Episodes

  • How to Pivot Into the Lucrative Career of Tech Sales Ft. Chantel George and Alex Woodruff
    Apr 4 2025

    This week, we’re talking all things sales—breaking barriers, building wealth, and securing the bag. Mandi is joined by two powerhouse guests: Chantel George, founder of Sistas in Sales, and her brother Alex Woodruff, Sales Director at Fiddler, an AI software firm. They dive into the unique challenges women of color face in the sales industry, why representation matters, and how to carve out a thriving career in this space.

    Chantel shares how Sistas in Sales is creating opportunities and support systems for women navigating the field, while Alex drops gems on career growth, negotiating compensation, and navigating corporate spaces as a Black professional. Plus, we get into personal finance tips, the perks of entrepreneurial ventures, and why understanding your worth is non-negotiable.

    If you’re in sales, thinking about jumping in, or just looking for advice on making strategic money moves—this episode is for you!

    What You’ll Learn:

    💰 Negotiating compensation like a pro
    📈 The power of financial planning
    🚀 Why entrepreneurial moves might be your next big step

    Links + Resources:

    📲 Follow on Alex Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/alexjwoodruff/

    📲 Follow on Chantel Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/chantelmedia/

    🎙️ Stay connected with Brown Ambition → @brownambitionpodcast

    Plus, we get into:
    If you're in sales (or thinking about it), this episode is packed with insight to help you thrive!

    Timestamps:
    📌 00:00 - Intro + Meet Our Guests
    📌 01:05 - Challenges for Women of Color in Sales
    📌 03:43 - The Current Market & Opportunities
    📌 06:30 - Career Growth & Overcoming Barriers
    📌 10:34 - Personal Career Journeys
    📌 19:06 - Sales Strategies & Success Tips
    📌 26:49 - Managing Money in Sales
    📌 27:37 - Breaking Down Compensation Structures
    📌 32:01 - Why Living Below Your Means Matters
    📌 32:49 - Smart Financial Planning for Sales Pros
    📌 38:04 - Sisters in Sales: Building a Movement
    📌 44:41 - The Power of Networking in Sales
    📌 47:28 - Embracing Entrepreneurship

    Hit play and get ready to level up! 🎧✨ #BrownAmbition #SalesSuccess #WomenInSales

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    48 mins
  • Rewrite Your Rules ft AfroTech & Blavity CEO Morgan Debaun
    Apr 2 2025

    BA Fam, she’s back! In this episode We’re joined once again by the one and only Morgan DeBaun CEO of Blavity, serial entrepreneur, and now a FOUR-time guest on the show! Morgan has been making big moves, and this time, she’s here to talk about her new book, “Rewrite Your Rules”, and how she’s navigating life and business on her own terms.

    We get into the real about entrepreneurship! what it actually takes to build a business from the ground up, the sacrifices no one talks about, and why staying true to your personal values is the ultimate flex. Morgan also gives us a peek into her life outside of work, sharing how she balances being a boss with family, self-care, and a strong support system.

    If you’ve been feeling stuck in your career, business, or just life in general, this episode is for you! Morgan is dropping gems on how to break free from expectations and create success in a way that works for YOU.

    What You’ll Learn:

    ✨ How Morgan built Blavity and what’s kept her going

    ✨ The biggest lessons from “Rewrite Your Rules”

    ✨ Why having the right team (and personal boundaries) is a game-changer

    ✨ The real talk on entrepreneurship—beyond the highlight reel

    Links + Resources:

    📖 Grab your copy of “Rewrite Your Rules” → Rewriteyourrules.com

    📲 Follow Morgan on [Instagram @morgandebaun

    🎙️ Stay connected with Brown Ambition → @brownambitionpodcast

    Don’t miss this one—hit play and get ready to rewrite your own rules!

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    37 mins
  • How Do I Build Confidence In My Business and Charge What I'm Worth?
    Mar 28 2025

    In this heartfelt and hilarious live BA QA session, Mandi Woodruff-Santos sits down with Emily Esquivel, a therapist-turned-entrepreneur who’s navigating the highs and lows of launching her own private practice. Together, they dive into the messy middle of entrepreneurship, from battling imposter syndrome to redefining what it means to run an ethical and sustainable business.

    Emily opens up about her journey, including the pivotal moment that pushed her to leave toxic work environments, the emotional weight of using an inheritance to fund her dream, and the challenges of creating a high-ticket offer in a field that often undervalues its practitioners.

    Mandi brings her signature blend of humor and wisdom to coach Emily through refining her business strategy, identifying her ideal client, and building confidence in her offer.Whether you’re dreaming of starting your own business or just trying to figure out your next career move, this episode is packed with relatable moments, actionable advice, and plenty of laughs along the way.

    What We Covered:

    • Emily’s Career Journey: From working in toxic environments to launching her own private practice.

    • The Emotional Side of Entrepreneurship: How grief and family legacy shaped Emily’s decision to go solo.

    • Imposter Syndrome & Confidence Building: Why believing in your offer is key to success.

    • Ethical Business Models: Emily’s vision for creating a group practice that prioritizes therapists’ well-being over profits.

    • High-Ticket Offers: The challenges of pricing and selling services in a way that aligns with your values.

    • Marketing 101 for Entrepreneurs: Mandi’s tips on building a sales funnel, creating lead magnets, and nurturing potential clients.

    FOLLOW BROWN AMBITION:

    Follow us @BrownAmbition on IG, @brownambition on TikTok, and make sure you're signed up to get our weekly newsletter.

    CHECK OUT EMILY ESQUIVEL:

    https://oyanova.com
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/oyanova-healing-pllc

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    37 mins
  • Is My Ambition a Trauma Response?
    Mar 26 2025

    Mandi, Yanely, and Chris are celebrating milestones, unpacking celebrity controversies, and diving deep into the relationship between ambition and self-worth. WHEW. Yep. We go there!

    BTW, why is Jonathan Majors all over our feeds and how is Meagan Good single-handedly holding up his career rn? We explore the fine line between talent appreciation and moral responsibility in entertainment.

    Finally, we dive into ambition and self-worth. Through personal stories and therapy insights, we reflect on how ambition is often fueled by trauma and can be reshaped into something healthier and more sustainable.

    Don't forget to RATE and REVIEW the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! It's essential to keep us growing and let everyone know how they can join the BA Fam.

    Stay connected:

    Follow us @BrownAmbition on IG, @brownambition on TikTok, and make sure you're signed up to get our weekly newsletter.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    52 mins
  • Tiffany To the Rescue! [BA QA]
    Mar 21 2025

    BA Fam Tiffany is BACK!!!, and we’re celebrating in a big way! She shares the excitement of her new PBS special, “Get Good With Money”, and the unforgettable premiere party at the historic Kruger Scott Mansion. From reconnecting with Mandi to navigating last-minute challenges—like prepping for a teleprompter with 20/50 vision—Tiffany gives us an inside look at this milestone moment.

    That’s not all—we also dive into real financial challenges many are facing today, including managing consumer debt, student loans, and rising childcare costs. We break down practical strategies, highlight tools like Rocket Money to uncover hidden expenses, and explore ways to increase income without dipping into retirement funds.

    Whether you're looking for budgeting tips, motivation to tackle your finances, or just love an inspiring success story, this episode has it all. Take a listen!

    Keep up with Tiffany "The Budgetnista" Aliche

    @thebudgetnista

    @getgoodwithmoney

    /youtube.com/@thebudgetnistablog

    Watch| Get Good with Money with Tiffany Aliche | PBS

    Email your questions to brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com

    or DM us @brownambitionpodcast on Instagram.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    36 mins
  • Black-Owned Beauty Revolution ft Buttah Skin & BLK + GRN
    Mar 19 2025
    Hey BA Fam! Join us for an inspiring conversation with Tomara Watkins President of Buttah Skin and Dr. Kristian Edwards Founder of BLK+GRN, two visionary entrepreneurs reshaping the beauty and wellness industry. They share their journeys of building brands that cater to the unique needs of Black consumers while challenging industry norms and creating spaces for empowerment. From breaking barriers to redefining success, Tomara and Dr. Edwards discuss the privilege and responsibility of entrepreneurship and the impact of uplifting Black voices through their work.This episode highlights the power of resilience, community, and intentional relationships in navigating challenges and achieving success. We also explore the vital role of mutual support among Black women in business, emphasizing the strength found in collective growth and mentorship. Discover how Buttah Skin and BLK+GRN are making a lasting impact in competitive markets and why representation, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership matter now more than ever. Tune in for an insightful and empowering discussion! Follow this week’s Guests: Buttah Skin: https://www.instagram.com/buttahskin/https://www.tiktok.com/@buttahskinhttps://www.youtube.com/@ButtahSkin Tomara W., President Buttah Skin: https://www.instagram.com/beautyteo/ BLK+GRN: https://www.instagram.com/blkandgrn/https://www.tiktok.com/@blkandgrnhttps://www.youtube.com/@blkandgrn Dr.Kristian E., Founder BLK+GRN: https://www.instagram.com/drkristianh/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Single AF and Building a Real Estate Empire ft. Allure Magazine Editor-in-Chief Jessica Cruel
    Mar 14 2025

    🔥 In this episode of Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with Jessica Cruel, the powerhouse Editor-in-Chief of Allure and SELF magazines, to talk about her journey to the top of the beauty media world and how she’s building wealth through real estate investing as a single woman.

    👑 We dive into:

    ✔️ How Jessica climbed the ranks in the magazine industry

    ✔️ Her journey to financial independence & the FIRE movement

    ✔️ The ups and downs of being a single woman in real estate

    ✔️ Smart investing tips for first-time buyers

    ✔️ The power of mentorship, executive coaching, and community

    💰 Jessica shares the exact team she built to succeed in real estate:

    ✔️ A real estate agent who understands investment properties

    ✔️ A reliable general contractor & trusted repair professionals

    ✔️ A financial team to maximize tax benefits & long-term wealth

    🔑 Key Takeaways:

    1️⃣ Don’t wait for the “perfect time” to start investing—learn as you go!

    2️⃣ Build a strong team to support your real estate journey.

    3️⃣ Wealth-building is possible at any stage of your career.

    📌 Follow Jessica Cruel:

    📸 Instagram: @JCruel

    🌟 Allure: allure.com

    🌟 SELF: self.com

    💡 Subscribe for more career, wealth, and entrepreneurship insights and don't forget to leave us a review! It's a huge help to get the show seen by more listeners.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    39 mins
  • Inside Spill's Mission to Decolonize Social Media ft. Lisa Beasely, Kenya Parham
    Mar 12 2025

    Hey BA Fam! This week, Mandi is joined by two powerhouse women who are shaking things up in their industries. Get ready for a fun, insightful, and inspiring conversation with Lisa Beasley, the comedic genius behind the viral character “Corporate Erin,” and Kenya Parham, the Chief Growth Officer of Spill, the Black-owned social media platform that’s changing the game.


    What We’re Talking About:


    • Lisa’s Journey from Gary to Greatness: Lisa takes us through her path from growing up in Gary, Indiana, to becoming a viral sensation. She spills on how her corporate consulting days inspired “Corporate Erin” and why she left traditional Hollywood behind to take control of her creative career.


    • What Makes Spill Special: Kenya breaks down how Spill is creating a safe and inclusive space for Black, Brown, and queer communities online. She shares how the platform uses culturally competent AI and human moderators to protect users while fostering authentic connections.


    Follow Lisa Beasley (@lisabevolving) for more Corporate Erin antics and updates on her creative projects.


    Join Kenya Parham (@spillmob) and check out what makes this platform the new go-to for culture drivers.


    Download Spill > https://www.spill.com/


    Take part in Spill's crowdfunding round > https://wefunder.com/spill/

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    46 mins