Rushion talks to Rob & Jen Morris, Co-Owners of Cupcakeology LLC, Co-Authors and Co-Creators of “Start Small Win BIGAcademy”
https://www.moneymakingconversations.com
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https://twitter.com/moneymakingconv
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Rushion talks to Rob & Jen Morris, Co-Owners of Cupcakeology LLC, Co-Authors and Co-Creators of “Start Small Win BIGAcademy” 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

Rob & Jen Morris, Co-Owners of Cupcakeology LLC, Co-Authors and Co-Creators of “Start Small Win BIGAcademy”

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/529ffe1b-1028-4d17-8632-af62013ec13d/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 Cassandra Lester.

Purpose of the Interview

The interview introduces Cassandra Lester’s nonprofit Grow Give Prosper and its partnership with Google’s “Grow with Google” initiative. The goal is to provide free career certification scholarships to underserved and economically impacted communities, helping individuals increase earning potential and gain financial literacy.

Key Takeaways


Mission of Grow Give Prosper
Founded in 2023, focused on financial education and empowerment.
Aims to help communities grow together, give to each other, and prosper collectively.


Google Partnership
Offers free career certifications in high-demand fields:

Cybersecurity
Data Analytics
Digital Marketing & E-commerce
IT Support
Project Management
UX Design
Certifications are self-paced, online, and typically take 3–6 months.
No prior experience required; participants receive a portfolio upon completion.


Accessibility
Scholarships are free; the only requirement is commitment.
Available to anyone in the continental U.S., regardless of education level (GED, college dropout, etc.).
Registration via growgiveprosper.org (scroll to Google Career Scholarships).


Impact
Over 300 scholarships awarded; previously had 500.
Designed to level the playing field for those without Ivy League degrees.
Certifications can stack (e.g., Project Management + Data Analytics) for greater career potential.


Financial Literacy
Defined as understanding financial concepts and applying them to daily life.
Misconceptions persist—some communities avoid discussing money or undervalue credit scores.
Cassandra emphasizes breaking cycles of predatory lending and poor financial habits.


Challenges
Cultural reluctance to discuss money.
Skepticism about legitimacy of programs.
Difficulty securing grants as a small nonprofit.
Cassandra combats these through grassroots outreach and workshops.


Personal Drive
Cassandra’s passion stems from seeing financial struggles across all demographics.
She actively promotes opportunities through community centers, adult education classes, and social media.

Notable Quotes
“I want us to grow together so that we can give to each other and then prosper as a collective.”
“Google is leveling the playing field—you don’t need an Ivy League education to earn a livable wage.”
“The only fee is commitment.”
“Financial literacy means you understand the words, you hear the conversation, and it’s not Greek to you.”
“You can’t talk about managing finances if you really don’t have anything coming in.”
“You don’t want to miss this opportunity to increase your earning potential.”
“Once you’re certified, that’s yours for life—you can’t repo a degree or certification.”

#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 Cassandra Lester.
<hr>
Purpose of the Interview
The interview introduces Cassandra Lester&rsquo;s nonprofit Grow Give Prosper and its partnership with Google&rsquo;s &ldquo;Grow with Google&rdquo; initiative. The goal is to provide free career certification scholarships to underserved and economically impacted communities, helping individuals increase earning potential and gain financial literacy.
<hr>
Key Takeaways
<ol>
<li>
Mission of Grow Give Prosper
<ul>
<li>Founded in 2023, focused on financial education and empowerment.</li>
<li>Aims to help communities grow together, give to each other, and prosper collectively.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Google Partnership
<ul>
<li>Offers free career certifications in high-demand fields:
<ul>
<li>Cybersecurity</li>
<li>Data Analytics</li>
<li>Digital Marketing &amp; E-commerce</li>
<li>IT Support</li>
<li>Project Management</li>
<li>UX Design</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Certifications are self-paced, online, and typically take 3&ndash;6 months.</li>
<li>No prior experience required; participants receive a portfolio upon completion.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Accessibility
<ul>
<li>Scholarships are free; the only requirement is commitment.</li>
<li>Available to anyone in the continental U.S., regardless of education level (GED, college dropout, etc.).</li>
<li>Registration via growgiveprosper.org (scroll to Google Career Scholarships).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Impact
<ul>
<li>Over 300 scholarships awarded; previously had 500.</li>
<li>Designed to level the playing field for those without Ivy League degrees.</li>
<li>Certifications can stack (e.g., Project Management + Data Analytics) for greater career potential.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Financial Literacy
<ul>
<li>Defined as understanding financial concepts and applying them to daily life.</li>
<li>Misconceptions persist&mdash;some communities avoid discussing money or undervalue credit scores.</li>
<li>Cassandra emphasizes breaking cycles of predatory lending and poor financial habits.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Challenges
<ul>
<li>Cultural reluctance to discuss money.</li>
<li>Skepticism about legitimacy of programs.</li>
<li>Difficulty securing grants as a small nonprofit.</li>
<li>Cassandra combats these through grassroots outreach and workshops.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Personal Drive
<ul>
<li>Cassandra&rsquo;s passion stems from seeing financial struggles across all demographics.</li>
<li>She actively promotes opportunities through community centers, adult education classes, and social media.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
<hr>
Notable Quotes
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;I want us to grow together so that we can give to each other and then prosper as a collective.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;Google is leveling the playing field&mdash;you don&rsquo;t need an Ivy League education to earn a livable wage.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;The only fee is commitment.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;Financial literacy means you understand the words, you hear the conversation, and it&rsquo;s not Greek to you.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;You can&rsquo;t talk about managing finances if you really don&rsquo;t have anything coming in.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;You don&rsquo;t want to miss this opportunity to increase your earning potential.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;Once you&rsquo;re certified, that&rsquo;s yours for life&mdash;you can&rsquo;t repo a degree or certification.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
<hr>
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Career Tips:  Her Google Career Scholarships are designed to level the playing field for those without Ivy League degrees.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/f9e54591-1776-4e5b-9d3b-b3f3014f9c18/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 Alicia Lyttle.

SUMMARY OF THE ALICIA LYTTLE INTERVIEW

From “Money Making Conversations Master Class” with Rushion McDonald[

1. Purpose of the Interview

The purpose of this interview was to:
Showcase Alicia Lyttle, CEO and co‑founder of Air Innovations, known widely as the “Queen of AI.”[
Educate small business owners, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits on how to leverage AI for growth.
Highlight her mission to empower the African American community to not only keep up with AI—but lead in it.[
Demonstrate how AI tools can transform operations, content creation, finances, and productivity in minutes instead of months.
Inspire listeners through her entrepreneurial journey, professional pivots, and personal resilience.

2. High-Level Summary

Alicia Lyttle returns to the show two years after her last appearance, now positioned at the forefront of the global AI movement. She explains how her work has shifted from annual summits to monthly AI Business Summits, teaching tens of thousands of entrepreneurs how to use AI hands‑on for content, marketing, operations, and scaling. 

She breaks down how simple tools—such as NotebookLM, ChatGPT, Jasper, Gemini, and HeyGen—can turn a single piece of content into newsletters, PowerPoints, videos, study guides, and more. She stresses that AI is now accessible, especially with free versions like ChatGPT.

Alicia also shares her origin story in AI, beginning with a 15‑year‑old speaker at Walmart Tech Live describing IBM Watson. This sparked her fascination and ultimately led her to pivot her entire company toward full-time AI training and consulting by 2022—despite skepticism from her peers. 

She details the massive growth of her brand, including 21,000+ live summit attendees and explosive social media expansion. The interview also addresses AI’s role in finance, healthcare, government, job disruption, and how individuals can future‑proof themselves.

Her personal story of overcoming a restrictive ex-husband who told her she would “never speak again” underscores her powerful message: no one should silence your gifts. Now she speaks to thousands, leads major events, and helps others build new careers in AI. 

3. Key TakeawaysA. AI Is Evolving Fast—and So Must We

AI is changing so quickly that entrepreneurs cannot afford to wait for annual updates. This is why Alicia shifted to monthly training summits. People need ongoing education to stay competitive. 

B. Hands‑On AI Education Is the Key

Alicia doesn’t just lecture—she walks participants through real demonstrations:
Uploading YouTube links
Creating summaries
Generating emails, mind maps, PowerPoints, quizzes, videos, and more
…all from a single input.

Her approach eliminates fear and teaches entrepreneurs how to use AI immediately.

C. Accessibility Has Changed the Game

The release of ChatGPT, especially the free version, democratized AI. Before that, tools like IBM Watson were too complex and expensive. Now anyone with a laptop and internet connection can build websites, write content, or automate business flows in minutes. [

D. The African American Community Must Lead—Not Follow

Alicia emphasizes that historically, Black communities have been “last in line” in tech innovation, but this AI era presents a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to jump ahead.
She sees it as her mission to speak everywhere Black entrepreneurs are to ensure they seize this moment. 

E. AI Will Replace Tasks—But People Can Future‑Proof Themselves

Jobs are already shifting. Companies are laying off non–AI‑literate employees.
Alicia urges people to:
Become AI‑fluent
Join AI committees at work
Pursue certification
Use AI to become their company’s internal expert

“There’s no maybe—you have to learn AI,” she warns. 

F. AI is Transforming Every Sector: Finance, Healthcare, Government

She provides insights on…
AI receptionists (“Monica” and “Leslie”) that boost customer interaction to 92%
Financial analysis using secure ChatGPT setups
AI mental health companions
Government calls for national AI leadership 

G. Alicia Monetizes Through Education, Certification & Consulting

Her business model includes:
Free monthly summits
Paid masterclasses
Corporate consulting
AI certifications
Live Atlanta workshops

She teaches others to become AI consultants too.

H. Her Personal Triumph Story Inspires Thousands

A powerful moment is when she recounts her ex-husband saying:

“There’s only one quarterback on a team—and you will never speak again.”
Yet today, 1,200+ people attend her live events, and tens of thousands join her virtual trainings.

Her success proves resilience and purpose overcome adversity.

4. Key QuotesOn AI Opportunity

“Never has there been a better time in history to start, build, or scale a business than right now.” 

On Training Entrepreneurs

“Open your laptops… use the same prompt I use. See what results you get.”

On the Power of AI Tools

“You can take one episode and repurpose it into all these different content ways.” 

On Pivoting Her Entire Company

“In 2022, I said we’re closing this business and going all in on AI.” 

On Being Black in Tech

“My mission is to make sure our community is not left behind—but ahead of the curve.” 

On Personal Resilience

“You will be speaking on the best stages… people will come to see you.”
(A friend’s response after she was told she’d “never speak again.”) 

On Future-Proofing Careers

“Those using AI will replace you. You have to learn how to leverage AI.”

On AI as a Human-First Technology

“AI plus human intelligence—that’s what takes things to the next level.” 

#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 Alicia Lyttle.
<hr>
SUMMARY OF THE ALICIA LYTTLE INTERVIEW
From &ldquo;Money Making Conversations Master Class&rdquo; with Rushion McDonald <a href="https://rushionmcdonald-my.sharepoint.com/personal/admin_rushionmcdonald_onmicrosoft_com/Documents/Microsoft%20Copilot%20Chat%20Files/ALICIA%20LYTLLE%20.txt">[</a>
<hr>
1. Purpose of the Interview
The purpose of this interview was to:
<ul>
<li>Showcase Alicia Lyttle, CEO and co‑founder of Air Innovations, known widely as the &ldquo;Queen of AI.&rdquo; <a href="https://rushionmcdonald-my.sharepoint.com/personal/admin_rushionmcdonald_onmicrosoft_com/Documents/Microsoft%20Copilot%20Chat%20Files/ALICIA%20LYTLLE%20.txt">[</a></li>
<li>Educate small business owners, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits on how to leverage AI for growth.</li>
<li>Highlight her mission to empower the African American community to not only keep up with AI&mdash;but lead in it. <a href="https://rushionmcdonald-my.sharepoint.com/personal/admin_rushionmcdonald_onmicrosoft_com/Documents/Microsoft%20Copilot%20Chat%20Files/ALICIA%20LYTLLE%20.txt">[</a></li>
<li>Demonstrate how AI tools can transform operations, content creation, finances, and productivity in minutes instead of months.</li>
<li>Inspire listeners through her entrepreneurial journey, professional pivots, and personal resilience.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
2. High-Level Summary
Alicia Lyttle returns to the show two years after her last appearance, now positioned at the forefront of the global AI movement. She explains how her work has shifted from annual summits to monthly AI Business Summits, teaching tens of thousands of entrepreneurs how to use AI hands‑on for content, marketing, operations, and scaling.&nbsp;
She breaks down how simple tools&mdash;such as NotebookLM, ChatGPT, Jasper, Gemini, and HeyGen&mdash;can turn a single piece of content into newsletters, PowerPoints, videos, study guides, and more. She stresses that AI is now accessible, especially with free versions like ChatGPT.
Alicia also shares her origin story in AI, beginning with a 15‑year‑old speaker at Walmart Tech Live describing IBM Watson. This sparked her fascination and ultimately led her to pivot her entire company toward full-time AI training and consulting by 2022&mdash;despite skepticism from her peers.&nbsp;
She details the massive growth of her brand, including 21,000+ live summit attendees and explosive social media expansion. The interview also addresses AI&rsquo;s role in finance, healthcare, government, job disruption, and how individuals can future‑proof themselves.
Her personal story of overcoming a restrictive ex-husband who told her she would &ldquo;never speak again&rdquo; underscores her powerful message: no one should silence your gifts. Now she speaks to thousands, leads major events, and helps others build new careers in AI.&nbsp;
<hr>
3. Key Takeaways A. AI Is Evolving Fast&mdash;and So Must We
AI is changing so quickly that entrepreneurs cannot afford to wait for annual updates. This is why Alicia shifted to monthly training summits. People need ongoing education to stay competitive.&nbsp;
B. Hands‑On AI Education Is the Key
Alicia doesn&rsquo;t just lecture&mdash;she walks participants through real demonstrations:
<ul>
<li>Uploading YouTube links</li>
<li>Creating summaries</li>
<li>Generating emails, mind maps, PowerPoints, quizzes, videos, and more &hellip;all from a single input.</li>
</ul>
Her approach eliminates fear and teaches entrepreneurs how to use AI immediately.
C. Accessibility Has Changed the Game
The release of ChatGPT, especially the free version, democratized AI. Before that, tools like IBM Watson were too complex and expensive. Now anyone with a laptop and internet connection can build websites, write content, or automate business flows in minutes. <a href="https://rushionmcdonald-my.sharepoint.com/personal/admin_rushionmcdonald_onmicrosoft_com/Documents/Microsoft%20Copilot%20Chat%20Files/ALICIA%20LYTLLE%20.txt">[</a>
D. The African American Community Must Lead&mdash;Not Follow
Alicia emphasizes that historically, Black communities have been &ldquo;last in line&rdquo; in tech innovation, but this AI era presents a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to jump ahead. She sees it as her mission to speak everywhere Black entrepreneurs are to ensure they seize this moment.&nbsp;
E. AI Will Replace Tasks&mdash;But People Can Future‑Proof Themselves
Jobs are already shifting. Companies are laying off non&ndash;AI‑literate employees. Alicia urges people to:
<ul>
<li>Become AI‑fluent</li>
<li>Join AI committees at work</li>
<li>Pursue certification</li>
<li>Use AI to become their company&rsquo;s internal expert</li>
</ul>
&ldquo;There&rsquo;s no maybe&mdash;you have to learn AI,&rdquo; she warns.&nbsp;
F. AI is Transforming Every Sector: Finance, Healthcare, Government
She provides insights on&hellip;
<ul>
<li>AI receptionists (&ldquo;Monica&rdquo; and &ldquo;Leslie&rdquo;) that boost customer interaction to 92%</li>
<li>Financial analysis using secure ChatGPT setups</li>
<li>AI mental health companions</li>
<li>Government calls for national AI leadership&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
G. Alicia Monetizes Through Education, Certification &amp; Consulting
Her business model includes:
<ul>
<li>Free monthly summits</li>
<li>Paid masterclasses</li>
<li>Corporate consulting</li>
<li>AI certifications</li>
<li>Live Atlanta workshops</li>
</ul>
She teaches others to become AI consultants too.
H. Her Personal Triumph Story Inspires Thousands
A powerful moment is when she recounts her ex-husband saying:
<blockquote>
&ldquo;There&rsquo;s only one quarterback on a team&mdash;and you will never speak again.&rdquo; Yet today, 1,200+ people attend her live events, and tens of thousands join her virtual trainings.
</blockquote>
Her success proves resilience and purpose overcome adversity.
<hr>
4. Key Quotes On AI Opportunity
<blockquote>
&ldquo;Never has there been a better time in history to start, build, or scale a business than right now.&rdquo;&nbsp;
</blockquote>
On Training Entrepreneurs
<blockquote>
&ldquo;Open your laptops&hellip; use the same prompt I use. See what results you get.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
On the Power of AI Tools
<blockquote>
&ldquo;You can take one episode and repurpose it into all these different content ways.&rdquo;&nbsp;
</blockquote>
On Pivoting Her Entire Company
<blockquote>
&ldquo;In 2022, I said we&rsquo;re closing this business and going all in on AI.&rdquo;&nbsp;
</blockquote>
On Being Black in Tech
<blockquote>
&ldquo;My mission is to make sure our community is not left behind&mdash;but ahead of the curve.&rdquo;&nbsp;
</blockquote>
On Personal Resilience
<blockquote>
&ldquo;You will be speaking on the best stages&hellip; people will come to see you.&rdquo; (A friend&rsquo;s response after she was told she&rsquo;d &ldquo;never speak again.&rdquo;)&nbsp;
</blockquote>
On Future-Proofing Careers
<blockquote>
&ldquo;Those using AI will replace you. You have to learn how to leverage AI.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
On AI as a Human-First Technology
<blockquote>
&ldquo;AI plus human intelligence&mdash;that&rsquo;s what takes things to the next level.&rdquo;&nbsp;
</blockquote>
<hr>
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Brand Building: She closed her business and focused all in on AI technology.  Now she is recognized as the Queen of AI. 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/8d7ad47d-cffa-492b-ae3e-b3f0016810c9/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 Diane Strand

An award‑winning serial entrepreneur, media producer, speaker, and coach. She is the co‑founder of JDS Video & Media Productions, a seven‑figure production company, and the creator of DigiFest, a major digital‑media and arts festival in Temecula, California.

Diane shares her journey from a dyslexic child discouraged from pursuing the arts, to a Hollywood professional working on television hits like Friends, General Hospital, and Veronica’s Closet, to a successful entrepreneur empowering creative to turn their passions into profitable businesses. She discusses resilience, visibility, storytelling, leadership, the power of the arts, and how she built DigiFest into a hub for digital creators, students, and industry professionals.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview highlights:

1. Diane’s evolution from Hollywood talent to business owner

Her shift from TV and production work to launching her own media company and coaching others.

2. The mission behind DigiFest

Why she created an annual digital media festival to bridge Hollywood and emerging creators.

3. How the arts empower people personally and professionally

Diane explains how creativity builds communication skills, confidence, resilience, and community.

4. Her framework for turning passion into profit

Through storytelling, visibility strategies, networking, and stepping outside comfort zones.

5. Advice for future generations of creatives and entrepreneurs

Her approach to learning, mentorship, and launching ideas before feeling “ready.”

💡 Key Takeaways

1. Creativity + Storytelling = Universal Power

Diane defines the arts broadly: anything involving storytelling—painting, acting, photography, filmmaking, writing, animation, design, music, digital content.
She emphasizes that the arts are inclusive, accessible to all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. 

The arts train:
Communication
Confidence
Problem‑solving
Thick skin
Resilience
Adaptability

These skills transfer directly to business and leadership.

2. Overcoming Dyslexia and Early Discouragement

As a child, she struggled with reading and undiagnosed dyslexia.
People—including her parents—told her she shouldn’t pursue the arts. She refused to listen.
Her determination led to winning the role of Betsy Ross in her second‑grade play, igniting her lifelong creative path. 

3. A Successful Run in Hollywood

When Showtime rejected her, she went back to school to get her bachelor’s degree, then returned and worked on major productions such as:
Friends
General Hospital
Veronica’s Closet

Hollywood taught her professionalism, creativity, and authenticity—but also that the industry can be cutthroat and subjective. 

4. Passion → Purpose → Profits

Diane explains that passion alone isn’t enough.
The real breakthrough comes when passion turns into a purpose, which then creates profits. [

She discovered this when she left Hollywood within 15 seconds of agreeing to start her own production business after realizing reality TV’s lifestyle conflicted with being a present parent.

Her success framework includes:
High visibility
Networking
Leveraging the “Hollywood effect”
Storytelling as authority
Consistency
Constant learning

5. Building a Seven‑Figure Media Company

JDS Productions creates professional video content, marketing media, casting calls, and digital products.
She used door‑to‑door outreach, chamber of commerce networking, public speaking, and visibility strategies to grow. 

6. Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone

Diane repeatedly stresses:
Growth happens in discomfort
Saying yes leads to opportunity
Visibility requires vulnerability 

Today she speaks on national stages, podcasts, and industry events—something that once required tremendous courage.

7. DigiFest: Her Digital Media Festival

DigiFest was created when the long‑running Temecula film and music festival shut down, and the city asked her to take over. She refused to run a traditional film festival and instead created something aligned with her expertise—digital media. 

DigiFest is:
A competition
A networking event
An educational conference
A celebration of digital storytelling

Festival features include:
Workshops (AI, film, podcasting, animation, scriptwriting)
Celebrity speakers (Curtis Young, Colin Egglesfield, Sam Larsen, Justin Guarini)
Film screenings
Performances
Red carpet
Awards
Professional‑student collaboration 

It spans three days every April (Fri–Sun) at her 10,000 sq ft studio space in Temecula.

8. Women in Hollywood & Finding Her Voice

Diane acknowledges that Hollywood can be sexist, abusive, and insensitive to women.
She faced inappropriate situations during her work on reality TV—but quickly made clear she “does not play like that.” [

She helps other women and young creatives find confidence, courage, and professional boundaries.

9. Resilience, Ethics, and “Haters”

Diane remains grounded in:
Ethical behavior
Professionalism
Strong documentation
Karma
Leading by example

She believes leadership gets more public as you climb, and criticism is inevitable when you challenge others. 

10. Advice for the Next Generation

Her advice is timeless:

“Start before you’re ready.”
If she waited for perfection, she never would’ve launched DigiFest or her company. 

Say yes, show up, be visible, and trust that your purpose will reveal itself through action.

🗣 Notable QuotesOn dreams and action

“A dream is direction, realization, evaluation, and taking action to create momentum.” 

On the power of the arts

“The arts are inclusive. They teach resilience, confidence, and how to get back up.” 

On her Hollywood departure

“I said yes within 15 seconds… I wanted something more for me and my family.” [

On growth

“When you get comfortable being uncomfortable, you’re going to grow.” 

On DigiFest

“It’s anything that lives in the digital space—from film to AI to podcasting to animation.” 

On overcoming discouragement

“I was told I shouldn’t or couldn’t… but I said, ‘Just watch me.’” 

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Diane Strand
An award‑winning serial entrepreneur, media producer, speaker, and coach. She is the co‑founder of&nbsp;JDS Video &amp; Media Productions, a seven‑figure production company, and the creator of DigiFest, a major digital‑media and arts festival in Temecula, California.
Diane shares her journey from a dyslexic child discouraged from pursuing the arts, to a Hollywood professional working on television hits like Friends, General Hospital, and Veronica&rsquo;s Closet, to a successful entrepreneur empowering creative to turn their passions into profitable businesses. She discusses resilience, visibility, storytelling, leadership, the power of the arts, and how she built DigiFest into a hub for digital creators, students, and industry professionals.
<hr>
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The interview highlights:
1. Diane&rsquo;s evolution from Hollywood talent to business owner
Her shift from TV and production work to launching her own media company and coaching others.
2. The mission behind DigiFest
Why she created an annual digital media festival to bridge Hollywood and emerging creators.
3. How the arts empower people personally and professionally
Diane explains how creativity builds communication skills, confidence, resilience, and community.
4. Her framework for turning passion into profit
Through storytelling, visibility strategies, networking, and stepping outside comfort zones.
5. Advice for future generations of creatives and entrepreneurs
Her approach to learning, mentorship, and launching ideas before feeling &ldquo;ready.&rdquo;
<hr>
💡 Key Takeaways
<hr>
1. Creativity + Storytelling = Universal Power
Diane defines the arts broadly: anything involving storytelling&mdash;painting, acting, photography, filmmaking, writing, animation, design, music, digital content. She emphasizes that the arts are inclusive, accessible to all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.&nbsp;
The arts train:
<ul>
<li>Communication</li>
<li>Confidence</li>
<li>Problem‑solving</li>
<li>Thick skin</li>
<li>Resilience</li>
<li>Adaptability</li>
</ul>
These skills transfer directly to business and leadership.
<hr>
2. Overcoming Dyslexia and Early Discouragement
As a child, she struggled with reading and undiagnosed dyslexia. People&mdash;including her parents&mdash;told her she shouldn&rsquo;t pursue the arts. She refused to listen. Her determination led to winning the role of Betsy Ross in her second‑grade play, igniting her lifelong creative path.&nbsp;
<hr>
3. A Successful Run in Hollywood
When Showtime rejected her, she went back to school to get her bachelor&rsquo;s degree, then returned and worked on major productions such as:
<ul>
<li>Friends</li>
<li>General Hospital</li>
<li>Veronica&rsquo;s Closet</li>
</ul>
Hollywood taught her professionalism, creativity, and authenticity&mdash;but also that the industry can be cutthroat and subjective.&nbsp;
<hr>
4. Passion &rarr; Purpose &rarr; Profits
Diane explains that passion alone isn&rsquo;t enough. The real breakthrough comes when passion turns into a purpose, which then creates profits. <a href="https://rushionmcdonald-my.sharepoint.com/personal/admin_rushionmcdonald_onmicrosoft_com/Documents/Microsoft%20Copilot%20Chat%20Files/DIANE%20STRAND.txt">[</a>
She discovered this when she left Hollywood within&nbsp;15 seconds of agreeing to start her own production business after realizing reality TV&rsquo;s lifestyle conflicted with being a present parent.
Her success framework includes:
<ul>
<li>High visibility</li>
<li>Networking</li>
<li>Leveraging the &ldquo;Hollywood effect&rdquo;</li>
<li>Storytelling as authority</li>
<li>Consistency</li>
<li>Constant learning</li>
</ul>
<hr>
5. Building a Seven‑Figure Media Company
JDS Productions creates professional video content, marketing media, casting calls, and digital products. She used door‑to‑door outreach, chamber of commerce networking, public speaking, and visibility strategies to grow.&nbsp;
<hr>
6. Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone
Diane repeatedly stresses:
<ul>
<li>Growth happens in discomfort</li>
<li>Saying yes leads to opportunity</li>
<li>Visibility requires vulnerability&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Today she speaks on national stages, podcasts, and industry events&mdash;something that once required tremendous courage.
<hr>
7. DigiFest: Her Digital Media Festival
DigiFest was created when the long‑running Temecula film and music festival shut down, and the city asked her to take over. She refused to run a traditional film festival and instead created something aligned with her expertise&mdash;digital media.&nbsp;
DigiFest is:
<ul>
<li>A competition</li>
<li>A networking event</li>
<li>An educational conference</li>
<li>A celebration of digital storytelling</li>
</ul>
Festival features include:
<ul>
<li>Workshops (AI, film, podcasting, animation, scriptwriting)</li>
<li>Celebrity speakers (Curtis Young, Colin Egglesfield, Sam Larsen, Justin Guarini)</li>
<li>Film screenings</li>
<li>Performances</li>
<li>Red carpet</li>
<li>Awards</li>
<li>Professional‑student collaboration&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
It spans three days every April (Fri&ndash;Sun) at her 10,000 sq ft studio space in Temecula.
<hr>
8. Women in Hollywood &amp; Finding Her Voice
Diane acknowledges that Hollywood can be sexist, abusive, and insensitive to women. She faced inappropriate situations during her work on reality TV&mdash;but quickly made clear she &ldquo;does not play like that.&rdquo; <a href="https://rushionmcdonald-my.sharepoint.com/personal/admin_rushionmcdonald_onmicrosoft_com/Documents/Microsoft%20Copilot%20Chat%20Files/DIANE%20STRAND.txt">[</a>
She helps other women and young creatives find confidence, courage, and professional boundaries.
<hr>
9. Resilience, Ethics, and &ldquo;Haters&rdquo;
Diane remains grounded in:
<ul>
<li>Ethical behavior</li>
<li>Professionalism</li>
<li>Strong documentation</li>
<li>Karma</li>
<li>Leading by example</li>
</ul>
She believes leadership gets more public as you climb, and criticism is inevitable when you challenge others.&nbsp;
<hr>
10. Advice for the Next Generation
Her advice is timeless:
&ldquo;Start before you&rsquo;re ready.&rdquo; If she waited for perfection, she never would&rsquo;ve launched DigiFest or her company.&nbsp;
Say yes, show up, be visible, and trust that your purpose will reveal itself through action.
<hr>
🗣 Notable Quotes On dreams and action
&ldquo;A dream is direction, realization, evaluation, and taking action to create momentum.&rdquo;&nbsp;
On the power of the arts
&ldquo;The arts are inclusive. They teach resilience, confidence, and how to get back up.&rdquo;&nbsp;
On her Hollywood departure
&ldquo;I said yes within 15 seconds&hellip; I wanted something more for me and my family.&rdquo; <a href="https://rushionmcdonald-my.sharepoint.com/personal/admin_rushionmcdonald_onmicrosoft_com/Documents/Microsoft%20Copilot%20Chat%20Files/DIANE%20STRAND.txt">[</a>
On growth
&ldquo;When you get comfortable being uncomfortable, you&rsquo;re going to grow.&rdquo;&nbsp;
On DigiFest
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s anything that lives in the digital space&mdash;from film to AI to podcasting to animation.&rdquo;&nbsp;
On overcoming discouragement
&ldquo;I was told I shouldn&rsquo;t or couldn&rsquo;t&hellip; but I said, &lsquo;Just watch me.&rsquo;&rdquo;&nbsp;
<hr>
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Overcoming the Odds:  She shares her journey from a dyslexic child and how she built DigiFest into a hub for digital creators.

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Rob & Jen Morris, Co-Owners of Cupcakeology LLC, Co-Authors and Co-Creators of “Start Small Win BIGAcademy”

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