Plan your Future: How to plan your work strategy when facing uncertainty at your job.

In 2017, two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald launched his podcast, Money Making Conversations Master Class.   🔑 Core Message: Understanding Your Value Proposition Rushion emphasizes the importance of knowing your value proposition—both in your career and personal life. He defines it as: A declarative statement that explains what makes you unique, why you're the best choice, and what justifies your advancement or compensation. 🧠 Key Concepts & Lessons 1. Value Proposition in Career Without a clear value proposition, you risk being overlooked for promotions and raises. Employers need to know what you want and what you bring to the table. Rashawn shares his own experience at IBM, where not knowing his value proposition led to stagnation until he clarified his goals. 2. The PLAN Framework Rushion introduces a motivational acronym for success: P – Prepare L – Learn A – Adjust N – Navigate This framework is essential for setting goals and achieving success. 3. "Why Not Me?" Mindset Encourages listeners to challenge self-doubt and embrace their potential. This phrase is meant to be a daily affirmation to inspire action and confidence. 4. Avoiding Negativity Rashawn warns against surrounding yourself with negative people who gossip or discourage ambition. Instead, seek out like-minded individuals who support growth. 5. Age Is Not a Barrier Success is not limited by age—whether you're 19 or 65, it's never too late to define your value and pursue your goals. 📌 Notable Quotes “You can't be successful unless you have a plan.” “Don't wait around for an opportunity. Just do it.” “Your greatness can be achieved by your own personal effort.” #BEST #STRAW #SHMSSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Robert Gould. Youngest developer in the U.S. to lead a $300 million community development project in partnership with the City of Savannah. 🏗️ Legacy Savannah Project Scope: 65-acre, $300 million transformational community development. Focus Areas: Residential Housing: Senior and workforce housing. Innovation Center: 24/7 programming for tech and career development. Indoor Recreation Facility: Community engagement and wellness. Mission: Not just building structures, but transforming lives and legacies. 🌊 Big Tide Summit Founder: Robert Gould Purpose: Career exposure and training for Georgia students. Impact: Grew from 20 students to over 7,000 in 3 years. Focus Areas: Tech, arts, media, construction, and entrepreneurship. Website: bigtide.org (free for schools) 💡 Key Messages & Advice 1. Fear and Identity Embrace fear as a signal of purpose. “There’s only one you”—your uniqueness is your power. 2. Exposure is Everything 60% of success is based on exposure (Forbes). Being in the room matters—access changes lives. 3. Workforce Development Trends Start early. Prioritize exposure and appearance. Explore trades (construction, tech, plumbing, etc.). Seek mentorship. Embrace AI and future technologies. 4. Trade vs. Degree Trades are now high-income, high-impact careers. College is valuable, but not the only path. Ownership and entrepreneurship are key to wealth. 5. Pitching and Communication Know your audience and tailor your message. Don’t just pitch ideas—pitch dreams. Respect yourself and others in every room you enter. 🔁 Vision for the Future Expand the Legacy Savannah model nationwide. Continue building access and opportunity for underserved communities. Use platforms like Big Tide to bridge education and real-world careers. #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Rebecca Homkes. ✅ Summary of Rebecca Homkes Interview on Money Making Conversations Master Class Purpose of the Interview The interview aimed to: Share Rebecca Homkes’ expertise in business strategy and leadership. Discuss how companies can adapt and thrive in uncertain environments. Provide actionable insights for entrepreneurs and executives on decision-making and growth. Highlight Rebecca’s work as a strategic advisor and author, focusing on resilience and agility. Key Takeaways Leading Through Uncertainty Businesses must embrace flexibility and speed in decision-making. Quote: “Uncertainty is not an excuse for inaction—it’s a call for adaptability.” Strategic Agility Success requires continuous learning and rapid response to market changes. Quote: “Strategy today is less about prediction and more about preparation.” Empowering Leadership Leaders should communicate clearly, empower teams, and foster trust. Quote: “Your people need clarity, not certainty.” Practical Frameworks Rebecca shared frameworks for prioritizing actions and allocating resources during volatile times. Emphasis on data-driven decisions combined with human judgment. Advice for Entrepreneurs Focus on core strengths, build resilient systems, and stay close to customers. Quote: “Resilience is built before the storm, not during it.” Notable Quotes “Uncertainty is not an excuse for inaction—it’s a call for adaptability.” “Your people need clarity, not certainty.” “Resilience is built before the storm, not during it.”   #BEST #SHMS #STRAWSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Erica Gwyn.   🎙️ Interview Summary: Erica Gwyn on Money Making Conversations Masterclass Purpose of the Interview To spotlight Erica Gwyn’s journey as a faith-driven entrepreneur, her work with nonprofits through her company Nonprofit Guru LLC, and her educational initiatives including Seven Oaks Academy Montessori. The interview aims to inspire listeners by sharing Erica’s story of resilience, leadership, and community impact, while offering practical advice for nonprofit founders and small business owners. 🧭 Interview Outline 1. Introduction Host Rushion McDonald introduces the show and its mission to inspire and educate entrepreneurs. Erica Gwyn is welcomed as the founder and CEO of Nonprofit Guru LLC and Seven Oaks Academy Montessori. 2. Background & Career Journey Erica shares her early experiences, including working with Spelman College and Habitat for Humanity. She discusses her expertise in grant writing and nonprofit management. 3. Nonprofit Guru LLC Origin of the name “Nonprofit Guru” from her cousin, an attorney. Focuses on helping nonprofits with fundraising, board development, and strategy. Works with organizations that have at least \$300,000 in revenue and an existing board. 4. Common Mistakes in Nonprofit Startups Placing unqualified family members on boards. Lack of understanding of board responsibilities, especially fundraising. Over-reliance on grants without diversifying funding sources. 5. Board Development Advice Ideal board size: 5–7 members to avoid deadlocks. Seek members with legal, accounting, program design, and volunteer coordination expertise. Importance of board training programs like United Way’s VIP program. 6. Faith-Driven Entrepreneurship Erica shares her personal story of becoming a single mother at 19 and losing her child’s father. Her journey of healing through service and community involvement. 7. Seven Oaks Academy Montessori Purchased an existing preschool and transformed it into a boutique Montessori school. Focus on cradle-to-pre-K education with plans to expand after-school and summer programs. Offers unique features: professional chef, small class sizes, diverse staff, on-site therapy, and classroom cameras for parental viewing. 8. Summer Camp & Educational Expansion Originated from a math and science summer camp inspired by her son Cameron. Plans to revive the camp and expand educational offerings. Emphasis on creating a cradle-to-college pipeline for students. 9. Marketing & Branding Erica acknowledges the need to improve her visibility and branding. Encouraged by Rushion to relaunch her website and promote her services more actively. 💡 Key Takeaways Authenticity & Expertise Matter: Erica’s credibility stems from her hands-on experience and passion for nonprofit work. Board Composition is Crucial: A well-trained, committed board is essential for nonprofit success. Diversify Funding Sources: Don’t rely solely on grants—explore individual giving, estate planning, and in-kind donations. Faith & Purpose Drive Success: Erica’s personal challenges fueled her commitment to community service and entrepreneurship. Education is Empowerment: Her Montessori school and summer camps aim to provide foundational learning and long-term academic success. Marketing is Essential: Visibility and branding are key to expanding impact and reaching the right audience. 🗣️ Notable Quotes “You’re a nonprofit guru—you know nonprofits in your sleep.” “Your board’s primary job is to be a fundraiser.” “I’m a faith-driven entrepreneur. I walk in my purpose and that is a gift.” “Community means accepting and respecting people and organizations working together in an ecosystem.” “I started giving back to others, and I loved it. I’ve never known how to turn it off.” “You have a glow about you… you are a superpower.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Attorney Jalene Mack. Widely known as “America’s Favorite Entertainment Attorney.” The episode focuses on protecting creative and business assets, avoiding scams, and building a solid foundation for success in the entertainment industry and beyond. 🎯 Key Themes & Takeaways 🔹 The Lure of the Bad Deal Jalene warns about scammers posing as producers or financiers in the entertainment industry. These individuals often: Claim to have access to major networks or funding. Ask creators to sign away rights or pay deposits under false pretenses. Lack a verifiable digital footprint (e.g., no IMDb, LinkedIn, or credible references). Rushion emphasizes the danger of the “lottery mentality” — believing one deal will change everything. 🛡️ Legal Red Flags Never assign your copyright without legal review. Be cautious of contracts that require you to relinquish ownership or control. Escrow accounts can be manipulated if you don’t control the signature authority. Always verify the legitimacy of a deal and the people behind it. 🧠 Jalene Mack’s Top 10 Business Development Tips Identify Your Project Know what you’re creating (film, TV, product, etc.). Define the scope and format clearly. Make Sure You Have a Plan Create a business and finance plan. Know where your funding will come from and how it will be used. Form a Team Surround yourself with experts (lawyers, accountants, producers). Avoid “yes people” — you need honest feedback. Prepare a Budget Hire a line producer or financial expert. Account for everything: cast, crew, locations, marketing, etc. Form a Business Entity Establish an LLC or corporation to protect your personal assets. Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) Required for tax and banking purposes. Open a Business Bank Account Keep personal and business finances separate. Protect Your Assets Register copyrights and trademarks. Use NDAs (non-disclosure agreements) to safeguard ideas. Contracts Always put agreements in writing. Hire an attorney experienced in your specific industry (e.g., film, music, TV). Marketing Don’t assume people will show up just because your product is good. Build a brand and promote it strategically. 📚 Jalene’s Book Title: The Business of Stage Screen and In Between A practical guide for performers, playwrights, filmmakers, and entrepreneurs. 🗣️ Final Thoughts Rushion praises Jalene’s decades-long expertise and her role in protecting creatives. Jalene encourages listeners to invest in legal protection and business planning to avoid costly mistakes. #SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMISupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Steve Harvey Morning Show for Friday, October 17th, 2025: Steve Harvey's Morning Inspiration | Show Open | Run That Prank Back - "No Hair Weaves" | Ask The CLO | Special Guest: Mikel Welch |  Diddy | Roscoe Wallace | Nephew Tommy's Prank - "I Left My Medicine In Your House" | Strawberry Letter - "Just Burn The Whole RV" Parts 1-2 | Junior's Sports Talk | Social Media Advice | Ready To Love Update From Tommy | Would You Rather | Steve Harvey's Closing RemarksSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Steve Harvey Morning Show for Thursday, October 16th, 2025: Steve Harvey's Morning Inspiration | Show Open | Run That Prank Back - "Mr. Wiggins" | Ask The CLO | Entertainment News | Woman Confronts ICE | Eddie Murphy | Nephew Tommy's Prank - "No Hair Weaves" | Strawberry Letter - "What's Going On Next Door" Parts 1-2 | Junior's Sports Talk | Social Media Advice | Gorilla Breaks Glass | Would You Rather | Steve Harvey's Closing RemarksSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Lamar Tyler. 🎯 Purpose of the Interview To spotlight Lamar Tyler’s entrepreneurial journey, the growth of his platform Traffic, Sales & Profit (TSP), and to share actionable insights for Black entrepreneurs on building scalable, profitable businesses from side hustles. 🧭 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Branding with Purpose Lamar emphasizes the importance of clear, relatable branding. His previous brand, Black and Married with Kids, succeeded because the name instantly resonated with its audience. Quote: “If they can hear the name, they can see it and say, ‘Hey, that’s for me.’” 2. Side Hustle to Main Hustle Most Black entrepreneurs start businesses while working full-time jobs. Success requires treating the side hustle like a real business from day one. Quote: “There is no perfect time. The time to get started is now.” 3. Consistency & Growth TSP’s first event in 2016 had only 47 attendees, half of whom came for free. Growth came from consistency and listening to the community. Quote: “Sometimes all you need is confirmation.” 4. Customer Experience & Branding Inspired by Disney’s “unexpected touchpoints,” Lamar expanded branding beyond the event space to include the hotel exterior and even airport baggage claim. Quote: “We brand everything from the lobby to the pool… to make it feel like home.” 5. Faith & Execution Faith plays a central role in Lamar’s business philosophy. He encourages entrepreneurs to act on the opportunities they pray for. Quote: “You pray to get the opportunity, now you want to do all the work too.” 6. Scaling vs. Growing Growth increases revenue and expenses; scaling increases revenue without proportional expense growth. TSP Scale is a new event focused on helping businesses reach this level. Quote: “Scale is where the real money comes in.” 7. Lever-Driven Growth System Lamar outlines systems for: Proposal processes Upselling Referral systems Creating experiences that justify premium pricing Quote: “If you create an experience around what you do, you can charge two, three, four times more.” 8. Platform & Community Lamar transitioned from doing all the speaking to empowering others in his community. He believes in giving others a platform to grow. Quote: “Too many artists try to hold on too tight… and miss out on the blessing.” 🌟 Notable Guests & Surprises at TSP Events Surprise appearances by Magic Johnson, Issa Rae, Master P, Jermaine Dupri, Janice Bryant Howroyd, and Ambassador Andrew Young. Quote: “If you want to be it, you need to see it.” 📍 Event Details New Event: TSP Scale Location: Atlanta Westin Gwinnett, Gwinnett County, GA Website: TSPScale.com #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Miko Branch. 📝 Summary of the Interview Miko Branch shares the inspiring journey of building Miss Jessie’s, a premium hair care brand for curly hair, alongside her late sister Titi Branch. The brand was born at their kitchen table in Brooklyn and named after their paternal grandmother, Jessie Mae Branch. Miko discusses the importance of authenticity, education, and innovation in product development, and how Miss Jessie’s became a trusted name in the textured hair care industry. The conversation highlights the brand’s commitment to empowering individuals to embrace their natural hair and the evolving trends in beauty and self-expression. 🎯 Purpose of the Interview To showcase the entrepreneurial journey behind Miss Jessie’s. To highlight the importance of authenticity, education, and innovation in building a brand. To discuss the impact of natural hair acceptance and evolving beauty standards. To inspire listeners with a story of resilience, creativity, and cultural pride. 🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Authentic Beginnings Miss Jessie’s was founded in a Brooklyn brownstone at the kitchen table. Inspired by their grandmother Jessie Mae Branch, who was the first female CEO they ever saw. Quote: “She ran her family from her kitchen table.” 2. Product Innovation First product: Curly Pudding—a game-changer for curly hair. Products are designed for all textured hair types: wavy, curly, kinky, transitional, and multicultural. Quote: “We just try to come up with a solution to be helpful.” 3. Education is Key Miss Jessie’s provides detailed information on hair types and how to use products. The website includes guides for identifying hair texture and selecting the right products. Quote: “Information and communication is key to success.” 4. Social Media & Word of Mouth Early growth came from chat forums and word-of-mouth before social media existed. Social media is now an additional platform to connect and educate customers. Quote: “Way before social media, women were chatting and spreading the word.” 5. Inclusivity & Representation Products are for everyone—men, women, children, and all ethnicities. Focus on embracing natural beauty and rejecting outdated beauty ideals. Quote: “Hair has no color… we’re all looking for solutions.” 6. Salon as R&D Hub Their salon served as a testing ground for product development and customer feedback. Quote: “We built our business in the salon… it became our R&D and testing ground.” 7. Natural Hair Movement Natural hair is no longer a trend—it’s a cultural shift. Seen on public figures like Oprah and Michelle Obama. Quote: “Natural hair is preferred… it’s how people want to express themselves.” 💬 Notable Quotes “We started our business in our brownstone at our kitchen table.” “We didn’t go to business school—we went to Jessie Mae Branch’s kitchen.” “Curly Pudding did everything it said it was going to do.” “We realized our work was not finished—we had to educate.” “Natural hair is not a trend—it’s here to stay.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Karla Trotman. President and CEO of Electro Soft Incorporated, an electronics manufacturing and engineering firm. The discussion focused on breaking barriers for women and minority business owners in manufacturing and closing the racial wealth gap. 🔑 Key Themes & Highlights Redefining Manufacturing Manufacturing isn’t just industrial factories—it includes baking, cabinet-making, and assembling office furniture. Trotman’s company specializes in electronics assembly, wiring harnesses, and circuit board manufacturing. Challenges in Domestic Manufacturing U.S. manufacturing has been outsourced overseas, making it difficult to bring production back. Policies supporting domestic manufacturing must include workforce training and component production. Workforce Development & Training Many trade schools and apprenticeship programs are growing to meet demand. Electro Soft trains employees within 90 days to work in electronics assembly. Closing the Racial Wealth Gap Wealth transfer is hindered by lack of financial planning, such as GoFundMe funerals and unclear property titles. Entrepreneurship and business ownership are key to building generational wealth. Acquiring Businesses as a Path to Wealth Minority entrepreneurs should buy existing businesses rather than starting from scratch. Many retiring business owners are willing to finance deals, allowing buyers to use business profits to pay off acquisitions. 📘 About Karla TrotmanKarla Trotman is a third-generation entrepreneur who took over her family’s business, Electro Soft Incorporated. She has a background in logistics, purchasing, and e-commerce, with experience at Honeywell, Gap, and IKEA. She is also the author of Dark, Dirty, Dangerous, a book about manufacturing, entrepreneurship, and wealth-building strategies. #BEST #STRAW #SHMS  Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.