Brown Ambition

Jun 3 · 1h 10m

This week, we’re heading back into the Brown Ambition vault for a powerful conversation with celebrity hairstylist and image maker Lacy Redway. Lacy may not always be in front of the camera, but you’ve definitely seen her work. From red carpets to fashion campaigns and TV and film, she’s shaping the way Black women show up on screen and in the culture. In this episode, we get into: •    Growing up as a Jamaican immigrant, being the “foreign kid,” and learning to do her own hair after a bad relaxer left it broken and damaged•    Braiding classmates’ hair for $5–$10 in middle and high school and realizing, in hindsight, that she was already a young entrepreneur•    How she transitioned from doing hair in school to assisting in salons, working on photo shoots, and building a real portfolio in the pre‑Instagram era•    The behind‑the‑scenes reality of being one of the few Black stylists backstage at fashion week—and why Black models would literally wait in line for Lacy to do their hair•    What it actually looks like to take yourself seriously as a business: investing back into your craft, getting representation, and positioning yourself for bigger brand and editorial work•    How rates really work in fashion and celebrity styling, why there’s no union protecting hair and makeup artists in her lane, and how that impacts pay and job security•    The power and pressure of being an “image maker” for Black women, and why getting the hair right can make or break a character or campaignWe also talk about the evolution of Black hair care, the shift from relaxers to curls and coils, and how much access to education and products has changed since the 90s.If you’re a creative, service provider, or anyone trying to turn a skill into a sustainable business, this conversation will give you both inspiration and a real look at the money and power dynamics behind the glam. Tune in to hear how Lacy built her career, claimed her value, and continues to advocate for herself and other artists in an industry that doesn’t always see their worth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 29 · 17m

In this Flashback Friday Brown Ambition Q&A, Mandi and Tiffany tackle two big money dilemmas listeners are facing right now: whether to borrow from a 401(k) to pay off debt, and how to make the most of a 200K inheritance without blowing your shot at building generational wealth.In the first question, they break down when a 401(k) loan can make sense, the major risks if you leave your job, how balance transfer cards and personal loans compare, and why lenders are often “betting against” your behavior with these products. Then they dig into Erica’s inheritance and walk through the tradeoffs between paying off a low‑rate mortgage versus using that cash for an investment property or other investments. They talk through landlord realities, using home equity to scale a real estate portfolio, and why parking a windfall in cash for a few months while you build a plan with a financial pro can be the smartest move. Send your money, career, and business questions via DM to @brownambitionpodcast on Instagram or email us at brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 27 · 55m

Debt doesn’t have to be the big bad boogeyman on your back. In this throwback episode of Brown Ambition, I’m joined by two powerhouses in the money space—financial activist Dasha Kennedy (The Broke Black Girl) and National Debt Relief Chief Compliance and Consumer Affairs Officer, Natalia Brown—for an honest, stigma‑free conversation about what debt relief is, who it’s for, and how to finally create a plan you can live with. We unpack the emotional weight of debt, from shame and secrecy to the very real health impacts of chronic financial stress, and we walk through practical options—from DIY payoff and consolidation loans to credit counseling, debt relief programs, and bankruptcy.  You’ll hear exactly what happens when you call a company like National Debt Relief, how settlements actually get negotiated, and the red flags to watch for so you don’t fall for scammy debt collectors.If debt is stealing your sleep, this is your permission slip to put the shame down and pick up a plan. For more information on a variety of debt topics, feel free to visit National Debt Relief’s Resource page for more information on individual debt situations: https://www.nationaldebtrelief.com/resources/ Note: These show notes may contain link to affiliate products, from which we derive revenue. We want to hear from you! Drop us a note at brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com or hit us up on Instagram @brownambitionpodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 20 · 49m

This week on Brown Ambition, we’re joined by none other than HGTV’s powerhouse duo, Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson, stars of “Married to Real Estate” and hosts of the Marriage & Money podcast. Together, we dive into what it really looks like to build a business, raise a family, and keep a marriage strong—all while staying true to themselves. From juggling show tapings to managing their growing empire (hello, new furniture line Indigo Road!), Egypt and Mike don’t hold back. We talk about:  - The honest truth about therapy, teamwork, and choosing love on the hard days   - How they navigate marriage without competition just collaboration   - The power of understanding your partner’s strengths in life and in business   - Their journey raising daughters while modeling a healthy, ambitious partnership   - What it takes to build a financial dream team and break the mold on outdated gender roles     We also get personal about the importance of communication, leaning on trust, and setting boundaries that protect your peace—drawing inspiration from Michelle Obama, Tabitha Brown, and the many women redefining relationship goals on their own terms.   This one’s for anyone balancing love, legacy, and leveling up   🎧 Tap in and don’t forget to check out Egypt and Mike on YouTube and follow Egypt's newest venture, Indigo Road, for more of her signature style and vision. Links + Resources: 📲 Follow Egypt on [Instagram https://www.instagram.com/egyptsherrod/ ] 📲 Follow Mike on [Instagram https://www.instagram.com/djfadelf/ ]   LET’S STAY CONNECTED Instagram: @brownambitionpodcast  Website: https://www.brownambitionpodcast.com Subscribe & leave us a review—because we love hearing from our BA fam!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 15 · 20m

In this throwback BA Q&A episode, we revisit two powerful listener questions all about leveling up an already strong credit score without losing your sanity in the process. First, we coach Nicole, whose mid-700s scores have plateaued, through a method that uses everyday subscriptions, strategic statement-date timing, and automatic payments to show consistent, responsible card usage that can gently nudge scores higher over time. We also break down what credit “mix” really means, how much weight it carries, and how to safely use tools like credit-builder loans from credit unions instead of taking on unnecessary new debt. Next, we help Shalise think through the impact of consolidating credit card balances into a personal loan—and whether to close those old cards for good—explaining how closing accounts can affect utilization, account age, and overall score.  Follow Brown ambition @Brownambitionpodcast on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 13 · 48m

This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi Money sits down with physician, author, entrepreneur, and health equity advocate Dr. Uché Blackstock for a deeply honest conversation about burnout, identity, purpose, and the courage it takes to leave spaces that no longer serve you. Dr. Blackstock opens up about her journey from Harvard Medical School to becoming one of the most trusted public voices on racism in medicine and public health. She shares the pivotal moment she realized that prestige and titles weren’t enough and why leaving a secure academic career during one of the most uncertain times in recent history ultimately changed her life.   Together, Mandi and Uché talk about: The emotional cost of staying in environments where you feel unseen Why Black women are often taught to tolerate misalignment for too long Navigating the backlash against DEI work in corporate America and healthcare The pressure of caregiving, entrepreneurship, and “holding it all together” Learning to listen to your body before burnout forces you to stop Motherhood, ambition, grief, and redefining success on your own terms AI in healthcare and what patients should know before their next doctor’s appointment Why joy, rest, creativity, and community are all part of wellness too   Dr. Blackstock also reflects on the legacy of her late mother, becoming older than the age her mother was when she passed away, and how that experience reshaped the way she thinks about health, purpose, and living fully.   Resources & Links Dr. Uché Blackstock’s memoir: Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine Follow Dr. Uché Blackstock on Instagram: @ucheblackstockmd Learn more about Dr. Uché Blackstock: Uche Blackstock Official Website Keep Up With Brown Ambition Follow Brown Ambition on Instagram: Brown Ambition Podcast Listen to more episodes: Brown Ambition Official Website See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 6 · 37m

In this episode of Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with Sheinelle Jones Today Show co-host, journalist, and New York Times bestselling author of Through Mom’s Eyes for an honest conversation about working motherhood, career growth, loss, and finding balance in real life. Sheinelle shares how her journey as a working mom of three shifted while writing her book, and how she continues to show up professionally while processing personal grief after the loss of her husband. This episode explores the realities of: Motherhood and career balance in high-pressure environments Grief and healing while maintaining professional responsibilities Building a career in journalism and media without a clear roadmap The importance of community, support systems, and “the village” Navigating mom guilt, burnout, and emotional overwhelm Why there’s never a perfect time to pursue your goals Drawing from her book Through Mom’s Eyes, Sheinelle also reflects on lessons from mothers of icons like Shaquille O’Neal, Kevin Durant, and more, highlighting themes of resilience, faith, parenting, and personal growth. Key takeaway:Tomorrow isn’t promised. Do the thing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 1 · 40m

Hey BA fam! In this Q&A episode, we’re diving into two conversations that have been all over your group chats, your timelines, and probably your own thoughts lately: what it really means to “have it all”… and what it costs to keep up the image that you do. First up, we’re unpacking the Emma Grede controversy  from her “three-hour mom” comments to her take on working from home being a career killer for women. As a working mom without billionaire resources, Mandi Money breaks down what’s actually realistic, what feels out of touch, and what ambitious women can really take from the conversation without spiraling into guilt or anxiety. Then we shift into a deeply personal listener question from a woman who, on paper, looks like she’s thriving  multi-six-figure business, speaking gigs, “that girl” energy. But behind the scenes? She’s carrying overwhelming debt, financial stress, and the constant fear of being “found out.” And if that hits a little too close to home… you’re not alone.   Key Takeaways: The quality of time matters more than the quantity especially in motherhood You can be successful and struggling at the same time Debt is a situation, not an identity Transparency builds trust with yourself first, then others You don’t have to maintain an image that’s costing you your peace   Join the Conversation: Got a question you want answered on the show?DM us @brownambitionpodcast or @mandimoney, or email brownambitionpodcast@gmail.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 29 · 1h 4m

The week on Brown Ambition Mandi sits down with returning guest and career coach Amina AlTai, author of The Ambition Trap, to unpack what it really looks like to reboot your career in this season of life. Not the cute LinkedIn rebrand version but the real, messy middle where you’re balancing responsibilities, financial pressure, and the fear of starting over. Together, they get honest about navigating burnout, layoffs, and career pivots as women of color—especially when the stakes are higher and the margin for risk feels smaller. From redefining ambition to untangling your identity from your job title, this conversation is about building a career that actually supports your life, your health, and your peace. If you’ve been feeling frozen, overlooked, or unsure of your next move, consider this your reminder: you don’t have to blow everything up but something does need to shift.   What We Cover in This Episode: Why career “reboots” feel harder at more senior stages of life The difference between painful ambition vs. purposeful ambition How burnout, boredom, and misalignment show up (and what to do next) The role of core wounds (rejection, betrayal, abandonment) in career decisions Why your “messy middle” is actually part of the process not failure How to rebuild your career one “right action” at a time Letting go of shame and rewriting your career story with confidence Why you’re not meant to navigate big transitions alone   Key Takeaways: Your career is allowed to evolve, even if it doesn’t make sense on paper. Feeling stuck doesn’t mean you’re failing, it may mean you’re outgrowing something. You don’t need a perfect plan just your next right step. Healing your relationship with ambition is key to sustainable success. The way you tell your story can open (or close) doors.   Connect With Us:We want to hear from you, BA Fam. Have you been navigating a career pivot or feeling the pull to start over? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram @brownambitionpodcast or email brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.