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

***

### **Purpose of the Interview**

The interview on *Money Making Conversations Masterclass* aimed to:

* Showcase Brittany Benson’s journey as a **brand strategist**, **AI consultant**, and founder of **The Branding Bar**.
* Educate entrepreneurs and small business owners on **branding**, **social media strategy**, and the **impact of AI** on marketing.
* Inspire listeners to leverage technology and consistency to build authentic brands.

***

### **Key Takeaways**

1. **Early Branding Journey**
* Brittany unknowingly started building her brand in college through her TV show *On the Air with Brittany B*.
* She leveraged early platforms like YouTube and Facebook before “social media” was a term.

2. **Consistency is Key**
* Success in branding comes from **consistent engagement**, even before monetization was possible.
* Brittany grew her Instagram following to over 130,000 by focusing on consistency rather than chasing trends.

3. **Influencer Myth**
* Large follower counts don’t guarantee success; **engagement matters more than numbers**.
* “If I have 2,500 followers who listen to me, that’s more powerful than 100,000 who don’t.”

4. **Paid vs. Organic Growth**
* Paid ads can help, but **organic growth builds trust**.
* Best practice: build an organic base first, then use paid ads to amplify.

5. **Pivot to AI**
* Brittany pivoted from a traditional social media agency to **AI-driven branding solutions**.
* She creates **AI twins** for business owners—digital replicas that can produce content without the owner being physically present.

6. **Generative AI in Marketing**
* AI tools can create graphics, videos, and even voice clones.
* Brittany emphasizes AI as a **tool to enhance workflow**, not replace human creativity.

7. **Consulting Approach**
* Offers strategy calls to identify problems and recommend AI tools.
* Services range from **strategy planning**, **consulting**, to **done-for-you solutions**.

***

### **Notable Quotes**

* **On branding:**
*“I was always building a brand, even when I didn’t realize I was building a brand.”*

* **On engagement vs. followers:**
*“If I have 2,500 followers who listen to me, that’s more powerful than 100,000 who don’t.”*

* **On AI’s role:**
*“AI is just a tool. It’s not going to replace your job—it still needs human direction.”*

* **On staying ahead:**
*“I’ve been told I have the gift of insight to see what’s coming, even if it’s not popular yet.”*

* **On her pivot:**
*“I started generating AI twins for business owners so they could show up online without showing up.”*

***

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Brianna Johnson.

Lgnd Life Financial is a mission-driven financial services company dedicated to empowering individuals, families, and small businesses through comprehensive financial literacy and life insurance education. Founded by Brianna Johnson, a visionary leader and top life insurance agent, Lgnd Life has redefined the industry by providing tailored solutions that protect and build wealth for its clients.

With a track record of serving over 5,000 families and paying out millions in claims, Lgnd Life Financial stands as a trusted partner in securing financial futures. Licensed in over 25 states, the company also invests in the next generation of professionals by training and mentoring more than 250 life insurance agents, fostering a community of excellence and empowerment.

At Lgnd Life, the mission goes beyond policies—it's about creating legacies.

She is a visionary entrepreneur, financial expert, and the founder of Lgnd Life Financial, a company dedicated to empowering individuals and families to build wealth and secure their financial futures. Born and raised in Chicago, Brianna began her entrepreneurial journey at just 14, owning two successful clothing stores and hair salons by the age of 22. At 24, she boldly transitioned into the financial services industry, combining her passion for helping others with her knack for business innovation.

Through Lgnd Life Financial, Brianna has served over 5,000 families and paid out millions in claims, ensuring financial stability for her clients. Licensed in over 25 states, she has also mentored and trained more than 250 life insurance agents, fostering growth and success in the financial sector. Brianna is committed to breaking barriers, particularly for women and minorities, and inspiring others to create lasting legacies for their families and communities.

#BEST

#SHMS

#STRAW

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

President of the Atlanta Chapter of the National Association of Black Women in Construction (NABWIC). Here's a breakdown of the key highlights and takeaways:

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Breaking Barriers in Construction

• Monique Strong is a trailblazer in a traditionally male-dominated and white-dominated industry.
• She leads NABWIC’s Atlanta chapter, advocating for leadership, equity, and professional development for Black women in construction.

2. What “Construction” Really Means

• Construction isn’t just hard hats and manual labor—it includes:
  • General contracting
  • Project management
  • Estimating
  • Safety coordination
  • Architecture and engineering
  • Business ownership and development

3. Legacy and Inspiration

• Monique’s passion for construction was inspired by her grandfathers and her grandmother, who helped build the home she grew up in.
• Her journey includes a degree in engineering from Clark Atlanta University and further training in construction management.

4. Challenges and Triumphs

• Faced skepticism from family and industry peers.
• Overcame stereotypes and isolation as a young Black woman in construction.
• Emphasizes the importance of knowing who you are and embracing your identity as a woman in the field.

5. The Power of Mentorship and Community

• NABWIC provides a supportive network for women at all stages of their construction careers.
• Weekly calls, mentorship, and shared resources help members grow and succeed.

6. Why Diversity in Construction Matters

• Diversity reflects the makeup of the country and brings innovation and detail-oriented excellence to the field.
• Inclusion in leadership and contracting opportunities is essential for equity and community development.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “You don’t have to be hard. You just have to be hungry.”
• “We are the unicorns people are looking for.”
• “I like to take something that’s nothing and make it something.”

🎯 Advice for Women in Construction

• Get involved with a community like NABWIC that supports your growth.
• Seek mentorship from women at all stages—beginning, middle, and end of their careers.
• Embrace your uniqueness and use it to lead and innovate.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMI

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