Tech in the Hood

As we wrap up Season 3, we sit down with Terrance Muse, a real estate entrepreneur from Chicago and a longtime friend of our host. Join us as they reminisce about their first meeting and explore Terrance's journey from athlete and basketball player to his entrance into the real estate field. They discuss the impact of technology and AI on the industry and highlight the crucial role of brokers and agents in making home ownership accessible and educating communities about real estate.

Semhar Amdemichael, a prominent figure in digital marketing and AdTech joins Flex to discuss her career trajectory and role in Chicago’s tech ecosystem. Semhar breaks down the unique strategies that set Chicago apart as an entrepreneurship hotbed, her participation in LongJump VC and shares her insights on the dynamic landscape of AI in advertising. We’ll uncover challenges in AI adoption, share tips for entrepreneurs, and discuss everything from high-level pitches to the critical importance of reskilling in Black and Brown communities.

Our guest this week is a disruptor. Matthew Moore, owner of Artist Replete, sits down with Flex to talk about how he built his business online before transitioning to a brick-and-mortar establishment. Matthew breaks down his strategy for scaling Artist Replete and uncovers the unconventional marketing and sales approaches that took him from a digital store all the way to Michigan Ave. We’ll spill some industry secrets, share tips for artists, and talk about everything from SEO to mental health.

We're back! And who better to kick off the second half of Season 3 than special guest, Candice M. Smith, a mentor, a mom, a STEM Advocate, and Executive Director of Engineering Excellence at Boeing. Candice shares her inspiring journey from her military beginnings to her impressive career at Boeing, emphasizing the pivotal role of mentorship, her deep connection to Chicago, and her experiences as a mother. Tune in as Candice and Flex, explore the evolving impact of AI in engineering and the responsibilities that come with it.

This is a segment about The Kulture Museum, a unique art center in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood. It combines an art gallery, creative workspace, and community hub. The founders, Roger, a former coder turned artist, and Nicole, an author and marketer, aim to empower artistic expression and make a positive impact on their community. The segment discusses the role of art in connecting people and Roger's transition from tech to art, also touching on generative AI in the art world.

Genesis, a mompreneur, founder, and more, juggles her various roles while remaining a trusted advisor for businesses. This episode explores her secrets to success, her passion for empowering new entrepreneurs, and her commitment to self-care, all while she writes her first book and continues making a global impact.

Fine artist Shawn Michael Warren is back in the studio this week to talk about his recently-unveiled portrait of Oprah Winfrey in the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery This episode reveals the intriguing story behind the portrait of Oprah Winfrey, highlighting the collaborative efforts and human connections that give depth to Shawn's impactful art. Tune in for a candid conversation about patience, persistence, community, and what it takes to create a masterpiece.

In this episode of "Tech in the Hood," we’re flipping the script as regular guest Martina Matthews takes over and interviews Flex. Martina and Flex discuss the show's impact on the community, stressing the importance of what Flex calls "social currency" in the tech scene. They also dig into some new AI trends, and highlight the crucial role of humans in all tech operations, including AI. There’s a lot to love in this Season 3 premiere, tune in to hear the whole conversation!

Presenting part two of Flex’s interview with 8x Grammy Award-winning artist Malik Yusef! The powerful conclusion to this conversation covers everything from tech to service, to the transformative power of music and the arts.

We are ending Season 2 with a bang! In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the birth of hip-hop, Tech in the Hood presents a 2-part episode with 6x Grammy Winner Malik Yusef. Malik is a true Chicago OG, and a legend in the music industry; he has worked with artists such as Kanye West, Vic Mensa, Beyonce, Common, and too many others to count. In this conversation, Malik shares his journey as an artist, from humble beginnings on the Southside to his career as a 24x Grammy nominated songwriter, composer, producer, poet, and performer. Flex and Malik talk about the future of hip hop, the power of artistic freedom, the importance of service, and the greatest of all time…Muhammad Ali.