Liz Thompson is an investor, philanthropist, and CEO of the Café Group, whose story embodies ambition, faith, and love in action. From her beginnings in Chicago’s Cabrini Green to co-founding Cleveland Avenue with her husband, former McDonald’s CEO Don Thompson, Liz has built a legacy around pouring into people and proving that love is a strategy for leadership, not a sentiment. In this inspiring episode of So Ambitious, Liz opens up about what it means to take leaps of faith, navigate “no’s” as data points, and use abundance as a guiding force. She shares lessons on mentorship, marriage, and building both billion-dollar businesses and impact-driven communities, rooted in faith, excellence, and purpose. “No is a data point. It’s information that makes you stronger for the next yes.” – Liz Thompson Through personal stories of resilience, risk-taking, and radical love, Tune in as Liz reminds us that the real work of leadership isn’t about titles… it’s about sending the elevator back down and bringing others up with you. KEY POINTS  - Growing up in Cabrini Green and learning the value of love, resilience, and self-worth - Starting college at 16 and tackling the challenges of being “the only one” in the room - Lessons from corporate life at Ameritech: excellence, humility, and constructive feedback - Taking the leap from corporate to purpose - founding City Year Chicago - The story behind Cleveland Avenue and The Café Group: building wealth and impact - Love as leadership: why “I am the elevator” became Liz’s life mantra - The power of mentorship, faith, and being in relationship with your community - Turning rejection into growth: “No is a data point.” - Redefining abundance and what it means to lead, give, and build with love - The urgency of investing in education and betting on overlooked genius in our communities  QUOTES  “Genius is everywhere, but opportunity is not. We invest in the people closest to the answers.” – Liz Thompson “Love is a strategy. Nothing of any importance will happen without it.” – Liz Thompson “Abundance has always existed—it’s our limitations that stop us from touching it.” – Felecia Hatcher RESOURCES Liz Thompson  Website | www.thecafe.org/  Felecia Hatcher IG | @feleciahatcher Black Ambition IG | @blackambitionprize So Ambitious is produced by EPYC Media 

Tiffany Aliche, better known as The Budgetnista, built a multimillion-dollar empire rooted in transparency, discipline, and service. From being scammed out of $35,000 and sleeping on her sister’s couch to leading a global financial education movement, Tiffany’s story is a masterclass in rebuilding, resilience, and radical integrity. In this episode of So Ambitious, Tiffany joins host Felecia Hatcher to unpack her journey from preschool teacher to eight-figure entrepreneur. She breaks down what it really means to build a profitable, values-based business without outside funding, how to heal a toxic relationship with money, and why slow and steady growth beats overnight success every time. Tiffany also opens up about her late husband’s influence, her unique leadership style, and how she’s creating generational impact through community, honesty, and heart-centered entrepreneurship. This episode is a blueprint for founders, dreamers, and builders who want to grow sustainably – without losing their soul in the process. KEY POINTS  - Tiffany’s traumatic financial wake-up call: losing $35,000 to a scam before the recession - Rebuilding from $300,000 in debt and moving back home with her parents - The power of community and vulnerability in overcoming financial shame - Turning pain into purpose: from teaching preschool to teaching personal finance - How The Budgetnista became an eight-figure, self-funded business - Why venture capital wasn’t her path and how she built wealth through ownership - Creating a healthy company culture rooted in trust, rest, and autonomy - Financial wellness as emotional wellness: healing toxic money beliefs - How Tiffany runs a debt-free business that prioritizes team wellbeing and sustainability - Legacy redefined: kindness, obedience, and being a vessel for impact QUOTES  “The worst thing for someone who’s not ready for success is to become successful.” – Tiffany Aliche “You don’t have to be perfect before you start; you just have to be willing to grow.” – Tiffany Aliche “Revenue is freedom—it’s what allows you to serve with integrity.”  – Felecia Hatcher “Money is an amplifier. If you have poor business habits, funding will only make it worse.” – Tiffany Aliche “Entrepreneurship will rock you, but it will also reveal you. It pulls you to your highest self if you let it.” – Tiffany Aliche RESOURCES  Tiffany Aliche Felecia Hatcher IG | @feleciahatcher Black Ambition IG | @blackambitionprize So Ambitious is produced by EPYC Media 

Michael Barclay is the Chief Events Officer of Sundial Media Group, the company behind the Essence Festival of Culture – one of the largest and longest-running cultural events in the world. From managing a $10 billion finance portfolio to orchestrating global experiences that celebrate Black joy, Michael’s career proves what happens when passion meets precision. In this episode of So Ambitious, Michael sits down with Felecia Hatcher to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to build and sustain an iconic brand like Essence Fest. He shares lessons on leadership, longevity, and logistics, especially why the festival is more than an event, it’s a living ecosystem, and the mindset required to grow with courage in an era of change. From his first entrepreneurial “failure” that taught him everything about contracts, time, and worth, to launching his new tech platform Crowded House, Michael unpacks how he’s redefining cultural value, authenticity, and ownership in the events and tech worlds. This conversation is a masterclass in ambition, resilience, and building legacy through community, creativity, and conviction. KEY POINTS  - Essence Festival as a living, breathing ecosystem  - The real story behind Essence Fest 2024: challenges, resilience, and evolution - How to balance consumer emotion, business logistics, and cultural impact - Lessons from failure: the business, financial, and emotional tuition of entrepreneurship - Turning a setback into strategy – learning contracts, pricing, and the value of time - Balancing art and science of decision-making - Building Crowded House: bringing human energy back to virtual events - Why culture is a premium asset and how to prove its business value - The importance of honesty, transparency, and long-term relationship building in business - How to protect legacy while evolving for the next generation of creators QUOTES  “When you’re building something for community, you’re not just managing logistics…you’re protecting legacy.” – Felecia Hatcher “There are humans behind everything—behind every brand, every experience.” –  Michael Barclay “All business ain’t good business. Know your numbers and know your worth.” –  Michael Barclay “You can’t build for longevity if you’re afraid to evolve.” – Michael Barclay “The cost of neglecting your genius is higher than any check.” – Felecia Hatcher RESOURCES  Michael Barclay LinkedIn | @iambarclay  Felecia Hatcher IG | @feleciahatcher Black Ambition IG | @blackambitionprize So Ambitious is produced by EPYC Media 

Candace Washington is a licensed psychotherapist, Air Force veteran, production therapist, and author whose journey embodies resilience, transformation, and purpose. From surviving suicide attempts and battling alcoholism to walking away from a federal career and choosing her own healing, Candace has built a thriving practice where she now serves high performers, creatives, and entrepreneurs at the intersection of mental health and ambition. Today, Candace shares her story of wandering, healing, and stepping into her calling. She unpacks what burnout really is (and what it isn’t), the hidden cost of wearing the “cape,” and the importance of redefining success around rest, joy, and liberation. She also dives into imposter syndrome, loneliness in entrepreneurship, and why therapy should be proactive - not just for crisis moments. This conversation serves as a reminder that ambition without wellness is unsustainable—and that prioritizing yourself can unlock both healing and a lasting legacy.  KEY POINTS  - From Air Force veteran to licensed psychotherapist: Candace’s personal journey of survival and healing - Why wearing the “mask” and “cape” leads to burnout, and how to take them off - Redefining success: rest, joy, and liberation as entrepreneurial pillars - Burnout vs. exhaustion: how to recognize the difference (and act before crisis) - The mental health toll on entrepreneurs: loneliness, fear of failure, imposter syndrome - Why therapy is a proactive tool, not just a last resort - Understanding the “cup and saucer” strategy for self-care and sustainability - The role of vulnerability, intimacy, and surrender in leadership and entrepreneurship - Building trusted community and safe spaces beyond social media “highlights” - Candace: Anchoring ambition in purpose, authenticity, and uninterrupted joy QUOTABLES  “If we invest in entrepreneurs but don’t prioritize their mental health, we’re being irresponsible.” – Felecia Hatcher “Rest is radical. Rest is liberation. Rest is success.” – Candace Washington “Imposter syndrome tells you you’re not deserving. Put your thoughts on trial and check the evidence.” – Candace Washington “My pillars are joy, peace, and liberation. Happiness is fleeting, but joy is something no one can take from me.” – Candace Washington “People will adjust to your boundaries. The only way to serve everything else is to listen to your body.” – Felecia Hatcher RESOURCES  Candace Washington IG | @candacewrites Felecia Hatcher IG | @feleciahatcher Black Ambition IG | @blackambitionprize So Ambitious is produced by EPYC Media 

What happens when two visionary creators collide at the intersection of comedy, technology, and music?  In this episode of So Ambitious, host Felicia Hatcher sits down with Zayd Portillo (creatrgd) and King Willonius, creator of “BBL Drizzy”, to unpack their journeys in tech, AI, and cultural innovation. From viral comedy hits to groundbreaking AI music, Zayd and King are pushing boundaries on how Black creators can own their narratives, monetize their IP, and turn moments into movements. They reflect on early experiments with Clubhouse, YouTube, and Twitch, the birth of viral songs like BBL Drizzy, and how AI tools are reshaping artistry, ownership, and community.  This conversation is equal parts hilarious and profound, revealing the tension between incubation and deadlines, internal validation and external recognition, and what it really takes to stay consistent (even when the world doesn’t quite understand your vision yet). If you’ve ever wrestled with impostor syndrome, felt pressure to deliver under deadlines, or wondered how AI is transforming creativity, this episode is for you. KEY POINTS - How early experimentation on YouTube, Twitch, and Clubhouse sharpened creative skills - The viral phenomenon of BBL Drizzy and what it revealed about culture and community - Navigating impostor syndrome and redefining what it means to be “creative” - The role of deadlines, hackathons, and incubation periods in producing great work - Why Black creators must embrace AI tools to own the next wave of innovation - Balancing business deadlines with the creative process - Building future-ready platforms: virtual artists, dome experiences, and AI-driven IP - How faith, timing, and consistency shape long-term creative success QUOTABLES  “Comedy is the easiest way to introduce people to scary new tech.” - Zayd Portillo “Sometimes you’re just the vessel — the idea is bigger than you.” -  King Willonius “If you fight for your limitations, you get to keep them.” - Felicia Hatcher “Great art is polarizing. If people love it and hate it, you’re onto something.” - Zayd Portillo “We need to stop saying we’ll get left behind in AI and start saying we’re mastering it.” -  King Willonius RESOURCES Zayd Portillo  IG | @creatrgod King Willonius  IG | @kingwillonius Felecia Hatcher IG | @feleciahatcher Black Ambition IG | @blackambitionprize So Ambitious is produced by EPYC Media 

Alphonzo "Phonz" Terrell, co-founder and CEO of Spill, is rewriting what it means to build community online. From his early days in music and media to leading social strategy at HBO and Twitter, Alphonzo’s journey embodies the intersection of culture, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. After being laid off during Twitter’s transition, he transformed a setback into an opportunity by launching Spill: a Black-owned social platform designed for safer, more rewarding, and more authentic online connections. In this episode of So Ambitious, Alphonzo opens up about the urgency of creating digital spaces rooted in trust, cultural fluency, and joy. He shares lessons from building at the highest levels of entertainment and tech, how Buddhism guides his leadership philosophy, and why dismantling gatekeeping is critical for future generations of Black entrepreneurs. This conversation explores risk, resilience, and redefining authenticity in the era of AI. If you’re an entrepreneur, creator, or community builder who believes ambition is about more than vanity metrics, Alphonzo’s story is proof of how vision and conviction can create movements with lasting impact. As he reminds us: “Entrepreneurship is really an act of faith. You’re creating something from nothing.” KEY POINTS  - How a “Great Day at Inkwell” photo became a cultural moment for Black ownership and legacy - Alphonzo’s transition from music to media to tech - Lessons from HBO, Insecure, and Twitter on how conversations online reshape culture - Why marginalized communities drive internet trends yet face the most harm online - Founding Spill: designing platforms that prioritize joy, safety, and fair credit for creators - Redefining “builder” beyond technical vs. non-technical labels - Spill’s vision: To have safer, more rewarding, and more human digital connections - The role of Buddhism in Alphonzo’s leadership and resilience - Why gatekeeping harms Black entrepreneurs - The power of collaboration and equity crowdfunding - On raising millions in venture funding while centering culture and community impact QUOTABLES  “One out of every two Black people has experienced hate speech online in the past year. It’s a health crisis, not just a business problem.” – Alphonzo Terrell “Authenticity is just a proxy for trust, consistency, subject matter expertise, and honesty.”  – Alphonzo Terrell “Gatekeeping comes from white supremacy telling us there’s only one seat on the bus. We need to expand the pie into a garden where everyone eats.” – Alphonzo Terrell “If we’ve been blessed with platforms, what are we going to build to unleash the next generation?” – Alphonzo Terrell RESOURCES  Alphonzo "Phonz" Terrell Website | www.spill.com  Felecia Hatcher IG | @feleciahatcher Black Ambition IG | @blackambitionprize So Ambitious is produced by EPYC Media

Welcome back!  In this inspiring episode of So Ambitious, we sit down with Ingrid Best, founder of IBest Wines, to unpack her bold journey from corporate spirits executive to visionary wine entrepreneur. Ingrid reveals how her time in South Africa unlocked her creative superpower, why she walked away at the height of her career to launch her own brand, and how she’s rewriting the rules of storytelling, brand-building, and legacy creation. From the messy middle of entrepreneurship to navigating naysayers, fundraising challenges, and staying true to her love for wine, Ingrid shares the lessons that keep her grounded, ambitious, and committed to lifting others along the way. Whether you’re a creative, a founder, or someone daring to take a big leap, this conversation will fuel your courage to bet on yourself. KEY POINTS - South Africa unlocked Ingrid’s creative superpower and fueled her vision for IBest Wines - Lessons from working with global giants like Diageo, Bacardi, and Moët Hennessy shaped her brand approach - How storytelling and showing the “messy middle” are essential for building authentic brands - Walking away from a top corporate role was the bold step toward her true passion - How naysayers pushed her to focus, stay quiet, and trust her vision - Focus is a discipline; mentorship, walking, and long flights became part of her process - Mentorship revealed confidence as the key barrier holding young women back - Building IBest Wines with personal capital, then raised support from trusted Black women investors - Transparency with investors and the community builds resilience during challenges - Ingrid: Legacy is about self-belief, equity for women, and creating generational wealth QUOTABLES  “I’m a 20-year overnight success. Everything I know came from working with the biggest brands in the world.” – Ingrid Best “People don’t just want to see the perfect ad. They want to see the messy middle.” – Ingrid Best “I walked away from the height of my career because I finally had the faith, courage, and ambition to bet on myself.” – Ingrid Best “Legacy for me is equity, global storytelling, and proving that big acquisitions can close the wealth gap.” – Ingrid Best RESOURCES Ingrid Best  IG | @Ms_Ibest Ibest Wines  IG | @ibestwines/  Felecia Hatcher IG | @feleciahatcher Black Ambition IG | @blackambitionprize So Ambitious is produced by EPYC Media 

Our culture is being packaged, praised, and profited from without ever being protected. Until now. In this Season 3 premiere of So Ambitious, host Felecia Hatcher sits down with two visionary founders reshaping the way we think about ownership, culture, and commerce. 🏗️ Lanny Smith, founder of Actively Black, built a purpose-driven athleisure brand with its own Black-owned supply chain, sourcing cotton from Black farmers and reinvesting over 10% of profits back into the community. His mission: to prove that Black excellence is not a niche, it’s global. 💡 Tommy Johnson, founder of Made with Black Culture, is pioneering a new standard for cultural equity. Using blockchain to certify ethical trade and authentic representation of Black culture, he’s ensuring that creators—and the communities they come from—finally get credit and compensation for what they’ve built. Together, they unpack what it means to move beyond “representation” toward reclamation: of value, of narrative, and of power. This episode is the heartbeat of Season 3 - a masterclass in building legacy with integrity and turning ambition into infrastructure. Because ambition doesn’t need permission. It needs protection. KEY POINTS   - Why both founders chose social impact over traditional career paths - Lanny’s NBA dream, career-ending injury, and pivot to entrepreneurship - Tommy’s “moment of obligation” after Philando Castile’s death and vision for cultural equity - Actively Black: building the “Black Nike” through purpose, storytelling, and community reinvestment - Made with Black Culture: certifying Black cultural influence for ethical trade and economic power - The role of messaging vs. data in shifting consumer behavior and values - Why we must stop saying “support Black business” and start saying “value Black business” - Lessons learned in scaling fast, raising capital, and navigating bias in venture funding - The $15 trillion opportunity in commerce to transform communities by 2050 - Legacy: protecting Black culture, creating infrastructure, and proving global brand potential QUOTABLES  “Actively Black isn’t just apparel. The clothes are a uniform for the movement.” – Lanny Smith “This is a conversation we needed years ago and still desperately need today, because building Black brands isn’t just about representation - it’s about reclaiming the narrative, the revenue, and the right to own what we create.” – Felecia Hatcher “A person’s loyalty is directly proportionate to their level of feeling appreciated.” – Tommy Johnson “Brands have profited billions off Black culture while giving little back. It’s time we build our own table.” – Lanny Smith RESOURCES Lanny Smith  IG | @l.smith23 Actively Black  IG | @activelyblack Tommy Johnson  IG | @tommyljohnson Made with Black Culture IG | @tommyljohnson Felecia Hatcher IG | @feleciahatcher Black Ambition IG | @blackambitionprize So Ambitious is produced by EPYC Media

This season, it’s about ownership. Because ambition doesn’t need permission. Welcome to Season 3 of So Ambitious - the award-winning podcast from Pharrell Williams’ Black Ambition Prize, hosted by Felecia Hatcher. This season, we’re amplifying the stories of founders who are building uninterrupted - from tech innovators to creative entrepreneurs - all defying the odds and reimagining what’s possible for the next generation. Each conversation dives deep into the real journey behind ambition: the resilience, the risk, the purpose, and the community that makes it all possible. Because when Black and Hispanic founders thrive, the future does too. 🎧 Subscribe to the So Ambitious Podcast and join us in celebrating what it means to build boldly, create with intention, and lead with legacy. 🔗 Learn more: https://blackambitionprize.com 📱 Follow @blackambitionprize on Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn #SoAmbitious #BlackAmbitionPrize #PharrellWilliams #FeleciaHatcher #BlackEntrepreneurs #HispanicEntrepreneurs #LegacyBuilders #Founders #Startups #Innovation #PurposeDrivenBusiness RESOURCES  Felecia Hatcher IG | @feleciahatcher Black Ambition IG | @blackambitionprize So Ambitious is produced by EPYC Media 

This season, it’s about ownership. Because ambition doesn’t need permission. Welcome to Season 3 of So Ambitious - the award-winning podcast from Pharrell Williams’ Black Ambition Prize, hosted by Felecia Hatcher. This season, we’re amplifying the stories of founders who are building uninterrupted - from tech innovators to creative entrepreneurs - all defying the odds and reimagining what’s possible for the next generation. Each conversation dives deep into the real journey behind ambition: the resilience, the risk, the purpose, and the community that makes it all possible. Because when Black and Hispanic founders thrive, the future does too. 🎧 Subscribe to the So Ambitious Podcast and join us in celebrating what it means to build boldly, create with intention, and lead with legacy. 🔗 Learn more: https://blackambitionprize.com 📱 Follow @blackambitionprize on Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn #SoAmbitious #BlackAmbitionPrize #PharrellWilliams #FeleciaHatcher #BlackEntrepreneurs #HispanicEntrepreneurs #LegacyBuilders #Founders #Startups #Innovation #PurposeDrivenBusiness RESOURCES  Felecia Hatcher IG | @feleciahatcher Black Ambition IG | @blackambitionprize So Ambitious is produced by EPYC Media 

Dive into some of the top entrepreneurial advice from our lineup of innovative founders in this special Best Of episode. Discover the secrets to their success as we feature their invaluable insights and strategies that have propelled their ventures forward. From navigating the complexities of startup life to pioneering new industries, these inspiring founders offer a wealth of knowledge for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned innovators alike. Be sure to catch these essential lessons that can ignite your entrepreneurial journey and propel you to new heights! KEY POINTS  - Ep 204: Beyond the Spicy Tweets: Brian Brackeen's Tech Odyssey from Philly to Lightship Capital - Ep 207: Shifting the Narrative on Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion with Amber Cabral  - Ep 208: Vision to Victory: Evan Leaphart’s Road to Entrepreneurial Success & Million-Dollar Grant Win - Ep 211: Empowering Black Voices in the Fragrance World with Exalté Parfum Founder Funmi Monet - Ep 212: From College Parties to Empowering HBCUs: Corey Arvinger's Journey in Supporting Black Colleges RESOURCES [APPLICATIONS OPEN!] | Are you building a high growth business in tech healthcare, AI, media entertainment, or consumer goods and services? If so, we'd like to help you scale. Don't miss your chance to win $1 million, capital coaching, and access to an amazing community of diverse innovators! Apply for the 2024 Black Ambition Prize competition now  Felecia Hatcher IG | @feleciahatcher Black Ambition IG | @blackambitionprize So Ambitious is produced by EPYC Media 

Celebrate the extraordinary spirit of Black ambition in another special "Best Of" episode, where we highlight what true success looks like through the eyes of our lineup of remarkable founders. Tune in as our guests share powerful stories of their journeys, reflecting on the challenges they've faced and the victories they've achieved.  This episode is a tribute to the relentless pursuit of dreams, showcasing the resilience, innovation, and brilliance that truly  define Black ambition. Don't miss these inspiring tales of triumph and the dynamic pathways to success! KEY POINTS  - Ep 210: How One Man's Journey Led to Investing in 50 Companies with ACT House Founder Dominick Ard’is - Ep 211: Empowering Black Voices in the Fragrance World with Exalté Parfum Founder Funmi Monet -Ep 204: Beyond the Spicy Tweets: Brian Brackeen's Tech Odyssey from Philly to Lightship Capital - Ep 205: Grown from Ground Up: Shannon Allen's Culinary Venture with a Purpose - Ep 206: RICE and Shine: Cultivating Black Entrepreneurial Excellence with Jay Bailey RESOURCES Felecia Hatcher IG | @feleciahatcher Black Ambition IG | @blackambitionprize So Ambitious is produced by EPYC Media 

Explore the transformative power of embracing entrepreneurial failure in this special "Best Of" episode, where we delve into the journeys of entrepreneurs who turned their setbacks into stepping stones toward success. Join us as our guests share candid stories of their toughest challenges, the lessons learned, and how embracing failure propelled them toward greater heights in their journey.  Tune in for an inspiring collection of narratives highlighting resilience, innovation, and the true essence of entrepreneurial spirit today! KEY POINTS  - Ep 202: Pivot with Purpose: How Necole Kane Turned Failure Into Fuel for Success - Ep 203: Beats to Eats: Derrick Turton a.k.a. Chef Teach’s Journey from Music Mogul to Mac & Cheese Maestro - Ep 205: Grown From Ground Up: Shannon Allen’s Culinary Venture with a Purpose - Ep 206: RICE and Shine: Cultivating Black Entrepreneurial Excellence with Jay Bailey - Ep 207: Shifting the Narrative on Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion with Amber Cabral - Ep 210: How One Man's Journey Led to Investing in 50 Companies with ACT House Founder Dominick Ard’is RESOURCES Felecia Hatcher IG | @feleciahatcher Black Ambition IG | @blackambitionprize So Ambitious is produced by EPYC Media

Join us for a special episode featuring all the Good, Bad, and Ugly Parts of Entrepreneurship! Discover how these founders overcame doubt, racism, and financial challenges to build their successful business empire. Tune in for their inspiring stories, resilience, determination, and the power of not caring what others think.  KEY POINTS  - Ep 202: Pivot with Purpose: How Necole Kane Turned Failure Into Fuel for Success  - Ep 203: Beats to Eats: Derrick Turton a.k.a. Chef Teach's Journey from Music Mogul to Mac & Cheese Maestro - Ep 204: Beyond the Spicy Tweets: Brian Brackeen’s Tech Odyssey from Philly to Lightship Capital - Ep 208: Vision to Victory: Evan Leaphart’s Road to Entrepreneurial Success & Million-Dollar Grant Win - Ep 209: Money, Privilege, and Advocacy: Ana Pompa Alarcón’s Guide to Entrepreneurship and Social Justice in Tech - Ep 212: From College Parties to Empowering HBCUs: Corey Arvinger's Journey in Supporting Black Colleges RESOURCES Felecia Hatcher IG | @feleciahatcher Black Ambition IG | @blackambitionprize So Ambitious is produced by EPYC Media 

Celebrate the indomitable spirit of Black ambition with this special “Best Of” episode, showcasing our founders’ unwavering power of bold belief in the face of doubts and naysayers! Tune in to discover riveting tales of resilience and triumph, as our guests share inspiring narratives of overcoming adversity on the path to success. Don't miss out on this uplifting journey of determination and achievement! KEY POINTS  - Ep 203: Beats to Eats: Derrick Turton a.k.a. Chef Teach’s Journey from Music Mogul to Mac & Cheese Maestro - Ep 205: Grown From Ground Up: Shannon Allen’s Culinary Venture with a Purpose - Ep 209: Money, Privilege, and Advocacy: Ana Pompa Alarcón’s Guide to Entrepreneurship and Social Justice in Tech  - Ep 211: Empowering Black Voices in the Fragrance World with Exalté Parfum Founder Funmi Monet RESOURCES Felecia Hatcher IG | @feleciahatcher Black Ambition IG | @blackambitionprize So Ambitious is produced by EPYC Media 

In this episode of the So Ambitious Podcast, host Felecia Hatcher sits down with Corey Arvinger, CEO of Support Black Colleges, to dive into his remarkable journey from college party promoter to the helm of a thriving e-commerce brand.  Corey shares insights into the evolution of Support Black Colleges and how it blossomed into a full-blown brand with a powerful message of support for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The conversation dives deep into the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, with Corey offering candid reflections on navigating adversity, including overcoming the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and rebounding from significant financial setbacks. Tune in to gain valuable insights into Corey's unique approach to marketing and brand building, including his strategies for forging connections with major influencers and A-list celebrities. Corey also opens up about the importance of legacy and honoring the sacrifices of his ancestors, highlighting his unwavering commitment to leaving a lasting impact on his family and community. With engaging anecdotes and actionable advice, this episode offers a compelling glimpse into the mind of a visionary entrepreneur dedicated to making a difference in the world. KEY POINTS [1:28] - Corey’s entrepreneurial evolution from throwing parties in college to Support Black Colleges  [4:03] - How Support Black Colleges Became A Full-Blown Brand  [7:27] - Navigating and sharing the real highs & lows of entrepreneurship  [11:34] - Thriving amidst adversity: How Support Black Colleges beat the pandemic odds [16:47] - Losing over $40k in one day: How to find the strength to persist in entrepreneurship [20:41] - How Corey finds balance and enjoyment in his work  [22:05] - Corey's approach to marketing and building a brand [24:01] - Corey's secret sauce to networking and relationship-building with celebrities  [30:56] - Starting from scratch: Why Corey had to shut his website down  [32:45] - How to strike a balance between friendships and management   [34:14] - The biggest lesson learned from working with Tyler Perry [35:47] - 3 songs that define Corey’s perspective on life and business  [38:51] - Corey’s key lessons on failure: Trying things publicly with confidence & consistency [40:17] - Honoring ancestors' sacrifices and building a legacy QUOTABLES  “A lot of current entrepreneurs on social media make it seem easy and fun 100% of the time, and I think it is honestly really unfair to those who are interested in going into entrepreneurship because they're going with the false preset.” - Corey Arvinger  “It's about legacy; What can I leave to my family and my next generation behind me? How can I change the trajectory of where my family is going?? - Corey Arvinger  “Having the right team is so important. You could have a great product with the wrong team and things will not get accomplished at a high level.” - Corevy Arvinger  GUEST RESOURCES Corey Arvinger  IG | @coreyarvinger  X | @mrarvinger  LinkedIn | @coreyarvinger TikTok | @coreyarvinger  Support Black Colleges IG | @supportblackcollege RESOURCES  [APPLICATIONS OPEN!] | Are you building a high growth business in tech healthcare, AI, media entertainment, or consumer goods and services? If so, we'd like to help you scale. Don't miss your chance to win $1 million, capital coaching, and access to an amazing community of diverse innovators! Apply for the 2024 Black Ambition Prize competition now  Felecia Hatcher IG | @feleciahatcher Black Ambition IG | @blackambitionprize So Ambitious is produced by EPYC Media 

Today, we are joined by Funmi Monet, the brilliant mind behind Exalté Parfum, a groundbreaking perfume brand that has been making waves in the luxury perfume space. In this episode, Funmi shares her insights on navigating the fragrance industry, from the inception of her brand to its meteoric rise in the social media sphere. With a keen focus on community building and content creation, Funmi shares the  essence of confidently crafting content that resonates with authenticity and ultimately builds a loyal community. She also dives into the intricate science of fragrances, highlighting their profound psychological impacts and the art of curating a personalized fragrance wardrobe for various occasions. Funmi emphasizes the importance of breaking barriers, particularly as a Black woman in the luxury fragrance space. She shares invaluable insights into pricing products based on their worth, not succumbing to external criticism, and staying steadfast in pursuing one's ambitious vision. Funmi Monet's story is an inspiring testament to the power of having the audacity to dream big for yourself and risking your reputation in the name of staying true to your vision.  KEY POINTS  [1:25] - Funmi Monet’s content creation and community building journey  [3:14] - Finding your content comfort zone: How to create content confidently  [5:14] - The science of fragrance and its psychological impacts  [7:05] - Building your fragrance wardrobe: How to craft essential scents for every occasion  [10:41] - How to master the subtle art of fragrance in business relationships [16:37] - Breaking barriers as a Black women in the luxury fragrance space [20:10] - Value over voices: How to price yourself based on worth, not critics [24:50] - What success looks like for Funmi Monet and her brand  [27:09] - Finding your North Star and trusting your vision despite the doubters  [30:24] - Funmi on risking your reputation in pursuit of your ambitious vision QUOTABLES  “No one else has to see your vision but yourself.” - Funmi Monet “You don't have to shrink yourself because of what people think you should do to fit an audience they think that you deserve.’ - Funmi Monet GUEST RESOURCES Funmi Monet | Shop Exalté  IG | @funmimonet TikTok |/@funmimonet  YouTube | @funmimonet RESOURCES  [APPLICATIONS OPEN!] | Are you building a high growth business in tech healthcare, AI, media entertainment, or consumer goods and services? If so, we'd like to help you scale. Don't miss your chance to win $1 million, capital coaching, and access to an amazing community of diverse innovators! Apply for the 2024 Black Ambition Prize competition now  Felecia Hatcher IG | @feleciahatcher Black Ambition IG | @blackambitionprize So Ambitious is produced by EPYC Media

In this episode of the So Ambitious Podcast, we dive into the dynamic journey of Dominick Ard’is, the innovative mind behind ACT House,  a team formation platform, accelerator and VC providing tools and resources to founders to match with co-founders, build their team, and secure their first check. From his upbringing as a military brat to his diverse career spanning management consulting, politics, and now entrepreneurship, Dominick shares the transformative moments that shaped his multifaceted path. With a portfolio of 50 companies and a total of over $4M in investments through the ACT House Accelerator program, Dominick reveals insights into the keys to starting a successful company and the 3 things that make or break its success. Dominick also opens up about his unique approach to personal and professional growth, from adopting a uniform to streamline decision-making to reflecting on life through heartfelt typewritten letters. Dominick also shares his philosophy of incremental progress, highlighting the power of aiming for 2% better every day, and as he explores what success truly means, Dominick will leave you with profound reflections on the essence of investing in human potential and the audacity to reshape the world through passion, support, and relentless determination. KEY POINTS  [1:43] - Who was Dominick Ard’is before ACT House? [5:12] - Grad school to start-up: Dominick’s career transitions into entrepreneurship  [11:37] - The story behind ACT House's inception and its impact on entrepreneurship [15:58] - The 3 things that make or break a start-up company’s success  [18:37] - How to learn and grow from your entrepreneurial failures  [21:28] - 3 reasons why Dominick wears a uniform as an entrepreneur  [26:35] - Writing letters to the month: How Dominick's typewriter reflections inspired intentional living  [28:15] - Dominick reflects on what it means to have invested in 35 companies through ACT House  [30:53] - How tapping into the power of 2% in goal setting will result in massive gains [33:19] - What success means to Dominick Ard’is QUOTABLES  “Everything starts at the human. And oftentimes, we look at a founder as a founder first instead of a human first.” - Dominick Ard’is  “The reality is this entity can be bankrupt tomorrow, but that person isn't bankrupt. And so if you invest in the human, you get an opportunity to actually see them take this vessel to the next level.” - Dominick Ard’is  GUEST RESOURCES ACT House  IG | @theacthouse X | @theacthouse LinkedIn | @theacthouse Dominick Ard’is  IG | @iamdardis LinkedIn | @dardis  RESOURCES  [APPLICATIONS OPEN!] | Are you building a high growth business in tech healthcare, AI, media entertainment, or consumer goods and services? If so, we'd like to help you scale. Don't miss your chance to win $1 million, capital coaching, and access to an amazing community of diverse innovators! Apply for the 2024 Black Ambition Prize competition now  Felecia Hatcher IG | @feleciahatcher Black Ambition IG | @blackambitionprize So Ambitious is produced by EPYC Media 

In this episode of So Ambitious, we are joined by Ana Pompa Alarcón, CEO of Founders Registry, as she shares her journey of advocating for marginalized founders and creating impactful solutions in the tech industry. From her beginnings at Rikers Island to supporting our Black Ambition finalists, Ana's story is one of fierce advocacy, resilience, and empowerment. In this conversation we uncover how she navigates the complexities of entrepreneurship and addresses systemic issues faced by minority founders that sometimes even stem from minority organizations.  We talk about the importance of using privilege to open doors for others and the need for diverse communities to support each other and work together to create change in the industry. Ana also discusses challenges faced by early-stage entrepreneurs, especially those from diverse backgrounds, in navigating the venture space, and provides insights on how to make the best decisions for their companies while dealing with financial desperation and toxic relationships with money. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in raising capital, advocating for social justice, and empowering underrepresented communities. Tune in to hear Anna's powerful story and insights on building a more inclusive and supportive ecosystem. KEY POINTS  [1:56] - How Ana is supporting systemically purposefully marginalized founders in raising capital [2:55] - Ana’s entrepreneurial roots - how her first company started out of Rikers Island  [6:38] - How do you get someone that you recently met to introduce you to an investor? [10:12] - Resources and tools to help you negotiate better on your behalf  [12:11] - Grappling with privilege gaps and lack of diversity and in VC industry [18:12] - Dealing with disillusionment of organizations’ support (of lack thereof) of marginalized founders  [23:46] - How can we create more transparency between founders and investors? [26:04] - Addressing money wounds and toxic relationships with money in the VC space  [30:04] - Ana on self-care as an advocate and entrepreneur  [32:25] - Who is Ana uninterrupted?  QUOTABLES  "People need to walk the walk. And if they're not doing this, they need to suffer the consequences, and the consequence is deal flow. Do not take money from people that will throw you under the bus the second they have the opportunity." - Ana Pompa Alarcón “Whatever privilege you have, whether that's money, education, skin, color, race - use that privilege to open doors.” - Ana Pompa Alarcón “I do not believe that we should shame anyone who has been marginalized for where they get the money from.” - Ana Pompa Alarcón "I truly believe that, [and] there's data to back up that, if all indigenous Brown, Black people, Muslims, Arabs would work together and have each other's back, the buying power, the purchasing power that we have, we could take over the economy." - Ana Pompa Alarcón GUEST RESOURCES [megaphone]  Ana Pompa Alarcón IG | @ana_pompa_alarcon  LinkedIn | @ana-pompa-alarcon-rawls  Founders Registry  IG | @founders_registry RESOURCES  [APPLICATIONS OPEN!] | Are you building a high growth business in tech healthcare, AI, media entertainment, or consumer goods and services? If so, we'd like to help you scale. Don't miss your chance to win $1 million, capital coaching, and access to an amazing community of diverse innovators! Apply for the 2024 Black Ambition Prize competition now  Felecia Hatcher IG | @feleciahatcher Black Ambition IG | @blackambitionprize So Ambitious is produced by EPYC Media 

In this episode, we sit down with Evan Leaphart, founder of Kiddie Kredit, co-founder of Black Men Talk Tech, and recent million-dollar grant recipient of the 43North accelerator program. With such a robust portfolio, what does it entail to lead not just one but two major initiatives that make such a significant impact on the world?  Discover how Kiddie Kredit is reshaping credit education by addressing the needs of over 90 million credit-challenged Americans burdened by $1 trillion in credit card debt. Evan stresses the significance of proactive credit education, positioning Kiddie Kredit as a preventive measure rather than a reactive solution in the credit industry. You will also learn how Evan cultivates personal connections to forge partnerships with industry giants like Equifax and Discover, and follow him along his transformative fundraising journey, where a small but powerful shift in mindset towards mission alignment empowered him to navigate the fundraising landscape with confidence and purpose.  Tune in as Evan discusses the challenges he faced throughout his many entrepreneurial journeys, how he navigates the complexities of the fundraising world, and the invaluable lessons he learned along his path to success. Get ready to be inspired by the trailblazing entrepreneur shaping the future of the tech industry! KEY POINTS  [1:08] - Evan’s entrepreneurial journey to founding Kiddie Kredit  [2:51] - How Kiddie Kredit addresses credit card issues that 90 million Americans face [5:55] - Evan Leaphart’s role as co-founder of Black Men Talk Tech and the inspiration behind it [7:55] - What drives Evan’s pursuit of impact through Kiddie Kredit and Black Men Talk Tech  [9:22] - Evan’s secret to building is deep resources and support system  [11:45] - How Evan cultivated his relationships in funding and investments  [13:28] - Evan on navigating shifts in power dynamics in the venture capital space  [16:45] - Keeping up with the pace and pressures of being an entrepreneur  [18:34] - Challenges faced by Black founders in the venture space and the need for true equality [20:32] - Winning 43North: Evan's process & journey leading up to winning the million-dollar investment [23:34] - Evan’s insights & advice on building partnerships with major corporations like Discover and Equifax QUOTABLES  “4 out of every 10 Adults don't know what goes into their own credit score, and for the first time in US history, credit card debt surpassed $1 trillion.” - Evan Leaphart “10 seconds you spend thinking on how great you are is 10 seconds lost on how much better you could be.” - Evan Leaphart GUEST RESOURCES Evan Leaphart Kiddie Kredit Black Men Talk Tech  LinkedIn | @evanleaphart  IG | @evanleaphart  X | @evanleaphart  RESOURCES  [APPLICATIONS OPEN!] | Are you building a high growth business in tech healthcare, AI, media entertainment, or consumer goods and services? If so, we'd like to help you scale. Don't miss your chance to win $1 million, capital coaching, and access to an amazing community of diverse innovators! Apply for the 2024 Black Ambition Prize competition now  Felecia Hatcher IG | @feleciahatcher Black Ambition IG | @blackambitionprize So Ambitious is produced by EPYC Media