My guest today is Robert Foster. He is a Father of three daughters and a basketball enthusiast.   Growing up, he witnessed many Black men around him start successful businesses. He learned that you could achieve your goals through patience and steady work. He struggled with depression in high school of depression and dealt with a rebellious personality.   Now he's self-employed or a business owner since 2008. He created the Shot Makers League. A virtual basketball video competition platform. They offer a fun and skill-based experience for players, fans, and brands to create, participate in, and host competitions.   Please welcome to Money Making Conversations Master Class, a father, entrepreneur, and basketball enthusiast Robert Foster.

My guest today is Robert Foster. He is a Father of three daughters and a basketball enthusiast.   Growing up, he witnessed many Black men around him start successful businesses. He learned that you could achieve your goals through patience and steady work. He struggled with depression in high school of depression and dealt with a rebellious personality.   Now he's self-employed or a business owner since 2008. He created the Shot Makers League. A virtual basketball video competition platform. They offer a fun and skill-based experience for players, fans, and brands to create, participate in, and host competitions.   Please welcome to Money Making Conversations Master Class, a father, entrepreneur, and basketball enthusiast Robert Foster.

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

Rushion interviews Robert Foster, creator of the Shot Makers League, a virtual basketball platform

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/6ac50a97-6fa6-49d2-92b0-afcf014de66e/transcript

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

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.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/3a37ee55-8c20-4504-b5c5-b3e9011af170/transcript

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Bamidele Farinre

Founder of No Ceiling Consulting, a biomedical scientist, STEM expert, agile project manager, and advocate for professional development, mentorship, and removing internal and systemic limitations (“ceilings”).

They discuss her STEM background, the evolving role of AI in science, the meaning of “no ceilings,” navigating personal and professional barriers, mentorship, setbacks, agile leadership, and how individuals—especially people of color—can create opportunity even in the face of bias and structural limitations.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The purpose of having Bamidele on the show was to:

1. Highlight her work at No Ceiling Consulting

Her firm helps individuals and organizations unlock potential, elevate performance, and lead with purpose, specializing in STEM leadership, DEI, professional development, and agile project management.

2. Explore the concept of “No Ceilings”

She provides a framework for breaking through personal and professional barriers—emphasizing that many “ceilings” are internal, learned, or based on access and systemic issues.

3. Discuss STEM, AI, and the future of work

She explains the growing role of automation and AI, how it reshapes STEM roles, and why professionals must upskill, adapt, and embrace professional development.

4. Provide strategies for career advancement

Her insights include mentorship, persistence, self‑advocacy, managing setbacks, and adopting agile mindsets.

💡 Key Takeaways

1. STEM + AI = New Opportunities, Not Job Loss

Automation and AI enhance efficiency, reduce manual labor, and create new roles—especially in labs and diagnostics. Instead of replacing workers, AI demands that professionals upskill and leverage technology for faster, better outcomes.
.txt).txt) 

2. “No Ceilings” Means Removing Internal + External Barriers

Bamidele distinguishes between:

Personal ceilings
Internal doubts
Imposter syndrome
Feeling “not enough” despite capability
Learned perceptions from bias or discouraging environments

Professional ceilings
Being overlooked for opportunities
Lack of access to resources (even when resources exist)
Systemic barriers, bias, and limited upward mobility

“No ceilings” means operating from a mindset of possibility, not limitation.



3. Mentorship Is the Missing Link in Many Careers

Mentorship provides:
Guidance
Access
A blueprint from those who have “been there”
Confidence building

She explains that while mentorship is more visible today, access to the right mentorship still matters.



4. Setbacks Are Strategies in Disguise

She argues setbacks can redirect you to more aligned paths. Her personal example:
She failed her A‑level science subjects in the UK
A lecturer told her to “rethink her career”
Instead, she re‑enrolled, tried again, and succeeded

Setbacks force reassessment, new strategies, and new paths—if you don’t let them define you.


5. Professional Success Requires Initiative and Advocacy

She emphasizes:
Don’t wait for opportunities—go after them
Knock on multiple doors
Apply for roles even if you don’t feel 100% ready
Learn from interviews even if you don’t get the job

Rushion supports this point with his IBM story: opportunity started when he stopped complaining and clearly shared his goals.



6. Agile Leadership Applies Beyond Technology

Agile principles help leaders:
Think quickly and adapt
Focus on collaboration and accountability
Encourage self‑management
Support teams through “servant leadership”
Reflect and iterate rather than waiting for perfect plans

Agile mindset = resilience + responsiveness.



7. Faith, Vision, and Purpose Drive Her Journey

Bamidele speaks candidly about:
Faith guiding her through rejection and setbacks
Conversations with God grounding her
Believing her life is a “living testimony” of grace and perseverance



🗣 Notable Quotes (with citations)On AI and automation

“Automation makes life easier… without it, manual methods take hours, weeks, months to get results.”
.txt) [Bamidele F…(Podcast) | Txt]

On embracing AI

“AI is not taking your jobs, but those that ignore the AI will be left behind.”



On personal ceilings

“You’re thinking to yourself, ‘I can’t do it,’ even though you have the evidence to show you can.”



On professional ceilings

“You may have access, but you don’t have access to access.”


On initiative

“I don’t wait for opportunities—I always go for it. Worst case, you’ll say no.”



On setbacks

“When you have a setback, you’re thinking: what can I do? This can’t stop me.”



On mindset

“Life is all about risk. You have to look for solutions; there has to be another way.”



On faith

“Grace carried me to where I am today… my life is a living testimony.”



On the meaning of ‘No Ceilings’

“Why do we even have a ceiling in the first place? Let’s operate in a world where we don’t see the ceiling—only possibilities.”
.txt) 

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed&nbsp;Bamidele Farinre
Founder of No Ceiling Consulting, a biomedical scientist, STEM expert, agile project manager, and advocate for professional development, mentorship, and removing internal and systemic limitations (&ldquo;ceilings&rdquo;).
They discuss her STEM background, the evolving role of AI in science, the meaning of &ldquo;no ceilings,&rdquo; navigating personal and professional barriers, mentorship, setbacks, agile leadership, and how individuals&mdash;especially people of color&mdash;can create opportunity even in the face of bias and structural limitations.
<hr>
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The purpose of having Bamidele on the show was to:
1. Highlight her work at No Ceiling Consulting
Her firm helps individuals and organizations unlock potential, elevate performance, and lead with purpose, specializing in STEM leadership, DEI, professional development, and agile project management.
2. Explore the concept of &ldquo;No Ceilings&rdquo;
She provides a framework for breaking through personal and professional barriers&mdash;emphasizing that many &ldquo;ceilings&rdquo; are internal, learned, or based on access and systemic issues.
3. Discuss STEM, AI, and the future of work
She explains the growing role of automation and AI, how it reshapes STEM roles, and why professionals must upskill, adapt, and embrace professional development.
4. Provide strategies for career advancement
Her insights include mentorship, persistence, self‑advocacy, managing setbacks, and adopting agile mindsets.
<hr>
💡 Key Takeaways
<hr>
1. STEM + AI = New Opportunities, Not Job Loss
Automation and AI enhance efficiency, reduce manual labor, and create new roles&mdash;especially in labs and diagnostics. Instead of replacing workers, AI demands that professionals upskill and leverage technology for faster, better outcomes. .txt).txt)&nbsp;
<hr>
2. &ldquo;No Ceilings&rdquo; Means Removing Internal + External Barriers
Bamidele distinguishes between:
Personal ceilings
<ul>
<li>Internal doubts</li>
<li>Imposter syndrome</li>
<li>Feeling &ldquo;not enough&rdquo; despite capability</li>
<li>Learned perceptions from bias or discouraging environments</li>
</ul>
Professional ceilings
<ul>
<li>Being overlooked for opportunities</li>
<li>Lack of access to resources (even when resources exist)</li>
<li>Systemic barriers, bias, and limited upward mobility</li>
</ul>
&ldquo;No ceilings&rdquo; means operating from a mindset of possibility, not limitation. 
<hr>
3. Mentorship Is the Missing Link in Many Careers
Mentorship provides:
<ul>
<li>Guidance</li>
<li>Access</li>
<li>A blueprint from those who have &ldquo;been there&rdquo;</li>
<li>Confidence building</li>
</ul>
She explains that while mentorship is more visible today, access to the right mentorship still matters. 
<hr>
4. Setbacks Are Strategies in Disguise
She argues setbacks can redirect you to more aligned paths. Her personal example:
<ul>
<li>She failed her A‑level science subjects in the UK</li>
<li>A lecturer told her to &ldquo;rethink her career&rdquo;</li>
<li>Instead, she re‑enrolled, tried again, and succeeded</li>
</ul>
Setbacks force reassessment, new strategies, and new paths&mdash;if you don&rsquo;t let them define you. <a href="https://rushionmcdonald-my.sharepoint.com/personal/admin_rushionmcdonald_onmicrosoft_com/Documents/Microsoft%20Copilot%20Chat%20Files/Bamidele%20Farinre%20(Podcast).txt"></a>
<hr>
5. Professional Success Requires Initiative and Advocacy
She emphasizes:
<ul>
<li>Don&rsquo;t wait for opportunities&mdash;go after them</li>
<li>Knock on multiple doors</li>
<li>Apply for roles even if you don&rsquo;t feel 100% ready</li>
<li>Learn from interviews even if you don&rsquo;t get the job</li>
</ul>
Rushion supports this point with his IBM story: opportunity started when he stopped complaining and clearly shared his goals. 
<hr>
6. Agile Leadership Applies Beyond Technology
Agile principles help leaders:
<ul>
<li>Think quickly and adapt</li>
<li>Focus on collaboration and accountability</li>
<li>Encourage self‑management</li>
<li>Support teams through &ldquo;servant leadership&rdquo;</li>
<li>Reflect and iterate rather than waiting for perfect plans</li>
</ul>
Agile mindset = resilience + responsiveness. <a href="https://rushionmcdonald-my.sharepoint.com/personal/admin_rushionmcdonald_onmicrosoft_com/Documents/Microsoft%20Copilot%20Chat%20Files/Bamidele%20Farinre%20(Podcast).txt"></a>
<hr>
7. Faith, Vision, and Purpose Drive Her Journey
Bamidele speaks candidly about:
<ul>
<li>Faith guiding her through rejection and setbacks</li>
<li>Conversations with God grounding her</li>
<li>Believing her life is a &ldquo;living testimony&rdquo; of grace and perseverance </li>
</ul>
<hr>
🗣 Notable Quotes (with citations) On AI and automation
&ldquo;Automation makes life easier&hellip; without it, manual methods take hours, weeks, months to get results.&rdquo; .txt) <a href="https://rushionmcdonald-my.sharepoint.com/personal/admin_rushionmcdonald_onmicrosoft_com/Documents/Microsoft%20Copilot%20Chat%20Files/Bamidele%20Farinre%20(Podcast).txt">[Bamidele F&hellip;(Podcast) | Txt]</a>
On embracing AI
&ldquo;AI is not taking your jobs, but those that ignore the AI will be left behind.&rdquo; 
On personal ceilings
&ldquo;You&rsquo;re thinking to yourself, &lsquo;I can&rsquo;t do it,&rsquo; even though you have the evidence to show you can.&rdquo; 
On professional ceilings
&ldquo;You may have access, but you don&rsquo;t have access to access.&rdquo;
 On initiative
&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t wait for opportunities&mdash;I always go for it. Worst case, you&rsquo;ll say no.&rdquo; 
On setbacks
&ldquo;When you have a setback, you&rsquo;re thinking: what can I do? This can&rsquo;t stop me.&rdquo; 
On mindset
&ldquo;Life is all about risk. You have to look for solutions; there has to be another way.&rdquo; 
On faith
&ldquo;Grace carried me to where I am today&hellip; my life is a living testimony.&rdquo; 
On the meaning of &lsquo;No Ceilings&rsquo;
&ldquo;Why do we even have a ceiling in the first place? Let&rsquo;s operate in a world where we don&rsquo;t see the ceiling&mdash;only possibilities.&rdquo; .txt)&nbsp;
<hr>
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Brand Building: Her firm helps individuals and organizations unlock potential, elevate performance, and lead with purpose, specializing in STEM leadership.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/65f16a13-2724-405b-a17f-b3e700203ec2/transcript

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

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to introduce Teresa Edwards’ book The Mirror Method: 12 Weeks to Stop Abandoning Yourself, a guided workbook designed to help individuals overcome people-pleasing tendencies, set boundaries, and prioritize their own needs without guilt. It focuses on personal empowerment, mental health, and rediscovering one’s authentic self.

Key Takeaways


People-Pleasing and Boundaries
People-pleasing becomes harmful when you agree to things you don’t want to do, leading to stress and resentment.
Setting boundaries is essential for self-respect and mental health.


The Mirror Method
A 12-week guided process to “unravel” harmful patterns and rediscover your true self.
Emphasizes self-reflection, journaling, and gradual transformation at your own pace.


Selfishness vs. Self-Care
Edwards reframes “selfish” as a positive concept: prioritizing your health and happiness is necessary, not negative.
You can’t be your best for others if you’re not your best for yourself.


Health as a Wake-Up Call
Stress is a silent killer; Teresa’s own health issues (high blood pressure) forced her to reevaluate her life.
Happiness and well-being should not be age-limited—“You’re never too old to return to yourself.”


Letting Go of Toxic Relationships
Users often exploit people-pleasers; recognizing and removing such relationships is crucial.
Fully committing to the Mirror Method means accepting hard truths and being okay with losing people who drain you.


Therapy and Mental Health
COVID accelerated acceptance of therapy in communities where it was previously stigmatized.
Mental health is as important as physical health—“The mind is a muscle too.”


Workbook Details
Available on Amazon and at themirrormethodworkbook.com in print and downloadable formats.
Exercises involve writing and self-reflection to confront truths and break patterns.

Notable Quotes
“Boundaries are key.”
“Selfish is not a negative word—it’s perseverance of yourself.”
“You can’t throw a party and be mad at your own party.”
“Enough is enough—look in the mirror and say it.”
“You’re never too old to return to yourself.”
“Stress is that silent killer.”
“Fully commit means accepting all those good, bad, or ugly moments—and being okay with letting go.”
“The mind is a muscle too.”
“Be okay with being okay.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Teresa Edwards.
<hr>
Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to introduce Teresa Edwards&rsquo; book The Mirror Method: 12 Weeks to Stop Abandoning Yourself, a guided workbook designed to help individuals overcome people-pleasing tendencies, set boundaries, and prioritize their own needs without guilt. It focuses on personal empowerment, mental health, and rediscovering one&rsquo;s authentic self.
<hr>
Key Takeaways
<ol>
<li>
People-Pleasing and Boundaries
<ul>
<li>People-pleasing becomes harmful when you agree to things you don&rsquo;t want to do, leading to stress and resentment.</li>
<li>Setting boundaries is essential for self-respect and mental health.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
The Mirror Method
<ul>
<li>A 12-week guided process to &ldquo;unravel&rdquo; harmful patterns and rediscover your true self.</li>
<li>Emphasizes self-reflection, journaling, and gradual transformation at your own pace.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Selfishness vs. Self-Care
<ul>
<li>Edwards reframes &ldquo;selfish&rdquo; as a positive concept: prioritizing your health and happiness is necessary, not negative.</li>
<li>You can&rsquo;t be your best for others if you&rsquo;re not your best for yourself.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Health as a Wake-Up Call
<ul>
<li>Stress is a silent killer; Teresa&rsquo;s own health issues (high blood pressure) forced her to reevaluate her life.</li>
<li>Happiness and well-being should not be age-limited&mdash;&ldquo;You&rsquo;re never too old to return to yourself.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Letting Go of Toxic Relationships
<ul>
<li>Users often exploit people-pleasers; recognizing and removing such relationships is crucial.</li>
<li>Fully committing to the Mirror Method means accepting hard truths and being okay with losing people who drain you.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Therapy and Mental Health
<ul>
<li>COVID accelerated acceptance of therapy in communities where it was previously stigmatized.</li>
<li>Mental health is as important as physical health&mdash;&ldquo;The mind is a muscle too.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Workbook Details
<ul>
<li>Available on Amazon and at themirrormethodworkbook.com in print and downloadable formats.</li>
<li>Exercises involve writing and self-reflection to confront truths and break patterns.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
<hr>
Notable Quotes
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;Boundaries are key.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;Selfish is not a negative word&mdash;it&rsquo;s perseverance of yourself.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;You can&rsquo;t throw a party and be mad at your own party.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;Enough is enough&mdash;look in the mirror and say it.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;You&rsquo;re never too old to return to yourself.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;Stress is that silent killer.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;Fully commit means accepting all those good, bad, or ugly moments&mdash;and being okay with letting go.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;The mind is a muscle too.&rdquo;</li>
<li>&ldquo;Be okay with being okay.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
<hr>
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Overcoming the Odds: Her workbook is designed to help individuals overcome people-pleasing and prioritizing your own needs.  

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/1bb9a31a-5ede-4848-a579-b3d101063b5b/transcript

Rushion interviews Robert Foster, creator of the Shot Makers League, a virtual basketball platform

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