Brown Ambition

In this week's  BA Q&A  Mandi is getting real about reinvention, risk, and responsibility. A listener in her 50s is ready to pivot careers but she’s not trying to blow up her financial “safety” to do it. In this economy? Whew. The fear is valid. But as Mandi reminds us, a pivot doesn’t have to be reckless to be powerful. She breaks down how to make bold moves without making jarring ones: Set a minimum salary floor so you know your non-negotiables Max out your retirement catch-up contributions (don’t play about your future) Build savings while creating a real plan to tackle debt strategically And most importantly, pivot in stages (you don’t have to leap without a net) Then she dives into part two of the question: facing down $45,000 in debt. Mandi shares practical best practices for staying ahead of debt, the mindset shifts required, and the common obstacles that trip people up from lifestyle creep to inconsistent income to avoidance. Take a list

This week on Brown Ambition, Mandi is joined by the one & only Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche and it feels like a homecoming. Tiffany is back to catch us up on everything happening behind the scenes. From exciting updates about the evolution (and new name!) of the Live Richer Academy to the release of the paperback edition of her New York Times bestselling book Get Good With Money, she shares what this current season of life and business looks like. But this conversation goes deeper than accolades and announcements.Mandi and Tiffany take a walk down memory lane, reflecting on the early days of Brown Ambition and the foundation that built the BA community we know today. Then the conversation shifts into something more personal and powerful. Tiffany opens up about her ongoing journey with grief, how it has reshaped her perspective, and what healing looks like in real time. And because this is BA, we also get the tea on what’s next including what Tiffany is cooking up for her next book.Th

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: brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com.- 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 jou

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 kee

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 de

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:

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, lis

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.

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

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. 

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 hav

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

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.

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 throu

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 brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com 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 ou

In this BAQA episode, Mandi Money is joined by legendary money expert and Money Coach, Lynnette Khalfani‑Cox, to answer a powerful question from listener Raquel: “I’m 56, I like my paralegal job, I love my podcast, and I know I can’t afford to fully retire… so what does my next act even look like?” Together, we talk honestly about purpose vs. profit, identity beyond your 9–5, and how to design a “second half” of your career that actually feels good—not like another grind. In this episode: • What to do when you can’t imagine not working—but also don’t want to die at your desk • How to separate your identity from your job title  • Ways to test an entrepreneurial or creative “next act” without blowing up your life • Using a podcast or passion project as a door‑opener to paid opportunities • Frameworks for figuring out what you really want this next chapter to feel like • The three key numbers t

This week on the show, we’re getting real about the holiday season at the Brown Table because as much as we love the food, the vibes, and a good family kiki, the holidays can bring up a lot. From navigating messy family dynamics to redefining traditions, the hosts open up about what it means to protect your peace, your energy, and yes…your bank account, during one of the most emotionally loaded times of the year. We break down Black Friday and Cyber Monday (are we still doing this??) and how inflation is shifting the way we shop, save, and travel. We dive into the rise of going no-contact, the pressure social media puts on relationships, and why setting boundaries is becoming a form of self-care for this generation. There’s also plenty of laughter, a little baking therapy, some real talk about parenting across generations, and a reminder that collaboration will always take you farther than competition—whether it’s in your career or your personal life. If you’re enteri

Hi BA Fam - I hope you had the loveliest, peaceful Thanksgiving week and weekend. I will be back with a brand new Brown Table this Weds, and I am recording new BA Q&A episodes as well! So please submit any questions to brownambitionpodcast@gmail.com or DM me on IG @brownambitionpodcast.  In the meantime, enjoy this rewind episode of my conversation with THEE incredible Cebo Campbell, a creative director, author and entrepreneur who wrote the bestselling novel The Sky Full of Elephants. SFOE was my first-ever Brown Ambition Book Club Pick of 2025, and if you haven't had a chance to experience it yet, please grab a copy!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.