The path to authentic leadership isn't about climbing corporate ladders—it's about discovering your unique purpose and lifting others along the way. In this captivating conversation with Lisa Pratt Sanchez, a veteran technologist who transformed from coder to executive to purpose-driven entrepreneur, we explore how leadership transcends job titles and organizational hierarchies.

Lisa shares the pivotal moments that shaped her twenty-plus year journey through tech giants like Citrix and JM Family, revealing how she ultimately found her calling by helping others achieve their potential. Her insight that "leaders are born" challenges the notion that we must wait for authority before making an impact. As she explains, "Leadership means taking control of things you're meant to control and embracing others while seeking growth for yourself."

The power of genuine connection emerges as a central theme throughout our discussion. Lisa recounts how mentoring a junior developer decades ago unexpectedly led to a significant business relationship years later—a perfect illustration that "your network becomes your net worth." This circular journey demonstrates how authentic relationships built on knowledge-sharing and support create foundations for long-term success in technology.

Most compelling is Lisa's framework for living a purpose-driven life, captured in her book "Working on a Project Called Life." Using the project management principles that guided her tech career, she provides a roadmap for discovering what we're truly meant to do. Her warning against being "busy with being busy" resonates deeply as she encourages listeners to stop waiting for perfect circumstances and start taking action toward meaningful work.

Whether you're just starting in technology or considering your next career evolution, Lisa's wisdom offers a refreshing perspective on success that values human connection over titles and authentic purpose over prescribed paths. Listen now to discover how to lead from wherever you are and create the impact you were born to make.

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Your digital devices are listening—even when you think they aren't. In this eye-opening episode, we pull back the curtain on how tech giants are secretly monitoring our daily conversations and movements, sometimes without our knowledge or consent.

We dive deep into the shocking privacy settlements facing Apple ($95 million) and Google ($1.4 billion) for allegedly recording users without permission. "If you say you want to go to Puerto Rico, next thing you know, you have a message in your inbox saying here's a Puerto Rico trip," D Hustle reveals, highlighting how our supposedly private conversations become targeted marketing opportunities.

The conversation shifts to Instagram's newest AI features, where we explore the fascinating yet concerning world of AI avatars that can engage in conversations, respond to DMs, and potentially blur the line between human and artificial interaction. We discuss the potential risks of "AI catfishing" and debate whether platforms should clearly mark when you're interacting with AI versus real people.

Raymond brings practical utility with his nuggets, including GetLinkInfo.com for verifying suspicious links before clicking and WhatShouldIReadNext.com for book recommendations. We also catch you up on the latest sports developments across NHL, NBA, MLB, and more, with passionate commentary especially around Aaron Judge and Juan Soto's ongoing rivalry.

As we navigate this increasingly AI-driven digital landscape, one question remains central: how much privacy are we willing to sacrifice for convenience? Listen now and join our community of tech enthusiasts who refuse to remain in the dark about the technology shaping our world. Then check out our Tech Hustle Academy where we're building the skills needed to thrive in this evolving digital landscape.

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Voice technology is evolving beyond the robotic responses we've grown accustomed to, and today's episode takes you behind the scenes of this transformation. We test-drive Voice API, a platform that's revolutionizing how developers integrate conversational AI into applications with minimal coding effort.

The demonstration reveals both the impressive natural flow and current limitations of voice agents. Listen as we explore how these systems process our speech, convert it to text for AI processing, then transform responses back into surprisingly human-like voice. What once required extensive development time can now be implemented with remarkable ease, raising fascinating questions about the future of customer service and human-machine interaction.

Our tech roundup brings you news of Skype's sunset after 22 years as Microsoft pushes users toward Teams, plus we examine an incredible story of an iPhone surviving a 10,000-foot fall during skydiving (spoiler: the case deserves all the credit). Raymond shares invaluable insights on why mesh Wi-Fi networks dramatically outperform traditional extenders for eliminating dead zones in your home or office, explaining the technology in accessible terms.

The conversation turns to Broadcastify.com, where you can legally listen to police, fire, and emergency service radio communications across the country—a fascinating window into public safety operations. We wrap up with sports coverage spanning the WNBA, tennis, Formula One, and MLB, including all the latest standings and notable developments.

Ready to level up your tech skills? Our Tech Hustle Academy is now accepting applications for the next cohort starting July 20th. Join us to learn AI implementation, coding fundamentals, and practical technology skills directly from our team of industry professionals. Follow the link in our show notes to secure your spot!

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What if your AI assistant could literally take control of your computer? We're diving deep into Goose, a groundbreaking open-source AI agent that brings a new dimension to human-computer interaction. Unlike traditional AI tools that operate within web browsers, Goose can physically control your computer – moving your mouse, clicking buttons, and typing commands in response to your natural language instructions.

This remarkable technology from Block (formerly Square) represents a significant shift toward "agentic AI" – artificial intelligence that independently executes complex tasks across your entire operating system. We explore how it works, potential applications, and the creative "Duck Duck Goose" philosophy behind its design. Currently available primarily for Mac users, this tool hints at a future where the boundaries between human intention and computer execution become increasingly blurred.

We don't stop there. Our tech news segment tackles NVIDIA's latest GPU hotfix addressing persistent display issues, Microsoft's controversial decision to charge $1.50 per core for Windows security updates (potentially costing enterprise customers millions), and PlayStation's generous free content update. We also dive into an essential conversation about data backup strategies after discussing the Netflix documentary on the 2015 Ashley Madison breach, which resulted in devastating personal consequences for users who trusted their data with a single service.

From groundbreaking AI tools to critical security insights, this episode delivers practical knowledge to help you navigate today's rapidly evolving tech landscape. Whether you're curious about the future of desktop automation or simply want to better protect your digital life, we've got you covered with actionable insights and thoughtful analysis.

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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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