Daily Inspiration: The Steve Harvey Morning Show

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Cheryl Bevelle-Orange. Retired Chief Information Officer (CIO) of FedEx Custom Critical and author of The Courage to Continue: Navigating Your Corporate Journey, shares her inspiring story of rising from humble beginnings in Bessemer, Alabama, to becoming a high-ranking executive in a Fortune 500 company. The conversation centers on her book’s core themes: mentorship, advocacy, and sponsorship. 🔑 Key Themes & Highlights Why She Wrote the Book Cheryl is a first-generation corporate American whose parents were a coal miner and a teacher. Initially written as a guide for her children, the book evolved into a broader resource for anyone navigating corporate life, especially first-generation professionals. The pandemic inspired her to add a section for leaders managing first-gen employees. Career at FedEx Spent 26 years at FedEx, culminating in her role as CIO of FedEx Custom Critical. FedEx Custom Critical handles specialized logistics, such as transporting refrigerated COVID-19 vaccines. Her role involved overseeing IT infrastructure, data, and systems—a rare position for African-American women in tech. Mentorship, Advocacy, and Sponsorship Cheryl breaks down the differences: Mentors help build skills and confidence (like background singers preparing the lead). Sponsors are like PR agents who open doors and promote you. Advocates speak up for you in rooms where you’re not present. These three pillars were essential to her success and are critical for young professionals, especially minorities. Overcoming Barriers Cheryl shares how racism and gender bias in tech were real challenges. Her first mentor was a white male who saw her potential and helped her navigate corporate culture. She emphasizes the importance of resilience, perspective, and turning frustration into action. Personal Motivation A pivotal childhood moment: seeing her grandfather sign an “X” at the bank because he couldn’t write. That experience ignited her drive for education and excellence. She wanted to see the world beyond Bessemer and use her knowledge to help others do the same. Diversity & Inclusion at FedEx Cheryl co-founded the FedEx African-American Committee, now a Business Resource Group (BRG). Initiatives included: Resume building and interview prep Black History Month events with speakers like Donna Brazile and Ben Hooks Creating safe spaces for Black employees to grow and connect 📘 About the Book Title: The Courage to Continue: Navigating Your Corporate Journey Available at: CherylBevelleOrange.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble #AMI #BEST #STRAW #SHMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Sharise Nance. Purpose of the Interview To showcase Sharise Nance’s mission in mental health advocacy, entrepreneurship, and workplace wellness. To discuss her companies: Hand in Hand Counseling Services – addressing mental health disparities in Black communities. Vitamin C Healing – building trauma-sensitive, wellness-centered workplace cultures. To educate on stress, burnout, compassion fatigue, and financial equity in the mental health field. Key Takeaways Hand in Hand Counseling Services Founded with college roommate Tess Kenny in Pittsburgh. Created a safe space for mental health support in underserved communities. Celebrating 12 years in operation. Breaking Mental Health Stigma Built trust through community presence and transparency. Advocated therapy as normal: “I’m a therapist who has a therapist.” Education on what therapy is and isn’t. Understanding Stress Eustress (positive stress) vs. Distress (overwhelming stress). Physical signs: sweating, rapid heartbeat, tense shoulders, jaw clenching. Stress can lead to depression and anxiety—seek professional help. Impact of COVID-19 Isolation amplified mental health issues. Introduced concept of co-regulation—healing through community and connection. Vitamin C Healing Originated from her book Vitamin C Healing for the Mind, Body. Evolved into a brand offering workshops, consultations, and burnout assessments. Focused on helping professionals and leaders prevent compassion fatigue. Financial Equity in Mental Health Advocates for fair pay: “We can care deeply and earn abundantly.” Challenges the mindset that passion work means low income. Encourages professionals to set boundaries and value their expertise. Burnout & Organizational Cost Unaddressed burnout costs companies millions annually. Leads to quiet quitting, low productivity, and high turnover. Investing in wellness saves money and improves culture. Personal Journey Biggest bet: leaving full-time job in 2017 to pursue entrepreneurship. Therapy helped her navigate fear and grief (especially after losing her father). Quote: “Feel the fear and do it anyway.” Notable Quotes “We can care deeply and earn abundantly.” “I’m a therapist who has a therapist.” “Feel the fear and do it anyway.” “We heal when we are in community—it’s hard to heal in isolation.” “Compassion fatigue isn’t just a feel-good topic; it costs companies millions.” “Betting on myself was the best investment I ever made.” #SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMISee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Monique Strong. President of the Atlanta Chapter of the National Association of Black Women in Construction (NABWIC). Here's a breakdown of the key highlights and takeaways: 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Breaking Barriers in Construction Monique Strong is a trailblazer in a traditionally male-dominated and white-dominated industry. She leads NABWIC’s Atlanta chapter, advocating for leadership, equity, and professional development for Black women in construction. 2. What “Construction” Really Means Construction isn’t just hard hats and manual labor—it includes: General contracting Project management Estimating Safety coordination Architecture and engineering Business ownership and development 3. Legacy and Inspiration Monique’s passion for construction was inspired by her grandfathers and her grandmother, who helped build the home she grew up in. Her journey includes a degree in engineering from Clark Atlanta University and further training in construction management. 4. Challenges and Triumphs Faced skepticism from family and industry peers. Overcame stereotypes and isolation as a young Black woman in construction. Emphasizes the importance of knowing who you are and embracing your identity as a woman in the field. 5. The Power of Mentorship and Community NABWIC provides a supportive network for women at all stages of their construction careers. Weekly calls, mentorship, and shared resources help members grow and succeed. 6. Why Diversity in Construction Matters Diversity reflects the makeup of the country and brings innovation and detail-oriented excellence to the field. Inclusion in leadership and contracting opportunities is essential for equity and community development. 💬 Notable Quotes “You don’t have to be hard. You just have to be hungry.” “We are the unicorns people are looking for.” “I like to take something that’s nothing and make it something.” 🎯 Advice for Women in Construction Get involved with a community like NABWIC that supports your growth. Seek mentorship from women at all stages—beginning, middle, and end of their careers. Embrace your uniqueness and use it to lead and innovate. #SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMISee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Gregory Richardson. A cybersecurity expert and AI consultant. The conversation explores cybersecurity best practices, the rise of AI, and how Gregory is helping churches and nonprofits leverage technology to spread the gospel. 🔐 Cybersecurity Insights 🔹 Gregory’s Background Based in Dallas, Texas. Works full-time as an ethical hacker and cybersecurity consultant for major corporations and governments. Also a serial entrepreneur with ventures in real estate, consulting, and software. 🔹 Key Cybersecurity Takeaways Multitasking Myth: Gregory argues that humans are not wired for multitasking—focus leads to better outcomes. Password: Avoid using simple passwords like “1234.” Don’t reuse passwords across platforms. Use passphrases (e.g., Bible verses) for stronger security. Change passwords regularly. Password Vaults: Recommends using reputable services like Google or Microsoft. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Strongly encourages using 2FA to protect accounts. Phishing Scams: Be wary of urgent or fear-based emails. Always verify suspicious messages by contacting the company directly. Scammers often mimic trusted brands (e.g., Facebook, Bank of America). 🔹 The Bigger Picture Cybercrime now generates more revenue than global drug trafficking. Criminal organizations are well-funded and recruit tech talent to build sophisticated scams. 🤖 Artificial Intelligence & Opportunity 🔹 AI as a Tool for Good Compares AI to the Gutenberg printing press—initially misused, but ultimately transformative. Believes AI’s potential far outweighs its risks. 🔹 AI in Business Helps businesses identify “million-dollar problems” and solve them with AI. Example: Built a toll-tracking app for a car rental company that became more profitable than the rental business itself. Encourages entrepreneurs to use AI tools to build apps without needing coding skills. 🔹 AI in Education Created a custom math quiz app for his daughter using her course materials and AI. 🙏 AI for Churches & Nonprofits Gregory focuses on helping churches and nonprofits use AI to: Spread the gospel. Operate more efficiently. Compete with limited budgets. Offers consulting and resources through his website: GregoryRichardson.ai 📚 Book Mentioned Gregory has authored a book on using AI to solve business problems and create scalable solutions. 🎙️ Closing Notes Rushion praises Gregory’s passion, clarity, and practical advice. Plans to bring him back for a deeper dive into AI’s role in faith-based and nonprofit work. #SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMISee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Yolanda D. McElroy. A registered pharmacist and author. Dr. McElroy discusses medication safety, her career in pharmacy, and her children's book, It's Not Candy, which educates children and parents on the importance of proper medication storage and awareness. 🔑 Key Themes & Highlights The Importance of Medication Safety Medications are a leading cause of accidental poisoning in children. Parents must store medicines properly and educate children on their dangers. Dr. McElroy’s Pharmacy Journey Started in chemistry before transitioning to pharmacy school. Has nearly three decades of experience in retail and hospital pharmacy. Challenges in the Pharmacy Profession Pharmacists face increasing workloads, including vaccinations and insurance issues. The profession has seen strikes due to excessive demands and responsibilities. Educating Children & Parents Her book It's Not Candy teaches kids to recognize medicine and avoid accidental ingestion. She emphasizes the need for early education, starting as young as three years old. Community Outreach & Consulting Founded MediManage Consulting to promote medication safety and health education. Works with schools and organizations to distribute her book and raise awareness. 📘 About Dr. Yolanda D. McElroyDr. McElroy is a pharmacist, consultant, and author dedicated to improving medication safety and health education. Her book It's Not Candy helps families prevent accidental overdoses and promotes responsible medication use. Let me know if you'd like any refinements! #AMI #BEST #STRAW #SHMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.