Welcome back to the solo episode of the Dear Black CEO podcast with your host, Karl Sona!

There are major corporations and people at the top looking for us, so it’s about time we start inserting ourselves into the conversation. In the last episode we talked about the value chain and how to participate in it. Today we’re taking it a step further and learning how to actually move up that value chain and get closer to the source. No one can, or even should, build a scalable business on their own, and once you start laying the foundation for high level relationships, you can start getting into high level money.

Jump in and let’s talk more about relationship building further up your value chain.

[00:01 – 05:18] Opening Segment

• I talk about my passion for this podcast show and my vision for change
• Minority inclusion series recap 
• • Part I
  • Part II
  • Part III
  • Part IV
• Job creation among minorities
• Today’s focus 

[05:19 – 12:17] Relationship Building Further Up Your Value Chain

• What happens when you’re closer to the source of the chain 
• • More control, more profit 
  • Competitive advantage
• Examples of getting further up the chain
• The gaps in our current business networking 
• Correcting the issues 
• • People are looking for us
  • Take advantage of the competitive edge
  • It’s time to insert ourselves into the conversation

If you are a black business owner looking to grow your revenue, listen up. There is a major revenue-generating opportunity for you, and The Kas company is here to help you secure the bag. The Kas Company is a black-owned alliance agency specializing in finding and brokering partnerships between black-owned companies and big brands looking to diversify their supply chains.

• See the link below to book your free consultation today

[12:18 – 24:29] Getting Further Up the Value Chain

• You have to be proactive
• • Example from my experience 
  • Disrupt the fear of risk through relationships
  • Start taking initiative 
• Connect and build relationships
• • Know, like, and trust 
  • Figure out the people you need to know
  • Build interest, and be interested
  • Don’t be afraid to educate 
• Getting high level money
• • Build the foundation first 
  • Delegation within the organization
  • Start testing the waters - validate the pain points
  • Get your ‘Black Swan’ moment
• People are looking to open and partner up more than ever 
• Don’t undersell yourself
• • You have the solutions to problems 
• Feel free to start with me! 
• • Shoot me an email at [email protected] and let’s talk
• Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“The closer you are to the source, the more you control the value chain the more profitable you can be.” - Karl Sona 

“A lot of these corporations are looking to connect with people just like us. So, doesn’t it make sense for us to be part of the way that they create and deliver that value in the market…?” - Karl Sona

“At the end of the day, business is all about building relationships. Getting the sale is all about people knowing you and trusting and wanting to ultimately buy from you because they know, like and trust you.” - Karl Sona

Resources Mentioned: 

• Way of the Wolf

If you love the content, please be sure to subscribe below for more access to the empowering conversations of black CEOs and founders.

Let’s connect! Find me on LinkedIn, Instagram or check out my website http://karlsona.com/. And The Kas Company to find out more about my coaching program.

You don’t have to be anyone other than who you are to be a world-class CEO!

Welcome back to another great episode of the Dear BLK CEO Podcast.

Discipline is a mindset that transcends sports, and today you’re going to learn how to adopt the kind of mindset that will lead you to the wealth creation you’re dreaming of. LaVonne Idlette, Managing Member of 1st Class Group, LLC, is an Olympic Athlete who is also an Experienced Executive and Brand Development Consultant & Advisor with a history of building multimillion dollar alternative asset portfolios, and real estate holdings all while vetting and educating the clients for future success. LaVonne is focused on legacy creation, tax mitigation and risk minimization. She has worked with numerous NFL, NBA, Olympic athletes as well as ultra high net worth individuals to reach their lifelong goals.

If you want to learn how to have the same kind of discipline that leads Olympians to victory in business, then jump into this energetic conversation with me and Lavonne. 

Creating Wealth Through Olympian Level Discipline:

[00:01 – 05:18] Opening Segment

• I welcome the LaVonne Idlette to the show
• • Bio
• LaVonne shares the discovery of her gifts
• • No such thing as a stranger 
  • Natural problem solver 
  • How her gifts inform her success in business 
  • Who not how

[05:19 – 18:26] Having Olympian Level Discipline 

• Confidence: the Antidote to Fear
• • The story behind the snake
• LaVonne shares her journey to the Olympics
• • Analogy of the prom and the piggy bank
  • The training process 
  • Race = who’s the fastest, Olympics = who’s the fittest
• When discipline kicks in
• • Pushing through the low days
  • Surrounded by the right people 
• Combating inequality in sports and business 
• • Shining a light 
  • Thoughts on corporate responsibility
• Navigating the transition away from athletics
• • Educating herself while in sports
  • Always hungry to learn

[18:27  – 24:19] Practical and Proactive Wealth Creation 

• LaVonne on Legacy Wealth Creation 
• • 1 - Transferring capital between generations
  • 2 - Transferring knowledge
  • 3 - Leaving a legacy and impact
• How to buy stable income with your wealth 
• • Active vs. passive income 
  • The benefits of real estate investing
  • Raising the next generation on smart money 

• Book your free consultation at: The Kas Company

[24:20 – 36:46] Managing Multiple Businesses and Income Streams

• LaVonne talks about her business streams 
• • Breakdown of LaVonne’s business structure 
  • Creating solutions through real estate 
• How to structure your portfolio from the first step
• • ‘Make more money’
  • Customer development
  • Just get it out there
• LaVonne shares on her networking and education piece 
• • Million$Network: Effective Networking
  • • Links below
• How to reach out to LaVonne
• • Links below 
• Nomination for a future guest - Joshua Mathis 

  [36:47  – 39:08] Random Round

• Favorite hype song to get flowing
• • Jeezy
• What's one negative stereotype associated with Black Culture that needs to be done away with?
• • Poverty - we are flourishing just fine
• What’s your favorite loophole or wealth creation strategy? 
• • Accelerated Depreciation 
• Final words 

Tweetable Quotes:

“It’s all about our decision making to hold people to the standards we want.” - LaVonne Idlette

“Every other day you’re going to feel terrible, tired, sore, other stuff in your life is happening - THAT’S when the discipline kicks in.” - LaVonne Idlette

“Discipline transcends sports, it’s a mindset. I just do whatever’s required.” - LaVonne Idlette

Resources Mentioned:  

• Confidence: The Antidote to Fear
• Lean Customer Development
• Effective Networking Master Class

Reach out to LaVonne on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Also, check out https://lavonne.carrd.co/ for even more ways to connect and learn.

LEAVE A RATING AND REVIEW on Itunes and subscribe to get first access to every inspirational story shared on the show and share with friends and family.

Let’s connect! Find me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or check out my website http://karlsona.com/. And The Kas Company to find out more about my coaching program.

You don’t have to be anyone other than who you are to be a world-class CEO!

Welcome back to the solo episode of the Dear Black CEO podcast with your host, Karl Sona!

It’s my view that the single most important thing that needs to happen to close the wealth gap and promote economic growth among minorities is our participation in the economy itself. No change comes about by focusing on the problem, so in this episode we are going to dive in on what it means to be part of the value chain, why it’s important, and how to break through and serve an active role within it.

Tune in now and let’s talk more about minority participation in mainstream value chains.

[00:01 – 05:00] Opening Segment

• I talk about my passion for this podcast show and my vision for change
• Minority inclusion series recap 
• • Part I
  • Part II
  • Part III
• Narrowing the wealth gap
• Today’s focus 

[05:01 – 14:34] Minority Participation in Mainstream Value Chains

• What is the value chain
• • Definition and examples 
  • Playing a major part in outsourcing 
• Why it’s important
• • Increased entrepreneurship in the minority population 
  • The issues of not being in the value chain 
• The benefits 
• • More wealth and job creation
  • Bringing minority role models to the forefront
  • Less tax burden
  • Opportunities to serve 

If you are a black business owner looking to grow your revenue, listen up. There is a major revenue-generating opportunity for you, and The Kas company is here to help you secure the bag. The Kas Company is a black-owned alliance agency specializing in finding and brokering partnerships between black-owned companies and big brands looking to diversify their supply chains.

• See the link below to book your free consultation today

[14:35 – 25:44] Minority Participation in Mainstream Value Chains - Continued

• What needs to be done to make this happen
• • Education and mentorship 
• The roles we can step into
• • Token roles vs. mainstream roles
• Action items to take today!
• • Think about where you sit currently in the value chain
  • Locate and identify the spot you can go after
  • Understand the needs and gaps of the organization
• Let me know your thoughts!
• • Shoot me an email at [email protected] and let’s talk
• Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“In my opinion the single most critical metric when it comes to being able to truly understand the progress that needs to be made towards minorities becoming more active participants in the economy… is our participation in mainstream value chains.” - Karl Sona

“One of the single most sources of jobs being created for minorities is BY minorities… I think about the number of positive influences and role models that stand to be created when more minorities are allowed to participate in the economy.” - Karl Sona

“I think at the end of the day, we all have a lot more in common than we’ve been led on to believe.” - Karl Sona

If you love the content, please be sure to subscribe below for more access to the empowering conversations of black CEOs and founders.

Let’s connect! Find me on LinkedIn, Instagram or check out my website http://karlsona.com/. And The Kas Company to find out more about my coaching program.

You don’t have to be anyone other than who you are to be a world-class CEO!

Welcome back to another great episode of the Dear BLK CEO Podcast.

This is proof that entrepreneurs that find success are the ones who see the unmet needs and have the creativity to meet them by seeking to serve. In this episode we have, corporate worker turned influential business owner, Kara Sax. Kara is a thought and business leader who serves as CEO of Sax Agency, recognized as one of the preeminent full-service research, marketing, advertising and activation firms. Ditching the corporate ladder, she fulfilled her entrepreneurial dream, lending her voice and advocacy to underserved communities while working with companies and organizations to give transformative solutions with a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. 

Today’s episode is PACKED with value! So tune in as we unravel what it means to create something great by filling those gaps that are going unseen in the marketplace.

Listen to the Notes That Aren’t Being Played:

[00:01 – 06:25] Opening Segment

• I welcome the Kara Sax to the show
• • Bio
• How Kara embodies the Dear Black CEO values 
• Kara shares the inspiration behind her creativity 
• • How Simpsons of all things comes into play 
  • Hearing the notes that aren’t being played 

[06:26 – 27:27] Listen to the Notes that Aren't Being Played

• Kara talks about her journey escaping the corporate world
• How Kara navigated her termination 
• • “I knew I was going to be okay” 
• How the Sax Agency was born
• • Seeing the missing link between edge and analytics 
  • The project that led to its inception 
• A heart and head to serve any and everybody 
• • The experience phase 
  • Working with Debbie Allen
  • Shifting to a collaborative experience
• Kara shares how she attracts ideal clients 
• • Honoring the people in your network
  • Delusional optimism - be a little crazy
  • The law of reciprocity 

• Book your free consultation at: The Kas Company

[27:28  – 44:14] Success is in the Service of Others

• How Kara as a CEO keeps Sax Agency in good shape
• • Don’t chase profitably, define and execute it
• How the industry is changing in this current time
• • Kara’s connection to the George Floyd tragedy 
  • Understanding the heart behind a company before doing business
• You don’t need to hide your business’ identity 
• Focus on your work not the credit behind it 
• Kara talks about her upcoming book - Your Win Within
• How to connect with Kara and her work
• • Links below 
• Who inspires Kara to nominate to be on this show

  [44:15 – 49:34] Random Round

• What’s your go-to ensemble to dress for success?
• • Designer pins and broach - we ain’t here to play 
  • Mixing it up with a jumpsuit/sneaker combo 
• What's one negative stereotype associated with Black Culture that needs to be done away with?
• • That we need to be 10 times better than we are
• What’s your favorite loophole or wealth creation strategy? 
• • SEO !!! 
  • Get yourself a big digital magnet 
• Final words 

Tweetable Quotes:

“‘I’m not listening to the notes that are being played, I’m listening to the notes that are not being played’… I actually have to come in with my own flavor and bring some sauce that other people are not bringing.” - Kara Sax

“What we realized is… It’s a collaborative exchange. Clients, plus us; my employees have to be happy… If I can’t service their creativity, their needs, their happiness, then the output is not going to be what it is.” - Kara Sax

“Look to your left, look to your right, look in front of you and look behind you; and also figure out how you can be in service to them. Because this world is about reciprocity!” - Kara Sax

Resources Mentioned:  

• Your Win Within: Conquering Self-Sabotaging Behavior

Connect and engage with Kara on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. Check out https://thesaxagency.com/ for the best consultation in social media marketing and web design! 

LEAVE A RATING AND REVIEW on Itunes and subscribe to get first access to every inspirational story shared on the show and share with friends and family.

Let’s connect! Find me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or check out my website http://karlsona.com/. And The Kas Company to find out more about my coaching program.

You don’t have to be anyone other than who you are to be a world-class CEO!

Welcome back to the solo episode of the Dear Black CEO podcast with your host, Karl Sona!

No matter how big or small your business is, it’s important to prioritize its health. Today’s solo episode is the third part of our Minority Inclusion series. Last week really honed in on ‘scaling your business,’ and in this episode, we’ll do a deep dive into what it looks like to sustain that growth to stand the test of time. 

Tune in and grab these 8 principles to sustaining growth in your journey to building a successful business. 

[00:01 – 08:04] Opening Segment

• I talk about my passion for this podcast show and my vision for change
• Creating ownership 
• Minority inclusion series recap 
• • Part I
  • Part II
• Today’s focus

[08:05 – 15:54] 8 Principles for Sustaining Growth

• 1st Principles 
• • Gain a strategic clarity 
  • Understand your core competencies 
• 2cd Principle 
• • Get the things you hate/not good at, off your plate
  • Focus in on your ‘bread and butter’
• 3rd Principle 
• • Financial literacy - managing your cash flow 
  • How timing comes into play
  • Episode with Perry Jeffries

If you are a black business owner looking to grow your revenue, listen up. There is a major revenue-generating opportunity for you, and The Kas company is here to help you secure the bag. The Kas Company is a black-owned alliance agency specializing in finding and brokering partnerships between black-owned companies and big brands looking to diversify their supply chains.

• See the link below to book your free consultation today

[15:55 – 28:44] 8 Principles for Sustaining Growth - Continued

• 4th and 5th Principle 
• • 4 - You need to have control systems 
  • How do you track progress in your business?
  • 5 - putting efficient processes in place
• 6th Principle 
• • Don’t let your organizational structure get in your way
  • Example of the Hub and Wheel
• 7th Principle
• • Don’t be more self oriented rather than customer oriented 
• 8th Principle
• • Have a broad service/product offering
  • Example from my own experience
• Let me know what your thoughts are on this
• • Shoot me an email at [email protected] and let’s talk
• Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“At the end of the day we can’t achieve scale if we’re not going to be around for the test of time…” - Karl Sona

“If we don’t know where we’re going, we’re unlikely to actually get there… Having that clarity is key.” - Karl Sona

“Thinking about who it is you serve and how there are additional applications for them to better serve, may give you a little bit more variety in your product offering and how you ultimately position yourself within the marketplace.” - Karl Sona

Resources Mentioned:

• Connect with Perry Jeffries 

If you love the content, please be sure to subscribe below for more access to the empowering conversations of black CEOs and founders.

Let’s connect! Find me on LinkedIn, Instagram or check out my website http://karlsona.com/. And The Kas Company to find out more about my coaching program.

You don’t have to be anyone other than who you are to be a world-class CEO!

Welcome back to another great episode of the Dear BLK CEO Podcast.

Today’s episode is one that’s really special for me, as this is the first time I interview two guests at the same time, but not just any two guests, on this episode we have the power couple Courtney and Dr. Tye Caldwell founders at ShearShare. They share their story on how they created a Startup company that helps a wide variety of barbers, beauty professionals, saloons and barbershop spaces connect with each other in order to turn empty spaces into extra dollars, by providing the opportunity to beauty professionals to rent affordable salon suites, stations of barber chairs near their location or anywhere in the country. ShearShare’s App has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg, Black Enterprise and more. 

Listen as we unroll the challenges of taking a business idea into an app, funding, leadership, couple dynamics, pitching the idea to investors and more as we take on today’s episode: 

The Greatest Engine of Jobs and Wealth Creation for the Beauty and Barbering Industry with The Caldwells 

[00:01 – 12:24] Opening Segment

• I welcome the power couple Dr. Tye Caldwell and Courtney Caldwell founders at Shearshare.com 
• How faith and trust has set the foundation for their marriage and Startup.
• Dr. Tye describes how the seed was planted to create their Startup.
• Courtney talks about her career goals in the corporate world.
• Dr. Tye shares his view on leadership and entrepreneurship within the black female community.
• Courntey’s journey and challenges through the corporate world.

[12:25 – 30:27] Finding a problem to solve

• The power couple explains how the barbershop and beauty salons business work.
• • Clientele and location.
  • First experience at the early stages of their business model.
  • Coming up with the idea for an App to provide their solution.  

• Seeking out wise counsel when coming up with their idea. 
• Building the MVP.
• Courtney shares how their roles are set up and how they complement each other when running a startup together.
• How God is trying to get your attention. 
• I share how in the middle of restless nights I asked myself some tough questions and my mission on this planet. 
• Book your free consultation at: The Kas Company

[30:27  – 53:28] Leadership and taking ShearShare to Silicon Valley

• Dr. Tye describes how some experiences in his life have shaped his leadership skills and style.  
• • Family influence.
  • People who came across his path.
• How they pitched their idea to investors at Silicon Valley 
• •  Winning Startup of the year.
• How to approach investors and what they are expecting when looking to invest in Startups.
• Being open to alternative forms of funding and raising capital.
• Courtney explains why they firmly believe in the phrase: “The riches are in the niches” 
• ShearShare’s niche, future projects and services.
• Connect with our guests, see links below.

[53:29 – 55:48] Random Round

• What’s the best piece of advice you would give your partner onboard with an entrepreneur venture?
• • Dr. Tye: Honesty, sharing the same vision and never leaning to your own understanding.
  • Courtney:  “Feed what you want to live and starve what you want to die”  

• What's one negative stereotype associated with Black Culture that you feel just to do away with?
• • That we are aggressive people .
• What’s your favorite wealth creation strategy for you and your family? 
• •   Diversification. 
  • Helping people to get to where they want to go.

Tweetable Quotes:

“ The peace that I’ve received since jumping away from corporate America and coming into the crazy world of startup foundership I feel I have much more peace, even if it’s not monetary, just being able to wake up every morning and have that sense of peace in my home and in myself, that to me it’s worth something that money can’t buy. ” –  Courtney Caldwell

 “I like to look at leadership as a moral thing, as a respect thing and not as a thing where you are putting someone down to put yourself in front.” –  Dr. Tye Caldwell.

“We happen to be starting with space as a service because we know that no matter what tool a barber picks up: a pair of clippers or some hairspray that a hairstyle needs. They have to have professional space to work.” - Courtney Caldwell

 “Our goal in leaving this legacy is to make sure that ShearShare is the greatest engine of jobs and wealth creation for the beauty and barbering industry ” – Courtney Caldwell.

Connect with the Caldwells at: [email protected], [email protected]. 

Follow them on Instagram with the handle: ShearShare. 

Twitter: @ShearShare and Facebook: ShareShare Facebook’s Page 

Visit their website: www.shearshare.com

LEAVE A RATING AND REVIEW on Itunes and subscribe to get first access to every inspirational story shared on the show and share with friends and family. 

Let’s connect! Find me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or check out my website http://karlsona.com/. And The Kas Company to find out more about my coaching program.

 You don’t have to be anyone other than who you are to be a world-class CEO!

Welcome back to the solo episode of the Dear Black CEO podcast with your host, Karl Sona!

Today’s solo episode is the second part of our Minority Inclusion series. In this particular episode, I will be talking specifically about how to start with the end in mind, focus on scale, and position ourselves to reach new levels in our business.

Let’s listen and dig more about minority inclusion.

[00:01 – 04:35] Opening Segment

• I talk about my passion and mission for this podcast show.
• Creating ownership 
• The book that I am currently reading
• • Minority Business Success by James H. Lowry
• The topic of today’s episode.
• • Some of my takeaways from the book.
  • A few considerations in taking things to the next level.

[04:36 – 11:29] Start with The End in Mind

• How to start with the end in mind?
• The Northstar of what we want to achieve.
• Ensuring your brand is reaching new levels of prestige and notoriety.
• The first 2 phases of business natural trajectories.
• Passing the survival phase.
• If you are a black business owner looking to grow your revenue, listen up. There is a major revenue-generating opportunity for you, and The Kas company is here to help you secure the bag. The Kas Company is a black-owned alliance agency specializing in finding and brokering partnerships between black-owned companies and big brands looking to diversify their supply chains.
• • See the link below to book your free consultation today.
• Fetch opportunities from offering outsource services.

[11:30 – 18:42] Focus Scale

• Think about how we scale and position ourselves.
• Focus on controlling the controlable.
• Find the way to become more valuable and integral parts of the value chains of the major organizations.
• Showing that we are a business of size and scale.
• Obstacles that prevented us from having the opportunity to scale.
• • Wealth gap
• Work on your business vs. within your business.
• Other ways to achieve the scale.
• • acquisition model.
  • Strategic alliances.
• The points of scale especially for start-up or survival.
• Let me know what your thoughts are on this.
• • Shoot me an email at [email protected] 
• What is coming up on next week’s solo episode?
• Final words.

Tweetable Quotes:

“Getting more sales is the first thing that we need to be the focused on if we want to grow .” – Karl Sona.

“Find the way to become more valuable and integral parts of the value chains of the major organizations.” - Karl Sona.

“The challenge is we don't get those opportunities without showing that we are a business of size and scale.”- Karl Sona.

If you love the content, please be sure to subscribe below for more access to the empowering conversations of black CEOs and founders.

Let’s connect! Find me on LinkedIn, Instagram or check out my website http://karlsona.com/. And The Kas Company to find out more about my coaching program.

You don’t have to be anyone other than who you are to be a world-class CEO!

Welcome back to another powerful episode of the Dear BLK CEO Podcast.

 In today’s episode, we are very blessed to be joined by an inspirational CEO that is on a mission to inspire social change through immersive storytelling, her name is Kenia Mattis. She is the CEO AND founder of ListenMi Caribbean, an award-winning Animation & Digital Design Studio that focuses on storytelling for social change.

Her productions of note include a Sesame Street short film called ‘D is for Dress Up;’ the award-winning animation concept The Adventures of Kam Kam, League of Maroons, and Fimimoji.com.

Let’s tune in and dig more about Kenia’s inspiring story in creating social change through storytelling.

[00:01 – 06:00] Opening Segment

• Before we get into the episode today, I want you to know that you can gain the security, ownership, and time Freedom You Want by building a business around a solution that only you can provide. 
• • Head over to karlsona.com/giftassessment to download the free quiz that will help you figure out what you're uniquely qualified to do.
• I introduce the guest, Kenia Mattis.
• Kenia talks about how animation creates a profound way for us to identify ourselves in the real world.
• The power of animation 
• • Animation allows you to stretch your mind, expand your horizon, and leaves you a vivid image that lives beyond the end of the story.

[06:01 – 15:19] The Spiritual Confirmation 

• Kenia shares about her journey from the beginning of her study.
• The process of taking the leap and act of faith to her dream.
• Kenia talks about avoiding the golden handcuff of the corporate.
• • Placing her values in the future and setting the direction of her next step.
• The spiritual confirmation to start the journey.
• Finding the confidence and passion.
• Qualify yourself by doing and learning.
• Perseverance and continuity.
• Building, measuring, and learning.

[15:20 – 23:59] The Sacrifice and The North Star

• The personal sacrifice in starting her business 
• • Taking the bet on herself 
  • Bootstrapping 
• Kenia talks about how she invested herself emotionally, physically, and financially.
• Sacrificing her old self, wellness, and health to drive forward.
• If you are a black business owner looking to grow your revenue, listen up. There is a major revenue-generating opportunity for you, and The Kas company is here to help you secure the bag. The Kas Company is a black-owned alliance agency specializing in finding and brokering partnerships between black-owned companies and big brands looking to diversify their supply chains.
• • See the link below to book your free consultation today.
• Kenia talks about her north star to strive and grow
• • The value of Jamaican storytelling.

[24:00 – 31:39] Leverage Storytelling to Create Social Change

• Why it is important that the content is being created by the members of the community.
• Two sides of her storytelling business. 
• • Helping people to build their business by becoming their thinking partners.
  • Develop original products and projects
• Helps Jamaican companies to be digitally fluent and connect with their audience.
• The values of Jamaican stories and products 
• Kenia breaks down the main obstacles for Jamaican cooperation in digital communication.
• Connect with people where they are.
• The caring aspect in corporate communication.
• Building trust and relationships in business transactions.

[31:40 – 41:00] Fund and Revenue Side

• Kenia talks about several ways of funding the capital in the business
• Gaining early customers.
• Grant funding.
• Initial funders.
• Revenue model side.
• • Services and products.
• Kenia talks about self-doubt amongst creatives and entrepreneurs.
• • The quickest way to get rid of self-doubt is action.
• Digital workshops for kids
• • Greater cakes
  • The Adventures of Kam Kam - Space Explorer
• Who is one black CEO in your network that you think would be influential and a good fit for the Dear Black CEO Podcast?
• • Monique Powell

[41:01 – 43:13] Random Round

• What is your favorite cultural dish that I have got to check out when I come to Jamaica?
• • Ackee and saltfish with roasted breadfruit and fresh green plantain
• What's one negative stereotype associated with Jamaican or Black Culture that you feel just to do away with?
• • That we always know some famous people.
  • Not a business-friendly environment
• What is your favorite character in the league of maroons?
• • Melissa 
• Final words from me.

Tweetable Quotes:

“Animation allows you to stretch your mind, expand your horizon, and leaves you a vivid image that lives beyond the end of the story.” –  Kenia Mattis.

“The big part of communication is so that people would care about what it is that you are saying.” –   Kenia Mattis.

“At the end of the day business transactions are founded on relationships, therefore building that connection through appealing stories is very important.” – Kenia Mattis.

“The quickest way to get rid of self-doubt is action.” – Kenia Mattis.

Find out more and connect with Kenia on Instagram, and LinkedIn.You can also visit her business page at https://www.listenmi.com/. 

LEAVE A RATING AND REVIEW on Itunes and subscribe to get first access to every inspirational story shared on the show and share with friends and family.

Let’s connect! Find me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or check out my website http://karlsona.com/. And The Kas Company to find out more about my coaching program.

You don’t have to be anyone other than who you are to be a world-class CEO!

Welcome back to the solo episode of the Dear Black CEO podcast with your host, Karl Sona!

Today’s episode is titled: Minority Inclusion, and this will also be the start of a new series on the topic of economic Inclusion of minorities, especially for the black community in America. In this episode, I will be talking specifically about the concept of minority inclusion, the current situation of economic inclusion for minorities. In addition to that, I will also discuss the influence of minority inclusion on the health of the American economy and its future.

Let’s listen and dig more about minority inclusion.

[00:01 – 04:45] Opening Segment

• Before we get into the episode today, I want you to know that you can gain the security, ownership, and time Freedom You Want by building a business around a solution that only you can provide. 
• • Head over to karlsona.com/giftassessment to download the free quiz that will help you figure out what you're uniquely qualified to do.
• I talk about my vision and purpose for this podcast.
• The number one killer of the black-owned start-up.
• • Lack of mentorships and networking opportunities.
• The topic of today’s episode.
• • The concept of minority inclusion.
  • Economic inclusion for minorities in the US.

[04:46 – 11:09] Minority Inclusion 

• What economic inclusion means?
• • A market economy that ensures everyone gets fair and full access to labor markets, regardless of their background, race, etc.
• Powerful statistics of minorities in the American economy.
• The financial risk of a start-up business.
• The wealth gap.
• If you are a black business owner looking to grow your revenue, listen up. There is a major revenue-generating opportunity for you, and The Kas company is here to help you secure the bag. The Kas Company is a black-owned alliance agency specializing in finding and brokering partnerships between black-owned companies and big brands looking to diversify their supply chains.
• • See the link below to book your free consultation today.

[11:10 – 19:54] Minorities Participation in Value Chain 

• The challenges for minority-owned businesses
• • Participate in the value chain.

• I share an example of one of the American value chains.
• The statistics of minorities' participation in the value chain.
• The entrepreneur aspiration of the black community in America.
• The reason why minority inclusion is critical.
• We need to find a way to raise the level within our organizations to develop our skill-set.
• The future of our nation’s prosperity.
• Please leave any feedback or share any topics you would like me to cover in the next episode.
• Final words.

Tweetable Quotes:

“The biggest challenge for minority-owned businesses is to be able to participate in the value chain .” – Karl Sona.

“Entrepreneurial aspiration is equivalent in the black community relevant to the white community core competency.” - Karl Sona.

“It's one thing to give philanthropically, but it's another to cultivate a recurring and predictable revenue stream on the back end of that philanthropy that allows us the opportunity to grow as a viable business.”- Karl Sona.

“Our nation's future depends on us as minorities to rise, prosper, and to achieve the American dream.”- Karl Sona.

If you love the content, please be sure to subscribe below for more access to the empowering conversations of black CEOs and founders.

Let’s connect! Find me on LinkedIn, Instagram or check out my website http://karlsona.com/. And The Kas Company to find out more about my coaching program.

You don’t have to be anyone other than who you are to be a world-class CEO!

Welcome back to another powerful episode of the Dear BLK CEO Podcast.

In today’s episode, we are joined by a special guest known and recognized internationally as the “Entrepreneurs CFO” , his name is Perry Jeffries III. He is the president of Diamond Equity advisors. Perry and his team specialize in Consulting six and seven-figure entrepreneurs that are trying to figure out how to create wealth through their businesses. They are one of the few firms across the globe that hold a certified profit first professional certification. 

Let’s dig in and learn more about Perry’s inspiring story of how he builds his business and legacy.

[00:01 – 05:44] Opening Segment

• Before we get into the episode today, I want you to know that you can gain the security, ownership, and time Freedom You Want by building a business around a solution that only you can provide. 
• • Head over to karlsona.com/giftassessment to download the free quiz that will help you figure out what you're uniquely qualified to do.
• I introduce the guest, Perry Jeffries.
• Perry shares his background and how he was raised.

[05:45 – 16:00] The Start of Entrepreneurship Journey

• Perry’s first introduction to entrepreneurship journey.
• Perry shares the story of when he lost his job in the corporate world.
• The psychology and mindset shift of entrepreneurship.
• Be the most valuable and impactful to the marketplace by helping those entrepreneurs to get in gear.
• Perry breaks down what CFO means.
• Fractional CFO.

[16:01 – 25:33] Build Your Business and Create Legacy 

• Perry defines what wealth is.
• Why W2 job is not the most efficient way to create wealth.
• The holistic view of wealth.
• Statistical standpoint.
• If you are a black business owner looking to grow your revenue, listen up. There is a major revenue-generating opportunity for you, and The Kas company is here to help you secure the bag. The Kas Company is a black-owned alliance agency specializing in finding and brokering partnerships between black-owned companies and big brands looking to diversify their supply chains.
• • See the link below to book your free consultation today.
• The difference between hustle and business.
• • You can pass a business onto your kids, but it has to be structured the right way.
• The key to entrepreneurship piece.
• • You have to build a business, knowing that you're going to pass away one day.

[25:34 – 39:00] The Value of Team

• The origins of Diamond equity advisors.
• Fully licensed investment advisory firm.
• A home for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
• What you will get from working with diamond equity advisors.
• • A team of entrepreneurs.
• Build up the systems.
• The market customers of Diamond Equity Advisors
• • Five indicator issues.
• The products of Diamond Equity Advisors.
• The Kash flow club.
• Create the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• How to connect with Perry.
• • See links below.
• Perry shares one key takeaway.
• • The value of a team
• Who is one black CEO in your network that you think would be influential and a good fit for the Dear Black CEO Podcast?
• • Donna James

[39:01 – 44:02] Random Round

• Who’s going to the playoff this year in the basketball league?
• • Team LeBron.
• What's one negative stereotype associated with Black Culture that you feel just to do away with?
• • The flashiness.
• What's your favorite strategy or loophole towards creating generational wealth?
• • Create assets that generate income and get more assets.
• Final words from me.

Tweetable Quotes:

“When it comes to the wealth piece, we have to look holistically; it’s not just about the financial freedom but also the time freedom.” –  Perry Jeffries.

“You have to build a business, knowing that you're going to pass away one day.” –  Perry Jeffries.

“We got to work with each other and build with each other.” – Perry Jeffries.

“you can't go about this entrepreneurship thinking that you are going to do this by yourself; you’re going to have to have a team.” – Perry Jeffries.

Find out more and connect with Perry on Instagram, LinkedIn and his business page https://www.perryjeffries.com/. You can also visit www.THEKASHFLOWCLUB.com to join the club.

LEAVE A RATING AND REVIEW on Itunes and subscribe to get first access to every inspirational story shared on the show and share with friends and family.

Let’s connect! Find me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or check out my website http://karlsona.com/. And The Kas Company to find out more about my coaching program.

You don’t have to be anyone other than who you are to be a world-class CEO!