Intellectual property theft has long been a problem in our community, specifically when it comes to Black women. As today’s guest explains, no one is going to vouch for your work and worth like you. If you want to be a true boss you must first understand the value of protecting what you create. Host, Marquita Harris (@marquita_harris_) talks with Lisa Davis, Esq., a seasoned entertainment lawyer with clients like legendary rap group, Public Enemy and Black author extraordinaire, Terry McMillan. Davis is clear that time has been up for Black people being cheated out of our intellectual property and is on a 20+ year mission to ensure that we see the wealth and dividends of our creative process instead of making others wealthy due to our own ignorance of the process and pitfalls.

Use #UnBossedPodcast to share your thoughts and even your experiences with knowing your value and protecting your IP! Don't forget to rate, comment, and subscribe!

• UnBossed Host: Marquita Harris (@marquita_harris_)
• Executive Producer: Tiffany Ashitey (@misstiffsays)
• Producers: Ashley Hobbs (@ashleylatruly) + Shantel Holder (@shadesofshan_)
• Bookings: Ashley Hobbs, Marquita Harris, Tiffany Ashitey
• Audio: Anthony Frasier (@anthonyfrasier) + Josh Gwynn (@regardingjosh) 
• Music: Gold Standard Creative (@gscdotnyc)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you’ve ever experienced unemployment you understand the fear and even PTSD it can create. Having the rug pulled from beneath your career and finances can leave you reeling and wondering what the future holds. It can also be a blessing in disguise, nudging some of us toward an entrepreneurial path. This week’s guest Rakia Reynolds (@rakiareynolds) founder and CEO of Skai Blue Media (www.skaibluemedia.com), is no stranger to braving the business owner trail. Her brief experience with unemployment led her to ask herself how she could prevent having her world turned upside down ever again. How could she ensure that her children would grow up financially secure? How could she stake her claim in an industry that didn’t necessarily have a designated space for all of her gifts and talents? There was no choice but to carve that space for herself. If you’re asking yourself the same questions, you DEFINITELY need to hear this episode.

Follow your UnBossed host, ESSENCE Work & Money editor, Marquita Harris (@marquita_harris_) and let her know what you think of the episode using #UnBossedPodcast! Share, comment and subscribe!

2:46 - What was Rakia's very first job?

9:45 - How Rakia rolled a TV production skills over to magazines!

11:24 - How a setback became Rakia's genesis as an entrepreneur

16:31 - Rakia's vision for Skai Blue Media + some of her clients

24:17 - What it took for Rakia to start and effectively run a successful agency

• UnBossed Host: Marquita Harris (@marquita_harris_)
• Executive Producer: Tiffany Ashitey (@misstiffsays)
• Producers: Ashley Hobbs (@ashleylatruly) + Shantel Holder (@shadesofshan_)
• Bookings: Ashley Hobbs, Marquita Harris, Tiffany Ashitey
• Audio: Anthony Frasier (@anthonyfrasier) + Josh Gwynn (@regardingjosh) 
• Music: Gold Standard Creative (@gscdotnyc)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Facebook COO, Sheryl Sandberg, once said that career paths are beginning to resemble a jungle gym rather than the ladders of our parents’ generations. We’re searching for more and are more inclined than ever to sculpt holistically fulfilling lives - careers included. Many of us are becoming comfortable blazing career paths that tap into our gifts. But there are still so many who are afraid to step into the unknown and take a chance on their passions. Umindi Francis Denis (@umindi360), founder and CEO of UFCG (@ufcgpr) - the international strategic brand consulting firm, knows all about following her passions to cut the trail best suited for her. From being a Neurobehavioral Psychology major at Temple University, to a successful run in investment banking, to becoming a PR expert, Umindi has experience in spades and story after story of how her desire to follow her dreams is the best decision anyone could ever make.

Let us know what dreams you’re following and how linear (or nonlinear) your career path has been! Use #UnBossedPodcast and make sure to follow UnBossed host, Marquita Harris (@marquita_harris_)!

• UnBossed Host: Marquita Harris (@marquita_harris_)
• Executive Producer: Tiffany Ashitey (@misstiffsays)
• Producers: Ashley Hobbs (@ashleylatruly) + Shantel Holder (@shadesofshan_)
• Bookings: Ashley Hobbs, Marquita Harris, Tiffany Ashitey
• Audio: Anthony Frasier (@anthonyfrasier) + Josh Gwynn (@regardingjosh) 
• Music: Gold Standard Creative (@gscdotnyc)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When everyone has opinions, it’s easy to get sidetracked from your vision for your life and business. Who we are as thinkers, leaders, visionaries, and innovators is vast and multi-faceted. So, what does it take to stay out of the box? Carly Cushnie (@CarlyCushnie), CEO of Cushnie - the luxury women’s ready-to-wear and accessories brand, stopped by UnBossed to discuss just that. As the visionary boss behind the highly sought-after brand (Forever First Lady Michelle Obama has worn Cushnie!), Carly gets real with UnBossed host, Marquita Harris (@marquita_harris_) about her start in fashion, her vision for the brand, and how she’s brought a lifelong dream to life with a small staff and a determination to be truly unbossed. Use #UnBossedPodcast to share how you block out the noise in your business and life!

• 5:40 - Carly describes coming to New York City
• 15:54 - How Cushnie was created
• 22:49 - Cushnie, the brand that dressed Michelle Obama
• 27:03 - How Carly stays out of pigeonholes

• UnBossed Host: Marquita Harris (@marquita_harris_)
• Executive Producer: Tiffany Ashitey (@misstiffsays)
• Producers: Ashley Hobbs (@ashleylatruly) + Shantel Holder (@shadesofshan_)
• Bookings: Ashley Hobbs, Marquita Harris, Tiffany Ashitey
• Audio: Anthony Frasier (@anthonyfrasier) + Josh Gwynn (@regardingjosh) 
• Music: Gold Standard Creative (@gscdotnyc)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do you consume more than you create? Are you being interrupted by technology or are you utilizing it to disrupt unviable systems? How do you ensure that you get a healthy slice of the pie no matter what industry you’re in? On this episode of UnBossed, serial entrepreneur and social change agent, Sevetri Wilson (@sevetriwilson), offers insight into how she built her businesses: Solid Ground Innovations (SGI) and Resilia - a New Orleans-based technology startup, and how you can begin to think more like a builder and less like a consumer. Having bootstrapped her first business with no capital and becoming the first Black woman in New Orleans to raise over $1,000,000 in venture capital, Wilson’s career is a masterclass in growing healthy businesses from the ground up using the bricks and mortar of hard work, grit, and passion for social change.

Use #UnBossedPodcast to tell us what you learned from this episode and follow host, Marquita Harris (IG: @marquita_harris_).

• UnBossed Host: Marquita Harris (@marquita_harris_)
• Executive Producer: Tiffany Ashitey (@misstiffsays)
• Producers: Ashley Hobbs (@ashleylatruly) + Shantel Holder (@shadesofshan_)
• Bookings: Ashley Hobbs, Marquita Harris, Tiffany Ashitey
• Audio: Anthony Frasier (@anthonyfrasier) + Josh Gwynn (@regardingjosh) 
• Music: Gold Standard Creative (@gscdotnyc)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In a world where titles and salaries often eclipse purpose in the workplace, it’s time to bring impact back to the forefront. On this episode, marine biologist and ocean conservationist, Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson (IG: @ayanaeliza) shares her definition for living in your purpose and doing meaningful work, and the importance of creating your own lane, with or without a title. Learn more about Dr. Johnson’s work with Ocean Collectiv (@oceancollectiv) and follow UnBossed host, Marquita Harris (IG: @marquita_harris_) using #UnBossedPodcast to let us know your thoughts on the episode and how you’re making impact! 

• UnBossed Host: Marquita Harris (@marquita_harris_)
• Executive Producer: Tiffany Ashitey (@misstiffsays)
• Producers: Ashley Hobbs (@ashleylatruly) + Shantel Holder (@shadesofshan_)
• Bookings: Ashley Hobbs, Marquita Harris, Tiffany Ashitey
• Audio: Anthony Frasier (@anthonyfrasier) + Josh Gwynn (@regardingjosh) 
• Music: Gold Standard Creative (@gscdotnyc)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For 14.1 million adults in the U.S. who don’t have a bank account, funding a startup or even purchasing a home is a distant dream. Though, one woman aims at closing the “unbanked” gap. In this episode, FinTech entrepreneur Sheena Allen (@whoIsSheena) explains how she’s serving our community with her app CapWay, and dishes on how we can all get the money we need to get our ideas off the ground floor. Visit capway.co. to learn more and follow host Marquita Harris (IG: @marquita_harris_) and tell us what you think of the episode using #UnBossedPodcast

• UnBossed Host: Marquita Harris (@marquita_harris_)
• Executive Producer: Tiffany Ashitey (@misstiffsays)
• Producers: Ashley Hobbs (@ashleylatruly) + Shantel Holder (@shadesofshan_)
• Bookings: Ashley Hobbs, Marquita Harris, Tiffany Ashitey
• Audio: Anthony Frasier (@anthonyfrasier) + Josh Gwynn (@regardingjosh) 
• Music: Gold Standard Creative (@gscdotnyc)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

During a time where social media was reigning and on the rise, ColorComm founder Lauren Wesley Wilson decided to do something different - build a community, in real life. On this episode, host Marquita Harris sits with Lauren to reflect on her personal journey, and how she took a need to connect Black voices in her industry and built a media rolodex worthy of a mogul.

As always, reach out to Marquita (@marquita_harris_) on social (and share your Unbossed journey with us. Be sure to use #unbossedpodcast.

• UnBossed Host: Marquita Harris (@marquita_harris_)
• Executive Producer: Tiffany Ashitey (@misstiffsays)
• Producers: Ashley Hobbs (@ashleylatruly) + Shantel Holder (@shadesofshan_)
• Bookings: Ashley Hobbs, Marquita Harris, Tiffany Ashitey
• Audio: Anthony Frasier (@anthonyfrasier) + Josh Gwynn (@regardingjosh) 
• Music: Gold Standard Creative (@gscdotnyc)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There are three things that you should never be ashamed of - valuing your worth, living in your purpose and talking about money. On this episode, host Marquita Harris sits with Chase Consumer Banking CEO, Thasunda Brown Duckett, to chat about her personal journey to ensure that Black women exceed their passion and earning potential, and how following her purpose guided her to change her parents' financial habits, just a few years before their retirement. 

As always, reach out to Marquita (@marquita_harris_) on social (and share your Unbossed journey with us. Be sure to use #unbossedpodcast.

• UnBossed Host: Marquita Harris (@marquita_harris_)
• Executive Producer: Tiffany Ashitey (@misstiffsays)
• Producers: Ashley Hobbs (@ashleylatruly) + Shantel Holder (@shadesofshan_)
• Bookings: Ashley Hobbs, Marquita Harris, Tiffany Ashitey
• Audio: Anthony Frasier (@anthonyfrasier) + Josh Gwynn (@regardingjosh) 
• Music: Gold Standard Creative (@gscdotnyc)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Starting a Business is Nice. Maintaining a Business is Hard Ass Work

As Blavity celebrates its 5th anniversary, CEO, Morgan DeBaun (@morgandebaun) gives goal chasers a reality check on what it takes to maintain a business beyond titles and business cards. Spoiler alert: You have to work hard AND smart. 

Host, Marquita Harris (@marquita_harris_) sat with Morgan for an honest conversation about the “freedom” of entrepreneurship. After listening to this episode, be sure to sign up for more gems on how to stay in business, through Morgan’s Work Smart program. Sign up at morgandebaun.com.

As always, reach out to Marquita (@marquita_harris_) on social (and share your Unbossed journey with us. Be sure to use #unbossedpodcast.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.