Money Making Conversations Master Class

Two-time Emmy and Three-NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Chef Kevin Bludso.  Kevin Bludso, a world-famous chef and culinary tour de force, started his journey with humble beginnings in Compton, California. Through years of relentless dedication and hard work, Bludso transformed a small barbecue joint in Compton into a global barbecue empire. From the streets of LA to the barbecue pits of Australia, Kevin has indisputably left his mark on the barbecue game. Tune in and hear his inspiring story unfold.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Robin Wilson. We discussed her new Book – "Clean Design, Wellness For Your Lifestyle" and CLEAN  DESIGN HOME®- a curated retail brand extension of the legacy Robin  Wilson Home brand, a leading retail brand. Their options are developed 'from the foundation to the furnishings' by founder Robin Wilson, who brings her focus on wellness, chic style, and sustainable alternatives to a discerning consumer.

Their firm has a 20+ year history focused on residential and hospitality. Our trademarked CLEAN DESIGN HOME® brand was developed during the 2020 COVID pandemic when clients changed the lexicon of 'home' to reflect 'need' for clean, well-designed product offerings.

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 Omar L. Harris.  A former pharmaceutical General Manager (GSK, Allergan), Intent Consulting founder, keynote speaker, executive coach, and bestselling author with over 20 years of experience building high-performance organizations on four continents. Having managed multibillion-dollar brands and led extensive organizations while working in the Middle East, Asia, Latin America, and the US, he innovated blueprints for J.E.D.I. Leadership (leading with justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion), change leadership, servant leadership, and 20 Team Performance Acceleration Principles (TPAPs) that can be applied by leaders at all levels of professional experience.

• Intent consulting exists to help companies align their WHY with HOW they make these intentions live for employees and customers. Enhancing innovation, strategic alignment, efficiency, employee productivity, and sustainability are the keys to long-term financial performance.
• Inclusive Leadership: Strategies for fostering diversity and inclusion within teams and organizations, ensuring every member feels valued and heard.
• Motivational Techniques: Insights into motivating oneself and others, including understanding intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation and how to inspire high performance.
• Team Dynamics and Development: Best practices for building cohesive, high-performing teams, including conflict resolution, role clarification, and the establishment of trust and accountability.
• Servant Leadership: How leaders can effectively put the needs of their teams first, enhance their team's growth, and improve overall performance by serving rather than commanding.
• Mental Wellness in the Workplace: Strategies for maintaining mental wellness for oneself and promoting a healthy work-life balance for team members.
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on innovation, starting a new business, and maintaining resilience in the face of challenges.
• Personal Development and Self-Improvement: Tips on goal setting, self-reflection, resilience, and continuous learning as tools for personal and professional growth.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

She is an author and retired CIO (Chief Information Officer) for FedEx Custom Critical. Cheryl's impressive career spans over 25 years, during which she held pivotal leadership roles overseeing IT strategy, operations, applications, and infrastructure at FedEx Custom Critical. Her journey from Jacksonville State University, where she earned a dual undergraduate degree in Computer Information Systems and Marketing, to becoming a CIO for a Fortune 500 company offers a unique perspective and set of experiences for HBCU students, women, and business professionals to learn from.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Chef Jernard Wells.  Chef Jernard Wells hosts "New Soul Kitchen" and "New Soul Kitchen Remix" on CLEO TV.  

• Getting your product on grocery store shelves
• Writing my Cookbook, Southern Inspired 100 delicious dishes from my American table to yours.
• Being one of the founding members of the Tom Joyner Culinary Council, he curates the dining experience for the cruise.
• 4th.Philanthropy work "Jernard Wells Foundation auctioning his Services for:
• United Negro College Fund Annual Mayors Ball
• Frank Ski Fundraiser
• Historic Hampton House

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 Dave Charest.

Director of Small Business Success at Constant Contact, shared practical advice for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and startup founders on marketing, customer engagement, business growth, and the future of AI in marketing.

Drawing from his experience helping small businesses worldwide, Charest explained why entrepreneurship is booming, how businesses can effectively market themselves with limited budgets, and why building direct customer relationships through email marketing remains one of the most valuable assets a company can own.

Purpose of the Interview

The interview was designed to:

• Explain why more people are starting businesses and pursuing entrepreneurship.
• Educate business owners on effective marketing strategies.
• Highlight the advantages of email marketing over relying solely on social media.
• Discuss common mistakes made by new entrepreneurs.
• Help small businesses understand how to build customer relationships.
• Explore how AI is transforming marketing and business operations.
• Provide actionable guidance for growing a brand through consistency and community engagement.

Key Takeaways 1. Entrepreneurship Continues to Grow

According to Charest, people are increasingly motivated to start businesses because they want:

• Greater independence
• Better control over their schedules
• Increased financial potential

Many entrepreneurs are turning side hustles into full-time businesses and pursuing ownership rather than traditional employment.

2. Email Marketing Is More Valuable Than Most Entrepreneurs Realize

One of the strongest themes of the interview is the importance of owning your audience.

While social media platforms can help businesses attract attention, email marketing provides direct access to customers without relying on platform algorithms.

Charest encourages entrepreneurs to use social media as a discovery tool but move customers into channels they control, such as email and text messaging.

3. The Real Asset Is the Relationship

Businesses that own customer contact information have a direct connection that cannot be disrupted by changes in social media platforms.

Unlike followers on a social network, email subscribers have chosen to hear from a business directly.

The stronger the relationship, the greater the opportunity for future sales and engagement.

4. Small Lists Can Produce Big Results

Charest challenges the belief that businesses need massive audiences to succeed.

A small, engaged audience often produces better results than a large, passive following.

For many local businesses, quality relationships matter more than audience size.

5. Consistency Beats Perfection

When marketing a business, consistency is more important than trying every available platform.

Business owners should:

• Choose channels they can maintain consistently.
• Show up regularly.
• Stay visible to customers.
• Build trust through repetition and reliability.

His message is simple: people can't buy from businesses they forget about.

6. New Entrepreneurs Often Try to Do Too Much

One of the most common mistakes startups make is attempting to launch every marketing tactic simultaneously.

Charest recommends:

• Starting small.
• Building a solid foundation.
• Creating manageable marketing habits.
• Avoiding unrealistic expectations.

Businesses grow more effectively when they focus on a few activities and execute them well.

7. Community Matters

Successful local businesses build relationships beyond customers.

Charest emphasized the importance of connecting with:

• Other local businesses
• Community organizations
• Referral partners
• Customers in person

Strong community connections often become a business's most reliable growth engine.

8. Choose Marketing Channels That Fit Your Strengths

Different social platforms serve different purposes.

Rather than chasing every trend, entrepreneurs should focus on:

• Where their audience spends time
• What content they naturally enjoy creating
• Which platforms they can use consistently

A sustainable strategy beats an ambitious one that is quickly abandoned.

9. Marketing Is About Staying Top of Mind

Charest defines marketing in a straightforward way:

Businesses need to remain visible so customers think of them first when they need a product or service.

The more consistently a company appears in front of its audience, the stronger its brand becomes.

10. AI Is Becoming a Powerful Marketing Tool

Charest views AI as a major opportunity for small businesses.

He discussed how AI can help:

• Generate marketing content
• Create email campaigns
• Build marketing plans
• Repurpose content across multiple channels
• Analyze customer behavior
• Identify new opportunities

Rather than replacing entrepreneurs, AI allows them to save time and make smarter decisions.

11. Business Owners Must Continue Learning

Technology and marketing are evolving rapidly.

Charest advises entrepreneurs to stay informed and remain open to new tools and trends, even if they do not adopt every new technology immediately.

The key is to remain adaptable and avoid being left behind.

Memorable Quotes

"People are determined to become their own bosses."

"Our mission is to help the small stand tall."

"The money is in the list."

"Your goal should always be trying to move those people to channels that you own."

"The relationships you build with customers are always going to be your most valuable asset."

"You don't really need the big numbers."

"Start small."

"Consistency is the big thing that makes marketing work."

"Marketing at its simplest level is about keeping your business top of mind."

"Small business owners are resilient."

"There isn't a Plan B. Plan A is to own this business."

"AI can save time so you can get back to the things you'd rather be doing."

Bottom Line

Dave Charest's interview is a practical playbook for entrepreneurs looking to grow a business in a crowded digital marketplace. His core message is that successful marketing is not about chasing every trend or building massive social media followings. Instead, businesses win by building genuine relationships, creating direct connections with customers through email and text marketing, staying consistent, embracing new technology like AI, and becoming a trusted part of their community. For entrepreneurs seeking sustainable growth, Charest advocates focusing on ownership, relationships, and long-term customer engagement.

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 Dr. Cherry Collier.  

Talking Points/Questions *
•    The Science of Connection: Delve into the psychological theories and research that underpin the science of connection. How do these principles help leaders and teams enhance their performance and well-being?
•    Challenges in Today's Workplace: Discuss the common challenges leaders and organizations face in today's fast-paced and often remote or hybrid work environments. How can RISE help address these issues?
•    Challenges Faced by Black Women in Leadership: Initiate a discussion about the obstacles Black women encounter in climbing the corporate ladder and establishing themselves in leadership roles. How do these challenges impact their professional journey and personal growth?
•    The Role of RISE in Overcoming Barriers: Explore how the principles of RISE (Relational, Interpersonal, Social, and Emotional intelligence) can be particularly empowering for Black women in navigating the complexities of race and gender in corporate environments. How can strengthening these areas of intelligence support Black women in overcoming systemic barriers and biases?
•    The Role of Connections in Financial Success: How do you see the relationship between building solid connections and achieving financial success in the corporate world? Can strong interpersonal relationships directly contribute to the bottom line?
•    Challenges in Building Authentic Relationships: What are some of the most prominent challenges leaders face in building authentic relationships within their teams, and how can these challenges impact their financial goals?
•    Personal Story of Connection Leading to Success: Could you share a personal story or case study where fostering strong connections directly contributed to financial improvement or a significant professional achievement?
•    The Future of Relationship-Building in Business: Looking ahead, how do you think relationship-building dynamics in business will evolve, especially considering technological advancements and the potential for AI integration?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Sgt. Major Keith L. Craig.  Known for his work at Walt Disney Film Studios, where he managed Central Division Theatrical Sales and Distribution for 20 theatrical demographic market areas across all of Disney’s film silos (including Marvel, Lucasfilm, Pixar, and Disney Animation Studios), Keith was instrumental in helping to propel Disney’s box office to an astounding record of over $42+ billion in total box office sales during major releases including Marvel Studio’s “The Black Panther”, “Aladdin”, “The Lion King”, Lucasfilm’s “Star Wars: The Last Jedi”, “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”, as well as Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2”, “Thor: Ragnarok”, and more.

Keith is now the co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Porter + Craig Film and Media Distribution, an entertainment firm that has become an industry go-to for global filmmakers. Porter + Craig places intentional emphasis on authentically highlighting female and minority voices and have arranged financing and/or distribution for over 100+ feature films, TV movies and documentaries into the US and Canadian marketplace across digital platforms including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Apple, Google Play, Vudu, and Roku, in addition to select theater franchises AMC, Cinemark, and Regal Theaters, along with global broadcast networks including HBO, Showtime, Discovery, BET, CW, and RLJ. Major releases include the widely-recognized independent film “The Blacklight”, and Nigerian rom-com “Single Not Searching”, starring Lisa Raye, which debuted in over 40 major markets in the US and Canada via AMC Theaters – an astounding achievement for a Nollywood release in the U.S.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviews Sonia Fears of the Fears Group at Morgan Stanley. Sonia leads the All-Black Wealth Management Team at Morgan Stanley. She is on the show to kill a lot of financial stereotypes about Blacks and the financial community.

She is the First Vice President, Financial Advisor, Senior Portfolio Manager, Alternative Investments Director, and Global Sports and Entertainment Director - one of the leading financial experts in discussing stocks, savings programs, compounded interest portfolios, Name Image and Likeness, and lines of credit. Sonia built a family practice at Morgan Stanley along with her two daughters. They provide Alternative Investment opportunities, Retirement plans, and Entertainment and Sports financial consultations. 

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 Michael Woodward.

Interview Overview

Guest: Michael Woodward
Host: Rushion McDonald
Show: Money Making Conversations Masterclass
Focus: Entrepreneurship, real estate, education, overcoming poverty, and building generational wealth
Company Featured: Woodward Property Group

Michael Woodward shares his journey from growing up in low‑income neighborhoods in Miami to becoming a successful real estate investor, contractor, and property management entrepreneur based in Atlanta. The conversation blends personal history, mindset lessons, and practical business guidance, especially for listeners from underserved communities.

Purpose of the Interview

The purpose of the interview is to:

• Demystify success for everyday people by showing how discipline, education, and calculated risk can lead to financial freedom
• Inspire listeners to move beyond circumstances of poverty or limitation
• Teach practical strategies around education choices, real estate investing, side hustles, credit management, and seizing opportunity
• Highlight community impact, mentorship, and “reaching back” to help others

Rushion McDonald consistently frames the discussion around helping the audience “stop reading other people’s success stories and start planning your own."

Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Poverty Is Relative — and Often Invisible

Woodward explains that many people grow up in poverty without realizing it because everyone around them shares the same conditions. He distinguishes between government definitions of poverty and lived experience.

Takeaway: Awareness is the first step to change; normal does not always mean acceptable.

2. Early Business Lessons Came from the Community

Woodward credits his grandmother—who ran an informal candy business in the housing projects—as his first exposure to entrepreneurship. Watching her manage inventory, customers, and cash taught him foundational business principles.

Takeaway: Entrepreneurship often begins long before formal education—especially in underserved communities.

3. Education as a Strategic Tool, Not Just a Degree

Initially planning to become a lawyer, Woodward changed direction after realizing law school would not provide the financial or social return he hoped for unless he reached elite status. A mentor guided him toward education as a pathway for impact.

He strongly recommends the Occupational Outlook Handbook as a practical guide for choosing careers based on income, longevity, and demand. 

Takeaway: Choose education intentionally—based on outcomes, not prestige.

4. Service Before Profit: Two Decades in Education

Woodward spent over 20 years as a teacher and assistant principal, mentoring students, organizing college tours, and running summer STEM programs—often during his breaks.

Takeaway: Long‑term service builds perspective, discipline, and purpose that later pays dividends in business.

5. Turning a Side Hustle into Financial Freedom

While working in education, Woodward renovated homes at night and on weekends. Over time, rental income exceeded his school salary, allowing him to retire from education and focus on real estate full‑time.

Takeaway: Side hustles can become exit strategies when managed consistently and patiently.

6. Opportunity Comes from Relationships

A chance relationship with a Lowe’s executive changed Woodward’s business trajectory. When asked if he could do high‑end kitchens, he said yes—then partnered with the right experts to deliver. This led to contracts in seven Lowe’s stores across metro Atlanta.

Takeaway: You don’t have to know everything—just know who to call.

7. High‑End Thinking Changes Income Ceilings

Woodward explains the difference between standard and high‑end construction, describing six‑figure kitchens and appliances that cost more than many homes.

Takeaway: Understanding premium markets unlocks entirely different financial opportunities.

8. Two Core Business Rules: Persistence and Credit

When asked what advice he gives most often, Woodward gives two principles:

1. Never give up
2. Protect your credit

He shares how poor credit once forced him to reinvest profits just to buy tools, slowing growth. Managing credit later removed those barriers.

Takeaway: Credit is leverage. Without it, growth is harder and more expensive.

Notable Quotes

• On poverty:

  “A lot of people living in poverty don’t know that they’re impoverished because everybody around them looks just like them.”

• On education choices:

  “I wanted to make a difference… and education allowed me to do that.”

• On opportunity and courage:

  “You don’t have to know everything. Just get the people in your corner that do.”

• On advice to entrepreneurs:

  “Never give up. And protect your credit. Credit is everything.”

• On consistency:

  “My phone number has been the same for 23 years. I ain’t going nowhere.

Overall Impact

The interview positions Michael Woodward as a practical role model—someone who combines humility, preparation, faith, and execution. Rather than promoting quick wins, the conversation emphasizes long‑term discipline, community uplift, and strategic decision‑making.

Core message: Sustainable success is built step‑by‑step—through education, relationships, credit discipline, and the courage to say yes before you feel ready.

#SHMS #BEST #STRAW

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.