Episodios

  • Business First w/Sonia Alleyne

    Business First w/Sonia Alleyne
    Oct 7 2025
    In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with restaurateur and venture capitalist Shane Corrodus to explore his inspiring journey in the restaurant industry. Shane opens up about the challenges of launching and sustaining a successful restaurant, highlighting the cultural influences and strategic choices that shaped Elevation Kitchen and Cocktails. He shares valuable lessons on consistency in food and service quality, the importance of staff training, and how creating unique experiences builds lasting connections with guests. Shane also reflects on his early aspirations, his business philosophy rooted in honesty and transparency, and the role of wisdom in guiding big decisions. The conversation closes with his vision for the future and his dedication to mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs. Tune in for practical insights and motivating lessons from a leader who knows the recipe for success.
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    42 m
  • The Spanish Italian Princes Filmmaker

    The Spanish Italian Princes Filmmaker
    Sep 30 2025
    In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with actress, director, and producer Larissa Dali to explore her multifaceted journey in the entertainment industry. Larissa opens up about her creative heritage, the challenges of balancing multiple roles in filmmaking, and the transformative power of shadow work in both life and character development. She reveals how her personal experiences shape her storytelling, offers candid insights on navigating the industry, and discusses the importance of building a supportive network while learning to embrace rejection as part of the acting process. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app. Don’t forget to follow, rate, comment, and share.
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    27 m
  • The Connection Collective

    The Connection Collective
    Sep 16 2025
    In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with social entrepreneur Thomas C. Knox, founder of the Connection Collective. Thomas shares his inspiring journey from a subway social experiment to building a platform—and eventually a TV series—dedicated to fostering genuine human connection. He reflects on the power of storytelling, the impact of his childhood experiences, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Packed with insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, this conversation highlights why connection matters now more than ever. ✨ Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app.
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    33 m
  • RR The CEO Whisperer

    RR The CEO Whisperer
    Sep 3 2025
    In this rerelease of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with HR expert Vicky Brown to unpack the challenges small businesses face when hiring and retaining top talent. Vicky shares her personal journey into entrepreneurship, along with the lessons she’s learned about effective leadership and building strong workplace cultures. From the importance of clear job descriptions to the complexities of hiring family members, Vicky offers practical advice every business owner can use. She also highlights the value of HR consulting in sharpening leadership skills and creating environments where teams can thrive. The conversation closes with a look at Vicky’s vision for the future and why investing in people remains the key to long-term business success. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app.
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    36 m
  • The Conversation

    The Conversation
    Aug 26 2025
    In this episode of Business First, Dr. Natalie Michon Alexander shares the inspiring story behind Heir Tight, a secure digital platform designed to help families organize vital documents and strengthen communication around legacy planning. Dr. Alexander opens up about the personal experiences that motivated her to create the platform, the innovative features that make it unique, and the challenges she has faced in bringing it to market. She also reflects on her entrepreneurial journey, outlines her vision for the future of Heir Tight, and offers practical advice for anyone seeking to follow their true calling in life.
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    33 m
  • Are You Certified?

    Are You Certified?
    Aug 19 2025
    In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with Angela Alexander, Executive Director of the North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (NCTRCA). Angela shares why certification is a game-changer for small businesses—especially those owned by minorities and women—opening doors to multi-million dollar opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. She emphasizes the importance of being proactive in pursuing certifications, the power of networking, and the strength of community support. The conversation also explores how mergers and acquisitions can help build lasting business legacies and the ongoing challenges small businesses face in procurement. Angela offers her insights on the future of NCTRCA, highlighting the importance of exposure and education in fueling sustainable growth for entrepreneurs. Find the podcast on YouTube Music, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Amazon Music, or the Mean Ole Lion Media app.
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    39 m
  • The Entrepreneurial Journey: Lessons from Natasha Rogers

    The Entrepreneurial Journey: Lessons from Natasha Rogers
    Aug 12 2025
    In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with Natasha L. Rogers, head of 1221, a dynamic PR firm based in Birmingham, Alabama. They dive into Birmingham’s thriving business scene, Natasha’s path from media to public relations, and the realities of building a successful business from the ground up. Natasha shares valuable insights on strategic communication, event planning, and the power of assembling strong, talented teams. She also opens up about the importance of mental health awareness during career transitions, as well as the role public speaking plays in professional growth. The conversation wraps with Natasha’s vision for the future of 1221 and her mission to make a lasting impact in the community. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app.
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    40 m
  • The Wellness Business w/God's Girl

    The Wellness Business w/God's Girl
    Jul 29 2025
    In this enlightening episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne welcomes Dr. LaJoyce Brookshire—host of Ask the Good Doctor on Mean Ole Lion Media—for a powerful conversation on the intersection of purpose, health, and transformation. Dr. Brookshire shares her inspiring journey from a high-profile career in the music industry to becoming a doctor of naturopathy and a master herbalist. With candid reflections on personal health struggles and professional reinvention, she delivers a passionate message about the importance of knowing your body and taking charge of your wellness journey. From the dangers of ignoring symptoms to the healing potential of holistic living, this episode is filled with practical guidance and motivation for anyone ready to prioritize health as wealth. Dr. Brookshire breaks down the myths of modern medicine, offers empowering advice for prevention and healing, and reminds us that true success starts with self-care. Listen to the full episode on YouTube Music, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Amazon Music, or the Mean Ole Lion Media app. Don't forget to follow, rate, comment, and share!
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    39 m