DEI isn’t just a moral stance... it’s a business imperative.

In this powerful conversation, Dr. V Boykin breaks down the real cost of being Black in business and how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) directly impact revenue, market opportunities, and leadership dynamics. From overcoming systemic barriers to navigating corporate spaces, Dr. V shares hard truths about the modern workplace, allyship, and the underestimated power of Black buying power.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why all products are inherently “woke” and what that means for business
• How to measure DEI impact and create sustainable, profitable change
• Recognizing privilege and injustice and accepting accountability while embracing change
• How to maintain individuality, light, and confidence while navigating injustice in the workplace 
• The business case for DEI and why ignoring it is a costly mistake
• How allyship goes beyond good intentions to real action 
• And much more

If you’re ready for a raw, unfiltered look at DEI, leadership, and the future of equity in business, this is the masterclass episode you need to hear.

Want to experience even more? Watch the video version of this interview.

• Follow Dr. V Boykin On LinkedIn For Equity Thought Leadership, GTM Enablement, Culture Impact, & More
• Interested In Working With Or Booking Dr. V To Speak? Visit Dr V's Website
• Buy Dr. V's Book "Fix Your Face & Watch Your Tone"
• Subscribe To My New Weekly LinkedIn Newsletter: Strategize. Market. Grow.
• Buy My Book, Strategize Up: The Blueprint To Scale Your Business: StrategizeUpBook.com
• Discover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast Network
• Try GetResponse For FREE On Me To Monetize Your Content: GetResopnse Content Monetization Plan

Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: 

• Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews
• Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy
• Need Growth Strategy, A Keynote Speaker, Or Want To Sponsor The Podcast? Go To FindTroy.com
• Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy
• Subscribe to Troy's YouTube Channel

From hoodies to hip-hop, from cultural influence to corporate boardrooms—your identity is your brand’s greatest asset. In this Masterclass episode, Evante Daniels returns to unpack the power of authenticity in branding and how embracing your unique identity can translate into profitability. We explore the psychology behind brand confidence, the impact of personal style in professional spaces, and why cultural IP is one of the most undervalued assets in business.

But here’s the truth—if you don’t tie your branding and positioning to ROI, the market won’t either. Evante breaks down why companies cut diversity initiatives, why cultural branding often gets overlooked, and how Black entrepreneurs can strategically position themselves to not just be seen, but to drive revenue and business growth. It’s not just about showing up—it’s about making sure your presence is tied to measurable impact, market share, and long-term brand equity.

We also break down real-world examples of cultural branding done right—from hip-hop moguls to streetwear legends—and how businesses can leverage their narratives to elevate influence, establish credibility, and turn cultural capital into actual capital.

Whether you’re a creator, executive, or entrepreneur, this conversation will challenge you to rethink your brand positioning, embrace your full identity, and ensure your brand isn't just culturally relevant—but financially powerful.

Tap in for Part 3 of this powerful Masterclass with Evante Daniels!

Listen to Part 1 of our conversation here.

Listen to Part 2 of our conversation here.

Beyond The Episode Gems:

• Follow Evante Daniels On LinkedIn For Creative & Brand Insights, Strategy, Content, & Memes
• Interested In Working With Evante and Seeqer? Visit Seeqer Website For Services, Case Studies, & Getting Started
• Buy Evante's Book "Power, Beats, & Rhymes: Reclaiming Our Cultural Voice"
• Subscribe To My New Weekly LinkedIn Newsletter: Strategize. Market. Grow.
• Buy My Book, Strategize Up: The Blueprint To Scale Your Business: StrategizeUpBook.com
• Discover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast Network
• Try GetResponse For FREE On Me To Monetize Your Content: GetResopnse Content Monetization Plan

Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: 

• Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews
• Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy
• Need Growth Strategy, A Keynote Speaker, Or Want To Sponsor The Podcast? Go To FindTroy.com
• Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy
• Subscribe to Troy's YouTube Channel

Your brand name isn’t just a name: it’s your gateway to capital, credibility, and growth! From culture shock to capital gains, your brand could be the key to unlocking major opportunities or keeping you stuck in the hustle. In this masterclass episode Part 2 with branding expert Evante Daniels, we break down the branding science Black businesses need to succeed!

We dive deep into:

• Why your brand name can be the difference between getting funded or forgotten
• The two ways to create demand (and why most fail)
• How to position your brand for growth without losing cultural authenticity
• The branding mistakes that cost Black businesses capital and credibility
• The power of strategic naming, perception, and Cultural IP in breaking business barriers

Think about how Beyoncé built an empire, how Nike’s branding made them legendary, and how companies like Apple and Adidas have mastered the art of brand perception. These aren’t just names—they’re strategic assets rooted in Cultural IP, market psychology, and identity positioning that drive influence and revenue.

If you want to elevate your brand beyond the culture and into boardrooms, bank accounts, and billion-dollar opportunities, this episode is for you. Too often, Black entrepreneurs brand based on passion rather than positioning. But your brand must speak the language of capital if you want to break barriers and build generational wealth. If you’re serious about turning your culture into capital and your brand into a business that thrives, and not just survives, this episode is a must-listen.

Listen to Part 1 of our conversation here.

Beyond The Episode Gems:

• Follow Evante Daniels On LinkedIn For Creative & Brand Insights, Strategy, Content, & Memes
• Interested In Working With Evante and Seeqer? Visit Seeqer Website For Services, Case Studies, & Getting Started
• Buy Evante's Book "Power, Beats, & Rhymes: Reclaiming Our Cultural Voice"
• Subscribe To My New Weekly LinkedIn Newsletter: Strategize. Market. Grow.
• Buy My Book, Strategize Up: The Blueprint To Scale Your Business: StrategizeUpBook.com
• Discover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast Network
• Try GetResponse For FREE On Me To Monetize Your Content: GetResopnse Content Monetization Plan

Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: 

• Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews
• Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy
• Need Growth Strategy, A Keynote Speaker, Or Want To Sponsor The Podcast? Go To FindTroy.com
• Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy
• Subscribe to Troy's YouTube Channel

Branding is NOT just your logo, colors, or typography. It is perception. It is how people see you, interpret you, and experience you.

In this masterclass episode, creative strategist and brand expert Evante Daniels, CSO & Founder of Seeqer, breaks down his biggest branding pet peeves, why marginal market differentiation is the key to success, and how trying to be too different can actually hurt your brand. If your brand stands out more than 5% from the standard, you risk losing connection with your audience. Think of it like seasoning—too much, and no one wants to eat it.

We dive into brand standards, color theory, market framing, positioning, and consumer psychology to help you build a brand that resonates while infusing culture to influence brand perception to expand community and loyalty. 

You do not need to reinvent everything. You need to find your lane. Your brand should reflect who you are becoming, not just where you are today.

It is not about faking it until you make it. It is about positioning yourself with passion, potential, and power.

This is Part 1 of a must-listen branding conversation.

Beyond The Episode Gems:

• Follow Evante Daniels On LinkedIn For Creative & Brand Insights, Strategy, Content, & Memes
• Interested In Working With Evante and Seeqer? Visit Seeqer Website For Services, Case Studies, & Getting Started
• Buy Evante's Book "Power, Beats, & Rhymes: Reclaiming Our Cultural Voice"
• Subscribe To My New Weekly LinkedIn Newsletter: Strategize. Market. Grow.
• Buy My Book, Strategize Up: The Blueprint To Scale Your Business: StrategizeUpBook.com
• Discover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast Network
• Try GetResponse For FREE On Me To Monetize Your Content: GetResopnse Content Monetization Plan

Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: 

• Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews
• Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy
• Need Growth Strategy, A Keynote Speaker, Or Want To Sponsor The Podcast? Go To FindTroy.com
• Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy
• Subscribe to Troy's YouTube Channel

Most brands are running marketing strategies built for a world that no longer exists. We all want to create a movement, capture demand at scale, and dominate a market. But how do we do that today?

For most marketers, Account-Based Marketing (ABM) is the gold standard: highly targeted, sales-aligned, and built to close high-value accounts. Then you have Market-Based Marketing (MBM), which expands the lens to broader demand capture, category creation, and positioning at scale. But the REAL power shift to consider? Let me introduce you to Community-Based Marketing (CBM). CBM isn’t just about audience segmentation; it’s about integration. 

ABM is transactional at its core. It’s focused on getting the deal, not necessarily building a lasting relationship. And in a world where trust is the currency, ABM alone isn’t enough. MBM is noisy. It requires a massive investment in awareness, content, and brand positioning. And in today’s world of oversaturated content, it’s harder than ever to cut through. CBM is about embedding your brand into the daily lives of the people who actually matter.

With ABM, you’re pitching from the outside. With MBM, you’re broadcasting to the masses. But with CBM, you’re technically already in the room.

Instead of hoping they see your ad, you’re in their inbox. Instead of forcing them to book a demo, they’re asking you for a call. Instead of convincing them to trust you, they’re defending your brand against competitors. Doesn't that sound amazing? Well trust me it is possible by recalibrating Account-Based Marketing and Market-Based Marketing with Community-Based Marketing that aligns with Value-Based Marketing, turning your community into your growth engine: generating organic conversations, referrals, and loyalty that no ad spend can replicate.

Beyond The Episode Gems:

• Subscribe To My New Weekly LinkedIn Newsletter: Strategize. Market. Grow.
• Buy My Book, Strategize Up For The Blueprint To Scale Your Business: StrategizeUpBook.com
• Discover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast Network
• Try GetResponse For FREE On Me To Monetize Your Content: GetResopnse Content Monetization Plan

Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: 

• Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews
• Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy
• Need Growth Strategy, A Keynote Speaker, Or Want To Sponsor The Podcast? Go To FindTroy.com
• Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy
• Subscribe to Troy's YouTube Channel

Brutal truth: most businesses can’t sell up and can’t market down.

Many struggle to position themselves in a way that earns the attention of high-value buyers while simultaneously failing to resonate with the people who actually influence buying decisions. 

Your messaging isn’t just about what you say, but who hears it. If you’re not speaking in outcomes and business impact, executives won’t listen. If your marketing doesn’t focus on relevance and usability, frontline users won’t advocate for you.

In this episode, we break down how to:

• Sell Up & Market Down by aligning your messaging to decision-makers, mid-level managers, and frontline users.

• Balance the Power of Three: Attraction, Activation, and Advocacy to drive conversions.

• Tailor Communication for Impact: Speak to THE ONE x 1,000,000² with a strategic, layered approach that wins buy-in across all levels.

To win, you don’t just need better marketing, more sales leads, and higher conversions...

+ You need marketing that moves through the entire decision-making chain.

+ You need sales strategies that influence every decision-maker in the room.

+ You need conversion tactics that turn interest into action at every stage of the funnel.

Bonus: Go check out my newsletter for additional value outside of this episode on converting more! 

Beyond The Episode Gems:

• Subscribe To My New Weekly LinkedIn Newsletter: Strategize. Market. Grow.

• Buy My Book, Strategize Up For The Blueprint To Scale Your Business: StrategizeUpBook.com

• Discover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast Network

•  Try GetResponse For FREE On Me To Monetize Your Content: GetResopnse Content Monetization Plan

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Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: 

• Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews

•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy

• Need Growth Strategy, A Keynote Speaker, Or Want To Sponsor The Podcast? Go To FindTroy.com

•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

•  Subscribe to Troy's YouTube Channel

The internet moves fast, but does that mean your marketing should? In today’s world of instant gratification, the pressure to react quickly and chase trends can lead to shallow strategies, unrealistic expectations, short-lived success, and unsustainable results. But it’s not just about marketing—it’s about leadership, too. If executives don’t give marketing, strategy, or people the time to grow, they’ll never see real results. What if the real key to sustainable growth is slowing down, embracing patience, letting things breathe, and giving people, ideas, and strategies the space to actually develop?

In this episode, we unpack:

• Why speed can sabotage your long-term marketing success.

• The danger of forcing speed over strategy in decision-making, team-building, and brand positioning.

• The underrated power of stillness and strategic patience in business.

• Why executives often demand immediate marketing results—yet fail to invest the time needed for real impact.

• How rushing to “be first” often results in noise, not impact.

• The thought leadership trap: it's not about "telling" —it’s about engaging, guiding, and building real influence.

• How a lack of patience in leadership leads to high turnover, rushed marketing, and ineffective campaigns.

• Oh, and… TikTok went down, panic ensued, and then it came back. What does that tell us about digital hysteria?

If you’ve ever felt pressured to constantly do more in marketing, this is your reminder that real influence and business longevity come from thoughtful action—not just rapid reaction. Tune in and learn why slowing down might be the fastest way to scale up.

Beyond The Episode Gems:

• Subscribe To My New Weekly LinkedIn Newsletter: Strategize. Market. Grow.

• Buy My Book, Strategize Up For The Blueprint To Scale Your Business: StrategizeUpBook.com

• Discover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast Network

•  Try GetResponse For FREE On Me To Monetize Your Content: GetResopnse Content Monetization Plan

#####

Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: 

• Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews

•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy

• Need Growth Strategy, A Keynote Speaker, Or Want To Sponsor The Podcast? Go To FindTroy.com

•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

•  Subscribe to Troy's YouTube Channel

Is your calendar positioning you to thrive, or is it an endless wasteland of undone tasks and busy work? Let’s not bring that energy into 2025! Explore what your calendar reveals about you, your priorities, and your goals—and how to align it with a vision for success.

This episode will break down:

• Why your calendar is the ultimate scorecard of your time and priorities.

• How to identify what to eliminate, delegate, or outsource to regain focus.

• Lessons from 2020 that can guide your strategy during today’s challenges.

• Practical tips to navigate the chaos of 2025 with clarity and purpose.

• The importance of adding more humanity and flexibility into your marketing and communication strategies.

By the end of this episode, you’ll feel empowered to make smarter decisions, elevate your productivity, and approach 2025 with a more human-centered, impactful approach to your business and life. Ready to thrive? Let’s dive in!

Beyond The Episode Gems:

• Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up That Is Referenced In This Episode: StrategizeUpBook.com

• Discover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast Network

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Help People Affected By California Wildfires:

•  California Fire Foundation Wildfire & Disaster Relief Fund: The California Fire Foundation works with local fire agencies and community-based organizations to provide ongoing and long-term support to communities affected by wildfires.

• World Central Kitchen: WCK is already on the ground in Southern California to aid first responders and evacuees, providing fresh meals to first responders and communities impacted.

• Direct Relief: DF's California Fire Relief provides N-95 masks, medicine, and resources to healthcare agencies and first responders in areas affected by wildfires.

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Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: 

• Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews

•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy

• Need Growth Strategy, A Keynote Speaker, Or Want To Sponsor The Podcast? Go To FindTroy.com

•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

•  Subscribe to Troy's YouTube Channel

Ready to transform your business for 2025? In this episode, discover the 6-4-3 Formula—a simple yet powerful framework that blends strategy, clarity, and action to help you grow, position, and communicate your business like never before. If you're tired of spinning your wheels, this is the game-changing episode you need to kickstart the New Year with purpose and results!

This episode pulls from Troy's book Strategize Up as a starting point and expands in additional frameworks, tactics, and principles to help you elevate your business in every way possible this coming year.

What You'll Learn:

The 6 Core Principles To Grow Your Business:
• Clarity, leverage, optimization, vision, value, and execution—what they mean and how to implement them.

4 Key Strategies To Position Your Business:
• Credibility, authority, social proof, and creating the perception of high value to stand out in your industry.

The 3 Essentials To Communicate Effectively:
• Using emotion, action, and the right content type to connect with your audience and drive engagement.

Why Quantity vs. Quality Doesn’t Matter:
• Learn why value is the real differentiator and how to deliver it consistently.

How To Build Advocacy & Elevation:
Turn your audience into buyers, advocates, and elevators who amplify your brand’s message.

Why Listen:
This episode goes beyond theory, giving you practical steps to align your vision, messaging, and strategy in 2025 breaking down complex ideas into actionable takeaways, sharing insights from years of experience helping businesses scale sustainably. So if  you're serious about making 2025 your breakthrough year, tune in now to learn how to apply the 6-4-3 Formula to your business!

Start your New Year strong—press play and level up!

Beyond The Episode Gems:

• Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM Platform

• Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up That Is Referenced In This Episode: StrategizeUpBook.com

• Discover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast Network

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Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: 

• Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews

•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy

• Need Growth Strategy, A Keynote Speaker, Or Want To Sponsor The Podcast? Go To FindTroy.com

•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

•  Subscribe to Troy's YouTube Channel

What’s your million?

A million anything can be impressive—or insignificant—depending on the context.
A million breaths keep us alive for a little over a month.
A million stars is barely a fraction of our galaxy.
Elon Musk's net worth is $400 billion which is 400 thousand millions.

A million can mean everything or nothing, depending on how you look at it.

For me, surpassing one million downloads felt impossible—until it wasn’t.

In this episode, I dive into what chasing your million really means:

• The parallel between success and sacrifice: are we willing to endure what it takes to achieve the big goals we dream about?

• Why consistency matters more than perfection—starting and showing up creates more opportunities for success than stopping or never starting at all.

• How what feels small today can snowball into something vast if you just keep going.

The truth is, whatever your million represents—whether it’s a business, a dream, or a vision—it’s going to demand something from you. Success always runs parallel with suffering, discomfort, and hard choices. The question is: are you willing to do the work and make the sacrifices to get there?

A million downloads didn’t happen because I planned it perfectly—it happened because I started. 

I kept going. I stayed in motion.

If you’re chasing your own version of a million, remember this: starting matters. Staying consistent matters. It puts you in the game and gives you a shot at something bigger than you ever thought possible.

What’s your million?

And are you willing to chase it?

Press play. Let’s talk about it.

Beyond The Episode Gems:

• Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM Platform

• Use The Same Recording Platform I Use For My Podcast, Try Riverside.fm For Free

• Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up That Is Referenced In This Episode: StrategizeUpBook.com

• Discover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast Network

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Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy: 

• Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews

•  Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy

• Need Growth Strategy, A Keynote Speaker, Or Want To Sponsor The Podcast? Go To FindTroy.com

•  Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy

•  Subscribe to Troy's YouTube Channel