Thousands of workers show up each day to advance the environmental cleanup mission at DOE sites around the country. They are talented and dedicated but for the most part their work goes unheralded without awards or accolades. In this week’s Gone Fission Nuclear Report host Michael Butler talks with a DOE official who has been singled out by the Sec…

Do you know your ABC’s? Well you’re about to learn the A to Z’s of e-commerce. According to Forbes, small and medium-sized businesses account for approximately 42% of total e-commerce sales in the United States. It's time your business gets a piece of the pie, and we have the perfect person to give it to you! Jance Chartae is a retail strategist an…

Are you missing a few tools from your toolkit? Well, we’re here to fill it up with all the business tools. As entrepreneurs, we understand the importance of optimizing efficiency and making the most out of the limited resources we have. In this episode we are talking about all things business tools with guru LaShonda Brown. She has mastered the art…

The Department of Energy’s 17 national laboratories conduct research and development on some of the world’s most vexing challenges—from climate change to the origins of the universe. Most recently, six labs have turned their attention to speeding cleanup of underground tank waste at DOE’s Hanford site in Washington State. The labs are using $27 mil…

As people spend more of their time online, business competition has become fierce. Every business needs a strong digital presence in order to stand out from the crowd. That’s why you can't miss this encyclopedia of knowledge on online presence Adam Nwaozo and Tony Thompson reveal throughout the episode, as they share secrets on crafting a powerful …

Do you want to reach higher heights? Well keep it locked as we discuss something critical to every Black entrepreneur, finding your community. This is especially important when building your business around a niche or stigmatized business. As entrepreneurs, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with carving out our space i…

The Department of Energy’s environmental cleanup program is boosting a resurgence in the growth of nuclear energy. Cleaning up formerly contaminated land has created a new home for advanced reactor concepts that have become the centerpiece of the nuclear renaissance. In this week’s episode, the Gone Fission Nuclear Report examines how environmental…

Entrepreneurship is like a rollercoaster ride with moments of triumph and moments that test our resilience. But what happens when you find yourself at a crossroads where shutting down your business becomes a reality? In this episode we dive into the often unspoken journey of closing a business with our guest, Netta Dobbins. She recently made the di…

Today’s consumers aren't just looking for products or services—they're looking for meaning. They want to support businesses that stand for something beyond just making money. When you align your business with a clear purpose, you create a powerful connection with your audience. You're not just selling a product or service; you're selling a vision, …

This month, the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in New Mexico celebrates its 25th Anniversary. Located in Southeast New Mexico about 26 miles east of Carlsbad, WIPP was constructed for disposal of defense-generated transuranic--or TRU-- waste. WIPP is the nation’s only repository for the permanent disposal of TRU waste. In this week’s episode, Host Mic…

In the realm of entrepreneurship, especially for Black business owners, the journey often entails overcoming significant hurdles – systemic barriers, biases, and a lack of representation. In this episode, we're delving into the realm of game-changing strategies – those innovative approaches that not only level the playing field but tilt it in your …

In this episode, we're delving into a topic that's not just about industry specifics—it’s about creating meaningful change in our communities. We understand that as a Black entrepreneur, you're not just building a business; you're sowing seeds of transformation and empowerment. That's why we're thrilled to bring you this conversation with Quilen Bl…

As we near the end of Black History Month, in this week’s podcast host Michael Butler features the story of the Scarboro 85. In August 1955, 85 young African American students entered all-white classrooms in the Oak Ridge High School and the Robertsville Junior High School in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. This desegregation stands as an important milestone…

Are you tired of hearing the narrative that real estate investment is reserved for those with deep pockets? Perhaps you've even bought into the myth that as a member of the Black community, the odds are stacked against you when it comes to building wealth through property ownership. It's a common objection, and it's one that Haltere Group's Dennis …

In today's fast-paced world, the concept of "building without limits" resonates deeply with entrepreneurs striving to make their mark. It's about embracing the notion that success knows no bounds, and the only limits are the ones we impose upon ourselves. That's where we come in. We understand the challenges and uncertainties that come with forging…

Consistent, reliable Congressional funding is an essential element of success in the Department of Energy’s environmental cleanup program. In this week’s episode of the Gone Fission Nuclear Report podcast, host Michael Butler interviews two former members of Congress who were instrumental in creation of the Nuclear Cleanup Caucus in the mid-1990s. …

In today's fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, where every move counts and every opportunity is a potential game-changer, mastering the art of decision-making is not just beneficial – it's essential. At Black to Business, we understand the immense impact that strategic choices can have on your journey as an entrepreneur. Whether you're just start…

In this solo episode, we're delving deep into a fundamental aspect of business success – building trust. Trust isn't just a nice-to-have; it's the bedrock upon which strong, lasting relationships with customers, clients, and partners are built. And as Black entrepreneurs, trust takes on added significance. We face unique challenges due to stereotyp…

The Department of Energy’s environmental cleanup program is now focused on 15 remaining sites around the country, down from 107 at the start of the program three decades ago. It is a multi-million dollar, multi-decade effort that depends on qualified contractors to get the job done. DOE is the largest civilian contracting agency in the federal gove…

Ever feel like success has this one-size-fits-all label – money, status, recognition? Trust us, we get it. In a world that often hands us a pre-packaged definition of success, especially if you’re a new or first-gen business owner, it's like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. In this solo episode, our Founder and Podcast Host, Monique T.…

Ever found yourself in the trenches of entrepreneurship, wading through the overwhelming tasks and demands that seem to never let up? If your business journey sometimes feels like a non-stop rollercoaster with twists, turns, and loops, you're not alone. In this episode of the Black to Business Podcast, hosted by our very own Monique T. Marshall, we…

In this thought-provoking episode of the Black to Business podcast, Monique T. Marshall, the insightful founder and podcast host, guides new Black entrepreneurs through the essential terrain of "Mastering Your Entrepreneurial Mindset and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs." This conversation isn't just a dialogue; it's a transformative journey crafted to …

Every DOE community has local leaders who step up to advocate for funding and new missions and to hold the Department of Energy accountable for its cleanup obligations. These leaders take the time to educate themselves on site issues, get to know DOE leaders and members of Congress, and use their voices and influence to represent their communities.…

In a world that often glorifies the art of multitasking, we're here to challenge the narrative and delve into a philosophy that's proven to be a game-changer: The Power of Focus. In today's dynamic and fast-paced business environment, the pressure to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously is pervasive. We're bombarded with messages that celebrate tho…

In this special episode, led by Monique T. Marshall, founder of Black to Business and the podcast's host, we take a deep dive into the highlights, achievements, and lessons learned in 2023. THINGS DISCUSSED DURING THIS EPISODE: Top podcast episodes of the year. Business achievements and milestones. Crucial business lessons learned. What’s next for …

In this episode of the Black to Business podcast, Monique T. Marshall, the founder and host, takes you on a journey into the world of business resolutions. As we approach the new year, Monique shares actionable tips and strategies for setting meaningful goals that will drive growth and success for your business. Drawing parallels between personal r…

In this episode, we dive into a crucial aspect of every business owner's journey – strategic delegation. As entrepreneurs, we often find ourselves juggling an overwhelming array of tasks, and the concept of delegation can be a game-changer in reclaiming time and propelling our businesses to new heights. Our guest, Tonya Thomas, founder of Team Dele…

Entrepreneurial ventures often begin as solitary pursuits, but today, we're unlocking the doors to a different narrative – a narrative that revolves around the power of kinship, camaraderie, and community in the world of business. In this episode of the Black To Business Podcast, we're stepping into uncharted territory, discussing a topic that reso…

In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, there are pioneers who shape industries, and today, we're delving into the journey of one such trailblazer—Alvin Jones. Recently honored at the Hip Hop Awards, Alvin is not just an industry veteran; he's the visionary creator behind Rap City, a cultural touchstone in the realm of hip-hop storytelling on …

In the bustling aisles of toy stores, a father of three, Matthew Goins, confronted a familiar predicament. On a mission to find puzzles reflecting the diversity of his family, he was met with disappointment – rows of generic images that failed to capture his children's uniqueness. Undeterred, Matthew, a three-time Howard graduate with a background …

In 2015, the United States welcomed its 409th National Park. Known as the Manhattan Project National Historic Park, it tells the story of the men and women who developed the atomic bomb that ended World War II. The Park features three key locations across the U.S.—Oak Ridge TN, Los Alamos NM, and Hanford WA. National Park Service Superintendent Wen…

Embarking on entrepreneurship in an industry resistant to change is like navigating uncharted waters, where the odds are stacked against success. In this episode, we unveil the strategies for this entrepreneurial expedition with trailblazer Mahisha Dellinger, who defied the norms of the natural hair care industry with CURLS. Mahisha founded CURLS i…

In our last episode, the Gone Fission Nuclear Report podcast examined the Community Reuse Organization of East Tennessee’s decision to close in two years. This week, Department of Energy officials at Headquarters and two sites discuss the continuing need for CROs and the importance of community support in the success of DOE’s cleanup mission. Hear …

In the ever-evolving world of entrepreneurship, traditions often play a defining role in shaping industry norms and practices. For many, entering a traditional market can feel like stepping into a time capsule, where established conventions are deeply rooted and resistant to change. The narrative often echoes sentiments of skepticism and caution, q…

The Community Reuse Organization of East Tennessee (CROET) recently announced its plans to close after three decades of successfully representing the Oak Ridge community with the Department of Energy. Why now? And what does this decision mean for the CROs that continue to operate in other DOE communities? Learn the answers in this week’s episode of…

In the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, the concept of building a business with friends often raises a few eyebrows. The common wisdom suggests that mixing business with personal relationships can be a recipe for disaster. However, in this episode of the Black to Business Podcast, we're diving deep into a fascinating and often underestimated aspe…

In the hustle and bustle of today's entrepreneurial world, where opportunities are vast but challenges can be overwhelming, resilience and operational efficiency are the keys to unlocking success. Black entrepreneurs, particularly those navigating the world of business for the first time, must equip themselves with the knowledge and strategies to t…

In the journey of a Black entrepreneur, financial stability is often the cornerstone of success. As you navigate the path to building your business, you face unique challenges and opportunities. The financial decisions you make today can pave the way for your future. This is not just about managing your money; it's about understanding the nuances o…

In the world of entrepreneurship, there's a unique journey many are familiar with. It's the path where you're holding down a demanding job while nurturing the dream of building your own business. Today, we're delving into the art of balancing ambitions – a topic that strikes a chord with many budding entrepreneurs. Our guest, Morgan Chavis, is a te…

In the dynamic realm of entrepreneurship, the path to success is paved with not just innovative ideas and business acumen, but also with the clarity of an authentic and influential CEO voice. As you embark on your entrepreneurial journey, it's crucial to grasp the power of authenticity, self-discovery, and likability in shaping your leadership iden…

In this exciting live recording of the Black to Business Podcast, we bring you an engaging panel discussion from our "Black Men Who Lead” event, which marked the grand finale of this year’s series, "The DNA of a Black Businessman." We took this show on the road to the nation's capital, Washington, DC, and hosted this event at the iconic Shanklin Ha…

If you want job security and the feeling of doing something meaningful, the Department of Energy’s Environmental Management program is the place to be. That was the message of top government and industry leaders—and young professionals themselves—at the 2023 National Cleanup Workshop in Washington, DC. EM Senior Advisor Ike White says about half th…

In the world of entrepreneurship, especially for Black entrepreneurs, there's a constant struggle to balance authenticity with the need to succeed in established markets. Many of us feel like we have to hide parts of ourselves to fit in. But what we told you that being your full, authentic self is your golden ticket? In this episode, we're diving i…

Cleanup is essential. Budgets are tight. Partnership is imperative. That was the message delivered by two members of Congress at the National Cleanup Workshop in Washington, DC, last week. Hear Congressmen Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA) assess the current status of the Department of Energy’s environmental cleanup program in this w…

This week's episode of the Gone Fission Nuclear Report podcast features an in-depth interview with Stuart MacVean, recently retired President and CEO of Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, DOE's lead environmental cleanup contractor at the Savannah River Site. MacVean looks back on his four decades in the nuclear industry and discusses the challenges…

In your entrepreneurial journey, you've poured your heart and soul into building a brand that resonates with your audience. You've cultivated a vibrant community, created compelling content, and put your unique stamp on the digital landscape. But as your influence grows, so do the challenges that come with it. In this episode, we delve into essenti…

Diving into a new endeavor always presents challenges & difficulties. When you try a new sport for the first time, you’re bound to not catch the ball, miss your target, or not get the time you were pushing for. But, that doesn’t mean you give up and stop trying. If it’s something you care about, then the positives and the negatives will be worth it…

The Gone Fission Nuclear Report podcast celebrates the American worker on Labor Day 2023. Our skilled crafts work daily in hazardous environments and all kinds of weather to carry out the EM cleanup mission. Sean McGarvey, president and CEO of North America’s Building Trades Unions, joins us on this week’s episode to thank these workers for all the…

Imagine you've just launched your startup. You've poured your heart and soul into creating a fantastic product or service. You've set up your social media profiles, posted diligently, but despite your efforts, your business struggles to gain traction. This scenario is all too familiar for many entrepreneurs who are heavily dependent on social media…

In this episode, we're diving into the dynamic intersection of diet, productivity, and hustle culture with a leading expert in the field of nutrition, Vanessa Risseto. Vanessa is a registered dietitian and the founder of Culina Health, a telemedicine platform that's transforming the way people approach nutrition and health. With her extensive exper…