Best of The Steve Harvey Morning Show

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

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview is designed to:

• Inspire entrepreneurs, especially those from underrepresented or low-income backgrounds
• Share a real-life success journey from poverty to wealth-building through real estate
• Provide practical financial and business advice (especially around investing and discipline)
• Highlight the importance of community, mentorship, and education
• Encourage listeners to take action and build their own success story

🧾 Summary of the Interview

Michael Woodward shares his journey from growing up in Liberty City (Miami) public housing projects to becoming a real estate investor, contractor, educator, and business owner in Atlanta.

He attributes his early entrepreneurial mindset to his upbringing—helping his grandmother sell goods in a community “candy lady” business and learning customer service and hustle.

Despite financial challenges, becoming a teen father, and limited initial direction, he:

• Briefly joined the military as a path out
• Attended Florida A&M University (FAMU)
• Began investing in real estate at age 20, buying a duplex and renting out part to cover his mortgage.

He balanced:

• Education career (eventually assistant principal)
• Side real estate investments and renovations
• Hands-on labor (learning construction from family)

Eventually, he:

• Built significant rental income
• Left education to run his business full-time
• Founded Woodward Property Group

He also became a Lowe’s contractor, emphasizing the power of relationships and partnerships to scale opportunities.

Along the way, he mentored students and created programs that exposed young people to college, STEM, and career paths, achieving nearly a 100% college placement rate for participants. 

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Early environment can build business instincts

• Selling goods in a low-income community taught him:
  • Customer service
  • Sales
  • Community responsibility

2. Real estate is a powerful wealth-building tool

• Started investing at 20
• Used rental income to cover expenses
• Built a portfolio steadily over time

3. Avoid lifestyle inflation

• One of his biggest regrets: overspending on cars
• Emphasizes discipline over appearances

4. Relationships create opportunities

• His Lowe’s contract came through:
  • Reputation
  • Networking
  • Partnerships with experienced peers

5. Education is both a pathway and a pivot point

• Initially pursued law for money
• Shifted to education after mentorship
• Learned strategic career planning

6. Multiple income streams are critical

• Teacher salary + real estate income
• Eventually real estate surpassed his primary job

7. Community mindset matters

• He emphasizes a**“village mentality”** from his upbringing
• Applies it through mentoring youth and giving back

8. Exposure creates opportunity

• Many students lack awareness of possibilities
• College tours and mentorship can change trajectories

💬 Memorable Quotes

Here are standout quotes that capture his mindset:

On entrepreneurship and early lessons

• “That’s where I learned a little business… how to deal with people, treat people good.” [

On investing discipline

• “Don’t buy stupid stuff… you don’t have to have the latest automobile… build your real estate portfolio.” [

On financial mistakes

• “Had I not made those poor decisions, my portfolio would be a lot stronger.” 

On ambition and growth

• “What is it that they did to get where they are—and how can I get there?” [

On education as leverage

• “I knew through education I can do it.” 

On community mindset

• “I grew up in that village concept… we’re all in this together.” 

On mentorship impact

• “Every kid went to college from our program.” [

On opportunity and partnerships

• “Relationships… that’s how I got that contract.” 

🧠 Overall Insight

The interview reinforces a clear message:

Wealth is built through discipline, smart investments, relationships, and consistent effort—not quick wins or appearances.

It also highlights a deeper theme:

Success is not just personal—it’s about lifting others through mentorship, exposure, and community investment.

#SHMS #BEST #STRAW

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

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

Interview Purpose

The purpose of this interview is to highlight visionary entrepreneurship, cultural ownership, and perseverance, using Cedric Walker’s founding of Universoul Circus as a case study in building a purpose‑driven business that uplifts community while achieving long‑term success.

The conversation emphasizes how research, resilience, cultural authenticity, and belief in a vision can overcome skepticism and systemic barriers. It also positions Universoul Circus as more than entertainment—it is a multigenerational cultural institution rooted in Black excellence, inclusion, and family unity.

Major Themes & Key Takeaways 1. Vision Comes Before Validation

Cedric Walker shares that the vision for Universoul Circus came in the early 1990s, long before there was widespread belief that a Black‑owned circus centered on performers of color could succeed. Despite strong skepticism from both Black and white investors, Walker trusted the research, the cultural need, and his instinct.

Key takeaway: Vision must lead—even when validation comes much later.

2. Research Turns Ideas Into Reality

Walker did not rely on inspiration alone. He immersed himself in research, studying Black entertainment history, circus traditions, and global performance art. This foundation allowed him to confidently build a unique, sustainable model rather than copying existing formats.

Key takeaway: Preparation and research are critical when challenging industry norms.

3. Cultural Authenticity Is a Competitive Advantage

Universoul Circus was created to be authentically Black, not as a niche product, but as a universal experience rooted in joy, music, athleticism, and storytelling. Walker emphasizes that authenticity—not adaptation—is what attracts diverse audiences.

Key takeaway: When you are fully yourself, your work transcends culture and geography.

4. Family‑Centered Entertainment Fills a Real Need

A defining goal of Universoul Circus is to create an experience where multiple generations can sit together and all feel seen, engaged, and celebrated. Walker intentionally designed the show so grandparents, parents, and children could enjoy the same experience simultaneously.

Key takeaway: Businesses that bring families together create lasting emotional value.

5. Evolution Without Losing Identity

Over time, Universoul Circus evolved—from including animals to becoming a modern, high‑energy, animal‑free production—adapting to changing laws, audience preferences, and cultural shifts. However, Walker notes that the soul of the circus never changed.

Key takeaway: Successful brands evolve operationally without abandoning their purpose.

6. Global Talent, Long‑Term Investment

Walker details how Universoul Circus sources talent from around the world, including Ethiopia, Cuba, China, and the Caribbean. Performers often undergo years of training and development before appearing in the show, reinforcing Universoul’s commitment to excellence and safety.

Key takeaway: Excellence requires patience, investment, and a long‑term mindset.

7. Representation Changes Perception

Universoul Circus intentionally showcases elite Black performers in spaces where they were historically unseen or undervalued. Walker explains that representation is not symbolic—it reshapes belief and possibility for both audiences and performers.

Key takeaway: Representation is not aesthetic; it is transformative.

8. Perseverance Creates Legacy

Celebrating over 30 years of operation, Universoul Circus stands as proof that staying committed to purpose through adversity leads to longevity. Walker sees the circus as a living legacy and a foundation for future cultural innovation.

Key takeaway: Longevity is built by staying the course when others doubt the destination.

Notable Quotes

“Vision comes to you like that—you have to trust it.”

“Nobody believed it would work, but I felt it in my gut and in my research.”

“Our goal was to stay authentically Black—that’s what transcends culture.”

“We wanted something where a grandmother, a father, and a child could all enjoy the same show.”

“Nothing you see is by chance. Everything has meaning.”

“We invested years into these performers before they ever hit our stage.”

“This is more than a circus—it’s a family reunion under the big top.”

Overall Message

Cedric Walker’s interview is a masterclass in cultural entrepreneurship. It demonstrates how creativity, courage, and conviction can transform an idea into an enduring institution. His journey with Universoul Circus reinforces that purpose, preparation, and persistence are the true drivers of success—especially when building something that challenges expectations.

The conversation ultimately affirms that when a business is rooted in authenticity and community, it can achieve both economic sustainability and cultural impact.

#SHMS #BEST #STRAW

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.