My next guest is Curtis Symonds. He is a former BET executive who creates a proper destination to celebrate and share the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, HBCUGO.TV. HBCU GO TV is the voice of African American youth and the HBCU community and currently airs on Roku and HBCUGO.TV. To increase awareness of and support the sustainability of HBCU’s by making a meaningful financial contribution to these American Institutions of Higher Learning population. Please welcome to Money Making Conversations Curtis Symonds.
https://www.moneymakingconversations.com
https://www.youtube.com/MoneyMakingConversations
https://www.facebook.com/MoneyMakingConversations/
https://twitter.com/moneymakingconv
https://www.instagram.com/moneymakingconversations/
Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

My next guest is Curtis Symonds. He is a former BET executive who creates a proper destination to celebrate and share the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, HBCUGO.TV. HBCU GO TV is the voice of African American youth and the HBCU community and currently airs on Roku and HBCUGO.TV. To increase awareness of and support the sustainability of HBCU’s by making a meaningful financial contribution to these American Institutions of Higher Learning population. Please welcome to Money Making Conversations Curtis Symonds. https://www.moneymakingconversations.com https://www.youtube.com/MoneyMakingConversations https://www.facebook.com/MoneyMakingConversations/ https://twitter.com/moneymakingconv https://www.instagram.com/moneymakingconversations/ Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

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

Start your day with laughs, love, and real talk from Steve Harvey and his hilarious crew Shirley Strawberry, Carla Ferrell, Nephew Tommy, and Junior on the #1 morning radio show in America. Prank calls, life advice, celebrity guests, and nonstop energy. Follow, favorite, and subscribe now so you never miss a moment!

Steve Harvey brings his unmatched charisma and wisdom to mornings across the country, mixing comedy, culture, and connection like no one else. Whether you need a laugh, a lift, or a little perspective, The Steve Harvey Morning Show delivers it all.

Join millions who tune in every day, and make Steve and the crew part of your morning routine!

Start your day with laughs, love, and real talk from Steve Harvey and his hilarious crew Shirley Strawberry, Carla Ferrell, Nephew Tommy, and Junior on the #1 morning radio show in America. Prank calls, life advice, celebrity guests, and nonstop energy.&nbsp;Follow, favorite, and subscribe now so you never miss a moment!
Steve Harvey brings his unmatched charisma and wisdom to mornings across the country, mixing comedy, culture, and connection like no one else. Whether you need a laugh, a lift, or a little perspective, The Steve Harvey Morning Show delivers it all.
Join millions who tune in every day, and make Steve and the crew part of your morning routine!

The Steve Harvey Morning Show

Curtis Symonds: former BET exec, creates a destination to celebrate the legacy of HBCUs. HBCUGO.TV

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/434bc3ea-644c-4e34-afe5-af62014ab1b9/transcript

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Christopher Gray.

CEO and co-founder of Path. Gray discusses how his AI-powered platform is transforming test preparation for professional certifications, IT, cybersecurity, healthcare, and college admission exams.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights


The Vision Behind Path
Path provides unlimited practice questions, full-length exams, and personalized study plans.
Uses AI to generate high-quality test prep content at a fraction of traditional costs.


Addressing Educational Barriers
Many students struggle with standardized tests due to expensive prep courses.
Path makes test preparation affordable, helping low-income students access scholarships and selective schools.


Professional Certifications & Career Growth
Covers IT, cybersecurity, healthcare, and teaching certifications.
Helps individuals pass exams like CompTIA Security+ and Praxis to secure high-paying jobs.


AI-Powered Test Preparation
Provides unlimited practice exams and step-by-step solutions.
Predicts users’ test scores before they take official exams, reducing financial risk.


Expanding Access to Education
Offers prep for SAT, ACT, GED, LSAT, GMAT, GRE, and MCAT.
Supports career changers and adults seeking new opportunities through certification programs.

📘 About Christopher Gray & Path
Christopher Gray is an entrepreneur dedicated to making education more accessible. His platform, Path, leverages AI to provide affordable and effective test preparation for students and professionals.

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-money-making-conversation-28341098/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">iHeartRadio</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/money-making-conversations-master-class/id1264705641" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="1">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/3ABAQdTXqAnhGwxrsjFa5y" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="2">Spotify</a>, <a href="http://www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/">www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/</a> or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.&nbsp; I want to alert you, so you don&rsquo;t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.&nbsp; Keep winning!
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed&nbsp;Christopher Gray.
CEO and co-founder of Path. Gray discusses how his AI-powered platform is transforming test preparation for professional certifications, IT, cybersecurity, healthcare, and college admission exams.
🔑 Key Themes &amp; Highlights
<ol>
<li>
The Vision Behind Path
<ul>
<li>Path provides unlimited practice questions, full-length exams, and personalized study plans.</li>
<li>Uses AI to generate high-quality test prep content at a fraction of traditional costs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Addressing Educational Barriers
<ul>
<li>Many students struggle with standardized tests due to expensive prep courses.</li>
<li>Path makes test preparation affordable, helping low-income students access scholarships and selective schools.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Professional Certifications &amp; Career Growth
<ul>
<li>Covers IT, cybersecurity, healthcare, and teaching certifications.</li>
<li>Helps individuals pass exams like CompTIA Security+ and Praxis to secure high-paying jobs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
AI-Powered Test Preparation
<ul>
<li>Provides unlimited practice exams and step-by-step solutions.</li>
<li>Predicts users&rsquo; test scores before they take official exams, reducing financial risk.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Expanding Access to Education
<ul>
<li>Offers prep for SAT, ACT, GED, LSAT, GMAT, GRE, and MCAT.</li>
<li>Supports career changers and adults seeking new opportunities through certification programs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
📘 About Christopher Gray &amp; Path Christopher Gray is an entrepreneur dedicated to making education more accessible. His platform, Path, leverages AI to provide affordable and effective test preparation for students and professionals.
#STRAW
#BEST
#SHMS

Education Tip: His platform leverages AI to provide affordable and effective test preparation for students and professionals.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/13016338-1ebf-493e-a234-b4470009767c/transcript

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

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 #BEST

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-money-making-conversation-28341098/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">iHeartRadio</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/money-making-conversations-master-class/id1264705641" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="1">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/3ABAQdTXqAnhGwxrsjFa5y" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="2">Spotify</a>, <a href="http://www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/">www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/</a> or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.&nbsp; I want to alert you, so you don&rsquo;t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.&nbsp; Keep winning!
Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Karimah McFarlane.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<hr>
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
To explore Karimah McFarlane&rsquo;s multifaceted journey&mdash;from her corporate leadership roles at Google and Workday to becoming the owner of Buckhead Art &amp; Company&mdash;and to inspire others to embrace change, pursue entrepreneurship, and understand the value of art as a tool for wealth-building and cultural empowerment.
<hr>
🧭 Key Takeaways 1. Corporate Career &amp; Tech Leadership
<ul>
<li>Karimah has 20+ years in Human Resources, specializing in mergers and acquisitions.</li>
<li>At Google, she supported AI and Pixel teams as a People Business Partner, despite initially thinking the recruiter&rsquo;s call was spam.</li>
<li>Currently at Workday, she partners with the Chief Revenue Officer to build high-performing sales teams and develop leadership pipelines.</li>
</ul>
2. Navigating Change &amp; Cultural Shifts
<ul>
<li>Transitioned from the East Coast (DMV area) to the Bay Area, facing cultural adjustments (e.g., lack of familiar foods, hair products).</li>
<li>Found support through Delta Sigma Theta sorority and Black Googlers Network.</li>
<li>Emphasized the importance of embracing discomfort and new experiences for personal and professional growth.</li>
</ul>
3. HR as a Strategic Asset
<ul>
<li>HR is more than hiring/firing&mdash;it&rsquo;s about scaling businesses, developing talent, and preventing legal issues.</li>
<li>Small businesses often undervalue HR until a crisis occurs.</li>
<li>HR should be seen as a strategic partner on leadership teams.</li>
</ul>
4. Art as Wealth, Culture &amp; Healing
<ul>
<li>Karimah owns Buckhead Art &amp; Company, the only art gallery in Buckhead, Atlanta.</li>
<li>Inspired by her exposure to art investment at Google and her role in selecting art for corporate spaces.</li>
<li>Advocates for marginalized artists by helping them with branding, IP protection, and business structure.</li>
</ul>
5. Making Art Accessible
<ul>
<li>The gallery focuses on beginner and mid-level collectors, offering education and approachable experiences.</li>
<li>Offers virtual consultations, art fairs, and community events to demystify art buying.</li>
<li>Emphasizes the emotional, cultural, and financial value of art.</li>
</ul>
6. Recognition &amp; Impact
<ul>
<li>Buckhead Art &amp; Company was named Best Art Gallery in Georgia (2023 &amp; 2024).</li>
<li>Uses her platform to educate, empower, and elevate artists and collectors alike.</li>
<li>Promotes artist development through storytelling, branding, and business mentorship.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
💬 Notable Quotes
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;Empowerment is figuring out what you do best and using your talent to help others.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;Don&rsquo;t shy away from opportunities that give you insights and experiences.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;HR helps you scale your organization&mdash;it&rsquo;s not just about hiring and firing.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;Art has always been at the forefront of royalty, wealth, and education.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;We specialize in humans. When you walk into our gallery, you are equal.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;You don&rsquo;t have to win an Oscar to be a great actor. Same with art&mdash;you don&rsquo;t need a traditional path to be successful.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
<hr>
🔗 Connect with Karimah McFarlane
<ul>
<li>Gallery: Buckhead Art &amp; Company</li>
<li>YouTube: Buckhead Art &amp; Company</li>
<li>Instagram: @buckheadartandcompany</li>
</ul>
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Brand Building: Artist Development, she uses her platform to educate, empower, and elevate artists and collectors alike.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/e3a77311-faf2-4e28-b18f-b441014f1d86/transcript

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed April Showers.

Founder of Afro Unicorn, joins Money Making Conversations Masterclass to share how she built the first Black woman-owned, fully licensed character brand in major retail. With over $20 million in sales, Afro Unicorn celebrates diversity and empowers women and children of color.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights


Origins of Afro Unicorn
April was inspired by a friend's repeated reference to her as a "unicorn," highlighting her extraordinary ability to balance multiple businesses and raise two children.
Noticing existing unicorn imagery lacked representation, she created Afro Unicorn to uplift young girls of color.


Challenges & Early Growth
Despite facing personal hardships—including her son's hospitalization and several family losses—April remained committed to her mission.
Her persistence led to a viral moment where a young girl wearing an Afro Unicorn shirt caught Walmart’s attention, resulting in a licensing deal.


Licensing & Expansion
Instead of manufacturing herself, April strategically partnered with licensees to distribute Afro Unicorn merchandise.
Within a year, she secured 45+ licensing agreements, expanding into books, bedding, hair care, party supplies, and more.


Business Strategy & Advice
Trademarking Afro Unicorn early, hiring an accountant and lawyer, and writing a business plan were critical to her success.
She advises entrepreneurs to visualize success, stay consistent, and never quit.


Future Plans
April is developing Miss April’s Crown, an animated series teaching young entrepreneurs business skills through affirmations and mentorship.

📘 About the Brand
Afro Unicorn is available at major retailers, including Walmart, Target, and Amazon.

 

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-money-making-conversation-28341098/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">iHeartRadio</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/money-making-conversations-master-class/id1264705641" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="1">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/3ABAQdTXqAnhGwxrsjFa5y" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="2">Spotify</a>, <a href="http://www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/">www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/</a> or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.&nbsp; I want to alert you, so you don&rsquo;t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.&nbsp; Keep winning!
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed&nbsp;April Showers.
Founder of Afro Unicorn, joins Money Making Conversations Masterclass to share how she built the first Black woman-owned, fully licensed character brand in major retail. With over $20 million in sales, Afro Unicorn celebrates diversity and empowers women and children of color.
🔑 Key Themes &amp; Highlights
<ol>
<li>
Origins of Afro Unicorn
<ul>
<li>April was inspired by a friend's repeated reference to her as a "unicorn," highlighting her extraordinary ability to balance multiple businesses and raise two children.</li>
<li>Noticing existing unicorn imagery lacked representation, she created Afro Unicorn to uplift young girls of color.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Challenges &amp; Early Growth
<ul>
<li>Despite facing personal hardships&mdash;including her son's hospitalization and several family losses&mdash;April remained committed to her mission.</li>
<li>Her persistence led to a viral moment where a young girl wearing an Afro Unicorn shirt caught Walmart&rsquo;s attention, resulting in a licensing deal.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Licensing &amp; Expansion
<ul>
<li>Instead of manufacturing herself, April strategically partnered with licensees to distribute Afro Unicorn merchandise.</li>
<li>Within a year, she secured 45+ licensing agreements, expanding into books, bedding, hair care, party supplies, and more.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Business Strategy &amp; Advice
<ul>
<li>Trademarking Afro Unicorn early, hiring an accountant and lawyer, and writing a business plan were critical to her success.</li>
<li>She advises entrepreneurs to visualize success, stay consistent, and never quit.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Future Plans
<ul>
<li>April is developing Miss April&rsquo;s Crown, an animated series teaching young entrepreneurs business skills through affirmations and mentorship.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
📘 About the Brand Afro Unicorn is available at major retailers, including Walmart, Target, and Amazon.
<hr>
&nbsp;
#STRAW
#BEST
#SHMS

Brand Building:  She built the first Black woman-owned, fully licensed character brand in major retail. 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/8ca251e3-ed09-4513-b714-b4410105a334/transcript

Curtis Symonds: former BET exec, creates a destination to celebrate the legacy of HBCUs. HBCUGO.TV

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