The Steve Harvey Morning Show

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Heather R. Younger.
CEO, workplace culture expert, author, and founder of a major employee engagement consultancy—joins Rushion McDonald to discuss leadership, employee empowerment, navigating fear, and self‑leadership in modern workplaces.
She shares her personal experiences with layoffs, career uncertainty, anxiety, and leadership failures—and how these experiences shaped her mission to be “the voice for the voiceless” in organizational culture. They explore the emotional realities of layoffs vs. terminations, how employees can take control of their professional well‑being, and Heather’s framework for identifying and overcoming fear.
PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW 1. To introduce Heather’s work and mission
She champions active listening, employee empowerment, and self‑leadership after personally reading 30,000+ employee surveys and leading 100+ focus groups.
2. To teach listeners how to navigate workplace uncertainty
She provides strategies for dealing with anxiety, job insecurity, change, and inconsistent leadership climates.
3. To share an empowering message about self‑leadership
Central idea: No one is coming to save you. You must lead yourself first.
4. To explore how fear holds people back professionally
She outlines how fear affects decision‑making, action-taking, and confidence.
KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Why She Does This Work
She witnessed firsthand how mergers, layoffs, and poor communication harm employees.
After being laid off with 200+ others, she realized she needed to become the “voice of reason” who turns employee concerns into actionable insights for leaders.
2. Layoff vs. Termination — Emotional Differences
Layoffs: painful but less shame; not personal fault.
Termination: usually involves personal accountability, and often carries more shame.
Both create a feeling of powerlessness, but each requires emotional processing and reframing.
3. No One Is Coming To Save You
Employees must take responsibility for:
Their growth
Their mental health
Their career progression
Their emotional well‑being
HR cannot save you, Heather says—they play a dual role and cannot be personal rescuers.
4. Managing Workplace Anxiety
Key strategies include:
Nightly reflection → Write down what went well and what you controlled.
Reframing → Turning irrational fears into rational thoughts.
Breathing, sunlight, walking, self‑care → Especially for anxiety.
Intentional mindset‑switching → Choosing thoughts that serve you.
5. The Five Ways Fear Holds You Back Professionally
Heather identifies several fear patterns:
1. Fear of Feedback
Avoiding action because you’re afraid of what others may say.
2. Fear of Retribution / Getting in Trouble
Hesitating to take risks or initiative.
3. Fear of Speaking Up
Not challenging authority or expressing dissenting opinions due to lack of psychological safety.
4. Fear Rooted in Family / Cultural Conditioning
Inherited fear patterns from parents, grandparents, or trauma.
5. Fear of Regret / Non‑Action
She teaches a powerful question:
“What will I regret the longest—doing the thing or not doing the thing?”
This question accelerates decision‑making and breaks the paralysis of fear.
6. Take Ownership of Your Life — Self‑Leadership
Become the Chief Iterator of Your Life → Continue refining yourself like a living prototype.
Accept mistakes as part of growth.
Avoid perfectionism; aim for continuous improvement.
7. Practical Daily Habits
Prepare mentally each night.
Hydrate, sleep well, move your body.
Train yourself to take small positive actions daily.
NOTABLE QUOTES FROM THE INTERVIEW On Self‑Leadership
“Ain’t nobody coming to save me. And in the workplace, no one’s coming to save you.”
On Fear
“Feedback is a gift—even if it hurts.”
“We sit around waiting for green lights, access, invitations… It’s not coming. We need to seize it.”
“What is the thing you will regret the longest—doing it or not doing it?”
On Navigating Change
“You get to fight tooth and nail for your own mental space.”
On Personal Growth
“See yourself as a work in progress—a constant iteration.”
On Workplace Emotions
“With layoffs, you didn’t have a hand in it. With termination, there’s more shame.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed April Lancit.
Founder of a private therapy practice focused on culturally sensitive therapy for Black and Brown communities.
Main Topics: Cultural differences in therapy
Challenges in modern relationships and marriage
The impact of technology on human connection
The role of therapy in addressing generational trauma and stress
The future of therapy in the age of AI

💡 Key Insights 1. Culturally Sensitive Therapy
April emphasizes the importance of therapists understanding the lived experiences of marginalized communities.
Black and Brown clients often face unique challenges that require a nuanced, empathetic approach.
2. Modern Relationship Struggles
Top issues in marriage therapy: finances, infidelity, and communication.
Communication is often overlooked but is foundational to resolving other issues.
3. Technology & Disconnection
The rise of remote living and digital communication is reducing opportunities for organic human interaction.
Couples are increasingly using text messages—even within the same home—to communicate, which can erode intimacy.
4. Therapy as a Preventative Tool
Therapy shouldn't be reserved for crises; it can be a proactive tool for personal and relational growth.
Pre-marriage counseling is often skipped or done too late, missing key conversations about values, finances, and intimacy.
5. AI in Therapy
April sees potential in AI as a supplementary tool but stresses it cannot replace the human connection essential to effective therapy.
🧠 Final Message
April encourages people to seek therapy not out of crisis, but as a way to grow and connect more deeply—with themselves and others. She remains hopeful that with intention and effort, society can rebuild meaningful human connections.
#SHMS #STRAW
#BEST
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Attorney Tessie D. Edwards.
A family and criminal law attorney based in Atlanta, Georgia. Here's a breakdown of the key highlights and themes from the episode:
🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Early Life & Adversity
Tessie Edwards grew up in a challenging environment marked by poverty, teen pregnancy, and systemic injustice.
She became a mother at 16, dropped out of high school, and had her second child by 18.
Despite these challenges, she never lost sight of her dream to become a lawyer.
2. Turning Point
A pivotal moment came when someone told her that her daughter looked like her. That realization sparked a deep desire to become someone her daughter could look up to.
3. Relentless Pursuit of Education
Earned her GED, then an associate degree to qualify for military service.
After a brief stint in the military (cut short due to pregnancy and miscarriage), she pursued higher education.
Graduated from Indiana University with five children and went on to law school with her then-husband.
4. Professional Success
Now runs a multi-million dollar law firm in Atlanta, Georgia.
Has handled over 2,000 criminal cases and is deeply committed to serving families in crisis.
Her firm has been serving the Atlanta community for over 15 years.
5. Support System
Credits her success to a strong support network: her husband (who co-runs the firm), her children, her brother, and her team.
Emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with people who believe in your vision.
6. Advice & Motivation
Be clear about your goals and stay focused.
Don’t wait for the “right time”—start now.
Believe in your dream even when others don’t.
Use adversity as fuel for your ambition.
💬 Memorable Quotes
“I feel thankful but not satisfied.”
“My life was so divinely chosen… I was just given a dream and the courage to go after it.”
“Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go!”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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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/onetransaction
💬 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 #AMI
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The Steve Harvey Morning Show for Monday, February 9th, 2026: Steve Harvey's Morning Inspiration | Show Open | The Pastors | Ask The CLO | Entertainment News - Super Bowl Recap | Super Bowl Commercials | Sista O'Dell | Nephew Tommy's Prank - "The Edible Arrangement" | Strawberry Letter - "The Backseat & The Barbershop" Pt. 1-2 | Junior's Sports Talk | Social Media Advice | Phone Free February | Would You Rather | Steve Harvey's Closing Remarks
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