Daily Inspiration: The Steve Harvey Morning Show

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Cheryl Bevelle-Orange.

Retired Chief Information Officer (CIO) of FedEx Custom Critical and author of The Courage to Continue: Navigating Your Corporate Journey, shares her inspiring story of rising from humble beginnings in Bessemer, Alabama, to becoming a high-ranking executive in a Fortune 500 company. The conversation centers on her book’s core themes: mentorship, advocacy, and sponsorship.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

1. Why She Wrote the Book

• Cheryl is a first-generation corporate American whose parents were a coal miner and a teacher.
• Initially written as a guide for her children, the book evolved into a broader resource for anyone navigating corporate life, especially first-generation professionals.
• The pandemic inspired her to add a section for leaders managing first-gen employees.

1. Career at FedEx

• Spent 26 years at FedEx, culminating in her role as CIO of FedEx Custom Critical.
• FedEx Custom Critical handles specialized logistics, such as transporting refrigerated COVID-19 vaccines.
• Her role involved overseeing IT infrastructure, data, and systems—a rare position for African-American women in tech.

1. Mentorship, Advocacy, and Sponsorship

• Cheryl breaks down the differences:
• Mentors help build skills and confidence (like background singers preparing the lead).
• Sponsors are like PR agents who open doors and promote you.
• Advocates speak up for you in rooms where you’re not present.
• These three pillars were essential to her success and are critical for young professionals, especially minorities.

1. Overcoming Barriers

• Cheryl shares how racism and gender bias in tech were real challenges.
• Her first mentor was a white male who saw her potential and helped her navigate corporate culture.
• She emphasizes the importance of resilience, perspective, and turning frustration into action.

1. Personal Motivation

• A pivotal childhood moment: seeing her grandfather sign an “X” at the bank because he couldn’t write.
• That experience ignited her drive for education and excellence.
• She wanted to see the world beyond Bessemer and use her knowledge to help others do the same.

1. Diversity & Inclusion at FedEx

• Cheryl co-founded the FedEx African-American Committee, now a Business Resource Group (BRG).
• Initiatives included:
• Resume building and interview prep
• Black History Month events with speakers like Donna Brazile and Ben Hooks
• Creating safe spaces for Black employees to grow and connect

📘 About the Book

• Title: The Courage to Continue: Navigating Your Corporate Journey
• Available at: CherylBevelleOrange.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble

#AMI

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

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

• Master Certified Executive Coach
• Organizational Psychologist
• Founder of Personality Matters, a multimillion-dollar consulting firm

🌟 Key Themes 1. What Is a Master Certified Executive Coach?

• Dr. Collier is credentialed by the International Coach Federation and trained in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP).
• She helps individuals and organizations reach their goals through structured, science-based coaching.

2. Organizational Psychology

• Focuses on aligning people, processes, and technology for optimal performance.
• Uses diagnostics and gap analysis to tailor strategies for individuals and companies.

3. The Science of Connection

• Emphasizes the importance of relationships and emotional intelligence.
• Promotes the idea of “never walk alone” — building a supportive network is key to success.

4. Rise Framework

• Relational
• Interpersonal
• Social
• Emotional
  Used to help individuals and teams grow holistically.

5. Challenges in the Workplace

• Dr. Collier addresses modern workplace stress, technology overload, and the need for intentionality.
• Encourages people to take control of their mindset and routines (e.g., ditch the snooze button!).

6. Black Women in the Workplace

• Acknowledges systemic barriers but focuses on solutions and building strong support systems.
• Advocates for certification and professional development to access higher-level opportunities.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “Success is less about speed and more about direction.”
• “If someone knocks you down, it’s their fault. If you stay down, it’s yours.”
• “Your personality will take you into any room.”

🏢 About Her Company: Personality Matters

• Specializes in helping organizations and individuals improve performance through behavioral science.
• Ranked #9 on the University of Georgia’s Bulldog 100 list of fastest-growing businesses.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMI

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Attorney Jalene Mack.

Widely known as “America’s Favorite Entertainment Attorney.” The episode focuses on protecting creative and business assets, avoiding scams, and building a solid foundation for success in the entertainment industry and beyond.

🎯 Key Themes & Takeaways 🔹 The Lure of the Bad Deal

• Jalene warns about scammers posing as producers or financiers in the entertainment industry.
• These individuals often:
  • Claim to have access to major networks or funding.
  • Ask creators to sign away rights or pay deposits under false pretenses.
  • Lack a verifiable digital footprint (e.g., no IMDb, LinkedIn, or credible references).
• Rushion emphasizes the danger of the “lottery mentality” — believing one deal will change everything.

🛡️ Legal Red Flags

• Never assign your copyright without legal review.
• Be cautious of contracts that require you to relinquish ownership or control.
• Escrow accounts can be manipulated if you don’t control the signature authority.
• Always verify the legitimacy of a deal and the people behind it.

🧠 Jalene Mack’s Top 10 Business Development Tips

1. Identify Your Project

   • Know what you’re creating (film, TV, product, etc.).
   • Define the scope and format clearly.

2. Make Sure You Have a Plan

   • Create a business and finance plan.
   • Know where your funding will come from and how it will be used.

3. Form a Team

   • Surround yourself with experts (lawyers, accountants, producers).
   • Avoid “yes people” — you need honest feedback.

4. Prepare a Budget

   • Hire a line producer or financial expert.
   • Account for everything: cast, crew, locations, marketing, etc.

5. Form a Business Entity

   • Establish an LLC or corporation to protect your personal assets.

6. Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   • Required for tax and banking purposes.

7. Open a Business Bank Account

   • Keep personal and business finances separate.

8. Protect Your Assets

   • Register copyrights and trademarks.
   • Use NDAs (non-disclosure agreements) to safeguard ideas.

9. Contracts

   • Always put agreements in writing.
   • Hire an attorney experienced in your specific industry (e.g., film, music, TV).

10. Marketing

    • Don’t assume people will show up just because your product is good.
    • Build a brand and promote it strategically.

📚 Jalene’s Book

• Title: The Business of Stage Screen and In Between
• A practical guide for performers, playwrights, filmmakers, and entrepreneurs.

🗣️ Final Thoughts

• Rushion praises Jalene’s decades-long expertise and her role in protecting creatives.
• Jalene encourages listeners to invest in legal protection and business planning to avoid costly mistakes.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMI

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