Build Black Show | Business Growth & Entrepreneurship

What separates a good leader from a great one? Emotional intelligence may be one of the most important skills in business, nonprofit management, and human services. In this episode of The Build Black Show, Coach Swan Simpson welcomes Orlando-based guest Luis Jackson to discuss the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ), self-awareness, empathy, communication, and understanding human behavior in professional and community settings. The conversation explores how emotional intelligence influences leadership effectiveness, workplace relationships, conflict resolution, team dynamics, and the ability to connect with the people an organization serves. For entrepreneurs, business owners, nonprofit leaders, social service professionals, and anyone working in people-centered industries, this discussion offers a perspective on balancing organizational success with compassion, personal responsibility, and meaningful impact. Can strong business skills alone make someone an effective leader—or is emotional intelligence…

Does calling your company a “Black-owned business” help your brand—or could it be limiting your market? Entrepreneur and Operation HOPE founder John Hope Bryant has sparked a larger conversation about Black business and economic empowerment by arguing that Black entrepreneurs should build businesses capable of serving everyone rather than potentially defining their market by race. Coach Swan Simpson, Cretelia Harris and Robin White—the 3 Amigos—take the conversation to the table. Does Black-owned create valuable brand identity, community and customer loyalty? Could emphasizing the label discourage some potential customers? Should Black entrepreneurs focus on building mainstream companies and reinvest the wealth they create into Black communities? And why can't a company be proudly Black-owned while marketing its products and services to everybody? It's a provocative conversation about Black entrepreneurship, branding, business growth, ownership, wealth and whether identity is an economic limitation—or a…

Fidelity reported a record 769,000 401(k) millionaire accounts in Q2 2026 — raising an interesting question: Are millionaires STILL being made in Trump’s economy? In Episode 27, The Three Amigos — Coach Swan Simpson, Cretelia Harris and Robin White — examine the numbers behind today’s economy and the Americans who are continuing to accumulate wealth. We break down the rise of the 401(k) millionaire, how decades of consistent investing can turn ordinary retirement contributions into seven figures, and what these numbers do — and don’t — tell us about the financial health of everyday Americans. We also tackle the bigger conversation: Has the path to becoming a millionaire changed? Does wealth still require an extraordinary income, or are time, consistency, investing and ownership still some of the biggest pieces of the equation? Everybody has an opinion about the economy. This episode looks at the receipts. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Artificial intelligence is changing how we work—but does that automatically mean humans lose? On Episode 26 of The Build Black Show, Coach Swan Simpson, Cretelia Harris and Robin White sit down for a candid conversation about AI, automation, jobs, entrepreneurship and the future of work. As businesses increasingly use artificial intelligence to automate tasks and increase productivity, workers are being forced to confront a serious question: What happens to my career if AI can do part of my job? The 3 Amigos offer another perspective. Instead of only asking which jobs AI could replace, what if we asked what businesses, income streams and opportunities people can create by learning to use AI? We explore using artificial intelligence to start businesses, increase productivity, create content, improve sales and marketing, develop new skills and turn knowledge into income. AI is changing the rules. The question is whether we're going to watch the change happen—or learn how to participate in the opportunities it…

**Title:** Doctor’s Orders: Vaccines, Wellness & Entrepreneurship with Dr. Monique May **Subtitle:** A board-certified physician talks vaccines, nutrition, preventive health and turning medical expertise into a wellness business. On Episode 25 of **The Build Black Show**, board-certified family physician and Physician In The Kitchen® founder **Dr. Monique May** joins us for a wide-ranging conversation about health, wellness, vaccines, nutrition, entrepreneurship, and ownership. Dr. May has more than two decades of clinical experience and has expanded her expertise far beyond traditional medicine. She is a bestselling author, speaker, culinary-trained physician, media personality, and entrepreneur who has built the Physician In The Kitchen® brand around helping people make healthier food and lifestyle choices. We get into the conversations many families and entrepreneurs are having right now: How do we make informed decisions about our health? What should we understand about vaccines? How much does nutrition…

You built the company — but have you actually protected your ownership of it? Attorney Scherrie L. Prince joins The Build Black Show to reveal overlooked business structure and operational red flags that can put entrepreneurs, their assets and even control of their companies at risk. In this episode, we examine the legal side of entrepreneurship that many small business owners don't think about until there's already a problem. Scherrie discusses business structures, LLCs, partnerships, ownership agreements, contracts, intellectual property, asset protection and the operational decisions that can create unexpected vulnerabilities inside a growing company. What happens when business partners disagree? Does forming an LLC automatically protect you? Are your ownership documents and agreements actually protecting what you think they are? And could the way you're operating your company create problems later? This episode is essential listening for entrepreneurs, founders and small business owners who aren't just…

How do you turn a podcast idea into a real business? Phil Byrd, better known as The Podcast Doctor, joins Coach Swan Simpson to share how entrepreneurs, creators, and businesses can start a podcast, build an audience, grow on YouTube, and monetize their content. With a background in radio and broadcasting, including ESPN Orlando, Phil has helped clients build successful podcasts and significant YouTube audiences. He also shares the personal story behind his work as he navigates Stage 5 kidney failure and searches for a living kidney donor. This conversation covers podcasting, YouTube growth, podcast monetization, content strategy, entrepreneurship, resilience, and building a media brand around your expertise. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

**International speaker and transformational coach Dora Chambers joins The Build Black Show for a powerful conversation about entrepreneurship, resilience, reinvention, leadership and building a legacy.** Dora's journey has taken her from overcoming major personal challenges to advising, speaking, training and helping others recognize what's possible in their own lives. Her work has included connections with **Kandi Burruss' Kandi Koated/Bedroom Kandi brand ecosystem**, leadership with **Woman Who CAN**, and a featured appearance on the Tubi television series **Sister Vibes**. In this episode, Dora shares the mindset behind transformation: how to move through setbacks, recognize new opportunities, develop stronger relationships, use your experiences as an asset, and keep building when life doesn't follow the original plan. You'll hear lessons on **personal development, business growth, entrepreneurship, leadership, resilience, purpose and legacy**—along with practical takeaways you can apply to your own…

Episode 21: The Power of Franchising: A Proven Path to Start-Up Success & Business Growth What if entrepreneurship didn’t have to mean building a business from scratch? In this episode of **The Build Black Show**, we sit down with **Robert Cvetkovski, CEO of Jon Smith Subs**, and franchisee **Daniel Nunn** for a powerful conversation about **franchising, start-up opportunities, business growth, and entrepreneurship**. Robert shares why he believes the franchise model can give aspiring entrepreneurs a stronger foundation for success—and why creating opportunities for **Black entrepreneurs and underserved communities** is an important part of growing the Jon Smith Subs brand. Daniel brings the conversation to life from the franchisee perspective, discussing what it means to step into business ownership with an established brand, proven systems, operational support, and a business model designed to scale. We explore the difference between starting a business from zero and investing in a franchise, what…

What if researching your family tree uncovered more than names and birth records? What if it uncovered land? On this episode of The Build Black Show, historical researcher Jennine Labuzan joins us for a fascinating conversation about genealogy, federal land patents, ancestral property rights, and why she believes more Black Americans should investigate the records connected to their own family histories. Jennine’s personal genealogy journey led her to documents involving her third-great-grandfather, Charles A. Labuzan, and an 1840 federal land patent. That discovery ultimately became part of an ongoing legal battle over property in Mississippi. In 2026, she filed a federal Quiet Title Act case against the United States, and a federal judge recently denied the government’s motion to dismiss that case. Fresh off a recent feature on #RolandMartinUnfiltered, Jennine sits down with The Build Black Show to walk through the research that changed the way she saw her family history. We discuss land patents,…

Making money is one thing. Knowing how to invest it, protect it, and make it work toward your future is something entirely different. In Episode 19 of The Build Black Show, financial advisor Jose “Dre” Martin of Edward Jones joins us for a practical conversation about investing, financial planning, and building wealth with intention. We break down why so many people delay investing, how fear and confusion can keep families from building long-term wealth, and why you do not have to be rich—or know everything about the stock market—to begin creating a financial strategy. This conversation is especially important for entrepreneurs and business owners who spend years building companies but may not have developed a personal plan for retirement, investments, and financial security outside of the business. Whether you are a new investor, restarting your financial journey, or looking for smarter ways to plan for the future, this episode will help you think differently about your money. Because earning income pays…

Veteran comedian and actor Rodney Perry joins The Build Black Show for a powerful conversation about comedy, money, family, longevity, and the health scare that forced him to reconsider everything. Rodney’s career has taken him from performing during his time in the United States Navy to national television, major comedy stages, film roles, writing, producing, and mentoring emerging talent. His credits include ComicView, Def Comedy Jam, Who’s Got Jokes?, BET’s The Mo’Nique Show, Bounce TV’s Off the Chain, and Madea’s Big Happy Family. In this candid interview, Rodney explains how comedy became much more than entertainment. His jokes paid bills, supported his lifestyle, and helped put his children through school. He also reveals what it really takes to survive in the comedy business when applause does not always translate into ownership, stability, or long-term wealth. Rodney then shares the frightening health crisis that became a wake-up call. After suffering a near-fatal stroke, he was forced to confront…

Episode 17 of The Build Black Show features Marc Pitts, co-founder of Discount Vape Pen, who shares how he turned a $100 business started in his garage into a million-dollar online company. Marc takes us behind the scenes of building a business in one of the most controversial and heavily regulated industries in America. He opens up about recognizing the opportunity, growing the company online, overcoming the stigma surrounding vaping, and accepting the responsibility that comes with selling age-restricted products. We also discuss underage vaping, changing regulations, legal compliance, customer trust, and the decisions that helped Marc grow from a small startup into a seven-figure e-commerce operation. This conversation explores what entrepreneurs can learn from Marc’s journey—including testing an idea before spending heavily, listening to the market, adapting to change, and continuing to build even when people question the industry you have chosen. Whether you agree with the vaping industry or not, Marc…

Should Black Americans keep voting... or is it time to boycott elections the same way consumers boycott major corporations? In this powerful roundtable episode of The Build Black Show, the crew steps away from guest interviews to tackle one of the most controversial conversations happening in America. Following the latest news surrounding the Election Assistance Commission, we explore what voting means today, whether elections can still create meaningful change, and why some entrepreneurs believe building businesses may have a greater long-term impact than political participation. Inside this episode we discuss: • Should Black America continue voting? • Is refusing to vote a legitimate form of protest? • Are economic boycotts more powerful than political ones? • Does business ownership create more freedom than politics? • Can entrepreneurship shift communities faster than elections? • What role should the next generation play in shaping the future? This isn't about telling you what to believe. It's about…

In Episode 15 of The Build Black Show, we interview pro football player Latavious Brini about his journey through football, his upbringing, the influence of his grandmother, and the mindset it takes to keep chasing a dream. Latavious shares how love, discipline, family, and purpose have shaped the way he shows up on and off the field. He talks about what it means to lead with love, why his grandmother’s impact still guides him, and why people must stop gatekeeping themselves from their own potential. This conversation is for anyone who has ever had a dream but talked themselves out of going after it. It is for the athlete, the entrepreneur, the creator, the founder, and the person who knows there is more inside of them. On The Build Black Show, we spotlight real stories of ownership, business growth, media authority, visibility, branding, leadership, wealth-building, and legacy. This episode is a reminder that sometimes the biggest gatekeeper is not the world. Sometimes it is you. Stop gatekeeping yourself.…

Episode 14 of The Build Black Show features Tai “Rottweiler” Vann, a former MMA fighter turned Orlando news professional, fitness trainer, youth mentor, and founder of V-Elite Sports Performance & Fitness. Tai’s journey is about more than fighting in the cage. It is about fighting through a rough upbringing, changing his mindset, building his character, and refusing to let his past decide his future. In this episode, Tai shares how determination opened the door to a breakthrough opportunity at an Orlando news station and how that same discipline helped him build a business rooted in fitness, youth development, and community impact. This conversation speaks directly to Black entrepreneurs, small business owners, founders, creators, coaches, trainers, and leaders who understand that business growth starts with personal growth. Tai breaks down the importance of mindset, structure, discipline, confidence, ownership, and giving back. If you are building your brand, your business, your body, your character, or…

Jawad Yatim, founder, CEO, and general manager of the Orlando Pirates, joins The Build Black Show to discuss the real business of owning a professional indoor football team, the challenges of leadership, the move to Orlando, and his next-level vision of one day working with the NFL. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Vegan Kitchen, a vegan soul food restaurant in Apopka, Florida, built on faith, purpose, marriage, and healing. Tiffany shares how her personal health journey inspired her to embrace a more natural and holistic lifestyle, which eventually led to the creation of Soulicious Vegan Kitchen. What started as a decision to take better care of her body became a mission to serve others through plant-based comfort food. This episode also explores the reality of restaurant ownership — the long hours, the pressure, the sacrifices, and the faith required to keep building. Her husband shares what it meant to leave his job to help support his wife’s dream and turn their shared vision into a business rooted in God, love, and service. This is a powerful conversation for entrepreneurs, restaurant owners, married couples in business, faith-driven founders, and anyone who believes that purpose can come from personal pain. Topics include: Starting a vegan soul food restaurant Using food as part of a health and wellness journey…

Editor’s Note: This episode was recorded during a strategy conversation when we were considering the name Fan Fuel TV. Since recording, we made the decision to keep the name Black On Demand TV and move forward with the Black On Demand Mobile App because of our existing audience on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and our growing community base. We decided to release this lost episode anyway because it captures the real-time founder journey before our Juneteenth 2026 launch. Episode 11: The Lost Episode — We Almost Changed The Name… Then Gave The Community Free Shares In this powerful lost episode of The Build Black Show, we share the behind-the-scenes conversation that almost changed the future of Black On Demand TV. Originally recorded when we were considering the name Fan Fuel TV, this episode captures the real-time founder journey of building a Black-owned tech company, launching the Black On Demand Mobile App, and creating a new opportunity for the community to receive free shares ahead of our Juneteenth launch.…

Black women possess extraordinary influence across business, politics, education, culture, and community leadership. Yet many continue to ask an important question: Why is collaboration often more difficult than it should be? In this episode of The Build Black Show, we explore the power of Black women, the challenges that can create division, and the opportunities that emerge when support replaces competition. Through candid discussion, we examine the impact of mentorship, networking, entrepreneurship, and community engagement on collective progress. We also highlight examples of successful collaboration, discuss the importance of healthy partnerships between Black men and Black women, and share practical strategies for building stronger personal brands, businesses, and communities. If you're passionate about leadership, Black wealth creation, entrepreneurship, community development, and legacy building, this conversation will challenge assumptions and inspire action. Subscribe to The Build Black Show for…

What happens when a man with a criminal past, prison time, and homelessness refuses to give up on himself? In Episode 9 of The Build Black Show, we sit down with Chef Andre Combs for one of the wildest and most inspiring comeback stories we’ve ever heard. Before becoming a successful restaurant owner and entrepreneur, Andre was connected to cartel life, got caught, went to prison, and eventually found himself homeless with no clear direction and very limited resources. But instead of folding under pressure, he used resourcefulness, discipline, and unconventional strategies — including leveraging Klarna during difficult times — to help rebuild his life and scale toward a million-dollar restaurant brand. This episode dives into: surviving prison and homelessness rebuilding after losing everything the mindset shift from survival mode to business owner using creative financing and leverage to build a brand entrepreneurship, discipline, and second chances restaurant business lessons turning pain into purpose…

They called Tracee Ellis Ross's afro a "cloud bob." Nobody asked her. Nobody asked us. Around the fire pit on Episode 8, we talk about why owning your media, your beauty brands, and your narrative isn't optional — because the moment you let someone else name your crown, you've already lost the culture. #theafroisnotacloudbob #blackpodcast #podcastrecommendations #blackexcellence #vogue #traceeellisross #blackentrepreneur #blackowned #blackvoices #culturalappropriation Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In Episode 7 of The Build Black Show, we sit down with Leo Robinson and Samara Jules-Robinson — the husband-and-wife team behind Mentors for Fatherless Children & Abused Families. Leo opens up about growing up in the streets, living reckless, and nearly becoming another lost story. But everything changed when Samara entered his life and challenged him to become a better man, husband, and leader. Together, they turned pain into purpose by creating an organization dedicated to helping fatherless children, abused families, and underserved communities find guidance, healing, and hope. This episode dives into: Overcoming street life and destructive cycles The impact of strong women and strong partnerships Fatherhood, mentorship, and legacy building Healing trauma within families and communities Why Black leadership and community support matter now more than ever This is more than a redemption story. It’s a blueprint for transformation, accountability, and rebuilding the village. If you care about Black family…

In this episode of The Build Black Show, we explore overlooked moments in Black history that carry urgent relevance today. From pivotal shifts in voting rights to lesser-known events that reshaped access to power, this conversation connects the past to the present in a way that demands attention. As new challenges emerge around civic access and representation, understanding these historical patterns becomes more than reflection—it becomes preparation. This episode breaks down how history informs strategy, why awareness is critical to progress, and what it takes to move forward with intention in uncertain times. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In a time of political division and economic uncertainty, what must Black communities do to protect their wealth, history, and future? On Episode 5 of The Build Black Show, media personality and historical preservationist Renee Gilmore breaks down the urgent need for self-reliance, strategic coalition building, and economic unity. This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a blueprint for sustaining Black wealth and preserving legacy in a rapidly shifting America. “They’re rewriting history… are we prepared to protect our wealth?” Renee Gilmore reveals why self-reliance and economic unity are no longer optional—they’re survival strategies. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Antwan Nelson is making it a mandate for his inner circle to build black wealth. He is recreating a village that does what Atlanta tried to do and is now failing. Understanding how financial freedom goes beyong traditional networking, handing out business cards, over inflated egos, and wearing Brooks Brothers suits. Learn the blueprint for successfully creating and duplicating a black mecca economy in your city and around the world. #BuildBlackShow #BlackWealth #BlackEntrepreneurs #BlackBusinessOwners #EntrepreneurPodcast #BusinessPodcast #StartupStories #MotivationDaily #HustleCulture #SuccessMindset Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jay Johnson joins us in the studio to talk about taking his barbering business to a different level. The founder of a 100% mobile barbershop custom built inside of a van. Keep that overhead low, the profits hight, and own everything! Learn how anyone can get started from wherever they are an never let adversity stop you from building black! #BuildBlackShow #BlackWealth #BlackEntrepreneurs #BlackBusinessOwners #EntrepreneurPodcast #BusinessPodcast #StartupStories #MotivationDaily #HustleCulture #SuccessMindset Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Build Black Show is a business podcast for entrepreneurs focused on wealth building, financial freedom, and ownership. Hosted by Coach Swan Simpson, each episode delivers real strategies on startups, side hustles, investing, and scaling income. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Build Black Show is a business podcast for entrepreneurs focused on wealth building, financial freedom, and ownership. Hosted by Coach Swan Simpson, each episode delivers real strategies on startups, side hustles, investing, and scaling income. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy