Earn Your Leisure

In this insightful clip from Market Mondays, Rashad Bilal, Ian Dunlap, and Troy Millings dive deep into the future of software companies in the rapidly evolving AI era. As artificial intelligence transforms every industry, which tech titans are set to thrive—and who is at risk of falling behind? Ian Dunlap highlights "AI indestructible" companies, naming SAP, Intuit, and ADP as strong contenders, while noting that well-known names like Duolingo and Adobe may face challenges. The panel debates the obvious winners—like Microsoft, with its Copilot integration and innovation through Azure—and discuss sleeper picks such as ServiceNow, lauded for its forward-thinking leadership and connectivity solutions. The discussion shifts to the race for an "agentic AI stack": an AI platform that can handle personal tasks like answering all your emails hands-free. Rashad Bilal and Ian Dunlap weigh in on whether Google, Apple, Microsoft, or Tesla will be first, with Google considered a front-runner thanks to its deep AI roots and integration with essential services like email and calendar. However, Rashad argues Apple’s dominance in vertical integration (managing texts, music, calendar, and email on a device most Americans use) gives it an edge—if it can catch up in AI investments. The clip doesn’t shy away from tough criticism of Apple’s leadership, with Rashad questioning Tim Cook's strategy and pointing out that Apple was offered the same deal that made Microsoft an AI leader—and turned it down. While Apple products remain indispensable and its ecosystem robust, signs of underinvestment in AI are causing market cap slippage and stirring calls for leadership change. Comparisons are drawn to companies that failed to keep up with innovation in the past—like BlackBerry and Intel—serving as a cautionary tale for Apple if it doesn’t shake things up. The hosts discuss what Apple should do next, from innovating through major acquisitions to fostering new executive leadership capable of driving AI progress. The debate closes with a reflection on whether being top of the market is enough—or if Apple, like in sports, needs new leadership to set a winning culture. Are Tim Cook’s days numbered, and is internal succession already in motion? Don’t miss this candid, thought-provoking conversation on how AI is reshaping the tech landscape for giants like Apple, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, and more. *Hashtags:* #AIEra #TechStocks #MarketMondays #Apple #Google #Microsoft #Innovation #Investing #TimCook #AIInvesting #TechTalk #SoftwareStocks #FutureOfAI #ServiceNow #SAP #Intuit #Amazon #MetaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode of Earn Your Leisure, we sit down with Kwaku Bediako, founder of Chocolate Clothes Global, for a powerful conversation on fashion, culture, and building a global brand with African roots 🌍👕. Kwaku breaks down what inspired him to expand Chocolate Clothes Global, how a six-month run on CNN helped legitimize and scale the brand, and why African influence is shaping global fashion more than ever. He also shares how America played a role in the brand’s evolution, the mentality required to succeed as a fashion designer, and the realities of building a business on the continent. We dive into pivotal moments—including a styling opportunity with Steve Harvey, lessons from a missed chance to style Naomi Campbell, and how Chocolate Clothes Global landed a partnership with the NBA. From building a subscription model to understanding why organic growth takes time, this episode is packed with real gems for creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to build something meaningful and global. #EarnYourLeisure #ChocolateClothesGlobal #AfricanFashion #FashionBusiness #BlackOwnedBusiness #GlobalBrand #Entrepreneurship #CreativeEconomy #AfricanCreators #FashionIndustry #BusinessFromAfrica #CulturalImpact #BrandBuilding #SubscriptionBusiness #NBApartnership #OrganicGrowthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this revealing Market Mondays clip, Rashad Bilal, Ian Dunlap, and Troy Millings dive deep into the unprecedented Justice Department investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell at the direction of Donald Trump. With the market watching closely, the trio explores how politicizing the Fed could threaten its longstanding autonomy and set a dangerous precedent for America’s financial stability. Rashad highlights the seriousness of the Fed potentially losing its independence and becoming subject to presidential influence, emphasizing that Trump is not a traditional president and is aggressively consolidating power. Ian points out that the way Trump operates—allegedly using punitive measures against those who don’t comply—mirrors tactics seen in less democratic governments, raising alarms about the long-term impact on the economy and markets. Troy provides insight into Powell’s actual record, noting that Powell led the charge on recent interest rate cuts and managed the pandemic recovery strategically, yet is now facing political retaliation for not moving quickly enough to meet presidential demands. The hosts analyze how Powell's possible indictment—something never before seen in American history—may undermine confidence in future Fed chairs, making them vulnerable to political pressure instead of focusing on serving the public good. They also examine how this move fits into the larger context of Project 2025, designed to consolidate executive power across U.S. institutions. From the recent resilience of the stock market despite political turmoil, to the deeper questions about democracy, legacy, and financial policy, this discussion unpacks the real risks investors and citizens face when the independence of critical economic institutions is threatened. Will these actions cause a market crash or a slow erosion of trust in America’s financial system? Is this the beginning of long-term instability or just another political skirmish? Don’t miss this essential conversation for anyone concerned about the intersection of politics, economics, and market moves. *Timestamps:* Trump’s DOJ investigates Fed Chair Jerome Powell Why Fed independence matters Will this impact the stock market and economy? Project 2025 and executive power consolidation How Jerome Powell managed rate cuts and market recovery Predictions for the market in the second half of the year --- #MarketMondays #JeromePowell #FederalReserve #DonaldTrump #StockMarket #Economy #Project2025 #Investing #Finance #FinancialNews #EconomicPolicy #MarketAnalysis Subscribe for valuable insights on business, investing, and the biggest financial stories shaping our world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this clip, Rashad Bilal, Troy Millings, and Ian Schwartzman dive deep into Netflix's recent $100M deal to bring IHeart podcasts—including hits like The Breakfast Club and shows from Joe and Jada—onto their platform. What does this mean for the future of creators, viewers, and the entire podcast industry? Hear Rashad Bilal break down a conversation with Charlemagne about how Netflix is challenging YouTube’s long-standing dominance over creators. The hosts debate whether Netflix’s move will truly shake things up, offering alternative options for content creators who’ve long been under YouTube’s thumb. Troy Millings analyzes Netflix’s strategy to compete with both YouTube and cable TV, highlighting how podcasting and vodcasting (video podcasts) have become crucial to premium content platforms. The conversation uncovers how major platforms are fighting for the most-viewed and most-listened-to content on the planet. The group explores the financial implications for creators and companies—revealing how platform deals can mean guaranteed money but also restrict creator control. They caution that some fans may lose access to their favorite shows as content moves behind Netflix’s walls. Ian Schwartzman brings valuable insights from recent industry conversations, describing how contracts have evolved to include video rights, and how newer creators may trade those rights for bigger checks, sometimes before realizing their true value. Whether you’re a creator, a business-minded viewer, or just fascinated by the seismic shifts in the entertainment landscape, this clip offers powerful commentary on why video rights matter, how platform monopolies are breaking, and what the next decade might hold for podcasts and vodcasts. *Key Topics Discussed:* Netflix’s strategy to acquire podcast video content The ongoing battle between YouTube and Netflix How platform exclusivity impacts creators and fans Contract negotiation shifts: the value of video rights The financial motivations behind deals for creators Let us know in the comments: Will Netflix’s push into podcasting change how you watch and listen to your favorite content? Do you think creators are giving up too much? *#Netflix #Podcasting #YouTube #ContentCreators #BusinessNews #EntertainmentIndustry #BreakfastClub #IHeartRadio #JoeAndJada #StreamingWars #Monopoly #Vodcast #MediaIndustry*See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful clip from "Black Out with Ian & Rashad," hosts Ian Dunlap and Rashad Bilal sit down and watch a viral moment in this Internet clip about the role of prenups—not just in marriage, but as a cornerstone of estate planning. Discover why some parents require their children to sign prenuptial agreements, with the threat of being written out of the family’s will if they refuse. Learn how this isn’t just about protecting wealth from in-laws, but about preserving legacies that generations have worked to build. Rashad Bilal explores the rarely heard perspective of parents implementing strict financial guidelines for their children’s marriages. Ian Dunlap shares the challenges and realities of generational wealth—making sure that what’s built isn’t lost due to poor personal decisions or opportunistic partners. This clip dives into topics like: Why prenups matter beyond just marriage How estate planning can affect family dynamics Real-life examples from wealthy families (including a reference to the House of Gucci saga) The difference between “builders” and “takers” in the world of generational wealth Strategies to protect family assets from external risks Whether you’re building your own legacy or just curious about how the ultra-wealthy manage their affairs, this conversation is filled with wisdom, funny anecdotes, and actionable financial insight. Hit play to learn why smart estate planning isn’t just about money—it’s about family, strategy, and safeguarding your future. If you’re interested in generational wealth or the business of protecting what you earn, you won’t want to miss this clip! --- *Hashtags:* #Prenup #EstatePlanning #GenerationalWealth #BlackOutPodcast #IanDunlap #RashadBilal #MarriageAndMoney #FamilyLegacy #WealthManagement #HouseOfGucci #MoneyTalks #FinancialPlanning #ProtectYourWealthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.