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 Brenda helps companies: Reevaluate outdated job descriptions.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needs LGBTQ+ inclusion She stresses that companies that embrace true diversity will thrive, while those clinging to outdated models may struggle.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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Overcoming the Odds: She was a C student and a college dropout, but she is the CEO of Black Ambition.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Felecia Hatcher. Purpose of the Interview To spotlight Black Ambition, a national initiative founded by Pharrell Williams that funds and mentors Black and Brown entrepreneurs. To share insights on entrepreneurship, access to resources, and strategies for scaling businesses. To inspire and educate small business owners and innovators on how to leverage opportunities for growth. Key Takeaways About Black Ambition Founded by Pharrell Williams to close the opportunity gap for Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs. Provides capital, mentorship, and masterclasses to help founders scale. Has invested in 131 companies and awarded millions in funding. Competition Structure Annual national competition with 2,500–3,000 applications. Categories include HBCU, National Finalists, Top Prize Winner, People’s Choice. Process: Applications → 250 semifinalists → 3-month cohort → Demo Day for top 20–25 companies. Unique Approach Focus on high-quality mentorship, not “low vibrational” guidance. Includes mental health and wellness support for entrepreneurs. Partnerships with brands like Louis Vuitton for luxury retail insights. Challenges for Entrepreneurs Many fail by rushing applications and skipping info sessions. Success requires clarity, traction, and persistence—sometimes multiple attempts. Black women are the fastest-growing entrepreneurs but often remain solopreneurs; Black Ambition prioritizes team-building. Pharrell’s Motivation Believes in democratizing opportunity: “Talent is not equally distributed by zip code, but opportunity can be.” Inspired by those who believed in him early in his career. Felecia Hatcher’s Journey Former founder of Center for Black Innovation and Black Tech Week. Emphasizes resilience: “I’m a C student and a college dropout, but I never let that define me.” Advocates for creative pathways to success and capital access. Notable Quotes “Success leaves clues.” – On learning from past winners. “Talent is not equally distributed by zip code, but opportunity can be.” – Pharrell’s guiding principle. “If it doesn’t work on you in that moment, it works for you in that moment. Either way, it works.” – On persistence. “We have to start enjoying the process… be stretched, be cut by the process.” – On entrepreneurial growth. “Wealth has a need for speed.” – On urgency in closing the wealth gap. #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Uplift: A successful single mom entrepreneur discusses how to avoid business scams.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Michaela Merrick. 🎙️ Interview Summary: Michaela Merrick on Money Making Conversations Masterclass 🎯 Purpose of the Interview To spotlight Michaela Merrick, founder of Pretty Little Tacos, and her entrepreneurial journey from launching a food truck during the COVID-19 pandemic to building a thriving Creole-Mexican taco brand in Atlanta. The interview aims to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs by showcasing resilience, creativity, and family support. 🗝️ Key Takeaways 1. Origin of Pretty Little Tacos Inspired by a short-lived cooking show called Pretty Little Cooks. Launched in May 2020 during the height of the pandemic. Offers unique taco varieties including vegan options and dessert tacos like peach cobbler and strawberry shortcake. 2. Entrepreneurial Spirit Michaela did not attend culinary school but learned through experience and family influence. Her mother encouraged her to pursue the food truck idea, even waking her up to go buy one. Her father and brother are chefs, and her daughter is her biggest fan and motivator. 3. Challenges Faced Started with little to no money and reinvested daily. Faced licensing and permitting issues due to government shutdowns. Was misled by commissary kitchens lacking proper permits, resulting in financial loss. Her first food truck was stolen, but she bounced back with a new one. 4. Growth and Expansion Operates three locations in Atlanta: Colony Square, Union City (inside a gas station), and Moreland Avenue. Plans to expand into more gas stations and possibly mass production while maintaining quality and authenticity. 5. Business Philosophy Focuses on customer experience and generous portions. Requires all staff to sign NDAs to protect recipes and business integrity. Encourages staff to learn and grow, even if they aspire to start their own businesses. 💬 Notable Quotes “I didn’t really have a choice… it was survival.” – On launching her business during the pandemic. “You have to be resilient. You can’t give up.” – On overcoming obstacles. “My daughter is my biggest fan… I want her to understand she can do anything.” – On her motivation. “I thrive off competition… I level up every time.” – On the competitive food truck industry. “Business supersedes relationships… protect yourself always.” – On the importance of NDAs and business integrity. #AMI #STRAW #BEST #SHMS See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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