Overcoming the Odds: She grew up on a cotton farm as one of 17 children and overcame domestic violence, and poverty.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Mildred J. Mills.

Topic: Life journey, resilience, and her memoir Daddy’s House: A Daughter’s Memoir of Setbacks, Triumphs, and Rising Above Her Roots

Mildred J. Mills shares her powerful story of growing up on a cotton farm in Alabama as one of 17 children, overcoming domestic violence, poverty, and systemic barriers to become a successful IT executive, author, podcaster, and motivational speaker. Her memoir is a testament to resilience, faith, and self-determination.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

Promote her memoir and its message of overcoming adversity.
Inspire entrepreneurs and small business owners with her story of resilience and reinvention.
Highlight the importance of storytelling as a healing and motivational tool.
Encourage faith over fear in personal and professional growth.

🔑 Key Takeaways 🌾 Humble Beginnings

Grew up on a 60-acre cotton farm in Whitaker, Alabama.
Picking cotton was physically brutal and emotionally taxing.

“You’re bent at a 90-degree angle all day picking cotton… it hurts.”

📚 Writing the Memoir

Wrote the book after age 60 to heal and share wisdom.
Did not consult her husband before publishing — it was her story to tell.

“I didn’t want anybody telling me… ‘Why didn’t you do it this way?’ It is my story.”

💪 Resilience Defined

Resilience means getting up after being knocked down.
She credits her mother’s wisdom and her own determination.

“Failure is not an option… I wasn’t going back to that cotton field.”

🧠 Faith Over Fear

Her guiding principle is faith over fear — trusting in the journey despite uncertainty.

“Fear sits on your shoulder and says you’re not good enough. Faith says walk through the door.”

🏫 Education & Mentorship

A white teacher saw potential in her and helped her escape the cotton fields by recommending a tech school.
Her father, despite initial hesitation, paid for her education in cash.

“He paid \$500 in 1969 — a lot of money for a farmer.”

👩‍💻 Career & Independence

Became an IT executive, starting in 1969 as a computer programmer.
Advocates for women’s financial independence and self-worth.

“God gave me gifts that I must share… I’m not going to depend on somebody else.”

📖 Future Projects

Upcoming book: The Hope Club — explores the impact of incarceration on families, especially children.

“I’ve seen what such a life can do to children… it breaks up families.”

💬 Memorable Quotes

“Do the best you can with what you have.” — Her mother’s mantra.
“Don’t expect someone else to pay for your dreams.”
“I’m no victim. I’ve never been a victim.”
“We’re not dreaming big enough.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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FULL SHOW_ Happy Thanksgiving, Strawberry Letter_ I Married A Groupie - 11.27.25

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FULL SHOW: Thanksgiving With Cousin Benji, Strawberry Letter: We Got A Big Problem, Sis - 11.26.25

The Steve Harvey Morning Show for Wednesday, November 26th, 2025: Steve Harvey's Morning Inspiration | Show Open | Nephew Tommy's Run That Prank Back - "Bring My Breast Back" | Ask The CLO | Butterball Thanksgiving Hotline | Would You Rather | Steve Harvey's Voicemail | Nephew Tommy's Prank - "Thanksgiving With Cousin Benji" | Strawberry Letter - "We Got A Big Problem, Sis" Parts 1-2 | Thanksgiving Hosting Mistakes | Thanksgiving Items You Can't Take On A Plane | Handyman Service | Would You Rather | Steve Harvey's Closing RemarksSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Brand Building: In 2017 he founded Green Book Global, a travel review platform for Black travelers, partnered with Expedia.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Lawrence Phillips. Purpose of the Interview To showcase Lawrence Phillips’ entrepreneurial journey from engineering to founding Green Book Global, a travel review platform for Black travelers. To highlight the significance of Black Ambition, an initiative by Pharrell Williams supporting Black and Brown entrepreneurs. To inspire listeners about resilience, innovation, and the importance of culturally inclusive travel resources. Key Takeaways Background & Career Shift Phillips studied Electrical Engineering at Georgia Tech and worked at Accenture in IT consulting for nearly a decade. Despite career success, he felt unfulfilled and decided to pursue his passion for travel, leading to the creation of Green Book Global. Travel Experience Traveled to 30+ countries across all seven continents, including Antarctica, in less than a year. Realized the need for a platform addressing “traveling while Black” concerns—safety, cultural acceptance, and inclusivity. Green Book Global Inspired by the historical Green Book (1936–1966), which guided Black travelers during segregation. Offers city-level Black-friendly scores, road trip planners, and Black-owned restaurant recommendations. Over 150,000 app downloads in 2025; partnered with Expedia; strong social media presence. Black Ambition Program Phillips applied three times before reaching semifinals, emphasizing persistence. Program provided funding opportunities and a transformative Evoke Wellness experience. His personal “why” statement:“I’m a protective and innovative steward of Black restoration and healing.” Impact & Vision Advocates systemic change by partnering with destinations to improve inclusivity. Highlights the economic power of Black travelers (over $140 billion annually). Encourages Black travelers to explore global opportunities beyond U.S. racial constraints. Notable Quotes “You can be successful and still not be happy.” — On leaving a lucrative career for passion. “I’m a protective and innovative steward of Black restoration and healing.” — His guiding principle. “There’s riches in niches.” — On unapologetically focusing on Black travelers. “Just because somebody said no doesn’t mean they said no to you—they said no at that time.” — On persistence in entrepreneurship. #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

18 Marras 29min

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