Black to Business

We're officially in July, and if you're feeling like the first half of the year flew by, you're not alone. This week's solo episode is all about pausing, reflecting, and realigning without shame. Because growth doesn't always look like a revenue spike or a launch. Sometimes it looks like clarity. Sometimes it looks like letting go.

If you've been feeling tired, behind, or just unsure where to focus next, this mid-year check-in is for you.

Monique is guiding you through a step-by-step reflection and reset that's both practical and personal. We're talking about how to recalibrate your goals, your energy, and your expectations with intention, especially as Black entrepreneurs navigating unique pressure, responsibility, and noise in today's climate.

This is your permission to start fresh without guilt.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:

• Why reflection without shame is the foundation for realignment

• How to release goals that no longer fit who you are or where you're headed

• What it means to check in with your needs, not just your business needs

• The step-by-step framework for setting aligned goals for Q3 and Q4

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/259

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

Got a question? We'd love to answer it in an upcoming Q&A. Simply record your quick question → https://blacktobusiness.com/QA

Connect with us on Instagram:

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Let's be real. A lot of us have been out here trying to follow someone else's version of success. Copying the routines. Following the "rules." Pushing ourselves to work in ways that don't even feel natural. But if your business still feels off, it might not be about doing more. It might be about working differently. Working in a way that actually supports how you move.

In this solo episode, Monique is getting into the step that too many early-stage entrepreneurs skip: learning how you personally work best. This isn't about another hustle routine or productivity hack. It's about tuning into your rhythm, your energy, and your capacity and building a business that actually fits your life.

Especially as Black entrepreneurs, we've been told to push through, power up, and work twice as hard. But we don't often hear that it's okay to pause, reflect, and choose a way of working that protects your peace. That's what this conversation is about.

If you've been checking all the boxes but still feel drained or stuck, this is your reminder that success doesn't have to come at the expense of your well-being.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:

• Why many Black entrepreneurs feel stuck mimicking productivity instead of finding flow

• How to identify your natural work rhythm and align your schedule around it

• The difference between being productive vs. performing productivity for validation

• Practical ways to create systems that match your energy instead of drain it

• How to build flexibility into your routine so it supports you through changing seasons

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/258

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

Got a question? We'd love to answer it in an upcoming Q&A. Simply record your quick question → https://blacktobusiness.com/QA

Connect with us on Instagram:

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

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We talk about freedom a lot, especially around Juneteenth. But what does it actually look like in your business?

Is it more time with your kids? Being able to say no to the wrong clients? Finally unplugging for a weekend without everything falling apart?

In this week's solo episode, Monique is breaking down what entrepreneurial freedom really means beyond the quotes and buzzwords. Because if your business is running you instead of supporting you, something needs to shift.

And we're naming it. Too many of us are building businesses that look successful on the outside but feel heavy, draining, and unsustainable behind the scenes.

THINGS YOU'LL LEARN DURING THIS EPISODE:

• Why freedom in business is less about money and more about choice

• The small (but powerful) signs that your business isn't freeing you, it's boxing you in

• How to simplify your offers and systems so you're not tied to your laptop 24/7

• What it means to build in a way that honors your energy, your values, and your peace

• A personal story on why reading for joy became her biggest marker of success

If you've been in go-mode for so long you forgot why you started, this episode is your reminder. You're not just here to hustle. You're here to live.

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/257

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

Got a question? We'd love to answer it in an upcoming Q&A. Simply record your quick question → https://blacktobusiness.com/QA

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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When you're starting a business, it's easy to feel like you need to look the part before you fully understand what your business even is. And for Black entrepreneurs, that pressure hits different. We're often expected to appear polished and professional from day one, even when we're still figuring things out behind the scenes.

The thing is, visuals won't fix confusion. A great logo and a sleek website won't do much if you can't clearly explain what you offer, who it's for, and why it matters.

In this solo episode, Monique is breaking down why clarity should always come before branding. She's walking you through the exact questions you need to answer before spending a dime on design.

THINGS YOU'LL LEARN DURING THIS EPISODE:

• Why branding feels like the first step and why that's not where you should start

• The three core questions you need to answer before working on your visuals

• How to use real conversations and feedback to sharpen your clarity

• A simple formula to clearly explain your business in one sentence

• When to know it's actually the right time to invest in your branding

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/256

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

Got a question? We'd love to answer it in an upcoming Q&A. Simply record your quick question → https://blacktobusiness.com/QA

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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Ever feel like you're working your tail off but somehow going nowhere? Like you're checking all the boxes (posting on social, networking, building your offers) but the progress just isn't showing up the way you want it to?

You're not imagining it, and this is way more common than you think.

In this episode, Monique T. Marshall is getting into the real reasons why so many Black entrepreneurs hit that frustrating wall where they're busy but not productive. She's breaking down what's actually keeping you stuck and giving you a clear path forward that doesn't involve working yourself into the ground.

This isn't about hustling harder. It's about getting strategic with a plan that actually makes sense for your life and your reality.

• Why building in isolation is keeping you stuck (and what to do about it)

• The difference between being busy and being productive

• How to create a plan that actually works with your life, not against it

• Why focusing on your "one thing" beats trying to do ten things halfway

• The mindset shifts that turn exhausting hustle into sustainable progress

• How to start moving forward with just one conversation

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/255

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

Got a question? We'd love to answer it in an upcoming Q&A. Simply record your quick question → https://blacktobusiness.com/QA

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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When you're a Black entrepreneur building from the ground up, the pressure to have it all figured out can be overwhelming. You're told to have a perfect brand, a full team, and six months of savings before you even get started. But for many of us, that kind of access just isn't our reality. And still, we're expected to make it work. This episode is your reminder that you don't need to wait for the stars to align. You can start and grow your business with what you already have.

In this conversation, startup strategist and educator Boomy Tokan shares a practical system designed for those of us who have had to figure things out without a blueprint. With over two decades of experience helping thousands of entrepreneurs navigate the early stages, Boomy breaks down how to grow a sustainable business without burnout, overspending, or second-guessing every move. This episode speaks directly to those navigating entrepreneurship as a first-generation builder, showing you how to grow smarter while honoring your journey.

DURING THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN:

• Why traditional business advice can keep Black entrepreneurs stuck and how to break free from it

• How to uncover business ideas rooted in your unique skills, gifts, and lived experience

• Boomy's 11-step system to grow your business sustainably with what you have

• How to validate your idea and build traction without spending money you don't have

• The value of starting small and building trust within a specific niche

• How to create consistent income and move forward without constantly hustling for new clients

Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/254

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

Got a question? We'd love to answer it in an upcoming Q&A. Simply record your quick question → https://blacktobusiness.com/QA

Connect with us on Instagram:

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

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Let's be honest. When you hear "LinkedIn," your first thought might be that it's just for job seekers, corporate professionals, or people in industries that don't reflect your own. Maybe you've avoided it because it feels stiff, too polished, or like a space where you have to shrink who you are just to fit in. But here's what most folks miss: LinkedIn is one of the most powerful tools for building relationships, increasing visibility, and growing your business. If you're not using it with intention, you're likely missing out on real opportunities.

In this episode, we sit down with Larry Long Jr., also known as "LinkedIn Larry," to break down exactly how to make LinkedIn work for you. Larry is the Chief Energy Officer of LLJR Enterprises and a top LinkedIn influencer who has built a thriving brand by showing up as his full, authentic self. He shares step-by-step strategies for optimizing your profile, creating content that connects, and turning conversations into meaningful business relationships—without watering down your personality or playing small.

DURING THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN:

• Why LinkedIn is still one of the most powerful yet overlooked tools for entrepreneurs

• How to build a profile that reflects your value and draws the right opportunities

• Simple content ideas to help you show up consistently, even if you're not sure what to post

• How to move from connection requests to meaningful conversations and collaborations

• The smart way to ask for recommendations that boost your credibility and reach

• What it means to stay visible and top-of-mind without feeling like you're constantly selling

Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/253

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

Got a question? We'd love to answer it in an upcoming Q&A. Simply record your quick question → https://blacktobusiness.com/QA

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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If you're building your business from the ground up and finding it hard to grow beyond a certain point, you're not alone. Maybe you're stuck juggling everything, feeling like the business can't run without you, or just hitting a wall around that six or seven-figure mark. This episode is for you if you've been wondering what it really takes to get to that next level and why, despite your efforts, things still feel like they depend solely on you.

In today's conversation, we're joined by Sammy Orelien, a serial entrepreneur who has built and scaled multimillion dollar businesses starting from scratch. He breaks down why so many entrepreneurs become the bottleneck in their own growth, how to shift from operator to CEO, and what it truly means to build a business that runs beyond your personal hustle. Sammy's insights are clear, actionable, and rooted in experience that speaks directly to the challenges many Black entrepreneurs face in scaling sustainably.

DURING THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN:

• What it actually means to be the bottleneck in your own business and how to recognize it

• Why personal growth is just as important as business strategy if you want to scale

• How to move from being the "doer" in your business to thinking and acting like a CEO

• Practical ways to start delegating and build a team, even if you're on a tight budget

• What systems and structure you need in place to scale sustainably

• How to make high-return decisions with your time, money, and energy as your business grows

Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/252

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

Got a question? We'd love to answer it in an upcoming Q&A. Simply record your quick question → https://blacktobusiness.com/QA

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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If you're building something powerful with your business, you've probably thought about who it's all for. But have you really planned for what happens to that business when you're no longer in the driver's seat?

Whether you're just getting started or years in, thinking about the future can feel overwhelming, especially when it involves tough conversations about money, death, or legacy. But not having a plan is a risk too many Black entrepreneurs are taking, and it's costing us the very generational wealth we're working so hard to build.

In this episode, we're joined by David Edey, a Certified Executor Advisor with over 40 years of experience in estate and legacy planning. David knows firsthand the cost of not having your affairs in order. After settling his own parents' estate took seven years, $50,000 in legal fees, and a toll on his health, he made it his mission to help others avoid the same fate. He breaks down the critical steps every entrepreneur, especially Black business owners, needs to take to create a clear succession plan, protect their assets, and ensure their business can live on.

DURING THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN:

• What succession planning really is and why it's essential for your business from day one

• The real-life consequences of not planning ahead and why generational wealth stops without preparation

• How to start identifying and training a future leader within your business

• Why a will, a power of attorney, and succession plan are non-negotiables for business owners

• What role your digital assets and business documents play in protecting your legacy

Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/251

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

Got a question? We'd love to answer it in an upcoming Q&A. Simply record your quick question → https://blacktobusiness.com/QA

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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As a Black entrepreneur building something from the ground up, you've probably felt like traditional media isn't built for you. Maybe you've been told you need to land a TV spot or a magazine feature to gain real credibility. But in today's media world, there are so many more ways to be seen, heard, and taken seriously, and many of them are right at your fingertips. Diversifying your media coverage means learning how to show up across different platforms in a way that fits your brand and reaches your audience, without trying to force yourself into spaces that don't serve you.

In this episode, Leah Frazier, an Emmy Award-winning media strategist and founder of Think Three Media, joins us to break down exactly how to do that. Leah shares why visibility is no longer about chasing TV interviews and how to build a media presence that aligns with your brand, connects with your community, and actually helps you grow. Whether you're just starting out or ready to get intentional with your visibility, this conversation will give you the tools and mindset to start showing up strategically and authentically.

DURING THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN:

• What it actually means to diversify your media coverage as a business owner

• Why relying only on traditional press can limit your brand's growth and visibility

• How to choose media platforms that align with your audience and business goals

• The difference between credibility-building coverage and conversion-driven platforms

• How to tell the right story for the right outlet without losing your voice

• What to do after you get featured to maximize the impact of your media exposure

Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/250

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

Got a question? We'd love to answer it in an upcoming Q&A. Simply record your quick question → https://blacktobusiness.com/QA

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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