Selfish. That word alone probably makes you tense up. Most of us were raised to believe that being selfish is wrong, especially as Black entrepreneurs carrying the weight of family, community, and proving ourselves in business. The idea of putting yourself first feels uncomfortable, maybe even impossible. Yet constantly putting yourself last is the fastest way to burn out and stall your growth.

In this episode, leadership advisor and coach Dawn Christian, founder of BeLeadership, flips the script on what it means to be selfish. After 25 years of leading billion-dollar product launches in corporate and then pivoting into entrepreneurship, Dawn knows firsthand how dangerous self-neglect can be and how transformational self-prioritization truly is. She shares her Ethos Driven Leadership framework, practical ways to set boundaries, and why choosing yourself is actually the best thing you can do for your business.

• What it really means to be a selfish leader and why that choice fuels growth

• The four pillars of Ethos Driven Leadership, purpose, needs, beliefs, influence

• Clear signs you are neglecting yourself as a leader and how to course correct

• How to create capacity, delegate with confidence, and move from teams to collaborators

• Practical boundary practices that protect your time, energy, and focus

• Why authenticity beats performance and how alignment attracts the right partners and clients

Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/271https://blacktobusiness.com/271-2/ 

Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!

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As a Black entrepreneur, you’ve probably felt the weight of trying to keep up with new technology while still running every part of your business. Maybe you’ve asked yourself if AI is just another passing trend or if it’s something you really need to pay attention to. The truth is, AI is already transforming how businesses operate and compete. For us, staying informed and prepared is not just about keeping up, it is about leveling the playing field and creating opportunities to lead.

That is why we brought in Stacy Kirk, a tech entrepreneur and thought leader who has built her career helping businesses embrace innovation. In this episode, Stacy shares why AI cannot be ignored, the most important tools and trends you should know about, and how to use them in practical ways that fit your business. She makes technology feel approachable and offers strategies that allow you to save time, streamline your work, and create opportunities to grow.

DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why AI matters for every business owner no matter the industry you are in.

• The most important tools and trends to watch in the AI space.

• How to adopt AI with confidence even if you are not a “tech person.”

• Ways AI can help you save time, reduce stress, and focus on growth.

• How to create a future-ready business by embracing innovation and adaptability.

• Why staying informed about AI trends is essential for Black entrepreneurs who want to stay competitive and ahead of the curve.

Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at https://blacktobusiness.com/270-2/  

Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!

Connect with us on Instagram: 

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You want to build something that actually changes lives, and you also need it to pay the bills. You have felt the pressure to choose one or the other, purpose or profit, when what you really want is both. This episode is for you if you are wrestling with questions like how do I fund my mission, how do I prove my impact, and how do I scale without losing the heart of why I started.

In this conversation, you will learn from Jasmine Crowe-Houston, award winning social entrepreneur and founder and CEO of Goodr. Jasmine has built a technology powered company that has redirected more than 25 million pounds of food and delivered nearly 40 million meals by connecting surplus to need, and she has opened dozens of free Goodr Grocery Stores that bring dignified, affordable access to healthy food. She breaks down the real story behind making money while making a difference, from pricing and partnerships to data and mindset, and she is refreshingly honest about what it takes for Black founders to build and sustain social impact at scale.

DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• How to choose a problem worth solving and translate it into a clear, fundable business model

• Ways to price a social enterprise by mapping your customer’s current spend and proving cost savings

• What metrics to track so you can show both social outcomes and business results

• How to approach investors versus foundations and what to emphasize with each audience

• Practical strategies to scale impact while staying rooted in community and mission

• Mindset habits that help you push through rejection, protect your energy, and lead for the long term

Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/269

Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!

Connect with us on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/blacktobusiness/ 

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You may have thought about writing a book but quickly shut it down with reasons like “I’m not a writer,” “I don’t have time,” or “Who would even read it?” The reality is, a book is one of the most powerful tools you can have as a business owner because it shifts how people see you. A book makes people stop, listen, and lean in. It builds credibility in rooms where you might have felt invisible and it gives you authority without you having to keep proving yourself.

In this conversation, best selling author and international speaker Geo Derice gets practical and real about becoming an author as a business strategy. Geo shares how he went from being overlooked to booked by adding the word author to his title, and why your story already lives in your conversations, it just needs packaging. He walks you through defining your ideal reader, choosing the right idea now, building an outline that saves you time and money, and publishing professionally without wasting coins. We also dig into using your book to open doors, from client work to speaking to partnerships, so you sell less and serve more.

DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why writing a book instantly elevates your credibility as a business owner

• The common misconceptions about becoming an author and how to move past them

• How to choose the right book idea when you have too many to pick from

• Practical steps to structure and finish your first draft without overwhelm

• The difference between self-publishing and traditional publishing and which path makes sense for beginners

• How to use your book as a tool to attract clients, partnerships, and speaking opportunities

Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/268

Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!

Connect with us on Instagram: 

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When you're running a business, it’s easy to get caught up in long hours, constant hustle, and putting your own needs last. But here’s the truth: lasting success starts with taking care of yourself. Prioritizing your mind, body, and spirit isn’t a luxury, it's essential for growth.

In this episode, we sit down with Lauren LC Wells, founder and chief wellness officer of Hervival, a holistic wellness and leadership company dedicated to helping women especially those in underserved wellness spaces thrive. Lauren’s journey took her from studying nursing to working as a fitness trainer in NYC, and eventually building a thriving wellness community. What started as a movement has grown into an app and now a membership hub that helps people prevent burnout, reduce stress, and live with purpose.

Lauren breaks down what holistic wellness really means for entrepreneurs, the impact of grind culture on your wellbeing, and why putting yourself first is the smartest business decision you can make. Whether you’re just starting out or already deep in the hustle, this conversation offers guidance and practical steps to create a sustainable path that fuels both your purpose and your success.

DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• What holistic wellness means in entrepreneurship

• How grind culture impacts your health and success

• Simple, actionable steps to prevent burnout

• How to set boundaries and make wellness a non-negotiable

• The mindset shifts every entrepreneur needs to thrive beyond the hustle

Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at https://blacktobusiness.com/267-2/ 

Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!

Connect with us on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/blacktobusiness/ 

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As entrepreneurs, it’s easy to get caught in the cycle of hustle, stress, and pushing through exhaustion. But what if your constant state of “go” is costing you more than you realize? What if the very thing standing between you and sustainable leadership is your nervous system?

In this episode we’re joined by Lauren Dike, somatic practitioner, trauma-informed coach, and founder of Harmona Inclusive Wellbeing. Lauren has worked with organizations like NASA, Lululemon, and Black Girls Code, helping leaders and teams address burnout and embed nervous system science into the way they work. She shares how your nervous system shapes your leadership, why traditional self-care often isn’t enough, and practical ways to begin healing from stress so you can build a business that doesn’t cost you your peace.

If you’ve been wondering how to lead from a place of calm confidence instead of survival mode, this episode will give you the tools and insights you need.

DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• The difference between stress and burnout, and how to recognize the early signs

• Why your nervous system impacts leadership, decision-making, and creativity

• How trauma and people-pleasing patterns show up in business, and how to rewire them

• Practical body-based tools to begin regulating your nervous system today

• How to build a business that prioritizes wellness and sustainability from the start

Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/266

Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!

Connect with us on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/blacktobusiness/ 

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When people think of investing their mind usually goes to stocks, bonds and crypto. But what if we told you there's more to it. That you don't have to invest in any of those three to create long lasting wealth at your own pace without having to submit to peer pressure or needing a large sum to start. 

In this episode we’re joined by Stephanie Dorsey, Co- founder and CEO of Margins Capital, an alternative investment firm that helps people invest alternatively. Stephanie’s journey spans from working in Afro Ecuadorian communities teaching them about managing money and investments. This ultimately led Stephanie to leading consumer banking innovation at Capital One and ultimately founding her own investment firm.  

In this episode Stephanie breaks down what alternative investments really are, how to get started and why the wealth gap exists and how we can begin to close it. Whether you’re a beginner or have felt shut out of traditional investing circles, this conversation will help you understand how to invest with confidence and complete clarity so that you feel confident in your investments. 

DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• What alternative investments are and why they matter

• How to start investing without a lot of money or experience

• The value of investing at your own pace and comfort level

• Stephanie’s simple and effective framework for choosing the right investments

• How to filter out peer pressure and invest with clarity and confidence 

Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at https://blacktobusiness.com/265-2/  

Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!

Connect with us on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/blacktobusiness/ 

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You’ve probably heard it before. Just focus on one thing. But what if your vision is bigger than one idea? For many Black entrepreneurs, building more than one business is not about being unfocused, it’s about honoring your full potential. Still, the pressure to niche down or choose one path can make you question if it’s even possible to do both without burning out.

In this episode, we sit down with Cristina Jerome, a creative entrepreneur and strategist who successfully manages two growing ventures. She runs a content strategy business while also leading Off Worque, a nonprofit social club centered on creating healthier relationships with work. Cristina opens up about what it takes to run multiple businesses with intention, how she protects her time and mental health, and why you don’t have to limit yourself to one lane in order to thrive. If you’re multi-passionate and trying to figure out how to make it all work, this episode is for you.

DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• How to balance multiple ventures while protecting your well-being\
• What to build into your first business so it can support your second
• How to delegate and outsource to free up your time and energy
• What to look for when your mind and body are telling you it’s time to take a break
• The key skills multi-passionate entrepreneurs need but don’t always develop

Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at https://blacktobusiness.com/264/

Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!

Connect with us on Instagram: 

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We’re closing out July with a conversation that so many entrepreneurs need, but rarely have. You know that thing in your business you keep pushing off? The task, the email, the decision you know matters but it keeps getting skipped?

Yeah. That.

In this week’s solo episode, Monique is breaking down what avoidance actually looks like, why it shows up, and how to gently face the hard stuff without guilt or overwhelm.

Because the truth is, your business can’t grow if you’re stuck dancing around the things that need your attention. And contrary to what hustle culture says, progress isn’t just about doing more. It’s about being honest about what’s holding you back.

Whether you’re in a season of stillness, stagnation, or quiet rebuilding, this episode will help you reset, refocus, and make room for real momentum.

DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• What avoidance actually looks like in business (and how it disguises itself as “being busy”)

• Why avoidance doesn’t mean you’re unmotivated and how it often stems from protection

• The key difference between stillness and stagnation (and why naming your season matters)

• Practical steps to start facing the hard stuff without spiraling

• How to gently rebuild your momentum, one task at a time

Thank you so much for listening! If you liked this episode, please subscribe to “The Black to Business Podcast” and rate and review on Apple Podcasts:

Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/263

Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!

Connect with us on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/blacktobusiness/ 

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Sometimes you're not stuck. You're just in a season of building that doesn't come with applause.

This week’s solo episode is all about the quiet work, the behind-the-scenes effort that doesn't show up on your timeline or in your metrics (yet) but is still laying the foundation for your next level.

Right now, so many entrepreneurs are navigating a weird space. Maybe you're reworking your offer. Maybe you're refining your systems. Maybe you're just trying to stay focused while everything in the world feels like it's shifting. AI, the economy, politics, all of it.

We wanted to speak to this moment. To that space where it feels like you’re doing something, but you can’t quite tell if it’s working.

You’re not the only one feeling that way.

DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• How to recognize the quiet work that’s actually moving your business forward

• Why your progress might not be visible yet (but that doesn’t mean it’s missing)

• The difference between intentional stillness and being stuck

• How to keep your energy aligned when momentum is slow

• Questions to ask yourself if you’re in a quiet season right now

Whether you’re in a period of pivoting, planting, or just pausing to reassess, this conversation is for you.

Thank you so much for listening! If you liked this episode, please subscribe to “The Black to Business Podcast” and rate and review on Apple Podcasts:

Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/262

Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!

Connect with us on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/blacktobusiness/ 

Don’t miss an update! Sign up for our weekly newsletter:

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