Back at it y’all. Professional wrestling is more than scripted entertainment. It’s a billion-dollar business that offers invaluable lessons in storytelling, branding, and audience engagement. In our latest podcast episode, we explore the fascinating history and business of wrestling, from its early days to the global dominance of WWE. Don’t miss this case study packed with insights for professionals and entrepreneurs alike.

Join us as we delve into the powerful world of McKinsey & Company with our latest episode, reviewing “When McKinsey Comes to Town.” Discover how this consulting behemoth influences everything from corporate giants to government policies. Whether you’re a business enthusiast or a curious listener, this episode is packed with insights into the strategic maneuvers behind closed doors.

In our 50th milestone episode, we reflect on the incredible journey we’ve had so far, sharing key takeaways and favorite moments from past episodes. Tap in as we discuss the importance of resilience, community, and collaboration, highlighting memorable insights from standout guests. We also dive into behind-the-scenes tidbits, showcasing the evolution of our podcast and production. Tune in to hear our heartfelt gratitude to our listeners and guests, and get a sneak peek at the exciting future plans we have in store!

In our latest episode, we embark on the captivating narrative of “MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios.” Join us as we explore the evolution of Marvel Studios from its humble beginnings to its global dominance in the entertainment industry, and analyze the business strategies, partnerships, and branding initiatives that contributed to Marvel’s cinematic universe becoming a cultural phenomenon.

In our latest episode, we revisit the wisdom of Robert Kiyosaki’s “Rich Dad Poor Dad” to see if its advice holds up after its initial release in 1997. Join us as we evaluate the relevance of shifting your mindset in today’s economic landscape, and discuss the significance of prioritizing assets over liabilities, paying ourselves first, and seeking passive income streams for financial success.

Join us as we delve into the thought-provoking concepts presented in Paul Jarvis’ book, “Company of One: Why Staying Small is the Next Big Thing for Business.” In this episode, we discuss how Jarvis challenges the traditional notion that business success is synonymous with growth, as he instead advocates for a model that prioritizes purpose and sustainability. We also explore ideas around being adaptable, aligning business practices with personal values, and the importance of defining success on our terms.

Can a company be too big to fail? Join us as we unravel the Netflix’s docuseries, Big Vape: The Rise and Fall of Juul. From skyrocketing success to the exclusive “Decacorn” club to a staggering fall from grace, we plunge into Juul’s history. Its splashy ad campaigns propelled its meteoric rise while controversies of underage usage led to its turbulent end. Experience the highs and lows of innovation, addiction battles, and corporate accountability, revealing a cautionary tales that’s left its mark on modern culture.

On the heels of #HipHop50, we take a nostalgic journey to comb through the cultural impact of FUBU. In this episode, we highlight how Daymond John, J. Alexander Martin, Keith Perrin, and Carlton Brown created a brand that transcended fashion to become a symbol of representation and empowerment within the hip-hop and entertainment community. Tune in as we discuss this iconic brand and business moves that helped ensure their success and legacy in the industry.

During its seven year stint, the competition show American Gladiators changed the face of television, creating the path for popular hits like Wipe Out and The Floor is Lava. But the there’s more to the story than tight spandex and obstacle courses. In this episode, we dive into the makings of a show with a great concept, but poor execution. From strung out steroid fights to terrible work conditions, we explore how expensive a great idea can be when you don’t plan for the expected.

Box-tops scandals, customs loopholes and black market deals sound like the true-crime story of a sleuthy bootlegger. In reality, it’s a tale of a midwestern man with a knack for reselling collectibles. In this episode, we discuss The Pez Outlaw, a documentary on an eccentric hustler who finds fortune in peddling liscensed Pez dispensers. From international disputes to cutthroat price wars, we review a true story that was anything but sweet.

Eddie Brown is the living definition of “slow by steady wins the race.” Rising from poverty to heading a capital management firm worth over $17 billion, Brown’s memoir, Beating the Odds, describes his path of taking calculated risks to achieve his goals. A stark contrast to today’s narrative of sensationalized entreprenuership, we discuss how Brown’s thoughtful approach to building his business is not only admirable, but realistic and repeatable.

Founder of Afro Future, a cultural gathering uniting the African diaspora in Ghana, Abdullah is on a mission to spread the stories of local Africans beyond the continent. His bootstrapped efforts have landed him as a speaker at SXSW and featured in Forbes Africa. Listen as we discuss his cultural beginnings and the challenges faced when running an international business.  Learn more: https://www.afrofuture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/afrofuture/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/theruler02/?hl=en

Money doesn’t disappear, it moves. In this episode, we reconnect with Mark Testa, owner of Mark Stephen agency, who followed the money and breathed new life into his experiential events company. Listen as he talks about pivoting in real-time, from allowing remote work around the country to embracing new technologies and staying on top of budding trends. The pandemic might have tried to kill events, but if Mark has anything to do with it, they’ll continue to thrive.

What do Oprah, Beyonce, and the CEO of Lowe’s have in common? They all had a hand in saving the Harlem Chocolate Factory. We continue our conversation with Jessica Spaulding, founder of the Harlem Chcocolate Factory, where she discusses the effects of the pandemic on her new store. Overcoming shipping disasters and finanical pitfalls with a positive community response, Spaulding bounces back from depths many small businesses never make it out of. With a firm belief that anyone can be an entrepreneur, Spaulding’s inspiring story exemplifies the goal of building a business that supports the life you desire.  Learn more: https://harlemchocolatefactory.com/ https://www.instagram.com/harlemchocolatefactory/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessofhcf/

Jessica Spaulding, a lifelong hustler and professional chocolatier understands the unexpected should be expected when starting your own business. Owner of the Harlem Chocolate Factory, Spaulding takes us on a journey of rebellion, luck, and overcoming obstacles. From entering business plan competitions to opening up a chocolate shop in the heart of Harlem, she details how she finessed her finances, swayed minds with chocolate bars, and took L’s with grace.  Learn more: https://harlemchocolatefactory.com/ https://www.instagram.com/harlemchocolatefactory/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessofhcf/

These days, businesses can be more than just turning a profit. On a mission to combine people, purpose, and profit, DiverseCiti offers resources to ambitious entrepreneurs looking to expand their businesses. This week we chat with DiverseCiti’s CEO, Claudia DaRobi, and a member of its community, Dr. Benita Ledet, about the impact businesses can make on its environment. We’ll discuss key opportunities entrepreneurs can take advantage of post-pandemic, the success of networking, and how to lead with love in everything you pursue.

 Lionheart is a modern Nollywood drama depicting the journey of a daughter trying to save her family’s business. As her father’s health declines, Adaeze takes on the challenge of keeping the business alive, alongside her uncle in a turn of dramatic and comedic events. In this episode we discuss the blend of Nigerian culture and capitalism in a mixed economy, and how family politics plays a part in keeping a legacy alive.

Reginald F. Lewis was one of the wealthiest black men in the 80’s, becoming the first to close a billion dollar leveraged buyout deal. In this episode, we review the book “Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun”, a biography of Lewis’ short, but powerful life, and discuss the makings of a billionaire. A titan of his time, Lewis paved the way for future entrepreneurs and demonstrated that all dreams are possible, with the right attitude and mindset. 

The faceless basketball player logo of AND1 is as memorable as the story behind the brand. Listen as we discuss the rise and missteps of this cultural clothing staple, through the lens of the Netflix documentary, Untold: The Rise and Fall of AND1. From employee burnout to unfair compensation practices, we identify common issues that arise from capitalizing on cultural trends.

They say some of the biggest ideas and companies are born out of a recession, but is that true? In this episode, we discuss the current state of the economy and what that means for entrepreneurs looking to start a new venture. We’ll talk about how to take advantage of a downturn, leaning into your bargaining power, and why waiting for ‘the right time’ to start a business may not be the best strategy.