Rich Lessons

In this episode of Rich Lessons, we sit down with powerhouse executive Deb Grant—GE's first Black female corporate officer, former president of the GE Foundation (overseeing a $130M budget), board director, and CEO of Corporate Playbook—to decode what actually moves the needle and what it really takes to succeed in corporate America and beyond—and it's not just “working harder.”From becoming GE’s first Black female corporate officer to advising top executives and sitting on public boards, Deb shares the unfiltered truth about corporate power, board access, and strategic visibility that nobody puts in a LinkedIn post.We dive into:• Why hard work alone won’t get you promoted• The critical difference between mentors vs. sponsors (and why it changes everything)• How to get on corporate boards and build real influence• The importance of visibility, relationships, and executive presence• How Black women can navigate corporate spaces, funding gaps, and leadership barriers• The unwritten rules of career growth no one teaches youThis conversation is a masterclass for entrepreneurs, professionals, and anyone looking to strategically level up their career.Key takeaway: It’s not just who you know. It’s who speaks your name in the room.

Subscribe to Rich Lessons on Substack for Exclusive Business Insights and Resources. richlessons.substack.comWelcome to 2026, where AI is reshaping the workforce and VCs are changing the fundraising game. In this episode of Rich Takes, Sheena and Sevetri break down the biggest business trends impacting entrepreneurs right now, from widespread layoffs across industries to shifts in VC funding for startups (and beyond) to the must-attend tech conferences for maximum ROI.We’re diving deep into the headlines shaping our world and our wallets, including:The 2026 Funding Reality: Why venture capitalists are prioritizing profitability and revenue over growth-at-all-costs.AI vs. The Workforce: How artificial intelligence is impacting jobs from Fortune 1000 companies (Saks, Washington Post, Universal) to small businesses—and what it means for foundersConference Strategy: How to get a real return on investment at events like South by Southwest (SXSW), AfroTech, and Tech Week.GovTech & Pop Culture: The impact of shrinking government and why Y Combinator is prioritizing AI for government , plus why cultural icons are speaking out on current headlines.Topics Covered: startup fundraising, venture capital trends, pre-seed funding, seed rounds, AI impact on jobs, business conferences 2026, entrepreneur networking, alternative funding, GovTech, unicorn companies, revenue expectationsSubscribe to Rich Lessons on Substack for exclusive conference guides, funding pathways, and insider tips from two founders who’ve been in tech for 15+ years.Rich Takes: Our weekly Thursday segment delivering unfiltered hot takes on the biggest headlines shaping culture, business, and your wallet in 15 minutes or less. Fast, sharp, and straight to the point.

Episode 43 | Sevetri Wilson Taylor (Instagram.com/sevetriwilson) and Sheena Allen (Instagram.com/whoisSheena) sit down with Brandon "BMike" ODUMS—a New Orleans-based visual artist, filmmaker, and cultural entrepreneur whose illegal graffiti murals sparked a movement and led to Studio B, a massive 35,000 square foot creative space in the Bywater.From spending 10 years grinding with Two Cent documentary collective getting "no" after "no" from BET and Comedy Central, to finding silence and stillness painting in abandoned housing projects, BMike shares how he accidentally created Exhibit B—a phenomenon that brought celebrities, politicians, and thousands to abandoned spaces with no marketing. He reveals why he didn't try to monetize it, how "I Am My Ancestors' Wildest Dreams" became a cultural phrase (and got bootlegged by Walmart), the voicemail from Oprah, and why being at the right place at the right time matters more than we think.This isn't about overnight success. It's about 20 years of paying dues, being present in the community, and accepting the slowness of things meant to be slow.—-Show Notes: (00:00) Intro (05:09) Two Cent: 10 years grinding, BET & Comedy Central said no (06:56) Finding silence painting illegally in abandoned spaces (09:25) Project B: choosing presence over profit (18:29) Studio B: from illegal spaces to owning 35,000 square feet (27:09) "People support YOU, not just the art" (28:56) Year 12: when it finally started making sense (35:36) "I Am My Ancestors' Wildest Dreams"—the origin story (38:10) The Oprah voicemail and why he didn't fight Walmart (42:50) Rich lesson: Accept the slowness of things meant to be slow—-Rich Lessons Podcast // hosted by Sevetri Wilson Taylor and Sheena AllenSubscribe to Rich Lessons on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rich-lessons/id1787798124) and Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/40jGSUvVrMbxKcJ1ghE8kl)Watch and subscribe to Rich Lessons on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@RichLessonsPodcast)Follow Rich Lessons on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/richlessonspodcast/) and TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@richlessonspodcast)Subscribe to the Rich Lessons Substack (richlessons.substack.com)

On Episode 41 of Rich Lessons, Sevetri Wilson Taylor (Instagram.com/sevetriwilson) and Sheena Allen(Instagram.com/whoisSheena) talk with Karen Freeman-Wilson, former Indiana Attorney General, the first Black woman mayor of Gary, Indiana, and now President & CEO of the Chicago Urban League.Karen opens up about growing up in Gary’s industrial heyday, witnessing its economic collapse, and leading through a $26 million budget loss on her first day as mayor. She breaks down the realities of running a predominantly Black city, confronting systemic bias, and rebuilding trust between citizens and government.From redirecting Indiana’s tobacco settlement funds entirely to health initiatives to reshaping Chicago’s community narrative, Karen shares how leadership grounded in empathy and accountability can change outcomes. The conversation dives into today’s political climate, the quiet rollback of DEI, and her warning against what she calls “legislative genocide.”—Show Notes:(00:00) Intro & welcome(01:18) Mini bio & firsts (AG; first Black woman mayor; now CUL CEO)(02:47) Gary’s boom → decline snapshot(04:44) Bias toward Black-majority cities explained(07:12) Day-one $26M budget hit; “expect more” leadership(11:06) AG wins: nursing homes reform; 100% tobacco funds → health(14:17) Harvard story: grit & “finish what you start”(18:30) Loss → Chicago Urban League; narrative + cross-sector work(22:49) “Show up twice”: block + boardroom approach(25:32) Today’s climate: values, DEI retreat, bill impacts (SNAP, schools, health, environment)(33:19) Nonprofit response; job fair surge (3K in-person / 5K online)(41:01) Rich Lesson: treat people how you want to be treated—Rich Lessons Podcast // hosted by Sevetri Wilson Taylor and Sheena AllenSubscribe to Rich Lessons on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rich-lessons/id1787798124) and Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/40jGSUvVrMbxKcJ1ghE8kl)Watch and subscribe to Rich Lessons on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@richlessonspodcast)Follow Rich Lessons on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/richlessonspodcast/) and TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@richlessonspodcast)

On Episode 39 of Rich Lessons, Sevetri Wilson Taylor (Instagram.com/sevetriwilson) and Sheena Allen (Instagram.com/whoisSheena) sit down with twin sisters Kiara and Christy Muse, board-certified nurse practitioners and founders of Muse Medical Aesthetics & Laser in Baton Rouge, LA, to talk about beauty, confidence, and building a million-dollar med spa from the ground up.Kiara and Christy share how they went from bedside nursing to entrepreneurship, why they chose to bet on themselves instead of working for someone else, and how they turned a $10,000 family investment into a fast-growing aesthetics practice serving women (and men) across the South. They open up about being shut out by banks, navigating gatekeeping in the aesthetics industry as Black women, and what it takes to build a luxury brand that still feels personal, safe, and culturally aware.From injectables and “facial balancing” to GLP-1 weight loss shots and medical-grade skincare, the Muse Twins break down what’s real, what’s hype, and why preventative care is the new standard. They also talk about the pressure on women to look “natural,” the stigma Black women still face around cosmetic treatments, and why the beauty industry is actually a path to ownership, wealth, and freedom for women in healthcare.—Show Notes:(00:00) Intro — Meet twin sisters Kiara and Christy Muse, founders of Muse Medical Aesthetics & Laser in Baton Rouge(02:15) From RN to Owner — Leaving bedside nursing to build something of their own(04:10) “We Just Signed the Lease” — Launching during COVID and creating their own lane in a gatekept industry(06:20) Brand Before Doors Opened — Building demand early and coining their mantra, “Be your own muse”(07:48) The Muse Experience — Luxury meets comfort; making aesthetics feel safe and inclusive(12:12) Money Said No — Getting denied by banks and turning a $10K family loan into $1M+ in a year(15:18) Scaling Up — 400% growth, expansion plans, and building on their own terms(17:33) Skincare Facts — Why sunscreen is key and most products miss melanin-rich skin(22:22) Facial Balancing 101 — Botox, filler, and why “natural” doesn’t mean “nothing done”(30:04) Beyond BBLs — Non-surgical contouring, collagen boosters, and body balancing(33:17) GLP-1 Truth — Weight loss shots, hormone balance, and breaking the “cheating” myth(45:13) Rich Lesson — Confidence, resilience, and believing in your vision when no one else does—Rich Lessons Podcast // hosted by Sevetri Wilson Taylor and Sheena AllenSubscribe to Rich Lessons on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rich-lessons/id1787798124) and Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/40jGSUvVrMbxKcJ1ghE8kl)Watch and subscribe to Rich Lessons on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@richlessonspodcast)Follow Rich Lessons on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/richlessonspodcast/) and TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@richlessonspodcast)

In Episode 37 of Rich Lessons, Sevetri Wilson Taylor (Instagram.com/sevetriwilson) and Sheena Allen (Instagram.com/whoisSheena) sit down with Baton Rouge native and civil rights advocate Gary Chambers Jr. to unpack power, policy, and the path to building Black wealth across the South. From his upbringing in North Baton Rouge to national advocacy after Alton Sterling’s killing, Gary traces how economics, culture, and politics collide, and why the South still holds the keys to lasting change.From the “brain drain” of talent leaving Louisiana and Mississippi to lessons from Reconstruction and modern-day politics, Gary breaks down why the South still matters, and how actual change starts with ownership, community, and audacity. He also opens up about fatherhood, advocacy, and why Black people must see their communities as assets, not liabilities.—Show Notes:(00:00) Intro — Who is Gary Chambers Jr. and why his voice matters(02:00) Fatherhood & Raising Black Children in Today’s America(05:40) North Baton Rouge Then vs. Now: Community, Decline & Reinvestment(10:20) The “Brain Drain” in the South and Building Where We’re From(13:45) Atlanta vs. Charlotte: Rethinking the Black Mecca(18:40) Wealth, NIL Money & Why “Getting Out the Hood” Isn’t Enough(22:10) Reconstruction Lessons: The History They Don’t Teach(26:10) The Democratic Party’s Neglect of the South & Black Voters(31:20) From Alton Sterling to Activism: How Gary Found His Purpose(59:10) Rich Lesson — The Magic, Resilience & Audacity of Black People—Rich Lessons is presented by GRITS // hosted by Sevetri Wilson Taylor and Sheena AllenSubscribe to Rich Lessons on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rich-lessons/id1787798124) and Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/40jGSUvVrMbxKcJ1ghE8kl)Watch and subscribe to Rich Lessons on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@richlessonspodcast)Follow Rich Lessons on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/richlessonspodcast/) and TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@richlessonspodcast)

What does it take to turn a family project into a global movement? In this episode of Rich Lessons, Dr. Calvin Mackie—engineer, entrepreneur, and founder of STEM NOLA—reveals his blueprint for scaling impact. From his garage in New Orleans to reaching over 200,000 students worldwide, Dr. Mackie breaks down how equity, education, and entrepreneurship must intersect to truly change lives. Whether you’re building a startup, running a nonprofit, or looking to create lasting change in your community, this conversation delivers powerful lessons on vision, leadership, and courage. If you’ve ever wondered how to transform an idea into a movement, start here.On this week’s Rich Lessons, the engineer, professor, and founder of STEM NOLA breaks down his blueprint for scaling impact:✨ Equity✨ Education✨ EntrepreneurshipThis episode is a blueprint for building a movement—whether you’re growing a startup, leading a nonprofit, or creating change in your community.

This episode is all about validating your idea and the real reason why sophisticated investors won't sign your NDA. Want to go deeper? September 30th Sevetri and Sheena launch their first cohort with live coaching and support. For more information follow @startupstayupscaleup on instagram or visit joingrits.com When you have a new idea, your first instinct may be to protect it. But the truth is, ideas are cheap—execution is everything. Before you even think about raising capital or hiring, you need to validate your concept:Talk to potential customers. Ask open-ended questions, don’t pitch. You’re looking for pain points, not polite encouragement.Look for behavior, not words. If people say “that’s interesting,” it doesn’t matter. If they pull out their wallet or sign up for a beta, that’s validation.Run small, scrappy tests. Landing pages, waitlists, surveys, or MVPs can show real traction without heavy investment.Map the problem, not just your solution. Make sure the problem is significant and urgent enough that people need it solved.The goal is not to get everyone to love your idea. The goal is to find a handful of people who can’t live without it.

What does it take to turn a local food idea into a million-dollar festival? Cleveland Spears III, founder of Spears Group and producer of New Orleans’ iconic Fried Chicken Festival, takes us behind the curtain of scaling cultural events into major businesses. And though he maybe best known for events that have attracted hundreds of thousands, it might surprise you that events isn't actually his companies biggest money maker.From raising $1.5M in sponsorships and securing partners like Raising Cane’s and the NFL, to managing 100,000+ attendees and keeping festivals affordable and inclusive, Spears reveals the strategy, risks, and lessons of producing at scale.You’ll learn:How custom sponsorship packages fuel long-term growthWhy influencers are media in today’s event landscapeHow PR and client work is his companies biggest revenue stream NOT events The real costs of festivals and why rain insurance mattersLessons from Dinner en Blanc, Rosé Fest, and the rise of Fried Chicken FestCleveland’s Rich Lesson: Be fearless in asking for what you’re worthThis episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, event producers, and marketers who want to understand the business of big events, cultural branding, and fearless entrepreneurship.

In this powerful episode of Rich Lessons, we sit down with Alencia Johnson, activist, author, political strategist, and founder of 1063 West Broad. From advising presidential campaigns (Obama, Biden, Harris, Warren) to launching the iconic Stand With Black Women movement at Planned Parenthood, Alencia has made a career out of disrupting systems with purpose.We dive into her origin story, rooted in the love and legacy of her grandmother. Alencia opens up about mental health, leaving behind “success” to find self-alignment, and how she wrote her national bestseller, Flip the Tables, a bold guide for everyday disruptors.She shares what it means to “flip the table” in your own life, why Black women must prioritize rest, and how community and clarity are essential to personal and political transformation. We also talk faith, feminism, boundaries, being your own red flag, and navigating the noise in a world obsessed with highlight reels.Whether you’re a leader, creative, or everyday change-maker, this episode will challenge and inspire you to disrupt yourself first, then the world.🔑 Topics:The story behind Flip the TablesFaith, family & feminine powerPolitical organizing through cultureMental health, self-sabotage, and healingWhy rest is resistanceReal talk on community, boundaries & purposeWatch or listen now. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share.

Rich TakesIn this episode of Rich Takes, we break down two major headlines shaking up the economy and the tech world. First, President Trump’s sweeping new tariffs on imports from 68 countries—including Canada, India, Taiwan, and South Africa—could mean higher prices on everyday goods like groceries, electronics, and clothes. For entrepreneurs, this may lead to rising product costs and supply chain headaches—but also opens up new opportunities for domestic production and local sourcing. Next, we explore Mark Zuckerberg’s bold move to replace smartphones with AI-powered smartglasses. Imagine accessing real-time translation, coaching, or ChatGPT-like assistance straight from your eyewear. As wearable tech ramps up, privacy concerns will grow, and a whole new wave of app platforms and marketing strategies will emerge. Plus, did you know U.S. taxpayers can voluntarily donate to reduce the national debt? You can now contribute through Venmo and PayPal, though the impact is symbolic—total donations since 1996 cover just 20 minutes of federal spending. TL;DR: Rising prices, smarter glasses, and a government GoFundMe that won’t move the needle. Tune in for what these shifts mean for your wallet, your business, and the future of tech.

✨ New Episode Alert! ✨In this episode of Rich Lessons, Sevetri and Sheena are dishing out some hot takes from Essence Fest — was it really a debacle, or just social media spin? They’re also sharing behind-the-scenes insights from their very first GRITS Dinner, exclusively for our newsletter subscribers and amazing women business owners and entrepreneurs.Plus, they’re diving into the future of concerts: How are folks affording back-to-back shows? And should Beyoncé take a break after Act II? 👀Tune in for this lighthearted, fun, and honest conversation. Listen now and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts — and don’t forget to watch us on YouTube too! 🎙️✨#RichLessons #EssenceFest #GRITS #WomenInBusiness #PodcastLife #ConcertSeason

In this episode, we sit down with Roy A Glapion, who sold his testing and engineering company which helped him build generational wealth for his family. Roy is here to discuss wealth in Black communities, how we build it, how we keep it, and why we're still miles apart from white communities due to everything from redlining to mindset. This is an episode sure to ruffle some feathers, but it also delivers the kind of real conversation we don't have enough in our communities on money and generational wealth. Subscribe and follow us on instagram @richlessonspodcast and on Youtube!