promote her Aspire TV series “Downright Delicious with Yo‑Yo.”  Share insights on career longevity, entrepreneurship, reinvention, and personal growth.  Inspire listeners with actionable advice on fearlessness, budgeting, confidence, and purpose‑driven living.  Celebrate cooking as an expression of love, culture, peace, and family connection.  KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Reinvention Requires Honesty & Letting Go Yo‑Yo stresses that overcoming fear came from “getting real” with herself, abandoning trying to look successful, and restructuring her finances and lifestyle.She had to “let the old me die so the money could grow.”  2. Entrepreneurship Is a Lifelong Reality for Artists She and McDonald emphasize that entertainers are entrepreneurs, without the stability of 40‑hour jobs, making resilience essential.  3. Purpose Matters More Than Fame She encourages people to seek purpose—not just fame or quick money—and do the work that builds confidence and personal foundation. 4. Cooking Became Her “Happy Place” and Divine Gift Yo‑Yo says cooking is a God‑given gift and a therapeutic practice that began thriving during the pandemic.It helped her through depression and opened new creative fulfillment.  5. Her Cooking Show Blends Food + Family + Culture The show features: Her mother Her partner Her kids Celebrity friends Authentic cultural dishes with her unique twistIt’s not guest‑driven; it’s family‑driven storytelling in the kitchen.  6. Technique & Tools Matter She emphasizes: Good knives (sharpen weekly) Quality pots Measuring ingredients Understanding seasonings Building confidence by cooking regularly  7. Simplicity + Love = Great Food According to Yo‑Yo, love is the secret ingredient, and cooking is about joy, connection, and comfort, not rigid perfection. [ NOTABLE QUOTES FROM THE INTERVIEW (All quotes drawn exactly or near‑exactly from the transcript.) [ On Fear and Growth “I had to let the old me die so that the money could grow.” “What I did to overcome my fear was to call myself fearless.” “You have to get real with yourself. You really have to do the work.” On Purpose and Success “If you don’t find your purpose, you’re just job hunting.” “God told me, because of your obedience, I’m going to give you the desires of your heart.” On Cooking “Cooking is my happy place.” “I’m not a chef—I just love to cook.” “If you don’t love what you cook, we don’t want to taste it.” On Family “More than serving a meal, I’m serving family.” “When mama’s in the house and they can smell food cooking… that’s everything.” On Her Show “You get to see Dr. Yolanda ‘Yo‑Yo’ Whitaker for the first time.” “I only cook things I love—things I’m comfortable with.” “The food is the star.” On Technique “Great knives will save your life.” “If you use your knives a lot, sharpen them every week.” On Pandemic Transformation “I started really cooking during the pandemic… it took me out of my depression.” #SHMS #STRAW #BEST See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    33 min
  7. Financial Tip:  She understands the value of art as a tool for wealth-building and cultural empowerment.

    30/12/2025

    Financial Tip: She understands the value of art as a tool for wealth-building and cultural empowerment.

    Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Karimah McFarlane.   🎯 Purpose of the Interview To explore Karimah McFarlane’s multifaceted journey—from her corporate leadership roles at Google and Workday to becoming the owner of Buckhead Art & Company—and to inspire others to embrace change, pursue entrepreneurship, and understand the value of art as a tool for wealth-building and cultural empowerment. 🧭 Key Takeaways 1. Corporate Career & Tech Leadership Karimah has 20+ years in Human Resources, specializing in mergers and acquisitions. At Google, she supported AI and Pixel teams as a People Business Partner, despite initially thinking the recruiter’s call was spam. Currently at Workday, she partners with the Chief Revenue Officer to build high-performing sales teams and develop leadership pipelines. 2. Navigating Change & Cultural Shifts Transitioned from the East Coast (DMV area) to the Bay Area, facing cultural adjustments (e.g., lack of familiar foods, hair products). Found support through Delta Sigma Theta sorority and Black Googlers Network. Emphasized the importance of embracing discomfort and new experiences for personal and professional growth. 3. HR as a Strategic Asset HR is more than hiring/firing—it’s about scaling businesses, developing talent, and preventing legal issues. Small businesses often undervalue HR until a crisis occurs. HR should be seen as a strategic partner on leadership teams. 4. Art as Wealth, Culture & Healing Karimah owns Buckhead Art & Company, the only art gallery in Buckhead, Atlanta. Inspired by her exposure to art investment at Google and her role in selecting art for corporate spaces. Advocates for marginalized artists by helping them with branding, IP protection, and business structure. 5. Making Art Accessible The gallery focuses on beginner and mid-level collectors, offering education and approachable experiences. Offers virtual consultations, art fairs, and community events to demystify art buying. Emphasizes the emotional, cultural, and financial value of art. 6. Recognition & Impact Buckhead Art & Company was named Best Art Gallery in Georgia (2023 & 2024). Uses her platform to educate, empower, and elevate artists and collectors alike. Promotes artist development through storytelling, branding, and business mentorship. 💬 Notable Quotes “Empowerment is figuring out what you do best and using your talent to help others.” “Don’t shy away from opportunities that give you insights and experiences.” “HR helps you scale your organization—it’s not just about hiring and firing.” “Art has always been at the forefront of royalty, wealth, and education.” “We specialize in humans. When you walk into our gallery, you are equal.” “You don’t have to win an Oscar to be a great actor. Same with art—you don’t need a traditional path to be successful.” 🔗 Connect with Karimah McFarlane Gallery: Buckhead Art & Company YouTube: Buckhead Art & Company Instagram: @buckheadartandcompany #SHMS #STRAW #BEST See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    37 min
  8. 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

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/

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