Money Making Conversations Master Class

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Angela Harden-Mack.

A physician and wellness coach, discusses her journey in medicine, her holistic wellness approach, and her mission to empower women to prioritize their health.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

1. Journey into Medicine & Wellness

   • Inspired by her mother’s focus on health, Harden-Mack pursued a career in medicine.
   • She specializes in internal medicine and obesity care, helping patients achieve long-term wellness.

2. Holistic Wellness & Women’s Empowerment

   • Advocates for whole-person wellness, integrating physical, mental, and emotional health.
   • Encourages women to shift from the "Superwoman" mindset to a Well-Woman lifestyle.

3. The Importance of Stress Management

   • Discusses how stress impacts health and offers strategies for reducing daily stressors.
   • Emphasizes mindfulness, movement, and self-care as essential wellness practices.

4. Her Signature Wellness Framework

   • Developed the Sparkle Framework, which helps women achieve balance in career, finances, and personal life.
   • Uses coaching to guide women toward sustainable health habits and self-care routines.

5. Winning Miss Michigan Corporate America 2025

   • Recently crowned Miss Michigan Corporate America, using her platform to promote women’s wellness.
   • Focuses on empowering women to prioritize their health and well-being.

📘 About Dr. Angela Harden-Mack
Dr. Angela Harden-Mack is a physician, wellness coach, and speaker specializing in holistic health and women’s empowerment. She is the founder of Live Great Lives LLC, a company dedicated to helping women reduce stress, achieve balance, and live fulfilling lives.

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

 

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Courtney Glaudé.

📝 Summary of the Interview

Courtney Glaudé, an award-winning filmmaker, writer, and director from Houston, Texas, joined Rushion McDonald to discuss his creative journey, his role in Tyler Perry’s production universe, and his passion for storytelling. Glaudé is the writer, director, and producer for Season 4 of Zatima on BET+, and he holds an overall deal with Tyler Perry Studios, a rare and powerful endorsement of his talent. The conversation explored his roots, creative process, mentorship under Tyler Perry, and his commitment to emotionally gripping narratives that tackle complex social issues.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Tyler Perry’s Mentorship & Overall Deal

• Glaudé was entrusted with writing, directing, and producing Season 4 of Zatima.
• Tyler Perry gave him full creative control, saying: “You like Zatima? It’s yours.”
• The overall deal means Perry funds Glaudé’s projects and helps pitch them to major streaming platforms.

2. Creative Process & Directing Style

• Glaudé writes with the shot in mind, visualizing scenes as he scripts.
• He adapts creatively when budget or location constraints arise.
• His style is thriller-driven, even when tackling emotional or social themes like dementia.

3. Zatima Season 4

• The show centers on Zach and Fatima’s relationship, exploring real-life romantic challenges.
• Glaudé brings a new emotional depth and rollercoaster storytelling to the series.
• He collaborates closely with the cast, who help maintain character authenticity.

4. Houston Roots & Hustle Mentality

• Raised in Fifth Ward, Houston, with Louisiana family roots.
• Self-taught filmmaker: learned through books, Google, and observing professionals.
• Hustle and persistence were key: “If someone told me no, I figured out how to do it myself.”

5. Breakthrough with Monique

• His indie thriller The Reading, starring Monique, became the #1 film on BET+.
• This success led to his introduction to Tyler Perry and the overall deal.

6. Legacy & Motivation

• Glaudé is driven by creating a legacy for his daughter.
• He wants to build a self-sustaining empire she can inherit.
• “I don’t feel like I work. I’m creating stories from my head.”

7. Social Impact Storytelling

• Tackles topics like mental health, trauma, and dementia through compelling narratives.
• Upcoming feature film Old Gray Mare explores dementia in a thriller format.

8. Tyler Perry Studios Experience

• Described as a “Disneyland for creators” with 12 sound stages and versatile sets.
• Efficient production model with on-site housing, catering, and rapid turnaround.
• Studios are rented by major productions like Black Panther and Coming to America.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “Just because God told it to me doesn’t mean He told it to everybody else.”
• “If you believe it, I’m not dreaming big enough.”
• “Tyler Perry Studios is like boot camp for creators.”
• “I want my films to make people feel something.”
• “I’m the person they tone down.” (on his intense storytelling style)

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

 

Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.

Business Podcast

Entrepreneurship

Small Business

Business Growth

Financial Literacy

Wealth Building

Black Entrepreneurs

Minority Business

Leadership

Executive Leadership

Business Funding

Marketing Strategies

Personal Development

Startup Advice

Sales Training

CEO Interviews

Founder Stories

Professional Development

Economic Empowerment

Business Success

Networking

Brand Building

Innovation

How to start a business

Small business funding

Entrepreneur success stories

Business leadership podcast

Wealth building strategies

Black entrepreneur podcast

Minority business development

Marketing for small businesses

Business growth strategies

Startup funding opportunities

Executive leadership training

Financial literacy education

Success mindset podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Celebrity Chef Jernard Wells.

Award-winning television personality, author, and entrepreneur, joins Money Making Conversations Masterclass to discuss his journey from launching a seasoning line to building a successful culinary brand. Known for his hit shows New Soul Kitchen and New Soul Kitchen Remix on Cleo TV, he shares insights on branding, cooking strategies, and his bestselling cookbook Southern Inspired: More Than 100 Delicious Dishes from My American Table to Yours.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

1. Building a Culinary Brand

   • Chef Jernard started his career selling seasonings, expanding into hot sauces and barbecue sauces using recipes passed down from his father.
   • Landing a Whole Foods distribution deal was a major turning point, allowing him to scale his business and enter other markets.
   • He believes in volume sales, ensuring his products are widely available nationwide while creating brand demand through media appearances.

2. TV Appearances & Media Strategy

   • Competing on Food Network Star and Cutthroat Kitchen opened doors for national exposure.
   • He views television as a platform to direct audiences toward his products rather than just an entertainment opportunity.
   • Hosting New Soul Kitchen gives him an avenue to teach cooking techniques and engage with viewers beyond a traditional chef role.

3. Cooking Philosophy & Efficiency

   • Advocates for organized cooking, reducing time in the kitchen by prepping ingredients in sections before starting.
   • Encourages using quality spices and flavors to enhance dishes effortlessly.
   • Believes that cooking should be about enjoyment, avoiding unnecessary complexity—especially for holiday meals.

4. Essential Holiday Cooking Tips

   • Choosing the right wood for smoking—hickory, cherry, apple, peach, or pecan—enhances turkey or ham flavors.
   • Prefers injection-based seasoning for turkey, using Cajun and butter blends.
   • Mac and Cheese Mastery – Uses cavatelli pasta, smoked Gouda, sharp cheddar, and a touch of nutmeg for depth.
   • Advocates for simplified candied yams, avoiding overly complex versions that extend cooking time.

5. Signature Recipes from His Cookbook

   • Creole BBQ Shrimp – Jumbo prawns baked in garlic, Worcestershire sauce, butter, smoked paprika, and lemon.
   • Whiskey Cranberry Glazed Ribs – Uses cranberry juice, whiskey, brown sugar, and chipotle for rich, festive flavor.
   • Seafood Mac and Cheese – Combines lobster, shrimp, crab, chicken, and sausage for a decadent twist.

📘 Resources & Contact Information
Chef Jernard’s work is accessible through:
🔗 Website: Jernard Wells
🔗 Social Media: @ChefJernard
🔗 Book: Southern Inspired: More Than 100 Delicious Dishes from My American Table to Yours (Available on Amazon & major retailers)

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Charelle Lans.

A six-time award-winning author, motivational speaker, and business strategist known as the “business therapist.” Here's a detailed summary of the key insights and takeaways:

🎙️ Guest Overview: Charelle Lans

• Title: Business Strategist, Vision Strategist, and Founder of Vision Strategy Management (VSM)
• Background: Industrial engineering degree; former Fortune 500 employee (e.g., Johnson & Johnson)
• Mission: Helps individuals and businesses diagnose issues, define strategies, and drive performance.

💼 Core Concepts & Insights 🔍 What She Does

• Acts as a “business doctor” for small to mid-sized businesses.
• Helps clients uncover blind spots, streamline operations, and align personal purpose with business goals.

🧠 Key Philosophies

• “Profit is in the patterns, not in the panic”: Sustainable success comes from consistent systems, not reactive hustle.
• “You deserve to be paid, not just passionate”: Passion is important, but structured pricing and value delivery are essential for sustainability.
• “Rest is a revenue strategy”: Rest improves clarity, leadership, and long-term business health.

🛠️ Business Strategy Tips 1. Pricing & Value

• Research your market and understand the problem you solve.
• Avoid underpricing due to emotional ties or overpricing without value.
• Develop a pricing strategy that reflects your experience and the value you deliver.

2. Scaling Smartly

• Avoid “scaling chaos” — building a brand without infrastructure leads to burnout.
• Build systems, processes, and the right team before scaling.
• A platform (not just a brand) is sustainable and scalable.

3. Vision Execution

• A vision without a strategy and management is just a wish.
• Use metrics to track progress and ensure your vision is in motion.
• Surround yourself with:
  • Mentor
  • Sponsor
  • Coach
  • Network

🧩 Common Entrepreneurial Pitfalls

• Wearing “hustle” as a badge of honor can lead to burnout.
• Trying to do everything alone without a blueprint or support system.
• Fear of sharing ideas due to intellectual property concerns — instead, stay ahead by always working on the next idea.

📲 Connect with Charelle Lans

• Website: visionstrategymanagement.com
• Social Media: @CharelleLans on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed, Travis T. Wade.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To highlight Travis Wade’s transition from corporate HR leadership to entrepreneurship in the private security industry, and to share insights on leadership, hiring practices, and business growth strategies.

🧭 Outline of the Interview 1. Introduction

• Rushion McDonald introduces the show’s mission: inspiring listeners to pursue their own success stories.
• Travis Wade is introduced as a seasoned HR professional and founder of The Guardian, a private security firm.

2. Background & Transition

• Travis shares his 25+ years in HR, including leadership roles in New York’s banking sector.
• He discusses his pivot to entrepreneurship and founding The Guardian.

3. The Guardian’s Structure

• Three divisions:
  • Armed & unarmed uniformed security officers
  • Personal protection
  • Private investigations
• Operates in Georgia, Alabama, and North Carolina.

4. HR Experience & Impact

• HR skills translated into managing people effectively in the security industry.
• Emphasis on understanding business operations across departments.

5. Hiring Philosophy

• Avoids traditional interviews; prefers conversational approach to reveal genuine personality.
• Looks for patience, emotional control, and customer service skills in candidates.

6. Common Hiring Mistakes

• Rushion admits to undervaluing HR and hiring impulsively.
• Travis stresses the importance of structured hiring, background checks, and managerial coaching.

7. Private Investigations

• Focuses on corporate and small business cases (e.g., internal theft).
• Offers thorough investigative services including interviews, documentation review, and evidence presentation.

8. Leadership & Change Management

• Travis emphasizes communication, collaboration, and transparency when implementing new ideas.
• Encourages team involvement and ownership to foster loyalty and performance.

9. Growth & Partnerships

• Rather than competing with large firms, The Guardian focuses on partnerships and subcontracting.
• Advocates for collaboration, especially among minority-owned businesses.

10. Closing Remarks

• Travis shares his mission to build generational wealth and empower his team.
• Rushion reflects on lessons learned and thanks Travis for his insights.

💡 Key Takeaways

• HR is foundational: “Your business is your people.”
• Hiring is about character: “We don’t want to see their representative. We want to see their true selves.”
• Patience is critical in security: “If they can’t wait 20 minutes for an interview, they won’t be patient on the job.”
• Leadership is collaborative: “You have to roll up your sleeves and be a participant.”
• Growth through partnership: “We can’t afford to compete, but we can afford to partner.”

🗣️ Notable Quotes

• “HR needs to have a seat at the table.”
• “Do what you say you’re going to do, and do what you said.”
• “When people feel a part of something, they’ll do more.”
• “I wanted to create generational wealth for me and my family.”
• “We’re not competing—we’re partnering.”

 

#SHMS

#BEST

#STRAW

#AMI

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Domonique Briggs.

Discusses her journey from corporate America to community leadership, sharing insights on entrepreneurship, education, personal struggles, and resilience. As the founder of Urban Community Alliance, she focuses on emotional intelligence and social-emotional learning, aiming to strengthen urban communities.

Segment Breakdown & Key Highlights Introduction & Background

• Host Rushion McDonald introduces Domonique Briggs, emphasizing her commitment to uplifting underserved communities.
• Domonique speaks about her Detroit roots, her passion for community service, and how her upbringing shaped her mission-driven work.

Education & Leadership

• Graduated from Cass Technical High School, later attended Hampton University on a presidential scholarship.
• Became the first female head drum major at Hampton, demonstrating persistence and leadership.
• Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, which played a role in her development as a leader.

Miss Corporate America & Entrepreneurship

• Crowned Miss Corporate America Illinois, using the platform to promote her business and community impact.
• Advocates for women in leadership, highlighting her achievements in business and education.
• Competing for Miss Corporate America national title, showcasing her dedication to corporate and social leadership.

Mental Health & Personal Growth

• Discusses her struggles with postpartum depression and anxiety, particularly during pregnancy.
• Emphasizes the importance of therapy, self-awareness, and faith in overcoming challenges.
• Advocates for mental health support within communities, encouraging open conversations around emotional well-being.

Urban Community Alliance & Community Impact

• Founded Urban Community Alliance, focusing on social-emotional learning and emotional intelligence in schools and businesses.
• Works with educators to equip teachers with strategies for student emotional well-being.
• Uses her personal experiences to shape programs that foster resilience and support for underserved communities.

About Domonique Briggs

• Detroit-born entrepreneur and community advocate, passionate about empowering under-resourced communities.
• First-generation college graduate, Miss Corporate America Illinois, and founder of Urban Community Alliance.
• Strong believer in faith, leadership, and emotional intelligence, working to expand her impact nationwide.

Domonique’s story is one of perseverance, advocacy, and leadership, proving that challenges can be transformed into opportunities for growth and empowerment.

To learn more, visit Urban Community Alliance at ucanation.com or follow Domonique on social media (@ucanation).

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Reverend Dr. Adrian Booth Johnson.

• Founder of the Woye Bra Initiative under the nonprofit Infinity Global Empowerment.
• Former executive at Coca-Cola and U.S. Department of Energy.
• A passionate advocate for women’s empowerment in Africa, especially in Ghana.
• Known affectionately as “Reverend Granny” in African villages.

🌍 Key Accomplishments

• Created over 325 women entrepreneurs in Ghana, West Africa.
• Launched a program to produce and distribute reusable sanitary pads to combat period poverty.
• Travels to Africa twice a year to train and support women in business, marketing, and financial literacy.
• Developed partnerships with organizations like Zeta Phi Beta, Alpha Kappa Alpha, and The Links, Inc. to support her mission.

🧭 Personal Journey

• Became a mother at 17, earned her GED, and later a business degree from the University of Louisville.
• Worked her way up from secretary to project manager in nuclear energy and later to corporate leadership at Coca-Cola.
• Inspired by a lifelong dream to go to Africa, which she fulfilled in 2001 and has continued annually since.

💡 Programs and Initiatives

• Woye Bra: A program that empowers women in Ghana to make and sell reusable sanitary pads, helping girls stay in school.
• Youth Engagement: Connects U.S. students (e.g., from Cass Tech in Detroit) with African youth through Zoom and cultural exchanges.
• HBCU Engagement: Took 21 HBCU students to South Africa during the 2010 World Cup as part of Coca-Cola’s “Open Happiness” campaign.

🗣️ Inspirational Quotes

• “If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans.”
• “The question is not who is going to let you be successful, but who is going to stop you.”
• “Sometimes it’s just a bend in the road, not the end of the road.”
• “When I walk into a dark room, I don’t look for light. I know God is there.”

🌐 How to Support

• Website: www.woyebra.org
• Donations support training, materials, and expansion of the Woye Bra program.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Drawing from his own experiences—including the rise and fall of his Houston-based comedy club—he shares hard-earned lessons about budgeting, hiring, planning, and the realities of entrepreneurship. The episode is both motivational and practical, offering real-world advice for aspiring and current business owners.

🧭 Key Points 🔑 Common Mistakes in Business

• Hiring friends, family, or underqualified people out of convenience or emotional ties.
• Starting a business without a budget or clear plan.
• Entering partnerships without knowing the other person’s work ethic or values.
• Ignoring logistics like parking, taxes, and insurance.

📉 Lessons from Failure

• Rushion’s comedy club was popular but unprofitable due to poor planning and lack of financial oversight.
• He learned that profitability requires structure, not just popularity or passion.

🧠 Mindset & Commitment

• Success requires time, discipline, and consistency.
• Entrepreneurs must be willing to sacrifice, show up early, and stay late.
• You can’t run a business on dreams alone—you need a plan.

🧰 Practical Advice

• Use resources like the Small Business Administration (SBA) and SCORE for free guidance and mentorship.
• Set clear expectations with employees from day one.
• Don’t compromise your business by ignoring red flags during hiring.

💬 Notable Quotes

“You can’t open a business and then try to set the budget. Now you’re playing catch-up.”

“Don’t hire people just because they’re close to you. Hire people because they’re qualified.”

“You can’t run a business on dreams. You need a plan.”

“Do not hire inexperienced employees because they are cheaper.”

“If you don’t have time for your business, your business won’t have time for you.”

“I was making money, but I never saw any of it because I didn’t have a budget.”

“Only you can look in the mirror and make a decision that benefits your future.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Yahya Muhammad.

Topic: Entrepreneurship, legacy, and community impact through his ice cream business, Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream

Yahya Muhammad shares his journey from tasting unforgettable homemade ice cream as a child to founding one of Chicago’s most beloved ice cream brands. His story is one of perseverance, cultural pride, and community service, rooted in faith and inspired by family and fraternity.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

1. Highlight Yahya’s entrepreneurial journey and the founding of Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream.
2. Inspire small business owners and creatives to pursue their passions despite obstacles.
3. Showcase the importance of community engagement and mentorship.
4. Celebrate Black excellence and cultural legacy through food and service.

🔑 Key Takeaways 🍨 The Origin Story

• Inspired by a woman selling homemade ice cream in Avalon Park, Chicago.
• Spent six years perfecting his own recipe.
• First flavor: Honey Cinnamon Graham Cracker

“I had no idea it would take about six years to learn how to make it.”

🎓 Education & Influence

• Holds a Master’s in Sociology from Western Illinois University.
• Influenced by teachings of Elijah Muhammad and Minister Louis Farrakhan.
• Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, which instilled discipline and perseverance.

“I learned principles… immutable principles that I’ve been striving to apply.”

🚗 From Trunk to Storefront

• Started selling ice cream out of the trunk of his car in 1996.
• Grew from renting a room in a beauty salon to multiple storefronts.
• Now operates in Bronzeville, a historic Chicago neighborhood.

“I didn’t even have a business license… I just believed.”

🏆 Signature Flavors

• Known for nostalgic, Southern-inspired flavors:
  • Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Vanilla
  • Banana Pudding
  • Georgia Peach Cobbler
  • Bourbon Butter Pecan
  • Southern Black Walnut

“Our goal is to take you right back down memory lane.”

💡 Business Philosophy

• Focuses on customer experience over product.
• Staff are trained as helpers, not just workers.
• Emphasizes service, quality, and pricing — but prioritizes service.

“The food is not the number one thing. The number one thing is the service.”

🌍 Community Impact

• Grew up in an underserved area of Chicago.
• Hires from the community and mentors youth.
• Dedicated the business to his late sister, Shawn Michelle, who inspired his culinary journey.

“I want to be a part of that inspiration… to give the baton to the next generation.”

📈 Expansion Plans

• Looking to expand to Atlanta, calling it “the Mecca.”
• Envisions taking the brand nationwide while maintaining its cultural and community roots.

“The future of Shawn Michelle’s is to be national.”

💬 Memorable Quotes

• “Faith over fear — I believed, I committed, I accepted the challenge.”
• “You have to see something different to be something different.”
• “I don’t have workers. I have helpers.”
• “I want to be a part of that that helps give them a new idea.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

 

Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.

Business Podcast

Entrepreneurship

Small Business

Business Growth

Financial Literacy

Wealth Building

Black Entrepreneurs

Minority Business

Leadership

Executive Leadership

Business Funding

Marketing Strategies

Personal Development

Startup Advice

Sales Training

CEO Interviews

Founder Stories

Professional Development

Economic Empowerment

Business Success

Networking

Brand Building

Innovation

How to start a business

Small business funding

Entrepreneur success stories

Business leadership podcast

Wealth building strategies

Black entrepreneur podcast

Minority business development

Marketing for small businesses

Business growth strategies

Startup funding opportunities

Executive leadership training

Financial literacy education

Success mindset podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Herman Moore.

Topic: Entrepreneurship, grooming products, leadership, and community empowerment

Herman Moore, former NFL star turned entrepreneur, shares his journey from professional football to building successful businesses, including Golden Grooming Co., Cinnabon franchises, and the Tackle Life Foundation. He discusses innovation, leadership, youth mentorship, and his approach to business ownership and technology.

🔑 Key Takeaways 🧴 Golden Grooming Co.

• Offers high-quality grooming products for Black men, including beard combs, brushes, and solid cologne.
• Focuses on discreet, portable, and effective grooming tools.

“When you feel good and you look good, you do good.”

💡 Innovation & Product Design

• Solid cologne was designed for convenience and longer-lasting scent.
• Inspired by his experience with Cinnabon’s mini rolls—smaller, more portable versions of a classic product.

“You have to constantly look at ways to improve and innovate within your product category.”

🏈 Transition from NFL to Business

• Began preparing for life after football in his final playing years.
• First venture: Mailboxes Etc. franchise.
• Became second-largest Cinnabon partner in Florida and Michigan.

“I decided I would never settle for good when great is available.”

🧠 Leadership & Management

• Uses technology to manage remote businesses, including real-time receipt tracking.
• Emphasizes team-building, accountability, and hands-on leadership.

“Leadership is about showing there’s accountability on all levels—from the top down.”

🌱 Entrepreneurial Mindset

• Grew up in a single-parent household and overcame early academic limitations.
• Rejected being boxed into low-expectation courses and pursued meaningful education.

“I stopped buying into that… I wanted to take classes that would provide me a career.”

🧒 Tackle Life Foundation

• Founded in 2009, officially recognized in 2016.
• Offers programs in robotics, esports, computer programming, and entrepreneurship.
• Focuses on underserved youth and formerly incarcerated individuals.

“We’re going to create this marketplace… and team up with them to launch their vision.”

💰 Cryptocurrency & Financial Systems

• Invests in Ethereum and smaller coins.
• Sees blockchain as a way to improve financial system deficiencies.

“It’s worth looking at… I don’t think it’s going away.”

💬 Notable Quotes

• “You can put all the people around you that you want, but if you don’t understand what they’re doing… it’s not doing you that great.”
• “I want to make sure I always had control of my destiny.”
• “We don’t own the team. We don’t own the ability to create our fate.”
• “The playbook is there—you just have to be a student and willing to receive it.”

#AMI

#STRAW

#BEST

 

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.