Ameer Brown, Co-Founder and Co-CEO at Breakr, on Revolutionizing Music Discovery, Building Wealth for Creators, and Scaling Black-Owned Tech

Ep. 192 Ameer Brown is the co-founder and CTO of Breakr, a groundbreaking platform revolutionizing the way artists, influencers, and brands connect to break new music and shape culture. Breakr is backed by prominent investors like Nas, Andreessen Horowitz, and Slow Ventures, and has created opportunities for creators and brands alike, helping them save costs, streamline processes, and build direct-to-creator relationships at scale.</p> On this episode, Ameer speaks with AfroTech’s Will Lucas about the inspiration behind Breakr, the journey to securing support from industry giants, and the challenges of disrupting the music-tech space as a Black entrepreneur.</p> Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at <a href="https://instagram.com/willlucas">@willlucas</a></p> Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech</p> Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com</p> </p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

00:34:23

Catching up with Mandela SH Dixon, Founder, Investor, Executive Coach and MC of very first AfroTech in 2016

Ep. 191 Mandela SH Dixon is a startup executive, investor, and board member. She's the former CEO of All Raise and Founder Gym, where she focused on making tech more inclusive and accessible for underrepresented founders. As one of the first Black women to raise venture capital in Silicon Valley, Mandela has paved the way for countless others and now serves as an executive coach, helping high-performing founders and executives lead with purpose. She MC'd the very first AfroTech in 2016.</p> On this episode, she chat's with AfroTech's Will Lucas about life since that first AfroTech.</p> Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at <a href="https://instagram.com/willlucas">@willlucas</a></p> Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech</p> Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com</p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

00:31:42

Shontay Lundy of Black Girl Sunscreen on Authentic Marketing, Innovating in Skincare, and the Journey to Major Retail

Shontay Lundy is the Founder and CEO of Black Girl Sunscreen, a pioneering brand created to address the sun care needs of Black and Brown skin. Launched in 2016, Black Girl Sunscreen has grown from a single product to a trusted line available in major retailers like Target and Ulta.</p> On this episode, Shontay speaks with AfroTech's Will Lucas about building Black Girl Sunscreen from the ground up, including the challenges of funding her vision and breaking into the beauty industry.</p> Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at <a href="https://instagram.com/willlucas">@willlucas</a></p> Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech</p> Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com</p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

00:40:44

DeMarcus Shawn on Growing Up Funny, Millions on Tik Tok, and Going Full Time with Content

DeMarcus Shawn is one of the funniest people on Tik Tok, reaching over 6.6 million followers on TikTok and a million more on Instagram. Known for his relatable humor, DeMarcus has become a master of online entertainment, crafting skits and engaging videos that resonate across audiences and platforms. But his path to full-time content creation wasn’t always straightforward. </p> In this episode, DeMarcus speaks with AfroTech’s Will Lucas to share insights on what it takes to grow massive followings on multiple platforms, build a sustainable income through content creation, and stay authentic while adapting to the demands of the digital world.</p> Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at <a href="https://instagram.com/willlucas">@willlucas</a></p> Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech</p> Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com</p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

00:38:45

C. David Moody of C.D. Moody Construction, on the entrepreneurs struggle, large institutional contracting, overcoming personal trauma, and the disruption of construction

C. David Moody, Jr., is the President and CEO of C.D. Moody Construction, one of the largest Black-owned construction companies in the nation. With a career that spans over three decades, Moody has built iconic projects like the Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Maynard H. Jackson International Concourse, while navigating the complexities of the construction industry.</p> On this episode, Moody speaks with AfroTech's Will Lucas about lessons on how Black entrepreneurs can thrive in competitive industries, securing major contracts, and leveraging technology for growth. Moody also opens up about his personal journey of healing from childhood trauma and how it has shaped his approach to leadership and community service. </p> Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at <a href="https://instagram.com/willlucas">@willlucas</a></p> Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech</p> Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com</p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

00:31:51

Ross Mac, CEO at Maconomics on How to Teach Your Kids To Be Rich, Even If You Aren't

Ep. 187 Ross Mac is the founder of Maconomics, a financial literacy media company dedicated to empowering urban communities. He brings a wealth of knowledge as a former Wall Street professional for Morgan Stanley and Grosvenor Capital. </p> Ross talks with AfroTech’s Will Lucas about the importance of finding reliable financial information, taking advantage of emerging financial technologies, and the foundational steps to building wealth. Tune in for a rich discussion on wealth-building, entrepreneurship, and the misconceptions that often hinder our financial growth. Whether you're just starting your financial journey or looking to refine your strategy, this episode offers actionable insights to help you succeed.</p> Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at <a href="https://instagram.com/willlucas">@willlucas</a></p> Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech</p> Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com</p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

00:36:39

Nicky Saunders, Content Strategist at Deeper Than The Brand, on Turning Followers into Customers, Growing Your Digital Footprint, and AI Tools for Social Media

Ep. 186 In this episode of <em>Black Tech Green Money</em>, AfroTech's Will Lucas chats with Nicky Saunders, Content Strategist at Deeper Than The Brand, to explore the powerful strategies behind turning social media followers into loyal customers. Nicky, best known for scaling motivational speaker Eric Thomas’s online community from 300K to 2M, shares her insights on how entrepreneurs and small business owners can grow their digital footprint with authenticity and purpose.</p> Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at <a href="https://instagram.com/willlucas">@willlucas</a></p> Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech</p> Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com</p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

00:42:57

Aaron Russell, Meta Director of Engineering, on A Day In The Life of a Tech Giant and Why You Should Return To The Office

Ep. 185 Aaron Russell is Director, Edge Network Infrastructure at Meta. He’s been with the tech giant for nearly a decade. Aaron has initiated and led critical Internet infrastructure projects connecting the unconnected people in the emerging markets, especially in Africa. Aaron is a creative; a former contributor for Huffington Post, a filmmaker, and a diversity and inclusion champion at Meta.</p> Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at <a href="https://instagram.com/willlucas">@willlucas</a></p> Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech</p> Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com</p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

00:39:58

Udonis Haslem, Miami Heat Legend on Underdog Success, Business Ventures, and Working with Wells Fargo, and Derrick Faulcon of Cloudy Donut,

Ep. 184 Udonis Haslem is a three-time NBA Champion, Miami HEAT legend, and NBA TV Analyst. He's now teaming up with Wells Fargo and the Rebuilding Together organization to make a lasting impact in the community by providing critical home repairs and safety modifications for families in need. Udonis is a businessman, philanthropist, and advocate for underserved communities, and this partnership furthers his efforts to uplift and inspire the next generation in his hometown of Miami, Florida.</p> Plus a look back to my chat with Derrick Faulcon of Cloudy Donut.</p> Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at <a href="https://instagram.com/willlucas">@willlucas</a></p> Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech</p> Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com</p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

00:46:09

Marketing Strategist Mahdi Woodard on Growing Your Socials, Making Money with Instagram, and Knowing What To Post

Marketing Strategist Mahdi Woodard is an innovative thinker with broad business acumen and in-depth marketing and branding experience. He serves as a marketing Consultant and Chief Marketing Officer, and was previously a Marketing Brand Analyst and Associate Brand Manager at Mars Petcare which is home to Iams, Pedigree and more, and he was Brand Manager at Newell Brands, home to Rubbermaid, Graco, and Paper Mate.</p> His social media profiles teach others how to grow online and monetize their content.</p> Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at <a href="https://instagram.com/willlucas">@willlucas</a></p> Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech</p> Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com</p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

00:44:56