Brown Ambition

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.

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.

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.

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.

🔥 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.

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.

Hey BA Fam! Mandi, Yanely, and Chris tackle a listener’s dilemma about whether to stay at her “dream company” despite a brutal 90-minute commute and no work-from-home flexibility. Plus, hot takes on corporate America’s return-to-office demands and the recent shopping boycott! The crew debates whether any job requiring three hours of daily commuting can truly be called a “dream,” especially when promotion opportunities are 2-3 years away. Yanely shares Jamie Dimon’s leaked anti-WFH rant (“If you want to keep your ass home and be lazy, stay home!”), revealing how corporate pushback against remote work is often about protecting profits, not productivity. This episode delivers the perfect blend of practical career advice and unfiltered commentary on workplace politics that BA fans love. Email your questions to brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com or DM us @brownambitionpodcast on Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Brown Table is BACK with all the tea! Mandi, Yanely, and Chris break down the Oscar highlights, Women's History Month, Bloody Sunday's 60th anniversary, the Retail Boycott, and a special first-time Brown Boost interview with Alencia Johnson, author of Flip The Tables: The Everyday Disruptor's Guide to Finding Courage and Making Change. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen up, BA Fam! Mandi’s bringing the 🔥 with special guests Yanely (Miss Be Helpful) and Chris (Popcorn Finance) for a no-holds-barred Q&A that’ll have you nodding, laughing, and maybe feeling a little called out (in the best way). First up: Kerry’s caught between a rock and a hard place. Her husband’s unemployed after dragging the family across the country, and now she’s staring down a $75K job offer that sounds like a chaotic nightmare compared to her current $50K gig. Should she sacrifice her sanity for that extra cheddar? Then Sasha comes clean about how she let lifestyle inflation wreck her finances. Despite doubling her income to $90K, she’s drowning in $34K of credit card debt. Got a question you want us to answer? Hit is up! • Slide into our DMs: @brownambitionpodcast • Email your tea: brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re back at the Brown Table with Yanely & Chris, BA Fam! And we cover everything from unexpected pigeon encounters to major shifts in the job market, media, and entrepreneurship. This week, we dive into: Captain America Hit play and join the conversation. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Follow BA at @brownambitionpodcast Follow Yanely @missbehelpful Follow Chris @popcornfinance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this raw, heartfelt episode, Mandi tackles listener questions about layoffs, debt, and rebuilding after financial mistakes – all while sharing her own reflections on friendship, motherhood, and weathering life’s storms. Key Topics Covered • Why showing up for friends matters (even in sleet!) + Mandi’s hilarious The Read live show recap • Federal layoffs & corporate cuts: 75K+ gov jobs axed, Meta’s shady “performance review” purge • Listener Q&A: • “Should I abandon public health after a rescinded job offer?” → Transferable skills, LLC tips & side hustle tax hacks (featuring listener Bri’s Pilates pivot!) • “I’m drowning in debt from my 20s!” → Debt negotiation tips, credit counseling resources & mindset shifts for new moms • Mandi’s unfiltered take: Why no job is safe + protecting yourself with “receipts” Actionable Takeaways • 🛑 For laid-off workers: Document praise emails, save performance reviews, explore adjacent industries • 💸 For debt payoff: Prioritize newer debts, negotiate settlements, avoid credit repair scams • 💡 For everyone: Build a “financial parachute” via side gigs Mentioned Resources • National Foundation for Credit Counselors (nfcc.org) • National Debt Relief (nationaldebtrelief.com) CALL TO ACTION • 🎧 Subscribe for weekly career/finance therapy • 💌 Submit your Q: DM @brownambitionpodcast or email brownambitionpodcasts@gmail.com • 🌟 Rate & review if this episode helped you – it fuels our mission! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mandi Woodruff hosts Dr. Key Hallmon (founder of The Village Market) and Renae Bluitt (creator of She Did That) for a candid conversation about empowering Black and minority-owned businesses through community, intentionality, and economic liberation. They explore systemic challenges, the power of collaboration, and practical strategies for entrepreneurs to thrive in uncertain times. Purchase Dr. Key's book > The Village Market Atlanta > Follow Dr. Key on IG @DrKeyHallmon Check out Renae's upcoming She Did That events > Follow Renae on IG @IamRenaeBluitt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's BA QA Time! This week, Mandi is joined by Naseema McElroy of Financially Intentional to get real about the messy, beautiful, and sometimes awkward conversations we need to have about money and love. We’re talking about why early financial convos are a must (yes, even before the wedding bells), how to merge finances without losing your mind, and why transparency is the key to avoiding money drama down the line. Plus, we’re answering listener questions on everything from prenups to handling different money mindsets in a relationship. If you’ve ever side-eyed your partner’s spending habits or wondered how to raise financially savvy kids, this one’s for you. Tap in for real talk, practical tips, and a few laughs along the way! Check out Naseema's podcast, Financially Intentional > Read The Prenup Prescription by Aarron Thomas > Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Brown Ambition, we’re getting real about everything from navigating the healthcare system as a Black woman to securing your financial future—whether you’re single, married, or somewhere in between. Mandi, Naseema, and Yanely kick things off with a deep dive into Naseema’s experience as a labor and delivery nurse, unpacking the harsh realities of maternal healthcare for Black women and why financial literacy is a critical tool for empowerment. Then, we get into Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance—because when culture and artistry collide on the biggest stage, you know we have thoughts! We break down why moments like this matter and how they tie into the broader fight for representation and equity. And if you’ve ever wondered whether you really need a prenup (or a post-nup), divorce attorney Aaron Thomas joins us to drop some serious gems. We talk about why financial transparency in relationships is non-negotiable and how to protect your money, no matter your relationship status. Tune in for another honest, insightful, and necessary conversation on Brown Ambition! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey BA fam! For this edition of the BA QA, Mandi highlights her conversations with best friend duo Marc Russell and Chris Corinthian. Chris shares how he teaches families how to land scholarships, while Marc keeps it real on managing money as an entrepreneur and investing in 2025. We want to hear from you! Drop us a note at brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com or hit us up on Instagram @brownambitionpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mandi is joined at the Brown Table by best friend duo Marc Russell and Chris Corinthian. Marc is an investing expert @ BetterWallet and Chris is a college scholarships and grants expert @ Your Debt-Free Degree. Together, we're diving deep into their journeys with money—tackling student debt, making that scary leap from corporate to entrepreneurship, and why community support is EVERYTHING. Chris shares how he leveled up his finances, teaches families how to land scholarships and juggles parenting with his first full year of entrepreneurship. Marc keeps it real on managing money as an entrepreneur, and Mandi reminds us why resilience (and a good budget) can carry us through life’s wildest transitions. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Watch: My Money Mentors (PBS) Read: Financial Literacy 101 for College Students Work with Chris: Your Debt-Free Degree Free Investing Guide: DOWNLOAD: financesincheck.com/checklist Free Passive Investing Class: financesincheck.com/registration-page Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S/o to Teal, the AI resume builder and cover letter writer that will simplify your job search! Use our link to check 'em out and let em know Brown Ambition sent you! Q: “How do I set and stick to financial goals?” Listen up, Unicorn! Q: “Help me find a financial planner!” Solange, we got you! Here’s how to find your money match. Don’t forget to: • Share your favorite BA episodes • Follow us @BrownAmbitionPodcast on IG • Send your questions to BrownAmbitionPodcast@gmail.com Until next time, keep stacking that paper and living your best life! 💅🏾 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is it STILL January? On today's show: Mandi and Chris are at the Brown Table talking about his new move to SF, how he navigated dating after divorce (babe!) and we quickly cover the stock market tumble for tech giants and how bird flu is decimating our wallets. Then...we're joined by the curl queen herself, Kim Lewis, the founder of CurlMix, to share an insider's POV on the retail rollercoaster: With big retailers like Target rolling back their DEI initiatives, Kim’s keeping it real about the impact on Black-owned brands. Will boycotting work? What's the bigger picture here? How can we best support the brands we love without feeding into companies that don't love us? How can new entrepreneurs stay motivated when funding is drying up and Voldemort is bullying corporations into dropping commitments to diversity? -- Send us your questions if you want to be featured on the show! @brownambitionpodcast on IG or email us brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com. Don't forget to follow us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@brownambitionpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

OK BA Fam, in this episode of the BA Q&A Mandi gets personal, opening up about the emotional toll of job uncertainty and how recent executive orders have directly impacted her husband and other family members. She takes us on a deep dive into the realities of over-employment, especially for women of color, and sheds light on why so many Black women are juggling multiple jobs just to stay afloat. The tea: the most Why You’ll Love This Episode: It’s real, relatable, and packed with practical gems. Whether you’re navigating work-life chaos or just need a reminder to breathe, Mandi’s here to let you know you’re not alone. Plus, we’re flipping the script on the “strong Black woman” trope and reclaiming our joy. Let’s Keep It Going: Feeling this one? Share it with your crew! Don’t forget to rate, review, and tag us with your favorite takeaways. Let’s keep building each other up, one episode at a time. Your support means everything to us! Please share this episode with a friend, peer or colleague and don't forget to subscribe to our channel on YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Okay, BA fam—the same week you-know-who was sworn in for another term in office, we are doing what we do best — giving the 92% a platform where we can stand tall, be proud and lift one another up! This is a heartfelt, funny, and real conversation featuring BA host Mandi Woodruff-Santos along with guests Deesha Dyer and Errin Haines. This episode is giving: yes, she was running things for the Obama AdministrationThe 19th. Why You’ll Love This Episode: It’s inspiring, empowering, and straight-up hilarious at times. If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying the world on your shoulders, this one’s for you. Mandi, Deesha, and Errin remind us why community, authenticity, and joy are everything. Let’s Keep It Going: If you’re feeling this episode, share it with your squad! Don’t forget to rate, review, and tag us with your takeaways. Let’s keep lifting each other up. Follow the Guests: Deesha Dyer@DeeDyer267Errin Haines@emarvelousThe 19th Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.