Money Making Conversations Master Class

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

Known as “America’s Songbird.” The discussion blends her musical journey, community advocacy, and her work in disability inclusion.

🎙️ Guest: Myrna Clayton

Titles: Jazz vocalist, international cultural ambassador, disability advocate, nonprofit founder

🌟 Key Highlights 🎤 Musical Roots & Career

• Began singing in church at age 5.
• Influenced by her father’s love for jazz and musicianship.
• Met civil rights icons like Fannie Lou Hamer, John Lewis, and Andrew Young through her parents’ activism.
• Performed on five continents, including France, Germany, Russia, Ghana, and Guatemala.
• Selected by the U.S. State Department (out of 400 applicants) to represent American music abroad through a competitive audition process.

🌍 Cultural Diplomacy

• Toured countries like Lithuania, Namibia, and Guatemala as part of U.S. cultural exchange programs.
• Emphasized the importance of stepping out of comfort zones to pursue dreams—shared her experience living and performing in Russia for four years.

♿ Disability Advocacy

• Founder of ShowAbility.org, a nonprofit that promotes performing artists across the disability spectrum.
• Educates audiences on the fact that:
  • 26% of the U.S. population has a disability.
  • The disability community has over \$21 billion in discretionary income—more than Black and Latino communities combined.
• Highlights issues like:
  • Inaccessible performance venues.
  • Segregated seating in theaters and stadiums.
  • Societal discomfort and avoidance of people with disabilities.

💡 Philosophy & Faith

• Grounded in faith and community service.
• Believes her musical gift is a calling, not just a talent.
• Inspired by the book The Dream Giver and the idea of leaving the “land of familiar” to pursue purpose.

📢 Contact & Socials

• Nonprofit: ShowAbility.org
• Artist Site: MyrnaClayton.com
• Social Media: @TheMyrnaClaytonExperience (Facebook, Instagram)
• Booking: jay@[email protected]

 

#SHMS

#BEST

#STRAW

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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 Tracy and Sunshine Gantt.

A husband-and-wife team who founded the first and only homeless shelter in Pickens County, South Carolina. Here are some key highlights and themes from the conversation:

Here are some key highlights and themes from the conversation:

🌟 Key Themes and Highlights

1. Faith and Redemption

   • Tracy shares a deeply personal journey from a troubled past involving street life, incarceration, and violence to becoming a pastor and community leader.
   • Sunshine also opens up about her own struggles, including a period of homelessness, and how faith and resilience brought them back together.

2. Founding the Shelter

   • Despite numerous obstacles—including zoning issues, lack of funding, and health challenges—they transformed a 6,000 sq. ft. warehouse into a fully operational homeless shelter.
   • The shelter now serves 50–60 individuals daily, offering meals, shelter, and care at no cost.

3. Community and Recognition

   • Their work has been recognized with local and national honors, including the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.
   • They emphasize the importance of community support, with contributions from businesses like Home Depot and local churches.

4. Humor and Humanity

   • The interview is filled with warmth, humor, and authenticity, making their story not only inspiring but also deeply human and relatable.

5. Call to Action and Support

   • Host Rushion McDonald pledges a $1,000 donation and promises to visit and bake for the shelter residents, reinforcing the show's mission to uplift and support changemakers.

#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 Dr. Melody Shari. 

She is a star and producer on OWN’s “Love & Marriage: Huntsville”, a successful entrepreneur and Founder of Seventh Avenue Premier Skincare, a Homebuilder, Author, and Motivational Speaker.

Melody Holt's journey to financial and professional success is an inspiring narrative of ambition, innovation, and resilience. Initially beginning her career as an educator, Holt transitioned into entrepreneurship by co-founding Holt & Holt Entrepreneurship, LLC, with her then-husband, Martell Holt.

#AMI

#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 Lorraine K. Lee.

A LinkedIn Top Voice and author of Unforgettable Presence: Get Seen, Gain Influence, and Catapult Your Career. Hosted by Rushion McDonald, the conversation dives deep into the power of presence, personal branding, and workplace advancement in a digital-first world. Lorraine shares tactical strategies and career-transforming insights from her own corporate journey and bestselling book.

📘 About Lorraine K. Lee
• Career: Former founding editor at LinkedIn and Prezi
• Author: Unforgettable Presence, a practical guide for professional visibility
• Focus: Empowering ambitious professionals to go from overlooked to unforgettable
• Audience: Corporate professionals, team leaders, speakers, and solopreneurs

💡 Key Themes & Insights
• Modern Presence: From Zoom calls to LinkedIn profiles, visibility in the virtual workplace is key
• Personal Brand = Career Brand: Your reputation is your brand—intentionally shape it
• Advocacy: Success comes from promoting your work and knowing how to communicate value
• Layoff Recovery: How Lorraine turned a 2022 tech layoff into the launchpad for her book and speaking career
• Executive Presence: Reimagined with the “3 C’s”—Communication, Career Brand, and Credibility
• Promotion Strategy: Be proactive, not reactive—speak your career goals early and often
• Representation Matters: As an Asian-American woman, Lorraine emphasizes visibility and authenticity for underrepresented professionals

📚 Unforgettable Presence Book Takeaways
• 4 Key Sections:

1. Set a Strong Foundation
2. Build Essential Modern Skills
3. Advance Your Career with Intention
4. Lead and Expand Team Presence
   Real stories, data-driven advice, and step-by-step frameworks to elevate your visibility

🔁 Personal Journey
• Left corporate life after a layoff and built a thriving brand as a speaker, author, and executive coach
• Overcame corporate stagnation by advocating for herself, creating a content strategy, and building her confidence through consistency

📣 Call to Action
Lorraine invites professionals to treat themselves like a brand and take control of their visibility. Follow her on LinkedIn, subscribe to her Career Bites newsletter, or enroll in one of her LinkedIn Learning courses to begin your journey toward becoming unforgettable.

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

 

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.

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 Danielle Jeter.

A public relations and event planning expert, and founder of Women in Media Global and AOI Events and PR (Affairs of Influence).

Here are some key highlights from the conversation:

🎙️ Guest Background

• Danielle is a Spelman College graduate based in Miami, Florida.
• She began her career in event planning and transitioned into public relations after working at Radio One in Philadelphia.
• She founded Women in Media Global in 2012, impacting over 15,000 women and students globally.

📣 Strategic Communication & Branding

• Emphasizes the importance of external communication and understanding the target audience.
• Defines a brand as a company’s reputation, not just its visual identity.
• Brand activations are described as experiential marketing efforts that create emotional connections with consumers.

💡 Marketing & Sales Insights

• Advocates for niche marketing over trying to appeal to everyone.
• Encourages small businesses to allocate 10–30% of profits to marketing.
• Offers a six-week marketing and sales accelerator for startups and growth-phase businesses.

🤝 Client Onboarding Process

• Offers a free discovery call to assess fit and understand client goals and pain points.
• Works primarily on a retainer model for PR services.

🎧 Extensions of Her Brand

• Hosts the WIM Speaks podcast, available on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.
• Uses platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn to connect and share her work.

#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.

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 Gregory Richardson.

A cybersecurity expert and AI consultant. The conversation explores cybersecurity best practices, the rise of AI, and how Gregory is helping churches and nonprofits leverage technology to spread the gospel.

🔐 Cybersecurity Insights 🔹 Gregory’s Background

• Based in Dallas, Texas.
• Works full-time as an ethical hacker and cybersecurity consultant for major corporations and governments.
• Also a serial entrepreneur with ventures in real estate, consulting, and software.

🔹 Key Cybersecurity Takeaways

• Multitasking Myth: Gregory argues that humans are not wired for multitasking—focus leads to better outcomes.
• Password:
  • Avoid using simple passwords like “1234.”
  • Don’t reuse passwords across platforms.
  • Use passphrases (e.g., Bible verses) for stronger security.
  • Change passwords regularly.
• Password Vaults: Recommends using reputable services like Google or Microsoft.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Strongly encourages using 2FA to protect accounts.
• Phishing Scams:
  • Be wary of urgent or fear-based emails.
  • Always verify suspicious messages by contacting the company directly.
  • Scammers often mimic trusted brands (e.g., Facebook, Bank of America).

🔹 The Bigger Picture

• Cybercrime now generates more revenue than global drug trafficking.
• Criminal organizations are well-funded and recruit tech talent to build sophisticated scams.

🤖 Artificial Intelligence & Opportunity 🔹 AI as a Tool for Good

• Compares AI to the Gutenberg printing press—initially misused, but ultimately transformative.
• Believes AI’s potential far outweighs its risks.

🔹 AI in Business

• Helps businesses identify “million-dollar problems” and solve them with AI.
• Example: Built a toll-tracking app for a car rental company that became more profitable than the rental business itself.
• Encourages entrepreneurs to use AI tools to build apps without needing coding skills.

🔹 AI in Education

• Created a custom math quiz app for his daughter using her course materials and AI.

🙏 AI for Churches & Nonprofits

• Gregory focuses on helping churches and nonprofits use AI to:
  • Spread the gospel.
  • Operate more efficiently.
  • Compete with limited budgets.
• Offers consulting and resources through his website: GregoryRichardson.ai

📚 Book Mentioned

• Gregory has authored a book on using AI to solve business problems and create scalable solutions.

🎙️ Closing Notes

• Rashawn praises Gregory’s passion, clarity, and practical advice.
• Plans to bring him back for a deeper dive into AI’s role in faith-based and nonprofit work.

 

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

 

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 Patrice Washington.

A transformational speaker and founder of Redefining Wealth, discusses personal development, financial success, and the importance of setting intentional goals.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

1. Defining Success at Different Life Stages

   • Washington explains how her definition of success evolved from her 20s to her 40s.
   • Early success was driven by external validation, while later success focused on personal fulfillment.

2. The Importance of a Life Blueprint

   • Compares life planning to architectural blueprints—without a plan, success is difficult to achieve.
   • Encourages listeners to set clear goals for the year to avoid feeling lost by year-end.

3. The Six Pillars of Wealth

   • Washington emphasizes integrating financial success with personal well-being.
   • Advocates for balancing career, relationships, faith, and health to avoid burnout.

4. Avoiding Burnout & Setting Realistic Goals

   • Discusses the importance of safe goals (small, achievable steps) and support goals (seeking help from mentors or professionals).
   • Encourages people to set reasonable expectations rather than overwhelming themselves.

5. Results, Not Resolutions

   • Washington promotes her Results, Not Resolutions framework, helping individuals create tangible action plans.
   • Shares strategies for maintaining motivation and accountability throughout the year.

📘 About Patrice Washington
Patrice Washington is a personal finance expert, speaker, and author recognized by Success Magazine as one of the top 25 influential leaders in personal development. She is dedicated to helping individuals redefine wealth by focusing on well-being, purpose, and financial literacy.

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

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

He hosts The Retirement Resource Show, shares insights on retirement planning, financial independence, and strategies for securing a stable future.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

1. Redefining Retirement

   • Retirement is no longer just about stopping work at 65—it’s about financial freedom and purpose.
   • Many retirees are choosing to work part-time, consult, or travel earlier in life.

2. The Reality of Social Security

   • Social Security was designed in 1935 when life expectancy was much lower.
   • Today, retirees may live 30-40 years beyond retirement age, requiring better financial planning.

3. Financial Industry Challenges

   • Henderson critiques the financial services industry for prioritizing profits over people.
   • Encourages individuals to take control of their financial future through proactive planning.

4. The Importance of Financial Education

   • Many people lack knowledge about investment planning, Social Security, and retirement strategies.
   • Henderson stresses the need for ongoing financial education and personalized planning.

5. Avoiding Financial Scams

   • Scammers target retirees with fraudulent IRS, Social Security, and investment schemes.
   • Henderson shares tips on recognizing scams and protecting personal information.

📘 About Beau Henderson
Beau Henderson is a financial strategist and host of The Retirement Resource Show. He has helped over 3,000 clients improve their financial relationships and secure their retirement future.

#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 Dominic Adams.

Founder of Plain James Travel, discusses his journey in the travel industry, how he helps clients plan stress-free vacations, and ways people can get paid to travel.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

1. The Inspiration Behind Plain James Travel

   • Adams realized the need for travel planning services after organizing a trip for 50 men to an NFL game in Miami.
   • He saw firsthand how travelers struggle with logistics and decided to create a business that simplifies the process.

2. Hassle-Free Travel Planning

   • His company provides concierge-style travel services, handling everything from flights and hotels to local experiences.
   • He customizes trips based on clients’ preferences, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.

3. Why the Dominican Republic is a Hot Travel Destination

   • Adams highlighted the growing popularity of the Dominican Republic due to its luxury resorts and vibrant local culture.
   • Major hotel chains are expanding in the region, making it a top choice for travelers.

4. How People Can Get Paid to Travel

   • Travel agents earn commissions by booking trips for clients.
   • Hosting group trips allows organizers to travel for free or receive financial incentives.
   • Cruise lines sometimes offer free trips to well-groomed, social individuals who engage with guests.

5. The 40-City, 45K Run Campaign

   • Adams launched a nationwide running tour to promote health and wellness while traveling.
   • He partners with local running clubs and businesses to spotlight communities during his journey.

📘 About Dominic Adams
Dominic Adams is a travel entrepreneur and founder of Plain James Travel, specializing in customized travel experiences. His company helps clients plan stress-free vacations while offering unique opportunities to explore the world.

#AMI

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Justin M. Lee Sr.

🎙️ Dr. Justin Lee’s Interview on Money Making Conversations Masterclass
On Money Making Conversations Masterclass, Rashawn McDonald interviewed Dr. Justin Lee, a real estate entrepreneur and the youngest broker in the Southeast region. The discussion focused on generational wealth, real estate investment, and breaking barriers in the industry.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

Early Start in Real Estate

• Lee has been involved in real estate for 25 years, despite being only 25 years old.
• He grew up learning the business from his mother and grandparents, handling property management, renovations, and investments.

Building a Family Business

• His family operates Freddie Realty, a brokerage firm specializing in real estate investment and development.
• His brother is a licensed realtor, his cousin is a mortgage broker, and they collectively own over 100 properties across the Southeast.

Overcoming Industry Stereotypes

• Lee discussed challenges as a young Black entrepreneur in a field dominated by older, white professionals.
• He emphasized that knowledge and expertise matter more than age, proving his credibility through education and experience.

Real Estate Investment Strategies

• He advises clients to turn housing expenses into investments, rather than renting.
• His firm focuses on property acquisition, development, and wealth-building strategies for minority communities.

Advice for First-Time Homebuyers

• Lee targets working-class buyers, helping them navigate homeownership, financing, and investment opportunities.
• He encourages buyers to research neighborhoods thoroughly, including school ratings, crime reports, and community engagement.

📘 About Dr. Justin Lee
Dr. Justin Lee is a real estate broker, investor, and entrepreneur, known for breaking barriers in the industry. He is a graduate of Morehouse College and holds an MBA from LSU. His company, Freddie Realty, specializes in real estate investment, brokerage, and development.

 

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

 

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