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

📝 Summary of the Interview

Courtney Glaudé, an award-winning filmmaker, writer, and director from Houston, Texas, joined Rushion McDonald to discuss his creative journey, his role in Tyler Perry’s production universe, and his passion for storytelling. Glaudé is the writer, director, and producer for Season 4 of Zatima on BET+, and he holds an overall deal with Tyler Perry Studios, a rare and powerful endorsement of his talent. The conversation explored his roots, creative process, mentorship under Tyler Perry, and his commitment to emotionally gripping narratives that tackle complex social issues.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Tyler Perry’s Mentorship & Overall Deal

• Glaudé was entrusted with writing, directing, and producing Season 4 of Zatima.
• Tyler Perry gave him full creative control, saying: “You like Zatima? It’s yours.”
• The overall deal means Perry funds Glaudé’s projects and helps pitch them to major streaming platforms.

2. Creative Process & Directing Style

• Glaudé writes with the shot in mind, visualizing scenes as he scripts.
• He adapts creatively when budget or location constraints arise.
• His style is thriller-driven, even when tackling emotional or social themes like dementia.

3. Zatima Season 4

• The show centers on Zach and Fatima’s relationship, exploring real-life romantic challenges.
• Glaudé brings a new emotional depth and rollercoaster storytelling to the series.
• He collaborates closely with the cast, who help maintain character authenticity.

4. Houston Roots & Hustle Mentality

• Raised in Fifth Ward, Houston, with Louisiana family roots.
• Self-taught filmmaker: learned through books, Google, and observing professionals.
• Hustle and persistence were key: “If someone told me no, I figured out how to do it myself.”

5. Breakthrough with Monique

• His indie thriller The Reading, starring Monique, became the #1 film on BET+.
• This success led to his introduction to Tyler Perry and the overall deal.

6. Legacy & Motivation

• Glaudé is driven by creating a legacy for his daughter.
• He wants to build a self-sustaining empire she can inherit.
• “I don’t feel like I work. I’m creating stories from my head.”

7. Social Impact Storytelling

• Tackles topics like mental health, trauma, and dementia through compelling narratives.
• Upcoming feature film Old Gray Mare explores dementia in a thriller format.

8. Tyler Perry Studios Experience

• Described as a “Disneyland for creators” with 12 sound stages and versatile sets.
• Efficient production model with on-site housing, catering, and rapid turnaround.
• Studios are rented by major productions like Black Panther and Coming to America.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “Just because God told it to me doesn’t mean He told it to everybody else.”
• “If you believe it, I’m not dreaming big enough.”
• “Tyler Perry Studios is like boot camp for creators.”
• “I want my films to make people feel something.”
• “I’m the person they tone down.” (on his intense storytelling style)

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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

Retired Chief Information Officer (CIO) of FedEx Custom Critical and author of The Courage to Continue: Navigating Your Corporate Journey, shares her inspiring story of rising from humble beginnings in Bessemer, Alabama, to becoming a high-ranking executive in a Fortune 500 company. The conversation centers on her book’s core themes: mentorship, advocacy, and sponsorship.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

1. Why She Wrote the Book

• Cheryl is a first-generation corporate American whose parents were a coal miner and a teacher.
• Initially written as a guide for her children, the book evolved into a broader resource for anyone navigating corporate life, especially first-generation professionals.
• The pandemic inspired her to add a section for leaders managing first-gen employees.

1. Career at FedEx

• Spent 26 years at FedEx, culminating in her role as CIO of FedEx Custom Critical.
• FedEx Custom Critical handles specialized logistics, such as transporting refrigerated COVID-19 vaccines.
• Her role involved overseeing IT infrastructure, data, and systems—a rare position for African-American women in tech.

1. Mentorship, Advocacy, and Sponsorship

• Cheryl breaks down the differences:
• • Mentors help build skills and confidence (like background singers preparing the lead).
  • Sponsors are like PR agents who open doors and promote you.
  • Advocates speak up for you in rooms where you’re not present.
• These three pillars were essential to her success and are critical for young professionals, especially minorities.

1. Overcoming Barriers

• Cheryl shares how racism and gender bias in tech were real challenges.
• Her first mentor was a white male who saw her potential and helped her navigate corporate culture.
• She emphasizes the importance of resilience, perspective, and turning frustration into action.

1. Personal Motivation

• A pivotal childhood moment: seeing her grandfather sign an “X” at the bank because he couldn’t write.
• That experience ignited her drive for education and excellence.
• She wanted to see the world beyond Bessemer and use her knowledge to help others do the same.

1. Diversity & Inclusion at FedEx

• Cheryl co-founded the FedEx African-American Committee, now a Business Resource Group (BRG).
• Initiatives included:
• • Resume building and interview prep
  • Black History Month events with speakers like Donna Brazile and Ben Hooks
  • Creating safe spaces for Black employees to grow and connect

📘 About the Book

• Title: The Courage to Continue: Navigating Your Corporate Journey
• Available at: CherylBevelleOrange.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble

#AMI

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.