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On this episode, Shirley Rogers-Reese, a seasoned leader with a wealth of experience accrued over 34 years in the McDonald's Corporation. Her unique insights into corporate culture, mentorship, and the power of legacy are invaluable. Shirley shares about her remarkable path—from working her way up through the ranks in the U.S. to becoming a pivotal force in expanding McDonald's operations in Indonesia.

Shirley recounts her family's encouragement to pursue bold career opportunities, including her transition to managing multiple restaurants overseas. Hear her touching stories about the lessons learned through her son’s initial struggles with the move and how a simple meal at McDonald's changed everything for him. These anecdotes reflect her belief that success isn't just about business outcomes—it's about nurturing relationships and overcoming adversity as a family.

Throughout the conversation, Shirley emphasizes the importance of developing skills that prepare the next generation for a bright future. She shares practical advice on financial literacy and the significance of building wealth sustainably. Shirley's mantra that "success is a journey always under construction" will resonate with anyone striving for personal growth and community impact.

Listening to her journey not only inspires us to value mentorship and community service but also encourages us to define our legacies through the lives we touch and the support we give each other. Join us in discovering how to balance professional aspirations with personal commitments, all while lifting others as we rise.

Be sure to tune in and share your thoughts! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review to help spread the wisdom and inspiration from Shirley’s incredible story.

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Black History Icon: Catherine Willis is a member of the Columbus, Ohio Hall of Fame, and her legacy extends far beyond her accomplishments. She co-founded Friends of Art for Community Enrichment (F.A.C.E.) nearly 50 years ago, introducing children to the art and culture of Africa and African Americans. Catherine's passion is to encourage minority students to explore their musical talents. As the founder of Urban Strings, she provides opportunities for young people to develop their skills and love for music. And as Co-Founder of the Helen Jenkins Davis Scholarship Lunch Bunch, she helps make college education a reality for minority students. Catherine’s impact on the community extends far beyond her organizations. She received the prestigious Harrison M. Sayre Award from Columbus Foundation in 2020, recognizing her commitment to empowering African American students in Columbus City Schools.

With a deep-rooted commitment to nurturing young talent, Catherine emphasizes the power of community support, education, and faith in transforming lives. Hear firsthand how her upbringing in a supportive village environment and the lessons learned from her mother, a dedicated teacher, fueled her life's mission to empower underserved children.

Catherine Willis an over 50 year member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. In this episode, learn about the collaborative efforts that have turned these dreams into reality, showcasing the incredible achievements of young talents like Tristan Davis and Red Coltrane Ingram. Catherine's story is a testament to the importance of representation in the arts and the cultural enrichment these initiatives bring to communities.

Celebrate a legacy of service and empowerment as Catherine shares touching anecdotes about former students who have thrived under her mentorship. From a Juilliard graduate making waves in the arts to a plumber inspired by small gestures of kindness, the ripple effect of her work is undeniable. This episode honors her faith-driven journey and the lasting impact of community support, leaving listeners inspired by the profound legacy of empowerment she's built.

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Music Producer, Job Clarkson describes the seven essential mindsets that can lead to a lasting legacy. As a multifaceted artist and the visionary behind the Heart of Job Foundation, Job captivates us with his journey from collaborating with music icons like Ludacris and Rick Ross to founding his own record label, Black Box Entertainment. He shares personal anecdotes that emphasize the importance of making every moment count and reveals how an oversight with TI taught him the value of seizing opportunities. Through an interactive exercise, we reflect on how believing in dreams, leading with passion, and taking accountability can transform our lives and build a sense of community.

We explore the profound impact of passion, accountability, and gratitude on achieving true fulfillment. Job's insights underscore that happiness comes from pursuing what you love, not just chasing financial success. He recounts how honesty in a difficult situation led to a pivotal opportunity and discusses how adversity can be a catalyst for gratitude and resilience. As we wrap up, we're reminded of the importance of recognizing early chances, like becoming a YouTube partner, and acting with intention. Join us in embedding these mindsets into daily life, as we promise they will bring significant positive changes and help in crafting your own lifelong legacy.

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Christian Johnson and Northland High School student Caden Gadjigo share how they turned their passions into thriving entrepreneurial ventures. Christian reveals her evolution from crafting greeting cards to becoming a business co-founder of ABC Black Iconic Figures, driven by a thirst for autonomy and a deep commitment to education. Meanwhile, Columbus Northland high school senior Caden shares how a simple sketch set him on a journey to fashion entrepreneurship and creation of his Creatively Guided Attire clothing brand . Together, they offer a wealth of insight and inspiration for anyone on a similar entrepreneurial quest.

In this engaging episode, we also discover how Christian's initiative, ABC Black Iconic Figures, born from the challenges of 2020, aims to empower black and brown students through representation and diverse role models. We explore the vital role of business connections and mentorship in shaping careers, as Christian and Caden recount their experiences with organizations like MBK and Columbus Fashion Alliance. Through their stories, listeners will find valuable lessons on the importance of authenticity, hard work, and perseverance in building a lasting legacy in the creative design world.

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Gene Smith, a Division I athletic director for nearly 40 years was a trailblazer for Black college administrators. In 1986 when he earned his first athletic director job, he was one of two Black Division I-A athletic directors. Through his diversity and inclusion efforts, Smith has played a big role in administrators from underrepresented groups earning athletic director jobs themselves.

Gene Smith’s true legacy can be seen in his diverse pipeline around the country including, Patrick Chun became the first Asian American AD at a Power 5 school when Washington State hired him in 2018; Martin Jarmond spent three years as Boston College’s AD before heading to UCLA in 2020. BenJay spent a stint as Hawaii’s AD for two years and is now the CFO for the Big West Conference; Heather Lyke was hired as Pittsburgh’s AD in 2017, Diana Sabau hired as Utah State’s next AD and TJ Shelton was hired as Case Western Reserve’s AD in 2022.

Gene Smith a true door opener for Black College Administrators at the Power 5 Level and throughout all of college athletics.

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Kristen Jones Miller's entrepreneurial journey is both inspiring and transformative. Driven by a personal frustration with the lack of suitable nude lip colors for darker skin tones, Kristen co-founded Minted Cosmetics with Amanda Johnson, turning a light bulb moment into a multi-million dollar success. Their story is a testament to the power of creativity and resilience, as well as the vital role of community support. Kristen shares how her faith and the encouragement from Second Baptist Church empowered her to pursue her dreams. This episode is a must-listen for anyone keen to understand the intersection of entrepreneurship and legacy-building, especially in the context of addressing the needs of underrepresented communities.

We also tackle the challenging landscape Black founders face in securing venture capital, with Kristen detailing her journey and the strategies she employed to overcome these odds. After pitching to 70-80 investors before receiving an initial $50,000 investment, Kristen emphasizes the importance of persistence, market demand, and mentorship. She also highlights the influence mentors like Coach Tim Brown and others have had on her journey. Transitioning into her role as a full-time professor at The Ohio State University, Kristen explores her passion for teaching and her unique philosophy, prioritizing class participation and critical thinking over traditional exams, offering invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs setting out to create their vision for the future.

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BAB Podcast Black History Month Episode. Judge Yvette McGee Brown. Judge Brown was the first African American woman elected to the Franklin County Common Pleas Court in 1992, and in January 2011, she became the first African American woman to serve as a Justice on the Supreme Court of Ohio.

Judge Brown graduated from Columbus City Schools and attended Ohio University with a degree in Journalism/Public Relations, followed by her Juris Doctorate from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. She has honorary degrees from Urbana University, Ohio Dominican University, and Wilberforce University.
Judge Brown has three children and two grandchildren. She is married to Tony Brown, a retired educator.

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Pastor Keith Bradley, Heirs Christian Center Church in Charlotte, North Carolina is a dynamic leader with a compelling story, joins us to uncover the profound intersection of faith and purpose. From his early days in Newark, New Jersey, where he navigated the challenges of foster care and his mother's mental health struggles, to becoming a beacon of spiritual guidance for athletes at Ohio State University, Pastor Bradley's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Discover how his passion for sports and personal resilience fueled his commitment to ministry, shaping the lives of countless individuals and families in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Hear firsthand about the pivotal moments that transformed Pastor Bradley's life, notably his work in juvenile corrections, which ignited a lifelong dedication to serving youth through faith. His extraordinary story takes us through his commitment to celibacy until marriage and distancing from secular influences, leading to impactful ministry on college campuses through Inside Stuff Campus Ministry. Through these initiatives, Pastor Bradley highlights the power of mentorship and spiritual growth, demonstrating how they cultivate personal and community development.

As we wrap up our conversation, we explore the themes of legacy and personal growth through the lens of faith. Pastor Bradley passionately speaks about leaving a "faith file" rich with values and experiences for future generations, urging listeners to embrace their unique identities and purposefully impact the world around them. Uncover how embodying the traits of a 'baller' can propel you toward achieving both personal and spiritual milestones, inspiring you to build a lasting legacy that resonates beyond your lifetime.

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