Ryan C. Greene's BORN TO BE DOPE!

In this episode of Born To Be Dope, I sit down with licensed therapist and media personality Kiaundra Jackson to break down how she built a powerful personal brand from the ground up—and turned her expertise into a global platform.From growing up in Compton to landing national TV appearances and building a thriving YouTube channel, Kiaundra shares exactly how consistency, strategy, and faith helped her expand her reach far beyond her local community.If you’re a coach, speaker, or entrepreneur looking to build your brand, grow your audience, and monetize your message, this episode is your blueprint. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How to build a brand beyond your local network The real strategy behind getting featured in media (without a huge following) Why consistency matters more than talent when growing your platform How to monetize your expertise through books, courses, and content The truth about YouTube growth, algorithms, and making money online How to handle criticism, negativity, and online hate as a creator Why you must “make it easy for people to say yes to you” Key Moments:00:00 – Welcome to Born To Be Dope 02:00 – Kiaundra’s journey from Compton to therapist 05:00 – Using social media to grow your brand 10:00 – How she landed media features & TV opportunities 17:00 – When to hire a PR team 25:00 – Monetizing your expertise (sleep money strategy) 27:00 – Why YouTube became her main platform 34:00 – Dealing with online hate and criticism 43:00 – Inside YouTube creator programs & growth secrets 50:00 – How to create high-performing thumbnails 57:00 – Rapid fire questions Connect with Kiaundra Jackson:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KiaundraJackson Website: https://www.kiaundrajackson.com Instagram: @kiaundrajacksonResources & Links:Kiaundra Jackson - Official WebsiteHelp a Reporter Out (HARO)YouTube Creator ProgramBooks on Personal BrandingUnderstanding YouTube Analytics Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to the channel to continue learning how to build your own dope media platform. Get the full Born To Be Dope experience at https://www.borntobedope.com Join the Born To Be Dope Leadership Cypher. Our community for leaders looking to 10x their leadership impact, influence, and income: https://www.borntobedope.com/cypher Get the eBook “Cracking The Content Creation Code” and register for the free live workshop: https://mypodcastpartner.com/code Build your Authority Media Brand in the next 8-Week Media Camp: https://www.borntobedope.com/camp Subscribe to the Dope AF Blog: https://www.borntobedope.com/blog Follow Born To Be Dope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/borntobedope Follow Ryan C. Greene on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rygisdope Get your Born To Be Dope Apparel: https://www.weardopetees.com

In this episode, Dr. Rhonda Alexander shares her powerful journey from leadership to self-discovery, emphasizing the importance of redefining strength and setting healthy boundaries. Her insights help high-achieving women and men alike uncover how authenticity and vulnerability foster true leadership and well-being.Key TopicsThe foundational role of early leadership lessons from familyHow strength is often masked and what it truly means to be resilientThe significance of setting boundaries and practicing self-careThe journey of authentic leadership without losing oneselfHow men can support women by cultivating compassion and emotional awarenessPractical steps for growing into a transformational leader while staying true to yourselfTimestamps00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Rhonda Alexander and her leadership journey 02:10 - Early leadership lessons from family influence 04:30 - Overcoming an overworked career and starting her own enterprise 07:24 - The breakdown that led to embracing authentic self-care 09:20 - How writing her book uncovered collective challenges among Black women 12:16 - The role of societal expectations in the "strong Black woman" stereotype 14:39 - Rethinking what true strength looks like for Black women 16:34 - The mask of strength and the importance of vulnerability 18:44 - Healing by dealing with pain directly, not avoiding it 20:13 - Redefining strength as knowing your capacity and setting limits 21:33 - The power of boundaries and saying no confidently 23:30 - Balancing sacrificial roles and preserving personal energy 25:14 - The significance of boundaries in personal growth and identity 27:28 - The process of shifting relationships when setting new boundaries 29:39 - How authenticity enhances leadership presence 31:42 - The peace that comes with self-care and saying no 33:33 - Men’s roles in supporting women’s emotional health and development 36:45 - The importance of compassion and vulnerability in Black relationships 39:36 - Growing as a leader without losing personal authenticity 41:44 - Embracing extraness and how it boosts confidence 44:45 - The challenge of speaking one’s truth and standing out 46:00 - How Dr. Rhonda's book "7 Dirty Secrets" came to life 47:56 - Recognizing your own dope moment and self-worth 48:36 - Lessons learned from early jobs and personal development 49:42 - Embracing hobbies and hidden talents as part of self-identity 52:39 - Turning what was once hidden into a superpower: extraness 55:49 - Ryan’s superpower: creating safe spaces for others 58:00 - The importance of authenticity in leadership and life 59:25 - How to get the book and connect with Dr. Rhonda 60:11 - Closing remarks on embracing your dope self and leadershipResources & Links7 Dirty Secrets of a Strong Black WomanAmazon: 7 Dirty Secrets of a Strong Black WomanDr. Rhonda Alexander - InstagramDr. Rhonda Alexander - LinkedIn Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to the channel to continue learning how to build your own dope media platform. Get the full Born To Be Dope experience at https://www.borntobedope.com Join the Born To Be Dope Leadership Cypher. Our community for leaders looking to 10x their leadership impact, influence, and income: https://www.borntobedope.com/cypher Get the eBook “Cracking The Content Creation Code” and register for the free live workshop: https://mypodcastpartner.com/code Build your Authority Media Brand in the next 8-Week Media Camp: https://www.borntobedope.com/camp Subscribe to the Dope AF Blog: https://www.borntobedope.com/blog Follow Born To Be Dope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/borntobedope Follow Ryan C. Greene on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rygisdope Get your Born To Be Dope Apparel: https://www.weardopetees.com

In the latest episode of Born To Be Dope, host Ryan C. Greene welcomes Carlena Davis, the founder of Spillin' The Sweet Tea, to discuss her journey from a small-town girl in North Carolina to a prominent food content creator. With a rich background in Southern cooking and an inspiring story of resilience, Carlena shares how she turned her childhood experiences and love for food into a thriving business, all while navigating the challenges of social media. The Roots of a Culinary Passion Carlena Davis grew up in Kingston, North Carolina, where her parents owned a funeral home. This unique upbringing taught her the importance of hard work, empathy, and community. After school, she would help her mother cook, learning valuable skills in the kitchen. "Food has been a big part of my life...everything is centered around food," Carlena recalls, highlighting how family gatherings and church events revolved around cooking and sharing meals. The Birth of Spillin' The Sweet Tea In 2017, Carlena started her food blog, Spillin' The Sweet Tea, as a way to document her mother’s recipes. "I started studying her in the kitchen...because I knew a day would come when she wouldn't remember how to make these dishes," she explains. The blog began as a passion project but transformed into something more significant during the pandemic. In 2020, she shifted her focus to creating video content on TikTok, capturing the attention of food lovers everywhere. Navigating Social Media Carlena's journey on TikTok began with simple cooking videos. Initially, she faced challenges like negative comments and misunderstandings about her cooking methods. "I had made some smoked turkey wings and people were quick to criticize. But it was those comments that actually helped me grow my following," she notes. Rather than being discouraged, Carlena embraced the feedback, using it as motivation to connect with her audience and share authentic cooking experiences. The Viral Moment A turning point for Carlena came when she recreated a beloved dish from her hometown called a "pig and a pup" during the pandemic. This copycat recipe went viral, leading to an interview with a local news station. "I was just like, I might have something here," she reflects. This moment solidified her status as a content creator and opened doors to new opportunities in the culinary world. Lessons Learned and Future Goals Throughout her journey, Carlena has learned the importance of perseverance and authenticity. She emphasizes that success does not require fame; rather, it stems from passion and hard work. "You don't have to be famous to be successful," she reminds listeners, encouraging aspiring creators to embrace their uniqueness. Carlena Davis' journey from a small-town upbringing to a successful food content creator is a testament to the power of passion and resilience. By sharing her family's recipes and stories, she has built a community that values authenticity and creativity in cooking. Key takeaways include the importance of following your passion, embracing feedback, and staying true to yourself in the face of challenges. Carlena’s story serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to turn their unique talents into a thriving business.Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to the channel to continue learning how to build your own dope media platform. Get the full Born To Be Dope experience at https://www.borntobedope.com Join the Born To Be Dope Leadership Cypher. Our community for leaders looking to 10x their leadership impact, influence, and income: https://www.borntobedope.com/cypher Get the eBook “Cracking The Content Creation Code” and register for the free live workshop: https://www.mypodcastpartner.com/ebook Build your Authority Media Brand in the next 8-Week Media Camp: https://www.borntobedope.com/camp Subscribe to the Dope AF Blog: https://www.borntobedope.com/blog Follow Born To Be Dope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/borntobedope Follow Ryan C. Greene on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rygisdope Get your Born To Be Dope Apparel: https://www.weardopetees.com

In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, understanding and protecting your intellectual property (IP) is crucial for success. In a recent episode of the Born to Be Dope podcast, host Ryan C. Green spoke with attorney Karin Coger about the significance of IP and how entrepreneurs can safeguard their unique creations. Understanding Intellectual Property: Intellectual property encompasses various forms of creation that individuals or businesses produce. Karin Coger breaks it down simply: trademarks protect your brand and logo, copyrights safeguard your content, and patents cover your inventions. For instance, when you think of McDonald's, both the name and its iconic golden arches are trademarked elements that protect the brand's identity. Similarly, copyrights apply to everything from written content to videos and even choreography, ensuring that creators retain rights over their work. Identifying Your Intellectual Property: Many entrepreneurs are unaware of the intellectual property they already possess. Karin emphasizes the importance of identifying all aspects of your work that can be protected. This includes proprietary systems, teaching materials, and even online content. For example, if you’ve written a book or developed a unique training module, those can be protected under copyright law. Failing to secure these rights can lead to others using your work without permission, which is a risk no entrepreneur should take. Monetizing Your Creativity: Karin outlines a three-step framework for coaches and consultants to turn their expertise into a lucrative venture. The first step is to identify your IP, as discussed. After identifying your valuable assets, the next steps involve protecting and monetizing them. This could mean filing for trademarks on your brand and logo or securing copyrights for your digital content. For instance, if you’re a TikTok creator, while you can’t copyright every single video, you should protect your brand signature and any catchphrases or unique content that become associated with you. Navigating the Viral Landscape: In today’s digital age, many creators aspire to go viral without a clear plan for protecting their content. Karin highlights the example of the "Hock Tuah Girl" phenomenon, where a spontaneous catchphrase became wildly popular. Creators like her can still file for trademark registration even after their content has gone viral, as long as they can prove they were the first to use the phrase in commerce. This illustrates the importance of being proactive about IP, especially in an era where trends can change overnight. Protecting your intellectual property is not just about safeguarding your creations; it’s about ensuring the longevity and success of your business. By understanding what constitutes IP, identifying your own assets, and taking steps to protect and monetize them, you can set yourself up for success in your entrepreneurial journey. Key takeaways include the importance of trademarks and copyrights, the necessity of identifying all forms of IP, and the proactive measures creators should take to protect their work in a viral-driven world. Get Karin’s Trademark Tracking Assistant GPT, Regina: https://reginatmda.karincogeresq.co Use Code: BORNTOBEDOPE to get free access as long as you write a review once you’ve used the tool. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to the channel to continue learning how to build your own dope media platform. Get the full Born To Be Dope experience at https://www.borntobedope.com Join the Born To Be Dope Leadership Cypher. Our community for leaders looking to 10x their leadership impact, influence, and income: https://www.borntobedope.com/cypher Get the eBook “Cracking The Content Creation Code” and register for the free live workshop: https://www.mypodcastpartner.com/ebook Build your Authority Media Brand in the next 8-Week Media Camp: https://www.borntobedope.com/camp Subscribe to the Dope AF Blog: https://www.borntobedope.com/blog Follow Born To Be Dope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/borntobedope Follow Ryan C. Greene on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rygisdope Get your Born To Be Dope Apparel: https://www.weardopetees.com

In the ever-evolving world of entrepreneurship, one vital skill often overlooked is the ability to maintain focus. In the latest episode of the Born to Be Dope Show, host Ryan C. Greene welcomes Paul Burrow, known as Paul the Connector. Together, they delve into the importance of focus and clarity in business and how these elements can drive success. The Roots of Entrepreneurship Paul shares his entrepreneurial journey, which began in his childhood surrounded by family businesses, including a flower shop and a beauty salon. This early exposure instilled in him the essence of entrepreneurship. He later pursued graphic design and marketing, ultimately leading him to establish his own business dedicated to helping other entrepreneurs. This background emphasizes the importance of understanding the foundations of business, which is essential for anyone looking to succeed in today's competitive market. Helping Others Succeed Paul's business focuses on supporting entrepreneurs in building sustainable communities through their ventures. He believes that entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for creating opportunities not just for oneself but for others as well. This philosophy aligns with his commitment to helping business owners achieve financial independence and realize their dreams. He explains that the goal of any entrepreneur should be to create pathways for others to follow, fostering a culture of support and growth. The Importance of a Strong Back Office In discussing the pitfalls many entrepreneurs face, Paul highlights the necessity of having a robust back-office system. He notes that having a great product or service isn't enough; businesses need effective systems in place to manage customers and operations efficiently. Paul emphasizes the value of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, which help businesses streamline processes and maintain organized communication with clients. He recommends resources like My Automation Suite for entrepreneurs seeking to improve their operational efficiency. Focus and Clarity Transformation System (FACTS) To help entrepreneurs stay on track, Paul introduces his Focus and Clarity Transformation System (FACTS). He explains that sustained focus on specific tasks leads to better results. Many entrepreneurs fall into the trap of distraction and often abandon strategies prematurely, which hinders their growth. By adopting FACTS, entrepreneurs can maintain clarity about their objectives and create a structured plan to achieve them. Valuing Your Services A recurring theme in their conversation is the challenge of pricing services appropriately. Paul advises entrepreneurs to understand their worth and the value they bring to clients. He suggests conducting market research to gauge pricing trends while ensuring that the services offered provide significant value to customers. This approach not only justifies higher prices but also fosters better client relationships. Networking: Building Relationships Over Transactions Paul, known as Paul the Connector, shares insights on the power of networking. He believes that building strong relationships in business is more crucial than merely focusing on profits. By prioritizing connections and fostering deep relationships, entrepreneurs can create transformative experiences for their clients and partners. This approach can lead to opportunities that may not be accessible through financial means alone. In this enlightening discussion, Paul the Connector offers valuable insights into the importance of focus, clarity, and relationships in entrepreneurship. By implementing effective systems, valuing services appropriately, and prioritizing connections over transactions, entrepreneurs can create a sustainable path to success. Key takeaways from this episode include the significance of maintaining focus on specific business goals, the need for robust back-office systems, and the value of building meaningful relationships within the business community. Be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this episode! Watch this and other full video episodes: www.borntobedope.com Get the eBook “Cracking The Content Creation Code” and register for the free live training: www.mypodcastpartner.com/code Build your Authority Media Brand in the next 8-Week Media Camp: www.borntobedope.com/camp Follow Born To Be Dope on Instagram: www.instagram.com/borntobedope Join the Born To Be Dope Leadership Cypher: www.borntobedope.com/cypher Follow Ryan C. Greene on Instagram: www.instagram.com/rygisdope Get your Born To Be Dope Apparel: www.weardopetees.com

Join host Ryan C. Greene as he sits down with Marcellus "Bassman" Shepard, a multi-talented voice actor, syndicated broadcaster, pit master, and father, on the Born To Be Dope podcast. In this captivating episode, Marcellus shares his inspiring journey from his early aspirations as a news broadcaster at Morgan State University to becoming a renowned voice in the entertainment industry. Discover how Marcellus navigated the competitive world of radio and voice acting, securing roles in commercials, films, and his own nationally syndicated show, "Cool Jazz Countdown." Along the way, Marcellus and Ryan delve into the influence of jazz on hip hop, the importance of meaningful messages in music, and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. Get ready to be motivated as Marcellus encourages listeners to master their craft, embrace their unique talents, and be unapologetically great in their pursuits.Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to the channel and LIKE and SHARE this video.Follow Ryan C. Greene on Instagram: www.instagram.com/rygisdopeTo book Ryan C Greene, please visit www.ryancgreene.comFollow Born To Be Dope on Instagram: www.instagram.com/iamborntobedopeFor more info or to be a guest, visit www.borntobedope.comFollow GreeneHouse Media on Instagram: www.instagram.com/greenehousemediaGet your Born To Be Dope Apparel: www.weardopetees.com00:00 Ryan C. Green's show helps you thrive.04:26 Struggled with math, pursued broadcasting instead.09:14 Discussing journey to national syndication, proving critics wrong.12:24 Legacy hosts dominate public radio airtime slots.13:13 Pitching show, research, and success in radio.18:39 Using God-given name, adopted radio alias.20:50 Discovered professional voice actors and sought training.24:42 Coaching is essential for successful voiceover work.27:32 Selected for gig after audition; live directed session.31:11 Learning from background acting shaped my career.33:57 Couldn't miss work, family on set is special.36:12 Opportunity for creators to showcase work.42:21 Casting for Born to Be Dope visual mixtape.44:18 Celebrating hip hop's unapologetic and greater influence.49:00 Interested in jazz, open to learning more.52:01 Stopped watching award shows and commercial radio.55:18 Kendrick Lamar's song speaks to finding strength.57:21 Syndicated jazz show and conversations now available.

In the latest episode of Ryan C. Greene's BORN TO BE DOPE!, I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Dr. Donald E. Grant Jr., an esteemed leader in the fields of nonprofit, academia, and the private sector. We dove into the critical need for ongoing professional development at the highest levels of leadership, discussing how executive coaching can create environments ripe with creativity and profitability. Dr. Grant and I also explored the essential value of diversity in leadership, sharing insights on how varied perspectives can enrich and strengthen leadership dynamics. Our conversation was not just about the mechanics of leadership but also about the profound impact of embracing diverse backgrounds and ideas to foster more dynamic and effective leadership environments.Our dialogue took a deeper dive as we tackled the complex relationship between race, mental health, and systemic racism, with Dr. Grant bringing his expert perspective from his work in psychology through his company, Mindful Training Solutions. We confronted the stark realities faced by black and brown boys in foster care and the broader implications of systemic racism on the psychological well-being of the black community. This episode was a powerful mixture of serious discussion, empowerment, and humor, reflecting our shared experiences. We navigated through the nuances of the current political landscape, the colonization of hip hop culture, and the evolving requirements of leadership in a diversifying society. This conversation wasn't just an episode; it was a journey that highlighted the importance of challenging the status quo and the power of our voices in creating a more inclusive, understanding, and empowering future.Be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this episode! Watch this and other full video episodes: www.watchborntobedope.com Follow Born To Be Dope on Instagram: www.instagram.com/iamborntobedope Join the private Born To Be Dope Facebook Group: www.borntobedopegroup.com Follow Ryan C. Greene on Instagram: www.instagram.com/rygisdope Get your Born To Be Dope Apparel: www.weardopetees.com 00:00 From biology to psychology, teaching, and systems.08:04 White replacement theory fuels white superiority ideology.15:04 Example of white supremacy in healthcare outcomes.20:28 Studied mental health needs of black men.24:36 Embracing personal identity and overcoming challenges as author.28:54 White supremacy blinded people fueling US Capitol events.33:05 Six-week author media camp boosts book's reach.39:54 Harvard reflects America; leader faced challenges.42:36 Diversifying c-suite means fewer seats for whites.50:21 Executive coaching helps improve productivity and success.53:14 Media camp helps authors build thriving platforms.59:15 Discussion on mental health and hip hop.01:08:16 Mentor reignited civil rights, shaped personal identity.01:11:24 Hip hop represents diversity and choice in blackness.01:14:41 Overcoming obstacles to achieve dreams and success.

On this episode of Ryan C. Greene's BORN TO BE DOPE, host Ryan C. Greene invites guest Dr. Karim Ellis, a renowned speaker, to discuss how to GPS your way to becoming a dope and successful speaker. Karim emphasizes the importance of knowing one's value and only accepting opportunities that align with their divine assignment. The GPS concept is used to emphasize the importance of being clear on where one is headed to avoid getting sidetracked by unrelated opportunities. The future of the speaking industry is discussed, and Karim shares his advice on how to stand out in an oversaturated industry. Be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this episode! Watch this and other full video episodes: www.watchborntobedope.com Follow Born To Be Dope on Instagram: www.instagram.com/iamborntobedope Join the private Born To Be Dope Facebook Group: www.borntobedopegroup.com Follow Ryan C. Greene on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ryancgreenemedia Get your Born To Be Dope Apparel: www.weardopetees.com[00:04:10] Discover purpose by finding God-given talent.[00:09:10] Finding, mastering, planting, controlling gift/talent stages.[00:14:43] Kill ego, build expertise, focus message.[00:20:20] Clear direction, ditch dead weight, seek growth.[00:22:32] Quick break from show for sponsors/partners. Speaker payout.[00:30:33] Speaker advice: Surround yourself with better speakers.[00:35:35] Speaker must choose lane for building brand.[00:42:26] Delivering spirituality in a non-offensive manner.[00:51:07] "Don't let anyone gaslight your greatness"[00:57:22] Bonus content: Future of speaking industry.[01:00:15] Originality is key for speakers' success.

On this episode of Ryan C. Greene's BORN TO BE DOPE, we dive deep into the world of leadership and creating a millionaire culture with Darnell Self who shares his insights on how to lead people at every level. He discusses the importance of valuing your journey, the impact of negative energy on your growth, and the lessons he learned while building a multimillion dollar business from home. Darnell shares his experience of creating a successful organization with a dope culture and how he's helped 40 people earn six-figure from home before turning 40! Additionally, the episode explores Darnell Self's personal journey and struggles along the way, how he got into podcasting, and the importance of personal development and gratitude. Tune in to hear about creating the best version of oneself and how important your own self talk can be to your success.Be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this episode!Watch this and other full video episodes: www.watchborntobedope.comFollow Born To Be Dope on Instagram: www.instagram.com/iamborntobedopeJoin the private Born To Be Dope Facebook Group: www.borntobedopegroup.comFollow Ryan C. Greene on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ryancgreenemediaGet your Born To Be Dope Apparel: www.weardopetees.com Timestamp Overview:[00:01:11] Darnell shares journey on shifting self-talk, grew up and still lives in Maryland, met spouse at retail clothing store.[00:05:15] Don't compare yourself to others. Success takes time. Be grateful for small things.[00:08:19] Struggle and feelings of disappointment despite completing college; gratitude for journaling and remembering progress.[00:12:58] Important financial lessons learned from past mistakes; teaches value of mentorship and honesty.[00:15:46] Ring celebrates team champions, culture of recognition, helped 40 people earn six figures.[00:18:56] Podcast talks income, quick break before more culture and leadership discussion with guest Darnell Self. Join Facebook group.[00:23:41] Jim Rohn had a cassette system on building an unshakable character at 24 years old, which helped the speaker in their retail management job.[00:27:04] Leading people making $300K-$500K is different, need to fight ego and learn leadership/culture building to succeed. Pricing services at premium levels is key.[00:28:10] Belief in self-worth is key to attracting higher-paying clients who view things differently and value experience over financial success. Mindset determines pricing and value.[00:33:26] Personal growth is about being your dope self and not comparing with others. Removing obstacles can improve performance. Listening more than talking helps in mentoring.[00:35:36] Your energy and attitude matter more than your surroundings, as being in the same location as successful people won't necessarily guarantee your own success.[00:41:01] Hip hop led to relationships, podcast inspired by Big Sean song. Prioritizing podcast with mentor's help.[00:43:35] Don't tell others what to do, respect their vision. Don't overthink, trust your gut.[00:45:15] Shifting timelines, remaining focused on goals.[00:49:49] Lead yourself first to create a loyal following for your podcast.[00:54:10] Be confident and dream big, remember your greatness. We learn from our ancestors and need to step back to improve.