Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Everett Swain II.

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:
Highlight alternative pathways to high-paying careers without a traditional four-year degree.
Showcase how UXD Academy, founded by Everett Swain II, empowers individuals—especially from underserved communities—to leverage AI and design skills for financial and academic freedom.
Inspire entrepreneurs and small business owners to embrace AI-driven opportunities.

Key Takeaways


AI as an Opportunity, Not a Threat
AI can amplify human capabilities rather than replace them.
Small businesses see 80% positive ROI from AI adoption, making it a major growth lever.


Career Without a Degree
Over 40% of tech companies no longer require degrees, focusing instead on certifications and portfolios.
UXD Academy teaches AI experience design and automation for learners as young as 13.


Everett’s Journey
Started as a graphic designer, pivoted to UX after self-learning via “YouTube University.”
Built UXD Academy to democratize access to tech careers and fight industry gatekeeping.


Business Model
UXD Academy offers free resources and paid guidance.
Created Our Table, an AI experience agency employing top students for real-world projects.


Impact on Underserved Communities
Programs can transform lives, moving individuals from low-income jobs to salaries of $75K–$140K within 3 years.
Focus on youth (starting at age 13) to break cycles of poverty and limited exposure.


Future AI Trends for Small Businesses
AI agents, automated workflows, and AI-powered customer experiences will dominate in the next 12–18 months.


Legacy
Everett aims to help 100,000 youth create their own reality through tech education.

Notable Quotes


On AI’s role:
“Think of AI as the smartest intern you know—you can train it to work specifically for you.”


On education:
“You don’t need a degree for what I do. Over 40% of tech companies don’t care about degrees anymore—they care about your portfolio.”


On opportunity:
“If you follow what I’m telling you, you can change your life in under a year and a half.”


On underserved communities:
“For the first time in history, people of color can bridge the gap to academic and financial freedom without a four-year degree.”


On legacy:
“If I can help 100,000 kids create their own reality, that will be my legacy.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed&nbsp;Everett Swain II.
<hr>
Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to:
<ul>
<li>Highlight alternative pathways to high-paying careers without a traditional four-year degree.</li>
<li>Showcase how UXD Academy, founded by Everett Swain II, empowers individuals&mdash;especially from underserved communities&mdash;to leverage AI and design skills for financial and academic freedom.</li>
<li>Inspire entrepreneurs and small business owners to embrace AI-driven opportunities.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Key Takeaways
<ol>
<li>
AI as an Opportunity, Not a Threat
<ul>
<li>AI can amplify human capabilities rather than replace them.</li>
<li>Small businesses see 80% positive ROI from AI adoption, making it a major growth lever.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Career Without a Degree
<ul>
<li>Over 40% of tech companies no longer require degrees, focusing instead on certifications and portfolios.</li>
<li>UXD Academy teaches AI experience design and automation for learners as young as 13.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Everett&rsquo;s Journey
<ul>
<li>Started as a graphic designer, pivoted to UX after self-learning via &ldquo;YouTube University.&rdquo;</li>
<li>Built UXD Academy to democratize access to tech careers and fight industry gatekeeping.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Business Model
<ul>
<li>UXD Academy offers free resources and paid guidance.</li>
<li>Created Our Table, an AI experience agency employing top students for real-world projects.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Impact on Underserved Communities
<ul>
<li>Programs can transform lives, moving individuals from low-income jobs to salaries of $75K&ndash;$140K within 3 years.</li>
<li>Focus on youth (starting at age 13) to break cycles of poverty and limited exposure.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Future AI Trends for Small Businesses
<ul>
<li>AI agents, automated workflows, and AI-powered customer experiences will dominate in the next 12&ndash;18 months.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Legacy
<ul>
<li>Everett aims to help 100,000 youth create their own reality through tech education.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
<hr>
Notable Quotes
<ul>
<li>
On AI&rsquo;s role: &ldquo;Think of AI as the smartest intern you know&mdash;you can train it to work specifically for you.&rdquo;
</li>
<li>
On education: &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t need a degree for what I do. Over 40% of tech companies don&rsquo;t care about degrees anymore&mdash;they care about your portfolio.&rdquo;
</li>
<li>
On opportunity: &ldquo;If you follow what I&rsquo;m telling you, you can change your life in under a year and a half.&rdquo;
</li>
<li>
On underserved communities: &ldquo;For the first time in history, people of color can bridge the gap to academic and financial freedom without a four-year degree.&rdquo;
</li>
<li>
On legacy: &ldquo;If I can help 100,000 kids create their own reality, that will be my legacy.&rdquo;
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Hi, this is Rushion McDonald. Welcome to the podcast world of Money Making Conversations Master Class. I interview profits and nonprofits to learn their "Secrets to Success."  I'm a former IBM Executive with a degree in Mathematics. I started my entrepreneurial career as a stand-up comic, then became a sitcom writer, award-winning baker, social media influencer, award-winning television Executive Producer, and brand architect for super-successful celebrities and products. Money Making Conversations Master Class interviews a diverse group of celebrities, entrepreneurs, and influencers in the financial and business community with their advice and tips so you can be successful, too. It's time to stop reading other people's success stories and start building your own. People always talk about their purpose or gifts. If you have a gift, Lead with your Gift, and don't let your friends, family, or co-workers stop you from planning or living your dream. Keep Winning!

https://www.moneymakingconversations.com

https://www.youtube.com/MoneyMakingConversations

https://www.facebook.com/MoneyMakingConversations/

https://twitter.com/moneymakingconv

https://www.instagram.com/moneymakingconversations/

Hi, this is Rushion McDonald. Welcome to the podcast world of Money Making Conversations Master Class. I interview profits and nonprofits to learn their "Secrets to Success."  I'm a former IBM Executive with a degree in Mathematics. I started my entrepreneurial career as a stand-up comic, then became a sitcom writer, award-winning baker, social media influencer, award-winning television Executive Producer, and brand architect for super-successful celebrities and products. Money Making Conversations Master Class interviews a diverse group of celebrities, entrepreneurs, and influencers in the financial and business community with their advice and tips so you can be successful, too. It's time to stop reading other people's success stories and start building your own. People always talk about their purpose or gifts. If you have a gift, Lead with your Gift, and don't let your friends, family, or co-workers stop you from planning or living your dream. Keep Winning!
https://www.moneymakingconversations.com
https://www.youtube.com/MoneyMakingConversations
https://www.facebook.com/MoneyMakingConversations/
https://twitter.com/moneymakingconv
https://www.instagram.com/moneymakingconversations/

Money Making Conversations Master Class

Career Change:  He empowers underserved communities—to leverage AI and design skills for financial upgrades.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/25679ac0-f753-4baa-af0a-b3a700174e52/transcript

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