Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Everett Swain II.

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:

• Highlight alternative pathways to high-paying careers without a traditional four-year degree.
• Showcase how UXD Academy, founded by Everett Swain II, empowers individuals—especially from underserved communities—to leverage AI and design skills for financial and academic freedom.
• Inspire entrepreneurs and small business owners to embrace AI-driven opportunities.

Key Takeaways

1. AI as an Opportunity, Not a Threat

   • AI can amplify human capabilities rather than replace them.
   • Small businesses see 80% positive ROI from AI adoption, making it a major growth lever.

2. Career Without a Degree

   • Over 40% of tech companies no longer require degrees, focusing instead on certifications and portfolios.
   • UXD Academy teaches AI experience design and automation for learners as young as 13.

3. Everett’s Journey

   • Started as a graphic designer, pivoted to UX after self-learning via “YouTube University.”
   • Built UXD Academy to democratize access to tech careers and fight industry gatekeeping.

4. Business Model

   • UXD Academy offers free resources and paid guidance.
   • Created Our Table, an AI experience agency employing top students for real-world projects.

5. Impact on Underserved Communities

   • Programs can transform lives, moving individuals from low-income jobs to salaries of $75K–$140K within 3 years.
   • Focus on youth (starting at age 13) to break cycles of poverty and limited exposure.

6. Future AI Trends for Small Businesses

   • AI agents, automated workflows, and AI-powered customer experiences will dominate in the next 12–18 months.

7. Legacy

   • Everett aims to help 100,000 youth create their own reality through tech education.

Notable Quotes

• On AI’s role:
  “Think of AI as the smartest intern you know—you can train it to work specifically for you.”

• On education:
  “You don’t need a degree for what I do. Over 40% of tech companies don’t care about degrees anymore—they care about your portfolio.”

• On opportunity:
  “If you follow what I’m telling you, you can change your life in under a year and a half.”

• On underserved communities:
  “For the first time in history, people of color can bridge the gap to academic and financial freedom without a four-year degree.”

• On legacy:
  “If I can help 100,000 kids create their own reality, that will be my legacy.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Elliot Holland.

The managing partner of Guardian Due Diligence. Here’s a breakdown of the key topics and highlights:

Key Themes & Highlights

1. Buying Small Businesses vs. Franchises

   • Holland explains the differences between purchasing a franchise and acquiring an independent business.
   • He highlights the risk-reward balance, noting that franchises offer a structured model, while independent businesses can be more lucrative but require deeper due diligence.

2. Financial Strategies for Business Acquisition

   • He discusses the SBA 7(a) loan program, which allows buyers to acquire businesses with 90-95% financing, making ownership more accessible.
   • Holland explains how leveraging financing can turn a small investment into a million-dollar business.

3. Due Diligence & Avoiding Bad Deals

   • He emphasizes the importance of financial diligence to ensure buyers don’t acquire failing businesses.
   • Holland shares red flags to watch for, such as misleading financials and sellers masking poor performance.

4. Masterclass for First-Time Buyers

   • Holland introduces his Business Buying Masterclass, designed to educate entrepreneurs on the acquisition process.
   • He provides one-on-one coaching, helping buyers navigate financing, negotiations, and deal structuring.

5. Success Stories & Case Studies

   • He shares examples of clients who successfully acquired businesses, including a 24-year-old entrepreneur and a 60-year-old investor.
   • Holland highlights how his expertise helped buyers secure financing, conduct due diligence, and close profitable deals.

About Elliot Holland & Guardian Due Diligence

Elliot Holland is a Harvard MBA, private equity investor, and business acquisition expert. He founded Guardian Due Diligence to help first-time buyers confidently purchase profitable businesses. His firm specializes in financial diligence, ensuring buyers make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes. Through his masterclass and consulting, Holland empowers entrepreneurs to build wealth through business ownership.

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Sauda Johnson McNeal.

• To highlight Sauda Johnson McNeal’s journey from a successful law career to filmmaking.
• To discuss her new film “Love the Skin You’re In”, its themes, production process, and personal significance.
• To inspire entrepreneurs and creatives to pursue their passions while balancing purpose and practicality.

Key Takeaways

1. Career Transition & Dual Roles

   • Sauda started as an actor, realized the instability, and pursued law for financial security.
   • Maintains dual careers: education attorney and filmmaker, blending purpose (helping youth) and passion (storytelling).

2. Film Details

   • Title: Love the Skin You’re In.
   • Themes: Self-love, family healing, caretaking, and African-American experiences.
   • Cast includes Wendy Raquel Robinson, Marla Gibbs, and Oba Babatundé.
   • Release: Limited theatrical run (Dec 17–23 in North Hollywood), streaming planned for February 2026 (Black History Month).

3. Production Challenges

   • Unexpected permit issues caused shutdowns.
   • Tight 4-week shooting schedule due to budget constraints.
   • Importance of leveraging relationships and calling in favors for casting and resources.

4. Personal Connection

   • Story inspired by Sauda’s own struggles with self-worth during college.
   • Emphasizes therapy, faith, and support systems in overcoming self-doubt.

5. Entrepreneurial Insight

   • First project was self-financed; future plans include raising private equity for films.
   • Goal: Maintain creative control while expanding opportunities for others.

6. Impact & Audience Takeaway

   • Encourages self-acceptance and repairing family relationships.
   • Resonates with men on fatherhood and emotional presence.
   • Highlights the underappreciated role of caretakers.

Notable Quotes

• On purpose and passion:
  “My purpose is to help young people. My passion is this filmmaking business.”

• On self-love:
  “Love the skin you’re in is about total self-acceptance regardless of where you are on your journey.”

• On overcoming fear:
  “Film is unpredictable… I said, okay, the other fears—do it anyway.”

• On family relationships:
  “We are not promised tomorrow… Fix these family relationships if they’re possible to be fixed.”

• On entrepreneurial mindset:
  “I absolutely would like to use other people’s money… but keep creative control.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.