My next guest Michelle Buteau is an 18 year veteran in the stand-up comedy game. Michelle is no stranger to Netflix subscribers. The Netflix films "Someone Great" and "Always Be My Maybe," and Netflix series "Russian Doll" and "Tales of the City," and in 2020, she continued appearances included hosting the Netflix reality competition series "The Circle" which is renewed for a second season. She is talented and is starring in her new Netflix stand-up comedy special "Michelle Buteau: Welcome to Buteaupia".
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 Michelle Buteau is an 18 year veteran in the stand-up comedy game. Michelle is no stranger to Netflix subscribers. The Netflix films "Someone Great" and "Always Be My Maybe," and Netflix series "Russian Doll" and "Tales of the City," and in 2020, she continued appearances included hosting the Netflix reality competition series "The Circle" which is renewed for a second season. She is talented and is starring in her new Netflix stand-up comedy special "Michelle Buteau: Welcome to Buteaupia". 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

Michelle Buteau Full Interview

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/ed2dde3c-88c3-46e3-9d07-af62015021d8/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 Tim Mercer.

Author of Bootstrap Millionaire and CFO of Cadence Ventures, Inc.:

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To inspire and educate aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals by sharing Tim Mercer’s journey from humble beginnings to financial success, emphasizing the importance of hard work, faith, planning, and leveraging government contracts and nontraditional financing.

🗝️ Key Takeaways


Background & Journey
Tim Mercer grew up in Mullins, South Carolina, in modest circumstances.
His path to success began with military service, which broadened his worldview and led him to entrepreneurship.


Bootstrap Millionaire Philosophy
The term “bootstrap” symbolizes hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance.
Mercer emphasizes that success doesn’t come overnight—it requires grinding, planning, and faith.


Importance of a Business Plan
A solid business plan is essential for securing funding and guiding business growth.
Mercer shares real-life examples of people failing to secure support due to lack of planning.


Cadence Ventures, Inc.
A boutique private equity firm offering nontraditional financing for real estate investors.
Focuses on investment properties and uses the property itself as collateral.


Government Contracting
Mercer began in government contracting in 2012 and credits it with helping him scale his business.
He stresses that while it’s complex and paperwork-heavy, it’s a valuable opportunity for minority-owned businesses.
Free resources like SAM.gov and Georgia Tech’s GT PAC can help entrepreneurs navigate the process.


Success Requires Sacrifice
Mercer highlights that every successful person has a story of struggle and sacrifice.
His book’s first chapter, “See the Glory, Don’t Know the Story,” encapsulates this message.

💬 Notable Quotes
“If you want to have the things tomorrow that other people won’t have, then you got to be willing to do the things today that other people won’t do.” — Tim Mercer quoting Les Brown
“There’s no success without sacrifice.” — Tim Mercer
“You can only make as much as the customer that you have.” — Tim Mercer on scaling through government contracts
“See the glory, don’t know the story.” — Chapter title from Bootstrap Millionaire

#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 Tim Mercer.
Author of Bootstrap Millionaire and CFO of Cadence Ventures, Inc.:
<hr>
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
To inspire and educate aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals by sharing Tim Mercer&rsquo;s journey from humble beginnings to financial success, emphasizing the importance of hard work, faith, planning, and leveraging government contracts and nontraditional financing.
<hr>
🗝️ Key Takeaways
<ol>
<li>
Background &amp; Journey
<ul>
<li>Tim Mercer grew up in Mullins, South Carolina, in modest circumstances.</li>
<li>His path to success began with military service, which broadened his worldview and led him to entrepreneurship.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Bootstrap Millionaire Philosophy
<ul>
<li>The term &ldquo;bootstrap&rdquo; symbolizes hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance.</li>
<li>Mercer emphasizes that success doesn&rsquo;t come overnight&mdash;it requires grinding, planning, and faith.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Importance of a Business Plan
<ul>
<li>A solid business plan is essential for securing funding and guiding business growth.</li>
<li>Mercer shares real-life examples of people failing to secure support due to lack of planning.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Cadence Ventures, Inc.
<ul>
<li>A boutique private equity firm offering nontraditional financing for real estate investors.</li>
<li>Focuses on investment properties and uses the property itself as collateral.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Government Contracting
<ul>
<li>Mercer began in government contracting in 2012 and credits it with helping him scale his business.</li>
<li>He stresses that while it&rsquo;s complex and paperwork-heavy, it&rsquo;s a valuable opportunity for minority-owned businesses.</li>
<li>Free resources like SAM.gov and Georgia Tech&rsquo;s GT PAC can help entrepreneurs navigate the process.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Success Requires Sacrifice
<ul>
<li>Mercer highlights that every successful person has a story of struggle and sacrifice.</li>
<li>His book&rsquo;s first chapter, &ldquo;See the Glory, Don&rsquo;t Know the Story,&rdquo; encapsulates this message.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
<hr>
💬 Notable Quotes
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;If you want to have the things tomorrow that other people won&rsquo;t have, then you got to be willing to do the things today that other people won&rsquo;t do.&rdquo; &mdash; Tim Mercer quoting Les Brown</li>
<li>&ldquo;There&rsquo;s no success without sacrifice.&rdquo; &mdash; Tim Mercer</li>
<li>&ldquo;You can only make as much as the customer that you have.&rdquo; &mdash; Tim Mercer on scaling through government contracts</li>
<li>&ldquo;See the glory, don&rsquo;t know the story.&rdquo; &mdash; Chapter title from Bootstrap Millionaire</li>
</ul>
<hr>
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Financial Tips:  He emphasizes the importance of hard work, faith, planning, and leveraging government contracts .

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/92bedef1-7b33-42e5-8103-b403016ff779/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 Brendan Kaminsky.

Founder of B Known Agency, a boutique branding and digital marketing firm specializing in sports and entertainment. Kaminsky shares his journey from consulting, to working at ESPN, to eventually launching his own agency. He discusses helping major personalities like Stephen A. Smith, Jalen Rose, Harrison Barnes, and Rich Eisen develop strong social media identities and storytelling strategies. 

Brendan explains why he left ESPN after six and a half years—despite the security, prestige, and Disney benefits—to pursue entrepreneurship. He describes how brand building has shifted from traditional media to a landscape where relatability, vertical video, audience engagement, and consistent content matter more than follower counts. 

He also talks about the pressure of managing public-facing work in real time, the importance of being accessible to high‑profile clients, the rising role of AI in content creation, and how social platforms have become core to modern marketing strategies.

Additionally, Brendan shares specific examples of working with Jalen Rose on mixing sports commentary with community-focused storytelling and describes how Rich Eisen’s annual “Run Rich Run” 40‑yard dash evolved into a signature charitable brand moment. 

The interview closes with insights on relationship-building, authenticity, and visibility—reinforcing that in the digital era, it’s not just “who you know,” but who knows you. 

PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW1. To highlight Brendan Kaminsky’s entrepreneurial journey

McDonald explores how Kaminsky transitioned from a major corporation (ESPN) to founding a successful agency. 

2. To educate listeners on the evolving world of branding and digital media

Kaminsky explains how branding now depends on relatability, vertical video, and engagement over follower count. 

3. To provide actionable guidance for entrepreneurs and creators

The interview teaches how consistency, accessibility, and storytelling help build a recognizable digital brand. 

4. To show how athletes and media personalities use content to expand influence

Brendan walks through real client strategies—from Jalen Rose’s community work to Rich Eisen’s fundraising dash. 

5. To explore the role of AI in modern marketing

Kaminsky discusses how AI assists with analytics, research, and identifying viral content moments. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS1. Relatability drives modern branding

People connect with authenticity, not polished promotion. Talk to your audience, not at them. 

2. Engagement matters more than follower count

Algorithms reward content that resonates, regardless of how many people follow you. A creator with 10,000 followers can hit a million views. 

3. Social media requires presence and accessibility

High-profile clients expect responsiveness; being available is key to agency success. 

4. Vertical video is the new standard

Optimizing content for mobile consumption is essential—TV graphics no longer dictate how content is built.

5. AI is an asset, not a threat

Kaminsky uses AI for virality scoring, caption suggestions, research, and identifying strong clips from long-form content. 

6. Data tells the story

Success can be clearly measured through views, engagement, and growth—unlike billboards or traditional media. 

7. Use “hot topics” to highlight deeper work

For clients like Jalen Rose, trending sports conversations help drive attention to community-focused initiatives like his leadership academy. 

8. Brand moments can start from something small

Rich Eisen’s 40-yard dash evolved into a signature charity event and content anchor.

9. Entrepreneurship requires trusting your gut

He left ESPN without telling anyone beforehand to avoid discouragement—because he felt the pull to build his own vision. 

10. Visibility creates opportunity

In the digital era, it’s not just who you know—it’s who knows you. 

NOTABLE QUOTESOn entrepreneurship
“I trusted my gut… I didn’t tell one person I was leaving ESPN because I didn’t want anyone to make me doubt myself.” 

On branding
“People want to relate to you. They want to get to know you.” 
“Talk directly to your audience.” 

On social metrics
“It’s become a lot more about engagement and views than total follower number.” 

On accessibility
“You could be the best at your job, but if a client can’t reach you, it doesn’t matter.” 

On visibility
“It’s not about who you know—it’s about who knows you.” 

On AI
“AI is absolutely an asset… it helps us with research, analytics, even virality scoring.” 

#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 Brendan Kaminsky.
Founder of B Known Agency, a boutique branding and digital marketing firm specializing in sports and entertainment. Kaminsky shares his journey from consulting, to working at ESPN, to eventually launching his own agency. He discusses helping major personalities like Stephen A. Smith, Jalen Rose, Harrison Barnes, and Rich Eisen develop strong social media identities and storytelling strategies.&nbsp;
Brendan explains why he left ESPN after six and a half years&mdash;despite the security, prestige, and Disney benefits&mdash;to pursue entrepreneurship. He describes how brand building has shifted from traditional media to a landscape where relatability, vertical video, audience engagement, and consistent content matter more than follower counts.&nbsp;
He also talks about the pressure of managing public-facing work in real time, the importance of being accessible to high‑profile clients, the rising role of AI in content creation, and how social platforms have become core to modern marketing strategies.
Additionally, Brendan shares specific examples of working with Jalen Rose on mixing sports commentary with community-focused storytelling and describes how Rich Eisen&rsquo;s annual &ldquo;Run Rich Run&rdquo; 40‑yard dash evolved into a signature charitable brand moment.&nbsp;
The interview closes with insights on relationship-building, authenticity, and visibility&mdash;reinforcing that in the digital era, it&rsquo;s not just &ldquo;who you know,&rdquo; but who knows you.&nbsp;
<hr>
PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW 1. To highlight Brendan Kaminsky&rsquo;s entrepreneurial journey
McDonald explores how Kaminsky transitioned from a major corporation (ESPN) to founding a successful agency.&nbsp;
2. To educate listeners on the evolving world of branding and digital media
Kaminsky explains how branding now depends on relatability, vertical video, and engagement over follower count.&nbsp;
3. To provide actionable guidance for entrepreneurs and creators
The interview teaches how consistency, accessibility, and storytelling help build a recognizable digital brand.&nbsp;
4. To show how athletes and media personalities use content to expand influence
Brendan walks through real client strategies&mdash;from Jalen Rose&rsquo;s community work to Rich Eisen&rsquo;s fundraising dash.&nbsp;
5. To explore the role of AI in modern marketing
Kaminsky discusses how AI assists with analytics, research, and identifying viral content moments.&nbsp;
<hr>
KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Relatability drives modern branding
People connect with authenticity, not polished promotion. Talk to your audience, not at them.&nbsp;
2. Engagement matters more than follower count
Algorithms reward content that resonates, regardless of how many people follow you. A creator with 10,000 followers can hit a million views.&nbsp;
3. Social media requires presence and accessibility
High-profile clients expect responsiveness; being available is key to agency success.&nbsp;
4. Vertical video is the new standard
Optimizing content for mobile consumption is essential&mdash;TV graphics no longer dictate how content is built.
5. AI is an asset, not a threat
Kaminsky uses AI for virality scoring, caption suggestions, research, and identifying strong clips from long-form content.&nbsp;
6. Data tells the story
Success can be clearly measured through views, engagement, and growth&mdash;unlike billboards or traditional media.&nbsp;
7. Use &ldquo;hot topics&rdquo; to highlight deeper work
For clients like Jalen Rose, trending sports conversations help drive attention to community-focused initiatives like his leadership academy.&nbsp;
8. Brand moments can start from something small
Rich Eisen&rsquo;s 40-yard dash evolved into a signature charity event and content anchor.
9. Entrepreneurship requires trusting your gut
He left ESPN without telling anyone beforehand to avoid discouragement&mdash;because he felt the pull to build his own vision.&nbsp;
10. Visibility creates opportunity
In the digital era, it&rsquo;s not just who you know&mdash;it&rsquo;s who knows you.&nbsp;
<hr>
NOTABLE QUOTES On entrepreneurship
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;I trusted my gut&hellip; I didn&rsquo;t tell one person I was leaving ESPN because I didn&rsquo;t want anyone to make me doubt myself.&rdquo;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
On branding
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;People want to relate to you. They want to get to know you.&rdquo;&nbsp;</li>
<li>&ldquo;Talk directly to your audience.&rdquo;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
On social metrics
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s become a lot more about engagement and views than total follower number.&rdquo;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
On accessibility
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;You could be the best at your job, but if a client can&rsquo;t reach you, it doesn&rsquo;t matter.&rdquo;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
On visibility
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s not about who you know&mdash;it&rsquo;s about who knows you.&rdquo;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
On AI
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;AI is absolutely an asset&hellip; it helps us with research, analytics, even virality scoring.&rdquo;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<hr>
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Brand Building: He gives insights on relationship-building, authenticity, and visibility—reinforcing that in the digital era, it’s not just “who you know,” but who knows you.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/522b2d1c-dbc0-416a-bd5c-b4000132f6d1/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 interviewedLavar Thomas.

Motivational speaker, author, Peace Corps alumnus, leadership coach, and founder of Empower for Greatness. Lavar’s mission is to help people transform “from the inside out” so they can live with greater intention and purpose.

The conversation explores Lavar’s upbringing in Brownsville, Brooklyn; his life-changing Peace Corps service in Rwanda; his understanding of faith, purpose, failure, and leadership; and how he built international development programs such as Leaders of the Free World, which exposes young Black men to global travel and leadership experiences.

He discusses how stepping outside his comfort zone—from traveling abroad for the first time to navigating Rwanda after only knowing it through “Hotel Rwanda”—opened his worldview, deepened his empathy, and developed his leadership style.

Lavar explains how a major project failure in the Peace Corps forced him to redefine success beyond titles, money, or recognition. This experience ultimately inspired his book, The Other Side of Letting Go. He also shares how he balances a federal government job with building his speaking and training company.

The interview concludes with a powerful discussion on purpose, reinvention, leadership, and the role travel plays in expanding one’s mindset—especially for communities that are historically underrepresented in global spaces.

PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW1. To highlight Lavar’s transformative journey from Brooklyn to global leadership.

Rushion showcases how Lavar’s experiences shaped his philosophy and mission.

2. To educate listeners about purpose‑driven living and leadership

Lavar explains why purpose—not money—is the “real currency,” and how aligning with purpose drives impact.

3. To inspire people to step beyond their comfort zones

The interview emphasizes how discomfort and uncertainty can spark growth.

4. To reveal the value of international exposure for Black men

Through Leaders of the Free World, Lavar advocates for global experiences that shift identity and opportunity.

5. To discuss resilience, reinvention, and personal development

From project failures to the death of his father, Lavar shows how adversity can reshape purpose and leadership.

KEY TAKEAWAYS1. Faith requires action

Lavar describes faith as taking steps without knowing the outcome—“believing in the future before it becomes reality.”

2. Growth happens outside the comfort zone

Comfort zones feel safe, but they also create limits; stepping beyond them leads to self‑awareness and transformation.

3. The Peace Corps experience was life‑changing

Rwanda taught him service, humility, language, cultural understanding, and the power of community trust.

4. Failure can be an important redirection

When his library project collapsed, Lavar learned to detach from ego and redefine success through impact, not image.

5. Purpose is the real currency

Operating in purpose helps you add value, understand your worth, and ultimately generate income more meaningfully.

6. Leadership includes being willing to pivot

He shifted from a failed library project to impactful malnutrition programs, partnering with USAID to train families.

7. Personal setbacks can sharpen identity and mission

His father’s death led him to pause graduate school, attend therapy, and rebuild himself—learning leadership through vulnerability.

8. Global exposure changes lives

Leaders of the Free World gives young Black men access to international travel, allowing them to reimagine their potential.

NOTABLE QUOTESOn faith
“Faith is taking steps without even knowing the outcome… believing in the future I see in my mind before I see it in reality.”

On stepping outside comfort zones
“Every time I step beyond that line, I grew… I realized new possibilities for myself.”

On failure
“Failure is life redirecting you.” (Recalling Oprah’s teaching).

On purpose
“Purpose is the real currency.”

On redefining success
“I had to learn how to redefine success for myself—not in the glamor of a project, but the impact I was having.”

On reinvention after loss
“I had to step away and rebuild LaVar… focusing on my family taught me so much about leadership.”

On travel and identity
“Something shifts in them when they return. They see their lives differently and their community differently.”

#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 Lavar Thomas.
Motivational speaker, author, Peace Corps alumnus, leadership coach, and founder of Empower for Greatness. Lavar&rsquo;s mission is to help people transform &ldquo;from the inside out&rdquo; so they can live with greater intention and purpose.
The conversation explores Lavar&rsquo;s upbringing in Brownsville, Brooklyn; his life-changing Peace Corps service in Rwanda; his understanding of faith, purpose, failure, and leadership; and how he built international development programs such as Leaders of the Free World, which exposes young Black men to global travel and leadership experiences.
He discusses how stepping outside his comfort zone&mdash;from traveling abroad for the first time to navigating Rwanda after only knowing it through &ldquo;Hotel Rwanda&rdquo;&mdash;opened his worldview, deepened his empathy, and developed his leadership style.
Lavar explains how a major project failure in the Peace Corps forced him to redefine success beyond titles, money, or recognition. This experience ultimately inspired his book, The Other Side of Letting Go. He also shares how he balances a federal government job with building his speaking and training company.
The interview concludes with a powerful discussion on purpose, reinvention, leadership, and the role travel plays in expanding one&rsquo;s mindset&mdash;especially for communities that are historically underrepresented in global spaces.
<hr>
PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW 1. To highlight Lavar&rsquo;s transformative journey from Brooklyn to global leadership.
Rushion showcases how Lavar&rsquo;s experiences shaped his philosophy and mission.
2. To educate listeners about purpose‑driven living and leadership
Lavar explains why purpose&mdash;not money&mdash;is the &ldquo;real currency,&rdquo; and how aligning with purpose drives impact.
3. To inspire people to step beyond their comfort zones
The interview emphasizes how discomfort and uncertainty can spark growth.
4. To reveal the value of international exposure for Black men
Through Leaders of the Free World, Lavar advocates for global experiences that shift identity and opportunity.
5. To discuss resilience, reinvention, and personal development
From project failures to the death of his father, Lavar shows how adversity can reshape purpose and leadership.
<hr>
KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Faith requires action
Lavar describes faith as taking steps without knowing the outcome&mdash;&ldquo;believing in the future before it becomes reality.&rdquo;
2. Growth happens outside the comfort zone
Comfort zones feel safe, but they also create limits; stepping beyond them leads to self‑awareness and transformation.
3. The Peace Corps experience was life‑changing
Rwanda taught him service, humility, language, cultural understanding, and the power of community trust.
4. Failure can be an important redirection
When his library project collapsed, Lavar learned to detach from ego and redefine success through impact, not image.
5. Purpose is the real currency
Operating in purpose helps you add value, understand your worth, and ultimately generate income more meaningfully.
6. Leadership includes being willing to pivot
He shifted from a failed library project to impactful malnutrition programs, partnering with USAID to train families.
7. Personal setbacks can sharpen identity and mission
His father&rsquo;s death led him to pause graduate school, attend therapy, and rebuild himself&mdash;learning leadership through vulnerability.
8. Global exposure changes lives
Leaders of the Free World gives young Black men access to international travel, allowing them to reimagine their potential.
<hr>
NOTABLE QUOTES On faith
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;Faith is taking steps without even knowing the outcome&hellip; believing in the future I see in my mind before I see it in reality.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
On stepping outside comfort zones
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;Every time I step beyond that line, I grew&hellip; I realized new possibilities for myself.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
On failure
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;Failure is life redirecting you.&rdquo; (Recalling Oprah&rsquo;s teaching).</li>
</ul>
On purpose
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;Purpose is the real currency.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
On redefining success
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;I had to learn how to redefine success for myself&mdash;not in the glamor of a project, but the impact I was having.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
On reinvention after loss
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;I had to step away and rebuild LaVar&hellip; focusing on my family taught me so much about leadership.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
On travel and identity
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;Something shifts in them when they return. They see their lives differently and their community differently.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
<hr>
#STRAW #BEST #SHMS

Motivation: From project failures to the death of his father, he shows how adversity can reshape purpose and leadership.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/84d49833-296f-4edc-9845-b4000129cdc7/transcript

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