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Daymond John and Sophia Popov Show How to Get Dreams Moving from the Background to the Headlines

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This week was Mamba Day at the NBA! The league remembered Kobe Bryant on 8-24 to honor his game and the numbers he wore. There was a kind of mamba spirit at work as LA sports teams had lots of success in their games. Both the Dodgers and Lakers won big with players showing love to their icon.

For different reasons, folks gave props to Daymond John and Sophia Popov. Both made news recently for their ‘hustle and flow’ credentials. For John, it was a program feature to honor Dr King’s famous words, “I Have a Dream.” John is known as a ‘Shark Tank’ personality but his biz skill came from the streets.

Popov made history winning the Women’s Golf British Open. Her rank in the world was somewhere in the 300th range. It’s only happened once before where someone with such a junior rank wins a golf major. She placed 10th in the qualifying tournament, providing her a chance to play among the game’s stars.

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The backstory told by John is he learned from watching his parents about what it takes to ‘rise & grind.’ They’d work their regular jobs and then after that did stuff with their side hustle. For Popov, it’s been about believing in herself and her game and knowing that she could perform among the best of them.

Their success is an example of what can happen when you give your dreams a ‘shot of r-u-m’ by putting it in ‘roll-up mode’. It’s not what you have in a beverage sense but in the way you mix skill, talent, passion & mojo. That means we get our dreams moving from the background to the headlines by how we:

  1. Work it

John realized he wanted to be a ‘bid-ness man’ after selling baseball caps on the street corner. He had borrowed money from a relative to make a few caps for himself. People started to like them, so he made some extra ones. He hung-out on the corner and made $800 selling them. That was his ‘work it’ moment.

  1. Play it

Popov went from relative unknown to becoming a golf champion. Some might say timing was everything because Covid-19 prevented few of the ‘regulars’ from playing in the tournament. But she showed how you ‘play it’ is just as important. This comes by maintaining poise and not being distracted by life’s noise.

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  1. Build it

John then started with the brand FUBU and was able to ‘build it’ from the ground up with help from friends & fam. When you build it, things might start out as a ‘proof of concept’ and end up being your ticket to the big time. So that means staying on message or on track to build momentum for a breakthrough.

  1. Change it

At times we might have to tweak things in our game to get better results. Plus, when things get stale or feel stuck, we might have to ‘change it.’ John sees that happening now with the public unrest. He’s frustrated that we’re still ‘stuck on stale’ when it comes to dealing with social justice issues.

It’s still hard to fathom that Kobe was ‘here today, gone tomorrow.’ As players send love to his family, we can live our best life in honor of his story. Some go the entrepreneur route by how they ‘build it’ while others worry during Covid-19 if they’re gonna ‘play it.’ But no matter what, let’s ‘change it’ or ‘just work it.’

Tip: You get dreams moving from the background to the headlines by how you work it, play it, build it and change it!

Talkback: Will this win for Popov be a career one-off or a dream jump-off?

Tracks: Pharrell Williams ft Jay-Z – Entrepreneur – https://youtu.be/bTOoY5MIkvM

Missy Elliott – Work It – https://youtu.be/cjIvu7e6Wq8

Ne-Yo & Diddy Put Their Money Where Their Heart is While Still Making Things Hot #BigTimeUniversity

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#BigTimeUniversity – “Small Talk, Street Dreams, Next Level”

This production of “Wise-up Weekly” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST

LOL Tube – Got Funny? (Or Just Fun!)

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Hotstepping’ – Get Jiggy, Get Woke!”
A Cool Way for Flexing Style, Game & Soul in How We Roll (Old-School Flava)

The Met Gala is still bringing the stars out in full effect. There went a pregnant Serena Williams and a radiant Rihanna on the Red Carpet. It seems Diddy got tired of standing while his girl posed for pictures. These days he and Ne-Yo are putting their money where their heart is while still making things hot.

Recently Ne-Yo decided to invest in a school for the next crop of tech stars. He told Tech Crunch “This is not, ‘oh, let me attach my name to something.’ This is something that I’m genuinely passionate about.” They’re investing time and money in the next chance for others to grind by making passion do what it do!

They’re still doing their thing working with new artists and emerging talent. That’s how Diddy made a name for himself in the record business. But they want to prepare students not just for the passion worlds of ballers and beats. So they’re providing the training to help launch whiz kids for the tech-savvy world.

Social media went crazy when Diddy decided to sit on the stairs at the Met Gala entrance. Not long ago he was the one going crazy about Kendrick Lamar’s new album. But after Diddy opened a school in Harlem last year, he’s using his talents to connect students with the passion worlds of brains and biz too.

Ne-Yo’s looking forward to his next music project soon. Diddy is looking ahead to the unfolding of his latest legacy project. They’re not doing things just as a means to making more ends but also as a way for social uplift through the box office and hometown blocks. Just look what their ‘passion fruit’ can do!

Groove-Track: Faith Evans  – I Deserve It – https://youtu.be/h5vGsj3V2bE

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Hotstepping’ – Get Jiggy, Get Woke!”
A Cool Way for Flexing Style, Game & Soul in How We Roll (New-School Flava)

Met Gala brought stars out at night. A pregnant Serena looking out of sight. Red Carper radiant was Ri-Ri. In full effect they’d be. Seems Diddy got tired of standing. With girl friend he was photo bombing. These days he and Ne-Yo doing their part. Putting money where their heart. Still making things hot start.

Ne-Yo drops some dollaz for the kids. Investing in next crop of tech star bids. Telling Tech Crunch it’s not just about using his name. But about bridging the passion of his game. Something he feels hopeful about. Maybe a way to lend showbiz clout. Next chance for others to grind. Do what it do and being kind.

Still working with artists and fresh talent. That’s more than a passing comment. How Diddy made a name in biz. Now providing training for the next whiz. Beyond the world of ballers and beats. To a world of reaching new feats. With the tech-savvy tools of today. Where kids learn to code for their payday.

Social media was abuzz. Diddy sat on Met stairs as if ‘What’s up cuz?’ Not long ago he was going crazy good. About Kendrick Lamar’s new album from the ‘hood. A year ago Diddy opened new school. So kids learn more than the golden rule. In the passion worlds of biz and brains. Students can achieve new gains.

Ne-Yo readying for new music mix. Diddy looking ahead to latest legacy fix. Not doing stuff just for the ends. But also for message social uplift sends. Some projects at box office or hometown blocks. So folks can decide not to mess with the glocks. By seeing how ‘passion fruit’ can boost their stocks.

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Tip: When passion comes through it makes the grind do what it do.

Talkback: Did Diddy steal the show from his girl or just stepped back to watch her shine?

Groove-Tracks: Drake – Passionfruit – https://youtu.be/0RBhllKnmtM

Morris Day – Over that Rainbow – https://youtu.be/Bjiedmy-cD8

This production of “Wise-up Weekly” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST

Serena & Venus Williams Put on a Show of Class and Grit for Fans Worldwide #BigTimeUniversity

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#BigTimeUniversity – “Small Talk, Street Dreams, Next Level”

This production of “Wise-up Weekly” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST

LOL Tube – Got Funny?

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Hotstepping’ – Get Jiggy, Get Woke!”
A Cool Way for Flexing Style, Game & Soul in How We Roll (Old-School Flava)

They say age is just a number, and maybe Serena & Venus Williams got the memo. It was a weekend to remember as they competed in the Australian Open finals. Another old-timer who got props was Roger Federer on the men’s side. But the Williams sisters put on a show of class and grit for fans worldwide.

In her first social media post after the match Serena wrote “The top is never lonely when your best friend (Venus Williams) is there. Here’s to #23. What a night for our family.” The #23 refers to her record-setting majors wins. Here’s a case of what win-win looks like on the career ladder or playing field of stars.

This match brought their careers full circle since playing each other at the same venue in 1998. Over the years they’ve grinded it out by looking past potential distractions and being the ultimate ‘goal diggers’ on the pro tennis circuit. Considering their upstart beginnings it’s great to see them go from then to now.

How things took off for them tells us something about turning your journey into a larger story. It’s why they’re both sports and branding icons. They saw their career rankings jump with a win for Serena and even with the loss for Venus. Serena landed back in the #1 spot while Venus moved up two slots to 11th.

When match money and endorsements are paid out we praise Serena for her dominance and Venus for her elegance. They showed us how a special kind of love for each other and passion for the game keeps them together. Venus responded to her sister on social media by basically say don’t count them out.

Groove-Track: New Edition – Count Me Out – https://youtu.be/7a9uhrhIlBQ

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Hotstepping’ – Get Jiggy, Get Woke!”
A Cool Way for Flexing Style, Game & Soul in How We Roll (New-School Flava)

They say age is but a number. What a weekend to remember. Williams sisters got the memo. Keep playing past your demo. As they thrilled fans in Aussie match. Serena too and her honey-boo catch. On men’s side old-timer Federer came thru. But Williams sisters put things in full view.

Posting on social media Serena wrote. Top never lonely even as the G.O.A.T. When sista best friend is closely there. Knowing that ‘cause she does care. Here’s to the #23 winning highlight. For their family, what a night. Record-setting win in major rounds. A case of win-win on career ladder is how it sounds.

Match brought their careers back in place. Down-under where each other they’d face. Playing at same venue for us to see. What grinding it out in life can be. Looking past distraction and setbacks. Being ultimate ‘goal diggers’ for comebacks. Upstart beginnings back then. So they smile and remember when.

Things took off for them after a while. Building them into branding style. Says something about turning your journey. Into a market-ready larger story. Saw their career rankings take a jump. With win, loss, still a career bump. Back at #1 for the younger pro. Up two spots for Venus and their glow.

When match money and promos get paid. Going from braids to having hair laid. Much praise to Serena for her dominance. Same to Venus for her elegance. Showed us that special kind of love. Also giving thanks to the One above. Passion keeps them in the flow. Don’t count them out on how far they’ll go.

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Tip: Whether win, lose or draw, a passion for the game & push for excellence make us better.

Talkback: How’s it feel seeing the Williams sisters compete and then congratulate?

Groove-Tracks: Missy Elliott – I’m Better – https://youtu.be/TwyPsUd9LAk

Alessia Cara – How Far I’ll Go – https://youtu.be/ZNra8eK0K6k

This production of “Wise-up Weekly” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST

The Business of Sports: Marshawn & Serena Getting Paid for Games Played – #WUWECAST

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This production of “Wise-up Wednesdays” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Uppertunity’ – Get Lifted!”
With Higher Hopes, Bolder Dreams and Greater Teams (Old-School Flava)

There were lots of highlights in sports over recent days. The biggest was likely how the Superbowl ended. With less than a minute in the game, the Seahawks decided to pass. We’ve heard the breakdown of the big game and TV commercials. So will Marshawn Lynch get fined and what about Serena’s fat check?

The game was a thriller down to the end. The commercials had their fare share of ‘hits and misses.’ This year’s Superbowl was the most watched TV program in history. Lynch didn’t get the call to run the ball. But his branding success beyond the big game says something about how to ‘coin a phrase.’

His approach to media has put a dent in his wallet. But he’s been able to turn that around into a branding ‘phrase that pays.’ This is also true for ads that are a hit. They appeal with humor or to the heartstring or by being hip. That’s how a favorite song, movie or commercial can empower our days in unique ways.

Some fans were drawn to the Nissan 90-second spot about ‘Daddy love’ while others were drawn to the Budweiser tale about ‘puppy love.’ To empower our days means trying to see something we didn’t see before, or experiencing something in ways we haven’t before. Isn’t that how the pros up their game?

Serena Williams continues to do that on the court. She’s now won 19 grand slams as one of the oldest ever. Her success is less about how she coins a phrase. It’s more about how she empowers her days and picks a next-level trail to blaze. Win, lose or draw, Lynch and Williams are laughing their way to the bank.

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Uppertunity’ – Get Lifted!”
With Higher Hopes, Bolder Dreams and Greater Teams (New-School Flava)

Lots of highlights on the sports page. The Superbowl finish had some in rage. With less than a minute left on the clock. Seahawks coach paused to take stock. Decided to pass instead of run. That’s how they lost and the Patriots won. So will Marshawn Lynch again get fined? Or Serena’s check get nickel & dimed?

A thriller down to the end. Unclear who would rise or bend. Commercials had their share of ‘hits and misses.’ Most watched TV program without the kisses. Eventhough Lynch didn’t get the call. Seahawks could have run the ball. Lynch making waves beyond news wire. Coining a phrase in ‘beast mode’ attire.

Talking to media not his first love. Puts a dent in his wallet not glove. Runs over athletes with his backfield plays. Turns things around with a phrase that pays. True for ads that are a hit and pop. Using humor, heartstring or a little hip-hop. A favorite song to empower our days. Or movie-showing in unique ways.

Some drawn to Nissan’s ‘Daddy love’ spot. Others think Budweiser’s ‘puppy love’ was the shot. To empower our days means seeing things in a new light. Or even experiencing things at a new flight. Isn’t that how the pros keep upping their game? Just like them we can enjoy reaching the same.

Serena doing that on the court for sure. At 19 grand slams she’s ready for more. One of the oldest in the game to do so ever. Less about coining a phrase that’s clever. It’s in how she empowers her days. And picks a next-level trail to blaze. Win, lose or draw in the tank. They’re laughing their way to the bank.

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Tip: Upping our game and empowering our days mean seeing and experiencing things in new ways.
Talkback: Will Marshawn Lynch or the Patriots get fined and how might Serena spend that fat check?
Groove-Tracks: Katy Perry ‘Roar’ – http://youtu.be/CevxZvSJLk8 and Bruno Mars ‘Uptown Funk’ – http://youtu.be/OPf0YbXqDm0

This production of “Wise-up Wednesdays” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST