Create Your Life Series

About our Guest: Su is the CEO & Co-founder at WeDidIt, a New York-based tech company that helps nonprofit organizations fundraise online. For the last 6 years, Su has helped hundreds of nonprofit organizations raise funds and find new donors through WeDidIt's innovative technology. Some of WeDidit’s customers include Amnesty International, Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship, NYC Coalition Against Hunger, LA Zoo, and Stupid Cancer. and he is now working on a new venture called dollaride on the side. 
   Episode Summary: Su takes us on his journey of failing in one startup to creating two successful companies. He teaches us the importance of flexibility, how self awareness has helped him in his partnership and how to run a company as a non – technical founder.  Insight from this episode: Strategies to create a strong team how to bounce back after your company fails The importance of sales experience and how to acquire the selling skill Why and how saying No is a superpower
The importance of self-awareness to learn where your gaps are as an entrepreneur The benefits and challenges of being a non-technical co-founder The importance and ways to build trust in a partnership How to stay grounded after receiving norotoriety and funding Keys to setting and accomplishg goals as a team Keys to a successful relationship Su was inspired to quit his job and go into the non profit world because of 1 question from his mom Quotes from the show: “Choose to work on projects or at companies or in ventures where you'ree going to enjoy the process more than the end result” Su Sanni episode #96 I don't let dreams stay dreams, I put the work in, I bend the world to my will in order to make it happen - Su Sanni ep #97  “You have to be humble enough to know that you don’t know everything and bold enough to ask questions to people who know more than you” - Kevin Y. Brown episode #97  “Being right means nothing when you loose everything” - Kevin Y. Brown episode #97  Resources Mentioned: Slack.com
 Favorite Book: The Lean Startup Zero to 1 
  Favorite Quote: “If you will it, it is no dream” - Theodor Herzl
  3 keys to Create Your Best Life: Make long-term goals but try to enjoy the journey towards those goals - fall in love with process not the end result Surround yourself with mentors and people who have been there and done that Create a habit of learning 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   Su Sanni: https://www.dollaride.com/ www.wedidit.it https://www.linkedin.com/in/sulaimansanni https://twitter.com/thesusanni https://www.facebook.com/ssanni Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast

About our Guest: Su is the CEO & Co-founder at WeDidIt, a New York-based tech company that helps nonprofit organizations fundraise online. For the last 6 years, Su has helped hundreds of nonprofit organizations raise funds and find new donors through WeDidIt's innovative technology. Some of WeDidit’s customers include Amnesty International, Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship, NYC Coalition Against Hunger, LA Zoo, and Stupid Cancer. and he is now working on a new venture called dollaride on the side. 
   Episode Summary: Su takes us on his journey of failing in one startup to creating two successful companies. He teaches us the importance of flexibility, how self awareness has helped him in his partnership and how to run a company as a non – technical founder.  Insight from this episode: Strategies to create a strong team how to bounce back after your company fails The importance of sales experience and how to acquire the selling skill Why and how saying No is a superpower
The importance of self-awareness to learn where your gaps are as an entrepreneur The benefits and challenges of being a non-technical co-founder The importance and ways to build trust in a partnership How to stay grounded after receiving norotoriety and funding Keys to setting and accomplishg goals as a team Keys to a successful relationship Su was inspired to quit his job and go into the non profit world because of 1 question from his mom Quotes from the show: “Choose to work on projects or at companies or in ventures where you'ree going to enjoy the process more than the end result” Su Sanni episode #96 I don't let dreams stay dreams, I put the work in, I bend the world to my will in order to make it happen - Su Sanni ep #97  “You have to be humble enough to know that you don’t know everything and bold enough to ask questions to people who know more than you” - Kevin Y. Brown episode #97  “Being right means nothing when you loose everything” - Kevin Y. Brown episode #97  Resources Mentioned: Slack.com
 Favorite Book: The Lean Startup Zero to 1 
  Favorite Quote: “If you will it, it is no dream” - Theodor Herzl
  3 keys to Create Your Best Life: Make long-term goals but try to enjoy the journey towards those goals - fall in love with process not the end result Surround yourself with mentors and people who have been there and done that Create a habit of learning 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   Su Sanni: https://www.dollaride.com/ www.wedidit.it https://www.linkedin.com/in/sulaimansanni https://twitter.com/thesusanni https://www.facebook.com/ssanni 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 stories and expertise on how they have got others to invest in them and tips that they have for making yourself a investible asset. Insight from this episode: Tips to get others to invest in you: Listener #1 Nicole Anderson, California Educaator    follow your calling pay attention to peoples leadership skills understand that this is a long term investment   Listener #2 Andrew Johnson, ESPN: Invest in people who invest with you Loyalty, Invest in loyal friends   Listener #3 Jodi-Kay Williams,  rising attorney at law:   Aspiration and desire to be in a better place Willingness to accept help Look for the win - win Be bold enough to reach out Have a skillset   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 Guest:   Raphael is the owner of ricardos steak house, corner social, mintons playhouse and the cecil steak house as well as an executie chef, who uses his culinary mastery to incite creativity and fun with food. He is also the exectuive producer for east harlem presents which is a performing-arts venue with a multi-use art gallery space & independent programming. He is also the owner and artistic director of the Poet's Den Theater & Gallery and founder of the east harlem international film festival.   Episode Summary   Raphael talks about his journey immigrating to the United states, going into the family business. He breaks down his goal setting process, secrets to his decision making when taking on a new project and his secrets to creating a great team.     Insight from this episode:   Why trusting your gut and taking risks is important even against a great opportunity
Why Raphael turned down his internship opportunity on the first day to follow his intuition The 4 step process to making a decision before taking on a new project including opening a restaurant
How to play to your strength Business tips for selling art Why money is not in the top 3 of opening a business
 Secrets to aligning great partnerships Raphaels rejuvenating rituals Money is not what is going to make the business     Quotes:     “Dont ever do anything for monetary reasons, money is always the by product of what you do” - Raphael Benevidas episode #94 Anyone can paint art, but it takes a genius to sell it” - Raphael Benevidas episode #94   Resources Mentioned: Cell phone   Favorite Book: Brains on fire   Favorite Quote: “If you never try, youll never know if it could have been”?   3 keys to Create Your Best Life:   Be passionate about whatever you do Nurture your personal relationships Dont ever do anything for monetary reasons
   Stay Connected:   Kevin: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Guest Name: www.eastharlempresents.org instagram.com/raphaelbaccus https://twitter.com/poetsdentheater https://www.facebook.com/raphael.baccus Email: raphael@mintonsharlem.com   Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on  itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast    

About our Guest: Currently  Head of Business Operations Management, North America at StubHub, formerly, Lead Counsel for the Global Infrastructure, Development, and Operations (“Inbound”) Commercial Legal team at Facebook Award winning attorney,  receiving the Excellence in Legal Innovation award from national bar association, 40 under 40 from both the Digital Diversity Network and national bar associations . she is  a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley (BA, Mass Communications), St. Mary’s College of California (MBA), the University of California, Los Angeles (MA, African-American Studies), and the University of California, Hastings College of Law (JD). She is also very active in her community as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., The Links, Incorporated, and in political organizing and fundraising at the local, state, and national level. An Oakland native, she and her husband, Jaime, live in Oakland with their two children.  About this Episode:  Bari discusses overcoming hiring disappointment from google, quitting her job, creating the supplier diversity program at Facebook through pitching a dynamic presentation to the CFO all while being a mom, wife, daughter and friend. Insight from this episode: The importance of following good advice Why and how law school can be an advantageous career choice The difference between constructive and destructive law Secrets to supporting your partner and keeping a strong relationship throughout challenges Keys to staying focused on your grind Breaking through to be your authentic self in the workplace and in every aspect of your life Overcoming depression Delayed is not Denied “Take jobs if you can at the beginning of the year because that’s when budgets are set” - Bari A. Williams episode # The power of vulnerability and trust Strategies to create of a compelling presentation How to get what you want: know yourself, know your circle and  Resources Mentioned: https://www.doordash.com https://munchery.com Favorite Book: A Colony and A Nation Between The World and Me The Bluest Eye Kindred The Loneliness of the Black Republican   Favorite Quote:  “Expect what you Accept” - Grandma Bettye Sudduth & Bari A. Wiliams Episode #93   3 keys to Create Your Best Life: Expect What You Accept Your Attitude Determines Your Altitude Find & Master something that you are passionate about Do what you have to do until you can do what you want to do. When it’s everybody else, it’s actually you
 Stay Connected: Kevin: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001 Guest Name: https://www.bariawilliams.com www.instagram.com/bari.a.williams https://twitter.com/bariawilliams https://www.facebook.com/bari.a.williams Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on  itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast

Episode Summary Henry provides us his secrets to being a revered 8 plus year CEO by establishing a great company culture and a vision that his team will be on board with. He also discusses the different types of leadership and when to implement the different styles.
   Insight from this episode:   The importance of Fatherhood How Henry’s mom impacted his life and showed him the meaning of hardwork and dedication Secrets to being a great CEO The power and impact that every job has on your journey Learning humility through working hard Establishing a great company culture and a vision that your team will be on board with and execute. The Misconceptions about the CEO Role Secrets to work life balance Secrets getting your employees on baord with your vision Icebreakers to improve employee moral The importance and value that transparency has with your team The Different types of leadership styles and when to implement the different styles
   Quotes from the show:   “Two things that you must do, that must come from you as the team leader, you have to have a vision and be able to articulate that vision and you have to be able to manage your culture.” – Henry Thompson Episode #92   Resources Mentioned: https://www.eclinicalworks.com/
 chcrichmond.org careers@chcrichmond.org   Favorite Book: Count of Monte Cristo   Favorite Quote:   “Go Hard or Go Home” - Unknown
   3 keys to Create Your Best Life:   Be comfortable with the person in the mirror Have people in your life that will hold you accountable, understand the people that you have with you Have passion for whatever you do
   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.chcrichmond.com hthompson@chcrichmond.org   Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on  itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast

Episode Summary: Changa highlights how his near death experience and changed his lifestyle choices and diet, his travels around the world, being a father of 6 and working as a team with his wife to create new opportunities
  Insight from this episode: Secrets to the entire Yoga lifestyle Supportive techniquest to keep your inner peace How to find yourself by living and stepping out of your comforzone even in a foreign land Learning to be borderless The 7 princples of mindfulness Understanding the power of telling others what they can do vs. what they should do Finding peace in what you enjoy Secrets to selecting a great partner 

 Quotes from the show: “I always tell people that leadership is lonely, so I became a leader of myself” - Changa Bell Episode #90 Resources Mentioned:  https://www.getharvest.com/ paypal.com  Favorite Book: Black Privilege: Opportunity Comes to Those Who Create It Auto-Biography of a Yogi Auto- Biography of Malcolm X The invisible Man In Search of Identity an Autobiography Favorite Quote:                 Great doubt: great awakening. Little doubt: little awakening. No doubt: no awakening. - Zen Koan 3 keys to Create Your Best Life: Hug on, hold on, don’t let go of peace Be Authentic Be curious with compassion   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: http://www.bmyi.org http://www.changabell.com http://www.Instagram.com/changabell http://www.twitter.com/changabell www.fb.com/changabell   Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast

About our Guest: Marjuan Canady, a native Washingtonian with Trinidadian/African-American roots, is an award winning writer, actress, playwright, director, educator and producer for both film and the stage. Canady is the founder and CEO of her multi-media production company, Sepia Works. She is the CEO / Author / Co-creator of the children’s media brand Callaloo. Originally conceived as a theatrical play, Marjuan has led her team in building Callaloo into a brand consisting of books, puppet shows, digital content, animation, arts education programming and merchandise. Canady’s first children’s book Callaloo: A Jazz Folktale was published in 2013 in which she received the 2013 First Time Author’s Award from the National Library of Trinidad and Tobago. School of the Arts Episode Summary: Learning through failure, being rejected from roles, creating a global children’s brand, trusting her gut, having 6 jobs at once , touring and growing her performance fee, writing her own original work & bringing youth of color to the theater Insight from this episode: How to find the passion to create your original work Keys to knowing you are enough Strategies to overcoming depression and downtimes on your journey How to grow your fee’s Marjuan shares her superpower that she earned from her rejections Strategies to overcome stereotypes Marjuan gives a live performance of characters from her one woman show and play Steps to become and remain a profitable artist The power of your friend group pushing you to the next level How to be supportive and winning as a team The importance of saying “No”  Quotes from the show: “You can’t just be one thing” – Marjuan Canady Episode #91  Resources Mentioned: https://quickbooks.intuit.com https://www.wunderlist.com/ icalendar google.com
 Favorite Book: Sula There Eyes Were Watching God
   Favorite Quote: “If you don’t see you in the world, Script Your Story” –Marjuan Canady Episode #91 3 keys to Create Your Best Life: Be patient and be patient with yourself Do The Work Enjoy the process
 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: http://www.marjuancanady.com/ https://www.instagram.com/marjuancanady https://twitter.com/marjuancanady ‪callalookids.com  ‪sepiaworks.org  ‪canadyfoundationarts.org  www.callalookids.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Callaloothebook https://www.instagram.com/callaloothebook www.twitter.com/‪callaloothebook   Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on  itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast

About our Guest: Everette Taylor is a four-time entrepreneur, marketing executive, public speaker and writer. His entrepreneurial career started at the age of 19 with his first company which was acquired 2 years later. Since then he has started three multi-million dollar companies: the marketing firm MilliSense where he serves as CEO, co-founded GrowthHackers.com where he served as VP of Growth, and recently founded the company PopSocial – the software company that provides affordable solution for brands to grow on social media where he also serves as CEO.  About this Episode:  In this episode Everette speaks very candidly about his high school homeless experience, dropping out of college, battling depression to becoming a top tech marketer and now running 3 multi- million dollar companies. Insight from this episode:   How to channel your internal happiness Keys to working smarter not harder The power of trust Secrets to scaling your company to $3 million in revenue in 15 months How Everette overcame being homeless and stayed motivated in spite of his circumstances The three sides to a person The three skills you need to have to be successful in todays world ** Everyone needs to know how to code and to have an understanding of the digital space ** Engineers in tech are trying to cut you out  Quotes:  “Skillset is the new currency” - Kevin Y. Brown episode #89 The #1 thing people miss when it comes to marketing is the product or service itself - Everette Taylor Episode #89 Resources Mentioned: http://www.stripe.com Favorite Quote: “Who You Are Today Is Not Good Enough For Tomorrow” - Everette Taylor Episode #89 Favorite Book: The Harry Potter Series Hacking Growth 3 keys to Create Your Best Life: Self Care Stay True To Who You Are Build A Real Skillset www.popsocial.co 25% off coupon code CYLS Kevin: www.kevinybrown.com www.instagram.com/kevinybrown www.twitter.com/kevinybrown www.facebook.com/kevbrown001   Guest Name: www.instagram.com/everette https://twitter.com/everette http://www.popsocial.co   Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast  

About our Guest: Lawrence E. Adjah is an entrepreneur and community builder dedicated to creating content, community and conversation that unites, heals and transforms lives. He’s the Founder and Chair of Family Dinner Foundation, an international, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to connect the world as a family at, and beyond, the dinner table.   Episode Summary Lawrence discusses building friendships and relationships as an adult, the challenges of running a global volunteer organization and the importance of a network vs. people who actually care about you.   Insight from this episode:   Lawrence’s background as a Nigerian American growing up in New Jersey and its influence, plus his Olympic dreams and change of focus for his personal goals The unintentional creation of Our Family Dinner in 2008 based on a responsibility to friend feeling depressed and lost in an unknown city Taking the idea of extended family and bringing it to the dinner table and creating a viral movement around it Overcoming the challenges he faced building a global non-profit through taking ownership, building a sustainable/scalable business model, & understanding that friendship and relationships are everything Next steps for Lawrence and his foundation: continuing to serve around the world and helping to build relationships & friendships   You’ll learn: Why Lawrence founded the Family Dinner Foundation How to  a worldwide team through understanding the mission and the fundamentals How to scale up a global volunteer organization The fundamentals of Networks vs. Relationships and the importance of genuine friendships in business How Lawrence has accomplished growing the brand globally and empowering a volunteer global staff to further the reach of his brand The keys to empowering people to partner with you financially The two different type of dinners that exist for the organization Tips to train volunteers remotely   Quotes from our guest:  “ If anything, I said just by osmosis how much can I grow and How much can I learn” - Lawrence Adjah episode #88 “Our mission is to connect the world as a family over the dinner table” - Lawrence Adjah episode #88 “Our tradition is everybody eats at the family dinner table”  - Lawrence Adjah episode #88 “Something magical happens over a meal” - Lawrence Adjah Episode #88 “Family means everybody” - Lawrence Adjah Episode #88     Resources Mentioned: https://www.ourfamilydinner.org/ Google Hangouts Zoom   Favorite Books:     The Last Lecture  by Randy Pausch & Jeffrey Zaslow   Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community by Martin Luther King, Jr Favorite Quotes:   “But from there you will search again for the Lord your God. And if you search for him with all your heart and soul, you will find him.” Moses from Deuteronomy 4:29 The Bible “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” Paul from 2 Timothy 1:7 The Bible   3 keys to Create Your Best Life: Have faith Be courageous Use your greatest asset to meet your greatest need   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: http://lawrenceadjah.com/ Instagram: @adjah_l Twitter: @ajah_l Facebook: @lawrence.adjah Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on  itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast

About our Guests: Shaun Lynda started out from humble beginnings, raised by a single mom and his sister in government housing he excelled in sports and academics. Shaun graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing and Finance. He later went on to work on Wall Street for Chase Manhattan Bank, Paine Webber and American Express. Being in a tower during 9/11 was a turning point for him that lead him to branch out on his own in 2002 to launch his online business, NicNatDirect.com, and flip real estate property in Brooklyn. Later in 2006 Shaun’s desire to pass  on the knowledge that he had gained over his career to the next generation lead to the concept of CLEAN. Dionne Nicholls as a young girl, was inspired by high-powered, female New Yorkers from 80's sitcoms, like Claire Huxtable, a Lawyer on the infamous Cosby Show, and Angela Bower, an Advertising Executive on Who's the Boss. However, Dionne's passion was for fashion. Watching her single mother work two jobs to provide for her 4 children, Dionne was not afraid to roll up her sleeves to pursue her dream.  In 2015 she found her calling that lead her away from the fashion industry. The opportunity to empower youth for generations resonated with her instantly. Episode Summary Shaun and Dionne discuss their journey's of switching careers and now investing in tomorrow’s leaders by teaching them financial literacy. They reveal their secrets of being a dynamic team and stretching their business to NBA rookies and beyond. Insight from this episode: The goal and concept behind Financially CLEAN, a fun and interactive program with a mission to help younger generations build a financial plan around their personal goals The beginning of Financially CLEAN from the motivation of their kids and the education they felt their children were missing Working with the Department of Education and other government agencies Two Black Guys with Good Credit, a weekly podcast that educates, entertains, and inspires others to achieve financial goals You’ll learn: How to understand your partner's abilities and ways to work more efficient together Tips that will help you embrace your journey Strategies to building your audience through networking How to successfully get beyond the funding challenge Ways to keep motivation moving forward The components of starting a podcast and making an impact through its growth The keys to balancing work and personal life as an entrepreneur and a parent Quotes: “If you don’t balance lifestyle with financial literacy, you’ll never be successful” - Shaun Lynda Episode #87 “Know that your goals can always be a moving target” - Shaun Lynda Episode #87 “You have to see for yourself, jump out there”- Kevin Y. Brown Episode #87 Resources Mentioned: Slack app Zoom app Shaun’s Favorites: Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun? by Reginald Lewis & Blair Walker “When one door closes, another opens” Alexander Graham Bell Dionne’s Favorites:  You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay  “Success is not about your resources. It’s about how resourceful you are with what you have!”  Tony Robbins Shaun’s Keys to Create Your Best Life: Be confident, don’t let anyone steal your confidence Master your field of interest Perseverance- enjoy the journey Have fun Dionne’s Keys to Create Your Best Life: Surround yourself with positive people Put pen to paper Keep a “gratitude attitude”   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 Shaun: Instagram @financiallycleanshaun   Dionne: Instagram @dionnenicholls Facebook @dionne.nicholls Twitter @dee2blackguys Financially CLEAN: http://www.financiallyclean.com/ Instagram @financiallyclean Twitter @FinancialClean Facebook @financiallyclean Two Black Guys with Good Credit: Instagram @twoblackguysgoodcredit Twitter @tbgwgc2 Facebook @TwoBlackGuysWithGoodCredit Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on  itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast      

 About our Guests: Lindsey Day is an Entrepreneur and Business Consultant passionate about harnessing digital tools to positively shape culture and empower the next generation of leaders, specifically for women and minority communities. In 2009 she founded Made Woman, Intern Queen, Inc, and CRWN magazine; all primarily focused on female empowerment, education, and advancement. She has also designed digital marketing campaigns for clients like Ford, UMe, Teen Vogue, Ann Taylor, NYU, and more. Nkrumah Farrar is a Creative Director, Product Developer, and Brand Strategist in tune to the social web and new media with an emphasis in building sites and brands that build strong connections between people and culture. Mr. Farrar co-founded CRWN magazine in 2009 and has an extensive portfolio that includes working with clients such as Bank of America, Pixoto, American Apparel, Metro Station, and many others. Episode Summary Lindsey & Nkrumah give us their insight on running a print magazine in a digital age, secrets to working together and doing customer development to make sure that they were profitable from the very first day of going into business. Insight from this episode: The need for founding CRWN magazine and the mission behind the platform, how they formalized the culture change that was already happening Lindsey & Nkrumah’s defining moments that lead them to entrepreneurship Their brand pillars: sisterhood, authenticity, knowledge of self, self love, and ownership Starting from the “grass root” to grow their Instagram followers Upcoming for Nkrumah & Lindsey: Money & Power, Love on the Street, black empowerment, cultural exchange You’ll learn: How to build your company among cultural change The components of a strategic and great partnership The importance of planning to get a successful outcome That there are some unique ways to expand your audience Quotes from the show: “Internal competition will surely defeat your mission before you start”- Nkrumah Farrar Episode #86 “You can’t be what you can’t see” - Lindsey Day Episode #86 “It’s not really a comparison, it’s a continuation of our story” - Lindsey Day Episode #86 “My work is my journal, and it’s all got timestamps”- Nkrumah Farrar Episode #86 “At the end of the day, everything has to come back to the purpose” Lindsey Day Episode #86 Lindsey’s Favorite Books:  Business Model Generation by Alexander Osterwalder & Yves Pigneur Running Lean  by Ash Maurya The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss  Nkrumah’s Favorite Book:  The Law of Success by Napoleon Hill  Nkrumah’s Favorite Quote: “Everything I do is the greatest thing I’ve ever done. Today’s work is my life’s work” - Nkrumah Farrar Lindsey’s 3 keys to Create Your Best Life: Stop comparing yourself Actually take time for self-care Operate out of purpose Nkrumah’s 3 keys to Create Your Best Life: You have to be in tune to your values You have to be aware of your abilities You have to be in control of your time 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 Lindsey: Instagram @lindseydayy Twitter @lindseydayy Facebook @lindseydayy Nkrumah: http://www.nkrumahfarrar.com/ Instagram @nkrumah Twitter @ nkrumah Facebook @nkrumah CRWN magazine: http://crwnmag.com/ Instagram @crwnmag Twitter @CRWNmag Facebook @crwnmag Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on  itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast

About our Guest: Lauren Washington co-founded KeepUp in 2014 and as CEO is focused on the long-term vision and strategy of the company.  She co-founded Black Women Talk Tech in 2017 to help black women create billion-dollar tech companies. Ms. Washington received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a major in Journalism and Mass Communication and her MBA from the Kellogg School of Management with majors in Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Marketing, and Finance.   Episode Summary: Lauren talks with us about her app, KeepUp, and being selected out of 7,000 other companies to win the 2014 43North competition and $250,000. She also shares how listening to her market, and pivoting, to scale up has led to her success. Insight from this episode: Not thinking twice to move to Buffalo, NY after winning $250,000 and incubator space in the first class of the 43North Competition in the beginning stages of building the app Path from teaching with Teach for America to online marketing to Founder & CEO and the turning point that said it was time to create her billion dollar idea Lauren’s 3 personality traits of an entrepreneur: creative, organized, & flexible Challenging aspects she has faced: managing financials, bringing in investors, & keeping the company afloat Role model Jessica Matthews and Bozoma Saint John teaching Lauren that leadership can be different than what is the “norm” of what she consistently saw Plans for keepUp app and Black Women Talk Tech You’ll learn: How to be open, and willing, to take a risk and finding opportunities to grow Pivoting a business model to become a more sustainable business Staying organized and communicating within a team while taking care of you Building an app through considering it a business Developing your peer groups and realizing who should not be a part of it Not apologizing for who you are or what you look like Guest Quotes: “It’s not about taking a great title or figuring out where I’m going to make the most money. It’s where am I going to grow as a person and where am I going to grow my skill set?” Lauren Washington, Episode #85 “Follow the people who are saying that they need something and create a solution for it” Lauren Washington, Episode #85 “The people who are making the changes are the people that are going off the beaten path” - Lauren Washington Episode #85 “Humans are resilient. Keep going and in the end it’s all going to work out” Lauren Washington, Episode #85 Resources Mentioned: http://www.43north.org/winners/keepup/ https://www.keepupapp.com/ https://www.blackwomentalktech.com/ Lauren’s Favorites Book: But What If We’re Wrong? By Chuck Klosterman Quote: “Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end” John Lennon Lauren’s 3 keys to Create Your Best Life: Take a risk- don’t be afraid to go after your dream Be true to yourself Keep your eyes on the prize   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 Lauren: Instagram: @ldubs48 Twitter: @ldubs48 Facebook: laurenwashington48   Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on  itunes, google play, stitcher and www.createyourlifeseries.com/podcast    

About our Guest: Dominique Broadway is an award winning Financial Planner, Personal Finance Coach, Speaker, Finance Expert, Entrepreneur and the Founder of Finances Demystified & The Social Money Tour. Ms. Broadway is a proud alum of Bowie State University where she received her Bachelors of Business Administration with a focus on Banking and Finance. To further her education she went on to receive her Master’s of Science in Financial Management from University of Maryland University College. Episode Summary: Dominique walks us through her philosophy of the two types of people in this world and her experience of going broke because she wasn’t charging enough for her services. She highlights the importance of masterminds and goal setting. Insight from this episode: Dominique’s “love” for money Ms. Broadway’s success through faith, learning, and belief Her takeaways from working with high end individuals You’ll learn: Tactics to building generational wealth Overcoming failure Pricing services appropriately to run a sustainable business Importance of accountability groups, professional colleagues, and friends Balancing work and personal life How to talk about money at the “kitchen table” Quotes: “There are two types of people in the world: spenders and savers”- Dominique Broadway Episode #84 “A lot of times we suffer in silence, unnecessarily, because we’re ashamed of what we're going through” - Dominique Broadway Episode #84 “I needed to start thinking about my business as a business and not a passion project” - Dominique Broadway Episode #84 Resources Mentioned: digit app Dobot app Acorns app Credit Stacker app Favorite Book: Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki Favorite Quote: “Don’t fear failure, fear regret” -  Natalie Young Dominique's Keys to Create Your Best Life: Really take the time to figure out what you want your life to be like Don’t be scared of failing   Stay Connected: Create Your Life Series https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/ https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/ Dominique http://dominiquebroadway.com/ Instagram @dominiquebroadway Twitter @MsFinanceCoach Facebook @dominiquebroadway 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

Show Description:  Kevin, Eric and Todd give insight into their roles as CEO’s and the strategies that they use when launching a new product, how to know when to pivot, and how to avoid building a product in a vacuum that no one will purchase.   About the 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. Todd Wahnish is the Founder of Clever Era. Clever Era helps bootstrapped Entrepreneurs build businesses...even if you have no idea, no capital, and no technical ability. He is also an award winning artist, animator, and product designer with a portfolio that includes Marvel Entertainment, Cartoon Network, and artist Jeff Koons.   Insight from this episode:   “Be the voice, as well as the feet” -Eric Fondren  "Dip your toe in the water before you jump in the deep end" -Todd Wahnish Development/Solving a "Problem" An idea is great, but having an idea that solves a "problem" is the one that will sell Look beyond your friends and family-they will always be your cheerleaders Multiple competitors are not a bad thing "Get some money in the door, cause money is the ultimate validator" -Todd Wahnish Pre-Launch  Soft launch/bite size launch to pre-sale to a small audience with incentives Marketing plan with customer development and partner affiliations Audience conversion goals Cost to acquire and Cost to lifetime A plan to follow the funnel path: get people in it, then guide them through it to get safely out the end "Amateurs focus on front end, professionals focus on back end" -Todd Wahnish Launch  Know when the right time is for the hard launch Keep up the momentum & bring the hype Prepare for the next launch   Stay Connected:  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 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