On Impact Podcast

In this episode of On Impact, Benny Pough sits down with Jamie Crawford-Walker, CEO of CameraSeat and daughter of entertainment icon Jesse Collins. Jamie shares her unconventional journey into business and marketing, from an initial pre-law path at Boston College to an unexpected start at Epic Records, where she found herself working with DJ Khaled just two weeks in. She unpacks the power of claiming what you want, building relationships with major artists, and crafting individualized digital strategies for superstars like DJ Khaled and Ludacris. Jamie offers insider insights on album rollouts, using TikTok for marketing, and why engagement trumps follower count. She also dives into industry gatekeeping, label showcases, and the ongoing debate of major labels vs. independent careers. For aspiring music executives and artists, Jamie delivers invaluable advice on navigating challenges, vetting talent, and making an impact in the ever-evolving music business.

About Today's Guest:

Jamie Crawford-Walker is a creative director, content creator, and digital marketing expert, developing some of the most influential campaigns. Raised in Berlin, Germany, Crawford-Walker moved to the US in 2012 to pursue a career in the music industry. In 2016, Crawford-Walker nailed her first gig at Epic Records. While at Epic, she worked on DJ Khaled's albums God Did, Major Key, and Grateful, which all debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. She also played a key role in some of Khaled's biggest Hits, including "I'm The One", "Wild Thoughts," and "I Got The Keys".

In 2019, she left Epic and launched her digital agency CameraSeat, which provides various artists, athletes, actors, and TV producers. Her clients over the years included Alicia Keys, HER, DJ Khaled, P!nk, Marsai Martin, Asap Ferg, Gunna, Quavo, and Buju Banton. Jamie has been at the forefront of developing groundbreaking content strategies and exploring new avenues to reach fans.

Jamie has played an integral part in the We The Best Team, serving as head of Digital Strategy and Creative over the last 3 years. In addition, Jamie has branched out into the TV space, coming on as a producer on Cardi B's hit show "Cardi Tries" and Becky G's Facebook watch talk show. As an advisor to Jesse Collin's Entertainment, she is actively involved in curating and developing social highlights for TV's biggest award show moments.

Her unique position of working with talent on the Music and TV side has allowed her to create her niche for digital strategy and content needs. She's an expert in the Content and Artist Relations space. Sitting in the center of Entertainment's brightest stars, she has been able to push her artist to #1 in the US and globally.

Key Points from this Episode:

• Welcome back to the On Impact Podcast

• Introducing today's guest, Jamie Crawford-Walker, CEO of CameraSeat

• On being the daughter of an icon, Jesse Collins

• Discovering her path to business and marketing from a false start as a pre-law student at Boston College

• Jamie's surprising start at Epic Records

• Working with DJ Khaled just two weeks after starting her first role at Epic

• Claiming what you want in life and setting goals

• Building relationships with major artists

• Jamie's approach to individualized digital strategy for superstars

• Working with DJ Klahed on the GOD DID process and what it means to be in album mode

• The best resources for understanding how the market is moving

• Why it's more important to build a community and engagement than chasing followers

• On being a social media producer for Cardi B

• As a young executive, how do you vet employees and contractors?

• Using TikTok for marketing artists

• Challenges and navigating when things don't go your way

• Gatekeepers in the music industry

• Showcases at major labels and impact on decision-making of executives

• Is it better to work for the big labels or on your own as a creative executive?

• Should artists pursue a deal with a major label or go independent?

• Jamie's advice for those considering a career in the music business

Mentioned on the Show:

• Connect with Benny Pough on Instagram

• Listen to more On Impact Episodes

• Watch On Impact Podcast on YouTube

• Republic Records

• Epic Records

• Benny Pough Is Executive In Residence At North Carolina Central University

• Benny Pough Talks Leadership, Consistency, Industry Evolution, Breaking New Artists + More | The Breakfast Club

Thank You!

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of On Impact. If you found value in the conversation, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others looking to level up their life and careers. Stay connected for more impactful stories and insights with leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators shaping the future. Follow us on social media for updates, and catch every episode wherever you listen to podcasts.

In Episode 6 of On Impact Podcast, host Benny Pough welcomes esteemed music executive Steve "Steve-O" Carless for an inspiring conversation about his journey from New Jersey to the heights of the music industry. Steve shares how his early exposure to sports, the arts, and education shaped his path, and how high school friendships sparked his passion for the business side of music. He reflects on breaking into the industry at Star Trak Entertainment, working with Cipha Sounds, and making sacrifices, including taking an unpaid internship at Def Jam, that ultimately led to career-defining moments, such as his connection with Nipsey Hussle. Benny and Steve pay homage to industry icon Irv Gotti Lorenzo, discuss the impact of technology and algorithms on music, and explore whether independent artists should pursue major label deals. Steve opens up about his Grammy-winning journey, working with Beyoncé, his presidency at Warner Records, and the deeper purpose of his career, serving and inspiring others. The episode closes with a discussion on legacy and Steve's top five rappers, making for a must-listen conversation for anyone passionate about music and impact.

About Today's Guest:

Steven Pierre Carless, also known as "Steve-O", is an American record executive, talent manager, philanthropist, and entrepreneur. He is best known for working with Nipsey Hussle. In 2020, the duo received two Grammy Awards for the songs "Racks in the Middle" featuring Roddy Ricch and "Higher" with DJ Khaled.

The 7x Grammy nominated executive producer, manager, and creative architect is a senior creative executive with over 20+ years of entertainment experience spanning music, artist management, film, cultural branding, touring, and creative development. With tenures previously at Island Def Jam, Atlantic Records, and the new boutique version of Def Jam Recordings, he has overseen and assisted in the creative development of the careers of Big Sean, YG, Jeezy, 2Chainz, Dave East, Pusha T, and many more, with the goal and expectation of perfecting and innovating the artist to consumer relationship.

During those years he has also helmed and operated film and technology consulting agencies, an artist development company, and has even founded talent management and branding firms in New York City.

Key Points from this Episode:

• Welcome, music executive, Steve "Steve-O" Carless

• Steve's early life in New Jersey

• Sports, the arts, and education as vehicles for success

• How high school friends inspired Steve-O to get into the music business

• How not being able to rap created an environment for Steve to thrive on the business side of music

• Benny Pough and Steve Carless pay homage to Irv Gotti Lorenzo and his career

• Breaking into the music business at Star Trak Entertainment

• Working with Cipha Sounds and his entertainment company

• Sacrifices and pressures of taking an unpaid internship at Def Jam

• How Steve Carless got connected with Nipsey Hussle

• Benny Pough and Steve Carless reflect on winning 7 Grammy Awards

• Realizing his life's purpose: service

• Working with Beyonce

• On becoming the president at Warner Records

• Technology in music and serving music to the masses through "the algorithm"

• Should independent artists pursue deals with major labels?

• Steve's top 5 rappers

• A discussion on legacy and serving to inspire others

Mentioned on the Show:

• Connect with Benny Pough on Instagram

• Listen to more On Impact Episodes

• Watch On Impact Podcast on YouTube

• Connect with Steve Carless on Instagram

• Connect with Steve Carless on LinkedIn

Thank You!

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of On Impact. If you found value in the conversation, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others looking to level up their lives and careers. Stay connected for more impactful stories and insights with leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators shaping the future. Follow us on social media for updates, and catch every episode wherever you listen to podcasts.

In Episode 5 of On Impact Podcast, Benny Pough welcomes marketing expert, JD Anderson, to the show. During the discussion, JD takes listeners on a journey through his dynamic career, from his early days in pop-up ad marketing to working with top-tier artists like Rihanna, Future, and DJ Khaled. He shares his secret aspirations of becoming a rap artist, his first big break with Beanie Sigel, and his transition from the blogging era to the rise of social media. JD reflects on his experiences marketing both songs and artists, witnessing the ascent of Travis Scott, and traveling to seven countries with Kanye West. He also delves into the importance of professionalism in building trust with major artists and offers valuable insights for new artists looking to amplify their digital presence. Beyond music, JD discusses his passions for cooking and fashion, the deep connection between fashion and culture, and what he would do differently if given a career do-over. He wraps up with surprising fun facts and future plans for being more connected and informed in global relations.

About Today's Guest:

JD Anderson is a visionary marketing executive who has masterminded groundbreaking campaigns for some of the biggest names in music, from Future and DJ Khaled to Kanye West. With a career spanning Def Jam, Epic Records, and Motown, JD has consistently pushed boundaries, whether by emblazoning artists on postal stamps or taking over the skies with skywriting. Born in Jamaica and raised in The Bronx, his love for hip-hop and R&B fueled his rise from blogging to becoming a sought-after marketing strategist. A former Senior Vice President of Marketing at Epic Records, JD has led digital initiatives that have shaped the careers of global superstars. Beyond music, he's a passionate foodie, an advocate for reducing healthcare disparities in Africa, and a proud dog dad. Recognized by XXL and Billboard as a major industry power player, JD continues to redefine what's possible in music marketing.

Key Points from this Episode:

• Welcome, digital marketing expert, JD Anderson

• JD's start in marketing and the music industry

• Secret aspirations of becoming a rap artist

• From Blogspot to Def Jam

• JD's first experience working with Beanie Sigel

• Working with Rihanna and growing her digital footprint

• Marketing transition from blogging to Instagram and microblogging

• Working with Future and DJ Khaled

• Professionalism and building trust with major artists

• How new artists can grow and amplify their digital presence

• Experiencing the rise of Travis Scott

• Marketing songs vs. marketing artists

• JD's passions: cooking and fashion

• The connection between fashion and culture

• Benny Pough's first day at Def Jam

• What JD would do differently if given a career do-over

• Traveling to 7 countries with Kayne West

• Surprising fun facts about JD including his favorite artist and more

• Giving back, philanthropy, being a student of AI, and making an impact in the world

Mentioned on the Show:

• Connect with Benny Pough on Instagram

• Listen to more On Impact Episodes

• Watch On Impact Podcast on YouTube

• Connect with JD Anderson on Instagram: @jd_dapper

• JD Anderson on LinkedIn

• Roc-A-Fella Records

• Def Jam

• Epic Records

• Get your tickets to the It's Your Time Business & Music Conference!

Thank You!

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of On Impact. If you found value in the conversation, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others looking to level up their lives and careers. Stay connected for more impactful stories and insights with leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators shaping the future. Follow us on social media for updates, and catch every episode wherever you listen to podcasts.

In Episode 4 of On Impact, Benny Pough sits down with Anthony Rumeo, a leader in the exotic car industry, to explore his journey from humble beginnings to success in the luxury market. Anthony shares insights into the parallels between exotic car deals, entertainment, and music, while breaking down the difference between asset-class and luxury-class automobiles, the mindset of buyers, and the care required for investment-grade vehicles. He also reflects on the challenges of entrepreneurship, lessons from his successes and missteps, and how persistence, discipline, and passion shape his drive for excellence. Tune in for a compelling look at how high-performance cars and high-stakes industries teach resilience and success.

About Today's Guest:

On episode 4 of On Impact Podcast, we welcome Anthony Rumeo. Anthony is a seasoned veteran in the exotic car industry, with a diverse background in sales, wholesale, retail, and franchise management. He began his career in exotic car sales with Ferrari/Maserati at Miller Motorcars, where he honed his expertise in high-end vehicles. Recognizing the potential in the market, he quickly expanded his reach by starting a joint venture with Wholesale Inc., an already successful operation handling over 1,000 cars per week in wholesale. This venture laid the foundation for his deeper involvement in the exotic car trade.

When Wholesale Inc. was acquired by Rumble On, Anthony seized the opportunity to launch an independent dealership, Squadra Veloce, in Pompano Beach, FL. Under his leadership, Squadra Veloce quickly became a recognized player in the exotic car market, with annual revenues of $40+ Million.

The impact of COVID-19 led Anthony to relocate to Michigan, where he transitioned to managing six franchise stores for Lithia Motors. These included prestigious brands such as McLaren, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Maserati, Bentley, and Rolls-Royce. His time in Michigan further expanded his skill set, as he oversaw multiple luxury franchise brands and their operations.

Throughout his career, Anthony has gained extensive experience in various facets of the exotic car business, including sales, wholesale, dealership operations, and franchise management. His hands-on approach and deep understanding of the industry have made him a key figure in the world of exotic cars.

Key Points from this Episode:

• Introducing Anthony Rumeo

• Anthony's exceptional career and experience in exotic cars

• Parallels in exotic car deals, entertainment, and music

• Who is the luxury car consumer?

• Asset Class vs. Luxury Class Automobiles

• Care for investment-grade automobiles

• Questions and caveats when buying investment automobiles

• How buyers find and acquire exotic cars

• The spectrum of buyers in the exotic car space

• Challenges in moving from humble beginnings to wealth

• Anthony's successes and mishaps in exotic car sales

• Entrepreneurship and Anthony's career path before exotic cars

• Stress outlets for highly effective individuals

• The meaning of legacy and impact

• The importance of persistence and discipline when pursuing excellence

Mentioned on the Show:

• Connect with Benny Pough on Instagram

• Listen to more On Impact Episodes

• Watch On Impact Podcast on YouTube

• Connect with Anthony Rumeo on Instagram: @anthonyexotics

• Squadra Veloce on Instagram: @squadrav_exotics

• McLaren North Jersey

• Brickell Luxury Motors

• Curated

• Woodside Credit: Collector Car Financing

• Retromobile

• Miller Motorcars

• Lotus North Jersey (Summit)

Thank You!

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of On Impact. If you found value in the conversation, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others looking to level up their lives and careers. Stay connected for more impactful stories and insights with leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators shaping the future. Follow us on social media for updates, and catch every episode wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this episode of On Impact, Benny Pough sits down with Danny "Su" Griffin, who shares his journey from a challenging upbringing in Paterson, New Jersey, to becoming a force in the music industry. Danny opens up about how the loss of his father propelled him into the business and reflects on his pivotal discovery of Fetty Wap and the explosive success of "Trap Queen." Offering advice for the youth of Paterson, Danny emphasizes the power of authenticity and the importance of having champions who believe in your music. He delves into the differences between independent labels and majors, his talent-spotting strategies, and his dedication to staying tuned to the independent music scene. Beyond music, Danny speaks on his transition from "trap lord to landlord" as he invests in real estate and explores the role of faith in his life and success. Wrapping up, Danny reflects on the future of black unity, the impact of music on culture, and the latest plans for AMG, closing with a powerful message for the world.

About Today's Guest:

Danny "Su" Griffin is a Paterson, New Jersey native, known for his incredible talent scouting and hit-producing prowess. Su is celebrated for discovering stars like Fetty Wap, whose debut album made history with four simultaneous Billboard Top 10 hits, and rap sensation Kodak Black. With a gifted ear for talent and sharp business acumen, Su's latest venture, American Music Group (AMG), is a full-service record label revolutionizing the industry. Join us as we delve into Su's journey, his vision for AMG, and his knack for creating multi-million-dollar successes.

Key Points from this Episode:

• Danny's young life in Paterson, New Jersey

• How the tragic passing of his father led Danny into the music business

• Danny's advice for young kids in Paterson today

• Discovering Fetty Wap

• The success of Trap Queen

• How Danny identifies talent

• Staying connected to the music that's connecting with a wide audience in the independent space

• Independent labels vs. major labels

• The power of authenticity in the music industry

• The importance of having someone championing your music

• The business of music

• From trap lord to landlord and investing in real estate

• The relationship between faith and success for Danny

• Thoughts on the future of black unity and the impact of music on culture

• The current state of AMG and upcoming plans

• Danny's message for the world

Mentioned on the Show:

• Connect with Benny Pough on Instagram

• Listen to more On Impact Episodes

• Watch On Impact Podcast on YouTube

• Connect with Danny "Su" Griffin on Instagram

• American Music Group

• 90Rackss

• Chey

Thank You!

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of On Impact. If you found value in the conversation, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others looking to level up their lives and careers. Stay connected for more impactful stories and insights with leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators shaping the future. Follow us on social media for updates, and catch every episode wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this episode, Benny Pough sits down with Sita Lewis, award-winning television producer and creator of Mama Sita's Miracle Butter Cream, to discuss her inspiring journey through the entertainment industry. Sita reflects on how her upbringing as the daughter of entertainment legend, Butch Lewis, set a high standard of excellence, leading to her early career at BET, where she learned on the job. The conversation covers the importance of faith, authenticity, and staying true to her values, including how her letter to Tupac in prison, guided by her faith principles left a lasting impact. Sita shares her journey to founding Mama Sita's Miracle Butter Cream and emphasizes using her career as a platform for purpose, legacy, and never compromising her principles.

About Today's Guest:

Sita Lewis is an award-winning television producer with an impressive career spanning live talk shows, lifestyle programs, and casting for some of television's biggest hits. She transitioned into culinary production, blending her passion for cooking with her career, and has worked alongside icons like Martha Stewart. Sita also competed on Season 11 of Food Network Star! Currently, as the President and Founder of Mama Sita's Miracle Butter Cream, she leads a successful luxury skincare business, highlighting her expertise in all-natural skincare products.

Key Points from this Episode:

• Introduction of Sita Lewis

• Discussion of Sita's father, Butch Lewis, and his prolific career in entertainment

• How Sita's upbringing set a standard of excellence

• How Sita and Benny met

• Sita's early career in the entertainment business at a television network

• Learning on the job in her first big role at BET

• Impact of faith and authenticity on Sita's career

• Reconciling promoting certain music content with upholding Christian values

• The impact of Sita's letter to Tupac in prison

• Using your career as a platform to live out your purpose

• Never compromising yourself and your values in your career

• Meeting and working with Unladylike

• Seeing value at present from being raised with old-school values

• The origin of Mama Sita's Miracle Butter Cream

• How Sita is motivated and inspired

• An earnest discussion on asking for help

• Discussion on legacy and using your passion to elevate what you believe in

Mentioned on the Show:

• Connect with Benny Pough on Instagram

• Listen to more On Impact Episodes

• Watch On Impact Podcast on YouTube

• Mama Sita's Miracle Butter Cream

• Bob Johnson

• READY TO LIVE by Kevin Powell

• Rich Dollaz

• Harlem Children's Zone

• Follow @miraclebuttercream on Instagram

• Follow @miraclebuttercream on Facebook

• Follow @miraclebuttercream on TikTok

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of On Impact. If you found value in the conversation, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others looking to level up their life and careers. Stay connected for more impactful stories and insights with leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators who are shaping the future. Follow us on social media for updates, and catch every episode wherever you listen to podcasts.

In the latest episode of On Impact, hosted by Benny Pough, Freddy Cameron, Jr., MBA, shares his fascinating journey and insights. He discusses his pivotal relationship with MC Hammer, which helped shape his early career, and his dual pursuits in retail and the music industry, highlighting the strategy of having "2 Plan As." Freddy explains his decision to choose retail over music, emphasizing the benefits of a stable career, and how he used his retail roles to discover and elevate new talent. He reflects on his success as a minority in various professional spaces and his career transitions from big box retail to thrift retail and eventually into the cannabis industry.

Freddy delves into the evolution of cannabis from criminalization to legalization and the importance of social equity programs for minorities. He introduces "Cookies Corners," innovative retail options in cannabis spaces ahead of legalization, and discusses the varying rules for medical cannabis. Freddy also highlights the impact of dedicated leadership, the role of AI in retail, and the importance of authenticity when selecting products and celebrities for the Cookies brand. Looking ahead, he shares his future goals, passion projects, and advice for the next generation of leaders. This episode offers valuable insights and inspiration from Freddy Cameron's multifaceted career.

About Today's Guest:

Today's guest, Freddy Cameron, is a seasoned retail leader with over 20 years of experience managing large-scale operations for companies like Costco, Sam's Club/Walmart, and cannabis giant Cookies. Known for his commitment to supporting minority and regional suppliers, Freddy has dedicated his career to creating opportunities for diverse entrepreneurs in big-box and small-format retail. He also serves as an advisor to Tiffany Haddish's Diaspora Groceries and has shared his expertise as a Retail Expert on the CW Network's "Hatched." As a retail expert and "Tastemaker for the Everyday Person," Freddy is dedicated to helping organizations and CPG entrepreneurs streamline their operations and achieve success. His passion for working with companies and suppliers with compelling stories allows him to use his expertise to enhance their missions and drive impactful results.

Key Points from this Episode:

• Freddy's relationship with MC Hammer

• Freddy's connection with and start in the music business

• Building a career in retail while also pursuing a career in the music industry

• Discussion of 2 Plan As

• Deciding to pursue retail over music and weighing the benefits of building a career in retail over music

• Using retail roles as a vehicle for finding talent and elevating talent in retail spaces

• Being successful as the only minority in the room

• Moving from big box stores to thrift retail, to the cannabis space

• The evolution of cannabis from criminalized to legalized and social equity programs for minorities and people of color

• "Cookie's Corners"

• Additional retail options with merchandise in cannabis spaces ahead of legalization

• Discussion on medical cannabis and the varying rules before recreational legalization

• The impact of a CEO who gives special care and attention to the products and mission of the company

• The use of AI in retail spaces and its usefulness in product recommendations

• Determining which products and celebrities become part of the Cookie's brand based on authenticity and brand alignment

• Freddy's future goals and passion projects

• Freddy's recommendation and advice for the next generation of leaders

Mentioned on the Show:

• Cookies

• MC Hammer

• Louis K. Burrell

• On Impact: Life, Leadership, and Betting On Yourself by Benny Pough

• CEO of Cookies, Berner

• It's Your Time Business & Music Conference

• Crafting Global Brilliance: A Guide to Building a Brand from Scratch

• That Badu

• CoolKicks

• Hatched TV Series

• Connect with Freddy Cameron, Jr., MBA on Instagram

• Connect with Freddy Cameron on LinkedIn

• Connect with Benny Pough on Instagram

• Subscribe to Benny Pough on YouTube

Thank You!

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of On Impact. If you found value in the conversation, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others looking to level up their lives and careers. Stay connected for more impactful stories and insights with leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators shaping the future. Follow us on social media for updates, and catch every episode wherever you listen to podcasts.