The Steve Harvey Morning Show

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

He holds a powerful executive role in the media world, shaping the future of iconic brands like Billboard, Rolling Stone, and SXSW.
🏆 Paul Rainey’s Executive Career at Penske Media Corporation (PMC)
Current Role
Executive Vice President of Operations and Finance at Penske Media Corporation (PMC).
Oversees operations and financial strategy for Rolling Stone, Billboard, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Vibe, SXSW, and more.
Provides strategic input across PMC’s global media brands and live events, including the Billboard Music Awards, SXSW, and American Music Awards.
Key Responsibilities
Leads financial decision-making, acquisitions, and operational procedures across PMC’s portfolio.
Serves on several boards, including as Audit Committee Chair of Redaptive, Inc. and a Director at SXSW.
Background & Education
Holds a Master of Science in Accountancy and a BBA in Finance and Computer Applications from the University of Notre Dame.
Formerly held leadership roles at General Electric, Global Eagle, and Harris CapRock Communications, managing billion-dollar operations across five continents.
📘 About PMC & Cultural Influence
PMC is a global media powerhouse, reaching over 350 million people monthly. Its brands shape culture through journalism, entertainment, and live events, including SXSW
Paul Rainey is a rare blend of creative storyteller and corporate strategist, bridging the worlds of graphic novels and global media leadership. Whether he’s crafting a sci-fi twist in a comic or guiding the future of Billboard and SXSW, his influence is both wide-reaching and deeply personal. Let me know if you’d like a visual timeline of his career or a deeper dive into one of his roles. 🎬📈✨

#STRAW
#BEST
#SHMS
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Robyn Donaldson.
Entrepreneur, Mentor, and Founder of Renew Construction Services & STEM Exposure
🔑 Episode Highlights 🔄 From Incarceration to Inspiration
Robyn shares her journey from a strict religious upbringing to incarceration due to drug-related activities.
Served 5 years in prison, where she earned two associate degrees and developed a passion for learning and leadership.
🧹 Building a Business from the Ground Up
Learned high-level cleaning skills in prison and at Hilton during work release.
Founded Renew Construction Services, which grew from cleaning trailers to major contracts like: Tampa Convention Center
NFL Super Bowl & Kickoff
City of Tampa, Moffitt Cancer Center, USF

🏗️ Strategic Growth & Collaboration
Became a Home Depot distributor.
Uses collaboration to uplift smaller contractors and scale projects.
Emphasizes relationship-building and proactive planning over reactive bidding.
👩🏽‍🔬 STEM Exposure Nonprofit
Founded STEM Exposure to introduce Black girls to underrepresented STEM careers.
Offers local and global architecture and construction camps.
Operates in 10 countries and 4 time zones with a focus on AI, engineering, and design.
🏆 Recognition & Legacy
Honored with the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Embraces her past as part of her story, using it to inspire others.
Celebrates milestones like putting bills on autopay as symbols of stability and peace.
🌐 Websites
STEM Exposure: stemxposure.org (drop the “e” in “exposure”)
Renew Construction Services: renewconstructionservices.com

#SHMS #BEST #STRAW
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Michael Woodward.
A natural-born entrepreneur and community leader.
🎙️ Guest Background: Michael Woodward
Grew up in Liberty City, Miami, in a low-income housing project known as the "Poke and Bean" projects.
Learned early business skills from his grandmother, who was the local "candy lady."
Served briefly in the military as a way out of poverty.
Became a teen father and took his son with him to college at Florida A&M University (FAMU).
Known for his hospitality and work ethic during college—cooked for friends and maintained a welcoming home.
🏠 Entrepreneurial Journey
Bought his first duplex at age 20, renovated it, and rented it out.
Built a real estate portfolio while working as an educator.
Founded Woodward Property Group, a full-service home improvement and property management company.
Became one of Lowe’s top contractors through a combination of skill, networking, and mentorship.
📚 Educational Impact
Worked as an assistant principal and educator for 20 years.
Founded Alpha Educational Consultants, Inc.
Took students on college tours, especially to HBCUs, to expose them to higher education opportunities.
Ran STEM programs and mentoring initiatives with a 99.9% college placement rate.
💡 Life Lessons & Advice
Emphasizes financial literacy: avoid unnecessary spending (e.g., new cars every year).
Advocates for education as a path to wealth.
Believes in the village mentality—community support and shared success.
Encourages young people to choose between college, military, or trade school.
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Karimah McFarlane.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
To explore Karimah McFarlane’s multifaceted journey—from her corporate leadership roles at Google and Workday to becoming the owner of Buckhead Art & Company—and to inspire others to embrace change, pursue entrepreneurship, and understand the value of art as a tool for wealth-building and cultural empowerment.
🧭 Key Takeaways 1. Corporate Career & Tech Leadership
Karimah has 20+ years in Human Resources, specializing in mergers and acquisitions.
At Google, she supported AI and Pixel teams as a People Business Partner, despite initially thinking the recruiter’s call was spam.
Currently at Workday, she partners with the Chief Revenue Officer to build high-performing sales teams and develop leadership pipelines.
2. Navigating Change & Cultural Shifts
Transitioned from the East Coast (DMV area) to the Bay Area, facing cultural adjustments (e.g., lack of familiar foods, hair products).
Found support through Delta Sigma Theta sorority and Black Googlers Network.
Emphasized the importance of embracing discomfort and new experiences for personal and professional growth.
3. HR as a Strategic Asset
HR is more than hiring/firing—it’s about scaling businesses, developing talent, and preventing legal issues.
Small businesses often undervalue HR until a crisis occurs.
HR should be seen as a strategic partner on leadership teams.
4. Art as Wealth, Culture & Healing
Karimah owns Buckhead Art & Company, the only art gallery in Buckhead, Atlanta.
Inspired by her exposure to art investment at Google and her role in selecting art for corporate spaces.
Advocates for marginalized artists by helping them with branding, IP protection, and business structure.
5. Making Art Accessible
The gallery focuses on beginner and mid-level collectors, offering education and approachable experiences.
Offers virtual consultations, art fairs, and community events to demystify art buying.
Emphasizes the emotional, cultural, and financial value of art.
6. Recognition & Impact
Buckhead Art & Company was named Best Art Gallery in Georgia (2023 & 2024).
Uses her platform to educate, empower, and elevate artists and collectors alike.
Promotes artist development through storytelling, branding, and business mentorship.
💬 Notable Quotes
“Empowerment is figuring out what you do best and using your talent to help others.”
“Don’t shy away from opportunities that give you insights and experiences.”
“HR helps you scale your organization—it’s not just about hiring and firing.”
“Art has always been at the forefront of royalty, wealth, and education.”
“We specialize in humans. When you walk into our gallery, you are equal.”
“You don’t have to win an Oscar to be a great actor. Same with art—you don’t need a traditional path to be successful.”
🔗 Connect with Karimah McFarlane
Gallery: Buckhead Art & Company
YouTube: Buckhead Art & Company
Instagram: @buckheadartandcompany
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Derrick "D" Hayes.
Founder and CEO of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, about entrepreneurship, generational wealth, and community building.
🔑 Key Themes & Highlights
Building Generational Wealth
Hayes emphasized the importance of financial literacy and ownership in creating lasting wealth.
He shared his journey from humble beginnings to building a multimillion-dollar restaurant empire.
Overcoming Challenges & Second Chances
Hayes revealed that he once faced legal troubles, but a dismissed case gave him a second chance.
He used that opportunity to turn his life around and pursue entrepreneurship.
The Story Behind Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks
Hayes started his business in a small gas station in Atlanta, eventually expanding into a nationally recognized brand.
He credits his grandfather’s cooking lessons for inspiring his passion for food.
Community Impact & Business Growth
Hayes is committed to giving back to underserved communities, offering mentorship and business opportunities.
He discussed how Black entrepreneurs can break barriers in the food industry.
📘 About Derrick Hayes
Derrick Hayes is a self-made entrepreneur who built Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks into a thriving restaurant chain. His story is one of resilience, second chances, and financial empowerment.
#AMI
#STRAW
#BEST
#SHMS

Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.