For our Season 1 finale, we sit down with Chris Denson—marketer, multimedia host, bestselling author, and creator of Visionology. Known for his work with cultural innovators and organizations from The UN to Google Launchpad, SXSW to The Obama Administration, Chris brings a unique lens on how we build, heal, and grow—financially and personally.

Together, we dive into:

• The importance of presence in financial decisions.

• Breaking cycles of financial trauma to create new legacies.

• Transformative “light bulb” moments that reshape our money stories.

• The hidden weight of micro rejections and how founders navigate them.

• Why joy, stewardship, and knowledge are essential to the wealth journey.

• The “second mountain” — finding meaning beyond traditional success.

Chris blends wisdom from his own life, hundreds of interviews with culture-makers, and decades across media, marketing, and innovation. This conversation reminds us that wealth is more than numbers — it’s about resilience, meaning, and the courage to climb new mountains.

As we close out Season 1 of The Equity Blueprint Podcast, this episode sets the stage for what’s next — and leaves us inspired to rethink money, legacy, and who we’re becoming along the way.

More About Chris Denson:

Chris Denson is marketer, multimedia host, bestselling author, former stand-up comic, and creator of Visionology, a coaching method for the individuals and teams in the innovation economy. He has spent his career building better companies, launching new ideas, and giving rise to cultural tastemakers through awe-inspired experiences, content, and advisory. Echoing an award-winning career across entertainment, marketing, media and technology industries, Chris has valuable insights, practices, and resources to thrive in an always-evolving cultural and technological landscape.Not only has he gained insights from interviewing 100’s of influential culture-makers and innovators, but he has also worked intimately with The United Nations, Fast Company, Omnicom Media Group, MullenLowe, SXSW, The Emmys, Cannes Lions, MassChallenge, HubSpot, Google Launchpad, The Obama Administration to name a few. He authored the 2018 #1 bestselling book, "10 Essential Rules for Breaking Essential Rules,” and has over 200 hours of training in trauma response, transformational leadership, personal development, and psychedelic facilitation.

Learn more at

https://astrogongyoga.com/seekeasy/

Follow Chris at

@densonology (IG)

In this episode of The Equity Blueprint Podcast, we sit down with Danielle Fennoy, founder of Revamp Interior Design, whose bold, soulful spaces have been celebrated in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, and more. But Danielle’s journey is about far more than design—it’s about leading with intention, overcoming adversity, and finding financial joy along the way.

Raised by entrepreneurial parents and later facing her own battle with breast cancer, Danielle has built her career on resilience, clarity, and care. She shares the lessons she’s carried from childhood money conversations, the importance of valuing relationships in business, and how travel and design fuel both creativity and wealth-building.

We also dive into her leadership philosophy: creating a culture of care, prioritizing team check-ins, and the early conversations that save time, money, and heartache. For Danielle, design is not just about how spaces look—it’s about how we live, connect, and thrive.

This episode is a masterclass in designing with soul, building a business with courage, and living fully—inside and outside the walls we call home.

More About Danielle

Danielle holds a BA in Psychology and Spanish from Denison University and earned her Master’s in Interior Design from Pratt Institute. It was while studying in Scandinavia in 2004 that everything clicked: design wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was about how spaces shape the way we live, connect, and feel. That realization lit the fire.Since founding Revamp Interior Design, Danielle has blended function and artistry with a deep understanding of people and how they live. Her spaces are known for their joy, color, edge, and soul. She invites surprise and story into every home, always designing with intention—and plenty of personality.Her work has been featured in Architectural Digest, New York Magazine, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Interior Design, Lonny, and on HGTV.Danielle is the daughter of two entrepreneurs and a breast cancer survivor. She leads with clarity, courage, and curiosity—and is unapologetic about being exactly who she is. Inspired by art, people, and the natural world, she believes design should reflect who you are and how you want to live.Because this isn’t just about making things look good—it’s about helping people live fully.

What if wealth wasn’t just about dollars — but also about the stories, history, and heritage we carry?

In this episode of The Equity Blueprint Podcast, I sit down with Tara Roberts — award-winning storyteller, Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year, and author of Written in the Waters: A Memoir of History, Home, and Belonging.

Tara has spent the past seven years diving with Black scuba divers as they uncover and document slave shipwrecks around the world. Her journey made her the first Black woman explorer ever featured on the cover of National Geographic and continues to shape how she redefines wealth, belonging, and legacy.

We explore:
✨ Transforming financial shame into pride
✨ Creative paths to wealth beyond home ownership & the 401k
✨ Why breaking money taboos is essential for generational freedom
✨ Unlocking family stories as a foundation for wealth and heritage
✨ The hidden beauty of following your dreams

This conversation dives deep — into our past, our stories, and our ability to heal and reimagine what wealth truly means.

More About Tara

Tara Roberts has spent the last seven years following, diving with, and telling stories about Black scuba divers as they search for and help document slave shipwrecks around the world. Her journey was turned into an award-winning National Geographic-produced podcast called “Into the Depths” and featured in the March 2022 issue of National Geographic magazine. Tara became the first Black female explorer ever to be featured on the cover of the magazine. That same year, she was also named the Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year. Currently, Tara is an Explorer in Residence at the National Geographic Society. Her book “Written in the Waters: A Memoir of History, Home and Belonging” hit stands in January 2025.

In this episode, we sit down with Superhero DJ Jon Quick—a nationally recognized DJ, music curator, and cultural visionary who's worked with everyone from Beyoncé to Marvel. But his story goes far beyond the turntables.

We talk passion, purpose, and the financial blueprint behind the music. From building a national brand and curating iconic radio shows to spinning for stadiums and securing five-figure checks, Jon shares what it really takes to succeed in the evolving music industry.

💥 The truth about DJing as a business
💥 The financial missteps young artists make
💥 How investing in yourself (and the stock market) changes the game
💥 Why representation—on the mic and in superhero culture—matters more than ever
💥 The contracts, the clout, and the community-building

Whether you’re a creative, entrepreneur, or someone navigating your own equity journey—this conversation will leave you ready to remix your approach to purpose and profit.

More About DJ Jon Quick

Superhero DJ Jon Quick is a creator, producer, co-host, and music curator/mixmaster. He currently has radio shows that can be heard weekly on NYC’s 94.7 The Block. “Gotham After Darkons, " he was one of several top DJs once featured in rotation on “The Mix at Six” on 107.5 WBLS. He’s made appearances on Fox 5-NY “Good Morning NY”, SiriusXM’s “Sway in the Morning” (twice), and was also featured for over a year on Music Choice’s TV “Mixtape” and “Throwback Jams” cable channels. He’s also played at legendary arenas such as Madison Square Garden, Mets Citifield Stadium and Giants Stadium. A force in corporate America his past clients include Marvel, DC Comics, Visa, BET, Viacom, Def Jam, Columbia Records, Pepsi, BMW, Lexus, Black Enterprise, The United Way, The National Council of Negro Woman, LinkedIn, Uptown Magazine, American Express, Dusse,’ Hennessy The Lion King on Broadway and the NFL. He is also the creator of DJ Jon Quick’s Heroines of Excellence Awards, which ha-centricn curated “The Black Superhero Experience”, a public installation featuring his extensive collection of black and brown superhero action figures. It’s currently on display at the Roosevelt Public Library’s gallery until April 20th.

In this episode of The Equity Blueprint, we sit down with Lizz Rene, founder and CEO of PO’ UP!, the card game brand transforming how we celebrate Black culture—from college kickbacks to corporate mixers.

Lizz shares how she turned a moment of uncertainty into a movement—growing a six-figure, community-backed business rooted in joy, nostalgia, and Black brilliance. From funding her company without giving up equity to learning how to pay herself as a founder, this episode is a masterclass in building boldly, sustainably, and with intention.

We talk about:

• Turning audience feedback into product strategy

• The importance of delegation and building a team

• Financial mindset shifts that changed her business

• The emotional impact PO’ UP! has had on Black women

Whether you’re launching something new or looking to pour back into yourself, Lizz’s story reminds us: joy is not a luxury—it’s a business strategy.

About Lizz Rene

Lizz Rene is the CEO and founder of PO’ UP!, a brand of party games celebrating Black experiences from college to the workplace. Since launching PO’ UP! Card Game in 2020, she has built a thriving community centered on celebrating Black culture, bringing together 60,000+ supporters across social media platforms.

Through pitch competitions and accelerator programs, she has also secured nearly $100,000 in non-dilutive funding to grow the brand. Her entrepreneurship has been featured in The Washington Business Journal, REVOLT TV, and more. PO’ UP! Card Game is available on Amazon and in local retailers, including Busboys & Poets right here in the DMV. Lizz is also a proud graduate of the University of Georgia and a lifelong member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

In this powerful episode of The Equity Blueprint, we sit down with Dreena Whitfield-Brown, CEO & Founder of WhitPR, to unpack the real behind-the-scenes journey of building and scaling a service-based business rooted in purpose and visibility.

From starting with word-of-mouth referrals to leading campaigns for major cultural movements and public figures, Dreena shares how she evolved her firm with intention—focusing not just on growth, but on trust, alignment, and impact. We explore the often misunderstood line between PR and marketing, what it means to build trust in a digital age, and how hiring the right consultants can unlock transformational change.

She also opens up about the first memory of money, redefining wealth, and how she balances business success with personal milestones. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a creative, or a professional navigating your next chapter—this conversation is packed with gems on building legacy with clarity and courage.

🔑 Topics we cover:

• The struggles and breakthroughs of a service-based business

• Why trust is the true currency of growth

• The shift from hustle to strategy

• Building a team that sees your blind spots

• PR vs. marketing: what’s really driving your visibility?

💡 Tap in to learn how Dreena built more than a business—she built a blueprint for impact.

More About Dreena

More About Dreena Dreena Whitfield-Brown is a woman who holds many titles; mom, wife, entrepreneur and visionary. As the Founder and CEO of WhitPR, the integrated strategic communications agency dedicated to shaping and amplifying culture-driven narratives that drive measurable brand success, Dreena is at the forefront of driving growth strategies for the business while also overseeing communications and marketing efforts for clientele. Her journey to scaling one of the leading minority-owned public relations firms in New Jersey, however, is one that started in her early teen years in her hometown of Westfield, NJ. Gifted with the ability to craft compelling narratives, Dreena first tapped into her craft in junior high school when she began writing her own version of "The BabySitters' Club," centering Black characters as the protagonists of each story. Nearly 26 years later, Dreena transformed her storytelling savvy into the solution for an often discussed, but rarely prioritized issue after identifying the need for authentic cultural connectors in today's ever-evolving media landscape. Without any formal public relations experience or media connections,Dreena seamlessly married her passion for championing the untold stories of BIPOC communities and her keen ability to foster relationships to ultimately expand her company from the living room of her one-bedroom apartment into the award-winning agency of choice for industry-disrupting brands across consumer lifestyle and social impactsectors.Over a decade later, Dreena has not only grown her agency but also expanded her brand into a storytelling enterprise, creating touchpoint opportunities that empower marginalized entrepreneurs and professionals - primarily women of color - with the tools to shape and share their own stories. In 2020, Dreena launched the WhitPR Collective, an online program for start-up founders without robust budgets to gain insight into how they can activate simple public relations strategies to drive business success. Helping dozens of entrepreneurs to date. As the host of the highly-acclaimed podcast, "How I Got Here," Dreena turns the spotlight towards the unique journeys of like-minded professionals and business leaders, exploring the untold details of their success stories. Fueled by her own personal experiences, Dreena's commitment and ability to duplicate opportunities for marginalized communities continue to create stepping stones that drive both entrepreneurial success and a progressive culture in which Black women professionals can thrive.Most recently, Dreena has been recognized as a 2025 Inc.

In this episode, we sit down with serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and community builder Harold Hughes, founder of NFNTE Capital and Catalyst Labs. Harold shares a deeply personal and practical conversation on how entrepreneurs — and families — can rethink business, wealth, and purpose.

We dive into:

• Collaboration vs. Competition and why a new business mindset is critical for today’s founders.

• How relationships outweigh money when building sustainable ventures.

• The importance of playing to your strengths to propel your career and navigate entrepreneurial pivots.

• Transforming financial conversations with kids and instilling financial responsibility from an early age.

• Why open dialogue and talking to people for success is one of the most overlooked business tools.

• Balancing family, passion, and profit while embracing shared financial joy and lessons from failure.

• How not everything needs to be a business — and how to know when to build vs. when to let things just be.

With real stories from his journey — investing in brands like Partake Foods, Liquid Death, Broadway shows, and beyond — Harold brings powerful insights on how purpose, relationships, and financial education intersect in both business and life.

🎙️ Tune in now to reframe how you think about entrepreneurship, family wealth, and the real ROI of building together.

More About Harold Hughes

Harold Hughes is a serial entrepreneur, CEO, and founder of NFNTE Capital, an entrepreneurial support organization that helps startup founders leverage social capital. Institutions, including Benedict College, the University of Texas, and Yale University, have adopted his entrepreneurial curriculum to further the entrepreneurial mindset in their communities. As a first-generation American prioritizing education, he holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Political Science and an MBA from Clemson University. As a community leader, he authored and published "A Kids Book About Blockchain" to make Web3 technology accessible to all ages.As a community builder and co-founder of Catalyst Labs, Harold runs a 12-week accelerator program for emerging entrepreneurs. His expertise spans from go-to-market strategy and business development, to supporting founders from ideation to scale. He is an active angel investor, primarily investing in companies led by diverse founders. Most notably, he has invested in Partake Foods, the Jay-Z-backed CPG company making allergy-friendly snacks, and companies like Liquid Death, Athletic Greens, Republic, Winx Health, Major League Pickleball, and Broadway plays like Stereophonic, Hell’s Kitchen, and The Wiz on Broadway.

In this dynamic episode, we sit down with Jae Henderson—investor, entrepreneur, and visionary product leader—for a robust conversation on building wealth with intention, resilience, and heart. From his early lessons on money and entrepreneurship to building award-winning spirits brands and equity-centered platforms, Jae shares hard-won insights on the grit behind success, the power of ownership, and the importance of social capital.

We delve into what it truly means to live a wealthy life, beyond financial wealth, and how Jae and his co-founder strategically financed an MBA without incurring debt. Whether you're navigating diverse income streams, trying to deliver value in today’s market, or simply reimagining your legacy, this episode is packed with gems you won’t want to miss.

More About Jae Henderson:

Jae is an investor, entrepreneur, connector, and product leader. He’s had the honor of working alongside food chemists, cowboys, developers, designers, and public sector leaders in the U.S. and abroad on his mission towards inclusive world redesign. After working on Capitol Hill for the late Civil Rights leader Congressman John Lewis, he’s spent nearly 15 years building businesses and products, including an estate distillery with four award-winning spirits brands and a Webby-nominated data platform focused on wealth equity. Jae’s mission is to lead with vision and heart, inspiring people to reimagine and rebuild a future that enhances the human experience for ALL.

Connect with Jae -> https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaehenderson1/

In this episode of The Equity Blueprint, we sit down with Mandy Bowman—trailblazing founder and CEO of Official Black Wall Street—to unpack the raw truths behind entrepreneurship, from the power of purpose to the pain of pivots. Mandy shares what it really takes to build a movement-driven business, how community support fuels resilience, and why mindset shifts are non-negotiable for financial growth. Whether you're launching your first venture or leveling up your legacy, this conversation is your call to action—and your reminder to bet on yourself and your wellness.

💼 Real talk. 🔥 Tactical gems. 💡 Unfiltered insight. Don’t miss it.

More About Mandy.

Mandy Bowman is a visionary entrepreneur and a leading advocate for Black economic empowerment. As the Founder and CEO of Official Black Wall Street (OBWS), she has built the largest digital platform connecting consumers with Black-owned businesses, creating new opportunities for economic growth and sustainability within the Black community.Mandy’s passion for entrepreneurship and social impact began early in her career, with experience at MTV Networks, Atlantic Records, Complex Media, and ESSENCE Magazine, where she honed her expertise in digital strategy and brand development. Leveraging her knowledge, she launched OBWS to address the systemic barriers faced by Black business owners, growing it into an internationally recognized movement.Her groundbreaking work has earned her widespread recognition, including being a two-time TEDx speaker, one of Entrepreneur Magazine’s 100 Powerful Women in Business, a Forbes Next 1000 Honoree, and the recipient of PayPal’s prestigious Emerging Leader Award for her dedication to empowering Black communities through ownership and economic growth.Mandy has been featured in Forbes, The New York Times, CNBC, CNN, and more, and she continues to share her insights on economic empowerment, digital innovation, and entrepreneurship at major conferences and institutions. Through OBWS and her broader advocacy, she remains at the forefront of a movement redefining Black economic success.

In this inspiring episode of The Equity Blueprint, we sit down with Rob Colvin, MBA — mentor, Navy veteran, and Sr. Program Manager at Amazon — to explore the life lessons that have shaped his journey from enlisted sailor to corporate leader and financial educator. Rob shares how a wealthy uncle shifted his money mindset, what led him to buy his first home at 20, and why he’s committed to teaching his daughters financial wisdom that lasts.

With a powerful blend of personal experience and professional insight, Rob unpacks topics like building authentic wealth, finding joy beyond money stress, and why community and mentorship are crucial to long-term success. From leading Amazon’s Black Employee Network to empowering the next generation, Rob’s story is a blueprint in legacy-building — grounded in discipline, intention, and impact.

More About Rob.

Rob Colvin, MBA, is a mentor, Sr. Program Manager at Amazon, and a former Naval Officer originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1996 as a Seasparrow missile technician, Fire controlman (FC). He was selected to SEA-21, the Navy's enlisted to officer program, in 2002 and was commissioned upon completing his BA in Journalism at Norfolk State University in 2006. After 13 years of service as a Naval Officer, Rob retired as a Lieutenant Commander in 2019 and moved his family from Hampton Roads to Charlotte, NC where he began working for Amazon as an Operations Manager.

In his five years at Amazon, Rob has serves as Seniorves as the President of the Black Employee Network (BEN) for SPS. BEN SPS is an employee led group within Amazon which advocates for the equitable treatment of Black Employees within the workplace. Rob has always led by mentoring and empowering others.

He's performed as BEN President Amazon Operations Charlotte Chapter and even in his Naval career, he wrote and implemented the mentoring program for the Hampton Roads ROTC consortium which includes Norfolk State University, Hampton University, and Old Dominion University.