Investing In Influence: Issa Rae, Steve Harvey,…
Source: Paras Griffin/ Getty
InvestFest 2025 blended popular culture, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy as the likes of Issa Rae, Steve Harvey, Charlamagne Tha God, and Magic Johnson provided attendees hard-earned business knowledge and motivational insights.
The annual competition, launched by Earn Your Leisure (EYL), introduced together 1000’s of attendees for a dynamic weekend of panels, live interviews, and networking.
For Earn Your Leisure founders Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings, the event is the end result of a year-long, meticulous planning course of that Millings described to BOSSIP as getting ready “12 months for three days.” Their dedication ensures the competition stays “super concentrated on what we feel like the community needs to know,” offering direct access to specialists on topics from AI and real estate to cryptocurrency.
Rashad Bilal speaks on stage during day 2 of Invest Fest 2025 at Georgia World Congress Center on August 23, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty)
Source: Troy Millings on stage day 2 of Invest Fest 2025 at Georgia World Congress Center on August 23, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty)
While the main panels drew large crowds, a key element of the competition was its market, which highlighted over 400 companies. The event also featured two game-changing additions: the Deal Room and a live Open Pitch competitors with a hefty $125,000 on the road, and a lineup of headlining audio system—including Issa Rae, Steve Harvey, Charlamagne Tha God, and Magic Johnson—who provided attendees a masterclass in wealth and self-empowerment.
While talking on the EYL stage with Charlamagne Tha God, Steve Harvey delivered a highly effective message of self-belief, telling the viewers they have been “the chosen ones” for their willingness to invest in themselves. He also emphasised the significance of authenticity, urging people to embrace their distinctive life tales.
“Let me say something to all of you who invest money in yourself, you’re the chosen ones,” he said. “God picked you a long time ago, that’s why you’re the first one in your family.”
Source: Paras Griffin / Getty
Basketball legend-turned-business mogul Magic Johnson also shared a pivotal second from his youth that formed his financial philosophy. He recounted a long-ago determination to take a lump sum of money over Nike stock.
Source: Paras Griffin / Getty
“You know how much money, 46 years later, that stock will be worth today?” he requested an auditorium full of InvestFest attendees. “$1,000,000,005.” This humbling lesson, he said, fuels his mission to educate others.
“We educate ourselves about that so that you are successful, so that your siblings, your family, your friends can follow your lead.”
Johnson also spoke on his relentless drive, a trait he believes is key to his success.
“I go to bed at eight o’clock, I’m up at four o’clock, I work out for two hours, and then I’m in the office all day. I’m driven. I don’t need nobody to pat me on the back, I’m self-motivated, so that plays in my favor.”
Both males also underscored the significance of leveraging personal success for the betterment of the neighborhood. Harvey bolstered this sentiment, stating, “We can make each other great,” and concluded by advising attendees to determine their God-given presents and bear in mind that true energy lies in possession, not just being on a platform.
“I would rather own ABC, than be on ABC,” he asserted.
Source: Paras Griffin / Getty
Charlamagne echoed that and reminded InvestFest attendees of the ability of authenticity.
“Your journey, who you are, God put you in that unique situation for a reason,” said the Breakfast Club. host. “So don’t be afraid to tell that story, that’s how you beome a very authetic personaltiy.”
Source: Paras Griffin / Getty
As for Issa Rae, she provided insifht into her business acumen past writing and performing. The Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen proprietor, told InvestFest attendees about her highly effective thought to community “across.”
Source: Paras Griffin / Getty
Instead of attempting to “network up” by in search of out and connecting with people who are already at the top of your industry, she advocates for building a strong community with those who are at your same stage and just as bold as you’re.
That has led to large success for the Insecure creator.
“Every piece has been connected to someone else, and I’m not being foolish enough to think I can do every single one on my own,” said Issa.
Source: Paras Griffin / Getty
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