From Pay Day Loans to Prosperity: 7 Figure CEO Money Moves W/ Kellé Thorpe

From Pay Day Loans to Prosperity: 7 Figure CEO Money Moves W/ Kellé Thorpe

In this episode of Money TALK$: Wealth Beyond Numbers, Dr. Constance sits down with Kellé Thorpe, CEO and Fractional CFO behind Kommas with Kellé , for a powerful conversation on financial transformation, wealth mindset, and building sustainable systems for long-term success. From payday loan struggles to supporting 7-figure CEOs with high-level financial strategy, Kellé shares how emotional intelligence, financial literacy, and strategic planning all intersect to create real, lasting wealth. This episode breaks down what it takes to move from financial survival to CEO-level stewardship—including paying yourself first, understanding leverage, and building a trusted financial team that supports your growth. Be sure to check out our website to find out how to start your Financial Wellness journey today! https://moneytalksmovement.com 💡 Main Topics Covered * The connection between personal money stories and business success * Breaking scarcity mindset patterns around debt and self-worth * Why paying yourself first is a non-negotiable for entrepreneurs * How financial literacy impacts both personal and business wealth * Building a high-level financial "dream team" (including fractional CFOs) * Overcoming payday loans, credit challenges, and financial shame * Forecasting, compliance, and strategic financial planning for growth * How 7-figure CEOs structure compensation and long-term wealth ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Kellé Thorpe and her mission in wealth building 01:19 – Kellé's journey from resilience to entrepreneurship 02:33 – Business performance vs. personal financial health 03:26 – Childhood scarcity and its impact on money mindset 04:12 – Growing up in a single-parent household and community service influence 05:07 – Early financial mistakes and lessons from debt 06:25 – Credit mismanagement and financial literacy gaps 07:55 – Transitioning from corporate life to financial growth strategy 09:10 – Rewriting scarcity-based money narratives 10:04 – Understanding leverage, credit, and access 11:29 – Financial literacy in schools and community education 12:28 – Teaching children healthy money habits early 13:26 – Youth banking, credit cards, and responsible transitions 14:11 – Money decision-making in the home 15:10 – Common entrepreneur challenges with financial documentation 16:43 – Leveraging capital and business debt strategically 17:56 – Forecasting and financial storytelling for lenders 18:24 – The role of fractional CFOs in scaling businesses 19:04 – Releasing shame around debt and rebuilding self-worth 20:33 – Structuring business pay and CEO compensation strategy 22:20 – Salaries, 401(k)s, and legacy wealth building 23:07 – Aligning personal and business value for sustainable pay 25:18 – The mistake of not paying yourself as an owner 26:18 – Creating structured compensation and reward systems 28:50 – Building your financial dream team 32:44 – Payroll, taxes, and legal compliance essentials 36:35 – IRS standards for reasonable CEO compensation 39:06 – Legal and operational responsibilities for entrepreneurs 40:25 – Building a support system of advisors and CFOs 43:49 – 💥 Financial Moment: Overcoming payday loan struggles 47:38 – How to connect with Kellé Thorpe 🔗 Resources & Links Bio: Kellé Thorpe is an award-winning CFO, speaker, and Founder of Kommas with Kellé (KWK), a strategic advisory firm that guides visionary CEOs in turning revenue into real wealth. With nearly 20 years of experience leading finance and operations in organizations ranging from $7 million to $2 billion, Kellé has built her career guiding leaders through growth, complexity, and high-stakes decisions. She recognized early on that growing revenue doesn't always translate into stronger margins, healthier cash flow, or greater personal freedom. Today, Kellé and her team guide growth-focused CEOs in creating financial clarity, building strategic roadmaps, and aligning business success with long-term personal wealth-building goals. Through CFO advisory, forecasting, and financial leadership, KWK equips leaders to make confident decisions, scale sustainably, and build businesses that fund the life they want to live. Services: Kommas with Kelle Fractional CFO Services [https://kommaswithkelle.com/services/fractional-cfo-services/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Connect with Kellé Thorpe: LinkedIn: Kelle Thorpe LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellethorpe/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Instagram: @kommaswithkelle [https://www.instagram.com/kommaswithkelle/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Facebook: Kommas with Kelle Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/KommaswithKelle/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] #MoneyTalk$ #WealthBeyondNumbers #FinancialFreedom #FinancialLiteracy #BlackWomenInBusiness #EntrepreneurMindset #CEOWealth #BusinessFinance #PayYourselfFirst #WealthBuilding #FractionalCFO #MoneyMindset #DebtFreeJourney #BusinessGrowth #FinancialEmpowerment #KommasWithKellé

The Dope Black Therapist Takeover: Money, Marriage & Black Men

A Money TALK$: Wealth Beyond Numbers Conversation Featuring The Dope Black Therapist. In this powerful episode of Money TALK$: Wealth Beyond Numbers, licensed therapist and mental health advocate Blaise Harris — known online as "The Dope Black Therapist" — takes over the conversation with Dr. Constance Mason and Anthony Mason for an honest discussion about trauma, vulnerability, marriage, healing, and the emotional side of financial wellness in the Black community. Together, they unpack how childhood experiences, survival mode, and emotional suppression quietly shape the way people communicate, love, handle money, and show up in relationships. This isn't just a conversation about finances. It's a conversation about what happens behind the finances. From scarcity mindsets and emotional safety to therapy, communication, and Black masculinity, this episode creates space for the conversations many people were never taught how to have. Featured Resource: Financial Empowerment & Wellness Toolkit 💰 If you're working on healing your relationship with money while building healthier financial habits, check out the Money TALK$ Financial Empowerment & Wellness Planner Toolkit. This toolkit was designed to help individuals and families strengthen their financial literacy, organization, confidence, and long-term financial wellbeing. 🌐 Visit: Money TALK$ Movement- https://moneytalksmovement.com [https://moneytalksmovement.com] Main Topics Covered: How childhood trauma and adverse experiences (ACEs) shape financial and emotional behaviors Why many Black men struggle with vulnerability and emotional expression The impact of survival mode on marriage, communication, and intimacy Learning how to feel emotionally safe in relationships The connection between healing, self-awareness, and financial wellness How therapy strengthened communication and vulnerability within marriage Moving from scarcity thinking to intentional living and abundance Why emotional transparency is essential for healthy Black relationships Modeling healing and healthy communication for future generations Episode Highlights & Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to the episode and Blaise Harris ("The Dope Black Therapist") 02:19 – How childhood experiences shape mental health and financial perspectives 03:30 – Understanding ACEs and their long-term impact on emotional and financial wellbeing 04:32 – Unlearning survival habits like shrinking, hiding, and emotional suppression 06:50 – Black men, vulnerability, and the fear of appearing weak 08:09 – Building emotional resilience and safety within relationships 10:07 – The emotional weight many men carry silently 12:39 – Transitioning from scarcity mindset to abundance mindset 13:26 – Communication, safety, and intentional healing in marriage 19:52 – How partnership, love, and healing reshape adulthood and maturity 23:10 – The power of self-awareness and personal growth 30:06 – Marriage as a place for accountability, healing, and transformation 32:40 – Breaking generational cycles rooted in scarcity and fear 36:21 – Modeling emotional health and communication for children and grandchildren 38:17 – Why self-work impacts both relationships and finances 40:27 – Legacy, generosity, and the desire to truly be seen 41:27 – How vulnerability deepens trust, intimacy, and connection Meet The Dope Black Therapist Blaise Harris, LCMHC, NCC is the Owner of G Squared Consulting and Counseling Services, author, speaker, entrepreneur, podcaster, and founder of The Dope Black Therapist platform. After nearly 15 years as a fire fighter, Blaise recognized the urgent need for mental health support among first responders, Black men, and communities of color. Drawing from his own experiences with depression, grief, divorce, and healing, he has become a trusted voice helping others navigate trauma and emotional wellness with authenticity and cultural understanding. His work focuses heavily on trauma recovery and emotional healing using multiple therapeutic approaches, including EMDR therapy, expressive therapy, and martial arts. Book- https://a.co/d/hoUAnlF [https://a.co/d/hoUAnlF] Podcast- https://open.spotify.com/show/5hFq5VYu4s2wedUaJqW2pj?si=0e5a1722bd1340eb [https://open.spotify.com/show/5hFq5VYu4s2wedUaJqW2pj?si=0e5a1722bd1340eb] Website- https://www.thedopeblacktherapist.com/ [https://www.thedopeblacktherapist.com/] Final Thoughts This episode speaks directly to the realities many Black couples and Black men quietly navigate but rarely discuss openly. If you've ever struggled with emotional walls, survival mode, communication challenges, or balancing mental health while building wealth and relationships — this conversation is for you. #MoneyTalks #WealthBeyondNumbers #BlackMentalHealth #TheDopeBlackTherapist #BlackMenHealing #FinancialWellness #MentalHealthAwareness #BlackLove #MarriageAndMoney #TraumaHealing #EmotionalWellness #TherapyMatters #FinancialLiteracyMonth #HealthyRelationships #BlackProfessionals

You Can't Budget Your Way Out of Trauma: EMDR & Money Healing Tools

What if your money habits didn't start with you…? What if the anxiety, overworking, avoidance, or even overspending you experience today is actually rooted in childhood programming, generational patterns, and unhealed trauma? In this powerful episode of Money Talk$: Wealth Beyond Numbers, Dr. Constance Craig-Mason sits down with trauma expert Dr. Cecily Batiste for a raw, eye-opening, and deeply healing conversation. This is more than a money conversation. This is about mental health, identity, and breaking cycles that were never meant to follow you into adulthood. 💔 They get real about growing up in survival environments… 🧠 How those experiences shape financial behaviors… ✨ And most importantly—how to begin healing and rewriting your story. 👉🏾 If you've ever felt "behind," stuck, or overwhelmed when it comes to money…this episode will meet you right where you are—and help you move forward. 🔑 KEY TOPICS * Why Mental Health Awareness matters during Financial Literacy Month * How trauma + generational patterns shape your money mindset * The impact of childhood & societal programming on financial behaviors * How to use genograms to uncover family money patterns * What EMDR therapy is—and how it helps process trauma tied to money * The connection between attachment styles & financial decisions * Breaking free from scarcity, hustle culture, and survival mode * How to shift into an abundance mindset rooted in truth—not pressure * Practical steps to access therapy, EMDR, and mental health support * Why self-awareness + healing = financial transformation 👉🏾 You can't budget your way out of trauma—but you can start healing. Grab our Financial Wellness Planner with guided journal prompts to support your journey: https://bit.ly/FinancialPlannerPage [https://bit.ly/FinancialPlannerPage] ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introduction to the episode and guests 00:29 – Mental Health Awareness & money conversations 01:00 – Trauma research and financial behaviors 01:45 – Recognizing childhood money programming 02:39 – How past experiences shape entrepreneurs 03:01 – Identifying limiting beliefs 03:35 – Programming and adult money mindset 04:13 – Societal influences (media & social) 04:55 – "Seeds" analogy: how beliefs are planted 06:10 – Racialized financial narratives in Black communities 07:30 – Modeling financial behaviors for children 08:47 – Intergenerational patterns within families 09:19 – Parenting, honesty, and financial conversations 10:00 – Navigating money talks with adult children 11:25 – Emotional impact of financial decisions 12:06 – Personal money perspectives in life decisions 12:52 – Survival mode and financial choices 13:52 – Using genograms to map money patterns 14:42 – Recognizing generational cycles 15:00 – Healing through awareness of inherited beliefs 16:02 – Language shifts for mindset transformation 16:47 – Using evidence to reinforce new beliefs 18:20 – Childhood stressors and money mindset 19:09 – Breaking hustle culture & scarcity thinking 20:21 – Moving from survival to abundance 22:03 – Therapy journey + introduction to EMDR 24:34 – What EMDR is and how it works 26:17 – Reprocessing trauma and rewiring beliefs 28:14 – Impact of parental relationships 29:26 – Attachment styles & financial behaviors 31:22 – Shifting negative thought patterns 32:50 – Reinforcing new beliefs with proof 33:40 – Mental health resources & EMDR directories 36:10 – Connecting with Dr. Cecily Batiste 🤝 CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST Dr. Cecily Batiste is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, EMDR Consultant, and trauma therapist who helps individuals understand how their lived experiences shape the way they show up in their lives, relationships, and decisions. Her work bridges clinical practice and real-world application, translating trauma into practical tools for meaningful change. She specializes in trauma treatment and research on race-based trauma, with a focus on how early experiences, family patterns, and generational influences shape beliefs about self-worth, safety, and success. Through EMDR and trauma-informed care, Dr. Batiste supports deep healing that goes beyond insight and leads to lasting transformation. Her work challenges the idea that change is only about awareness, highlighting that healing the root is often what allows everything else to shift. Cecily Batiste Dawson,PhD, LPC-Supervisor Experience Life Counseling Services, PLLC 1408A Stonehollow Dr Suite 300 Kingwood,Texas 77339 Office Number: 832-510-4016 www.experiencelife-counseling.com [https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.experiencelife-2Dcounseling.com&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=V_JdmLKT_tpmwBewXbXQyXxdmvNM1I6UaSwU8GRvAN0&m=vcalxh8MVuprE0DMLpXm0EP1keZZQ4uSLalD1T6m43C8lB_2CKcpHvgVvkIHwKzA&s=tZYdXFFaVolgtfprBUF1p3EUevA0bkN-MF78zIRXoto&e=] * LinkedIn: Dr. Cecily Batiste * Twitter/X: @DrCecilyBatiste 🎧 LISTEN NOW If this episode speaks to you, don't keep it to yourself— share it with someone who's ready to heal their relationship with money. 🔖 HASHTAGS #MoneyTalksPodcast #WealthBeyondNumbers #MoneyMindset #FinancialHealing #MoneyTrauma #MentalHealthMatters #FinancialLiteracyMonth #GenerationalWealth #BreakTheCycle #BlackWealth #EntrepreneurMindset #ScarcityToAbundance #HealYourFinances #TherapyWorks #EMDR #WealthAndWellness #FaithAndFinances #WomenInBusiness #PersonalDevelopment #MindsetShift

When Success Isn't Enough: Strokes, Surrender & Purpose

In this powerful episode of Money Talks: Wealth Beyond Numbers, Dr. Constance Craig-Mason sits down with Shelley Meche'tte for a conversation that goes far beyond business strategy. After surviving three strokes in one day, Shelley was forced into a season of stillness that stripped away titles, productivity, and performance. What remained was a deeper question: Who am I beyond what I produce? Together, they explore identity beyond career, the hidden cost of burnout, the importance of listening to your body, and what it truly means to align success with God's purpose. This episode is a wake-up call for ambitious women (and men) building businesses while trying to hold everything together. Because real wealth isn't just measured in revenue — it's measured in alignment, peace, and purpose. Feeling stirred? Good. Now it's time to build. The Financial Empowerment Toolkit is your step-by-step guide to breaking money cycles, strengthening your financial confidence, and aligning your wealth with purpose. Don't just listen to the conversation—activate it. Get yours here: https://bit.ly/FinancialEmpowermentToolKit . Shelley Meche'tte is a celebrated EmpowHERment speaker, life strategist, Certified Life Purpose & Confidence Coach, and Amazon #1 bestselling author who equips ambitious, faith-driven women to release burnout, establish healthy boundaries, and confidently balance faith, family, and business through her signature S.M.I.L.E. Framework. A three-time stroke survivor in a single day, her life-altering experience became a God-led wake-up call that reshaped how she lives and leads—fueling her mission to help women build purpose-aligned lives and businesses without sacrificing their health, peace, or loved ones. Her message is clear: true success is rooted in intentional living, alignment, and faithful stewardship—not constant striving. Shelley is the author of *70 Days of Happy: Life Is BETTER When You Smile*, *PowHER Minds*, and *Women Inspiring Nations*, and is known for her transparent storytelling, humor, and practical strategies that leave a lasting impact. Her career spans work with Warner Bros., Walt Disney, and Saban Entertainment, with features on CBS, NBC, ABC, Shondaland, and appearances on platforms like *Peace of Mind with Taraji*, *The Claudia Jordan Show*, and *The List*. S he is the founder of The PowHERful Woman and has been recognized as a Top 25 Woman in Business, a 2025 Global Trailblazer, and one of 2025's Top 60 Women Leaders to Watch. Website: www.ShelleyMechette.com [https://www.ShelleyMechette.com] Free gift from Shelley: Journey with God Journal https://shelleymechette.myflodesk.com/5dayjournal [https://shelleymechette.myflodesk.com/5dayjournal] Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Money Talks Wealth Beyond Numbers 01:08 Shelley's Journey: From Mompreneur to Faith-Driven Womenpreneur 03:10 The Challenge of Serving Oneself 06:23 Redefining Purpose Beyond Paychecks 08:49 Navigating Health Challenges and Identity Transformation 10:59 Returning to Faith-Based Entrepreneurship 13:55 Aligning with God's Purpose 14:28 Recognizing Signs of Health Issues 19:19 The Experience of a Stroke and Its Symptoms 23:50 Embracing Change in Seasons 25:02 Setting Intentions for Daily Alignment 29:40 The Power of Gratitude and Joy 34:15 Redefining Success Beyond Money 38:39 Lessons from the Journey of Healing 40:54 Upcoming Initiatives and Programs Takeaways Shelley's health crisis led to a deeper understanding of purpose. Purpose is not defined by financial success but by alignment with one's calling. Women often struggle with identity when faced with health challenges. Gratitude and joy can coexist with fear and uncertainty. Recognizing health signs is crucial for timely intervention. Success can be redefined as simply waking up and being present. Alignment with God's plan is essential for true fulfillment. Nothing in life is wasted; all experiences contribute to growth. Grind culture can be detrimental; grace should lead our actions. Intentionality in daily life can lead to greater peace and success. Keywords: Money talks, wealth, purpose, faith-driven, women entrepreneurs, health challenges, identity, alignment, gratitude, success, Black women, therapy, God, Christ, Wellness, stroke, recovery, health is wealth

United Way: A Lifeline for Families When Money Is Tight

What if real wealth isn't just about money—but about healing, community, and access? In this powerful episode of Money TALK$™: Wealth Beyond Numbers, Dr. Constance Craig-Mason sits down with TaTyana Abreu, Financial Stability Manager at United Way of York County, for a deeply human conversation about what financial wellness actually looks like for families navigating real-life challenges. TaTyana takes us behind the scenes of community-based financial empowerment—breaking down life-changing programs like VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) and Rise United, and how they help families keep more of what they earn, build savings, and regain stability. She also shares her personal journey in the nonprofit space, the emotional weight of service-driven work, and the constant balancing act between purpose, burnout, and boundaries. Together, Dr. Constance and TaTyana unpack: * Why financial literacy without emotional support falls short * How childcare and transportation quietly block access to resources * What it means to pour into the community without losing yourself * And why investing in children's passions is an investment in generational healing This episode is a reminder that financial health is deeply connected to mental, emotional, and community wellness—and that advocacy, empathy, and support systems are just as valuable as a budget or savings account. ✨ If you care about community impact, holistic wealth, and breaking cycles—not just building assets—this conversation is for you. Visit the Money TALK$ website for the Financial Wellness Planner discussed in this episode here. https://bit.ly/FinancialEmpowermentToolKit [https://bit.ly/FinancialEmpowermentToolKit] 🔑 Key Takeaways * Wealth is about healing, not just dollars. * Community service fuels both personal and collective growth. * Empathy and active listening are non-negotiables in impactful work. * Programs like VITA help families retain more of their income. * Financial literacy is a cornerstone of long-term stability. * Childcare and transportation remain major access barriers. * Recognition often reflects consistent, behind-the-scenes impact. * Work-life balance is an ongoing practice, not a finish line. * Setting boundaries requires intentionality and courage. * Investing in children's interests supports confidence, joy, and future success. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Wealth Beyond Numbers 01:00 TaTyana Abreu: Community Advocate 04:36 The Importance of Community Service 08:45 Programs for Financial Wellness 11:49 Understanding VITA: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance 15:21 The Impact of VITA on the Community 16:28 Rise United: Building Financial Literacy 19:25 Eliminating Barriers to Access 21:43 Recognition and Impact in the Community 24:51 Navigating Work-Life Balance 28:59 Financial Lessons Learned 32:40 Upcoming Community Initiatives 35:49 Leadership and Support in the Workplace TaTyana "Tat" Abreu is the Financial Stability Manager at United Way of York County, where she leads and continues to expand the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. She is passionate about helping individuals and families build long-term financial stability and access the resources they need to thrive. A graduate of Penn State York with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies, Tat has built a strong foundation in the nonprofit sector, bringing her commitment to community support to her role at United Way. She recently earned her Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership from Southern New Hampshire University and was honored at the 2025 Changemaker Awards. When she isn't working, Tat enjoys spending time with her two young children, Reina and Adonis, who keep her active and inspired. Visit United Way The York County Website For Services Here https://www.unitedway-york.org [https://www.unitedway-york.org] Keywords wealth, community service, financial wellness, VITA, Rise United, financial literacy, work-life balance, nonprofit, advocacy, empowerment