The Steve Harvey Morning Show

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Felecia Hatcher
CEO of Black Ambition, the national entrepreneurial initiative founded by Grammy-winning artist Pharrell Williams. Black Ambition provides capital, mentorship, mental wellness support, and a nationally competitive platform for Black and Hispanic founders, particularly those from HBCUs and underserved communities.
Throughout the conversation, Hatcher breaks down the mission of Black Ambition, how its competition works, success stories, the mentorship pipeline, and her personal entrepreneurial journey from being a self‑described “C student” to running a major national innovation fund.
Purpose of the Interview 1. Introduce Black Ambition’s Mission and Impact
To explain how Black Ambition funds, mentors, and accelerates Black and Hispanic founders, awarding millions in capital and building pathways to long-term entrepreneurial success.
2. Educate Entrepreneurs on How to Compete Successfully
Hatcher breaks down the application process, common mistakes, and how to stand out in one of the nation’s most competitive entrepreneurial prize competitions.
3. Inspire Through Transparency and Personal Storytelling
Her journey—from a C student to tech entrepreneur, to CEO working directly with Pharrell—models what perseverance and creativity can achieve.
4. Spread Awareness of Black Ambition Resources & Events
She highlights opportunities like Demo Day, masterclasses, mentorship cohorts, and the Fundable Founders Forum.
Key Takeaways 1. Black Ambition Creates “Unprecedented Access” for Black & Brown Founders
Hatcher emphasizes the organization’s mission of closing opportunity gaps caused by misaligned mentorship and unequal access to funding.
Black Ambition invests capital, provides structured mentorship, and connects entrepreneurs to world-class partners (e.g., Louis Vuitton).
2. Highly Competitive National Competition
2,500–3,000 applications annually
Only 250 semifinalists
Semifinalists enter a three‑month cohort with elite mentorship
Top teams advance to Demo Day for capital awards and follow-on support
Categories include HBCU, National Finalists, Top Prize, and People’s Choice..
Hatcher stresses: Success leaves clues.
Many past winners share insights, host office hours, and guide new applicants.
3. The Process Itself Makes Founders Stronger
Hatcher says repeated applications build clarity, sharpen pitches, and transform entrepreneurs—even if they don’t win the first time.
She cites an example: Lawrence Phillips, founder of Green Book Global, who succeeded on his third try.
4. Holistic Approach: Mental Health & Wellness
Along with capital and mentorship, Black Ambition offers mental-wellness support because entrepreneurship is emotionally taxing.
Founders are encountering proximity to wealth and power for the first time, and need guidance on transparency, investor expectations, and emotional resilience.
5. Black Women Are Fastest-Growing Entrepreneurs—But Need Teams
Hatcher notes that Black women lead in entrepreneurship but often operate without teams.
Black Ambition does not invest in solopreneurs; founders must demonstrate team-building capacity to create economic multiplier effects in communities.
6. Pharrell’s Why: Opening Doors He Once Needed
Pharrell invests in Black Ambition because:
He once needed others to “believe in him until he could believe in himself.”
He wants to dismantle gatekeeping in industries where Black talent exists but opportunity does not.
He believes “talent is not equally distributed by zip code, but opportunity can be.”
7. Felecia Hatcher’s Personal Origin Story
Her credibility comes from lived experience:
A “C student” told she’d never make it to college
College dropout
Built multiple tech companies
Founded Black Tech Week and the Center for Black Innovation
Comes from a family of Jamaican farmers and Georgia builders who were “entrepreneurs before the word was used.”.
Her takeaway: Creativity builds pathways to success that traditional systems overlook.
8. The Event is Public – and Transformational
Black Ambition’s Demo Day is open to the public, creating visibility, inspiration, and networking opportunities for founders and supporters.
Notable Quotes (All from the Transcript) On Black Ambition’s Mission
“We’ve been building a rocket ship to create unprecedented access to opportunities and resources.”.
“People are too comfortable wasting the time of Black entrepreneurs with misaligned resources and low-vibrational mentorship.”.
On the Competition
“Success leaves clues.”
“Apply again… every time I applied, I became a different entrepreneur.”
On Holistic Support
“Entrepreneurship can swallow you whole.”.
On Team Building
“We don’t invest in solopreneurs… You need a team mindset.”
On Pharrell’s Motivation
“He borrowed someone else’s belief in him until that became his own.”
“Talent is not equally distributed by zip code, but opportunity can be.”
On Personal Journey
“I’m a C student and a college dropout… I never let those things define me.”.
“There is more than one pathway to success if you get creative.”.
On Why Founders Should Join
“Do you want to be in the same position this time next year? If the answer is no, then say yes to the process.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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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 D. Renee Smith.
A transformational life coach and mental wellness advocate:
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
To raise awareness about mental health, especially among professional women, and to promote proactive wellness strategies in personal life and the workplace. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-care, emotional support, and recognizing mental health signals before they escalate.
🗝️ Key Takeaways 1. Mental Health Is Like Physical Health
Mental wellness requires daily attention, just like physical fitness.
It involves monitoring thoughts, emotional responses, and what you consume mentally.
2. Women Often Lose Themselves in Roles
Many women become consumed by titles—mother, wife, caregiver—and lose sight of their personal identity and dreams.
Rediscovery is essential after life changes like divorce, loss, or children leaving home.
3. Self-Care Is Not Selfish
Women must prioritize their own well-being.
Harmony—not balance—is the goal, where all aspects of life work together positively.
4. Recognizing Mental Health Warning Signs
Changes in behavior, withdrawal, or loss of interest can signal deeper issues.
Friends and family should check in and not accept “I’m okay” at face value.
5. Workplace Stress Is Real
Lack of promotion, recognition, or support can lead to burnout and mental strain.
Employers should observe behavioral patterns and offer sincere support—not just reactive solutions.
6. Proactive Mental Wellness in the Workplace
De Rene’s company offers coaching to help employees manage stress and improve performance.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are underutilized and often insufficient.
💬 Notable Quotes
“Self-care is not selfish.” – De Rene Smith
“Don’t judge people by the choices they make because you don’t know what they had to choose from.” – D. Renee Smith
“I’d rather make someone mad at me than regret not checking in.” – Rashawn McDonald
“Harmony—not balance—is the goal.” – D. Renee Smith
🌐 Connect with D. Renee Smith
Business: Transformational Living Coaching & Consulting
#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 Todd Kroupa
A former firefighter turned top-producing real estate agent in Georgia. Todd explains his journey from a physically demanding fire department career to becoming a highly successful real estate broker, team leader, and luxury/equestrian property specialist.
The conversation walks through:
His transition from the fire service to real estate
Opening and managing a 400‑agent office in Florida
Relocating to Georgia and re-establishing his business
How he advises both first-time homebuyers and experienced sellers
Emotional decision-making in buying and selling
Inspections, deal-breakers, and buyer/seller behavior
Multi-generational housing trends post‑COVID
Why real estate remains a wealth-building tool
Advice for navigating neighborhoods, schools, and due diligence
His eventual ranking as #1 single agent for Berkshire Hathaway in Georgia (2024–2025)
Todd emphasizes integrity, long-term relationships, and guiding clients toward the right house — not just closing a deal.
Purpose of the Interview
The purpose of Todd Kroupa’s appearance is to:
Share a motivational career-change story — moving from firefighter to top real estate agent.
Educate listeners on the real estate process — including buying, selling, inspections, and market strategy.
Give practical tips for first-time homebuyers, families, and multi-generational households.
Promote best practices for choosing neighborhoods, navigating emotion in home buying, and avoiding pitfalls.
Highlight Todd’s success and position him as a trusted resource for Georgia real estate clients.
Key Takeaways 1. Career Transition & Motivation
Todd became a firefighter in 1992, retired in 2014, and began real estate in 2002.
Real estate appealed to him because it allowed him to continue helping people without the physical strain.
He built and managed a 400-agent office before returning to working directly with clients — his true passion.
2. Balancing Firefighting and Real Estate
He often worked both jobs full-time, with limited days off.
Eventually, maintaining both became impossible: “I can’t do this anymore,” he told his wife.
3. Buyer Advice
Buyers make decisions emotionally first, then logically.
Within the first 3–5 minutes in a home, buyers often know if they like it.
Lighting, paint color, home condition, and layout heavily influence emotional response.
First-time buyers need extra guidance — like “teaching someone to drive for the first time.”
4. Seller Advice
Selling isn’t just about market timing — presentation matters.
Neutral paint colors and bright white lighting help increase buyer appeal.
Every showing is won or lost in the first few minutes.
5. Inspections Matter — and Are Deal Breakers
Top inspection walk‑aways:
Mold
Foundation issues
Roof problems
Todd stresses that if a buyer is uncomfortable before closing, “you won’t be comfortable after you close.”
6. Emotion vs. Logic
Many buyers get emotionally attached and ignore red flags.
Todd’s rule: commissions should never drive decisions.
7. Multi-Generational Living Is Rising
Driven by COVID, high child-care costs, rising home prices.
Families are choosing: ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units)
“In-law suites”
Larger family compounds

8. Real Estate as a Wealth Builder
Unlike stock investments, real estate allows you to: Control, improve, alter, and live in the asset.

Tax advantages like 1031 exchanges and mortgage deductions compound long-term value.
9. Don’t Buy the Most Expensive House in the Neighborhood
Surrounding homes cap your resale value.
You may have to wait years for nearby homes to “catch up.”
10. Neighborhood Due Diligence
Realtors must avoid discrimination (Fair Housing Act).
Buyers should: Visit neighborhoods at night and on weekends
Speak with neighbors
Review school ratings and county resources

Notable Quotes (from the transcript) Career & Purpose
“I love helping people. That’s why I became a fireman. Real estate was another way to help people.”
“I wasn’t quite sure I wanted to manage long term… my heart was with clients.”
Ethics & Commission
“Commissions should never be above the people.”
“If you’re focused on commissions, you need to pick a different industry.”
Emotions in Home Buying
“Buyers think they’re looking logically, but they’re looking emotionally first.”
“Within the first 3–5 minutes, they already know if they like the home.”
Inspections
“If you’re not comfortable with the property now, you won’t be comfortable after you close.”
Neighborhood Choice
“Focus on the house, but look at the neighborhood — you can’t change your neighbors.”
Wealth Building
“With stocks you can’t control it, improve it, or live in it. With a home, you can.”
Success & Determination
“Someone told me when I moved to Georgia I wasn’t going to make it. Now I’m the number one salesperson in Georgia.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
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The Steve Harvey Morning Show for Wednesday, April 8th, 2026: Steve Harvey's Morning Inspiration | Show Open - Leadership | Nephew Tommy's Run That Prank Back - "Alarm Alert"" | Ask The CLO | Trending & Entertainment News | White House Easter Egg Hunt | DL Hughley & Don Lemon Tour | Nephew Tommy's Prank - "My Daddy's Boat" | Strawberry Letter - "Bigger Is Not Always Better" Pt. 1-2 | Junior's Sports Talk | Social Media Advice | Baby Born On Caribbean Airlines Flight | Would You Rather | Steve Harvey's Closing Remarks
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 Robert Fitzpatrick, a Navy veteran, business consultant, fraternity brother (ΩΨΦ), and now the owner reviving his family’s historic Texas barbecue legacy. The conversation dives deeply into Fitzpatrick’s upbringing, his father’s groundbreaking barbecue business in 1950s Texas, his educational and military journey, his corporate career, and his decision to launch Dewey’s Barbecue Market in Skokie, Illinois—honoring his father’s original recipes and values.
The interview blends entrepreneurship, legacy, cultural history, and personal transformation, while highlighting the courage of Fitzpatrick’s father and the humility and faith-driven foundation of his family.
Purpose of the Interview
The interview aims to:
1. Inspire entrepreneurship and legacy-building
Fitzpatrick’s story showcases how family heritage and values can shape a business vision across generations.
2. Highlight resilience, faith, and leadership
His upbringing in a household rooted in Christian humility, strong expectations, and boundary-breaking courage provides a blueprint for character-driven success.
3. Educate listeners on transitioning careers
Fitzpatrick exemplifies pivoting from engineering and corporate consulting to pursuing passion-driven entrepreneurship.
4. Promote Dewey’s Barbecue Market
The interview introduces the Chicago-area community—especially the Skokie region—to his upcoming restaurant built on a 70-year-old Texas barbecue tradition.
Key Takeaways 1. A powerful family legacy rooted in courage
Fitzpatrick’s father, Dewey, opened a barbecue restaurant in 1951—before desegregation—and insisted that Blacks and whites could eat together.
He enforced respect and safety in his establishment, even confronting racist patrons.
2. Education was non-negotiable in the Fitzpatrick household
Robert is the youngest of seven siblings, all college graduates; five hold master’s degrees.
He himself holds an MBA and an MS in Management Information Systems.
3. A bridge between technology and business
Fitzpatrick spent decades in consulting with major firms (EDS, Dell, Arthur Andersen, KPMG) focusing on business process improvement.
His dual MS/MBA made him a translator between tech and finance.
4. Military discipline shaped his personal and professional life
Served in the U.S. Navy from 1986–1990, plus reserve duty (including deployment to Iraq).
Balanced military service with graduate studies and advancing his corporate career.
5. A calling to revive his father’s barbecue
His wife recognized his talent early, telling him for years he should be barbecuing.
A shortage of good Texas barbecue in Virginia pushed him to recreate his father’s recipes.
6. Skokie, Illinois: the ideal launchpad
After moving to the Great Lakes Naval Base area for a federal role, Fitzpatrick began scouting locations.
Skokie offered: active support from city leadership
grants
an ideal building
community enthusiasm

7. Dewey’s Barbecue Market offerings
Meats: brisket, sausage, hot links, smoked boudin (monthly special)
Sides: potato salad (egg/mayo base), pineapple vinegar coleslaw, fried okra, smoked pinto beans
Desserts: apple cobbler, blueberry cobbler, sweet potato pie, possibly fried pies
Bread: sliced “light bread” for dipping—traditional Texas style
Experience: dine-in with 60s–80s “feel-good” music
8. A commitment to doing things the right way
Fitzpatrick refuses to launch unless he can deliver “the best product on the planet.”
Focuses on simplicity, authenticity, and quality.
Notable Quotes About his father and legacy
“He said anybody who wants to eat here can eat here.”
(His father defying segregation laws in the 1950s.)

“I can call an undertaker or an ambulance. Which one do you prefer?”
(Dewey enforcing respect from a belligerent white customer.)

“That was my barbecue.”
(On being raised around his father’s legendary pit.)

About family and humility
“We are firmly rooted in Christ. If you try to get too big, He has a way of humbling you.”

“Seven kids, all with degrees… that’s normal to you. But we know that’s not normal.”
(McDonald highlighting the family’s extraordinary achievement.)

About his calling
“If I didn’t think I was bringing the best product on the planet, I wouldn’t even do it.”

“My wife tasted the barbecue and said, ‘This is what you need to be doing.’”

About launching in Skokie
“They really want me to be there… the economic development team didn’t treat it like just another restaurant.”
Short 3–5 Sentence Summary (For Quick Use)
In his interview with Rushion McDonald, Robert Fitzpatrick shares his journey from Navy veteran and Fortune 500 consultant to entrepreneur reviving his family’s historic Texas barbecue. He describes growing up with a courageous father who defied segregation in 1951 by serving Black and white customers together, and a family culture steeped in education, discipline, and humility. Fitzpatrick’s passion for barbecue and encouragement from his wife led him to bring his father’s 70-year-old recipes to Skokie, Illinois through Dewey’s Barbecue Market. The interview emphasizes legacy, faith, courage, and the pursuit of purpose.
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.