Overcoming the Odds: How to navigate the emotional and financial challenges of sudden wealth.

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Karimah McFarlane. 🎯 Purpose of the Interview To explore Karimah McFarlane’s multifaceted journey—from her corporate leadership roles at Google and Workday to becoming the owner of Buckhead Art & Company—and to inspire others to embrace change, pursue entrepreneurship, and understand the value of art as a tool for wealth-building and cultural empowerment. 🧭 Key Takeaways 1. Corporate Career & Tech Leadership Karimah has 20+ years in Human Resources, specializing in mergers and acquisitions. At Google, she supported AI and Pixel teams as a People Business Partner, despite initially thinking the recruiter’s call was spam. Currently at Workday, she partners with the Chief Revenue Officer to build high-performing sales teams and develop leadership pipelines. 2. Navigating Change & Cultural Shifts Transitioned from the East Coast (DMV area) to the Bay Area, facing cultural adjustments (e.g., lack of familiar foods, hair products). Found support through Delta Sigma Theta sorority and Black Googlers Network. Emphasized the importance of embracing discomfort and new experiences for personal and professional growth. 3. HR as a Strategic Asset HR is more than hiring/firing—it’s about scaling businesses, developing talent, and preventing legal issues. Small businesses often undervalue HR until a crisis occurs. HR should be seen as a strategic partner on leadership teams. 4. Art as Wealth, Culture & Healing Karimah owns Buckhead Art & Company, the only art gallery in Buckhead, Atlanta. Inspired by her exposure to art investment at Google and her role in selecting art for corporate spaces. Advocates for marginalized artists by helping them with branding, IP protection, and business structure. 5. Making Art Accessible The gallery focuses on beginner and mid-level collectors, offering education and approachable experiences. Offers virtual consultations, art fairs, and community events to demystify art buying. Emphasizes the emotional, cultural, and financial value of art. 6. Recognition & Impact Buckhead Art & Company was named Best Art Gallery in Georgia (2023 & 2024). Uses her platform to educate, empower, and elevate artists and collectors alike. Promotes artist development through storytelling, branding, and business mentorship. 💬 Notable Quotes “Empowerment is figuring out what you do best and using your talent to help others.” “Don’t shy away from opportunities that give you insights and experiences.” “HR helps you scale your organization—it’s not just about hiring and firing.” “Art has always been at the forefront of royalty, wealth, and education.” “We specialize in humans. When you walk into our gallery, you are equal.” “You don’t have to win an Oscar to be a great actor. Same with art—you don’t need a traditional path to be successful.” 🔗 Connect with Karimah McFarlane Gallery: Buckhead Art & Company YouTube: Buckhead Art & Company Instagram: @buckheadartandcompany #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

25 Dec 37min

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Jermaine Smith. 💼 Business Overview Henry’s Soul Café: A family legacy restaurant founded in 1968 by Jermaine’s father. Jermaine expanded the brand while honoring its roots. Culinary Institute: Created to train and mentor youth in the culinary arts. Film & Talent: Produces films (Strange Love, Trophy Wife, Legendary with Earthquake) and manages comedians and entertainers. Real Estate: Active developer and investor in the DMV area. 💡 Key Insights Legacy & Mentorship: Inspired by his father’s generosity and work ethic, Jermaine emphasizes giving back and mentoring youth. Multiple Streams of Income: Jermaine diversified his career across food, entertainment, and real estate. Community Impact: Employs and mentors local youth, often becoming a father figure and role model. Soul Food Philosophy: Describes soul food as “cooked from the heart,” rooted in African American history and Southern traditions. Mumbo Sauce Origin: Shared the cultural history of D.C.’s iconic mumbo sauce and consulted McDonald’s on its rollout. 🧠 Business Wisdom “It’s not about what you acquire, it’s about what you help others acquire.” “Kids emulate what they see. Be the example.” “You don’t have to be the star to be the one who delivers the value.” 📦 Bonus Highlights TV Appearance: Featured on OWN’s Great Soul Food Cook-Off as one of the top 8 soul food chefs in the U.S. McDonald’s Collaboration: Consulted on the cultural authenticity of mumbo sauce for a national campaign. Faith & Focus: Attributes his success to staying grounded, being trustworthy, and having a heart for service. #BEST #STRAW #SHMSSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

25 Dec 26min

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Sharise Nance. Purpose of the Interview To showcase Sharise Nance’s mission in mental health advocacy, entrepreneurship, and workplace wellness. To discuss her companies: Hand in Hand Counseling Services – addressing mental health disparities in Black communities. Vitamin C Healing – building trauma-sensitive, wellness-centered workplace cultures. To educate on stress, burnout, compassion fatigue, and financial equity in the mental health field. Key Takeaways Hand in Hand Counseling Services Founded with college roommate Tess Kenny in Pittsburgh. Created a safe space for mental health support in underserved communities. Celebrating 12 years in operation. Breaking Mental Health Stigma Built trust through community presence and transparency. Advocated therapy as normal: “I’m a therapist who has a therapist.” Education on what therapy is and isn’t. Understanding Stress Eustress (positive stress) vs. Distress (overwhelming stress). Physical signs: sweating, rapid heartbeat, tense shoulders, jaw clenching. Stress can lead to depression and anxiety—seek professional help. Impact of COVID-19 Isolation amplified mental health issues. Introduced concept of co-regulation—healing through community and connection. Vitamin C Healing Originated from her book Vitamin C Healing for the Mind, Body. Evolved into a brand offering workshops, consultations, and burnout assessments. Focused on helping professionals and leaders prevent compassion fatigue. Financial Equity in Mental Health Advocates for fair pay: “We can care deeply and earn abundantly.” Challenges the mindset that passion work means low income. Encourages professionals to set boundaries and value their expertise. Burnout & Organizational Cost Unaddressed burnout costs companies millions annually. Leads to quiet quitting, low productivity, and high turnover. Investing in wellness saves money and improves culture. Personal Journey Biggest bet: leaving full-time job in 2017 to pursue entrepreneurship. Therapy helped her navigate fear and grief (especially after losing her father). Quote: “Feel the fear and do it anyway.” Notable Quotes “We can care deeply and earn abundantly.” “I’m a therapist who has a therapist.” “Feel the fear and do it anyway.” “We heal when we are in community—it’s hard to heal in isolation.” “Compassion fatigue isn’t just a feel-good topic; it costs companies millions.” “Betting on myself was the best investment I ever made.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

25 Dec 33min

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 #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

25 Dec 23min

The Steve Harvey Morning Show for Wednesday, December 24th, 2025: Steve Harvey's Morning Inspiration | Show Open | Run That Prank Back - "Christmas Decorations" | Ask The CLO | Christmas Drunks | Would You Rather | Comedy Roulette: Something An Elf Might Complain About | Nephew Tommy's Prank - "Truck Driver Exchange" | Strawberry Letter - "She's In The Middle Stirring Up Mess" Pt. 1-2 | Junior - No Black Elves | J Anthony Brown Murders The Hits: "Give It Up On Christmas" | Couples Who Have Each Other's Back | Would You Rather | Steve Harvey's Closing RemarksSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

24 Dec 1h 31min

The Steve Harvey Morning Show for Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025: Steve Harvey's Morning Inspiration | Show Open | Run That Prank Back - "Eggnog" | Ask The CLO | Christmas Traditions With Sista O'Dell | Would You Rather | Santa's Schedule | Nephew Tommy's Prank - Christmas Decorations | Strawberry Letter - "It's The D For Me" Pt. 1-2 | Murder The Hit - "Sidepiece Santa Claus" | Christmas Songs With Roscoe Wallace | City With The Most Rats | Would You Rather | Steve Harvey's Closing RemarksSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

23 Dec 1h 32min

The Steve Harvey Morning Show for Monday, December 22nd, 2025: Steve Harvey's Morning Inspiration | Show Open | Favorite Christmas Memories Pt.1 | Favorite Christmas Memories Pt.2 | Elves On Strike | Would You Rather | New Christmas Traditions | Nephew Tommy's Prank - "Eggnog" | Strawberry Letter - "She Slapped My Husband" Parts 1-2 | Meeting Santa | Social Media Advice | Making 100K | Would You Rather | Steve Harvey's Closing RemarksSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

22 Dec 1h 32min