BAIL Yourself Out

Empowering Coaching and Financial Literacy Insights from Operation Hope

• Kandice Whitaker • Season 3 • Episode 6

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The speakers discussed personal growth, career growth, and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of taking proactive steps towards achieving one's goals. They also highlighted the role of belief in achieving success and navigating life's challenges. Additionally, they discussed the importance of financial literacy and homeownership in underserved communities, and encouraged listeners to reach out to organizations like Operation Hope for resources and support. Overall, the speakers emphasized the need for individuals to take control of their own success and well-being through education, belief, and action.

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Welcome to the bail yourself out Appy Hour Podcast, where each week we'll help you navigate the corporate jungle. Here's your host Kandice Whitaker is happy hour. Welcome to the bail yourself out Happy Hour pod friends. Here we focus on personal growth, career growth and entrepreneurship. Our crew is dedicated to providing you with the tools and insights necessary to turn your dreams into reality and get your money up. In each episode, we'll explore strategies rooted in the bail method of resilience, guiding you to conquer challenges and thrive and earthing. You do. I'm your host, Kandice Whitaker. And at the age of 21, I was a determined young mother who wanted to ensure my best possible life and defy the odds. So I took steps towards achieving the life I desire. I got my master's degree, then I was a sought after consultant which led me to starting my own company, I have a passion for guiding people into the life they envision through resilience using the bail yourself out approach. So I'm happy you're here. Kick off your shoes and relax your feet. Fill up your favorite drink because the bail yourself out Happy Hour podcast is about to start. Now you're listening to Kansas with a cake and together we'll learn how to bail yourself out. Be believed that you can a accept change as a natural part of any process. I inventory your strengths and the strengths available to you and your network. Now learn from your experience and the experience of others. Hey y'all, Hey, welcome to the bail yourself out. Happy Hour pod. This is your girl Candice with a K hanging with my boy Damian Carson today. I am so excited about today's guest. Welcome, welcome. Welcome. So Damien, what do you want the world to know about you? A canvas is that was thinking about that question, the first thing that came to mind is that I want the world to know that I'm a follower of Christ. And I wanted to be canvass based off my actions. I don't even want to have to speak about it. I want my actions to really speak for the love that I have for Christ and for others. I love that. Because in the day and time where you got people running around with hate in their mouth, and Trump on the head, and I said what I said, and a Jesus bumper sticker, I am confusion, let your actions speak for you. And that should be your whole testimony right there. I mean, if you want to take it from the beginning, we don't have a little woman at a Bible school. Right? The early Christians, they didn't call themselves Christians, that was a label, people looked at them and was like, Yo, they act like this God, Christ, that's where that came from. Is the action not a t shirt. This is a way of living, not a bumper sticker. So you only been on a pod about 3545 seconds, and you already empowering us. So tell me how you started your path as an empowerment coach. You know, as I look back over my life, Kansas, I realize it was just part of the journey. Right through, you know, I played sports growing up, you know, I knew that if I didn't earn a scholarship to play football, that more than likely I wasn't gonna be able to go to college, you know, grew up single mom, rural North Georgia. And so I was always in a place of really just leading and empower myself based off being practical. So, you know, I would always govern myself accordingly, through putting in the extra work, and doing the things that I felt that I needed to do to be successful in that space. Then also having, you know, cousin and family members who also was able to sort of lead that path. And for me, canvass it just translated, you know, I was a captain, my sophomore year in high school and went on to play at the University of Georgia D, one football, and was just always in that space, but was always focused, and it even translated into my career, as I was always in a place to lead people. And I've always when I do, did, you know, the test to see what strengths and competencies that you have, and always lead to some type of social work or counselor or coach, but much of my life, I really ran from it, right? Because I didn't feel like I could really achieve the things that I needed to in life based off where I was, and some of the goals that I had for myself. And so it wasn't a minute translation. He said, ain't no money and social service jobs. That's what he's telling me. All right, go ahead. I mean, I know that but I just for y'all who were listening. That's what he said. Yeah, but you know, go on and finish which social work degree if you want to, but we told you go ahead, you rock. Thank you for that, you know what I'm saying? Because yeah, it was to be able to retire at an early age, you know, and it was coming from humble beginnings. And so I was just really focused and intentional about what I did. But it was through, you know, when I was a general manager at a big bucks sporting goods company, when I really understood the power of team and been able to scale myself. So I could take on additional responsibilities. And so that's why I really felt myself really empowering, and pouring into the team to really help them achieve their goals, which ultimately aligned with the goals that I had for myself, and ultimately, for the company. But it was also working with some of my former teammates, some of the people that I had worked with that were going through different life situations, primarily financial, you know, my background is in consumer economics. So I always felt myself in that space, to really just be transparent and help people along the way, and let them know that if they stay the course, and continue to push through that they could, you know, become who they wanted to become oftentime being able to share my story and my process, and how I was able to overcome. And so, you know, through that Canvas, I realized where there's working with people that's going through different career changes, maybe they're going through financial challenges, physical challenges, relationship challenges, and things of that nature, that it's important to be able to have a skill set and the wisdom through trial and error to be able to share. So people can really be empowered at the end. And it's one of those things that I get excited about. And really, it feeds my soul at the end of the day when I'm in that space. That's absolutely beautiful. And I know as a coach, one of the toughest things for me personally, is to really get people who are in the habit of allowing negative mindset limiting thoughts control their lives. It's the hardest part to really get them to see baby, if you just change how you think about some of these things. I promise you, it'll turn out better. So do you have any of those instances where it's been like a really hard case with somebody who their limiting beliefs were really trapping them? Like, how do you help people in those instances? You know what, Candice, I realized, and I have come across those folks with that particular mindset. It's one of those things that is difficult for me to relate to and with because I've always been optimistic about life and challenges. And it was just one of those things. And it took my brother Kansas as a matter of fact, because always wanted to wring his neck and just really choke him out in love. Because we grew up together. And oftentimes, and part of me being passionate, it was like I was trying to force it for him to see like, bro, you can't see what I see. Like, I want to bet but expose you because I thought that was part of it, for people to see something different than hopefully maybe change their mindset. But it took a minute and for him to share that with me like bro was to give. So oftentimes for me, Candace realizing that it's a gift, but then also realizing that I can't care more and wanting more than what you want it for yourself, and banging my head against the wall and really trying to force people to see what I see. And do what I do that for myself, I just learned to let go. And just allow whatever challenges that they need to go through, and headaches and heartaches for them to really get to a place to say, You know what, I don't have a choice but to change. And through that process, it hurt initially because I felt like, Oh, I'm turning my back. Oh, I don't care. But I just know, in order for me to be able to do the things that I've been called to do to assist with that person, then I need to let them get to a place to where and always often say that there's a difference of being willing and being ready. That's real. That's real. And so when they ready, let's go and I can tell off Jump Street if they just willing. And for me, I just ain't got time for it no more. That is so good. Because there are so many people who want results, but they really ready. They'll say it with their mouth. But they really ready. That is huge. And you know, for me, I don't know that I'm naturally optimistic. I'm naturally a realist, which kind of can be depressing sometimes keep it above. Right. But I know in whom I have believed. And so my hope and my faith is not in me. And so I think Just being able to say, okay, all of these decisions my life and time is not based on my ability for me, that gives me as the old folks will say that Blessed assurance, but it's real, you got to get this thing really down in you and really believe it. You know, for me, that is the thing that has been the saving grace, how would you define empowerment, I would define empowerment from being able to educate and equip, and then allowing people to actually apply it, right, because I believe once someone's able to apply it, you know, a leader knows the way he shows the weight goes away and allow for somebody else to do it. It's like a light bulb that comes home for that person when they are able to apply what we've talked about as it relates to educating and the equipment piece. And then from there, it becomes a lifestyle. Right? So they it's not like you apply at one time, it becomes a part of who they are. Yeah, continue application where I'm not even necessarily needed. You see what I'm saying? So where it's like, when I'm working with businesses, and individuals, families, etc. We don't need to have a relationship from a coach client perspective, right? Forever. I want to be able to equip you show you the way give you the tools, so you can apply it and be consistent, and then hopefully pay it forward to someone else along the way. Basically, teaching them how to fish all day, teaching them how to fish. I remember one of my first coaching clients, was probably the most frustrating person in the whole entire world, multitalented lots of ability, highly intelligent, super negative. So it didn't matter what way you tried to approach the problem with the solution. It was like, Oh, nope, nope, nope. And it got to the point where I was unwilling to try anymore. If you don't think it will work, it won't. Exactly. But for me, I had to go through that. Because that is where I developed my bail, right? So the name of this podcast is bail yourself out. But that's an acronym that I use to teach people resilience. The first letter is B. And that is for belief. If you don't believe that, I can do nothing for you. That's the first step. That is the first step in achieving anything you want in your life. And at the end of the day, that's what we're here for, to advise you to help you how to live the life that you want to live. But if you don't think you can get there, even with advice, even with the roadmap, even we drew it out, we gave you a Google Maps, you don't want it alright, then I you'll have what you said. That's it. So what you guys don't know who are listening in the audience is that I met Damien as a connect with Operation Hope. And if you guys don't know what Operation Hope is, that is definitely something that you need to Google will give you the Cliff's Notes version. And we're gonna talk about that. Because if you don't know what it is, you need to know. Because if you're listening and you're in the season diaspora and you are a business owner, or you're trying to get your money up, your finances are not where it needs to be, you need to know who Operation Hope is. So can you talk to us a little bit about Operation Hope in your role? I can, and Canvas cannot go back because you've said something earlier when I was talking about the belief and having this just unwavering FAITH that know that I didn't realize I was going to go to a D one school, right? I just knew I had to earn an athletic scholarship. That's pretty dope. And you talk about being in a space because here's where I was. And we talked about this a little bit before we started, where I was doing things based off my ability that I believed in Jesus Christ, but it didn't click to me, right, that what I'm doing is based off him giving me the ability to do it. Especially when it became related to making money and building wealth. Right to realize that says that He gives us the ability to do those things is so simple, but it's so key for when you have a belief in yourself and the skill set and the things that you're gonna have. This will allow you to persevere. But then also you know, who you are and who you are. The sky is the limit at the end of the day that just had to throw that piece in, marry those two together. It's a beautiful thing. At the end of the day. Well before the show we had a whole conversation Yeah, but I'm a clue you in on part of it. So Damien was telling me that, you know, he had an awakening. And I also had an awakened meaning of sorts myself, I didn't tell you this. And I don't think I've ever even talked about this on Depop. I can tell you what happened with me. So everybody knows I was a young mother. I was married young, right? So my ex husband and I were together in college, and I ended up getting pregnant, like our last year in college. So I was like, I need to graduate. I'm about to have a baby, though. But I need to graduate. Right? So I remember praying, and it was probably a little raggedy prayer. I remember saying this, I was like, alright, Lord, if you hear me, I need to graduate. So we need to figure this out. If you can do this, you got me. So this is exactly what happened. Oh, yeah, by the way, I should tell you this. It was my senior year of college, but I only been there for three years. I didn't know I was a senior. So what happened was all the way throughout college, I was taking extra classes, like I would average like 22 credits a semester, because I was bored. So I would just take classes that would interest me, right? Oh, let me take black poetry. Let me take this. So this happened, I found out before school started, and I went to advising for my fall semester, which would have been my third year of college. And I got a letter before advisement that said, Congratulations, senior. And I was like, senior. I've only been here three years. What's up with this? So I went to my advisor and said, Well, what's this? I said, Oh, you got enough credits to graduate, but only been here for three years. You got enough credits to graduate? Okay, well, what's my degree gonna be in? Liberal Studies? Okay, bet. I'm a graduate. So all right, you got me, we had to do. So, you know, my baby was born in January. And I walked across that stage in May. So there it was, that was my Damascus Road experience. But to bring it home to your point, I can't speak for your experience, but I definitely can speak for mine. I grew up in church, you know, we went to church every Sunday, we was there all the time, right. But I never saw Christianity as a part of my life. It was just not just, it was something we did. It was performative. We weren't here on Sunday, the choirs were good. We had the series of things that we did, it was more ritualistic than a lifestyle. That's how I want to say it. But it wasn't until that experience when I really needed to call on what I said, I believed and apply it, that it was like, Okay, I get this, as we were saying, before we started, I kind of think individually in order to achieve the life that you want to live. We all have to go through our experience, whatever our you know, as you call it, a Damascus Road experience is, but but in my experience, I think there are two types of people, I think there are the types who are going to take that experience and say, Okay, I see where you're going with this, and learn and do better. But then there are some folks who are gonna say, Why did you do this to me, you could have got me out, and they're gonna be bitter and mad. And that happens. And we see that in coaching. I mean, we see those people at work. We see those people at church, we see those people at the grocery store, who life has just happened to them, like it's happened to all of us. But instead of taking those experiences and gleaning what you can learn and make yourself better, they get mad about it, like Life ain't supposed to happen. Right? You right? Wow, my heart goes out to that individual who may be in that place. And you know, why me? I'm thankful for my Damascus road that I often get revelation pretty quick when I just stop and seek His face. Right? And just really spend some quiet time and realizing that sometimes, his ways aren't my ways and stuff. So my thoughts and sometimes I may not understand why. But I know it's gonna work out for my good at the end of the day. And so, part of that, for me was understanding God's promises. Ryan and Jeremiah 2911 is like my life scripture at the end of the day, but you right? Yeah, the plan to prosper you not harm you to give you hope in a future and to know that all things work together, but a good mate man. So we're going to church just this afternoon. That wasn't the plan. It's just that I happened to have read the book and I know that one right, right. It must have like, you can miss what I was gonna say it was up until I was probably 30 something years old too. where I had to really be like, Okay, what's up with this? I was spoiled, right? As a relates to, you know, it raining on the just and the unjust if you will, because I've never had to really go through anything. Right, that required me to sort of stop and really assess some life choices and decisions. Oh, you know what I was doing at the end of the day. But for me, it was one of those things where I was truly wrestling with God. You know what I'm saying? And like, getting up, it was a journey and a process. So what like a one time encounter, then we move on? I'm talking about a season of really just seeking this face and laying like, hey, what do you have for me? What do you want me to do? You know, I'm saying because for so long, and I have a strong will and had a goal and a plan. And this is what I was going to do, but then get to a point to where that's not working anymore. Right? So what are you gonna do so it was truly a wake up call. And I'm so thankful for the village, if you will, of the community, which I think is so important to have, you know, some trusted folks this around you that can help you know, God, you and speak words of encouragement along the way, because life be life. And yeah, and so just understanding how to navigate and work through those times and situations. And so, you know, I look forward and not knowing the backside, there's a level of elevation. And you know, where we go from faith to faith and glory to glory. So where I'm at in life, Kansas, as I go through road bumps, and different hiccups and things of that nature, I know I'm on the right path, because I look at some of the folks, you know, in the Bible who all had to go through stuff, right. And we have these peaks and valleys and these highs and lows, and that's part of life. And so I've just learned to embrace it at the end of the day, and just realize it's just part of his plan at the end of the day. And I say this, you know, I was talking about my spiritual mentor. And he would often asked me, you know, Damian, are you still in the wheelbarrow. And for me, I was a tight, instead of just letting God direct me and carry me and lead me, I want to get out and put my feet on the ground, stop the wheelbarrow, I want to direct it, and we're gonna go left, and we're gonna go right, I've truly come to a place of just enjoying that ride. And where I'm at in life now is I have an acronym and it's big, big. And that's boundaries, intentionality equals growth. I love that. Yeah. And so it helps me stay grounded. And as you said earlier, keep that pulse on my life. Not do remember your question that you asked, wait. Now, I want to say something what you just said, because you didn't put all these gyms out there. And I'm dying. I had to take notes. I did forget what I want to say. Yes. Right. So one of the things that you said before, talking about, you know, the ups and downs of your Damascus experience, I don't think that's unusual. I think that's all of us. I think at the end of the day, you know, you get to a point you learn something, you might have a couple of setbacks. But then you go back up, and then this time, you're a little bit higher, because you started from a higher place. You know, the glory to glory is not exactly a straight road, it's a little bit of a zigzag, maybe even a roller coaster. Especially if you are the brand of Christian that I am, you know, because I am a thinker. I try my best to think my way out of situations. And that is not always what I'm supposed to do. But that's my default. That's something I'm working on. And I am aware of it. You know, so I say I've heard one of my favorite people. Joyce Meyer, I do love me some Joyce Meyer, she would be like, Alright, have it your way. All right. Have it your way? Yeah, I'm trying to get to have that on way. But I'm definitely alright having your way. Because I'm going to try my very best to get me where I need to be. And sometimes the answer is just to wait. I'll take a step back. I've definitely learned the good thing about being an entrepreneur. The good thing about being a person who's a go getter is that we get stuff done. But the thing about life that has been a challenge for me, has been sometimes you just have to wait. Sometimes you just have to be patient. Sometimes you just gotta see where the cards fall. And that is not a strength for me. Some people have a hard time getting started. I don't never have a hard time getting started. I have a hard time waiting. Yeah, that's something there. Yeah. And a lot of times as I look back on the decisions that I've made, you know, jumping out, that's a great skill to have sometimes, but sometimes if I would have just waited, just ask one more question. Didn't, things would have turned out much better for me and you'd learn it, I liked the way you put that in. For me, it's just realizing my priorities. Because I was so headstrong, where I thought for a minute, then I attack. You know what I'm saying? Like, like a bulldog, if you will, and just go, and just go, go go, and I could forget everything else. Right, I can forget about, you know, the relationship with my wife relationship with Christ. And it's about having a goal in the target. And that's what I'm gonna hit. And so that's why it goes back to really being in that wheel bear because it's like, I just got to go with the flow in a sense of how he's directed me in order my steps and being alive into my path. Some people may get addicted to like, narcotics, or whatever the case may be. It's one of those things about having a goal and achieving that goal. It's addictive, in a sense, to be quite honest, is it and it's really trying to find that balance for me, because I know where I was when I didn't have to balance that right when I thought it was me, this is what I'm doing. And he showed me all through life, bro. And so for me, Candace, it got to a point. And I've heard this before, you might have to that gotta close a door that no man can open, and he'll open the door that no man can shut. That's the truth. And that was what it was for me when that door was shut, right. And there was not another door, because now I'm afraid that I don't want to experience that no more. You know what I'm saying? I want to be about your business, but you're ultimately calling me to do and so that was a long route through getting into the empowerment space. Right? Oh, the social work as we talked about earlier. And we all have our journey and our process to get ultimately where we need to be, you know, at the end of the day, and and that's what I truly believe. So I just wanted to share that piece too there Kansas, really to be an effective coach. First of all, you need to go through it yourself, and understand what worked for you what didn't work for you. So you can empathize with the folks that you're coaching. Like, I haven't been here, this don't work. I think those are the most effective coaching sessions, you know, especially when you are out here, just as I am helping people guiding their path, I think we might be called to go through a little bit more. You write about it, you know what I'm saying? Because, you know, you have to go through those things. And oftentimes, I realized that's part of it, of being able to overcome is being able to share the words about testimony. And I believe canvas that there's many more people in this world because I'm also interested to know what AI L, you gave us the beyond to believe. But I truly believe that people have a story to tell. And it's a trick for when we don't want to share some of the challenges that we've had to overcome in life to be able to encourage and empower other folk, you know what I'm saying? It may look like I got it all together. But let me tell you when the Masters Hello, right? And let me tell you even now, because we've you know, going through a storm just came out of a storm, or get rid of the inner stone, you understand? So knowing that and being able to share it. I really think the word of being in a better place Kansas if we do those things, you know what I'm saying? To be able to share because part of that in itself is encouragement at the end of the day. You know what I mean? Don't get me started here on people putting up images and in the world of social media on Facebook, telling all these stories and with a bin and child Don't get me started on how Christmas time I'm watching folks who I know is cheating. Where a matching pajamas stop y'all sick the y'all like we got to reroute. We got to be rude. Like yeah, you matching pajamas and cute, but didn't you like tried to stab him two weeks ago? Like I'm saying two things can be true. But all right, so this is a good place to take a break. When we get back. I'll tell you all the letters in bail and we'll talk about operations. Alright, we'll be back. What do you want to talk about? You have a show idea. Drop Candace alive@billion.com Do you want me to speak at your next event at bail yourself out? pod.com Now back to the show. All right. Yeah. Welcome back to the bill yourself out. Happy Hour lounge. We had a wonderful conversation with my boy Damon Carson, talking about empowerment. Having the life that you want, talking about motivating yourself a lot of stuff and a lot of great themes going on. What I didn't tell y'all is I met Damon as part of Operation Hope. And if you don't know what it is Google it, y'all. It is an organization or us for people in the season diaspora helping us to get financially sound. If you have a business, they offer free services related to business coaching, I teach for them. So you know, you won't take a free class with me, sign up Operation Hope, but that is how our paths cross and I met Damon, I was like, Yo, this dude is a vibe, I've got to have him in the lounge. So you've been with the organization for a super long time. Tell us about that. Yeah, campus. I've been with operational celebrated 11 years this April, but I sailed the backside of that Damascus Road experience. But part of that empowerment piece is when I started jotting down a vision, a mission for myself a mission for my life, and really what I was, was supposed to do on the backside of my career, if you will. And that's how I found Operation Hope it was through understanding and really wanting to empower people financially. A great friend of mine that I went to the University of Georgia with actually worked at Operation Hope and told me about the opportunity to be a part of the team. But Operation Hope is a nonprofit organization started out in California, over 30 years ago, on the backside of the social injustice with Rodney King verdict. They're in Compton, California, by John Hope Bryant, and his life has been dedicated to relay, which is part of Operation soul vision to eradicate poverty, and make free enterprise work for all people. And so with that being said, there's, you know, three core programs within Operation Hope based around credit and money management. But you also have homeownership. As we know, that's the fastest way to really build wealth within our community, then also, we have a small business development program. I mean, for many years, the focus there was to help businesses start. And the key thing that I will say around that Canvas is all of the services that are offered through Operation Oh, all right, no cost to the individual to partake and be a part of. So through the financial partners and some governmental funding and things of that nature, we're able to provide those services throughout the country, again, at no cost. And so, you know, that's the experience about head was introduced Operation Hope, you know, since then I've been able to help lead our national initiative. As you mentioned earlier, Candice, because as we know, the challenges to COVID, and especially for black businesses, where we had over half a million businesses closed during that time. And some of the challenges that we knew even leading up to COVID was prevalent within the black business space, we partnered with Shopify, to create what we call a 1 million Black Business Initiative. And that initiative is simple to help start grow and support a million black businesses by 2030. And so Shopify is the second largest e commerce platform in the world. And we believe that if we can help businesses create an online presence to do business across the country, to Bama to accept various tenders, that that can really, really be a game changer in the small business space. And we could talk a little bit more about what encompasses that one, and B be initiative. And so right now, we all were in 300 Plus locations throughout the United States. Also during COVID, we'd launched what's called a hope inside the workplace, as we talk about financial wellbeing for employees, and the importance of such and so we got some key partners with a few municipalities and some major Fortune 500 companies. And so that's a little bit about Operation Hope. And I could go on and old and old. But yeah, thank you for that. Candace. Well, I have a couple of questions related to what you said, probably the point that's most applicable to everyone is finance, right? Because everybody has finances. And if you talk to most people, there are probably some areas of improvement that they would like to see, like, why is this important to Operation Hope? And what exactly do they do to help folks? Yeah, you know, it's important, I think, and I could speak for John, on the founder, chairman, CEO, and I could speak for myself. You know, part of John's story is, you know, growing up in Compton and his dad had a business did you know very well, but at the end of the day, didn't understand finances. And so his father would win contracts, Candace but wasn't able to make payroll. And we know at the end of the day, that's not sustainable at all. So yeah, so for a portion of John's life, he was homeless. Right. And so he saw the financial trouble and the turmoil that that can be where you don't have you know, a financial acumen and understanding of, you know, finances isn't how it works. And ultimately, and he talks about it in many of his books, his mom and dad divorced. You know, for myself, as I mentioned earlier, growing up in the small, you know, rural town, single mom, two brothers living in, you know, housing projects, I didn't have much growing up. And that was my life mission, which is why I studied consumer economics, and did a internship at a financial firm, because I knew the value of $1. So much that I loved it. Canvas. And that was part of the story when we come back, right for part two. But with that being said, with what I've seen and been able to do in my life, as a relates to changing the trajectory of what I'm able to do the options that I'm able to have the health care that I'm able to partake in the experiences, the joy and the peace, and some of those things that come alongside it. But then also realize that for myself, that many the people that I went to school with Kansas, don't understand finances, right, they are supposed to learn it. Hello, and that's the thing, right? And so, for me, it was paying it forward. And so you realize the challenges that many people have as a relate to finances and money. But then all the noise this in this space right here as it relates to credit pair, quick fix, we talked about earlier, the power of waiting, right, and going through the process to get to that point. And so it's my life mission. And I'm glad to be able to provide some of those opportunities through Operation Hope, to really help empower and equip folks and really teach them the language of money at the end of the day. Because we believe that if people understood how money were the language of money, that ultimately they would make better decisions, right to think through as it relates to asset versus a liability, and how that works to power credit, and understanding, you know, interest rates and compound interest, how it can work for you, and ultimately how it can work against you. And so it's important to be able to have a coach, as we talked about earlier, as mentioned, over 300 plus locations across the country. And those coaches work with individuals at no cost to them. Right, because oftentimes, that may be a barrier for many, to work with someone to help them along the way. And then the other part is we talked about earlier Kansas as being transparent. And you know what I'm saying a lot of times, we know what we know, because you know, we hadn't always made the right decisions, right, or somebody within our circle. And so we really want to take that stigma out, as it relates to, you know, making that initial call and realize like, even though you may be good with money, you can be great. Like there's levels to it, right, with somebody to get connected. And I truly believe once they realize that, and understand the rules of how, you know, the banking system works, credit, homeownership, etc, that, you know, that can really change a family, right. And ultimately, communities at the end of the day, I just saw a post on Instagram yesterday, somebody I follow said basically, like for most people, 90% of their problems would be solved if they didn't have money issues. And that really resonated with me, because I'm like, Yeah, you know, when you go from living hand to mouth as Oh, folks will say, you know, paycheck to paycheck, worried about covering every bill to where, you know, for me, I felt like I had it together when I can have all my bills on auto pay. And I didn't think about it. That was one level. And then once I had all my bills on auto pay, then it was I don't even know when payday is when I get paid, because it's just an automated thing. But at the same time, I was still trading my time for money, right? So then when you're trading your time for money, you only have so much time, you only have so much health, you only have so much mental capacity that also has its limits, right? So in addition to being able to pay your bills, and you know, not worry about them having to shut your lights off, you got to get to the point where your money is working for you, because that is how you accumulate wealth. And those are not conversations that are had in our community. Because a lot of times folks are still stuck on level one, and they don't have a way to get out of it. Yeah, you're so right about that. And I was even thinking kinases, he was talking about, you know, in alleviating challenges in other areas of your life because, you know, we've talked about the stress of, you know, feeling like you may not have enough money or you know, oftentimes having your worth tied to your net worth and what that may look like. That is a challenge and the other eye opener for me because when I was going through it, I just figured everybody balanced a check book, right, everybody automated. And I served and not taught not to teach a stewardship class at church. And when I saw the need of folks getting the information as if they there was a first time hearing it. And I was like, You know what, this is a problem. This is a major, serious problem. Yeah. Because we managed, let's keep it a buck. But generations. What was there to talk about? Yeah. Yeah, he wrote about it. And I even think about growing up Kansas, right? Well, we, we talk about that a lot of our family members that I was talking about my great grandfather, so, you know, the grandma mom would go on her preserves, what they call it back in the day, you know, what I'm saying? So even, right? So even with the distrust, and at the time, I didn't think nothing about it, I just say, that's just what they did. That's just what they do. And even credit, you know, I grew up saying credit was the enemy, you know, what I'm saying? Like, it was a stay away from it. And it helped guide me and assist, but that was financial trauma, right? But it's like no credit can be if you don't handle it, right, you got to teach you two rules, right, of when it would be proper to use it and when not to use it, versus thinking, Oh, well, it's supposed to be for emergencies. And then, you know, ordering a pizza becomes an emergency. So you have to put some guidelines and boundaries around Hey, on how you got to navigate and really work through get introduced into this financial world, because it can be a challenge with so much noise is going on, you know, in this space as relates to finances and money. And you know, as you talked about earlier, Fakebook, all the different challenges, right, and the things that can pull at you, at the end of the day, it can be very, very overwhelming. And so being able to work with a coach that can help guide you along the way, because you're going to make mistakes, right, you're going to have, you know, those tendencies that you know, you have like, for me, I love expensive cologne. Right, and I've just owning it Canvas back in the day, I wouldn't take you that. And you know, I'm starting to really like, you know, expensive shoes, and I like to travel well, and, and things of that nature, but also remember a time when I didn't run the power bill, right? Because it's like, I'm trying to keep as much money in then going out. Right, and, you know, funny story. And that's how I went about it Canvas to where I was really depriving myself at the end of the day. And so it's really been able to find that balance. Because oftentimes, in this space, it's like, oh, well, if you go to Starbucks and you spend x amount of man if you want to go to start and get you a Starbucks, Don't let nobody shame you. dogboe Starbucks, there's some other bigger challenges that I believe that's going on beyond going to Starbucks, right? Well, these inflation's you understand interest rates. You know, one of the things I started Canada's during COVID was our money matters, just to talk to people, right? People that worked at the bank didn't even understand what a freakin refinance was on a mortgage. I'm calling people like, I'm looking at you like this, I'm leaning into my forehead wrinkling, interest rates 2%. You gotta refinance. What is that? I don't want to dumb like, are you serious, but anyhow, is a moment tangent A little bit. But the thing is, being able to spread the Good News encouraged people share it with folks. And you'll realize that oftentimes, you're not by yourself. And you know, if I can face that thing and understand what I'm dealing with, then ultimately, you can come out of it at the end of the day. So I'm very passionate as relates to financial literacy. And even with myself around invest in education, and within operational operation, hope don't provide any of those services. But for people to really understand what that looks like, man, interest rates, and one to 2% can be a game changer at the end of the day. So, you know, it's great to see the work that we've been able to do at Operation Hope. It's been great. Candace, honestly, to meet you. This has been a blessing, honestly, and your heart and your passion to want to serve and in assists within this space. Because ultimately, I believe, because it by 2050, as a black community, there's estimated to be a negative net worth. Right. And I know growing up, we talked about the village, it takes a village and that's what it's going to ultimately take for us to move together collectively, to ultimately get to where we know that we need to be and ultimately can be at the end of the day. And so, you know, if you're out there, as Ken said, Go to Operation home, take a look at it is at no cost for you to participate and be a part of it. And we want to spread the Good News and you know, we've been able to have some great success, but there's a lot of work to be done in this Space? Well, at the end of the day, that is what we're about. That is the reason I'm here. I want to build community so that people understand that they're not alone. And there's so much stuff going on, as you said, on social media and otherwise, sometimes it's hard to really sift through what you need to get the information that you absolutely need. So creating community of like minded people who are trying to do good, and I didn't forget, I need to do the whole bail. So for those people who listen every week, y'all should know what we do here, right? So believe, be is believe that you can a is accept change as a normal part of the process, any process, things are never going to go exactly as you expect them. I inventory, the skills that you have and the things that you have that you can use, but also the things that are available to you in your network, like Operation Hope, right? Learn, learn from your experiences. That's the L and from the experiences of others. Thank you so much. So my guest co hosts for today, Damon Carson from Operation Hope, tell people how to reach you on socials. Yeah, so you can reach me at Damien J. Carson on Facebook. We also have our money matters Facebook page where we talk about building wealth and, and really looking at investing education and former importance of retirement savings, etc. And then you can also find me on LinkedIn, and Damian J. Carson as well. And then Operation Hope is WWW dot operation. hope.org. Or you can follow our chair founder and CEO, John O'Brien as well. So thank you, Candace, I appreciate you coming. We have learned so much. I definitely have got to have you back. And everybody listening I love you when I mean it pays. The Wasn't that a great interview pulled up before you grab your hat and head out. Make sure you make your way to facebook and join the bail yourself out pod Facebook group. That's where you'll find your virtual co workers, luxuriating and chatting. Thank you so much for listening. And if you enjoy the show, please leave a review. That's how we keep the lights on. If you're on social media, follow your girl Candice with the K Whitaker and you know what, I'd love to hear from you with that. I love you and I mean it because there are people who hate in the world for no reason I choose to love for no reason. I believe as the great Martin Luther King Jr. said hate is too great a burden to bear so I choose to love He shall

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