Dear LOD Family, MERRY CHRISTMAS from Leadership On Demand! Today is all about Jesus, He is "the reason for the season!" Emmanuel: God with us... Matthew 1:18-25, “Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.” I pray joy, peace and the love of God will fill your heart and your home, and I declare 2026 will be a year of blessing and abundance for you and your house. Merry Christmas! Grateful for you, T.M. Hyman

Today, take a moment to stand still and consider. While driving to Virginia for the holidays I was blessed with this beautiful rising of the sun. “Stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God" is a powerful line from the Bible, specifically Job 37:14, encouraging awe and reflection on divine power and creation. It's a call to pause, look beyond immediate problems, and recognize God's presence and wisdom in the natural world, like the balancing of clouds, lightning and the sunrise.

I have an infatuation with studying how successful entrepreneurs rose to the height of their success. I think you will enjoy this one as much as I did. I'd like to introduce to some, maybe reintroduce to others Angelica "Angie" Wandu, the CEO and founder of The Shade Room, where she discusses the origins and tumultuous growth of her multi-million dollar black media empire. Wandu had a difficult childhood in Los Angeles, including the murder of her mother by her father and subsequent years in foster care, which instilled a fierce sense of hustle and resilience that she attributes partly to her Nigerian heritage. This is business case study was so compelling and powerful, I created a course for you... "FROM EVICTED TO MEDIA EMPIRE". Available NOW in CLASSROOM! Share your comments 👇🏽

For years, one question has resurfaced in business circles, classrooms, barbershops, and entrepreneurial communities: “Who was the first Black billionaire in America?” Many people immediately think of Robert L. Johnson, founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), who became a billionaire in 2001 after the company’s sale to Viacom — and who was later listed by Forbes as the first Black American billionaire. But the full story goes deeper, and it begins long before Johnson stepped onto the Forbes list. To understand America’s first Black billionaire, you have to understand context, timing, and what it means to measure “billionaire status.” And that brings us to a name many still don’t know: Reginald F. Lewis — The First to Build and Lead a Billion-Dollar Company In 1987, Reginald F. Lewis acquired TLC Beatrice International Foods for $985 million, transforming it into the first Black-owned company to surpass $1 billion in annual sales. That milestone alone is groundbreaking. Lewis didn’t inherit wealth. He didn’t benefit from generational business networks. He didn’t have doors swung open for him by powerful families or institutions. He built — and he built big. His acquisition strategy, legal brilliance, and global business vision shattered ceilings Black entrepreneurs had been told would never break. TLC Beatrice became a multinational powerhouse with operations across the U.S. and Europe, proving that Black leadership was not only capable on the world stage — but could dominate it. Lewis passed away in 1993, but his legacy continues today through his family’s philanthropic work, including programs like All Star Code, opening pathways for young men of color in technology. Yet Lewis never appeared on the Forbes billionaire list. Why? Because billionaire status isn’t just about size — it’s about timing, valuation, liquidity, and public reporting. Which leads to the next chapter. Robert L. Johnson — The First Black American to Appear on the Forbes Billionaire List

Family — we’re leveling up! Our Power Hour has officially moved to Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday at 4P EST, plus two powerful weekend sessions: Saturday Skool – 10A EST Sunday Faith Talk – 6A EST Every room is designed to sharpen your leadership, strengthen your clarity and fuel your purpose. We invite you to join us — and feel free to invite someone who needs this energy, this community and this momentum. Let’s grow together. Leadership On Demand. LODWeekly.com