エピソード

  • A Chat About Chat GPT
    2025/06/24
    In this episode of the *Business First Podcast*, host **Sonia Alleyne** sits down with certified AI consultant and trainer **Jennene Biggins** to break down the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on business. From her beginnings in the fashion industry to leading **Danso Digital Media Group**, Jennene shares her evolution into AI and her mission to help small businesses integrate these tools for real results. The conversation dives into the practical side of AI—how tools like **ChatGPT** can boost productivity, streamline social media, assist with daily tasks, and even empower creatives without sacrificing artistic integrity. Jennene and Sonia address the fear surrounding AI, especially among entrepreneurs, and discuss the importance of data privacy, community education, and adapting to change in today’s tech-driven marketplace. Whether you're a business owner, content creator, or just AI-curious, this episode offers valuable insight into how technology can enhance—not replace—your work.
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    44 分
  • The Fractional CFO
    2025/06/17
    In this episode of the *Business First Podcast*, host **Sonia Alleyne** sits down with **Susanne Mariga**, CPA, author, and expert in entrepreneurial finance, to unpack the transformative *Profit First* method. As a **fractional CFO**, Susanne helps business owners take control of their cash flow, make intentional profit, and build sustainable, successful businesses—especially within minority and underrepresented communities. From her personal journey as an entrepreneur to her mission of empowering others to understand their numbers and value their services, Susanne shares practical strategies to move from surviving to thriving. The episode also highlights her broader vision of social impact, including sending girls to school globally through proceeds from her book.
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    35 分
  • Black Land Man Pt.2
    2025/06/10
    In this inspiring episode of the Business First Podcast, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with Yachtze Luchin, founder and CEO of Unite Oil and Gas International, to explore the importance of access, representation, and purpose in the energy sector. Yachtze shares his powerful journey—from overcoming a challenging upbringing to building a thriving career in engineering and ultimately founding a mission-driven oil and gas company. Together, they discuss the systemic barriers in the industry, the value of diversity in leadership, and how entrepreneurs can balance profitability with social responsibility. Whether you're an emerging business owner, a corporate leader, or someone passionate about building impact-driven enterprises, this episode is filled with actionable insights and motivating takeaways.
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    26 分
  • Black Land Man
    2025/06/03
    In this inspiring episode of the Business First Podcast, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with Yachtze Luchin, founder and CEO of Unite Oil and Gas International, to explore the importance of access, representation, and purpose in the energy sector. Yachtze shares his powerful journey—from overcoming a challenging upbringing to building a thriving career in engineering and ultimately founding a mission-driven oil and gas company. Together, they discuss the systemic barriers in the industry, the value of diversity in leadership, and how entrepreneurs can balance profitability with social responsibility. Whether you're an emerging business owner, a corporate leader, or someone passionate about building impact-driven enterprises, this episode is filled with actionable insights and motivating takeaways.
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    27 分
  • The New Movement
    2025/05/27
    In this impactful episode of the #BusinessFirstPodcast, host #SoniaAlleyne sits down once again with entrepreneur and visionary #RobertBlackwellJr. to explore the vital role of economic empowerment in the #BlackCommunity. Reflecting on the enduring legacy of #BlackWallStreet, Blackwell challenges outdated charity models and calls for a shift toward building human and social capital as the foundation for lasting prosperity. He highlights the importance of organizations like #TecsDotLove in fostering entrepreneurship and free enterprise, while also addressing the failures of government systems to create real economic opportunity. Blackwell urges Black communities—especially #BlackWomen—to hold elected officials accountable and unite around the shared goal of economic success. This conversation is a call to action for those committed to closing the wealth gap, supporting Black-owned businesses, and demanding a seat at the economic table.
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    41 分
  • By the Bottle – Elevating Wine Culture with Stephanie Browne
    2025/05/20
    In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with wine industry trailblazer Stephanie Browne, founder of Divas UnCorked, and author of the newly released book Sipping Sense. Stephanie shares her inspiring journey through the world of wine—from breaking barriers as a Black woman in a predominantly white industry to creating inclusive spaces that celebrate culture, community, and connection through wine. They explore how wine appreciation has evolved, particularly among women and people of color, and why storytelling is at the heart of wine culture. Stephanie also dives into her book, which blends her passion for wine, healthy cooking, and entertaining, and previews her podcast that highlights diverse voices shaping the wine world. From her early days to future plans for immersive wine tours and deeper community engagement, this episode is a toast to purpose-driven business and cultural celebration. Find more inspiring conversations like this on the Mean Ole Lion Media app, available now in the App Store or Google Play.
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    32 分
  • Managing Change
    2025/05/13
    In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne speaks with Kelli Lester, co-founder of Onyx Rising, about the importance of change management, financial wellness, and inclusive leadership. Kelli shares her journey of embracing change, the significance of financial education, and the strategies her firm employs to help individuals and organizations achieve their goals. The conversation delves into personal stories of overcoming financial challenges, the need for a mindset shift regarding money management, and the essential traits of inclusive leadership. In this conversation, Kelli Lester discusses the importance of self-awareness in leadership, the need to amplify diverse voices, and the significance of feedback in personal and professional growth. She emphasizes the connection between head, heart, and hands in effective leadership and shares her future plans for a podcast focused on inclusive leadership. The discussion also touches on the challenges of navigating change and the importance of teaching resilience to the next generation.
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    43 分
  • Black Farmers
    2025/05/06
    In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne speaks with Byron McGowan, a cattle farmer and arborist, about the historical context of Black farmers in the U.S., the challenges they face today, and the importance of educating consumers about sustainable farming practices. Byron shares his personal journey into agriculture, the stigma surrounding farming careers, and the lessons he learned from his military service. The conversation emphasizes the need for transparency in sourcing food and the significance of customer service in the farming industry. In this conversation, Byron McGowan shares his journey from a fascination with the outdoors to becoming an arborist and running McGowan Farms. He discusses the importance of understanding food labels, the dangers of arborist work, and his vision for expanding his farm to support local communities. Byron emphasizes the need for education and empowerment in agriculture, especially for young people, and addresses the impact of tariffs on local farming operations. The conversation concludes with a call for community support and connection.
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    57 分