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

Kathleen Bertrand began talking in 2009 about a new film festival to attract people of color to Atlanta’s growing film industry. From a discussion with her then CEO William Pate at the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, to talks with film enthusiasts and potential film partners, Bertrand began to assemble the team and resources needed to launch what was to become BronzeLens Film Festival, a non-profit organization. While everybody knew about Tyler Perry’s Atlanta-based empire, Bertrand and her colleagues created a platform for broader engagement in the industry for people of color and did so in a way that showcased Atlanta and its history and culture.

Under Bertrand’s visionary leadership as executive producer, BronzeLens has grown to receive attention and accolades from across the country and around the world. It is a charter member of ARRAY (formerly AFFRM), the film distribution network founded by producer/director Ava DuVernay in 2011. BronzeLens has been mentioned in articles about film diversity in publications such as the New York Times, the LA Times, Atlanta Magazine, Oz Magazine, and Ebony Magazine. In late 2016, the festival was named as an Academy Award Qualifying Film Festival for the Short Film Award. This tremendous honor is one of only 3 such designations in the country for film festivals that support the work of people of color. In its most recent film season, the festival received film submissions from 59 countries around the world. BronzeLens has received two “Best of Atlanta” Awards from Atlanta Magazine: “Best Showcase for New Filmmakers,” and “Best Place to Break into the Film Industry.”

Kathleen has received numerous awards for her work with BronzeLens. In 2016, she was given the Georgia Highlight Award, as part of the annual Georgia Film Gala. In 2018, she received the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from her alma mater Spelman College, which honored her careers in both hospitality and the film industry. Additionally, in 2018, she was inducted into the Atlanta Hospitality Hall of Fame, which also honored her dual careers in film and in hospitality. In 2019, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms presented Bertrand with the City of Atlanta’s highest honor – The Phoenix Award. Recent honors include the 2023 Image Award presented by Atlanta Film Society, the Synergy Award from African American Film Critics Association and being recognized by Georgia Entertainment Magazine as one of “200 Most Influential of Georgia’s Creative Industries.”

Company Description *
BronzeLens Film Festival of Atlanta, Georgia is a non-profit organization, founded in 2009, that is dedicated to bringing national and worldwide attention to Atlanta as a center for film and film production for people of color. The mission of the BronzeLens Film Festival of Atlanta, Georgia is two fold: to promote Atlanta as the new film mecca for people of color; and to showcase films and provide networking opportunities that will develop the next generation of filmmakers.

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

The chair of Stuckey’s, a historic snack and candy company. She shares her journey of revitalizing the brand, her family’s legacy, and the importance of entrepreneurship and branding.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

1. Reviving an American Icon

   • Stephanie took over Stuckey’s in 2019, aiming to restore its legacy.
   • She discusses the challenges of rebuilding a brand that had lost its original assets.

2. The History of Stuckey’s

   • Founded by her grandfather during the Great Depression in 1937.
   • Grew into a nationwide chain with 370 stores across 40 states.

3. The Importance of Branding & Social Media

   • Stephanie leveraged LinkedIn and other platforms to rebuild brand awareness.
   • She emphasizes authenticity and storytelling in marketing.

4. Business Strategy & Growth

   • Transitioned from outsourcing products to owning a manufacturing facility.
   • Expanded retail presence from 200 to 5,000 stores, including Hobby Lobby and Food Lion.

5. Lessons in Entrepreneurship

   • Discusses the importance of adaptability, partnerships, and strategic decision-making.
   • Shares insights on overcoming setbacks and scaling a business.

📘 About Stephanie Stuckey
Stephanie Stuckey is an entrepreneur, author, and advocate for brand revitalization. She is dedicated to restoring Stuckey’s as a leading snack brand while preserving its rich history.

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Travis T. Wade.

CEO of The Guardian, a private security corporation. The discussion focused on hiring the right people, leadership strategies, and the importance of HR in business success.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

The Importance of HR in Hiring

• Wade emphasized that HR is the backbone of any business, ensuring the right people are hired and retained.
• He shared insights on how HR principles translate into building a strong security team.

Finding the Right Employees

• The Guardian uses a conversational interview approach rather than traditional questioning.
• Wade believes that getting candidates comfortable reveals their true personality, helping assess their suitability for security roles.

Key Traits for Security Professionals

• Patience is the most important quality—impatient candidates are not a good fit for security work.
• Security officers must be calm, observant, and able to de-escalate situations rather than react impulsively.

Reducing Employee Turnover

• Wade stressed that treating employees well after hiring is just as important as selecting the right candidates.
• He shared strategies for lowering turnover by fostering a supportive work environment.

📘 About Travis T. Wade & The Guardian
Travis T. Wade is a seasoned HR professional with over 25 years of corporate experience. His company, The Guardian, operates in Georgia, Alabama, and North Carolina, providing armed and unarmed security, personal protection, and private investigations.

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