Episodios

  • Black Farmers

    Black Farmers
    May 6 2025
    In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne speaks with Byron McGowan, a cattle farmer and arborist, about the historical context of Black farmers in the U.S., the challenges they face today, and the importance of educating consumers about sustainable farming practices. Byron shares his personal journey into agriculture, the stigma surrounding farming careers, and the lessons he learned from his military service. The conversation emphasizes the need for transparency in sourcing food and the significance of customer service in the farming industry. In this conversation, Byron McGowan shares his journey from a fascination with the outdoors to becoming an arborist and running McGowan Farms. He discusses the importance of understanding food labels, the dangers of arborist work, and his vision for expanding his farm to support local communities. Byron emphasizes the need for education and empowerment in agriculture, especially for young people, and addresses the impact of tariffs on local farming operations. The conversation concludes with a call for community support and connection.
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    57 m
  • Business is Entirely Personal

    Business is Entirely Personal
    Apr 29 2025
    In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne speaks with Shante Bacon, a communication strategist and founder of One35 Agency. They discuss Shante's journey through entrepreneurship, the impact of COVID-19 on her personal and professional life, and the importance of building genuine relationships in business. Shante shares insights on her agency's advocacy for black-owned businesses and media, as well as her experiences in the music and film industries. The conversation highlights the transformative nature of their campaigns and the significance of community engagement in achieving success. In this conversation, Shante Bacon discusses the importance of understanding audience migration, the significance of knowing one's core identity, and the necessity of finding a supportive community. She shares personal experiences of navigating loss and how it has transformed her approach to business. Shante emphasizes the need for entrepreneurs to empower themselves through education, particularly in public relations, to effectively communicate their unique value.
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    48 m
  • Take No Tea For A Fever

    Take No Tea For A Fever
    Apr 22 2025
    In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne talks with Freedom Farlow Cook and Tom Cook, the creative duo behind Freedom Rites Productions. They discuss their latest play, 'Take No Tea for a Fever,' and explore the dynamics of their partnership, the journey of playwriting, the challenges of directing, and the importance of support in creative endeavors. The conversation also touches on the marketing aspects of theater and the aspirations for future projects, including potential film adaptations.
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    29 m
  • Tara DeVeaux CEO Burrell Communications

    Tara DeVeaux CEO Burrell Communications
    Apr 15 2025
    As the nation witnesses a troubling shift in corporate commitments to DEI, with major brands like Target and Walmart pulling back from inclusive marketing strategies, the ripple effects are real—especially for Black-owned brands and advertising agencies that have long been advocates for authentic representation. In this timely re-release, @TDeveaux, CEO of the legendary @Burrell_Comm, speaks powerfully on the role of Black businesses in the advertising world, the evolving nature of marketing to Black audiences, and the urgent need for brands to stay the course—not retreat—on equity and inclusion. DeVeaux explores the art of storytelling, the necessity of cultural immersion in campaign building, and how Black creatives have long set the tone for innovation in the industry. She also reflects on the unique challenges of aligning with larger corporate brands, navigating systemic roadblocks, and carving out space for purpose-driven leadership. As attacks on DEI intensify, this conversation is more relevant than ever—a rallying cry to keep Black voices, agencies, and communities front and center in the future of advertising.
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    36 m
  • Storytelling and Problem Solving AKA PR

    Storytelling and Problem Solving AKA PR
    Apr 8 2025
    In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne speaks with Jackie O. Asare, a seasoned public relations expert, about the evolution of PR and marketing, the importance of cultural sensitivity in messaging, and the critical role of listening in crafting effective communication strategies. They discuss the differences between marketing and PR, the impact of influencers, and how small businesses can leverage event coordination and social media to enhance their storytelling and brand presence. Jackie shares insights on creating excitement around brands and the journey that led her to become a public relations expert. In this conversation, Jackie O. Asare shares her journey through the music industry, highlighting the importance of relationships, networking, and the challenges faced along the way. She discusses her transition to independent publicity and offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the need for a mindset shift and the significance of being present in every experience. Jackie also reflects on the lessons learned from her career and the necessity of adaptability in the ever-changing landscape of the entertainment industry.
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    55 m
  • The Share Point Whisperer

    The Share Point Whisperer
    Apr 1 2025
    In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne speaks with Thurman Trotman, an expert in SharePoint, about the challenges business owners face in solving their own problems. Thurman shares his journey into the IT field and how he became a SharePoint specialist. He emphasizes the importance of organization in business and how SharePoint can streamline processes, automate tasks, and serve as a powerful tool for document management. The conversation also highlights the value of hiring an expert to navigate the complexities of SharePoint and the transformative moments clients experience when they implement effective solutions. In this engaging conversation, Therm (aka Mr. SharePoint) shares his journey from uncertainty to becoming an IT guru, emphasizing the importance of technology in improving processes. He reflects on his transformative experience in the military, which helped him discover his passion for learning and strategy. Therm discusses the significance of intentionality in personal growth and the benefits of journaling for clarity. He concludes with advice for business owners to find their passion and layer their work on top of it, highlighting the necessity of SharePoint in modern business.
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    40 m
  • The Equity of Opportunity

    The Equity of Opportunity
    Mar 25 2025
    **Rerelease: Business First Podcast with Sonia Alleyne & Robert Blackwell Jr.** In this episode of *Business First*, host **Sonia Alleyne** sits down with **Robert Blackwell Jr.** to discuss the power of **Black entrepreneurship** in addressing economic disparities. Blackwell emphasizes the importance of **aspirational leadership**, the historical role of **Black business owners in civil rights movements**, and why **economic integration** is key to lasting change. As **DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives face increasing challenges from the Trump administration**, Blackwell questions their effectiveness and argues that **real economic empowerment comes from business ownership, not programs**. He shares insights on **building sustainable businesses, engaging customers, and training future leaders** to think critically. This conversation also dives into his **unique journey—from tech entrepreneur to table tennis company founder—and the fundamental balance of love and money in business.**
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    55 m
  • Hope for Business through Pluralism

    Hope for Business through Pluralism
    Mar 18 2025
    In this episode, Dr. Eden-Reneé Hayes, a business strategist and coach, discusses the current landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the business world. She emphasizes the importance of understanding DEI as a framework for respect and fairness, rather than a preferential treatment system. Dr. Hayes highlights the business case for DEI, noting that diverse teams drive innovation and better decision-making. She shares her journey from academia to entrepreneurship, the skills she brought with her, and the common pitfalls businesses face in implementing DEI practices. The conversation concludes with a focus on the future of pluralism in business and the need for hope in challenging times. Some links discussed in this episode: https://www.mass.gov/doc/multi-state-guidance-concerning-diversity-equity-inclusion-and-accessibility-employment-initiatives/download http://pluralismsolutions.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30iSJRHFfM https://www.employmentlawwatch.com/2025/03/articles/employment-us/court-clarifies-that-dei-executive-orders-are-temporarily-blocked-for-all-federal-agencies/ An appeals court said the EO's can stand, but warned that if agencies do proceed with banning DEI that they could be violating the US constitution (free speech specifically): https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-court-allows-trump-enforce-ban-dei-programs-now-2025-03-14/
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    31 m
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