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

President and CEO of Electro Soft Incorporated, an electronics manufacturing and engineering firm. The discussion focused on breaking barriers for women and minority business owners in manufacturing and closing the racial wealth gap.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

Redefining Manufacturing

• Manufacturing isn’t just industrial factories—it includes baking, cabinet-making, and assembling office furniture.
• Trotman’s company specializes in electronics assembly, wiring harnesses, and circuit board manufacturing.

Challenges in Domestic Manufacturing

• U.S. manufacturing has been outsourced overseas, making it difficult to bring production back.
• Policies supporting domestic manufacturing must include workforce training and component production.

Workforce Development & Training

• Many trade schools and apprenticeship programs are growing to meet demand.
• Electro Soft trains employees within 90 days to work in electronics assembly.

Closing the Racial Wealth Gap

• Wealth transfer is hindered by lack of financial planning, such as GoFundMe funerals and unclear property titles.
• Entrepreneurship and business ownership are key to building generational wealth.

Acquiring Businesses as a Path to Wealth

• Minority entrepreneurs should buy existing businesses rather than starting from scratch.
• Many retiring business owners are willing to finance deals, allowing buyers to use business profits to pay off acquisitions.

📘 About Karla Trotman
Karla Trotman is a third-generation entrepreneur who took over her family’s business, Electro Soft Incorporated. She has a background in logistics, purchasing, and e-commerce, with experience at Honeywell, Gap, and IKEA.

She is also the author of Dark, Dirty, Dangerous, a book about manufacturing, entrepreneurship, and wealth-building strategies.

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

She is a high-growth strategy specialist, bestselling author, and executive advisor. The discussion focused on navigating uncertainty in business and her Survive, Reset, Thrive framework.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

Navigating Uncertainty & Strategic Decision-Making

• Businesses must avoid paralysis and continue making strategic decisions despite uncertainty.
• Leaders should act on beliefs while continuously testing them to adapt effectively.

Survive, Reset, Thrive Framework

• Survive: Stabilize operations during market shocks.
• Reset: Adapt to new realities and reassess strategies.
• Thrive: Scale and sustain growth through adaptability.

Team Building & Internal Predictability

• Successful companies foster trust, reliability, and clear decision-making within teams.
• Leaders should ensure employees understand goals, decision-making processes, and accountability.

Hiring & Leadership Strategy

• Leaders must hire based on skills and purpose, rather than familiarity, to ensure long-term success.
• Employees should be categorized as tour of duty hires (for specific projects) or repurpose hires (for long-term adaptability).

Economic & Political Impact on Business

• Entrepreneurs should assess trends critically, distinguishing between noise and actual business impact.
• Businesses should focus on making great decisions, even if they can't predict the future.

📘 About Dr. Rebecca Homkes
Dr. Rebecca Homkes is a high-growth strategy specialist, executive advisor, and lecturer at London Business School. She has worked with global CEOs and leadership teams, helping them unlock organizational performance. She is also affiliated with Duke Corporate Executive Education and Boston Consulting Group University.

She earned her doctorate at the London School of Economics as a Marshall Scholar and has served on the boards of high-growth companies. Her expertise spans corporate innovation, scaling strategies, and leadership development.

For more insights, check out her book Survive, Reset, Thrive here or watch her interview here.

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

She is the president and CEO of Electro Soft, Incorporated (ESI), an electronics manufacturing and engineering firm in the United States.   She is on the show to discuss many topics, including breaking down barriers for women and minority business owners in manufacturing.  

Talking Points/Questions *             

1.      Building generational wealth through family businesses

2.      Addressing the racial wealth gap in America

3.      Breaking down barriers for women and minority business owners in manufacturing

4.      Exploring non-traditional career paths in the industry

5.      How policies can support domestic manufacturing pipelines

 She holds a B.S. in Business Logistics from Penn State and an MBA from Drexel University. Her business experience extends to supply chain logistics, purchasing, global scheduling, and e-commerce, where she served in key roles in companies such as Honeywell, Gap, and IKEA.

Trotman welcomed her two sons during her time at IKEA, giving her firsthand experience with the difficulties prenatal and postnatal mothers face in their professional and personal lives. While on maternity leave, she founded the Belly Button Boutique, an online shop for pre- and postnatal women. Over the span of eight years, her business expanded to celebrity and international clientele, earning her features in PEOPLE and on NBC 10, CBS News, HuffPost Live and more.

The success of Belly Button Boutique inspired Trotman to propel ESI, founded by her parents in 1986, even further forward. Over the past 15 years, she served in the roles at ESI as special projects and marketing manager, executive vice president, COO and currently CEO and president. Under her guidance, ESI implemented both online marketing and acquisition strategies, dramatically increasing revenue.

Through her leadership at ESI, Trotman was named an Enterprising Woman of the Year, Transformational Woman in Family Business, Top 25 Leader Transforming Manufacturing, and most recently Entrepreneur of The Year® 2024 Greater Philadelphia Award winner. Trotman recognizes the plights and potential of minority business enterprises (MBEs) and how their power can be used to help close the ever-widening minority wealth gap. Leveraging her connections to funding, access, and networks, she advocates for minority business owners and educates on how investment in minority businesses uplifts minority families and communities.

Trotman is a board member for the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation, Museum of the American Revolution, African Women’s Entrepreneurship Collective (AWEC) and Forum of Executive Women Foundation. She is co-chair of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Manufacturing Alliance (SEPMA) and a member of both the Drexel University Board of Governors and President’s Council. She is the author of the soon- to-be-released book, Dark, Dirty, Dangerous: The Vibrant Future of Manufacturing.

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ken Harris

He an attorney in Charlotte NC and the CEO of one of the largest certified minority marketers of energy in the US.   RDAF markets and sells natural gas, Power/electricity, liquified natural gas, hydrogen, EV charging, solar, nitrogen and other energy commodities. Our largest suppliers are Chevron, EQT, Berkshire Hathaway Energy (LNG) and Calpine (power). Our largest customers are Shell and US Steel.

He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill undergrad and law schools. He is a former NBA and NFL agent. And, he has litigated some of the largest cases in Charlotte history.

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The Steve Harvey Morning Show fro Friday, May 30th, 2025: Steve Harvey's Morning Inspiration | Show Open - Steve's New Gift | Run That Prank Back - Colorful Adoptions | Ask The CLO | Entertainment News | Elon Musk Leaving DOGE | Roscoe Wallace | Nephew Tommy's Prank - Problem At The Valet | Strawberry Letter - I Was There The Whole Time | Junior's Sports Talk | Social Media Advice | Woman Hits Child Who Called Her Fat | Would You Rather | Steve Harvey's Closing Remarks

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

Host of The Financial Quarterback radio show, joins Money Making Conversations Masterclass to discuss financial security, Social Security misconceptions, inflation, compound interest, and health insurance. Recognized by Forbes as one of America’s top financial security professionals, he provides expert insights into wealth-building strategies.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

1. Social Security & Retirement Myths

   • Many Americans mistakenly believe Social Security alone will provide a comfortable retirement.
   • Josh explains how previous generations lived on Social Security because they had paid-off homes and lower living expenses, but today’s economic climate makes that unrealistic.

2. Inflation & Its Effects

   • Inflation occurs when too much money chases too few goods, causing price increases.
   • Covid stimulus packages contributed to rising costs as large amounts of money entered circulation.
   • Everyday consumers feel inflation in higher grocery prices, shrinking product sizes (shrinkflation), and increased gas costs.

3. Understanding Compound Interest

   • Compound interest is a powerful wealth-building tool that allows money to grow exponentially over time.
   • Many financial advisors focus on stocks and investments but fail to educate clients on the importance of long-term compounding without interruptions.
   • Josh emphasizes the Rule of 72, explaining how money doubles based on the interest rate earned.

4. Choosing the Right Financial Advisor

   • A strong advisor should educate clients on key financial principles, not just offer investment options like conservative, moderate, or aggressive portfolios.
   • The real key to wealth is understanding compounding and ensuring investments grow steadily over time.

5. Health Insurance Challenges

   • Rising health insurance costs are forcing companies to drop coverage and restructure their plans.
   • Josh suggests a two-tier system where private insurers handle healthy individuals while the government provides expanded Medicaid for those with higher risks.

📘 Resources & Contact Information
Josh Jalinski’s financial insights are available via:
🔗 Podcast: The Financial Quarterback (Spotify)
🔗 Website: FinancialQuarterback.com

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

A motivational speaker and personal development coach discusses his journey from working in 3D animation to finding his true calling in motivational speaking. He emphasizes the importance of understanding one's value and purpose, encouraging people to tap into their passions and gifts to make a positive difference in the world.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

1. Finding Purpose Through Self-Discovery

   • Prince believes many individuals fail to recognize their inherent worth.
   • His philosophy, Making Motivation Personal, introduces people to themselves, helping them uncover their true potential.

2. Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

   • He discusses how childhood experiences shape negative behaviors.
   • His book, Heal: Help Elevate and Learn, focuses on addressing past traumas to rewire unhealthy patterns.

3. Personal Accountability & Growth

   • Prince stresses that motivation must come from within, while inspiration can come externally.
   • He encourages self-reflection and accountability to break cycles and achieve success.

4. Leadership & Productivity Strategies

   • His approach helps individuals and organizations improve behavior, performance, and productivity.
   • He specializes in real-world business leadership and personal accountability.

📘 About Cicone Prince
Cicone Prince is the CEO of CiconePrince.com, where his slogan is Making Motivation Personal by Introducing You to Yourself™. With a background in electronic engineering, he uses engaging stories and illustrations to inspire audiences. His work focuses on personal development, leadership, and helping people overcome fears to reach their full potential.

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

She is the founder of Scholar Ready, whose mission is to help students excel in standardized testing and scholarship applications.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

1. The Inspiration Behind Scholar Ready

   • Ledwith founded Scholar Ready after realizing many students struggled with scholarships due to weak essay-writing skills.
   • She personally secured scholarships to fund her college education, graduating with minimal student debt.

2. The Importance of Standardized Test Preparation

   • Scholar Ready helps students prepare for PSAT, SAT, and ACT exams to unlock scholarship opportunities.
   • Ledwith emphasized that test scores are crucial for college admissions and financial aid.

3. Overcoming Barriers to Higher Education

   • Many students fear essay writing and test-taking, limiting their scholarship potential.
   • Ledwith’s program provides personalized tutoring to build confidence and improve scores.

4. Scholarship Application Strategies

   • Students must research scholarship providers and tailor their essays accordingly.
   • She advises applicants to highlight unique qualities beyond grades and test scores.

5. Encouraging Persistence & Resilience

   • Ledwith stresses that rejection is part of the scholarship process and should not discourage students.
   • She encourages students to apply widely and refine their applications based on feedback.

📘 About Jennifer Ledwith
Jennifer Ledwith is an education entrepreneur dedicated to helping students succeed in college admissions and scholarship applications. Through Scholar Ready, she provides tutoring and workshops to improve test scores and essay-writing skills, ensuring students have the financial resources to pursue higher education.

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

She has a business degree from the University of Oklahoma.   She is the owner of Scholar Ready, an educational services company. She meets with clients online and her company Scholar Ready tutors Math, conducts personal essay writing workshops, and prepares students for PSAT, SAT, and ACT exams.  Please welcome to Money Making Conversations Master Class Jennifer Ledwith.

Talking Points/Questions *

1. Why are HBCUs relevant?
Mr. McDonald, in your interview with Stacy Spratt of the United Negro College Fund, you mentioned the number of successful Black professionals who are products of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Moreover, I’ve seen this success in my family, which hails from Bain Street (yes – that Bain Street in Kashmere Gardens), beginning with my grandfather, an alumnus of Texas College and Texas Southern University.

2. Whether students select an HBCU or a PWI, it’s important for them to have choices. Test scores unlock access to scholarships and academic programs. Often, African Americans are locked out of these opportunities: on average, African Americans score a 908 (out of 1600) on the SAT and a 16 (out of 36) on the ACT.

3. PSAT, SAT, and ACT aren’t for Black kids? Why should we bother?
We should bother because of the opportunities for scholarships and the opportunities to improve literacy.

4. When should my child start preparing for college?

5. Understood from a young age that education and literacy were crucial to success. 

6. People told her that her mother — a single parent with serious debt and no child support — made too much money for her to get any free money for college.

7. She didn't finish in the top 10% of her high school class (which is academic poison in her home state of Texas).

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FULL SHOW: The Steve Harvey Morning Show for Thursday May 29th, 2025: Steve Harvey's Morning Inspiration | Show Open - The Role Of Hope | Run That Prank Back - Your Funeral Arrangements | Ask The CLO | Entertainment News | Gadgets | Steve Harvey Spelling Bee | Nephew Tommy's Prank - Colorful Adoptions | Strawberry Letter - Nothing He Can Do Will Make Me Leave | Junior's Sports Talk | Social Media Advice | Bear In The Kitchen | Would You Rather | Show Close - Steve Harvey Spelling Bee Round 2

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