Strawberry Letter

The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show, Wednesday, July 29th, 2026. Subject: "What Would You Do In My Situation?"
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Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.
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Success mindset podcast
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Justin M. Lee.
Purpose of the Interview
To showcase Dr. Lee’s journey from a young real estate agent to a multi-industry entrepreneur.
To inspire listeners with strategies for wealth-building through real estate, construction, and logistics.
To encourage financial literacy, ownership, and collaboration within underserved communities.
To issue a call to action for minorities to explore opportunities like Amazon DSP and real estate investment.
Key Takeaways
Early Career & Education
Started young in real estate, embraced discomfort in rooms dominated by older professionals.
Leveraged millennial tech skills (social media marketing) to help veteran brokers grow.
Earned a doctorate degree and became a licensed real estate broker.

Social Media as a Business Tool
Built a strong presence on TikTok (90K followers) and other platforms.
Helped older real estate firms thrive by creating digital visibility.
Emphasized that “business must look as good online as in person.”

Financial Literacy & Homeownership
African-American communities often lack foundational financial knowledge.
Key barriers: misunderstanding credit, fear of debt, and lack of exposure to ownership benefits.
Advocates teaching the difference between good debt (real estate) and bad debt (consumer credit).

Real Estate Process
Initial onboarding: credit score, income, tax filing.
Connect clients with lenders, secure pre-approval, then negotiate and close within 30–45 days.
Uses property tours as motivation even for those not yet approved.

Pooling Resources for Wealth
Industry dominated by white men and foreign investors who use syndication.
Dr. Lee created a private family fund with fraternity brothers and friends.
Acquired 150+ apartment units and commercial properties by pooling resources and forming LLCs.

Amazon DSP Opportunity
Owns an Amazon Delivery Service Partner business (42 trucks, 200 employees).
Offers minorities a chance to apply for DSP with $10K grant.
Taught him true CEO skills: HR, payroll, compliance, and scaling operations.

Construction Business
Entered construction after experiencing exploitation in fix-and-flip projects.
Learned the business side (permits, change orders) and got licensed.
Built major projects like a 10,000 sq. ft. restaurant in Atlanta.
Advocates for Black representation in construction, an industry dominated by whites and Hispanics.

Personal Background
Raised in New Orleans during Katrina by a single mother and grandparents.
Mother invested FEMA checks into real estate, teaching him property management and renovation skills early.
Believes knowledge is power and emphasizes planning and consistency.

Notable Quotes
On embracing discomfort:
“I learned to embrace the uncomfort and make it one of my biggest strengths.”

On social media:
“You have to make your business look the same way online as in person.”

On financial literacy:
“Real estate is always going to be good debt. Bad debt is the Macy’s card.”

On collaboration:
“Pooling resources shows how far we can go and how fast we can go—but together.”

On planning:
“If you don’t plan, you plan to fail. All you have to do is stick to the plan.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning!
Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.
Business Podcast
Entrepreneurship
Small Business
Business Growth
Financial Literacy
Wealth Building
Black Entrepreneurs
Minority Business
Leadership
Executive Leadership
Business Funding
Marketing Strategies
Personal Development
Startup Advice
Sales Training
CEO Interviews
Founder Stories
Professional Development
Economic Empowerment
Business Success
Networking
Brand Building
Innovation
How to start a business
Small business funding
Entrepreneur success stories
Business leadership podcast
Wealth building strategies
Black entrepreneur podcast
Minority business development
Marketing for small businesses
Business growth strategies
Startup funding opportunities
Executive leadership training
Financial literacy education
Success mindset podcast
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Nicole Roberts Jones.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to:
Introduce Dr. Nicole Roberts Jones’ work helping entrepreneurs and professionals “bankroll their brilliance”.
Encourage listeners to monetize their unique talents and create multiple streams of income.
Inspire individuals to align their purpose with their profession for greater impact and fulfillment.
Share strategies for overcoming fear, embracing authenticity, and building scalable businesses.
🧠 Key Takeaways 1. From Casting to Coaching
Nicole’s early career in talent management and casting helped her develop a gift for recognizing people’s potential. She now uses that gift to help entrepreneurs and executives identify their “DNA” (Distinct Natural Ability) and turn it into income.
“I could see you and how you could fit into the script… That’s really what I do with entrepreneurs now.” – Dr. Nicole Roberts Jones
2. Purpose Is Your Power
Nicole emphasizes that purpose is the one thing you never get fired from. Aligning your work with your purpose leads to higher performance and deeper fulfillment.
“When you bless somebody with the thing that you do, they’re gaining—and you’re gaining for God.” – Dr. Nicole Roberts Jones
3. Multiple Streams of Income
She teaches clients to diversify their income by creating products, programs, and services that don’t require their constant presence—what she calls “money while you sleep” or “mailbox money.”
Examples include:
Lawyers creating online courses for clients who can’t afford billable hours.
Gymnasts licensing their training methods and renting out facilities.
“Your comfort zone is where your dreams go to die.” – Dr. Nicole Roberts Jones
“If you are physically tied to the money you make, you’re capping your potential.” – Rushion McDonald
4. Stop Giving Away Your Brilliance
Nicole warns against giving away intellectual property for free. She encourages professionals to recognize the value of their expertise and package it into paid offerings.
“You’re giving away your cookie for free… You have value that people will pay for.” – Dr. Nicole Roberts Jones
5. Create a Methodology
She helps clients build a blueprint for their expertise, turning routines and habits into teachable systems. Her metaphor: “You can’t see the label from inside the jar,” meaning people often overlook their own value.
“It’s really helping someone produce the value that is coming out of you effortlessly.” – Dr. Nicole Roberts Jones
6. Authenticity Is a Business Strategy
Nicole encourages people to embrace their full personality, even if it’s “too much” for some. She believes that being yourself is the key to attracting the right audience and opportunities.
“Stop letting people turn down your light. This is who I am. God made me this way.” – Dr. Nicole Roberts Jones
💬 Memorable Quotes
“Corporate doesn’t need more of corporate.”
“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
“Each of us were born to disrupt whatever system we’re called to work in.”
🌟 Impact of the Interview
This episode is a masterclass in personal branding, purpose alignment, and entrepreneurial strategy. Nicole’s energy and clarity make her insights actionable and inspiring, especially for professionals looking to pivot, scale, or rediscover their value.
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning!
Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.
Business Podcast
Entrepreneurship
Small Business
Business Growth
Financial Literacy
Wealth Building
Black Entrepreneurs
Minority Business
Leadership
Executive Leadership
Business Funding
Marketing Strategies
Personal Development
Startup Advice
Sales Training
CEO Interviews
Founder Stories
Professional Development
Economic Empowerment
Business Success
Networking
Brand Building
Innovation
How to start a business
Small business funding
Entrepreneur success stories
Business leadership podcast
Wealth building strategies
Black entrepreneur podcast
Minority business development
Marketing for small businesses
Business growth strategies
Startup funding opportunities
Executive leadership training
Financial literacy education
Success mindset podcast
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Telisha Roberts.
Guest: Dr. Telisha Roberts, Founder and President of Creative Intentions
Host: Rushion McDonald
Topic: Career development, leadership growth, entrepreneurship, workforce readiness, and navigating today's changing job market.
Purpose of the Interview
The purpose of the conversation was to help students, early-career professionals, corporate employees, and aspiring entrepreneurs understand how to successfully navigate career transitions and professional growth. Dr. Roberts shared insights from her 26-year corporate career and explained how Creative Intentions helps individuals bridge the gap between potential and achievement. [Dr. Telish...(Podcast) | Txt]
The interview focused on preparing people for workplace success, leadership roles, entrepreneurship, and adapting to economic uncertainty, layoffs, and artificial intelligence-driven workforce changes. [Dr. Telish...(Podcast) | Txt]
Key Takeaways 1. Success Requires More Than Opportunity
Dr. Roberts emphasized that securing a job, internship, or promotion is only the beginning. What determines long-term success is how effectively individuals navigate and perform once they enter those opportunities. [Dr. Telish...(Podcast) | Txt]
Takeaway: Getting the opportunity and succeeding in it are two different challenges.
2. Always Have a Plan
One of the strongest themes throughout the interview was intentional planning.
Roberts shared that before leaving her 26-year corporate career, she spent roughly a year preparing and developing a plan to ensure a successful transition. She encourages others to proactively prepare for career changes instead of reacting after a crisis occurs. [Dr. Telish...(Podcast) | Txt]
Takeaway: Faith, passion, and ambition should always be supported by a structured plan.
3. Career Development Is a Lifelong Process
Creative Intentions supports:
College juniors and seniors
Early-career professionals
Managers and executives
Entrepreneurs
Small business owners
Roberts believes individuals need guidance at every stage of professional growth. [Dr. Telish...(Podcast) | Txt]
Takeaway: Professional development does not stop after graduation.
4. Hard Work Alone Does Not Guarantee Promotion
One of the most discussed topics in the interview was the misconception that simply working hard will automatically lead to advancement.
Roberts explained that employees must learn how to communicate their value, connect their accomplishments to organizational goals, and demonstrate strategic impact. [Dr. Telish...(Podcast) | Txt]
Takeaway: Visibility, communication, and strategic alignment are as important as effort.
5. Tell Your Own Story
According to Roberts, many talented professionals fail to advance because they expect others to recognize their contributions automatically.
She stresses that employees must be capable of:
Articulating their value
Demonstrating impact
Understanding organizational priorities
Forecasting future needs [Dr. Telish...(Podcast) | Txt]
Takeaway: If you cannot explain your value, others may overlook it.
6. Mentorship Can Change Lives
The creation of Creative Intentions was inspired by a young intern Roberts mentored who did not receive a job offer after her internship.
The experience deeply affected Roberts and motivated her to create an organization dedicated to helping people gain the skills and support necessary for career success. [Dr. Telish...(Podcast) | Txt]
Takeaway: Investing in people can have a lasting impact on their lives and careers.
7. Success Has No Easy Path
Roberts repeatedly emphasized that whether someone pursues corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, content creation, or business ownership, all meaningful success requires discipline and hard work. [Dr. Telish...(Podcast) | Txt]
Takeaway: There are no shortcuts to sustainable success.
8. Every Person Requires an Individualized Approach
Unlike many coaching and training programs, Roberts believes there is no one-size-fits-all method for development.
Her team uses assessments and personalized coaching to understand an individual's strengths, preferences, experiences, and leadership potential. [Dr. Telish...(Podcast) | Txt]
Takeaway: Effective development starts with understanding the individual.
9. Confidence Often Comes Through Investment and Support
Many people struggle because they do not recognize their own potential.
Roberts noted that some individuals have never been encouraged to explore their gifts or strengths. Her work focuses on helping people discover abilities they may not yet see in themselves. [Dr. Telish...(Podcast) | Txt]
Takeaway: Confidence is often built through mentorship, support, and self-discovery.
10. AI and Workforce Disruption Are Real Challenges
Roberts directly addressed concerns about artificial intelligence and layoffs.
She acknowledged that organizations are reallocating resources toward AI and that competition for jobs has intensified. However, she encourages professionals to remain proactive, strategic, and adaptable rather than fearful. [Dr. Telish...(Podcast) | Txt]
Takeaway: Career resilience requires strategy, adaptability, and continuous learning.
11. Stay Calm During Uncertainty
A defining characteristic of Roberts' leadership philosophy is maintaining composure under pressure.
She shared examples from both her corporate career and personal life to illustrate the importance of responding to challenges with clarity and purpose rather than panic. [Dr. Telish...(Podcast) | Txt]
Takeaway: Effective leaders remain calm while taking decisive action.
Notable Quotes On Career Preparation
"It's one thing to get the role, get the internship, get that opportunity. But it's another thing to actually be successful when you get there." [Dr. Telish...(Podcast) | Txt]
On Planning
"You got to have that plan." [Dr. Telish...(Podcast) | Txt]
On Career Advancement
"Being the hardest worker in the room will not get you promoted." [Dr. Telish...(Podcast) | Txt]
On Professional Visibility
"If you cannot properly articulate your value to an organization... you are going to be quietly lost." [Dr. Telish...(Podcast) | Txt]
On Personal Branding
"You have to learn how to tell your own story. No one is going to tell your story for you." [Dr. Telish...(Podcast) | Txt]
On Entrepreneurship
"Being skilled and passionate is very different than running an actual business." [Dr. Telish...(Podcast) | Txt]
On Success
"There is no easy path to success." [Dr. Telish...(Podcast) | Txt]
On Hard Work
"You're probably going to work harder than you ever have before." [Dr. Telish...(Podcast) | Txt]
On Personal Growth
"Someone took the time to invest in me." [Dr. Telish...(Podcast) | Txt]
On AI and Job Market Challenges
"We have to learn how to be strategic. We have to learn how to get in front of the problem and be proactive instead of reactive." [Dr. Telish...(Podcast) | Txt]
On Leadership During Uncertainty
"We need to calm down. We need to operate with as much information as we can and as much peace as we can." [Dr. Telish...(Podcast) | Txt]
Overall Message
Dr. Telisha Roberts' central message is that career success is not accidental—it is intentional. Through planning, mentorship, self-awareness, hard work, strategic thinking, and the ability to communicate one's value, individuals can successfully navigate career transitions, leadership challenges, entrepreneurship, and an increasingly competitive workforce. Her work through Creative Intentions is focused on helping people bridge the gap between where they are today and where they aspire to be tomorrow. #BEST #SHMS #STRAW
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning!
Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.
Business Podcast
Entrepreneurship
Small Business
Business Growth
Financial Literacy
Wealth Building
Black Entrepreneurs
Minority Business
Leadership
Executive Leadership
Business Funding
Marketing Strategies
Personal Development
Startup Advice
Sales Training
CEO Interviews
Founder Stories
Professional Development
Economic Empowerment
Business Success
Networking
Brand Building
Innovation
How to start a business
Small business funding
Entrepreneur success stories
Business leadership podcast
Wealth building strategies
Black entrepreneur podcast
Minority business development
Marketing for small businesses
Business growth strategies
Startup funding opportunities
Executive leadership training
Financial literacy education
Success mindset podcast
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Joaquin Wallace.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
To explore Dr. Wallace’s groundbreaking work in financial literacy, particularly his concept of the “financial genetic code”, and to promote his book Generational Wealth Begins with Generational Knowledge. The interview aims to empower marginalized communities with tools for financial healing, literacy, and long-term wealth building.
🗝️ Key Takeaways 1. Background & Recognition
Dr. Wallace is a recipient of the Wells Fargo Living History Makers Award.
Featured in the Contemporary Black Biography series.
Former college basketball coach and educator with a strong focus on discipline and mentorship.
2. Seven-Stage Generational Wealth Model
Outlined in his book, the model includes:
Internal/External Ecosystem – influences from family, community, and environment.
Financial Genetic Code – inherited financial narratives and behaviors.
Financial Healing – reprogramming harmful financial habits.
Financial Edification – literacy and inclusion.
Financial Well-being – stability and health.
Generational Knowledge – estate planning, insurance, long-term care.
Generational Wealth – successful transfer of assets.
“Without financial well-being, there is no generational wealth.”
3. Financial Genetic Code
A trademarked concept by Dr. Wallace.
Unlike DNA, it can be rewritten through education and therapy.
Influenced by early experiences, family habits, and community norms.
Examples include “scar tissue narratives” (trauma from past financial events).
4. Credit & Financial Literacy
Credit score is critical but misunderstood.
Utilization rate should be under 30%.
Payment history and inquiries significantly affect scores.
Many people are unaware of the difference between consumer scores and business scores.
5. Barriers to Financial Growth
Lack of trust in financial systems due to past trauma.
Misinformation passed down from family and community.
Zip codes and overleveraging can impact loan approvals.
Financial professionals may unknowingly transfer their own biases to clients.
6. Role of Financial Professionals
Dr. Wallace identifies five key roles:
Financial Educator
Financial Counselor
Financial Therapist
Financial Advisor
Financial Planner
He emphasizes matching individuals with the right professional based on their needs and emotional readiness.
7. Book Insights
Generational Wealth Begins with Generational Knowledge is an Amazon bestseller.
Includes self-assessments after each chapter.
Designed for both professionals and everyday readers.
Encourages readers to identify their financial stage and take actionable steps.
💬 Notable Quotes
“You are your credit score.”
“Inherited financial narratives create encoded financial behaviors.”
“Any answer sounds correct if you don’t ask the right question.”
“Consistency creates consistent outcomes.”
“Financial literacy is not the end-all—it’s just one piece of the puzzle.”
“We do what we know. If we don’t know, we just continue to do.”
📌 Final Thoughts
Dr. Joaquin Wallace offers a transformative framework for understanding and improving financial behavior, especially in underserved communities. His concept of the financial genetic code bridges psychology, education, and economics, making financial wellness more accessible and actionable.
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.