Black Tech Green Money

John Hope Bryant is an entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist, best known for his work in economic empowerment and financial literacy. He is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Operation HOPE, Inc., a nonprofit organization providing financial literacy and economic education to underserved communities. Bryant has been a vocal advocate for financial inclusion and has worked tirelessly to uplift communities through initiatives aimed at improving credit scores, increasing homeownership, and fostering entrepreneurship. In this episode of Black Tech Green Money, Bryant talks with AfroTech's Will Lucas about the nature of money, describing it as a "coward" that seeks safety and high returns. He emphasizes the importance of building relationship capital and the value of strategic partnerships. Bryant also discusses the misconceptions around debt, explaining the difference between good and bad debt, and highlights the importance of financial literacy as a new civil rights issue. He encourages listeners to think beyond making money to building wealth through investments in education, relationships, and smart financial strategies. The conversation underscores the need for a comprehensive business plan and the significance of creating scalable businesses to foster long-term economic growth in the Black community. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram: @willlucas Follow Black Tech Green Money: @blacktechgreenmoney, @btgmpodcast Learn more at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 192 Ameer Brown is the co-founder and CTO of Breakr, a groundbreaking platform revolutionizing the way artists, influencers, and brands connect to break new music and shape culture. Breakr is backed by prominent investors like Nas, Andreessen Horowitz, and Slow Ventures, and has created opportunities for creators and brands alike, helping them save costs, streamline processes, and build direct-to-creator relationships at scale. On this episode, Ameer speaks with AfroTech’s Will Lucas about the inspiration behind Breakr, the journey to securing support from industry giants, and the challenges of disrupting the music-tech space as a Black entrepreneur. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 191 Mandela SH Dixon is a startup executive, investor, and board member. She's the former CEO of All Raise and Founder Gym, where she focused on making tech more inclusive and accessible for underrepresented founders. As one of the first Black women to raise venture capital in Silicon Valley, Mandela has paved the way for countless others and now serves as an executive coach, helping high-performing founders and executives lead with purpose. She MC'd the very first AfroTech in 2016. On this episode, she chat's with AfroTech's Will Lucas about life since that first AfroTech. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shontay Lundy is the Founder and CEO of Black Girl Sunscreen, a pioneering brand created to address the sun care needs of Black and Brown skin. Launched in 2016, Black Girl Sunscreen has grown from a single product to a trusted line available in major retailers like Target and Ulta. On this episode, Shontay speaks with AfroTech's Will Lucas about building Black Girl Sunscreen from the ground up, including the challenges of funding her vision and breaking into the beauty industry. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Effect Presents... Black Tech Green Money! Marketing Strategist Mahdi Woodard is an innovative thinker with broad business acumen and in-depth marketing and branding experience. He serves as a marketing Consultant and Chief Marketing Officer, and was previously a Marketing Brand Analyst and Associate Brand Manager at Mars Petcare which is home to Iams, Pedigree and more, and he was Brand Manager at Newell Brands, home to Rubbermaid, Graco, and Paper Mate. His social media profiles teach others how to grow online and monetize their content. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DeMarcus Shawn is one of the funniest people on Tik Tok, reaching over 6.6 million followers on TikTok and a million more on Instagram. Known for his relatable humor, DeMarcus has become a master of online entertainment, crafting skits and engaging videos that resonate across audiences and platforms. But his path to full-time content creation wasn’t always straightforward. In this episode, DeMarcus speaks with AfroTech’s Will Lucas to share insights on what it takes to grow massive followings on multiple platforms, build a sustainable income through content creation, and stay authentic while adapting to the demands of the digital world. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

C. David Moody, Jr., is the President and CEO of C.D. Moody Construction, one of the largest Black-owned construction companies in the nation. With a career that spans over three decades, Moody has built iconic projects like the Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Maynard H. Jackson International Concourse, while navigating the complexities of the construction industry. On this episode, Moody speaks with AfroTech's Will Lucas about lessons on how Black entrepreneurs can thrive in competitive industries, securing major contracts, and leveraging technology for growth. Moody also opens up about his personal journey of healing from childhood trauma and how it has shaped his approach to leadership and community service. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 187 Ross Mac is the founder of Maconomics, a financial literacy media company dedicated to empowering urban communities. He brings a wealth of knowledge as a former Wall Street professional for Morgan Stanley and Grosvenor Capital. Ross talks with AfroTech’s Will Lucas about the importance of finding reliable financial information, taking advantage of emerging financial technologies, and the foundational steps to building wealth. Tune in for a rich discussion on wealth-building, entrepreneurship, and the misconceptions that often hinder our financial growth. Whether you're just starting your financial journey or looking to refine your strategy, this episode offers actionable insights to help you succeed. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 185 Aaron Russell is Director, Edge Network Infrastructure at Meta. He’s been with the tech giant for nearly a decade. Aaron has initiated and led critical Internet infrastructure projects connecting the unconnected people in the emerging markets, especially in Africa. Aaron is a creative; a former contributor for Huffington Post, a filmmaker, and a diversity and inclusion champion at Meta. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 184 Udonis Haslem is a three-time NBA Champion, Miami HEAT legend, and NBA TV Analyst. He's now teaming up with Wells Fargo and the Rebuilding Together organization to make a lasting impact in the community by providing critical home repairs and safety modifications for families in need. Udonis is a businessman, philanthropist, and advocate for underserved communities, and this partnership furthers his efforts to uplift and inspire the next generation in his hometown of Miami, Florida. Plus a look back to my chat with Derrick Faulcon of Cloudy Donut. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sheena Allen is an entrepreneur, author, speaker, investor, and creative architect. Her fintech startup, CapWay, focuses on creating economic access and opportunities for all through inclusive financial products and services, including banking, content, payments, and more. With Capway, she became the youngest female in America to own and operate a digital bank. Today she’s working on AI tools and other technology to help non-technical or early coders create mobile applications. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reign Ventures is an early stage investment firm that focuses on women and minority-led startups, investing at the Seed and Series A Stage in promising technology and tech-enabled startups with high-potential founders. Monique Idlett is the Founder and Managing Partner, Erica Duignan Minnihan is Founder and General Partner. Monique is a globally recognized entertainment pioneer. Prior to founding Reign Venture Capital she served as CEO to Mosley Brands and Mosley Music Group, home to a multi-platinum roster of artists, including iconic producer Timbaland, One Republic, Nelly Furtado, and others. She brings over two decades of unprecedented success as a CEO working in entertainment, marketing, press, and entrepreneurship. Erica has been an active investor in and advisor to early-stage companies for over 15 years. Before launching Reign, she was Founding Partner of 1000 Angels, Managing Director at DreamIt Ventures and Executive Director at both STAR Angel Network and Golden Seeds. Prior to beginning a career in venture, she practiced Investment Banking at Citigroup, Credit Suisse and Cantor Fitzgerald. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Telva McGruder is the Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at General Motors, and has spent more than 28 years at the company - starting as an engineer. Today, she’s focused on weaving DEI into the fabric of the company, working in partnership with internal and external leaders to champion the broad and diverse workforce. On this episode recorded at the 2022 AfroTech Conference in Austin Texas, Telva speaks with Blavity Co-founder and COO Jeff Nelson about corporate commitments to DEI, electric vehicles, and why Black people should care about the future of EV. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 179 Randall Yarborough is a multidisciplinary designer with professional experience in sporting equipment, apparel, and footwear. He was Senior Footwear Designer at YEEZY, working under Ye (Kanye West), and recently launched his own company, Joyshed, an athletic shorts brand. On this episode, Randall speaks with AfroTech's Will Lucas about the technical aspects of design and how to balance moving fashion design forward artistically while still driving market demand. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram: @willlucas Follow Black Tech Green Money: @blacktechgreenmoney, @btgmpodcast Learn more at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeff Nelson is known as “the Relatable CTO” for his ability to take very complex technology solutions and help others understand how and why to implement them to benefit themselves and their businesses. Jeff is driving innovation in technology, business, culture, and public policy. Along with being known as “the Relatable CTO”, Jeff is the Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Blavity Inc, the leading company for Black culture and millennials, and the Founder and CEO of Cinchapi Inc., a real-time software platform for data discovery, analytics, and automation. His companies have combined to raise over $13 million in venture funding, generated millions in recurring revenue and created dozens of jobs for women and underrepresented people. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram: @willlucas Follow Black Tech Green Money: @blacktechgreenmoney, @btgmpodcast Learn more at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rodney Williams is Co-Founder and President at Solo Funds, one of the leading financial technology companies for underserved communities. On this episode, Rodney speaks with AfroTech's Will Lucas about how to launch a fintech startup MVP with no venture capital, how challenging disruption can be in a highly regulated industry, and finding success when facing existential threats. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram: @willlucas Follow Black Tech Green Money: @blacktechgreenmoney, @btgmpodcast Learn more at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chaucer Barnes is Chief Marketing Officer of Translation + United Masters, the parent company of award-winning creative agency Translation, and artist services platform UnitedMasters. In creating a new normal for the way brands and creators alike mint and trade cultural capital, Chaucer applies tools and lessons from every chapter of his life – as a media planner, brand strategist, creative director, partnership architect, and independent musician. In this episode, Chaucer speaks with AfroTech's Will Lucas about how advertising has embraced culture, the challenges marketers and advertisers face with trying to break through the noise, and strategic content creation. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mckeever 'Mac' Conwell is Founder & Managing Partner of RareBreed Ventures, a pre-seed fund that invests in exceptional founders primarily outside of large tech ecosystems, typically first money in, or, at least earlier than most investors. He’s one of the most prominent voices in tech on X (formerly Twitter), and his funds success is largely founded on his public persona. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram: @willlucas Follow Black Tech Green Money: @blacktechgreenmoney, @btgmpodcast Learn more at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 174 In this episode of Black Tech Green Money, I dive into the essential gear you need to start a highly rated podcast. Whether you're a beginner or looking to upgrade your setup, I’ve got you covered with recommendations for every budget. I’ll walk you through the best recording software, hardware recorders, microphones, audio interfaces, storage solutions, hosting services, and communication tools to ensure your podcast sounds professional and runs smoothly. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram: @willlucas Follow Black Tech Green Money: @blacktechgreenmoney, @btgmpodcast Learn more at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com Links to the items I mentioned in the episode: Apple Logic Pro X [LINK] Adobe Audition [LINK] Audacity [LINK] Zoom H6 Six-Track Portable Recorder [LINK]RODECaster Pro [LINK] Tascam DR-05 [LINK] Shure SM7B [LINK] Rode NT1 [LINK] Sennheiser e 835 [LINK] Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 [LINK] LaCie Rugged USB-C, 4TB [LINK] Libsyn [LINK] Riverside.fm [LINK] Zoom [LINK] Google Meet [LINK] Podbean [LINK] Soundcloud [LINK] Dropbox [LINK] Google Drive [LINK] SanDisk SD Memory Card [LINK] Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD [LINK] Blue Yeti USB Microphone [LINK]See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 173 In this episode of Black Tech Green Money, Ceci Kurzman talks with AfroTech's Will Lucas about her impressive background as a private investor, entrepreneur, and independent board member. With a history as a former music executive and talent manager, Ceci has guided the careers and business strategies of some of the biggest artists in the world and has held board positions with prominent companies like Revlon, Cirque du Soleil, Warner Music Group, and United Talent Agency. Ceci shares her insights on the current media landscape, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that come with innovation in the media sector. They discuss the pitfalls of the venture model, the impact of overvaluation, and the importance of sustainable business practices. Ceci also explores the future of media, emphasizing the role of individual content creators and the democratization of social media platforms. As the leader of Nexus Management Group, Ceci explains why she focuses on growth stage companies and how she leverages her brand-building expertise to add value to these businesses. She delves into her transition from the music industry to private investment, her operational involvement with portfolio companies, and her dedication to expanding diversity on corporate boards. This episode offers valuable lessons for anyone interested in media innovation, investment strategies, and the importance of representation in boardrooms. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram: @willlucas Follow Black Tech Green Money: @blacktechgreenmoney, @btgmpodcast Learn more at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 172 Brandon Butler is Partner + Chief Culture & Innovation Officer @ Majority // CEO @ Butter.ATL, an Atlanta-based media company covering all things Atlanta, from sports and news to food and music. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 171 Damali Peterman is a highly regarded and sought-after lawyer, mediator, negotiator, educator, and speaker with nearly 20 years of experience in the alternative dispute resolution field. She is the founder and CEO of two companies—Breakthrough ADR, and Damali Law. On this episode of Black Tech Green Money, Damali talks with AfroTech's Will Lucas about the high stakes negotiations, getting compensated at the level you deserve, and the evolution of mediation. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram: @willlucas Follow Black Tech Green Money: @blacktechgreenmoney, @btgmpodcast Learn more at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 170 John Hope Bryant is an entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist, best known for his work in economic empowerment and financial literacy. He is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Operation HOPE, Inc., a nonprofit organization providing financial literacy and economic education to underserved communities. Bryant has been a vocal advocate for financial inclusion and has worked tirelessly to uplift communities through initiatives aimed at improving credit scores, increasing homeownership, and fostering entrepreneurship. In this episode of Black Tech Green Money, Bryant talks with AfroTech's Will Lucas about the nature of money, describing it as a "coward" that seeks safety and high returns. He emphasizes the importance of building relationship capital and the value of strategic partnerships. Bryant also discusses the misconceptions around debt, explaining the difference between good and bad debt, and highlights the importance of financial literacy as a new civil rights issue. He encourages listeners to think beyond making money to building wealth through investments in education, relationships, and smart financial strategies. The conversation underscores the need for a comprehensive business plan and the significance of creating scalable businesses to foster long-term economic growth in the Black community. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram: @willlucas Follow Black Tech Green Money: @blacktechgreenmoney, @btgmpodcast Learn more at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 169 Fonz Morris is Lead Product Designer, Global Conversion at Netflix. He’s an entrepreneur and self-taught designer, leading one of the most impactful teams inside one of the biggest tech and media companies on the planet. He’s travelled all around the world on his self-driven educational adventures, and prior to joining Netflix, he led a design team at Coursera. On this episode, Fonz speaks with AfroTech’s Will Lucas about unlocking success as a product designer and the tools you’ll need, how impactful travel has been to his design worldview, and how to design for conversion. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram: @willlucas Follow Black Tech Green Money: @blacktechgreenmoney, @btgmpodcast Learn more at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 168 Lanny Smith is founder and CEO at Actively Black and Active Faith, both wildly successful athleisure brands doing numbers. An unlikely fashion mogul, Lanny is a former college star basketball player and pro athlete, but this wasn’t the road he chose, but, he’s found his path. On this episode, Lanny speaks with AfroTech’s Will Lucas about the fresh lane of athleisure, how he’s creating a movement, and building a table versus asking for a seat. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram: @willlucas Follow Black Tech Green Money: @blacktechgreenmoney, @btgmpodcast Learn more at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 167 Dr. Nashlie Sephus is the Applied Science Manager for the Amazon AI team focusing on fairness in AI. Based in Atlanta, she formally led the Amazon (A9) Visual Search and AR teams, which launched Part Finder, the visual search tool for replacement parts) on the Amazon Shopping App in 2018. The team for Part Finder came from from Atlanta-based startup Partpic in 2016, where she was the CTO. Dr. Sephus received her Ph.D. from the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2014 On this episode, Dr. Sephus speaks with AfroTech's Will Lucas about fairness in AI, her work in Jackson, Mississippi, and how tech is not Black, white, but instead, GREEN. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram: @willlucas Follow Black Tech Green Money: @blacktechgreenmoney, @btgmpodcast Learn more at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 166 Kobie Fuller is General Partner at Upfront Ventures. He’s got deep expertise in enterprise SAAS and frontier technologies including AR/VR. Previously, he was Chief Marketing Officer at REVOLVE, one of the largest global fashion e-­commerce players based in Los Angeles. He’s got deep interest in artificial intelligence, and he’s placing bets on startups building in the space - even building some projects of his own. On this episode, Kobie speaks with AfroTech's Will Lucas about frontier technologies, investing in AI, and what kind of startups are interesting to VCs like him. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram: @willlucas Follow Black Tech Green Money: @blacktechgreenmoney, @btgmpodcast Learn more at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 165 Ryan Leslie is a Grammy nominated musician and producer, and founder at SuperPhone which helps creatives and businesses increase engagement, drive revenue, and build better relationships with SMS / MMS marketing. On this episode, Ryan talks with AfroTech's Will Lucas about the economics of the music industry, why artists are selling their catalogs, and how creatives get wealthy. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram: @willlucas Follow Black Tech Green Money: @blacktechgreenmoney, @btgmpodcast Learn more at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 164 Isaac Hayes III is on a mission to change social media forever. With his Fanbase app, he’s empowering content creators to monetize and own their contributions to the cultural conversation. His commitment to creating an equitable landscape for the next generation of social media users has grown Fanbase to $100 Million + valuation, ad he’s the first black man in history to raise $9.2 Million Dollars in seed funding on StartEngine in a Reg CF campaign. And, he’s currently in the middle of a $17 million fundraising campaign. On this episode, Isaac speaks with AfroTech's Will Lucas about how crowdfunding works, AI's impact on creators, and his record-breaking fundraising campaigns. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram: @willlucas Follow Black Tech Green Money: @blacktechgreenmoney Learn more at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 163 Ben Holmes is Vice President, Enterprise Credit Risk Management at Wells Fargo and was previously an Assistant VP at Bank of America. He also runs Boardroom Vision which was created to help the everyday Black families learn financial literacy. Ben talks with AfroTech’s Will Lucas on stage at Winston Salem State University for our Financial Literacy HBCU Roadshow, presented by State Farm. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram: @willlucas Follow Black Tech Green Money: @blacktechgreenmoney Learn more at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 162 Aaron Samuels is Founder and Managing Partner of Collide Capital a $66M fund, so far, which is the first VC fund simultaneously backed by Amazon, Alphabet, and Twitter. He’s also co-founder and served as COO at Blavity, the largest global Black Media company for Millennials and Gen-Z, and AfroTech, the largest Black Tech conference in the world. He began his career as a spoken word artist before working at Bain & Co. as a strategy consultant and TeleSign as a Product Manager. On this episode, Aaron speaks with AfroTech's Will Lucas about the paths to becoming a VC, his $66 million fund, and the current legal landscape for investing in underrepresented founders. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram: @willlucas Follow Black Tech Green Money: @blacktechgreenmoney, @btgmpodcast Learn more at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alphonso David has committed his life to actualizing a more just and equitable world. Currently, he’s President & CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum, focused on reimagining what diversity, equity, inclusion, and opportunity looks like in global workspaces and marketplaces, as well as achieving the notion of economic justice for the Black diaspora globally. The Global Black Economic Forum engages business executives, policy makers, entrepreneurs, activists, and consumers globally on thought leadership; corporate and entrepreneurial career development; and advancing social and economic justice for marginalized communities across the globe. On this episode, Alphonso speaks with AfroTech’s Will Lucas about how tech can be leveraged to support justice at scale, the overlooked sectors of our community when we talk about wealth and business success, and how Black operators find success with government contracting. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram: @willlucas Follow Black Tech Green Money: @blacktechgreenmoney, @btgmpodcast Learn more at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 160 D’Seanté Parks is founder and CEO of 1000 MORE, an app that makes it easier for people from underrepresented communities, like the ones she’s from, to engage in politics — a topic that is super important to everyone’s well-being and growth but often difficult to participate in. Her app provides digestible nonpartisan summaries of legislation coming up for a vote, written in a way that doesn’t require a law degree to understand. You can also find the popular arguments for and against bills. It also helps you connect with elected officials, and participate in crowdfunding campaigns for organizations you care about. On this episode, D'Seanté speaks with AfroTech's Will Lucas about how to leverage technology for political change, building community and wealth simultaneously, and the underutilized power of each engaged citizen. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram: @willlucas Follow Black Tech Green Money: @blacktechgreenmoney, @btgmpodcast Learn more at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 159 J. Byron is the Lead Developer at Woodlawn Central, a $900 million economic development project on Chicago’s South Side. The massive project will include a boutique hotel, call and data center, residential buildings, theater, urban farm and microgram. And, there are plans to integrate a lot of technology like AI, AR, and VR to assist with the community health, safety, education and tourism aspects of the project. And, they’re developing with the community, not in spite of it — this project focuses on economic development without displacement. On this episode, the brothers speak with AfroTech's Will Lucas about Woodlawn Central's 'development without displacement' focus, how to build when you don't have all the money, and changing the perspective of a Black community. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram: @willlucas Follow Black Tech Green Money: @blacktechgreenmoney, @btgmpodcast Learn more at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 158 John and Mike Burns, known as The Burns Brothers are serial entrepreneurs with companies in a variety of verticals like organizational culture & diversity, marketing, pr& events, hospitality and lifestyle. You may have heard of their companies like Manchester Park, a creative agency, HQ House, which is a social club, or Koi Collective, a DEI strategy firm. John is an attorney by trade and community activist. Mike is a seasoned executive, coach, and former Army officer. On this episode, the brothers speak with AfroTech's Will Lucas about finding success as serial entrepreneurs, how they navigate businesses in diverse industries, and mission driven Black-owned enterprise. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram: @willlucas Follow Black Tech Green Money: @blacktechgreenmoney, @btgmpodcast Learn more at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 157 Jarvis Sam is the Founder and CEO at The Rainbow Disruption where the mission is to partner with organizations to develop practical solutions that champion DEI in the workplace and enable systemic progress where authenticity, empathy, growth mindset, and transparency are celebrated. Previously, he was Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion officer at Nike. On this episode, Jarvis speaks with AfroTech's Will Lucas about how to know when we've been successful at DEI efforts, how to build credibility as a DEI officer, and why you may not want a 'seat at the table'. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram: @willlucas Follow Black Tech Green Money: @blacktechgreenmoney, @btgmpodcast Learn more at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 156 Andrew Hawkins, aka Hawk, is a former NFL wide receiver, having played 6 seasons in the league with teams like Bengals, the Browns, and the Patriots. Today, he’s a media personality AND co-founder at Status Pro, an athlete led technology company, which makes software for training and consumer entertainment. On this episode, Hawk speaks with AfroTech's Will Lucas about how to secure A-List celebrity investors, NFL contracts, and the future of VR gaming. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 155 Andrew McCaskill is a communications executive with 20 years of experience delivering award-winning communications and PR campaigns at Fortune 500 companies and highly successful technology start-ups. He was SVP of Global Communications and Multicultural Marketing at Neilsen, Head of D&I, Global Sales & marketing at Facebook, is an investor and advisor at Culture Genesis, and is a Career Expert & Global Communications at LinkedIn. He’s also PR Week's Top 40 Under 40. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 154 Drew Henson is an award-winning designer, entrepreneur and founder of twenty2b, a lifestyle and technology product design studio based in Toronto, Canada, founder/CEO of SEAM Technic, an IoT personal safety platform, and founder of TOQi, a cannabis accessory technology company. Armed with both a B.Sc. in Engineering Physics from The University of Saskatchewan and a Masters in Industrial Design from Italy, Drew balances the requirements of both fields naturally in any design strategy. On this episode, Drew speaks with AfroTech's Will Lucas about designing cannabis related hardware, how to test a market, and how to communicate ideas. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 153 Jehron Petty is Founder and CEO at ColorStack, a non-profit collegiate organization that helps Black and Latinx Computer Science students get degreed and hired. When he was at Cornell, he worked as an intern at google, and later turned them down for a full-time role to start his own entrepreneurial journey. On this episode, Jehron talks with AfroTech's Will Lucas about the pipeline for Black talent, personal branding while still in school, and overcoming barriers to Black students not graduating from college. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 152 Culture Wireless is a Black owned internet service provider which delivers fast, reliable, affordable internet solutions. Jerome Howard is Chief Operating Officer, working to empower communities with high-quality and affordable internet service. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 151 This episode features a fireside chat with Dennis Cail of Zirtue, and Abim Kolawole of Northwestern Mutual. Dennis Cail is the founder and CEO of Zirtue, a fintech company pioneering in the $200 billion relationship-based lending market segment by automating the loan process between family and friends with payments going directly to designated creditors. Northwestern Mutual’s For two decades, Abim Kolawole has held numerous leadership positions at Northwestern Mutual. Now, he serves as chief audit executive and further backs the financial services company’s mission to relieve its clients from financial anxiety by creating a personalized financial plan. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 150 Brandon Butler is Partner + Chief Culture & Innovation Officer @ Majority // CEO @ Butter.ATL, an Atlanta-based media company covering all things Atlanta, from sports and news to food and music. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 149 Permissionless often refers to public blockchains that allow anyone to participate in validating and mining transactions as well as using the system to buy, sell and trade assets. Wealth and Success are also permissionless. You don't need anyone's approval to go after your dream, start your company, or invest in your future. Since you don't need it, don't wait for it. Just GO and figure things out along the way. There is no playbook for you to specifically find your success in advance. The playbook for your life reveals itself only when you're in motion. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.techSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 148 In the season we celebrate and honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I wanted to introduce you to a lesser known character in his life that played a massive impact. The story of A.G. Gaston is one that, when you look closely, represents the power of Black wealth and entrepreneurship, allowing us to use our resources to make the changes we wish to see in the world. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.techSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 147 Necessary to start your year off with this episode; 'A life worth living is worth recording'. These are words to live by, from a great entrepreneur and speaker. On this episode, Will Lucas, Brand Manager for AfroTech and Black Tech Green Money discusses why you should put in the work to document your journey via a personal journal, blog, podcast, or YouTube channel, and how your story has value to both your audience and future-you. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 147 Randall Yarborough is a multidisciplinary designer with professional experience in sporting equipment, apparel, and footwear. He was Senior Footwear Designer at YEEZY, working under Ye (Kanye West), and recently launched his own company, Joyshed, an athletic shorts brand. On this episode, Randall speaks with AfroTech's Will Lucas about the technical aspects of design and how to balance moving fashion design forward artistically while still driving market demand. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram: @willlucas Follow Black Tech Green Money: @blacktechgreenmoney, @btgmpodcast Learn more at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 146 Alphonzo "Phonz" Terrell is founder and CEO at Spill, and Kenya Parham is Global VP, Community & Partnerships at the culture-first social media app. At launch, Spill jumped to the top of the app store and still maintains a formidable position. On this episode, Phonz and Kenya speak with AfroTech's Will Lucas about how Spill makes a lasting impression in the social media landscape, why we needed another social media platform, and how they knew how much money to raise. Follow Black Tech Green Money: @blacktechgreenmoney, @btgmpodcast Follow Will Lucas on Instagram: @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 145 Cliff Worley is an accomplished marketing leader and growth advisor to startups. As Sr. Director of Portfolio Growth Marketing at Kapor Capital, he provides strategic coaching to help VC-backed companies effectively go to market and scale customer acquisition. He also currently stands at the forefront of artificial intelligence, speaking nationally to audiences on his secrets to leveraging AI. This conversation took place at the 2023 Annual Meeting of HOPE Global Economic Forum in Atlanta, GA. HOPE Global Economic Forums are the largest gathering in the world on behalf of empowering poor and underserved communities. The conference convenes like-minded leaders from around the world dedicated to advancing the financial well-being of all people.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 144 Jon Viard is Program Lead of the SARE Task Force at Northwestern Mutual, which stands for Sustained Action for Racial Equity. Prior to leading SARE, Jon was Senior Director of Centralized Supervision at Northwestern Mutual. SARE encompasses an accelerator in NM’s ongoing commitment to fight racism, prejudice and social injustice in all forms and focuses on making bold, long-term, positive impact within black communities. Through SARE, they are supporting black entrepreneurship, black small businesses, supplier diversity, accessibility for clients and other important enterprises. Northwestern Mutual recently committed $175 million to help reduce the wealth gap, and support businesses and entrepreneurs as they continue to grow and create positive economic momentum within local communities. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.