The Journey with Morgan DeBaun

This week on The Journey, Morgan DeBaun dives into the world of event and conference businesses, exposing how Blavity has created consistent success with the annual AfroTech conference. This episode is brought to you by: Go to Quince.com/journey for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Sign up now for a $1 per month trial at shopify.com/journey For a limited time, kids eat FREE! Visit HelloFresh.com/journeykids to unlock this offer. Try Found for free at Found.com/JOURNEY In this episode: 00:00 Introduction to the Journey Podcast 00:27 Blavity's First Conference: EmpowerHer 03:29 The Birth of AfroTech 05:32 Curating Successful Conferences 08:21 Building a Conference Budget 13:54 Choosing the Right Themes 16:17 Future Trends and Vision 21:08 Successful Event Examples 24:16 Final Tips and Conclusion In the episode, Morgan shares what it takes to develop impactful event and conference business, and how they can go wrong. She opens up about the inherent risks in running conferences and the lessons learned from Blavity’s first in-person event, EmpowerHer. Morgan emphasizes the importance of curating speakers, staying ahead of trends, and partnering with clients to develop highly valuable events. She shares examples of how AfroTech and other conferences have stayed relevant and innovative, while other event businesses fail to keep up with trends. If you’re interested in finding your own success in the events and conference space, this episode is a must-listen. Want to learn more from Morgan? Sign up for WorkSmart Pro through Patreon where Morgan will be discussing events and conference businesses this month! Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast Make sure you are following Morgan's journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_ Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb Produced by MicMoguls.com

In this episode of The Journey, Morgan DeBaun sits down with Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, a renowned marine biologist, policy expert, and author to explore the crucial steps individuals can take to create a more sustainable climate future. This episode is brought to you by: Sign up now for a $1 per month trial at shopify.com/journey Head to https://www.squarespace.com/JOURNEY to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code JOURNEY. For a limited time, kids eat FREE! Visit HelloFresh.com/journeykids to unlock this offer. Try Found for free at Found.com/JOURNEY In this episode: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:30 Climate Power Partnership and Daily Actions 01:10 Fashion and Consumerism 03:07 Dr. Johnson's Journey to Marine Biology 04:59 Current Work and Climate Crisis 06:42 Personal Actions and Impact 11:31 Financial Choices and Climate Impact 13:56 Dr. Johnson's Book and Vision for the Future 17:39 Framework for Climate Action 19:10 Personal Climate Action Tips 19:56 Leveraging Unique Skills for Impact 21:10 Founding an Ocean Policy Think Tank 24:22 Building Coalitions for Ocean Justice 29:03 Climate Solutions and Policy Changes 34:59 Commitments and Actions for Climate 37:39 Conclusion and Next Steps In the episode, Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson emphasizes the importance of individual action, encouraging listeners to understand how everyday choices make an impact. The conversation covers practical ways people can combat climate change with actions ranging from recycling aluminum and buying second-hand to choosing climate-friendly banks and voting for climate-conscious candidates. They discuss Dr. Johnson's new book, What If We Get It Right? Visions of Climate Future, and the inspiration behind this thought-provoking anthology. Dr. Johnson shares her framework for how individuals can determine how they can make a personal difference in the fight against climate change. Dr. Johnson and Morgan talk about the creation of Urban Ocean Lab, a think tank focused on urban ocean policy, and highlight the positive impact it's made. They also touch on the influence of economic incentives in the shift toward greener energy and the importance of the upcoming election for the climate future. Hear Morgan's personal commitments to making a positive impact on the environment, and get inspired by Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson to explore how you too can make a difference! More from Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson: https://substack.com/@ayanaeliza https://www.ayanaelizabeth.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ayanaeliza/ Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast Make sure you are following Morgan's journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_ Visit Mormatcha.com to make a purchase. Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb Produced by MicMoguls.

It's time for another Ask Me Anything with Morgan DeBaun on The Journey! This week, Morgan is answering questions submitted by YOU, spanning everything from effective hiring to dating and relationship success. This episode is brought to you by: Sign up now for a $1 per month trial at shopify.com/journey Head to https://www.squarespace.com/JOURNEY to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code JOURNEY. 00:00 Introduction to AMA Episode 00:24 Hiring and Managing Virtual Assistants 03:32 Moving in Silence vs. Being Loud 09:08 Balancing Entrepreneurship and Personal Life 15:51 Navigating Relationships with Success 19:37 Joining Advisory Boards and Personal Branding 22:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Morgan kicks off the episode by diving into her unconventional approach to hiring virtual assistants, before offering a candid look at how she decides when to move silently and when to make bold, public moves in her business ventures. She also opens up about her journey to build a healthy romantic relationship as a female entrepreneur and how she has maintained meaningful connections with the people she cares about as her success has grown. Finally, Morgan shares what it takes to land a spot on a board - emphasizing the need to excel at what you do, build a personal brand, and cultivate a powerful network that can put your name in the right rooms. Whether you’re looking for career advice or relationship wisdom, this episode has something for your own entrepreneurial journey! Have a question for Morgan? Let her know on Instagram and maybe you'll hear it answered in the next AMA episode! Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast Make sure you are following Morgan's journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_ Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb Produced by MicMoguls.com

In this solo episode of The Journey, host Morgan DeBaun explores the world of professional speaking as a way to diversify your income. Whether you're new to the speaking circuit or looking to refine your skills, Morgan's insight and expertise will help take you to the next level. This episode is brought to you by: Go to cozyearth.com/journey and use code JOURNEY for an exclusive 40% discount. Head to https://www.squarespace.com/JOURNEY to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code JOURNEY. Sign up now for a $1 per month trial at shopify.com/journey 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:37 Why People Pay You to Speak 00:56 Keynote Speaking: The Art and Challenge 02:45 Interactive Workshops: Engaging Your Audience 04:13 Fireside Chats: A Casual Approach 06:11 Panels: Entry-Level Speaking Opportunities 07:35 Understanding Value Exchange in Speaking 09:10 Trending Topics and Unique Niches 13:55 Pricing Your Speaking Engagements 20:08 Evaluating Speaking Opportunities 23:03 Agents and Negotiating Deals 26:24 Improving Your Public Speaking Skills 29:19 Conclusion and Final Tips Morgan starts by breaking down the four key categories of speaking opportunities - panels, keynotes, workshops, and fireside chats - delving into the nuances of each as a money-making endeavor. She outlines which options she recommends depending on individual factors, and shares how to stand out and get booked as a high-value speaker. Tune in to discover how to position yourself for success, create value for your audience, and unlock new revenue streams through professional speaking. Sign up to receive Morgan's newsletter for more tips and insights on how to be successful in your speaking career. Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast Make sure you are following Morgan's journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_ Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb Produced by MicMoguls.com

Jeff Nelson is back on The Journey! This week, Morgan DeBaun is sitting down with her Blavity co-founder to exchange thoughts on the upcoming election and explore the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence. This episode is brought to you by: Head to https://www.squarespace.com/JOURNEY to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code JOURNEY. Sign up now for a $1 per month trial at shopify.com/journey For a limited time, kids eat FREE! Visit HelloFresh.com/journeykids to unlock this offer. Go to Quince.com/journey for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Try Found for free at Found.com/JOURNEY In this episode: 00:00 Welcome to the Journey Podcast 00:50 Discussing the DNC and Kamala Harris 03:25 Palestine and Political Rhetoric 07:21 Kamala Harris's Political Journey 17:08 The Importance of Voting 18:22 Diving into AI Innovations 18:27 Exploring Claude 19:27 Open Source Tools for Developers 19:53 Impact on Engineering and Product Teams 21:14 Security Concerns with AI 22:53 Creating a Personal GPT with ChatGPT 26:41 AI in Media and Business 32:05 AfroTech and AI Hackathon 35:15 The Future of AI and Society 38:31 Concluding Thoughts and Takeaways Jeff and Morgan start the episode off by discussing the Democratic National Convention and the current political rhetoric surrounding Palestine. They dive into perceptions of Kamala Harris, reflecting on how her image has evolved since becoming the Democratic nominee, and discuss how critical it is for citizens to get out and vote in the November election.Shifting gears, Jeff and Morgan take a look at recent developments in artificial intelligence. Morgan reveals how she essentially created a bot of herself to streamline content creation and communication, and they discuss the potential and implications of such technology. The conversation also touches on the innovative ways AI is being integrated into AfroTech this year, as well as the challenges and opportunities of raising children in an AI era.As always, Morgan and Jeff's insights are sure to move you to action when it comes to both civic engagement and technological exploration. After listening, consider leaving a rating and review to show your support! To learn more about the AfroTech AI Hackathon, visit https://afrotech.devpost.com/ More from Jeff: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefftnelson/ https://www.instagram.com/thatjeffnelson/Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast Make sure you are following Morgan's journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_ Visit Mormatcha.com to make a purchase. Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb Produced by MicMoguls.com

Lisa Beasley, a multi-talented artist and social media sensation, shares her transformative journey from theater to 'Corporate Erin.' She reveals the challenges Black performers face in the entertainment industry and emphasizes the importance of diversifying income streams. Lisa discusses building genuine connections over follower counts and the balance between creativity and financial management. With insights into personal branding and navigating the digital landscape, she inspires aspiring creatives to embrace authenticity and adapt to change.

This week Morgan DeBaun is joined by Angela Rye, an award-winning host, social justice advocate, lawyer, and commentator, for a powerful conversation on civic engagement and the political impact of speaking up this election season. Episode brought to you by: Head to https://www.squarespace.com/JOURNEY to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code JOURNEY. Visit BetterHelp.com/DEBAUN today to get 10% off your first month. Go to Quince.com/journey for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.In this episode: In this episode: 00:00 Welcome to the Journey Podcast 00:04 Introducing Angela Rye 00:51 Catching Up with Angela 01:25 Life Changes and Family Priorities 02:10 Balancing Ambition and Personal Life 03:39 Navigating Relationships and Career 04:19 The Reality of Freezing Eggs 12:11 Advocacy and Public Life 21:13 Mentorship and Professional Development 23:05 The Power of Pouring into Others 25:19 Public and Private Interests in Elections 29:25 The Influence of Billionaire Donors 34:24 The Essence of Democracy 36:04 Final Thoughts and Call to Action At the top of the episode, Angela opens up about her personal journey with fertility. She emphasizes the need for more conversation on the matter, especially for women prioritizing their careers. The episode takes a turn into politics, as Morgan delves into her own experiences navigating civic engagement, sparking a passionate discussion with Angela on the importance of political involvement. They explore the challenges of personal safety when taking a stand and why personal comfort must be risked in the pursuit of freedom and liberation for Black people. Angela stresses the impact of mentoring the next generation as a way to make notable change. Together, they address the extensive influence of money on democracy, specifically dissecting Ben Horowitz's endorsement of Trump and the impact that billionaires in particular have on political outcomes. They also discuss how people are getting involved in democracy following the announcement of Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. Tune in for an episode that is sure to inspire you to get involved in the political conversation. Don't forget to support the podcast by leaving a rating and review wherever you listen! More from Angela: https://www.instagram.com/angelarye https://angelarye.com Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast Make sure you are following Morgan's journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_ Visit Mormatcha.com to make a purchase. Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb Produced by MicMoguls.com

This week on The Journey, Morgan DeBaun opens up about her evolving relationship with money and how she has created a life of true wealth. Episode brought to you by: Visit BetterHelp.com/DEBAUN today to get 10% off your first month. Go to cozyearth.com/journey and use code JOURNEY for an exclusive 40% discount. Head to https://www.squarespace.com/JOURNEY to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code JOURNEY. Go to Quince.com/journey for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. In this episode, Morgan reflects on her money mindset journey, from her early days as a money-savvy child to the financial stress she experienced during the early days of Blavity. She shares how hiring a wealth manager and creating multiple income streams has helped her intentionally transform her relationship with money. Morgan dives into the distinction between being rich and having true wealth, highlighting her use of a personal wealth code for making financial decisions. Morgan also reveals how she buys back her time by eliminating tasks that don't bring her joy, such as driving and grocery shopping, using services like Uber Black and Instacart. Tune in to learn how you too can transform your relationship with money to live a wealthy life. For ideas on how to invest in yourself along the way, check out Morgan's Rich to Wealthy resource: https://worksmartprogram.com/rich-to-wealthy/ Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast Make sure you are following Morgan's journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_ Visit Mormatcha.com to make a purchase. Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb Produced by MicMoguls.com In this episode: 00:00 Introduction to the Journey Podcast 00:01 Redefining My Relationship with Money 01:06 The Early Days of Blavity 02:17 Facing Financial Challenges 03:46 Hiring a Wealth Manager 04:52 Buying a House and Building Equity 05:35 Creating Multiple Income Streams 06:31 Achieving Financial Freedom 08:09 Defining True Wealth 11:59 Living a Wealthier Life 17:11 Investing in Community and Values 19:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This week, Morgan DeBaun sits down with artistic intellectual and multi-hyphenate, Amanda Seales, for a conversation between two friends. They're discussing how they've navigated the spotlight and the importance of defining your own story as a public figure. This episode is brought to you by: Go to cozyearth.com/journey and use code JOURNEY for an exclusive 40% discount. Head to https://www.squarespace.com/JOURNEY to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code JOURNEY. Go to Quince.com/journey for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Visit BetterHelp.com/DEBAUN today to get 10% off your first month. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:33 Meet Amanda Seales 01:41 Amanda's Early Career and Professionalism 05:03 Balancing Work and Personal Life 08:23 Life as a Multi-Hyphenate 10:40 Challenges of Being an "Influencer" 16:33 Public Perception and Media Criticism 23:49 The Club Shay Shay Interview 27:14 Reflecting on a Painful Experience 27:37 Understanding Direct Communication 28:45 Appreciating Friendship and Fellowship 30:13 Navigating Public Perception and Support 32:36 Embracing Independence and Growth 34:47 Redefining Success and Lifestyle 37:36 Building a Supportive Community 38:39 Exploring New Platforms and Content 51:13 The Importance of Digital Marketing 51:53 Upcoming Shows and Final Thoughts Amanda takes us back to the early days of her career, sharing how her journey in the entertainment industry began as a child and the lessons in professionalism she learned along the way. They delve into the intricacies of balancing life and work, emphasizing the hard work and dedication it takes to reach a point to prioritize personal self-care. As a true multi-hyphenate, Amanda distinguishes between what it means to wear multiple hats successfully versus merely dabbling in various interests. The conversation also touches on the challenges of being a public figure, with both Morgan and Amanda sharing their strategies for being intentional about their public personas. Amanda opens up about what led to her Club Shay Shay interview, revealing the lessons she learned and how it shaped her perspective. She talks about the need to be loud with positivity in a world often overshadowed by darkness, and how she’s chosen to downsize and optimize her life. She also expresses how her autism diagnosis has allowed her to be easier on herself, ultimately making life feel more manageable. Join Morgan and Amanda for this candid conversation filled with heartfelt emotion, laughter, and exceptional wisdom. Make sure you are subscribed to Morgan's YouTube channel to catch the full video version of the episode and more! More from Amanda: https://www.amandaseales.com/ https://www.instagram.com/amandaseales/ Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast Make sure you are following Morgan's journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_ Visit Mormatcha.com to make a purchase. Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb Produced by MicMoguls.

This week on The Journey, Morgan DeBaun is joined by renowned negotiation expert Kwame Christian for an enlightening discussion on the art and science of negotiation. Kwame, a two-time best-selling author, lawyer, and founder and CEO of the American Negotiation Institute, is sharing how he empowers individuals to excel in negotiations in both business and life. Brought to you by: Head to https://www.squarespace.com/JOURNEY to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code JOURNEY. Visit BetterHelp.com/DEBAUN today to get 10% off your first month. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Journey Podcast 00:21 The Importance of Negotiation Skills 00:43 Understanding Negotiation Frameworks 02:57 Kwame Christian's Journey 04:59 Founding the American Negotiation Institute 05:58 Basics of Effective Negotiation 09:43 Deep Listening in Negotiations 11:33 The BATNA Framework Explained 13:13 Maintaining Leverage in Negotiations 14:38 Personal Negotiation Experiences 18:01 Engaging with the American Negotiation Institute 19:52 Micro-Negotiations in Daily Life 21:15 The Importance of Intentionality in Relationships 22:47 Navigating Hierarchies in Negotiations 24:33 Overcoming Biases in Negotiations 27:21 Building Genuine Connections 31:09 The Power of Social Interactions in Business 35:44 Effective Questioning Techniques 38:28 Conclusion and Resources In this episode, Kwame demystifies the concept of negotiation, emphasizing its presence in all aspects of our lives. He outlines three essential skills for becoming a better negotiator, and they discuss the crucial role of deep listening in the negotiation process. They explore the distinction between positions (what someone wants) and interests (why they want it) and delve into the BATNA framework, highlighting the importance of defining your "best alternative to a negotiated agreement" before stepping into negotiations. Morgan opens up about her journey raising capital for Blavity, shedding light on the negotiation strategies and mindsets that fueled her success. Kwame underscores the significance of stating our intent in both business and personal negotiations and offers insights into navigating power differentials, such as negotiating with a boss. Kwame addresses the unique challenges women and people of color face in negotiations, sharing strategies to overcome biases. He introduces the concept of "helpful fictions" to boost confidence and mindset. They also discuss the value of creating human connections before negotiations, a tactic Morgan has seen first-hand in high-powered circles. Grab a notebook and tune in to discover how to ask the right questions in a negotiation and gain practical tips to enhance your negotiation skills from two masters of the craft. It's time to get what you want in business and life! More from Kwame: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwamechristian/ https://www.instagram.com/kwamenegotiates https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/negotiate-anything/id1101679010 https://www.americannegotiationinstitute.com/ Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast Make sure you are following Morgan's journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_ Visit Mormatcha.com to make a purchase. Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb Produced by MicMoguls.