Black To Business

Selfish. That word alone probably makes you tense up. Most of us were raised to believe that being selfish is wrong, especially as Black entrepreneurs carrying the weight of family, community, and proving ourselves in business. The idea of putting yourself first feels uncomfortable, maybe even impossible. Yet constantly putting yourself last is the fastest way to burn out and stall your growth. In this episode, leadership advisor and coach Dawn Christian, founder of BeLeadership, flips the script on what it means to be selfish. After 25 years of leading billion-dollar product launches in corporate and then pivoting into entrepreneurship, Dawn knows firsthand how dangerous self-neglect can be and how transformational self-prioritization truly is. She shares her Ethos Driven Leadership framework, practical ways to set boundaries, and why choosing yourself is actually the best thing you can do for your business.   DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: What it really means to be a selfish leader and why that choice

As a Black entrepreneur, you’ve probably felt the weight of trying to keep up with new technology while still running every part of your business. Maybe you’ve asked yourself if AI is just another passing trend or if it’s something you really need to pay attention to. The truth is, AI is already transforming how businesses operate and compete. For us, staying informed and prepared is not just about keeping up, it is about leveling the playing field and creating opportunities to lead. That is why we brought in Stacy Kirk, a tech entrepreneur and thought leader who has built her career helping businesses embrace innovation. In this episode, Stacy shares why AI cannot be ignored, the most important tools and trends you should know about, and how to use them in practical ways that fit your business. She makes technology feel approachable and offers strategies that allow you to save time, streamline your work, and create opportunities to grow.   DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Why AI matters for every business

You want to build something that actually changes lives, and you also need it to pay the bills. You have felt the pressure to choose one or the other, purpose or profit, when what you really want is both. This episode is for you if you are wrestling with questions like how do I fund my mission, how do I prove my impact, and how do I scale without losing the heart of why I started.   In this conversation, you will learn from Jasmine Crowe-Houston, award winning social entrepreneur and founder and CEO of Goodr. Jasmine has built a technology powered company that has redirected more than 25 million pounds of food and delivered nearly 40 million meals by connecting surplus to need, and she has opened dozens of free Goodr Grocery Stores that bring dignified, affordable access to healthy food. She breaks down the real story behind making money while making a difference, from pricing and partnerships to data and mindset, and she is refreshingly honest about what it takes for Black founders to build and sustain socia

You may have thought about writing a book but quickly shut it down with reasons like “I’m not a writer,” “I don’t have time,” or “Who would even read it?” The reality is, a book is one of the most powerful tools you can have as a business owner because it shifts how people see you. A book makes people stop, listen, and lean in. It builds credibility in rooms where you might have felt invisible and it gives you authority without you having to keep proving yourself.   In this conversation, best selling author and international speaker Geo Derice gets practical and real about becoming an author as a business strategy. Geo shares how he went from being overlooked to booked by adding the word author to his title, and why your story already lives in your conversations, it just needs packaging. He walks you through defining your ideal reader, choosing the right idea now, building an outline that saves you time and money, and publishing professionally without wasting coins. We also dig into using your book to open do

When you're running a business, it’s easy to get caught up in long hours, constant hustle, and putting your own needs last. But here’s the truth: lasting success starts with taking care of yourself. Prioritizing your mind, body, and spirit isn’t a luxury, it's essential for growth. In this episode, we sit down with Lauren LC Wells, founder and chief wellness officer of Hervival, a holistic wellness and leadership company dedicated to helping women especially those in underserved wellness spaces thrive. Lauren’s journey took her from studying nursing to working as a fitness trainer in NYC, and eventually building a thriving wellness community. What started as a movement has grown into an app and now a membership hub that helps people prevent burnout, reduce stress, and live with purpose. Lauren breaks down what holistic wellness really means for entrepreneurs, the impact of grind culture on your wellbeing, and why putting yourself first is the smartest business decision you can make. Whether you’re just star

As entrepreneurs, it’s easy to get caught in the cycle of hustle, stress, and pushing through exhaustion. But what if your constant state of “go” is costing you more than you realize? What if the very thing standing between you and sustainable leadership is your nervous system? In this episode we’re joined by Lauren Dike, somatic practitioner, trauma-informed coach, and founder of Harmona Inclusive Wellbeing. Lauren has worked with organizations like NASA, Lululemon, and Black Girls Code, helping leaders and teams address burnout and embed nervous system science into the way they work. She shares how your nervous system shapes your leadership, why traditional self-care often isn’t enough, and practical ways to begin healing from stress so you can build a business that doesn’t cost you your peace. If you’ve been wondering how to lead from a place of calm confidence instead of survival mode, this episode will give you the tools and insights you need.   DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: The difference between

When people think of investing their mind usually goes to stocks, bonds and crypto. But what if we told you there's more to it. That you don't have to invest in any of those three to create long lasting wealth at your own pace without having to submit to peer pressure or needing a large sum to start.    In this episode we’re joined by Stephanie Dorsey, Co- founder and CEO of Margins Capital, an alternative investment firm that helps people invest alternatively. Stephanie’s journey spans from working in Afro Ecuadorian communities teaching them about managing money and investments. This ultimately led Stephanie to leading consumer banking innovation at Capital One and ultimately founding her own investment firm.     In this episode Stephanie breaks down what alternative investments really are, how to get started and why the wealth gap exists and how we can begin to close it. Whether you’re a beginner or have felt shut out of traditional investing circles, this conversation will help you understand how to inves

You’ve probably heard it before. Just focus on one thing. But what if your vision is bigger than one idea? For many Black entrepreneurs, building more than one business is not about being unfocused, it’s about honoring your full potential. Still, the pressure to niche down or choose one path can make you question if it’s even possible to do both without burning out. In this episode, we sit down with Cristina Jerome, a creative entrepreneur and strategist who successfully manages two growing ventures. She runs a content strategy business while also leading Off Worque, a nonprofit social club centered on creating healthier relationships with work. Cristina opens up about what it takes to run multiple businesses with intention, how she protects her time and mental health, and why you don’t have to limit yourself to one lane in order to thrive. If you’re multi-passionate and trying to figure out how to make it all work, this episode is for you.   DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: How to balance multiple ventures

We’re closing out July with a conversation that so many entrepreneurs need, but rarely have. You know that thing in your business you keep pushing off? The task, the email, the decision you know matters but it keeps getting skipped? Yeah. That. In this week’s solo episode, Monique is breaking down what avoidance actually looks like, why it shows up, and how to gently face the hard stuff without guilt or overwhelm. Because the truth is, your business can’t grow if you’re stuck dancing around the things that need your attention. And contrary to what hustle culture says, progress isn’t just about doing more. It’s about being honest about what’s holding you back. Whether you’re in a season of stillness, stagnation, or quiet rebuilding, this episode will help you reset, refocus, and make room for real momentum. DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: What avoidance actually looks like in business (and how it disguises itself as “being busy”) Why avoidance doesn’t mean you’re unmotivated and how it often stems from p

Sometimes you're not stuck. You're just in a season of building that doesn't come with applause. This week’s solo episode is all about the quiet work, the behind-the-scenes effort that doesn't show up on your timeline or in your metrics (yet) but is still laying the foundation for your next level. Right now, so many entrepreneurs are navigating a weird space. Maybe you're reworking your offer. Maybe you're refining your systems. Maybe you're just trying to stay focused while everything in the world feels like it's shifting. AI, the economy, politics, all of it. We wanted to speak to this moment. To that space where it feels like you’re doing something, but you can’t quite tell if it’s working. You’re not the only one feeling that way. DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: How to recognize the quiet work that’s actually moving your business forward Why your progress might not be visible yet (but that doesn’t mean it’s missing) The difference between intentional stillness and being stuck How to keep your

As a Black entrepreneur, you’ve probably felt the pressure to pick one lane or play it safe. But what if your breakthrough is actually in the blend? When bold style, conscious sustainability, and smart technology come together, they create real power in your brand and purpose. Whether you’re building a product or offering a service, your audience is craving more than just a look or a label. They want meaning, function, and innovation. This episode helps you explore how to build with all of that in mind.   In this powerful conversation, we’re joined by Daryl “DJ” Riley Jr., engineer, innovator, and co-founder of Tendaji, a fashion tech company known for its solar-powered wireless charging apparel. DJ shares how a college senior design project grew into a nationally recognized business, why sustainability and culture matter at every stage, and how Black entrepreneurs can create value-driven brands across any industry. If you’ve ever wondered whether your big idea was too different or too early, this episode wil

When you’re building a business, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, the metrics, and the systems. If you’ve ever felt frustrated by team challenges, struggled to motivate others, or wondered why your leadership isn’t landing the way you hoped, this conversation is for you.  In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Sam Adeyemi, a globally respected executive coach, leadership strategist, and author who has trained over 52,000 leaders through his Daystar Leadership Academy. He’s coached CEOs around the world, and what sets Dr. Sam apart is his passion for people-centered leadership. In this conversation, he breaks down why your people, not your processes, are your most valuable asset and how learning to lead with empathy, strategy, and vision can transform your business from the inside out.    DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Why focusing on results and processes alone leads to burnout and turnover The mindset shift every leader must make to become people-focused How to build trust and loyalty without

We’re officially in July, and if you’re feeling like the first half of the year flew by, you’re not alone. This week’s solo episode is all about pausing, reflecting, and realigning without shame. Because growth doesn’t always look like a revenue spike or a launch. Sometimes it looks like clarity. Sometimes it looks like letting go. If you’ve been feeling tired, behind, or just unsure where to focus next, this mid-year check-in is for you. Monique is guiding you through a step-by-step reflection and reset that’s both practical and personal. We’re talking about how to recalibrate your goals, your energy, and your expectations with intention, especially as Black entrepreneurs navigating unique pressure, responsibility, and noise in today’s climate. This is your permission to start fresh without guilt. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN: Why reflection without shame is the foundation for realignment How to release goals that no longer fit who you are or where you’re headed What it means to check in with your nee

Let’s be real. A lot of us have been out here trying to follow someone else’s version of success. Copying the routines. Following the “rules.” Pushing ourselves to work in ways that don’t even feel natural. But if your business still feels off, it might not be about doing more. It might be about working differently. Working in a way that actually supports how you move. In this solo episode, Monique is getting into the step that too many early-stage entrepreneurs skip: learning how you personally work best. This isn’t about another hustle routine or productivity hack. It’s about tuning into your rhythm, your energy, and your capacity and building a business that actually fits your life. Especially as Black entrepreneurs, we’ve been told to push through, power up, and work twice as hard. But we don’t often hear that it’s okay to pause, reflect, and choose a way of working that protects your peace. That’s what this conversation is about. If you’ve been checking all the boxes but still feel drained or stuck, this

We talk about freedom a lot, especially around Juneteenth. But what does it actually look like in your business? Is it more time with your kids? Being able to say no to the wrong clients? Finally unplugging for a weekend without everything falling apart? In this week’s solo episode, Monique is breaking down what entrepreneurial freedom really means beyond the quotes and buzzwords. Because if your business is running you instead of supporting you, something needs to shift. And we’re naming it. Too many of us are building businesses that look successful on the outside but feel heavy, draining, and unsustainable behind the scenes. THINGS YOU’LL LEARN DURING THIS EPISODE: Why freedom in business is less about money and more about choice The small (but powerful) signs that your business isn’t freeing you, it’s boxing you in How to simplify your offers and systems so you’re not tied to your laptop 24/7 What it means to build in a way that honors your energy, your values, and your peace A personal stor

When you’re starting a business, it’s easy to feel like you need to look the part before you fully understand what your business even is. And for Black entrepreneurs, that pressure hits different. We’re often expected to appear polished and professional from day one, even when we’re still figuring things out behind the scenes.   The thing is, visuals won’t fix confusion. A great logo and a sleek website won’t do much if you can’t clearly explain what you offer, who it’s for, and why it matters.   In this solo episode, Monique is breaking down why clarity should always come before branding. She’s walking you through the exact questions you need to answer before spending a dime on design.  THINGS YOU’LL LEARN DURING THIS EPISODE: Why branding feels like the first step and why that’s not where you should start The three core questions you need to answer before working on your visuals How to use real conversations and feedback to sharpen your clarity A simple formula to clearly explain your business in on

Ever feel like you're working your tail off but somehow going nowhere? Like you're checking all the boxes (posting on social, networking, building your offers) but the progress just isn't showing up the way you want it to? You're not imagining it, and this is way more common than you think. In this episode, Monique T. Marshall is getting into the real reasons why so many Black entrepreneurs hit that frustrating wall where they're busy but not productive. She's breaking down what's actually keeping you stuck and giving you a clear path forward that doesn't involve working yourself into the ground. This isn't about hustling harder. It's about getting strategic with a plan that actually makes sense for your life and your reality. THINGS YOU’LL LEARN DURING THIS EPISODE Why building in isolation is keeping you stuck (and what to do about it) The difference between being busy and being productive How to create a plan that actually works with your life, not against it Why focusing on your "one thing" beats

When you’re a Black entrepreneur building from the ground up, the pressure to have it all figured out can be overwhelming. You’re told to have a perfect brand, a full team, and six months of savings before you even get started. But for many of us, that kind of access just isn’t our reality. And still, we’re expected to make it work. This episode is your reminder that you don’t need to wait for the stars to align. You can start and grow your business with what you already have.   In this conversation, startup strategist and educator Boomy Tokan shares a practical system designed for those of us who have had to figure things out without a blueprint. With over two decades of experience helping thousands of entrepreneurs navigate the early stages, Boomy breaks down how to grow a sustainable business without burnout, overspending, or second-guessing every move. This episode speaks directly to those navigating entrepreneurship as a first-generation builder, showing you how to grow smarter while honoring your journe

Let’s be honest. When you hear “LinkedIn,” your first thought might be that it’s just for job seekers, corporate professionals, or people in industries that don’t reflect your own. Maybe you’ve avoided it because it feels stiff, too polished, or like a space where you have to shrink who you are just to fit in. But here’s what most folks miss: LinkedIn is one of the most powerful tools for building relationships, increasing visibility, and growing your business. If you’re not using it with intention, you’re likely missing out on real opportunities. In this episode, we sit down with Larry Long Jr., also known as “LinkedIn Larry,” to break down exactly how to make LinkedIn work for you. Larry is the Chief Energy Officer of LLJR Enterprises and a top LinkedIn influencer who has built a thriving brand by showing up as his full, authentic self. He shares step-by-step strategies for optimizing your profile, creating content that connects, and turning conversations into meaningful business relationships—without water

If you're building your business from the ground up and finding it hard to grow beyond a certain point, you’re not alone. Maybe you're stuck juggling everything, feeling like the business can’t run without you, or just hitting a wall around that six or seven-figure mark. This episode is for you if you’ve been wondering what it really takes to get to that next level and why, despite your efforts, things still feel like they depend solely on you. In today’s conversation, we’re joined by Sammy Orelien, a serial entrepreneur who has built and scaled multimillion dollar businesses starting from scratch. He breaks down why so many entrepreneurs become the bottleneck in their own growth, how to shift from operator to CEO, and what it truly means to build a business that runs beyond your personal hustle. Sammy’s insights are clear, actionable, and rooted in experience that speaks directly to the challenges many Black entrepreneurs face in scaling sustainably.   DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: What it actually mea