The Steve Harvey Morning Show

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Brittany Benson.
***
### **Purpose of the Interview**
The interview on *Money Making Conversations Masterclass* aimed to:
* Showcase Brittany Benson’s journey as a **brand strategist**, **AI consultant**, and founder of **The Branding Bar**.
* Educate entrepreneurs and small business owners on **branding**, **social media strategy**, and the **impact of AI** on marketing.
* Inspire listeners to leverage technology and consistency to build authentic brands.
***
### **Key Takeaways**
1. **Early Branding Journey**
* Brittany unknowingly started building her brand in college through her TV show *On the Air with Brittany B*.
* She leveraged early platforms like YouTube and Facebook before “social media” was a term.
2. **Consistency is Key**
* Success in branding comes from **consistent engagement**, even before monetization was possible.
* Brittany grew her Instagram following to over 130,000 by focusing on consistency rather than chasing trends.
3. **Influencer Myth**
* Large follower counts don’t guarantee success; **engagement matters more than numbers**.
* “If I have 2,500 followers who listen to me, that’s more powerful than 100,000 who don’t.”
4. **Paid vs. Organic Growth**
* Paid ads can help, but **organic growth builds trust**.
* Best practice: build an organic base first, then use paid ads to amplify.
5. **Pivot to AI**
* Brittany pivoted from a traditional social media agency to **AI-driven branding solutions**.
* She creates **AI twins** for business owners—digital replicas that can produce content without the owner being physically present.
6. **Generative AI in Marketing**
* AI tools can create graphics, videos, and even voice clones.
* Brittany emphasizes AI as a **tool to enhance workflow**, not replace human creativity.
7. **Consulting Approach**
* Offers strategy calls to identify problems and recommend AI tools.
* Services range from **strategy planning**, **consulting**, to **done-for-you solutions**.
***
### **Notable Quotes**
* **On branding:**
*“I was always building a brand, even when I didn’t realize I was building a brand.”*
* **On engagement vs. followers:**
*“If I have 2,500 followers who listen to me, that’s more powerful than 100,000 who don’t.”*
* **On AI’s role:**
*“AI is just a tool. It’s not going to replace your job—it still needs human direction.”*
* **On staying ahead:**
*“I’ve been told I have the gift of insight to see what’s coming, even if it’s not popular yet.”*
* **On her pivot:**
*“I started generating AI twins for business owners so they could show up online without showing up.”*
***
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Tabitha Carr.
Founder of Good Girl Chocolate:
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The interview centers on:
Dr. Carr’s personal health journey and transformation.
The creation and mission behind Good Girl Chocolate.
Empowering women through health, wellness, and entrepreneurship.
Educating listeners on plant-based lifestyles and moderation.
🍫 Key Takeaways 1. Personal Health Transformation
Dr. Carr was placed on blood pressure medication at age 16 and weighed nearly 300 pounds by age 30.
She struggled with hormone issues, fibroids, and self-esteem.
A shift to natural health and lifestyle changes helped her lose over 80 pounds and reverse her health issues. Quote: “I asked my doctor, why do I have to take medicine? I’m 16. She said, so you don’t have a stroke at 30.”

2. Empowerment Through Education and Action
Her chapter in the book Open Your Gifts is titled “Are You Ready to Free Yourself?” and focuses on triumph over health challenges.
She emphasizes the importance of self-worth, personal power, and leading with your gifts. Quote: “I felt like a hypocrite… I can’t tell anyone how to live healthy when I’m 300 pounds.”

3. Creation of Good Girl Chocolate
Born from her need for a sweet treat during a raw diet.
Uses clean, plant-based ingredients: coconut sugar, no dairy, soy, or gluten.
Supports various lifestyles: vegan, paleo, Whole30, and diabetic-friendly (with sugar-free options). Quote: “It’s called Good Girl Chocolate because you can eat it every day and still say you’ve been good.”

4. Moderation Is Key
Dr. Carr stresses that even plant-based foods should be consumed in moderation.
She advises against overindulgence and promotes balance in diet and lifestyle. Quote: “Just because it’s plant-based doesn’t mean you should eat a whole wagon full of potato chips.”

5. Recognition and Growth
Good Girl Chocolate has been featured in Grammy and Oscar gift bags.
Received a grant from Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD Foundation.
Opened a brick-and-mortar store in Oklahoma’s Penn Square Mall. Quote: “I saw my chocolate on the list and cried. It was confirmation I’m doing something right.”

6. Support Network and Faith
Credits her parents, sorority sisters (Alpha Kappa Alpha), and friends like Kim Coles for their support.
Attributes her success to faith and strong relationships. Quote: “Your network is your net worth… I believe in God. God is first in my life.”

🌟 Notable Moments
Rushion McDonald’s enthusiastic endorsement of the chocolate.
Dr. Carr’s emotional reaction to Beyoncé’s support.
The emphasis on storytelling behind the product, not just its taste.
#STRAW
#BEST
#SHMS
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2017, two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald launched his podcast, Money Making Conversations Master Class.

🔑 Core Message: Understanding Your Value Proposition
Rushion emphasizes the importance of knowing your value proposition—both in your career and personal life. He defines it as:
A declarative statement that explains what makes you unique, why you're the best choice, and what justifies your advancement or compensation.
🧠 Key Concepts & Lessons 1. Value Proposition in Career
Without a clear value proposition, you risk being overlooked for promotions and raises.
Employers need to know what you want and what you bring to the table.
Rashawn shares his own experience at IBM, where not knowing his value proposition led to stagnation until he clarified his goals.
2. The PLAN Framework
Rushion introduces a motivational acronym for success:
P – Prepare
L – Learn
A – Adjust
N – Navigate
This framework is essential for setting goals and achieving success.
3. "Why Not Me?" Mindset
Encourages listeners to challenge self-doubt and embrace their potential.
This phrase is meant to be a daily affirmation to inspire action and confidence.
4. Avoiding Negativity
Rashawn warns against surrounding yourself with negative people who gossip or discourage ambition.
Instead, seek out like-minded individuals who support growth.
5. Age Is Not a Barrier
Success is not limited by age—whether you're 19 or 65, it's never too late to define your value and pursue your goals.
📌 Notable Quotes
“You can't be successful unless you have a plan.”
“Don't wait around for an opportunity. Just do it.”
“Your greatness can be achieved by your own personal effort.”
#BEST
#STRAW
#SHMS
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 Ash Cash.
A financial educator and author, shares his journey from working as a bank teller to becoming a leading financial expert. He discusses financial literacy, wealth-building strategies, and the mindset needed for financial success.
🔑 Key Themes & Highlights
Career Growth & Financial Education
Started as a bank teller at 19 and worked his way up to private banker and credit union CEO.
Transitioned into financial education, writing books, and speaking at events to empower communities.

Financial Literacy & Wealth Building
Emphasizes the importance of understanding banking, taxes, and financial tools.
Encourages people to shift their mindset from fear to knowledge when managing money.

Overcoming Financial Struggles
Shares personal experiences of financial setbacks and how he rebuilt his wealth.
Discusses how negative financial experiences can shape people’s perceptions and behaviors.

Mindset & Success Principles
Advocates for surrounding oneself with mentors and positive influences.
Encourages listeners to focus on their own financial journey rather than comparing themselves to others.

Financial Coaching & Community Impact
Talks about his work in prisons, churches, and community organizations to teach financial literacy.
Highlights the importance of mentorship and education in breaking financial barriers.

📘 About Ash Cash
Ash Cash is a financial educator, author, and speaker known for his culturally responsive approach to teaching financial literacy. He has written multiple best-selling books and is dedicated to helping individuals achieve financial independence.


#STRAW
#BEST
#SHMS
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 Anne Lester.
A financial expert and former head of retirement solutions at J.P. Morgan Asset Management. The discussion focused on saving strategies, financial psychology, and overcoming behavioral biases to achieve long-term financial success.
🔑 Key Themes & Highlights
Overcoming Financial Mistakes
Lester shared that despite managing billions in assets, she made every financial mistake possible early in her career.
Her book, Your Best Financial Life, combines 30 years of asset management experience with lessons from her own financial missteps.
Saving Strategies & Behavioral Hacks
She emphasized that saving is possible at any age, but requires commitment and planning.
A key strategy: Save at least half of every raise to prevent lifestyle inflation.
Emergency Funds & Smart Spending
Lester advised building an emergency fund of 3-6 months’ expenses before investing.
She outlined three questions to ask before tapping into emergency savings: Is this truly an emergency?
Do I absolutely need to spend this money?
Do I need to spend it right now?

Subscription Detox & Hidden Expenses
Many people unknowingly overspend on subscriptions, leading to financial waste.
Lester recommended avoiding auto-renewals, using a credit card with an upcoming expiration date, and rotating streaming services to cut costs.
Investing vs. Traditional Savings
She clarified that long-term savings should be invested, not kept in low-interest accounts.
Retirement funds should be diversified across stocks and bonds for growth.
📘 About Anne Lester
Anne Lester is a financial strategist, speaker, and author, known for her expertise in retirement planning and behavioral finance. She spent over 30 years at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, leading retirement solutions and helping individuals build financial security.
Her book, Your Best Financial Life, provides practical strategies for saving, investing, and overcoming financial biases.

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