Smith Says: Purpose Over Popularity

Welcome back, Smithsonians! 🎙️ In this episode of Smith Says: Purpose Over Popularity, host Smith Francois, Founder of the 4S Program, sits down with Edward Sumaila—a Ghanaian-born scholar, entrepreneur, and community advocate who turned a “small beginnings” story into a powerhouse portfolio of degrees and businesses.Edward shares his journey from a village in Ghana with no electricity or running water, to earning multiple master’s degrees and pursuing a PhD in Information Systems Management, to building a one-stop shop of services in Columbus, Ohio—from insurance and logistics to shipping, taxes, and investment projects. He breaks down how immigrants can leverage foreign credentials in the U.S., why education and continuous learning still matter, and how to think bigger than warehouse jobs and survival-mode hustling.We also talk Ghana 🇬🇭—culture, language, the reality behind the “American lottery,” why Ghana is called the gateway to Africa, and how diaspora and allies can invest back home through business, real estate, and partnerships.In this episode, we cover:Edward’s journey from rural Ghana to Columbus, OhioHow the Diversity Visa (“American lottery”) changed his life trajectoryUsing foreign degrees and credentials in the U.S. (and why evaluation matters)Why some highly educated immigrants get “stuck” in low-paying jobs—and how to break outBuilding multiple income streams: insurance, logistics, forwarding, shipping & moreSimple ways to start a side business in the age of AI and automationCulture shock: snow, credit scores, 24/7 hustle culture, and not knowing your neighborsAdvice to immigrants and young adults (15–33) about networking, mentors, and choosing friends wiselyEdward’s core philosophy: “Don’t stop learning—knowledge is power.”If you’re an immigrant, student, or young professional stuck between survival and your true potential, this conversation is for you. 🚀👉 Call to ActionIf this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend who needs a push to dust off their dreams.Subscribe, leave a review, and let us know in the comments: What’s ONE step you’ll take this year toward using your education, skills, or story at a higher level?

From Pittsburgh roots to Air Force, college ball, Xerox/DEC, and 33 years as an entrepreneur—Mr. James A. White Sr keeps it real on owning your choices, filling your pipeline, and using AI as a tool, not a crutch.

Highlights:
• Dropping out → GED → Air Force → scholarship → two master’s starts
• Sales to training, then launching his firm (and keeping it alive with consistency)
• The pipeline rule: never stop prospecting—even when you’re busy
• Coaching > classroom: customize for outcomes, not buzzwords
• Learning with dyslexia: audiobooks, relentless study, zero excuses
• Quote to live by: “Don’t expect what you don’t inspect.”

For young hustlers (15–33): sharpen skills, pick a lane (trade or college), read daily, and build reps. AI can speed your research, but you still do the work.

If this helped, drop your takeaway and a question for Part 3.
Subscribe/Follow for more purpose-driven game. #PurposeOverPopularity

📘 About the Guest:James A. White Sr.CEO, Performance Consulting Services📧 [email protected]☎️ 614-252-3266 (office)📖 Author of A Better World: A Framework for Diversity, Inclusion, and Engagement

#SmithSays #Entrepreneurship #VeteranEntrepreneur #ColumbusOhio #Coaching #Leadership #SmallBusiness #AIforBusiness #Mindset #DyslexiaJourney #BlackExcellence #PipelineBuilding #NeverSettle

Hey Smithsonians! 👋Smith Francois here — founder of the Forests Program (Start, Shoot, Systemize & Scale). This episode is proudly sponsored by the Greater Linden Business Network (GLBN), right here in Columbus, Ohio 🌆Each month, GLBN hosts workshops and networking events that help entrepreneurs grow, collaborate, and brand together. A small yearly fee connects you to major benefits — from exclusive business resources to the year-end gala. If you live in or around the Linden area, I highly recommend joining. 💼✨Today’s episode captures the Second Annual Business Resource Fair at the Ohio History Center, where community partners came together to empower local business owners with the tools to thrive.We talk certification pathways (MBE/WBE/VBE), microloans and startup capital, insurance bundles that actually protect families, legal help for small businesses and nonprofits, and why “brilliantly boring” banking can be a superpower.If you’re building in Central Ohio (and beyond), this episode is your cheat sheet for next steps and connections that matter.💬 Special thanks to:Adelphi Bank – Branden Thomas & Monique UnderdownPNC Bank – Amanda Montes, Nikki Toney, Trinity Reeves & Kamaron WilsonLegal Aid Society of Southern & Central Ohio – Paul Bryson & Michael EdwardsAflac (Moore Independent Services) – Shawn A. MooreCity of Columbus, Office of Diversity & Inclusion – Dawanna AllenHilton I. Hale & Associates – Hilton Hale (CLU, Financial Services Professional)💡 Find the right network. Build with your community. Invest in yourself.Join the Greater Linden Business Network: glbn.org📍 Ohio History Center, Columbus, OH🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Smith Says Podcast#SmithSaysPodcast #PurposeOverPopularity #GLBN #ColumbusBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Networking #Community #SmallBusiness #FaithInAction #SupportLocal #ColumbusOhio #BusinessResources #MBE #WBE #VBESMITH SAYS INTERNATIONAL [email protected]://linktr.ee/smithsays1cash.app/$smithsaysllcPaypal: smithsays1Please comment and subscribe for full video.You are the best. Thank you for commenting and subscribing for full video.I help fresh entrepreneurs 4S their service-based business income, using the power of video.4S Program Founder Smith Francois#smithfrancois

In this powerful conversation, Smith Francois sits down with James A. White Sr to discuss the journey of unlocking your full potential — from mindset and purpose to practical business growth. Discover how to stay focused, overcome setbacks, and use your gifts to impact your community.🌟 Watch till the end for key insights on consistency, faith, and leadership.

📘 About the Guest:James A. White Sr.CEO, Performance Consulting Services📧 [email protected]☎️ 614-252-3266 (office)📖 Author of A Better World: A Framework for Diversity, Inclusion, and Engagement

Need insurance that grows with you? Meet Courtney Reed, your local State Farm Agent in Reynoldsburg, Ohio.She’s helping entrepreneurs, families, and professionals protect what matters most — with personalized plans and real support.📞 Call: 614-866-0441📍 Visit: 2040 Brice Road, Suite 110, Reynoldsburg, OH📧 Email: [email protected]

Courtney Reed, State Farm Agent — coverage with a plan, and a person who knows your name.

Welcome back, Smithsonians! 👋 It’s been a while, but we’re back with another powerful and purpose-filled conversation. This time, Smith François is joined by another Smith — Dean Smith (no relation 😅).

Dean is breaking barriers as the youngest Certified Public Finance Officer in Ohio and currently serves as an Assistant City Auditor for Columbus, helping manage the city’s $5+ billion debt portfolio. At just 28 years old, he’s also a 2024 NALA Cohort graduate, Hilltop Area Commissioner, Treasurer of Hilltop Rise Economic Development, and a Columbus Business First 40 Under 40 honoree.

💡 In this episode, we dive deep into:

• Dean’s entrepreneurial journey that began at age 8 with vending machines

• His path from city planning at OSU to public finance leadership

• Breaking down how city budgets, taxes, and debt really work

• The role of credit — personally and municipally

• How AI is reshaping the world of finance

• The value of education, mentorship, and community involvement

This episode makes finance simple, leadership practical, and purpose powerful — helping you understand the systems that shape our communities and how you can lead within them.

👉 Drop your questions in the comments: What do you want to know about accounting, credit, or how city finances work?

🔗 Resource Mentioned:
Check out the Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) to see how Columbus allocates public funds.

🎧 Host: Smith François
💼 Guest: Dean Smith
📅 New Episodes Every Monday at 7 PM EST

If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes that blend faith, finance, and purpose-driven leadership.

In this captivating episode of Smith Says: Purpose Over Popularity, host Smith François sits down with Hannah Komedja to explore her remarkable journey of faith, purpose, and divine alignment.

Hannah opens up about how the seemingly random events in her life were all part of a greater plan — a divine design that led her to discover what it truly means to be chosen. From her early experiences to her spiritual awakening, every moment reveals the unseen hand of God guiding her steps.

✨ In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How faith shapes life’s unexpected turns

• The deeper meaning behind being “chosen”

• How to find purpose in divine timing

• The power of surrendering to God’s plan

If you’ve ever questioned your calling or wondered how faith connects to your life’s direction, this conversation will both challenge and uplift you.

🎙️ Host: Smith François
👤 Guest: Hannah Komedja
📅 New Episodes Every Monday at 7 PM EST

🔔 Subscribe and join the movement — where purpose means more than popularity.

In this thought-provoking episode of Smith Says: Purpose Over Popularity, host Smith François sits down with Mr. Iristo unpack the weight of expectations — from family, faith, and society — and how they shape who we become.

Together, they explore what it means to rise above pressure, redefine success, and pursue purpose even when others expect something different. This real and reflective conversation challenges you to live authentically, lead with faith, and never lose sight of who you are called to be.

🎧 Host: Smith François
🎙️ Guest: Mr. Iris

In this kickoff episode of the Smith Says One Podcast, host Smith François opens up about the journey behind Smith Says International LLC — from humble beginnings in Columbus, Ohio, to building a platform that gives voice to purpose-driven professionals and community leaders.

Alongside guest Elroi Wieck, Smith explores the theme of “Two Face Mask” — a deep conversation about identity, authenticity, and faith in a world that pressures us to wear masks. Together, they uncover how purpose and truth can lead to freedom, clarity, and growth.

🎧 Host: Smith François
🎵 Background Music: Elroi Wieck
🎙️ Special Guest: Elroi Wieck

✨ Topics Covered:

• Living authentically in a performance-driven world

• Faith, identity, and cultural challenges

• The purpose behind Smith Says International LLC

• How to remove the “mask” and walk in truth

📅 New Episodes Every Monday at 7 PM (EST)
🔔 Subscribe and join the movement: Faith. Culture. Purpose.

In this kickoff episode, host Smith François shares the story behind Smith Says International LLC — from humble beginnings in Columbus, Ohio, to building a media platform that helps purpose-driven professionals and community leaders share their voice.

This conversation dives into the meaning behind “Two Face Mask,” featuring special guest Elroi Wieck, as they explore authenticity, purpose, and the tension between who we are and who the world expects us to be.

Learn why purpose matters more than popularity, and how this podcast will inspire you to climb higher, live intentionally, and never settle.

🎧 Host: Smith François
🎵 Background Music: Elroi Wieck
🎙️ Special Guest: Elroi Wieck