What Goldman Sachs Black in Business Taught Me
When I received the email that I had been selected for the Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women: Black in Business program, I knew it would be a meaningful opportunity.
What I didn't realize was just how transformative the experience would become. Over the course of 12 intensive weeks, I joined hundreds of women entrepreneurs from across the country who were committed to doing one thing: building businesses that don't just survive, but scale.
I am honored to say I was one of only 306 women selected from 47 states for this cohort. Even more special, Buffalo was represented by three incredible entrepreneurs. Myself, Shantell Patton of That Brown Bag, and Ari Hennings of Ari Ready Consulting. Representing Western New York on a national stage reminded me that great businesses can be built anywhere when vision meets preparation.
Many people hear "Business program" and think webinars and homework. This wasn't that. Goldman Sachs designed Black in Business as an immersive development experience for entrepreneurs. The curriculum, created alongside NYU Stern School of Business, focused on the fundamentals every growing company needs, from financial planning and pricing strategy to marketing, operations, access to capital, customer acquisition, and sustainable growth. Participants also work directly with strategic advisors while completing 9–12 hours of coursework each week before gathering in New York City for orientation and graduation.
The work was rigorous. There were weekly assignments, financial exercises, strategic planning sessions, mentor check-ins, accountability groups, and real conversations that forced us to examine our businesses honestly.
For me, it wasn't about checking boxes. It was about asking better questions.
- Where is my business going?
- What systems need to be built?
- How do I move from being the person who does everything to the CEO who leads everything?
Those are two very different roles. Like many entrepreneurs, I'm used to moving. Between hosting radio shows, producing podcasts, operating The G Suite Studio, consulting with clients, speaking, teaching, and creating content, my days rarely slow down.
This program required me to pause. To think strategically instead of reactively. It challenged me to work on my business, not just in it. That shift alone changed how I think about growth. Instead of focusing solely on today's opportunities, I began planning for what my businesses should look like three, five, even ten years from now.
One of the greatest gifts from this experience wasn't found in a textbook. It was the people. The women in my cohort became a community of accountability, encouragement, and honest feedback. Our advisor, Kendra Y. Hill, challenged us to think bigger while remaining grounded in execution. Her guidance pushed me to sharpen my strategy, clarify my vision, and stop settling for "good enough." Sometimes growth requires someone else to see your potential before you're fully comfortable stepping into it yourself.
Graduation in New York City felt like more than the completion of a program. It represented months of discipline, sacrifice, and commitment. Walking into Goldman Sachs headquarters surrounded by hundreds of brilliant women entrepreneurs from around the country was a reminder that Black women continue to innovate, build, and create economic impact every single day. The conversations weren't centered on competition. They were centered on collaboration. Everyone understood that when one business grows, entire communities benefit.
Goldman Sachs launched the One Million Black Women initiative to help address barriers to economic opportunity through investment, education, and access. The Black in Business program specifically equips entrepreneurs with practical tools to strengthen and grow their companies. Since its launch, the program has reached more than 1,600 small business owners, with Goldman Sachs reporting that 57% of alumni increased revenue within six months and 35% hired new employees after completing the program.
Those numbers matter. But what matters even more is what they represent. More sustainable businesses. More jobs. More wealth being created in our communities. More entrepreneurs equipped to build lasting legacies.
This graduation isn't the finish line. It's another starting point. The lessons I've learned will directly impact every organization I lead, from business to my media work, consulting, and the entrepreneurs I serve every day. I'm left with sharper strategy, greater confidence and a stronger network. And a renewed commitment to helping other entrepreneurs realize what's possible. Because success isn't simply about getting a seat at the table; it's about building tables where others can gather, grow, and thrive alongside you.
To Goldman Sachs, the One Million Black Women team, my advisor, my cohort sisters, and everyone who believed in this journey, thank you!
To my fellow ladies who also want to learn more and apply for the next cohort, please click HERE and start your journey from founder to CEO. I hope to see you at the next graduation!
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