Talk's With Ken...We are BECOMING

Ep. 21 | Why Finding Your "Why" Is the Key to Creating Impact and Staying Humble

In this episode, Jay Tolbert shares his inspiring journey from childhood influences to building a multifaceted business empire rooted in community service and personal growth. Discover how resilience, purpose, and intentional community engagement drive his success and vision. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and episode overview 02:07 - Jay’s mission to serve and uplift his community 03:07 - The story behind Cornbread Hospitality Group and expansion plans 04:48 - Working with small business owners in hospitality 06:20 - Early influences: Growing up in an entrepreneurial family 07:54 - The importance of a supportive community and early entrepreneurial lessons 09:00 - Developing an analytical mindset from childhood 10:45 - Advice for those feeling stuck: seek positive networks and preserve creativity 11:45 - The significance of nurturing childhood imagination and purpose 14:49 - Jay’s real passion: Business, not culinary arts 16:01 - Creating unity and understanding through restaurant culture 16:56 - Jay’s thoughts on racial harmony and the role of hospitality 18:34 - Building a community through strategic business endeavors 21:50 - Taking practical steps in entrepreneurship: gaining experience & managing risk 22:36 - Overcoming setbacks: The hustle of operating out of a Nissan Altima 23:38 - Transitioning from restaurant management to entrepreneurship 24:44 - Filling gaps in the local entertainment scene 25:34 - The value of patience and process in success 27:20 - The importance of vision and persistence over 20 years 28:29 - The misconception of luck vs. strategic effort 28:52 - The pursuit of influence and purpose through wealth 31:19 - The role of continuous learning and personal development 32:56 - Balancing family and entrepreneurship 33:58 - Understanding life as a co-creative process 36:37 - Significance of community ownership and independence 38:29 - Jay’s influence on Greenville’s restaurant scene 40:08 - Lessons from failure and economic downturns 43:10 - The role of faith, purpose, and unlearning limiting beliefs 44:43 - The importance of systems, structures, and foundational work 48:21 - The mechanics of attracting success and the power of vibration 49:51 - Jay’s ventures into Black Travel & Global Experiences 52:52 - The Black Economic Mobility Coalition’s role and impact 58:18 - Creating spaces for Black entrepreneurs: co-working hubs and community ecosystems 64:58 - Shifting mindset to align with success and abundance 66:35 - Practical exercises to develop inner awareness and intuition 69:35 - The importance of controlling thoughts and perceptions 72:38 - Reframing success and abundance through elevated frequency 73:58 - Challenging common misconceptions: work ethic vs. energy flow 74:56 - Words of wisdom to younger self and resilience 76:27 - Starting over: leveraging experience and current tools 78:19 - Connecting with Jay: social media and contact info 79:13 - Closing remarks: embracing vulnerability, persistence, and purpose

Ep. 20 | From Barber Chair to Contract Negotiator: How Strategic Thinking Drives Business Growth

Dive into this inspiring episode where Shannon Cleveland shares his journey from being a dedicated barber to a thriving entrepreneur and state-level contractor. Discover actionable insights on building authentic brands, leveraging social media, and embracing risk in business. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction: The transformative journey of Shannon Cleveland 01:30 - How Shannon became an inspirational figure in barbering 03:00 - Building a premium barber experience as a brand 04:30 - The importance of atmosphere and presentation in service 06:00 - Client loyalty and the power of genuine connection 08:00 - The role of continuous learning and open source knowledge 10:00 - Traditional vs. non-conventional pathways to becoming a barber 12:00 - Impact of social media on modern barbering and branding 14:00 - The evolution of the barber industry and embracing new trends 16:00 - Authenticity in branding and client relationships 18:00 - Balancing personalized service with community needs 20:00 - Transitioning from a group shop to solo operations 23:00 - Strategies for managing multiple locations and business expansion 26:00 - Finding opportunity and taking risks in real estate and business ventures 30:00 - Diversifying income streams: government contracts and healthcare services 34:00 - The value of premium experiences and living out your worth 38:00 - Growth, loneliness, and meeting others on the same path 40:00 - The importance of setbacks and rhythm in success 42:00 - Shannon’s ventures beyond barbering, including hospitality and nightlife 44:00 - Overcoming fear of judgment and trusting one’s vision

Ep. 19 | Navigating Real Estate with Real Estate Professional

Join us as JD Davis shares her journey in real estate, her lessons learned, and strategies for success in today's market. Whether you're a first-time buyer, seller, or aspiring agent, this episode is packed with practical advice, industry truths, and inspiration to elevate your understanding of real estate investing and careers. Join us as JD Davis shares her journey in real estate, her lessons learned, and strategies for success in today's market. Whether you're a first-time buyer, seller, or aspiring agent, this episode is packed with practical advice, industry truths, and inspiration to elevate your understanding of real estate investing and careers.Main topics covered: * JD Davis's personal journey and background in Greenville and real estate * Myths versus reality of becoming a realtor and industry misconceptions * Step-by-step guidance for new agents entering the market * Strategies for pricing properties accurately without unrealistic expectations * The importance of relationships, authenticity, and ethics in real estate * How to select the right brokerage and brokerage structures * Navigating different loan programs, down payments, and creative financing options * The impact of market fluctuations and how investors can thrive * Long-term wealth building through real estate, including rental properties and investment strategies * The significance of financial literacy and planning from a young age * Tips for choosing a trustworthy and compatible realtor Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome and episode overview: real estate insights with JD Davis 02:30 - JD Davis's background and her Greenville roots 05:00 - Myths about real estate careers and industry misconceptions 10:15 - Entry points and advice for new realtors 15:00 - How to price homes realistically in a fluctuating market 20:45 - Understanding agency relationships and contracts 25:30 - Choosing the right brokerage: what to consider 30:00 - Loan programs, down payments, and market strategies 35:20 - The impact of tech-driven shows versus real market realities 40:50 - Long-term wealth building and investment tips 45:00 - Financial literacy importance & early credit strategies 50:10 - How community and family influence success 55:00 - The most valuable lessons JD has learned 60:00 - Moving beyond materialism: building value and integrity 65:00 - Final tips: partnering with the right realtor and continuing growth

Ep. 18 | Advice from Serial Entrepreneur AJ Gladney

n this episode, Kendrick sits down with AJ Gladney, known as the People's Champ, to share his inspiring journey from childhood hustles to building successful businesses rooted in service and community. AJ's story highlights the power of purpose, authenticity, and giving back, offering valuable lessons for personal and financial growth. Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome and episode overview 01:10 - Introducing AJ Gladney and his journey 02:34 - AJ’s childhood lessons on money and early hustles 05:20 - Reading "Automatic Millionaire" and his shift in mindset 06:45 - Transition from street hustling to financial services 08:28 - The impact of mentorship and community involvement 10:19 - The significance of service and purpose in AJ’s work 13:21 - The importance of balance and automated financial strategies 16:14 - Lifestyle inflation and maintaining financial health 22:30 - Creation of AJ’s Social and Cocktail hour for community building 24:52 - Growing Coupes Corner and the power of networking 27:50 - Overcoming introversion through sports and purpose

Ep. 17 | Redefining Success with Dr. Richardson

Summary: In this episode, Kendrick sits down with Dr. Shaquinta Richardson to explore her inspiring journey from academic pursuits to launching the mobile bookstore, Audrey's Den. They discuss the importance of purpose, the power of reading, and embracing authentic storytelling in fostering personal and community growth. 00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Dr. Shaquinta Richardson 02:15 - The meaning behind Dr. Shaquinta’s academic and professional journey 04:53 - Pivoting from pre-med to mental health and community service 08:00 - Observations on relationship therapy trends and community needs 10:14 - What is Audrey’s Den and its mission to promote literacy and wellness 15:29 - The moment Shaquinta decided to create her mobile bookstore 18:05 - Living purposefully and overcoming fear to pursue dreams 20:41 - The transformative power of reading and storytelling in life 24:33 - Debunking myths about fiction and its role in empathy building 27:44 - Challenging stereotypes about romance and representation in literature 32:40 - Choosing books intentionally for Audrey’s Den and supporting black voices 35:45 - The process of publishing collaborative academic work 38:10 - Practical tips for starting to write and overcoming internal blocks 41:36 - Conquering fear and self-doubt through resourcefulness and resilience 45:06 - Shaquinta’s ongoing mission to inspire storytelling and creativity 50:06 - How she selects books and collaborates with the community 54:07 - Balancing entrepreneurship with resourcefulness and faith 58:26 - Incorporating art and community engagement into Audrey’s Den 62:11 - The importance of asking questions, verifying info, and staying adaptable 66:07 - Insights on trust, curiosity, and pursuing one’s purpose 67:05 - Connecting with Shaquinta and supporting Audrey's Den