Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Benny Pough.

Shares his journey from a music executive to entrepreneur and author, emphasizing resilience, faith, mentorship, and personal branding.

🧠 Key Takeaways 1. Career Evolution & Entrepreneurship

Benny Pough transitioned from top executive roles at major labels (Motown, Def Jam, Epic, ROC Nation) to founding Diverse Media, a multi-tiered entertainment company.
His pivot was driven by a desire to pursue personal dreams and create impact beyond corporate success.

“I left every job at the top… because I’m a believer in not just talking about it, but being about it.”

2. Life-Changing Car Accident

Benny recounts a near-fatal car crash that inspired his book “On Impact”.
The experience led to deep reflection on mortality, purpose, and legacy.

“At that moment, God put a book inside of me called On Impact, which takes you through my journey from 11 years old delivering newspapers to modern day.”

3. The Book: “On Impact”

Acronym: IMPACT = Intuition, Mastery, Pivot, Authenticity, Connection, Teamwork.
Each chapter ends with a “hit list” for readers to apply lessons to their own lives.

4. Faith and Resilience

Benny emphasizes the role of faith in overcoming adversity and staying grounded.
Rashawn shares his own health challenges (collapsed lung, cancer) to highlight the importance of perspective and purpose.

“Belief in the Almighty and belief in yourself is really important. Everything else is secondary.”

5. Mentorship and Giving Back

Benny credits mentors like LA Reid and Dedra Tate for shaping his career.
He stresses the importance of long-term relationships and pouring into others.

“People pour into you. You make sure that you’re able to give something back when it’s time to drink.”

6. Personal Branding

Benny shares a childhood story about being teased for his last name “Pough” and how it motivated him to make his name matter.
He insists on being called “Benny Pough” to reinforce his brand identity.

“That was the point when I decided to brand myself and make sure my name mattered.”

7. Value Over Money

Both Benny and Rashawn discuss how value creation leads to financial success, not the other way around.
Rashawn shares how he earned his role as executive producer by showing initiative, not chasing money.

“If you create value in any situation, somebody’s going to pay you some money.”

💬 Notable Quotes

“Fear is a good thing because unknown is a good thing.”
“You don’t need a life-threatening event to pivot.”
“A strong belief in what you want to do will be tied to the goals you put in place to achieve your dream.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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