Ask The RTLO & Junior - 09.29.25

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Charisse M. Williams. 🎯 Purpose of the Interview To explore Charisse Williams’ journey from law and nonprofit leadership to becoming a certified leadership and wellbeing coach. The interview highlights her work with women of color through her brand Everyday Yellow Sanctuary, her book The Joy of Thriving While Black, and her mission to help others reclaim joy, clarity, and purpose. 🧠 Interview Summary 1. Background & Career Path Charisse is a lawyer by training who transitioned into nonprofit leadership. Her coaching journey began after a donor offered to pay for her to receive coaching, which transformed her life. She now helps women of color overcome burnout and reconnect with their purpose. Quote: “That coach was transformative for me… it planted the seed that maybe I would like to be the guide I wish I had.” 2. Everyday Yellow Sanctuary A community for trailblazing women of color to find joy and support. Inspired by her color-coded calendar where yellow represents joy and fun. Trademarked the brand after a branding expert recognized its potential. Quote: “Every day there has to be yellow… even a moment of joy in every single day.” 3. Coaching Philosophy Coaching is a partnership to help clients achieve specific goals. Focuses on asking the right questions to help clients unlock their own answers. Emphasizes clarity, confidence, and joy as outcomes. Quote: “Where are you now? Where do you want to be? What’s getting in the way?” 4. Mental Health & Social Justice 2020 was a turning point for Black mental health awareness. Her book was inspired by the trauma of witnessing police violence and the need for joy as resistance. Quote: “I was literally having nightmares about encounters with the police… I saw the hashtag Black Joy… and I got a download: write a book called Thriving While Black.” 5. Age & Fear Charisse started her business at age 48 and encourages others not to let age be a barrier. Most of her clients are in their 40s and 50s, seeking transformation and fulfillment. Quote: “It is not too late and you are not too old.” 6. Burnout & Overperformance Burnout is common among women of color due to societal pressure to overperform. Differentiates high performance (healthy ambition) from overperformance (driven by unworthiness). Quote: “Overperformance is trying to outrun unworthiness… we need to do some unlearning.” 7. Dream in Color Visioning Framework A tool to help clients articulate what a meaningful life looks like across multiple dimensions: career, relationships, joy, spirituality, etc. Encourages intentional planning and action toward that vision. Quote: “Pain pushes until the vision pulls.” 8. Community & Accountability The sanctuary offers weekly check-ins, goal setting, and accountability. Research shows that writing and speaking goals increases success rates dramatically. Quote: “If you have a vision, a plan, and accountability, your success can go up by 95%.” ✅ Key Takeaways Coaching is transformative and helps unlock clarity and purpose. Joy is essential and should be intentionally cultivated daily. Mental health matters, especially for communities of color. Age is not a limitation—transformation can happen at any stage. Burnout is real, and overperformance is often rooted in deeper issues. Community support and accountability are powerful tools for growth. Intentional living through frameworks like Dream in Color can lead to lasting change. 📚 Resources & Links Website & Community: charissemwilliams.com/community Book: The Joy of Thriving While Black – available on Bookshop and other retailers. #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 Dami Kujembola.  CEO and co-founder of Amplify Africa: 🎯 Purpose of the Interview The interview aims to: Promote the upcoming African Festival in Atlanta (Sept 18–20). Highlight Amplify Africa’s mission to reshape global perceptions of Africa. Discuss the power of media, culture, and entrepreneurship in bridging the gap between Africa and the diaspora. Share Dami’s personal journey as an immigrant entrepreneur and cultural advocate. 🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Amplify Africa’s Impact Reaches 12 million people monthly across the US, UK, Brazil, and Africa. Has hosted 200+ global events, including the Afro Ball. Focuses on cultural storytelling, media, and education to combat stereotypes. “I think it’s representative of the need of people right now. People are looking for strong, real connections.” — Dami Kujembola 2. The African Festival in Atlanta Dates: September 18–20, 2025. Location: Gathering Spot (opening reception) and Omni Hotel (main events). Features: Expo hall with 100+ businesses. Pitch competitions for startups and filmmakers. Cultural immersion: food, fashion, music, and film. Support from Atlanta’s mayor and local organizations. “Atlanta reminds me of home… the energy is infectious, and the support for everything Black is powerful.” — Dami Kujembola 3. Challenging Stereotypes Dami shares his experience of being asked if there are lions in Lagos. Emphasizes the modernity and vibrancy of African cities. Uses media to educate and reframe narratives about Africa. “I’ve probably never seen a lion in my entire life living in Lagos… It’s so metropolitan.” — Dami Kujembola 4. Nollywood’s Global Rise Nollywood is the third-largest film industry globally. Netflix and other platforms are helping African stories reach global audiences. Dami’s company partnered with Regal Cinemas for a nationwide Nollywood release. “There’s a big emergence coming up from the continent right now with African talent doing amazing things.” — Dami Kujembola 5. Community and Collaboration Dami credits his success to community support and collaborative efforts. Amplify Africa is built by a diverse team representing multiple African countries and diaspora communities. “It’s really the work of the community… people coming together and saying, ‘We want this to succeed.’” — Dami Kujembola 📌 Notable Quotes “Stop reading other people’s success stories and start living your own.” — Rushion McDonald (Host) “Our goal is to make our world smaller… so if you’re in Atlanta, we want you to feel like you’re in Lagos.” — Dami Kujembola “Your dreams are valid, regardless of your skin color.” — Dami Kujembola #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 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 #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 Sonia Lewis. CEO of The Student Loan Doctor, LLC 🎯 Purpose of the Interview To explore the student loan crisis in America, highlight Dr. Lewis’s entrepreneurial journey, and share insights on financial literacy, debt management, and empowering underserved communities—especially African American women. 🔑 Key Takeaways 1. The Student Loan Crisis Student loans are the only major loan type in the U.S. without underwriting. Many borrowers accumulate debt before becoming employable. Women, especially African American women, carry the highest student loan debt. “Student loan debt shows up most when people try to buy homes or start families—it’s like having a second mortgage.” 2. Dr. Lewis’s Journey to Entrepreneurship Started her business while working full-time, meeting clients in cafes. Went viral in 2018 after claiming the title of the first African American woman to own a student loan repayment company. Built her brand through community engagement, free workshops, and media exposure. “I was taking clients from 6 to 10 at the Corner Bakery… I still owe some people some dates!” 3. Business Model & Impact Offers affordable consultations and a membership-based virtual university. Focuses on helping adults already in debt—not scholarships or financial aid. Maintains low prices to remain accessible to teachers and working-class clients. “I never wanted to leave behind someone making \$60K a year. Quantity will always provide.” 4. Empowering African American Women Her research and business focus on how student loan debt disproportionately affects African American women. Creates a judgment-free space for clients to discuss financial struggles. “If you owe \$900,000, I’m not going to start the call with ‘What happened?’” 5. Faith, Mentorship & Community Attributes her success to faith, discernment, and investing in mentorship. Believes entrepreneurship requires connection and collaboration. “God shows up in rooms I haven’t made it to yet.” 6. Advice to Parents & Colleges Emphasizes the need for financial education before college. Encourages parents to prepare children for money management, not just rely on colleges. “The college is a business. It’s not their job to manage your finances.” 💬 Notable Quotes “You want to put yourself in the middle of a big problem.” “Entrepreneurship can feel lonely—you’ve got to get out of your house.” “We don’t see each other’s credit scores, but debt is the quiet thing that plays in the back of your mind.”   #BEST #STRAW #SHMSSteve 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.