The Steve Harvey Morning Show

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Lavar Thomas.
Motivational speaker, author, Peace Corps alumnus, leadership coach, and founder of Empower for Greatness. Lavar’s mission is to help people transform “from the inside out” so they can live with greater intention and purpose.
The conversation explores Lavar’s upbringing in Brownsville, Brooklyn; his life-changing Peace Corps service in Rwanda; his understanding of faith, purpose, failure, and leadership; and how he built international development programs such as Leaders of the Free World, which exposes young Black men to global travel and leadership experiences.
He discusses how stepping outside his comfort zone—from traveling abroad for the first time to navigating Rwanda after only knowing it through “Hotel Rwanda”—opened his worldview, deepened his empathy, and developed his leadership style.
Lavar explains how a major project failure in the Peace Corps forced him to redefine success beyond titles, money, or recognition. This experience ultimately inspired his book, The Other Side of Letting Go. He also shares how he balances a federal government job with building his speaking and training company.
The interview concludes with a powerful discussion on purpose, reinvention, leadership, and the role travel plays in expanding one’s mindset—especially for communities that are historically underrepresented in global spaces.
PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW 1. To highlight Lavar’s transformative journey from Brooklyn to global leadership.
Rushion showcases how Lavar’s experiences shaped his philosophy and mission.
2. To educate listeners about purpose‑driven living and leadership
Lavar explains why purpose—not money—is the “real currency,” and how aligning with purpose drives impact.
3. To inspire people to step beyond their comfort zones
The interview emphasizes how discomfort and uncertainty can spark growth.
4. To reveal the value of international exposure for Black men
Through Leaders of the Free World, Lavar advocates for global experiences that shift identity and opportunity.
5. To discuss resilience, reinvention, and personal development
From project failures to the death of his father, Lavar shows how adversity can reshape purpose and leadership.
KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Faith requires action
Lavar describes faith as taking steps without knowing the outcome—“believing in the future before it becomes reality.”
2. Growth happens outside the comfort zone
Comfort zones feel safe, but they also create limits; stepping beyond them leads to self‑awareness and transformation.
3. The Peace Corps experience was life‑changing
Rwanda taught him service, humility, language, cultural understanding, and the power of community trust.
4. Failure can be an important redirection
When his library project collapsed, Lavar learned to detach from ego and redefine success through impact, not image.
5. Purpose is the real currency
Operating in purpose helps you add value, understand your worth, and ultimately generate income more meaningfully.
6. Leadership includes being willing to pivot
He shifted from a failed library project to impactful malnutrition programs, partnering with USAID to train families.
7. Personal setbacks can sharpen identity and mission
His father’s death led him to pause graduate school, attend therapy, and rebuild himself—learning leadership through vulnerability.
8. Global exposure changes lives
Leaders of the Free World gives young Black men access to international travel, allowing them to reimagine their potential.
NOTABLE QUOTES On faith
“Faith is taking steps without even knowing the outcome… believing in the future I see in my mind before I see it in reality.”
On stepping outside comfort zones
“Every time I step beyond that line, I grew… I realized new possibilities for myself.”
On failure
“Failure is life redirecting you.” (Recalling Oprah’s teaching).
On purpose
“Purpose is the real currency.”
On redefining success
“I had to learn how to redefine success for myself—not in the glamor of a project, but the impact I was having.”
On reinvention after loss
“I had to step away and rebuild LaVar… focusing on my family taught me so much about leadership.”
On travel and identity
“Something shifts in them when they return. They see their lives differently and their community differently.”
#STRAW #BEST #SHMS
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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 Mowbray and Cherina Rowand
Co-founders of The Rowand Group and One Stop Taxes, the largest Black-owned virtual tax preparation service in America. The interview highlights their business evolution, scaling strategies, community impact, and the creation of the Black Tax Festival.
🧭 Interview Outline 1. Background & Origins
Both from Memphis, Tennessee; met in high school.
Started tax preparation in 2010 as a mom-and-pop operation.
Transitioned from brick-and-mortar to virtual model by 2015.
2. Business Philosophy
Entrepreneurship is defined as service to others.
Mowbray is the visionary; Cherina is the implementer.
Emphasis on scaling with structure: legal, accounting, HR.
3. One Stop Taxes
Grew from a single office to over 1,000 virtual franchise locations.
Offers free training, no startup costs, and shared revenue model.
Built a platform allowing clients to submit documents and sign remotely.
4. Virtual Tax Model
Designed for convenience and accessibility.
Clients and tax preparers never need to meet in person.
Platform includes document upload, e-signature, and cloud storage.
5. Franchise & Training
Learning Management System (LMS) for onboarding.
Training includes tax prep, customer acquisition, and platform use.
Strategic partnerships with local businesses (e.g., dealerships, daycares).
6. Black Tax Festival
Annual event held in Atlanta
Combines networking, education, and recognition.
Includes IRS updates, business workshops, and the Titan Awards.
Open to all entrepreneurs, not just tax professionals.
7. Expansion & Diversification
Own restaurants in Memphis and the Dominican Republic.
Franchised Fat Tuesday and Esco Restaurant (did \$1M in first 6 weeks).
Own a yacht for rental experiences in the DR.
Plans to develop a restaurant strip near FedExForum in Memphis.
💡 Key Takeaways
Vision + Execution = Growth: Their complementary roles fuel business success.
Virtual is Scalable: Transitioning to virtual allowed exponential growth.
Community Impact Matters: Black Tax Festival fosters education and recognition.
Diversification is Strategic: Restaurants and real estate expand their brand.
Mentorship & Learning: They study successful entrepreneurs like Tilman Fertitta.
Faith & Family Drive: Their journey is rooted in love, planning, and purpose.
🗣️ Notable Quotes
“Entrepreneurship means being a servant to other people.”
“The same thing that works at \$1M doesn’t work at \$15M.”
“We had to fire ourselves from some jobs and hire professionals.”
“We built a platform where you can do taxes from your couch.”
“We started before social media—we know belly-to-belly marketing.”
“Recognition matters—people don’t get it at home or work.”
“We’re trying to bridge the wealth gap through proper paperwork.”
“We bought a yacht in the Dominican Republic to rent for experiences.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
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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 Miko Branch.
Here is a clear, structured summary of the Miko Branch interview with Rushion McDonald, along with its purpose, key takeaways, and notable quotes, drawn directly from the transcript you provided.
All information cites the uploaded file.
SUMMARY OF THE INTERVIEW
In this Money Making Conversations Masterclass episode, Rushion McDonald interviews Miko Branch, co‑founder and CEO of Miss Jessie’s, a pioneering hair‑care brand serving people with textured, curly, kinky, and wavy hair.
Miko recounts how she and her late sister, Titi Branch, built Miss Jessie’s from their kitchen table in their Brooklyn brownstone, developing products designed to genuinely work for people with textured hair. She highlights the brand’s deeply personal roots—named after their grandmother Jessie Mae Branch, the first “CEO” they ever observed in action.
Throughout the interview, Miko explains how Miss Jessie’s expanded from grassroots marketing, word‑of‑mouth, and early internet chat rooms to becoming a national brand found in Walgreens, CVS, Target, and more. She stresses the brand’s emphasis on education, authenticity, and providing solutions for all textured hair types.
Miko also discusses signature product lines (Curly Pudding, Pillow Soft Curls, Daily Soft Curls, sulfate‑free shampoo) and how Miss Jessie’s became a leader in the natural hair movement—well before it became a mainstream trend.
PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW 1. To showcase Miss Jessie’s origin story and entrepreneurial journey
McDonald highlights how Miko built a multimillion‑dollar brand from her kitchen table.
2. To inspire current and aspiring entrepreneurs
Miko demonstrates how authentic problem‑solving creates brand loyalty and long-term success.
3. To educate listeners about textured hair and the natural hair care industry
The interview reinforces that natural hair is not a trend—it's an identity and lifestyle.
4. To highlight the importance of cultural heritage and family influence
Miko shares how her grandmother, her sister, and her Brooklyn salon shaped Miss Jessie’s values and innovation.
KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Miss Jessie’s was built on authenticity and real consumer needs
The brand emerged from real hairstyling challenges Miko and Titi solved for themselves and their salon clients..
2. Education is central to the brand’s success
Miss Jessie’s teaches customers how to understand and care for their curl types—wavy, curly, kinky, multicultural, or transitioning.
McDonald says the site offers more information than any hair‑care brand he has interviewed.
3. Family legacy guides the company
Their grandmother Jessie Mae’s leadership, work ethic, and kitchen‑table lessons inspired their business approach.
4. The natural hair movement is here to stay
People increasingly embrace their God‑given texture; straightening is no longer the dominant norm.
5. Social media amplified—did not create—their success
Word‑of‑mouth began long before social media; platforms today simply extend their reach.
6. Miss Jessie’s serves everyone with texture—not just Black women
Men, boys, Latinas, mixed‑race individuals—anyone with curls or waves—can find a solution.
7. Product innovation drove their growth
Curly Pudding, Pillow Soft Curls, Daily Soft Curls, and sulfate‑free shampoos transformed textured hair care.
8. Their Brooklyn salon doubled as R&D
It allowed the sisters to test products directly on customers and ensure real‑world performance.
NOTABLE QUOTES (from transcript) On the company’s beginnings
“We started our business in our brownstone right at our kitchen table.”
“Curly Pudding was the groundbreaker—the game changer.”
On the brand’s philosophy
“The bottom line is being able to create products that are helpful.”
“Information and communication is key to success.”
On inclusivity
“Anyone who has texture… we have something for you.”
On natural hair
“Natural hair, curly hair is preferred… it’s how people want to express themselves.”
“Natural hair is not a trend—it’s here to stay.”
On social media and growth
“We were going viral before ‘going viral’ was a word.”.
On legacy
“Our grandmother Jessie was the first female CEO we’d ever seen.”.
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
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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 Teri Williams.
Thanks! The transcript from this episode of Money Making Conversations Masterclass features a powerful and informative interview with Teri Williams, President, COO, and owner of OneUnited Bank, the largest Black-owned bank in the United States. Here's a breakdown of the key highlights and takeaways:
🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. OneUnited Bank’s Mission & Reach
Formed by merging four Black-owned banks in Boston, Miami, and Los Angeles.
First Black-owned digital bank (since 2005).
Serves customers in all 50 states.
Offers accessible, affordable financial services and promotes financial literacy.
2. Digital Banking for Underserved Communities
OneUnited provides: Mobile check deposit (via smartphone).
Early direct deposit (get paid 2 days early).
Access to 100,000+ surcharge-free ATMs (including Walgreens, 7-Eleven, Chase, Citibank).

Designed to combat financial deserts and predatory check-cashing services in Black communities.
3. Financial Literacy & Trust
Teri emphasizes the need for Black communities to trust Black-owned institutions.
OneUnited is FDIC-insured and uses cutting-edge technology, including AI.
Financial literacy is key to building generational wealth.
4. WiseOne AI Tool
An AI-powered financial assistant that: Tracks spending and subscriptions.
Offers insights on saving and debt reduction.
Aggregates data from multiple accounts to show net worth, cash flow, and financial health.

5. Youth Financial Literacy – “I Got Bank” Contest
15th annual contest for kids ages 8–12.
Participants submit an essay or artwork based on a financial literacy book.
Ten winners receive $1,000 savings accounts.
Book: I Got Bank by Teri Williams (available free at oneunited.com/book).
6. OneTransaction Concept
Focuses on six key financial transactions to build generational wealth: Homeownership
Life Insurance
Investments
Profitable Business
Credit Score
Savings

Encourages individuals to focus on just one to start their wealth-building journey.
Learn more: oneunited.com/one transaction
💬 Notable Quotes
“We are a real bank, not a fintech. We are FDIC-insured.”
“We are great with money. We just haven’t always had access.”
“Focus on one transaction. That’s all it takes to start building generational wealth.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
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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 Jeremy Anderson.
SUMMARY OF THE INTERVIEW
The conversation between Rushion McDonald and Jeremy Anderson on Money Making Conversations Masterclass covers Jeremy’s personal transformation, his mission-driven approach to motivational speaking, the creation of Next Level Speakers Academy, the power of environment and mindset, and his philanthropic work in South Africa. The interview highlights values such as purpose over profit, taking ownership, perseverance, and maximizing one’s potential. [
PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW
The purpose of the episode is to:
1. Introduce Jeremy Anderson’s Work
Showcase Jeremy’s role as a premier motivational speaker, founder of Next Level Speakers Academy, and co‑founder of Next Level Living, which feeds a thousand children weekly in South Africa. [
2. Inspire Listeners Toward Purpose‑Driven Success
Encourage viewers to move from “wasted potential” to purposeful, impactful living by believing in themselves and pursuing their gifts.
3. Demonstrate How Jeremy’s Principles Apply Broadly
Rushion emphasizes that Jeremy’s business, branding, and mindset strategies apply not just to speakers, but to entrepreneurs, executives, and everyday people.
4. Promote Actionable Personal Growth
The interview seeks to motivate listeners to take ownership, adopt non‑negotiable success habits, and maximize opportunities.
KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Wasted Potential is a Universal Struggle
Jeremy defines wasted potential as having greatness inside but failing to believe in it or pursue it. Many people don’t lack talent — they lack belief and action.
2. Purpose Over Profit
He warns new speakers not to chase “the bag.”
Impact first → income follows. If your heart is for people, success comes naturally.
3. Your Story Is Your Superpower
Every struggle someone has overcome is a testimony meant to help others. Keeping quiet keeps your gift hidden.
4. Maximize Every Opportunity
Whether you’re speaking, laying concrete, or running a small business, get every drop out of every engagement — testimonials, photos, referrals, and relationship‑building.
5. Environment and Mindset Matter
True growth starts by changing your internal environment.
Jeremy’s life changed when teachers chose to see the best in him, showing that belief from others can shift self-belief.
6. Non‑Negotiables Build Discipline
Success requires habits you don’t negotiate with: early rising, prayer, meditation, cold plunges, challenging discomfort, and consistent personal development.
7. Extreme Ownership Replaces Excuses
Greatness comes from responsibility, not excuses. Jeremy demands accountability from his teams and himself.
8. Brand Is Built on Transparency
Jeremy’s brand centers on perseverance, faith, and family—not perfection. He shares both triumphs and private struggles.
9. Giving Back Is Central to His Purpose
Next Level Living feeds 1,000 children weekly and sponsors students in South Africa through college. Impact must extend beyond business.
NOTABLE QUOTES FROM THE INTERVIEW On Purpose & Potential
“Don’t come to me for profits. Come to me for purpose. Don’t come to me for income. Come to me for impact.”
“It’s only a testimony if you testify.”
“Most people don’t believe and they don’t pursue — that’s wasted potential.”
On Mindset & Environment
“I wasn’t living a life of purpose… I had to stop blaming others and go all in on me.”
“Sometimes the shackles we have are in our mind.”
On Discipline
“Success requires non‑negotiables.” (Waking early, prayer, meditation, discomfort training)
“People want comfort — but everything great comes with discomfort.”
On Value
“If you want to be valuable, you must have value.”
“They’re not paying me top dollar because I'm motivational. I solve a problem.”
On Legacy & Family
“My brand is perseverance and family.”
“These things don’t happen to me — they happen for me.”
On Accountability
“No excuses — take ownership.”
“I’ve never met anyone who became great from excuses.”
On Giving Back
“We’ve been feeding a thousand starving children every week since 2018.”
“We put 60 kids through college — and we’re just getting started.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
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