The wealth-building landscape is changing dramatically, and those who understand the new rules are positioning themselves for extraordinary financial success. During this illuminating backstage conversation at the Black Wealth Summit 2025, host Cyrus delivers a paradigm-shifting perspective on cryptocurrency, tech careers, and equity that could literally be worth hundreds of millions to those who pay attention.

"When was the best time to plant a tree? 100 years ago. The second best time is today," Cyrus explains, applying this wisdom to cryptocurrency investments. While many feel they've missed Bitcoin's rise, he shares a startling calculation: a $50,000 investment in Bitcoin today could potentially grow to $588 million by 2038 if projections of Bitcoin reaching $1 billion per coin materialize. This single insight completely rewired his wealth-building strategy, shifting his focus from short-term gains to potentially life-changing, generational wealth.

The conversation takes an equally compelling turn when exploring tech careers as pathways to extraordinary wealth. Cyrus reveals that 78% of NVIDIA employees are currently millionaires, with over 50% worth at least $25 million—not primarily through their salaries but through their equity compensation. This understanding challenges the traditional focus on base salary when job hunting, showing how stock options and equity can create vastly more wealth than salary alone. "We're hustling the wrong way," he notes, highlighting how strategic tech career choices can provide three simultaneous income streams: salary, equity appreciation, and cryptocurrency exposure at blockchain companies.

Perhaps most valuable is his clarification of a commonly misunderstood wealth principle: "The average millionaire has seven streams of income." While true, Cyrus explains that most millionaires didn't start with multiple streams—they became wealthy through focused mastery of one or two areas before diversifying. This insight, combined with practical guidance on positioning yourself as a top candidate through domain expertise targeting, reveals why his program "Tech is the New Black" has successfully helped nearly 10,000 people secure high-paying tech careers without requiring degrees or prior experience. Ready to transform your approach to wealth-building? Start by rethinking what you thought you knew about crypto, careers, and creating generational wealth.

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Are you ready to multiply yourself a thousand times? What if you could compete with industry giants on a shoestring budget? The future isn't coming—it's already here.

Meet Alicia Lyttle, the self-proclaimed "Queen of AI," who's transforming how entrepreneurs approach business in the age of artificial intelligence. In this eye-opening conversation from the Black Wealth Summit 2025, Alicia reveals why AI isn't just another tech trend—it's the great equalizer that's rewriting the rules of business success.

Alicia's journey began when she witnessed IBM Watson defeat Jeopardy champions, but her true AI awakening came with ChatGPT's release. Recognizing its revolutionary potential, she canceled all appointments for two weeks to master this technology—a decision that doubled her business in just half a year and put her on track to quadruple it this year.

From training AI to write in your unique voice to creating autonomous agents that can attend 1,000 Zoom meetings simultaneously, Alicia demystifies how these tools level the playing field for small businesses. "Back in the day, we'd pay big firms lots of money to do what these tools are doing now," she explains, highlighting how AI democratizes access to sophisticated business capabilities.

The conversation goes beyond theory, offering practical examples anyone can implement immediately. Discover how Alicia uses ChatGPT for everything from changing smart lock batteries to identifying the right car parts—saving time, reducing stress, and eliminating unnecessary research. Learn how AI agents can translate languages in real-time, answer phones, generate leads, and create a multiplication effect that exponentially increases your productivity.

But perhaps most importantly, Alicia delivers a sobering truth: "It's not going to be AI that steals your job. It's going to be the person that uses AI." As corporations increasingly prioritize AI-savvy employees, embracing these tools isn't optional for those who want to remain competitive.

Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just beginning your journey, this conversation offers a roadmap to leveraging AI for personal and professional growth. Start simple, start today, and discover how AI can help you close the wealth gap by competing on an entirely new level.

Grab Alicia's free book "ChatGPT Made Easy" at AliciaLyttle.com and begin your AI transformation journey now.

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What separates those who find massive success from those who struggle? The answer might be simpler than you think: exposure. When people know who you are, opportunities flow naturally in your direction.

Brandon Boyd takes us behind the curtain of podcast monetization and brand building during this eye-opening conversation at the Black Wealth Summit. Using the recent presidential election as a case study, he reveals how Trump's strategic podcast appearances (13 to Kamala's 6) helped him connect with millions more voters. "President Trump smashed Kamala... not necessarily because of the rhetoric. He got a stronger personal brand."

This principle applies far beyond politics. Whether selling real estate, solar panels, or bottled water, the product with greater visibility typically wins - even if competitors offer superior quality. "The more people know you, the more they can flow you" becomes a rallying cry for entrepreneurs seeking growth.

Boyd shares a game-changing strategy that transforms podcasting from hobby to business: the client acquisition podcast. Rather than interviewing random guests, invite potential clients onto your show. A realtor might create "The Buyer's Block," featuring prospective homebuyers discussing their questions and concerns. This approach builds trust, demonstrates expertise, and creates a natural pathway to convert guests into clients after recording ends.

The most powerful insight? Properly structuring your podcast as a media business opens doors to significant funding opportunities. Banks are eager to provide capital to well-positioned media companies, sometimes with minimal documentation requirements. This funding can accelerate growth or even be invested in cash-flowing assets, creating multiple revenue streams from your podcast platform.

Ready to transform your podcast from side hustle to serious business? Brandon's closing message resonates deeply: "Don't quit. You're going to hit your goals if you don't quit. Most podcasters don't make money because they quit."

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Transforming Black economic prosperity is happening right in South Florida, and most residents don't even know it exists. Deputy Director Chandra Daniels reveals how the Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust has quietly distributed over half a million dollars in grants to Black-owned businesses throughout the county, from restaurants to healthcare providers to artists, with some receiving up to $20,000 to scale their operations.

What truly sets this county agency apart is their revolutionary approach to homeownership. As Daniels explains, "Home ownership is the cornerstone of wealth in this country." Their Down Payment Assistance Program provides up to $28,000 as a completely forgivable loan - meaning if you stay in your home for 20 years as your primary residence, you never pay back a cent. In a market where housing prices have tripled in just four years, this program is creating pathways to property ownership previously unattainable for many Black families.

Perhaps most remarkable is their Rehabilitation Assistance Program, offering up to $50,000 in forgivable loans for critical home repairs. The program prioritizes health and safety issues like roof repairs, electrical, and plumbing problems, particularly benefiting senior homeowners who might otherwise be forced to sell. "We had some clients who we had to build a ramp because now they're at an age where they can't walk up those stairs," Daniels shares, highlighting how these investments allow residents to age in place with dignity while preserving community wealth. With both programs centered on long-term community stabilization and generational wealth building, MDEAT represents a model other cities should emulate. Learn more by visiting MiamiDade.gov/MDEAT or following @MDETinfo on Instagram.

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ChatGPT and a dream is all you need to build something remarkable in today's world. This revelation comes from Brian Brackine, Managing Partner of Lightship Capital, a venture fund with $1 billion under management dedicated to underrepresented entrepreneurs. The traditional barriers to entry—costly technology, complex coding, expensive infrastructure—have fallen away thanks to AI and cloud services. What remains is the pure currency of creativity, something our community has in abundance.

Brackine shatters common misconceptions about securing venture funding. Forget the notion that you need to corner investors at networking events or force relationships. The real path to attracting investment mirrors professional sports: demonstrate excellence in your craft, generate consistent revenue, and let investors discover you. "The way to get money from a venture capitalist is to stay home, work on the business, crush it, revenue, revenue, revenue... And then let me discover you and say, can I have a piece of this thing that you've built?" This approach stands in stark contrast to pitching an idea nobody wants.

Perhaps the most powerful insight from Brackine addresses the psychological barriers many Black entrepreneurs face even after securing funding. He calls it the "scarcity mindset"—the tendency to conservatively hoard capital rather than boldly investing in growth. Nearly all founders he funds eventually hear the same feedback: "You haven't spent enough, you're not growing fast enough." This hesitation to hire, market, and scale ultimately limits business potential. As Brackine eloquently puts it, "It's like being afraid to go outside. Guess what? You'll never be outside." For those ready to overcome these limitations and think bigger, opportunities abound, particularly at events like Black Tech Week and Afrotech where ambitious, globally-minded entrepreneurs gather. Ready to push past what's holding you back? As Brackine reminds us: "It's great outside."

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Michelle Lilly—the first Black woman globally to earn a Master's degree in blockchain and digital currency—is transforming how we understand cryptocurrency's potential for building generational wealth.

The racial wealth disparity demands innovative solutions beyond traditional financial systems. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies represent that opportunity, not just as investments but as revolutionary tools for economic empowerment. Speaking with the conviction of someone who's lived this transformation, Michelle shares her remarkable journey from Bitcoin skeptic to cryptocurrency educator after watching her $30,000 investment grow to over $1.2 million during the pandemic.

"You're at risk right now anyway," Michelle emphasizes, challenging listeners to make educated financial choices rather than continuing with systems that haven't served our communities. With major institutions like Fidelity projecting Bitcoin could reach $1 billion by 2038, even owning a fraction could translate to life-changing wealth. These aren't just abstract numbers—they represent real possibilities for those who understand the technology's potential.

Beyond investing, Michelle's approach centers on education and community. "A lot of people want to just give you their money. And it's like no, I want you to fish. Because generational wealth is built when we pass it on. Not only do we pass on the money, we need to pass on the education." Her mission to educate one million people about cryptocurrency wealth creation stems from this philosophy.

For newcomers feeling intimidated, Michelle offers straightforward advice: start small with regular investments through dollar-cost averaging, use reputable platforms like Crypto.com to establish a wallet, and approach Bitcoin as a long-term treasury. Whether you begin with $10 or $10,000, the key is consistency and patience.

Ready to transform your financial future? Follow Michelle at @IamMichelleLily on Instagram and discover how cryptocurrency can help close wealth gaps while creating opportunities previous generations could only dream about.

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What's in a name? When it comes to AI, everything. 

Imagine having a digital assistant that doesn't just respond to your queries but understands your preferences, recognizes your communication style, and even addresses you by name. This game-changing approach to AI interaction forms the heart of our latest discussion on The Tech Hustle.

Bobby D reveals how naming his AI "Jules" transformed his entire relationship with the technology. It's not just about giving your AI a cute nickname—it's about creating a consistent persona that makes digital interactions feel more human and productive. The team explores how ChatGPT's custom instructions feature lets you specify not only what to call your AI but how it should address you and what information it should remember about your preferences and life.

As Raymond notes when sharing his experience rewriting emails, generic AI responses often come out "like a piece of chicken with no season." The difference after personalization? Responses that sound natural and authentically you. D-Hustle contemplates naming his AI "Bentley," while sharing that his wife calls hers "Consuela"—creating associations that help define what they expect from their digital assistants.

Beyond AI personalization, we dive into Apple's $5 million lawsuit from a user unable to recover encrypted data, Tesla's upcoming affordable model, and Raymond's tech nuggets featuring Camel Camel Camel for Amazon price tracking and RunPee—an app that might just be "one of the most important apps created for mankind" according to Raymond. We wrap with a comprehensive sports update covering NBA playoffs, NHL action, and more.

Join us for a conversation that will forever change how you interact with AI. What will you name yours?

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Imagine building a professional website in under five minutes without writing a single line of code. In this eye-opening episode, we demonstrate how AI development tools like Boltnew, LovableDev, and Firebase Studio are revolutionizing web development through simple text prompts. Watch as we create a complete NBA Playoffs tracker website live during the show, revealing how these powerful tools can transform anyone into a web developer.

The tech landscape continues to evolve at breakneck speed, with Amazon's impressive Blink Outdoor 4 camera boasting a remarkable four-year battery life, while Apple plays catch-up in the AR glasses and foldable phone markets. For entertainment seekers looking to cut costs, we highlight free streaming alternatives like Pluto TV and Tubi that are changing the game by offering quality content and even live sports without subscription fees.

Our discussion heats up when we dive into NBA Playoffs predictions, with passionate debates about which teams will advance and why. The conversation reaches its peak during a spirited exchange about Bronny James and whether his NBA opportunity stems from merit or privilege. This segment highlights the complex intersection of professional sports, business interests, and family dynamics that shapes professional basketball today.

Throughout this content-packed episode, we blend practical tech insights with entertaining debate, offering something valuable for both tech enthusiasts and sports fans alike. Whether you're looking to level up your development skills, find affordable streaming options, or simply enjoy passionate sports talk, this episode delivers on all fronts.

Ready to transform your own ideas into reality? Check out our upcoming Tech Hustle Academy and join us on our Tech Tour with stops planned in San Francisco, New York, and Houston. Subscribe now and never miss another episode filled with game-changing insights and lively discussion!

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Welcome to a mind-bending journey through the rapidly evolving world of AI-generated imagery. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on OpenAI's revolutionary image generator that's creating visuals so realistic, they're virtually indistinguishable from professional photography. The demonstration we share will leave you questioning what's real and what's artificial.

We make a bold prediction that within five years, the first billion-dollar movie entirely generated by AI will hit theaters. This isn't science fiction – it's happening now, with studios already quietly implementing these technologies in commercials and films. For creative professionals in design, photography, cinematography, and film, this represents both an existential challenge and an unprecedented opportunity.

Beyond the headline feature, our tech roundup covers AMD's powerful new processor challenging NVIDIA, Android's security upgrades borrowed from iOS, and Apple's urgent security patch fixing 62 vulnerabilities. Raymond also introduces practical AI tools transforming how we work, including Fathom for automatic meeting notes and Google's Notebook LM that can turn your documents into podcast-style conversations.

The episode wraps with heated sports discussions focusing on NBA playoff predictions, Russell Wilson's surprising move to the Giants, and the ongoing media feud between LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith. Whether you're a creative professional concerned about AI's impact on your industry, a tech enthusiast wanting to stay ahead of innovations, or simply curious about how these technologies will reshape entertainment, this conversation offers valuable insights into our rapidly transforming digital landscape.

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Cedric Nash—tech entrepreneur, author, and self-proclaimed "Millionaire Mentor"—cuts through conventional financial wisdom with a message that might challenge everything you believe about debt and wealth building. Backstage at the Black Wealth Summit 2025, Nash reveals why being "spooked by debt" while not being "fired up enough about wealth" keeps many people financially stagnant.

The founder of Oakland Consulting, a $100 million enterprise application software company, shares his journey from a modest $36,400 starting salary to financial independence. Nash doesn't come from privilege—his father was the son of sharecroppers born during the Depression, and his mother had an eighth-grade education. This makes his wealth-building blueprint particularly relevant for those starting without advantages.

Nash's provocatively titled book "Why Should White Guys Have All the Wealth? How You Can Become a Millionaire Starting from the Bottom" encapsulates his philosophy that wealth creation shouldn't wait until you're debt-free. "Come up with a debt payment plan, keep it consistent, put it on autopilot. But then all that excess cash, you got to get really busy investing," he advises. This balanced approach—playing financial offense while maintaining defense—creates the compound growth momentum that eventually leads to exponential wealth accumulation.

The conversation shifts traditional thinking about personal finance. While many follow debt-elimination gurus like Dave Ramsey, Nash points out that such singular focus caused many to miss the stock market's 300% growth from 2009-2018. His alternative approach? Be "rich in assets and poor in bad liabilities" and understand that properly built wealth can eventually handle your debt payments while providing lifelong income. Ready to transform your financial future? Start by changing the conversation about money in your life—because as Nash wisely notes, "if you can change the conversation, you can change the destination."

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