The Steve Harvey Morning Show

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
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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/
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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 #AMI
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Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Yolanda D. McElroy (aka “Dr. Yo-Yo”).
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
To spotlight Dr. McElroy’s work as a pharmacist, educator, and author of the children’s book It’s Not Candy, which promotes medication safety. The interview also highlights her consulting company, MediManage, and her mission to improve health outcomes through education and community engagement.
🧠 Key Takeaways 1. Professional Background
Dr. McElroy is a registered pharmacist in Louisiana with over 30 years of experience in retail and hospital settings.
She began her academic journey at Grambling State University (HBCU) studying chemistry before transferring to pharmacy school.
2. MediManage Consulting
Founded to promote medication safety and improve health outcomes.
Focuses on educating communities about proper medication use, adherence, and preventing medication-related problems.
3. Medication Safety Advocacy
Medications are a leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in children.
Parents often leave medications and chemicals within reach of children.
Emphasizes the importance of locking up medications and educating both adults and children.
4. Target Age Groups
Focuses on children ages 3–10 to instill early awareness of medication safety.
Also highlights teens as a vulnerable group due to increased drug experimentation and access to medications at home.
Notes the importance of educating parents and senior citizens as well.
5. Book: It’s Not Candy
Inspired by her ministry work with youth in mental health hospitals.
Based on real-life experiences and includes a song to make learning fun and memorable.
Demonstrates how medications can resemble candy, making it difficult for children (and adults) to distinguish.
Aims to equip families with knowledge to prevent accidental overdoses and misuse.
6. Challenges in Pharmacy Profession
Pharmacists face heavy workloads, including vaccinations, insurance calls, and patient counseling.
Many are overworked and under-supported, leading to burnout and even strike considerations.
7. Book Creation Journey
Took years to develop after encouragement from her pastor.
Extensive research into publishing options and budgeting.
Partnered with a publishing company and built a team including an editor and illustrator.
Advises aspiring authors to be patient, budget generously, and seek support and education.
💬 Notable Quotes
“Medications are a leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in children.”
“If you’re not sure, ask a professional. Ask your pharmacist.”
“We want to get them early and instill that training so they can make good decisions.”
“Many medication-related injuries are preventable.”
“If there’s no room at the table, bring a folding chair.”
“Our children are important and their lives are valuable.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed April Showers.
Founder of Afro Unicorn, joins Money Making Conversations Masterclass to share how she built the first Black woman-owned, fully licensed character brand in major retail. With over $20 million in sales, Afro Unicorn celebrates diversity and empowers women and children of color.
🔑 Key Themes & Highlights
Origins of Afro Unicorn
April was inspired by a friend's repeated reference to her as a "unicorn," highlighting her extraordinary ability to balance multiple businesses and raise two children.
Noticing existing unicorn imagery lacked representation, she created Afro Unicorn to uplift young girls of color.

Challenges & Early Growth
Despite facing personal hardships—including her son's hospitalization and several family losses—April remained committed to her mission.
Her persistence led to a viral moment where a young girl wearing an Afro Unicorn shirt caught Walmart’s attention, resulting in a licensing deal.

Licensing & Expansion
Instead of manufacturing herself, April strategically partnered with licensees to distribute Afro Unicorn merchandise.
Within a year, she secured 45+ licensing agreements, expanding into books, bedding, hair care, party supplies, and more.

Business Strategy & Advice
Trademarking Afro Unicorn early, hiring an accountant and lawyer, and writing a business plan were critical to her success.
She advises entrepreneurs to visualize success, stay consistent, and never quit.

Future Plans
April is developing Miss April’s Crown, an animated series teaching young entrepreneurs business skills through affirmations and mentorship.

📘 About the Brand
Afro Unicorn is available at major retailers, including Walmart, Target, and Amazon.

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