Steve Harvey Morning Show

Steve Harvey Morning Show

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Overcoming the Odds: Her workbook is designed to help individuals overcome people-pleasing and prioritizing your own needs.

Overcoming the Odds: Her workbook is designed to help individuals overcome people-pleasing and prioritizing your own needs.

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

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to introduce Teresa Edwards’ book The Mirror Method: 12 Weeks to Stop Abandoning Yourself, a guided workbook designed to help individuals overcome people-pleasing tendencies, set boundaries, and prioritize their own needs without guilt. It focuses on personal empowerment, mental health, and rediscovering one’s authentic self.

Key Takeaways

  1. People-Pleasing and Boundaries

    • People-pleasing becomes harmful when you agree to things you don’t want to do, leading to stress and resentment.
    • Setting boundaries is essential for self-respect and mental health.

  2. The Mirror Method

    • A 12-week guided process to “unravel” harmful patterns and rediscover your true self.
    • Emphasizes self-reflection, journaling, and gradual transformation at your own pace.

  3. Selfishness vs. Self-Care

    • Edwards reframes “selfish” as a positive concept: prioritizing your health and happiness is necessary, not negative.
    • You can’t be your best for others if you’re not your best for yourself.

  4. Health as a Wake-Up Call

    • Stress is a silent killer; Teresa’s own health issues (high blood pressure) forced her to reevaluate her life.
    • Happiness and well-being should not be age-limited—“You’re never too old to return to yourself.”

  5. Letting Go of Toxic Relationships

    • Users often exploit people-pleasers; recognizing and removing such relationships is crucial.
    • Fully committing to the Mirror Method means accepting hard truths and being okay with losing people who drain you.

  6. Therapy and Mental Health

    • COVID accelerated acceptance of therapy in communities where it was previously stigmatized.
    • Mental health is as important as physical health—“The mind is a muscle too.”

  7. Workbook Details

    • Available on Amazon and at themirrormethodworkbook.com in print and downloadable formats.
    • Exercises involve writing and self-reflection to confront truths and break patterns.

Notable Quotes

  • “Boundaries are key.”
  • “Selfish is not a negative word—it’s perseverance of yourself.”
  • “You can’t throw a party and be mad at your own party.”
  • “Enough is enough—look in the mirror and say it.”
  • “You’re never too old to return to yourself.”
  • “Stress is that silent killer.”
  • “Fully commit means accepting all those good, bad, or ugly moments—and being okay with letting go.”
  • “The mind is a muscle too.”
  • “Be okay with being okay.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Overcoming the Odds: Her workbook is designed to help individuals overcome people-pleasing and prioritizing your own needs.

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

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to introduce Teresa Edwards’ book The Mirror Method: 12 Weeks to Stop Abandoning Yourself, a guided workbook designed to help individuals overcome people-pleasing tendencies, set boundaries, and prioritize their own needs without guilt. It focuses on personal empowerment, mental health, and rediscovering one’s authentic self.

Key Takeaways

  1. People-Pleasing and Boundaries

    • People-pleasing becomes harmful when you agree to things you don’t want to do, leading to stress and resentment.
    • Setting boundaries is essential for self-respect and mental health.

  2. The Mirror Method

    • A 12-week guided process to “unravel” harmful patterns and rediscover your true self.
    • Emphasizes self-reflection, journaling, and gradual transformation at your own pace.

  3. Selfishness vs. Self-Care

    • Edwards reframes “selfish” as a positive concept: prioritizing your health and happiness is necessary, not negative.
    • You can’t be your best for others if you’re not your best for yourself.

  4. Health as a Wake-Up Call

    • Stress is a silent killer; Teresa’s own health issues (high blood pressure) forced her to reevaluate her life.
    • Happiness and well-being should not be age-limited—“You’re never too old to return to yourself.”

  5. Letting Go of Toxic Relationships

    • Users often exploit people-pleasers; recognizing and removing such relationships is crucial.
    • Fully committing to the Mirror Method means accepting hard truths and being okay with losing people who drain you.

  6. Therapy and Mental Health

    • COVID accelerated acceptance of therapy in communities where it was previously stigmatized.
    • Mental health is as important as physical health—“The mind is a muscle too.”

  7. Workbook Details

    • Available on Amazon and at themirrormethodworkbook.com in print and downloadable formats.
    • Exercises involve writing and self-reflection to confront truths and break patterns.

Notable Quotes

  • “Boundaries are key.”
  • “Selfish is not a negative word—it’s perseverance of yourself.”
  • “You can’t throw a party and be mad at your own party.”
  • “Enough is enough—look in the mirror and say it.”
  • “You’re never too old to return to yourself.”
  • “Stress is that silent killer.”
  • “Fully commit means accepting all those good, bad, or ugly moments—and being okay with letting go.”
  • “The mind is a muscle too.”
  • “Be okay with being okay.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brand Building: She never stopped reinventing herself from Broadway, television, songwriting, animation, philanthropy, and leadership.

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

Summary of the Interview

On Money Making Conversations Masterclass, Rushion McDonald interviews Dawnn Lewis—iconic actress, singer, songwriter, voice actress, philanthropist, and founder of the A New Day Foundation. The conversation traces her extraordinary career, starting from her childhood as a singer, dancer, and actor, through her rise to fame on A Different World, her decades-long voiceover career (including The Simpsons, Futurama, Star Trek: Lower Decks), and her ongoing philanthropic work supporting youth nationwide.

Dawnn discusses the challenges of being a multi-talented artist in an industry eager to box people into one lane, how A Different World both elevated and pigeonholed her, and how animation opened a vast new chapter for her that has lasted more than 30 years. She shares her philosophy on longevity, discipline, relationships, and the responsibility to give back. The interview also highlights her foundation’s programs supporting students, HBCUs, and underserved communities.

Purpose of the Interview

1. Celebrate Dawnn Lewis’s multi-decade, multi-disciplinary career

The interview showcases the depth of her talent—from singing and songwriting to acting, animation, and Broadway.

2. Highlight representation and legacy

Dawnn discusses the cultural impact of A Different World and her groundbreaking role as a Black female captain in Star Trek: Lower Decks.

3. Inspire audiences with her journey from Bed-Stuy to global success

Her story emphasizes perseverance, big dreaming, and ignoring limitations others impose.

4. Promote the A New Day Foundation

Dawnn details programs empowering youth, HBCU students, and underserved communities.

5. Provide insight into surviving and thriving in entertainment

She shares the importance of relationships, versatility, and constant self-improvement.

Key Takeaways

1. She was a “triple threat” long before Hollywood discovered her

Singing, dancing, and acting from age 7–11, she began performing professionally at 10 and even launched her own musical theatre degree program at the University of Miami.

2. A Different World brought fame but also typecasting

While it launched her into global visibility, it also led people to underestimate her songwriting, music, and voiceover abilities.

3. Her voice acting career spans more than 30 years

She has voiced characters on The Simpsons, Futurama, Star Trek: Lower Decks, Craig of the Creek, Fairly OddParents, Mortal Kombat, and many more.
Her entry into animation came from imitating her young niece for a role.

4. Representation matters deeply to her

Seeing Nichelle Nichols on Star Trek inspired her as a child; today, Dawnn is one of the very few Black captains in the Star Trek universe.

5. The industry rewards resilience and relationships

Dawnn emphasizes that her longevity comes from consistently doing excellent work and nurturing her professional network.

6. She founded the A New Day Foundation to uplift youth

Her programs serve teens, HBCU students, and communities nationwide, providing mentorship, laptops, scholarships, and life skills training.

7. Dawnn’s journey is one of intentional growth and constant reinvention

She never stopped expanding—into Broadway, television, songwriting, animation, philanthropy, and leadership.

Notable Quotes

(All quotes from the uploaded transcript.)

On talent and early training

  • “I was singing, dancing at seven, acting at eleven… doing all three professionally since I was about ten years old.”
  • “I thought I was going to be a recording artist… I had my own single out. I was charting on Billboard.”

On being boxed in

  • “I didn’t start getting pigeonholed until I did A Different World… now you’re just an actress.”

On entering animation

  • “There weren’t very many people of color in the animation world… the director said, ‘Who are you? How come I neve

Brand Building: She never stopped reinventing herself from Broadway, television, songwriting, animation, philanthropy, and leadership.

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

Summary of the Interview

On Money Making Conversations Masterclass, Rushion McDonald interviews Dawnn Lewis—iconic actress, singer, songwriter, voice actress, philanthropist, and founder of the A New Day Foundation. The conversation traces her extraordinary career, starting from her childhood as a singer, dancer, and actor, through her rise to fame on A Different World, her decades-long voiceover career (including The Simpsons, Futurama, Star Trek: Lower Decks), and her ongoing philanthropic work supporting youth nationwide.

Dawnn discusses the challenges of being a multi-talented artist in an industry eager to box people into one lane, how A Different World both elevated and pigeonholed her, and how animation opened a vast new chapter for her that has lasted more than 30 years. She shares her philosophy on longevity, discipline, relationships, and the responsibility to give back. The interview also highlights her foundation’s programs supporting students, HBCUs, and underserved communities.

Purpose of the Interview

1. Celebrate Dawnn Lewis’s multi-decade, multi-disciplinary career

The interview showcases the depth of her talent—from singing and songwriting to acting, animation, and Broadway.

2. Highlight representation and legacy

Dawnn discusses the cultural impact of A Different World and her groundbreaking role as a Black female captain in Star Trek: Lower Decks.

3. Inspire audiences with her journey from Bed-Stuy to global success

Her story emphasizes perseverance, big dreaming, and ignoring limitations others impose.

4. Promote the A New Day Foundation

Dawnn details programs empowering youth, HBCU students, and underserved communities.

5. Provide insight into surviving and thriving in entertainment

She shares the importance of relationships, versatility, and constant self-improvement.

Key Takeaways

1. She was a “triple threat” long before Hollywood discovered her

Singing, dancing, and acting from age 7–11, she began performing professionally at 10 and even launched her own musical theatre degree program at the University of Miami.

2. A Different World brought fame but also typecasting

While it launched her into global visibility, it also led people to underestimate her songwriting, music, and voiceover abilities.

3. Her voice acting career spans more than 30 years

She has voiced characters on The Simpsons, Futurama, Star Trek: Lower Decks, Craig of the Creek, Fairly OddParents, Mortal Kombat, and many more.
Her entry into animation came from imitating her young niece for a role.

4. Representation matters deeply to her

Seeing Nichelle Nichols on Star Trek inspired her as a child; today, Dawnn is one of the very few Black captains in the Star Trek universe.

5. The industry rewards resilience and relationships

Dawnn emphasizes that her longevity comes from consistently doing excellent work and nurturing her professional network.

6. She founded the A New Day Foundation to uplift youth

Her programs serve teens, HBCU students, and communities nationwide, providing mentorship, laptops, scholarships, and life skills training.

7. Dawnn’s journey is one of intentional growth and constant reinvention

She never stopped expanding—into Broadway, television, songwriting, animation, philanthropy, and leadership.

Notable Quotes

(All quotes from the uploaded transcript.)

On talent and early training

  • “I was singing, dancing at seven, acting at eleven… doing all three professionally since I was about ten years old.”
  • “I thought I was going to be a recording artist… I had my own single out. I was charting on Billboard.”

On being boxed in

  • “I didn’t start getting pigeonholed until I did A Different World… now you’re just an actress.”

On entering animation

  • “There weren’t very many people of color in the animation world… the director said, ‘Who are you? How come I neve

Brand Building: She never stopped reinventing herself from Broadway, television, songwriting, animation, philanthropy, and leadership.

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

Summary of the Interview

On Money Making Conversations Masterclass, Rushion McDonald interviews Dawnn Lewis—iconic actress, singer, songwriter, voice actress, philanthropist, and founder of the A New Day Foundation. The conversation traces her extraordinary career, starting from her childhood as a singer, dancer, and actor, through her rise to fame on A Different World, her decades-long voiceover career (including The Simpsons, Futurama, Star Trek: Lower Decks), and her ongoing philanthropic work supporting youth nationwide.

Dawnn discusses the challenges of being a multi-talented artist in an industry eager to box people into one lane, how A Different World both elevated and pigeonholed her, and how animation opened a vast new chapter for her that has lasted more than 30 years. She shares her philosophy on longevity, discipline, relationships, and the responsibility to give back. The interview also highlights her foundation’s programs supporting students, HBCUs, and underserved communities.

Purpose of the Interview

1. Celebrate Dawnn Lewis’s multi-decade, multi-disciplinary career

The interview showcases the depth of her talent—from singing and songwriting to acting, animation, and Broadway.

2. Highlight representation and legacy

Dawnn discusses the cultural impact of A Different World and her groundbreaking role as a Black female captain in Star Trek: Lower Decks.

3. Inspire audiences with her journey from Bed-Stuy to global success

Her story emphasizes perseverance, big dreaming, and ignoring limitations others impose.

4. Promote the A New Day Foundation

Dawnn details programs empowering youth, HBCU students, and underserved communities.

5. Provide insight into surviving and thriving in entertainment

She shares the importance of relationships, versatility, and constant self-improvement.

Key Takeaways

1. She was a “triple threat” long before Hollywood discovered her

Singing, dancing, and acting from age 7–11, she began performing professionally at 10 and even launched her own musical theatre degree program at the University of Miami.

2. A Different World brought fame but also typecasting

While it launched her into global visibility, it also led people to underestimate her songwriting, music, and voiceover abilities.

3. Her voice acting career spans more than 30 years

She has voiced characters on The Simpsons, Futurama, Star Trek: Lower Decks, Craig of the Creek, Fairly OddParents, Mortal Kombat, and many more.
Her entry into animation came from imitating her young niece for a role.

4. Representation matters deeply to her

Seeing Nichelle Nichols on Star Trek inspired her as a child; today, Dawnn is one of the very few Black captains in the Star Trek universe.

5. The industry rewards resilience and relationships

Dawnn emphasizes that her longevity comes from consistently doing excellent work and nurturing her professional network.

6. She founded the A New Day Foundation to uplift youth

Her programs serve teens, HBCU students, and communities nationwide, providing mentorship, laptops, scholarships, and life skills training.

7. Dawnn’s journey is one of intentional growth and constant reinvention

She never stopped expanding—into Broadway, television, songwriting, animation, philanthropy, and leadership.

Notable Quotes

(All quotes from the uploaded transcript.)

On talent and early training

  • “I was singing, dancing at seven, acting at eleven… doing all three professionally since I was about ten years old.”
  • “I thought I was going to be a recording artist… I had my own single out. I was charting on Billboard.”

On being boxed in

  • “I didn’t start getting pigeonholed until I did A Different World… now you’re just an actress.”

On entering animation

  • “There weren’t very many people of color in the animation world… the director said, ‘Who are you? How come I neve

Money Tips: He issues a call to action to explore opportunities like Amazon DSP, construction and real estate investment.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Justin M. Lee.

Purpose of the Interview

  • To showcase Dr. Lee’s journey from a young real estate agent to a multi-industry entrepreneur.
  • To inspire listeners with strategies for wealth-building through real estate, construction, and logistics.
  • To encourage financial literacy, ownership, and collaboration within underserved communities.
  • To issue a call to action for minorities to explore opportunities like Amazon DSP and real estate investment.

Key Takeaways

  1. Early Career & Education

    • Started young in real estate, embraced discomfort in rooms dominated by older professionals.
    • Leveraged millennial tech skills (social media marketing) to help veteran brokers grow.
    • Earned a doctorate degree and became a licensed real estate broker.

  2. Social Media as a Business Tool

    • Built a strong presence on TikTok (90K followers) and other platforms.
    • Helped older real estate firms thrive by creating digital visibility.
    • Emphasized that “business must look as good online as in person.”

  3. Financial Literacy & Homeownership

    • African-American communities often lack foundational financial knowledge.
    • Key barriers: misunderstanding credit, fear of debt, and lack of exposure to ownership benefits.
    • Advocates teaching the difference between good debt (real estate) and bad debt (consumer credit).

  4. Real Estate Process

    • Initial onboarding: credit score, income, tax filing.
    • Connect clients with lenders, secure pre-approval, then negotiate and close within 30–45 days.
    • Uses property tours as motivation even for those not yet approved.

  5. Pooling Resources for Wealth

    • Industry dominated by white men and foreign investors who use syndication.
    • Dr. Lee created a private family fund with fraternity brothers and friends.
    • Acquired 150+ apartment units and commercial properties by pooling resources and forming LLCs.

  6. Amazon DSP Opportunity

    • Owns an Amazon Delivery Service Partner business (42 trucks, 200 employees).
    • Offers minorities a chance to apply for DSP with $10K grant.
    • Taught him true CEO skills: HR, payroll, compliance, and scaling operations.

  7. Construction Business

    • Entered construction after experiencing exploitation in fix-and-flip projects.
    • Learned the business side (permits, change orders) and got licensed.
    • Built major projects like a 10,000 sq. ft. restaurant in Atlanta.
    • Advocates for Black representation in construction, an industry dominated by whites and Hispanics.

  8. Personal Background

    • Raised in New Orleans during Katrina by a single mother and grandparents.
    • Mother invested FEMA checks into real estate, teaching him property management and renovation skills early.
    • Believes knowledge is power and emphasizes planning and consistency.

Notable Quotes

  • On embracing discomfort:
    “I learned to embrace the uncomfort and make it one of my biggest strengths.”

  • On social media:
    “You have to make your business look the same way online as in person.”

  • On financial literacy:
    “Real estate is always going to be good debt. Bad debt is the Macy’s card.”

  • On collaboration:
    “Pooling resources shows how far we can go and how fast we can go—but together.”

  • On planning:
    “If you don’t plan, you plan to fail. All you have to do is stick to the plan.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Money Tips: He issues a call to action to explore opportunities like Amazon DSP, construction and real estate investment.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Justin M. Lee.

Purpose of the Interview

  • To showcase Dr. Lee’s journey from a young real estate agent to a multi-industry entrepreneur.
  • To inspire listeners with strategies for wealth-building through real estate, construction, and logistics.
  • To encourage financial literacy, ownership, and collaboration within underserved communities.
  • To issue a call to action for minorities to explore opportunities like Amazon DSP and real estate investment.

Key Takeaways

  1. Early Career & Education

    • Started young in real estate, embraced discomfort in rooms dominated by older professionals.
    • Leveraged millennial tech skills (social media marketing) to help veteran brokers grow.
    • Earned a doctorate degree and became a licensed real estate broker.

  2. Social Media as a Business Tool

    • Built a strong presence on TikTok (90K followers) and other platforms.
    • Helped older real estate firms thrive by creating digital visibility.
    • Emphasized that “business must look as good online as in person.”

  3. Financial Literacy & Homeownership

    • African-American communities often lack foundational financial knowledge.
    • Key barriers: misunderstanding credit, fear of debt, and lack of exposure to ownership benefits.
    • Advocates teaching the difference between good debt (real estate) and bad debt (consumer credit).

  4. Real Estate Process

    • Initial onboarding: credit score, income, tax filing.
    • Connect clients with lenders, secure pre-approval, then negotiate and close within 30–45 days.
    • Uses property tours as motivation even for those not yet approved.

  5. Pooling Resources for Wealth

    • Industry dominated by white men and foreign investors who use syndication.
    • Dr. Lee created a private family fund with fraternity brothers and friends.
    • Acquired 150+ apartment units and commercial properties by pooling resources and forming LLCs.

  6. Amazon DSP Opportunity

    • Owns an Amazon Delivery Service Partner business (42 trucks, 200 employees).
    • Offers minorities a chance to apply for DSP with $10K grant.
    • Taught him true CEO skills: HR, payroll, compliance, and scaling operations.

  7. Construction Business

    • Entered construction after experiencing exploitation in fix-and-flip projects.
    • Learned the business side (permits, change orders) and got licensed.
    • Built major projects like a 10,000 sq. ft. restaurant in Atlanta.
    • Advocates for Black representation in construction, an industry dominated by whites and Hispanics.

  8. Personal Background

    • Raised in New Orleans during Katrina by a single mother and grandparents.
    • Mother invested FEMA checks into real estate, teaching him property management and renovation skills early.
    • Believes knowledge is power and emphasizes planning and consistency.

Notable Quotes

  • On embracing discomfort:
    “I learned to embrace the uncomfort and make it one of my biggest strengths.”

  • On social media:
    “You have to make your business look the same way online as in person.”

  • On financial literacy:
    “Real estate is always going to be good debt. Bad debt is the Macy’s card.”

  • On collaboration:
    “Pooling resources shows how far we can go and how fast we can go—but together.”

  • On planning:
    “If you don’t plan, you plan to fail. All you have to do is stick to the plan.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Money Tips: He issues a call to action to explore opportunities like Amazon DSP, construction and real estate investment.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Justin M. Lee.

Purpose of the Interview

  • To showcase Dr. Lee’s journey from a young real estate agent to a multi-industry entrepreneur.
  • To inspire listeners with strategies for wealth-building through real estate, construction, and logistics.
  • To encourage financial literacy, ownership, and collaboration within underserved communities.
  • To issue a call to action for minorities to explore opportunities like Amazon DSP and real estate investment.

Key Takeaways

  1. Early Career & Education

    • Started young in real estate, embraced discomfort in rooms dominated by older professionals.
    • Leveraged millennial tech skills (social media marketing) to help veteran brokers grow.
    • Earned a doctorate degree and became a licensed real estate broker.

  2. Social Media as a Business Tool

    • Built a strong presence on TikTok (90K followers) and other platforms.
    • Helped older real estate firms thrive by creating digital visibility.
    • Emphasized that “business must look as good online as in person.”

  3. Financial Literacy & Homeownership

    • African-American communities often lack foundational financial knowledge.
    • Key barriers: misunderstanding credit, fear of debt, and lack of exposure to ownership benefits.
    • Advocates teaching the difference between good debt (real estate) and bad debt (consumer credit).

  4. Real Estate Process

    • Initial onboarding: credit score, income, tax filing.
    • Connect clients with lenders, secure pre-approval, then negotiate and close within 30–45 days.
    • Uses property tours as motivation even for those not yet approved.

  5. Pooling Resources for Wealth

    • Industry dominated by white men and foreign investors who use syndication.
    • Dr. Lee created a private family fund with fraternity brothers and friends.
    • Acquired 150+ apartment units and commercial properties by pooling resources and forming LLCs.

  6. Amazon DSP Opportunity

    • Owns an Amazon Delivery Service Partner business (42 trucks, 200 employees).
    • Offers minorities a chance to apply for DSP with $10K grant.
    • Taught him true CEO skills: HR, payroll, compliance, and scaling operations.

  7. Construction Business

    • Entered construction after experiencing exploitation in fix-and-flip projects.
    • Learned the business side (permits, change orders) and got licensed.
    • Built major projects like a 10,000 sq. ft. restaurant in Atlanta.
    • Advocates for Black representation in construction, an industry dominated by whites and Hispanics.

  8. Personal Background

    • Raised in New Orleans during Katrina by a single mother and grandparents.
    • Mother invested FEMA checks into real estate, teaching him property management and renovation skills early.
    • Believes knowledge is power and emphasizes planning and consistency.

Notable Quotes

  • On embracing discomfort:
    “I learned to embrace the uncomfort and make it one of my biggest strengths.”

  • On social media:
    “You have to make your business look the same way online as in person.”

  • On financial literacy:
    “Real estate is always going to be good debt. Bad debt is the Macy’s card.”

  • On collaboration:
    “Pooling resources shows how far we can go and how fast we can go—but together.”

  • On planning:
    “If you don’t plan, you plan to fail. All you have to do is stick to the plan.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Financial Tip: We discuss his mission as a financial leader and his focus on expanding diversity in the financial services industry.

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

Summary of the Interview

On Money Making Conversations Masterclass, host Rushion McDonald interviews Brett Chestnut, Managing Director of Northwestern Mutual Goodwin, Wright Gwinnett. The conversation centers on Brett’s mission as a financial leader, his journey from engineering to financial planning, his commitment to mentoring, and his focus on expanding diversity in the financial services industry.

Brett describes how he transitioned from engineering in 2015 to financial planning because he wanted to help people regain the ability to dream—not just survive. He discusses his work in recruiting diverse advisors, supporting career‑shifting professionals, mentoring, and educating people on foundational financial decision‑making.

The interview also explores money mindsets, budgeting, the challenges of building wealth in communities of color, and the often‑overlooked emotional side of money. Brett emphasizes starting with the basics, not skipping steps (e.g., jumping straight to cryptocurrency), and building strong financial foundations.

Rushion repeatedly highlights Brett as a powerful brand and role model, underscoring the importance of Black leadership in financial fields and the role of representation in increasing trust and access.

Purpose of the Interview

The interview’s purpose is to:

1. Introduce Brett Chestnut as a trusted financial leader

Rushion aims to elevate Brett’s visibility as a Black managing director in financial services—an industry where representation has traditionally been limited.

2. Educate listeners on financial empowerment

Brett provides practical, relatable guidance on budgeting, investing, career transitions, and developing financial discipline.

3. Highlight Northwestern Mutual’s diversity initiatives

Brett explains how the company is intentionally investing in diverse advisors and underserved markets.

4. Inspire career‑based and financial self‑reflection

He encourages people to examine their spending habits, consider new career paths, and align decisions with long-term goals.

5. Promote mentorship and community uplift

Both Brett and Rushion stress the transformative power of mentorship and generational investment.

Key Takeaways

1. Financial empowerment starts with awareness

Brett urges everyone to analyze their last 2–3 months of spending to understand what their habits really prioritize.

2. You must “choose your hard”

Saving and planning may be difficult now, but the alternative is harder later. Financial success requires discipline, not magic formulas.

3. Wealth building is emotional as much as logical

Money connects to family, relationships, self‑worth, stress, and confidence. Advisors must understand clients emotionally, not just mathematically—especially women and diverse communities.

4. Don’t skip steps (especially with investing and crypto)

Many want to “get rich fast,” but Brett warns that skipping foundational steps (budgeting, savings, retirement planning) leads to confusion and poor decisions.

5. Mentorship works only with real relationship

True mentorship requires understanding someone’s full life story, not just giving advice.

6. Representation matters in financial services

Northwestern Mutual is investing heavily in diverse advisors not just for optics, but because entire markets have been historically underserved.

7. Closing the wealth gap requires generational strategy

One generation must be willing to be selfless, disciplined, and intentional with assets to move future generations forward.

8. Brett sees his work as multiplying impact

By developing new advisors and helping create “15 millionaires,” he hopes to create compounding community uplift.

Notable Quotes (from the transcript)

 

On financial empowerment

  • “I want people to dream again. We’re not dreaming no more—we’re living because of obligation.”
  • “When we’re born we look like our parents, but when we die, we look like our decisions.”

On career purpose

  • “I help people who ar