Brown Ambition

Brace yourselves, BA fam—this week’s Brown Table gets deep into the dollars and the drama. Mandi is joined by not one, not two, but three first-time Brown Table guests: Alexa Claire from The Financial Diet, JQ (aka Jonquilyn Hill) from Vox’s Explain It To Me podcast, and Yvie Saint-Louis from Blavity. They’re diving into the news, the nonsense, and the real-life mess of navigating finances, friendships, and fairness—especially when rent’s due and tensions are high. 💰 This week on the BA Q&A: Roommate conflicts when rent increases—how do you talk money without blowing up the group chat? Why “Clarity is kindness” when it comes to financial boundaries and agreements. Understanding your tenant rights and how they can protect you. The emotional and financial toll of the housing crisis—on individuals, families, and entire communities. How to balance compassion with consequences when helping others financially. Tips for setting expectations early (and why contracts aren’t just for landlords). Whether you’re navigating messy money convos, trying to keep your budget (and your friendships) intact, or just need to know you’re not alone in the struggle—this one’s for you. New here? Join us three times a week: 💼 Monday Motivation (deep dives + interviews) 🪑 Brown Table Wednesdays (group chat energy, always) 🎤 BA Q&A Fridays (your money + career questions answered) We launched a Patreon, too! 🎥 Get early access, video recordings, and exclusive book club perks: 👉 patreon.com/brownambition Stay Connected: 🔗 @brownambitionpodcast 🌐 brownambitionpodcast.com 💌 Leave a review—your feedback fuels us, BA Fam! Let’s keep rising, building, and showing out. 💼💰✊🏾 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whew… this week’s Brown Table is packed, y’all. Mandi is joined by not one, not two, but three first-time Brown Table guests: Alexa Claire from The Financial Diet, JQ (aka Jonquilyn Hill) from Vox’s "Explain It To Me" podcast, and Yvie Saint-Louis from Blavity. We dive into the news, the nonsense, and everything in between from pop culture and politics to the real-life messiness of being Black, brilliant, and bold in America. This week, we get into: -Beyoncé in London: the rain, the glow, and yes, ugly tears were shed. -Trump and Elon’s billionaire beef… is it all just a stunt? -ICE raids, National Guard in LA, and why peaceful protests keep being met with force. -Why Black women are *still* expected to be the mature ones and what happens when we just want to clap back. -From Coco Gauff to Simone Biles to a teenage track star with flaming feet (literally): why the world can’t handle confident Black girls. Plus: The Tonys, the audacity of Patti LuPone, and whether Hamilton still goes hard (spoiler: it does). New here? BA fam, don’t forget—we’ve got three shows a week now: 💼 Monday Motivation (interviews and deep dives) 🪑 Brown Table Wednesdays (group chat energy, always) 🎤 BA Q\&A Fridays (your money + career questions answered) And yes, we launched a Patreon! Join to get early access, video recordings of the Brown Table, and exclusive book club perks: [patreon.com/brownambition] Stay Connected: 🔗 @brownambitionpodcast 🌐 brownambitionpodcast.com 💌 Subscribe & leave a review—your feedback fuels us, BA Fam! Let’s keep rising, building, and showing out. 💼💰✊🏾 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🎙️ BA Fam, Let’s Talk Black Capitalism (w/ Dr. Rachel Laryea) This week’s episode is full of truth, power, and possibility. Mandi sits down with Dr. Rachel Laryea, author of Black Capitalists: A Blueprint for What is Possible, to unpack what it really means to build wealth, create impact, and hold onto your identity as a Black entrepreneur in corporate and capitalist America. From identity crises to boardroom power moves, this convo is all vibes and real talk. We get into the nuances of Black capitalism—not as a monolith, but as a spectrum of ways we show up, give back, and reshape the game. Because yes, we can do good and do well. And yes, our coins matter. Every dollar we spend is a vote for the kind of world we want. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: ✨ Black identity and the contradictions of capitalism ✨ How wealth-building can be rooted in community care ✨ The role of DEI, entrepreneurship, and visibility in reshaping power ✨ Why corporate spaces can be sites of resistance ✨ Consumer power: what it means to vote with your wallet ✨ The ethos of Black Capitalism—not just profit, but purpose 🔥 Sound Bites: "Blackness is not a monolithic experience." "We vote every day with our wallet." "We can sneak by and still have an impact." 💡 BA Takeaway: Capitalism isn’t one-size-fits-all—and for Black entrepreneurs and changemakers, it can be a blueprint for possibility, power, and purpose. Whether you’re in the C-suite or the streets, your choices, dollars, and visibility matter. Build, shift, show up. Follow Dr. Rachel Laryea!: https://www.instagram.com/drlaryea/ Stay Connected: 🔗 @brownambitionpodcast 🌐 brownambitionpodcast.com 💌 Subscribe & leave a review—your feedback fuels us, BA Fam! Let’s keep rising, building, and showing out. 💼💰✊🏾 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BA Fam, Let’s Go! This week’s episode is all vibes and real talk. Mandi is Beyoncé-bound, and she’s bringing the energy! As she preps for her London trip (yes, packing for a quick getaway is a whole production), she shares exciting updates from the Brown Ambition universe. We’re talking brand-new cover art, a book club (yes, you’re invited!), and deeper community engagement through Patreon. But it’s not all glitter and passport stamps—we also get into the serious stuff. Mandi breaks down the latest in healthcare news and why it’s critical to raise your voice and contact your reps about upcoming legislation. She wraps the episode with listener feedback (thank you for showing up, BA Fam!) and gratitude for the unwavering support from this amazing community. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: Mandi’s hype for Beyoncé in London The struggle (and strategy) of packing light Why our new cover art is a glow-up Details on the BA Book Club—first pick: Sky Full of Stars by Sibo Campbell How to join the book club (hint: Patreon not required) Updates on healthcare policy you need to know about Why your voice matters—call your reps! BA Fam shoutouts and heartfelt appreciation 💡 BA Takeaway: Big changes start with small steps—whether that’s joining a book club, calling your representative, or saying “yes” to joy (like a Beyoncé concert!). You don’t need permission to take up space. Just show up and bet on yourself. LET’S STAY CONNECTED Instagram: [@brownambitionpodcast](https://www.instagram.com/brownambitionpodcast) Website: [brownambitionpodcast.com](https://www.brownambitionpodcast.com) Subscribe & leave us a review—because we love hearing from our BA fam! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BA Fam, Buckle up! This week’s episode is a ride. Mandi sits down with author Cebo Campbell to talk about his debut novel “Sky Full of Elephants”, a bold, emotional story that begins with every white person in North America vanishing and unfolds into a layered exploration of Blackness, identity, and healing. Cebo opens up about the personal roots of the story, the inspiration behind its unforgettable characters, and how fiction helps us imagine freedom. He also shares his journey from broke front desk clerk to building a million-dollar creative agency and why giving yourself permission to fail might be the key to your best work. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: -The real-life microaggression that inspired the title *Sky Full of Elephants* -What it’s like to grow up biracial in a 98% white town—and how that shows up in fiction -The power of water, lavender, and legacy in Black storytelling -Cebo’s career pivot from college football to creative strategy to published author -Why writing a bad book might be the first step to writing a great one 📚 Cebo’s Must-Reads: -Things Fall Apart* by Chinua Achebe -Wretched of the Earth* by Frantz Fanon -Of Water and the Spirit* by Malidoma Patrice Somé Get your copy of Cebo Campbell’s Sky Full of Elephants https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Sky-Full-of-Elephants/Cebo-Campbell/9781668034927?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadzSs7U21rdopv9UaOsrLUlGDvv4aSMyfv_f1b8RxTjZSf4SCnJATZCLJAmZQ_aem_an5Xr1qUaPdkH3wkKBIgxA BA Takeaway: Your story matters—even the messy parts. And sometimes, the boldest thing you can do is write it down, by hand, and bet on yourself. LET’S STAY CONNECTED Instagram: [@brownambitionpodcast](https://www.instagram.com/brownambitionpodcast) Website: [brownambitionpodcast.com](https://www.brownambitionpodcast.com) Subscribe & leave us a review—because we love hearing from our BA fam! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey BA Fam! This week, Mandi is diving into a conversation that every woman needs to hear. She’s joined by two powerhouse doctors—Dr. Uché Blackstock, author of the New York Times Bestselling book, Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons With Racism in Medicine, and Dr. Jessica M. Shepherd, author of Generation M: Living Well in Perimenopause —for a raw, real, and eye-opening talk all about women’s health, with a special focus on menopause, healthcare equity, and what it really means to advocate for yourself in the doctor’s office. These two trailblazing women break down the myths around hormone replacement therapy, open up about their personal journeys in medicine, and don’t hold back when it comes to calling out the racial and gender disparities baked into our healthcare system. From fighting bias in exam rooms to why representation in medicine literally saves lives, this episode is packed with truth bombs and takeaways you don’t want to miss. Whether you’re navigating midlife changes or just trying to get the care you deserve, consider this your crash course in taking charge of your health—and your story. Follow Dr. Uché Blackstock https://www.instagram.com/ucheblackstockmd/ Follow Dr. Jessica Shepherd https://www.instagram.com/jessicashepherdmd/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey BA Fam! In this episode, Mandi sits down with the unstoppable comic genius and *Official!* New York Times Bestselling author Zarna Garg to unpack her remarkable journey from stay-at-home mom to comedy superstar in her mid-40s. Less than a decade ago, Zarna was packing snacks for her kids' sports teams and tracking down missing socks in the laundry. Today, she's celebrating the release of her new book, "This American Woman: A One in a Billion Memoir", helming a sitcom pilot with comedy icons like Mindy Kaling and Kevin Hart and performing for sold-out audiences around the country. In this candid interview, Zarna gets real about the highs and lows of juggling motherhood, cultural expectations, and a career in the pressure cooker of New York City. She shares hard-earned wisdom on self-acceptance, resilience, and why women should never be afraid to think big. Follow Zarna: https://www.tiktok.com/@zarnagarg https://www.instagram.com/zarnagarg See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with the powerhouse that is Page Turner—real estate broker, single mom, and the magnetic new host of HGTV’s Love It or List It. Page opens up about her incredible journey from hustling as a single mom to owning her spotlight on national TV. She gets real about what it takes to bounce back from life’s curveballs, trust your gut, and pivot with purpose. We talk motherhood, money moves, and why it’s never too late to bet on yourself. Page drops gems on building confidence, tackling fear head-on, and leaving a legacy for the next generation. Plus, she gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the wild world of home renovations—what really goes down when family needs, budgets, and dreams collide. If you’re ready for a dose of inspiration with a side of real talk, this one’s for you. Watch Love It or List It Mondays at 10/9c on HGTV or stream it on Max. Key Moments: 05:21 The Journey of Resilience 13:35 Legacy and Raising Daughters 16:03 Career Shifts and Timing 18:25 Inspiration for Women in Their 50s 26:19 The Dynamics of Love It or List It 28:55 Navigating Home Renovations and Family Needs 41:26 Navigating Career Transitions 43:46 Embracing Self-Care and Softness 46:17 Finding Balance in a Demanding World 48:30 Legacy and New Beginnings 51:24 The Journey of Personal Growth See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Student loan repayments are officially back, and if you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or just plain confused, you’re not alone. This week on Brown Ambition, we’re diving deep into the chaos with two of our favorite money minds: Yanely Espinal, author of Mind Your Money, and Chris Browning from Popcorn Finance. We break down what’s really going on inside the federal student loan system from glitchy portals to a laundry list of repayment plans and why so many borrowers are left in the dark. Here’s what we’re unpacking: -🔍 How to spot and avoid shady loan forgiveness scams - 💸 What income-driven repayment plans actually mean for your wallet - 🧩 Why the student loan simulator on studentaid.gov should be your new best friend - 🧾 The IRS confusion that’s messing with people’s payment plans - 💬 The power of community when you’re navigating money decisions solo Whether you're just restarting payments or knee-deep in the forgiveness process, this episode is packed with tips, real talk, and the support you need to take back control of your student loans. LET’S STAY CONNECTED Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brownambitionpodcast Website: https://www.brownambitionpodcast.com Subscribe & leave us a review—because we love hearing from our BA fam! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BA Fam we’re back at the Brown Table! It’s been a minute, but the original crew Mandi, Yanely, and Chris are together again and catching up on everything. From West Coast travels and birthday plans to coaching updates and sleep podcast dreams (yes, really), this episode is full of laughs, life, and hard-earned lessons. Mandi shares the behind-the-scenes of launching her new 12-week VIP coaching program and why one-on-one coaching needs more than just one call. We also get real about the job market and how AI is already shifting the game especially for new grads and folks trying to break in. The tea? Relationships matter more than ever. Chris is dreaming up a new show (spoiler: it might put you to sleep—in the best way, and Yanely is out here living her best life… and finally seeing Beyoncé live in her hometown. And of course, we round it all out with a good ol’ Brown Boost / Brown Break—featuring a Pulitzer Prize-winning book and a sobering reminder that hiring bias is still alive and well. What We Talk About: - Life & travel updates (hi, Portland! hey, Hawaii!) - Why Mandi’s shifting back into one-on-one coaching - Coaching horror stories + how to find the right fit - AI’s takeover and what that means for your career - How side projects can keep your creativity flowing - Book recs, Beyoncé, and a big announcement 👀 Links + Resources: ✨ Apply for Mandi’s VIP coaching: https://mandymoney.com) 📖 James by Percival Everett (Chris's Brown Boost pick) 📱 Essence article: “Black, Qualified, and Ignored” by Aaliyah Jones BA Fam, do us a solid: Leave a review. Share this episode with your favorite group chat. And don’t forget—your dreams (and your coins) deserve strategy and support. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with the incredible Monique Rodriguez, founder of the powerhouse haircare brand Mielle Organics and author of the new book, The Glory in Your Story: Activating a Fearless Faith to Change Your Life, Your Career, and the World. From her kitchen table to a billion-dollar acquisition by P&G, Monique's journey is a masterclass in faith, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. This episode is for anyone who's ever faced adversity and dared to dream bigger, for the aspiring entrepreneur needing that push, and for every Black woman who knows the power of her own story and is navigating partnership in all its forms. Tune in to hear Monique's transparent take on: * The P&G acquisition: What *really* changed (and what absolutely didn't!), her non-negotiables in the deal, and her message to the community. * Staying true to her vision: How she remains CEO and the driving force behind Mielle's DNA. * The "Tariff Tea": How global trade impacts Black-owned businesses and what it could mean for your beauty budget. * Paying it Forward: How Monique and her husband, Melvin, are now angel investing in other Black-owned businesses. * Building a Brand Beyond Social Media: The power of community, networking (and a little "healthy stalking"!). * **Partnership, Femininity & Faith:** Monique shares her perspective on embracing feminine energy in leadership and dives into the often-triggering word "submission" within her marriage – what it means to her and what it absolutely doesn't. * Her new book, "The Glory in Your Story": Why she penned this powerful guide and how owning your narrative can change your life. * The complexities of sisterhood in the business world. * Balancing a billion-dollar brand, marriage (to her business partner!), and motherhood. ### Guest Spotlight: **Monique Rodriguez** is the founder and CEO of Mielle Organics, a global beauty brand she launched in 2014. A former registered nurse, Monique built Mielle from the ground up, fueled by her passion for healthy hair and her deep faith. Her brand was acquired by Procter & Gamble in 2023, with Monique remaining at the helm. She is also the author of "The Glory in Your Story: Activating a Fearless Faith to Change Your Life, Your Career, and the World." ### Key Discussion Points: * **[01:41] The P&G Acquisition Unpacked:** Monique addresses the critics, shares what it's *really* like working with a conglomerate, and why it was crucial for her to remain CEO and protect Mielle's formulas. * **[05:25] A Call for Community Support:** Monique discusses the impact of criticism on Black brands seeking investment and acquisition. * **[08:17] Leading Lady:** Monique clarifies her role – she works for Mielle and her customers, not P&G. * **[10:43] Tariffs & Your Wallet:** How international trade policies can affect the price of your favorite products. * **[13:27] From Mentee to Mentor:** The story of Richelieu Dennis's early investment and how Monique is now supporting other Black founders. * **[16:04] Faith as a Foundation:** How Monique's faith guided her through profound grief and inspired the creation of Mielle. * **[19:46] Beyond Analysis Paralysis:** Actionable advice on networking and getting your product into the right hands. * **[21:46] "The Glory in Your Story":** Monique shares the inspiration behind her new book and its message of hope and empowerment. * **[26:06] Social Media Sanity:** Monique's evolved relationship with social media and tips for maintaining balance. * **[30:19] Building Community Offline:** The importance of in-person engagement for brand growth. * **[32:00] Navigating Sisterhood & Business:** Monique's honest take on support (and lack thereof) from other women. * **[36:27] Partnership in Business & Life:** Monique shares gems on navigating business and marriage with her husband, Melvin, emphasizing grace, shared mission, complementing strengths, and respecting boundaries. * **[42:00]...

BA Fam, we’re back with a classic BA Q&A, and this week’s episode is all about the kind of debt that just hits different credit cards with sky-high interest rates. A listener wrote in with a heartfelt message and a tough reality: nearly $12K in credit card debt spread across multiple cards, with APRs climbing over 30 percent. Mandi breaks down: You’re not alone, BA fam. And no, you're not failing. You're just one plan away from a financial reset. Let’s talk about it. 📩 Got a question? Email brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com or DM @brownambitionpodcast Resources + Links: https://www.investor.gov/financial-tools-calculators/calculators/compound-interest-calculator LET’S STAY CONNECTED Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brownambitionpodcast Website: https://www.brownambitionpodcast.com Subscribe & leave us a review—because we love hearing from our BA fam! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BA Fam, we’ve got a good one for you today! Mandi is joined by licensed financial therapist Aja Evans for an eye opening convo about something we all deal with but rarely talk about money feelings. From stress-spending and avoiding your inbox to doom-scrolling at 6 a.m., Aja breaks down how our emotions drive financial behavior and why learning to sit with discomfort might just be your most powerful money move yet. We also talk about getting dressed just to open your laptop, journaling out your rage , and why the stretch that makes you cry might be exactly what you need. In this episode, we get into: -What it really means to self-soothe with spending and what to do instead -Why romanticizing boring tasks (like budgeting) actually works - How financial avoidance shows up and what it’s costing you -The deep-rooted shame so many of us carry, no matter how much is in your bank account -How Aja helps clients rewrite their money stories About Aja: Aja Evans is a licensed financial therapist, President of the Financial Therapy Association, and author of Feel Good Finance. She helps people explore the emotional side of money so they can spend, save, and live from a place of clarity instead of chaos. Resources + Links: -Follow Aja on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ajaetherapy -Her website: https://www.ajaevanscounseling.com -Grab her new book Feel Good Finance - Feel-Good Finance Untangle Your Relationship with Money for Better Mental, Emotional, and Financial Well-Being LET’S STAY CONNECTED Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/brownambitionpodcast Website: https://www.brownambitionpodcast.com Subscribe & leave us a review—because we love hearing from our BA fam! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BA Fam, we’re in our investing bag today—and who better to guide us through this unpredictable market than Racquel Oden, Head of U.S. Wealth and Personal Banking for HSBC (yes, that HSBC)? With 30 years of experience under her belt, Racquel breaks it all the way down: why now *isn’t* the time to panic, how to pivot smartly, and what staying “active” with your money really means (spoiler: it’s not staring at your account every five minutes). Mandi gets personal about her own portfolio (yes, she opened the statement during the episode), and Racquel walks her—and all of us—through what to look for, what questions to ask, and why we *all* need to stop avoiding our finances like that dentist appointment we keep pushing back. If you've been wondering whether you should move money, sit tight, or finally talk to a pro—this episode is your sign. What We Discuss : Why market dips can actually be buying opportunities (especially in sectors like AI, healthcare, and utilities). The real definition of “active investing” (and why it doesn’t mean day trading). Why diversification > putting all your eggs in one stock basket. How to figure out your risk tolerance and time horizon like a grown-up. Why now is the perfect time for a financial check-in, not a freak-out. LET’S STAY CONNECTED Instagram: [@brownambitionpodcast](https://www.instagram.com/brownambitionpodcast) Website: [brownambitionpodcast.com](https://www.brownambitionpodcast.com) Subscribe & leave us a review—because we love hearing from our BA fam! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey BA fam — this week, Mandi is back at the Brown Table with two of her favorite mama podcasters: Jessica Norwood from The Sugar Daddy Podcast and Rena Campbell, from Dreams and Drive. We’re getting real about what it means to be a mom, a creative, and a corporate baddie in 2025 all at the same time. From burnout and baby wipes to balancing big dreams and meal prep, this is a love letter to every woman out here trying to do it all (and keep her edges intact). No fluff, no filters — just honest convo about grief, ambition, community, and redefining what success looks like when you're raising humans and chasing goals. We talk about: -Why balance is a myth and why lowering the bar might just be the key to peace -Making peace with slow growth and shifting timelines as a mama and entrepreneur -Outsourcing, setting boundaries, and why folding kid laundry should be a group sport -The grief of losing support and the power of building your own village -Raising emotionally intelligent boys in a chaotic world -Saying “I’m a mom” with your whole chest even in the workplace Takeaway Quotes: “You can outsource everything but love.” – Jessica “I’m not scared to say I’m a mom — and I need to leave early because my kid has a talent show.” – Rena Links + Resources: 📲 Follow on Rena Instagram - http://instagram.com/rainshineluv 🔉 Listen to Dreams in Drive → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dreams-in-drive/id1076971560 📲 Follow on Jessica Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thesugardaddypodcast/ 🔉 Listen to Sugar Daddy Podcast → https://www.instagram.com/thesugardaddypodcast?igsh=Y2R0dGF0OTFtdmNo LET’S STAY CONNECTED Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brownambitionpodcast Website: https://www.brownambitionpodcast.com Subscribe & leave us a review—because we love hearing from our BA fam! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Mandi sits down with the brilliant Jasmine Marie breathwork practitioner, founder of Black Girls Breathing, and author of Black Girls Breathing: Heal from Trauma, Combat Stress, and Find Your Freedom. From surviving the corporate grind to creating wellness spaces rooted in cultural relevance, Jasmine gets real about her journey into entrepreneurship, healing work, and what it truly takes to hold space for Black women’s mental and emotional wellbeing. We talk about everything from the power of a deep breath and surviving burnout, to funding a business on your own terms and growing a team the *smart* way. Jasmine even leads us through a mini oceanic breath session at the end — don’t miss it We talk about: - Jasmine’s transition from corporate beauty marketing to breathwork and mental wellness - Why most wellness spaces *don’t* center Black women's lived experiences — and what she's doing about it - Building a company without VC funding: how Jasmine bootstrapped and scaled BGB - The importance of listening to your body (and your breath) when trauma speaks - Balancing healing work with entrepreneurship and how not to burn out - Tools in Jasmine’s toolkit: EMDR therapy, acupuncture, daily walks, and more - Real talk on grief, generational trauma, and creating new blueprints for Black wellness Join the Movement: https://www.blackgirlsbreathing.com - Follow Jasmine on IG @blackgirlsbreathing - Subscribe to *Brown Ambition* and leave us a 5-star review if this episode gave you life! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BA Fam, we’re back at the Brown Table! This week, Mandi is joined by our faves Yanely and Naseema for a good ol' catch-up and trust, it’s been a minute. We're talking about all things mental health, money moves, and why Naseema’s plotting a mini-retirement (yes, you heard that right). Plus, we dive deep into the messy student loan situation (spoiler alert: the bills are coming due) and what you actually need to know before you freak out. We also show love to some brilliant Black authors and entrepreneurs making big waves in the mental health and financial wellness space. Oh, and we might get a little sidetracked talking about breathwork, the movie that everyone is talking about Sinners, and why leaning on your community is the biggest flex right now. Pull up a seat, you’re gonna want in on this one. 💛 Links + Resources: 📲 Follow on Yanely Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/missbehelpful/ 📲 Follow on Naseema Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/financiallyintentional/ LET’S STAY CONNECTED Instagram: [@brownambitionpodcast](https://www.instagram.com/brownambitionpodcast ) Website: [brownambitionpodcast.com](https://www.brownambitionpodcast.com ) Subscribe & leave us a review—because we love hearing from our BA fam! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week’s episode, we’re getting real about navigating career highs, lows—and everything in between. Mandi hosts a live coaching session with LaKesha J., a member of the Mandi MoneyMakers community, who is trying to figure out how to position herself for career growth after she was laid off by her company and narrowly escaped unemployment by finding a role on a different team. Next up, we get into the messy, grown-up decision-making that comes with a career crossroads. Do you take the severance and walk away clean—or stay for the long game, with perks like full vesting, pension benefits, and even a company-covered master’s degree? We’re breaking down the pros and cons, talking real numbers, and helping you think through how to align your career moves with your long-term goals. And to close things out, we’re diving into two fields where the future is already here: data analytics and cybersecurity. Whether you’re eyeing a new lane or looking to level up where you are, we’re talking certifications, AI trends, and the skills that’ll keep your résumé future-proof. It’s a reminder that learning is a lifelong flex and staying curious is the best career insurance out there. This episode is a celebration of courage, clarity, and the power of making moves—even when it’s scary. Tap in for real talk, big insights, and a whole lot of motivation to keep betting on yourself. LET’S STAY CONNECTED Instagram: [@brownambitionpodcast](https://www.instagram.com/brownambitionpodcast) Website: [brownambitionpodcast.com](https://www.brownambitionpodcast.com) Subscribe & leave us a review—because we love hearing from our BA fam! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Brown Ambition, we’re joined by none other than HGTV’s powerhouse duo, Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson, stars of “Married to Real Estate” and hosts of the Marriage & Money podcast. Together, we dive into what it really looks like to build a business, raise a family, and keep a marriage strong—all while staying true to themselves. From juggling show tapings to managing their growing empire (hello, new furniture line Indigo Road!), Egypt and Mike don’t hold back. We talk about: - The honest truth about therapy, teamwork, and choosing love on the hard days - How they navigate marriage without competition just collaboration - The power of understanding your partner’s strengths in life and in business - Their journey raising daughters while modeling a healthy, ambitious partnership - What it takes to build a financial dream team and break the mold on outdated gender roles We also get personal about the importance of communication, leaning on trust, and setting boundaries that protect your peace—drawing inspiration from Michelle Obama, Tabitha Brown, and the many women redefining relationship goals on their own terms. This one’s for anyone balancing love, legacy, and leveling up 🎧 Tap in and don’t forget to check out Egypt and Mike on YouTube and follow Egypt's newest venture, Indigo Road, for more of her signature style and vision. LET’S STAY CONNECTED Instagram: @brownambitionpodcast Website: https://www.brownambitionpodcast.com Subscribe & leave us a review—because we love hearing from our BA fam! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we’re sitting down with Raye Shurice, an amazing member of the Mandi Moneymakers community, who went from juggling two jobs to landing a major salary bump and leveling up her entire career. She’s breaking down her journey, from tough interviews to tough decisions, and how community, clarity, and confidence helped her boss up and get what she deserved. We’re also digging into one of the trickiest parts of the professional world: salary negotiation especially when you're trying to level up within the same company. Sound familiar? We got you. From figuring out your market value to knowing how to leverage that next offer (yes, even in nonprofits!), we’re talking strategy, self-worth, and how to have the conversation without losing your cool. Plus: We’re sharing real-world scripts, role-play tips, and ways to make sure your PTO, bonuses, and benefits get the same love as your paycheck. If you’ve ever second-guessed your ask, struggled to advocate for your worth, or just needed that push to go after more—this episode is your reminder: You can do this, and you deserve every bit of it. Links + Resources: 📲 Follow on Raye Instagram - @raye.shurice 🎙️ Stay connected with Brown Ambition → @brownambitionpodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.