Get ready for a 6-month update on all things Baby! Morgan is rounding the corner to maternity leave and today she's sitting down with you to share an update on everything happening behind the scenes to prepare for the baby!  As a CEO, taking 3 months off is no easy feat and Morgan's sharing exactly how she's preparing her team and leadership at Blavity, why she's confident her absence won't affect the growth, as well as, how she's navigating the world of unsolicited advice for moms, nothing is off limits!  Morgan shares how she came to terms with slowing down during her pregnancy, how parenthood is already making her more productive (and if growing a human isn't enough!) and her plan to juggle a newborn, a media company, a business travel calendar, and more the answer may surprise you!  Also, this week is a double episode! Don't forget to head over to Morgan's YouTube channel where she's joined by Kevin Curry to whip up some savory postpartum recipes! Even if you're not expecting you won't want to miss this one!  And remember if you enjoyed this episode, leave us a 5-star review! Morgan could read your review on the next Journey episode!
 Call in to leave Morgan a question, or feedback on a previous episode at: ‪(213) 935-0054‬  Be sure to follow the podcast to catch all the new episodes. We release new content every week, and by following, you won't miss out on a single episode! And if you prefer a video podcast, the Journey is on YouTube!

Am I Taking Maternity Leave? (6 Month Life Update & Pregnancy Q&A)

Welcome to The Journey podcast, a weekly podcast that delves into the captivating stories of purpose-driven achievers on their quest for living their best lives. Hosted by serial entrepreneur and Founder & CEO of Blavity Inc., Morgan DeBaun, and features a diverse lineup of guests such as Emmy-nominated actors, elite athletes, experienced doulas, viral social media influencers, eco-conscious pioneers, and more.

Tune in for empowering conversations sharing personal growth and self-discovery experiences. Embark on The Journey with us!

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This week, Morgan is joined by Robbie Kellman Baxter, expert on all things subscriptions and memberships, to uncover the secrets to mastering these business models. From her work with Netflix to the multiple books she's written on the subject, Robbie is bringing her wealth of experience and knowledge to The Journey Podcast.
Through the episode, Robbie delves into the many factors business leaders must consider when determining whether to add a subscription or membership component to their offerings. She also breaks down the three possible elements of subscriptions: commerce, content, and community, and explains why delivering true value tailored to customers' needs is necessary for success.
Robbie and Morgan discuss innovative membership ideas specifically for Afrotech, examining the desire of many members for exclusive access instead of discounts. Robbie sheds light on the strategic role of free offerings in a "freemium" model, clarifying the limited scenarios where providing something for free makes sense.
Robbie also addresses a common challenge many influencers face when creating content behind a paywall, explaining that not all content lends itself to a paid subscription. She shares strategies to intentionally design a subscription model that clearly communicates its value, ensuring subscribers remain engaged and loyal.
If you've been wanting to add or improve upon a subscription or membership offer in your business, this episode is a must-listen! Tune in to learn how to craft a subscription model that not only attracts customers but keeps them coming back for more, straight from one of the industry's leading experts. If you find the episode valuable, make sure to leave a five-star rating and review for the podcast wherever you listen!
More from Robbie:
https://robbiekellmanbaxter.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbiekellmanbaxter/
https://www.instagram.com/robbiekellmanbaxter/

Memberships & Subscriptions: What Model Is Right For Your Small Business? ft. Robbie Kellman Baxter

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This week, Morgan DeBaun is joined by Joe Tillman of The Raine Group to delve into the realm of private equity and alternative investment. Joe is sharing his insights on the value of private equity and the importance of choosing the right advisor before embarking on this journey as an entrepreneur.
Morgan and Joe start by exploring the nuances of private equity, emphasizing its relevance for entrepreneurs, even if they aren't currently considering selling. They distinguish between private equity and venture capital, highlighting the intricate data involved in private equity deals.The conversation also touches on the significance of having advisors. Morgan shares her personal experiences, addressing the mindset challenges she has faced as a woman and person of color in accepting this type of support. They stress the importance of selecting the right advisors, especially in sensitive situations like selling a business.
Wrapping up the episode, Joe reflects on the current market landscape, noting that while things have changed post-pandemic, there is currently more movement happening in the middle market.Understanding private equity is crucial for entrepreneurs, and Joe's expertise is sure to help you on your business journey. Tune in for insights on alternative investment, and be sure to share this episode with your team and other entrepreneurs who can benefit from this conversation as well!More from Joe:
https://raine.com/team-member/joe-tillman/
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Private Equity Uncovered: Advisors, Selling Your Business, and Current Market Trends with Joe Tillman

This week on The Journey, Morgan is showing up in the name of work-life integration for an episode all about hobbies!
As an avid painter and budding gardener herself, Morgan knows the value that having a hobby can bring to the life of an entrepreneur. However, she also knows the challenges that can come with finding time to commit to a hobby, between work, family, and everything else. So in this episode, Morgan is sharing why spending time on hobbies is so important, and how every single entrepreneur can make it work for their unique lifestyle.
Tune in to learn how having a hobby can benefit you in your business, plus walk away with ideas of new hobbies you can incorporate in your life today! If you're inspired to try something new, make sure to let Morgan know how it goes, either on Instagram, in the YouTube comments, or even in a review of the podcast!
Need help figuring out what hobby you should try? Take Morgan's Hobby Persona Quiz to find your perfect match!
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Work-Life Integration: Why Every Entrepreneur Needs A Hobby

With the 2024 election on the horizon, Morgan DeBaun is sitting down with Alexis McGill Johnson, the current President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Planned Parenthood Action Fund, for an eye-opening conversation about the fight for reproductive rights and freedom. 
Through the episode, Alexis shares insights into the strategic erosion of women's rights by the government, and she reveals the harsh reality facing doctors and patients since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022. Alexis also explains how countries can slide into authoritarianism, and how the current political landscape in the United States mirrors those trends.
But it's not all about the grim potential for the future of the United States, as Morgan and Alexis discuss how individuals and social impact businesses can be a part of the change. They explore the responsibilities and challenges of small businesses when it comes to navigating healthcare policies, especially in light of restrictive and draconian rules. Alexis also shares the power of storytelling to foster empathy and gain support in the fight to protect reproductive rights.
While this episode is far from light-hearted, it's an important one! Grab a cup of matcha, find a comfy spot to listen, and prepare to be deeply moved and inspired to take action. To support Planned Parenthood, visit www.plannedparenthood.org.
More from Alexis and Planned Parenthood: 
https://www.instagram.com/alexismjpp?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
https://www.instagram.com/plannedparenthood?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
https://www.instagram.com/ppact?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

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Fighting For Reproductive Rights: Planned Parenthood President & CEO Alexis McGill Johnson

Blavity Co-Founder Jeff Nelson is back on The Journey, and this week he's sitting down with Morgan to discuss all things Artificial Intelligence! Pulling from his expertise as a tech architect and entrepreneur, Jeff is sharing his insights on the good, bad, and straight-up complicated aspects of AI for businesses and beyond.
Jeff and Morgan kick off the conversation with an exploration of different generative AI platforms - including ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Anthropic - offering their personal insights into the benefits and drawbacks of each as business tools. The discussion then takes an intriguing turn as they talk about the power of AI to replicate the tones and voices of public figures, examining the significant dangers of this utilization in media and politics.
Jeff elaborates on the evolution of domain-specific AI and generative AI, and together they discuss the role of AI in small businesses, particularly how it can be harnessed to automate time-consuming tasks and streamline operations. Jeff shares which industries he believes will be most impacted by AI in terms of stock market changes and shifting workforce needs.
Big news: Jeff also reveals that he is working on a new book titled Hacking the Startup Paradox, which will guide small business owners and startups to effectively use technology in the early stages.
Tune in for an episode packed with practical advice for business owners looking to leverage AI for their ventures, plus a critical examination of the potential dangers of this growing technology. After you listen, make sure to show your support and leave a rating and review of the show!
More from Jeff:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefftnelson/
https://www.instagram.com/thatjeffnelson/
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Am I Taking Maternity Leave? (6 Month Life Update & Pregnancy Q&A)

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