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Brown Ambition

Brown Ambition

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 The Brown Ambition Podcast helps you unapologetically build wealth by saving, investing and making smart career choices — on your own d@mn terms! New episodes Wednesdays and Fridays.2025 iHeartMedia, Inc. © Any use of this intellectual property for text and data mining or computational analysis including as training material for artificial intelligence systems is strictly prohibited without express written consent from iHeartMedia Economics Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • Student Loans Got You Stressed? Here’s How to Navigate the Chaos [BA QA]

    Student Loans Got You Stressed? Here’s How to Navigate the Chaos [BA QA]
    May 23 2025

    Student loan repayments are officially back, and if you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or just plain confused, you’re not alone. This week on Brown Ambition, we’re diving deep into the chaos with two of our favorite money minds: Yanely Espinal, author of Mind Your Money, and Chris Browning from Popcorn Finance.

    We break down what’s really going on inside the federal student loan system from glitchy portals to a laundry list of repayment plans and why so many borrowers are left in the dark.

    Here’s what we’re unpacking:

    -🔍 How to spot and avoid shady loan forgiveness scams

    - 💸 What income-driven repayment plans actually mean for your wallet

    - 🧩 Why the student loan simulator on studentaid.gov should be your new best friend

    - 🧾 The IRS confusion that’s messing with people’s payment plans

    - 💬 The power of community when you’re navigating money decisions solo

    Whether you're just restarting payments or knee-deep in the forgiveness process, this episode is packed with tips, real talk, and the support you need to take back control of your student loans.



    LET’S STAY CONNECTED

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brownambitionpodcast

    Website: https://www.brownambitionpodcast.com

    Subscribe & leave us a review—because we love hearing from our BA fam!

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    18 mins
  • How to Navigate the Chaos of Life, Leveraging AI and Personal Growth

    How to Navigate the Chaos of Life, Leveraging AI and Personal Growth
    May 21 2025

    BA Fam we’re back at the Brown Table! It’s been a minute, but the original crew Mandi, Yanely, and Chris are together again and catching up on everything. From West Coast travels and birthday plans to coaching updates and sleep podcast dreams (yes, really), this episode is full of laughs, life, and hard-earned lessons.

    Mandi shares the behind-the-scenes of launching her new 12-week VIP coaching program and why one-on-one coaching needs more than just one call. We also get real about the job market and how AI is already shifting the game especially for new grads and folks trying to break in. The tea? Relationships matter more than ever.

    Chris is dreaming up a new show (spoiler: it might put you to sleep—in the best way, and Yanely is out here living her best life… and finally seeing Beyoncé live in her hometown.

    And of course, we round it all out with a good ol’ Brown Boost / Brown Break—featuring a Pulitzer Prize-winning book and a sobering reminder that hiring bias is still alive and well.

    What We Talk About:

    - Life & travel updates (hi, Portland! hey, Hawaii!)

    - Why Mandi’s shifting back into one-on-one coaching

    - Coaching horror stories + how to find the right fit

    - AI’s takeover and what that means for your career

    - How side projects can keep your creativity flowing

    - Book recs, Beyoncé, and a big announcement 👀

    Links + Resources:

    ✨ Apply for Mandi’s VIP coaching: https://mandymoney.com)

    📖 James by Percival Everett (Chris's Brown Boost pick)

    📱 Essence article: “Black, Qualified, and Ignored” by Aaliyah Jones

    BA Fam, do us a solid:

    Leave a review. Share this episode with your favorite group chat. And don’t forget—your dreams (and your coins) deserve strategy and support.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    55 mins
  • From Grief to Glory: Building Mielle Organics & A Billion-Dollar Legacy with Monique Rodriguez

    From Grief to Glory: Building Mielle Organics & A Billion-Dollar Legacy with Monique Rodriguez
    May 19 2025
    This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with the incredible Monique Rodriguez, founder of the powerhouse haircare brand Mielle Organics and author of the new book, The Glory in Your Story: Activating a Fearless Faith to Change Your Life, Your Career, and the World. From her kitchen table to a billion-dollar acquisition by P&G, Monique's journey is a masterclass in faith, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. This episode is for anyone who's ever faced adversity and dared to dream bigger, for the aspiring entrepreneur needing that push, and for every Black woman who knows the power of her own story and is navigating partnership in all its forms. Tune in to hear Monique's transparent take on:* The P&G acquisition: What *really* changed (and what absolutely didn't!), her non-negotiables in the deal, and her message to the community.* Staying true to her vision: How she remains CEO and the driving force behind Mielle's DNA.* The "Tariff Tea": How global trade impacts Black-owned businesses and what it could mean for your beauty budget.* Paying it Forward: How Monique and her husband, Melvin, are now angel investing in other Black-owned businesses.* Building a Brand Beyond Social Media: The power of community, networking (and a little "healthy stalking"!).* **Partnership, Femininity & Faith:** Monique shares her perspective on embracing feminine energy in leadership and dives into the often-triggering word "submission" within her marriage – what it means to her and what it absolutely doesn't.* Her new book, "The Glory in Your Story": Why she penned this powerful guide and how owning your narrative can change your life.* The complexities of sisterhood in the business world.* Balancing a billion-dollar brand, marriage (to her business partner!), and motherhood. ### Guest Spotlight:**Monique Rodriguez** is the founder and CEO of Mielle Organics, a global beauty brand she launched in 2014. A former registered nurse, Monique built Mielle from the ground up, fueled by her passion for healthy hair and her deep faith. Her brand was acquired by Procter & Gamble in 2023, with Monique remaining at the helm. She is also the author of "The Glory in Your Story: Activating a Fearless Faith to Change Your Life, Your Career, and the World." ### Key Discussion Points:* **[01:41] The P&G Acquisition Unpacked:** Monique addresses the critics, shares what it's *really* like working with a conglomerate, and why it was crucial for her to remain CEO and protect Mielle's formulas.* **[05:25] A Call for Community Support:** Monique discusses the impact of criticism on Black brands seeking investment and acquisition.* **[08:17] Leading Lady:** Monique clarifies her role – she works for Mielle and her customers, not P&G.* **[10:43] Tariffs & Your Wallet:** How international trade policies can affect the price of your favorite products.* **[13:27] From Mentee to Mentor:** The story of Richelieu Dennis's early investment and how Monique is now supporting other Black founders.* **[16:04] Faith as a Foundation:** How Monique's faith guided her through profound grief and inspired the creation of Mielle.* **[19:46] Beyond Analysis Paralysis:** Actionable advice on networking and getting your product into the right hands.* **[21:46] "The Glory in Your Story":** Monique shares the inspiration behind her new book and its message of hope and empowerment.* **[26:06] Social Media Sanity:** Monique's evolved relationship with social media and tips for maintaining balance.* **[30:19] Building Community Offline:** The importance of in-person engagement for brand growth.* **[32:00] Navigating Sisterhood & Business:** Monique's honest take on support (and lack thereof) from other women.* **[36:27] Partnership in Business & Life:** Monique shares gems on navigating business and marriage with her husband, Melvin, emphasizing grace, shared mission, complementing strengths, and respecting boundaries.* **[42:00] Feminine Energy & Redefining Submission:** Monique delves into the power of embracing her femininity in business and personal life. She offers her perspective on the biblical concept of submission in marriage, clarifying it as trusting her husband's earned leadership while retaining her voice and strength, rather than shrinking herself. Memorable Quotes:* "No one knows what goes on in that negotiating room... It's in my contract that I wanted to still be CEO and still make the decisions for the brand." - Monique Rodriguez* "When someone received the abundance of what we're complaining that we don't have, we tear them down for that... It causes investors...to now take a pause and say, 'Do we want to acquire black brands?'" - Monique Rodriguez* "I felt that God was using one of our darkest painful moments to birth purpose." - Monique Rodriguez* "Stop wandering and just go. Start going out there, meeting people...stop trying to worry or figure out how it's gonna ...
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    50 mins

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