Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Isaiah Tatum.

A 24-year-old entrepreneur, touring artist, and hotel owner:

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview showcases Dr. Isaiah Tatum’s extraordinary journey from homelessness to becoming a venture capitalist, hotel developer, and touring saxophonist. It aims to inspire young entrepreneurs by highlighting the importance of faith, planning, mentorship, and financial literacy.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Early Passion for Music

• Began playing saxophone at age 10.
• Influenced by legends like Kenny G, Curtis Mayfield, and Aretha Franklin.
• Practiced obsessively, leading to proficiency and touring opportunities.
• Maintains a strong connection to music despite business ventures.

“I couldn’t wait to get home and play… I practiced six hours a day.” — Isaiah Tatum

2. Entrepreneurial Drive & Financial Literacy

• Overcame homelessness and used that experience to fuel ambition.
• Became an equity investor in Jazz Pharmaceuticals at 18.
• Invested in real estate and hotel development with a focus on recession-proof models.

“I didn’t want to be an artist who had to stay on tour to maintain. I wanted to be financially free.” — Isaiah Tatum

3. Hotel Ownership & Strategy

• Owns two Candlewood Suites and an Embassy Suites in Georgia.
• Focuses on extended-stay models for consistent revenue.
• Emphasizes customer experience and operational efficiency.

“Even if they’re spending $160, make them feel like they’re spending $1 million.” — Isaiah Tatum

4. Mentorship & Education

• Studied finance and earned credentials from Wall Street Prep.
• Values mentorship from icons like Kenny G and Keith Worsham.
• Now mentors others and encourages financial literacy and self-confidence.

“Don’t look for who you are to fit in with everybody else… Elevate yourself.” — Isaiah Tatum

5. Vision & Future Endeavors

• Developing new properties in Tupelo, MS and Nashville, TN.
• Planning a Sweat Hotel concept and returning to music with a new album and tour.
• Driven by a daily mindset of growth and execution.

“Even though I’ve done really good, it’s about what I’m doing tomorrow.” — Isaiah Tatum

📌 Notable Quotes

• “Faith and a plan. A lot of people jump out there on faith. You better have a plan in your back pocket.” — Rushion McDonald
• “I fell in love with credentials… I wanted to maximize every opportunity.” — Isaiah Tatum
• “Let your results speak for themselves.” — Isaiah Tatum

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Everett Swain II.

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:

• Highlight alternative pathways to high-paying careers without a traditional four-year degree.
• Showcase how UXD Academy, founded by Everett Swain II, empowers individuals—especially from underserved communities—to leverage AI and design skills for financial and academic freedom.
• Inspire entrepreneurs and small business owners to embrace AI-driven opportunities.

Key Takeaways

1. AI as an Opportunity, Not a Threat

   • AI can amplify human capabilities rather than replace them.
   • Small businesses see 80% positive ROI from AI adoption, making it a major growth lever.

2. Career Without a Degree

   • Over 40% of tech companies no longer require degrees, focusing instead on certifications and portfolios.
   • UXD Academy teaches AI experience design and automation for learners as young as 13.

3. Everett’s Journey

   • Started as a graphic designer, pivoted to UX after self-learning via “YouTube University.”
   • Built UXD Academy to democratize access to tech careers and fight industry gatekeeping.

4. Business Model

   • UXD Academy offers free resources and paid guidance.
   • Created Our Table, an AI experience agency employing top students for real-world projects.

5. Impact on Underserved Communities

   • Programs can transform lives, moving individuals from low-income jobs to salaries of $75K–$140K within 3 years.
   • Focus on youth (starting at age 13) to break cycles of poverty and limited exposure.

6. Future AI Trends for Small Businesses

   • AI agents, automated workflows, and AI-powered customer experiences will dominate in the next 12–18 months.

7. Legacy

   • Everett aims to help 100,000 youth create their own reality through tech education.

Notable Quotes

• On AI’s role:
  “Think of AI as the smartest intern you know—you can train it to work specifically for you.”

• On education:
  “You don’t need a degree for what I do. Over 40% of tech companies don’t care about degrees anymore—they care about your portfolio.”

• On opportunity:
  “If you follow what I’m telling you, you can change your life in under a year and a half.”

• On underserved communities:
  “For the first time in history, people of color can bridge the gap to academic and financial freedom without a four-year degree.”

• On legacy:
  “If I can help 100,000 kids create their own reality, that will be my legacy.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to inspire listeners—entrepreneurs, small business owners, and individuals—about the importance of health and wellness in achieving personal and professional success. It introduces Jeff Cade’s 360 Health and Wellness Network, which focuses on mindset, diet, and exercise as pillars for a holistic lifestyle.

Key Takeaways

1. Health and Wealth Connection

   • Wealth cannot buy health; longevity depends on lifestyle choices.
   • Self-care is essential for sustaining business success and personal well-being.

2. Jeff Cade’s Background & Motivation

   • Over 15 years in health and wellness, with experience in hospitality and healthcare.
   • Personal tragedy: lost both parents to cancer, which fueled his mission.
   • Author of Battleground Cancer to educate on mental, physical, and spiritual resilience.

3. Core Philosophy

   • “Take food as medicine, not medicine as food.”
   • Three pillars: Mindset, Diet, Exercise—you can’t have one without the others.
   • Advocates plant-based diets, hydration, and mindfulness practices.

4. Actionable Advice

   • Know your body and listen to its signals.
   • Reduce sugar and processed foods; crowd out unhealthy items with colorful plates.
   • Use affirmations: “I am healed, healthy, happy.”
   • Transformation is incremental: start with 30-, 45-, or 90-day goals.
   • Stress management is critical—stress kills and triggers unhealthy habits.

5. Programs & Engagement

   • Offers personalized coaching and programs via JeffK360.com.
   • Focus on accountability partnerships and individualized plans.

Notable Quotes

• On transformation:
  “What you don’t change, you choose.”
• On health and success:
  “Self-care is the new health care.”
• On mindset:
  “I am healed, I am healthy, I am happy.”
• On accountability:
  “If it’s to be, it’s up to me.”
• On purpose:
  “You can’t serve others if you don’t serve yourself first.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.