“We are human beings, not human doings!” This quote from Dr. Alicia Newsome really sets the tone for this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis! Dr. Alicia is an executive advisor, international speaker, bestselling author, and most importantly a functional medicine expert. And in this episode, I learn so much about myself.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of health in leadership, the differences between functional and traditional medicine, and the significance of rest and boundaries in entrepreneurship. Dr. Alicia shares her journey into functional medicine and emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to health and well-being, especially for Black women entrepreneurs.

This conversation also touches on the importance of trusting yourself and finding clarity in your personal and professional life. Dr. Alicia teaches me about the impact of stress on hormones and overall health, which emphasizes the connection between mental and physical well-being. We highlight the importance of self-acceptance and recognizing your inherent worth. And Dr. Alicia gives practical tips on nutrition and gut health, reinforcing a holistic approach to wellness.

Stay tuned for more info on Dr. Alicia’s new book!

We talk:

06:01 - Functional vs. traditional medicine

12:07 - The importance of health in leadership

18:04 - Redesigning business for personal wellbeing

29:15 - Trusting yourself and finding clarity

34:12 - The impact of stress on hormones

52:23 - Empowerment and self-acceptance for Black women entrepreneurs

Episode References:

And Still She Rise! (2024)

Manifesting Her! (2023)

Stories of The World's Greatest Speakers (2024)

Women Redefining Leadership with S.P.I.C.E. (2025)

Connect with Dr. Alicia! - IG @dr.alicianewsome - YouTube @dr.alicianewsome - LinkedIn @dr-alicia-newsome

Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod

Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis

We got another Black Woman in Cannabis ya’ll! If you know her, you already know this will be a great conversation. But if you don’t know her, I’m super excited to introduce you to Lucille Verdé, your favorite stay at home stoner. Lucille is a cannabis entrepreneur and the owner of Canna Cape Cod, a unique bud and breakfast in DC.

In this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis!, Lucille shares her journey in the cannabis industry, both personal and professional. She highlights the importance of community building, the cultural nuances of being a stoner, and the spiritual growth that comes with entrepreneurship.

Our conversation emphasizes the significance of empowering Black Women, especially within the cannabis industry, showcasing the nurturing and supportive community we create. We discuss the importance of advocating for those still incarcerated for cannabis-related offenses. And we stress the need for authenticity, resilience, and commitment in entrepreneurship and the importance of recognizing signs in business and life.

We talk:

4:10 - The journey of building a cannabis business

12:05 - Navigating the cannabis industry while community building

19:24 - Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship

25:31 - From dream job to dream life

38:06 - The injustice of cannabis incarceration

42:52 - Empowering Black Women Entrepreneurs!

Episode References:

Last Prisoner Project

Free My Weedman

Buy Weed From Women

Connect with Lucille! - IG @canna_cape_cod_dc - YouTube @lucilleverde420 - Website lucille-verde.com

Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod

Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis

What does success mean to you? What does it look like? How does it smell? Don’t look at that business over there for an idea. Look inside and define it for yourself! That is one of the running themes in this episode of Bet on Yourself, Sis!, with Anna Deshawn.

Anna is a social entrepreneur, storyteller, and community organizer, and together we discuss the important keys for Black Women Entrepreneurs, including setting boundaries to protect your energy and defining success on your own terms. Anna shares her journey into entrepreneurship, from going to journaling camps as a child to building platforms that center BIPOC and QTPOC, amplifying marginalized voices. She also emphasizes the need for financial stability to create impact and shares her personal practices for self-care and avoiding burnout.

The conversation highlights the importance of consistent preparation for challenges, intentional planning to manage energy, and the necessity of building a supportive team. It also emphasizes the value of delegation, the balance between time and money, and the significance of community over individualism.

We talk:

06:28 - Defining success on your own terms

16:30 - The importance of rest and self-care

22:10 - Building a support system

30:47 - The difference between business owner and entrepreneur

32:13 - Advice for Black Women Entrepreneurs

Episode References:

Robin Roberts

The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks

Navigating Identity Shifts in Business and Life with Shervon Laurice

The Qube

Connect with Anna! - IG @annadeshawn - YouTube @e3radio - Website annadeshawn.com

Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod

Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis