エピソード

  • RR - Fashion Forward

    RR - Fashion Forward
    2025/11/25
    In this re released episode of Business First, Sonia sits down with artist and entrepreneur Sharon A. Keyser, owner of #SKCreationsLLC, to explore how a childhood love of sewing blossomed into a thriving fashion and lifestyle brand. Born and raised in #WashingtonDC, Sharon learned to sew from her great-grandmother, sparking a lifelong passion for textiles, bold colors, and beautiful fabrics. Over the years, her creativity led her to develop original designs that now appear on everything from apparel and bags to home décor, tech accessories, linens, and more. Sonia and Sharon talk about the early days of her craft, the evolution of her business, and the joy of turning artistic passion into a sustainable creative enterprise. If you love stories about artistry, entrepreneurship, and staying true to your gifts, this conversation is for you. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app.
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    19 分
  • Values and Gratitude

    Values and Gratitude
    2025/11/18
    In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with Brian Thompson, founder of Brian Thompson Financial LLC, for a powerful conversation on authenticity, alignment, and the entrepreneurial journey—especially for LGBTQ+ business owners. Brian opens up about his transition from tax attorney to financial planner, sharing how embracing his true self reshaped his life and business. Together, they explore the role of personal values in driving meaningful work, the courage it takes to build a purpose-led business, and the transformative breakthroughs clients experience when they align money with identity. Brian also reflects on the importance of gratitude, community, and support systems for entrepreneurs navigating uncertainty and growth. This inspiring conversation offers a deeply human look at what it means to build a business—and a life—that reflects who you truly are. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app. Follow, rate, comment, and share.
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    41 分
  • No Cell Phones Allowed

    No Cell Phones Allowed
    2025/11/11
    In this re-release of the Business First Podcast, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with Chef Rock Harper, award-winning chef, restaurateur, and culinary trailblazer, for an inspiring conversation on reclaiming culinary rights and honoring the cultural legacy of soul food. Chef Rock dives deep into the rich history of fried chicken—its roots in African American tradition, its global influence, and its power as a symbol of resilience and creativity. He also discusses the challenges and triumphs of running Black-owned food businesses and why specialization and authenticity are key to long-term success in today’s restaurant industry. From his journey as a Hell’s Kitchen champion to the growth of his acclaimed restaurant Queen Mother’s Fried Chicken, Chef Rock shares valuable lessons on leadership, purpose, and building community through food. As he continues to expand his culinary footprint, including the upcoming launch of D.C.’s first no-phones bar, Chef Rock remains a voice for empowerment and innovation in the food world. This episode is a masterclass in turning passion into purpose — and purpose into legacy. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app. Follow, rate, comment, and share to keep the conversation growing.
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    51 分
  • Economic Empowerment With Soul

    Economic Empowerment With Soul
    2025/11/04
    In this inspiring episode of the Business First Podcast, Sabrina Lamb, CEO of Wekeza, shares her mission to close the wealth gap for the African diaspora through accessible, multilingual financial education. She opens up about the creation of Wekeza, the importance of teaching financial literacy in native languages, and her vision for a global, pan-African investment platform that empowers communities to build and sustain generational wealth. Sabrina also reflects on her transformative time in Tulsa—once the home of Black Wall Street—and how that experience deepened her understanding of financial liberty and the “soul work” behind true economic empowerment. With future plans to make investing more inclusive and community-driven, this episode is a masterclass in purpose, vision and empowerment. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app. Follow, rate, comment and share to keep the conversation growing.
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    37 分
  • The AI Diversity Champion

    The AI Diversity Champion
    2025/10/21
    In this episode of The Business First Podcast, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with Michel Edwards, co-founder and CEO of Bluu Kazi, to explore how his company is transforming talent acquisition and development. Michel shares how Bluu Kazi’s innovative matching algorithm connects top talent with forward-thinking businesses while championing diversity in tech and supporting military veterans through training and career development. The conversation dives into the importance of agility in business, navigating career transitions, and Bluu Kazi’s bold vision to expand opportunities in underserved communities. Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or the Mean Ole Lion Media App.
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    33 分
  • Business First w/Sonia Alleyne

    Business First w/Sonia Alleyne
    2025/10/28
    In this episode of the Business First Podcast, Sonia Alleyne sits down with Allyson Ward, corporate wellness strategist and leadership coach, to explore the power of demolishing stress — not just managing it. Together, they discuss how AI can help small businesses boost productivity, reduce stress, and inspire creativity across generations. Allyson breaks down the fear of AI, offering practical tools for integrating it into daily business operations and even corporate wellness strategies. The conversation also dives into navigating uncertainty, staying emotionally grounded, and recognizing opportunities during challenging times. Find more episodes like this on the Mean Ole Lion Media app.
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    34 分
  • The Business of Healing

    The Business of Healing
    2025/10/14
    In this powerful episode of the Business First Podcast, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with Rahman Hall to discuss his inspiring journey of healing, transformation, and purpose. Rahman opens up about his experiences with childhood trauma and the profound role that forgiveness and writing have played in his path toward recovery. He shares valuable insights on confronting emotional scars, seeking help, and turning pain into purpose — including his mission to establish a healing center dedicated to supporting survivors of abuse and trauma. This deeply moving conversation reminds listeners that true leadership often begins with self-healing. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app. Don’t forget to follow, rate, comment, and share!
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    47 分
  • Business First w/Sonia Alleyne

    Business First w/Sonia Alleyne
    2025/10/07
    In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with restaurateur and venture capitalist Shane Corrodus to explore his inspiring journey in the restaurant industry. Shane opens up about the challenges of launching and sustaining a successful restaurant, highlighting the cultural influences and strategic choices that shaped Elevation Kitchen and Cocktails. He shares valuable lessons on consistency in food and service quality, the importance of staff training, and how creating unique experiences builds lasting connections with guests. Shane also reflects on his early aspirations, his business philosophy rooted in honesty and transparency, and the role of wisdom in guiding big decisions. The conversation closes with his vision for the future and his dedication to mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs. Tune in for practical insights and motivating lessons from a leader who knows the recipe for success.
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    42 分