Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Michael Uadiale.

A seasoned CPA and master tax advisor with 25+ years of experience, discussing how entrepreneurs can use strategic tax planning to accelerate wealth building and achieve financial freedom within 5–7 years. He introduces his trademarked DECIDE Framework, explains why most small business owners overpay taxes, and breaks down strategies such as employing children, capturing appreciation, digital asset taxation, and multigenerational wealth planning.

Rushion plays the voice of the everyday entrepreneur—curious, intimidated by taxes, and eager to understand wealth strategies—while Michael emphasizes empowerment through education, intentional planning, and knowing the rules of the tax code.

---

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:

1. Educate entrepreneurs

…on how the tax code actually works, and how understanding it—not fearing it—is the key to wealth building.

2. Introduce Michael Uadiale’s DECIDE Framework

A 6-step model that helps entrepreneurs achieve financial freedom in 5–7 years, based on strategic tax planning.

3. Debunk myths about taxes and wealth

Especially the myth that “the tax code only favors the rich.”

4. Encourage proactive financial behavior

By meeting tax advisors regularly, planning before spending, using legal tax incentives, and building multigenerational wealth.

---

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. The tax code is a tool—not a trap

Michael stresses the tax code was intentionally created as a set of incentives to encourage certain behaviors. Those who understand it win; those who fear it overpay.

“The tax law is a set of incentives… It’s how the government wants us to behave.”

---

2. Wealth cannot be delegated

You can delegate marketing, HR, operations—but not wealth-building decisions.

“Wealth cannot be delegated.”

---

3. The DECIDE Framework (Michael’s 6‑step wealth-building system)

D – Discover Your Wealth DNA
Understand how you make money because not all dollars are taxed equally.

E – Engineer Tax-Free Structures
Your business structure determines how much money you keep.

C – Capture Your Growth & Appreciation
“Freeze” wealth so your heirs avoid 45% estate tax bites.

I – Integrate Advanced Tax Strategies
Use high-level but legal tax planning (what rich families do).

D – Defend Against Tax Erosion
Put barriers in place so taxes don’t eat your wealth.

E – Empower Multi‑Generational Legacy
Ensure your family continues benefiting from your planning.

---

4. Over 80% of small business owners overpay in taxes

Because they avoid taxes, only meet their preparer once a year, and confuse a tax preparer with a tax advisor.

“You cannot operate like that and win the game of money.”

---

5. You can legally pay your kids and get major tax benefits

Kids can perform tasks (in office or at home), earn up to $15–16k tax‑free, and you deduct the wages.

“Instead of paying out of pocket, the government subsidizes raising y

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Mowbray and Cherina Rowand

Co-founders of The Rowand Group and One Stop Taxes, the largest Black-owned virtual tax preparation service in America. The interview highlights their business evolution, scaling strategies, community impact, and the creation of the Black Tax Festival.

---

🧭 Interview Outline 1. Background & Origins

• Both from Memphis, Tennessee; met in high school.
• Started tax preparation in 2010 as a mom-and-pop operation.
• Transitioned from brick-and-mortar to virtual model by 2015.

2. Business Philosophy

• Entrepreneurship is defined as service to others.
• Mowbray is the visionary; Cherina is the implementer.
• Emphasis on scaling with structure: legal, accounting, HR.

3. One Stop Taxes

• Grew from a single office to over 1,000 virtual franchise locations.
• Offers free training, no startup costs, and shared revenue model.
• Built a platform allowing clients to submit documents and sign remotely.

4. Virtual Tax Model

• Designed for convenience and accessibility.
• Clients and tax preparers never need to meet in person.
• Platform includes document upload, e-signature, and cloud storage.

5. Franchise & Training

• Learning Management System (LMS) for onboarding.
• Training includes tax prep, customer acquisition, and platform use.
• Strategic partnerships with local businesses (e.g., dealerships, daycares).

6. Black Tax Festival

• Annual event held in Atlanta
• Combines networking, education, and recognition.
• Includes IRS updates, business workshops, and the Titan Awards.
• Open to all entrepreneurs, not just tax professionals.

7. Expansion & Diversification

• Own restaurants in Memphis and the Dominican Republic.
• Franchised Fat Tuesday and Esco Restaurant (did \$1M in first 6 weeks).
• Own a yacht for rental experiences in the DR.
• Plans to develop a restaurant strip near FedExForum in Memphis.

---

💡 Key Takeaways

• Vision + Execution = Growth: Their complementary roles fuel business success.
• Virtual is Scalable: Transitioning to virtual allowed exponential growth.
• Community Impact Matters: Black Tax Festival fosters education and recognition.
• Diversification is Strategic: Restaurants and real estate expand their brand.
• Mentorship & Learning: They study successful entrepreneurs like Tilman Fertitta.
• Faith & Family Drive: Their journey is rooted in love, planning, and purpose.

---

🗣️ Notable Quotes

• “Entrepreneurship means being a servant to other people.”
• “The same thing that works at \$1M doesn’t work at \$15M.”
• “We had to fire ourselves from some jobs and hire professionals.”
• “We built a platform where you can do taxes from your couch.”
• “We started before social media—we know belly-to-belly marketing.”
• “Recognition matters—people don’t get it at home or work.”
• “We’re trying to bridge the wealth gap through proper paperwork.&rdq

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Johnny Lynum.  

---

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To share Johnny Lynum’s journey from military service to becoming a successful real estate investor and wealth advisor, and to educate listeners on building generational wealth through real estate, financial literacy, and strategic investing.

---

🗝️ Key Takeaways 1. Military Background & Transition

• Johnny Lynum is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, with 20 years of service as a developmental engineer and intelligence officer.
• His military career provided discipline and structure, but his passion for entrepreneurship led him to real estate investing.

2. Real Estate Journey

• Started with a VA loan to buy his first property.
• Built a portfolio of 115 doors worth over $10 million, primarily in Panama City, Florida and Montgomery, Alabama.
• Leveraged his knowledge and connections to invest remotely while living in Northern Virginia.

3. Investment Philosophy

• Real estate is a tangible, relatable investment.
• Emphasizes leverage—using other people’s money to control larger assets.
• Advocates for buying back time through passive income strategies tailored to different life stages (30s, 40s, 50s).
• Encourages strategic investing and not just chasing instant gratification.

4. Books & Education

• Author of:
  • Millionaire Real Estate Success Strategies: What They Forgot to Teach You in School
  • Upcoming: The Financial Security Blueprint – focuses on biblical principles, alternative investments, and building lasting wealth.
• Offers free downloads of his book via johnnylynam.com/newbook.

5. Faith & Legacy

• Strong emphasis on faith and service.
• Inspired by his mother’s legacy planning and life insurance setup for her grandchildren.
• Focused on building generational wealth and educating his children and others.

6. Tax-Smart Investing

• Discusses strategies like bonus depreciation, oil and gas investments, and self-directed IRAs to minimize tax liabilities.
• Encourages understanding the IRS tax code to identify government-incentivized investment areas.

7. Building a Brand

• Active on LinkedIn, YouTube Shorts, and Facebook.
• Partnered with LinkedIn to create real estate content.
• Promotes financial literacy and faith-based wealth building.

---

💬 Notable Quotes

• “I had to go from broke Johnny to woke Johnny.”
• “You don’t have to be an expert at everything, but you can be the leader in the room.”
• “My God is a God of abundance.”
• “Real estate became my vehicle and my pathway to building wealth.”
• “You’re a blessing to your blessing.” — on generational wealth.
• “Success leaves clues.”
• “You have to take that leap of faith a

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Michael Uadiale.

A seasoned CPA and master tax advisor with 25+ years of experience, discussing how entrepreneurs can use strategic tax planning to accelerate wealth building and achieve financial freedom within 5–7 years. He introduces his trademarked DECIDE Framework, explains why most small business owners overpay taxes, and breaks down strategies such as employing children, capturing appreciation, digital asset taxation, and multigenerational wealth planning.

Rushion plays the voice of the everyday entrepreneur—curious, intimidated by taxes, and eager to understand wealth strategies—while Michael emphasizes empowerment through education, intentional planning, and knowing the rules of the tax code.

---

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:

1. Educate entrepreneurs

…on how the tax code actually works, and how understanding it—not fearing it—is the key to wealth building.

2. Introduce Michael Uadiale’s DECIDE Framework

A 6-step model that helps entrepreneurs achieve financial freedom in 5–7 years, based on strategic tax planning.

3. Debunk myths about taxes and wealth

Especially the myth that “the tax code only favors the rich.”

4. Encourage proactive financial behavior

By meeting tax advisors regularly, planning before spending, using legal tax incentives, and building multigenerational wealth.

---

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. The tax code is a tool—not a trap

Michael stresses the tax code was intentionally created as a set of incentives to encourage certain behaviors. Those who understand it win; those who fear it overpay.

“The tax law is a set of incentives… It’s how the government wants us to behave.”

---

2. Wealth cannot be delegated

You can delegate marketing, HR, operations—but not wealth-building decisions.

“Wealth cannot be delegated.”

---

3. The DECIDE Framework (Michael’s 6‑step wealth-building system)

D – Discover Your Wealth DNA
Understand how you make money because not all dollars are taxed equally.

E – Engineer Tax-Free Structures
Your business structure determines how much money you keep.

C – Capture Your Growth & Appreciation
“Freeze” wealth so your heirs avoid 45% estate tax bites.

I – Integrate Advanced Tax Strategies
Use high-level but legal tax planning (what rich families do).

D – Defend Against Tax Erosion
Put barriers in place so taxes don’t eat your wealth.

E – Empower Multi‑Generational Legacy
Ensure your family continues benefiting from your planning.

---

4. Over 80% of small business owners overpay in taxes

Because they avoid taxes, only meet their preparer once a year, and confuse a tax preparer with a tax advisor.

“You cannot operate like that and win the game of money.”

---

5. You can legally pay your kids and get major tax benefits

Kids can perform tasks (in office or at home), earn up to $15–16k tax‑free, and you deduct the wages.

“Instead of paying out of pocket, the government subsidizes raising y

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Mowbray and Cherina Rowand

Co-founders of The Rowand Group and One Stop Taxes, the largest Black-owned virtual tax preparation service in America. The interview highlights their business evolution, scaling strategies, community impact, and the creation of the Black Tax Festival.

---

🧭 Interview Outline 1. Background & Origins

• Both from Memphis, Tennessee; met in high school.
• Started tax preparation in 2010 as a mom-and-pop operation.
• Transitioned from brick-and-mortar to virtual model by 2015.

2. Business Philosophy

• Entrepreneurship is defined as service to others.
• Mowbray is the visionary; Cherina is the implementer.
• Emphasis on scaling with structure: legal, accounting, HR.

3. One Stop Taxes

• Grew from a single office to over 1,000 virtual franchise locations.
• Offers free training, no startup costs, and shared revenue model.
• Built a platform allowing clients to submit documents and sign remotely.

4. Virtual Tax Model

• Designed for convenience and accessibility.
• Clients and tax preparers never need to meet in person.
• Platform includes document upload, e-signature, and cloud storage.

5. Franchise & Training

• Learning Management System (LMS) for onboarding.
• Training includes tax prep, customer acquisition, and platform use.
• Strategic partnerships with local businesses (e.g., dealerships, daycares).

6. Black Tax Festival

• Annual event held in Atlanta
• Combines networking, education, and recognition.
• Includes IRS updates, business workshops, and the Titan Awards.
• Open to all entrepreneurs, not just tax professionals.

7. Expansion & Diversification

• Own restaurants in Memphis and the Dominican Republic.
• Franchised Fat Tuesday and Esco Restaurant (did \$1M in first 6 weeks).
• Own a yacht for rental experiences in the DR.
• Plans to develop a restaurant strip near FedExForum in Memphis.

---

💡 Key Takeaways

• Vision + Execution = Growth: Their complementary roles fuel business success.
• Virtual is Scalable: Transitioning to virtual allowed exponential growth.
• Community Impact Matters: Black Tax Festival fosters education and recognition.
• Diversification is Strategic: Restaurants and real estate expand their brand.
• Mentorship & Learning: They study successful entrepreneurs like Tilman Fertitta.
• Faith & Family Drive: Their journey is rooted in love, planning, and purpose.

---

🗣️ Notable Quotes

• “Entrepreneurship means being a servant to other people.”
• “The same thing that works at \$1M doesn’t work at \$15M.”
• “We had to fire ourselves from some jobs and hire professionals.”
• “We built a platform where you can do taxes from your couch.”
• “We started before social media—we know belly-to-belly marketing.”
• “Recognition matters—people don’t get it at home or work.”
• “We’re trying to bridge the wealth gap through proper paperwork.&rdq

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Johnny Lynum.  

---

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To share Johnny Lynum’s journey from military service to becoming a successful real estate investor and wealth advisor, and to educate listeners on building generational wealth through real estate, financial literacy, and strategic investing.

---

🗝️ Key Takeaways 1. Military Background & Transition

• Johnny Lynum is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, with 20 years of service as a developmental engineer and intelligence officer.
• His military career provided discipline and structure, but his passion for entrepreneurship led him to real estate investing.

2. Real Estate Journey

• Started with a VA loan to buy his first property.
• Built a portfolio of 115 doors worth over $10 million, primarily in Panama City, Florida and Montgomery, Alabama.
• Leveraged his knowledge and connections to invest remotely while living in Northern Virginia.

3. Investment Philosophy

• Real estate is a tangible, relatable investment.
• Emphasizes leverage—using other people’s money to control larger assets.
• Advocates for buying back time through passive income strategies tailored to different life stages (30s, 40s, 50s).
• Encourages strategic investing and not just chasing instant gratification.

4. Books & Education

• Author of:
  • Millionaire Real Estate Success Strategies: What They Forgot to Teach You in School
  • Upcoming: The Financial Security Blueprint – focuses on biblical principles, alternative investments, and building lasting wealth.
• Offers free downloads of his book via johnnylynam.com/newbook.

5. Faith & Legacy

• Strong emphasis on faith and service.
• Inspired by his mother’s legacy planning and life insurance setup for her grandchildren.
• Focused on building generational wealth and educating his children and others.

6. Tax-Smart Investing

• Discusses strategies like bonus depreciation, oil and gas investments, and self-directed IRAs to minimize tax liabilities.
• Encourages understanding the IRS tax code to identify government-incentivized investment areas.

7. Building a Brand

• Active on LinkedIn, YouTube Shorts, and Facebook.
• Partnered with LinkedIn to create real estate content.
• Promotes financial literacy and faith-based wealth building.

---

💬 Notable Quotes

• “I had to go from broke Johnny to woke Johnny.”
• “You don’t have to be an expert at everything, but you can be the leader in the room.”
• “My God is a God of abundance.”
• “Real estate became my vehicle and my pathway to building wealth.”
• “You’re a blessing to your blessing.” — on generational wealth.
• “Success leaves clues.”
• “You have to take that leap of faith a

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Michael Uadiale.

A seasoned CPA and master tax advisor with 25+ years of experience, discussing how entrepreneurs can use strategic tax planning to accelerate wealth building and achieve financial freedom within 5–7 years. He introduces his trademarked DECIDE Framework, explains why most small business owners overpay taxes, and breaks down strategies such as employing children, capturing appreciation, digital asset taxation, and multigenerational wealth planning.

Rushion plays the voice of the everyday entrepreneur—curious, intimidated by taxes, and eager to understand wealth strategies—while Michael emphasizes empowerment through education, intentional planning, and knowing the rules of the tax code.

---

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:

1. Educate entrepreneurs

…on how the tax code actually works, and how understanding it—not fearing it—is the key to wealth building.

2. Introduce Michael Uadiale’s DECIDE Framework

A 6-step model that helps entrepreneurs achieve financial freedom in 5–7 years, based on strategic tax planning.

3. Debunk myths about taxes and wealth

Especially the myth that “the tax code only favors the rich.”

4. Encourage proactive financial behavior

By meeting tax advisors regularly, planning before spending, using legal tax incentives, and building multigenerational wealth.

---

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. The tax code is a tool—not a trap

Michael stresses the tax code was intentionally created as a set of incentives to encourage certain behaviors. Those who understand it win; those who fear it overpay.

“The tax law is a set of incentives… It’s how the government wants us to behave.”

---

2. Wealth cannot be delegated

You can delegate marketing, HR, operations—but not wealth-building decisions.

“Wealth cannot be delegated.”

---

3. The DECIDE Framework (Michael’s 6‑step wealth-building system)

D – Discover Your Wealth DNA
Understand how you make money because not all dollars are taxed equally.

E – Engineer Tax-Free Structures
Your business structure determines how much money you keep.

C – Capture Your Growth & Appreciation
“Freeze” wealth so your heirs avoid 45% estate tax bites.

I – Integrate Advanced Tax Strategies
Use high-level but legal tax planning (what rich families do).

D – Defend Against Tax Erosion
Put barriers in place so taxes don’t eat your wealth.

E – Empower Multi‑Generational Legacy
Ensure your family continues benefiting from your planning.

---

4. Over 80% of small business owners overpay in taxes

Because they avoid taxes, only meet their preparer once a year, and confuse a tax preparer with a tax advisor.

“You cannot operate like that and win the game of money.”

---

5. You can legally pay your kids and get major tax benefits

Kids can perform tasks (in office or at home), earn up to $15–16k tax‑free, and you deduct the wages.

“Instead of paying out of pocket, the government subsidizes raising y

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Mowbray and Cherina Rowand

Co-founders of The Rowand Group and One Stop Taxes, the largest Black-owned virtual tax preparation service in America. The interview highlights their business evolution, scaling strategies, community impact, and the creation of the Black Tax Festival.

---

🧭 Interview Outline 1. Background & Origins

• Both from Memphis, Tennessee; met in high school.
• Started tax preparation in 2010 as a mom-and-pop operation.
• Transitioned from brick-and-mortar to virtual model by 2015.

2. Business Philosophy

• Entrepreneurship is defined as service to others.
• Mowbray is the visionary; Cherina is the implementer.
• Emphasis on scaling with structure: legal, accounting, HR.

3. One Stop Taxes

• Grew from a single office to over 1,000 virtual franchise locations.
• Offers free training, no startup costs, and shared revenue model.
• Built a platform allowing clients to submit documents and sign remotely.

4. Virtual Tax Model

• Designed for convenience and accessibility.
• Clients and tax preparers never need to meet in person.
• Platform includes document upload, e-signature, and cloud storage.

5. Franchise & Training

• Learning Management System (LMS) for onboarding.
• Training includes tax prep, customer acquisition, and platform use.
• Strategic partnerships with local businesses (e.g., dealerships, daycares).

6. Black Tax Festival

• Annual event held in Atlanta
• Combines networking, education, and recognition.
• Includes IRS updates, business workshops, and the Titan Awards.
• Open to all entrepreneurs, not just tax professionals.

7. Expansion & Diversification

• Own restaurants in Memphis and the Dominican Republic.
• Franchised Fat Tuesday and Esco Restaurant (did \$1M in first 6 weeks).
• Own a yacht for rental experiences in the DR.
• Plans to develop a restaurant strip near FedExForum in Memphis.

---

💡 Key Takeaways

• Vision + Execution = Growth: Their complementary roles fuel business success.
• Virtual is Scalable: Transitioning to virtual allowed exponential growth.
• Community Impact Matters: Black Tax Festival fosters education and recognition.
• Diversification is Strategic: Restaurants and real estate expand their brand.
• Mentorship & Learning: They study successful entrepreneurs like Tilman Fertitta.
• Faith & Family Drive: Their journey is rooted in love, planning, and purpose.

---

🗣️ Notable Quotes

• “Entrepreneurship means being a servant to other people.”
• “The same thing that works at \$1M doesn’t work at \$15M.”
• “We had to fire ourselves from some jobs and hire professionals.”
• “We built a platform where you can do taxes from your couch.”
• “We started before social media—we know belly-to-belly marketing.”
• “Recognition matters—people don’t get it at home or work.”
• “We’re trying to bridge the wealth gap through proper paperwork.&rdq

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Attorney Tessie D. Edwards.

A family and criminal law attorney based in Atlanta, Georgia. Here's a breakdown of the key highlights and themes from the episode:

---

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Early Life & Adversity

• Tessie Edwards grew up in a challenging environment marked by poverty, teen pregnancy, and systemic injustice.
• She became a mother at 16, dropped out of high school, and had her second child by 18.
• Despite these challenges, she never lost sight of her dream to become a lawyer.

2. Turning Point

• A pivotal moment came when someone told her that her daughter looked like her. That realization sparked a deep desire to become someone her daughter could look up to.

3. Relentless Pursuit of Education

• Earned her GED, then an associate degree to qualify for military service.
• After a brief stint in the military (cut short due to pregnancy and miscarriage), she pursued higher education.
• Graduated from Indiana University with five children and went on to law school with her then-husband.

4. Professional Success

• Now runs a multi-million dollar law firm in Atlanta, Georgia.
• Has handled over 2,000 criminal cases and is deeply committed to serving families in crisis.
• Her firm has been serving the Atlanta community for over 15 years.

5. Support System

• Credits her success to a strong support network: her husband (who co-runs the firm), her children, her brother, and her team.
• Emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with people who believe in your vision.

6. Advice & Motivation

• Be clear about your goals and stay focused.
• Don’t wait for the “right time”—start now.
• Believe in your dream even when others don’t.
• Use adversity as fuel for your ambition.

---

💬 Memorable Quotes

• “I feel thankful but not satisfied.”
• “My life was so divinely chosen… I was just given a dream and the courage to go after it.”
• “Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go!”

---

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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