Create Your Life Series

About Our Guest Lenore Kantor is a strategic advisor to companies and individuals who are managing growth, innovation and change.  Lenore founded Launch Warrior to help emerging and established businesses and founders in the technology, creative, financial and professional services sectors to increase revenues, establish market leadership and achieve results by aligning their vision and values with their brand, messaging, strategy and culture. Lenore helps clients to clarify their positioning develop their leadership, manage corporate changes and go to market successfully.   Episode Summary Lenore tells the difference between those who want to launch a company and those who succeed in launching a company. She shares the importance of finding your market, appreciating feedback, being around creative people, and branding yourself personally and professionally at the same time. .   Insights From The Episode Secrets of the Launch Warrior beginnings The importance of having an internal drive to become an entrepreneur The importance of industry credibility The importance of getting a variety of experience while working in the corporate world How to choose the best clients for your business How to outsource chief marketing roles Strategies for breaking down barriers for a successful launch How to get past procrastination How to stay motivated when times are challenging The importance of bonding and networking with like minded individuals How to balance your spiritual and professional life The importance of goal setting   Quotes From The Episode   “I do believe people have these moments in their life where they realize something is not...the way they thought it would be.” - Lenore Kantor Episode #112   “Having navigated the corporate world I have a lot of experience managing teams, ...building brands, working with organizations.” - Lenore Kantor Episode #112   “Everyone has different experiences in life.  Then you need to look back and reflect and see what was the through line...the thing that made sense and tied everything together.” - Lenore Kantor Episode #112   “What I found early on was there were people I really liked and I wanted to help but they didn’t want to invest in their business.  If they don’t want to invest in their business...it's kind of hard to grow if you are not looking to do the things you need to do to make your business better.” - Lenore Kantor Episode #112   “I’m often working with teams...around what are you trying to achieve for the company, what are your priorities and goals, what are you trying to get to.  Then what resources do you have and what are your strengths so the two can come together so there can be a better focus and you can be more successful.” - Lenore Kantor Episode #112   Perfectionism holds people back.  “People think unless its perfect I don’t want to go live...nothing is perfect, you can spend forever and it will never be perfect.  There needs to be a willingness to take a risk, to try… stick your toe in the water, try it and see how it goes.” - Lenore Kantor Episode #112   “The more clear you can be for your organization around what you are really trying to achieve... is that realistic?  If that is what you want to achieve then you actually have to say...what is it going to take to get there and am I prepared to make the investment necessary.” - Lenore Kantor Episode #112   “Progress is better than perfection.’ - Kevin Y. Brown episode #112   “Free advice is what it’s worth, its free.”- Lenore Kantor Episode #112   “Passion can get you really far...but at the same time you need to know what it takes to get people to engage in using whatever you are building.” - Lenore Kantor Episode #112   “ Correction is direction, feedback is love. by Dr. Rafael Moffitt” - Kevin Y. Brown episode #112   “Everything is a lesson and an opportunity to learn.” - Lenore Kantor Episode #112   “Try to keep your vision and try to stay positive when you can.  The more positive and focused you can be, the more clarity you will have and the better opportunities to manifest what you want.” - Lenore Kantor Episode #112   “It’s really important to try and set goals...it will look different for different people.” - Lenore Kantor Episode #112   Resources Mentioned: Evernote, Smartsheet, 17 hats, Dubsado   Favorite Book: Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert   Three keys to creating your best life: Work on yourself Treat people with gentleness and kindness Try and tap into what you really want to create for yourself   Stay Connected:   Create Your Life Series: https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/   Kevin: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001 Lenore Kantor: https://launchwarrior.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/launch-warrior https://www.facebook.com/launchwarrior/ https://twitter.com/Launch_Warrior Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast  

About Our Guest Greg Alkalay is the Co-Founder and CEO of batteryPOP, the online and mobile video network exclusively for 6-11 year olds, where kids are in command of what “POPS.” Recently named among Café Mom’s Top 10 Mom-Approved Sites, the network features curated and unique content ranging from cartoons, live action series, and exclusive interviews covering top trending celebrities and topics for kids.  A Princeton University graduate, Greg’s passion for youth entertainment is further inspired by the enthusiasm of his own two children, Harper (3) and Dylan (6 months). Episode Summary Greg discusses his bold, entrepreneurial leap and growth in digital children's media. He tells about "licking the frog," first thing every morning, balancing work with parenting, and creating his own distinct media platform. He shares his three jewels for those looking to create their best life. Insights From The Episode: Strategies to monetize content The importance of connecting with the kid audience at eye level How the audience is calling the shots Secrets to the kid creative process How to decide to become an entrepreneur The importance of emotional and financial support How to freelance to support the business The importance of partnerships How to stay motivated in the down times Insights into moving past personal roadblocks Secrets to balancing life and work The importance of accelerator programs How to set goals How to Deal with challenging moments   Quotes From The Show: “We facilitate great content and get it in front of kids where ever they are.” - Greg Alkalay episode #111 “There is no filter when it comes to kids, they will tell you if something is good or if it is really not good.  If they ask to watch five times in a row, you know you have a great piece of content” - Greg Alkalay episode #111 “When it comes to kids content, you need a human being to be apart of the process.” - Greg Alkalay episode #111 “I took that leap, it was plenty scary.  There is this myth of entrepreneurship that you drop everything and walk off a cliff and either you land on the next cliff and keep climbing up or you fall and plummet.  I had support, so I wasn’t diving into an abyss, I knew I would be ok if I took a run at this.” - Greg Alkalay episode #111 “Having a support network is very important.” - Greg Alkalay episode #111 “Partnerships are the lifeblood of entrepreneurship, I think going at it alone is a very difficult approach.”  - Greg Alkalay episode #111 “Look for someone who compliments your skillset.  You don’t necessarily need to be working with your best friend, unles you really have different approaches to business.”  - Greg Alkalay episode #111 “It’s not about being comfortable, it's about finding someone to fill the roles you are not good at.” - Greg Alkalay episode #111 “Focus is a very tricky thing.  When you are running a small business you’ve got a million things to deal with at once.  And how do you pick that one thing that is more important than something else.” - Greg Alkalay episode #111 “The two things I am most passionate about in this world are my family and this business I started.” - Greg Alkalay episode #111 “We want to grow this business and it comes down to, are we making money?’ - Greg Alkalay episode #111 “We were all kids at one point, everybody has a take on this.” - Greg Alkalay episode #111 “Keep dreaming and keep working, everything is going to be alright.” - Kevin Y. Brown episode #111 Resources Mentioned: Slack Favorite Quote: “Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.” Mark Twain Favorite Book: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl   Three keys to creating your best life: Find somebody who wants to go through it with you Have a plan for success but more importantly have a plan for failure Get sleep when you can   Stay Connected:   Create Your Life Series: https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/   Kevin: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Greg: friends@batterypop.com https://www.batterypop.com/ https://twitter.com/galkalay75?lang=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregalkalay/ https://www.facebook.com/Batterypop/ Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast

About Our Guest Nicole Valentine, the ”Small Business Champion”, is an entrepreneur, media personality, tech founder, business fitness coach, deal lawyer and strategist, passionate about helping you live your journey with confidence, courage & joy.  She is the creator, executive producer and host of TV Special, “Empower Lunch”, which aired in over 90 million US homes on RLTV and ABC Networks. Nicole Valentine is the Founder of Winly Playbook, a business strategy, data and productivity platform and small business community focused on executing daily wins.    She is the CEO of Synergy Business Development, a New York based business growth consultancy. She mentors New York small businesses through government agencies (SBS & MTA) and advises through organizations and corporations (Black Women Talk Tech & American Express OPEN Forum).   Episode Summary Nicole gives us the secrets to her transition from corporate America to entrepreneur, the ups, and downs of being in business, war stories of being a non-technical founder, secrets to picking the right business partner and superhero names.   Insights From The Episode: How to grow up in an entrepreneur family Secrets to creating your own destiny The importance of preparing before becoming an entrepreneur The importance of having a good reputation in the business How to supplement and earn money while building a business The importance of technology in business The secrets to overcoming internal hurdles Strategies to start fresh everyday The importance of overcoming roadblocks and hurdles How to see the Big Picture The importance of a team and partnership in business The importance of a strong circle of friends Secrets to goal setting: Vision Boards Strategies to start and win at your business Power of being open and humble Secrets to the time frames it takes to grow a real sustainable business Secrets to being strong and following your dreams   Quotes From The Show: “When you start your business you say who is your client?  Everybody.” - Nicole Valentine episode #110   “You have to go inside and think...how can I live my life to my best ability.”  - Nicole Valentine episode #110   “When we are creating our own lives.  How do you want to be remembered?” - Nicole Valentine episode #110   “The life I want to live is one of purpose, of passion of pushing people to their next level.  Because I see what they can become.” - Nicole Valentine episode #110   “It takes about a good three years to really have a business model that works.” - Nicole Valentine episode #110   “It’s important to invest in your dreams.”  - Nicole Valentine episode #110   “You think you have enough money, but when you are starting a business sometimes you spend more than you may think.”  - Nicole Valentine episode #110   “I don’t believe that you have to starve as an entrepreneur or small business owner… you just have to have the right preparation and positioning for your next level” - Nicole Valentine episode #110   “If you show up for your clients if you stand up for your clients and make sure that they are served they will continue to come back to you” - Nicole Valentine episode #110   “Don’t begrudge the movements that you make that seem like detours.  There may be times when you have to think about how to transform your business so it can be sustainable.”  - Nicole Valentine episode #110   “It’s one thing to have the tech tool in front of you.  It’s another thing to have the tool be transformative for the user.”  - Nicole Valentine episode #110   “If you are a small business or entrepreneur and you’re doing what you’re doing alone, then you’re not going to go far.”  - Nicole Valentine episode #110   “Keep our village tight.”  - Nicole Valentine episode #110   “A bad partner can destroy your business.”  - Nicole Valentine episode #110   “Someone is always watching what you are doing...when you get that random phone call, then you know what you are doing..that you’ve planted the seeds.” - Nicole Valentine episode #110   “I’m in a good place.  I’m in a place of love.”  - Nicole Valentine episode #110 Goal Setting Methods: Vision Boarding Resources Mentioned: Winly Playbook Favorite Quote: “Travel light, live light.” Yogi Bhajan Favorite Book: Things Fall Apart by Achebe Chinua Three keys to creating your best life: Love yourself Forgive yourself Be your authentic self   Stay Connected: Create Your Life Series: https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/   Kevin: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Guest Name: Nicole Valentine https://www.winlyplaybook.com/#bnr http://www.nicolevalentine.tv/ https://www.facebook.com/NicoleValentineTV/ https://twitter.com/NValentineTV https://www.instagram.com/nicolevalentinetv/   Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, google play, stitcher, and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast              

About Our Guest: Jerrod Delaine has worked in real estate private equity, consulting, not-for-profit advising and project managing. His efforts have included asset management, acquisitions, construction and development due diligence. He is currently the Director of Development for Carthage Real Estate Advisors LLC.  Carthage is a Harlem based development firm focused on affordable and market rate residential development. Episode Summary: Jerrod talks about the process and hidden expenses of home buying in New York City, managing your finances and tips to get and keep your credit up. He shares his strategies to work-life balance and some amazing quotes to live by. Insights From The Episode: Insights into what gentrification is Addressing limited housing resources Getting involved in the real estate game Understanding emotions vs. the reality of real estate The importance if building bonds, networking and forming strong relationships in graduate school The importance of building your credit and saving to purchase a home in New York The secrets to keeping your revolving credit lines down PMI: what it is and how it works The hidden fees a home shopper can run into Building wealth off of credit Programs for first time home buyers Strategies for home buying Balancing family and work life Self-care rituals Quotes From The Show: “We have to work at how to preserve our resources..one of the primary ways is ownership,”- Jerrod Delaine episode #109.   “Real estate is an emotional thing...the place where your home is,”- Jerrod Delaine episode #109   “The world is changing around us literally,” - Jerrod Delaine episode #109   “America is built on ownership, all of the laws, rules taxes it all benefits those who own this place,” - Jerrod Delaine episode #109   “What is great about this business is you can make a couple good decisions and see exponential benefits,” - Jerrod Delaine episode #109   “Real estate is about forming relationships...but that is in a lot of other industries too,” - Jerrod Delaine episode #109   “You need to have that money saved up and ready for this journey you are running down,” - Jerrod Delaine episode #109   “Even some of the biggest companies in the world, in real estate, use leverage,” - Jerrod Delaine episode #109   “We can do more together, than we can as individuals,” - Jerrod Delaine episode #109   “Failure is not an option, be desperately dedicated,” - Jerrod Delaine episode #109   “The other part of gentrification in our neighborhood is we don’t own a lot of businesses in our community and support those businesses.”  - Jerrod Delaine episode #109   Resources Mentioned: I-Phone, Evernote Real Estate Development: The Process by Jerrod Delaine Real Estate Development-Gentrification by Jerrod Delaine Real Estate Development: What is it? by Jerrod Delaine Favorite Quote: “Desperately dedicated” - Jerrod Delaine episode #109 “Cherish this moment, the next one is always better,” - Jerrod Delaine episode #109   Favorite Book:    I Will Teach You How To Be Rich by Ramit Sethi Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey Richest Man In Babylon by George S. Clason   Three keys to creating your best life:   Figure out your goals.  What will make you happy and are you working toward it? Figure out how you can build for your family. Give back.   Stay Connected: Create Your Life Series: https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/   Kevin: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Guest Name: Jerrod Delaine   http://www.jerroddelaine.com/ https://www.facebook.com/jerrod.delaine https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerrod-delaine-b0718112/ https://www.instagram.com/gjd244   Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast  

About Our Guest:   Atima Lui is a Harvard business school grad who started the company Nudest. Nudest is a company building patent-pending skin tone matching technology for humans of every color with computer vision and machine learning. Nudest is a technology solution to make it possible for people to find products that match their skin tone.  With a team consisting of software engineers Nudest’s website was created to offer the products which are “changing the definition of nude.” The patent-pending Nude Meter is available now on nudest.co.   Episode Summary Atima Lui discusses creating tech that redefines the standard of beauty for the world, secrets to staying confident, and the importance of sharing vision while leading the industry.   Insights From the Episode:   Nude doesn’t match 84% of the global population Love thyself techniques The importance of surrounding yourself with positive, supportive and encouraging people.   Finding resources to inspire you.   The importance of commiserating with a group of like-minded peers. Having goals that are clear about where you are heading. The importance of motivation is crucial.   Staying focused on your number one goal.   The importance of getting feedback from your target market before moving ahead Knowing when to pivot Addressing your mental health needs Secrets to staying confident in yourself The importance of expressing the overall vision to the team The importance of celebrating every little thing as a team Secrets to working with family Shades of a product Insight on the ratio of working vs. planning   Quotes From The Show   Nudest is, “Changing the standard of beauty to match the full range of diversity in human skin.”  Atima Lui episode #108   “Some of the best start up ideas seem like a no brainer.” Atima Lui episode #108   “I think that when you are a little start up it is a big deal when you have a big company willing to negotiate with you... Just getting that seat at the table is massive and worthy of celebrating.” Atima Lui episode #108   Atima Lui spent her youth “subconsciously consciously taking in imagery of what beauty is supposed to look like.”  Atima Lui episode #108 "Learning my past, learning all of the people from whom i have benefitted and the shoulders that I stand on that is a big part of feeling proud and black” - Atima Lui Episode #108 "I have had to cut out some friends who are more about competition over community” - Atima Lui Episode #108 “I am around people who see my success as their success”  - Atima Lui Episode #108 “Look inside yourself for what you are supposed to do with your life” - Atima Lui Episode #108   "If you’re going to have a life partner…that person needs to be radically supportive of you, not just when it’s convenient for this person’s career… this person needs to see your success as their success, be willing to sacrifice for you to get where you need to be” - Atima Lui Episode #108 “You have to create a standard and everybody else who comes into the arena they need to live by it, you also have to offer an experience and make people want to show up and that's a part of being authentic as well” - Kevin Y. Brown  Episode #108“Somebody might reject you right now, that's because they don’t know who you are, it will come full circle and they’ll be asking for your help or to work with you or they will have respect for you or they’ll find out not too long after.” - Kevin Y. Brown  Episode #108“Rejection is not final, the real key is not to internalize it" - Kevin Y. Brown  Episode #108 “Everything is not for you, but something is and that something nobody can take away” - Kevin Y. Brown  Episode #108   Resources Mentioned: Shopify   Favorite Quote: “Done is better than perfect.” Sheryl Sandberg   Favorite Book:  Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg   Three keys to creating your best life:   Not to look outside yourself, but to look inside yourself for what you are supposed to do with your life.   If you are going to have a life partner, that person needs to be radically supportive of you. You want to find something that you are incredibly passionate about.  The entrepreneur life is incredibly hard, so you have to do something that makes you happy so you can go back and say, I’m enjoying this.  That way, as they say, you will never work a day in your life.   Stay Connected: Create Your Life Series: https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/   Kevin: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001 Guest Name: Atima Lui   https://shop.nudest.co/pages/about-us https://www.instagram.com/atimalui/ https://twitter.com/atimalui https://www.facebook.com/nudst.co/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/atima/   Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast  

  About our Guest: Obie award winning and Adelco nominated Harlem based artist who has served as director of Theatre Arts at Dr. Barbara Ann Teer’s National Black Theatre since 2012.  He's also directed numerous productions including Dead and Breathing, HandsUp, Hope Speaks, Blacken The Bubble. He was awarded the Emerging Producer Award by the National Black Theatre Festival and Winston Salem North Carolina and the Torchbearer Award by Theatrical Legend Woody King Jr. He is a founding member of the collaborative producing organization Harlem 9, Next Generation National Network and The Movement Theatre Company. He sits on the National Advisory Committee for Black Theatre Commons and How Round. Was a member of the original cohort for Art Equity and is a proud emerge N.Y.C. Alumni A Washington D.C. native, and he attended the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in New York University,Tisch School of the Arts.   Episode Summary Jonathan shares secrets of his journey of going from actor to behind the scenes to becoming the director of theater at the National Black Theater at 25. He shares his mission of helping other creatives and secrets to make sure that his work is growing.     Insight from this episode:   Secrets to meaningful connections Secret to bridging the gap between the old and the new and still staying in alignment with Dr. Teer’s vision. How to deal with adversity of people who want things to stay the same How to go about setting and accomplishing goals Strategies on self care rituals How to gauge and make sure that the work you are doing is improving Rubrics/benchmarks to measure success Jonathan sees success of the work that is being accomplished by the human transformation of the people he is able to touch, and what they are able to accomplish.   3 tips to survive as artist in the city    “Find your tribe, find the people who can share space with you and hold you down in love and in light and help you to lean into the discomfort in love and light” - Jonathan McCrory episode #107 Dont get goal jacked Be generous   3 self care rituals that you use Meditation Take baths Smile   Quotes from the show: “Don’t Get Goal Jacked” - Jonathan McCrory Episode #107   “I like joy, I love to smile, it was a gift given to me by mother and grandmother and my dad and all of those lineages coming together really helpled to cultivate a space where i got to learn black boy joy” - Jonathan McCrory episode #107   “when you lead after voicing it with an intentionality of manifesting the resources from the universe provide it” - Jonathan McCrory episode #107   “The algorithim to success: you have to uplift from the muck to become the diamond” - Jonathan McCrory episode #107   “What you do not know is something you have to be generous in starting to know” - Jonathan McCrory episode #107   “Your POV is limited because of the beautiful live you have been able to live” - Jonathan McCrory episode #107   “The quest for greatness and purpose and for being energized is to dismantle those blind spots to a space where your pov has a 360 reality to it and then you start to become awakened to humanity” - Jonathan McCrory episode #107   “The more specificity you have the more universal you will become” - Jonathan McCrory episode #107   “If we are to be our ancestors wildest dreams…inside of that conversation is we are the vessels to manifest unfinished works” - - Jonathan McCrory episode #107   “Whatever’s not serving me I send it back to the sender” - Jonathan McCrory episode #107   “I strive for excellence and excellence is a moving target” - Jonathan McCrory episode #107   “When I think I know excellence, there is another realm of excellence” - Jonathan McCrory episode #107   “I will spend the entirety of my life trying to achieve with joy, curiosity and anticipation” - Jonathan McCrory episode #107   Resources Mentioned: Inside Timer App-Apple Inside Timer App-Android   Favorite Book: The Alchemist   Favorite Quote: “I’m my ancestors’ wildest dreams.”-Unknown   3 keys to Create Your Best Life: Understand that this walk might physically be lonely by you’re never spiritually alone. - Jonathan McCrory episode #107 Through silence you will interrupt the noise.  - Jonathan McCrory episode #107 When you wake up in the morning, look in the mirror and honestly tell yourself you love yourself There’s nothing to fear inside of the darkness.  You are light.  - Jonathan McCrory episode #107   Stay Connected: Create Your Life Series:   https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/   Kevin: www.kevinybrown.comwww.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001 Guest Name: www.jonathanmccrory.com Email Jonathan@natioanlblacktheatre.org www.Instagram.com/JYMC86 Fb.com.com/mccrory1     Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on  itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast

Two CEO couples share the blueprint for balancing entrepreneurship, parenting, and personal growth. They share secrets to finding a supportive mate and the importance of consistency.   About our Guest:   Melissa Wahnish is the founder of RubyThursday, a free weekly online show that gives junior Rails developers bite sized tutorials, tips and tricks to help them grow.  Along with her husband, she builds startups for non-technical entrepreneurs.   Eric Fondren is the CEO of Itell.io, a company that provides a digital advertising platform for ATM owners to digitally advertise to their customers.   Todd Wahnish is the Founder of cleverera.com.. He is an award winning artist, animator and product designer having created notable works for Marvel Entertainment, Cartoon Network, and artist Jeff Koons. He holds a BFA from the Atlanta College of Art, is married to his beautiful co-founder and loves making things people want through story centered design.   Danielle Fondren is a program manager for a substance abuse center.   Episode Summary: Kevin, Eric Fondren and Todd Wahnish team up with their wives Melissa Wahnish and Danielle Fondren to discuss love and how their relationships are impacted by having entrepreneurs in the family.     Insight from this episode:   How to tell that you are in a good, healthy relationship How to keep a healthy relationship while growing personally Why searching for perfection doesn’t work How to navigate the nuances of your partner Tips to scouting the perfect mate, the importances of consistency Consistency is how the person acts in different situations and just connecting with you as a person. The benefits of being inspired by your partner and complimenting when and where they come up short Insight on who to talk to while married The importance of asking for help Tips for setting boundaries when working from home The benefits of bringing in your spouse or someone you are dating slowly The work never stops and it takes a long time to see results How to support an entrepreneur when the business isn’t going well The benefit of communicating your needs   Secrets to balancing work, parenting and living your life: Scheduling Parenting means working together Work life will come into the home life from time to time and you support your partner   Tips for dating an entrepreneur: Take the risk Be open Be open to being wrong Don’t be afraid to switch roles   Accept the crazy schedule and don’t be afraid to help out Show appreciation for the hard work   Quotes from the show: “CE-Uh-Ohing” - Todd Wahnish Episode #106   “When the person you are with inspires you to be yourself, not to put on, or  be something you're not... If you can purely be yourself, then that is the person for you.” -Danielle Fondren Episode #106   “This is something you can be grumpy on inside.” - Melissa Wahnish Episode #106   “You don’t have to always say everything. Sometimes a touch, a look, or a gesture makes as much sense as anything else would. “-Eric Fondren Episode #106   “You have to really understand that the failure isn’t a failure of yourself and it’s not failure in the other person.“ Melissa Wahnish Episode #106   3 keys to Create Your Best Life: Communicate your needs Don’t be afraid to get into a relationship with an entrepreneur Work together and be a team     Stay Connected:   Create Your Life Series:   https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/   Kevin: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Melissa: Email:  melissa@rubythursday.com https://twitter.com/_rubythursday_ www.rubythursday.com   Danielle: www.instagram.com/dannni_face   Eric: http://www.itell.io/ https://twitter.com/ericnfondren https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericnfondren   Todd: www.cleverera.com https://www.instagram.com/wahnish https://twitter.com/wahnish https://www.facebook.com/todd.wahnish     Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on  itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast

Kevin provides his 20 strategies to re - Focus and Stay Focused Throughout The Year. He also discusses his birthday celebration, journey in NYC with friends along with his new wake up schedule. and secrets to making it to 100 episodes.  

About our Guest:   A communicator, social innovator, and entrepreneur, Brandon Andrews works with Values Partnerships to lead a nationwide casting tour focused on bringing more diverse ideas and voices to ABC’s hit show, Shark Tank. He is also leading an effort to support entrepreneurs through developing a network of capital, skill-building, and other resources.  In 2015, Andrews worked with A+E Networks, iHeartMedia, and the United Way to develop the Shining A Light Concert for Progress on Race in America, Shining a Light Fund, and Conversations on Race in America documentary.  Previously, Andrews worked as a consultant assisting disruptive and social impact organizations with digital strategy, online advocacy, and navigating the federal system. He spent 5 years in the U.S. Senate where he handled technology, small business, and defense policy. Andrews assisted in planning the first My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Data Jam, which laid the groundwork for evidence-based MBK work around the country. He is also a mentor for Qeyno Labs' MBK hackathons, engaging thousands of young men of color in computer science education nationwide. He was appointed to the D.C. Commission on National and Community Service. Brandon provides commentary on policy, politics, and entrepreneurship on TVOne, BBC, NPR, Fox News, and other outlets.   Episode Summary   In this episode Brandon shares his secrets to garnering and sustaining relationships that have put him in positions of power. Tips on surviving on ABC's shark tank, calculating what you should be paid for your time, paid vs free work and his journey of becoming a man.   Insight from this episode:   Reasons why always being of service helps Strategies to sustain relationships both professional and personal 3 keys to sustaining relationships – find the right people to make sure you are in the right company, be consistent, build layers to your relationships, How to Decipher between authentic and in-authentic relationships The importance of keeping your word Tips on how to calculate what you should be paid for your time Tips on how to survive the Shark Tank show Tips on if you should take venture capital funding   Quotes from the show: “The spark of innovation and the grit that you need to grow a business overtime, those attributes exist in every community, every zip code, every area around the country and really around the world but the resources do not.” – Brandon Andrews episode #104   “Your heart might be right, your mind might be right but that doesn’t mean that your wallet will be right from volunteering to do work” – Brandon Andrews episode #104 on volunteering vs. being paid for your time   “The key to not being taken advantage, the key to making sure it makes sense is to do check ins with yourself and check ins with whoever is in power at the organization.” – Brandon Andrews episode #104   Resources Mentioned: https://buffer.com/ Brandon’s phone number: 2028313031   Favorite Book:   On Heroes, Hero-Worship, and The Heroic in History - Thomas Carlyle   The Fire Next Time - James Baldwin   Harvard Busines Review's 10 Must Reads on Managing Yourself   Favorite Quote: “My feet’s is tired but my soul is rested” – Sister Pollard     3 keys to Create Your Best Life:   Raise your hand and volunteer Do what you have to do no matter what, keep moving forward Connect to something bigger than yourself     Stay Connected:   Create Your Life Series:   https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/   Kevin: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Guest Name: www.brandonandrews.me www.Instagram.com/yesbrandon http://www.twitter.com/brandontalk https://www.facebook.com/Brand.Andrews Brandon’s phone number: 2028313031    Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on  itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast  

In this episode participants from the goal crushing worshop come on air to discuss their experience at the seminar and which goals they are looking forward to accomplishing this year. Kevin also gives out his 10 ways to plan and host your own event.

Kevin, Eric and Todd give in depth insights of their experiences negotiationing to change terms, dodging shady characters who try to take advantage of them and understanding that a deal is not real until it is paid for not signed for.

In this episide guests call in from around the country and discuss what they are thankful for and are hopeful for in the New Year. They alsoo share strategies to make your dreams come true.

Episode Summary Kevin walks us through his of making his 12-year-old dreams come true. During this episode many who have witnessed his growth, sacrifices and triumphs on the journey to where he is now call in and share their stories from the sidelines.   Stay Connected:   Create Your Life Series:   https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/   Kevin: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001    Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on  itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast

Episode Summary   Listeners (CYLS family) call in and share their 3 things that make them invest in others. They also share what they are looking forward to in the new year.     Insight from this episode:   Listener #1 Melany Ellis     3 qualities you look for in people when you decide to invest in them:   Confidence Be Informed About What You Are Seeking Be Genuine Let Your Passion Shine Through Her friends invest in her because they see her walk, she is walking in her purpose     What is your big goal for next year:   Flexibility   Listener #2 Derek Devan   3 qualities you look for in people when you decide to invest in them:   Discipline A person keeps their word Action   Why do your friends invest in you? Because he is a positive person and loves to motivate others to do what they want to do.       What is your big goal for next year: To become financially intelligent, start his businesses and set goals by writing them down     Listener #3 Tearra Vaughn     3 qualities you look for in people when you decide to invest in them:   Ability to connect Network Share insights     Why do your friends invest in you?   Confident Team Player Shares Resources   What is your big goal for next year: To make the most of their collaboration  Listener #3 Charlton McKinney   3 qualities you look for in people when you decide to invest in them:   Everyday Attitude, How Enthusiastic They Are, How Inspired They Are Self Starter They Practice Appreciation   Why do your friends invest in you?   Optimistic Solution Focused Huge On Communication   What is your big goal for next year:   To Expand His Startup Http://Www.Insanevegan.Com Set Goals Weekly Scheduler And Calendar   Listener #3 Kris Brice – Bell (Memphis)   3 qualities you look for in people when you decide to invest in them:   Confidence Are you pursuing the goals that you want to pursue, do    you have a plan What have you overcome   Why do your friends invest in you?   Persistent Positive/ half- full perspective Do things well even if its the slower route Never give up What is your big goal for next year:   The difference between a dream and a goal is, a dream is    something you think of a goal is something that you write    down   Big goal for next year is to investing in himself, cryptocurrency, and real estate   Quotes from the show:   “Anybody can talk about what they are doing and what they are passionate about, not everybody is walking in their purpose and living it” - Melany Ellis Episode #99   Resources Mentioned:   6 months to Six Figures Http://Www.Insanevegan.Com https://shopmodelatelier.com/     Stay Connected:   Create Your Life Series:   https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/   Kevin: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001    Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on  itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast

About our Guests: Eric Fondren is the CEO of Itell.io, a company that provides a digital advertising platform for ATM owners to digitally advertise to their customers. Lenore Kantor is a branding and launch expert who has introduced more than 100 new products, services and business processes across a wide range of technology and financial services companies over 20+ years. A hands-on executive, she has built new product management and marketing communications functions from scratch, led international teams and budgets both large and small.   Episode Summary Kevin, Lenore and Eric discuss their personal and organizational challenges that they are looking to improve upon. Each of them also outlines their goal setting and achievement processes for their businesses.  Insight from this episode: Identifying your biggest challenges in the CEO seat Understanding product market fit and the right customers key indicators of clients Get paid upfront from your time and effort = helps you distinguish    between clients that are serious How to hire virtually How to get to achieve your inner peace as a CEO The importance of a daily routine The benefits of investing in life outside of work How to close more by finding the right clients Breaking down goals for your organization   Quotes from the show: “whether or not you ask yourself if you’re doing enough is the mark of an entrepreneur and you shouldnt be upset about the question being asked you should be worried about how you are answering the question.” - Eric Fondren Episode #98 “We have to get beyond the transactional to the relational” - Lenore Kantor Episode #98 “If you have a role and your hiring for it the person needs to be able to come in and do that job, it should not be that they come in and learn” - Eric Fondren Episode #98   Stay Connected:   Create Your Life Series:   https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/   Kevin: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Eric: http://www.itell.io/ https://twitter.com/ericnfondren https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericnfondren   Lenore Kantor:   http://www.launchwarrior.net http://www.twitter.com/lkantor http://www.twitter.com/launch_warrior https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenorekantor/   Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on  itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast