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This week on the Blackbridge Mindset Podcast, the hosts discuss Midwest weather and long TSA lines at Atlanta’s airport before welcoming Chicago-based people and talent leader Deshawn Barrett, Director of Talent Development at SpotHero, with 15+ years in HR and talent roles at ADP, PowerReviews, Victoria’s Secret/PINK, and more. Deshawn explains HR as a broad system beyond hiring and firing, covering benefits, fair pay, growth and development, compliance (including I-9s), policies, and balancing business needs with employee support. He shares guidance for entrepreneurs on when to use fractional HR or hybrid office manager roles, what to look for in a first HR hire, how culture is built through behaviors and feedback (not perks), and how leaders set the tone. He also advises addressing toxic high performers quickly, and emphasizes knowing your business and desired culture before hiring.

00:00 Podcast Welcome
00:27 Spring Weather Banter
01:41 ATL Airport TSA Chaos
04:01 Meet Deshawn Barrett
06:24 Deshawn Origin Story
10:18 What HR Really Does
15:06 When to Hire HR
15:51 Quick Like and Follow
16:27 Fractional HR Options
19:47 Hiring Your First HR
33:01 Culture vs Perks
35:27 Feedback Without Negativity
36:48 Accountability and Listening
38:54 Culture of Fear Warning
40:07 Lead by Example
41:12 Recognition and Rewards
43:17 Preparing to Hire HR
45:49 Templates and Shortcuts
47:21 Like and Follow Break
47:57 Retaining Your HR Leader
53:08 Toxic High Performers
57:17 Advice Before First Hire
01:00:05 Contact and Closing Ritual

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Hosts:

• Mike
• CJ
• Ken

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Kevin Tyler on Building Bay & BNE, Fractional Marketing, and Storytelling That Moves People

The Blackbridge Mindset Podcast hosts catch up and introduce guest Kevin Tyler, a marketing strategist and founder of Bay & BNE, a Santa Monica boutique consultancy named after Bay and Bicknell streets and the nearby historic “Inkwell” beach space. Kevin explains how the company’s name reflects lineage, identity, and the importance of storytelling in modern branding, emphasizing that businesses should practice the same storytelling they sell. He shares his path from varied agency and higher-ed roles to entrepreneurship after leaving a toxic DC agency on December 18, 2024, using 2025 to validate his concept before forming an LLC and scaling with freelancers. Kevin defines fractional marketing, discusses pricing evolution, vetting and rejecting misaligned clients, and advises entrepreneurs to invest in clear messaging and strategy to reach audiences where they already are.

00:00 Welcome to Blackbridge
00:27 Catching Up and Travel Plans
01:40 Airport Chaos Talk
02:37 Meet Kevin Tyler
04:15 Bay and BNE Origin Story
06:11 Storytelling as Strategy
07:18 Why He Went Solo
10:34 Launching the Consultancy
13:03 Cutting the Golden Handcuffs
15:39 What Fractional Marketing Means
17:42 Favorite Brand Projects
22:14 Marketing That Moves People
24:41 Pricing and Value
27:06 DIY Branding on a Budget
29:38 Marketing Yourself Through Community
31:46 Client Fit and Red Flags
34:05 1000 Dollars Marketing Plan
35:24 Marketing Truths and Shortcuts
36:52 Creativity as Fuel
38:18 Where to Find Kevin
38:48 Podcast and Book Shoutouts
40:34 Food Favorites and Travel
41:41 Referrals and Closing Ritual

Insta: @bayandbicknell

Website: www.bayandbicknell.com

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Season two of the Black Bridge Mindset Podcast kicks off with hosts Mike, Ken, and CJ welcoming Spencer, founder of Twisted Twigs by Spencer, a handcrafted wreath and garland business built around unique designs and the stories behind them. Spencer shares how a long-time hobby and encouragement from friends and family led him to launch, how each piece begins with a short story and theme, and why customer service and communication are central to his brand. He discusses costs, vendor research, budgeting, timelines, turnaround expectations, customization workflow, and using website analytics and social media to guide marketing. Spencer describes early validation through pop-ups and neighbor sales, upcoming seasonal collections, and goals like farmers markets and pride events, and he leaves a question for the next guest about defining moments in business.

Web: https://www.twistedtwigsbyspencer.com

Facebook Twisted Twigs By Spencer

Insta @twistedtwigsbyspencer

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Mandy Ralston: Innovating Autism Care with Tech and Big Data | Black Bridge Mindset Podcast

Welcome to another engaging episode of the Black Bridge Mindset Podcast, where we explore the powerful intersection of culture, entrepreneurship, and business. In this episode, hosts Mike, Ken, and CJ are joined by an extraordinary guest, Mandy Ralston. Mandy is a queer neurodivergent serial entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in behavior analysis. As a certified behavior analyst, Mandy has founded and scaled multiple clinics focused on applied behavior analysis (ABA) for autism and other developmental disabilities. Dive deep into Mandy's journey of entrepreneurship, her cutting-edge tech startup Non-Binary Solutions, and the role of big data and AI in transforming autism care. Learn about the importance of diverse perspectives, personalized medicine, and get valuable insights into how to start and scale a business in the healthcare field. If you're looking for serious inspiration and actionable advice, this episode is a must-watch!

00:00 Welcome to the Black Bridge Mindset Podcast

00:38 Saturday Morning Catch-Up

03:33 Introducing Our Special Guest: Amanda Mandy Ralston

06:41 Mandy's Journey into Behavior Analysis

11:46 Building and Scaling Clinics

15:54 Starting Non-Binary Solutions

20:09 Navigating the Startup World

30:38 The Importance of Social Media and Networking

31:47 Why a Tech Company?

33:03 The Surge in Autism Providers

33:59 The Role of Technology in Autism Diagnosis

35:17 Big Data and Personalized Medicine

36:04 Understanding Autism Spectrum

37:44 Intensity of Applied Behavior Analysis

40:30 Managing Bias in Professional Settings

45:19 Entrepreneurial Influences and Journey

49:55 Introducing Noetic AI

52:56 Advice for Parents and Clinicians

55:32 Lightning Round and Closing Remarks

Guest’s Socials:

Website: Nonbinary Solutions , Amanda Ralston

Facebook: Nonbinary Solutions

Instagram: nonbinary_solutions

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In this episode of the Black Bridge Mindset Podcast, hosts Mike, Ken, and CJ sit down with Keith Lamar Jr., founder and managing attorney of the Law Offices of Keith Lamar Jr. Keith shares his journey from a DA to owning his successful law firm, offering insights on entrepreneurship, community engagement, and the importance of having a strong mindset. From tackling his LSAT fears to landing an unexpected sponsorship with the Money Team, Keith’s story is filled with inspiration and practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and attorneys alike. Tune in to hear about his game-changing approach to personal injury law and how he stands out in a saturated market. Don’t miss his tips on team management, marketing yourself, and maintaining a strong community presence.

00:00 Welcome to the Black Bridge Mindset Podcast

03:03 Weekend Adventures and Rising Costs

05:11 Introducing Our Esteemed Guest: Keith Lamar, Jr.

08:05 Keith Lamar's Journey to Becoming an Attorney

11:46 Building and Expanding a Successful Law Firm

15:16 The Importance of Mentorship and Team Building

30:26 Advice for Aspiring Attorneys and Entrepreneurs

32:13 Building Momentum: Early Wins and Challenges

32:33 Taking the Leap: Starting from Scratch

32:58 Hustling for Clients: Creative Strategies

34:27 Pandemic Impact: Adapting to New Realities

34:52 Faith and Endurance: Staying Motivated

39:05 Marketing and Community Involvement

43:54 The Realities of Being a Lawyer

51:24 Speed Round and Final Thoughts

Guest's Socials:

WEBSITE: HTTPS://WWW.LAMARLAWOFFICES.COM/

Facebook: @lawofficeofkeithlamarjr

Instagram @simplykeith

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• Ken

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Welcome to the latest episode of the Black Bridge Mindset Podcast! Hosts Mike, Ken, and CJ dive into a riveting conversation with Columbus-based photographer Ray LaVoie. Discover how Ray turned his passion for photography into a thriving business, tackled challenges, and the importance of surrounding yourself with a reliable network.

From discussing imposter syndrome to navigating the complexities of corporate America and maintaining authenticity in a world increasingly influenced by AI, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Don't miss out on Ray's practical advice for budding photographers and entrepreneurs alike.

00:00 Welcome to the Black Bridge Mindset Podcast
03:11 Corporate Frustrations and Upcoming Plans
04:49 Excitement for the Beyonce Concert
07:17 Introducing Special Guest: Ray LaVoie
08:37 Ray LaVoie's Journey into Photography
11:37 Transition from Corporate America to Photography
15:25 Networking and First Big Client
20:40 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
24:08 Navigating Business as a Minority
25:43 Choosing the Right Talent for the Job
27:56 Solo Entrepreneur vs. CEO
30:35 The Importance of a Reliable Network
32:49 Advice for Aspiring Photographers
36:49 Challenges in Photography
43:38 Quick Fire Questions
47:50 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Guest's Social Media

Website: https://www.raylavoie.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RayLavoiePhoto

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

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In this episode of the Black Bridge Mindset Podcast, hosts Mike, Ken, and CJ welcome John Larkin, CEO and partner of Electronic Systems Consultants (ESC). John shares his entrepreneurial journey, from his start in the Air Force to creating a successful fire protection empire. The discussion covers the importance of having a passion for your business, the challenges of entrepreneurship, strategic growth, and the value of mentorship. Tune in for insights on building a business from the ground up, maintaining a family-oriented company culture, and managing work-life balance.

00:00 Welcome to the Black Bridge Mindset Podcast

01:09 Celebrating Podcast Milestones

04:13 Introducing Today's Special Guest: John Larkin

05:58 John Larkin's Journey: From Air Force to Fire Protection

10:43 Building a Business from Scratch

11:10 Navigating Financial Challenges

13:46 The Importance of Passion and Opportunity

18:23 Scaling and Evolving the Business

23:56 Overcoming Challenges and Building a Strong Team

30:56 Understanding Financial Basics

31:43 The Importance of Mentorship

32:24 Paying It Forward

33:23 Building Company Culture

38:29 Managing Employee Expectations

44:57 Balancing Payroll and Personal Time

55:22 Lightning Round and Closing Remarks

Guest's Website: http://www.esc-oh.com

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In this episode of the Black Bridge Mindset Podcast, hosts Mike, Ken, and CJ have a lively and inspiring discussion with Dr. Kwane Watson, founder and CEO of Kare Mobile, Inc. Dr. Watson shares his journey from a young entrepreneur to a pioneering dentist with a focus on mobile oral healthcare. They discuss the inception of Kare Mobile, the challenges faced, innovative solutions for underserved communities, and the importance of representation in the dental field. Tune in for gems on entrepreneurship, resilience, and breaking barriers in healthcare innovation.

Guest's Socials:

Website: https://karemobile.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kare.mobile/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karemobiledental

Also, check out Dr. Watson's current venture and opportunities in his latest video found here:

https://youtu.be/RIHaUKdZPRk?si=IqNESAM4XQGshcmY

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Hosts:

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• Ken