The Steve Harvey Morning Show

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 Dr. Tiffany Bussey
Title: Director, Morehouse Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (MIEC)
Dr. Tiffany Bussey discusses how the Morehouse Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center works to scale Black- and Brown-owned businesses, close the racial wealth gap, and intentionally connect entrepreneurs and workers to capital, contracts, and emerging industries, particularly in sustainability.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview serves to:
Educate listeners about the systemic barriers facing Black entrepreneurs beyond access to capital.
Highlight practical solutions—programs, partnerships, and ecosystems—that create real economic outcomes.
Shift mindsets around entrepreneurship, risk, and opportunity, especially in underserved communities.
Expose listeners to emerging, high-growth industries (e.g., sustainability, EVs, renewable energy) instead of oversaturated traditional businesses.
Promote community-based economic ecosystems, particularly the collaboration between Morehouse, Goodwill, and corporate partners.
Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Entrepreneurship as a Tool for Closing the Wealth Gap
Dr. Bussey positions entrepreneurship and business ownership as one of the most effective ways to generate long-term wealth in Black communities.
The Center has supported 400+ scalable, mid-sized businesses, resulting in: 850+ jobs created
$34M+ in new capital accessed
$82M+ in new revenue generated

Key insight: The problem isn’t a lack of capable Black businesses—it’s visibility, access, and opportunity.
2. “Access to Opportunity” Matters as Much as Capital
While access to capital dominates the conversation, Dr. Bussey emphasizes access to contracts and decision-makers.
MIEC programs are designed with opportunity partners (large corporations, general contractors, primes) so participants gain: Exposure to real contracts
Understanding of supply chains
Direct relationships with decision-makers

Takeaway: Capital without revenue and customers won’t sustain a business.
3. The Three C’s of Business Growth
Dr. Bussey outlines MIEC’s core framework:
Capital – Funding and financial resources
Connections – Two-way, relationship-based networks
Contracts – Revenue-generating opportunities
She stresses that connections only matter if relationships are mutual—it’s not enough to “know someone” unless they also understand your value.
4. Breaking Stereotypes About Black-Owned Businesses
Dr. Bussey addresses harmful narratives around skill, readiness, and qualifications.
She highlights intentional strategies to: Prepare businesses before opportunities arise
Align training and recruitment with future industries
Counter biases through performance, scale, and visibility

Key idea: Preparation plus access dismantles bias.
5. Sustainability = One of the Largest Economic Opportunities
Dr. Bussey reframes sustainability as an economic opportunity, not just an environmental issue:
Electric Vehicles: ~$163B industry
Green Construction: ~$324B industry
Renewable Energy: ~$952B industry
Sustainable Agriculture: ~$20B industry
She urges listeners to stop defaulting to oversaturated businesses (e.g., nightclubs) and instead pursue industries that are expanding rapidly and globally.
6. Workforce Development + Business Development Must Align
Goodwill provides free job training, certifications, and even stipends for individuals.
Morehouse trains businesses that can hire those workers, creating a full economic loop.
This ecosystem addresses two major barriers simultaneously: Human capital
Business readiness

Takeaway: Economic equity requires aligned systems, not isolated programs.
7. Entrepreneurship Is Rewarding—but Not Romantic
Dr. Bussey demystifies entrepreneurship:
It’s high-risk, exhausting, and statistically likely to fail early.
Failure is part of the process, but historical and financial realities make risk harder for Black entrepreneurs.
Ownership remains critical despite these challenges.
Key message: Entrepreneurship is powerful, but it must be supported intentionally.
Notable Quotes
“Entrepreneurship and small businesses are one of the pathways to closing the racial income inequality gap.”
“We don’t just provide technical assistance for technical assistance’s sake—this is about creating real opportunity.”
“Capital dominates the conversation, but contracts are equally important.”
“People don’t buy products or services. They buy solutions.”
“We have to stop thinking only about what we feel we have access to.”
“Sustainability is not one industry—it’s multiple trillion-dollar opportunities.”
“Entrepreneurship is the most rewarding and the most fatiguing thing you’ll ever do.”
Overall Impact
The interview functions as both a masterclass and a call to action:
For entrepreneurs: Think bigger, pursue scalable industries, and prepare for opportunity.
For communities: Build ecosystems, not silos.
For institutions and corporations: Inclusion requires intentional design.
Dr. Tiffany Bussey presents a practical, data-backed roadmap for inclusive economic development—centered on ownership, access, and readiness.
#STRAW #SHMS #BEST
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Eddy Benoit Jr.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
This interview has three primary objectives:
Highlight Eddy Benoit Jr.’s work in real estate development Especially affordable housing, mixed-use developments, and senior living.

Explain how mission-driven real estate can transform communities Focus on underserved areas and mixed-income solutions.

Provide entrepreneurial and leadership insights Covering vision, discipline, team-building, and scaling a business.

🧠 Key Takeaways 1. Mission-Driven Development Is the Core of Success
The Benoit Group focuses on affordable and mixed-income housing, especially for underserved populations.
Their strategy is rooted in a clear “why” that hasn’t changed since founding.
✅ Insight:
Long-term success comes from staying aligned with a clear mission.
“Our litmus test has been our why… that’s what keeps us from being distracted.” [EDDY BENOIT JR | Txt]
2. There Is a Massive Gap in Affordable Senior Housing
Target population: Ages 55–85
Low to moderate income

This group often: Doesn’t qualify for subsidies
Can’t afford market-rate housing

✅ Insight:
Huge opportunity exists in underserved housing markets.
“The demand is extremely high… not many people are really building affordably priced housing.” [EDDY BENOIT JR | Txt]
3. Understanding “Affordable Housing” Is More Complex Than It Sounds
Two categories: Capital A Affordable: Low-income (≤60% of area median income)
Small a affordable: Moderate-income (80%–140%)

Projects must balance income ranges to remain financially viable.
✅ Insight:
Real estate success requires technical, financial, and regulatory understanding.
4. Public-Private Partnerships Drive Large Developments
Major projects come through: Competitive RFP/RFQ processes
Partnerships with municipalities

Developments often include: Housing
Retail
Office/hospitality components

✅ Insight:
Scale is achieved through collaboration with government entities.
5. Great Leadership Requires Evolution and Self-Awareness
Leadership style evolved over time: From authority-based to transparency-based

Key principle: Honesty and communication build strong teams

✅ Insight:
Effective leadership is adaptive, transparent, and people-centered.
“Transparency and honesty… is the best form of communication.” [EDDY BENOIT JR | Txt]
6. Hire People Who Challenge You
Entrepreneurs often make the mistake of hiring people just like themselves.
Strong teams include: Different perspectives
Greater expertise

✅ Insight:
Growth requires diverse thinking and constructive challenge.
“You want people who think different… and can challenge your thought process.” [EDDY BENOIT JR | Txt]
7. Be Realistic and Honest in Business Planning
Many entrepreneurs: Set unrealistic revenue expectations
Build budgets based on wishful thinking

✅ Insight:
Success requires honest evaluation and disciplined planning.
“They’re not honest with themselves… the path to making that revenue isn’t achievable.” [EDDY BENOIT JR | Txt]
8. Real Estate Can Transform Entire Communities
Benoit Group intentionally invests in: Overlooked or underserved neighborhoods

Their developments act as catalysts: Attracting other investors
Sparking broader economic growth

✅ Insight:
Strategic investment can redefine entire communities.
“We go in areas that have been overlooked… and act as a catalyst.” [EDDY BENOIT JR | Txt]
9. True Impact Goes Beyond Buildings
Success is not just physical development: It’s about changing mindset and confidence in communities

✅ Insight:
Transformation requires both infrastructure and psychological uplift.
“You’ve got to change the mindset… before you can get transformation.” [EDDY BENOIT JR | Txt]
10. Recognition Is Meaningful but Not the Motivation
Benoit didn’t expect the award and initially thought it was for someone else.
He emphasizes: Mission over recognition
Team contribution

✅ Insight:
Awards are a byproduct of consistent, purpose-driven work.
“We don’t do it for the awards… but the recognition does feel great.” [EDDY BENOIT JR | Txt]
11. Future Focus: Growth + Mentorship
Expansion goals: Broader geographic footprint (10+ states)

Strategic priority: Mentoring smaller developers to scale

✅ Insight:
True leadership includes creating opportunities for others to grow.
💬 Notable Quotes On mission
“Our litmus test has been our why.”
On market demand
“The demand is extremely high… especially for the baby boomers.”
On leadership
“Transparency and honesty… is the best form of communication.”
On team building
“You want people who think different… and can challenge you.”
On business planning
“They’re not honest with themselves.”
On community impact
“We act as a catalyst… attract others to invest.”
On transformation
“You’ve got to change the mindset.”
🧾 Bottom Line
This interview is a powerful example of mission-driven entrepreneurship in real estate.
Eddy Benoit Jr.’s core message:
Build businesses around purpose and real need
Focus on underserved markets for meaningful impact
Grow through discipline, partnerships, and strong teams
Create success that extends beyond profit into community transformation
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMI
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Monica Cornitcher.
Entrepreneurial journey, the inspiration behind Medase Cocktails, and the realities of launching, funding, and scaling a premium nonalcoholic spirits brand in a highly competitive market.
Purpose of the Conversation
The purpose of the episode is to:
Educate aspiring entrepreneurs on how to build a differentiated consumer brand
Demonstrate the importance of storytelling, market clarity, and operational discipline
Highlight the growth of the nonalcoholic / zero‑proof beverage movement
Inspire founders—especially founders of color—to own their niche, seek capital strategically, and scale intentionally.
Key Takeaways 1. Business Built from Personal Need and Purpose
Medase Cocktails was co‑founded by Monica and her lifelong friend during her friend’s battle with breast cancer, a time when alcohol was no longer an option—but celebration still mattered.
The brand was created to allow people to celebrate authentically without alcohol
It carries emotional depth rooted in friendship, gratitude, and loss
Monica continues the mission after her co‑founder passed away in 2024
Lesson: Purpose-driven businesses create deeper emotional connection and long-term brand equity.
2. Differentiation Is Everything
Monica deliberately rejected the “sparkling water with flavor” model common in nonalcoholic drinks.
Her differentiators include:
Authentic cocktail taste (Old Fashioned, Margarita, Moscow Mule)
Organic juices, not artificial flavors
Bold packaging that stands out on shelves
Drinks designed to smell, taste, and feel like real cocktails
Lesson: Competing on authenticity—not cost—is how you carve out market share in crowded spaces.
3. Brand Names and Stories Matter
The name “Medase” means “thank you” and reflects gratitude, friendship, and emotional support.
Monica emphasizes:
Every flavor name, color, and product decision has a story
A strong brand narrative creates curiosity, loyalty, and investor interest
Lesson: People invest in brands they feel—emotionally, not just intellectually.
4. Venture Capital Is Not Just About Numbers
While financials matter, Monica stresses that VCs also invest in founders and stories.
What helped her secure venture capital:
A compelling personal story
Relevant founder skill sets (M&A, law, operations)
Clear understanding of the market opportunity
Lesson: Early-stage funding often depends on who you are and why you’re building, not just revenue.
5. Research, Planning, and Discipline Before Launch
Unlike many food startups, Medase did not begin in a kitchen.
They:
Conducted a feasibility study
Built a formal business plan
Worked with a Black female food scientist
Set strict personal funding limits before seeking capital
Lesson: Preparation reduces risk and builds long-term sustainability.
6. Scaling Requires Operational Maturity
As sales increased—especially on Amazon—Monica emphasized the need to move from “hustle mode” to operational excellence.
Key scaling principles:
Understand unit economics
Track ROI for events and activations
Adjust pricing as volume increases
Build strategy across marketing, operations, and distribution
Lesson: Hustle starts the business; operations grow it.
7. Niche First, Expansion Later
Medase does not try to be “everything to everyone.”
Core customers include:
People seeking a break from alcohol
Health-conscious consumers
Black men looking for alcohol replacements
Consumers wanting cocktail taste without hangovers
Lesson: Strong niches create loyal advocates who fuel organic growth.
8. Smart Distribution Strategy
Rather than rushing into retail, Monica prioritized direct-to-consumer channels:
Amazon (top-performing channel)
Brand website
TikTok Shop
Only after 6–7 months of traction did retail expansion become viable.
Lesson: Control your margins and demand before entering expensive retail environments.
Memorable Quotes
“I wanted an authentic cocktail without compromise.”
“Everything we do has a story behind it.”
“Sometimes it’s not about the financials—it’s about the founder and the story.”
“Don’t be everything to everybody. Find your market and stick with your market.”
“Hustle starts the business, but operations give you scale.”
“If it tastes too much like alcohol and you gave me a one-star review—thank you. That means I did my job.”
Overall Message
This episode is a real-world entrepreneurial blueprint showing how clarity of vision, emotional authenticity, disciplined planning, and niche focus can turn a personal idea into a scalable national brand.
Monica Cornitcher exemplifies the modern founder:
visionary, data-aware, emotionally intelligent, and unapologetically authentic.
#SHMS #BEST #STRAW #AMI
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Curtis Symonds..
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The interview serves three main purposes:
Highlight the growth and mission of HBCU GO A digital media platform dedicated to HBCU sports, culture, and storytelling.

Celebrate Curtis Symonds’ career and Cable Hall of Fame induction Recognizing his 30+ years of impact in media and broadcasting.

Educate and inspire entrepreneurs and professionals Emphasizing perseverance, ownership, and strategic partnerships.

🧠 Key Takeaways 1. Vision + Persistence Built HBCU GO
Symonds created HBCU GO to fill a gap in exposure for Black colleges after struggling to get support for years.
The turning point came when Byron Allen backed his vision and acquired the company, enabling scale and quality.
✅ Insight:
Great ideas often require belief + the right partner to succeed.
“I’m going to buy your company because I believe in your vision.”%20(2).txt) [Curtis Sym...dcast) (2) | Txt]
2. Representation and Ownership Matter
Symonds explicitly wanted to show successful collaboration among Black executives.
Emphasis on high-quality production standards to compete with mainstream networks.
✅ Insight:
Representation isn’t enough—quality execution is required to compete at the highest level.
“I wanted to show the world that two Black men can get together and do something successfully.”%20(2).txt) [Curtis Sym...dcast) (2) | Txt]
3. HBCU GO Is More Than Sports—It’s Cultural Infrastructure
The platform includes: Live sports (football, basketball, baseball)
Original programming
Storytelling about HBCU history and impact

Goal: preserve and amplify untold stories
✅ Insight:
Media platforms can be tools for cultural preservation and education.
“Every HBCU has a story… that people don’t know about.”%20(2).txt) [Curtis Sym...dcast) (2) | Txt]
4. HBCUs Represent a Powerful, Valuable Audience
Symonds highlights data showing HBCUs produce large percentages of Black professionals (teachers, doctors, STEM grads).
Advertisers are increasingly recognizing this educated, middle-class audience.
✅ Insight:
Undervalued markets can become high-value audiences when properly positioned.
5. Brand Awareness Takes Time—but Compounds
Early on, people didn’t recognize HBCU GO.
Now, the brand has strong recognition and distribution (apps, Roku, Prime Video).
✅ Insight:
Building a brand requires consistency and patience.
“Now I put it on and people say, ‘I watch your network.’”%20(2).txt) [Curtis Sym...dcast) (2) | Txt]
6. Strategic Partnerships Accelerate Growth
Partnership with UNCF (37 institutions) expands reach and engagement.
Focus on direct communication with students and alumni communities.
✅ Insight:
Partnerships unlock distribution, credibility, and scale.
7. Career Success Comes from Risk + Timing
Symonds left ESPN for BET at age 32—a risky move at the time.
That decision helped define his career and legacy.
✅ Insight:
Big career leaps often require betting on uncertain opportunities.
“Why not me?”%20(2).txt) [Curtis Sym...dcast) (2) | Txt]
8. Recognition Is About Impact, Not Timing
Symonds acknowledges he could have been honored earlier but accepts timing.
✅ Insight:
Focus on impact—not validation.
“God had a place and a time for me… I’m not looking back on that.”%20(2).txt) [Curtis Sym...dcast) (2) | Txt]
9. Leadership Includes Personal Support Systems
He credits his wife as instrumental to his success and longevity.
✅ Insight:
Sustainable success requires strong personal foundations.
10. Future Focus: Storytelling + Sustainability
Expansion strategy: More content about HBCU history and achievements
Positioning schools as both educational and business ecosystems

✅ Insight:
Long-term survival requires blending mission with economic strategy.
“We have to look at these HBCU schools as a business… not just as an education center.”%20(2).txt) [Curtis Sym...dcast) (2) | Txt]
💬 Notable Quotes
Here are some of the most impactful lines:
On vision
“I’m going to buy your company because I believe in your vision.”%20(2).txt) [Curtis Sym...dcast) (2) | Txt]

On representation
“Two Black men can get together and do something successfully.”%20(2).txt) [Curtis Sym...dcast) (2) | Txt]

On storytelling
“Every HBCU has a story… that people don’t know about.”%20(2).txt) [Curtis Sym...dcast) (2) | Txt]

On career mindset
“Why not me?”%20(2).txt) [Curtis Sym...dcast) (2) | Txt]

On recognition
“God had a place and a time for me.”%20(2).txt) [Curtis Sym...dcast) (2) | Txt]

On strategy
“We have to look at these HBCU schools as a business.”%20(2).txt) [Curtis Sym...dcast) (2) | Txt]

🧾 Bottom Line
This interview is both a case study in media entrepreneurship and a mission-driven conversation about cultural equity.
Curtis Symonds’ story demonstrates:
The power of vision + persistence
The importance of ownership and representation
The long-term impact of building platforms that tell overlooked stories
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Travis Payne.
The interview serves three main purposes:
Inspiration & Career Blueprint
To highlight Travis Payne’s journey from Atlanta dancer to globally recognized choreographer and director working with icons like Michael and Janet Jackson.

Business of Entertainment
To educate listeners on how creativity (dance, music, performance) intersects with business, branding, and revenue generation.

Motivation for Entrepreneurs & Creatives
To reinforce themes of persistence, preparation, and leveraging opportunity—aligned with the show’s mission to help audiences “plan their own success story.” [TRAVIS PAYNE | Txt]

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Success = Preparation + Opportunity + Fearlessness
Payne emphasizes being constantly ready for opportunities in competitive environments like LA.
He notes that many people have talent, but lack access and readiness.
➡️ Insight:
Preparedness + courage to engage = career breakthroughs
2. Rejection Is Part of the Process
He attended multiple auditions daily and expected rejection.
Thick skin is essential in creative industries.
➡️ Insight:
Expect “no” as part of the path to “yes.”
3. Dance & Music Are Universal and Powerful
Dance is described as a “universal language” that connects people across cultures.
He recalls a powerful moment where audiences in conflict came together through music at a Michael Jackson performance. [TRAVIS PAYNE | Txt]
➡️ Insight:
Art has the power to unify where politics cannot.
4. Creativity Must Align with Business Goals
Payne highlights that choreography and creative direction are not just artistic—they must meet commercial objectives.
Example: His work on Gap’s “Khakis” campaign helped drive $1B in product sales. [TRAVIS PAYNE | Txt]
➡️ Insight:
If it doesn’t generate value, it’s a hobby—not a business.
5. Michael Jackson as a Blueprint for Branding & Ownership
Michael Jackson is framed as a case study in: Innovation and brand-building
Long-term thinking (“Will this be cool in 50 years?”)
Ownership of intellectual property (publishing, rights)

➡️ Insight:
Creative control and ownership drive lasting wealth and influence.
6. Innovation Drives Longevity
Michael Jackson’s continuous push for originality is cited as the reason his relevance spans generations.
➡️ Insight:
Timeless brands are built on innovation—not imitation.
7. Career Growth Requires Evolution
Payne progressed from: Dancer → Choreographer → Director → Producer

His growth came from both talent and mentorship (e.g., Michael Jackson guiding his career steps).
➡️ Insight:
Longevity requires expanding your skillset and role.
8. Mindset: “Delusional” vs. Committed
He reframes ambition: Not unrealistic → but deeply committed and prepared.

➡️ Insight:
Belief + discipline separates dreamers from achievers.
💬 Notable Quotes 🔹 On Readiness
“If you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready.” [TRAVIS PAYNE | Txt]
🔹 On Rejection
“There would be a lot of no’s before you get to the yes.” [TRAVIS PAYNE | Txt]
🔹 On Dance & Creativity
“Dance is a universal language… it unites us.” [TRAVIS PAYNE | Txt]
🔹 On Business vs. Hobby
“If it doesn’t make sense as a business… it’s a hobby.” [TRAVIS PAYNE | Txt]
🔹 On Michael Jackson’s Vision
“He wanted to always create his own specific lane.” [TRAVIS PAYNE | Txt]
🔹 On Personal Drive
“You have to have the nerve to think that you can.” [TRAVIS PAYNE | Txt]
🔹 On Commitment vs. Delusion
“No, I am committed… and I’m prepared.” [TRAVIS PAYNE | Txt]
🧭 Overall Theme
The interview reinforces a powerful message:
Creative success is not just talent—it’s strategy, resilience, and business intelligence.
Travis Payne embodies the blend of:
Artistry (dance, storytelling)
Execution (discipline, skill)
Business acumen (branding, monetization)
📌 Bottom Line
This interview is both:
A masterclass in navigating the entertainment industry
And a motivational guide for entrepreneurs and creatives
Core lesson:
👉 Own your craft, understand the business, stay ready, and build something timeless.
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.