The Steve Harvey Morning Show

• Brand Building: She creates AI TWINS that can produce content without the owner being physically present.

  Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Brittany Benson. *** ### **Purpose of the Interview** The interview on *Money Making Conversations Masterclass* aimed to: * Showcase Brittany Benson’s journey as a **brand strategist**, **AI consultant**, and founder of **The Branding Bar**.* Educate entrepreneurs and small business owners on **branding**, **social media strategy**, and the **impact of AI** on marketing.* Inspire listeners to leverage technology and consistency to build authentic brands. *** ### **Key Takeaways** 1. **Early Branding Journey** * Brittany unknowingly started building her brand in college through her TV show *On the Air with Brittany B*. * She leveraged early platforms like YouTube and Facebook before “social media” was a term. 2. **Consistency is Key** * Success in branding comes from **consistent engagement**, even before monetization was possible. * Brittany grew her Instagram following to over 130,000 by focusing on consistency rather than chasing trends. 3. **Influencer Myth** * Large follower counts don’t guarantee success; **engagement matters more than numbers**. * “If I have 2,500 followers who listen to me, that’s more powerful than 100,000 who don’t.” 4. **Paid vs. Organic Growth** * Paid ads can help, but **organic growth builds trust**. * Best practice: build an organic base first, then use paid ads to amplify. 5. **Pivot to AI** * Brittany pivoted from a traditional social media agency to **AI-driven branding solutions**. * She creates **AI twins** for business owners—digital replicas that can produce content without the owner being physically present. 6. **Generative AI in Marketing** * AI tools can create graphics, videos, and even voice clones. * Brittany emphasizes AI as a **tool to enhance workflow**, not replace human creativity. 7. **Consulting Approach** * Offers strategy calls to identify problems and recommend AI tools. * Services range from **strategy planning**, **consulting**, to **done-for-you solutions**. *** ### **Notable Quotes** * **On branding:** *“I was always building a brand, even when I didn’t realize I was building a brand.”* * **On engagement vs. followers:** *“If I have 2,500 followers who listen to me, that’s more powerful than 100,000 who don’t.”* * **On AI’s role:** *“AI is just a tool. It’s not going to replace your job—it still needs human direction.”* * **On staying ahead:** *“I’ve been told I have the gift of insight to see what’s coming, even if it’s not popular yet.”* * **On her pivot:** *“I started generating AI twins for business owners so they could show up online without showing up.”* *** #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Brand Building: A national initiative founded by Grammy winner Pharrell Williams that funds and mentors Black and Brown entrepreneurs.

  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 promote the upcoming Black Ambition Demo Day and Fundable Founders Forum in Miami. To inspire entrepreneurs by sharing insights on scaling businesses, accessing resources, and building wealth. Key Takeaways About Black Ambition Founded by Pharrell Williams to close the opportunity gap for Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs. Has invested in 131 companies over five years. Provides capital, mentorship, and holistic support (including mental health). Event Details Demo Day (Nov 14): Entrepreneurs pitch and receive funding. Fundable Founders Forum (Nov 15): Masterclasses with industry leaders like Steve Stoute, Nancy Twine, and Linda Clemens. Focus on actionable strategies, not just inspiration. Competition Structure Annual national competition with 2,500–3,000 applications. Categories include HBCU founders, national finalists, top prize winners, and people’s choice. Process: Applications → 250 semifinalists → 3-month cohort → Top 20–25 awarded funding. Challenges & Advice Many entrepreneurs fail due to rushed applications and lack of preparation. Success requires persistence: “Apply again” if you fail. Building a team is essential—Black Ambition does not invest in solopreneurs. Impact on Black Women Fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs but often limited by resources. Need to shift from solopreneurship to team-building for scalability. Pharrell’s Motivation Believes in democratizing opportunity. Inspired by those who invested in him early in his career. Goal: Close wealth and opportunity gaps quickly—“Wealth has a need for speed.” How to Get Involved Visit blackambitionprize.com and join the newsletter for alerts and resources. Past winners share insights in info sessions. Notable Quotes On closing gaps:“People are too comfortable wasting the time of Black entrepreneurs with misaligned resources and low vibrational mentorship.” On persistence:“If it doesn’t work on you in that moment, it works for you in that moment. Either way, it works.” On Pharrell’s vision:“Talent is not equally distributed by zip code, but opportunity can be.” On entrepreneurship mindset:“We have to start enjoying the process that molds us, not just say, ‘I didn’t make it, I’m upset.’” On Black women entrepreneurs:“They’re the fastest growing, but largely solopreneurs. We need them to think about building teams.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Overcoming the Odds: Failed 11th grade, earned a GED, became the first GED student to attend Morehouse,

  Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant. 🎙️ Interview Summary: Dr. Jamal Bryant Guest: Dr. Jamal Harrison BryantHost: Rushion McDonaldTopic: Faith, leadership, financial literacy, and community empowerment Dr. Jamal Bryant, senior pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, shares his journey from academic setbacks to becoming one of the most influential voices in faith and social justice. The conversation explores how the Black church can evolve, empower communities economically, and embrace technology and education to uplift future generations. 🔑 Key Takeaways 🏛️ Church Beyond the Walls COVID-19 forced churches to rethink their purpose and expand beyond traditional worship. Over 3,000 people joined New Birth online during the pandemic. “Culture changes every four years, but Black church culture changes every 20. The average church is 15 years behind schedule.” 💰 Financial Literacy & Economic Empowerment The Black church must teach not just tithing, but how to multiply the remaining 90%. Black dollars circulate only 30 minutes in the community, compared to 23 times in Asian communities. “We ask for 10%, but never show people how to multiply the 90.” 🏦 Debt Reduction & Stewardship Dr. Bryant inherited a church with significant debt and reduced it through stewardship, savings, and refinancing. “We got no corporate donations. It was model stewardship and aggressive debt reduction.” 🎓 HBCU Advocacy HBCUs produce the majority of Black professionals in medicine, law, education, and politics. Despite limited resources, they outperform many predominantly white institutions. “North Carolina A&T graduates more Black engineers than any other program in the country.” 📚 Financial Habits & Credit Awareness Many African Americans live at 110% of their income. Dr. Bryant promotes the 10-10-80 rule: save 10%, give 10%, live on 80%. “We have housewarming parties for apartments… we don’t talk about homeownership.” 🌍 Personal Journey & Mentorship Failed 11th grade, earned a GED, became the first GED student to attend Morehouse. Interned for Nelson Mandela, earned a master’s from Duke, and became the youngest NAACP youth director. “You can’t achieve success by yourself. Everywhere I went, someone stepped in and moved me forward.” 🕊️ Role of the Church The church should be a “recycling center” for discarded lives, transforming people spiritually and socially. “You can come as you are. Just be clear, you won’t stay as you are.” 💬 Notable Quotes “Your revenue is in your reflection.” “The church must be high-tech and high-touch.” “We don’t like to sit down. We like to dance and dribble.” “People are dying from a lack of knowledge.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Financial Tip: His financial book teaches principles like self-control, patience, and hope

  Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Gerron Duhon. Purpose of the Interview The conversation aimed to: Highlight the importance of financial literacy for young adults. Share Jerron Duhon’s personal journey from Lake Charles, Louisiana, to Yale University and into holistic financial planning. Promote his book “The Purpose of Paper”, which focuses on building generational wealth and breaking harmful financial habits. Key Takeaways Personal Journey & Identity Shift Jerron used football as a “meal ticket” to escape his hometown, but a concussion ended his athletic career, causing an identity crisis. He pivoted toward financial education and wealth creation, emphasizing long-term planning. Misconceptions About Wealth Many young adults believe wealth comes quickly through gambling, sports betting, or flashy investments. Social media fuels the desire to display wealth rather than build wealth, leading to poor financial decisions. Financial Habits & Framework Jerron introduced his AIMS framework: Awareness: Know your current financial state. Intention: Set clear goals and reverse-engineer steps. Mindset Change: Focus on future self, not old habits. Systems: Automate savings and investments to reduce reliance on willpower. Faith and Finance Connection Principles like self-control, patience, and hope—fruits of the spirit—are essential for financial discipline. “Faith without works is dead” applies to money: belief must be paired with action. Generational Wealth Gerron stresses taking ownership of your financial future rather than leaving the burden to your children. Investing should be strategic and long-term, not like playing the lottery. Practical Advice Start small but consistent (e.g., $150/month). Use modern tools like Robinhood for stock investing. Shift from being a consumer to an owner (invest in companies you use). Notable Quotes “Football was my meal ticket… but I realized I didn’t dream far enough.” “We connect our financial decisions to display wealth instead of to build wealth.” “Faith without works is dead—just like in finances.” “Are you going to be the one that changes your generation, or will you leave that pressure on your children?” “Good advice is timeless.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Changing Stereotypes: African American man partners with eight small, organic tea-growing families in Kyushu, Japan.

  Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed James Green. Purpose of the Interview The interview aimed to showcase James Green’s entrepreneurial journey as the founder of KyuTeaCo (Kyushu Tea Company), a premium tea brand focused on curating authentic Japanese tea experiences. It highlighted his unique position as an African-American entrepreneur bridging cultures, his passion for tea, and his mission to educate consumers about tea’s health benefits and heritage. Key Takeaways Background & Inspiration James Green grew up in Atlanta, studied international business and Japanese, and lived in Japan for five years. His passion for tea began during a high school exchange program in Fukuoka, Japan, and deepened through cultural immersion. Business Model KyuTeaCo partners with eight small, organic tea-growing families in Kyushu, Japan. Direct-to-consumer and B2B approach: e-commerce platform launching soon, plus partnerships with cafes. Simplified supply chain: Farmers → Kuti Co → Customer (eliminates middlemen, ensures fair pay for farmers). Mission & Differentiation Focus on storytelling and cultural connection, not just selling tea. Educates consumers on tea’s health benefits (e.g., reducing hypertension and diabetes risks). Premium curated experience vs. mass-market tea brands. Challenges & Lessons Kickstarter campaign failed due to lack of collaborators and marketing reach. Learned importance of storytelling and emotional connection for crowdfunding success. Social Impact “11% for Good” Program: 11% of every sale goes to sustainability efforts for Japanese tea farming. Name significance: “11” in Japanese sounds like “ii,” meaning “good.” Future Plans Launching e-commerce in January. Exploring subscription models and virtual tea tastings. Goal: Build a brand that consumers care about through cultural education and premium experiences. Notable Quotes On launching a business:“I’m learning now more than anything, just launch it. Just go. You’ll build it brick by brick, day by day.” On cultural connection:“We’re not just selling tea; we’re telling the stories of Kyushu and these families. It’s about legacy and sustainability.” On social impact:“Every bag of tea someone buys, 11% goes toward rehabilitating the Japanese tea industry. We’re investing in their futures.” On entrepreneurship:“Anybody can sell a product. What we’re doing is creating an experience and educating people about the culture behind it.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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