A Bright Idea is back for a new season and a sweet treat. On this week's episode I speak with Ndidiamaka Agu, founder of Sugar and Ice, an ice cream brand that infuses rich African flavors into classic American desserts. Ndidiamaka shares her journey from a medical background to entrepreneurship, influenced by her family's entrepreneurial spirit. She discusses the challenges of starting her business, the importance of childhood memories in her flavors, and her vision for the future of Sugar and Ice, including plans for national shipping and collaborations.

Today, I am joined by my friend, Adam Leeper, the CEO/Founder of Forge Achievement Coaching LLC. He’s a business coach bringing a unique blend of military leadership and AI expertise to help small businesses streamline, scale, and stay true to their mission.

In this episode, Adam and I talk about the importance of finding one’s purpose, the skills he learned in the military that translate to entrepreneurship, and the significance of community and leadership in both personal and professional realms.

Later, Adam shares insights on decision-making under pressure, the value of discipline, and the unique leadership training that he received in the military that you don’t get in corporate America. He discusses his coaching approach, focusing on helping business owners discover their strengths and purpose through his Operation Pathfinder Workshop. The conversation also leads to the concept of branding, advocating for a personal approach where business owners can explore all parts of themselves and their business, rather than limiting themselves to a single focus area.

As always, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and follow us on Instagram @ABrightIdeaPodcast for behind-the-scenes content and updates. And if you're enjoying the show, leave us a review—it really helps spread the word. Let’s get into this episode!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to A Bright Idea Podcast

00:59 The Journey of Adam Leeper

11:34 Finding Purpose in Business

23:45 Skills from Military to Entrepreneurship

31:07 Navigating Workplace Discrimination

34:13 The Transition to Entrepreneurship

36:01 Finding Your Leadership Style

38:57 The Importance of Self-Discovery

42:53 Building a Personal Brand

44:43 Operation Pathfinder Workshop Overview

53:09 Identifying Your Genius Zone

59:27 Adapting Your Brand as You Grow

Sponsors:

Chosen Advisory Group: https://www.northwesternmutual.com/financial/advisor/bilal-afolabi/

Resources:

Work with Adam: https://stan.store/CoachAdam

This week, I'm joined by Malik Roberts, also know as, Top Shelf Leek.In this episode, Malik and I talk about his music career and the importance of his early musical influences. We get into how he taught himself how to make music - a skill that’s actually harder than it seems and how 2020 was a turning point where he discovered he could turn his passion into a lucrative career.

Later, he shares his experience on the evolving landscape of the industry, the business of music producing, the need for a respectful and safe environment in the industry, particularly for women, and advice for aspiring producers navigating their careers.

As always, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and follow us on Instagram @ABrightIdeaPodcast for behind-the-scenes content and updates. And if you're enjoying the show, leave us a review—it really helps spread the word. Let’s get into this episode!

Sponsors:

Chosen Advisory Group: https://www.northwesternmutual.com/financial/advisor/bilal-afolabi/

Resources:

To work with TopShelfLeek, you can follow him on Instagram @TopShelfLeek

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

02:05 Malik's Musical Journey Begins

06:20 The Formation of HOH and Early Influences

11:09 Transitioning from Art to Music Production

15:22 Self-Taught Music Production Techniques

19:34 Turning Passion into a Lucrative Career

21:58 Opportunities in the Music Industry Beyond Performance

24:13 The Creative Process in Music Production

28:19 Overcoming Creative Blocks

30:23 Memorable Collaborations and Professional Growth

31:57 The Value of Passion Over Training

32:36 Adapting to Different Artist Personalities

34:04 Trends in the Music Industry

37:33 The Role of Women in Hip Hop

41:33 Navigating the Music Business

43:47 Challenges and Misconceptions in Music Production

46:36 Advice for Aspiring Producers

In this week’s episode, we are joined by my dear friend..A contemporary artist from Pittsburgh, PA, Lewis Pell to talk about the idea of “the starving artist” and why this concept doesn’t exist anymore. We discuss how Lewis went from trying to climb the corporate ladder in the environmental science industry to becoming a full time artist.

Sponsors:

Chosen Advisory Group: https://www.northwesternmutual.com/financial/advisor/bilal-afolabi/

Resources:
Lewis Pell: thelewv.com

Instagram: @Pelllewis

00:00The Evolution of the Starving Artist

03:24Childhood and Artistic Foundations1

1:09Navigating Education and Career Choices

19:33From Environmental Science to Art

24:53The Shift from Corporate Dreams to Artistic Pursuits

33:28The Journey to Artistry

38:59Embracing Change and Financial Independence

41:09The Evolving Perception of the Artist

50:01Building a Sustainable Art Career

56:46Celebrating Success and Future Aspirations

In this week's episode, we are joined by Bryan Myers, the CEO of Solidcore, a boutique fitness studio that’s redefining what it means to build strength - mentally and physically. With over 130 locations across 25 states and DC, Bryan went from being a loyal Solidcore client to becoming its CEO, steering the company through remarkable growth while staying true to its core mission. Bryan and I talk about his unconventional path to entrepreneurship from advising fortune 500 companies as a consultant with The Boston Consulting Group, taking a leap of faith by becoming the director of DC founded start-up SweetGreen, to becoming one of only a few black CEO in the fitness space. In this episode, Bryan teaches us that you don't need to build a company from scratch to be an entrepreneur. You can use the skills you already have to scale someone else's vision. I hope you’ve all been as inspired as I have by Bryan’s story. My biggest takeaway from our conversation is that you don’t have to start something from scratch to be an entrepreneur. Bright Ideas can still happen by helping to build upon someone elses idea. If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review—your feedback helps us keep bringing you more stories like Bryan’s. Be sure to follow us on Instagram @ABrightIdeaPodcast for updates, and if there’s a topic or guest you’d like to hear from next, drop us a message. Sponsors: Chosen Advisory Group: https://www.northwesternmutual.com/financial/advisor/bilal-afolabi/ Resources: Solidcore: https://solidcore.co/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA-Oi7BhA1EiwA2rIu29OUHtfkidaJp9MxPZuF_eNr11faIPWA8F0YrvY3-LYS47hlbe8Y-RoCbr8QAvD_BwE Chapters 00:00 Redefining Entrepreneurship 02:50 Brian Myers: From Client to CEO 06:07 Childhood Influences and Early Aspirations 08:50 Navigating Career Choices 12:08 The Shift from Consulting to Entrepreneurship 15:02 Building Sweetgreen: A Transformative Experience 17:52 Transitioning to SolidCore: A New Challenge 21:06 The Impact of SolidCore on Community 23:53 Leadership Transition: From COO to CEO 36:23 Leadership Transition and Legacy 38:10 Personal Growth and Financial Awareness 40:33 Customer-Centric Approach in Business 41:29 Maintaining Brand Integrity During Change 44:24 Engagement Strategies for Client Retention 47:47 SolidCore's Unique Position in the Fitness Industry 51:30 Diversity and Inclusion as a Business Strategy 54:56 The Weight of Representation in Leadership 58:45 Creating Safe Spaces for All Communities 01:00:42 Impact Over Income: A CEO's Perspective 01:03:31 Redefining Entrepreneurship 01:04:59 Legacy and Future Vision for SolidCore 01:06:55 Exciting Developments Ahead for SolidCore

In this episode, we are joined by Aisha White, a dog groomer and owner of Haus Pups in based in Towson, Maryland. Aisha shares her inspiring journey from a challenging childhood marked by homelessness to finding her passion in dog grooming. She discusses the pivotal role animals played in her life, her dreams of becoming a veterinarian, and the various jobs she held before establishing her own business. Aisha shares her passion for creating a welcoming environment for pets, the challenges she faced in establishing her business, and her commitment to empowering others in her field. The discussion highlights the importance of resilience, representation, and the evolving landscape of pet care services.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Aisha White's Journey

03:04 Growing Up with Animals and Overcoming Adversity

05:54 The Impact of Homelessness on Aisha's Life

09:10 Dreams and Aspirations: From Vet to Fashion

11:53 Navigating Education and Career Challenges

15:01 Finding Strength in Work and Professionalism

17:55 The Transition to Dog Grooming

20:46 Building Confidence and Skills in Grooming

24:11 The Importance of Passion in the Grooming Industry

26:54 Aisha's Vision for the Future

36:48 Be Your Own Boss: The Entrepreneurial Spirit

39:26 The Journey to Opening a Salon

43:10 Overcoming Challenges and Manifesting Dreams

46:31 Breaking Barriers in the Grooming Industry

49:43 Creating a Unique Pet Spa Experience

57:24 The Growth of the Pet Grooming Industry

01:01:41 The Role of Groomers in Pet Health

01:03:08 Advice to My Younger Self

01:07:55 Proud Moments and Life Lessons

01:09:46 Connecting with Aisha: Social Media and Services

Resources: Follow Tinted Health on Instagram: @tintedhealth Subscribe to Tinted Health's newsletter: www.tintedhealth.com Sponsors: Chosen Financial Group: https://chosenadvisorygroup.com/

In this week's episode I sit down with Rebecca Caesar, founder of Tinted Health, a platform designed to enhance representation in healthcare. Rebecca shares her journey through the healthcare industry, her experiences as a Black woman in leadership, and the motivation behind creating Tinted Health. In this episode, we dive into the importance of diversity, cultural sensitivity training for providers, and how technology can empower patients to find healthcare that reflects their communities. Rebecca discusses the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, her vision for the future of Tinted Health, and the broader implications for diversity and inclusion in healthcare. We discuss: Rebecca Caesar founded Tinted Health to enhance representation in healthcare. The platform focuses on connecting Black and Brown patients with providers who understand their cultural backgrounds. Rebecca's journey in healthcare highlighted the lack of diversity in leadership roles. She experienced a glass ceiling effect as a Black woman in healthcare administration. Cultural literacy and sensitivity training are crucial for healthcare providers. Tinted Health aims to create a safe space for minority patients in healthcare. The platform uses technology to empower patients in finding relatable providers. Rebecca emphasizes the importance of mentorship and networking in her career. Success for Tinted Health includes transforming a million lives and paving the way for future leaders. Family support plays a significant role in Rebecca's entrepreneurial journey. Resources: Follow Tinted Health on Instagram: @tintedhealth Subscribe to Tinted Health's newsletter: www.tintedhealth.com Sponsors: Chosen Financial Group: https://chosenadvisorygroup.com/

Over 27 million adults in the United States with a mental illness are untreated, according to Mental Health America. Out of that number, only 1 in 3 Black adults seek help. One of the biggest barriers that adult with mental illness face is the out of pocket cost of treatment. In this episode of A Bright Idea, Jessica Smith, founder of the Mental Health Emergency Fund, is helping people in the Baltimore area afford therapy and medications while raising funding for those in need. Starting with her own mental health emergency fund to prioritize her mental health, Jessica saw how imperative it was to be able to have the money you need to take care of yourself. That sparked that aha moment to found a nonprofit dedicated to improving mental health access in Black and Brown communities. Takeaways Jessica Smith founded the Mental Health Emergency Fund to address mental health access. The fund provides financial assistance for therapy to those in need. Jessica's personal mental health challenges inspired her to create the fund. Stigma around mental health is prevalent in Black and Brown communities. Many individuals view mental health struggles as a personal weakness. Financial barriers prevent 40% of applicants from accessing therapy. The fund has screened over 300 individuals for anxiety and depression. Community support is crucial for mental health recovery. Jessica emphasizes the importance of building a strong support system. The organization aims to expand its reach to more communities. Having someone guide me through complex financial decisions is beneficial. Job searching can feel like a full-time job. Mental health support is crucial for young adults. The application process for funding is thorough and data-driven. Many people struggle with financial insecurity affecting their mental health. Holistic therapy options are essential for diverse healing needs. Creating a directory for BIPOC therapists addresses representation issues. The organization has provided significant financial support to those in need. Personal growth and organizational impact are intertwined. Advocating for mental health while managing personal challenges is commendable. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mental Health Advocacy 03:03 Jessica's Upbringing and Early Influences 07:40 The Birth of the Mental Health Emergency Fund 14:01 Navigating Personal Challenges and Aha Moments 19:46 Addressing Financial Barriers in Mental Health 23:25 Stigma and Seeking Help in Marginalized Communities 27:37 The Importance of Financial Guidance 28:34 Job Search Struggles and Resume Revamp 30:52 Mental Health Support for Young Adults 32:14 Application Process for Mental Health Funding 35:30 Understanding the Need for Financial Assistance 39:24 Holistic Approaches to Mental Health 42:03 Creating a Directory for BIPOC Therapists 44:50 Impact and Growth of the Organization 49:51 Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations Sponsors: Chosen Financial Group - https://www.northwesternmutual.com/financial/advisor/bilal-afolabi/ Digital Career Opportunities Worldwide - https://www.dcowmember.com/ Today's Guest: Website: https://www.mentalhealthemergencyfund.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentalhealthemergencyfund