Money & Breakfast

"We Chose to be Ourselves" - Money & Breakfast ep. 7 - H.E Sekou Berthe

This time on Money & Breakfast, we sit down with the Ambassador of the Republic of Mali to the United States, H.E Sekou Berthe. The Ambassador speaks candidly about the geopolitical structures and catalysts that led to the creation of the AES (composed of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger), the blocs stalwart charge towards sovereignty, the persistent terrorist threats that the States are fighting off, the development progress that has been made, their move to spearhead a new African foreign policy paradigm, and the foundations of their new geopolitical posture and internal strategy of D3: Diplomacy, Development, and Defense.

Money & Breakfast ep. 6 - Dr. Adam Thomas: The Proof in the Policy

What happens when the rigor of graduate-level research meets the unpredictable reality of human behavior? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Adam Thomas, Faculty Director of the MPP program at Georgetown’s McCourt School of Public Policy. From his pioneering work on the FamilyScape simulation model at Brookings to his deep-dive analysis into the fiscal impacts of social policy, Dr. Thomas specializes in quantifying the "unquantifiable." We explore the intersection of microeconomics and domestic social policy, discussing how evidence-based strategies can move the needle on reproductive health and family formation—and why the "nerve center" of D.C. is still the most vital laboratory for the next generation of policy leaders.

Money & Breakfast ep. 5 - Alex Allen: AI, Strategy, and Taking it to Market

Most innovation isn’t about the technology itself. It’s about how fast and how well people iterate, adapt, and build on it. In this eye-opening episode, AI strategist Alex Allen deconstructs the unpredictable race between nations, startups, and individual innovators shaping the future of AI, quantum computing, and cybersecurity. If you’re wondering how some succeed wildly without conventional credentials — or why building your own AI models beats relying on imported ones — this episode will reshape your perspective on talent, trust, and technological sovereignty. We explore the fascinating loop of AI development where rapid improvements and democratization happen at lightning speed. Alex breaks down what it really takes to succeed in this environment — the importance of testing, failing fast, and cultivating coachability. You’ll discover how countries like China, the US, and smaller nations are stacking their flags with signature models, and why building from scratch often provides the most secure and adaptable approach for governments and private organizations alike.

Money & Breakfast ep. 4- Dr. Modupe Taylor-Pearce: Trust, Hope, and Progress

The conversation delves into the impact of decisions on life expectancy, the compression of time in war, solving African problems with African solutions, the influence of culture on outcomes, changing culture and leadership, success stories of Rwanda, Botswana, and Ethiopia, leadership and development progress, the role of institutions in success, the foundation of successful institutions, and the making of Dr. Modupe Taylor-Peirce. The conversation delves into the importance of purpose-driven leadership in Africa, emphasizing the need for empowerment and the eradication of the mindset of inferiority. It also highlights the significance of discipline, the impact of kingmakers in governance, and the characteristics of good leadership. Furthermore, it addresses the need for sustainable development and strategic investments in leadership and capacity development. The conversation delves into the development of African business models, the importance of leadership development, and the exploration of an economic system for Africa. It highlights the need for innovative business models, the role of leadership in transformation, and the necessity of a tailored economic system for African countries. Takeaways * Culture determines outcomes * Leaders can change culture * Institutions require a strong foundation * African culture has five aspects that contribute to underdevelopment * Success of organizations depends on governance structure and foundation Leadership development in Africa is crucial for the continent's transformation * Good leadership is characterized by trust, hope, and progress * African leaders need to hold themselves accountable for their own development African Business Models * Leadership Development * Economic System for Africa Chapters * 00:00 The Impact of Decisions on Life Expectancy * 14:13 The Influence of Culture on Outcomes * 20:26 Success Stories: Rwanda, Botswana, and Ethiopia * 34:06 The Role of Institutions in Success * 42:17 The Making of Dr. Modupe Taylor-Peirce * 51:23 Discipline and Leadership Development * 59:59 Kings and Kingmakers * 01:05:21 Good vs. Abysmal Leadership * 01:17:09 Sustainable Development and Leadership * 01:22:57 African Business Models * 01:37:20 Economic System for Africa

Money & Breakfast Episode 3 - Ian Lowery: The Art of Debate

On this episode of the Money & Breakfast podcast, our guest is Ian Lowery, an academic debate coach, researcher, and former professor. The conversation centers this time on the incoming college enrollment cliff, Ian's experience as a professor of young age, the art of rhetoric and how to form an argument, and the benefits of debate as well as Ian's ongoing career as a coach. Don't forget to like, share, and SUBSCRIBE!