Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Benny Pough.

Shares his journey from a music executive to entrepreneur and author, emphasizing resilience, faith, mentorship, and personal branding.

🧠 Key Takeaways 1. Career Evolution & Entrepreneurship

• Benny Pough transitioned from top executive roles at major labels (Motown, Def Jam, Epic, ROC Nation) to founding Diverse Media, a multi-tiered entertainment company.
• His pivot was driven by a desire to pursue personal dreams and create impact beyond corporate success.

“I left every job at the top… because I’m a believer in not just talking about it, but being about it.”

2. Life-Changing Car Accident

• Benny recounts a near-fatal car crash that inspired his book “On Impact”.
• The experience led to deep reflection on mortality, purpose, and legacy.

“At that moment, God put a book inside of me called On Impact, which takes you through my journey from 11 years old delivering newspapers to modern day.”

3. The Book: “On Impact”

• Acronym: IMPACT = Intuition, Mastery, Pivot, Authenticity, Connection, Teamwork.
• Each chapter ends with a “hit list” for readers to apply lessons to their own lives.

4. Faith and Resilience

• Benny emphasizes the role of faith in overcoming adversity and staying grounded.
• Rashawn shares his own health challenges (collapsed lung, cancer) to highlight the importance of perspective and purpose.

“Belief in the Almighty and belief in yourself is really important. Everything else is secondary.”

5. Mentorship and Giving Back

• Benny credits mentors like LA Reid and Dedra Tate for shaping his career.
• He stresses the importance of long-term relationships and pouring into others.

“People pour into you. You make sure that you’re able to give something back when it’s time to drink.”

6. Personal Branding

• Benny shares a childhood story about being teased for his last name “Pough” and how it motivated him to make his name matter.
• He insists on being called “Benny Pough” to reinforce his brand identity.

“That was the point when I decided to brand myself and make sure my name mattered.”

7. Value Over Money

• Both Benny and Rashawn discuss how value creation leads to financial success, not the other way around.
• Rashawn shares how he earned his role as executive producer by showing initiative, not chasing money.

“If you create value in any situation, somebody’s going to pay you some money.”

💬 Notable Quotes

• “Fear is a good thing because unknown is a good thing.”
• “You don’t need a life-threatening event to pivot.”
• “A strong belief in what you want to do will be tied to the goals you put in place to achieve your dream.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://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 Benny Pough.

Shares his journey from a music executive to entrepreneur and author, emphasizing resilience, faith, mentorship, and personal branding.

🧠 Key Takeaways 1. Career Evolution & Entrepreneurship

• Benny Pough transitioned from top executive roles at major labels (Motown, Def Jam, Epic, ROC Nation) to founding Diverse Media, a multi-tiered entertainment company.
• His pivot was driven by a desire to pursue personal dreams and create impact beyond corporate success.

“I left every job at the top… because I’m a believer in not just talking about it, but being about it.”

2. Life-Changing Car Accident

• Benny recounts a near-fatal car crash that inspired his book “On Impact”.
• The experience led to deep reflection on mortality, purpose, and legacy.

“At that moment, God put a book inside of me called On Impact, which takes you through my journey from 11 years old delivering newspapers to modern day.”

3. The Book: “On Impact”

• Acronym: IMPACT = Intuition, Mastery, Pivot, Authenticity, Connection, Teamwork.
• Each chapter ends with a “hit list” for readers to apply lessons to their own lives.

4. Faith and Resilience

• Benny emphasizes the role of faith in overcoming adversity and staying grounded.
• Rashawn shares his own health challenges (collapsed lung, cancer) to highlight the importance of perspective and purpose.

“Belief in the Almighty and belief in yourself is really important. Everything else is secondary.”

5. Mentorship and Giving Back

• Benny credits mentors like LA Reid and Dedra Tate for shaping his career.
• He stresses the importance of long-term relationships and pouring into others.

“People pour into you. You make sure that you’re able to give something back when it’s time to drink.”

6. Personal Branding

• Benny shares a childhood story about being teased for his last name “Pough” and how it motivated him to make his name matter.
• He insists on being called “Benny Pough” to reinforce his brand identity.

“That was the point when I decided to brand myself and make sure my name mattered.”

7. Value Over Money

• Both Benny and Rashawn discuss how value creation leads to financial success, not the other way around.
• Rashawn shares how he earned his role as executive producer by showing initiative, not chasing money.

“If you create value in any situation, somebody’s going to pay you some money.”

💬 Notable Quotes

• “Fear is a good thing because unknown is a good thing.”
• “You don’t need a life-threatening event to pivot.”
• “A strong belief in what you want to do will be tied to the goals you put in place to achieve your dream.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Craig Calafati.

Executive Vice President and Director of Lending for Arkansas Capital Corporation, a private nonprofit lending organization.

Key Highlights: 🏢 About Arkansas Capital Corporation

• Founded in 1957 by Governor Rockefeller to foster entrepreneurship and industrial growth in Arkansas.
• Focuses on underserved and rural communities, especially communities of color.
• Recently received an SPLC (Small Business Lending Company) license from the SBA, allowing them to lend nationwide.

💼 Services Offered

• Small Business Lending: Now expanding beyond Arkansas to surrounding SEC states.
• EB-5 Program: For immigrants investing in U.S. job-creating projects.
• New Market Tax Credits: For large-scale developments.
• Governor’s Cup: A Shark Tank-style pitch competition for college students.

💡 Business Advice & Lending Process

• Business Plan: Essential for loan approval. It should detail operations, challenges, and financial projections.
• Online Application: Full application available at capital.com, not just an inquiry form.
• Required Documents: Business plan, tax returns, bank statements, cost documents, resume, and more.
• Mentorship: They monitor applications and proactively reach out to assist applicants.

💳 Lines of Credit

• Recommended for small businesses to handle unexpected expenses.
• Especially critical for businesses with payroll or upfront costs like construction.

🏦 SBA Lending Clarification

• SBA does not lend money directly.
• SBA provides guarantees to approved lenders like Arkansas Capital, reducing lender risk.
• Programs discussed: 7(a) and 504, not PPP or disaster relief loans.

🧠 Key Takeaways

• Know exactly what you need and why before applying for a loan.
• A well-thought-out business plan is your roadmap and proof of preparedness.
• SBA-backed loans are not free money—they must be repaid.

#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 Craig Calafati.

Executive Vice President and Director of Lending for Arkansas Capital Corporation, a private nonprofit lending organization.

Key Highlights: 🏢 About Arkansas Capital Corporation

• Founded in 1957 by Governor Rockefeller to foster entrepreneurship and industrial growth in Arkansas.
• Focuses on underserved and rural communities, especially communities of color.
• Recently received an SPLC (Small Business Lending Company) license from the SBA, allowing them to lend nationwide.

💼 Services Offered

• Small Business Lending: Now expanding beyond Arkansas to surrounding SEC states.
• EB-5 Program: For immigrants investing in U.S. job-creating projects.
• New Market Tax Credits: For large-scale developments.
• Governor’s Cup: A Shark Tank-style pitch competition for college students.

💡 Business Advice & Lending Process

• Business Plan: Essential for loan approval. It should detail operations, challenges, and financial projections.
• Online Application: Full application available at capital.com, not just an inquiry form.
• Required Documents: Business plan, tax returns, bank statements, cost documents, resume, and more.
• Mentorship: They monitor applications and proactively reach out to assist applicants.

💳 Lines of Credit

• Recommended for small businesses to handle unexpected expenses.
• Especially critical for businesses with payroll or upfront costs like construction.

🏦 SBA Lending Clarification

• SBA does not lend money directly.
• SBA provides guarantees to approved lenders like Arkansas Capital, reducing lender risk.
• Programs discussed: 7(a) and 504, not PPP or disaster relief loans.

🧠 Key Takeaways

• Know exactly what you need and why before applying for a loan.
• A well-thought-out business plan is your roadmap and proof of preparedness.
• SBA-backed loans are not free money—they must be repaid.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://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 Craig Calafati.

Executive Vice President and Director of Lending for Arkansas Capital Corporation, a private nonprofit lending organization.

Key Highlights: 🏢 About Arkansas Capital Corporation

• Founded in 1957 by Governor Rockefeller to foster entrepreneurship and industrial growth in Arkansas.
• Focuses on underserved and rural communities, especially communities of color.
• Recently received an SPLC (Small Business Lending Company) license from the SBA, allowing them to lend nationwide.

💼 Services Offered

• Small Business Lending: Now expanding beyond Arkansas to surrounding SEC states.
• EB-5 Program: For immigrants investing in U.S. job-creating projects.
• New Market Tax Credits: For large-scale developments.
• Governor’s Cup: A Shark Tank-style pitch competition for college students.

💡 Business Advice & Lending Process

• Business Plan: Essential for loan approval. It should detail operations, challenges, and financial projections.
• Online Application: Full application available at capital.com, not just an inquiry form.
• Required Documents: Business plan, tax returns, bank statements, cost documents, resume, and more.
• Mentorship: They monitor applications and proactively reach out to assist applicants.

💳 Lines of Credit

• Recommended for small businesses to handle unexpected expenses.
• Especially critical for businesses with payroll or upfront costs like construction.

🏦 SBA Lending Clarification

• SBA does not lend money directly.
• SBA provides guarantees to approved lenders like Arkansas Capital, reducing lender risk.
• Programs discussed: 7(a) and 504, not PPP or disaster relief loans.

🧠 Key Takeaways

• Know exactly what you need and why before applying for a loan.
• A well-thought-out business plan is your roadmap and proof of preparedness.
• SBA-backed loans are not free money—they must be repaid.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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 Charelle Lans.

A six-time award-winning author, motivational speaker, and business strategist known as the “business therapist.” Here's a detailed summary of the key insights and takeaways:

🎙️ Guest Overview: Charelle Lans

• Title: Business Strategist, Vision Strategist, and Founder of Vision Strategy Management (VSM)
• Background: Industrial engineering degree; former Fortune 500 employee (e.g., Johnson & Johnson)
• Mission: Helps individuals and businesses diagnose issues, define strategies, and drive performance.

💼 Core Concepts & Insights 🔍 What She Does

• Acts as a “business doctor” for small to mid-sized businesses.
• Helps clients uncover blind spots, streamline operations, and align personal purpose with business goals.

🧠 Key Philosophies

• “Profit is in the patterns, not in the panic”: Sustainable success comes from consistent systems, not reactive hustle.
• “You deserve to be paid, not just passionate”: Passion is important, but structured pricing and value delivery are essential for sustainability.
• “Rest is a revenue strategy”: Rest improves clarity, leadership, and long-term business health.

🛠️ Business Strategy Tips 1. Pricing & Value

• Research your market and understand the problem you solve.
• Avoid underpricing due to emotional ties or overpricing without value.
• Develop a pricing strategy that reflects your experience and the value you deliver.

2. Scaling Smartly

• Avoid “scaling chaos” — building a brand without infrastructure leads to burnout.
• Build systems, processes, and the right team before scaling.
• A platform (not just a brand) is sustainable and scalable.

3. Vision Execution

• A vision without a strategy and management is just a wish.
• Use metrics to track progress and ensure your vision is in motion.
• Surround yourself with:
  • Mentor
  • Sponsor
  • Coach
  • Network

🧩 Common Entrepreneurial Pitfalls

• Wearing “hustle” as a badge of honor can lead to burnout.
• Trying to do everything alone without a blueprint or support system.
• Fear of sharing ideas due to intellectual property concerns — instead, stay ahead by always working on the next idea.

📲 Connect with Charelle Lans

• Website: visionstrategymanagement.com
• Social Media: @CharelleLans on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn

#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 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

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://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 Charelle Lans.

A six-time award-winning author, motivational speaker, and business strategist known as the “business therapist.” Here's a detailed summary of the key insights and takeaways:

🎙️ Guest Overview: Charelle Lans

• Title: Business Strategist, Vision Strategist, and Founder of Vision Strategy Management (VSM)
• Background: Industrial engineering degree; former Fortune 500 employee (e.g., Johnson & Johnson)
• Mission: Helps individuals and businesses diagnose issues, define strategies, and drive performance.

💼 Core Concepts & Insights 🔍 What She Does

• Acts as a “business doctor” for small to mid-sized businesses.
• Helps clients uncover blind spots, streamline operations, and align personal purpose with business goals.

🧠 Key Philosophies

• “Profit is in the patterns, not in the panic”: Sustainable success comes from consistent systems, not reactive hustle.
• “You deserve to be paid, not just passionate”: Passion is important, but structured pricing and value delivery are essential for sustainability.
• “Rest is a revenue strategy”: Rest improves clarity, leadership, and long-term business health.

🛠️ Business Strategy Tips 1. Pricing & Value

• Research your market and understand the problem you solve.
• Avoid underpricing due to emotional ties or overpricing without value.
• Develop a pricing strategy that reflects your experience and the value you deliver.

2. Scaling Smartly

• Avoid “scaling chaos” — building a brand without infrastructure leads to burnout.
• Build systems, processes, and the right team before scaling.
• A platform (not just a brand) is sustainable and scalable.

3. Vision Execution

• A vision without a strategy and management is just a wish.
• Use metrics to track progress and ensure your vision is in motion.
• Surround yourself with:
  • Mentor
  • Sponsor
  • Coach
  • Network

🧩 Common Entrepreneurial Pitfalls

• Wearing “hustle” as a badge of honor can lead to burnout.
• Trying to do everything alone without a blueprint or support system.
• Fear of sharing ideas due to intellectual property concerns — instead, stay ahead by always working on the next idea.

📲 Connect with Charelle Lans

• Website: visionstrategymanagement.com
• Social Media: @CharelleLans on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.