Best of The Steve Harvey Morning Show

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

Founder of The BOSS Network, from Money Making Conversations Masterclass:

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aimed to:

• Highlight The BOSS Network’s mission to empower women of color through entrepreneurship, career development, and community support.
• Share Dr. Smith’s personal journey from layoff to leadership, inspiring others to embrace entrepreneurship.
• Discuss strategies for business success, funding opportunities, and mentorship for Black female founders.

Key Takeaways

1. Origin of The BOSS Network

   • Founded in 2009 during the recession after Dr. Smith was laid off from Chicago Public Schools.
   • Initially started as local events in Chicago; now a digital community reaching 200,000 women nationwide.
   • Mission: Bringing Out Successful Sisters (BOSS)—promoting small business spirit and career growth.

2. Impact & Achievements

   • Invested in 100 Black female founders through grants.
   • Trained 50,000 women on business strategies.
   • Coached 10,000 women on starting businesses.
   • Created Boss Business University, offering mentorship and digital programs.

3. Pivot During COVID

   • Shifted from 35% event-based revenue to 75% digital.
   • Launched Boss Impact Fund and Invest in Progress Grant:
     • $10,000 grants + 4-year scholarships for recipients.
     • Combined funding, mentorship, and marketing support for sustainability.

4. Challenges & Mindset

   • Entrepreneurship requires planning, resilience, and community support.
   • Dr. Smith saved money before leaving her job and leveraged relationships for growth.
   • Quote: “Entrepreneurs will work 80 hours for themselves but don’t want to work 40 hours for someone else.”

5. Top 3 Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make

   • Lack of research: Understand your industry, competitors, and market.
   • No revenue model: If you’re not making money, it’s a hobby, not a business.
   • Ignoring relationships: Networking and partnerships are key to success.

6. Unique Marketing & Partnerships

   • Dr. Smith built direct relationships with brands, bypassing agencies that offered “pennies on the dollar.”
   • Created a dual revenue model: B2B (corporate partnerships) + B2C (community engagement).

7. Core Philosophy

   • Motto: Believe, Plan, Win.
   • Quote: “Those that show up, go up.”
   • Success is rooted in faith, persistence, and leveraging community.

Notable Quotes

• “I was born to be an entrepreneur. My mother told me, until you become your own boss, you have to follow the rules.”
• “Less than 1% of Black women get VC funding—so we created our own fund.”
• “Relationships are your key to success. When social media goes away, your audience remains.”
• “If you have a business and you don’t have money, you’ve got a hobby.”
• “God will not birth anything inside of you that He will not give you the tools to deliver.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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 Alicia Lyttle.

1. Purpose of the Interview

The purpose of this interview was to:

• Showcase Alicia Lyttle, CEO and co‑founder of Air Innovations, known widely as the “Queen of AI.” [
• Educate small business owners, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits on how to leverage AI for growth.
• Highlight her mission to empower the African American community to not only keep up with AI—but lead in it. [
• Demonstrate how AI tools can transform operations, content creation, finances, and productivity in minutes instead of months.
• Inspire listeners through her entrepreneurial journey, professional pivots, and personal resilience.

2. High-Level Summary

Alicia Lyttle returns to the show two years after her last appearance, now positioned at the forefront of the global AI movement. She explains how her work has shifted from annual summits to monthly AI Business Summits, teaching tens of thousands of entrepreneurs how to use AI hands‑on for content, marketing, operations, and scaling. 

She breaks down how simple tools—such as NotebookLM, ChatGPT, Jasper, Gemini, and HeyGen—can turn a single piece of content into newsletters, PowerPoints, videos, study guides, and more. She stresses that AI is now accessible, especially with free versions like ChatGPT.

Alicia also shares her origin story in AI, beginning with a 15‑year‑old speaker at Walmart Tech Live describing IBM Watson. This sparked her fascination and ultimately led her to pivot her entire company toward full-time AI training and consulting by 2022—despite skepticism from her peers. 

She details the massive growth of her brand, including 21,000+ live summit attendees and explosive social media expansion. The interview also addresses AI’s role in finance, healthcare, government, job disruption, and how individuals can future‑proof themselves.

Her personal story of overcoming a restrictive ex-husband who told her she would “never speak again” underscores her powerful message: no one should silence your gifts. Now she speaks to thousands, leads major events, and helps others build new careers in AI. 

3. Key Takeaways A. AI Is Evolving Fast—and So Must We

AI is changing so quickly that entrepreneurs cannot afford to wait for annual updates. This is why Alicia shifted to monthly training summits. People need ongoing education to stay competitive. 

B. Hands‑On AI Education Is the Key

Alicia doesn’t just lecture—she walks participants through real demonstrations:

• Uploading YouTube links
• Creating summaries
• Generating emails, mind maps, PowerPoints, quizzes, videos, and more
  …all from a single input.

Her approach eliminates fear and teaches entrepreneurs how to use AI immediately.

C. Accessibility Has Changed the Game

The release of ChatGPT, especially the free version, democratized AI. Before that, tools like IBM Watson were too complex and expensive. Now anyone with a laptop and internet connection can build websites, write content, or automate business flows in minutes. [

D. The African American Community Must Lead—Not Follow

Alicia emphasizes that historically, Black communities have been “last in line” in tech innovation, but this AI era presents a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to jump ahead.
She sees it as her mission to speak everywhere Black entrepreneurs are to ensure they seize this moment. 

E. AI Will Replace Tasks—But People Can Future‑Proof Themselves

Jobs are already shifting. Companies are laying off non–AI‑literate employees.
Alicia urges people to:

• Become AI‑fluent
• Join AI committees at work
• Pursue certification
• Use AI to become their company’s internal expert

“There’s no maybe—you have to learn AI,” she warns. 

F. AI is Transforming Every Sector: Finance, Healthcare, Government

She provides insights on…

• AI receptionists (“Monica” and “Leslie”) that boost customer interaction to 92%
• Financial analysis using secure ChatGPT setups
• AI mental health companions
• Government calls for national AI leadership 

G. Alicia Monetizes Through Education, Certification & Consulting

Her business model includes:

• Free monthly summits
• Paid masterclasses
• Corporate consulting
• AI certifications
• Live Atlanta workshops

She teaches others to become AI consultants too.

H. Her Personal Triumph Story Inspires Thousands

A powerful moment is when she recounts her ex-husband saying:

“There’s only one quarterback on a team—and you will never speak again.”
Yet today, 1,200+ people attend her live events, and tens of thousands join her virtual trainings.

Her success proves resilience and purpose overcome adversity.

4. Key Quotes On AI Opportunity

“Never has there been a better time in history to start, build, or scale a business than right now.” 

On Training Entrepreneurs

“Open your laptops… use the same prompt I use. See what results you get.”

On the Power of AI Tools

“You can take one episode and repurpose it into all these different content ways.” 

On Pivoting Her Entire Company

“In 2022, I said we’re closing this business and going all in on AI.” 

On Being Black in Tech

“My mission is to make sure our community is not left behind—but ahead of the curve.” 

On Personal Resilience

“You will be speaking on the best stages… people will come to see you.”
(A friend’s response after she was told she’d “never speak again.”) 

On Future-Proofing Careers

“Those using AI will replace you. You have to learn how to leverage AI.”

On AI as a Human-First Technology

“AI plus human intelligence—that’s what takes things to the next level.” 

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.

Business Podcast

Entrepreneurship

Small Business

Business Growth

Financial Literacy

Wealth Building

Black Entrepreneurs

Minority Business

Leadership

Executive Leadership

Business Funding

Marketing Strategies

Personal Development

Startup Advice

Sales Training

CEO Interviews

Founder Stories

Professional Development

Economic Empowerment

Business Success

Networking

Brand Building

Innovation

How to start a business

Small business funding

Entrepreneur success stories

Business leadership podcast

Wealth building strategies

Black entrepreneur podcast

Minority business development

Marketing for small businesses

Business growth strategies

Startup funding opportunities

Executive leadership training

Financial literacy education

Success mindset podcast

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 Cheryl McKissack Daniel. 

Topic: Legacy, resilience, and entrepreneurship of the McKissack family, as detailed in the book The Black Family Who Built America.

Cheryl shares the powerful story of her family's 230-year legacy in architecture and construction, making McKissack & McKissack the oldest minority woman-owned professional design and construction firm in the U.S. The conversation explores themes of generational resilience, Black excellence, business strategy, and personal growth.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

1. Highlight the McKissack family’s historical and cultural impact on American infrastructure and Black entrepreneurship.
2. Promote the book The Black Family Who Built America as a record of legacy and inspiration.
3. Inspire small business owners and entrepreneurs with lessons on perseverance, succession planning, and self-identity.
4. Address the importance of preserving Black history in the face of cultural erasure.

🔑 Key Takeaways 🏗️ Legacy & Impact

• McKissack & McKissack has contributed to major U.S. infrastructure projects like:
  • Barclays Center
  • JFK Terminal One
  • LaGuardia Airport
  • Penn Station
  • Lincoln Financial Field

“We are the fifth generation. Right. And we're Black in America.”

📚 Historical Significance

• The family legacy began with Moses McKissack, who was enslaved and later became a builder.
• Cheryl’s ancestors were the first licensed Black architects in America (licenses 117 and 118 in Tennessee).

“They became the first Black licensed architects in America… and helped get licensed in 22 other states.”

💼 Business Wisdom

• Cheryl emphasizes the importance of:
  • Succession planning
  • Understanding both technical and political buyers
  • Building relationships before you need them

“You better have that relationship before you need it.”

🧠 The 5 Ps of Family Resilience

1. Perseverance
2. Persistence
3. Preparedness
4. Purpose
5. Prayer

“Sometimes you do get up in the morning and you say it's not for me… You have to come back and meditate on the fact that you're a winner.”

🧘‍♀️ Personal Growth & Mental Health

• Cheryl discusses overcoming stress, rediscovering herself after a difficult marriage, and the importance of meditation.

“Being yourself is what we're talking about… I recognize that I am currently feeling stressed out. So what do I need to do?”

👩‍👧‍👧 Women in Leadership

• Cheryl’s mother took over the business after her father’s stroke, despite societal barriers.

“She only knew the telephone number to the office at that time… but she knew deep inside that she wanted to hold on for the fifth generation.”

🎥 Representation & Media

• The book and Cheryl’s story aim to counteract negative portrayals of Black people in media and history.

“You may not have known about Black excellence. You just ignored it. But we exist.”

💬 Memorable Quotes

• “Black people built America. Now, that's the point we're making here.”
• “You have to say the opposite to yourself. And you have to put one foot in front of the other.”
• “This book is a receipt to say we are around. We have a foundation. We're not going anywhere.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.

Business Podcast

Entrepreneurship

Small Business

Business Growth

Financial Literacy

Wealth Building

Black Entrepreneurs

Minority Business

Leadership

Executive Leadership

Business Funding

Marketing Strategies

Personal Development

Startup Advice

Sales Training

CEO Interviews

Founder Stories

Professional Development

Economic Empowerment

Business Success

Networking

Brand Building

Innovation

How to start a business

Small business funding

Entrepreneur success stories

Business leadership podcast

Wealth building strategies

Black entrepreneur podcast

Minority business development

Marketing for small businesses

Business growth strategies

Startup funding opportunities

Executive leadership training

Financial literacy education

Success mindset podcast

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

He is a highly respected professional with over 20 years of experience in community relations and philanthropic activities, specializing in community and corporate partnerships and relationship building. He is a former Mayoral Appointee, serving as the community relations liaison for Mayor Dave Bing and the City of Detroit.

Mr. Wheeler has extensive experience in community outreach, mentoring, and fostering partnerships to support educational achievement. During the pandemic, he led the effort to distribute over 15 million meals to the downriver community via a partnership with Forgotten Harvest. He founded the All-Star Giveback Thanksgiving Turkey Drive, which currently provides over 3,000 turkeys with all the trimmings to families in need.

Although Mr. Wheeler has been seen serving on a national level with celebrities and the like, his greatest passion is in helping to enrich the lives of at-risk young people in communities throughout the Metropolitan Detroit area. He is often inspiring and motivating students at Detroit-area schools, using a transparent and authentic approach to reaching young people and ‘meeting them where they are’. His first-hand knowledge and experience with growing up in a less-fortunate environment increased his ability to make a direct connection with his young audience.

Celebrities join forces for All-Star Giveback: Thanksgiving Edition: WHO:  Tarence Wheeler, Multi-Platinum & Emmy winning Grammy Nominee Rapper Big Sean/Sean Anderson Foundation, Former NBA Players Derrick Coleman, Gary Payton, Willie Burton, Isiah Thomas, Rick Mahorn, Grant Long, Tim Hardaway, James “Budda” Edwards, Actor/Author Hill Harper, Former NFL Players Herman Moore, Lomas Brown, Rob Sims, Calvin Johnson, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, Wayne County Sheriff Ray Washington, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, City Council President Mary Sheffield 
WHAT: Annual All-Star Giveback: Thanksgiving Edition will provide more than 3000 turkeys and food baskets to Metro- Detroit residents on a first come, first served basis.

#AMI

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

CEO and co-founder of Path. Gray discusses how his AI-powered platform is transforming test preparation for professional certifications, IT, cybersecurity, healthcare, and college admission exams.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

1. The Vision Behind Path

   • Path provides unlimited practice questions, full-length exams, and personalized study plans.
   • Uses AI to generate high-quality test prep content at a fraction of traditional costs.

2. Addressing Educational Barriers

   • Many students struggle with standardized tests due to expensive prep courses.
   • Path makes test preparation affordable, helping low-income students access scholarships and selective schools.

3. Professional Certifications & Career Growth

   • Covers IT, cybersecurity, healthcare, and teaching certifications.
   • Helps individuals pass exams like CompTIA Security+ and Praxis to secure high-paying jobs.

4. AI-Powered Test Preparation

   • Provides unlimited practice exams and step-by-step solutions.
   • Predicts users’ test scores before they take official exams, reducing financial risk.

5. Expanding Access to Education

   • Offers prep for SAT, ACT, GED, LSAT, GMAT, GRE, and MCAT.
   • Supports career changers and adults seeking new opportunities through certification programs.

📘 About Christopher Gray & Path
Christopher Gray is an entrepreneur dedicated to making education more accessible. His platform, Path, leverages AI to provide affordable and effective test preparation for students and professionals.

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

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.