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

CEO branding expert and partner at Ascendant Group Branding:

🎙️ Interview Summary

Guest: Raoul Davis
Focus: CEO and executive branding, public relations, book deals, social media strategy, and personal brand development

🧭 Purpose of the Interview

To explore how Raoul Davis helps CEOs, retired athletes, entertainers, and executive leaders increase their top-line revenue through strategic branding. The conversation dives into the mechanics of personal branding, book publishing, social media engagement, and the mindset needed to build long-term success.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. CEO & Executive Branding

• Raoul’s firm specializes in human-to-human (H2H) branding, helping leaders become the “chief storytellers” of their businesses.
• Branding is about authenticity and emotional connection, not ego or celebrity.
• “You either get branded or you get labeled”—so take control of your narrative.

2. Speaking & Thought Leadership

• Speaking should be part of a broader brand strategy, not just a revenue stream.
• Good speakers focus on empathy and delivering 2–3 memorable takeaways.
• Free speaking engagements can lead to high-value business opportunities.

3. Book Publishing Strategy

• Traditional publishing offers the highest credibility, followed by hybrid models.
• Self-publishing is oversaturated; 97% of books sell fewer than 500 copies.
• A well-positioned book can be a powerful marketing tool and lead to seven-figure returns.

4. Social Media & Branding Do’s and Don’ts

• Invest in professional photography and strong headlines.
• Focus on one or two platforms where you’re most comfortable.
• Use analytics and testing to refine your content strategy.
• Understand platform demographics:
  • Facebook: 30–65+ audience, best for product sales
  • Instagram: 25–40, visual storytelling
  • TikTok: younger or niche audiences, strong organic reach
  • LinkedIn: B2B and strategic partnerships
  • X (Twitter): real-time cultural engagement

5. Retired Athletes & Brand Equity

• Athletes have built-in brand equity that can be leveraged post-career.
• Raoul helps them transition into business ventures and thought leadership roles.

6. Personal Branding for Everyone

• Start with a clear tagline or moniker that defines your expertise.
• Know your audience and what they want to hear.
• Practice strategic patience—success takes time and resilience.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “You either get branded or you get labeled.”
• “It’s not about ego—it’s about effectiveness.”
• “Strategic patience is key. Optimists always win.”
• “The two biggest reflections of who you are: how you spend your time and your money.”
• “If you believe in your product, you should want people to know about it.”

📞 Contact Info

• Website: ascendantgroupbranding.com
• LinkedIn: Raoul Davis

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/

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

A renowned networking expert and CEO of FraserNet. Here's a breakdown of the key insights and themes:

🔑 Key Highlights & Takeaways 🧠 Financial Wisdom & Wealth Building

Dr. Fraser shares three foundational rules for financial freedom:

1. Rent/Mortgage ≤ Weekly Income – Live within your means.
2. Borrow Money Only to Make Money – Avoid debt for depreciating assets.
3. As Income Increases, Cost of Living Should Stay the Same or Decrease – Invest the difference.

He also outlines six habits that keep people broke:

• Not talking about money
• No emergency fund
• Impulse purchases
• Buying unnecessary sale items
• Paying bills late
• Improper use of credit cards

🏛️ WINDS Wealth Building Centers

• Created to combat financial illiteracy in Black America.
• Focus on mindset, habits, values, and solutions.
• Curriculum includes:
  • Psychology and emotions around money
  • Delayed gratification
  • Four pillars of intergenerational wealth:
  1. Wealth management
  2. Real estate ownership
  3. Business development
  4. Entrepreneurship

🌍 Power Networking Conference & Fraser Nation

• A virtual nation concept launched before the pandemic.
• Offers access to:
  • Black professionals and business owners
  • Intellectual capital
  • Products and services across the Pan-African diaspora
• Promotes virtual workshops, summits, and coaching.

💼 Entrepreneurship & Passive Income

• Encourages Black Americans to sell, not just buy.
• Suggests a multi-stream income strategy:
  1. Use 9–5 income to fund a side hustle.
  2. Use side hustle profits to invest.
  3. Let investments eventually replace your job income.

💬 Quotes & Wisdom

“Stop living above your means. Stop living within your means. Live below your means and invest the rest.”

“If you bake cookies, put them in a box, put your name on it, and sell it.”

“There should not be a Black person in America with a single stream of income.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Founder and CEO of a leading employee engagement and workplace culture consulting firm:

🎙️ Interview Summary

Guest: Heather R. Younger
Role: CEO, workplace culture consultant, author, speaker
Topic: Employee engagement, workplace culture, self-leadership, and overcoming fear

🧭 Purpose of the Interview

To explore Heather Younger's journey as a workplace culture expert, her insights into employee engagement, and her new book The Art of Self-Leadership. The conversation centers on empowering individuals to lead themselves, navigate workplace challenges, and overcome fear to unlock personal and professional growth.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Employee Advocacy & Engagement

• Heather has read over 30,000 employee surveys and facilitated 100+ focus groups.
• She emphasizes active listening and creating safe spaces for employees to express concerns.
• Her mission is to amplify the voices of employees, especially during organizational transitions like mergers.

2. Self-Leadership & Personal Growth

• Heather encourages individuals to be their own advocates and not wait for others (including HR) to “save” them.
• She promotes intentional reframing—shifting negative thoughts into rational, empowering ones.
• Her new book, The Art of Self-Leadership, includes exercises like fear mapping to help readers identify and overcome internal barriers.

3. Navigating Fear in the Workplace

Heather outlines five ways fear holds people back professionally:

1. Fear of feedback – avoiding growth due to fear of criticism.
2. Fear of retribution – hesitating to speak up.
3. Fear of speaking truth to power – lacking psychological safety.
4. Inherited fears – generational or cultural fears that shape behavior.
5. Fear of regret – not taking action and living with “what ifs.”

4. Daily Practices for Mental Strength

• Reflect nightly on what went well and what you controlled.
• Practice gratitude and mindfulness.
• Prioritize sleep, hydration, and mental clarity.
• Treat each day as a chance to iterate and improve.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “I needed to be the change I was seeking.”
• “Feedback is a gift—even if it hurts.”
• “You have to fight tooth and nail for your own mental space.”
• “Don’t wait to be invited—ask.”
• “See yourself as a work in progress, not a finished product.”

📚 Book Mentioned

• Title: The Art of Self-Leadership
• Focus: Empowering individuals to lead themselves through fear, change, and uncertainty

📞 Contact Info

• Website: HeatherYounger.com
• LinkedIn: Heather R. Younger
• Social Media: Active on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.