Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Attorney Ken Harris:

• Former NBA and NFL agent, attorney based in Charlotte, NC, and author of the novel Dark Trades.
• The novel explores an alternate history: What if the South had won the Civil War?

📚 Dark Trades – A Historical Fiction Novel

• Set in 2018 Baltimore, the book imagines a modern-day America where slavery still exists.
• Explores the resilience of the African-American community and the possibility of overcoming systemic oppression even in such a dystopian reality.
• Inspired by Harris’s advocacy work and mentorship under Magic Johnson.

💼 Financial Literacy & Athletes

• Harris discusses the financial pitfalls many professional athletes face.
• Emphasizes the need for:
  • Financial education
  • Qualified advisors (attorneys, accountants, conservative investment advisors)
  • Early planning, especially with the rise of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals for younger athletes.

• Praises their business acumen, humility, and attention to detail.
• Reveals Magic Johnson’s photographic memory and deep involvement in business operations (e.g., popcorn sales at his theaters, menu items at Starbucks).

🎧 Closing Thoughts

• The episode is a blend of historical reflection, financial advice, and personal stories from influential Black leaders.
• Rashawn McDonald encourages listeners to lead with their gifts and learn from the experiences shared.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Katrice Miller.

A nationally recognized labor relations expert and career coach. The conversation explores her journey from federal government service to corporate leadership, her insights on labor law, personal branding, and how individuals can navigate layoffs, negotiate salaries, and build resilient careers.

👩🏾‍💼 About Katrice Miller

• Labor Relations Counsel at Starbucks
• Former Director of HR Compliance at Microsoft
• Over 25 years of experience in labor relations across government and corporate sectors
• Founder of CorporateWinners.com, a career and business coaching platform
• Former federal employee with the U.S. Department of Labor

💡 Key Themes & Takeaways⚖️ Labor Relations vs. Human Resources

• Labor relations focuses on compliance with labor laws and maintaining fair employer-employee relationships
• HR is broader, covering benefits, PTO, and general employee support
• Emphasizes proactive compliance and consistency in workplace practices

📉 Layoffs & Downsizing

• Advocates for transparency and consistency during layoffs
• Encourages employers to treat employees with dignity and follow both legal and internal policies
• Advises employees to separate their identity from their job and focus on personal brand resilience

💼 Personal Branding & LinkedIn

• Personal brand should reflect your value, not just your job title
• LinkedIn is a powerful tool for visibility, networking, and showcasing skills
• Encourages employees to build their brand even if their current job doesn’t align with their long-term goals

💰 Salary Negotiation & Career Growth

• Keep a running file of accomplishments to support salary discussions
• Always counteroffer with research-based reasoning
• Negotiation is a conversation, not a confrontation

🎯 Coaching & Empowerment

• Offers affordable coaching programs launching July 1 via CorporateWinners.com
• Focuses on helping clients build sustainable careers, not just find jobs
• Provides templates, interview prep, and 24/7 support for job seekers

🧠 Mindset & Motivation

• Encourages clarity, confidence, courage, and calm during career transitions
• Advises against panic-driven job applications
• Promotes self-assessment and strategic pivots for those unhappy in their current roles

🌐 Vision for the Future

• Aims to scale her coaching impact through online programs
• Seeks to empower more professionals, especially those affected by layoffs, with tools for career resilience

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show, Monday, July 7th, 2025. Subject: "he Doesn't Cover All the Bases"

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.