The Journey with Morgan DeBaun

This week on The Journey, Morgan is joined by Les Alfred, host of the Balanced Black Girl podcast. Les is sharing her journey to full-time content creator and how she is embracing growth in her 30s. Les shares the pivotal moment when she realized she was losing money by staying in her corporate job and decided to take her podcast full-time. She and Morgan discuss the benefits of corporate experience for entrepreneurs, and how to know when it's time to commit to full-time entrepreneurship. The conversation turns to social media trends, with Morgan and Les examining the differences between Instagram and TikTok and sharing their favorite trends from the last year. Les breaks down how she's been able to monetize her content, and she credits her self-discipline and continuous reinvestment into her business for her success. They discuss the future of Balanced Black Girl, with Les excitedly sharing plans for merch, live shows, and inspired podcast content on friendships and dating over the next year. Les also divulges her new partnership with Dear Media and offers up some must-read books that have shaped her perspective. Tune in for a look at Les Alfred's journey to full-time content creator, and make sure to subscribe to both The Journey and Balanced Black Girl podcasts. Keep an eye out for Morgan's guest feature on Les's podcast coming soon! More from Les: https://www.instagram.com/balancedles/ https://www.balancedblackgirl.com Make sure you are following Morgan on TikTok to follow along with her beauty and wellness journey! https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_ Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast Visit Mormatcha.com to make a purchase. Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb Produced by AosseyCreative.

Ever thought about raising venture capital for your business? In this episode, Morgan DeBaun breaks down everything a founder should know before diving into the venture fundraising process, sharing her invaluable insights from the perspective of both a fundraiser and an investor. First up, Morgan dives into a crucial question: Should you even raise venture capital for your business? Spoiler alert: More often than not, the answer is no. But for those who do opt for the fundraising path, Morgan warns that the venture capital journey won't be easy. Through the episode, Morgan breaks down the phases of venture funding, from the Friends and Family and Angel Round to the critical Seed Round, all the way to the Series A, B, and C Rounds and beyond. She shares the benefits and challenges of each round and highlights what founders should pay attention to as they navigate the process. Morgan shares what she looks for in the entrepreneurs she chooses to support as an angel investor: resilience and grit. It's these qualities that often make the difference between success and failure in the cutthroat world of startups. Not sure if venture funding is the right choice for your business? After you listen to the episode, check out Morgan's workshop [link below] which will help you decide if fundraising is the appropriate next step for your startup. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review! Additional Resources:  Fundraising Masterclass: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/masterclass-fundraise  Make sure you are following Morgan on TikTok to follow along with her beauty and wellness journey! https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_ Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast Visit Mormatcha.com to make a purchase. Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb Produced by AosseyCreative.

This week, Morgan DeBaun is joined by acclaimed comedian and best-selling author Phoebe Robinson for a deep dive into the balancing act of creative entrepreneurship. Phoebe opens up about her beginnings in comedy, recounting the pivotal moments where she took daring leaps that catapulted her career to new heights. She reflects on the sheer determination and hard work required to hone her craft and encourages others on creative paths not to seek shortcuts in the pursuit of success.  Morgan and Phoebe discuss the unique challenges of creative entrepreneurship and the importance of maintaining space to create within the role of running a business. Phoebe shares her experiences hiring a team, establishing routines to protect her creative time, and ultimately crafting a career she never wants to retire from.  Phoebe's biggest piece of advice for aspiring writers and creatives eager to find success in their niche: Actually do the work. It is this mindset of engaging in her craft as a forever student that Phoebe attributes all of her success. Creative entrepreneurs: Tune in and take notes - this episode will not only leave you feeling inspired but also provide you with invaluable, tangible guidance on your own journey! Make sure to leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and subscribe wherever you like to listen. More from Phoebe Robinson:  https://www.instagram.com/dopequeenpheebs/ https://www.phoeberobinson.com/ Make sure you are following Morgan on TikTok to follow along with her beauty and wellness journey! https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_ Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast Visit Mormatcha.com to make a purchase. Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb Produced by AosseyCreative.

This week, Morgan DeBaun is joined by her Blavity Inc. co-founder, Jeff Nelson for a candid conversation that spans from the reality of starting a business with friends to the importance of tuning in this election season. Jeff and Morgan start by sharing the story of how Blavity came to be, and they discuss whether or not they recommend doing business with friends. They then delve into the current landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), discussing the disheartening resistance against diversity initiatives from influential figures. Despite how demotivating it may feel, Morgan and Jeff highlight how this resistance amplifies the significance of their work. Shifting gears, the conversation takes a political turn as Morgan and Jeff share their insights on the upcoming election season and the potential impact of low voter turnout in the Black community. They candidly address the disconnect between the administration and voters, stressing the importance of civic engagement. Finally, Morgan and Jeff explore the intersection of politics and artificial intelligence, particularly the treacherous landscape created by generative video technology. Jeff, as a tech expert, shares his concerns about the future implications of AI in politics, especially in the realm of propaganda and policing. In a rallying call to action, Morgan and Jeff emphasize the importance of tuning in, staying informed, and voting—even when faced with imperfect options. Tune in to this insightful and engaging episode navigating the complexities of business, diversity, politics, and the ever-evolving landscape of AI. More from Jeff: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefftnelson/ https://www.instagram.com/thatjeffnelson/  Make sure you are following Morgan on TikTok to follow along with her beauty and wellness journey! https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_ Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast Visit Mormatcha.com to make a purchase. Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb Produced by AosseyCreative.

Dr. Uché Blackstock, a Black female physician and author of Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine, discusses health disparities in the Black community, including lack of standardized care for sickle cell disease and high Black maternal mortality rates. She highlights the role of chronic stress due to systemic racism in perpetuating poor health outcomes. Dr. Uché and Morgan provide insight into how local community health, better practices in health leadership, and education can address these barriers.

This week, Morgan DeBaun is spilling the tea on how to start a side hustle with just $2000. She's sharing the 9 types of businesses she'd consider starting if she were at the beginning, and the steps she'd take to turn a profit and build her empire. From transcription and video editing services to balloon art and inflatable rentals, these may not be the sexiest, most brag-worthy businesses, but there is a lot of opportunity to make money! And when it comes to a side hustle that's meant to increase your flexibility and income, that's what matters. Check out the episode and make sure to let Morgan know what "boring business" you plan to get rich in 2024! Make sure you are following Morgan on TikTok to follow along with her beauty and wellness journey! https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_ Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast Visit Mormatcha.com to make a purchase. Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb Produced by AosseyCreative.

Wondering how to take your side hustle full-time? This week, Morgan is joined by her partner Josh Shaw to examine his journey from freelancer to successful agency owner. Josh is sharing the pivotal moments of his career evolution, shedding light on the transitions, surprises, and lessons learned along the way. Together, Morgan and Josh explore the fundamental distinctions between CEO and operational tasks, emphasizing the significance of hiring and delegating effectively for business scalability. The discussion extends to the perks of retainer clients, and Morgan offers invaluable advice on managing finances both as a freelancer and business owner. Josh's journey is full of insights and lessons that are sure to provide guidance to entrepreneurs at any point on the path of scaling! Tune in, and be sure to let Morgan know your greatest takeaway from the episode! Make sure you are following Morgan on TikTok to follow along with her beauty and wellness journey! https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_ Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast Visit Mormatcha.com to make a purchase. Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb Produced by AosseyCreative.

This week, Morgan DeBaun is joined by entrepreneur extraordinaire Courtney Adeleye for a conversation on all things business, from knowing when it's time to sell to exploring different business models for optimal success. In the episode, Courtney opens up about the unexpected journey of selling her company, The Mane Choice, just six years after its inception. She and Morgan discuss why setting your business up to sell is crucial, even if selling isn't the intended end game. Courtney also explains why she wasn't overly attached to The Mane Choice when the opportunity to sell arose, despite her passion and commitment to the brand. Morgan and Courtney reflect on the often unsupportive response of the Black community to Black business owners selling, offering insights into why these types of reactions typically occur and how such moves by Black business owners contribute to generational wealth creation within the community. Moving beyond her past successes, Courtney shares more on her recent venture, Olbali, a direct selling company. To close out the conversation, Morgan and Courtney underscore the importance of investing time and resources in revenue-generating aspects of business and having a network of support to rely on in the entrepreneurial journey. Grab your headphones and a notepad, and tune in for some invaluable entrepreneurial wisdom! And make sure you are subscribed to the podcast wherever you like to listen!  Make sure you are following Morgan on TikTok to follow along with her beauty and wellness journey! https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_ Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast Visit Mormatcha.com to make a purchase. Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb Produced by AosseyCreative.

On a special bonus episode of the Journey Podcast, Morgan delves into this week's headlines and shares her thoughts on the recent bombshells surrounding Taraji P. Henson. Despite her A-List status and undeniable talent, Taraji's experience sheds light on the persistent inequality in the entertainment industry. But that's not all! Morgan takes us on a fascinating journey behind the glitz and glamour of the celebrity world, revealing the real cost of maintaining a celebrity lifestyle and image. From uncovering the secrets of celebrity stylists to exploring the intricacies of hair and makeup, Morgan delves into the hidden expenses that keep our favorite stars looking flawless. Tune in for an eye-opening episode that goes beyond the headlines, offering you a glimpse into the harsh realities of fame and fortune in Hollywood. More from Courtney: https://www.instagram.com/courtneyadeleye/ https://www.tiktok.com/@courtneyadeleye  Make sure you are following Morgan on TikTok to follow along with her beauty and wellness journey! https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_ Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast Visit Mormatcha.com to make a purchase. Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb Produced by AosseyCreative.

This week, Morgan is joined by two of the most special guests: Her partner Josh and newborn son Langston! Together, she and Josh candidly share their experiences and challenges in adjusting to parenthood while managing their entrepreneurial ventures from home. In this episode, Morgan and Josh delve into the realities of juggling work responsibilities, sleep deprivation, and the unexpected life changes that come with having a baby. They provide an honest overview of their lives since Langston's arrival, detailing how they've strived to maintain their work commitments while adapting to the demands of caring for their newborn. Tune in to hear the lessons they've already learned navigating new parenthood and entrepreneurship, and the questions they are already asking about what the future of balancing it all looks like! Make sure you are subscribed to The Journey Podcast so that you don't miss new episodes in the new year. Make sure you are following Morgan on TikTok to follow along with her beauty and wellness journey! https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_ Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast Visit Mormatcha.com to make a purchase. Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb Produced by AosseyCreative.