In this episode, Jewel sits down with Cortez Johnson to break down the full lifecycle of a corporation—from startup to growth, maturity, exit, and decline—unpacking how companies are built, scaled, and ultimately transformed through capital, strategy, and market forces. Drawing from his experience in M&A and finance, Cortez reveals how each phase reshapes executive roles, from early-stage hustle to structured growth, high-pressure exits, and turnaround environments, giving Black executives a clearer lens on how to position themselves inside the systems that drive power, wealth, and long-term opportunity.

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➡️ Black Executive Men on Linkedin

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In this special episode, Jewel sits down with Joe Funderburke to break down the new rules of global business in a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape, drawing from his experience across the Pentagon, White House, and Congress to reveal how power, policy, and markets are now deeply intertwined. From U.S.–China tensions to the rise of a diversified Asia strategy, Joe unpacks why the era of efficiency is over, how supply chains are being rebuilt for resilience, and what it truly means to operate in systems—not just markets. Packed with strategic clarity, real-world examples, and a direct call to action for Black executives, this conversation is a blueprint for leaders ready to move beyond participation and begin shaping the future of global business.

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➡️ Black Executive Men on Linkedin

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In this special episode, Jewel sits down with George Antoin Smith, co-founder of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), to uncover the untold story behind one of the most powerful student-led movements in history. From the Chicago Six at Purdue to building an institution that now shapes 30,000 Black engineers worldwide, George shares firsthand how vision, friendship, and persistence transformed a dire need into a global legacy. Packed with history, lessons on resilience, and insights for leaders ready to leave their mark, this conversation is a living blueprint on how community and purpose create institutions that outlast us all.

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➡️ Black Executive Men on Linkedin

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