In this episode of The Color of Money, Chike Aguh—senior advisor, Fulbright Scholar, and former Chief Innovation Officer at the U.S. Department of Labor—joins us to break down what real leadership looks like in today’s fast-changing world. Chike shares how his immigrant family’s journey, commitment to lifelong learning, and willingness to step up—imperfectly—have shaped his path to national influence.

We explore why leadership always starts with leading yourself, the power of building skills and character over credentials, and why adaptability is the true key to opportunity. Chike offers practical advice on finding proximity to great leaders, building relationships, and remembering that the distance between you and those you admire is often smaller than you think.

Tune in for inspiration, actionable wisdom, and a fresh perspective on growing your impact—wherever you are on your journey.

Resources:

• Learn more at The Color of Money
• Read Good to Great by Jim Collins
• Read How to Make a Few Billion Dollars by Brad Jacobs
• Read The Experimentation Machine by Jeff Bussgang
• Become a real estate agent HERE

Connect with Our Hosts

Emerick Peace:

• Instagram: @theemerickpeace
• Facebook: facebook.com/emerickpeace

Daniel Dixon:

• Instagram: @dixonsoldit
• Facebook: facebook.com/realdanieldixon
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dixonsoldit
• YouTube: @dixongroupcompanies

Julia Lashay:

• Instagram: @iamjulialashay
• Facebook: facebook.com/growwithjulia
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/julialashay/
• YouTube: @JuliaLashay

Bo Menkiti

• Instagram: @bomenkiti
• Facebook: facebook.com/obiora.menkiti
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bomenkiti/

Produced by NOVA

This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

What does it take to grow from a Craigslist rental to a $100 million real estate portfolio—and still stay true to your values?

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Merideth, co-founder and CEO of VPG Enterprises in New Orleans. A former petroleum engineer and minor league baseball player, Michael’s journey into real estate began with a bold leap—and a belief that his community deserved better. With fraternity brothers turned co-founders, he bootstrapped VPG from envelope-stuffing side hustle to one of the nation’s fastest-growing real estate firms.

We explore the mechanics behind that rise: creative financing, vertical integration, and building trust in a historically insular market. Michael shares the power of partnerships, how to spot a real opportunity, and what it means to do deals that make a difference. He also opens up about today’s headwinds facing Black-owned businesses, and how he's evolving while staying rooted in mission.

Whether you're building your first fourplex or scaling to institutional capital, this episode is a masterclass in grit, vision, and legacy.

Resources:

• Learn more at The Color of Money
• VPG Enterprises: vpgenterprise.com
• Read: Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
• Become a real estate agent HERE

Connect with Our Hosts

Emerick Peace:

• Instagram: @theemerickpeace
• Facebook: facebook.com/emerickpeace

Daniel Dixon:

• Instagram: @dixonsoldit
• Facebook: facebook.com/realdanieldixon
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dixonsoldit
• YouTube: @dixongroupcompanies

Julia Lashay:

• Instagram: @iamjulialashay
• Facebook: facebook.com/growwithjulia
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/julialashay/
• YouTube: @JuliaLashay

Bo Menkiti

• Instagram: @bomenkiti
• Facebook: facebook.com/obiora.menkiti
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bomenkiti/

Produced by NOVA

This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

What does it really take to build a thriving business and lasting wealth—on your own terms? We sit down with Kito Smith, a standout in the San Antonio real estate scene, to explore what it means to build wealth—and a business—by design. Kito’s unwavering commitment to his “why” has shaped his approach to real estate, leadership, and life, driving his success as both a top-producing agent and a mentor within his community.

In this conversation, we dive into the discipline behind Kito’s daily routines, from his 600+ days alcohol-free to his structured approach to time management and delegation. We unpack how embracing health, therapy, and self-care has transformed not only his business but also his mindset. Kito shares creative strategies for building community and promoting homeownership, including unique events like “Ribs and Tips” that bring real estate education directly to the people.

Through mentorship, purposeful action, and a commitment to giving back, Kito shows how self-confidence and clarity of purpose can lead to both personal and professional freedom. This episode is a practical guide to living—and building wealth—with intention.

Resources:

• Learn more at The Color of Money
• Read The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy
• Read You Owe You by Eric Thomas
• Become a real estate agent HERE

Connect with Our Hosts

Emerick Peace:

• Instagram: @theemerickpeace
• Facebook: facebook.com/emerickpeace

Daniel Dixon:

• Instagram: @dixonsoldit
• Facebook: facebook.com/realdanieldixon
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dixonsoldit
• YouTube: @dixongroupcompanies

Julia Lashay:

• Instagram: @iamjulialashay
• Facebook: facebook.com/growwithjulia
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/julialashay/
• YouTube: @JuliaLashay

Bo Menkiti

• Instagram: @bomenkiti
• Facebook: facebook.com/obiora.menkiti
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bomenkiti/

Produced by NOVA

This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.