Money Making Conversations Master Class

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. T.M. Robinson-Mosley.

Founder of The Playbook.  Here’s a breakdown of the key topics and highlights:

Key Themes & Highlights

1. The Playbook’s Mission & Innovation

   • Dr. Mosley introduces The Playbook, an award-winning mental health performance sports tech company.
   • The platform measures stress, well-being, and resilience, providing athletes with data-driven insights to improve performance.

2. Mental Health & Performance Tracking

   • The Playbook uses gamified psych assessments to quantify mental health metrics like resilience and stress.
   • It provides trackable wellness solutions for sports organizations, helping teams gain a competitive advantage.

3. Scaling Mental Health Support in Sports

   • Dr. Mosley discusses the challenges of scaling mental health resources, especially post-COVID.
   • She emphasizes the importance of AI and machine learning in making mental health measurable and actionable.

4. Privacy & Athlete Trust

   • The Playbook is HIPAA-compliant, ensuring privacy and restricted access to athlete data.
   • It was developed with input from thousands of athletes, making it a trusted tool in the sports ecosystem.

5. Expanding Beyond Sports

   • While The Playbook is designed for athletes, Dr. Mosley acknowledges its potential in corporate and medical spaces.
   • She highlights interest from industries like construction, healthcare, and military operations.

About Dr. T.M. Robinson-Mosley & The Playbook

Dr. T.M. Robinson-Mosley is a consulting psychologist who has worked with elite sports organizations, including the NBA, NFL, NCAA, and U.S. Air Force. She founded The Playbook to bridge the gap between mental health and athletic performance, ensuring that mental wellness is prioritized alongside physical training. Her work is revolutionizing how teams and athletes approach mental health, making it quantifiable, trackable, and actionable.

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

 

 

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

Also known as the Pocketbook Strategist. She is a financial literacy advocate and business consultant based in North Carolina, offering tools and resources to help individuals and small business owners take control of their financial futures.

🔑 Key Themes and Takeaways: 💼 About Dr. Leketa Hawkins

• Founder of PocketbookStrategies.com, which offers financial literacy programs, tools, and resources.
• Also runs Hawdleigh.com, a platform for financial education courses and templates.
• Her mission is to provide low-cost or no-cost financial education to underserved communities.

💡 Financial Literacy & Upbringing

• Like many, Leketa grew up in a household where money was not discussed—a common cultural norm that left many unprepared for adult financial responsibilities.
• She emphasizes the importance of breaking generational cycles by involving children in financial conversations early.

🧠 Emotional Spending

• One of the most common financial pitfalls she sees is emotional spending—buying things to cope with stress, boredom, or celebration.
• She recommends tracking spending for one week to identify patterns and triggers.
• Online shopping makes emotional spending easier and more dangerous due to its convenience.

📊 Budgeting Strategies

• Advocates for the 50/30/20 rule:
  • 50% for needs
  • 30% for wants
  • 20% for savings or debt
• Encourages people to “name your money before you spend it”—assign every dollar a purpose.

👧🏾 Youth Financial Literacy

• Stresses the importance of teaching kids that money is a tool, not a goal.
• Encourages parents to:
  • Let kids ask financial questions.
  • Teach saving from every dollar earned.
  • Explain compound interest and the value of investing.

👩🏽‍💼 Empowering Women Financially

• Many women feel overwhelmed or disempowered financially.
• Dr. Hawkins encourages women to take small steps toward financial clarity and view financial wellness as a form of self-love.

💬 Final Lessons

• “Money doesn’t change who you are—it amplifies who you are.”
• Understanding the difference between assets and liabilities is foundational:
  • Assets put money in your pocket.
  • Liabilities take money out.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMI

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

She has a business degree from the University of Oklahoma.   She is the owner of Scholar Ready, an educational services company. She meets with clients online and her company Scholar Ready tutors Math, conducts personal essay writing workshops, and prepares students for PSAT, SAT, and ACT exams.  Please welcome to Money Making Conversations Master Class Jennifer Ledwith.

Talking Points/Questions *

1. Why are HBCUs relevant?
Mr. McDonald, in your interview with Stacy Spratt of the United Negro College Fund, you mentioned the number of successful Black professionals who are products of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Moreover, I’ve seen this success in my family, which hails from Bain Street (yes – that Bain Street in Kashmere Gardens), beginning with my grandfather, an alumnus of Texas College and Texas Southern University.

2. Whether students select an HBCU or a PWI, it’s important for them to have choices. Test scores unlock access to scholarships and academic programs. Often, African Americans are locked out of these opportunities: on average, African Americans score a 908 (out of 1600) on the SAT and a 16 (out of 36) on the ACT.

3. PSAT, SAT, and ACT aren’t for Black kids? Why should we bother?
We should bother because of the opportunities for scholarships and the opportunities to improve literacy.

4. When should my child start preparing for college?

5. Understood from a young age that education and literacy were crucial to success. 

6. People told her that her mother — a single parent with serious debt and no child support — made too much money for her to get any free money for college.

7. She didn't finish in the top 10% of her high school class (which is academic poison in her home state of Texas).

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

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

Founder of STEM Atlanta Women, joins Money Making Conversations Masterclass to discuss her mission to increase diversity in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. She shares insights on how her organization bridges gaps for Black and Brown women in underserved communities and creates career pathways.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

1. Origins of STEM Atlanta Women

   • Founded in 2016, the organization was inspired by Maxine’s challenges as an HR leader in a Fortune 500 company, where recruiting women of color into innovation roles was difficult.
   • She recognized a lack of representation and cultural barriers that discouraged women from entering STEM careers.
   • Her background in corporate event planning and business development helped her secure sponsorships for STEM-focused initiatives.

2. Summerhill Community Hub

   • The organization operates out of a two-story loft space in Summerhill, Atlanta, a historically underserved community.
   • Summerhill lacked essential resources, including a bank and grocery store, for over 60 years.
   • Partnered with Carter Development, which helped provide space for STEM education and community programming.

3. STEM Education & Outreach

   • Works closely with local schools, including King Middle School, Carver Early College, Maynard Jackson High School, and Georgia State University.
   • Runs programs designed to introduce young girls to STEM careers, helping them build confidence and skills early.

4. Annual STEM Events

   • STEMinist Ball celebrates young women excelling in STEM fields by awarding crystal trophies, certificates, and graduation cords at a black-tie event.
   • STEM in the City is an afterschool program that exposes students to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, drone technology, and flavor science with Coca-Cola.
   • Collaborated with Usher’s New Look Foundation and IBM to introduce artificial intelligence concepts to students.

5. College & Workforce Development

   • Partners with Clark Atlanta University and Emory University to provide certification programs in business intelligence and emerging technology.
   • Works with major corporations to create career pathways for Black talent.
   • Helps underserved individuals gain industry-recognized certifications for high-paying tech jobs.

6. Vision & Impact

   • Maxine started STEM Atlanta Women to create opportunities for young women who lacked access to STEM education.
   • She emphasizes mentorship, representation, and hands-on learning to help future leaders navigate STEM careers.

📘 Resources & Contact Information
Dr. Maxine Cain’s work is accessible through:
🔗 Website: STEM Atlanta Women
🔗 Social Media: @STEMAtlantaWomen

 

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Derrick "D" Hayes.  

Founder and CEO of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, about entrepreneurship, generational wealth, and community building.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

Building Generational Wealth

• Hayes emphasized the importance of financial literacy and ownership in creating lasting wealth.
• He shared his journey from humble beginnings to building a multimillion-dollar restaurant empire.

Overcoming Challenges & Second Chances

• Hayes revealed that he once faced legal troubles, but a dismissed case gave him a second chance.
• He used that opportunity to turn his life around and pursue entrepreneurship.

The Story Behind Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks

• Hayes started his business in a small gas station in Atlanta, eventually expanding into a nationally recognized brand.
• He credits his grandfather’s cooking lessons for inspiring his passion for food.

Community Impact & Business Growth

• Hayes is committed to giving back to underserved communities, offering mentorship and business opportunities.
• He discussed how Black entrepreneurs can break barriers in the food industry.

📘 About Derrick Hayes
Derrick Hayes is a self-made entrepreneur who built Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks into a thriving restaurant chain. His story is one of resilience, second chances, and financial empowerment.

#AMI

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

 

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Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Yolanda D. McElroy (aka “Dr. Yo-Yo”).

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To spotlight Dr. McElroy’s work as a pharmacist, educator, and author of the children’s book It’s Not Candy, which promotes medication safety. The interview also highlights her consulting company, MediManage, and her mission to improve health outcomes through education and community engagement.

🧠 Key Takeaways 1. Professional Background

• Dr. McElroy is a registered pharmacist in Louisiana with over 30 years of experience in retail and hospital settings.
• She began her academic journey at Grambling State University (HBCU) studying chemistry before transferring to pharmacy school.

2. MediManage Consulting

• Founded to promote medication safety and improve health outcomes.
• Focuses on educating communities about proper medication use, adherence, and preventing medication-related problems.

3. Medication Safety Advocacy

• Medications are a leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in children.
• Parents often leave medications and chemicals within reach of children.
• Emphasizes the importance of locking up medications and educating both adults and children.

4. Target Age Groups

• Focuses on children ages 3–10 to instill early awareness of medication safety.
• Also highlights teens as a vulnerable group due to increased drug experimentation and access to medications at home.
• Notes the importance of educating parents and senior citizens as well.

5. Book: It’s Not Candy

• Inspired by her ministry work with youth in mental health hospitals.
• Based on real-life experiences and includes a song to make learning fun and memorable.
• Demonstrates how medications can resemble candy, making it difficult for children (and adults) to distinguish.
• Aims to equip families with knowledge to prevent accidental overdoses and misuse.

6. Challenges in Pharmacy Profession

• Pharmacists face heavy workloads, including vaccinations, insurance calls, and patient counseling.
• Many are overworked and under-supported, leading to burnout and even strike considerations.

7. Book Creation Journey

• Took years to develop after encouragement from her pastor.
• Extensive research into publishing options and budgeting.
• Partnered with a publishing company and built a team including an editor and illustrator.
• Advises aspiring authors to be patient, budget generously, and seek support and education.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “Medications are a leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in children.”
• “If you’re not sure, ask a professional. Ask your pharmacist.”
• “We want to get them early and instill that training so they can make good decisions.”
• “Many medication-related injuries are preventable.”
• “If there’s no room at the table, bring a folding chair.”
• “Our children are important and their lives are valuable.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:

Highlight Justin Lee’s journey from a young real estate agent to a multifaceted entrepreneur.
Inspire listeners—especially from underserved communities—to pursue financial literacy, real estate ownership, and entrepreneurship.
Share actionable insights on building wealth through real estate, construction, and strategic partnerships.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Overcoming Age Barriers in Real Estate

Justin entered real estate at 24 and embraced being the youngest in the room.
He used his youth and tech-savviness (e.g., TikTok, Instagram) to bring value to veteran professionals.

“I started to network more in rooms that had more experienced people… let me break some of this new millennial technology into your business.”

2. Education and Credentials

In three years, Justin became a licensed broker and earned a doctorate.
He emphasizes continuous learning and certifications as keys to growth.

“I also finished my doctorate degree, so I'm now Doctor Justin Lee.”

3. Social Media as a Business Tool

He leveraged platforms like TikTok (90K followers) to market real estate and educate clients.
He stresses that online presence must reflect professionalism.

“Some people look better online than in person for a reason… make your business look the same way online.”

4. Addressing Homeownership Gaps in Communities of Color

Justin discusses systemic barriers like lack of financial literacy and credit education.
He offers free resources like Motivational Mondays and a podcast to educate aspiring homeowners.

“Most of the time, our parents… would say, ‘Don’t use no credit card.’ Great advice, but kind of bad advice at the same time.”

5. Real Estate Syndication & Group Investing

He formed a private investment fund with fraternity brothers and family to buy properties collectively.
Focused on affordable markets like New Orleans East for high ROI.

“Let’s develop a fund… Now we own over 150 apartment complexes and units.”

6. Amazon DSP Partnership

Justin owns an Amazon Delivery Service Partner business with 42 trucks and 200+ employees.
He recommends minorities apply for the program, which offers a \$10K grant.

“They want someone who is willing to commit… not someone who has all this business experience.”

7. Construction Ventures

Inspired by his mother’s post-Katrina property acquisitions, Justin entered construction.
He now leads major commercial projects including schools, restaurants, and celebrity studios.

“We ended up building out a restaurant… 10,000 square foot… I love this. This is my passion.”

8. Family Legacy & Early Exposure

Raised in New Orleans by a single mother and grandparents, Justin learned property management as a child.
His mother’s real estate investments post-Katrina laid the foundation for his career.

“I knew how to write a lease at ten… file eviction at 12… manage property before high school.”

🗣️ Notable Quotes

“If you don’t plan, you plan to fail.”
“Let’s teach you to do it right. Let’s do it together.”
“Knowledge was power… the one thing nobody can take.”
“You learn a skill, you’ll eat forever.”

 

#BEST #STRAW #SHMS

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

SUMMARY OF THE INTERVIEW

The conversation between Rushion McDonald and Jeremy Anderson on Money Making Conversations Masterclass covers Jeremy’s personal transformation, his mission-driven approach to motivational speaking, the creation of Next Level Speakers Academy, the power of environment and mindset, and his philanthropic work in South Africa. The interview highlights values such as purpose over profit, taking ownership, perseverance, and maximizing one’s potential. [

PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW

The purpose of the episode is to:

1. Introduce Jeremy Anderson’s Work

Showcase Jeremy’s role as a premier motivational speaker, founder of Next Level Speakers Academy, and co‑founder of Next Level Living, which feeds a thousand children weekly in South Africa. [

2. Inspire Listeners Toward Purpose‑Driven Success

Encourage viewers to move from “wasted potential” to purposeful, impactful living by believing in themselves and pursuing their gifts. 

3. Demonstrate How Jeremy’s Principles Apply Broadly

Rushion emphasizes that Jeremy’s business, branding, and mindset strategies apply not just to speakers, but to entrepreneurs, executives, and everyday people. 

4. Promote Actionable Personal Growth

The interview seeks to motivate listeners to take ownership, adopt non‑negotiable success habits, and maximize opportunities. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Wasted Potential is a Universal Struggle

Jeremy defines wasted potential as having greatness inside but failing to believe in it or pursue it. Many people don’t lack talent — they lack belief and action. 

2. Purpose Over Profit

He warns new speakers not to chase “the bag.”
Impact first → income follows. If your heart is for people, success comes naturally. 

3. Your Story Is Your Superpower

Every struggle someone has overcome is a testimony meant to help others. Keeping quiet keeps your gift hidden. 

4. Maximize Every Opportunity

Whether you’re speaking, laying concrete, or running a small business, get every drop out of every engagement — testimonials, photos, referrals, and relationship‑building. citeturn1search1

5. Environment and Mindset Matter

True growth starts by changing your internal environment.
Jeremy’s life changed when teachers chose to see the best in him, showing that belief from others can shift self-belief. 

6. Non‑Negotiables Build Discipline

Success requires habits you don’t negotiate with: early rising, prayer, meditation, cold plunges, challenging discomfort, and consistent personal development.

7. Extreme Ownership Replaces Excuses

Greatness comes from responsibility, not excuses. Jeremy demands accountability from his teams and himself.

8. Brand Is Built on Transparency

Jeremy’s brand centers on perseverance, faith, and family—not perfection. He shares both triumphs and private struggles.

9. Giving Back Is Central to His Purpose

Next Level Living feeds 1,000 children weekly and sponsors students in South Africa through college. Impact must extend beyond business. 

NOTABLE QUOTES FROM THE INTERVIEW On Purpose & Potential

• “Don’t come to me for profits. Come to me for purpose. Don’t come to me for income. Come to me for impact.” 
• “It’s only a testimony if you testify.” 
• “Most people don’t believe and they don’t pursue — that’s wasted potential.” 

On Mindset & Environment

• “I wasn’t living a life of purpose… I had to stop blaming others and go all in on me.” 
• “Sometimes the shackles we have are in our mind.” 

On Discipline

• “Success requires non‑negotiables.” (Waking early, prayer, meditation, discomfort training) 
• “People want comfort — but everything great comes with discomfort.” 

On Value

• “If you want to be valuable, you must have value.”
• “They’re not paying me top dollar because I'm motivational. I solve a problem.” 

On Legacy & Family

• “My brand is perseverance and family.”
• “These things don’t happen to me — they happen for me.” 

On Accountability

• “No excuses — take ownership.”
• “I’ve never met anyone who became great from excuses.”

On Giving Back

• “We’ve been feeding a thousand starving children every week since 2018.”
• “We put 60 kids through college — and we’re just getting started.” 

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

 

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

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to educate entrepreneurs—especially women business owners—on how to secure funding responsibly, avoid scams, and develop a strategic financial plan. It also highlights Katrina Fitten’s expertise as CEO/CFO of New Day for You Financial and her mission to help startups and small businesses access capital.

Key Takeaways

1. Funding Opportunities & Qualifications

   • Katrina helps women business owners secure up to $100,000 in 100 days or less, with same-day approval and next-day funding.
   • Basic qualifications include:
     • Credit score of 680+
     • Existing credit lines (at least $10,000)
     • A clear business mission and low-risk profile.

2. Avoiding Scams

   • Beware of unsolicited emails/texts promising easy money.
   • Do your homework:
     • Check companies on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
     • Look for testimonials and partnerships with reputable banks (e.g., Chase, American Express).
   • Never share sensitive information without verifying legitimacy.

3. Importance of a Business Plan

   • Funding is not free money—you need a strategic plan.
   • Katrina calls it a “money mission”: know exactly how funds will be deployed.
   • Without a plan, money disappears quickly, leading to debt and bad credit.

4. Family & Friends Lending

   • Treat personal loans like business loans:
     • Have written agreements with terms, repayment schedule, and penalties.
     • Decide upfront if it’s a gift or a loan.

5. Services Offered by New Day for You Financial

   • SBA loans, equipment loans, purchase order financing.
   • Lines of credit and 0% interest credit cards (18–21 months).
   • Credit card stacking for higher funding amounts.
   • Credit restoration referrals for those with poor credit.

6. Success Story

   • Example: A tax accountant secured $160,000 in less than a week due to strong credit, revenue history, and a solid business plan.

Notable Quotes

• “If you don’t have a plan for your money, your money will have a plan—and you’ll look up and it’s gone.”
• “We don’t want to be out here racking up good debt and then you’re not going to be responsible.”
• “You have to vet companies. Go to BBB, Google them, and check their credibility.”
• “If I give you money, I decide—is it a gift or a loan? There are rules to borrowing money.”
• “We say if you don’t get anything, we don’t get paid.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Christina Dukes Brown.

CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Paterson and Passaic, NJ

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aimed to:

• Raise awareness about the Boys & Girls Club’s impact on underserved communities in Paterson and Passaic, NJ.
• Issue a call to action for volunteers, mentors, corporations, and donors to support youth programs.
• Highlight challenges faced by marginalized communities and how the Club addresses them through education, nutrition, and character-building programs.

Key Takeaways

1. Community Impact

   • The Club serves 1,400 children and teens daily across two main clubhouses and 11 satellite sites.
   • Programs include academic support, tutoring, arts, athletics, and life skills development.

2. Challenges in the Community

   • High rates of homelessness, food deserts, and low literacy and math proficiency (only ~20% literate and ~15% proficient in math in Paterson).
   • Stereotypes and “deficit ideology” that assume poor or minority youth lack capacity for success.

3. Programs and Initiatives

   • Academic Support: Homework help, tutoring, and Saturday sessions.
   • Creative Outlets: Dance, musicals, and arts.
   • Sports & Aquatics: Swimming program praised for breaking stereotypes.
   • Young Adult Support (18–24): Internships, skill-building, and career readiness for those not pursuing college.

4. Call to Action

   • Volunteers and mentors needed to inspire youth.
   • Corporations and entrepreneurs encouraged to provide internships and teach business skills.
   • Donations critical—$4M annual fundraising goal to sustain programs.

5. Dr. Brown’s Motivation

   • Rooted in her upbringing in Jersey City during the crack era.
   • Believes in being part of the solution, not just complaining about systemic issues.
   • Emphasizes building “efficacious spirits” and affirming unique skills in youth.

Notable Quotes

• On Motivation:
  “I can’t complain about the position of Black and Brown people in society if I’m not going to do the work necessary to support its elevation.”

• On Stereotypes:
  “Deficit ideology assumes that if you are poor or minority, you do not have the capacity to be successful. We fight that every day.”

• On Community Support:
  “My community got me where I am today… I’m calling on the village to support what we’re trying to do.”

• On Youth Potential:
  “No matter where you come from, and no matter what you look like, you have the capacity to become great.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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