241: From Corporate Success to Entrepreneurial Freedom: Building a Business Without Compromise w/ Derek Lewis
Black to Business
In this episode of the Black to Business podcast, we sit down with Derek Lewis, a seasoned corporate executive turned entrepreneur, as he shares his journey from a 35-year career at PepsiCo to building his own business. Derek discusses the mindset shifts, transferable skills, and strategic planning required to transition from corporate leadership to business ownership. He also explores the importance of relationships, financial discipline, and staying true to your values while growing a business. DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: The importance of mindset when making the leap from a...
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240: Building Your Business with Growth in Mind
Black to Business
Too many entrepreneurs stay focused on what’s in front of them—getting clients, making sales, and keeping their business afloat. While handling the day-to-day is important, real growth happens when you start thinking long-term, even before you feel ready. Bigger opportunities, whether it’s brand partnerships, speaking engagements, sponsorships, or high-level clients, don’t just show up out of nowhere. They come to businesses that have positioned themselves to receive them. And that’s exactly what we’re diving into in this episode. If you’re tired of feeling stuck in survival...
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239: Pivot & Prosper: Turning Setbacks into Comebacks in Business w/ Melva LaJoy Legrand
Black to Business
Setbacks are a part of the journey for every entrepreneur, but they don’t have to be the thing to stop you. They can be the setup for something greater. We understand that overcoming challenges like financial issues, business struggles, or self-doubt can make you question if you’re on the right path. But success isn’t just about having the perfect idea. It’s about being resilient, having the right mindset, and being ready to adjust when things don’t go as planned. In this episode, we dive into what it really takes to turn obstacles into opportunities. Melva LaJoy Legrand,...
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238: How to Prepare Your Business for Hiring Before You Actually Need Help
Black to Business
As a Black entrepreneur, you wear many hats. You’re the CEO, the marketer, the customer service rep, the accountant, and everything in between. But at some point, doing everything yourself will slow your business down, limit your growth, and lead to burnout. The truth is, many entrepreneurs wait too long to hire help, and by the time they do, they’re drowning in work with no clear process to onboard someone effectively. That’s why preparing for hiring before you actually need help is critical. We understand that hiring can feel overwhelming. You might wonder where to start, what...
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237: How to Lead People Who Don’t Think or Look Like You w/ Stephanie Chung
Black to Business
Diverse teams are powerful, but they don’t run on autopilot. As a Black entrepreneur, you’re building something bigger than yourself, whether it’s a small business, a growing startup, or an industry-disrupting venture. But success isn’t just about numbers; it’s about people. And in today’s business world, knowing how to lead people who don’t think or look like you isn’t optional. It’s essential. We understand that leadership can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re managing a team with different backgrounds, communication styles, and experiences. Many resources...
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236: Financial Freedom Redefined: How Digital Currency Can Empower Entrepreneurs w/ Tonya Evans
Black to Business
In this episode, we tackle one of the most transformative topics of our time: how digital currency and blockchain technology are reshaping financial freedom, especially for Black entrepreneurs. With systemic barriers often limiting access to traditional financial systems, the rise of decentralized technologies offers a new path forward. We understand how critical it is for you as an entrepreneur to not only grow your business but also to build sustainable, generational wealth. That’s why this conversation is designed to break down the complexities of digital currency into actionable...
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235: Mastering Brand Messaging: The FAST Method for Building a Powerful Personal Brand w/ Toni S. Brown
Black to Business
Building a powerful personal brand is one of the most effective ways to stand out as an entrepreneur, and in this episode, we’re diving deep into how to do just that. If you’ve ever wondered how to package your expertise, communicate your value, and establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry, this episode is for you. Crafting impactful brand messaging is essential for positioning yourself as an expert in your field, connecting authentically with your audience, and creating opportunities to grow your business. Toni S. Brown shares her FAST Method (Foundation, Audience,...
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234: Scaling Beyond Services: How to Add Products to Your Service-Based Business w/ Anthony Standifer
Black to Business
You’ve built a solid service-based business. Your clients love what you do, and you’re making an impact. But as you think about the future, you’re wondering, “How can I scale without burning out? How can I build something that works for me, even when I’m not actively working?” That’s where adding products to your business comes in. For many service providers, creating a physical product can feel overwhelming. Where do you even start? How do you choose a product that makes sense for your business? And what if it doesn’t sell? These are all valid questions, and in this...
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233: Aligning Your ‘Why’ with Your 2025 Goals
Black to Business
The start of a new year is more than just setting resolutions. It’s about reflecting on your purpose and aligning your goals with what truly matters. As Black entrepreneurs, our journeys are uniquely layered with challenges, wins, and responsibilities that extend beyond business. This episode is designed to help you tap into your "why," ensuring that your 2025 goals are not just impactful but deeply connected to your vision and mission. In this episode, Monique dives into how revisiting your purpose can lead to clarity, focus, and intentional growth in the new year. Whether you’re feeling...
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232: Wrapping Up 2024 & Looking Ahead to 2025
Black to Business
As 2024 comes to a close, this special solo episode is all about reflection, celebration, and intention. It’s been an incredible year for the Black to Business community, and Monique T. Marshall is here to share some of the biggest milestones, the lessons learned, and an exciting look ahead to what’s coming in 2025. For Black entrepreneurs, closing out the year is more than just wrapping up loose ends, it’s about honoring the work you’ve done, reflecting on the challenges and wins, and setting the stage for what’s next. Whether you’re celebrating a year of growth or...
info_outlineStepping out of your comfort zone, facing fear head-on, and taking risks are all part of the entrepreneurial journey—especially for Black entrepreneurs who often have to fight for every inch of success. We understand the weight these decisions carry, and that’s why this episode is dedicated to discussing the importance of embracing risk as a necessary component of growth and success.
In today’s solo episode with Monique T. Marshall, founder of Black to Business, we dive deep into what it really means to take risks in business. We’re not talking about reckless moves; we’re talking about the calculated risks that lead to growth, transformation, and new opportunities. As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to get caught up in the fear of failure, the desire for perfection, or the comfort of playing it safe. But playing it safe rarely leads to greatness. We know that from personal experience and the experiences of many successful entrepreneurs in our community.
Whether you’re struggling with self-doubt, feeling stuck in your current situation, or simply scared to make the next big move, this episode is for you. We’ll explore how to understand and overcome these fears, tap into your deeper “why,” and trust yourself enough to take that leap of faith. You’ll learn how to embrace discomfort, handle failure, and recognize the small signs that show you’re on the right path—even when the journey feels uncertain.
This episode is packed with actionable insights that will encourage you to take bold steps, make decisions with confidence, and ultimately grow both your business and yourself. Let’s push past those limits and start building the future you deserve.
THINGS YOU’LL LEARN DURING THIS EPISODE:
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The importance of knowing your “why” and how it fuels your entrepreneurial journey.
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How faith, belief, and self-trust are essential in overcoming fear and taking risks.
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The necessity of getting comfortable with discomfort and embracing imperfection.
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Why failing fast and learning quickly is crucial to long-term success.
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Tips for managing the emotional rollercoaster that comes with risk-taking.
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The value of having a strong support system when stepping into the unknown.
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How to recognize the small signs that you’re on the right path and use them as
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