As a Black entrepreneur, you’ve probably felt the pressure to pick one lane or play it safe. But what if your breakthrough is actually in the blend? When bold style, conscious sustainability, and smart technology come together, they create real power in your brand and purpose. Whether you’re building a product or offering a service, your audience is craving more than just a look or a label. They want meaning, function, and innovation. This episode helps you explore how to build with all of that in mind.

In this powerful conversation, we’re joined by Daryl “DJ” Riley Jr., engineer, innovator, and co-founder of Tendaji, a fashion tech company known for its solar-powered wireless charging apparel. DJ shares how a college senior design project grew into a nationally recognized business, why sustainability and culture matter at every stage, and how Black entrepreneurs can create value-driven brands across any industry. If you’ve ever wondered whether your big idea was too different or too early, this episode will help you believe in your vision and take action.

DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why blending style, sustainability, and tech creates long-term business value

• How to turn a college project into a nationally recognized innovation

• Practical ways to embed purpose and culture into your product or service

• How to stay committed to your mission even when you face setbacks

• The mindset shifts needed to pursue bold, innovative ideas

• How tech and sustainability will shape the future of Black entrepreneurship

Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/261

Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!

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When you’re building a business, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, the metrics, and the systems. If you’ve ever felt frustrated by team challenges, struggled to motivate others, or wondered why your leadership isn’t landing the way you hoped, this conversation is for you.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Sam Adeyemi, a globally respected executive coach, leadership strategist, and author who has trained over 52,000 leaders through his Daystar Leadership Academy. He’s coached CEOs around the world, and what sets Dr. Sam apart is his passion for people-centered leadership. In this conversation, he breaks down why your people, not your processes, are your most valuable asset and how learning to lead with empathy, strategy, and vision can transform your business from the inside out.

DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why focusing on results and processes alone leads to burnout and turnover

• The mindset shift every leader must make to become people-focused

• How to build trust and loyalty without sacrificing accountability

• Ways to create a values-driven culture

• Why empathy, love, and emotional intelligence are leadership superpowers

• How Dr. Sam’s SHIFTS framework can help you transform how you lead

Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/260

Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!

Also, connect with us on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/blacktobusiness/

Don’t miss an update! Sign up for our weekly newsletter:

https://blacktobusiness.com/mailinglist

We’re officially in July, and if you’re feeling like the first half of the year flew by, you’re not alone. This week’s solo episode is all about pausing, reflecting, and realigning without shame. Because growth doesn’t always look like a revenue spike or a launch. Sometimes it looks like clarity. Sometimes it looks like letting go.

If you’ve been feeling tired, behind, or just unsure where to focus next, this mid-year check-in is for you.

Monique is guiding you through a step-by-step reflection and reset that’s both practical and personal. We’re talking about how to recalibrate your goals, your energy, and your expectations with intention, especially as Black entrepreneurs navigating unique pressure, responsibility, and noise in today’s climate.

This is your permission to start fresh without guilt.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why reflection without shame is the foundation for realignment

• How to release goals that no longer fit who you are or where you’re headed

• What it means to check in with your needs, not just your business needs

• The step-by-step framework for setting aligned goals for Q3 and Q4

Thank you so much for listening! If you liked this episode, please subscribe to “The Black to Business Podcast” and rate and review on Apple Podcasts:

Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/259

Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!

Got a question? We’d love to answer it in an upcoming Q&A. Simply record your quick question → https://blacktobusiness.com/QA

Connect with us on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/blacktobusiness/

Don’t miss an update! Sign up for our weekly newsletter:

https://blacktobusiness.com/mailinglist