Black to Business

You can build something beautiful, grow it, scale it, and still protect the people and culture that made the community what it is. You've probably seen the opposite happen, a neighborhood gets "improved" and suddenly the folks who stuck it out through the hard years cannot afford to stay, local businesses get priced out, and the history gets wiped clean. That tension is real, especially when you are a Black entrepreneur trying to build with integrity, not just build for profit. This episode matters because wealth building is not only about money, it is also about who has access, who has voice, and who gets to benefit long term. Logan Herring Sr. joins the show to break down how to create wealth and opportunity without displacement, using lessons from real redevelopment work in Wilmington, Delaware, while keeping the conversation practical for entrepreneurs across any industry.   Logan is the CEO of The WRK Group, which includes The Warehouse, REACH Riverside, and Kingswood Community Center. He shares how his team is replacing outdated public housing with high quality mixed income housing, creating pathways for education, health, and economic vitality, and doing it without pushing existing residents out. You will also hear how he thinks about capital, trust, and community partnership, plus the behind the scenes choices that make revitalization ethical and sustainable.   DURING THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: The three types of capital that shape wealth Why opportunity and access are not the same, and how outsiders often confuse the two How displacement can happen culturally and economically even when residents stay put What it takes to revitalize a community without repeating the harm that created the conditions in the first place Why Black entrepreneurs need collaboration more than control, and how sharing the pie can create real stability Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/287   Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!   Connect with us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/blacktobusiness/    Don't miss an update! Sign up for our weekly newsletter: https://blacktobusiness.com/mailinglist

If you have ever looked at your to do list and thought, "I know what my business needs next, I just do not have the money for it yet," this episode will feel familiar. Stretching resources is not about cutting corners, it is about making smart decisions in a system where Black founders often have to do more with less. For many Black entrepreneurs, building a business means navigating limited access to capital, smaller margins for error, and the pressure to figure everything out on your own. That reality can slow growth and lead to burnout, even when the vision is clear. This episode speaks directly to that experience and introduces bartering as a practical way to keep moving forward without waiting on funding, grants, or permission. Joining us for this conversation is Nicole Murphy, founder of Barter Black®, a tech platform and community designed to help Black entrepreneurs exchange products and services using trade credits instead of cash. Nicole shares how the pandemic revealed just how fragile many Black businesses were when income stopped overnight, and why she believes collaboration and structure are essential to building stronger, more sustainable businesses. This conversation focuses on how bartering can be used intentionally to stretch resources, protect your value, and build support around your business in a way that actually works.   DURING THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: What bartering really means in a business context and how it differs from favors How Black founders can use bartering to stretch limited resources without lowering their value How to identify skills, products, or resources you already have that others need What to clarify upfront so bartering stays professional and respectful How to protect your time and relationships when exchanging value How to think through when bartering makes sense and when paying is the better move Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/286   Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!   Connect with us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/blacktobusiness/    Don't miss an update! Sign up for our weekly newsletter: https://blacktobusiness.com/mailinglist

Trusting yourself in business sounds simple, but in practice it can feel complicated. Especially when you are capable, prepared, and still hesitating at the moment it matters most. In this solo episode, we unpack what audacity really looks like for Black entrepreneurs. Not the loud or performative version, but the quiet conviction it takes to move without guarantees, stop self editing, and let your own judgment lead even when the outcome is uncertain. This conversation is for the entrepreneur who knows they are ready, but keeps waiting. Waiting for better timing. Waiting for more confirmation. Waiting until it feels safer. DURING THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: Why hesitation often shows up after you've done the work, not before How self editing quietly costs Black entrepreneurs opportunities before a "no" is ever given What audacity looks like in everyday business decisions, not viral moments How to tell the difference between seeking perspective and avoiding responsibility Why waiting for certainty keeps you stuck in preparation mode How to rebuild trust in your own judgment one decision at a time Thank you so much for listening! If you liked this episode, please subscribe to "The Black to Business Podcast" and rate and review on Apple Podcasts:   Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/285     Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!   Connect with us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/blacktobusiness/    Don't miss an update! Sign up for our weekly newsletter: https://blacktobusiness.com/mailinglist

Planning comes easy to entrepreneurs. Especially when things feel uncertain, heavy, or unfinished. The notes app fills up. The goals start forming. The urge to do something different kicks in fast. Pausing rarely feels as natural. In this episode of the Black to Business podcast, we slow the conversation down on purpose. This is not about setting better goals or building a more ambitious plan. This is about understanding where you are before deciding where you are going. Because planning without reflection often leads to repetition. New goals. Same pressure. Same habits. Same exhaustion. This episode is an invitation to pause long enough to see clearly. Not to quit. Not to check out. But to gather the information your business is already giving you. If you have ever felt like you keep restarting, carrying fatigue into new plans, or setting goals that feel heavy before you even begin, this conversation is for you. DURING THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: Why planning feels safer than pausing and what that habit costs you over time How skipping reflection turns intention into pressure What a real pause actually looks like without disappearing or falling behind The three things every pause should help you identify How awareness creates stronger plans than motivation ever will Why pausing helps you stop starting over and start building forward Thank you so much for listening! If you liked this episode, please subscribe to "The Black to Business Podcast" and rate and review on Apple Podcasts:   Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/284   Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!  

There is a quiet frustration a lot of entrepreneurs are carrying right now. The work is happening. Effort is being put in. Progress is not obvious yet. So the instinct becomes to scrap everything and start again. New idea. New offer. New strategy. New direction. In this solo episode of the Black to Business podcast, we are slowing that impulse down and telling the truth about what is really happening when you feel the need to start over. After speaking with more than 200 Black entrepreneurs on this podcast, one pattern shows up again and again. The founders who eventually find their footing are not constantly resetting. They stay long enough to learn. They adjust with intention instead of reacting out of pressure. This conversation is about resourcefulness, self-trust, and building forward instead of burning everything down when things feel uncomfortable. Inside this episode, we talk honestly about why starting over feels productive, how outside noise and urgency can cloud decision-making, and how to tell the difference between a thoughtful pivot and panicking too soon. This is not about forcing something that is clearly not working. This is about recognizing when you already have more than enough to move forward and learning how to work with it. DURING THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: Why starting over often feels like progress even when it keeps you stuck The real difference between pivoting with intention and reacting out of pressure How constant resets prevent you from gathering the information you actually need What it looks like to leverage your existing work, relationships, and systems Why trusting yourself is a business skill, not just a mindset How to strengthen what you already have instead of abandoning it too soon If you have been feeling the urge to scrap everything because things are moving slower than expected, this episode will help you pause, reassess, and move forward with more confidence. You do not need to start over to grow. Sometimes you need to stay.   Thank you so much for listening! If you liked this episode, please subscribe to "The Black to Business Podcast" and rate and review on Apple Podcasts:   Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/283   Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!   Connect with us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/blacktobusiness/    Don't miss an update! Sign up for our weekly newsletter: https://blacktobusiness.com/mailinglist

Being the "best kept secret" sounds cute until you realize it is costing you money, opportunities, and peace of mind. Many Black founders are doing excellent work behind the scenes yet feel stuck, overlooked, or invisible. The grind is real, but the results are not matching the effort. This episode is a truth-telling conversation about why moving in silence is not a flex and why hiding your work hurts your business. Visibility can feel risky, especially when you care about how you show up. It can also feel necessary if you want people to actually find, trust, and choose you. This solo episode walks you through the mindset, the fear, and the practical steps to start showing your work in a way that feels honest and sustainable. DURING THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: Why hiding feels safer than being seen and how that shows up for Black founders  How staying quiet about your work can limit your growth, opportunities, and impact What it looks like to treat visibility as service instead of self-promotion Simple ways to show your work without feeling like you are "doing too much" The shift from posting to be seen to sharing to be useful Practical steps for entrepreneurs who feel scared, shy, or anxious about being visible   Thank you so much for listening! If you liked this episode, please subscribe to "The Black to Business Podcast" and rate and review on Apple Podcasts:   Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/282   Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!   Connect with us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/blacktobusiness/    Don't miss an update! Sign up for our weekly newsletter: https://blacktobusiness.com/mailinglist

December is here. This is the time of year when a lot of people are talking about what's next. Before you rush into planning mode, this episode is your opportunity to pause and get honest about what needs to be left behind. As a Black entrepreneur, you know that business comes with more than strategy and systems. Sometimes, it's the mindset that does the most damage. Maybe you told yourself you weren't ready. Maybe you hid your brilliance because you didn't want to be seen. Maybe you kept trying to do everything alone because that's what you thought it took. You do not have to carry that into another season. In this episode, Monique T. Marshall helps you identify the quiet beliefs that shaped your business this year. She walks you through how to let them go and how to choose a new mindset that actually supports where you're headed next. DURING THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: How to recognize the beliefs that kept you stuck in survival mode What shifting your mindset looks like in daily decisions How your thoughts impacted your offers, marketing, and leadership Why clarity matters more than hype when it comes to growth Ways to reinforce a new belief system that supports your next season   Thank you so much for listening! If you liked this episode, please subscribe to "The Black to Business Podcast" and rate and review on Apple Podcasts:   Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/281   Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!   Connect with us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/blacktobusiness/    Don't miss an update! Sign up for our weekly newsletter: https://blacktobusiness.com/mailinglist

This is the time of year when reflection and gratitude are everywhere. The calendar is winding down, timelines are filled with celebrations, and many entrepreneurs start asking, "Did I do enough?" In this solo episode, Monique shares a powerful reminder that gratitude and ambition can coexist. You can honor your growth and still know there's more in you. This is not about rushing to the finish line. It is about moving with clarity, intention, and purpose in this final stretch of the year. Whether you are listening on a holiday or it is just another Thursday, this conversation is your space to pause, reflect, and recommit to what matters most. DURING THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: Why gratitude is more than a feeling. It is a strategy. How to recognize the power of what you have already built What it means to finish the year your way, not everyone else's Three guiding questions to help you close the year with purpose A challenge to help you stay grounded and intentional   Thank you so much for listening! If you liked this episode, please subscribe to "The Black to Business Podcast" and rate and review on Apple Podcasts:   Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/280   Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!   Connect with us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/blacktobusiness/    Don't miss an update! Sign up for our weekly newsletter: https://blacktobusiness.com/mailinglist

Many Black entrepreneurs know what it feels like to consistently show up online, grow a following, build connection, and still feel like the space you are building on does not fully belong to you. The rules change, your reach shifts, and suddenly everything you worked for feels like it is sitting in someone else's hands. This episode speaks to the founder who wants stability, ownership, and the freedom to build without worrying about algorithms or disappearing access.   D'Angelo Senat joins us to break down what it takes to create an online community that is truly yours. He is the Founder and CEO of AllPeep, an open-source platform designed to help leaders own their data, their conversations, and their digital presence. His journey as an engineer and builder who has supported thousands of founders gives him a unique perspective on how ownership shapes the future of your business. He shares what real ownership looks like, why it matters for Black entrepreneurs, and how to create a space that grows with you.   This conversation offers clarity for the entrepreneur who wants to strengthen their brand, deepen their community, and create a digital home that cannot be taken away. There is real power in ownership, and this episode walks you through how to claim it.   DURING THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: Why building your community on rented platforms limits your growth and impact What it really means to "own" your community and how to start shifting your mindset Step-by-step actions to create a digital space that you control from day one How to keep your audience engaged and connected without relying on social media algorithms The power of data ownership and how it protects your brand and creative work How community ownership helps Black entrepreneurs build legacy, not just visibility Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/279   Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!   Connect with us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/blacktobusiness/    Don't miss an update! Sign up for our weekly newsletter: https://blacktobusiness.com/mailinglist

As we head into the holiday season, the pressure to show up and sell can feel heavy. Timelines are flooded with promotions. Everyone seems to be launching something. Meanwhile, you might be feeling like sales are stalling, your energy is low, or the results just aren't matching the effort. We definitely get it. In this episode, Monique is talking about how to stay consistent and strategic when sales feel slow and motivation feels shaky. This season is noisy, but it's also full of opportunity. The key is figuring out how to show up in a way that aligns with your goals, your energy, and your audience. DURING THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: How to recognize the season you're in and adjust your expectations What to do when results aren't matching the work you're putting in How to sell without shame, even when it's quiet What "showing up" can look like based on your capacity and business model Why repurposing, reconnecting, and real conversations still matter This is not about trying to match the internet's energy. It's about choosing what makes sense for your goals, your offers, and your people.   Thank you so much for listening! If you liked this episode, please subscribe to "The Black to Business Podcast" and rate and review on Apple Podcasts:   Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/278   Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!   Got a question? We'd love to answer it in an upcoming Q&A. Simply record your quick question → https://blacktobusiness.com/QA    Connect with us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/blacktobusiness/    Don't miss an update! Sign up for our weekly newsletter: https://blacktobusiness.com/mailinglist

You've probably heard the phrase "raise capital to scale your business" more times than you can count. But when it comes to venture capital, most Black founders quickly realize that the rules, access, and exposure are not the same. The reality is that getting VC funding is not about how hard you work, it is about how strategically you prepare and how well you understand the game you are walking into. In this episode, we are breaking down what that really looks like with James Norman, Managing Partner at Black Operator Ventures and a 3x founder who has seen both sides of the table. James has built and led companies for nearly three decades and now invests in extraordinary Black founders who are building tech and tech-enabled businesses that change industries. During this conversation, James gives a real-world breakdown of what venture capital actually is, how to know if it is right for you, and what to have in place before you ever pitch an investor. He also shares what it means to be a Black founder in rooms that were not built for us, how to maintain your power dynamic during fundraising, and why the most successful founders focus less on chasing checks and more on building excellence. DURING THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: The real meaning of venture capital and how it differs from loans, grants, and bootstrapping How to determine if your business model and growth potential fit the VC path What VC readiness truly looks like before you start pitching Why your mindset and power dynamic matter just as much as your pitch deck The realities of being a solo founder, how to build the right support team, and what investors actually look for How to navigate life after funding, from scaling your team to keeping control of your vision Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/277   Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!   Connect with us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/blacktobusiness/    Don't miss an update! Sign up for our weekly newsletter: https://blacktobusiness.com/mailinglist

You've been doing the work. You've been showing up consistently, building your content muscle, and laying the foundation. Now what? In this final episode of the October solo series, Monique is diving into what comes next. The holiday season brings a flood of content and sales, but it also brings opportunity. This is not just the end of the year. It is a chance to turn the trust you've built into traction for your business. DURING THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: Why this season matters more than ever for Black entrepreneurs How to repurpose your best content with intention and clarity What to do if you are feeling behind, overwhelmed, or unsure Why showing up with focus can outperform loud, over-the-top campaigns How to move your audience from awareness to action The strategy behind Monique's own seasonal approach inside Black to Business Thank you so much for listening! If you liked this episode, please subscribe to "The Black to Business Podcast" and rate and review on Apple Podcasts:   Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/276   Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!   Connect with us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/blacktobusiness/    Don't miss an update! Sign up for our weekly newsletter: https://blacktobusiness.com/mailinglist

If you've ever felt like you're doing all the things, posting, planning, showing up, and still wondering if it's working, this episode will give you real clarity. This week, Monique is pulling back the curtain on what publishing over 270 podcast episodes and sending weekly emails has taught her about showing up consistently. You'll learn why content is not just about being seen, but about building something that people can come back to again and again. Content is how you: Learn who your audience really is Build long-term trust Clarify your message Guide people back to your offer, your site, or your platform Daily posts are not the requirement. A system that fits your life and business goals is what will help you stay consistent. In this episode, you'll learn: How consistency revealed who Monique's audience actually was Why posting daily is not necessary for growth or visibility What it means to guide your audience back to something you own How to stay consistent with content as a solo entrepreneur or small team A challenge to help you build a schedule you can stick to Bonus: Monique is hosting a live Quick Win Workshop on Wednesday, October 29. You'll walk away with a 30-day content plan that fits your business even if you're doing it solo. Sign up at BlacktoBusiness.com/workshops (If you're catching this after the live event, that link will direct you to replays or upcoming sessions.) Looking for a ready-to-go system? The 30 Days of Content in Hours Shortcut is now available at BlacktoBusiness.com/shortcuts. It's the same method Monique uses to plan content for the podcast, newsletter, and social platforms.   Thank you so much for listening! If you liked this episode, please subscribe to "The Black to Business Podcast" and rate and review on Apple Podcasts:   Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/275   Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!   Connect with us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/blacktobusiness/    Don't miss an update! Sign up for our weekly newsletter: https://blacktobusiness.com/mailinglist

Some people post to be seen. You post to be believed.   Credibility is not about looking the part. It is about proving it. It is the alignment between what you say, what you show, and what people experience when they engage with your work. That is the focus of this episode.   In this solo conversation, Monique explains how Black founders can use content to build real credibility that earns trust, opens doors, and keeps you top of mind. This is about showing your receipts in public view, not for validation but as proof of the excellence you bring to the table.   Visibility gets you noticed. Credibility keeps you chosen. This episode will help you build it with intention.   IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN: What credibility really means and why it goes deeper than branding or presentation How to align your message, your content, and your audience's experience The Teach Show Prove method for building trust through content Common credibility mistakes that weaken your message and how to fix them The 4 C's Framework Clarity Consistency Connection and Community Proof How to use tools and systems to maintain credibility without burning out   Thank you so much for listening! If you liked this episode, please subscribe to "The Black to Business Podcast" and rate and review on Apple Podcasts:   Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/274   Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!   Connect with us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/blacktobusiness/    Don't miss an update! Sign up for our weekly newsletter: https://blacktobusiness.com/mailinglist

Visibility can make or break your business. You can have the best product or service, but if people don't see it, they can't support it. This week's episode of the Black to Business podcast dives into why visibility is power and how consistent content builds credibility for Black founders. Because for us, being visible isn't just about posting more. It's about being remembered, trusted, and chosen for what we bring to the table. Many Black entrepreneurs are still building without access to big teams, media features, or industry connections. The game has changed though. Digital tools and social media have given us the power to create our own platforms and control our own narratives. If staying consistent feels overwhelming, this conversation will help you simplify it. You'll walk away understanding how to make visibility a natural part of your business, not another task on your list.   IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN: Why visibility is the new currency of credibility for Black founders How to use consistent content to build trust, recognition, and opportunity What makes visibility feel hard and how to move through that fear How to define what visibility looks like for you without burning out Why social media is a powerful equalizer when you learn to use it intentionally How to use tools and AI to stay visible and consistent, especially in busy seasons   Thank you so much for listening! If you liked this episode, please subscribe to "The Black to Business Podcast" and rate and review on Apple Podcasts:   Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/273   Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!   Connect with us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/blacktobusiness/    Don't miss an update! Sign up for our weekly newsletter: https://blacktobusiness.com/mailinglist

Creating content shouldn't feel like another full-time job, especially when you're already wearing every hat in your business. But for so many Black entrepreneurs, staying consistent online feels like a constant uphill battle. One week you're posting every day. The next? You're exhausted and falling off again. If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you. We're kicking off a new solo series for October focused on helping you finish Q4 strong and step into the new year with more clarity and consistency. And we're starting with the number one question we get asked: "How do I stay consistent with content without burning out?"   IN THIS EPISODE, MONIQUE BREAKS DOWN: Why content consistency feels so hard (and it's not because you're undisciplined) How to set up a simple content rhythm you can actually keep up with The difference between "creating content" and having a content system How batching, themed days, and repurposing help you stay visible without the stress How Monique uses AI tools to speed up content planning without losing her voice   Thank you so much for listening! If you liked this episode, please subscribe to "The Black to Business Podcast" and rate and review on Apple Podcasts:   Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/272   Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!   Connect with us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/blacktobusiness/    Don't miss an update! Sign up for our weekly newsletter: https://blacktobusiness.com/mailinglist

Selfish. That word alone probably makes you tense up. Most of us were raised to believe that being selfish is wrong, especially as Black entrepreneurs carrying the weight of family, community, and proving ourselves in business. The idea of putting yourself first feels uncomfortable, maybe even impossible. Yet constantly putting yourself last is the fastest way to burn out and stall your growth. In this episode, leadership advisor and coach Dawn Christian, founder of BeLeadership, flips the script on what it means to be selfish. After 25 years of leading billion-dollar product launches in corporate and then pivoting into entrepreneurship, Dawn knows firsthand how dangerous self-neglect can be and how transformational self-prioritization truly is. She shares her Ethos Driven Leadership framework, practical ways to set boundaries, and why choosing yourself is actually the best thing you can do for your business.   DURING THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: What it really means to be a selfish leader and why that choice fuels growth The four pillars of Ethos Driven Leadership, purpose, needs, beliefs, influence Clear signs you are neglecting yourself as a leader and how to course correct How to create capacity, delegate with confidence, and move from teams to collaborators Practical boundary practices that protect your time, energy, and focus Why authenticity beats performance and how alignment attracts the right partners and clients   Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/271https://blacktobusiness.com/271-2/    Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!   Connect with us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/blacktobusiness/    Don't miss an update! Sign up for our weekly newsletter: https://blacktobusiness.com/mailinglist

As a Black entrepreneur, you've probably felt the weight of trying to keep up with new technology while still running every part of your business. Maybe you've asked yourself if AI is just another passing trend or if it's something you really need to pay attention to. The truth is, AI is already transforming how businesses operate and compete. For us, staying informed and prepared is not just about keeping up, it is about leveling the playing field and creating opportunities to lead. That is why we brought in Stacy Kirk, a tech entrepreneur and thought leader who has built her career helping businesses embrace innovation. In this episode, Stacy shares why AI cannot be ignored, the most important tools and trends you should know about, and how to use them in practical ways that fit your business. She makes technology feel approachable and offers strategies that allow you to save time, streamline your work, and create opportunities to grow.   DURING THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: Why AI matters for every business owner no matter the industry you are in. The most important tools and trends to watch in the AI space. How to adopt AI with confidence even if you are not a "tech person." Ways AI can help you save time, reduce stress, and focus on growth. How to create a future-ready business by embracing innovation and adaptability. Why staying informed about AI trends is essential for Black entrepreneurs who want to stay competitive and ahead of the curve. Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at https://blacktobusiness.com/270-2/     Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!   Connect with us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/blacktobusiness/    Don't miss an update! Sign up for our weekly newsletter: https://blacktobusiness.com/mailinglist

You want to build something that actually changes lives, and you also need it to pay the bills. You have felt the pressure to choose one or the other, purpose or profit, when what you really want is both. This episode is for you if you are wrestling with questions like how do I fund my mission, how do I prove my impact, and how do I scale without losing the heart of why I started.   In this conversation, you will learn from Jasmine Crowe-Houston, award winning social entrepreneur and founder and CEO of Goodr. Jasmine has built a technology powered company that has redirected more than 25 million pounds of food and delivered nearly 40 million meals by connecting surplus to need, and she has opened dozens of free Goodr Grocery Stores that bring dignified, affordable access to healthy food. She breaks down the real story behind making money while making a difference, from pricing and partnerships to data and mindset, and she is refreshingly honest about what it takes for Black founders to build and sustain social impact at scale.   DURING THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: How to choose a problem worth solving and translate it into a clear, fundable business model Ways to price a social enterprise by mapping your customer's current spend and proving cost savings What metrics to track so you can show both social outcomes and business results How to approach investors versus foundations and what to emphasize with each audience Practical strategies to scale impact while staying rooted in community and mission Mindset habits that help you push through rejection, protect your energy, and lead for the long term Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/269   Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!   Connect with us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/blacktobusiness/    Don't miss an update! Sign up for our weekly newsletter: https://blacktobusiness.com/mailinglist

You may have thought about writing a book but quickly shut it down with reasons like "I'm not a writer," "I don't have time," or "Who would even read it?" The reality is, a book is one of the most powerful tools you can have as a business owner because it shifts how people see you. A book makes people stop, listen, and lean in. It builds credibility in rooms where you might have felt invisible and it gives you authority without you having to keep proving yourself.   In this conversation, best selling author and international speaker Geo Derice gets practical and real about becoming an author as a business strategy. Geo shares how he went from being overlooked to booked by adding the word author to his title, and why your story already lives in your conversations, it just needs packaging. He walks you through defining your ideal reader, choosing the right idea now, building an outline that saves you time and money, and publishing professionally without wasting coins. We also dig into using your book to open doors, from client work to speaking to partnerships, so you sell less and serve more.   DURING THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: Why writing a book instantly elevates your credibility as a business owner The common misconceptions about becoming an author and how to move past them How to choose the right book idea when you have too many to pick from Practical steps to structure and finish your first draft without overwhelm The difference between self-publishing and traditional publishing and which path makes sense for beginners How to use your book as a tool to attract clients, partnerships, and speaking opportunities   Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/268   Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!   Connect with us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/blacktobusiness/    Don't miss an update! Sign up for our weekly newsletter: https://blacktobusiness.com/mailinglist