Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Lisa Mulrain.

Role: Finance attorney, senior executive in the federal government, founder of Legacy Building LLC
Mission: To bridge the financial literacy gap for minority communities, emerging professionals, and small business owners, promoting lasting economic confidence and stability.

🧭 Purpose of the Interview

To highlight Lisa Mulrain’s transition from finance attorney to financial literacy advocate, and her efforts to empower underserved communities through education, legal expertise, and practical financial strategies.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Systemic Inequities in Finance

• Lisa’s work with Ginnie Mae exposed her to disparities in lending, appraisals, and access for low-to-moderate income families.
• She observed how minority communities were often preyed upon with unfavorable loan terms and undervalued property appraisals.

2. Financial Literacy Advocacy

• Lisa transitioned into advocacy to educate people on financial contracts, including mortgages, credit cards, and auto loans.
• She emphasizes understanding loan terms and avoiding high-interest debt traps.

3. Tips for Financial Empowerment

• Budgeting: Know your income vs. expenses.
• Multiple Income Streams: Invest in real estate and the stock market.
• Credit Awareness: Monitor and manage credit responsibly.

4. Small Business Guidance

• Avoid early debt accumulation.
• Scale inventory gradually.
• Understand the legal and financial implications of business credit.

5. Legal Expertise & Asset Protection

• Lisa offers estate planning and trust services to protect assets from lawsuits and creditors.
• She explains how trusts shield property and wealth from legal claims.

6. Insurance & Financial Stability

• Advocates for life and disability insurance as part of a financial toolkit.
• Recommends cash value whole life policies for long-term benefits.

7. Scam Awareness

• Warns against phishing and financial scams.
• Advises verifying sources and never sharing sensitive info without confirmation.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “The system is not set up for us to win.”
• “You have everything you need to acquire any finances that you desire.”
• “Don’t blindly hand your money over to someone if you don’t understand what you’re investing in.”
• “No one’s coming to save us. You have to do all you can to build multiple streams of income.”
• “A trust protects your assets from creditors and lawsuits.”

📞 Contact Info

• Website: LegacyBuildingLLC.com
• Instagram: @legacy_building_llc
• Phone: (202) 409-8513

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Michelle Taylor Willis.

Author, Speaker, Award-Winning Community Leader

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To explore Michelle’s guidebook “Raising Significance”, which offers practical advice for parents on how to raise children who are not just successful, but significant—meaning they positively impact the world around them. The interview also highlights Michelle’s personal journey, her community work, and the values that drive her.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Success vs. Significance

Michelle defines a powerful distinction:

“Success is about you and your immediate circle. Significance is about how you turn your success to work for everybody else.”

Her book aims to help parents raise children who are intentional change-makers, not just achievers.

2. Eight Tenets of Parenting

While not all are listed in the interview, Michelle emphasizes one foundational principle:

“Obey immediately and happily.”
This sets the tone for discipline, respect, and responsiveness in children.

3. Healthy Fear is Necessary

Michelle advocates for instilling a respectful fear of authority and consequences:

“Sometimes you just need to do what I say do… because I’m saving your life.”

4. Music Enhances Critical Thinking

Michelle encourages early musical education:

“All my kids started piano at five… There’s a direct correlation between music, math, and critical thinking.”

Rashawn shares his own experience with music and how it shaped his memory and academic success.

5. Greek Life as a Catalyst

Both Michelle (AKA) and Rashawn (Omega Psi Phi) reflect on how joining Black Greek organizations shaped their discipline, focus, and lifelong networks:

“It was a life-changing event… It expanded my value of relationships and networking.”

6. Community Recognition Matters

Michelle expresses deep gratitude for being honored:

“I will never be sick of somebody telling me they value what I do.”

She views awards not as vanity but as validation of meaningful work.

7. Parenting with Purpose

Michelle’s book is not about perfection but intentionality:

“I’m not a parenting expert… But if you instill these things early, significance won’t be accidental—it’ll be inevitable.”

💬 Notable Quotes

• On parenting:

“You act happy about it. Because if you don’t act happy, then you’re going to make me unhappy. And I promise you, you don’t want me unhappy.”

• On legacy:

“Raising significance is about how you teach your children to change the world—and teach others to do the same.”

• On humility:

“It’s never about me.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.