Black To Business

In this episode, we dive into the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the business world and its impact on Black entrepreneurs. Our guest, Daniel Oppong, Founder of The Courage Collective and Boundless, shares valuable insights on understanding and implementing DEI principles in businesses. From the meaning of DEI to the benefits of a holistic and human-centered approach, Daniel provides practical strategies and examples that can help entrepreneurs create inclusive and equitable environments.   DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: The definition of DEI and its significance in the context of business How DEI specifically benefits Black entrepreneurs and helps overcome barriers Practical examples of how DEI can be applied in various aspects of business operations The importance of designing a culture that ensures a meaningful experience for employees How to integrate DEI principles into business practices and promote sustainable change Creating an environment where people can thrive

In this episode of The Black To Business Podcast, we dive into the captivating topic of elevating your personal image and brand presence with our guest, Fola Lawson. Fola is the Creative Director and Co-Founder of Southern Gents, an e-commerce destination that offers fashion-forward pieces re-engineered from traditional styles to fit a modern lifestyle. As part of our Black Men Who Lead series, Fola's episode marks the beginning of a month-long celebration of exceptional Black male leaders in business and the community. Join us as we explore the significance of personal style, its impact on entrepreneurship, and practical strategies for enhancing your personal image and brand presence.   DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: The meaning of personal style and its distinction from fashion. Why personal style is crucial for entrepreneurs and professionals. How to discover and develop your own personal style. The concept of a curated and simple essential wardrobe. Essential pieces every entrepreneur and pro

In this episode of The Black To Business Podcast, we dive into the topic of building a thought leadership platform and valuing your unique narrative. Our guest is Shereese Floyd, the CEO of Witness My Life, a people and culture firm that partners with companies and universities to license women's leadership programs. Shereese is an award-winning TEDx speaker, speaker coach, and TEDxMintStreet organizer. With her expertise in personal and professional development, she shares insights on how Black entrepreneurs can position themselves to become impossible to ignore.   DURING THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: The difference between being a subject matter expert and a thought leader How to stop auditioning for your value and start embracing your expertise The significance of aligning your purpose with your paycheck Practical tips for telling your story and uncovering your authentic voice The power of understanding your "why" and using it to drive your thought leadership journey The importance of getting stil

In this episode of The Black To Business Podcast, host Monique T. Marshall dives deep into the crucial topic of resilience and perseverance in the world of entrepreneurship. As Black entrepreneurs, we face unique challenges, and it's essential to develop the mental strength needed to overcome obstacles and thrive in business. Monique shares her personal experiences and provides valuable tips and insights on building resilience, staying motivated, and navigating setbacks. Get ready to be inspired and empowered to embrace resilience and perseverance as tools for success.   DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: The specific challenges Black entrepreneurs may face and how resilience plays a vital role in overcoming them. Techniques for dealing with discrimination and bias in the entrepreneurial journey How to combat imposter syndrome and embrace your worth and accomplishments. Practical self-care tips to nurture your mental and emotional well-being as an entrepreneur The importance of building a supportive

In this episode, we address a staggering fact that despite Black people being one of the largest groups employed by the US restaurant industry, only 8% of restaurant owners are Black.   Our guest, Randy Hazelton, a founding partner of H&H Hospitality, has over a decade of experience in the restaurant industry. His portfolio includes several local, regional, and nationally recognized brands, including the popular Shake Shack. H&H also operates a joint venture partner at two more airports nationwide: Washington Dulles International and Dallas Fort Worth International.   Randy is recognized within the industry for his excellence in leadership and was formerly appointed to the Board of Directors for the city of Atlanta’s Development Authority, Invest Atlanta and was elected to the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC).  So let's just say, he's the perfect person to discuss this topic with.   Here are some things you'll learn during this episode: The difference between full-service and quick-service r

Name: Diamond Spikes Business Name: DS Creative Design Studio Current Title: CEO Location: Atlanta Georgia Educational Background:  Spelman College, Studio Art, BA- Bachelor of Art     About Diamond Spikes: Diamond Spikes, a creative entrepreneur and brand medium, embodies the philosophy that branding at its core is rooted in authenticity and mirrors how we develop, maintain and deepen relationships with one another as human beings. As the owner of an award-winning branding agency, DS Creative Design Studio, that serves DTC brands, her and her team have helped businesses tap into their unique essence and connect deeply with their audiences. Her agency's approach, informed by her degree in art, studies in psychology and sociology, and her innate intuition has earned her trust of over 70 brands such as Donata, Barbella Co, Hoop Mobb, and Buy with Prime.   With over 10 years of experience as an entrepreneur, Diamond has grown multiple multi-six figure brands. As a Black woman from Atlanta, GA who’s also a Scorpi

Name: Monique T. Marshall Business Name: Black To Business Current Title: Founder Location: Brooklyn, NY Educational Background: Howard University   About Monique: Monique T. Marshall is an Entrepreneur, Thought-Leader, and Influencer.  As the Chief-in-Charge of Black to Business, a platform providing Black entrepreneurs with the resources and connections to start and grow their businesses. Monique has furthered this mission through her podcast, speaking engagements, and workshops. After graduating from Howard University with a BBA in Supply Chain Management, the Georgia native relocated to Brooklyn, NY to continue the greater mission of increasing the number of successful Black startups. DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN Why uniqueness is essential for building a successful brand How to identify your unique selling points What a strong brand involves The unique challenges that Black entrepreneurs face and how to overcome them How embracing your uniqueness leads to increased revenue Thank you so

Name: Monique T. Marshall Business Name: Black To Business Current Title: Founder Location: Brooklyn, NY Educational Background: Howard University   About Monique: Monique T. Marshall is an Entrepreneur, Thought-Leader, and Influencer.  As the Chief-in-Charge of Black to Business, a platform providing Black entrepreneurs with the resources and connections to start and grow their businesses. Monique has furthered this mission through her podcast, speaking engagements, and workshops. After graduating from Howard University with a BBA in Supply Chain Management, the Georgia native relocated to Brooklyn, NY to continue the greater mission of increasing the number of successful Black startups.   DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN The difference between a passion project and a business How to find your first customers Tips for conducting market research for your business Ways to build your business network   Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.

Name: Monique T. Marshall Business Name: Black To Business Current Title: Founder Location: Brooklyn, NY Educational Background: Howard University   About Monique: Monique T. Marshall is an Entrepreneur, Thought-Leader, and Influencer.  As the Chief-in-Charge of Black to Business, a platform providing Black entrepreneurs with the resources and connections to start and grow their businesses. Monique has furthered this mission through her podcast, speaking engagements, and workshops. After graduating from Howard University with a BBA in Supply Chain Management, the Georgia native relocated to Brooklyn, NY to continue the greater mission of increasing the number of successful Black startups.   DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN Tips for unplugging to focus in your business Why numbers don’t matter as much as you think How to avoid getting distracted and comparing yourself Ways to find your support system Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.c

Name: Monique T. Marshall Business Name: Black To Business Current Title: Founder Location: Brooklyn, NY Educational Background: Howard University   About Monique: Monique T. Marshall is an Entrepreneur, Thought-Leader, and Influencer.  As the Chief-in-Charge of Black to Business, a platform providing Black entrepreneurs with the resources and connections to start and grow their businesses. Monique has furthered this mission through her podcast, speaking engagements, and workshops. After graduating from Howard University with a BBA in Supply Chain Management, the Georgia native relocated to Brooklyn, NY to continue the greater mission of increasing the number of successful Black startups.   THINGS YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE How to build your business reputation Decide if you really need a business plan Why you need to get honest about WHY you started your business Tips on how to find your ideal customer The power of properly structuring your business Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by s

Are you struggling to get your brand's story heard in a sea of noise? This episode will provide you with solutions to your many PR questions. We played host to Tequilla White, the founder, and owner of TWPR, a full-service communications consultancy that specializes in amplifying the stories of purpose-driven brands.   In this episode, Tequilla shares how her love for reading as a child inspired her to become a storyteller and what exactly the role of a publicist entails. She also gives us an inside look into how TWPR positions clients for top-tier publications and how brands can prepare themselves to be featured.   But the benefits of being featured in newsworthy media outlets don't stop there. Tequila explains how any brand can become a thought leader in their industry and when to send pitches for publications around important events.   If you're looking to use leadership and media coverage to drive sales, don't miss Tequilla's insights on this topic. Plus, she'll also dive into the role of social media in

Are you ready to be inspired by a true change-maker? Meet Keisha Mabry Haymore, a social entrepreneur, connector, and owner of Heydays, a business incubator and coworking space for women and founders of color.    In this episode, Keisha shares her journey of building Heyday HQ from an idea to a thriving community hub. Along the way, she discusses the power of doing everything scared, the importance of sharing your dreams with others, and the impact of grants for women-led businesses.    As the Grow With Google Digital Coach for Missouri, Keisha also provides valuable insights on how to close the digital divide gap and navigate the world of digital marketing. From Fortune 500 companies to TEDx stages, Keisha has delivered over 150 keynote speeches, and her book "Hey Friend: 100 Ways to Connect with 100 People in 100 Days" is a movement to make the world a friendlier place. Tune in to hear Keisha's life hacks for success, and get ready to be inspired to connect, create, and curate anything!   DURING THIS EPISOD

Are you ready for an episode filled with inspiration and wisdom?    Join us in this episode as we talk to the multi-talented Dayna Lynne North, a film and television writer, producer, and cultural curator, who is also the Co-Creator and Executive Producer of the iconic Best Man film franchise, THE BEST MAN: FINAL CHAPTERS.   Dayna is a self-described ‘Delightful Disruptor’ of the status quo, and in this episode, she shares her insights on how to change the status quo and disrupt delightfully. She also talks about the importance of showing up from a place of joy and how Black women can leverage their relationships in their circles to achieve their goals.   Leadership and mental health are also important topics that Dayna delves into during this episode. As someone who has achieved great success in the entertainment industry, Dayna shares her perspective on why leaders need to be deliberate about their mental health and the role it plays in their success.   But that's not all. Dayna also talks about how storyte

Name: Chantel George Business Name: Sistas In Sales Current Title: Founder & CEO Location: New York Educational Background:  Pace University   Bachelor of Arts - BA, Liberal Studies with Minor in Communications and Pre-LawBachelor of Arts - BA, Liberal Studies with Minor in Communications and Pre-Law     About Chantel: Chantel George the founder of Sistas In Sales (SIS) - the largest global organization for women of color in sales. She founded Sistas In Sales out of a determination to promote, support, and encourage women of color in sales across all industries. Sistas In Sales partners with Fortune 500 companies, tech start-ups and consulting businesses to help them attract, hire and retain women of color sales professionals. SIS also provides world class training, networking opportunities, and above all else, sisterhood for this underrepresented community. Chantel is also an experienced Senior Enterprise Account Executive in AdTech, MarTech & SaaS. With her attention to detail, thoroughness and cl

Name: Felicia Jackson Business Name: CPRWrap Inc. Current Title: CEO/Founder   About Felicia:  Felicia Jackson, a resident of Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a wife, mother, entrepreneur, and inventor of the disposable CPR template, CPRWrap.  With over 20 years of experience in the medical field, she holds an A.A.S. Degree from Chattanooga State College and worked as a Physical Therapist Assistant. After experiencing a traumatic incident with her 2-year-old son firsthand, Felicia had a vision of a product that could help save lives. She was certified in BLS CPR but froze when her toddler son experienced a medical emergency in the back seat of their car. Thanks to the quick actions of her husband, an Army Veteran, their son survived, but Felicia learned a valuable lesson and walked away with a new mission. She sought help from SCORE, LAUNCH CHA, COLAB, and Techstars. After graduating, she debuted the CPRWrap to the world. To date, her invention has been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, Inc. Magazine, Medium, a

Name: Simon T. Bailey Business Name: Simon T. Bailey International Current Title: President/CEO Location: Windermere,  FL.   About Simon Bailey:  Simon T. Bailey is the author of “Ignite the Power ofWOMEN In Your Life: A Guide for MEN,” the book destined to spark a worldwide movement. In fact, Simon has committed to a life of purpose that sparks individuals and organizations to lead countries, companies, and communities differently. This current mission caps an illustrious career as a Hall of FameKeynote Speaker and renowned advisor to companies in diverse industries. His framework is based on his 30 years' experience in the hospitality industry, including serving as sales director for Disney Institute, based at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL. As a prolific author and speaker, Simon has worked with Signet Jewelers, SalesForce, T-Mobile, Stanford Healthcare, General Mills and Hilton Hotels, just to name a few. He has three online courses featured on LinkedIn Learning that reach professionals in 100+ c

Name: Andrei Hall Business Name: Hall Wealth Management Current Title: America's Retirement Asset Distribution Professional & President Of Hall Wealth Management Location: Irvine CA Educational Background:  BS of Business Administration from Cal State LA, CFP, CRPC Ed Slott Master Elite Advisor   About Andrei:   Andrei Hall, President of Hall Wealth Management Group, has over 19 years experience in wealth management for retirees, high level executives, celebrities, and business owners. ‍Hall Wealth Management’s success is based on Andrei’s firm belief in a holistic financial planning process. This starts with a comprehensive plan to develop planning, retirement, and estate strategies and determining which investments to be best utilized. During the year of the 2008 market crash, Hall Wealth Management had one of its most successful years in preserving clientele and acquiring new clients. Andrei will work to understand clients’ monetary challenges and the proactive steps that need to be taken under the eco

Name: Joey Price Business Name: Jumpstart:HR Current Title: President + CEO Location: Maryland Educational Background:  BS - Kinesiology, MS - Human Resources Management and Development, Curious by Nature   About Joey Price:  Joey Price is an award-winning Human Resources Executive, thought leader, and the President and CEO of Jumpstart:HR. The company offers HR outsourcing and consulting for startups and small businesses. He is a proud member of the Forbes HR Counsel and UKG's Workforce Institute Advisory Board. Joey also co-hosts the "While We Were Working" weekly podcast for leaders in the workplace who wish to be better at handling people's issues. He is a seasoned HR professional with hands-on experience in multiple organizations; Joey advocates for businesses to translate their goals into high ROI through happily engaged staff members.   DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Why small businesses need an HR department The risks of not having an HR department Difference between hiring an HR specialist v

Bianca Shellie- Robinson MBA, PMP is passionate about entrepreneurship education, project management, and business development.   She's a pitching expert and a corporate trainer. Bianca is a Business Professor teaching Business Operations and Project Management at one of Chicago's downtown colleges. ​Bianca is a Business Trainer for Mastercard.​ Bianca has been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine,​Black Enterprise, and much more!   Bianca is the President of Cayden Cay Consulting, which was established in 2012.   ​Cayden Cay Consulting is a full-service operational management firm that works with businesses to develop and manage their business infrastructure needs. They teach professional service businesses how to create a bigger impact, gain back their independence, and increase their influence which will double their income. Cayden Cay Consulting educates their clients on how to go from serving one client to serving many all by working less and making more money. Bianca has helped over 10,000 entrep

Name: Robert Kennedy Business Name: Kennetik Kommunications Current Title: President Location: Maryland     About Robert:  Robert Kennedy III wants to live in a world where people are no longer afraid to confidently tell their stories...and they can also eat Reese's Peanut Butter cups for every meal without any repercussions.  His work as a keynote speaker and trainer in the area of leadership communication has led him to work with organizations such as the US Coast Guard, Barnes & Noble, Social Security Administration, Panda Restaurant Group, AARP, T-Mobile, and UNCF as well as appearances on Fox, CW, and other networks. He is involved in his community through various boards, including the school boards, Association for Talent Development Maryland Chapter, youth leadership programs, and helping non-profits conduct mock interviews. He is also a professional member of the National Speakers Association.   DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: What it means to be confident How confidence plays a role in communi