Ask The CLO - 08.07.25

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Tiffany Bussey. Director of the Morehouse Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (MIEC). Here are some key highlights and themes from the conversation: 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Empowering Black and Brown Entrepreneurs MIEC focuses on helping scalable, mid-sized Black and Brown businesses grow. Over 400 businesses have been supported, resulting in: 850+ new jobs $34M+ in new capital $82M+ in new revenue 2. The “Three C’s” of the Small Business Executive Program Capital: Access to funding. Connections: Building meaningful relationships with decision-makers. Contracts: Securing business opportunities with large firms. 3. Breaking Stereotypes Dr. Bussey emphasizes the need to challenge the narrative that Black communities lack skilled labor or entrepreneurial drive. Entrepreneurship is described as being “in our DNA,” rooted in resilience and survival. 4. Strategic Partnerships MIEC collaborates with major corporations (e.g., JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo) to fund training programs. Partnerships with organizations like Goodwill provide free job training and even stipends for participants. 5. Sustainability as a Business Opportunity Dr. Bussey highlights the massive potential in sustainability sectors: EV Infrastructure: $163B industry Green Building: $324B Agriculture: $20B Renewable Energy: $952B Encourages entrepreneurs to think beyond traditional business models and tap into these emerging markets. 6. Access to Opportunity Beyond capital, access to opportunity is a major barrier. MIEC connects small businesses with large “primes” (e.g., general contractors) to help them enter supply chains. 7. Mindset Shift Dr. Bussey discusses the psychological and historical barriers that prevent some from pursuing entrepreneurship. Emphasizes the importance of resilience, preparedness, and community support. #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://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 Kelenda Annette Baird. Title: Miss Corporate America Roles: Chief Revenue Officer of Reed’s Hideaway & Founder of Limitless Location: Based in Chelan, WA; works in Monticello, MS 🏆 Achievements & Recognition Won Miss Corporate America after being recruited for her achievements in business and community impact. Personally mentored and endorsed by legendary speaker Les Brown. Overcame a traumatic car accident just before starting a dream job and still pursued her speaking career. 💼 Professional Journey Reed’s Hideaway: A 250-acre multi-venue estate in Mississippi for weddings, retreats, and events. Limitless: A social purpose corporation focused on helping at-risk youth and survivors of trafficking, inspired by her global humanitarian work. 💪 Themes of Resilience & Faith Survived domestic abuse and a near-fatal car accident. Lost a high-level executive job due to injury but found a more fulfilling opportunity. Emphasizes faith, adaptability, and purpose-driven work. 💡 Motivational Insights Encourages others to pursue meaningful work and not fear change. Believes in combining purpose and profit. Advocates for mentorship and lifelong learning (e.g., Stanford online courses). #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://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 Tremayne Thompson. A co-owner of Perfect Note, a dinner supper club with locations in Birmingham, Alabama and Atlanta, Georgia. The conversation is a rich blend of entrepreneurship, community service, music, and food culture. 🎶 About Perfect Note Concept: A dinner supper club offering live music and Southern cuisine, catering to a mature audience (ages 30+). Locations: Birmingham, AL (original) and Marietta, GA (Atlanta metro). Atmosphere: Grown folks’ vibe—no hookah, no club chaos, just good music, good food, and good company. 🧑🏾‍🤝‍🧑🏾 Founders & Origins Co-owned by Tremayne Thompson and his wife Karen (hence “TK Productions”). Started as gospel concert promoters in Chicago. Moved to Alabama in 2008 after a family loss and launched Perfect Note in Bessemer with a Gerald Albright concert. Initially operated out of a banquet hall, setting up and breaking down everything themselves. 📈 Growth & Expansion Perfect Note evolved into a full-fledged venue in 2016. Expanded to Atlanta due to demand from patrons traveling from Georgia to Alabama. Featured in the Huffington Post as one of the top 100 businesses to visit in the U.S. 🍽️ Food & Hospitality Offers Wednesday–Saturday dinner service and Sunday brunch with live music. Website: perfectnoteliveatl.com Tremaine’s culinary journey began at Waffle House, where he learned speed cooking and kitchen management under pressure. Emphasizes quality and consistency in food service, even during high-volume events. 💬 Philosophy & Community Impact Business is rooted in service, not profit. During COVID, they pivoted to drive-up service with $5 meals, feeding the community. Believes in mentorship and sharing knowledge freely with aspiring entrepreneurs. 🗣️ Key Takeaways Mentorship is vital: Learn from those who’ve walked the path. Serve first: Community support follows genuine service. Plan wisely: Dreams need operational structure and financial planning. Create culture: Music and food unite people across demographics. #SHMS #STRAW # #AMISteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.