The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Wednesday, November 19th, 2025. Subject: "When I Look, I Find"

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

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

Purpose of the Interview

• To share Dr. Wall’s expertise as a neuroscience coach, criminal justice professor, author, and mentor.
• To discuss her mission through 1 Million Lives Transform, a global movement helping women unmute their voices and lead with authenticity and confidence.
• To provide actionable strategies for overcoming self-doubt, fear, and imposter syndrome in professional and personal settings.

Key Takeaways

1. Background and Roles

   • Served 20 years in law enforcement and continues teaching criminal justice and ethical leadership.
   • Founder of 1 Million Lives Transform, focused on empowering women to reclaim their voices.

2. Unmuting Your Voice

   • Many professionals mute themselves due to fear, lack of confidence, or imposter syndrome.
   • Techniques:
     • Awareness: Recognize when you’re silencing yourself.
     • Pause and breathe before responding.
     • Stand up when speaking in meetings to command attention and project confidence.
     • Use phrases like “I’d like to build on that point” to engage respectfully.

3. Mindset and Fear

   • What you tell yourself matters more than external criticism.
   • Replace negative self-talk with affirmations and surround yourself with positive influences.
   • Neuroscience supports that repeated positive input rewires thought patterns.

4. Boundaries and Time Management

   • Learn to say “No” as a complete sentence.
   • Set boundaries for phone calls and social interactions to protect productivity.
   • Busy professionals should establish communication rules (e.g., “Do you have a minute?”).

5. Authenticity and Leadership

   • Authenticity is key—embrace your natural gifts and use them to transform spaces.
   • Leadership requires mindset shifts when moving from peer to manager roles.
   • Mentorship should be intentional and specific, not generic (“pick your brain” requests need structure).

6. 1 Million Lives Transform

   • A movement to help women rewrite their narratives, reclaim confidence, and lead boldly.
   • Focus on self-awareness, boundaries, and empowerment strategies.

Notable Quotes

• “Notice in that moment that you are muting yourself.”
• “Stand up when you speak—you command the room.”
• “No is a complete sentence.”
• “Our gifts are not for us; they are for other people.”
• “What you say to yourself does more damage than anything anyone else could say.”
• “Authenticity isn’t lip service—it’s showing up as who you truly are.”
• “Boundaries are not selfish; they are necessary.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Jim VandeHei.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview centers around:

• Promoting Jim VandeHei’s book Smart Brevity: The Power of Saying More with Less.
• Exploring how communication has evolved in the digital age.
• Offering practical advice for professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders on how to communicate more effectively.
• Discussing the impact of technology—especially smartphones and remote work—on attention spans and messaging.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Smart Brevity Philosophy

• Smart Brevity is about efficient, high-quality communication.
• It’s not just about being short—it’s about being clear, confident, and respectful of people’s time.
• The idea originated from Axios’s approach to delivering news quickly and effectively.

2. The Communication Crisis

• The rise of smartphones and social media has overloaded people with information.
• Most people are distracted, checking their phones hundreds of times a day.
• In this chaotic environment, concise and purposeful communication wins.

3. Post-COVID Communication Shift

• Remote work and Zoom meetings have made written and virtual communication more critical.
• The pandemic changed workplace norms, making brevity and clarity essential for productivity and alignment.

4. Practical Applications

• VandeHei’s book is useful for business leaders, educators, students, preachers, and anyone who communicates.
• He emphasizes that brevity is not shallowness—it’s a sign of confidence and clarity.

5. Five Tips for Better Communication

Jim outlines five actionable tips:

1. Stop Being Selfish – Write for the reader, not yourself.
2. Grab Me a Reason – Use strong headlines or opening lines to capture attention.
3. Keep It Simple – Avoid jargon and complex language.
4. Write Like a Human – Be authentic and conversational.
5. Just Stop – Once you’ve made your point, don’t over-explain.

🗣️ Notable Quotes

• “Brevity is confidence. Length is fear.”
• “Foggy writing is a reflection of foggy thinking.”
• “There’s nothing shallow about being short. It’s clarifying.”
• “Stop writing for yourself. Start writing for the reader.”
• “The one thing we want to accomplish today is…” – A meeting technique to improve focus and retention.

📘 Book Highlight: Smart Brevity

• Co-authored by Jim VandeHei, co-founder of Axios and Politico.
• Offers a framework for modern communication in business, media, and personal interactions.
• Encourages readers to rethink how they write, speak, and present in a world of constant distraction.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Tuesday, November 18th, 2025. Subject: "Am I Marrying A Man or a Child?"

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

Purpose of the Interview

• To showcase Lawrence Phillips’ entrepreneurial journey from engineering to founding Green Book Global, a travel review platform for Black travelers.
• To highlight the significance of Black Ambition, an initiative by Pharrell Williams supporting Black and Brown entrepreneurs.
• To inspire listeners about resilience, innovation, and the importance of culturally inclusive travel resources.

Key Takeaways

1. Background & Career Shift

   • Phillips studied Electrical Engineering at Georgia Tech and worked at Accenture in IT consulting for nearly a decade.
   • Despite career success, he felt unfulfilled and decided to pursue his passion for travel, leading to the creation of Green Book Global.

2. Travel Experience

   • Traveled to 30+ countries across all seven continents, including Antarctica, in less than a year.
   • Realized the need for a platform addressing “traveling while Black” concerns—safety, cultural acceptance, and inclusivity.

3. Green Book Global

   • Inspired by the historical Green Book (1936–1966), which guided Black travelers during segregation.
   • Offers city-level Black-friendly scores, road trip planners, and Black-owned restaurant recommendations.
   • Over 150,000 app downloads in 2025; partnered with Expedia; strong social media presence.

4. Black Ambition Program

   • Phillips applied three times before reaching semifinals, emphasizing persistence.
   • Program provided funding opportunities and a transformative Evoke Wellness experience.
   • His personal “why” statement:
     “I’m a protective and innovative steward of Black restoration and healing.”

5. Impact & Vision

   • Advocates systemic change by partnering with destinations to improve inclusivity.
   • Highlights the economic power of Black travelers (over $140 billion annually).
   • Encourages Black travelers to explore global opportunities beyond U.S. racial constraints.

Notable Quotes

• “You can be successful and still not be happy.” — On leaving a lucrative career for passion.
• “I’m a protective and innovative steward of Black restoration and healing.” — His guiding principle.
• “There’s riches in niches.” — On unapologetically focusing on Black travelers.
• “Just because somebody said no doesn’t mean they said no to you—they said no at that time.” — On persistence in entrepreneurship.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To share Johnny Lynum’s journey from military service to becoming a successful real estate investor and wealth advisor, and to educate listeners on building generational wealth through real estate, financial literacy, and strategic investing.

🗝️ Key Takeaways 1. Military Background & Transition

• Johnny Lynum is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, with 20 years of service as a developmental engineer and intelligence officer.
• His military career provided discipline and structure, but his passion for entrepreneurship led him to real estate investing.

2. Real Estate Journey

• Started with a VA loan to buy his first property.
• Built a portfolio of 115 doors worth over \$10 million, primarily in Panama City, Florida and Montgomery, Alabama.
• Leveraged his knowledge and connections to invest remotely while living in Northern Virginia.

3. Investment Philosophy

• Real estate is a tangible, relatable investment.
• Emphasizes leverage—using other people’s money to control larger assets.
• Advocates for buying back time through passive income strategies tailored to different life stages (30s, 40s, 50s).
• Encourages strategic investing and not just chasing instant gratification.

4. Books & Education

• Author of:
  • Millionaire Real Estate Success Strategies: What They Forgot to Teach You in School
  • Upcoming: The Financial Security Blueprint – focuses on biblical principles, alternative investments, and building lasting wealth.
• Offers free downloads of his book via johnnylynam.com/newbook.

5. Faith & Legacy

• Strong emphasis on faith and service.
• Inspired by his mother’s legacy planning and life insurance setup for her grandchildren.
• Focused on building generational wealth and educating his children and others.

6. Tax-Smart Investing

• Discusses strategies like bonus depreciation, oil and gas investments, and self-directed IRAs to minimize tax liabilities.
• Encourages understanding the IRS tax code to identify government-incentivized investment areas.

7. Building a Brand

• Active on LinkedIn, YouTube Shorts, and Facebook.
• Partnered with LinkedIn to create real estate content.
• Promotes financial literacy and faith-based wealth building.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “I had to go from broke Johnny to woke Johnny.”
• “You don’t have to be an expert at everything, but you can be the leader in the room.”
• “My God is a God of abundance.”
• “Real estate became my vehicle and my pathway to building wealth.”
• “You’re a blessing to your blessing.” — on generational wealth.
• “Success leaves clues.”
• “You have to take that leap of faith and take that action.”

📌 Final Thoughts

Johnny Lynum’s story is a powerful example of how discipline, faith, and strategic action can transform lives. His journey from humble beginnings and military service to building a multimillion-dollar real estate empire is both inspiring and instructive. He emphasizes the importance of education, mentorship, and legacy, making this interview a masterclass in wealth creation and purposeful living.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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

Purpose of the Interview

• To showcase Sharise Nance’s mission in mental health advocacy, entrepreneurship, and workplace wellness.
• To discuss her companies:
  • Hand in Hand Counseling Services – addressing mental health disparities in Black communities.
  • Vitamin C Healing – building trauma-sensitive, wellness-centered workplace cultures.
• To educate on stress, burnout, compassion fatigue, and financial equity in the mental health field.

Key Takeaways

1. Hand in Hand Counseling Services

   • Founded with college roommate Tess Kenny in Pittsburgh.
   • Created a safe space for mental health support in underserved communities.
   • Celebrating 12 years in operation.

2. Breaking Mental Health Stigma

   • Built trust through community presence and transparency.
   • Advocated therapy as normal: “I’m a therapist who has a therapist.”
   • Education on what therapy is and isn’t.

3. Understanding Stress

   • Eustress (positive stress) vs. Distress (overwhelming stress).
   • Physical signs: sweating, rapid heartbeat, tense shoulders, jaw clenching.
   • Stress can lead to depression and anxiety—seek professional help.

4. Impact of COVID-19

   • Isolation amplified mental health issues.
   • Introduced concept of co-regulation—healing through community and connection.

5. Vitamin C Healing

   • Originated from her book Vitamin C Healing for the Mind, Body.
   • Evolved into a brand offering workshops, consultations, and burnout assessments.
   • Focused on helping professionals and leaders prevent compassion fatigue.

6. Financial Equity in Mental Health

   • Advocates for fair pay: “We can care deeply and earn abundantly.”
   • Challenges the mindset that passion work means low income.
   • Encourages professionals to set boundaries and value their expertise.

7. Burnout & Organizational Cost

   • Unaddressed burnout costs companies millions annually.
   • Leads to quiet quitting, low productivity, and high turnover.
   • Investing in wellness saves money and improves culture.

8. Personal Journey

   • Biggest bet: leaving full-time job in 2017 to pursue entrepreneurship.
   • Therapy helped her navigate fear and grief (especially after losing her father).
   • Quote: “Feel the fear and do it anyway.”

Notable Quotes

• “We can care deeply and earn abundantly.”
• “I’m a therapist who has a therapist.”
• “Feel the fear and do it anyway.”
• “We heal when we are in community—it’s hard to heal in isolation.”
• “Compassion fatigue isn’t just a feel-good topic; it costs companies millions.”
• “Betting on myself was the best investment I ever made.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Monday, November 17th, 2025. Subject: "The Jump Off Jumped On Him"

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Senita M. Hill.

Purpose of the Interview

• To spotlight Peace on Patuxent Incorporated, a nonprofit founded by Sunita M. Hill.
• To discuss the challenges women face when diagnosed with cancer and how the organization provides sanctuaries for peace, clarity, and empowerment.
• To inspire entrepreneurs and individuals to prioritize wellness and community support.

Key Takeaways

1. About Peace on Patuxent

   • Located in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
   • Offers two-day retreats for women diagnosed with life-leveling cancers.
   • Provides limousine pickup, red carpet welcome, prepared meals, and activities focused on stillness.
   • Launching virtual sessions nationwide in January to reach women who cannot attend in person.

2. Life-Leveling Cancer

   • Defined as any cancer diagnosis that disrupts life and forces major changes.
   • Emphasizes the emotional and psychological impact beyond physical illness.

3. Senita’s Personal Journey

   • Inspired by her mother’s battle with lung cancer to create a space for women to pause and regain control.

4. Empowerment Through Pause

   • Women often feel they have choices, but treatment paths are usually predetermined.
   • Peace on Patuxent offers a moment of stillness to reflect and make informed decisions.

5. Community and Cultural Impact

   • Addresses stigma in African American and ethnic communities around illness.
   • Encourages open conversations and sharing of resources.

6. Access and Application

   • Apply via peaceonpatuxent.org.
   • Requirements: Over 18, healthy enough to be independent, ideally within two years post-diagnosis.

Notable Quotes

• “Every woman should allow herself the opportunity to come to peace.”
• “She matters—not just as a patient, but as a mother, daughter, coworker, and friend.”
• “When you hear the word cancer, it changes your life. It’s life-leveling.”
• “We’re not here to tell you how to run your journey. We’re here to allow you to pause your mind.”
• “The only way you’ll know your options is if you come out and have the conversation.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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