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In this week’s BA Q&A Mandi answers a listener question that gets straight to the point: How do employers actually verify where we’ve worked and what information are they collecting about us behind the scenes. We dive into the world of work verification and big data, including platforms like WorkMarket, and unpack how employers confirm employment history, income, and background details in today’s digital-first hiring process.    In this episode, we cover: How employers verify past employment What WorkMarket is and how it fits into the hiring ecosystem The role of big data in background checks How to review, protect, and correct your employment data Because being financially informed also means being data-aware.   Stay Connected  - Email your questions: [email protected] Send a voice note or DM on IG: @brownambitionpodcast  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Brown Ambition, MandiMoney sits down with actor, content creator, and entrepreneur Kaisha Huguley (aka Kaisha Creates) for a real conversation about layoffs, self-belief, and choosing yourself—especially when the plan falls apart. Kaisha  opens up about being laid off from her 9–5, navigating seasonal depression, and the mindset shifts that helped her bet on herself and build multiple income streams. From acting and content creation to brand deals and financial planning with a partner, this episode is packed with honesty, strategy, and encouragement for anyone moving through an uncertain career season. Whether you’ve been laid off, are considering entrepreneurship, or just need a reminder that your worth isn’t tied to a job title this one’s for you.   What We Get Into 00:00 – Introduction & personal reflections 00:37 – Welcome to Brown Ambition 00:47 – Meet today’s guest: Kaisha Huguley 01:01 – Kisha’s journey & career coaching work 02:06 – A word for listeners navigating layoffs 03:13 – Celebrating Brown Ambition’s renewal 04:14 –Kaisha s layoff story 07:18 – Choosing full-time entrepreneurship 09:43 – Balancing acting & content creation 16:12 – Seasonal depression & career uncertainty 24:20 – Teaching, social media, and staying afloat 28:52 – Pitching yourself & securing brand deals 40:47 – Corporate burnout & workplace realities 42:03 – Choosing entrepreneurship every day 43:39 – Financial uncertainty & faith in the process 44:30 – Podcasting, debt payoff & money transparency 45:21 – Financial planning as a couple 55:31 – Managing money as an entrepreneur 57:17 – Retirement, investing & long-term planning 01:09:32 – Reflecting on the entrepreneurial journey 01:13:42 – Gratitude, community & paying it forward 01:16:30 – Final thoughts & wrap-up   Key Takeaways A layoff can be an ending and a beginning Self-belief is a muscle—you build it through action Multiple income streams don’t mean chaos when you plan intentionally Mental health and financial health go hand in hand Entrepreneurship is a daily choice, not a one-time leap Stay Connected  - Email your questions: [email protected] Send a voice note or DM on IG: @brownambitionpodcast  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mandi is back for a solo BA Q&A, answering a juicy listener question about balancing student loans, grad school, a possible home move, and a new car payment—all while chasing Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). She breaks down how PSLF *actually* works, why “qualifying payments” matter so much, and when it can make sense to pause extra payments and redirect cash toward savings and other priorities instead. What we dive into: - How PSLF really works and what counts as a qualifying payment.- Whether you should keep paying loans that are in in-school deferment.- How to prioritize between:  - Building a 3–6 month emergency fund.  - Saving for moving and homebuying costs.  - Paying down a high car note.- Why three months of savings may no longer be enough in today’s economy.- Practical next steps to confirm your PSLF status and get your paperwork right. Listener Question Highlight  Sydney, a 34‑year‑old nurse working toward PSLF, asks whether she should keep making a $500 monthly student loan payment while her loans are in deferment—or pause to focus on savings, a future move, and her car note. Links: Federal student aid and PSLF info: studentaid.gov Stay Connected  - Email your questions: [email protected] Send a voice note or DM on IG: @brownambitionpodcast  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi is joined by author, activist, and democracy defender Stacey Abrams for a powerful, timely, and deeply grounding conversation about where we are as a country and what we can actually do about it. Recorded during a moment of collective grief, fear, and exhaustion, this episode centers honesty over platitudes and action over despair. Stacey breaks down her 10 Steps Campaign, explains how authoritarianism takes root in real time, and offers a clear framework for resistance, resilience, and rebuilding without pretending this moment isn’t heavy. Together, Mandi and Stacey talk about protecting your peace without disengaging, finding joy as an act of resistance, navigating financial shame and career disruption, and why your power doesn’t disappear just because your platform changes. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, frozen, or unsure where to start this conversation is for you.   What We Get Into Why this moment feels heavier and why that feeling is by design Stacey Abrams’ 10 Steps to Autocracy and how to recognize them in real time The 10 Steps to Freedom & Power and how everyday people can activate them Why we can’t return to “how things were” and must demand something better How to talk to your kids about what’s happening without passing down fear What to do when you’re exhausted, caregiving, working, and barely holding it together Why joy is not escapism — it’s resistance Financial shame, job loss, and why debt is not a moral failure Stacey’s unsexy but life-changing money habits Building freedom funds, changing lanes, and investing in yourself and others Government shutdowns, budgets, and why “business as usual” no longer applies Why status is no longer safety and what collective action really looks like   Key Takeaways You don’t have to do everything — but you do have to do something Your position may change, but your power stays with you Nonviolent resistance is effective — and it’s not the same as being passive Financial setbacks don’t cancel your dreams; they may redirect them Democracy isn’t abstract — it’s about our ability to thrive   Resources Mentioned Stacey Abrams’ 10 Steps Campaign  Assembly Required podcast Level Up by Stacey Abrams Stacey Abrams’ children’s book series (Stacey Speaks Up) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, I'm revisitng my interview with the brilliant Jasmine Marie breathwork practitioner, founder of Black Girls Breathing, and author of Black Girls Breathing: Heal from Trauma, Combat Stress, and Find Your Freedom. From surviving the corporate grind to creating wellness spaces rooted in cultural relevance, Jasmine gets real about her journey into entrepreneurship, healing work, and what it truly takes to hold space for Black women’s mental and emotional wellbeing.   We talk about everything from the power of a deep breath and surviving burnout, to funding a business on your own terms and growing a team the *smart* way. Jasmine even leads us through a mini oceanic breath session at the end — don’t miss it We talk about:  - Jasmine’s transition from corporate beauty marketing to breathwork and mental wellness - Why most wellness spaces *don’t* center Black women's lived experiences — and what she's doing about it - Building a company without VC funding: how Jasmine bootstrapped and scaled BGB - The importance of listening to your body (and your breath) when trauma speaks - Balancing healing work with entrepreneurship and how not to burn out - Tools in Jasmine’s toolkit: EMDR therapy, acupuncture, daily walks, and more - Real talk on grief, generational trauma, and creating new blueprints for Black wellness   Join the Movement: Visit https://www.blackgirlsbreathing.com to learn more and access free mental health resources   - Follow Jasmine on IG @blackgirlsbreathing   - Subscribe to *Brown Ambition* and leave us a 5-star review if this episode gave you life! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Brown Ambition, host Mandi Woodruff-Santos dives into the pressing financial trends of 2026, focusing on inflation, interest rates, the job market, and student loans. Mandi emphasizes the importance of understanding these trends and how they impact personal finances, encouraging listeners to adopt manageable habits to protect their financial well-being. She highlights the significance of tracking spending, conducting inflation audits, and being proactive about budgeting to navigate the economic landscape effectively. Mandi also discusses the challenges posed by rising interest rates and the cooling job market, particularly due to AI-driven layoffs. She advocates for a 'career resilience hour' where listeners can research industry trends and network to enhance their job security. Additionally, she addresses the looming issue of student loan wage garnishment, urging listeners to stay informed about their loan status and take proactive steps to manage their debt. By the end of the episode, listeners are equipped with actionable strategies to take control of their finances amidst these economic challenges.   WHAT WE GET INTO  Introduction and Overview of 2026 Financial Goals  Understanding Inflation and Its Impact  Interest Rates: What to Expect in 2026 The Job Market and AI: Navigating Changes Student Loans: Preparing for Wage Garnishment Conclusion and Actionable Steps for Financial Control     KEY TAKEAWAYS "We want to get that money in what I love about the success of that episode is how simplistic a lot of what I discussed in that episode truly is." "You do control how you budget, how you save, how you prepare for your career and how you respond when the economy starts acting up." "Lifestyle creep is the biggest killer of wealth, okay?" "If you are lucky enough to see an increase in your income for 2026, look at how you are using those extra resources." "We have to bring it back to what those goals and that vision for ourselves in 2026 want and how can we actually feed those goals."   👉 Want more Brown Ambition? • Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, behind‑the‑scenes content and deeper dives into money, career and entrepreneurship: Join the BA Fam!  • Follow us on Instagram @brownambitionpodcast for daily money and career tips, episode updates, and community conversations.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Brown Ambition’s Friday BA QA, Mandi answers a listener question that hits right at the intersection of money, values, and activism. A listener asks: If we’re boycotting a company, should we also sell the stock? Using Target as a real-life example, Mandi breaks down what it really means to invest during a boycott, the difference between individual stocks and index funds, and why long-term investing often requires emotional discipline. She also dives into the ethics of investing, socially responsible portfolios, and how to decide when holding — or selling — is the right move for you. As always, this is not financial advice — but it is real talk about aligning your money with your values. 👉 Want more Brown Ambition? • Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, behind‑the‑scenes content and deeper dives into money, career and entrepreneurship: Join the BA Fam!  • Follow us on Instagram @brownambitionpodcast for daily money and career tips, episode updates, and community conversations.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi sits down with award-winning producer, filmmaker, and breakout actress Kiah Clingman for a powerful conversation about rejection, reinvention, and trusting the long game. From getting rejected by Howard’s theater program to becoming a Howard alum who quietly built a producing empire… from working a demanding corporate job at Deloitte to quitting two weeks after getting a mortgage… from not booking an acting role for four years to landing a nine-episode arc on Hulu’s Reasonable Doubt — Kiah’s story is a masterclass in resilience, patience, and betting on yourself even when the timeline doesn’t make sense. This episode is for anyone who’s ever wondered if they waited too long, started too late, or took the “wrong” path. Spoiler: you didn’t.   WHAT WE GET INTO Why Kiah almost didn’t submit the audition that changed her life The reality of going years without booking work as an actor How a hotel-room self tape (trash can + ring light included) landed her Reasonable Doubt Being rejected from Howard’s theater program — and why it turned out to be a blessing How Howard University and Delta Sigma Theta shaped her identity and confidence Working a high-pressure corporate job while producing films at night What it really means to be a producer (and why people misunderstand the role) Quitting Deloitte two weeks after buying a home — and the fear that followed Losing a series regular role after putting it all on the line   KEY TAKEAWAYS Rejection can be redirection — even when it hurts Your “pivot” isn’t failure, it’s strategy You don’t need constant wins to be on the right path Corporate skills can fund and strengthen creative dreams Seeds planted today may not bloom for years — and that’s okay Betting on yourself often feels reckless before it feels rewarding 👉 Want more Brown Ambition? • Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, behind‑the‑scenes content and deeper dives into money, career and entrepreneurship: Join the BA Fam!  • Follow us on Instagram @brownambitionpodcast for daily money and career tips, episode updates, and community conversations.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Brown Ambition, MandiMoney is back with a simple, shame‑free money reset for 2026: 3 wealthy habits you can actually stick with, even when life is lifing. Instead of overhauling your entire financial life by February, this episode walks you through small, repeatable moves that quietly build wealth in the background—whether you’re fighting inflation, juggling childcare, stuck in a “starter” home, or piecing together entrepreneurial income.  👉 Want more Brown Ambition? • Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, behind‑the‑scenes content and deeper dives into money, career and entrepreneurship: Join the BA Fam!  • Follow us on Instagram @brownambitionpodcast for daily money and career tips, episode updates, and community conversations.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's January and the pressure is on to go harder, save more, invest more, and transform your entire life by next year. But piling on intense goals doesn’t always lead to motivation — often it leads straight to anxiety, comparison, and money shame when life inevitably throws a curveball. In this episode, Mandi welcomes back listener‑favorite board‑certified therapist, speaker, writer, and financial therapist Aja Evans, author of Feel Good Finance. Aja helps us rethink how we set money and career goals so they actually fit our real lives — kids, cold weather, surprise plumbing bills and all — instead of sending us into a shame spiral when we “fall off.” You’ll hear Mandi and Aja talk about: • Why January might not be the best time for your most ambitious goals, especially if you’re in hibernation mode and running on low energy.  • How to get brutally honest about your time, energy, and responsibilities so your goals reflect the life you actually have, not the one Instagram says you should have.  • The mindset shift from “I’m starting back at zero” to “I handled that emergency and I’m still on my path,” even when a surprise $1,000 home repair blows up your plans.  • How “under‑promise and over‑deliver” with your money goals can quiet that inner “shitty committee” and help you feel proud of your progress instead of chronically behind.  • Simple reminders from Aja — “be realistic and be nice” — and why it really isn’t that serious if your timeline moves from March to July. If you’ve ever looked at your accounts and thought, “I should be further along by now,” or felt like one unexpected bill erased all your progress, this conversation will help you reset your goals with more compassion, more honesty, and way less shame. Stay tuned at the end of the episode for Mandi’s note about how to send in your juiciest money and career questions for upcoming BA Q&A Fridays in 2026. -- Get listener perks and bonus content on our Patreon! Join the BA Fam here: https://www.patreon.com/c/brownambition/ Follow us on IG @brownambitionpodcast Follow Aja on IG @ajaetherapy See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy New Year, BA Fam! In our most popular episode of 2025, Mandi was joined by two of our faves in the finance space: Chris Browning of “Popcorn Finance” and Berna Anat, author of the amazing book “Money Out Loud”. If you’re looking to level up your money game and feel good doing it, this episode’s for you. We get into: - The highs and lows of aggressively saving money   - Gen Z’s "we’re gonna have fun & save money" energy   -Your financial strategy in the age of Tr*mp Tariffs -Are solopreneurs heading back to Corporate America? We also chat about what’s going on in the world—from economic uncertainty and tariffs to the importance of staying informed without losing your peace. And when it comes to career shifts, Berna talks about her transition from full-time solopreneurship back to the 9-5 life…and how she’s doing it on her own terms.  --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS --------- (0:04:49) - Financial Reflections and Regrets (0:18:29) - Realigning Values and Money Habits (0:26:21) - Navigating Economic Uncertainty and Tariffs (0:34:07) - Community Building Through Thrift and Bartering (0:45:56) - Investing Strategies and Debt Management (0:48:58) - Transitioning to Stable Employment (0:56:04) - Exploring Oakland's Black and Brown Community (1:04:37) - Lizzo's Journey to Self-Love (1:10:05) - Navigating Cancel Culture and Redemption -- This episode is all about giving yourself grace, finding balance, and building the life you want—with your finances in check and your spirit intact. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s time for another BA Q&A, where we answer your money and career questions straight from the inbox! This week, we're rewinding to a couple of our favorite questions from this year.💫 “How do I set and stick to financial goals?” — Listen up, Unicorn! We’re breaking down how to get clear on your money priorities, stay consistent when life gets messy, and finally start hitting those goals that keep slipping off your list.💼 “Help me find a financial planner!” — Solange, we got you! We’ll walk you through what to look for in a planner, the questions to ask before you hire one, and how to find your money match—someone who actually gets your goals and your budget.Whether you’re just getting started or ready to level up your finances, this episode is packed with practical tips and real talk to keep your ambition (and your money) growing strong. Don’t forget to: • Share your favorite BA episodes • Follow us @BrownAmbitionPodcast on IG • Send your questions to [email protected]   Until next time, keep stacking that paper and living your best life! 💅🏾 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thinking about switching careers but not sure where to start? In this episode, Mandi Money breaks down what it really takes to make a successful career pivot in 2026 — without burning yourself out or making impulsive moves. We talk about why self-care and self-trust are non-negotiable during career transitions, how to investigate new paths without rushing the process, and the mindset shifts required to move with confidence. Mandi also walks us through a five-step framework for career pivots, helping you identify what’s holding you back, explore different types of pivots, and own your story as you move forward. Whether you’re feeling stuck, curious, or ready for something more, this conversation will help you move strategically toward a career that actually aligns with your goals. WHAT WE GET INTO -Why 2026 is shaping up to be a major year for career change -The role of self-care and self-trust in navigating career pivots -How to identify your personal career blockers and work through them -The three types of career pivots: quit pivots, micro pivots, and bridge pivots -Why you don’t have to quit your job to pivot successfully -How to own your narrative and build confidence during transitions LINKS  Ready to start your own pivot? Access the free guide mentioned in the episode here:https://mandimoney.myflodesk.com/pivot Join the Brown Ambition YouTube Community: Search Brown Ambition Podcast on YouTube Connect with guest mentor Amina Altai: Look up The Ambition Trap Follow Mandi Money on IG & TikTok for more career and money guidance Leave a review on Apple Podcasts — your feedback helps BA grow!   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's up BA Fam! Mandi's back with a new BA QA, taking listener Tina's question about managing credit card debt, specifically focusing on balance transfers. She explains the benefits and risks associated with transferring balances to 0% interest cards, the importance of comparing offers, and the potential pitfalls of deferred interest. Mandi emphasizes the need for a strategic approach to debt management, encouraging listeners to take charge of their finances while also being mindful of their mental health during challenging financial times. As always, these QA episodes are meant for edutainment purposes and are not a replacement for personalized financial advice.  Have a question for the show? Email Mandi at [email protected] or DM her on IG @brownambitionpodcast.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week’s solo episode, Mandi Money invites the BA Fam into a deeply personal, deeply revealing moment of reflection. After attending an intimate one-day mastermind retreat hosted by friend of the show Amina Altai, Mandi found herself sitting with something she rarely lets linger: discomfort. What started as a simple business check-in turned into a powerful lesson on alignment, limiting beliefs, burnout, and trusting your gut—even when it feels like your whole body is screaming, “Girl, run!” From sharing vulnerably about juggling three major projects (the podcast, coaching, and her book), to getting an unexpected wake-up call during her very first Akashic Records reading, this episode is full of emotional clarity, honesty, and a reminder that sometimes the thing we’ve been treating like a side dish is actually the main meal. Plus: Mandi breaks down the viral “3-hour drive” TikTok saga, celebrates Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s genius campaign ad, and calls out the infuriating news about national parks removing free-entry days for Juneteenth & MLK Day. 🧡 LINKS  Join the Brown Ambition YouTube Community: Search Brown Ambition Podcast on YouTube Connect with guest mentor Amina Altai: Look up The Ambition Trap Follow Mandi Money on IG & TikTok for more career and money guidance Leave a review on Apple Podcasts — your feedback helps BA grow! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.