Black to Business

Join us as we chat with some of today's top entrepreneurs, creatives, and industry leaders within the Black community as they share tips and resources to help start and grow Black businesses.

298: The Quiet Season in Business (And Why It’s Not a Bad Thing) 04/02/2026

297: What to Do When You Keep Wanting to Shift Directions in Your Business 03/26/2026

297: What to Do When You Keep Wanting to Shift Directions in Your Business You start something in your business, you feel good about it, and then not too long after… you’re already thinking about doing something else. Now you’re questioning if you made the right choice or if you should be going in a completely different direction. That back and forth can slow you down more than you realize, especially when you keep restarting instead of building on what’s already in motion. In this solo episode, Monique breaks down what’s actually behind that constant urge to switch directions. She shares a recent realization from being in two business programs where she noticed she was trying to do too much at once, and how that lack of focus was impacting her growth. This conversation walks you through how to figure out what’s really going on in your business and how to make a clear decision so you can move forward without second guessing yourself. DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Why wanting to switch directions often shows up when the work starts requiring more focus and consistency How to tell the difference between misalignment, boredom, and unfinished work in your business What is actually causing you to second guess your direction A simple way to decide whether you should stay with your current direction or shift How doing too many things at once can split your focus and slow your progress What it looks like to simplify your business and go deeper into what is already working Thank you so much for listening! If you liked this episode, please subscribe to “The Black to Business Podcast” and rate and review on Apple Podcasts: Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast! Connect with us on Instagram: Don’t miss an update! Sign up for our weekly newsletter: /episode/index/show/blacktobusinesspodcast/id/40625895

296: How to Know What to Focus on Next in Your Business 03/19/2026

295: How to Spring Clean Your Business for the Next Level 03/12/2026

294: How to Stop Overcomplicating Your Business 03/05/2026

294: How to Stop Overcomplicating Your Business Running a business often starts with a simple idea. You know what you do, who you help, and the results you’re known for. But as the business grows, something subtle can begin to happen. New offers get added. New platforms get tested. New tools and strategies start stacking on top of each other. Before long, the business that once felt clear and focused begins to feel more complicated than it needs to be. In this solo episode, Monique explores how that shift happens and why so many entrepreneurs unintentionally overcomplicate their businesses while trying to grow. She breaks down the hidden costs that complexity creates behind the scenes, from slower execution to unclear messaging, and why it can make even a successful business feel harder to run. This conversation also walks you through how to recognize when your business has become more complicated than necessary and how to simplify without feeling like you need to start over. Because growth doesn’t always require adding more. Sometimes it comes from refining what already works and focusing your energy where it matters most. THINGS YOU’LL LEARN DURING THIS EPISODE: How businesses gradually become overcomplicated while trying to grow The hidden ways complexity slows down execution and decision making Why complicated offers and messaging make it harder for people to understand what you do How overcomplicating your business can affect your focus, creativity, and momentum Why mastery comes from staying focused on one lane long enough to refine it How to simplify your business by strengthening what already works instead of adding more Thank you so much for listening! If you liked this episode, please subscribe to “The Black to Business Podcast” and rate and review on Apple Podcasts: Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast! Connect with us on Instagram: Don’t miss an update! Sign up for our weekly newsletter: /episode/index/show/blacktobusinesspodcast/id/40321845

293: How to Give Your Business the Focus & Attention It Requires 02/26/2026

292: How to Identify and Leverage the Hidden Assets in Your Business 02/19/2026

292: How to Identify and Leverage the Hidden Assets in Your Business When you think about growth in your business, the instinct is usually to look ahead. What needs to be built next? What needs to be launched? What needs to be improved? But what if the next level of growth is not about adding something new? In this solo episode, Monique walks through how to identify and leverage the hidden assets already inside your business. The proof you’ve collected but never fully analyzed. The patterns in how you think that you’ve never documented. The relationships you’ve built but haven’t structured intentionally. A lot of founders are excellent at producing. Delivering. Creating. Solving. But production and leverage are not the same thing. When revenue depends entirely on your energy, the business can feel like it resets every time you slow down. This conversation breaks down what actually counts as an asset in your business, why high-capacity founders often overlook their own leverage, and how to run a practical audit so you can start building from structure instead of constant effort. If you’ve been working hard but still feel like nothing is stacking, this episode will help you see your business differently and use what you’ve already built more intentionally. DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: What makes something an asset versus just more work How to tell if your business depends entirely on your output Why normalizing your own strengths keeps leverage hidden How proof can shape your positioning and pricing The difference between expertise and a repeatable process Five focused questions to audit and organize what you already have Thank you so much for listening! If you liked this episode, please subscribe to “The Black to Business Podcast” and rate and review on Apple Podcasts: Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast! Connect with us on Instagram: Don’t miss an update! Sign up for our weekly newsletter: /episode/index/show/blacktobusinesspodcast/id/40161255

291: What to Do When You’ve Fallen Out of Love With Your Business 02/12/2026

290: How to Make Hard Business Decisions Even When You Don’t Have All the Information 02/05/2026

289: When What Used to Work Doesn’t Work Anymore 01/29/2026

288: Why Business Feels Hard Right Now (And How to Get Through It) 01/22/2026

288: Why Business Feels Hard Right Now (And How to Get Through It) There are seasons in business where nothing is technically “wrong,” but everything feels heavier than it should. Decisions take longer. Progress feels slower. Motivation comes and goes. The work still matters, but the ease you once felt feels distant. This episode is for the entrepreneur who is still showing up and still committed, but quietly wondering why things feel so difficult right now. After more than a decade in business and hundreds of conversations with Black founders, Monique has noticed a clear pattern. When business feels hard, it is rarely because you are failing. More often, it is because something needs to be addressed, adjusted, or supported differently. In this solo episode, Monique breaks down what a business rut actually is, why it shows up, and how to work your way through it without burning yourself out or questioning everything you have built. This is not a “push harder” conversation. This is a grounding, honest conversation about choosing the right kind of hard and learning how to move forward with intention during demanding seasons. DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Why feeling stuck does not mean you lack discipline, vision, or ability What “hard” really means in business and how to define the kind of hard you are willing to work through The Rut Breaker Method and how to apply it in a realistic way How to strengthen what is already working instead of starting over Thank you so much for listening! If you liked this episode, please subscribe to “The Black to Business Podcast” and rate and review on Apple Podcasts: Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast! Connect with us on Instagram: Don’t miss an update! Sign up for our weekly newsletter: /episode/index/show/blacktobusinesspodcast/id/39821260

287: How to Build Wealth & Opportunity Without Displacing the Community You Serve w/ Logan Herring 01/15/2026

287: How to Build Wealth & Opportunity Without Displacing the Community You Serve w/ Logan Herring You can build something beautiful, grow it, scale it, and still protect the people and culture that made the community what it is. You’ve probably seen the opposite happen, a neighborhood gets “improved” and suddenly the folks who stuck it out through the hard years cannot afford to stay, local businesses get priced out, and the history gets wiped clean. That tension is real, especially when you are a Black entrepreneur trying to build with integrity, not just build for profit. This episode matters because wealth building is not only about money, it is also about who has access, who has voice, and who gets to benefit long term. Logan Herring Sr. joins the show to break down how to create wealth and opportunity without displacement, using lessons from real redevelopment work in Wilmington, Delaware, while keeping the conversation practical for entrepreneurs across any industry. Logan is the CEO of The WRK Group, which includes The Warehouse, REACH Riverside, and Kingswood Community Center. He shares how his team is replacing outdated public housing with high quality mixed income housing, creating pathways for education, health, and economic vitality, and doing it without pushing existing residents out. You will also hear how he thinks about capital, trust, and community partnership, plus the behind the scenes choices that make revitalization ethical and sustainable. DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: The three types of capital that shape wealth Why opportunity and access are not the same, and how outsiders often confuse the two How displacement can happen culturally and economically even when residents stay put What it takes to revitalize a community without repeating the harm that created the conditions in the first place Why Black entrepreneurs need collaboration more than control, and how sharing the pie can create real stability Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast! Connect with us on Instagram: Don’t miss an update! Sign up for our weekly newsletter: /episode/index/show/blacktobusinesspodcast/id/39731890

286: How Black Founders Can Use Bartering to Stretch Resources & Build Stronger Businesses w/ Nicole Murphy 01/08/2026

286: How Black Founders Can Use Bartering to Stretch Resources & Build Stronger Businesses w/ Nicole Murphy If you have ever looked at your to do list and thought, “I know what my business needs next, I just do not have the money for it yet,” this episode will feel familiar. Stretching resources is not about cutting corners, it is about making smart decisions in a system where Black founders often have to do more with less. For many Black entrepreneurs, building a business means navigating limited access to capital, smaller margins for error, and the pressure to figure everything out on your own. That reality can slow growth and lead to burnout, even when the vision is clear. This episode speaks directly to that experience and introduces bartering as a practical way to keep moving forward without waiting on funding, grants, or permission. Joining us for this conversation is Nicole Murphy, founder of Barter Black®, a tech platform and community designed to help Black entrepreneurs exchange products and services using trade credits instead of cash. Nicole shares how the pandemic revealed just how fragile many Black businesses were when income stopped overnight, and why she believes collaboration and structure are essential to building stronger, more sustainable businesses. This conversation focuses on how bartering can be used intentionally to stretch resources, protect your value, and build support around your business in a way that actually works. DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: What bartering really means in a business context and how it differs from favors How Black founders can use bartering to stretch limited resources without lowering their value How to identify skills, products, or resources you already have that others need What to clarify upfront so bartering stays professional and respectful How to protect your time and relationships when exchanging value How to think through when bartering makes sense and when paying is the better move Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast! Connect with us on Instagram: Don’t miss an update! Sign up for our weekly newsletter: /episode/index/show/blacktobusinesspodcast/id/39644435

285: The Audacity to Trust Yourself in Business 01/01/2026

284: Before You Plan, Pause 12/25/2025

283: How to Stop Starting Over & Work With What You Already Have 12/18/2025

283: How to Stop Starting Over & Work With What You Already Have There is a quiet frustration a lot of entrepreneurs are carrying right now. The work is happening. Effort is being put in. Progress is not obvious yet. So the instinct becomes to scrap everything and start again. New idea. New offer. New strategy. New direction. In this solo episode of the Black to Business podcast, we are slowing that impulse down and telling the truth about what is really happening when you feel the need to start over. After speaking with more than 200 Black entrepreneurs on this podcast, one pattern shows up again and again. The founders who eventually find their footing are not constantly resetting. They stay long enough to learn. They adjust with intention instead of reacting out of pressure. This conversation is about resourcefulness, self-trust, and building forward instead of burning everything down when things feel uncomfortable. Inside this episode, we talk honestly about why starting over feels productive, how outside noise and urgency can cloud decision-making, and how to tell the difference between a thoughtful pivot and panicking too soon. This is not about forcing something that is clearly not working. This is about recognizing when you already have more than enough to move forward and learning how to work with it. DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Why starting over often feels like progress even when it keeps you stuck The real difference between pivoting with intention and reacting out of pressure How constant resets prevent you from gathering the information you actually need What it looks like to leverage your existing work, relationships, and systems Why trusting yourself is a business skill, not just a mindset How to strengthen what you already have instead of abandoning it too soon If you have been feeling the urge to scrap everything because things are moving slower than expected, this episode will help you pause, reassess, and move forward with more confidence. You do not need to start over to grow. Sometimes you need to stay. Thank you so much for listening! If you liked this episode, please subscribe to “The Black to Business Podcast” and rate and review on Apple Podcasts: Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast! Connect with us on Instagram: Don’t miss an update! Sign up for our weekly newsletter: /episode/index/show/blacktobusinesspodcast/id/39445920

282: Moving in Silence Is Not a Flex & Why Hiding Your Work Hurts Your Business 12/11/2025

281: How to Let Go of the Mindset That Held You Back This Year 12/04/2025

280: Grateful, But Not Done Yet 11/27/2025

279: How to Build an Online Community You Actually Own w/ D’Angelo Senat 11/20/2025

279: How to Build an Online Community You Actually Own w/ D’Angelo Senat Many Black entrepreneurs know what it feels like to consistently show up online, grow a following, build connection, and still feel like the space you are building on does not fully belong to you. The rules change, your reach shifts, and suddenly everything you worked for feels like it is sitting in someone else’s hands. This episode speaks to the founder who wants stability, ownership, and the freedom to build without worrying about algorithms or disappearing access. D’Angelo Senat joins us to break down what it takes to create an online community that is truly yours. He is the Founder and CEO of AllPeep, an open-source platform designed to help leaders own their data, their conversations, and their digital presence. His journey as an engineer and builder who has supported thousands of founders gives him a unique perspective on how ownership shapes the future of your business. He shares what real ownership looks like, why it matters for Black entrepreneurs, and how to create a space that grows with you. This conversation offers clarity for the entrepreneur who wants to strengthen their brand, deepen their community, and create a digital home that cannot be taken away. There is real power in ownership, and this episode walks you through how to claim it. DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Why building your community on rented platforms limits your growth and impact What it really means to “own” your community and how to start shifting your mindset Step-by-step actions to create a digital space that you control from day one How to keep your audience engaged and connected without relying on social media algorithms The power of data ownership and how it protects your brand and creative work How community ownership helps Black entrepreneurs build legacy, not just visibility Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast! Connect with us on Instagram: Don’t miss an update! Sign up for our weekly newsletter: /episode/index/show/blacktobusinesspodcast/id/39105885

278: How to Keep Showing Up When Sales Feel Slow 11/13/2025

277: What Every Black Founder Should Know Before Raising Their First Venture Capital Round w/ James Norman 11/06/2025

277: What Every Black Founder Should Know Before Raising Their First Venture Capital Round w/ James Norman You’ve probably heard the phrase “raise capital to scale your business” more times than you can count. But when it comes to venture capital, most Black founders quickly realize that the rules, access, and exposure are not the same. The reality is that getting VC funding is not about how hard you work, it is about how strategically you prepare and how well you understand the game you are walking into. In this episode, we are breaking down what that really looks like with James Norman, Managing Partner at Black Operator Ventures and a 3x founder who has seen both sides of the table. James has built and led companies for nearly three decades and now invests in extraordinary Black founders who are building tech and tech-enabled businesses that change industries. During this conversation, James gives a real-world breakdown of what venture capital actually is, how to know if it is right for you, and what to have in place before you ever pitch an investor. He also shares what it means to be a Black founder in rooms that were not built for us, how to maintain your power dynamic during fundraising, and why the most successful founders focus less on chasing checks and more on building excellence. DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: The real meaning of venture capital and how it differs from loans, grants, and bootstrapping How to determine if your business model and growth potential fit the VC path What VC readiness truly looks like before you start pitching Why your mindset and power dynamic matter just as much as your pitch deck The realities of being a solo founder, how to build the right support team, and what investors actually look for How to navigate life after funding, from scaling your team to keeping control of your vision Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast! Connect with us on Instagram: Don’t miss an update! Sign up for our weekly newsletter: /episode/index/show/blacktobusinesspodcast/id/38928115

276: Now What? Turning Your Consistent Content Into Results During the Holiday Season 10/30/2025

275: What Creating Consistent Content Taught Me About My Audience (and Myself) 10/23/2025

275: What Creating Consistent Content Taught Me About My Audience (and Myself) If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the things, posting, planning, showing up, and still wondering if it’s working, this episode will give you real clarity. This week, Monique is pulling back the curtain on what publishing over 270 podcast episodes and sending weekly emails has taught her about showing up consistently. You’ll learn why content is not just about being seen, but about building something that people can come back to again and again. Content is how you: Learn who your audience really is Build long-term trust Clarify your message Guide people back to your offer, your site, or your platform Daily posts are not the requirement. A system that fits your life and business goals is what will help you stay consistent. In this episode, you’ll learn: How consistency revealed who Monique’s audience actually was Why posting daily is not necessary for growth or visibility What it means to guide your audience back to something you own How to stay consistent with content as a solo entrepreneur or small team A challenge to help you build a schedule you can stick to Bonus: Monique is hosting a live Quick Win Workshop on Wednesday, October 29. You’ll walk away with a 30-day content plan that fits your business even if you’re doing it solo. Sign up at (If you’re catching this after the live event, that link will direct you to replays or upcoming sessions.) Looking for a ready-to-go system? The 30 Days of Content in Hours Shortcut is now available at . It’s the same method Monique uses to plan content for the podcast, newsletter, and social platforms. Thank you so much for listening! If you liked this episode, please subscribe to “The Black to Business Podcast” and rate and review on Apple Podcasts: Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast! Connect with us on Instagram: Don’t miss an update! Sign up for our weekly newsletter: /episode/index/show/blacktobusinesspodcast/id/38751060

274: How to Use Content to Build Credibility 10/16/2025

273: The Power of Visibility & Consistent Content For Black Founders 10/09/2025

273: The Power of Visibility & Consistent Content For Black Founders Visibility can make or break your business. You can have the best product or service, but if people don’t see it, they can’t support it. This week’s episode of the Black to Business podcast dives into why visibility is power and how consistent content builds credibility for Black founders. Because for us, being visible isn’t just about posting more. It’s about being remembered, trusted, and chosen for what we bring to the table. Many Black entrepreneurs are still building without access to big teams, media features, or industry connections. The game has changed though. Digital tools and social media have given us the power to create our own platforms and control our own narratives. If staying consistent feels overwhelming, this conversation will help you simplify it. You’ll walk away understanding how to make visibility a natural part of your business, not another task on your list. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN: Why visibility is the new currency of credibility for Black founders How to use consistent content to build trust, recognition, and opportunity What makes visibility feel hard and how to move through that fear How to define what visibility looks like for you without burning out Why social media is a powerful equalizer when you learn to use it intentionally How to use tools and AI to stay visible and consistent, especially in busy seasons Thank you so much for listening! If you liked this episode, please subscribe to “The Black to Business Podcast” and rate and review on Apple Podcasts: Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast! Connect with us on Instagram: Don’t miss an update! Sign up for our weekly newsletter: /episode/index/show/blacktobusinesspodcast/id/38518195

272: How to Create Consistent Content Without the Overwhelm 10/02/2025

271: The Selfish Leader: How Prioritizing YOU Can Help Your Business Grow Rapidly with/ Dawn Christian 09/25/2025

270: Why Business Owners Can't Ignore AI & Tools And Trends To Look Out For w/ Stacy Kirk 09/18/2025

269: Making Money While Making a Difference: Scaling and Sustainability for Social Justice Organizations w/ Jasmine Crowe-Houston 09/11/2025

269: Making Money While Making a Difference: Scaling and Sustainability for Social Justice Organizations w/ Jasmine Crowe-Houston You want to build something that actually changes lives, and you also need it to pay the bills. You have felt the pressure to choose one or the other, purpose or profit, when what you really want is both. This episode is for you if you are wrestling with questions like how do I fund my mission, how do I prove my impact, and how do I scale without losing the heart of why I started. In this conversation, you will learn from Jasmine Crowe-Houston, award winning social entrepreneur and founder and CEO of Goodr. Jasmine has built a technology powered company that has redirected more than 25 million pounds of food and delivered nearly 40 million meals by connecting surplus to need, and she has opened dozens of free Goodr Grocery Stores that bring dignified, affordable access to healthy food. She breaks down the real story behind making money while making a difference, from pricing and partnerships to data and mindset, and she is refreshingly honest about what it takes for Black founders to build and sustain social impact at scale. DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: How to choose a problem worth solving and translate it into a clear, fundable business model Ways to price a social enterprise by mapping your customer’s current spend and proving cost savings What metrics to track so you can show both social outcomes and business results How to approach investors versus foundations and what to emphasize with each audience Practical strategies to scale impact while staying rooted in community and mission Mindset habits that help you push through rejection, protect your energy, and lead for the long term Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast! Connect with us on Instagram: Don’t miss an update! Sign up for our weekly newsletter: /episode/index/show/blacktobusinesspodcast/id/37890930

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