Strawberry Letter

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ingrid Jacobs.
A veteran enterprise leader, former HR executive, and Chief Growth Officer for The Revenue Retreat, a luxury boutique retreat for executive women who want to build profitable businesses without burnout. She and Rushion discuss her corporate background, her unique approach to customer integration, the challenges women face in entrepreneurship, pricing psychology, common business mistakes, age-related limiting beliefs, and the transformational design of her retreat program.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The purpose of Ingrid’s appearance was to:
1. Share her expertise in helping high‑achieving women build sustainable, profitable businesses
Ingrid works with corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, and women ready to transition from corporate careers into entrepreneurship.
2. Highlight The Revenue Retreat
She explains how the retreat helps women clarify their offer, price correctly, identify customers, and prepare mentally and emotionally for entrepreneurship.
3. Educate listeners on business fundamentals
Rushion brings her on to break down pricing, customer targeting, confidence, and transitioning from corporate “9–5” to entrepreneurship.
4. Address issues unique to women, executives, and people of color
Especially around pricing themselves correctly, recovering from burnout, and building confidence in their value.
💡 Key Takeaways
1. Corporate experience can translate powerfully into entrepreneurship
Ingrid spent two decades at companies like Raytheon, Whirlpool, and JLL, working in HR, human capital, and DEI.
She emphasizes she wasn’t a traditional HR leader—she focused on customer integration, business growth, and improving client outcomes.
2. High‑achieving women aren’t only executives
They can be community leaders, nonprofit leaders, or entrepreneurs who excel in their areas but may not have formal corporate titles.
3. Entrepreneurship requires more work—especially early on
New entrepreneurs often don’t realize they must handle every aspect of the business themselves: operations, marketing, sales, pricing, and delivery.
4. Pricing is one of the biggest challenges for women and people of color
Key problems:
Undervaluing their expertise
Fear of charging what they’re worth
Worrying clients won’t pay higher rates
Getting mentally stuck in low pricing
Ingrid says women often dramatically underprice themselves and need help adjusting their mindset.
5. Knowing your customer matters more than trying to sell to everyone
Selling to “anybody” makes entrepreneurs sound desperate; true growth comes from targeting the right buyer and offering a solution they value.
6. Avoid common first‑year business mistakes
These include:
Poor pricing
Not knowing your ideal customer
Doing everything for everyone
Expanding into too many offerings too fast
Operating out of desperation rather than strategy
7. Age is an asset—not a liability
Older entrepreneurs bring wisdom, experience, critical thinking, and problem‑solving ability.
She argues people use age as a cover for deeper fears about failure and judgment.
8. The Revenue Retreat combines luxury, education, and wellness
The retreat model includes:
A luxury residential environment
Chef‑prepared meals
12‑woman cohorts
Business planning rigor
Pricing clarity
Customer identification
Mental and emotional readiness
Wellness activities
8‑weeks of virtual follow‑up coaching
It’s intentionally structured as not a workshop but a holistic transformation experience. [
9. She priced her retreat through competitive research + self‑awareness
She studied other programs, benchmarked pricing, calculated expenses, and aligned it with her unique “sweet spot”—monetization skill + passion for helping women + love of hosting experiences.
🗣 Notable Quotes (with citations) On her corporate background
“Bring me on board if you're looking for figuring out how do we get better customer integration… so that we can zero in on more sales.”
On defining high‑achieving women
“There are movers and shakers who don’t necessarily have a corporate pedigree, but they are still getting things done.”
On underpricing
“Many times women… fall in this trap where they're scared to put out the real amount.” [
On realizing she was undercharging
“I wasn't even charging half of what she was saying… that epiphany changed the game for me.”
On first‑year mistakes
“Desperation is palpable… and that is a turnoff.” [
On age
“Age to me is an asset… you’ve got cognitive rigor.”
On burnout
“A lot of people who are interested in this work are already burned out and don’t even recognize their own signs.”
On what the retreat delivers
“We help everyone come up with their pricing, what is their product… and wrap up where people have a plan forward.” [
Her core sales pitch
“I offer executive women a retreat where they can experience luxury and end with a business plan they can use Monday morning to drive revenue.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Cassandra Lester.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview introduces Cassandra Lester’s nonprofit Grow Give Prosper and its partnership with Google’s “Grow with Google” initiative. The goal is to provide free career certification scholarships to underserved and economically impacted communities, helping individuals increase earning potential and gain financial literacy.
Key Takeaways
Mission of Grow Give Prosper
Founded in 2023, focused on financial education and empowerment.
Aims to help communities grow together, give to each other, and prosper collectively.

Google Partnership
Offers free career certifications in high-demand fields: Cybersecurity
Data Analytics
Digital Marketing & E-commerce
IT Support
Project Management
UX Design

Certifications are self-paced, online, and typically take 3–6 months.
No prior experience required; participants receive a portfolio upon completion.

Accessibility
Scholarships are free; the only requirement is commitment.
Available to anyone in the continental U.S., regardless of education level (GED, college dropout, etc.).
Registration via growgiveprosper.org (scroll to Google Career Scholarships).

Impact
Over 300 scholarships awarded; previously had 500.
Designed to level the playing field for those without Ivy League degrees.
Certifications can stack (e.g., Project Management + Data Analytics) for greater career potential.

Financial Literacy
Defined as understanding financial concepts and applying them to daily life.
Misconceptions persist—some communities avoid discussing money or undervalue credit scores.
Cassandra emphasizes breaking cycles of predatory lending and poor financial habits.

Challenges
Cultural reluctance to discuss money.
Skepticism about legitimacy of programs.
Difficulty securing grants as a small nonprofit.
Cassandra combats these through grassroots outreach and workshops.

Personal Drive
Cassandra’s passion stems from seeing financial struggles across all demographics.
She actively promotes opportunities through community centers, adult education classes, and social media.

Notable Quotes
“I want us to grow together so that we can give to each other and then prosper as a collective.”
“Google is leveling the playing field—you don’t need an Ivy League education to earn a livable wage.”
“The only fee is commitment.”
“Financial literacy means you understand the words, you hear the conversation, and it’s not Greek to you.”
“You can’t talk about managing finances if you really don’t have anything coming in.”
“You don’t want to miss this opportunity to increase your earning potential.”
“Once you’re certified, that’s yours for life—you can’t repo a degree or certification.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Willie Jolley.
Summary of the Interview: Dr. Willie Jolley on Money Making Conversations Masterclass
Dr. Willie Jolley—Hall of Fame speaker, bestselling author, and longtime SiriusXM host—joins Rushion McDonald to discuss his new book Rich Is Good, Wealthy Is Better. The conversation focuses on redefining wealth, transforming money mindsets, developing discipline, and overcoming setbacks to build generational prosperity.
Throughout the interview, Dr. Jolley shares insights gathered over 20 years of interviewing billionaires, CEOs, and major wealth creators. He outlines the crucial difference between being rich (high income) and being wealthy (owning assets that work without you). He emphasizes the role of discipline, humility, learning, and generational thinking in achieving sustainable wealth.
The interview closes with Jolley’s personal comeback story—from nightclub singer to world‑renowned speaker—and his message that it’s never too late to change your financial future.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to:
1. Promote and explain Jolley’s new book
“Rich Is Good, Wealthy Is Better,” which clarifies the difference between income-based wealth (rich) and asset‑based, multi‑generational wealth (wealthy).
2. Teach listeners how to shift their money mindset
Jolley walks through the five levels of money thinking, showing how most Americans operate in the lower levels due to habit or lack of knowledge.
3. Encourage financial independence and discipline
Listeners—especially entrepreneurs and families—learn the role of discipline, insurance, multiple income streams, and investment.
4. Provide motivation through Jolley’s story
His setback-to-comeback story proves that financial and personal reinvention is possible at any age.
5. Address generational wealth and financial stewardship
The book is also written for parents/grandparents worried their heirs may squander what they built.
Key Takeaways 1. The crucial difference between rich and wealthy
Rich = working income; stops when you stop.
Wealthy = assets + systems; money works even when you don’t.
Rich is “good”—but wealth is “better” because it is sustainable.
2. Wealth begins with mindset
Jolley identifies five money mindsets:
One‑day mindset (daily survival)
30‑day mindset (check-to-check)
One‑year mindset
Decade mindset (athletes/entertainers)
Generational mindset (true wealth builders)
His goal: move people one level higher.
3. Discipline is the #1 lever for wealth
Wealth requires:
Living below your means
Consistent investment
Protecting what you have
Maintaining health, relationships, reputation, and intellectual capital
4. The “Five Types of Wealth”
Financial wealth
Health wealth
Relationship wealth
Reputational/brand wealth
Intellectual capital wealth
All contribute to long-term prosperity.
5. The 3 Legs of Wealth
Income
Save & invest the difference
Insurance to protect assets (life, health, disability, long‑term care)
6. At least two streams of income are essential
Examples: stocks, real estate, crypto, collectibles, content creation.
7. Pride destroys wealth
People overspend to look successful rather than be successful.
Pride → debt → stress → financial ruin.
Humility → learning → planning → wealth.
8. It’s never too late to become wealthy
He shares stories of:
A domestic worker who died with $2.7M
A secretary who accumulated $8M
A former drug dealer who reached nearly $900K starting at age 65
All achieved wealth by small investments over long periods.
9. A setback is a setup for a comeback
Jolley’s message is deeply motivational:
Losing his singing job led him into speaking
Speaking led to radio
Radio led to books
Books led to global influence
He frames adversity as opportunity.
Notable Quotes (from the transcript) On Wealth vs. Rich
“Rich is good. Wealthy is better.”
“Regular folks work for their money. Wealthy people make their money work for them.”
On Mindset
“Wealth starts in your mind.”
“It’s hard to hit what you can’t see—and even harder to hit what you don’t know.” (on knowing the target)
On Discipline
“The key to success in growing wealth is discipline.” [
On Pride
“My pride was killing my wealth. I had to let the pride go so I could grab hold of the wealth.”
On Setbacks
“A setback is a setup for your greater comeback.”
“Your setback is not the end of the story unless you choose it to be.”
On Starting Late
“Anybody can become wealthy if you use these principles.”
“When is the best time to plant a tree? 80 years ago. The second-best time? Today.”
In One Sentence
The interview teaches that becoming wealthy is less about income and more about mindset, discipline, humility, and long-term planning—and that anyone can build generational wealth starting right now.
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Willie Jolley.
SUMMARY OF THE INTERVIEW
In this energetic and motivational conversation, Hall of Fame speaker Dr. Willie Jolley joins Rushion McDonald on Money Making Conversations Masterclass to discuss his new book, “Rich Is Good, Wealthy Is Better.” The interview covers the difference between being rich and being wealthy, the mindsets required for long-term financial growth, and how individuals—no matter their background—can build generational wealth. Jolley also emphasizes discipline, humility, planning, multiple streams of income, overcoming setbacks, and the importance of insurance and protection of assets.
PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW
The interview aims to:
1. Introduce and promote Dr. Jolley’s new book
“Rich Is Good, Wealthy Is Better” and the teachings within it.
2. Educate listeners on the distinction between rich and wealthy
Jolley wants audiences to understand wealth in generational, not short-term, terms.
3. Motivate individuals to shift their financial mindset
From “working money” to “mailbox money.”
4. Empower entrepreneurs and families
To adopt discipline, drop pride, and create multigenerational financial systems.
5. Share Jolley’s personal setback‑to‑success story
To reinforce that anyone can grow wealth with the right principles.
KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Rich vs. Wealthy
Being rich = high income, often tied to active labor (e.g., athlete contracts).
Being wealthy = passive income, ownership, generational sustainability.
A rich football player earns millions; the team owner earns billions and doesn’t have to “run up and down the field.”
2. The Five Money Mindsets
Jolley explains five financial mindsets:
One‑day mindset – living day to day.
30‑day mindset – fixed incomes/check-to-check living.
One‑year mindset – annual thinking (raises, annual income).
Decade mindset – typical for entertainers/athletes with multi‑year contracts.
Generational mindset (Wealth Mindset) – building wealth to last multiple generations.
Jolley’s goal: move people up just one level at a time.
3. Five Types of Wealth
Jolley breaks wealth into five categories:
Financial Wealth
Health Wealth (“A sick person has one dream; a healthy person has a thousand.” – Les Brown)
Relationship Wealth
Reputational Wealth (Brand)
Intellectual Capital Wealth (What you know and can charge for)
4. Discipline Is the Key
Wealth requires:
Living below your means
Investing the difference
Consistency
Avoiding arrogance and ignorance
5. Pride Is an Enemy of Wealth
Pride leads people to overspend to keep up appearances.
Jolley argues that pride “kills wealth” and must be replaced with planning and humility.
6. The Three Legs of Wealth
To build sustainable wealth, you need:
Income
Investment (letting money work for you)
Insurance (life, health, car, disability, long-term care)
7. Multiple Streams of Income
Jolley urges everyone to build at least two streams of income from:
Stocks
Bonds
Real estate
Crypto
Collectibles
Jewelry
Art
Content creation
8. Overcoming Setbacks
Jolley details his own journey from unemployed nightclub singer to globally recognized motivational speaker.
He reinforces that a setback is a setup for a comeback—the core message of his earlier bestselling book.
9. It’s Never Too Late to Start
He cites examples of:
A secretary who retired with $8M by investing small amounts over time
Invested $12,000 at age 65 and grew it to $890,000 by age 72
NOTABLE QUOTES FROM THE INTERVIEW On Time & Opportunity
“I have only just a minute… but it’s up to me to use it.”
On Mindset
“Wealth starts in your mind.”
On Rich vs. Wealthy
“Regular folks work for their money. Wealthy people make their money work for them.”
On Pride
“My pride was killing my wealth.”
On Growth & Learning
“If you’re willing to learn, no one can stop you.” [On Setbacks
“A setback is a setup for your greater comeback.”
On Starting Late
“When is the best time to plant a tree? Eighty years ago. The second-best time? Today.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Tarence Wheeler.
Founded a nonprofit in Detroit focused on removing non-academic barriers to education.
- During the pandemic, he helped distribute over **15 million meals** through a partnership with Forgotten Harvest.
- His work is rooted in personal experience: growing up with a mother struggling with addiction and an absent father.
- He credits his success to mentors, coaches, and community members who supported him.
---
### 👥 **Youth Advocacy**
- Terrence emphasizes the importance of **adult involvement** in youth success.
- He believes that **every child who shows up to school is already succeeding**, and it’s up to adults to help them cross the finish line.
- His programs are designed to **uplift, mentor, and provide resources** to underserved youth.
---
### 🦃 **Annual All-Star Giveback**
- Terrence and NBA great **Derrick Coleman** started the **All-Star Giveback** 27 years ago with 200 turkeys.
- It has grown to include:
- **3,000 turkeys**
- **500 chickens**
- **Socks, belts, rental assistance, and more**
- **Special deliveries** for seniors, veterans, and disabled individuals
- The event features appearances from celebrities and athletes like:
- **Gary Payton, Isaiah Thomas, Rick Mahorn, Tim Hardaway, Calvin Johnson, Big Sean**, and more
- **Governor Gretchen Whitmer** and other local officials also participate
---
### 💬 **Key Quotes & Insights**
- “It’s not your conditions, it’s your decision making that determines your destiny.”
- “If I can go from a dope house to the White House, so can you.”
- “If everyone does a little, no one has to do a lot.”
---
### 💻 **How to Support**
- **Phone**: (313) 819-0040
- **Website**: TerrenceWheelerFoundation.com *(as mentioned in the script)*
- **Volunteer or donate**: Not just about money—human capital and time are just as valuable.
---
### 🧠 **Tone and Style**
- **Inspiring and heartfelt**: Terrence shares deeply personal stories to connect with listeners.
- **Community-focused**: Emphasizes collective action and the power of showing up.
- **Uplifting and motivational**: Encourages listeners to give back and believe in their potential.

#STRAW
#SHMS
#BEST

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