Uplift: Her interview explores her vision for empowering families and communities through early childhood education.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Keanna Sanders. 🎯 Purpose of the Interview To highlight Keanna Sanders’ entrepreneurial journey from fashion merchandising to founding Sandbridge Early Learning Center, a network of childcare facilities in Maryland. The interview explores her motivations, challenges, and vision for empowering families and communities through early childhood education. 🧭 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Early Inspiration & Passion for Children Keanna’s love for children began at age 13, helping her grandmother care for infants and toddlers. Quote: “I was always around children… babysitting cousins, neighbors, and helping my grandmother with single moms’ kids.” 2. Education & Certifications Studied Fashion Merchandising at University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Fashion Institute of Technology. Earned childcare certifications (e.g., 45-hour and 90-hour credentials) to qualify as a teacher in Maryland. Quote: “I went and got my certifications in childcare so I could make a little extra money.” 3. Entrepreneurial Drive Keanna always knew she wanted to be her own boss, even before understanding what entrepreneurship meant. Quote: “I didn’t want to work a 9 to 5. I wanted to travel and make my own schedule.” 4. Serial Entrepreneurship Owned a car dealership called Trendy Motors before launching Sandbridge. Used profits from car sales and a bank loan to fund her childcare business. Quote: “I sold my first car and said, ‘I’m going to start a car business.’ That success helped me launch Sandbridge.” 5. Founding Sandbridge Early Learning Center The name “Sandbridge” combines her last name (Sanders) with the concept of “bridging the gap” between parents and children. Quote: “Sandbridge means bridging the gap between parents and kids.” 6. Curriculum & Learning Philosophy Uses Frog Street Curriculum for infants to age 5. Employs certified public school teachers through grants to prepare children for elementary school. Quote: “We want children to be ready for school. We teach through themes, tummy time, reading, and physical activities.” 7. Family Engagement & Community Impact Hosts family nights, festivals, and educational field trips. Offers financial support, discounts, and free meals to families in need. Quote: “We go above and beyond… sometimes I waive fees or help with scholarship applications.” 8. Franchise Vision & Branding Plans to franchise Sandbridge nationally with consistent branding across locations. Quote: “I want every Sandbridge to look the same—like Chick-fil-A or Walgreens.” 9. Overcoming Bias & Embracing Identity Initially hid her ownership due to fear of bias but later embraced her identity and impact. Quote: “You didn’t work this hard not to be recognized. People deserve to know who you are.” 10. Faith, Risk-Taking & Advice Attributes her success to faith, persistence, and taking risks. Quote: “Out of ten no’s, you’ll get one yes. Be consistent, be persistent, and lean on God.” 📍 Current Status Operates six locations in Maryland: three full sites and three before/after care programs. Serves nearly 400 children. Actively working on franchising the business. #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4 Tammi 34min
Financial Tip: His financial book teaches principles like self-control, patience, and planning.
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.
4 Tammi 28min
Info You Can Use: Conversation explores his mission to help students unlock scholarship opportunities and academic success.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Shaan Patel. Founder and CEO of Prep Expert, a leading online test prep company. The conversation explores Patel’s journey from struggling test-taker to perfect SAT scorer, bestselling author, and successful entrepreneur. He shares how his personal experience inspired a mission to help students unlock scholarship opportunities and academic success.👨🏽🏫 About Dr. Shaan Patel• Founder & CEO of Prep Expert• Scored a perfect SAT after self-study• Secured over $500,000 in scholarships• Partnered with Mark Cuban after appearing on Shark Tank• Author of a bestselling SAT prep book published by McGraw-Hill💡 Key Themes & Takeaways📚 From Side Hustle to Scalable Business• Started Prep Expert in college dorm room• First course led to 376-point average score improvement• Grew from local classes to a national online platform• Now serves over 100,000 students with $100M+ in scholarships earned💻 Online Learning & Accessibility• Offers live, online SAT/ACT prep, tutoring, and admissions consulting• Courses taught by 99th percentile instructors• Emphasizes interactive, classroom-like experience with office hours and support• Adapted quickly to online learning post-COVID🎯 Mission-Driven Education• Brand motto: “Change your score, change your life”• Teaches life skills like time management and goal setting• Aims to eliminate student debt through scholarship access• Long-term goal: Help students earn $1 billion in scholarships📈 Entrepreneurial Lessons• Faced early rejection from publishers before landing a book deal• Used storytelling to stand out on Shark Tank• Built brand through word-of-mouth and authenticity• Now generates 2M+ annual website visits🌟 Vision for the Future• Expand impact through scholarships and mentorship• Continue empowering students to achieve academic and financial freedom• Promote meritocracy and the American dream through education. #SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMISupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3 Tammi 32min
Uplift: He offers strategies for breaking free from debt and building long-term wealth.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Mujahid Muhammad. A financial coach specializing in wealth-building, shares his insights on personal finance, real estate investing, and financial independence. He discusses his journey, strategies for managing wealth, and the importance of financial literacy. 🔑 Key Themes & Highlights His Financial Journey Started his financial journey by investing in real estate, acquiring his first duplex. Built a portfolio using financial strategies, later facing setbacks like Hurricane Katrina and the 2008 real estate crash. Understanding Financial Stratospheres Defines different financial stages: failure, stability, growth, and independence. Emphasizes the need for strong financial foundations before pursuing major investments. Infinite Banking Concept Explains how individuals can become their own financial gatekeepers rather than relying on banks. Encourages strategic financial planning to control one's money flow. Middle-Income Struggles Discusses financial challenges middle-income individuals face, including debt accumulation and limited savings. Offers strategies for breaking free from debt and building long-term wealth. Financial Coaching and Mentorship Stresses the importance of financial education, mentorship, and strategic planning. Encourages individuals to seek guidance and accountability in their financial journey. 📘 About His Financial CoachingBrother Mujahid Muhammad provides coaching and financial strategies to help individuals build wealth. He specializes in real estate investing, insurance, and personal finance education. #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3 Tammi 31min
News to Know: Educates listeners on fraud prevention, identity theft, credit management, and financial literacy.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Rod Griffin. Senior Director of Public Education and Advocacy at Experian. 🎯 Purpose of the Interview To educate listeners on fraud prevention, identity theft, credit management, and financial literacy. The conversation aims to empower individuals—especially those in underserved communities—to take control of their financial health using tools and resources provided by Experian. 🗝️ Key Takeaways 1. Fraud & Identity Theft Awareness Identity theft is increasingly sophisticated, often driven by AI. Quote: “The currency of today isn’t necessarily cash—it’s information.” 2. Experian’s Role Experian is one of the three major credit bureaus. Offers tools for fraud detection, identity verification, and credit monitoring. Quote: “We help protect people from fraud and identity theft… and help them improve their financial lives.” 3. Understanding Credit Scores Credit scores range from 300 to 850, with categories from “Poor” to “Excellent.” Key factors: payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, types of credit, and recent activity. Quote: “Banks like people who are boring. Just pay the bills on time and keep balances low.” 4. Free Resources Free credit reports available weekly via AnnualCreditReport.com. Experian offers free monitoring, alerts, and FICO scores. Quote: “There’s no real reason to pay for a credit report today.” 5. Establishing & Rebuilding Credit Tools like Experian Go and Experian Boost help users build or rebuild credit using non-traditional data (e.g., rent, utilities, streaming services). Quote: “You can go from no credit history to having a report and score in the 630 range—in minutes.” 6. Financial Savviness Being financially savvy means controlling your money, not letting it control you. Use credit cards strategically for rewards and pay balances in full. Budgeting and goal-setting are essential. Quote: “Start from a goal perspective… What do you want to do in life?” 7. Insurance Savings Experian’s auto insurance marketplace helps users compare and save. Average savings: ~$800/year. Quote: “We’ll monitor for you… and tell you if we find a better rate.” 8. Practical Tips Audit monthly bills for hidden charges. Use loyalty programs and coupons to save on groceries and gas. Quote: “I shop so much I get free food… $6, $8, $9 savings add up.” 🧠 Final Message Rod Griffin emphasizes that financial literacy is about empowerment. By understanding your credit, using available tools, and setting clear goals, you can take control of your financial future. #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3 Tammi 25min
Overcoming the Odds: Inspiring Successful Businesswoman raised in foster care and teen mom of 3 kids by 18.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Kimberly Kelly. A real estate broker and entrepreneur who overcame a challenging upbringing in foster care, teen motherhood, and systemic adversity to become a successful businesswoman. Kimberly shares her journey of resilience, faith, and determination, offering inspiration to anyone facing difficult circumstances. Her story is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the power of believing in oneself. 🧭 Key Points 🌱 Early Life & Adversity Raised in foster care from a young age due to her mother’s struggles with addiction. Took on a caregiver role for her younger brothers at age 9. Became a mother at 15 and had two children by 18, while still caring for her siblings. 💪 Resilience & Mindset Developed a survival mindset early on, driven by responsibility and love for her family. Found faith and spiritual grounding during her time in foster care. Never doubted her ability to succeed despite overwhelming odds. 🎓 Education & Career Path Returned to complete her high school diploma and pursued technical education. Earned a degree in electronics engineering and transitioned into the IT world. Later became a licensed real estate agent and opened her own brokerage. 🏡 Business Ventures Founder of a real estate brokerage in McDonough, Georgia. Focuses on educating and empowering first-time homebuyers and entrepreneurs. Co-owner of a property preservation company, Get Adventurous, with her husband. 🤝 Leadership & Branding Leads a small team of agents with a hands-on, mentorship-driven approach. Emphasizes adaptability, personal growth, and celebrating small victories. Operates within a price range of $250K–$750K and above, adapting to market trends. 💬 Notable Quotes “I’m superwoman. I’m phenomenal.” “Foster care is supposed to be temporary, but sometimes it becomes permanent.” “It never dawned on me that I wouldn’t be successful.” “You can do anything. There is nothing you can’t do in this life.” “Practice resilience. If you don’t have a support system, look in the mirror and talk to yourself.” “I’m always in the mindset of staying adaptable.” “My goal is to educate, motivate, and teach people that we can own real estate.” #SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMISupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3 Tammi 23min
Overcoming the Odds: Explores their inspiration, challenges as Black women in a male-dominated liquor industry.
Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Taia Rashid and Daphne Carter. 🎯 Purpose of the Interview To highlight the entrepreneurial journey of Taia Rashid and Daphne Carter, co-founders of Cassie Beverage, a premium vodka-based drink brand. The interview explores their inspiration, challenges as Black women in a male-dominated liquor industry, and their commitment to quality and authenticity. 🧠 Key Takeaways 1. Founders’ Background & Bond Taia and Daphne met as dance moms in Houston, Texas. Their friendship grew through shared experiences at dance competitions. Their cocktail-making hobby evolved into a business idea. 2. Cassie Beverage Origins Inspired by family traditions involving alcohol (moonshine and wine coolers). The brand name “Cassie” is a blend of their last names. Their products include Daphne Limoncello and Daphne Berrycello. 3. Business Launch & Support The idea was sparked during a trip to the Amalfi Coast. Their husbands, both entrepreneurs, helped launch the business and provided initial capital. They entered a white male-dominated industry with determination and humility, seeking mentorship and doing extensive research. 4. Commitment to Quality Their drinks use natural ingredients like fresh lemon juice and cane sugar. They resisted pressure to use cheaper alternatives like concentrates or preservatives. Their goal: create a premium product they’re proud to consume themselves. 5. Challenges in the Liquor Industry High startup costs and tight margins. Strategic decisions around packaging, pricing, and market positioning. Balancing premium quality with affordability for consumers. 6. Academic & Professional Backgrounds Daphne: Advanced degrees in chemistry and mathematics; former charter school executive and state superintendent. Taia: Degree in chemical engineering; worked for Frito-Lay and later became a stay-at-home mom. 7. Empowerment & Representation They emphasized the importance of supporting women, especially in non-traditional roles like bartending and mixology. Encouraged others to pivot careers and pursue passions regardless of societal expectations. Advocated for creating space at the table when none is offered. 8. Community Impact A caller shared how the interview inspired her to support her daughter’s bartending career. The founders responded with encouragement and emphasized redefining success beyond traditional roles. 💬 Notable Quotes “We found the perfect cocktail—the cure was liquor. A cup of joy.” “We wanted something of quality that we could stand proud of.” “If there’s no room at the table, bring a folding chair.” “Your degrees give you soft skills—you can pivot and do whatever you want.” “We’re winning because we’re doing something we love, even with the struggles.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3 Tammi 25min
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 #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3 Tammi 22min
