Brown Ambition

Hey BA Fam! This week I’m coming to you from Cleveland, where I’m soaking up all the love (and ALL the nostalgia) at the National Association of Black Journalists Convention. It’s been a full-circle moment walking back into this space, not as a reporter for a big outlet, but as Mandi Woodruff-Santos, aka Mandi Money, host of Brown Ambition! We’re talking about: Why it’s okay to come back to spaces you’ve outgrown—just show up as your new self. How journalism and content marketing are more connected than you think. Setting BIG end-of-year money goals (even while paying down debt). My real talk convo with  Alexa Claire from The Financial Diet about saving goals for the life you want. And yes—we’re also going there. I’m opening up about why I’ve been so vocal about Gaza and Sudan, how I navigate the fear of backlash, and why I believe using your voice for what matters is worth the risk. It gets emotional, BA Fam, but y’all know I’m here to keep it 100. Links & Resources to learn more about the wars in Gaza and Sudan: Sudan @sudan.updates @srcs.sd @ifrc Gaza @thepcrf @savethechildren Boycott lists & resources – [https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/ethicalcampaigns/boycotts] Find/Contact your elected officials – [https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials] Let’s Connect:IG: @brownambitionpodcast | @mandimoneyEmail: brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com We launched a Patreon! 🎉🎥 Get early access to ad-free video recordings, join our BA book club, and even score a seat live in the studio during tapings. 👉 patreon.com/brownambitionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this heartwarming and hilarious episode of Brown Ambition, Mandi is joined by Alexa Claire and first-time guest Mia Brabham Nolan for a vibrant conversation full of career advice, pop culture takes, and real talk on entrepreneurship and Black excellence. The three dive into everything from half-birthdays and pop culture dry spells to the real challenges facing today’s job market. They celebrate Black-owned businesses like The Lip Bar, Black Girl Sunscreen, and Cloudy Donut Co. and unpack what happens when Black brands get bought out.   Plus, they get candid about: The emotional toll of job hunting in a tough market Why side hustles deserve more respect How to market yourself and keep creating even when you’re unemployed And yes… some Love Island fanfic might be involved 👀 If you're looking for a mix of professional gems, cultural commentary, and friendship goals—this episode’s for you.   💼 Resources & Mentions: Mandi’s Career Coaching Program Mia’s Substack: In Deep Alexa’s site: Moments with Alexa Claire   💌 Connect with the Hosts: Mandi Woodruff-Santos | @mandimoney Mia Brabham Nolan | @yourstrulymia Alexa Claire | @momentswac We launched a Patreon! 🎉🎥 Get early access to ad-free video recordings, join our BA book club, and even score a seat live in the studio during tapings. 👉 patreon.com/brownambitionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey BA Fam! On today's Washday Woosah, we’re sitting down with two amazing, talented, and intelligent women: author of How to Find True Love: Unlock your Romantic Flow and Create Lasting Relationships, relationship coach, podcast host, TED speaker, and certified matchmaker Francesca Hogi, and relationship coach, host of Netflix's Sneaky Links, and founder of The Spicy Life, Spicy Mari! We dive deep into all things love, connection, and personal growth, from how to be vulnerable in relationships, to how to balance a demanding career and a romantic partnership without losing yourself in the process. 💼❤️ They also share powerful insights on: How to stay true to yourself while building a healthy relationship How to recognize what you truly want versus what society tells you to want The importance of self-awareness when dating And how to know when someone is really meant for you This convo is filled with gems that’ll help you navigate your love life with more clarity, confidence, and intention. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to feel seen. 💫 Follow Francesca Hogi!📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearfranny/?hl=en 💼 LinkedIn: //www.linkedin.com/in/dearfranny/ 🌐 Website: https://www.francescahogi.com/  Follow Spicy Mari!📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spicymari?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw%3D%3D💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spicymari/🌐 The Spicy Life: https://www.thespicylife.com/ We launched a Patreon! 🎉🎥 Get early access to ad-free video recordings, join our BA book club, and even score a seat live in the studio during tapings. 👉 patreon.com/brownambitionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey BA Fam! Mandi is flying solo this week, and whew—she came with heart, and hard truths. She’s breaking down what’s really going on in today’s job market beyond the headlines, and what she’s learning from working 1:1 with high-achieving women who are stuck in the “I have the résumé, but why can’t I get the offer?” cycle. Spoiler: It’s not your résumé. It’s your network. In this episode: Why her new 12-session VIP coaching model is shifting lives (and not just for her clients) Why LinkedIn visibility still matters (yes, even if you hate it) The power of internal referrals and how she leverages her own network to open doors What career growth has to do with gardening (yes, really—succession planting is the metaphor you didn’t know you needed) Why women in senior roles still need to sow new seeds and push past discomfort to make new career connections How to approach networking without being the “take-take-take” person PLUS:Mandi’s take on the U.S. fertility panic, RFK’s eugenics-adjacent policy ideas, the “Donate to Pay the National Debt” nonsense (yes, that’s real), and why even Fluffy and Fido are feeling the effects of inflation. 📚 And shoutout to the BA Book Club! She shares highlights from the first-ever live author chat with Cebo Campbell and gives us the scoop on our next read: The Ghost of Gwendolyn Montgomery by Clarence Haynes. TAKEAWAY CHALLENGE:What did you do this week to form a new connection in your career? Mandi’s got marching orders, BA fam — it’s time to stop relying on the old network and plant something new. We launched a Patreon! 🎉🎥 Get early access to ad-free video recordings, join our BA book club, and even score a seat live in the studio during tapings. 👉 patreon.com/brownambitionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey BA fam!  For this Washday Woosah episode, we are welcomed by CEO Coach, keynote speak, and author of “YOU'RE THE BOSS: Become the Manager You Want to Be (and Others Need)”, Sabina Nawaz! During this episode, Sabina discusses being able to understand the complex connection between power and pressure as a workplace manager, and how to turn the hidden pressures you face, into astounding results created by hardworking and communicating! During this interview, you will Discover the leadership secrets of the world’s most successful managers and an important set of tools for managing yourself, others, and being able to navigate working relationships. Follow Sabina Nawaz! Website: https://sabinanawaz.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sabinacoaching/?hl=en Have a Question for the show?Email us at brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com or DM us @brownambitionpodcast! We launched a Patreon! 🎉🎥 Get early access to ad-free video recordings, join our BA book club, and even score a seat live in the studio during tapings. 👉 patreon.com/brownambition  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BA Fam, send us your financial, career and everything-in-between questions! Submit via email at brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com or DM us @brownambitionpodcast on IG.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re back, BA Fam! After surviving a morning of tech chaos (and some truly humbling camera angles), your favorite financial BFFs are back at the brown table— and we’ve got a lot to say. Mandi shares how motherhood keeps her grounded (and off the doomscroll), and Yanely drops gems on supporting immigrant parents while building wealth. Plus, we get into that National Urban League report on the state of Black America (spoiler: it’s giving dumpster fire), break down the dangers of digital misinformation, and talk about the future of DEI.   In This Episode: Mandi talks about parenting through anxiety and the power of staying present We dissect the State of Black America report (yes, literally a flaming trash can was involved) Why same-day voter registration and digital literacy matter Yanely shares how her family went from cash-only to investment-ready   🔗 Stuff We Mentioned 📄 National Urban League’s State of Black America Report 🧠 Grumpy Monkey — kids' book that hits a little too close to home 📚 Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall 💰 High-yield savings accounts — why they matter more than ever 📺 A Different World is streaming — do with that info what you will   We launched a Patreon! 🎉🎥 Get early access to ad-free video recordings, join our BA book club, and even score a seat live in the studio during tapings. 👉 patreon.com/brownambitionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week’s BA Q&A, Mandi is joined by powerhouse author, filmmaker, and workplace equity consultant Minda Harts to talk about how we build trust, advocate for ourselves, and demand more from the spaces we show up in—especially as women of color. Minda opens up about her latest book, Talk to Me Nice: The Seven Trust Languages for a Better Workplace, and why understanding how we give and receive trust is essential—not just at work, but in every area of life. If you’ve ever struggled with speaking up, setting boundaries, or navigating relationships in high-stakes environments, this conversation is for you. Highlights!: Why trust (not talent), is the real currency of leadership How to communicate your value and protect your peace  What inspired Minda's seven trust languages  The connection between storytelling and equity in film and media 💌 Got a question for the show?Email us at brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com or DM us on IG @brownambitionpodcast 🎉 Join our Patreon!Get ad-free video episodes, early access, exclusive book club invites, and a chance to sit in live during tapings:👉 patreon.com/brownambitionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's BA Q&A, Mandi is joined by friend of the show Naseema McElroy of Financially Intentional to answer a question from Serena, a 28-year-old multi-passionate entrepreneur torn between beauty and holistic health. Naseema drops gems on the power of niching down, embracing your unique story, and positioning yourself as a Key Person of Influence. If you’re feeling stuck between passions and need clarity on how to turn your ideas into a purposeful business, this episode is for you. 🔑 Highlights: Why failing fast is essential to the entrepreneurial journey How to build your business by owning your story and defining your niche 📚 Book rec: Key Person of Influence by Daniel Priestley (as recommended by Naseema) 💌 Got a question for the show?Email us at brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com or DM us on IG @brownambitionpodcast 🎉 Join our Patreon!Get ad-free video episodes, early access, exclusive book club invites, and a chance to sit in live during tapings:👉 patreon.com/brownambitionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Mandi is joined at the Brown Table by friend of the show, nurse and financial educator Naseema McElroy of Financially Intentional. The two get real about motherhood, love, career breaks, and all the chaos in between—from co-parenting struggles to Beyoncé ticket drama. Naseema shares an update on her mini retirement and an upcoming mommy-daughter retreat in Colombia, while Mandi recounts her wild Atlanta trip, complete with StubHub headaches and a soul-stirring church visit. It’s a fun, heartfelt convo about choosing rest, redefining success, and making room for what really matters. 💌 Have a question? Send it in to: brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com or slide into our DMs @brownambitionpodcast on IG. We launched a Patreon! 🎉🎥 Get early access to ad-free video recordings, join our BA book club, and even score a seat live in the studio during tapings. 👉 patreon.com/brownambition Looking to apply for Mandi's VIP 1-on-1 Job Coaching program? Here's the link > See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.