Steve Harvey Morning Show

Steve Harvey Morning Show

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Mental Health: Practice: Her company, Fit Life Wellness offers Virtual therapy, clinical supervision, and mental health resources

Overcoming the Odds: She shares her inspiring story of rising from humble beginnings to becoming a high-ranking executive in a Fortune 500 company.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadioApple PodcastsSpotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

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

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Cheryl Bevelle-Orange.

Retired Chief Information Officer (CIO) of FedEx Custom Critical and author of The Courage to Continue: Navigating Your Corporate Journey, shares her inspiring story of rising from humble beginnings in Bessemer, Alabama, to becoming a high-ranking executive in a Fortune 500 company. The conversation centers on her book’s core themes: mentorship, advocacy, and sponsorship.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

  1. Why She Wrote the Book
  • Cheryl is a first-generation corporate American whose parents were a coal miner and a teacher.
  • Initially written as a guide for her children, the book evolved into a broader resource for anyone navigating corporate life, especially first-generation professionals.
  • The pandemic inspired her to add a section for leaders managing first-gen employees.
  1. Career at FedEx
  • Spent 26 years at FedEx, culminating in her role as CIO of FedEx Custom Critical.
  • FedEx Custom Critical handles specialized logistics, such as transporting refrigerated COVID-19 vaccines.
  • Her role involved overseeing IT infrastructure, data, and systems—a rare position for African-American women in tech.
  1. Mentorship, Advocacy, and Sponsorship
  • Cheryl breaks down the differences:
    • Mentors help build skills and confidence (like background singers preparing the lead).
    • Sponsors are like PR agents who open doors and promote you.
    • Advocates speak up for you in rooms where you’re not present.
  • These three pillars were essential to her success and are critical for young professionals, especially minorities.
  1. Overcoming Barriers
  • Cheryl shares how racism and gender bias in tech were real challenges.
  • Her first mentor was a white male who saw her potential and helped her navigate corporate culture.
  • She emphasizes the importance of resilience, perspective, and turning frustration into action.
  1. Personal Motivation
  • A pivotal childhood moment: seeing her grandfather sign an “X” at the bank because he couldn’t write.
  • That experience ignited her drive for education and excellence.
  • She wanted to see the world beyond Bessemer and use her knowledge to help others do the same.
  1. Diversity & Inclusion at FedEx
  • Cheryl co-founded the FedEx African-American Committee, now a Business Resource Group (BRG).
  • Initiatives included:
    • Resume building and interview prep
    • Black History Month events with speakers like Donna Brazile and Ben Hooks
    • Creating safe spaces for Black employees to grow and connect

📘 About the Book

  • Title: The Courage to Continue: Navigating Your Corporate Journey
  • Available at: CherylBevelleOrange.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnyst

Overcoming the Odds: She shares her inspiring story of rising from humble beginnings to becoming a high-ranking executive in a Fortune 500 company.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadioApple PodcastsSpotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

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

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Cheryl Bevelle-Orange.

Retired Chief Information Officer (CIO) of FedEx Custom Critical and author of The Courage to Continue: Navigating Your Corporate Journey, shares her inspiring story of rising from humble beginnings in Bessemer, Alabama, to becoming a high-ranking executive in a Fortune 500 company. The conversation centers on her book’s core themes: mentorship, advocacy, and sponsorship.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

  1. Why She Wrote the Book
  • Cheryl is a first-generation corporate American whose parents were a coal miner and a teacher.
  • Initially written as a guide for her children, the book evolved into a broader resource for anyone navigating corporate life, especially first-generation professionals.
  • The pandemic inspired her to add a section for leaders managing first-gen employees.
  1. Career at FedEx
  • Spent 26 years at FedEx, culminating in her role as CIO of FedEx Custom Critical.
  • FedEx Custom Critical handles specialized logistics, such as transporting refrigerated COVID-19 vaccines.
  • Her role involved overseeing IT infrastructure, data, and systems—a rare position for African-American women in tech.
  1. Mentorship, Advocacy, and Sponsorship
  • Cheryl breaks down the differences:
    • Mentors help build skills and confidence (like background singers preparing the lead).
    • Sponsors are like PR agents who open doors and promote you.
    • Advocates speak up for you in rooms where you’re not present.
  • These three pillars were essential to her success and are critical for young professionals, especially minorities.
  1. Overcoming Barriers
  • Cheryl shares how racism and gender bias in tech were real challenges.
  • Her first mentor was a white male who saw her potential and helped her navigate corporate culture.
  • She emphasizes the importance of resilience, perspective, and turning frustration into action.
  1. Personal Motivation
  • A pivotal childhood moment: seeing her grandfather sign an “X” at the bank because he couldn’t write.
  • That experience ignited her drive for education and excellence.
  • She wanted to see the world beyond Bessemer and use her knowledge to help others do the same.
  1. Diversity & Inclusion at FedEx
  • Cheryl co-founded the FedEx African-American Committee, now a Business Resource Group (BRG).
  • Initiatives included:
    • Resume building and interview prep
    • Black History Month events with speakers like Donna Brazile and Ben Hooks
    • Creating safe spaces for Black employees to grow and connect

📘 About the Book

  • Title: The Courage to Continue: Navigating Your Corporate Journey
  • Available at: CherylBevelleOrange.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Training: She helps individuals and organizations reach their goals through structured, science-based coaching.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadioApple PodcastsSpotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Cherry Collier.

  • Master Certified Executive Coach
  • Organizational Psychologist
  • Founder of Personality Matters, a multimillion-dollar consulting firm

🌟 Key Themes 1. What Is a Master Certified Executive Coach?

  • Dr. Collier is credentialed by the International Coach Federation and trained in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP).
  • She helps individuals and organizations reach their goals through structured, science-based coaching.

2. Organizational Psychology

  • Focuses on aligning people, processes, and technology for optimal performance.
  • Uses diagnostics and gap analysis to tailor strategies for individuals and companies.

3. The Science of Connection

  • Emphasizes the importance of relationships and emotional intelligence.
  • Promotes the idea of “never walk alone” — building a supportive network is key to success.

4. Rise Framework

  • Relational
  • Interpersonal
  • Social
  • Emotional
    Used to help individuals and teams grow holistically.

5. Challenges in the Workplace

  • Dr. Collier addresses modern workplace stress, technology overload, and the need for intentionality.
  • Encourages people to take control of their mindset and routines (e.g., ditch the snooze button!).

6. Black Women in the Workplace

  • Acknowledges systemic barriers but focuses on solutions and building strong support systems.
  • Advocates for certification and professional development to access higher-level opportunities.

💬 Notable Quotes

  • “Success is less about speed and more about direction.”
  • “If someone knocks you down, it’s their fault. If you stay down, it’s yours.”
  • “Your personality will take you into any room.”

🏢 About Her Company: Personality Matters

  • Specializes in helping organizations and individuals improve performance through behavioral science.
  • Ranked #9 on the University of Georgia’s Bulldog 100 list of fastest-growing businesses.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Training: She helps individuals and organizations reach their goals through structured, science-based coaching.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadioApple PodcastsSpotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Cherry Collier.

  • Master Certified Executive Coach
  • Organizational Psychologist
  • Founder of Personality Matters, a multimillion-dollar consulting firm

🌟 Key Themes 1. What Is a Master Certified Executive Coach?

  • Dr. Collier is credentialed by the International Coach Federation and trained in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP).
  • She helps individuals and organizations reach their goals through structured, science-based coaching.

2. Organizational Psychology

  • Focuses on aligning people, processes, and technology for optimal performance.
  • Uses diagnostics and gap analysis to tailor strategies for individuals and companies.

3. The Science of Connection

  • Emphasizes the importance of relationships and emotional intelligence.
  • Promotes the idea of “never walk alone” — building a supportive network is key to success.

4. Rise Framework

  • Relational
  • Interpersonal
  • Social
  • Emotional
    Used to help individuals and teams grow holistically.

5. Challenges in the Workplace

  • Dr. Collier addresses modern workplace stress, technology overload, and the need for intentionality.
  • Encourages people to take control of their mindset and routines (e.g., ditch the snooze button!).

6. Black Women in the Workplace

  • Acknowledges systemic barriers but focuses on solutions and building strong support systems.
  • Advocates for certification and professional development to access higher-level opportunities.

💬 Notable Quotes

  • “Success is less about speed and more about direction.”
  • “If someone knocks you down, it’s their fault. If you stay down, it’s yours.”
  • “Your personality will take you into any room.”

🏢 About Her Company: Personality Matters

  • Specializes in helping organizations and individuals improve performance through behavioral science.
  • Ranked #9 on the University of Georgia’s Bulldog 100 list of fastest-growing businesses.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Training: She helps individuals and organizations reach their goals through structured, science-based coaching.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadioApple PodcastsSpotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Cherry Collier.

  • Master Certified Executive Coach
  • Organizational Psychologist
  • Founder of Personality Matters, a multimillion-dollar consulting firm

🌟 Key Themes 1. What Is a Master Certified Executive Coach?

  • Dr. Collier is credentialed by the International Coach Federation and trained in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP).
  • She helps individuals and organizations reach their goals through structured, science-based coaching.

2. Organizational Psychology

  • Focuses on aligning people, processes, and technology for optimal performance.
  • Uses diagnostics and gap analysis to tailor strategies for individuals and companies.

3. The Science of Connection

  • Emphasizes the importance of relationships and emotional intelligence.
  • Promotes the idea of “never walk alone” — building a supportive network is key to success.

4. Rise Framework

  • Relational
  • Interpersonal
  • Social
  • Emotional
    Used to help individuals and teams grow holistically.

5. Challenges in the Workplace

  • Dr. Collier addresses modern workplace stress, technology overload, and the need for intentionality.
  • Encourages people to take control of their mindset and routines (e.g., ditch the snooze button!).

6. Black Women in the Workplace

  • Acknowledges systemic barriers but focuses on solutions and building strong support systems.
  • Advocates for certification and professional development to access higher-level opportunities.

💬 Notable Quotes

  • “Success is less about speed and more about direction.”
  • “If someone knocks you down, it’s their fault. If you stay down, it’s yours.”
  • “Your personality will take you into any room.”

🏢 About Her Company: Personality Matters

  • Specializes in helping organizations and individuals improve performance through behavioral science.
  • Ranked #9 on the University of Georgia’s Bulldog 100 list of fastest-growing businesses.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Overcoming the Odds: His story showcases how family heritage and values can shape a business vision across generations.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadioApple PodcastsSpotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Robert Fitzpatrick, a Navy veteran, business consultant, fraternity brother (ΩΨΦ), and now the owner reviving his family’s historic Texas barbecue legacy. The conversation dives deeply into Fitzpatrick’s upbringing, his father’s groundbreaking barbecue business in 1950s Texas, his educational and military journey, his corporate career, and his decision to launch Dewey’s Barbecue Market in Skokie, Illinois—honoring his father’s original recipes and values.

The interview blends entrepreneurship, legacy, cultural history, and personal transformation, while highlighting the courage of Fitzpatrick’s father and the humility and faith-driven foundation of his family.


Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:

1. Inspire entrepreneurship and legacy-building

Fitzpatrick’s story showcases how family heritage and values can shape a business vision across generations.

2. Highlight resilience, faith, and leadership

His upbringing in a household rooted in Christian humility, strong expectations, and boundary-breaking courage provides a blueprint for character-driven success.

3. Educate listeners on transitioning careers

Fitzpatrick exemplifies pivoting from engineering and corporate consulting to pursuing passion-driven entrepreneurship.

4. Promote Dewey’s Barbecue Market

The interview introduces the Chicago-area community—especially the Skokie region—to his upcoming restaurant built on a 70-year-old Texas barbecue tradition.


Key Takeaways 1. A powerful family legacy rooted in courage

  • Fitzpatrick’s father, Dewey, opened a barbecue restaurant in 1951—before desegregation—and insisted that Blacks and whites could eat together.
  • He enforced respect and safety in his establishment, even confronting racist patrons.

2. Education was non-negotiable in the Fitzpatrick household

  • Robert is the youngest of seven siblings, all college graduates; five hold master’s degrees.
  • He himself holds an MBA and an MS in Management Information Systems.

3. A bridge between technology and business

  • Fitzpatrick spent decades in consulting with major firms (EDS, Dell, Arthur Andersen, KPMG) focusing on business process improvement.
  • His dual MS/MBA made him a translator between tech and finance.

4. Military discipline shaped his personal and professional life

  • Served in the U.S. Navy from 1986–1990, plus reserve duty (including deployment to Iraq).
  • Balanced military service with graduate studies and advancing his corporate career.

5. A calling to revive his father’s barbecue

  • His wife recognized his talent early, telling him for years he should be barbecuing.
  • A shortage of good Texas barbecue in Virginia pushed him to recreate his father’s recipes.

6. Skokie, Illinois: the ideal launchpad

  • After moving to the Great Lakes Naval Base area for a federal role, Fitzpatrick began scouting locations.
  • Skokie offered:
    • active support from city leadership
    • grants
    • an ideal building
    • community enthusiasm

7. Dewey’s Barbecue Market offerings

  • Meats: brisket, sausage, hot links, smoked boudin (monthly special)
  • Sides: potato salad (

Overcoming the Odds: His story showcases how family heritage and values can shape a business vision across generations.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadioApple PodcastsSpotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Robert Fitzpatrick, a Navy veteran, business consultant, fraternity brother (ΩΨΦ), and now the owner reviving his family’s historic Texas barbecue legacy. The conversation dives deeply into Fitzpatrick’s upbringing, his father’s groundbreaking barbecue business in 1950s Texas, his educational and military journey, his corporate career, and his decision to launch Dewey’s Barbecue Market in Skokie, Illinois—honoring his father’s original recipes and values.

The interview blends entrepreneurship, legacy, cultural history, and personal transformation, while highlighting the courage of Fitzpatrick’s father and the humility and faith-driven foundation of his family.


Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:

1. Inspire entrepreneurship and legacy-building

Fitzpatrick’s story showcases how family heritage and values can shape a business vision across generations.

2. Highlight resilience, faith, and leadership

His upbringing in a household rooted in Christian humility, strong expectations, and boundary-breaking courage provides a blueprint for character-driven success.

3. Educate listeners on transitioning careers

Fitzpatrick exemplifies pivoting from engineering and corporate consulting to pursuing passion-driven entrepreneurship.

4. Promote Dewey’s Barbecue Market

The interview introduces the Chicago-area community—especially the Skokie region—to his upcoming restaurant built on a 70-year-old Texas barbecue tradition.


Key Takeaways 1. A powerful family legacy rooted in courage

  • Fitzpatrick’s father, Dewey, opened a barbecue restaurant in 1951—before desegregation—and insisted that Blacks and whites could eat together.
  • He enforced respect and safety in his establishment, even confronting racist patrons.

2. Education was non-negotiable in the Fitzpatrick household

  • Robert is the youngest of seven siblings, all college graduates; five hold master’s degrees.
  • He himself holds an MBA and an MS in Management Information Systems.

3. A bridge between technology and business

  • Fitzpatrick spent decades in consulting with major firms (EDS, Dell, Arthur Andersen, KPMG) focusing on business process improvement.
  • His dual MS/MBA made him a translator between tech and finance.

4. Military discipline shaped his personal and professional life

  • Served in the U.S. Navy from 1986–1990, plus reserve duty (including deployment to Iraq).
  • Balanced military service with graduate studies and advancing his corporate career.

5. A calling to revive his father’s barbecue

  • His wife recognized his talent early, telling him for years he should be barbecuing.
  • A shortage of good Texas barbecue in Virginia pushed him to recreate his father’s recipes.

6. Skokie, Illinois: the ideal launchpad

  • After moving to the Great Lakes Naval Base area for a federal role, Fitzpatrick began scouting locations.
  • Skokie offered:
    • active support from city leadership
    • grants
    • an ideal building
    • community enthusiasm

7. Dewey’s Barbecue Market offerings

  • Meats: brisket, sausage, hot links, smoked boudin (monthly special)
  • Sides: potato salad (

Overcoming the Odds: His story showcases how family heritage and values can shape a business vision across generations.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadioApple PodcastsSpotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Robert Fitzpatrick, a Navy veteran, business consultant, fraternity brother (ΩΨΦ), and now the owner reviving his family’s historic Texas barbecue legacy. The conversation dives deeply into Fitzpatrick’s upbringing, his father’s groundbreaking barbecue business in 1950s Texas, his educational and military journey, his corporate career, and his decision to launch Dewey’s Barbecue Market in Skokie, Illinois—honoring his father’s original recipes and values.

The interview blends entrepreneurship, legacy, cultural history, and personal transformation, while highlighting the courage of Fitzpatrick’s father and the humility and faith-driven foundation of his family.


Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:

1. Inspire entrepreneurship and legacy-building

Fitzpatrick’s story showcases how family heritage and values can shape a business vision across generations.

2. Highlight resilience, faith, and leadership

His upbringing in a household rooted in Christian humility, strong expectations, and boundary-breaking courage provides a blueprint for character-driven success.

3. Educate listeners on transitioning careers

Fitzpatrick exemplifies pivoting from engineering and corporate consulting to pursuing passion-driven entrepreneurship.

4. Promote Dewey’s Barbecue Market

The interview introduces the Chicago-area community—especially the Skokie region—to his upcoming restaurant built on a 70-year-old Texas barbecue tradition.


Key Takeaways 1. A powerful family legacy rooted in courage

  • Fitzpatrick’s father, Dewey, opened a barbecue restaurant in 1951—before desegregation—and insisted that Blacks and whites could eat together.
  • He enforced respect and safety in his establishment, even confronting racist patrons.

2. Education was non-negotiable in the Fitzpatrick household

  • Robert is the youngest of seven siblings, all college graduates; five hold master’s degrees.
  • He himself holds an MBA and an MS in Management Information Systems.

3. A bridge between technology and business

  • Fitzpatrick spent decades in consulting with major firms (EDS, Dell, Arthur Andersen, KPMG) focusing on business process improvement.
  • His dual MS/MBA made him a translator between tech and finance.

4. Military discipline shaped his personal and professional life

  • Served in the U.S. Navy from 1986–1990, plus reserve duty (including deployment to Iraq).
  • Balanced military service with graduate studies and advancing his corporate career.

5. A calling to revive his father’s barbecue

  • His wife recognized his talent early, telling him for years he should be barbecuing.
  • A shortage of good Texas barbecue in Virginia pushed him to recreate his father’s recipes.

6. Skokie, Illinois: the ideal launchpad

  • After moving to the Great Lakes Naval Base area for a federal role, Fitzpatrick began scouting locations.
  • Skokie offered:
    • active support from city leadership
    • grants
    • an ideal building
    • community enthusiasm

7. Dewey’s Barbecue Market offerings

  • Meats: brisket, sausage, hot links, smoked boudin (monthly special)
  • Sides: potato salad (

Career Advice: She teaches sports media at George Washington University and stresses ethics, objectivity, and authenticity.)

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadioApple PodcastsSpotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Kelsey Nicole Nelson.

Award‑winning sports media personality, and entrepreneur.  She joins Rushion McDonald to discuss her journey in sports journalism, entrepreneurship, branding, and building a successful multi‑hyphenate career. She details how she built her media presence from the DMV area, launched her branding and digital communications company, navigated a male‑dominated industry, and leveraged authenticity, work ethic, and strategic networking to grow both her journalism and business ventures.


🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview was designed to:

  • Highlight how Kelsey built a career in sports journalism, on‑air talent, content creation, and entrepreneurship.
  • Explore the creation and mission of her digital branding and communications company, KryptiaNN.
  • Provide guidance for aspiring journalists and entrepreneurs navigating today’s evolving media landscape.
  • Discuss the importance of authenticity, networking, representation, and strategic risk‑taking in developing a long‑term career.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Building a Media Career Starts with Identity, Roots & Confidence

  • Her upbringing in the DMV and her HBCU‑rich family culture shaped her early exposure to sports.
  • She emphasized being confident in spaces where representation is limited and carrying the responsibility of opening doors for others.

2. Entrepreneurship Grew Out of Demand for Her Skills

  • KryptiaNN was born when people repeatedly sought her help for branding, social media, and communications—and her tax professional advised formalizing it as an LLC.
  • The name “KryptiaNN” is a tribute to Black history, Egyptian culture, and her own branding identity.

3. Career Growth Comes from Work Ethic + Relationships + Visibility

  • She built her national profile after a podcast interview with LaVar Ball went viral, leading to coverage on major platforms.
  • Networking, showing up at events, and being active in the sports community helped her become a Heisman Trophy voter.

4. Journalism Today Requires Branding, Storytelling & Ethical Grounding

  • She teaches sports media at George Washington University and stresses ethics, objectivity, and authenticity.
  • She explained that today’s journalists must also be content creators, with employers evaluating social media presence as part of hiring.

5. Entrepreneurship Requires Client Base, Visual Branding & Courage

  • She advised new entrepreneurs to secure initial clients before launching.
  • Strong online visuals and consistent content creation are essential for credibility.

6. Relationship‑Building Matters in Athlete and Nonprofit Work

  • Working with athletes requires trust, knowledge of sport, and navigating personal brands.
  • A decade of nonprofit communications experience helped her develop the communications and relationship‑management skills that fuel her company today.

🗣️ Notable Quotes from the Interview On Career Confidence & Identity

  • “There’s never been a room I haven’t walked in with confidence… I own being a Black woman and love it.”

On Journalism

  • “There are two things no one can teach you—work ethic and passion.”
  • “Ethics means being unbiased, being objective… leaving