Diversity Discourse

In this episode of Diversity Discourse, experienced entrepreneurs Trevor Grant and Mike Anguiano share their journeys through building, exiting, and acquiring businesses. They discuss the challenges of change, the importance of leadership during transitions, and how technology and character shape future success.

Sidney and Saundra Curry didn't build BC Holdings by accident. Over 25 years, this power couple turned a vision for financial wellness into a thriving business serving federal agencies and Fortune 500 companies, and they did it by treating their marriage like a business and their business like a marriage. In this first episode of 2026, MBE Magazine founder Tanya Isley sits down with the Currys to...

Do you want to explode your business or career growth? Public speaking is a means to establish your expertise and connect with customers on a personal level. In this episode of Diversity Discourse, Liz Wool, founder and CEO of Public Speaking and Presentation Pros, shares her inspiring journey from struggling with a speech impediment to becoming a successful public speaking coach. She discusses th...

In this episode of Diversity Discourse, the team from Jayne Agency discusses the intricacies of brand strategy, focusing on the importance of alignment, the need for clarity in branding, and the iterative process of managing a brand. They explore when a business should consider rebranding versus realigning, the metrics that can be used to measure brand effectiveness, and the risks associated with...

In this episode, leadership communications coach Salvatore Manzi discusses the importance of presence in communication and leadership, sharing insights from his experience as a communication coach. He emphasizes that presence can be taught and is essential for effective communication, especially for introverted individuals. The discussion also covers the art of pitching to investors, the significa...

In this conversation, Kevin Larkai and Monté Burrow, the founders of Black Leaf Organic Vodka, discuss their journey in creating the first French organic vodka in the U.S., emphasizing their commitment to sustainability, overcoming barriers in the spirits industry, and the importance of cultural authenticity. They share insights on the challenges faced as Black entrepreneurs, the significance of t...

This Diversity Discourse conversation with Fatima Smith, founder of Collective 365, explores the mission and operations of Collective 365, an organization dedicated to supporting Black and Brown communities through unrestricted funding and community-driven grants. The discussion highlights the importance of democratizing philanthropy, the challenges faced by grassroots organizations, and innovativ...

Financial expert Hyacinth Henderson of The Henderson Group discusses the implications of proposed tariffs on small business owners and consumers, emphasizing the need for immediate financial actions to secure one's finances. She outlines investment strategies to protect wealth against inflation, particularly for minority women-owned businesses reliant on imported materials. Hyacinth stresses the i...

Attorney Danielle Dietrich of Potomac Law discusses the implications of recent executive orders on small businesses, particularly those owned by women, minorities, and LGBTQ+ individuals. She explores the current legal landscape, the safety of existing certifications, and practical steps for businesses to safeguard their interests amidst uncertainty. The conversation also touches on the potential...

In this conversation, Paola Santana, CEO of GLASS Commerce, discusses the innovative approach of her GovTech company in transforming government procurement processes to empower small businesses. She explains how the G-Commerce platform simplifies the purchasing process for government buyers while enabling small businesses, particularly minority and women-owned, to easily access government contract...

Ralph G. Moore, founder and president of Ralph G. Moore and Associates (RGMA), and Reginald Layton, RGMA chief technology officer, discuss how RGMA digitized its playbook through its new RGMA Digital Suite, which leverages the company’s RGMA Five Levels of Supplier Diversity Maturity Model™. Discover how this innovative Digital Suite is revolutionizing supplier diversity by providing corporations...

In this episode, Britt Hogue, founder of The Collective Good, discusses the evolving landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in corporate settings. She emphasizes the importance of understanding DEI as core human values and the necessity for organizations to adapt their approaches amidst societal pushback. Britt highlights the role of corporate culture in fostering inclusivity and the...

In this conversation, MBE Magazine Publisher Tanya Isley interviews Omar Harris, a former pharmaceutical general manager and author, about his innovative approach to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) through J.E.D.I leadership. Harris critiques the traditional HR-centric approach to DEI, advocating for a broader organizational commitment to these principles. He introduces the concept of J.E.D...

In this episode, Felicia Kelly shares her journey of empowerment and self-discovery through the Rich Method for Living. After facing personal challenges, including a tragic loss and a health diagnosis, Felicia emphasizes the importance of redefining wealth beyond monetary success. She discusses the impact of high-stress environments on personal relationships and the significance of healing and sel...

In this episode of Money Mindset, host Alleson Tate speaks with Charese Chambers, an award-winning fractional CFO and founder of Financial Fancy. They discuss the importance of financial management for entrepreneurs, the role of a fractional CFO, and the significance of understanding profit and loss statements. Charese shares insights on navigating business challenges and emphasizes the need for i...

In this episode, Alleson Tate and Cole Williams discuss real estate investing as a path to building wealth. They explore the reasons why entrepreneurs are interested in real estate, such as diversification and the potential for generational wealth. Cole shares his expertise in real estate investing, particularly in acquisition wholesale strategies. They discuss how to get started in real estate in...

Brandi Chew, chief marketing officer at Brandit Strategies, realized in order to change the impact she makes in her space, she had to first change the way she thought about executing day-to-day responsibilities—and that’s exactly what she did. Along Brandi’s journey to deliver on her brand promise, which she claims is the key to business success, she continues to fuel her passion for growth by com...

Crystal Foote is the CEO of Digital Culture Group, an Atlanta-based adtech company that helps advertisers and agencies “discover, strategize, and reach audiences with authenticity to build long-lasting relationships.   She recently released a new children’s book titled   “The Inclusivity Superheroes: A Tale of Diversity and Unity." Recognizing the importance of speaking to younger generations, the...

Julie Bee is the author of Burned: How Business Owners Can Overcome Burnout and Fuel Success. A business owner burnout strategist, Bee has been dubbed the “small business fixer” by her clients and peers. With over 15 years in the entrepreneurial field, she has solidified her reputation as a dynamic consultant, a riveting speaker, and a leader who sheds light on the darker side of business ownershi...

In this episode, Alleson Tate interviews Aja Evans, a licensed mental health counselor and financial therapist, about how mental health impacts finances. They discuss the definition of financial therapy and how it differs from traditional therapy and financial advice. Aja explains that financial therapy focuses on understanding the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors around money and how they impact...

This episode of Money Mindset focuses on taxes and investing in personal development. Alleson Tate discusses the two tax seasons—tax paying season and tax planning season—and emphasizes the importance of knowing in advance how much you will owe. She also explores different ways business owners can invest in themselves to lower their tax bills, provides tips on how to maximize tax deductions for bu...

Brooke Foley of Jayne Agency and Lasonya Berry, CEO of McPherson, Berry & Associates talk about the interconnectedness between a founder’s vision and brand promise, and how those work together to create impact. They also discuss why keeping your promises now is critical for the future of your business and for the next generation of emerging entrepreneurs in the diverse supply chain.

The Burns Brothers have built an empire of businesses focused on DEI and making a positive impact on the social issues impacting minorities. Their businesses employ over 100 people across eight multi-million dollar, Black-owned businesses. The Burns Brothers have proven in just four short years that focusing on the principles of DEI, in contrast with some prevailing narratives is the best way to r...

In this episode, Allison Tate and Emily Shull discuss mentally preparing for your first million dollars. They explore common misconceptions about achieving a million-dollar year and how to shift mindset to overcome these misconceptions. Emily emphasizes the importance of understanding personal money beliefs and how they can hinder success. She provides strategies for identifying and making connect...

MBE magazine contributor Alleson Tate, certified financial planner and owner of Avere Wealth Management, talks to special guest Rickie Taylor of Retirement Plan Consultants about how diverse business owners can ensure they’re adequately planning for their financial future. You can get more insights and information from Alleson at https://mbemag.com/money-mindset-alleson-tate/ . And, sign up for he...