Brand Build: She encourages others to embrace change and take risks in their careers.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Denella Ri'chard. An award-winning travel expert, TV host, and former senior executive in the travel industry. The discussion focused on the transformative power of travel, breaking cultural barriers, and her journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship. 🔑 Key Themes & Highlights The Importance of Travel Travel helps break down cultural barriers and expand perspectives. Experiencing different cultures makes people more open-minded and adaptable. Overcoming Stereotypes as a Black Traveler Ri'chard shared experiences of racial stereotypes while traveling, including perceptions about Black Americans abroad. She emphasized the importance of representation in the travel industry. Her Journey from Corporate Executive to TV Host Ri'chard held senior positions at Hilton Worldwide, Carnival Corporation, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. The COVID-19 pandemic led to her unexpected career shift, launching her travel show. Creating Traveling with Denella Ri'chard The show provides insider travel tips, destination guides, and cultural insights. Ri'chard helps viewers plan trips with confidence by scouting locations firsthand. Entrepreneurship & Reinvention Losing her corporate job during COVID-19 pushed her to pursue her dream of hosting a travel show. She encourages others to embrace change and take risks in their careers. 📘 About Denella Ri'chardDenella Ri'chard is the host and executive producer of the award-winning travel show Traveling with Denella Ri'chard. She has been recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential People in USA Hospitality and Travel. Her show airs in over 40 cities and explores luxurious resorts, cruises, and cultural experiences worldwide. #AMI #STRAW #BEST #SHMS For more insights, check out her interview here or learn more about her work here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Info to Know: He's helping homeowners navigate the process of building or buying tiny homes and their practical uses.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Paul Dashevsky. Serial entrepreneur and founder of Maxwell, a platform focused on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), also known as tiny homes: 🎯 Purpose of the Interview To educate listeners on the growing trend of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), their practical uses, legal considerations, and how platforms like Maxwell help homeowners navigate the process of building or buying tiny homes—especially in light of new options like Amazon’s prefab homes. 🗝️ Key Takeaways What Are ADUs? Formerly known as tiny homes or granny flats, ADUs are small, secondary housing units built on residential properties. They range from 150 to 1200 square feet and serve various purposes: rentals, studios, housing for aging parents, or personal retreats. Growing Popularity Driven by housing shortages and affordability issues, especially in states like California. Governments are easing restrictions to allow more ADUs to be built, including San Diego’s initiative to allow unlimited ADUs if they’re affordable. Use Cases Rental income Housing for retirees or aging parents Studios (music, yoga), guest houses, or nanny quarters Amazon’s Entry Amazon now sells prefab two-story tiny homes under \$50,000. While appealing, buyers must understand the additional costs and logistics: foundation, utilities, permits, and construction. Legal & Practical Considerations ADUs must be permitted and built to code to be safe and legally rentable. Homeowners should consult their city’s building department before starting. A certificate of occupancy is required for someone to legally live in the unit. Maxwell Platform Offers resources, videos, and guidance for anyone interested in building or buying ADUs. Helps users find reliable contractors and understand the full scope of building an ADU. Impact on Property Value ADUs generally increase property value by adding rentable living space. They are a viable wealth-building strategy through real estate investment. Social Impact ADUs could be a solution to homelessness by providing affordable housing options. Cities like San Diego are already exploring this potential. 💬 Notable Quotes “You’re not building a Lego kit here.” — Paul Dashevsky on the complexity of constructing ADUs “There’s no success without sacrifice.” — Rushion McDonald, echoing the theme of entrepreneurship “Go down to your building department at your city and ask them what guidelines they have.” — Paul’s advice on starting an ADU project “If you invest in real estate… that’s a great way to build wealth.” — Paul on the financial benefits of ADUs “I wish America would look at the possibilities of seeing what ADUs can do for the homeless community.” — Rushion McDonald on the social potential of tiny homes #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Uplift: Workforce development. They help companies: Upskill employees for career advancement.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Brenda Johnson. CEO of Collaborative Training Company (CTC) 🧩 Main Topics Covered 🏢 What CTC Does CTC is a professional services consulting firm focused on workforce development. They help companies: Upskill employees for career advancement. Support new hires, especially those without traditional corporate experience. Define what “fit” means in their organization and help new hires acclimate. 👥 Not a Staffing Firm CTC does not do individual job placement or talent coaching. They work with companies after hiring to ensure employee success and retention. They partner with organizations that provide individual coaching. 🧠 Bridging the Corporate Culture Gap CTC helps new hires from non-corporate backgrounds (e.g., warehouse, retail) adjust to corporate environments. They use mentorship programs and employee resource groups to support retention. 🤖 AI and the Future of Work Brenda sees AI as a tool, not a replacement for human creativity. She emphasizes the importance of adding a personal touch to AI-generated work. AI may replace some jobs, but it also creates new roles in programming, maintenance, and oversight. 🎓 Rethinking the Four-Year Degree Many companies are removing degree requirements to widen their talent pool. Brenda helps companies: Reevaluate outdated job descriptions. Focus on skills-based hiring. Identify core competencies rather than relying on degrees. 🌍 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Brenda challenges the narrow view of DEI as only race and gender. She expands the definition to include: Neurodiversity (e.g., autism) Generational diversity Accessibility needs LGBTQ+ inclusion She stresses that companies that embrace true diversity will thrive, while those clinging to outdated models may struggle. 💡 Key Takeaways Mentorship and support are critical for retention and success. AI is a complement, not a replacement, for human insight. Skills-based hiring is the future—degrees are not always necessary. True diversity is broad and essential for business success. Systemic change requires questioning legacy practices and recruiting strategies. 🔗 Contact Info Website: ctcdui.com LinkedIn: Collaborative Training Company #SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMISee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Family First: He started his successful shaved ice cone business to teach his sons about money—earning, saving, investing, and giving.
Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Marcus Sonnier. Founder of Snowie Atlanta: 🎯 Purpose of the Interview To showcase Marcus Sonnier’s journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship, highlight the inspiration behind Snowie Atlanta, and share insights on financial literacy, legacy-building, and faith-driven decision-making. 🔑 Key Takeaways 1. From Corporate VP to Entrepreneur Marcus left a successful career as VP of PR supervision at a financial services firm to start Snowie Atlanta. He worked both jobs for five years before fully transitioning. His leap was guided by faith and a desire for self-reliance. “I looked at my wife and said, ‘Hey, I'm getting one more bonus check. And then I'm jumping off the plane.’” 2. The Product: Shaved Ice with a Twist Snowie Atlanta offers customizable shaved ice with self-serve flavor stations. Inspired by childhood experiences in Louisiana with snowball stands. “We give away the shaved ice, but we sell you the smiles.” 3. Family Legacy & Financial Literacy Marcus started the business to teach his sons about money—earning, saving, investing, and giving. His sons were involved from the beginning, learning entrepreneurship firsthand. “I said, guys, look, we're going to be entrepreneurs in this business. We're going to do it together.” 4. Faith as a Driving Force Marcus credits divine guidance for his journey and connections. He views his business as a calling and a platform for community impact. “I could feel God in my spirit saying, ‘Oh, you trust me, you really do.’” 5. Community Impact & Expansion Snowie Atlanta is expanding into Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves. The goal is to become a staple attraction and enhance the fan experience. “I want all kids to want to go to a Braves game… to get a Snowie and have an experience.” 6. Giving Back Snowie Atlanta participates in fundraising for schools, churches, and nonprofits. Marcus finds joy in writing checks back to organizations that serve the community. 💬 Notable Quotes “You may not get everything you work for, but you will work for everything you get.” “We serve memories.” “I’m just trying to be obedient and do what I think God wants me to do in this business.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Family First: Became a teen father and took his son with him to college at Florida A&M University.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Michael Woodward. A natural-born entrepreneur and community leader. 🎙️ Guest Background: Michael Woodward Grew up in Liberty City, Miami, in a low-income housing project known as the "Poke and Bean" projects. Learned early business skills from his grandmother, who was the local "candy lady." Served briefly in the military as a way out of poverty. Became a teen father and took his son with him to college at Florida A&M University (FAMU). Known for his hospitality and work ethic during college—cooked for friends and maintained a welcoming home. 🏠 Entrepreneurial Journey Bought his first duplex at age 20, renovated it, and rented it out. Built a real estate portfolio while working as an educator. Founded Woodward Property Group, a full-service home improvement and property management company. Became one of Lowe’s top contractors through a combination of skill, networking, and mentorship. 📚 Educational Impact Worked as an assistant principal and educator for 20 years. Founded Alpha Educational Consultants, Inc. Took students on college tours, especially to HBCUs, to expose them to higher education opportunities. Ran STEM programs and mentoring initiatives with a 99.9% college placement rate. 💡 Life Lessons & Advice Emphasizes financial literacy: avoid unnecessary spending (e.g., new cars every year). Advocates for education as a path to wealth. Believes in the village mentality—community support and shared success. Encourages young people to choose between college, military, or trade school. #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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