Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Teri Williams.

President & COO (and owner) of OneUnited Bank, from Money Making Conversations Masterclass:

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aimed to:

• Showcase OneUnited Bank’s role as the largest Black-owned bank and its commitment to financial empowerment.
• Educate listeners on digital banking solutions, financial literacy, and generational wealth strategies.
• Promote OneUnited Bank’s services and initiatives, including its youth financial literacy contest and “One Transaction” wealth-building concept.

Key Takeaways

1. Origins & Growth of OneUnited Bank

   • Started as a community bank in Boston, later acquired four Black-owned banks (Miami, LA, Boston) and merged into OneUnited.
   • Became the first Black-owned digital bank and now serves customers nationwide.

2. Digital Banking & Accessibility

   • Customers can open accounts online in minutes.
   • Features include:
     • Mobile check deposit (take a photo of your check).
     • Direct deposit with early pay (up to 2 days early, no fees).
     • Largest surcharge-free ATM network (100,000 ATMs, including Walgreens, 7-Eleven, Chase, Citibank).

3. Combatting Financial Deserts

   • Addresses lack of brick-and-mortar banks in Black communities and reliance on predatory check-cashing services.
   • Emphasizes that check-cashing services never improve credit scores and often harm financial health.

4. Financial Literacy & Wealth Building

   • Advocates automatic savings as a key wealth-building habit.
   • Introduced WiseOne, a tool that aggregates financial data to:
     • Track net worth, income, expenses.
     • Identify duplicate charges and suggest savings.
     • Provide debt-reduction strategies.

5. Youth Financial Literacy Initiative

   • “I Got Bank” Contest for ages 8–12:
     • Read a financial literacy book (free download available).
     • Submit an essay or artwork on what they learned.
     • 10 winners receive $1,000 savings accounts.

6. One Transaction Concept

   • Six key transactions to build generational wealth:
     • Homeownership (OneUnited offers $25K–$50K down payment assistance).
     • Life Insurance (affordable way to transfer wealth).
     • Investments (automatic contributions).
     • Profitable Business (entrepreneurship or side gigs).
     • Credit Score Improvement.
     • Savings (automatic transfers).
   • Focus on one transaction at a time for sustainable progress.

7. Economic Advice for Uncertain Times

   • Anticipates stagflation (inflation + rising unemployment).
   • Recommendations:
     • Hold on to your job (avoid unnecessary job changes).
     • Save more, spend less.

Notable Quotes

• “We were the first Black-owned digital bank—and now the largest Black-owned bank in the country.”
• “Check cashers only report to credit bureaus when you don’t pay them. That’s crazy.”
• “If it goes in your pocket, you’re more likely to spend it. Wealthy people automate savings.”
• “One transaction can make the difference between being wealthy or not.”
• “We have the largest surcharge-free ATM network in the country—100,000 ATMs.”
• “Hold on to your job. Start saving more and spending less.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Cheryl McKissack Daniel.

Topic: Legacy, resilience, and entrepreneurship of the McKissack family, as detailed in the book The Black Family Who Built America.

Cheryl shares the powerful story of her family's 230-year legacy in architecture and construction, making McKissack & McKissack the oldest minority woman-owned professional design and construction firm in the U.S. The conversation explores themes of generational resilience, Black excellence, business strategy, and personal growth.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

1. Highlight the McKissack family’s historical and cultural impact on American infrastructure and Black entrepreneurship.
2. Promote the book The Black Family Who Built America as a record of legacy and inspiration.
3. Inspire small business owners and entrepreneurs with lessons on perseverance, succession planning, and self-identity.
4. Address the importance of preserving Black history in the face of cultural erasure.

🔑 Key Takeaways 🏗️ Legacy & Impact

• McKissack & McKissack has contributed to major U.S. infrastructure projects like:
  • Barclays Center
  • JFK Terminal One
  • LaGuardia Airport
  • Penn Station
  • Lincoln Financial Field

“We are the fifth generation. Right. And we're Black in America.”

📚 Historical Significance

• The family legacy began with Moses McKissack, who was enslaved and later became a builder.
• Cheryl’s ancestors were the first licensed Black architects in America (licenses 117 and 118 in Tennessee).

“They became the first Black licensed architects in America… and helped get licensed in 22 other states.”

💼 Business Wisdom

• Cheryl emphasizes the importance of:
  • Succession planning
  • Understanding both technical and political buyers
  • Building relationships before you need them

“You better have that relationship before you need it.”

🧠 The 5 Ps of Family Resilience

1. Perseverance
2. Persistence
3. Preparedness
4. Purpose
5. Prayer

“Sometimes you do get up in the morning and you say it's not for me… You have to come back and meditate on the fact that you're a winner.”

🧘‍♀️ Personal Growth & Mental Health

• Cheryl discusses overcoming stress, rediscovering herself after a difficult marriage, and the importance of meditation.

“Being yourself is what we're talking about… I recognize that I am currently feeling stressed out. So what do I need to do?”

👩‍👧‍👧 Women in Leadership

• Cheryl’s mother took over the business after her father’s stroke, despite societal barriers.

“She only knew the telephone number to the office at that time… but she knew deep inside that she wanted to hold on for the fifth generation.”

🎥 Representation & Media

• The book and Cheryl’s story aim to counteract negative portrayals of Black people in media and history.

“You may not have known about Black excellence. You just ignored it. But we exist.”

💬 Memorable Quotes

• “Black people built America. Now, that's the point we're making here.”
• “You have to say the opposite to yourself. And you have to put one foot in front of the other.”
• “This book is a receipt to say we are around. We have a foundation. We're not going anywhere.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Lamar Tyler.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To spotlight Lamar Tyler’s entrepreneurial journey, the growth of his platform Traffic, Sales & Profit (TSP), and to share actionable insights for Black entrepreneurs on building scalable, profitable businesses from side hustles.

🧭 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Branding with Purpose

• Lamar emphasizes the importance of clear, relatable branding.
• His previous brand, Black and Married with Kids, succeeded because the name instantly resonated with its audience.
• Quote:

“If they can hear the name, they can see it and say, ‘Hey, that’s for me.’”

2. Side Hustle to Main Hustle

• Most Black entrepreneurs start businesses while working full-time jobs.
• Success requires treating the side hustle like a real business from day one.
• Quote:

“There is no perfect time. The time to get started is now.”

3. Consistency & Growth

• TSP’s first event in 2016 had only 47 attendees, half of whom came for free.
• Growth came from consistency and listening to the community.
• Quote:

“Sometimes all you need is confirmation.”

4. Customer Experience & Branding

• Inspired by Disney’s “unexpected touchpoints,” Lamar expanded branding beyond the event space to include the hotel exterior and even airport baggage claim.
• Quote:

“We brand everything from the lobby to the pool… to make it feel like home.”

5. Faith & Execution

• Faith plays a central role in Lamar’s business philosophy.
• He encourages entrepreneurs to act on the opportunities they pray for.
• Quote:

“You pray to get the opportunity, now you want to do all the work too.”

6. Scaling vs. Growing

• Growth increases revenue and expenses; scaling increases revenue without proportional expense growth.
• TSP Scale is a new event focused on helping businesses reach this level.
• Quote:

“Scale is where the real money comes in.”

7. Lever-Driven Growth System

• Lamar outlines systems for:
  • Proposal processes
  • Upselling
  • Referral systems
  • Creating experiences that justify premium pricing
• Quote:

“If you create an experience around what you do, you can charge two, three, four times more.”

8. Platform & Community

• Lamar transitioned from doing all the speaking to empowering others in his community.
• He believes in giving others a platform to grow.
• Quote:

“Too many artists try to hold on too tight… and miss out on the blessing.”

🌟 Notable Guests & Surprises at TSP Events

• Surprise appearances by Magic Johnson, Issa Rae, Master P, Jermaine Dupri, Janice Bryant Howroyd, and Ambassador Andrew Young.
• Quote:

“If you want to be it, you need to see it.”

📍 Event Details

• New Event: TSP Scale
• Location: Atlanta Westin Gwinnett, Gwinnett County, GA
• Website: TSPScale.com

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Renard “Ray” Sims.

Topic: Entrepreneurship, property management, and building generational wealth through real estate.

Ray Sims shares his journey from government employee to entrepreneur, founding a property management company in the Metro DC area. He discusses the challenges of transitioning into business ownership, the structure of his company, and the importance of networking, automation, and community service.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

1. Showcase Ray’s entrepreneurial journey and how he turned a layoff into a business opportunity.
2. Educate listeners on property management and real estate investment strategies.
3. Inspire aspiring entrepreneurs to take calculated risks and build sustainable businesses.
4. Promote financial literacy and generational wealth through real estate.

🔑 Key Takeaways 💼 Entrepreneurship & Transition

• Ray was laid off from a government job and used the opportunity to launch his business.
• He emphasizes the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone.

“I got forced to do it. And I'm kind of glad that that happened to me.”

🏠 Property Management Defined

• Manages real estate portfolios for absentee owners.
• Handles everything from tenant screening to maintenance coordination and invoicing.

“I manage people’s assets… Most of the homeowners don’t even want to know who the tenants are.”

🔍 Tenant Screening Process

• Includes credit checks, employment history, landlord references, and even social media reviews.

“I go on your Facebook page or Instagram page… see how you want to treat that property.”

🧰 Business Structure

• Licensed in DC; structured as an LLC in Maryland.
• Works with a network of trusted vendors (plumbers, electricians, etc.).
• Uses automation and a third-party admin for newsletters and monthly reports.

“I’m really big on automation… I don’t want to have a bank account with \$30,000 on August 1st.”

🤝 Networking & Growth

• Attends real estate events across DC, New York, and Atlanta.
• Uses Instagram and podcasting to build his brand and connect with clients.

“I cannot leave a networking event without connecting with five different people.”

🎙️ Podcast & Branding

• Podcast started organically from a conversation with a landscaper.
• Focuses on real estate and business conversations.

“I call it ‘The Creator’… just conversations with different people in the real estate field.”

📈 Investment Advice

• Recommends duplexes and townhomes as top investment choices.
• Notes that single-family homes are less popular for rentals due to maintenance concerns.

“Duplex, duplex, duplex… it’s an easy way to gain revenue.”

🌍 Vision & Expansion

• Plans to expand beyond DC by learning local regulations and networking.
• Attends Invest Fest in Atlanta for exposure and connections.

“I want to be the face of property management in the DC, Maryland, Virginia area.”

💬 Memorable Quotes

• “All money is not good money.”
• “Life is risky. Like waking up in the morning is risky.”
• “You have to step out of your comfort zone.”
• “I’m proud of you… I’m glad you got laid off.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Cameka Smith.

Founder of The BOSS Network, from Money Making Conversations Masterclass:

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aimed to:

• Highlight The BOSS Network’s mission to empower women of color through entrepreneurship, career development, and community support.
• Share Dr. Smith’s personal journey from layoff to leadership, inspiring others to embrace entrepreneurship.
• Discuss strategies for business success, funding opportunities, and mentorship for Black female founders.

Key Takeaways

1. Origin of The BOSS Network

   • Founded in 2009 during the recession after Dr. Smith was laid off from Chicago Public Schools.
   • Initially started as local events in Chicago; now a digital community reaching 200,000 women nationwide.
   • Mission: Bringing Out Successful Sisters (BOSS)—promoting small business spirit and career growth.

2. Impact & Achievements

   • Invested in 100 Black female founders through grants.
   • Trained 50,000 women on business strategies.
   • Coached 10,000 women on starting businesses.
   • Created Boss Business University, offering mentorship and digital programs.

3. Pivot During COVID

   • Shifted from 35% event-based revenue to 75% digital.
   • Launched Boss Impact Fund and Invest in Progress Grant:
     • $10,000 grants + 4-year scholarships for recipients.
     • Combined funding, mentorship, and marketing support for sustainability.

4. Challenges & Mindset

   • Entrepreneurship requires planning, resilience, and community support.
   • Dr. Smith saved money before leaving her job and leveraged relationships for growth.
   • Quote: “Entrepreneurs will work 80 hours for themselves but don’t want to work 40 hours for someone else.”

5. Top 3 Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make

   • Lack of research: Understand your industry, competitors, and market.
   • No revenue model: If you’re not making money, it’s a hobby, not a business.
   • Ignoring relationships: Networking and partnerships are key to success.

6. Unique Marketing & Partnerships

   • Dr. Smith built direct relationships with brands, bypassing agencies that offered “pennies on the dollar.”
   • Created a dual revenue model: B2B (corporate partnerships) + B2C (community engagement).

7. Core Philosophy

   • Motto: Believe, Plan, Win.
   • Quote: “Those that show up, go up.”
   • Success is rooted in faith, persistence, and leveraging community.

Notable Quotes

• “I was born to be an entrepreneur. My mother told me, until you become your own boss, you have to follow the rules.”
• “Less than 1% of Black women get VC funding—so we created our own fund.”
• “Relationships are your key to success. When social media goes away, your audience remains.”
• “If you have a business and you don’t have money, you’ve got a hobby.”
• “God will not birth anything inside of you that He will not give you the tools to deliver.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. George C. Fraser.

Chairman & CEO of FraserNet, Inc.

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aimed to:

• Promote financial literacy, wealth-building strategies, and entrepreneurial thinking within the Black community.
• Share actionable steps for creating generational wealth and economic empowerment.
• Highlight FraserNet’s mission to foster networking, education, and business development for people of African descent.

Key Takeaways

1. Knowledge & Execution Are Critical

   • “My people perish for lack of knowledge”—Dr. Fraser emphasizes that progress requires knowledge and execution, not just protest.
   • Rejecting knowledge leads to stagnation; skill-building and financial education are essential.

2. Entrepreneurial Thinking vs. Entrepreneurship

   • Focus on taking ownership and responsibility for your life.
   • Entrepreneurial thinking can evolve into entrepreneurship, creating jobs and wealth for the community.

3. Black Economic Empowerment

   • By the end of the 21st century, Black people must become the #1 employer of Black people, mirroring other ethnic groups.
   • This requires sacrifice, planning, and multiple income streams.

4. Practical Wealth-Building Steps

   • Open a high-interest savings account and start with $100.
   • Buy stocks in companies you use (Nike, McDonald’s, Home Depot).
   • Open or maximize 401(k), IRA, or Roth IRA contributions.
   • Improve credit score by 20 points every six months until above 700.
   • Pay $50 above minimum payments on credit cards and loans to reduce payoff time.
   • Research term vs. whole life insurance—insurance is key for wealth transfer.
   • Start a 529 college plan or Roth IRA for children.
   • Gift U.S. Treasury bonds or indexed universal life policies for grandchildren.

5. Generational Wealth & Insurance

   • 60% of wealth transfer occurs through proper insurance planning.
   • Example: Indexed universal life policies can yield millions tax-free for future generations.

6. Seven Streams of Income

   • Earned income (jobs), Profit income (buying/selling), Interest income, Dividend income, Rental income, Capital gains, Royalty income.
   • Goal: Add a new income stream every year.

7. Mindset Shift

   • “The rich stay rich by pretending to be poor; the poor stay poor by pretending to be rich.”
   • Focus on winning, not looking like you’re winning.

8. Giving Wealth

   • Support Black-owned businesses, restaurants, salons, authors.
   • Volunteer, tithe, and donate to HBCUs.
   • Encourage and uplift Black men, women, and children.

Notable Quotes

• “We are suffering because we cannot see our problems clearly.”
• “Execution, execution, execution—protest without execution is meaningless.”
• “To be gifted, Black, and beautiful means nothing unless you are Black and powerful.”
• “Don’t quit your job until your side income covers twice your monthly expenses.”
• “White folks plan for three generations; we plan for Saturday night.”
• “Money attracts money—start with $100 in a savings account.”
• “There should not be a Negro in America with a single stream of income.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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

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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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Reading the Room

   • Start by reading yourself—know your energy and intentions.
   • Authenticity and confidence are key to building relationships and leveraging opportunities.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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

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