Money Making Conversations Master Class

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 Curtis Symonds.

Interview Purpose

The primary purpose of the interview is to:

1. Highlight the growth and cultural significance of HBCU GO, the leading HBCU‑focused media and streaming platform under Allen Media Group.
2. Celebrate Curtis Symonds’ induction into the Cable Hall of Fame, recognizing his 37+ years of leadership and impact in cable, sports media, and Black‑owned media institutions.
3. Educate audiences on the value of HBCUs—not only academically and culturally, but as a powerful, educated, and economically influential audience.
4. Reinforce storytelling, ownership, and representation as essential elements in preserving Black history and driving future opportunity.

Key Takeaways 1. HBCU GO Was Built to Solve an Access and Representation Gap

Curtis Symonds launched HBCU GO after recognizing that Black college sports and stories were severely underrepresented in mainstream media. Early rejection by cable distributors reinforced the need for ownership and persistence.

Insight: HBCU GO exists not just as a network, but as a corrective platform for visibility, equity, and cultural preservation.

2. The Byron Allen Acquisition Enabled Scale Without Compromising Vision

When Byron Allen acquired HBCU GO TV in 2021, the partnership was grounded in trust, quality, and shared belief in Black excellence. Allen Media Group provided infrastructure and capital while preserving Symonds’ creative and strategic leadership.

Insight: Ownership combined with institutional backing allowed HBCU GO to compete at broadcast-quality levels equivalent to ESPN and major networks.

3. HBCU Audiences Are Educated, Influential, and Economically Valuable

Symonds emphasized that HBCU graduates represent a disproportionate share of Black leadership across education, government, medicine, and STEM.

Insight: HBCU audiences are not niche—they are central to America’s Black middle and professional class, making them highly attractive for brands, advertisers, and financial institutions.

4. HBCU GO Is a Cultural Platform, Not Just a Sports Network

While live sports—including football classics, homecomings, and rivalries—are the anchor, HBCU GO is positioned as a broader cultural and educational storytelling platform.

Insight: The long‑term vision is to tell untold HBCU stories, educate young people about their legacy, and shape cultural identity through digital‑first media.

5. Longevity, Relationships, and “Betting on Yourself” Define Success

Symonds reflected on his career path—from ESPN to BET, from rejection to Hall of Fame—and emphasized resilience, timing, and relationship‑building as critical to long‑term success.

Insight: Career impact is measured not by speed, but by sustained contribution and legacy.

Notable Quotes

“I wanted to show the world that two Black men can get together and do something successfully.”
— Curtis Symonds on partnering with Byron Allen

“When we put this thing on the air, it had to be quality. We couldn’t put up anything that looked scrappy.”
— On competing at a national broadcast standard

“HBCU GO has made a statement in the television and streaming business.”
— On industry recognition and growth

“You’re getting a highly educated audience. That middle‑class audience. That buying audience.”
— On the value of HBCU viewers

“Every HBCU has a story that people don’t know about—and those stories matter.”
— On the importance of storytelling and history

“I’m not mad at anybody. It took 30 years to get here. When my time came, I was ready.”
— On Hall of Fame induction and career reflection

Strategic Relevance (Why This Interview Matters)

This conversation reinforces why Curtis Symonds—and platforms like HBCU GO—are uniquely positioned to:

• Build trust with Black audiences
• Deliver authentic cultural storytelling at scale
• Serve as credible partners for brands, media companies, and institutions seeking meaningful engagement with HBCU and African American communities

#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

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Small Business

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Black Entrepreneurs

Minority Business

Leadership

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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 Keith Milner.

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs by sharing Keith Milner’s journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship. It emphasizes discipline, leadership, risk-taking, and strategies for building generational wealth, particularly for underrepresented communities.

Key Takeaways

1. Foundational Lessons from Childhood

   • Growing up in a disciplined, hardworking family taught Keith accountability, integrity, and the principle of choices and consequences.
   • Education was highly valued in his household, shaping his drive for success.

2. Corporate vs. Entrepreneurial Mindset

   • Corporate careers can feel secure but are often riskier because you lack control over your destiny.
   • Entrepreneurship offers greater control and potential for generational wealth.

3. Leadership and Teamwork

   • Lessons from sports—teamwork, discipline, and leadership—translate directly into business success.
   • Establishing a common goal and coaching employees is crucial, but underperformers must eventually be let go.

4. Risk and Value

   • Many African-Americans view entrepreneurship as risky, but Keith argues it’s less risky than employment in an at-will state.
   • Success depends on creating value that customers are willing to pay for.

5. Franchising Journey

   • Relationships opened doors to Jersey Mike’s franchise ownership.
   • Entrepreneurship requires hands-on involvement—Keith still works in his stores when needed.

6. Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

   • Adopt a growth mindset and positive attitude.
   • Follow the Five P’s: Plan, Prepare, Produce, Pivot, Persevere.
   • Understand that entrepreneurship is a daily grind—“Every morning in the jungle, the lion wakes up running.”

Notable Quotes

• On discipline and accountability:
  “If you said you were going to do something, you did it. If you were told to do something, you got it done.”

• On choices:
  “We make choices every day, and if you don’t make the right choice, there are consequences.”

• On entrepreneurship vs. employment:
  “Entrepreneurship and small business ownership is the best way to create generational wealth.”

• On leadership:
  “There are very few things in life you can do alone. You need people, you need a team.”

• On success formula:
  “You control the inputs, and therefore you can charge what you want—as long as you generate enough value.”

• On entrepreneurial mindset:
  “Plan, Prepare, Produce, Pivot, Persevere.”

• Swahili proverb:
  “Every morning in the jungle, the lion wakes up running… The question becomes, who’s going to run the fastest?”

#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 Felecia Hatcher.

Purpose of the Interview

• To spotlight Black Ambition, a national initiative founded by Pharrell Williams that funds and mentors Black and Brown entrepreneurs.
• To share insights on entrepreneurship, access to resources, and strategies for scaling businesses.
• To inspire and educate small business owners and innovators on how to leverage opportunities for growth.

Key Takeaways

1. About Black Ambition

   • Founded by Pharrell Williams to close the opportunity gap for Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs.
   • Provides capital, mentorship, and masterclasses to help founders scale.
   • Has invested in 131 companies and awarded millions in funding.

2. Competition Structure

   • Annual national competition with 2,500–3,000 applications.
   • Categories include HBCU, National Finalists, Top Prize Winner, People’s Choice.
   • Process: Applications → 250 semifinalists → 3-month cohort → Demo Day for top 20–25 companies.

3. Unique Approach

   • Focus on high-quality mentorship, not “low vibrational” guidance.
   • Includes mental health and wellness support for entrepreneurs.
   • Partnerships with brands like Louis Vuitton for luxury retail insights.

4. Challenges for Entrepreneurs

   • Many fail by rushing applications and skipping info sessions.
   • Success requires clarity, traction, and persistence—sometimes multiple attempts.
   • Black women are the fastest-growing entrepreneurs but often remain solopreneurs; Black Ambition prioritizes team-building.

5. Pharrell’s Motivation

   • Believes in democratizing opportunity: “Talent is not equally distributed by zip code, but opportunity can be.”
   • Inspired by those who believed in him early in his career.

6. Felecia Hatcher’s Journey

   • Former founder of Center for Black Innovation and Black Tech Week.
   • Emphasizes resilience: “I’m a C student and a college dropout, but I never let that define me.”
   • Advocates for creative pathways to success and capital access.

Notable Quotes

• “Success leaves clues.” – On learning from past winners.
• “Talent is not equally distributed by zip code, but opportunity can be.” – Pharrell’s guiding principle.
• “If it doesn’t work on you in that moment, it works for you in that moment. Either way, it works.” – On persistence.
• “We have to start enjoying the process… be stretched, be cut by the process.” – On entrepreneurial growth.
• “Wealth has a need for speed.” – On urgency in closing the wealth gap.

#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 Ingrid Jacobs.

A veteran enterprise leader, former HR executive, and Chief Growth Officer for The Revenue Retreat, a luxury boutique retreat for executive women who want to build profitable businesses without burnout.  She and Rushion discuss her corporate background, her unique approach to customer integration, the challenges women face in entrepreneurship, pricing psychology, common business mistakes, age-related limiting beliefs, and the transformational design of her retreat program.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The purpose of Ingrid’s appearance was to:

1. Share her expertise in helping high‑achieving women build sustainable, profitable businesses

Ingrid works with corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, and women ready to transition from corporate careers into entrepreneurship.

2. Highlight The Revenue Retreat

She explains how the retreat helps women clarify their offer, price correctly, identify customers, and prepare mentally and emotionally for entrepreneurship.

3. Educate listeners on business fundamentals

Rushion brings her on to break down pricing, customer targeting, confidence, and transitioning from corporate “9–5” to entrepreneurship.

4. Address issues unique to women, executives, and people of color

Especially around pricing themselves correctly, recovering from burnout, and building confidence in their value.

💡 Key Takeaways

1. Corporate experience can translate powerfully into entrepreneurship

Ingrid spent two decades at companies like Raytheon, Whirlpool, and JLL, working in HR, human capital, and DEI.
She emphasizes she wasn’t a traditional HR leader—she focused on customer integration, business growth, and improving client outcomes. 

2. High‑achieving women aren’t only executives

They can be community leaders, nonprofit leaders, or entrepreneurs who excel in their areas but may not have formal corporate titles. 

3. Entrepreneurship requires more work—especially early on

New entrepreneurs often don’t realize they must handle every aspect of the business themselves: operations, marketing, sales, pricing, and delivery. 

4. Pricing is one of the biggest challenges for women and people of color

Key problems:

• Undervaluing their expertise
• Fear of charging what they’re worth
• Worrying clients won’t pay higher rates
• Getting mentally stuck in low pricing

Ingrid says women often dramatically underprice themselves and need help adjusting their mindset. 

5. Knowing your customer matters more than trying to sell to everyone

Selling to “anybody” makes entrepreneurs sound desperate; true growth comes from targeting the right buyer and offering a solution they value. 

6. Avoid common first‑year business mistakes

These include:

• Poor pricing
• Not knowing your ideal customer
• Doing everything for everyone
• Expanding into too many offerings too fast
• Operating out of desperation rather than strategy 

7. Age is an asset—not a liability

Older entrepreneurs bring wisdom, experience, critical thinking, and problem‑solving ability.
She argues people use age as a cover for deeper fears about failure and judgment. 

8. The Revenue Retreat combines luxury, education, and wellness

The retreat model includes:

• A luxury residential environment
• Chef‑prepared meals
• 12‑woman cohorts
• Business planning rigor
• Pricing clarity
• Customer identification
• Mental and emotional readiness
• Wellness activities
• 8‑weeks of virtual follow‑up coaching

It’s intentionally structured as not a workshop but a holistic transformation experience. [

9. She priced her retreat through competitive research + self‑awareness

She studied other programs, benchmarked pricing, calculated expenses, and aligned it with her unique “sweet spot”—monetization skill + passion for helping women + love of hosting experiences. 

🗣 Notable Quotes (with citations) On her corporate background

“Bring me on board if you're looking for figuring out how do we get better customer integration… so that we can zero in on more sales.”

On defining high‑achieving women

“There are movers and shakers who don’t necessarily have a corporate pedigree, but they are still getting things done.” 

On underpricing

“Many times women… fall in this trap where they're scared to put out the real amount.” [

On realizing she was undercharging

“I wasn't even charging half of what she was saying… that epiphany changed the game for me.” 

On first‑year mistakes

“Desperation is palpable… and that is a turnoff.” [

On age

“Age to me is an asset… you’ve got cognitive rigor.” 

On burnout

“A lot of people who are interested in this work are already burned out and don’t even recognize their own signs.” 

On what the retreat delivers

“We help everyone come up with their pricing, what is their product… and wrap up where people have a plan forward.” [

Her core sales pitch

“I offer executive women a retreat where they can experience luxury and end with a business plan they can use Monday morning to drive revenue.” 

#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 Valerie Obaze.

Founder of R&R Skincare.  

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:

• Highlight Valerie Obaze’s entrepreneurial journey in founding R&R Skincare.
• Challenge stereotypes about Africa’s capabilities and resources.
• Promote African-made beauty products and their global relevance.
• Inspire others, especially women and diaspora Africans, to invest in and build businesses rooted in African heritage.

🧠 Key Takeaways 1. Breaking African Stereotypes

• Valerie and Rushion discuss how Africa is often misrepresented in Western media.
• Valerie emphasizes that ignorance is not always malicious, but it’s time to reframe the narrative through firsthand experience and platforms like social media.

“Ignorance doesn’t always have to be an insult. If you don’t know, you just don’t know better.” – Valerie Obaze

2. The Birth of R&R Skincare

• Inspired by the birth of her daughter, Valerie sought natural skincare solutions.
• She discovered liquid shea oil, which became her first product.
• The brand name “R&R” stands for Rebecca Rose (her daughter’s name) and also Rest & Relaxation.

“I wanted to create a product that makes using these raw materials from the continent enjoyable.” – Valerie Obaze

3. From Garage to Global

• Valerie started in her mother-in-law’s garage, turning it into a compliant mini factory.
• She had no formal business plan, relying on her PR and branding background.
• The brand now has three stores: one in Lagos and two in Accra, including one at the airport.

4. Authenticity and African Pride

• Valerie insists on maintaining the African identity of her brand.
• She uses locally sourced ingredients and ensures cruelty-free testing.
• The brand supports women in the supply chain, creating economic opportunities.

“We don’t intend to hide that in any way. We just wanted to make raw materials sexy.” – Valerie Obaze

5. Expansion to the U.S.

• Valerie is expanding R&R Skincare to the U.S., leveraging social media, activations, and PR expertise.
• Products are manufactured in Africa, but distributed from U.S. warehouses to ensure timely delivery.

“We found our tribe over here… and this was the right time to come back to America.” – Valerie Obaze

🧴 Product Highlights

• Shea Oil – First product, moisturizing and healing.
• Body Butter – Whipped, light, and rich in essential oils.
• Liquid Black Soap – Modern take on traditional African cleansing.
• Hand Cream – Convenient and portable for dry conditions.

🌍 Big Picture Vision

Valerie’s goal is to grow an African brand globally, showcasing the richness of African resources and empowering local economies.

“This is just a small representative of the entire continent and what it is capable of.” – Valerie Obaze

#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 Monica Cornitcher.

Entrepreneurial journey, the inspiration behind Medase Cocktails, and the realities of launching, funding, and scaling a premium nonalcoholic spirits brand in a highly competitive market.

Purpose of the Conversation

The purpose of the episode is to:

• Educate aspiring entrepreneurs on how to build a differentiated consumer brand
• Demonstrate the importance of storytelling, market clarity, and operational discipline
• Highlight the growth of the nonalcoholic / zero‑proof beverage movement
• Inspire founders—especially founders of color—to own their niche, seek capital strategically, and scale intentionally. 

Key Takeaways 1. Business Built from Personal Need and Purpose

Medase Cocktails was co‑founded by Monica and her lifelong friend during her friend’s battle with breast cancer, a time when alcohol was no longer an option—but celebration still mattered.

• The brand was created to allow people to celebrate authentically without alcohol
• It carries emotional depth rooted in friendship, gratitude, and loss
• Monica continues the mission after her co‑founder passed away in 2024

Lesson: Purpose-driven businesses create deeper emotional connection and long-term brand equity.

2. Differentiation Is Everything

Monica deliberately rejected the “sparkling water with flavor” model common in nonalcoholic drinks.

Her differentiators include:

• Authentic cocktail taste (Old Fashioned, Margarita, Moscow Mule)
• Organic juices, not artificial flavors
• Bold packaging that stands out on shelves
• Drinks designed to smell, taste, and feel like real cocktails

Lesson: Competing on authenticity—not cost—is how you carve out market share in crowded spaces.

3. Brand Names and Stories Matter

The name “Medase” means “thank you” and reflects gratitude, friendship, and emotional support.

Monica emphasizes:

• Every flavor name, color, and product decision has a story
• A strong brand narrative creates curiosity, loyalty, and investor interest

Lesson: People invest in brands they feel—emotionally, not just intellectually.

4. Venture Capital Is Not Just About Numbers

While financials matter, Monica stresses that VCs also invest in founders and stories.

What helped her secure venture capital:

• A compelling personal story
• Relevant founder skill sets (M&A, law, operations)
• Clear understanding of the market opportunity

Lesson: Early-stage funding often depends on who you are and why you’re building, not just revenue.

5. Research, Planning, and Discipline Before Launch

Unlike many food startups, Medase did not begin in a kitchen.

They:

• Conducted a feasibility study
• Built a formal business plan
• Worked with a Black female food scientist
• Set strict personal funding limits before seeking capital

Lesson: Preparation reduces risk and builds long-term sustainability.

6. Scaling Requires Operational Maturity

As sales increased—especially on Amazon—Monica emphasized the need to move from “hustle mode” to operational excellence.

Key scaling principles:

• Understand unit economics
• Track ROI for events and activations
• Adjust pricing as volume increases
• Build strategy across marketing, operations, and distribution

Lesson: Hustle starts the business; operations grow it.

7. Niche First, Expansion Later

Medase does not try to be “everything to everyone.”

Core customers include:

• People seeking a break from alcohol
• Health-conscious consumers
• Black men looking for alcohol replacements
• Consumers wanting cocktail taste without hangovers

Lesson: Strong niches create loyal advocates who fuel organic growth.

8. Smart Distribution Strategy

Rather than rushing into retail, Monica prioritized direct-to-consumer channels:

• Amazon (top-performing channel)
• Brand website
• TikTok Shop

Only after 6–7 months of traction did retail expansion become viable.

Lesson: Control your margins and demand before entering expensive retail environments.

Memorable Quotes

“I wanted an authentic cocktail without compromise.”

“Everything we do has a story behind it.”

“Sometimes it’s not about the financials—it’s about the founder and the story.”

“Don’t be everything to everybody. Find your market and stick with your market.”

“Hustle starts the business, but operations give you scale.”

“If it tastes too much like alcohol and you gave me a one-star review—thank you. That means I did my job.”

Overall Message

This episode is a real-world entrepreneurial blueprint showing how clarity of vision, emotional authenticity, disciplined planning, and niche focus can turn a personal idea into a scalable national brand.

Monica Cornitcher exemplifies the modern founder:
visionary, data-aware, emotionally intelligent, and unapologetically authentic.

#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.

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 Diane Strand

An award‑winning serial entrepreneur, media producer, speaker, and coach. She is the co‑founder of JDS Video & Media Productions, a seven‑figure production company, and the creator of DigiFest, a major digital‑media and arts festival in Temecula, California.

Diane shares her journey from a dyslexic child discouraged from pursuing the arts, to a Hollywood professional working on television hits like Friends, General Hospital, and Veronica’s Closet, to a successful entrepreneur empowering creative to turn their passions into profitable businesses. She discusses resilience, visibility, storytelling, leadership, the power of the arts, and how she built DigiFest into a hub for digital creators, students, and industry professionals.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview highlights:

1. Diane’s evolution from Hollywood talent to business owner

Her shift from TV and production work to launching her own media company and coaching others.

2. The mission behind DigiFest

Why she created an annual digital media festival to bridge Hollywood and emerging creators.

3. How the arts empower people personally and professionally

Diane explains how creativity builds communication skills, confidence, resilience, and community.

4. Her framework for turning passion into profit

Through storytelling, visibility strategies, networking, and stepping outside comfort zones.

5. Advice for future generations of creatives and entrepreneurs

Her approach to learning, mentorship, and launching ideas before feeling “ready.”

💡 Key Takeaways

1. Creativity + Storytelling = Universal Power

Diane defines the arts broadly: anything involving storytelling—painting, acting, photography, filmmaking, writing, animation, design, music, digital content.
She emphasizes that the arts are inclusive, accessible to all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. 

The arts train:

• Communication
• Confidence
• Problem‑solving
• Thick skin
• Resilience
• Adaptability

These skills transfer directly to business and leadership.

2. Overcoming Dyslexia and Early Discouragement

As a child, she struggled with reading and undiagnosed dyslexia.
People—including her parents—told her she shouldn’t pursue the arts. She refused to listen.
Her determination led to winning the role of Betsy Ross in her second‑grade play, igniting her lifelong creative path. 

3. A Successful Run in Hollywood

When Showtime rejected her, she went back to school to get her bachelor’s degree, then returned and worked on major productions such as:

• Friends
• General Hospital
• Veronica’s Closet

Hollywood taught her professionalism, creativity, and authenticity—but also that the industry can be cutthroat and subjective. 

4. Passion → Purpose → Profits

Diane explains that passion alone isn’t enough.
The real breakthrough comes when passion turns into a purpose, which then creates profits. [

She discovered this when she left Hollywood within 15 seconds of agreeing to start her own production business after realizing reality TV’s lifestyle conflicted with being a present parent.

Her success framework includes:

• High visibility
• Networking
• Leveraging the “Hollywood effect”
• Storytelling as authority
• Consistency
• Constant learning

5. Building a Seven‑Figure Media Company

JDS Productions creates professional video content, marketing media, casting calls, and digital products.
She used door‑to‑door outreach, chamber of commerce networking, public speaking, and visibility strategies to grow. 

6. Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone

Diane repeatedly stresses:

• Growth happens in discomfort
• Saying yes leads to opportunity
• Visibility requires vulnerability 

Today she speaks on national stages, podcasts, and industry events—something that once required tremendous courage.

7. DigiFest: Her Digital Media Festival

DigiFest was created when the long‑running Temecula film and music festival shut down, and the city asked her to take over. She refused to run a traditional film festival and instead created something aligned with her expertise—digital media. 

DigiFest is:

• A competition
• A networking event
• An educational conference
• A celebration of digital storytelling

Festival features include:

• Workshops (AI, film, podcasting, animation, scriptwriting)
• Celebrity speakers (Curtis Young, Colin Egglesfield, Sam Larsen, Justin Guarini)
• Film screenings
• Performances
• Red carpet
• Awards
• Professional‑student collaboration 

It spans three days every April (Fri–Sun) at her 10,000 sq ft studio space in Temecula.

8. Women in Hollywood & Finding Her Voice

Diane acknowledges that Hollywood can be sexist, abusive, and insensitive to women.
She faced inappropriate situations during her work on reality TV—but quickly made clear she “does not play like that.” [

She helps other women and young creatives find confidence, courage, and professional boundaries.

9. Resilience, Ethics, and “Haters”

Diane remains grounded in:

• Ethical behavior
• Professionalism
• Strong documentation
• Karma
• Leading by example

She believes leadership gets more public as you climb, and criticism is inevitable when you challenge others. 

10. Advice for the Next Generation

Her advice is timeless:

“Start before you’re ready.”
If she waited for perfection, she never would’ve launched DigiFest or her company. 

Say yes, show up, be visible, and trust that your purpose will reveal itself through action.

🗣 Notable Quotes On dreams and action

“A dream is direction, realization, evaluation, and taking action to create momentum.” 

On the power of the arts

“The arts are inclusive. They teach resilience, confidence, and how to get back up.” 

On her Hollywood departure

“I said yes within 15 seconds… I wanted something more for me and my family.” [

On growth

“When you get comfortable being uncomfortable, you’re going to grow.” 

On DigiFest

“It’s anything that lives in the digital space—from film to AI to podcasting to animation.” 

On overcoming discouragement

“I was told I shouldn’t or couldn’t… but I said, ‘Just watch me.’” 

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ri‑Karlo Handy.

Interview Overview

Guest: Ri‑Karlo Handy
Host: Rushion McDonald
Podcast: Money Making Conversations Masterclass
Primary Focus:

• Handy’s role as showrunner/executive producer of Harlem Globetrotters: Secrets of the City
• His media career spanning 25+ years
• Representation, legacy, trust, and mentorship in the entertainment industry
• The mission and impact of the Handy Foundation

Purpose of the Interview

The interview serves multiple purposes:

1. Promote Harlem Globetrotters: Secrets of the City on aspireTV+ by explaining what makes the series unique within the travel and lifestyle genre.
2. Reposition the Harlem Globetrotters as a cultural, historical, and global brand beyond basketball—especially significant during their 100‑year legacy.
3. Highlight pathways into the entertainment industry, particularly for Black creatives, through mentorship, trust-building, and skills-based training.
4. Showcase Handy’s philosophy on leadership and opportunity, emphasizing responsibility, legacy, and access.

Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Redefining the Travel Show Format

• Secrets of the City goes beyond sightseeing.
• The show explores how Black people live, connect, and thrive globally, especially through expat communities and diaspora culture.
• Episodes emphasize how to move through a city, not just visit it—using insider access, cultural context, and lived experience.

Takeaway: Travel content is more powerful when rooted in identity, history, and authenticity.

2. Harlem Globetrotters as Cultural Ambassadors

• Handy frames the Globetrotters as “ambassadors of goodwill”, not just entertainers.
• They represent joy, diplomacy, and cultural exchange—appearing everywhere from the Vatican to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization.
• The show captures their off‑court personalities, maturity, and global influence.

Takeaway: The Harlem Globetrotters are a living Black institution with worldwide reach, relevance, and responsibility.

3. Sustaining a 100‑Year Black Brand

• The Globetrotters predate the NBA and helped globalize basketball.
• After fading from TV prominence in the 1990s–2000s, a post‑pandemic strategy brought them back into media.
• Handy sees longevity itself as a lesson—few businesses, especially Black‑owned legacies, endure a century.

Takeaway: Longevity comes from reinvention, relevance, and honoring history while adapting to the present.

4. Mastery, Discipline, and Authentic Skill

• Globetrotter performances are not “fake” or staged.
• Players must actually make the shots and execute at elite athletic levels.
• Handy compares their mindset to elite athletes like Steph Curry—hours of practice for moments of excellence.

Takeaway: Entertainment still demands real mastery; excellence behind the scenes creates effortless magic on screen.

5. Trust as the Real Currency of Business

• Handy repeatedly emphasizes trust over talent as the foundation of his career.
• His progression—from editor to producer to network executive—came from delivering consistently on promises.
• Relationships, reliability, and integrity enabled him to control projects and earn leadership roles.

Takeaway: Skills open doors, but trust keeps them open.

6. Mentorship and the Handy Foundation

• Handy formalized his long-standing mentorship work into the Handy Foundation (founded 2020).
• The foundation focuses on post‑production training, an area with limited Black representation.
• Started with 8 trainees; now has 400+ alumni working on major films and TV shows.
• The program is now a nationally recognized registered apprenticeship with the California Film Commission.

Takeaway: Access—not just ambition—is the missing link for many aspiring creatives.

Notable Quotes

“Our business is less about skills and creativity and more about trust.”

“A lot of times the first opportunity is the hardest one to get.”

“They’re not pretending to make the basketball. You’ve actually got to make the shot.”

“There aren’t a lot of Black folks in post‑production because they don’t get the opportunity to learn those skills.”

“How many Black businesses can we say are 100 years old?”

“They are ambassadors of goodwill. You’ve got to be a good person to be a Globetrotter.”

#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

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Small Business

Business Growth

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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

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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 Damon Haley

• Co‑founder of Glow and Flow Beauty, discussing his transition from entertainment and sports marketing into the beauty-supply industry, his mission to elevate service for Black and Brown communities, and the franchising model he is rolling out nationwide. Hosted by Rushion McDonald on Money Making Conversations Masterclass, the conversation highlights Haley’s business philosophy, community-driven approach, and long-term vision to create ownership opportunities through franchising.

  🎯 Purpose of the Interview

  The interview aims to:

  1. Highlight Damon Haley’s entrepreneurial journey

  How he moved from high-level event production and marketing (Nike, Pepsi, Coke) into beauty retail.

  2. Explain why the beauty-supply industry needs Black ownership

  Haley outlines the disconnect between Black consumer spending and the lack of Black-owned beauty-supply stores.

  3. Promote Glow and Flow Beauty’s mission

  A service-first retail model designed to uplift, educate, and serve Black and Brown consumers with dignity.

  4. Introduce Glow and Flow’s franchising opportunity

  Haley frames franchising as a path for individuals to enter business ownership with support and a proven model.

  5. Inspire listeners to embrace change and pursue entrepreneurship

  He shares personal experiences overcoming naysayers and trusting his instincts.

  📌 Key Takeaways from the Interview 1. The Beauty Industry Is a Huge, Under-Owned Space for Black Entrepreneurs
  • Black consumers spend heavily on beauty, but historically have not owned the supply-chain or retail footprint.
  • Haley wants to change that by bringing ownership and pride back to local communities. 
  2. Glow and Flow Beauty Focuses on Service, Experience, and Community
  • The stores celebrate culture (Breast Cancer Month, Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month).
  • Customer care is central—Haley emphasizes smiles, water for coughing customers, and creating “fabulousness.” 
  3. Franchising Eliminates the “Start From Zero” Problem
  • Haley believes franchising is more accessible than starting independently because:
    • You get a proven model.
    • You get supply-chain support.
    • You avoid costly mistakes. 
  4. Hair Is the Cornerstone of the Business
  • Glow and Flow launched its own synthetic hair brand, SLAY (with 3 Ys).
  • Synthetic hair dominates due to affordability.
  • Human hair is sourced from Asia, Africa, and Southeast Asia. 
  5. Inventory & Capital Are Major Barriers to Entry
  • Beauty supply requires heavy up‑front inventory investment.
  • Glow and Flow stays heavily stocked to maintain customer trust.
  6. Data + Marketing Experience = Competitive Advantage
  • Haley leverages his corporate marketing background (Nike, Foot Locker) to optimize retail presentation, customer experience, and product mix. 
  7. His Long-Term Vision: 40 Stores Nationwide
  • His exit strategy is to build 40 Glow and Flow stores (McDonald jokes he’d smile at 100). 
  8. E-commerce and Community Outreach Expand Their Reach
  • GlowAndFlowBeauty.com sells products and SLAY hair online, with shipping and local pickup.
  • Stores support community fundraisers by including materials in shoppers’ bags (up to 5,000 per month). 
  💬 Notable Quotes (From the Transcript) On the power of beauty in the community

  “When we look good, we feel good. When we feel good, we be good, we do good.” 

  On why Black beauty ownership matters

  “We’re buyers… we’re consumers… we just don’t own.” 

  On moving into the beauty industry

  “We’ve had the short end of the stick — not only from recycling our Black dollars, but the concept of service.” 

  On franchising

  “You don’t start from zero with a franchise… you have a corporation behind you.” 

  On entrepreneurship and criticism

  “There’s jealous, envy, and naysayers… but I’ve never been fearful of change.” 

  On customer service

  “I try to give you other stuff… I give you a smile… if you cough, I’m gonna give you some water.” 

  On the importance of hair

  “Hair is the cornerstone of our beauty industry.” 

  On long-term ambitions

  “I would love to have maybe 40 Glow and Flows nationwide.” 

  #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 Marsha Evans.

Purpose of the Interview

• To highlight Marsha Evans’ work as a licensed professional counselor and founder of Willow Tree Counseling and Educational Center.
• To explore strategies for navigating life’s complex stages, breaking generational patterns, and building authentic relationships.
• To provide actionable insights for entrepreneurs and individuals on self-awareness, fear management, and relationship dynamics.

Key Takeaways

1. Understanding Complexity

   • Life stages vary in complexity for each person—middle school for some, adulthood for others.
   • Evans emphasizes listening and identifying what balance, peace, or contentment means for each individual.

2. Early Awareness and Discipline

   • At age 12, Evans set a goal to earn a scholarship, showing intentionality and discipline.
   • Athletics taught her teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience, shaping her leadership style.

3. Reading the Room

   • Start by reading yourself—know your energy and intentions.
   • Authenticity and confidence are key to building relationships and leveraging opportunities.

4. Fear and Family Systems

   • Fear often originates from family systems and generational patterns, not just personal experiences.
   • Example: Parents’ limited worldview can project fear of the unknown onto children.
   • Recognizing these patterns helps individuals break cycles and pursue their own paths.

5. Generational Patterns & Healing

   • Evans uses Genograms (visual family trees) to identify psychological and behavioral patterns across three generations.
   • Acceptance of parents and family history is crucial for personal and professional growth.
   • Rejecting parents = rejecting life and success; honor them while creating new narratives.

6. Practical Steps for Change

   • Build a relationship with yourself through solitude, meditation, yoga, and movement.
   • Reduce stress (cortisol levels) to improve clarity and decision-making.
   • Examine your money story—how family attitudes toward money shape your financial behavior.

7. Relationships

   • Romantic: Partners often mirror unresolved childhood issues; do inner work to avoid projecting.
   • Professional: Maintain boundaries; emotional needs should not be placed on workplace relationships.
   • Personal: Define roles clearly; avoid expecting friends to fill parental gaps.

8. Consistency and Authenticity

   • Success requires consistency with yourself before expecting it from others.
   • Ask: Are your goals truly yours or influenced by societal expectations?

Notable Quotes

• “I become a visitor in your world and start listening to your story.”
• “Reading the room starts with reading yourself.”
• “Fear is often not yours—it comes from your family system.”
• “You can’t reject your parents; when you reject your mother, you reject life.”
• “Consistency with yourself is key to achieving the results you desire.”
• “Your partner cannot carry the burden of your parents.”
• “People are divorced from themselves—I teach them how to get married to themselves.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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