You might know him as a successful jazz musician. But did you also know that Marcus Johnson is the entrepreneur behind FLO Wines, a speaker on the Ted Talk series, and an author? A true Renaissance man, Marcus has a method to his madness and the many ventures he manages. Whether you are vibing to some smooth jazz, sipping on some Chardonnay, or reflecting on the real talk he brings, Marcus wants us all to chill out. As part of our series “Side Hustle Success,” Marcus talks about the importance of being adaptable and defining success on your own terms. It’s the capstone to Howard Homecoming week at Protégé Podcast, and we’re proud to feature one of Howard’s most accomplished alums on this week’s episode!

Robert Rising was a waiter making a good living and living a great life in New York City. But his real passion was in woodworking, a hobby he stumbled into late in life. Robert has turned his passion for woodworking into a million dollar business two years after devoting himself full time to his company. As part of our series “Side Hustle Success” on Protege Podcast, Robert shares his story of enduring special education classes, and how he talked his way into a private high school, college and his first job. “The Black Lumberjack’ shares with us how his hunt for the perfect wood furniture landed him in the New York Times, and provides advice to anyone hoping to quit their day job to follow their dream!

Robert Rising was a waiter making a good living and living a great life in New York City. But his real passion was in woodworking, a hobby he stumbled into late in life. Robert has turned his passion for woodworking into a million dollar business two years after devoting himself full time to his company. As part of our series “Side Hustle Success” on Protege Podcast, Robert shares his story of enduring special education classes, and how he talked his way into a private high school, college and his first job. “The Black Lumberjack’ shares with us how his hunt for the perfect wood furniture landed him in the New York Times, and provides advice to anyone hoping to quit their day job to follow their dream!

Picture this: Biracial foster child adopted by affluent white family. Grows up in suburban Wisconsin. Attends Howard University and has life changing experience with her racial identity. Teaches at risk kids in DC Public Schools. Still with me? Now, imagine her as CEO of an education technology company which operates virtually with 70 employees serving those same at risk kids. If it sounds unbelievable, you haven’t met Marni Barron. She is an entrepreneur who makes no excuses, and is also our Guest Mentor on this week’s Protege Podcast!

He started with a pickup truck and a dream. Harold Foley, a computer science professor, started flipping houses on the side in New Orleans. He now manages a $200 million real estate portfolio which stretches across several states. How did he do it? What advice does Harold have for aspiring entrepreneurs who dream of leaving their day jobs to follow their passion? A practical, yet thought-provoking conversation about taking the leap to business ownership, never taking no for an answer, and figuring out what constitutes the “good life.

Part 2 of the conversation with Harold Foley. Harold discusses the formidable challenges he faced while growing his real estate business and what advice he has for aspiring entrepreneurs. An inspirational dialogue about living life to the fullest while fearlessly pursuing your dreams.

Chris-Tia Donaldson is a woman on a MISSION. Always has been. Ever since she was a high school student in Detroit, Chris-Tia has dreamed big dreams and worked ferociously to achieve them. First, a place at Harvard College. Then, an encore at Harvard Law School. Then, the top law firm in Chicago. But that still wasn’t enough.

She’s now a successful entrepreneur who is the CEO of Thank God It’s Natural (TGIN), a multi-million dollar natural hair care and personal products company that is taking the market by storm. TGIN’s products are now in Target, Sally’s Beauty Supply, and soon, they’ll be at a store near you, whether you’re in Iowa, England or Nigeria.

Think it’s been easy for Chris-Tia? Nah, not at all. Chris-Tia drops by Protege Podcast and shares her story of success and determination, and why her current challenge is merely the latest test in a lifetime of testimonies.

From afar, it may look like Chris-Tia Donaldson has lived an easy and successful life and career. But in reality, Chris-Tia’s commitment to excellence is only rivaled by the depth of her determination. In part 2 of our interview with Chris-Tia, she talks about the challenges of working as an attorney at a Fortune 500 company and as an entrepreneur…at the same time. It’s not easy, but with her faith and tenacity, Chris-Tia is prepared for whatever comes her way. Join us for part 2 our interview as we discuss what keeps Chris-Tia inspired on her career journey, especially now.