Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

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

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To highlight Keanna Sanders’ entrepreneurial journey from fashion merchandising to founding Sandbridge Early Learning Center, a network of childcare facilities in Maryland. The interview explores her motivations, challenges, and vision for empowering families and communities through early childhood education.

🧭 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Early Inspiration & Passion for Children

• Keanna’s love for children began at age 13, helping her grandmother care for infants and toddlers.
• Quote:

“I was always around children… babysitting cousins, neighbors, and helping my grandmother with single moms’ kids.”

2. Education & Certifications

• Studied Fashion Merchandising at University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Fashion Institute of Technology.
• Earned childcare certifications (e.g., 45-hour and 90-hour credentials) to qualify as a teacher in Maryland.
• Quote:

“I went and got my certifications in childcare so I could make a little extra money.”

3. Entrepreneurial Drive

• Keanna always knew she wanted to be her own boss, even before understanding what entrepreneurship meant.
• Quote:

“I didn’t want to work a 9 to 5. I wanted to travel and make my own schedule.”

4. Serial Entrepreneurship

• Owned a car dealership called Trendy Motors before launching Sandbridge.
• Used profits from car sales and a bank loan to fund her childcare business.
• Quote:

“I sold my first car and said, ‘I’m going to start a car business.’ That success helped me launch Sandbridge.”

5. Founding Sandbridge Early Learning Center

• The name “Sandbridge” combines her last name (Sanders) with the concept of “bridging the gap” between parents and children.
• Quote:

“Sandbridge means bridging the gap between parents and kids.”

6. Curriculum & Learning Philosophy

• Uses Frog Street Curriculum for infants to age 5.
• Employs certified public school teachers through grants to prepare children for elementary school.
• Quote:

“We want children to be ready for school. We teach through themes, tummy time, reading, and physical activities.”

7. Family Engagement & Community Impact

• Hosts family nights, festivals, and educational field trips.
• Offers financial support, discounts, and free meals to families in need.
• Quote:

“We go above and beyond… sometimes I waive fees or help with scholarship applications.”

8. Franchise Vision & Branding

• Plans to franchise Sandbridge nationally with consistent branding across locations.
• Quote:

“I want every Sandbridge to look the same—like Chick-fil-A or Walgreens.”

9. Overcoming Bias & Embracing Identity

• Initially hid her ownership due to fear of bias but later embraced her identity and impact.
• Quote:

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

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

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To highlight Keanna Sanders’ entrepreneurial journey from fashion merchandising to founding Sandbridge Early Learning Center, a network of childcare facilities in Maryland. The interview explores her motivations, challenges, and vision for empowering families and communities through early childhood education.

🧭 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Early Inspiration & Passion for Children

• Keanna’s love for children began at age 13, helping her grandmother care for infants and toddlers.
• Quote:

“I was always around children… babysitting cousins, neighbors, and helping my grandmother with single moms’ kids.”

2. Education & Certifications

• Studied Fashion Merchandising at University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Fashion Institute of Technology.
• Earned childcare certifications (e.g., 45-hour and 90-hour credentials) to qualify as a teacher in Maryland.
• Quote:

“I went and got my certifications in childcare so I could make a little extra money.”

3. Entrepreneurial Drive

• Keanna always knew she wanted to be her own boss, even before understanding what entrepreneurship meant.
• Quote:

“I didn’t want to work a 9 to 5. I wanted to travel and make my own schedule.”

4. Serial Entrepreneurship

• Owned a car dealership called Trendy Motors before launching Sandbridge.
• Used profits from car sales and a bank loan to fund her childcare business.
• Quote:

“I sold my first car and said, ‘I’m going to start a car business.’ That success helped me launch Sandbridge.”

5. Founding Sandbridge Early Learning Center

• The name “Sandbridge” combines her last name (Sanders) with the concept of “bridging the gap” between parents and children.
• Quote:

“Sandbridge means bridging the gap between parents and kids.”

6. Curriculum & Learning Philosophy

• Uses Frog Street Curriculum for infants to age 5.
• Employs certified public school teachers through grants to prepare children for elementary school.
• Quote:

“We want children to be ready for school. We teach through themes, tummy time, reading, and physical activities.”

7. Family Engagement & Community Impact

• Hosts family nights, festivals, and educational field trips.
• Offers financial support, discounts, and free meals to families in need.
• Quote:

“We go above and beyond… sometimes I waive fees or help with scholarship applications.”

8. Franchise Vision & Branding

• Plans to franchise Sandbridge nationally with consistent branding across locations.
• Quote:

“I want every Sandbridge to look the same—like Chick-fil-A or Walgreens.”

9. Overcoming Bias & Embracing Identity

• Initially hid her ownership due to fear of bias but later embraced her identity and impact.
• Quote:

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

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

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To highlight Keanna Sanders’ entrepreneurial journey from fashion merchandising to founding Sandbridge Early Learning Center, a network of childcare facilities in Maryland. The interview explores her motivations, challenges, and vision for empowering families and communities through early childhood education.

🧭 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Early Inspiration & Passion for Children

• Keanna’s love for children began at age 13, helping her grandmother care for infants and toddlers.
• Quote:

“I was always around children… babysitting cousins, neighbors, and helping my grandmother with single moms’ kids.”

2. Education & Certifications

• Studied Fashion Merchandising at University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Fashion Institute of Technology.
• Earned childcare certifications (e.g., 45-hour and 90-hour credentials) to qualify as a teacher in Maryland.
• Quote:

“I went and got my certifications in childcare so I could make a little extra money.”

3. Entrepreneurial Drive

• Keanna always knew she wanted to be her own boss, even before understanding what entrepreneurship meant.
• Quote:

“I didn’t want to work a 9 to 5. I wanted to travel and make my own schedule.”

4. Serial Entrepreneurship

• Owned a car dealership called Trendy Motors before launching Sandbridge.
• Used profits from car sales and a bank loan to fund her childcare business.
• Quote:

“I sold my first car and said, ‘I’m going to start a car business.’ That success helped me launch Sandbridge.”

5. Founding Sandbridge Early Learning Center

• The name “Sandbridge” combines her last name (Sanders) with the concept of “bridging the gap” between parents and children.
• Quote:

“Sandbridge means bridging the gap between parents and kids.”

6. Curriculum & Learning Philosophy

• Uses Frog Street Curriculum for infants to age 5.
• Employs certified public school teachers through grants to prepare children for elementary school.
• Quote:

“We want children to be ready for school. We teach through themes, tummy time, reading, and physical activities.”

7. Family Engagement & Community Impact

• Hosts family nights, festivals, and educational field trips.
• Offers financial support, discounts, and free meals to families in need.
• Quote:

“We go above and beyond… sometimes I waive fees or help with scholarship applications.”

8. Franchise Vision & Branding

• Plans to franchise Sandbridge nationally with consistent branding across locations.
• Quote:

“I want every Sandbridge to look the same—like Chick-fil-A or Walgreens.”

9. Overcoming Bias & Embracing Identity

• Initially hid her ownership due to fear of bias but later embraced her identity and impact.
• Quote:

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

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

Founder of Women in Media Global and AOI Events & PR (Affairs of Influence). The conversation explores her journey from Spelman College graduate to entrepreneur, public relations strategist, event producer, and advocate for women in media.

Jeter shares lessons on branding, strategic communications, brand activations, niche marketing, entrepreneurship, and the importance of creating platforms that empower others. She also discusses how she built businesses that have impacted thousands of women and professionals worldwide.

Purpose of the Interview

The interview was designed to:

• Highlight Danielle Jeter's entrepreneurial journey from HBCU graduate to business leader.
• Educate entrepreneurs about branding, marketing, PR, and brand activations.
• Explain the importance of strategic communication in a crowded media landscape.
• Share practical advice for startups and small business owners.
• Discuss the mission and impact of Women in Media Global.
• Inspire listeners to create businesses and initiatives that solve real-world problems.

Key Takeaways 1. HBCUs Create Leaders and Innovators

Jeter credits Spelman College with shaping her leadership skills, confidence, and professional ambition. She described the institution's commitment to educating Black women and fostering a culture of excellence, sisterhood, and achievement.

Lesson: Educational environments that challenge and support students can have lifelong impacts on career success.

2. Entrepreneurship Requires Adaptability

Jeter's company originally operated under the name Affairs of Isis Events. As public perception of the word "ISIS" changed due to global events, she faced increasing resistance from clients and audiences. Rather than allowing the issue to hinder growth, she successfully rebranded the company as Affairs of Influence (AOI Events & PR).

Lesson: Successful entrepreneurs adapt when market conditions or public perceptions change.

3. Strategic Communication Is About Understanding Your Audience

Jeter explained that effective communication begins with understanding what matters to consumers and delivering messages in ways that capture attention.

She emphasized that businesses are no longer competing only against other brands.

Lesson: Today's competition is for consumer attention.

4. Your Brand Is Your Reputation

One of the strongest points in the conversation was Jeter's definition of branding.

She explained that a brand is not a logo, color palette, website, or marketing material.

Lesson: A brand is the reputation people associate with your business when you're not in the room.

5. Brand Activations Create Emotional Connections

Jeter described brand activations as opportunities to create meaningful interactions between businesses and customers through events, experiences, partnerships, and community engagement.

Successful activations allow consumers to connect emotionally with a brand.

Lesson: People remember experiences more than advertisements.

6. Partnerships Accelerate Business Growth

Early in her career, Jeter partnered with local elected officials, community leaders, and organizations to expand her visibility and credibility.

These strategic partnerships helped her introduce her brand to larger audiences while building trust.

Lesson: Borrowing credibility through trusted partnerships can accelerate business growth.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

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

Founder of Women in Media Global and AOI Events & PR (Affairs of Influence). The conversation explores her journey from Spelman College graduate to entrepreneur, public relations strategist, event producer, and advocate for women in media.

Jeter shares lessons on branding, strategic communications, brand activations, niche marketing, entrepreneurship, and the importance of creating platforms that empower others. She also discusses how she built businesses that have impacted thousands of women and professionals worldwide.

Purpose of the Interview

The interview was designed to:

• Highlight Danielle Jeter's entrepreneurial journey from HBCU graduate to business leader.
• Educate entrepreneurs about branding, marketing, PR, and brand activations.
• Explain the importance of strategic communication in a crowded media landscape.
• Share practical advice for startups and small business owners.
• Discuss the mission and impact of Women in Media Global.
• Inspire listeners to create businesses and initiatives that solve real-world problems.

Key Takeaways 1. HBCUs Create Leaders and Innovators

Jeter credits Spelman College with shaping her leadership skills, confidence, and professional ambition. She described the institution's commitment to educating Black women and fostering a culture of excellence, sisterhood, and achievement.

Lesson: Educational environments that challenge and support students can have lifelong impacts on career success.

2. Entrepreneurship Requires Adaptability

Jeter's company originally operated under the name Affairs of Isis Events. As public perception of the word "ISIS" changed due to global events, she faced increasing resistance from clients and audiences. Rather than allowing the issue to hinder growth, she successfully rebranded the company as Affairs of Influence (AOI Events & PR).

Lesson: Successful entrepreneurs adapt when market conditions or public perceptions change.

3. Strategic Communication Is About Understanding Your Audience

Jeter explained that effective communication begins with understanding what matters to consumers and delivering messages in ways that capture attention.

She emphasized that businesses are no longer competing only against other brands.

Lesson: Today's competition is for consumer attention.

4. Your Brand Is Your Reputation

One of the strongest points in the conversation was Jeter's definition of branding.

She explained that a brand is not a logo, color palette, website, or marketing material.

Lesson: A brand is the reputation people associate with your business when you're not in the room.

5. Brand Activations Create Emotional Connections

Jeter described brand activations as opportunities to create meaningful interactions between businesses and customers through events, experiences, partnerships, and community engagement.

Successful activations allow consumers to connect emotionally with a brand.

Lesson: People remember experiences more than advertisements.

6. Partnerships Accelerate Business Growth

Early in her career, Jeter partnered with local elected officials, community leaders, and organizations to expand her visibility and credibility.

These strategic partnerships helped her introduce her brand to larger audiences while building trust.

Lesson: Borrowing credibility through trusted partnerships can accelerate business growth.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

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

Founder of Women in Media Global and AOI Events & PR (Affairs of Influence). The conversation explores her journey from Spelman College graduate to entrepreneur, public relations strategist, event producer, and advocate for women in media.

Jeter shares lessons on branding, strategic communications, brand activations, niche marketing, entrepreneurship, and the importance of creating platforms that empower others. She also discusses how she built businesses that have impacted thousands of women and professionals worldwide.

Purpose of the Interview

The interview was designed to:

• Highlight Danielle Jeter's entrepreneurial journey from HBCU graduate to business leader.
• Educate entrepreneurs about branding, marketing, PR, and brand activations.
• Explain the importance of strategic communication in a crowded media landscape.
• Share practical advice for startups and small business owners.
• Discuss the mission and impact of Women in Media Global.
• Inspire listeners to create businesses and initiatives that solve real-world problems.

Key Takeaways 1. HBCUs Create Leaders and Innovators

Jeter credits Spelman College with shaping her leadership skills, confidence, and professional ambition. She described the institution's commitment to educating Black women and fostering a culture of excellence, sisterhood, and achievement.

Lesson: Educational environments that challenge and support students can have lifelong impacts on career success.

2. Entrepreneurship Requires Adaptability

Jeter's company originally operated under the name Affairs of Isis Events. As public perception of the word "ISIS" changed due to global events, she faced increasing resistance from clients and audiences. Rather than allowing the issue to hinder growth, she successfully rebranded the company as Affairs of Influence (AOI Events & PR).

Lesson: Successful entrepreneurs adapt when market conditions or public perceptions change.

3. Strategic Communication Is About Understanding Your Audience

Jeter explained that effective communication begins with understanding what matters to consumers and delivering messages in ways that capture attention.

She emphasized that businesses are no longer competing only against other brands.

Lesson: Today's competition is for consumer attention.

4. Your Brand Is Your Reputation

One of the strongest points in the conversation was Jeter's definition of branding.

She explained that a brand is not a logo, color palette, website, or marketing material.

Lesson: A brand is the reputation people associate with your business when you're not in the room.

5. Brand Activations Create Emotional Connections

Jeter described brand activations as opportunities to create meaningful interactions between businesses and customers through events, experiences, partnerships, and community engagement.

Successful activations allow consumers to connect emotionally with a brand.

Lesson: People remember experiences more than advertisements.

6. Partnerships Accelerate Business Growth

Early in her career, Jeter partnered with local elected officials, community leaders, and organizations to expand her visibility and credibility.

These strategic partnerships helped her introduce her brand to larger audiences while building trust.

Lesson: Borrowing credibility through trusted partnerships can accelerate business growth.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

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

📝 Summary of the Interview

Courtney Glaudé, an award-winning filmmaker, writer, and director from Houston, Texas, joined Rushion McDonald to discuss his creative journey, his role in Tyler Perry’s production universe, and his passion for storytelling. Glaudé is the writer, director, and producer for Season 4 of Zatima on BET+, and he holds an overall deal with Tyler Perry Studios, a rare and powerful endorsement of his talent. The conversation explored his roots, creative process, mentorship under Tyler Perry, and his commitment to emotionally gripping narratives that tackle complex social issues.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Tyler Perry’s Mentorship & Overall Deal

• Glaudé was entrusted with writing, directing, and producing Season 4 of Zatima.
• Tyler Perry gave him full creative control, saying: “You like Zatima? It’s yours.”
• The overall deal means Perry funds Glaudé’s projects and helps pitch them to major streaming platforms.

2. Creative Process & Directing Style

• Glaudé writes with the shot in mind, visualizing scenes as he scripts.
• He adapts creatively when budget or location constraints arise.
• His style is thriller-driven, even when tackling emotional or social themes like dementia.

3. Zatima Season 4

• The show centers on Zach and Fatima’s relationship, exploring real-life romantic challenges.
• Glaudé brings a new emotional depth and rollercoaster storytelling to the series.
• He collaborates closely with the cast, who help maintain character authenticity.

4. Houston Roots & Hustle Mentality

• Raised in Fifth Ward, Houston, with Louisiana family roots.
• Self-taught filmmaker: learned through books, Google, and observing professionals.
• Hustle and persistence were key: “If someone told me no, I figured out how to do it myself.”

5. Breakthrough with Monique

• His indie thriller The Reading, starring Monique, became the #1 film on BET+.
• This success led to his introduction to Tyler Perry and the overall deal.

6. Legacy & Motivation

• Glaudé is driven by creating a legacy for his daughter.
• He wants to build a self-sustaining empire she can inherit.
• “I don’t feel like I work. I’m creating stories from my head.”

7. Social Impact Storytelling

• Tackles topics like mental health, trauma, and dementia through compelling narratives.
• Upcoming feature film Old Gray Mare explores dementia in a thriller format.

8. Tyler Perry Studios Experience

• Described as a “Disneyland for creators” with 12 sound stages and versatile sets.
• Efficient production model with on-site housing, catering, and rapid turnaround.
• Studios are rented by major productions like Black Panther and Coming to America.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “Just because God told it to me doesn’t mean He told it to everybody else.”
• “If you believe it, I’m not dreaming big enough.”
• “Tyler Perry Studios is like boot camp for creators.”

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

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

📝 Summary of the Interview

Courtney Glaudé, an award-winning filmmaker, writer, and director from Houston, Texas, joined Rushion McDonald to discuss his creative journey, his role in Tyler Perry’s production universe, and his passion for storytelling. Glaudé is the writer, director, and producer for Season 4 of Zatima on BET+, and he holds an overall deal with Tyler Perry Studios, a rare and powerful endorsement of his talent. The conversation explored his roots, creative process, mentorship under Tyler Perry, and his commitment to emotionally gripping narratives that tackle complex social issues.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Tyler Perry’s Mentorship & Overall Deal

• Glaudé was entrusted with writing, directing, and producing Season 4 of Zatima.
• Tyler Perry gave him full creative control, saying: “You like Zatima? It’s yours.”
• The overall deal means Perry funds Glaudé’s projects and helps pitch them to major streaming platforms.

2. Creative Process & Directing Style

• Glaudé writes with the shot in mind, visualizing scenes as he scripts.
• He adapts creatively when budget or location constraints arise.
• His style is thriller-driven, even when tackling emotional or social themes like dementia.

3. Zatima Season 4

• The show centers on Zach and Fatima’s relationship, exploring real-life romantic challenges.
• Glaudé brings a new emotional depth and rollercoaster storytelling to the series.
• He collaborates closely with the cast, who help maintain character authenticity.

4. Houston Roots & Hustle Mentality

• Raised in Fifth Ward, Houston, with Louisiana family roots.
• Self-taught filmmaker: learned through books, Google, and observing professionals.
• Hustle and persistence were key: “If someone told me no, I figured out how to do it myself.”

5. Breakthrough with Monique

• His indie thriller The Reading, starring Monique, became the #1 film on BET+.
• This success led to his introduction to Tyler Perry and the overall deal.

6. Legacy & Motivation

• Glaudé is driven by creating a legacy for his daughter.
• He wants to build a self-sustaining empire she can inherit.
• “I don’t feel like I work. I’m creating stories from my head.”

7. Social Impact Storytelling

• Tackles topics like mental health, trauma, and dementia through compelling narratives.
• Upcoming feature film Old Gray Mare explores dementia in a thriller format.

8. Tyler Perry Studios Experience

• Described as a “Disneyland for creators” with 12 sound stages and versatile sets.
• Efficient production model with on-site housing, catering, and rapid turnaround.
• Studios are rented by major productions like Black Panther and Coming to America.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “Just because God told it to me doesn’t mean He told it to everybody else.”
• “If you believe it, I’m not dreaming big enough.”
• “Tyler Perry Studios is like boot camp for creators.”

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

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

📝 Summary of the Interview

Courtney Glaudé, an award-winning filmmaker, writer, and director from Houston, Texas, joined Rushion McDonald to discuss his creative journey, his role in Tyler Perry’s production universe, and his passion for storytelling. Glaudé is the writer, director, and producer for Season 4 of Zatima on BET+, and he holds an overall deal with Tyler Perry Studios, a rare and powerful endorsement of his talent. The conversation explored his roots, creative process, mentorship under Tyler Perry, and his commitment to emotionally gripping narratives that tackle complex social issues.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Tyler Perry’s Mentorship & Overall Deal

• Glaudé was entrusted with writing, directing, and producing Season 4 of Zatima.
• Tyler Perry gave him full creative control, saying: “You like Zatima? It’s yours.”
• The overall deal means Perry funds Glaudé’s projects and helps pitch them to major streaming platforms.

2. Creative Process & Directing Style

• Glaudé writes with the shot in mind, visualizing scenes as he scripts.
• He adapts creatively when budget or location constraints arise.
• His style is thriller-driven, even when tackling emotional or social themes like dementia.

3. Zatima Season 4

• The show centers on Zach and Fatima’s relationship, exploring real-life romantic challenges.
• Glaudé brings a new emotional depth and rollercoaster storytelling to the series.
• He collaborates closely with the cast, who help maintain character authenticity.

4. Houston Roots & Hustle Mentality

• Raised in Fifth Ward, Houston, with Louisiana family roots.
• Self-taught filmmaker: learned through books, Google, and observing professionals.
• Hustle and persistence were key: “If someone told me no, I figured out how to do it myself.”

5. Breakthrough with Monique

• His indie thriller The Reading, starring Monique, became the #1 film on BET+.
• This success led to his introduction to Tyler Perry and the overall deal.

6. Legacy & Motivation

• Glaudé is driven by creating a legacy for his daughter.
• He wants to build a self-sustaining empire she can inherit.
• “I don’t feel like I work. I’m creating stories from my head.”

7. Social Impact Storytelling

• Tackles topics like mental health, trauma, and dementia through compelling narratives.
• Upcoming feature film Old Gray Mare explores dementia in a thriller format.

8. Tyler Perry Studios Experience

• Described as a “Disneyland for creators” with 12 sound stages and versatile sets.
• Efficient production model with on-site housing, catering, and rapid turnaround.
• Studios are rented by major productions like Black Panther and Coming to America.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “Just because God told it to me doesn’t mean He told it to everybody else.”
• “If you believe it, I’m not dreaming big enough.”
• “Tyler Perry Studios is like boot camp for creators.”