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Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Karimah McFarlane.  

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To explore Karimah McFarlane’s multifaceted journey—from her corporate leadership roles at Google and Workday to becoming the owner of Buckhead Art & Company—and to inspire others to embrace change, pursue entrepreneurship, and understand the value of art as a tool for wealth-building and cultural empowerment.

🧭 Key Takeaways 1. Corporate Career & Tech Leadership

• Karimah has 20+ years in Human Resources, specializing in mergers and acquisitions.
• At Google, she supported AI and Pixel teams as a People Business Partner, despite initially thinking the recruiter’s call was spam.
• Currently at Workday, she partners with the Chief Revenue Officer to build high-performing sales teams and develop leadership pipelines.

2. Navigating Change & Cultural Shifts

• Transitioned from the East Coast (DMV area) to the Bay Area, facing cultural adjustments (e.g., lack of familiar foods, hair products).
• Found support through Delta Sigma Theta sorority and Black Googlers Network.
• Emphasized the importance of embracing discomfort and new experiences for personal and professional growth.

3. HR as a Strategic Asset

• HR is more than hiring/firing—it’s about scaling businesses, developing talent, and preventing legal issues.
• Small businesses often undervalue HR until a crisis occurs.
• HR should be seen as a strategic partner on leadership teams.

4. Art as Wealth, Culture & Healing

• Karimah owns Buckhead Art & Company, the only art gallery in Buckhead, Atlanta.
• Inspired by her exposure to art investment at Google and her role in selecting art for corporate spaces.
• Advocates for marginalized artists by helping them with branding, IP protection, and business structure.

5. Making Art Accessible

• The gallery focuses on beginner and mid-level collectors, offering education and approachable experiences.
• Offers virtual consultations, art fairs, and community events to demystify art buying.
• Emphasizes the emotional, cultural, and financial value of art.

6. Recognition & Impact

• Buckhead Art & Company was named Best Art Gallery in Georgia (2023 & 2024).
• Uses her platform to educate, empower, and elevate artists and collectors alike.
• Promotes artist development through storytelling, branding, and business mentorship.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “Empowerment is figuring out what you do best and using your talent to help others.”
• “Don’t shy away from opportunities that give you insights and experiences.”
• “HR helps you scale your organization—it’s not just about hiring and firing.”
• “Art has always been at the forefront of royalty, wealth, and education.”
• “We specialize in humans. When you walk into our gallery, you are equal.”
• “You don’t have to win an Oscar to be a great actor. Same with art—you don’t need a traditional path to be successful.”

🔗 Connect with Karimah McFarlane

• Gallery: Buckhead Art & Company
• YouTube: Buckhead Art & Company
• Instagram: @buckheadartandcompany

#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.

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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 Brenda Johnson.

CEO of Collaborative Training Company (CTC)

🧩 Main Topics Covered 🏢 What CTC Does

• CTC is a professional services consulting firm focused on workforce development.
• They help companies:
  • Upskill employees for career advancement.
  • Support new hires, especially those without traditional corporate experience.
  • Define what “fit” means in their organization and help new hires acclimate.

👥 Not a Staffing Firm

• CTC does not do individual job placement or talent coaching.
• They work with companies after hiring to ensure employee success and retention.
• They partner with organizations that provide individual coaching.

🧠 Bridging the Corporate Culture Gap

• CTC helps new hires from non-corporate backgrounds (e.g., warehouse, retail) adjust to corporate environments.
• They use mentorship programs and employee resource groups to support retention.

🤖 AI and the Future of Work

• Brenda sees AI as a tool, not a replacement for human creativity.
• She emphasizes the importance of adding a personal touch to AI-generated work.
• AI may replace some jobs, but it also creates new roles in programming, maintenance, and oversight.

🎓 Rethinking the Four-Year Degree

• Many companies are removing degree requirements to widen their talent pool.
• Brenda helps companies:
  • Reevaluate outdated job descriptions.
  • Focus on skills-based hiring.
  • Identify core competencies rather than relying on degrees.

🌍 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

• Brenda challenges the narrow view of DEI as only race and gender.
• She expands the definition to include:
  • Neurodiversity (e.g., autism)
  • Generational diversity
  • Accessibility needs
  • LGBTQ+ inclusion
• She stresses that companies that embrace true diversity will thrive, while those clinging to outdated models may struggle.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Mentorship and support are critical for retention and success.
• AI is a complement, not a replacement, for human insight.
• Skills-based hiring is the future—degrees are not always necessary.
• True diversity is broad and essential for business success.
• Systemic change requires questioning legacy practices and recruiting strategies.

🔗 Contact Info

• Website: ctcdui.com
• LinkedIn: Collaborative Training Company

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMI

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 Tremayne Thompson.

A co-owner of Perfect Note, a dinner supper club with locations in Birmingham, Alabama and Atlanta, Georgia. The conversation is a rich blend of entrepreneurship, community service, music, and food culture.

🎶 About Perfect Note

• Concept: A dinner supper club offering live music and Southern cuisine, catering to a mature audience (ages 30+).
• Locations: Birmingham, AL (original) and Marietta, GA (Atlanta metro).
• Atmosphere: Grown folks’ vibe—no hookah, no club chaos, just good music, good food, and good company.

🧑🏾‍🤝‍🧑🏾 Founders & Origins

• Co-owned by Tremayne Thompson and his wife Karen (hence “TK Productions”).
• Started as gospel concert promoters in Chicago.
• Moved to Alabama in 2008 after a family loss and launched Perfect Note in Bessemer with a Gerald Albright concert.
• Initially operated out of a banquet hall, setting up and breaking down everything themselves.

📈 Growth & Expansion

• Perfect Note evolved into a full-fledged venue in 2016.
• Expanded to Atlanta due to demand from patrons traveling from Georgia to Alabama.
• Featured in the Huffington Post as one of the top 100 businesses to visit in the U.S.

🍽️ Food & Hospitality

• Offers Wednesday–Saturday dinner service and Sunday brunch with live music.
• Website: perfectnoteliveatl.com
• Tremaine’s culinary journey began at Waffle House, where he learned speed cooking and kitchen management under pressure.
• Emphasizes quality and consistency in food service, even during high-volume events.

💬 Philosophy & Community Impact

• Business is rooted in service, not profit.
• During COVID, they pivoted to drive-up service with $5 meals, feeding the community.
• Believes in mentorship and sharing knowledge freely with aspiring entrepreneurs.

🗣️ Key Takeaways

• Mentorship is vital: Learn from those who’ve walked the path.
• Serve first: Community support follows genuine service.
• Plan wisely: Dreams need operational structure and financial planning.
• Create culture: Music and food unite people across demographics.

#SHMS #STRAW # #AMI

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.