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Create Your Life Series
Create Your Life Series episodes
- CYLS 146: Startup Confessions and Exits with TejPaul Bhatia
Episode Summary
TejPaul Bhatia shares an honest story about his journey from founding to startups to ultimately leaving that world. He talks about what happens when your entrepreneurial dreams take you away from who you truly are, and how having a “normal” job has provided more space in his life for authenticity.
Kevin Y. Brown
Kevin Y. Brown is a National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) Center For Public Trust (CPT) “Being A Difference” award recipient, international speaker, entrepreneur, and author. The former MTV Networks host and NYC fashion marketer has created an international following as a speaker on personal excellence, effective communication, and leadership. Kevin has been featured by Black Enterprise magazine as a “Modern Man of Distinction” and highlighted in various publications for his self-help speaking work and helping students graduate college debt-free. Recognized for his commitment to empowering foster care youth and as a foster care system alumnus, he has also delivered the keynote address at the International Foster Care Organizations Conference in Sydney, Australia and Osaka, Japan. Kevin is currently the creator/host of Sirius XM’s “Create Your Life” series, a fellow in the New York Chapter of the Startup Leadership Program, and an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
TejPaul Bhatia
TejPaul Bhatia is the New York startup lead for Google Cloud. Before that, he was an entrepreneur in residence at Citi Ventures. He was the COO for Explain Everything, an interactive screencasting whiteboard app. He was also the CEO and co-founder of Chatwala, a mobile video chat app and Kaptur (acquired), an app that enables users to aggregate photos taken at an event in seconds. He also worked for ESPN as the senior manager of product and international strategy. TejPaul is still an active member of the startup community in New York.
Insights From the Episode
- Strategies to find investors and generate capital for your startup
- Secrets to handling rejection
- Secrets to the power of networks and community
- Strategies to bring yourself into the present moment, as often as possible
- Tips to make physical and mental health a priority in your life
- How to leverage the passion and excitement entrepreneurs possess into opportunities
- Secrets to finding gratitude for your life
Quotes From the Show
- “With my first startup, I probably hung on to some of the ideas months, maybe years longer than I should have.” - TejPaul Bhatia, Create Your Life Series, #146
- “As entrepreneurs we’re relentlessly optimistic, because we have to be, because the odds are against us, but if you can find your truth and hold onto that optimism but try to be yourself throughout it, not lose yourself, you have a much better chance of balance no matter what happens after.” - TejPaul Bhatia, Create Your Life Series, #146
- “Those moments when I could be present, were so powerful. They’re so liberating; so freeing.” - TejPaul Bhatia, Create Your Life Series, #146
- “It sometimes takes burnout to know how not to get burned out.” - TejPaul Bhatia, Create Your Life Series, #146
- On receiving criticism: “Take what serves you and ignore what doesn’t.” - TejPaul Bhatia, Create Your Life Series, #146
- “You have to be affectionate and supportive of yourself before you can do that for anyone else.” - TejPaul Bhatia, Create Your Life Series, #146
- “Know what you want, but also act on it immediately.” - Kevin Y Brown, Create Your Life Series, #146
- “Presence is the most powerful thing that we possess.” - Kevin Y Brown, Create Your Life Series, #146
- “The past and the future don’t actually exist, they’re constructs that exist in the computer that is our brain.” - TejPaul Bhatia, Create Your Life Series, #146
Resources Mentioned
- iCloud
Favorite Book
- Ben Horowitz: The Hard Thing about Hard Things
- Yuval Harari: Sapiens
Favorite Quote
- TejPaul’s motto: Nothing is that important except those things that are really important, like family.
Keys to Create Your Best Life
- You have to do you
- Enjoy it – the purpose of life is to live it
- To the best of your ability, make it better for other people
Stay Connected
Show Social Media
https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/
https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/
Kevin Y Brown
www.kevinybrown.com
www.instagram.com/kevinybrown
www.twitter.com/kevinybrown
www.facebook.com/kevbrown001
TejPaul Bhatia
Email Kevin to get connected with TejPaul.
Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on iTunes, Google Podcast, Stitcher and Spotify.
This episode was produced and managed by Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com)
1 hr 5 min - CYLS 145: Passion Hacks and Secrets to Making Money Online with Matt Giovanisci
Episode Summary
Matt shares his journey of creating a successful online media business, including his pitfalls and the insights he gained. He talks about what it takes to wake up at 6 a.m. every day, be your own boss and stay inspired.
Kevin Y. Brown
Kevin Y. Brown is a National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) Center For Public Trust (CPT) “Being A Difference” award recipient, international speaker, entrepreneur, and author. The former MTV Networks host and NYC fashion marketer has created an international following as a speaker on personal excellence, effective communication, and leadership. Kevin has been featured by Black Enterprise magazine as a “Modern Man of Distinction” and highlighted in various publications for his self-help speaking work and helping students graduate college debt-free. Recognized for his commitment to empowering foster care youth and as a foster care system alumnus, he has also delivered the keynote address at the International Foster Care Organizations Conference in Sydney, Australia and Osaka, Japan. Kevin is currently the creator/host of Sirius XM’s “Create Your Life” series, a fellow in the New York Chapter of the Startup Leadership Program, and an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Matt Giovanisci
Matt Giovanisci is a self-proclaimed “Jack of all trades.” He is the co-host of the Listen Money Matters podcast and hosts the Money Lab podcast, a show to share content from his website Money Lab, which is all about personal finance and online entrepreneurship, in audio form. He is also a graphic designer and a musician and leverages all of his skills in his quest to avoid ever working for someone else again.
Insights From the Episode
- Tips for how to leverage your past experience to meet your current needs; eg. you were once in a rock band? That probably means you know how to make a great website
- Strategies for having the best content on the internet
- Why challenging yourself to keep to a strict timeline can propel you to a better end result
- How to come back from a falling out with a friend and build the friendship back up
- Matt shares his secret to successfully working for himself
- The secret to meeting your goals is fervently keeping track of your progress, every single day
Quotes From the Show
- “I practice what I call passion-mashing.” - Matt Giovanisci, Create Your Life Series, #145
- “I’m just a hobbyist at all of these things. I continue to write music even that no one hears, I continue to hone my audio skills, my writing skills, even if no one’s on the consumer end of that.” - Matt Giovanisci, Create Your Life Series, #145
- “Follow your hobbies, you never know when you might need them.” - Kevin Y Brown, Create Your Life Series, #145
- “Sticking a timeline on something forces you to trim the fat.” - Matt Giovanisci, Create Your Life Series, #145
- “I would do anything not to work for anyone else again.” - Matt Giovanisci, Create Your Life Series, #145
- “If you don’t have a good reason why, you’re going to fail.” - Matt Giovanisci, Create Your Life Series, #145
- “Follow your passion; do what’s in your heart.” - Kevin Y Brown, Create Your Life Series, #145
Resources Mentioned
- Asana
Favorite Book
- Jim Henson: The Biography
Favorite Quote
- “Do what you love and the money will come easy.” – Arlen Crouch
Keys to Create Your Best Life
- Find your why
- Focus on your strength
- Make sure you’re happy every day
Stay Connected
Show Social Media
https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/
https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/
Kevin Y Brown
www.kevinybrown.com
www.instagram.com/kevinybrown
www.twitter.com/kevinybrown
www.facebook.com/kevbrown001
Matt Giovanisci
Moneylab.co
Money lab podcast
Listen money matters podcast
Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on iTunes, Google Podcast, Stitcher and Spotify.
This episode was produced and managed by Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com)
28 min - CYLS 144: Raising Benjamin: Teaching Millennials Finance Through Social Media with Carl Joseph Black
Episode Summary
Carl Joseph Black is bringing his financial expertise to the masses through a chatbot, Benjamin, that can answer users’ questions in real-time. He credits his rise to being disciplined and finding the confidence to take unconventional steps to success.
Kevin Y. Brown
Kevin Y. Brown is a National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) Center For Public Trust (CPT) “Being A Difference” award recipient, international speaker, entrepreneur, and author. The former MTV Networks host and NYC fashion marketer has created an international following as a speaker on personal excellence, effective communication, and leadership. Kevin has been featured by Black Enterprise magazine as a “Modern Man of Distinction” and highlighted in various publications for his self-help speaking work and helping students graduate college debt-free. Recognized for his commitment to empowering foster care youth and as a foster care system alumnus, he has also delivered the keynote address at the International Foster Care Organizations Conference in Sydney, Australia and Osaka, Japan. Kevin is currently the creator/host of Sirius XM’s “Create Your Life” series, a fellow in the New York Chapter of the Startup Leadership Program, and an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Carl Joseph Black
Carl Joseph Black is currently balancing being a law student and being the founder of Raising Benjamin. Seeing a need for financial literacy and empowerment among minority communities, he created the platform which is dedicated to increasing wealth among young Black millennials by sharing finance insights. Using the knowledge that he gained while completing his Bachelors in finance from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, Carl began his financial career at JP Morgan. There, he spent 4 years working in risk, research, legal, and compliance.
Insights From the Episode
- Secrets for differentiating discipline versus a habit and why you should know the difference between the two.
- How to build confidence by researching your field.
- Strategies for giving people in your life active and passive support.
- Carl Joseph Black explains why it is critical to find a partner who understands what you are doing and supports you.
- Strategies for setting micro-goals based on actionable steps.
Quotes From the Show
- “One of the most important things that I continue to share is using different spaces to learn more about business.” - Carl Joseph Black, Create Your Life Series, 144
- “The fastest way to build wealth is to invest. The second fastest is to work.” - Carl Joseph, Create Your Life Series, 144
- “The practice of discipline is doing something you don’t want to do consistently.” - Carl Joseph Black, Create Your Life Series, 144
- “Don’t you ever stop the fight, because it’s bigger than you.” - Kevin Y. Brown, Create Your Life Series, 144
Resources Mentioned
- Wit AI
- Microsoft Excel
- Google Calendar
- Benjamin
Favorite Book
- Finite and Infinite Games by James Carse
- Principles: Life and Work by Ray Dalio
Favorite Quote
- “Price is what you pay, value is what you get.” - Warren Buffett
Keys to Create Your Best Life
- Believe in yourself
- Be consistent
- Really respect your time
Stay Connected
Create Your Life Series
https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/
https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/
Kevin Y Brown
www.kevinybrown.com
www.instagram.com/kevinybrown
www.twitter.com/kevinybrown
www.facebook.com/kevbrown001
Carl Joseph Black
www.raisingbenjamin.com
bit.ly/itsmebenjamin
www.instagram.com/cjoeblack
www.instagram.com/raisebenjamin
twitter.com/cjoeblack
twitter.com/RaisingBenjamin
www.facebook.com/raisingbenjamin
www.linkedin.com/in/carljosephblack
Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on iTunes, Google Podcast, Stitcher and Spotify.
This episode was produced and managed by Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com)
28 min - CYLS #143 A Fearless Visionary – The New Archetype of Asian Women with Jean Joo Irvin
Episode Summary
Jeani shares openly about the twists and turns that lead her to eventually co-found Creator’s Group. She believes that failure is often a part of entrepreneurial pursuits, and she encourages other entrepreneurs to lean into that uncertainty.
Kevin Y. Brown
Kevin Y. Brown is a National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) Center For Public Trust (CPT) “Being A Difference” award recipient, international speaker, entrepreneur, and author. The former MTV Networks host and NYC fashion marketer has created an international following as a speaker on personal excellence, effective communication, and leadership. Kevin has been featured by Black Enterprise magazine as a “Modern Man of Distinction” and highlighted in various publications for his self-help speaking work and helping students graduate college debt-free. Recognized for his commitment to empowering foster care youth and as a foster care system alumnus, he has also delivered the keynote address at the International Foster Care Organizations Conference in Sydney, Australia and Osaka, Japan. Kevin is currently the creator/host of Sirius XM’s “Create Your Life” series, a fellow in the New York Chapter of the Startup Leadership Program, and an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Jeani Joo
Jeani Joo is an entrepreneur, designer and closet foodie. She is one of the co-founders of Creator’s Group, a media content creation firm based in Kansas City, Kansas. Jeani uses her skills as a designer and her background in product management to create brand awareness and amplify the voices of innovative and exciting businesses in Kansas City. She is also fiercely passionate about inspiring other Asian-American women to pursue their passions and believe in their potential.
Insights From the Episode
- Strategies to manage and build a team
- Why hiring slow and firing quick is the best strategy when building a team
- Secrets to find fulfillment by going against social norms
- Secrets to the power of an inner circle
- Strategies for goal crushing
- Solutions and triumphs of networking
Quotes From the Show
- “People would ask me ‘what do you want to be in the future?’ and I would say, ‘I don’t know because I haven’t created my title yet.’” - Jeani Joong, Create Your Life Series, #143
- “The secret is no entrepreneur really knows what they’re doing.” - Jeani Joong, Create Your Life Series, #143
- “I think emotional intelligence is a lot more important than intelligence itself. EQ over IQ all the time.” - Jeani Joong, Create Your Life Series, #143
- “Traveling will meet you where you are in your life, and it will teach you so much and open up so many different perspectives.” - Jeani Joong, Create Your Life Series, #143
- On the limited number of successful Asian women portrayed in the media: “It affects your mentality on what you think is possible.” - Jeani Joong, Create Your Life Series, #143
- On failure: “Every time I push past that fear, only great things happen on the other side.” - Kevin Y Brown, Create Your Life Series, #143
Favorite Book
- Cradle to Cradle
Favorite Quote
- “Don’t be afraid of failure. It’s a learning tool.” - Jeani Joong
Resources Mentioned
- Slack
- Studiobinder
- Monday
Keys to Create Your Best Life
- Know yourself
- Get over your fear of failures
- Trust your instincts even if it’s wrong
Stay Connected
Show Social Media
https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/
https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/
Kevin Y Brown
www.kevinybrown.com
www.instagram.com/kevinybrown
www.twitter.com/kevinybrown
www.facebook.com/kevbrown001
Jeani Joong
Instagram: @jeani0 or @creatorsgrp
Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on iTunes, Google Podcast, Stitcher and Spotify.This episode was produced and managed by Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com)
29 min - CYLS 142: Secrets Behind The Multi-Million Dollar Podcast Empire with John Lee Dumas
Episode Summary
John Lee Dumas provides methods for success as an entrepreneur that also can be used in your personal life. He focuses on how to create a daily process for making moves in your business.
Kevin Y. Brown
Kevin Y. Brown is a National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) Center For Public Trust (CPT) “Being A Difference” award recipient, international speaker, entrepreneur, and author. The former MTV Networks host and NYC fashion marketer has created an international following as a speaker on personal excellence, effective communication, and leadership. Kevin has been featured by Black Enterprise magazine as a “Modern Man of Distinction” and highlighted in various publications for his self-help speaking work and helping students graduate college debt-free. Recognized for his commitment to empowering foster care youth and as a foster care system alumnus, he has also delivered the keynote address at the International Foster Care Organizations Conference in Sydney, Australia and Osaka, Japan. Kevin is currently the creator/host of Sirius XM’s “Create Your Life” series, a fellow in the New York Chapter of the Startup Leadership Program, and an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
John Lee Dumas
As the host of the Entrepreneurs on Fire podcast, John Lee Dumas interviews inspiring entrepreneurs and has completed more than 200 episodes. With more than a million listens each month and seven figures of revenue, the podcast has become a rapid success. John Lee has taken elements from his early life in Maine and time in the Army to create a profitable business that also focuses on the needs of its audience.
Insight from this episode:
- Secrets to improving your life through journaling and meditation.
- How to find a mentor that corresponds with your business direction.
- Strategies for obtaining information from your audience to expand your business.
- Why you should focus on identifying solutions to your audience’s struggles.
- John Lee’s Three Success Principles:
- 1) Pareto’s Principle
- 2) Parkinson’s Law
- 3) Pomodoro Technique
- Strategies for using funnels in your business.
- John Lee shares his personal success hacks.
- Kevin shares his daily routine, AMBITION:
- Affirmation
- Motivation
- Body
- Intelligence
- Thankfulness
- FInances
- Opportunities
- Nutrition
- Schedule
Quotes From the Show
- “I had a mentor and that mentor was key. I invested in myself, somebody who was currently where I wanted to be.” - John Lee Dumas, Create Your Life Series, #142
- “You have to find a mastermind. Because you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” - John Lee Dumas, Create Your Life Series, #142
- “When you compare, you will always dispare.” - John Lee Dumas, Create Your Life Series, #142
- “The one and only person you should truly be comparing yourself to is you yesterday.” - John Lee Dumas, Create Your Life Series, #142
- “Comparison is the death of progress.” - Kevin Y. Brown, Create Your Life Series, #142
- “You need to make sure that you are valuing your time at a very high level. And keeping big blocks of time for yourself to do the meaningful work and go on the meaningful projects that you need to move your business forward.” - John Lee Dumas, Create Your Life Series, #142
- “Successful entrepreneurs have one big idea that they go all in on.” - John Lee Dumas, Create Your Life Series, #142
Resources Mentioned
- YourBigIdea.IO
- Real Revenue
- FunnelOnFire.com
- The Freedom Journal
- Scheduleonce.com
- What Makes the Great Great: Strategies for Extraordinary Achievement by Dennis Kimbro
Favorite Book
- The Slight Edge: Turning Simple Disciplines Into Massive Success by John Olson - John Lee Dumas
- The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho - Kevin Y. Brown
Favorite Quote
- “Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.” - Albert Einstein
Keys to Create Your Best Life
- Get clear about what your one big idea is.
- Install a morning routine that is a mandatory part of your day.
- Prioritize sleep.
Stay Connected
Create Your Life Series
https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/
https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/
Kevin Y Brown
www.kevinybrown.com
www.instagram.com/kevinybrown
www.twitter.com/kevinybrown
www.facebook.com/kevbrown001
John Lee Dumas
Eofire.com
eofire.com/podcast
www.instagram.com/johnleedumas
twitter.com/johnleedumas
www.facebook.com/johnleedumas
www.facebook.com/EOFire
linkedin.com/entrepreneuronfire
Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on iTunes, Google Podcast, Stitcher and Spotify.This episode was produced and managed by Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com)
50 min - CYLS 141: Pt. 2 Life Or Death - Her Journey To Joy, Fulfillment and Health with Cassandra Nuamah
Episode Summary
Cassandra practices what she preaches, using fitness and nutrition to help others create better lives for themselves. Her business is built on making others happy and healthy while giving them an unforgettable cultural experience.
Kevin Y. Brown
Kevin Y. Brown is a National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) Center For Public Trust (CPT) “Being A Difference” award recipient, international speaker, entrepreneur, and author. The former MTV Networks host and NYC fashion marketer has created an international following as a speaker on personal excellence, effective communication, and leadership. Kevin has been featured by Black Enterprise magazine as a “Modern Man of Distinction” and highlighted in various publications for his self-help speaking work and helping students graduate college debt-free. Recognized for his commitment to empowering foster care youth and as a foster care system alumnus, he has also delivered the keynote address at the International Foster Care Organizations Conference in Sydney, Australia and Osaka, Japan. Kevin is currently the creator/host of Sirius XM’s “Create Your Life” series, a fellow in the New York Chapter of the Startup Leadership Program, and an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Cassandra Nuamah
Cassandra Nuamah is a danceaholic, travelista, and a fitness guru. As a certified personal trainer, group exercise instructor, and health and wellness coach, she lost 50lbs and transformed her lifestyle. Using her infectious energy, Cassandra has made it her mission to help individuals, groups, and organizations to live happier and healthier lives using methods and techniques that she uses herself. Originally from Ghana, Cassandra and mother, the founder of Kukuwafitness.com, organize yearly fitness and cultural excursions to Africa. These trips allow clients to travel Africa without a passport through music and dance.
Insights From the Episode
- Cassandra shares her secrets for entrepreneurs who are just starting out.
- How to ensure success in your business by staying true to yourself.
- Strategies for monetizing your interests and talents.
- Cassandra describes her secrets to social media success.
- The success hacks Cassandra uses in her business.
- Kevin explains the importance of knowing what you do, why you do it, and where you are going as an entrepreneur.
- Kevin shares what motivates him and makes him happy.
Quotes From the Show
- “Death by comparison.” - Kevin Y. Brown, Create Your Life Series, #141
- “I’m a believer that what you give energy to just grows.” - Cassandra Nuamah, Create Your Life Series, #141
- “Everything’s a lesson or a blessing.” - Cassandra Nuamah, Create Your Life Series, #141
- “Look at every setback as a foundation for where you can step up.” - Cassandra Nuamah, Create Your Life Series, #141
- “I’m definitely focused on progress and not perfection.” - Kevin Y. Brown, Create Your Life Series, #141
Resources Mentioned
- Canva
- Hootsuite
- The Art of War by Sun Tzu
- In Touch: How to Tune In to the Inner Guidance of Your Body and Trust Yourself by John J. Prendergast, PhD and Rick Hanson, PhD
- Streak
Favorite Book
- Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! by Robert Kiyosaki
- Success Principles: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be by Jack Canfield and Janet Switzer
Favorite Quote
- “Those who know don’t tell and those who tell don’t know.” - Socrates, quoted by Cassandra Nuamah
- “Create your life” - Kevin Y. Brown
- “I am the brand I say I am.” - Kevin Y. Brown
- “Be the labour, great or small, do it well or not at all.” - Quincy Jones, quoted by Kevin Y. Brown
- “I do this for real, not for thrills.” - Andre Hicks, quoted by Kevin Y. Brown
- “Love those who love you but don’t never let it (mess) up your vision. How much love did your loved ones have when you was broke or doing time in prison.” - Andre Hicks, quoted by Kevin Y. Brown
Keys to Create Your Best Life
- Start from where you.
- Don’t compare yourself.
- Don’t care about what other people say.
Stay Connected
Create Your Life Series
https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/
https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/
Kevin Y Brown
www.kevinybrown.com
www.instagram.com/kevinybrown
www.twitter.com/kevinybrown
www.facebook.com/kevbrown001
Cassandra Nuamah
www.kukuwafitness.com
Africawithus.com
wellnesswithcoachcass.com
www.instagram.com/kukuwafitness
www.instagram.com/africawithus
www.instagram.com/coachcassfit
twitter.com/kukuwafitness
twitter.com/africawithus
twitter.com/cassandranuamah
www.facebook.com/KukuwaFitness
www.facebook.com/africawithus
www.facebook.com/coachcassfit
www.linkedin.com/in/kukuwa-fitness
www.linkedin.com/in/cassandra-nuamah
www.youtube.com/channel/kukuwafitness
www.youtube.com/channel/coachcassfit
spotify.com/cassandranuamah
Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on iTunes, Google Podcast, Stitcher and Spotify.This episode was produced and managed by Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com)
37 min - CYLS 140: Life Or Death: Her Journey To Joy, Fulfillment and Health with Cassandra Nuahmah
Episode Summary
Cassandra practices what she preaches, using fitness and nutrition to help others create better lives for themselves. Her business is built on making others happy and healthy while giving them an unforgettable cultural experience.
Kevin Y. Brown
Kevin Y. Brown is a National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) Center For Public Trust (CPT) “Being A Difference” award recipient, international speaker, entrepreneur, and author. The former MTV Networks host and NYC fashion marketer has created an international following as a speaker on personal excellence, effective communication, and leadership. Kevin has been featured by Black Enterprise magazine as a “Modern Man of Distinction” and highlighted in various publications for his self-help speaking work and helping students graduate college debt-free. Recognized for his commitment to empowering foster care youth and as a foster care system alumnus, he has also delivered the keynote address at the International Foster Care Organizations Conference in Sydney, Australia and Osaka, Japan. Kevin is currently the creator/host of Sirius XM’s “Create Your Life” series, a fellow in the New York Chapter of the Startup Leadership Program, and an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Cassandra Nuamah
Cassandra Nuamah is a danceaholic, travelista, and a fitness guru. As a certified personal trainer, group exercise instructor, and health and wellness coach, she lost 50lbs and transformed her lifestyle. Using her infectious energy, Cassandra has made it her mission to help individuals, groups, and organizations to live happier and healthier lives using methods and techniques that she uses herself. Originally from Ghana, Cassandra and mother, the founder of Kukuwafitness.com, organize yearly fitness and cultural excursions to Africa. These trips allow clients to travel Africa without a passport through music and dance.
Insights From the Episode
- Secrets to getting your A game together early on in your career.
- Cassandra shares the resources she learned at the Institute of Innovative Nutrition.
- How a conversation with her boss led Cassandra to quit her job and become an entrepreneur.
- Strategies for creating loyalty with your clients.
- Cassandra explains the importance of travelling and how it can change your perspective.
- Secrets to staying accountable to your clients.
- Cassandra shares her strategies for handling criticism in a positive way.
- The 4 things Cassandra does every day to be happy:
- 1) Dance
- 2) Workout
- 3) Pray
- 4) Help someone
Quotes From the Show
- “You don’t know what you don’t know.” - Cassandra Nuamah, Create Your Life Series, #140
- “That’s why I’m Coach Cass. I coach you to be and see your best self.” - Cassandra Nuamah, Create Your Life Series, #140
- “Success was not an optional thing.” - Cassandra Nuamah, Create Your Life Series, #140
- “Time and tide waits for no one, Cass.” - Cassandra Nuamah, Create Your Life Series, #140
- “You can’t help what they feel or think. But you can help how you receive it.” - Cassandra Nuamah, Create Your Life Series, #140
- “No matter how hard it gets or how challenging it is, I’m living in my purpose and on purpose.” - Cassandra Nuamah, Create Your Life Series, #140
- “If you’re not in your lane, looking at other peoples lanes, that’s how you’ll crash” - Cassandra Nuamah, Create Your Life Series, #140
- “If we could be that gateway, we could be that bridge for somebody to go [to Africa], then why not? ” - Cassandra Nuamah, Create Your Life Series, #140
- “The doctor says she’s dying, we gotta go” -Cassandra Nuamah, Create Your Life Series, #140
- “She’s literally like living dead. Like she looks like you could see skeletons everywhere” - Cassandra Nuamah, Create Your Life Series, #140
- “Business owners come in all different shades and people that you might not think are in levels of authority are. You need to know how to speak to everyone at the same time of level and deal with everyone at the same time of level.” - Cassandra Nuamah, Create Your Life Series, #140
- “You have to have your niche, and you have to stay true to that niche, and you have to stay in your lane, you’ll literally crash.” - Cassandra Nuamah, Create Your Life Series, #140
Stay Connected
Create Your Life Series
https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/
https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/
Kevin Y Brown
www.kevinybrown.com
www.instagram.com/kevinybrown
www.twitter.com/kevinybrown
www.facebook.com/kevbrown001
Cassandra Nuamah
www.kukuwafitness.com
Africawithus.com
wellnesswithcoachcass.com
www.instagram.com/kukuwafitness
www.instagram.com/africawithus
www.instagram.com/coachcassfit
twitter.com/kukuwafitness
twitter.com/africawithus
twitter.com/cassandranuamah
www.facebook.com/KukuwaFitness
www.facebook.com/africawithus
www.facebook.com/coachcassfit
www.linkedin.com/in/kukuwa-fitness
www.linkedin.com/in/cassandra-nuamah
www.youtube.com/channel/kukuwafitness
www.youtube.com/channel/coachcassfit
spotify.com/cassandranuamah
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This episode was produced and managed by Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com)
58 min - CYLS 139: Sex, Life & Mentoring: A Startups Success Connecting Experts and Clients From the Comfort of Their Living Rooms with Elise Schuster
Episode Summary
Elise Schuster’s company, Okayso, provides clients with confidential access to experts who cover topics from sexual health to self-image. Using a non-traditional path for a startup, Elise and her co-founder were able to create an innovative app that not only supports positive mental health, but also is funded by a federal grant. The distinct way in which she has achieved success is an inspiring account for any CEO looking for new methods for establishing and operating their business.
Kevin Y. Brown
Kevin Y. Brown is a National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) Center For Public Trust (CPT) “Being A Difference” award recipient, international speaker, entrepreneur, and author. The former MTV Networks host and NYC fashion marketer has created an international following as a speaker on personal excellence, effective communication, and leadership. Kevin has been featured by Black Enterprise magazine as a “Modern Man of Distinction” and highlighted in various publications for his self-help speaking work and helping students graduate college debt-free. Recognized for his commitment to empowering foster care youth and as a foster care system alumnus, he has also delivered the keynote address at the International Foster Care Organizations Conference in Sydney, Australia and Osaka, Japan. Kevin is currently the creator/host of Sirius XM’s “Create Your Life” series, a fellow in the New York Chapter of the Startup Leadership Program, and an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Elise Schuster
Elise Schuster is the Co-Founder of okayso, an app that provides quick, personalized answers from experts concerning life’s most intimate questions. Her experience working in the field of sex education spans over 15 years, beginning as a sex educator at Babeland. During her time at the company, Elise taught hundreds of workshops and answered thousands of questions. She previously worked on youth development at The Door, the country’s largest development agency serving over 10,000 marginalized youth each year. With a Masters in Public Health from Columbia University, Elise has extensive training and consulting experience in LGBTQ issues, pleasure, sexual health, and adolescent development.
Insights From the Episode
- Secrets to enhancing your business by analyzing other industries.
- Strategies for building a productive relationship with your co-founder.
- How to find and embrace your company’s unique path to success.
- Elise explains how she used skills learned in graduate school when she started her company.
- Strategies for evaluating the goals of your business using Elise’s “Fantasy Island” technique.
- How to embrace self-compassion and use it in your life.
- Why CEOs who are just starting out should seek out the company of other new CEOs.
Quotes From the Show
- “It’s really always helpful to have kind of those touchstones. I think you can get so in it, that you, kind of pulling back and seeing that bigger picture, every little bit is incredibly helpful.” - Elise Schuster, Create Your Life Series, #139
- “I think that, often when you read things about startups or you read about successful businesses, you don’t see the messiness behind them. You also often see only a couple of paths.” - Elise Schuster, Create Your Life Series, #139
- “There’s not one way of helping people. You have got to figure out what is going to work right for you.” - Elise Schuster, Create Your Life Series, #139
- “Everybody deserves to lead happy and healthy lives. And that includes sexuality. It’s just as much a part of our lives.” - Elise Schuster, Create Your Life Series, #139
- “I think that we get so many messages in the world about what it means to be a woman and how you’re supposed to behave and act. So I think most of it, for me, is really just to realize you have everything that you need within yourself to do this.” - Elise Schuster, Create Your Life Series, #139
- “Even in those moments that it feels like you don’t know what you’re doing, it’s okay to not know what you’re doing, you don’t have to have every single thing figured out, but you probably have it a lot more figured out than you realize. So keep pushing.” - Elise Schuster, Create Your Life Series, #139
- “Self forgiveness is the biggest thing. That’s the only way you can really move forward.” - Kevin Y. Brown, Create Your Life Series, #139
- “It’s okay to take shortcuts. Because everyone takes shortcuts.” - Elise Schuster, Create Your Life Series, #139
- “The things that I thought made us unappealing are the things that made us appealing, Sometimes the things that you think are your weaknesses are actually your strengths” - Elise Schuster, Create Your Life Series, #139
Resources Mentioned
- Leapfrog: The New Revolution for Women Entrepreneurs by Nathalie Molina Niño
- React Native
Favorite Book
- When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times by Pema Chodron
Favorite Quote
- Motto by Brene Brown that everyone is doing the best that they can with what they have.
Keys to Create Your Best Life
- Self-compassion
- Determination
- Love
Stay Connected
Create Your Life Series
https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/
https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/
Kevin Y Brown
www.kevinybrown.com
www.instagram.com/kevinybrown
www.twitter.com/kevinybrown
www.facebook.com/kevbrown001
Elise Schuster
www.okayso.co/
www.eliseschuster.com/
www.instagram.com/heyokayso
twitter.com/akadallas
twitter.com/heyokayso
www.facebook.com/akadallas
www.facebook.com/heyokayso
www.linkedin.com/in/eliseschuster
www.linkedin.com/company/okayso
Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on iTunes, Google Podcast, Stitcher and Spotify.This episode was produced and managed by Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com)
1 hr 6 min - CYLS 138: 20,000 Downloads in 2 Weeks: Creating Your Own Lane in Podcasting with Chris ”Stylezz” Samuel
Episode Summary
Chris “Stylezz” is passionate about everything he does. Speaking candidly about his podcast, Trappin Anonymous, Chris “Stylezz” isn’t afraid to have difficult conversations. And while he wants to satisfy his audience, his motivation is internally driven.
Kevin Y. Brown
Kevin Y. Brown is a National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) Center For Public Trust (CPT) “Being A Difference” award recipient, international speaker, entrepreneur, and author. The former MTV Networks host and NYC fashion marketer has created an international following as a speaker on personal excellence, effective communication, and leadership. Kevin has been featured by Black Enterprise magazine as a “Modern Man of Distinction” and highlighted in various publications for his self-help speaking work and helping students graduate college debt-free. Recognized for his commitment to empowering foster care youth and as a foster care system alumnus, he has also delivered the keynote address at the International Foster Care Organizations Conference in Sydney, Australia and Osaka, Japan. Kevin is currently the creator/host of Sirius XM’s “Create Your Life” series, a fellow in the New York Chapter of the Startup Leadership Program, and an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Chris “Stylezz”
Chris “Stylezz” is known for hosting D’usse Palooza, a dark liquor-driven day party that has turned into one of the biggest cross county fests in America. With a Bachelor’s in Communication from SUNY Old Westbury, he used his infectious energy and mystique to launch the podcast Trappin Anonymous in summer 2016. Highlighting the underground world, Chris “Stylezz” dives into the lives of people with whom a conversation would be considered taboo. He uses his magnetic personality to relate to his interviewees and to discuss topics that wouldn’t normally be discussed.
Insights From the Episode
- Secrets to networking in college.
- How to evaluate your work while remaining true to your goals.
- Strategies for maintaining integrity as an entrepreneur.
- How to be on the lookout for signs telling you to pivot your life.
- Chris “Stylezz” describes the catharsis around having a conversation about your life.
- Secrets for figuring out if someone’s self-promotion is legit and whether they are actually doing the work that they profess.
- Chris “Stylezz” talks about the power of patience.
- Chris “Stylezz” promotes giving everyone value and not dissing other people.
- Strategies for turning the words of naysayers into motivation.
Quotes From the Show
- “What is passion? What could I do in this world, absolutely for free, and still be fulfilled?“ - Chris “Stylezz” Samuel, Create Your Life Series, #138
- “You’ve got to value the mistakes.” - Chris “Stylezz” Samuel, Create Your Life Series, #138
- “People never realize how therapeutic it is to sit back, reflect, and verbally, out loud, talk about themselves.” - Chris “Stylezz” Samuel, Create Your Life Series, #138
- “All you have is your word in this world.” - Chris “Stylezz” Samuel, Create Your Life Series, #138
- “Money is not the only form of currency.” - Chris “Stylezz” Samuel, Create Your Life Series, #138
- “People will always find a way to justify their lifestyle, something that there doing, whether they feel it’s good, bad or indifferent.” - Chris “Stylezz” Samuel, Create Your Life Series, #138
- “Value is determined by ‘NO’. My value is determined by what I am willing to walk away from.” - Chris “Stylezz” Samuel, Create Your Life Series, #138
- “Had I not been in that situation (growing up in foster care), I would not be this version of Kevin. So I have to be thankful for that.” - Kevin Y. Brown, Create Your Life Series, #138
Resources Mentioned
- Computer
- Microphone
- Interface
Favorite Quote
- “We the willing, led by the unknowing, are doing the impossible for the ungrateful. We have done so much, with so little, for so long, we are now qualified to do anything, with nothing.” - Mother Teresa
Keys to Create Your Best Life
- Don’t care.
- Be quick to fail.
- Do what you love.
Stay Connected
Create Your Life Series
https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/
https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/
Kevin Y Brown
www.kevinybrown.com
www.instagram.com/kevinybrown
www.twitter.com/kevinybrown
www.facebook.com/kevbrown001
Chris “Stylezz”
www.trappinanonymous.com
listen.tidal.com/artist/10250543
www.instagram.com/christylezz
twitter.com/christylezz
Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on iTunes, Google Podcast, Stitcher and Spotify.
This episode was produced and managed by Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com)
47 min - CYLS 137: Redefining Self-Image: A CEO’s Path From Wall Street to Idiomatic-Clothing Manufacturer with Andrea Madho
Episode Summary
There are many factors that go into making a successful entrepreneur, including drawing from past experiences and addressing problems that people encounter everyday. Andrea Madho describes both of these circumstances and how they affected her, specifically. She shares her journey from Wall Street to becoming a business owner, but Andrea also reflects on what has made her successful. With funny antidotes and thoughtful introspection, Andrea exemplifies what working harder and smarter really looks like.
Kevin Y. Brown
Kevin Y. Brown is a National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) Center For Public Trust (CPT) “Being A Difference” award recipient, international speaker, entrepreneur, and author. The former MTV Networks host and NYC fashion marketer has created an international following as a speaker on personal excellence, effective communication, and leadership. Kevin has been featured by Black Enterprise magazine as a “Modern Man of Distinction” and highlighted in various publications for his self-help speaking work and helping students graduate college debt-free. Recognized for his commitment to empowering foster care youth and as a foster care system alumnus, he has also delivered the keynote address at the International Foster Care Organizations Conference in Sydney, Australia and Osaka, Japan. Kevin is currently the creator/host of Sirius XM’s “Create Your Life” series, a fellow in the New York Chapter of the Startup Leadership Program, and an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Andrea Madho
Andrea Madho is the personification of positive energy. After moving to New York, Andrea worked on Wall Street and began a successful career as a stock broker. She used the skills that she learned cold-calling prospective clients to develop impactful relationships with high-ranking speakers and pre-IPO tech people. This endeavour led Andrea to high-tech PR. However, she pivoted away from these fields after experiencing frustration when trying to purchase clothing that fit her. Now Andrea is the owner of Lab141, a company that specializes in creating high fashion specifically cut for a client’s body type and measurements.
Insights From the Episode
- Secrets to creating a lasting impression with people, including prospective clients.
- How to become adaptable and how to use that skill to help raise funds for your company.
- Strategies for standing out at a conference, even when you aren’t a panelist or speaker.
- Why having a bigger truth is so critical to an entrepreneur’s success.
- How to use dynamic networking.
- Andrea shares her secret success hacks.
- The secret to using personal commonalities in business.
- The power and necessity of cold calling
Quotes From the Show
- “You turn every negative into a positive. You turn every question into an opportunity.” - Andrea Madho, Create Your Life Series, #137
- “Wherever I drop, I learn everything. Even if it has nothing to do with what I’m doing.” - Andrea Madho, Create Your Life Series, #137
- “Allow your environment to do the work for you.” - Andrea Madho, Create Your Life Series, #137
- “Just trust yourself. And if you’re a little out there, it’s okay because it helps you be memorable.” - Andrea Madho, Create Your Life Series, #137
- “If people like you, they become your evangelists and they will tell you about things. No entrepreneur is an island. And this is the other secret: get people to help you, to want to help you.”- Andrea Madho, Create Your Life Series, #137
- “Let your network work for you.”- Andrea Madho, Create Your Life Series, #137
- “I became passionate about becoming more.” - Kevin Y. Brown, Create Your Life Series, #137
Resources Mentioned
- Asana
- Salesforce
- HubSpot
- Zoho CRM
- Clothing Sizes Kill: The Environment and Your Ego TEDxClarksonUniversity
Favorite Book
- The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Favorite Quote
- “Everyday, in everyway, I am becoming the woman I want to be.” - Andrea Madho
Keys to Create Your Best Life
- Believe in yourself.
- Try to be humble.
- Never stop learning.
Stay Connected
Create Your Life Series
https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/
https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/
Kevin Y Brown
www.kevinybrown.com
www.instagram.com/kevinybrown
www.twitter.com/kevinybrown
www.facebook.com/kevbrown001
Andrea Madho
www.lab141.com
www.instagram.com/geetamanning
twitter.com/lab141nyc
www.facebook.com/lab141
www.linkedin.com/in/andreamadho
Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on iTunes, Google Podcast, Stitcher and Spotify.
This episode was produced and managed by Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com)
50 min
About Create Your Life Series
From the publisher's feed
The Create Your Life Series is for Self-starters looking to live
life on their own terms. Join award winning entrepreneur, author and speaker
Kevin Y. Brown as he shares the Strategies Behind the Successes of today’s
Trailblazers by uncovering experiences, daily habits and defining moments of
high achievers from around the world. Learn more at cylseries.com