The Will To Change: Uncovering True Stories of Diversity & Inclusion: Recent Episodes
Jennifer Brown
Everyone has a diversity story- even those you don’t expect. Get ready to hear from leading CEO’s, bestselling authors and entrepreneurs as we uncover their true stories of diversity and inclusion.
The Will To Change is hosted by Jennifer Brown- Jennifer is an award-winning entrepreneur, dynamic speaker, and author and diversity and inclusion expert. She is a passionate social equality advocate committed to helping leaders foster healthier and therefore more productive workplaces, ultimately driving innovation and business results. Informed by more than a decade consulting to Fortune 500 companies, she creates a compelling case for leadership to embrace the opportunity that diversity represents along with empowering advocates at all levels to find their voice and be a driving force in creating more enlightened organizations. To learn more, visit http://jenniferbrownspeaks.com/
In this Pride Month reflection, Jennifer takes listeners on a journey through 25 years of LGBTQ+ workplace advocacy, beginning with her early days organizing panels in New York and culminating in the founding of Jennifer Brown Consulting. She explores the evolution of corporate inclusion efforts, the power of community, and the tension between authenticity, accountability, and assimilation in today’s workplace. Speaking candidly about the emotional complexity of this moment, Jennifer invites listeners to reconnect with their purpose, honor their advocacy journeys, and remember the wisdom they carry, even when the world feels out of step.
Elfi Martinez, Vice President of Inclusive Organizations at Changeforce.ai, returns to the program for a conversation with Jennifer about the current crossroads facing the DEI field. Jennifer and Elfi's discussion ranges from a discussion about cultural backlash and the erosion of shared language to the urgent need for clear standards and behavior-based accountability. This conversation examines how we got here, what we’ve learned, and what it will take to evolve the work in ways that are sustainable, inclusive, and resilient in the face of resistance.
In this episode we are joined by neuroscientist, leadership expert, and author, Dr. Britt Andreatta, to unpack the brain science behind how humans respond to change. We explore why resistance is hardwired into our biology, how burnout and change fatigue are affecting today’s workforce, and what leaders can do to foster resilience, inclusion, and transformation even in uncertain times. Whether you’re leading a team, guiding culture change, or navigating your own evolution, this conversation offers practical insights and a hopeful path forward.
In this episode, originally recorded as a community call, Jennifer is joined by Eduardo Placer of Fearless Communicators and a circle of visionary voices. Together, they explore what it means to show up as a thought leader in today’s shifting landscape, offering insights on storytelling, presence, vulnerability, and reclaiming space in a world that often pushes marginalized voices to the sidelines. You’ll hear reflections on building authentic connection with audiences, navigating the pressure to conform, and why now is the time to speak your truth with clarity and courage. Whether you’re a speaker, changemaker, or purpose-driven professional, this conversation will leave you inspired to step into your light.
In this episode, Jennifer is joined by author Sarah Miller as they explore the deeply intimate and complex relationship between journalist Lorena “Hick” Hickok and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Drawing from Sarah’s extensive research and thousands of personal letters, they discuss how love, identity, and intimacy were expressed—and often obscured—before the language of modern queer identity existed. Together, they reflect on how this relationship redefines historical narratives, challenges binary thinking, and uplifts queer voices too often overlooked. This episode offers a powerful reminder to younger generations that they have always existed, and that queer love, in all its forms, has always found a way.
In this reflective minisode of The Will to Change, Jennifer dives deep into the evolving meaning of mentorship in today’s chaotic and uncertain world. With traditional hierarchies dissolving and institutional pathways in flux, she explores how we can reframe mentoring as reciprocal “wisdom partnerships” that nourish, empower, and expand our sense of purpose. Speaking candidly to underrepresented leaders, especially those in midlife, Jennifer unpacks the emotional and cultural barriers to asking for support, including imposter syndrome, exhaustion, and the fear of burdening others. She calls listeners to embrace the courage to connect, redefine power beyond position, and actively invest in the diverse, multi-directional relationships that will shape our next chapter. Whether you're seeking clarity, community, or the confidence to ask for more, this episode is a timely invitation to build your own network for reinvention.
In this minisode, Jennifer reflects on her conversation with author and futurist Jamais Cascio, exploring how today’s leaders can rethink resilience, leadership, and empathy in a chaotic, unpredictable world. She unpacks the shift away from outdated models of “fail fast” and constant optimization, instead embracing the power of slowing down, practicing grace, and cultivating humility and flexibility. Jennifer examines how naming what feels incomprehensible can restore agency, why active empathy is essential across differences, and how leaders can ground themselves like deep roots — steady, adaptable, and able to hold space for uncertainty while nurturing the brilliance of others.
Join Jennifer in this thoughtful and eye-opening conversation with author and futurist Jamais Cascio as they explore how to navigate a world defined by chaos, uncertainty, and nonlinearity. Together, they unpack why the old models of resilience no longer serve us, why the moral universe looks more like a squiggle than a straight arc, and how leaders can embrace flexibility, active empathy, and interconnectedness to move forward. With deep insights into the BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, Incomprehensible) framework, Jamais offers a powerful reframing of how we make meaning, foster belonging, and lead with intention in times when nothing feels predictable — inviting listeners to dance with complexity instead of resisting it.
In this reflective minisode, Jennifer Brown looks back on her recent experience speaking at the House of Beautiful Business PolyOpportunity Gathering—just days after undergoing emergency surgery. From a place of physical vulnerability and emotional clarity, she shares insights on what it meant to show up raw and real, and how that moment sparked deeper questions about the disintegration of traditional DEI frameworks, the paradox of belonging without othering, and the need to compost old methods in order to grow something new. This is an invitation to pause, reflect, and consider what must be released—and what can be reimagined—in this evolving chapter of change work.
In this episode, Jennifer is joined by leadership expert and power strategist Julie Diamond, Ph.D to explore how different kinds of power operate in our lives—from the brute force we see on the world stage to the quieter, often overlooked personal and relational powers that shape real change. Together, they unpack the emotional and psychological toll of living through what feels like a leadership crisis, examine the shifting power dynamics since 2020, and discuss what it means to lead with integrity, curiosity, and resilience in times of instability. This candid and timely conversation invites listeners to reflect on their own relationship to power and how we might reclaim agency—even when we feel stunned by the world around us.
In this episode, Jennifer is joined by future of work activist and speaker Josh Allan Dykstra for a wide-ranging conversation about what it means to live and lead through the end of a cycle. They explore the concept of the fourth turning, the discomfort of the liminal space, and the challenges of holding on to systems, identities, and movements that no longer serve. Drawing from their experiences in DEI, leadership, and organizational change, they reflect on the tension between burnout and renewal, the limitations of performative change, and the opportunity to reimagine what comes next. Together, they consider how to move through uncertainty with intention, and what it means to prepare for the season ahead by asking different questions, letting go of outdated models, and listening for what needs to emerge.
This episode features a conversation between Jennifer and writer and speaker Jocelyn K. Glei about navigating personal and professional transitions in uncertain times. They explore the discomfort of liminal spaces, the challenges of letting go of established identities, and the importance of acknowledging both achievements and losses. Jocelyn offers insights on embracing "generative discomfort," moving from expertise to experimentation, and remembering our inherent wisdom during periods of change. As they discuss the metaphor of caterpillar-to-butterfly transformation, Jennifer and Jocelyn reflect on how periods of uncertainty can be powerful training grounds for creativity and renewal, particularly relevant as they navigate political shifts and professional transformations in 2025.
In this minisode, Jennifer takes us on a candid exploration of her transformative journey as an author. She shares the messy, beautiful process of finding her voice, confronting imposter syndrome, and discovering that your first book doesn't need to be perfect—it just needs to exist. She also offers insights about navigating the publishing world, working with editors who truly understand your vision, and redefining success beyond bestseller lists. Whether you're contemplating writing your first book or looking to expand beyond your established expertise, her reflections reveal how the act of writing can break open self-imposed containers, unearth your hidden wisdom, and create unexpected pathways in your career.
In this episode of "The Will to Change," Jennifer talks with futurist Heather McGowan about navigating societal shifts and our future. Heather draws parallels between now and the 1920s, discussing how pandemics reorder society, and explores how human history cycles between individual and collective mindsets. She advises embracing change, emphasizing rebuilding "bridging capital" by connecting with people different from ourselves. The conversation covers AI as a tool for advancement, leadership evolution, and finding stability amid disruption by focusing on our sphere of influence rather than global anxieties.
In this episode, host Jennifer Brown welcomes publisher and thought leadership expert Jenn T. Grace to discuss building your platform as an author and speaker. They explore the journey from idea to impact, addressing challenges like imposter syndrome and finding your voice in a crowded marketplace. Jenn shares insights on publishing options—comparing traditional, self, and hybrid publishing—while noting that shorter books often perform better for busy audiences. The discussion covers the relationship between books and speaking careers, the importance of assembling a support team, and strategies for sharing your authentic self through written and spoken content. Whether you're beginning to explore your thought leadership or looking to grow your existing platform, this episode offers practical wisdom for crafting and sharing your message effectively.
In this episode Jennifer welcomes Karen Catlin to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of her Better Allies initiative. From its humble beginnings as an anonymous Twitter account to a comprehensive movement with four published books, Karen shares the evolution of her work in creating more inclusive workplaces. The conversation explores the significant milestones that have shaped conversations around inclusion, from "Lean In" to the racial reckoning of 2020 to the rise of AI. Karen and Jennifer reflect on the courage required to learn in public, the importance of resilience when making mistakes, and why vulnerability is essential for authentic leadership.
In this episode, we explore the art of professional reinvention with Dr. Yvette C. Burton, who transitioned from corporate DEI leadership to cybersecurity later in her career. Dr. Burton shares how to leverage existing skills while embracing new challenges, identifying where your passions align with marketable expertise, and strategically reintroducing yourself to your network during transitions. Whether facing forced change or choosing a new direction, this conversation offers practical wisdom on navigating career crossroads with confidence and purpose in today's unpredictable professional landscape.
In part two of this special two-part minisode, Jennifer explores the final elements of the BANI framework (Non-linear and Incomprehensible) and their antidotes for navigating our complex world. She delves into how improvisation serves as the essential response to non-linearity, encouraging listeners to practice pivoting rather than clinging to rigid plans in a world where predictability has become obsolete. The episode examines how collective sense-making and inclusivity help us face incomprehensibility, emphasizing that "when the world no longer makes sense, we don't solve it alone." Tune in to hear insights on embracing darkness as fertile ground for wisdom, and what new tools and approaches might be necessary in this era of profound change and uncertainty.
In part one of this special two-part minisode, Jennifer shares her reflections from snowy Woodstock on seasons of change and transformation at this pivotal moment between winter and spring. Speaking from her own experience of profound transitions, Jennifer explores how nature's rhythms - from the sap preparing to run in trees to the vast networks of connection happening beneath the frozen ground - mirror our own processes of change and renewal. She introduces a powerful new framework that goes beyond VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous) to help us understand today's rapidly shifting landscape, and shares insights on moving from brittleness to resilience. Through personal stories and thoughtful observations, Jennifer invites us to consider how we might bend rather than break in times of profound change, and find creativity and hope in the quiet work of transformation.
In this thought-provoking conversation, Jennifer welcomes back Jenn T. Grace, founder of Publish Your Purpose, to discuss the intersection of AI, publishing, and thought leadership. The discussion explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping the publishing landscape, from the challenges of protecting intellectual property to the opportunities for enhanced creativity. Jenn shares valuable insights on the distinction between AI-assisted and AI-generated content, the importance of maintaining authentic human voices in thought leadership, and Amazon's evolving approach to AI-generated books.
In this special episode, Jennifer takes a moment during the podcast's January hiatus to reflect on transformations in both personal and professional spheres, while setting the stage for new directions in upcoming episodes. She shares her journey from vocal performer to DEI consultant, including the sale of her company. As she announces a brief break until February, she challenges ideas of resilience and growth, suggesting that transformation requires periods of dissolution and rest - themes that will shape future episodes. This episode marks a turning point for the podcast, examining how leaders, organizations, and fields of work might need to break down old frameworks to emerge anew, especially in today's DEI landscape.
From the Best of The Will to Change: In this episode, originally recorded for the Beyond Barriers Podcast, Jennifer discusses her own career journey and how to motivate yourself and others. Discover how to create a community of inclusion and the importance of making sure that all voices are heard. Jennifer also shares tips about developing your own personal brand and standing up in your power.
In this episode, Jennifer welcomes back returning guest Eduardo Placer, a dynamic keynote speaker, charismatic event emcee, and global facilitator known for building bridges to belonging through story. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of leadership through the rich metaphor of orchestral music. Drawing from their experiences in both performance and organizational development, they unpack how traditional models of leadership are transforming from solo performances to symphonic collaborations. Using the powerful analogy of musical instruments and orchestral dynamics, they discuss how leaders must learn to both resonate authentically and harmonize with others, adapting their "instruments" to changing conditions while maintaining their unique voice. Eduardo and Jennifer delve into critical questions about leadership in uncertain times: When should we step forward as soloists, and when should we blend into the chorus? How do we prepare our instruments for unknown future performances? Discover fresh insights into the challenges and opportunities of leadership in 2025 and beyond.
In this episode, originally recorded for the Live Your Possible Podcast with host Darrin Tulley (CEO and Chief of Possibilities @ Ignite Happy), Jennifer explores strategies for creating inclusive workplaces, the concept of 360-degree allyship, and how leaders can foster psychological safety in their teams. She discusses why organizations must move beyond surface-level changes to address systemic issues, how to navigate workplace transformations in a hybrid world, and what it means to be an inclusive leader during times of uncertainty. The conversation provides actionable insights for leaders looking to build cultures of belonging where everyone can thrive, while examining how authenticity and vulnerability can drive meaningful organizational change.
In this episode Jennifer engages in a timely conversation with Jen Stark and Jarrid Green, co-directors of the Center for Business and Social Justice, about their Social Justice Guide for Business and its implications in the wake of recent political developments. The discussion explores how companies can navigate DEI initiatives and social justice work during challenging times, examining the evolution from standalone programs to integrated approaches. The guests share insights on economic inclusion, identity politics, and the role of businesses in advancing social justice while adapting to changing political landscapes. They reflect on the sustainability of various DEI tools and metrics, including corporate equality indexes, while considering how organizations can maintain progress on inclusion even as traditional accountability measures face new pressures. The conversation offers both pragmatic strategies and hopeful perspectives on the future of social justice work in business.
This episode, originally recorded as a Community Call, features a conversation with John Grosshandler, Co-founder of the GenderCool Project, and a panel of parent advocates who are working to transform corporate America through trans inclusion. Joined by corporate leaders who are parents of trans youth, the discussion explores how personal experience shapes workplace leadership and activism. From GenderCool's mission to replace misinformed opinions with positive experiences, to strategies for building corporate support networks, these leaders share stories of challenge and triumph. They discuss how companies are evolving their approach to trans inclusion, the impact of storytelling, and why parents are emerging as key advocates in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
In this episode, Jennifer and her podcast producer explore the power of slowing down in times of change. Drawing from Viktor Frankl, Buddhist teachings, and farming practices, they challenge hustle culture and discuss how the energy used to maintain things is the energy needed for change. They examine how periods of rest - like fields in farming - create growth. This conversation offers a view on work transitions, particularly in DEI work, and shows that in times of uncertainty, strength comes from the choice to pause, reflect, and find new paths forward.
Author, speaker, and consultant Lily Zheng returns to The Will To Change to discuss their new book, DEI Deconstructed, which centers on accountable and effective practices to achieve DEI outcomes in organizations. Discover why even leaders with the best of intentions find it difficult to achieve the DEI outcomes they desire. Lily also discusses the outcomes that they typically advise leaders to achieve and how to measure them. They also reveal how they work with leaders who may be resistant to DEI efforts.
In this unique and timely episode, Jennifer and Doug Foresta, producer of the Will to Change, come together just days after the 2024 election to share words of wisdom, comfort, and perspective for changemakers who may be feeling discouraged. Through powerful quotes and thoughtful discussion, they explore themes of grief, resilience, and the importance of both bonding within communities and building bridges across divides. Jennifer and Doug remind listeners that periods of uncertainty and transition can be opportunities for deep reflection, reimagining strategies, and finding new ways forward while staying grounded in hope and community.
In recognition of Diwali, we are re-airing this episode, which features a conversation between Jennifer Brown and Mita Mallick, Head of Inclusion, Equity and Impact at Carta. Jennifer and Mita discuss the importance of authentic and accurate representation of diverse cultures in the media. The conversation stemmed from a LinkedIn post by Mita about her reaction to the Diwali episode of And Just Like That, a revival of the HBO television series Sex and the City. Mita breaks down the episode, which was described in a Vogue article as a “messy tangle of misnomers and misappropriation.” Mita also discusses the exhaustion many people from marginalized communities feel, and what allies can do to help.
Step inside the world of U.S. intelligence agencies with Stephanie LaRue, Chief Diversity Officer for the U.S. Intelligence Community, as she reveals how she's transforming culture across 18 federal intelligence organizations. From her unexpected journey as a first-generation American and CIA attorney to becoming one of the youngest executives in the Senior National Intelligence Service, Stephanie shares candid insights about driving change in the world's most complex bureaucracy. Learn how she's measuring progress through innovative maturity models, building bridges across agencies, and why diversity isn't just about recruitment—it's mission-critical to national security. Tune in for a rare glimpse into leadership at the highest levels of government service.
In this episode, Jennifer is joined by Tiffany Yu, disability advocate, author, and founder of Diversability, for a discussion about the evolution of disability rights and inclusion. Tiffany shares her journey from accident survivor to changemaker, offering insights into disability advocacy. She also discusses approaches to raising awareness, including grassroots organizing, social media, and her book "The Anti-Ableist Manifesto." The conversation covers the nature of social change, resilience in advocacy work, and Tiffany's vision for disability inclusion.
This episode was recorded for the Farsight Chat podcast and is being shared with permission on the Will to Change. Host Farah Bala discusses unconscious bias with Harvard University experts Dr. Tessa Charlesworth and Caitlin Finton. The conversation covers implicit bias, the Harvard Implicit Association Test, and research on bias evolution. Topics include the decrease in some biases, the persistence of others, global perspectives on bias, and strategies for combating prejudices. The guests address criticisms of the IAT and explain its value in understanding cultural biases. They also explore the concept of intersectionality, examining how different biases interact, particularly around race and wealth.
Join Jennifer as she welcomes Farah Bala, founder and CEO of FARSIGHT, in a conversation about the evolving landscape of DEI in the workplace. Farah shares insights from her journey of transforming "Farsight Friday" into the more expansive "Farsight Chats" podcast, exploring how leaders can make DEI a core competency in today's rapidly changing business environment. Farah also discusses the challenges of navigating generational expectations, embracing authenticity in the workplace, and leading through the "messy middle" of progress.
This episode, originally recorded as a community call, features a conversation with Blair Imani, author, content creator, and DEI advocate. Blair discusses her transition from crisis communications to social media education, explaining how she simplifies complex DEI topics. She also addresses DEI language evolution, neurodiversity in advocacy, and balancing authenticity with accuracy online. Discover strategies for adapting while maintaining mission integrity.
This episode was originally recorded as a Community Call and features a conversation with Bridges Holmes, VP of DEI and Sustainability at The Adecco Group. The discussion explores Bridges' role in integrating DEI initiatives into sales strategies at Adecco. Bridges shares insights on developing a DEI sales toolkit, conducting live training sessions, and the challenges of changing "old school thinking" within the organization. The conversation highlights the importance of authentic engagement in DEI work, the evolving expectations of clients regarding diversity initiatives, and the need for sales professionals to become more comfortable discussing these topics.
In this episode, Mira Dewji, a former corporate lawyer turned DEI strategist, shares her perspective on the landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal industry. Drawing from her experiences at a law firm, Mira explores the challenges in implementing DEI initiatives within conservative legal cultures. She discusses the shift from compliance-focused approaches to business-driven DEI efforts, emphasizing the importance of behavioral science and organizational change. Mira delves into the impact of generational differences, changing client demographics, and the demand for moral leadership in shaping DEI in law firms.
In this episode, we explore imposter syndrome with Dr. Valerie Young, a global thought leader on the topic and co-founder of the Impostor Syndrome Institute. Jennifer and Dr. Young discuss the evolution of imposter syndrome and its prevalence among various groups. Dr. Young introduces her "humble realist" concept and suggests strategies for organizations to address imposter syndrome. The conversation covers intersections with diversity and inclusion efforts, reframing competence, and addressing self-doubt in the workplace. To learn more about Dr. Young and her work, visit www.ImpostorSyndrome.com.
In this episode Jennifer is joined by Dr. Cheryl Ingram, Founder & CEO of Inclusology, a pioneering DEI assessment platform, as they dive deep into the challenges and opportunities facing DEI work today. Drawing from her extensive experience and insights from her upcoming book, Dr. Ingram explores how the field has evolved from its roots in multiculturalism to its current form – and the crises it now faces. Jennifer and Dr. Ingram also tackle tough questions about addressing systemic issues and workplace trauma, the impact of recent backlash and legal challenges, and how practitioners can maintain resilience and effectiveness in turbulent times.
In this episode, we welcome Dr. Tania Israel, Professor of Counseling Psychology at UC Santa Barbara and author of the forthcoming book "Facing the Fracture: How to Navigate the Challenges of Living in a Divided Nation." Dr. Israel delves into the complexities of our politically fractured society, offering fresh perspectives on misinformation, polarization, and the psychological impacts of living in a divided country. Drawing from her extensive research and clinical experience, Dr. Israel shares valuable insights on maintaining personal well-being and workplace unity amidst political tensions.
This episode, originally recorded for the Smart Gets Paid podcast, and hosted by Leah Neaderthal, explores how being queer has positively impacted business ownership. Leah shares her personal journey of coming out 20 years ago and how it has shaped her approach to business, from challenging assumptions to expressing herself authentically. She also invites Jennifer and other fellow queer business owners to share their experiences. These entrepreneurs discuss how their queer identities have fostered resilience, creativity, and a unique perspective in their work.
In this episode, we welcome Loren Gesinsky, Partner at Seyfarth Shaw LLP, to discuss the critical importance of disability inclusion in the workplace and society at large. Loren shares his personal journey from employment lawyer to passionate disability rights advocate, offering valuable insights into the evolution of disability inclusion practices. He also explores the challenges and opportunities in recognizing various types of disabilities, including invisible disabilities and mental health issues, and emphasizes the power of creating environments where people feel comfortable self-identifying. Discover the concept of universal design, the business case for disability inclusion, and the role of leadership in advancing these efforts.
This "Best of The Will to Change" episode, features an interview with Joze Piranian, Global TEDx Speaker and a lifelong stutterer turned transformational speaker on inclusion and resilience. Joze also shared information about stuttering, and revealed what he has learned from his own journey.
In this episode, we talk with Yemi Akisanya, VP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Axon, a technology company serving law enforcement and public safety. Yemi discusses his journey from finance to DEI leadership and his innovative approach to implementing DEI strategies in a complex industry. He also explains how he aligns DEI initiatives with Axon's mission to protect life, accelerate justice, and capture truth. Yemi shares insights on his data-driven methods, moving beyond traditional DEI programs, and embedding inclusive leadership throughout the organization. Discover the challenges and opportunities of DEI in law enforcement technology, including product development informed by DEI principles and community feedback.
This episode features an interview with AJ Hikes, Deputy Executive Director for Strategy & Culture at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
This discussion covers everything from healing the harm caused by racist bias within organizations, to integrating justice into diversity, equity & inclusion work, to the exclusionary nature of our modern legal system.
Tune in for a conversation with Dr. Stacy Hobson, Director of the Responsible Technologies Research group at IBM Research, as we delve into the critical intersection of ethics and artificial intelligence. In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Hobson shares her journey from rural South Carolina to leading cutting-edge research in responsible AI development, illuminating the challenges and paramount importance of creating ethical, unbiased AI systems. Discover how IBM Research is tackling the complex task of balancing rapid technological advancement with careful consideration of AI's societal impacts. Dr. Hobson also discusses the need for diverse perspectives in AI development, the global nature of AI ethics, and the power shifts that AI can create in society.
In this episode, Jennifer speaks with Maureen O'Neill. SVP and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer at Consilio, about her journey from litigation to leading DEI efforts in a rapidly growing global professional services company. Maureen shares insights on creating and scaling DEI initiatives, including employee resource groups and advisory boards, while navigating industry-specific challenges in the legal tech world. She discusses the importance of balancing quantitative metrics with qualitative aspects of inclusion, the critical skills needed for DEI leadership, and the long-term impact of fostering a culture of belonging. Join us for a candid conversation about the art and science of corporate DEI, and the continuous evolution required to make meaningful progress in this vital field.
In this episode of The Will to Change, Jennifer sits down with Sterling Cruz-Herr, a trans elder, educator, and activist. They discuss Sterling's journey of self-discovery, the importance of intergenerational learning within the LGBTQ+ community, and the challenges faced by marginalized groups in today's society. Sterling also shares their experiences teaching "Trans 101" to older generations, highlighting the hunger for knowledge and the desire to remain relevant among elders. The conversation also touches on the exclusion faced by trans individuals within the lesbian community and the need for greater inclusivity and understanding. Discover the power of empathy, the importance of allyship, and the transformative potential of embracing a "they" mindset – one that celebrates diversity, kindness, and unconditional love.
In this special Pride Month roll-up episode of The Will to Change, Jennifer and Doug revisit powerful conversations with past guests who share insights on navigating DEI work in today's challenging climate. They discuss highlights from episodes featuring Lily on making DEI work "boring" to reach more people; Dr. Elijah on the importance of naming identities and allyship; Rhodes on knowing your audience when communicating about DEI; and Erik, Senior Vice President of Global Small Business at Dell Technologies, on how belonging at work can be life-changing for LGBTQ+ employees. Throughout the episode, Jennifer reflects on key lessons and offers advice for DEI practitioners and leaders committed to advancing inclusion in complex times.
In this episode Jennifer shares her process for preparing and delivering keynotes that go beyond simply giving a speech. She discusses the importance of being consultative, collecting information, and calibrating with clients before, during, and after the event. Jennifer also reveals how she engages the audience through interactive polling, uses the data to provide valuable insights to clients, and tailors her message to meet the needs of laggards, learners, and leaders in the room. She reflects on the changing landscape of DEI speaking engagements and the need to adapt language and approaches to draw people into the conversation. Throughout the discussion, Jennifer emphasizes the significance of creating a meaningful experience that leaves a lasting impact on the audience. Join us for this conversation about the art and science of keynote speaking in the DEI space.
In this conversation, originally recorded as a Community Call, Jennifer welcomes Lucida Plummer, Managing Director and Chief Diversity Officer at Evercore, to discuss the challenges and strategies for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within organizations. Lucida shares her experience leading DEI efforts at various companies, emphasizing the importance of adapting strategies to meet organizations where they are, navigating the landscape of DEI work, and celebrating wins along the journey. Together, they explore the need to rethink DEI approaches and confront personal biases as DEI leaders. Throughout the discussion, Lucida offers insights on tailoring DEI strategies for impact and finding purpose in the nature of this work.
Mark McBride-Wright, author of "The Safe Leader" and Founder & CEO of EqualEngineers, joins Jennifer, Jenn T. Grace of Publish Your Purpose, and Eduardo Placer of Fearless Communicators to discuss the critical importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in the engineering and STEM fields. Mark shares his journey of writing the book, the support he received from Jennifer, Jenn and Eduardo along the way, and his mission to change the culture in engineering to one where everyone can feel safe to bring their whole authentic selves to work. The group explores how creating psychological safety is key to making progress on DEI goals and reducing the unacceptably high rates of suicide and mental health struggles prevalent in the engineering industry today. Mark's work provides a new vocabulary and framework for tackling these challenges and has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach DEI across all industries.
In this episode, we dive deep into the fight against discrimination in the retail industry with Calla Devlin, Managing Director of the transformative organization Open to All. Through Calla's insights and the inspiring work of Open to All, we explore the multidimensional challenges of bias and exclusion in retail and the innovative strategies being employed to drive systemic change. From groundbreaking partnerships with companies like Yelp to the creation of comprehensive resources and trainings, Open to All is at the forefront of a growing movement to reimagine retail as a space of true belonging for all. Join us as we examine the human and business costs of discrimination, the power of collaboration to break down barriers, and the unstoppable momentum of the inclusion revolution.
In this episode, Jennifer is joined by coach and artist Alexandra Jamieson as they explore the challenges and opportunities facing women leaders in their 40s and 50s. Through the lenses of their own experiences and those of their clients, Jennifer and Alex delve into the impact of external factors, the importance of creativity and community, and the power of reconnecting with one's values in the face of adversity. Using rich metaphors from nature and art, they illuminate the messy yet rewarding process of cultivating resilience, authenticity, and mutual support in a world that often presents significant barriers to women's advancement and well-being. Discover the inner and outer work required to thrive and lead in uncertain times.
In this episode, Jennifer is joined by renowned consultant, keynote speaker, and bestselling author, Dorie Clark, for a conversation about the challenges faced by DEI practitioners, Dorie shares her insights on the importance of personal branding and authenticity in driving change. Together, Jennifer and Dorie explore the need for a paradigm shift in how DEI is perceived and communicated, focusing on the fundamental principles of civility, respect, and creating a welcoming environment for all. This episode offers actionable ideas for DEI leaders to work smarter, not harder, in their pursuit of building a more inclusive world.
In this episode Jennifer welcomes Jay Van Bavel, an Associate Professor of Psychology and Neural Science at New York University. Together, they discuss the complex challenges facing the DEI field, exploring how extreme stances and political backlash have overshadowed much of the good work being done. Jennifer and Jay consider ways to rebrand and reinvent DEI by focusing on broader issues like organizational culture, psychological safety, and collective well-being. Through their candid dialogue, they highlight the importance of intergenerational conversations, social norms, and rewarding incremental progress in shaping inclusive cultures.
In this episode originally recorded as a community call, Jennifer is joined by Kat Gordon, a trailblazing leader who has made significant contributions to the fields of advertising, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and leadership coaching. As the founder of the 3% Movement, Kat has been a driving force in increasing female representation in creative leadership positions within the advertising industry. Drawing from her personal and professional transitions, Kat shares valuable insights on navigating change, embracing authenticity, and fostering personal growth. With her background as an advertising creative director and her current role as a leadership coach, Kat offers a unique perspective on the power of emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and the importance of creating more equitable and diverse workplaces.
In this episode Jennifer welcomes Amie Kromis and Lina Clavijo from Essity, a leading global hygiene and health company, to discuss the company's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in their products and workplace. Amie and Lina share insights on how Essity incorporates inclusive design principles to create products that are accessible to all, regardless of ability or circumstance. They explore the company's journey towards breaking barriers and providing the highest hygiene standards for everyone, and how this commitment to DEI has become an integral part of Essity's culture and business strategy. Through initiatives like "Courageous Conversations" and a focus on universal design, Essity is setting an example for how companies can combine business success with social responsibility. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on the power of inclusive design and the importance of DEI in driving innovation and positive change.
Tune in as Jennifer is joined by Jane Hyun, a leading expert on cultural fluency, diversity, and inclusion. Jane shares her personal journey as an Asian American navigating the complexities of identity and leadership in corporate America. They discuss Jane's groundbreaking book, "Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling," and her upcoming release, "Leadership Toolkit for Asians." Jane reflects on the challenges Asian professionals face in the workplace, the importance of bringing one's whole self to work, and the role of allies and advocates in fostering inclusivity. As an interculturalist, Jane offers strategies for bridging cultural gaps, developing authentic leadership, and embracing the beauty of diversity.
In this special Women's History Month episode, Jennifer shares valuable insights and inspiration from the stories of five remarkable women previously featured on The Will to Change podcast. The episode explores topics such as finding community and belonging in the workplace, the ongoing fight for pay equity, body inclusivity, and the importance of breaking the stigma around addiction and recovery. This episode serves as a celebration of the diverse voices and experiences of women, while also highlighting the critical work that still needs to be done to achieve true equity and inclusion for all.
In this episode, originally recorded as a community call, Jennifer sits down with Djuana Beamon, the Chief Diversity and Corporate Social Responsibility Officer at Empower. With a wealth of experience across various industries, including financial services, pharma, insurance, and healthcare, Djuana shares her journey in the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) space. She also discusses the importance of self-care, building a supportive village, and fostering authentic relationships with senior leaders to drive meaningful change. Discover the challenges and opportunities in the current DEI landscape and the success of Empower's innovative sponsorship program, which pairs senior executives with talent from different levels of the organization to promote mutual mentoring and growth.
In this episode, Jennifer welcomes back Rhodes Perry, an award-winning social entrepreneur, sought-after speaker, podcast host, and nationally recognized LGBTQ thought leader. Jennifer and Rhodes dive deep into the current state of DEI work, exploring the challenges practitioners face in navigating pushback and misinformation, as well as the opportunities to reframe the vision for inclusion. They discuss strategies for building trust, countering misinformation with skillful dialogues, and the importance of sustainable activism within the DEI community. Rhodes shares his personal experiences as a trans leader, highlighting the power of inviting allyship through vulnerability and the impact of pop culture representation in normalizing inclusion. This thought-provoking conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about reimagining belonging and driving change in these turbulent times.
This episode was originally recorded as a Community Call and features a conversation with Jackye Clayton, Textio's VP of Talent Acquisition and DEIB. Jackye reveals how AI tools like Textio can mitigate exclusionary workplace communications, and how your most subtle word choices may inadvertently perpetuate bias. She also outlines Textio's approach to developing equitable language technology and provides pragmatic ideas to cultivate authentic belonging through conscientious communication.
Jorge Quezada, Chief Inclusion Officer and VP of People & Culture at Granite Construction, joins the program for a conversation with Jennifer about their decades of experience guiding organizations on the journey toward diversity, equity and inclusion. Jorge and Jennifer discuss the pendulum swings of progress and pushback, the difference between checklist "doing" and transformative visionary "being," the emotions that accompany change, and more. Jorge also shares his thoughts about Michelangelo's idea that the practitioner's role is to chip away obstacles to reveal the beauty already existing in each organization's people and potential.
In this special minisode, Jennifer provides invaluable insights on how leaders can effectively direct their message through impactful storytelling. She also shares perspectives on why many hesitate to share their stories, often failing to recognize the wisdom they have to offer. Discover how to shape and structure a compelling leadership story, and how to push past doubts and vulnerability to convey authentic narratives that will resonate across audiences. For any leader seeking to boost their communication skills and storytelling abilities, this discussion delivers thoughtful guidance and inspiration!
In this special episode of the Will to Change, Jennifer reflects on conversations with influential black leaders and changemakers. Hear clips and insights from author and DEI expert Jessica Bantom; Lorraine Orr, COO of Boys and Girls Clubs of America; author Martinus Evans; award-winning trans advocate Dr. Elijah Nicholas, Tony DeGruy of Cisco, and Carin Taylor, CDO of Workday. As we honor Black History Month, Jennifer synthesizes the themes of positive change, empathy, allyship, and pushing for progress that thread through the words of wisdom of these impactful guests shaping the future. This is a can't-miss episode for gaining motivation, perspective, and calls to action during Black History Month and beyond.
DEI trailblazer Dr. Poornima Luthra joins the program to discuss how underlying fears are fueling resistance to DEI efforts globally. She discusses research on the top fears around not knowing enough and saying the wrong thing, and the need to create psychologically safe environments that encourage vulnerability, intelligent failures, and growth mindsets. Dr. Luthra also shares perspectives on avoiding assumptions, leading with cultural humility, and understanding how history shapes inclusion across different cultural contexts. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on how to advance inclusion by addressing the fears that obstruct progress.
In this episode, Jennifer is joined by Audra Jenkins, Chief Equity Officer at Randstad. Audra discusses the important role supplier diversity plays in furthering inclusion, tapping into untapped talent pools such as people with disabilities and veterans, and the business imperative for organizations to create equitable and welcoming cultures. She also shares insights from her unique position working with both internal and external clients on DEI strategy. Discover the reasons for pushback against DEI efforts, where Audra finds hope amidst the challenges, and the need for self-care in this difficult work.
In this thought-provoking episode, Jennifer explores the nuances between different professional roles like coaching, consulting, public speaking, and thought leadership. She also shares wisdom on finding one’s unique voice and platform to make a difference in the world, overcoming imposter syndrome to embrace our most powerful stories, and the responsibilities leaders have to lift up diverse voices. Whether you’re reevaluating your career path or seeking to expand your reach, Jennifer offers compassionate yet direct guidance on aligning your talents with the change you wish to create. This episode provides an abundance of insight for anyone ready to step into their full potential as a leader and change agent.
In this episode, Jennifer is joined by Deloitte’s Sameen Affaf and The Meltzer Center’s David Glasgow, as they discuss findings from the recent "Uncovering Culture" report. Detailing the latest data around workplace "covering" behaviors among marginalized groups, they explore surprising statistics on intersectionality, younger generations, and executive leadership. Touching on storytelling, allyship, and small signals of belonging, the discussion offers thought-provoking analysis and practical tips for fostering authentic, inclusive cultures.
This episode was originally recorded as a DEI Community Call, and features a conversation with Jennifer and JBC Consultants as they reflect on learnings and positive change from 2023 that give hope for further progress, while also confronting the roadblocks still firmly in place across society and workplaces. Touching on challenging issues around dialogue, activism, leadership buy-in, capacity for change, and practitioner sustainability, the group explores nuanced, intersectional approaches for embedding inclusive cultures more systematically into company DNA. While acknowledging the constant uphill journey, their wisdom provides renewal, clarity, and energy to equip changemakers for the joys and trials ahead in 2024.
In this episode, Jennifer speaks with Laura Alvarez Schrag, Senior Consultant at JBC, about making personal connections to foster belonging in organizations. They discuss Laura's background, the importance of sharing personal stories and being vulnerable, generational differences in connecting, and how leaders can role model embracing learning and change. Laura emphasizes that while technology enables some connections, human relationships are still essential, so leaders should focus on elevating individuals, which then lifts entire organizations. Discover how intimate work that starts with personal transformation can then radiate out to create cultures of belonging over generations.
In this minisode, Jennifer offers an inside look into her approach for architecting high-impact sessions with leadership teams. From managing anxious executives to contending with vocal CEOs, Jennifer shares her tactics for establishing psychological safety while also driving towards candor and vulnerability. She spotlights common C-Suite dynamics, competency levels, and fears that manifest around DEI, providing guidance for how to move executives along the conscious incompetence spectrum.
Tune in as Jennifer welcomes Carla Knapp, National Vice President of Native Services at Boys & Girls Clubs of America., as Carla discusses empowering indigenous youth and professionals to thrive as their authentic selves. Carla reveals how to use storytelling to preserve rich cultural traditions, and shares her personal journey of leading with grace and courage to pave the way for future indigenous generations. Discover how to honor tribal sovereignty through trauma-informed empowerment, and learn creative strategies to foster an inclusive culture where all identities can fully shine.
From the Best of the Will to Change: In this episode, originally recorded at the Belonging at Work Summit, Jennifer Brown is joined by Rhodes Perry, founder of Rhodes Perry Consulting and Joel Brown, Chief Visionary Officer of Pneumos, as they discuss the importance of self-care. Discover how to develop sustainable self-care practices and increase your resilience.
In this episode, Jennifer continues her conversation with co-authors Christopher McCormick and Aman Gohal about human development frameworks. Christopher and Aman reveal how most DEI conversations happen at lower action logics, creating exclusion and division. Discover the importance of meeting people where they are developmentally, structurally changing systems, and bringing more joy and humanity into DEI work.
This episode features a conversation with inclusive language expert Jen O'Ryan on the nuances of language and word choice for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Jen reveals how we can expand our linguistic awareness to lead with more humility and precision and provides concrete examples for humanizing workspaces by removing ableist language and replacing problematic words with more inclusive alternatives. Learn practical tips for giving graceful feedback when problematic language is used, while still aligning as fellow learners. Discover how language can be a powerful tool for creating more belonging if we continually educate ourselves on the impacts of our word choices.
This episode features a conversation with co-authors Christopher McCormick and Aman Gohal about using the stages of adult development as a framework for expanding DEI conversations. They discuss the action logics model which describes mindsets and behaviors at different maturity levels and reveal how leaders can apply this model to develop a greater understanding of colleagues. Discover the importance of moving from achievement to exploring potential and how these perspectives can lead to new breakthroughs.
This episode features a conversation with economist Jeff Korzenik as he explores the overlooked talent pool of people who have interacted with the justice system. Discover the enormous scale of this community, with over 70 million Americans having some involvement with the legal system, and the compelling business case for hiring this untapped talent in light of today’s tight labor market and aging workforce. Jeff also reveals how companies have successfully hired those given a second chance by overcoming assumptions and biases through thoughtful processes.
This episode was originally recorded as a DEI Community Call and features a conversation with Carin Taylor, Chief Diversity Officer at Workday, about the transformative power of witnessing others' stories for advancing DEI efforts. Drawing from her extensive professional experience and personal journey, Carin shares insights on how the simple yet courageous act of storytelling can profoundly impact workplace cultures when those stories are held with compassion. Discover how we can lift all voices through storytelling and discuss why this matters now more than ever in these challenging times.
This episode was originally recorded for the BE the CHANGE podcast and features a conversation between Jennifer and host Stephanie Howlett as they discuss the importance of allyship. Jennifer shares tips for navigating the journey of allyship and the importance of using our privilege on behalf of others. Discover why and how leaders need to evolve from outdated mindsets focusing on protecting resources and how to enable humanity in our organizations. You'll also hear about how to rethink affinity groups to focus on shared identities rather than traditional, siloed groups.
This episode features a conversation with Erik Day, Senior Vice President of Global Small Business at Dell Technologies. Erik discusses his journey of helping start Dell’s first LGBTQ employee resource group in the early 2000s and reflects on what it takes to drive systemic change. He stresses the importance of intersectionality, using privilege and influence for good, and enacting inclusive policies that support employees’ identities. Discover how senior leaders can leverage their roles to advance equality across organizations and industries.
This episode was originally recorded on the Courage Counts Program and features a conversation between Jennifer Brown and Chuck Shelton as they discuss how to scale inclusive leadership when DEI is being doubted and even weaponized. Jennifer reveals how to assertively drive DEI as a business growth strategy and how to create psychological safety for resistant leaders. Discover the importance of practicing situational allyship and how to let DEI success happen through vertical leadership in organizations.
This episode was originally recorded for the Workforce Central podcast and features a conversation between Jennifer and host Ron Painter. Jennifer reveals how leaders can foster a sense of belonging among employees, especially in a hybrid work environment. She also shares strategies for understanding and supporting a multi-generational, neurodiverse workforce. Discover how leaders can help create an atmosphere of psychological safety and respond quickly to issues in order to retain talent.
This episode features a conversation with Michelle Phillips, Principal at the White Plains, NY, office of Jackson Lewis P.C., as Michelle discusses major legal developments that impact DEI efforts in the workplace. Discover how the Supreme Court's recent ruling limiting affirmative action in college admissions is also causing companies to pull back on their DEI programs. Michelle provides insight into how employers can navigate this complex legal landscape while expanding diversity pipelines and addressing unconscious bias.
This episode was originally recorded as a DEI Community call, and features a conversation between Jennifer, Shalynne Jackson, Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer at The City of Oklahoma City, and Jim Massey, Chief Sustainability Officer at Zai Lab, as they discuss the power of vulnerable and authentic storytelling. Tune in as Jennifer, Shalynne, and Jim share stories and insights and reveal how our unique identities and personal experiences can serve as the foundation for trust, empathy, and a true sense of belonging. Discover how struggles and disabilities can provide unexpected gifts.
This episode was originally recorded for the NSLS Motivation Monday’s podcast and features a conversation between Jennifer, host Cory Andrew Powell, and Giselle Phelps, Founder and CEO of Grand Rising Talent. The conversation was originally recorded during Pride month and focuses on leadership and representation in the LGBTQ+ community. Discover the importance of normalizing LGBTQ+ interactions in communities and the importance of strategic efforts to promote understanding and counteract negativity. Jennifer also reveals the importance for organizations to align with evolving demographics.
This episode features a conversation with Ray Arata, Founder and CEO of the Better Man Movement, and Joe Rafter, Vice President at Capgemini about masculinity, partnership, and institutional transformation. Discover the pivotal role of support and accountability in the journal of allyship. Jennifer, Ray, and Joe also discuss the complexities of privilege, the power of vulnerability, and the potential for growth through discomfort. You'll also hear details about the upcoming Better Together conference, which is presented in partnership with Jennifer Brown Consulting.
This episode features a conversation with author Charlie Gilkey, as he discusses his new book Team Habits: How Small Actions Lead to Extraordinary Results.Charlie discusses the need to redefine the way we view teams, leadership, and inclusion in the wake of the pandemic and unprecedented challenges. He also shares insights about how remote collaboration, shifting paradigms of belonging, and innovative approaches to inclusion have reshaped the team dynamics landscape.
In this episode, Jennifer discusses the milestone of selling 75,000 copies of her book How to Be an Inclusive Leaderand outlines a strategic approach for bringing everyone along the journey of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Jennifer highlights the importance of engaging all people in an organization, including the "learners, leaders, and laggards" and why a training approach may not work for everyone. Discover how a coaching-based approach to inclusion can create a more empathic, adaptive, and effective pathway to sustainable change.
Ray Arata, Founder and CEO of the Better Man Movement, joins the program to introduce and discuss the first-ever Better Together Conference. The conference will be a series of conversations aimed at fostering learning, connection, trust, and empathy that include both male leaders and other champions, with the intent of articulating a vision for true partnership that includes and enlists all of us. Discover the new mission, agenda, what to expect, and who should attend. To register for the event, visit: https://tinyurl.com/y5c6yryv
This episode features a conversation with Tony DeGruy, Leader of Service Delivery Management at Cisco, and Gena Pirtle, Global Head of Cisco's Inclusive Community Experience. Tony discusses his journey of becoming the co-lead for Cisco's Men for Inclusion Network, which strives to accelerate, activate and develop male leaders and influencers to use their power and influence to shape a culture of equity, belonging and allyship for all. Gena discusses what inclusive leadership looks like across all levels of an organization and how to enable inclusive leadership. Discover how creating a culture of psychological safety can enable people to explore all of their diversity dimensions.
In this minisode, Jennifer discusses the importance of ‘centering’ as an ally behavior, and how to ensure that diverse voices and stories are heard. She reveals some challenges that she noticed while moderating a panel at the Gaia Women Lead Conference, and shares takeaways from that experience. Discover how sharing your voice can have unintended consequences as an ally, and the learning that still needs to occur.
This episode was originally recorded on the All Inclusive Podcast, and features a conversation between Jennifer and host Natasha Rainey. Jennifer reveals the importance of having a learner's mindset as a leader and the difference between empathy and compassion. She also discusses how leaders can cultivate inclusivity in their teams and organizations and provides actionable advice on how to be an inclusive leader in today's rapidly changing world.
Last week, Elon Musk tweeted that the words 'cis' or 'cisgender' are now considered slurs on Twitter. Please join Jennifer Brown in conversation with award-winning transgender advocate Dr. Elijah Nicholas, DBA, as they discuss what this means for the transgender community, the importance of understanding and using gender inclusive language, and why LGBTQ+ allies are needed now more than ever.
This episode features a conversation with human rights and corporate social responsibility expert Fabrice Houdart, as he shares his diversity story and discusses how companies can successfully navigate the DEI and social responsibility landscape. Discover the importance of professionalism in corporate advocacy and what organizations can do to support LGBTQ+ inclusion in the wake of the "anti-woke" backlash. Fabrice also discusses what Gen Z expects from corporate brands and the impact of those expectations on corporate DEI efforts. To subscribe to Fabrice's newsletter, visit: http://fabricehoudart.substack.com
This episode was originally recorded as a Community Call, and features a conversation with Berkshire Hathaway Energy CDO Darla Zink, as she outlines her journey to the CDO role, and her personal change philosophy when it comes to building inclusive organizations. Discover creative ways to gain alignment on DEI commitments with leaders and how to balance the perception that resourcing under-represented populations can be interpreted as excluding others. Darla also discusses her organization's Pride and Juneteenth initiatives in the Portland area.
Martinus Evans joins the program to discuss his new book, Slow AF Run Club: The Ultimate Guide for Anyone Who Wants to Run,and to share his journey, which includes completing 8 marathons and creating the Slow AF Run Club, which encourages runners and walkers of all ages and experience levels. Martinus reveals what to do when facing self-doubt and some of the biases in the design of racing. Discover how to make fitness more inclusive and the importance of mindset when it comes to exercise.
Lenna Turner, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging at Salary.com, joins the program to discuss compensation inequity, and how it has impacted her personally and professionally. Lenna reveals the impact of salary ban laws and how the war for talent is connected to transparency, pay equity and creating an inclusive culture. Discover the mindset and mental game needed to prepare for a job interview, and the issues that need to be addressed in order to have a healthy conversation about pay equity. To schedule a free compensation consultation, visit https://www.salary.com/business/services/consulting
Author Simran Jeet Singh joins the program to discuss his new book The Light We Give: How Sikh Wisdom Can Transform Your LIfe.Simran shares his diversity story and the formative experiences that have shaped who is today. He also reveals how to tailor storytelling to connect with various audiences. Discover how Sikh wisdom can help inform an approach to DEI that is grounded in a spirit of love and service.
Employment attorney Michelle Phillips returns to the program to discuss the current DEI landscape and the importance of focusing on training and prevention. Michelle reveals some of the pushback that has occurred when it comes to DEI efforts and the legal issues that companies need to consider. Discover the importance of psychological safety in the workplace and the DEI implications of workers returning to the office post-COVID.
In this minisode, Jennifer discusses the Iceberg Model and how it can be used to drive more honest conversations and bring hidden identities to the surface. Jennifer reveals how she developed the Iceberg Model and why being able to see under the waterline is crucial for getting organizational buy-in from employees. Discover the connection between the Iceberg Model and the Inclusive Leader Continuum and Jennifer's vision for how the Iceberg Model can be used to create cultures of safety and belonging.
This episode was originally recorded as a Community Call and features a conversation between JBC's Vice President Adrienne Lawrence, and Julissa Garcia, a clinical psychologist, as they discuss Autism Acceptance Month, and the importance of listening to autistic voices in order to gain a better understanding about their experiences in the workplace. Discover how to establish inclusive environments that accommodate and celebrate neurodivergent individuals, regardless of their specific diagnosis or condition. You'll also hear about how to recognize and value the unique talents and achievements of autistic individuals.
Dede Orraca-Cecil, Egon Zehnder's US Head of DEI, joins the program to discuss her career journey and the formative experiences that led her to become an advocate for more equitable systems. Dede shares how leaders can act as bridges for their communities and organizations and create spaces for others to make contributions. Discover the importance of being aware of rapidly changing dynamics and how to infuse the values of diversity, equity and inclusion into the culture of an organization.
This episode was originally recorded on International Women's Day and features a conversation between Jennifer and Lorraine Orr, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer for Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Jennifer defines inclusive leadership and discusses how a leader's behavior impacts others in an organization. She also reveals the need for leaders to center and decenter themselves, and how leaders can use storytelling to model vulnerability and authenticity. Discover why impact often doesn't match intent when it comes to DEI and the need to identify inclusive behaviors.
Jim Massey, author and Chief Sustainability Officer for Zai Lab, joins the program to reveal the experiences that shaped who he is today and the impetus behind writing his new book Trust in Action: A Leader's Guide to Act. Right. Now.Jim discusses how leaders can build trust within an organization and the pitfalls of taking action without building trust. Discover the importance of examining systems and why repairing trust in systems is often a prerequisite to nurturing trust in self and others.
Jessica Bantom, author, DEI practitioner, and interior design expert, joins the program to discuss her new book Design for Identity: How to Design Authentically for a Diverse World. Jessica reveals what it means to design for identity, why it's important, and what it means to work at the intersection of DEI and the design process. Discover how to move from performative inclusive design to impactful and truly inclusive design and outcomes. For more information about Jessica and her book, visit https://www.jessicabantom.com/designforidentity
This episode features a conversation between JBC's Elfi Martinez and Yasmine Osborne, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Hearst Television, Inc., as they discuss the origins of ERGs at Hearst Television. Discover the difference between an affinity group and an ERG and some of the guardrails that can be put in place to keep ERGs organized and productive. Yasmine also shares her thoughts about the need to clearly define the purpose of ERGs and how to attract executive sponsors.
This episode was originally recorded as a DEI Community Call and features a conversation between Jennifer and JBC Vice-President Elfi Martinez as they discuss the most challenging issues facing DEI practitioners today and the challenges that can be expected over the next few months. Jennifer and Elfi reveal how to keep pushing for real change and how senior leaders can create a work environment that fosters trust and psychological safety. Discover the inherent urgency of DEI work and the impact that the shifting demographics of the labor market will have on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
This special takeover episode of the Will to Change features a conversation with Nadia Nagamootoo, Founder and CEO of Avenir, a diversity, equity, and inclusion consultancy, Dr. Pippa Grange, a highly sought-after sports psychologist and culture coach. and Errol Amerasekera, Director of Bluestone Edge, an organization providing consultancy in culture, ethics, performance psychology, and leadership. You'll hear about the idea of winning shallow vs. winning deep and why checking the box when it comes to DEI doesn't lead to transformational change. Discover some of the biggest struggles that leaders face when measuring progress around diversity, equity, and inclusion and why DEI work needs to be relational. Nadia, Dr. Grange, and Errol also discuss what it looks like for inclusive leaders to focus on winning deep and how to practice skills that move us beyond productivity and mechanization to a more whole psychological state.
This episode features a conversation between Jennifer, Shalynne Jackson, City of Oklahoma City’s Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer, and Jim Massey, author and Chief Sustainability Officer for Zai Lab, as they discuss the current state of allyship and what allyship should look like in 2023. Discover the importance of strategic allyship and the need to move from empathy into action. Shalynne and Jim also reveal the role that their faith plays in their DEI journey and how love can help us bring humanity back to work.
This episode was originally recorded as a DEI Community Call and features a conversation between JBC's Adrienne Lawrence and Ola Ojewumi, Founder of Project ASCEND. Adrienne and Ola discuss workplace discrimination and how race and disability intersect. Discover why ableism often goes unnoticed and some of the reasons behind the high unemployment and underemployment rate among persons with disabilities. Ola also shares why she founded Project ASCEND and the work that her organization does to provide higher education opportunities for marginalized and disadvantaged young people across the globe.
This episode was originally recorded on the Getting to Work podcast, hosted by John Spencer. Jennifer reveals why leaders need to think differently about how they lead at work and the challenges of leading a multigenerational workforce. She also discusses the various microaggressions that employees from marginalized communities often face at work and how to create a workplace culture where everyone feels valued and included. Discover why leaders need to lean into vulnerability and embrace imperfection.
This episode was originally recorded as a panel with members of the L’Oreal USA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Board. Joining the panel were Jennifer, Ivy Fairchild, Consultant, Hispanic Federation. Dr. Crystal Lee, CEO & Founder, United Natives, Anna Mok, Co-Founder & President, Ascend Leadership, Scott Richman, Regional Director, Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and Jamal Watkins, Senior Vice President, Strategy and Advancement, NAACP. The intersectional panel featured a discussion on civil rights, including a reflection on progress, and gaps still needing to be filled. Discover the role of the individual in civic engagement and activism, the need for equitable capitalism and corporate action, and the importance of allyship.
Kenji Yoshino, author and Chief Justice Earl Warren Professor of Constitutional Law at NYU School of Law, returns to the program to discuss his new book Say the Right Thing: How to Talk About Identity, Diversity, and Justice,which he co-authored along with David Glasgow. Kenji reveals the impetus behind writing the book and shares tips about how to navigate difficult DEI conversations. He also discusses some of the limitations of cancel culture and how to move from a cancel culture to a coaching culture. Discover a mature model of vulnerability that allows you to be fully authentic and the power of cultivating curiosity.
This episode features an interview with author and GORGEous agency founder Kara Richardson Whitely. Kara discusses the importance of body inclusivity in business and the work that her agency does to help brands attain growth and profitability in the plus-size market. She also discusses details about her memoir Gorge: My Journey Up at 300 Pounds,which will soon be a motion picture. She also shares examples of what allyship looks like when it comes to body inclusivity.
In this episode, originally recorded for the Beyond Barriers Podcast, Jennifer discusses her own career journey and how to motivate yourself and others. Discover how to create a community of inclusion and the importance of making sure that all voices are heard. Jennifer also shares tips about developing your own personal brand and standing up in your power.
Author and entrepreneur Aaron Hurst returns to the program to discuss the importance of developing a purpose mindset and reveals the formative experiences that shaped his work. Discover the difference between a purpose mindset and a transactional mindset, and how to cultivate a mindset that leads to greater fulfillment. Aaron also discusses how speaking differently to young people about learning and work can create a positive paradigm shift.
In this episode, Jennifer discusses the importance of supporting coaches, and other supporters of inclusive leaders. She shares her thoughts about some of the considerations that go into supporting coaches versus supporting leaders and why coaches don’t have to be DEI experts in order to have an impact. Discover how coaches can both support and challenge leaders on their inclusive leadership journey.
This episode was originally recorded for the Productive Flourishing Podcast, and features a conversation between Jennifer and Productive Flourishing host Charlie Gilkey. Jennifer shares her thoughts about the journey of inclusive leadership, including the need for insiders to push other insiders to lead differently. Discover why leaders need to be patient, humble and tranparent about their experiences.
This episode was originally recorded as a webinar and features a conversation between Jennifer and Dr. Pamela Larde from The Institute of Coaching. Jennifer discusses the evolution of the attributes needed for effective leadership and what coaches should know about the evolving inclusive leader journey. Discover how coaches can help influence, impact, and support the leaders they coach in building the new and evolving competencies that they will need to lead effectively.
This episode was originally recorded as a DEI Community Call and features a conversation between Jennifer and JBC Vice Presidents Elfi Martinez and Adrienne Lawrence as they take a look at top trends, themes and conversations that surfaced in 2022, and what we can expect in 2023. Discover what effective allyship will look like in 2023 and how to convert meaningful intentions into actions that drive change. Tune in as Jennifer, Elfi and Adrienne discuss what action towards equity looks like in 2023 and reflect on how far we’ve come in 2022!
Entrepreneur, coach, and author Kay Allison joins the program to discuss her new book Juicy AF (Alcohol-Free): Stop The Drinking Spiral, Create Your Future. Kay shares her thoughts about why the alcohol-free population should be part of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and the work-related situations that can be tough for alcohol-free employees to navigate. She also shares her own journey of becoming alcohol-free and practical ways that employers can make work-related events more inclusive of alcohol-free employees.
This episode features a conversation with Chris Altizer and Gloria Johnson-Cusack, authors of the book Growing the Elephant – Increasing Earned Advantage for All. Chris and Gloria reveal the impetus behind writing their book and the distinction between earned and unearned advantages. They also discuss the importance for leaders of being humble and how to have courageous and productive conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Discover why talking about advantage can be more helpful than talking about privilege.
This takeover episode of The Will to Change features a conversation with Kenji Yoshino, Chief Justice Earl Warren Professor of Constitutional Law and Director of the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at NYU School of Law. Kenji interviews Jennifer about the 2nd edition of her best-selling book How to be an Inclusive Leader. Kenji and Jennifer cover a variety of topics, including the generational shift that’s underway, gender identity as a continuum, and the need to hold space for each other on our learning journeys.
Note: This episode was previously recorded and is being released in recognition of the holiday season! In this minisode, Jennifer shares her thoughts on several pertinent (and previously released) episodes from The Will To Change on the topics of compassion fatigue and self-care. You’ll discover the importance of thinking about your thinking, the potential pitfalls of sharing our story in unhealthy ways, and the healing power of community.
This episode features an interview with coach, speaker and author Dr. Sharon Melnick as she discusses her new book In Your Power: React Less, Regain Control, Raise Others.Discover the difference between being in your power versus being in power and how to redefine power as a source for good. Learn how being in your power is an ultimate form of self-care and how to use breathing exercises to ground yourself.
This episode features a conversation between JBC Vice-President Adrienne Lawrence and Diane Cain, Organizational Development Specialist at NASA. Diane discusses the important role that DEI plays in her work as an organizational development specialist and the evolution of NASA’s DEI priorities. Discover the reasons behind NASA’s interest in inclusive leadership and the culture shift that is driving the need for a change in the approach to leadership.
Author, Speaker and Consultant Lily Zheng returns to The Will To Change to discuss their new book, DEI Deconstructed,which centers on accountable and effective practices to achieve DEI outcomes in organizations. Discover why even leaders with the best of intentions find it difficult to achieve the DEI outcomes they desire. Lily also discusses the outcomes that they typically advise leaders to achieve and how to measure them. They also reveal how they work with leaders who may be resistant to DEI efforts.
In this takeover episode of The Will to Change, Denise Hamilton, Founder of WatchHerWork is joined by VC and Author Kathryn Finney. Kathryn discusses her book Build the Damn Thing: How to Start a Successful Business If You’re Not a Rich White Guyand the importance for founders to move beyond the idea phase of their business. Discover why you should seek “harsh feedback” about your business and the importance of being able to tolerate rejection. Discover the difference between a small business and a startup and what makes a business investable.
You can register for the Better Man Conference at https://bettermanconference.com/
This episode features an interview with author Sarah McDonald as she discusses her book The Cancer Channel and her journey as a cancer survivor. Sarah shares the unique challenges that employees with chronic health issues face in the workplace and how employers can best support their workers through health crises. Discover the stigma and shame that individuals often feel when diagnosed with cancer or other health issues, and the difficult challenges of potentially needing to work even while going through debilitating treatments. Sarah also reveals the lessons that she’s learned and what has changed in her life since being diagnosed with cancer.
You can register for the Better Man Conference at https://bettermanconference.com/
This episode was originally recorded as a LinkedIn Live, and features a conversation with Dax-Devlon Ross, Principal, Dax-Dev, along with Jennifer, and Ray Arata, Founder of the Better Man Conference. Dax, Jennifer, and Ray discuss a different way to look at privilege and how it can be used as a tool for inclusionary leadership. Discover the importance of vulnerability and how we can use our privilege to elevate others.
This episode features a conversation with Indiana's Chief Equity, Inclusion, and Opportunity Officer, Karrah Herring. Karrah discusses her current role, the history behind it, and why it was created. She also shares details about her transition from academia into government, how the practice of DEI differs in the government arena, and what she is most proud of accomplishing since stepping into her current role.
This episode was originally recorded on the KTS Success Factor Podcast and features a conversation between Jennifer and Sarah E. Brown, Ph.D. Jennifer discusses the stages of the Inclusive Leadership Continuum and how the pandemic exposed workforce inequities. She also shares details about the Inclusive Leader Assessment and how it can help leaders create cultures of belonging where everyone can thrive.
This episode features a conversation between Jennifer and JBC Vice-President Adrienne Lawrence about redefining privilege. Discover some of the most common misconceptions about privilege and how we can use our privilege to help others. You'll also hear about the importance of excavating your own authentic story and a broader definition of diversity. Remember to sign up for the virtual book launch for the launch of the 2nd edition of How to Be an Inclusive Leader.To register, visit https://jenniferbrownconsulting.com/second-edition-virtual-book-launch
This episode was originally recorded as a panel for the NGLCC 2022 National Conference. Jennifer moderates an all-star panel of out executives as they discuss their journey of fully stepping into their identity and embracing who they are. They also reveal what is it like to step forward and be the public voice of very large and esteemed institutions.
This episode features a conversation between Jennifer and JBC Senior Consultant Dr. Jennifer Sarrett as they discuss allyship and the important role that each of us can play as allies to underrepresented and marginalized communities. Discover some of the most common misconceptions about allyship and how to be an effective ally. You’ll hear about the danger of allies centering themselves over marginalized community members and what to do instead.
This episode was originally recorded as a DEI Community Call and features a conversation with Lewis Brown Griggs, Michael Welp, and Howard Ross. These three seasoned leaders discuss their personal journeys as advocates for equity, unpack the absence of white men in DEI efforts, and reveal effective strategies to encourage men to lean into DEI principles.
This special episode features an interview with Jennifer and Elfi Martinez, Senior Director at JBC, ahead of the release of the 2nd edition of Jennifer's best-selling book How to be an Inclusive Leader. Jennifer and Elfi discuss the key attributes of being an inclusive leader and how those attributes vary from the traditional model of leadership. To learn more and order the 2nd edition, visit https://book.jenniferbrownspeaks.com/
This episode features an interview with Upwork's Head of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, Dr. Erin L. Thomas, as she discusses the ways in which bias shows up in the workplace. Dr. Thomas also discusses the concept of “unintentional inequity” and reveals strategies and practices that companies can employ to reduce unconscious bias at all stages of the employee life cycle. Discover why data and understanding diversity demographics at every level are so important in workplace planning.
This special episode features an interview with Jennifer ahead of the release of the 2nd edition of her best-selling book How to be an Inclusive Leader.Jennifer shares how the Rubik's Cube provides a rich metaphor for wrestling with identity and how identity came to be such an important part of her work. To learn more and order the 2nd edition, visit https://book.jenniferbrownspeaks.com/
This episode was originally recorded as a DEI Community Call, and features a conversation with Carla Grant Pickens, Global Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer at IBM. Carla reveals how the current environment is impacting IBM and its workforce. Carla discusses the dynamics of the return to office efforts at IBM locations around the world, and the potential impact on the company/employee relationship as companies struggle to encourage employees back to the physical office setting. You'll also hear about what IBM has learned by viewing employee development and coaching through an equity lens and how they are delivering targeted support through its partnership with BetterUp.
This episode features a conversation with Jennifer, Ray Arata, Founder and CEO of the Better Man Conference, and Mark Greene, Founder of Remaking Manhood as they discuss the patriarchy and outdated rules about what it means to be a man. Discover how the "Man Box" perpetuates an obsolete leadership model and how patriarchy relates to the larger DEI landscape. To learn more about the Better Man Conference, visit www.bettermanconference.com
This episode, originally recorded as a LinkedIn live, features a conversation between Jennifer and Arthur Woods, Rocki Howard and Jim Massey as they discuss this proposed session for SXSW. Jennifer, Arthur, Rocki and Jim discuss why this conversation, why now, and what’s ahead for leaders.
Help us make it to the conference by voting (by August 21st) for our panel here: https://panelpicker.sxsw.com/vote/129585
This episode, originally recorded as a LinkedIn Live, features a conversation between Jennifer and JBC Vice-President Adrienne Lawrence, as Jennifer discusses the highly anticipated second edition of her book How to Be an Inclusive Leader which launches on October 4th, 2022. Jennifer reveals why she made the decision to tackle a second edition of the book and the need for a more balanced leadership style. She also discusses how to reframe the concept of privilege and the need to call leaders in instead of only calling them out.
This takeover episode features a conversation between JBC Consultant Jennifer Sarrett and Trelise Baker, Founder of 2nd Chance Living PMI as Trelise discusses the work that her organization does to help women transitioning out of prison or jail and into communities by providing employment and housing services in and around New Orleans, Louisiana. Trelise also shares her own journey of transitioning back into the community as a justice-involved woman and the biggest challenges that people face after incarceration. Discover the complex needs that justice-involved women face when reentering their communities, and how 2nd Change Living is helping to address those needs. Resources: Prison policy initiative
Vera Institute
US Bureau of Labor Statistics
US Census Bureau
Data USA
Unity of Greater New Orleans
2nd Chance Living PMI:
website: https://www.2ndchancelivingpmi.org/
email: info@2ndchancelivingpmi.org
phone: 1-855-487-0477
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2ndchancepmi
Instagram: @2ndchancepmi
Twitter: @2ndchancepmi
This episode was originally recorded as an Advocacy in Action session and features a conversation between Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network Board Member Dr. Morénike Giwa Onaiwu and JBC Vice President Adrienne Lawrence as they discuss lesser-known misconceptions about autism, how it manifests in women. Discover what business opportunities your organization may be missing, and ways in which you can recover by making your workplace more welcoming for autistic women.
This episode was originally recorded as a LinkedIn Live, and features a conversation between Jennifer and Ray Arata, speaker, author and co-founder of the Better Man Movement. Discover details about the upcoming Better Man Conference and the impetus behind the conference. Ray reveals the power of vulnerability and centering others, and the need for men to show up in a different way.
This episode features an interview with author, acrobat and entrepreneur Robin Zander as he discusses the importance of bravery and courage and the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on various marginalized communities. Robin discusses what he learned from creating a video where he returned to his middle school and how the painful experiences in his past have made him the leader that he is today. He also reveals the work that he is doing to develop his voice and how taking singing lessons is helping him embrace his fears.
This episode was originally recorded as a DEI Community Call, and features a conversation with Lorraine Orr, Chief Operations Officer of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Lorraine shares her professional and personal stories of identity and how her lived experience led her to where she is today. Discover the powerful moments of reckoning in the Boys and Girl Club’s history on the topic of DEI and where the Boys and Girls Club stands in its DEI evolution.
Tune in for a conversation with Jennifer and Rhodes Perry as Jennifer discusses her upcoming presentation at the Belonging at Work Summit. Jennifer reveals the need to gain strategies on how to artfully push back and establish the boundaries we need to resist the growing backlash to the progress DEI leaders continue to make in our workplaces.
This episode was originally recorded at the Global Inclusion Online Forum and features a conversation about measuring gender equality. Discover the common miscalculations and best measurement practices that ensure progressive growth and prosperity of the corporate workforce as well as the most common gender equality metrics used in global corporations. You'll also hear about how to use the combination of measurements to create a thriving work environment for all.
This episode was originally recorded as an Advocacy in Action session and features a conversation between JBC Vice President Adrienne Lawrence and SIGBI CEO & Co-Founder Stacy Lentz. Discover key strategies for creating inclusive workspaces for LGBTQ+ employees and best practices on how to authentically support colleagues beyond Pride Month. Stacy also reveals details about SIGBI's new Safe Spaces Certification.
This episode was originally recorded as a DEI Community Call and features a conversation between Jennifer and Oklahoma City's Chief Inclusion and Diversity Leader, Shalynne Jackson, as they discuss how storytelling, getting curious and connecting can be powerful tools to increase our perception of what’s under the water line. Shalynne provides details about the benefits of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) and the difference between the monocultural mindset vs. the intercultural mindset.
Todd Corley, Senior Vice President, Inclusion, Sustainability & Community at Carhartt, and Former CDO at Abercrombie & Fitch, joins the program to discuss his career journey. Additionally, with the release of Netflix's 'White Hot: The Rise & Fall of Abercrombie & Fitch,Todd shares insights and lessons learned from his time as the CDO of Abercrombie & Fitch.
This episode was originally recorded as a LinkedIn Live and features a conversation with Jennifer and JBC Vice President Adrienne J. Lawrence honoring George Floyd. Discover what's changed since the death of George Floyd, and what more we can do to continue breaking down inequitable systems of racism and oppression.
This episode was originally recorded as an Advocacy in Action session and features a conversation between Women’s Reproductive Rights Assistance Project (WRRAP) Executive Director Sylvia Ghazarian and JBC Vice President Adrienne Lawrence. Discover how reproductive health is a business issue that will impact an organization’s bottom line, how a number of organizations are approaching this issue in the current climate, and what tools are available to inclusively support women and birthing people in the workplace.
Creative Director Rana Reeves returns to the podcast to discuss the ways in which various identity groups are coalescing around reproductive health and how brands can take a stand to put their values into actions. Discover the tension that brands are facing when it comes to taking a stand on a variety of social and political issues.
This episode was recorded live at the SXSW Conference and features a conversation between Jennifer and journalist and producer Monika Samtani as they discuss a roadmap for action to address systemic inequities and build a more inclusive future. Discover the personal traits inclusive leaders must develop to lead through change and uncertainty and become allies and advocates in their communities and workplaces.
This episode was originally recorded as a DEI Community Call and features a conversation with Kathy West Evans, Director of Business Relations for CSAVR (Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation), and Danielle Biddick, Senior Advisor, Diversity Talent Acquisition at Dell Technologies as they discuss strategies for recruiting and hiring neurodiverse talent. Discover details and statistics about this incredibly diverse and intersectional talent pool and the opportunities to increase our collective awareness, understanding, and fluency in neurodiversity, in both society and the workplace.
This episode was originally recorded as a Culture Talk at Investors Bank and features a conversation between Jennifer and Investors Bank CEO Kevin Cummings. Discover the importance of culture and the traits of inclusive leaders. Jennifer also shares her thoughts about how to measure success.
This episode was recorded live at the SXSW Conference and presented by Rolling Stone and SHE Media. The conversation was moderated by Denise Hamilton, Inclusion Strategist & CEO of WatchHerWork and the panelists were Kathryn Finney, Managing Partner, Genius Guild, Jennifer Risi, Founder and President of The Sway Effect, and Jennifer Brown.
The panelists shared their thoughts about how individuals and companies can work towards a more inclusive and equitable workplace. They also shared insights about what it means to cultivate inclusion, how to measure success, the importance of core values, and the role of technology.
This episode was originally recorded as an Advocacy in Action session during Women’s History Month and features a conversation between JBC Vice President Adrienne Lawrence and The Rep Project Research Director, Rebecca Cooper, as they discuss the lesser-known barriers women face in the workplace and ways to address and remove those barriers.
This episode was originally recorded as a LinkedIn Live event, and features a conversation between Jennifer and author, speaker, facilitator and coach, Ray Arata, as they discuss the importance of male allyship in the workplace. Discover how men can effectively show up for their non-male colleagues, employees, and family members. You’ll also hear about how to meet men where they are and how leaders can set a tone of support and accountability.
This special takeover episode of The Will to Change features a candid conversation between author and equity strategist Tara Jaye Frank and Leilani M. Brown about driving meaningful change and making a way for equity, inclusion and belonging. Discover the convergence of events that led the way to an awakening about the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion, and who needs to drive DEI efforts in an organization. Tara also shares insights about her new book The Waymakers: Clearing the Path to Workplace Equity With Competence and Confidence.
Daisy Auger-Dominguez, Chief People Officer at VICE Media Group, joins the program to discuss her new book Inclusion Revolution: The Essential Guide to Dismantling Racial Inequity in the Workplace.Daisy shares her own diversity story and the formative events that helped shape who she is today. She also shares insights about how leaders can embrace their courage and shape the future of work.
In this episode, originally recorded as a Hummingbird Hour, Rohit Bhargava and Jennifer are interviewed by Brian McComak, Founder and CEO of Hummingbird Humanity. Rohit and Jennifer share insights about their new book Beyond Diversity and reveal how the book offers an actionable blueprint for creating a more inclusive world. Discover the hidden message on the cover of the book, the need for ongoing dialogue and discussion, and why change starts with discovering our personal stories.
This episode features an interview with author, leader and speaker Deepa Purushothaman as she discusses takeaways from her new book The First, The Few, The Only: How Women of Color Can Redefine Power in Corporate America. Discover the changes that need to happen in the structure of corporate America, and how to reframe the “fit in” and “lean in” mentalities that have left women feeling burnt out or isolated in the workplace. Deepa also reveals how the conversation around the imposter syndrome is changing and the first step that a woman can take to better claim their power at work.
This episode was originally recorded as an Advocacy in Action conversation and features MPJI Advisory Board Chair, J Mase III, and JBC VP Adrienne Lawrence. Tune in to hear about the uplifting meaningful contributions made by members of the Black queer community, efforts that impede greater inclusion in workplaces across the country, and effective tools you can use to achieve inclusivity in your organization.
Discover how white women and black women can partner and be in solidarity with each other and a vision for allyship. Jennifer and Adrienne explore the disconnect between the percentage of white women who see themselves as allies and the amount of support and empowerment that black women report receiving in the workplace.
This recording marks the 200th episode of the Will to Change! In honor of this milestone, H Walker, Chief Diversity Officer for the Boys and Girls Club of America, joins Jennifer for an organic and wide ranging conversation celebrating the themes and work that have made The Will To Change a popular podcast in the DEI space.
This episode, originally recorded as a DEI Community Call, features a conversation with Dr. Maysa Akbar, Chief Diversity Officer for the American Psychological Association (APA). Dr. Akbar discusses the APA’s public commitment to continue its work to dismantle systemic racism, and how the organization has apologized for its longstanding contributions to systemic racism, acknowledging the historical harms inflicted upon communities of color by the discipline of psychology. Discover the approach that the APA took to delve into historical archives and identify the harms committed against communities of color, and why the passing of a resolution to uniformly define racism within APA became an essential baseline for the work they would do to fight systemic racism.
In this episode, originally recorded as a LinkedIn Live, Dr. Kevin England joins Jennifer for a conversation about JBC's DEI Foundations Program. Kevin provides an overview as well as some of the benefits of the program. Discover the structure of the DEI Foundations program and why our personal story matters. To learn more or to join the waitlist for the program, visit: https://dei1.jbconlinelearning.com/
This episode was originally recorded as a LinkedIn Live, and features a conversation between Jennifer Brown and Mita Mallick, Head of Inclusion, Equity and Impact at Carta as they discuss the importance of authentic and accurate representation of diverse cultures in the media. The conversation stemmed from a LinkedIn post by Mita about her reaction to the Diwali episode of And Just Like That, a revival of the HBO television series Sex and the City. Mita breaks down the episode, which was described in a Vogue article as a “messy tangle of misnomers and misappropriation.” Mita also discusses the exhaustion that many people from marginalized communities are feeling, and what allies can do to help. To read the Vogue article about the episode, visit:
https://www.vogue.in/fashion/content/sex-and-the-sari-investigating-the-diwali-episode-debacle-in-and-just-like-that
This episode, originally recorded as a DEI Community Call, features a conversation between Sue Mason, Co-Founder and Executive Director of What’s Next Washington, and Catherine Goetz, Global Head of Diversity Recruiting at LivePerson. Sue and Catherine discuss the challenges and opportunities of making a commitment to operationalize second chance hiring in a heavily regulated field. Discover why AI and talent leaders need to be focused on accessing the talent pool of people with conviction histories, and how organizations can accompany operationalized second chance priorities as part of their DEI recruiting strategy.
From the "Best of the Will to Change" In this episode, originally recorded as a TONE Talk, Julie Lythcott-Haims joins Jennifer Brown for a conversation about 3 "superpowers" that everyone possesses and how to unleash them. Julie is the New York Times bestselling author of the anti-From the helicopter parenting manifesto How to Raise an Adult. Her TED Talk on the subject has more than 5 million views, and in 2020 she became a regular contributor with CBS This Morning on parenting. Her second book is the critically-acclaimed and award-winning prose poetry memoir Real American, which illustrates her experience as a Black and biracial person in white spaces. A third book, Your Turn: How to Be an Adult, will be out in April 2021.
To learn more about TONE Networks, visit https://www.tonenetworks.com/
As 2021 comes to a close, Jennifer Brown shares her thoughts on lessons learned in 2021 and what leaders need to think about for 2022.
Dr. Rohini Anand, Founder and CEO of Rohini Anand LLC, joins the program to discuss her new book, Leading Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: A Guide for Systemic Change in Multinational Organizations and what it takes for organizations to ensure that their cultures are diverse, inclusive and equitable in a sustained way. Rohini also reveals how individuals in organizations who may be limited by organizational structures and positional power can still work to create positive change.
This episode was originally recorded on the Leading with Empathy and Allyship podcast with host Melinda Briana Epler.
In the episode Jennifer and Rohit Bhargava, discuss their new book Beyond Diversity: 12 Non-Obvious Ways To Build A More Inclusive World. Jennifer and Rohit share their personal experiences and perspectives on creating a more inclusive world; present key learnings from their book on storytelling, retail, and leadership; and reveal their own educational moments from writing the book and how those moments helped them grow as allies.
To order your copy of Beyond Diversity, or get the audiobook or ebook, visit: https://www.nonobviousdiversity.com/
This episode was originally recorded as a DEI Community Call and features a year-end conversation between Jennifer Brown and JBC Consultants La Mikia Castillo, Elfi Martinez and Gearah Goldstein, for a panel conversation about top diversity, equity, and inclusion trends from 2021 and what we can expect in 2022.
This episode was originally recorded as a webinar, sponsored by SmartBrief and moderated by Becky Robinson, Founder and CEO of Weaving Influence. Tune in as Jennifer Brown and Celeste Warren, Vice President, Global Diversity and Inclusion, Center of Excellence at Merck, discuss what it means for a leader to be inclusive, and how to determine if your organization and leaders are inclusive. You'll also discover the behaviors that leaders need to exhibit to create an inclusive organization and how to incorporate those behaviors into your organization and weave them into your practices.
Speaker and strategist Erin Weed does a takeover of the podcast and interviews Jennifer Brown on a variety of topics, including Jennifer's new book "Beyond Diversity," the importance of self-care, and the need for allyship. Jennifer also reveals what has shifted in her work over the years, the increasing awareness of various diversity dimensions at work, and shares her thoughts about the future of DEI work.
To learn more about Erin and her work visit: https://www.erinweed.com
This episode features a conversation with Susan McPherson, Founder and CEO of McPherson Strategies, and author of The Lost Art of Connecting: The Gather, Ask, Do Method for Building Meaningful Relationships. Susan shares tips for how we can revitalize our professional relationships and networks post-pandemic, and reveals the Gather, Ask, Do Method for building meaningful business and personal connections. Discover why asking "how can I help?" is the optimum way to build your network- even virtually.
This episode features a conversation between Adrienne Lawrence, JBC Sr. Consultant, and Jennifer Brown, as they discuss why is there such a disconnect between how white women view their support and how black women are experiencing it. Discover why white women are often afraid of stepping up to be an ally, and what white women can do to bridge the allyship gap by 2031.
From the Best of The Will to Change: Anti-aging activist and author, Ashton Applewhite, joins the program to discuss the importance of confronting ageism and how to create an inclusive culture for people of all ages. Ashton discusses the role of intersectionality in the aging process, and how we can change the way we think about what it means to get older. She also debunks some of the most common myths about aging.
In this minisode Jennifer Brown shares her thoughts about how executives need to pivot and how to create a safe container for leaders. Discover the link between psychological safety and performance and the challenge of leading without having all the answers.
In this episode, originally recorded as a DEI Community Call, Tarrance Frierson and Sabrina Kent join Jennifer Brown for a conversation focused on cultivating supplier diversity and particularly how businesses can advocate and champion for the inclusion of diverse business enterprises that include LGBTQ owned businesses into their supply chain.
From the best of The Will To Change: Diversability founder Tiffany Yu joins the program to reveal her own origin story, and shares her thoughts about the challenges and opportunities that still exist in the 30 years since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Discover how designing for disability benefits everyone and the intersection of social justice movements. This episode was originally recording as a DEI Community Call.
Melinda Briana Epler, CEO of Change Catalyst and author of How to Be an Ally: Actions You Can Take for a Stronger, Happier Workplace joins the program to discuss what people want and need from allies, why allyship is vital for business, and how people become better allies in our workplaces.
To read Melinda's "The State of Allyship Report: The Key to Workplace Inclusion" visit https://ally.cc/report
This episode features an interview with Minal Bopaiah, author of Equity: How to Design Organizations Where Everyone Thrives and founder of Brevity & Wit, a strategy + design firm that combines human-centered design, behavior change science and the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility to help organizations transform themselves and the world. Discover how human-centered design relates to diversity, equity and inclusion, what leaders can do to design a more equitable organization and what communicators need to know about addressing DEI issues.
Join Jennifer Brown and her co-author Rohit Bhargava as they take you on a behind-the-scenes conversation about their new book Beyond Diversity: 12 Non-Obvious Ways to Build a More Inclusive World.Discover why Jennifer and Rohit decided to write this book, what differentiates it from other books on diversity and inclusion, their vision for the book, and more!
To join the Beyond Diversity Book Insider Family and get early access to exclusive updates and invitations to launch events, visit https://jenniferbrownspeaks.com/beyond-diversity/
This episode, originally recorded at APA 2021, is hosted by Dr. Maysa Akbar, Chief Diversity Officer for the APA, as she speaks with Jennifer Brown, Dr. Derrick Gordon from the Yale School of Medicine and Eduardo Placer, CEO and Founder of Fearless Communicators. Discover how dismantling racism benefits us all, the necessary steps to have courageous conversations about race, and how to move from words to antiracist action.
This program originally aired as part of APA 2021, the American Psychological Association’s annual convention. It is being used with permission from the American Psychological Association. For more information about APA, visit www.apa.org.
In this episode, originally recorded for the Elearning Podcast, Jennifer Brown joins host Stephen Ladek to discuss the importance of bringing your full self to work and why even privileged leaders can benefit from more open ways to communicate and collaborate. Discover how you can reinvent as a person, a professional or an educator without losing your identity, but actually evolving it; and why crises are often fantastic catalyzers for personal growth.
This episode was originally recorded as a partnership between JBC and Women Employed, a non-profit devoted to improving the economic status of women and removing barriers to economic equity.
Near the close of the month on August 26th, we observe change that was had over a century ago, in hopes of advancing change today. This day of observance is reserved for Women’s Equality Day—the day in 1920 when our nation granted women the right to vote by passing the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Although it has been more than 100 years since women’s suffrage was achieved, the fight for gender equality is still ongoing as discrimination and disparities persist.
Tune in for a riveting and insightful conversation about closing the wealth gap at the intersection of wealth and gender and how to radically shift the way we think about we distribute resources and forge pathways to economic security.
Chad Moses, Director of Outreach and Experience at TWLOHA Inc., joins the program to discuss his journey and how he came to the work that he does collaborating with musicians, festivals, and entertainment companies to cultivate conversations about mental health. Discover the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in when it comes to mental health, and a different way to think about suicide prevention. To learn more, visit https://twloha.com/
This episode, originally recorded as a DEI Community Call, features a conversation with Cherise Bernard, PhD, Director of Diversity, Engagement and Inclusion at McCann New York and Founder of Modern Work Consultancy, and Amri Johnson, CEO and Founder of Inclusion Wins. Discover how leaders can help drive an inclusive and equitable culture from the top down, and how leaders can hold themselves accountable to this work, and create more accountability within each part of their business to ensure impact. You'll also discover practical ways for leaders to flex their cultural competencies.
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This episode features a conversation between Adrienne Lawrence, Principal Consultant at Jennifer Brown Consulting, and Chad Moses, Director of Outreach at To Write Love on Her Arms as they discuss the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on mental health, as well as guidance on how to support each other’s mental well-being in professional spaces.
In honor of World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10), TWLOHA is creating conversations that move people from hopelessness to help, encouraging solutions that support people through their darkest moments, and working to help fight for more time—so that healing and recovery can happen. Their campaign launches on August 9, and you can stay in the know by signing up for email updates or by texting "WSPD" to (321) 204-0578.
Arthur Woods, Co-Founder of Mathison, a venture-backed technology platform equipping employers with everything they need to manage their diversity hiring efforts, joins the program to share his own diversity story and the lessons that he has learned over the last year when it comes to diversity and inclusion. Discover how and why we need to rethink our outlook and how leaders have been showing up differently since the pandemic. Arthur also shares his thoughts on how to create a workforce that is truly representative of society.
Teresa Y. Hodge, serial entrepreneur and co-founder of two nationally recognized criminal justice innovation companies, R3 Score Technologies, Inc. and Mission: Launch, Inc., joins the program to share her own journey of securing employment after prison. Discover what it will take for corporations for meet their DEI goals when it comes to hiring untapped talent that has an arrest and/or conviction record.
Wayne Sutton, serial entrepreneur and founder of the Icon Project, joins the program to discuss the importance of focusing on the mental health of black and brown men, and why he created the Icon Summit. Wayne shares his own story and how working on diversity and inclusion in tech impacted his mental health. Discover the intersections of DE&I and mental health.
To learn more about the Icon Summit, visit:
https://theiconproject.org/summit/
Jason Ve, music and tech executive and Vice President at 88rising, the leading music company of the most influential Asian artists in the world, joins the program to discuss the intersectionality of being Asian and LGBTQ+. He expands upon an article he wrote in Men's Health about how "No Asians” is a phrase still used in the LGBTQ+ community and how it goes mostly unchallenged.
To read Jason's article in Men's Health, visit:
https://www.menshealth.com/trending-news/a36555932/jason-ve-confronting-no-asians/
Joanne Lipman joins the program to discuss the ways in which the workplace is broken, and how we might reinvent the workplace that so that it works for everyone. Discover some of the challenges that come along with managing a remote workforce and what leaders will need to be mindful of in the new world of work. Joanne also shares her thoughts about the impact that the pandemic has had on women in the workplace.
About Joanne:
Joanne Lipman served as Editor-in-Chief at USA Today, USA Today Network, Nast, and The Wall Street Journal’s Weekend Journal, leading those organizations to six Pulitzer Prizes. She is an on-air CNBC contributor and Yale University journalism lecturer. She is also author of the bestseller, THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID: What Men and Women Need to Know About Working Together.
Coach and author Kristoffer (“KC”) Carter joins the program to discuss his 4 permissions for leaders. Discover how to get hard-driving leaders to slow down and pay more attention to their feelings. You'll also hear about the benefits of a spiritual approach to leadership, and the connections between yoga and leadership.
This episode was originally recorded as a webinar with JBC Sr. Consultant Adrienne Lawrence, and Black Facts founders Dale A. Dowdie and Ken Granderson, for an enlightening one-hour conversation on Juneteenth through today.
Discover key historical aspects of what’s also known as Emancipation Day and get a better look at the hurdles that have been instituted over the years to hinder true emancipation and a better idea of what you can do to make change.
Tune in for a special takeover episode of the Will To Change. Jenn T. Grace, Founder and Publisher of Publish Your Purpose Press, hosts the episode. Jenn discusses the release of Publish Your Purpose Press's first anthology, The Real Lives of Transgender and Nonbinary Humans. Joining her are several of the contributors as they discuss their lived experiences and why they decided to share their story in this anthology.
This episode was originally recorded as a DEI Community Call, and features a conversation with Kathleen West-Evans, Director of Business Relations, The National Employment Team (NET), Council of State Administrators of VR. Learn more about this diverse talent pool, and the intersections of race, culture and disabilities and what the impact will be post-COVID on retaining and returning the "long haulers" to the workplace.
This episode was previously released on The Will To Change. Note: Join Desiree for Whiteness at Work, beginning on June 15th, 2021, to explore ways organizations have successfully pushed back on the norms of white dominant culture in the last year. Register for the free training at http://whitenessatwork.com
Desiree Adaway, DEI consultant, trainer, coach and speaker, joins the program to discuss why anti-racism efforts ultimately benefit everyone in an organization. Discover how to move beyond performative allyship and the need to pay attention to power dynamics. Desiree also shares her thoughts about the recent executive order regarding DEI training.
This episode was originally a Toolkit Conversation at the Better Man Conference, and features a conversation with Jennifer Brown, as well as Mita Mallick, Head of Inclusion, Equity and Impact at Carta and
Tony DeGruy, Technical Systems Engineering Leader for Cisco’s Workforce Experience team. Moderating the event was Eduardo Placer, CEO of Fearless Communicators.
This episode, originally recorded as a DEI Community Call, features Susan Mason, Teresa Hodge and former NFL player Jordan Babineaux, the managing partners of the Bank on 100 Million Network as they discuss how corporations operationalize their DEI commitments to hiring FIT (formerly incarcerated talent). Discover the startling statistics about overcriminalization, why the current system continues to punish and marginalize formerly incarcerated talent, and how that is negatively impacting not just that talent, but DEI and talent strategies for organizations.
Rosalind Wiseman, parenting educator and author, joins the program to discuss how to foster civil dialogue and inspire communities to build strength, courage and purpose. Discover how to create physical and emotional wellbeing by working in close partnership with the experts of various communities–including young people and business leaders.
From the Best of The Will To Change: Dr. Maysa Akbar, groundbreaking psychologist, author, and Assistant Clinical Professor at Yale University, joins the program to share her own diversity story, including overcoming childhood trauma. Discover a new identity model of allyship, and how to engage well-intentioned, but misguided allies.
This episode, originally recorded as a DEI call, features an interview with Joze Piranian, Global TEDx Speaker and a lifelong stutterer turned transformational speaker on inclusion and resilience. Joze also shared information about stuttering, and revealed what he has learned from his own journey.
New York Times bestselling author Charlene Li joins the program to discuss what we can learn from disruption and the connection between disruption and DEI work. Discover the characteristics of a disruptive leader and the one thing that leaders can do to help make their organizations more disruptive.
Rana Reeves, Executive Creative Director and Founder of communications agency RanaVerse, returns to the program to discuss the work that he is doing to connect brands with popular and contemporary culture for commerce, utilizing the lens of diversity and equity to tell stories and highlight experiences to the mainstream.
This episode was originally recorded on the Resiliency Theory Podcast, and features a conversation between Jennifer and host Ashley Carson as they discuss what it takes for us to be brave, speak our truths, and be our authentic selves. Discover how authenticity supports building your resiliency muscle.
In this episode originally recorded as a DEI Community Call, guest moderator Elfi Martinez, Senior Director at Jennifer Brown Consulting, spoke with Martina Winston, Vice President & Senior HR Partner at Protective Life Corporation, and Wendy Evesque, Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Protective Life Corporation, about the ways in which executive leadership and allyship intersect.
Elfi Martinez succinctly captured one of the key takeaways from this discussion: If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.
When it comes to DEI, the more allies we have on our side, the more impactful change we can enact.
Michael Thomas, Principal in the Los Angeles, California office
of Jackson Lewis P.C. and Michelle Phillips, a Principal in the White Plains office of Jackson Lewis P.C, join the program to discuss how to promote psychological safety in a socially distant work environment. Discover how to improve the lived experience in the workplace, how to create an inclusive and equitable work environment, and why enforcing safety protocols isn't enough to create a culture of belonging.
This episode was originally recorded on the Power Shift Podcast, hosted by Dr. Sharon Melnick. Discover how your upbringing and identity can shape your unique voice, and where power is really found in organizations. Jennifer also reveals the conversations that happen on executive teams that enable transformation and how to get through difficult conversations without blame.
To learn more about Dr. Sharon Melnick, visit https://www.sharonmelnick.com/
In this episode, originally recorded as a DEI Community Call, Adrienne Lawrence, Diversity + Legal Commentator and Senior Consultant, Jennifer Brown Consulting, welcomed Co-Founder of Hate Is A Virus, Michelle K. Hanabusa, to discuss the recent rise of anti-Asian violence and rhetoric in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how we can activate as allies during this time. Hate IsA Virus is a nonprofit community of mobilizers and amplifiers dedicated to dismantling hate and racism. Their latest initiative is the commUNITY Action Fund, an effort to raise $1 million to give back to local and national community organizations providing pivotal services and programs for the AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) community.
To register for the upcoming events, visit bit.ly/dismantlebias
Susan Mason, Executive Director and Co-Founder of What’s Next Washington, joins the program to discuss how organizations can recruit, hire and retain formerly incarcerated talent. Susan reveals some startling statistics about overcriminalization, including the fact that by 2030 100 million people will be convicted of a crime in the US. Discover what needs to change from a policy standpoint, and why without policy changes, organizations will miss out on hiring one in two working age adults, with an overrepresentation of people of BIPOC, women, and LGBTQI communities.
This episode was originally recorded for the Moody’s Women Empowerment Video Series where DK Bartley is leading a DE&I Evolution at Moody’s that has created a culture focused on Authentic DE&I and incorporate DE&I in all Aspects of the Moody’s Business globally. Tune in as Jennifer discusses the concept of the "iceberg" and what employees typically struggle to bury deep or cover up in the workplace.
In this episode, originally recorded as a DEI Community Call, JBC Senior Consultant Jeffery Smith moderated a conversation with Martina Winston, VP & Senior HR Partner/Diversity & Inclusion Leader at Protective Life. Discover how the huge shifts of 2020 have impacted Protective Life’s consistent and ongoing DEI efforts that reach back several years. You'll also hear about how the company’s sustained work made a difference in the navigation of this chaotic year, and when it makes sense to "go slow to go fast" for a company like Protective Life
In this episode, originally recorded as a TONE Talk, Julie Lythcott-Haims joins Jennifer Brown for a conversation about 3 "superpowers" that everyone possesses and how to unleash them. Julie is the New York Times bestselling author of the anti-helicopter parenting manifesto How to Raise an Adult. Her TED Talk on the subject has more than 5 million views, and in 2020 she became a regular contributor with CBS This Morning on parenting. Her second book is the critically-acclaimed and award-winning prose poetry memoir Real American, which illustrates her experience as a Black and biracial person in white spaces. A third book, Your Turn: How to Be an Adult, will be out in April 2021.
To learn more about TONE Networks, visit https://www.tonenetworks.com/
What does it mean to be a “good guy” in 2021? As gender norms continue to be dismantled in popular culture, the household, the workplace, and society at large, men are faced with higher expectations around allyship. This episode, originally recorded as a DEI Community Call, is all about that idea of modern male allyship. Josh Stewart (Vice President and Director of Talent Programs & Accessibility at PNC) moderates a lively discussion between Brad Johnson (Professor of Psychology at the US Naval Academy & Faculty Associate at John Hopkins University) and David G. Smith (Associate Professor of Sociology at the US Naval War College). They discuss their recent book, “Good Guys: How Men Can Be Better Allies for Women in the Workplace,” and what men can do today to make a more equitable tomorrow.
Author, speaker, and entrepreneur Michael Bungay Stanier joins the program to discuss the importance of curiosity and why leaders should decenter themselves. Discover how to embrace power in an authentic way, and what trees can teach us about decision making.
In this episode, originally recorded as a DEI Community Call, Farah Bala, the Founder & CEO at FARSIGHT led a discussion alongside Jannie Kamara, a fourth year student studying Black World Studies and Diversity in Leadership at Miami University, and Gentle Ramirez, a Bronx Native majoring in Africana Studies, and minoring in Creative Writing and Computer Science at New York University.
Topics discussed include how to bridge generational divides in organizational structures, how to responsibly push socially conscious messaging on various social media platforms, and how to apply mutual aid, transformative justice, and social capital redistribution theories to the workplace.
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This episode, originally recorded as a DEI Community Call, was moderated by returning guest Amber Hikes, the Chief Equity & Inclusion Officer at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
Joining her were the leads of two of ACLU’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): the Black Women and Non-Binary ERG, and the Black Men and Non-Binary ERG:
· Raquel Fossett, Program Coordinator to the Director of Board Relations and Special Projects
· Whitney Barnes, Manager of Strategic Partnerships
· Brandon Felton, Marketing Executive in National Brand Engagement
· Jason Williamson, Deputy Director of the Criminal Law Reform Project
The five panelists spoke to the critical nuances that distinguish their respective groups, but a common throughline emerged: empathy leads to action. The more we engage in transparent and honest conversation, the more we begin to understand one another. And the more we understand one another, the more we feel compelled to fight on their behalf. Amber says, “if Black History Month is about study, Black Futures Month is about action.”
Natalia Lyckowski, Neurodiversity@IBM Global Business Resource Group Co-Chair, joins the program to discuss the importance of addressing neurodiversity in the workplace, and the stages of representation. Discover the strengths and challenges that neurodivergent talent bring to the workplace, and how to create an environment where everyone can do their best work.
Bernard Coleman, Chief Diversity and Engagement Officer for Gusto, joins the program to discuss his career journey and what he has learned from ERG's and employee activism. Discover DEI trends and best practices, and how to ensure employee engagement when managing a distributed workforce.
Pranam Lipinski, co-founder of Work with Gen Z, joins the program to discuss the formative events that have shaped Gen Z, and what Gen Z looks for when they join an employer. Pranam also shares his thoughts about cancel culture, and how Gen Z has been instrumental in destigmatizing discussions about mental health.
This episode was originally recorded for Closing the Gap on C-Suite Radio. Tune in as Jennifer Brown is interviewed by host Denise Cooper. The topics covered include how to build and sustain high performing inclusive cultures, and how leaders can develop a strong, enduring will to change.
Stephanie Lepp, artist, producer and speaker, joins the program to discuss the pro-social use of AI, including "deepfake" technology. Stephanie discusses her project Deep Reckonings, a series of explicitly-marked synthetic videos including Brett Kavanaugh, Alex Jones and Mark Zuckerberg having a reckoning. There's also a very special offer in this podcast, so make sure to listen carefully!
Speaker, trainer, performer, and activist Ali Hannon joins the program to share their diversity story, why we need to move beyond the binary when it comes to gender, as well as the performance of gender. Ali also shares their thoughts about why they don't like the concept of allyship when it comes to gender, and what they'd like to see instead.
In this special episode of The Will to Change, you'll hear a conversation between Jennifer Brown and DEI consultant Kay Fabella, as they reflect on Kay's recent episode of her podcast, Inclusion in Progress, titled "My Top DEI Lessons from 2020." You'll also hear a segment of Kay's podcast, where Kay outlines the top DEI lessons from 2020.
BEST OF THE WILL TO CHANGE: In this minisode, Jennifer discusses the importance of asking consultative questions during the sales process. She reveals some of the questions from JBC’s powerful prospective client questionnaire and the thinking behind each question. Discover an empowering way to think about the sales process and why sales is a crucial aspect to ushering in positive change. This episode originally aired in 2018, but is still very relevant today!
Rosalind Wiseman, parenting educator and author, joins the program to discuss how to foster civil dialogue and inspire communities to build strength, courage and purpose. Discover how to create physical and emotional wellbeing by working in close partnership with the experts of various communities–including young people and business leaders.
Brad Johnson, Professor of psychology in the Department of Leadership, Ethics and Law at the U.S. Naval Academy, and David Smith, Associate Professor of sociology in the College of Leadership and Ethics at the U.S. Naval War College, join the program to discuss how men can be better allies for women in the workplace. Discover why men are so important for solving for equality, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, and what prevents many men from becoming allies for women.
In this episode, originally recorded as a DEI community call,
we welcomed Shalynne Jackson, Founder and Principal Consultant at Shalynne Jackson Consulting, and Denise Reid, Principal at DR Consulting. After a tumultuous year, Shalynne and Denise give us plenty to be hopeful for in the coming months. Discover the
many lessons learned in 2020 - and how some of our industry’s top leaders are manifesting sustained change in 2021.
This episode was originally recorded for Women Taking the Lead podcast, and features a conversation between Jennifer Brown and host Jodi Flynn as Jennifer discusses self-awareness and some of the truths we need to face in order to become an inclusive leader. Discover the difference between performative and authentic allyship and how we can become a more authentic ally in the workplace.
This episode was originally recorded as a Panel for The Diversity & Inclusion Research Conference (DIRC20), and features a conversation between Jennifer Brown, Tsedale M. Melaku, Heather Metcalf & Grey Batie.
Pulling from their own intersectional identities and grounded in research, panelists embark on a nuanced, informative, and authentic conversation about allyship and their experiences navigating various spaces. Along the way, this panel explores the use of language and data in understanding the many facets of human experiences.
This episode, originally recorded as a DEI Community Call, features an interview with Amber Hikes, Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
This discussion covers everything from healing the harm caused by racist bias within organizations, to integrating justice into diversity, equity & inclusion work, to the exclusionary nature of our modern legal system.
In this episode, originally recorded as a DEI Community Call, Jennifer Brown is joined by Brian McComak and Elizabeth Roy, both consultants at JBC, Bernadette Smith, the CEO of Equality Institute and Mita Mallick, the Head of Inclusion, Equity and Impact at Carta.
Hear from the panel about the transition into DEI from non-traditional roles and efforts to engage more voices in this work.
This episode, originally recorded for the "Unleash Your Greatness Within" podcast, features a conversation with Jennifer Brown and host TJ Hoisington as they discuss gender and sexual orientation, respect, kindness for all people, and how leaders can create Inclusive cultures where everyone thrives.
As we head into the holiday season, we bring you this previously released episode, as a reminder about the importance of self-care!
Innovation coach and tech pioneer Ellen Petry Leanse joins the program to discuss how to tap into the power of your brain to gain more focus, confidence and relaxation. Ellen shares what it was like to be part of the iconic 1984 Macintosh launch team, and her thoughts about the current state of the tech workplace for women. Ellen also reveals the importance for leaders of creating a safe environment for all employees.
Lisa Kenney, CEO of Reimagine Gender, joins the program to discuss her diversity story and the work that her organization is doing to help all people realize their potential by addressing and expanding limiting concepts of gender.
Co-Founders Deepa Purushothaman and Rha Goddess join the program to discuss nFormation, a first-of-its-kind app-based community for high-achieving women of color. (WOC) Discover how nFormation seeks to reimagine traditional power structures to not just help more WOC take their seat at the table in corporate America but to leverage their collective power to change the way the table is formed.
In this episode, originally recorded as a podcast for Gaper.io, Jennifer shares her experience of how JBC has created a virtual consultancy during the COVID-19 pandemic, and shares tips for building a scalable business in the digital age.
Psychologist, author and professor, Dr. Tania Israel, joins the program to discuss her book Beyond Your Bubble, and why the country is so politically divided right now. Discover how our views of people across the political divide affect our ability to have a dialogue with them and how to share our views in a way that others can hear us.
Jonathan D. Lovitz, nationally recognized small business and public policy advocate, community organizer, and Senior Vice President of the NGLCC, joins the program to discuss what’s at stake right now, and what it means for disproportionately impacted communities. Discover where we can look for guidance and strength in the coming days and weeks, and the power of everyday ordinary allyship.
This episode, originally recorded as a DEI call, features a conversation with Carmen Jones, President/CEO at Solutions Marketing Group and John Kemp, President & CEO at The Viscardi Center.
You'll discover the ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Movement for companies to ensure they are inclusive and representative of the community they employ and serve, as well as the implications and connections with DEI work in general, and specifically for people with disabilities. You'll also hear about the impact of AI as part of core HR processes, and why we must be vigilant and mindful of the anti-bias tools we choose.
This episode, originally recorded as a DEI community call, features a panel discussion with Kara Sweeney Guerriero, Emma Smith, Erin Black, and Bryan Gibb from from INCITE Consulting Solutions. Discover how to support positive mental health narratives at work, and engage in “anti-stigma” education & dialogue to normalize vulnerable discussions and create cultures of psychological safety.
In this episode, originally recorded for the Invisible Stories Podcast, Jennifer is interviewed by host Jenn T. Grace, as they discuss marketing and entrepreneurship, and how it relates to wrestling with authors’ self-doubt. Jennifer reveals how she overcomes feelings of imposter syndrome in order to market herself and her brand, and to reach a wider audience. She also discusses why it was important to her to include her own story within her books, and why hybrid publishing can be a faster track to success.
Rana Reeves, Executive Creative Director and founder of the communications agency RanaVerse returns to the program to discuss the importance of brands becoming involved in politics, and shares examples from some of his successful campaigns to help get out the vote. Discover what a voting campaign should look like, and how to cut through the noise.
Campaign links:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CGQSIx_FA2k/?igshid=1ujyd1fof1g0y
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFyK4wLAveo/?igshid=h069wfyto5er
RanaVerse: https://www.ranaverse.com/
Desiree Adaway, DEI consultant, trainer, coach and speaker, joins the program to discuss why anti-racism efforts ultimately benefit everyone in an organization. Discover how to move beyond performative allyship and the need to pay attention to power dynamics. Desiree also shares her thoughts about the recent executive order regarding DEI training.
Lily Zheng, Author, Organizational Consultant and DE&I Changemaker, joins the program to discuss how organizations can move beyond performative allyship and create real change. Discover a powerful stepping stone for leaders, and the need to focus on high-impact behaviors.
Jenna Arnold, educator, entrepreneur, activist and mother, joins the program to discuss the power that white women have to create positive social change, and what led her to write her new book Raising Our Hands: How White Women Can Stop Avoiding Hard Conversations, Start Accepting Responsibility, and Find Our Place on the New Frontlines. Discover how to change our conversations to make them more productive, and the importance of ambiguity.
In this episode, originally recorded as a DEI community call, Jorge Quezada, Vice President, Inclusive Diversity, Granite Construction joined the program to discuss how the Latinx community experienced the seismic disruptions and social movements of this year. Discover the role that cultural months focused on identity play in ensuring that attention and investment is given in an inclusive way.
Rhonda Magee, law professor, storyteller, mindfulness teacher, and social justice advocate, joins the program to discuss the healing power of mindfulness. She reveals how mindfulness has benefited her in her own diversity journey, and how we can use mindfulness to transform communities. Rhonda also reveals how paying attention to our thoughts, feelings and physical sensations can help us deconstruct preconceived “truths” and help us create cultures of belonging.
Award winning journalist, filmmaker, and multiplatform program developer Geraldine Moriba joins the program to discuss Sounds Like Hate, her new podcast powered by the Southern Poverty Law Center. The podcast explores the dangers and peril of everyday people who engage in extremism, and ways to disengage them from a life of hatred. Geraldine also discusses a tool that helps to measure the diversity of representation in media.
This episode originally aired on the Inclusion Cafe Podcast as Jennifer Brown discusses discuss the topics of building successful D&I teams, positions, efforts, and the importance of psychological safety within teams and organizations. The episode was hosted by Joe Motes.
This episode, originally recorded as a DEI Community Call Takeover features speakers from the upcoming 2020 Virtual Better Man Conference, including call host Eduardo Placer, and guests Ray Arata, and Sean Coleman. Discover what healthy masculinity looks and sounds like, how we invite that into our work and community spaces, and what can be learned by further exploration the intersections of masculinity.
In this episode, originally recorded as a DEI community call, Reverend Dr. Mark Fowler joins the program to discuss religion as an element of workplace diversity. Discover how the work on interreligious understanding changed since the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement and how organizations can prepare for, evaluate readiness and begin to build faith-based resource groups.
**This "Best of the Will To Change" was originally released on May 6th, 2020.
Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer of VaynerMedia, joins the program to discuss the qualities that leaders need to embrace, and why those qualities are even more important during the COVID-19 pandemic. Discover how working virtually is increasing transparency and empathy, and how to cope with uncertainty.
In this episode, originally recorded at the Belonging at Work Summit, Jennifer Brown is joined by Rhodes Perry, founder of Rhodes Perry Consulting and Joel Brown, Chief Visionary Officer of Pneumos, as they discuss the importance of self-care. Discover how to develop sustainable self-care practices and increase your resilience.
In this episode, originally recorded as a DEI community call, Rhodes Perry, the Founder and CEO of Rhodes Perry Consulting, interviewed Dr. Avis Jones-DeWeever, the author of the award-winning book, How Exceptional Black Women Lead, and Founder of the Exceptional Leadership Institute for Women.
The timing of this particular conversation felt extra poignant, given that the call landed on Black Women’s Equal Pay Day: a date that marks the number of days a Black woman must work into the year to earn what her white male counterpart earned in the previous year. Discover how can we form alliances and coalitions and work together strategically so all of us can rise together to create lasting change.
This episode, originally recorded as a DEI Community Call, features a conversation with Claude Silver, as she discusses her role as Chief Heart Officer at VaynerMedia. Discover how to create sustainable change, and how organizations need to evolve during these times. Claude reveals how she works to infuse her organization with empathy, and how to create a workforce culture where everyone feels like they belong.
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In this episode originally recorded as a DEI Community Call, author, speaker and activist Ashton Applewhite joins the program to discuss the source of discomfort and avoidance so often tied to the topics of ageism and ableism when we talk about diversity dimensions, as well as the tremendous and varied cost of that avoidance to us and to the business world. Discover the intersections of ageism and ableism, ageism and social justice, and how ageism intersects with the conversation this year about the election, voting and accessibility.
From The Best of The Will To Change: Diversity and inclusion expert, author, and executive coach, Lily Zheng, joins the program to discuss how to affirm gender expression in the workplace and the leadership skills that are necessary to validate all gender identities. She also discusses the importance of self-awareness in discerning how to best create change, whether that is from the ground up or through influencing those at the top of an organization. Lily also debunks some of the most persistent myths about what it takes to be an ally and activist.
Karin Hurt, author and founder of Let's Grow Leaders, an international training firm, joins the program to discuss her diversity story and the need for leaders to be transparent and authentic. Karin shares how the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the importance of empathy and psychological safety in the workplace. Discover how to make sure everyone is included in a virtual work environment.
Rana Reeves, Creative Director and Founder of RanaVerse, an agency which marries brands with popular and contemporary culture, joins the program to discuss how brands should be thinking about diverse representation and social justice in their messaging. Discover why the identities of why the identify of the entire agency and creative team matter, and the opportunities for brands and companies to use their voice and influence for positive change.
Dr. Maysa Akbar, groundbreaking psychologist, author, and Assistant Clinical Professor at Yale University, joins the program to share her own diversity story, including overcoming childhood trauma. Discover a new identity model of allyship, and how to engage well-intentioned, but misguided allies.
This episode was originally recorded and released for the Reboot Podcast with Jerry Colonna.
"In this release, Jerry sits down with leading diversity and inclusion expert Jennifer Brown to explore her latest book, "How to Be an Inclusive Leader: Your Role in Creating Cultures of Belonging Where Everyone Can Thrive." In this conversation, recorded at the beginning of 2020, Jennifer reveals why inclusive leadership is not only risky, but often uncomfortable, and why discomfort is necessary for individual and organizational growth. Jerry and Jennifer analyze why true inclusivity requires removing the barriers to belonging in the workplace and share that when those with whom we work feel a true sense of belonging, trust and productivity increase within an organization. They examine the power of pronouns, make the distinction between allyship and advocacy, confront the ways in which our biases direct us, and describe why leadership without inclusivity is not true leadership."
In this episode, previously recorded as a community call, JBC senior consultant Chelsea C. Williams interviews Keesha Jean-Baptiste, Senior Vice President, Chief Talent Officer, for Hearst Magazine, as Keesha provides an inside look at the challenges and opportunities of being a senior talent executive for a global media company. Discover how institutions can avoid performative allyship, how to encourage allyship within organizations, and the ingredients of successful partnerships.
Join us for this episode, previously recorded as a community call, with Shalynne (Shae) Jackson, the Founder and Principal Consultant at Shalynne Jackson Consulting and Matt McCord, who is a major in the Tulsa Police Department and a champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Shalynne and Matt discuss dismantling systemic racism in the police system, the need for cross dialog, and the importance of listening to other people's experiences. Discover the ingredients of successful partnerships, the ally journey, and the progress being made in certain police departments to do deep work on implicit bias and building commmunity relationships.
Diversability founder Tiffany Yu joins the program to reveal her own origin story, and shares her thoughts about the challenges and opportunities that still exist in the 30 years since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Discover how designing for disability benefits everyone and the intersection of social justice movements.
Join us on The Will To Change for a conversation previously recorded as a community call with Sandra Quince, SVP, Diversity and Inclusion Executive at Bank of America, and Elfi Martinez, Senior Director at Jennifer Brown Consulting. Discover what leaders need to consider at this time when it comes to communicating their stance on DE&I, and why everyone in the organization needs to be involved in creating real change.
Zerlina Maxwell, political analyst, commentator, speaker, and writer, joins the program to share her own diversity story and shares her thoughts on the current moment. Discover why we need to re-think identity politics, and what it will take for our society, culture and institutions to pivot.
From a previously recorded episode **Academic, anti-racist educator, and New York Times bestselling author, Robin DiAngelo, joins the program to discuss her own diversity story of growing up in poverty and at the same time recognizing her white privilege. Robin reveals the ways in which white fragility shuts down any meaningful or productive conversations about race and functions to maintain the status quo. She also explores the roots of white defensiveness, a key question that can lead to transformation, and what companies can do to create meaningful change.
As diversity and inclusion goals expand from recruiting and mentorship in order to increase the representation of women, people of color and LGBTQ+ through employee resource groups and empowerment, organizations are more aware of men are an abundant and underused resource. As the #MeToo #TimesUp and #BlackLivesMatter movements continue to confront racism, misogyny and power dynamics, many men are hesitant to get involved for fear of reprisal. To make the changes required, someone has to go first. Discover how men can move through the fear of inevitable missteps with empathy and support for each other while embracing the reality that their differences and their advantages are vital to culture change and equity.
Speakers include:
- Elfi Martinez, Senior Consultant, Jennifer Brown Consulting
- Jim Massey, former Global Vice-President, Global Sustainability, Astrazeneca
- Wayne Sutton, CTO, Tech Inclusion
- Ray Arata, Founder, Better Man Conference
Author and speaker Julie Lythcott-Haims joins the program to discuss the price of overparenting, and the consequences it has for young people when they arrive at college and in the workplace. Julie also reveals her thoughts about trigger warnings in universities, why parents need to shift out of a “rescue mentality,” and gives examples of ally behaviors that can help create positive change.
Jim Massey, former VP ESG Sustainability, Ethics, Compliance at AstraZeneca, joins the program to discuss what organizations need to consider in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and why diversity and inclusion are more important than ever. Discover what ERG’s need to consider in terms of intersectionality and representation, and the importance of allyship.
Dr. Tiffany Jana returns to the program to discuss recent events in the wake of the murder of George Floyd and the subsequent protests and calls for greater equity and inclusion. Discover what companies need to do in order to create lasting change and a mindset shift that needs to happen when it comes to how leaders view their employees. Dr. Jana also reveals some of the challenges that keep organizations from truly evaluating their progress when it comes to diversity and inclusion, and what they need to do instead.
Speaker, founder, and author of “The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat At The Table” reveals the experiences that led her to write her book, and the response she’s received from readers as she’s traveled the country on her book tour. Discover the challenges that underrepresented talent face as they climb the corporate ladder, and what organizations can do to attract, recruit and retain diverse talent. Minda also discusses why she prefers the term “success partners” instead of “mentors.”
Writer, talk show host, and political commentator Danielle Moodie-Mills, joins the program to discuss how DE&I work is a journey, not a destination, and how to sustain movements beyond the initial headlines. Discover the importance of embracing intersectionality in social movements, and how allies can show up for marginalized communities.
Dr. Dave Caudel. Executive Director of the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation at Vanderbilt University, joins the program to discuss his diversity story, and reveal the importance of integrating neurodiverse talent into the workplace. Discover how to bring out the strengths of all employees and why work and education need to be tailored to various learning and communication styles.
Terry Young, Founder and CEO of sparks & honey, joins the program to share his diversity story and the work that his organization does to combine social and data sciences to solve world changing challenges. Discover how the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to unite disparate communities, how AI can be used to augment human abilities, and why leading with social responsibility is the only way forward.
Paul Butler, Chief Operating Officer at sparks & honey, joins the program to reveal his diversity story and what leaders and organizations can learn from the current disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Paul shares how crises can often bring blind spots to the forefront, and shares his thoughts on how to make sure that emerging issues are truly “seen” and addressed.
In this minisode Jennifer Brown reveals the collective wisdom that has been emerging from the weekly community calls that she has been holding during the COVID-19 pandemic. Discover what we are learning about each other during this time, the challenges and opportunities that are facing families, and the need to build new systems that are more responsive and humane.
Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer of VaynerMedia, joins the program to discuss the qualities that leaders need to embrace, and why those qualities are even more important during the COVID-19 pandemic. Discover how working virtually is increasing transparency and empathy, and how to cope with uncertainty.
Lindsey Pollak, speaker, author and thought leader, joins the program to share her diversity story, including her struggles with anxiety and how she found her passion while mentoring others. Lindsey discusses the concerns that she has about the emerging workforce, the strengths that each generation brings to the workplace, and how different generations can support each other during this time.
Kendra Clarke, Vice President of Science and Product Development at sparks & honey, joins the program to share their diversity story, and the limitations of predictive modeling during a major disruption like the COVID-19 pandemic. Discover what entrepreneurs need to think about during this time, and the benefits of working virtually.
Author, educator and consultant Dr. Jeff Hull returns to the program to discuss the emerging changes in leadership styles, and how to tap into your own resilience. Discover how to create community when working with virtual teams, and how the virtual workplace is offering a platform for previously overlooked voices.
Author and leadership expert Mike Robbins returns to the program to discuss his new book, We’re All in This Together: Creating a Team Culture of High Performance, Trust and Belonging. Mike reveals his own experiences with grief and loss, and what he’s learned from them, and shares insights about how to create in the face of adversity. Discover self-care practices, and how to pivot your career or business.
Liana Fricker, Founder of The Inspiration Space, joins the program to discuss her own diversity story, and lessons that she’s learned along the way about increasing resilience. Discover the need to innovate in a post COVID-19 world, and what business owners and organizations will need to consider once the pandemic is over. Liana also shares the importance of having compassion for ourselves, and how to discover our unique values and strengths.
In this minisode, Jennifer Brown reflects on the COVID-19 pandemic, and the stages of grief. Discover two important and powerful questions that can help create a positive shift, and what organizations and leaders need to think about during and after the pandemic. Jennifer reveals why inclusive leadership and creating cultures of belonging are more crucial than ever during these tumultuous times.
**Note, due to COVID-19, this event has been postponed!
In this “special edition” episode of The Will to Change, you will get a virtual preview of an exciting upcoming panel, which will take place on May 11th in San Antonio, Texas, as part of the Workhuman Live 2020 conference. The panel will focus on engaging white men in inclusion and diversity efforts. Discover why positive intentions are not enough, why we need to examine our unconscious assumptions, and the importance of “embodied leadership.” The featured guests on this episode are Dr. Tom Bourdon, head of Inclusion and Diversity at Staples, Inc.; Jorge Quezada, Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion at Granite Construction; and Tia Silas, Vice President & Global Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at IBM.
To join Jennifer on the referenced community calls, visit https://zoom.us/meeting/register/uZIrfu6oqjoiGaZV7obp4MGjZveC_wKIBQ
Author and speaker Julie Lythcott-Haims joins the program to discuss the price of overparenting, and the consequences it has for young people when they arrive at college and in the workplace. Julie also reveals her thoughts about trigger warnings in universities, why parents need to shift out of a “rescue mentality,” and gives examples of ally behaviors that can help create positive change.
Dr. Tiffany Jana, founder and CEO of TMI Consulting, joins the program to discuss their diversity story, including being exposed to multiple languages at a young age, and shares insights about gender identity and expression. Tiffany also reveals the importance of exploring mental health as a dimension of diversity, and gives examples of ally actions that can help to create positive change.
Lesley Slaton Brown, Chief Diversity Officer at HP, Inc., joins the program to discuss her diversity story as well as her career path towards becoming a chief diversity officer. Lesley shares her thoughts about the importance of allyship, as well as how to encourage ally behavior. Discover how leaders can step out of their comfort zone, and how to create spaces where learning can happen.
Eileen Scully, speaker, author and CEO of The Rising Tides, joins the program to discuss her new book, In the Company of Men: How Women can Succeed in a World Built Without Them. Eileen shares her own diversity story and the formative events that led her to create her own consulting firm. Discover the importance of elevating untold stories, and the role of men as allies.
Future-of-work strategist, speaker, and author Heather McGowan joins the program to discuss the mindset shift that needs to happen in order to thrive in the fourth industrial revolution. Heather reveals how helping to save her brother’s life informed her thinking about leadership and the future of work, and how leaders will need to change and adapt. Discover the skill sets that will be most in demand in the future, and how organizations can help or hinder learning.
Author and entrepreneurial soul coach Rha Goddess joins the program to share her diversity story, including how a near-death experience led her to leave her corporate job and pursue her calling. She discusses her new book The Calling: 3 Fundamental Shifts to Stay True, Get Paid, and Do Good and reveals the false dichotomy between passion and profits. Discover how to be patient with yourself along the journey and the importance of building support along the way.
Michelle Cirocco, Chief Social Responsibility Officer at Televerde, joins the program to discuss the work that her company does helping women in prison learn valuable business skills, while also helping businesses accelerate their sales pipeline. Michelle shares her powerful diversity story, including how she ended up in prison, and how she turned her life around. Discover the business and social justice case for fair chance hiring, and some surprising statistics about fair chance talent.
Azul Terronez, CEO of Authors Who Lead, joins the program to discuss the evolution of his diversity story, and how having dyslexia made him a better writer and book coach. He also reveals the importance of vulnerability as a writer, and the need for self-care.
Dr. Vivienne Ming discusses her personal journey of moving from despair and depression to finding peace and self-acceptance. In this episode you'll discover the "tax on being different" and what that means, as well as some of the key actions that organizations can take to attract and retain diverse talent.
From The Best of The Will To Change: Kenji Yoshino, Chief Justice Earl Warren Professor of Constitutional Law at NYU School of Law, discusses the concept of covering in the workplace and his own experiences with having to downplay his identity. Kenji discusses the legal implications of covering, as well as the value to organizations of creating a culture where people can bring their full selves to work. He also shares how he is bringing in experts in theatre and improvisation to assist in teaching the concepts of diversity, inclusion and belonging to legal students.
Don't miss this year-end message from Jennifer Brown as she shares what you can expect from the Will To Change in the upcoming year! Jennifer also reveals some of her biggest successes in the past year, including the publication of her second book, How to Be An Inclusive Leader.
Jorge Luis Fontanez, Acting Head of Partnerships at the storytelling platform NextDayBetter, and Clinical Professor of Marketing at the Bard MBA in Sustainability Program, joins the program to discuss how and why business can be a force for good, and the changing expectations of consumers and employees. Jorge also discusses the work that NextDayBetter is doing to rebrand migration, and why it is vital for senior leadership to seek the wisdom of their diverse talent when developing corporate policies.
Speaker, founder, and author of “The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat At The Table” reveals the experiences that led her to write her book, and the response she’s received from readers as she’s traveled the country on her book tour. Discover the challenges that underrepresented talent face as they climb the corporate ladder, and what organizations can do to attract, recruit and retain diverse talent. Minda also discusses why she prefers the term “success partners” instead of “mentors.”
Rhonda Magee, law professor, storyteller, mindfulness teacher, and social justice advocate, joins the program to discuss the healing power of mindfulness. She reveals how mindfulness has benefited her in her own diversity journey, and how we can use mindfulness to transform communities. Rhonda also reveals how paying attention to our thoughts, feelings and physical sensations can help us deconstruct preconceived “truths” and help us create cultures of belonging.
Patrick O'Neill, author, consultant and mediator, joins the program to reveal his diversity story and shares insights about the need for greater wisdom and inclusive thinking in the workplace and beyond. Discover the two forces needed for bridge-building, and a hidden opportunity for transformation.
In this minisode, Jennifer shares her thoughts on several pertinent (and previously released) episodes from The Will To Change on the topics of compassion fatigue and self-care. You’ll discover the importance of thinking about your thinking, the potential pitfalls of sharing our story in unhealthy ways, and the healing power of community.
Stacia Sherman Garr, co-founder, analyst, thought leader, and speaker, joins the program to discuss some of the various technologies that can help create more inclusive workplaces. Stacia discusses how technology is being used to solve issues such as removing gender biased language from job descriptions, and cautions about the potential for bias within AI. Discover how to make employee resource groups more effective, and what organizations can do to help women advance in their careers.
Margie Lee-Johnson, Vice President of People at Checkr, joins the program to discuss how Checkr is disrupting the background checking industry. Margie reveals the business case for fair chance hiring and explains how Checkr can help companies find untapped talent. She also discusses Checkr’s own diversity and belonging initiative, and some takeaways from their company-wide engagement survey.
In this minisode, Jennifer Brown discusses her new book, How to Be an Inclusive Leader. Jennifer reveals the ally continuum, and the changing expectations about leadership, particularly among members of the emerging workforce. Discover the biggest mistakes that organizations make when it comes to inclusion and creating a culture of belonging, and how to access a free assessment on inclusive leadership.
Rob Smith, Founder of The Phluid Project, joins the program to discuss how and why he founded the world's first gender-free store and community space. Rob shares insights about the future of gender and the generational differences when it comes to gender identity. He also reveals what organizations can do to create an inclusive work environment.
Tanya Odom, global consultant, writer, and diversity, equity and inclusion thought leader, joins the program to discuss the shifts that she is seeing in the conversations about diversity and inclusion. Tanya reveals the qualities that leaders need to cultivate in order to be effective and discusses the difference in generational attitudes and expectations about diversity and inclusion in the workplace and beyond.
Ted Bunch, Chief Development Officer of A Call To Men, joins the program to discuss the work that his organization does to promote a healthy, respectful manhood. Ted reveals lessons he has learned from parenting his youngest son, and the need for men to “call in” other men. He also shares about why men need to mentor women in the workplace, and the importance of men using their platform and privilege on behalf of women and other marginalized groups.
Christy Coleman, CEO of the American Civil War Museum, joins the program to discuss her own diversity story and how it led her to her current work. Discover the history of the museum and the work that they are doing to challenge existing narratives and tell stories from multiple perspectives. Christy also shares practices and ideas for creative a diverse talent pipeline, and how to create an organizational culture that supports and values all employees.
Imara Jones, creator of TransLash, a multi-episode docuseries about what it is like to be trans at a time of social backlash, joins the program to discuss her journey of making the docuseries, and some key takeaways from the experience. Discover the connection between storytelling and social change, and why change is not inevitable. Imara also discusses her experience of attending a United Nations’ gathering on gender diversity.
This episode features an interview with Dr. Jeffrey Hull, CEO of Leadershift, Inc., and author of the highly acclaimed book, FLEX: The Art and Science of Leadership in A Changing World. Dr. Hull discusses his formative experiences, and the qualities that leaders need to possess in order to be effective when working with diverse teams. He also shares his conviction that anyone can be a leader, and that effective leaders can employ a variety of leadership styles.
Torin Perez, DE&I consultant and author of the book “Who Am I To Lead?” shares his diversity story and the formative experiences that led him to decide to become an author. Torin reveals what he learned in the process of writing his book, and shares tools that leaders can use to be more impactful and effective.
In this minisode, Jennifer discusses the upcoming panels that she will be moderating with all male panels on the topic of male allyship. Jennifer shares her thoughts on the importance of allyship, what it will take for more men to step forward, and some of the questions that she is most looking forward to asking the panelists. Discover how men can be allies at any stage or level in their careers.
Mita Mallick, Head of Diversity & Inclusion and Cross-Cultural Marketing at Unilever, joins the program to discuss her diversity story and how she came to appreciate the power of allyship. She discusses why she supports The Better Man Conference and the need for men to engage as allies. Discover the need for bridging work, and how to create safe spaces where education and inquiry can occur.
Judith Williams, Head of People Sustainability and SVP, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, SAP, joins the program to discuss her career journey, and how she draws from her background in theater for the work that she does today. Discover Judith’s advice for DE&I practitioners looking to advance their careers, and why passion alone is not enough to be successful.
In this minisode, Jennifer reveals how she made the decision to move from hired consultant to founder of her own company and how she has scaled her business. Discover the key considerations that you need to decide before starting a business, and the first team members to bring on board. Jennifer also shares how to raise capital and manage cash flow, and what to think about when deciding on a name for your company.
Patrick O'Neill, author, consultant and mediator, joins the program to reveal his diversity story and shares insights about the need for greater wisdom and inclusive thinking in the workplace and beyond. Discover the two forces needed for bridge-building, and a hidden opportunity for transformation.
Louise Chernin, President & CEO of the Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) joins the program to discuss the benefits of being a LGBT-owned business entity and the efforts that the GSBA is making to have an impact both locally and internationally. Louise discusses her own diversity story, which includes moving from New York City to the Washington State, and the lessons and takeaways she learned from her experiences. Louise also reveals her thoughts about the unique challenges that LGBT business owners of color face, and how the common struggles of being a business owner can unite the LGBT business community.
Laura Garnett, performance strategist, motivational speaker and author, joins the program to discuss her own diversity story and how she came to the work of helping people tap into their unique genius. She also reveals the limits of mentorship and why working harder isn’t always the answer. Discover a practice and methodology for finding your zone of genius.
Chuck Shelton, Founder and CEO of Greatheart Consulting, joins the program to discuss the work that he does engaging and equipping leaders from normative cultures to grow their business through inclusive leadership. Chuck shares his unique approach of inviting leaders into an “adventure” of inclusion.
Amber recently announced that she has accepted the position of Chief Diversity Officer at the national headquarters of the American Civil Liberties Union in New York City. In honor of her success, we are re-releasing her interview with Jennifer Brown!
Amber joins the program to discuss her own diversity story of growing up in the South and her experience of coming out as a member of the LGBTQ community. She reveals the changes that were made to Philadelphia’s rainbow pride flag, and the international reaction that resulted from that change. Discover the importance of intersectional allyship, and how to move from symbols to action.
Tania Katan, award-winning author, public speaker, playwright, and creativity expert, joins the program to discuss her diversity story and how it led her to value creativity in the workplace. Tania shares the story behind being the co-creator of the #ItWasNeverADress campaign, a social movement that has inspired over 50 million people worldwide to see, hear and celebrate women for the superheroes they are. She also reveals how to empower all people in the workplace to take creative risks and become innovative problem solvers.
Kim Parker, Director of Social Trends Research at Pew Research Center, joins the program to discuss the results of some of Pew’s research, including the differences among male and female leaders. She reveals some of the differences that exist between Generation Z and Millennials, and some of the broader trends that leaders will need to understand about the emerging workforce.
Lydia Fenet, the Managing Director and Global Director of Strategic Partnerships at Christie’s Auction House and author of The Most Powerful Woman in the Room is You, joins the program to share her story of becoming a successful charity auctioneer. Lydia shares how she found her own auctioneering style, and how she was able to successfully negotiate a significant promotion and salary increase with her employer. She also reveals lessons from her experiences about how women can increase their negotiation skills and claim their power.
Alphonso David, Chief Counsel for NY Governor Andrew Cuomo, shares his experience of living through a military coup in Liberia when he was ten years old, and his subsequent experience of moving to the United States and being taunted and bullied by his peers. Discover how Alphonso found the courage to be true to himself and become an attorney fighting for LGBTQ rights. He also discusses the work he has done as Chief Counsel, including being instrumental in helping to get the Marriage Equality Act passed in 2011, and shares his thoughts on the current political environment and what activists need to do to create positive social change.
Anti-aging activist and author, Ashton Applewhite, joins the program to discuss the importance of confronting ageism and how to create an inclusive culture for people of all ages. Ashton discusses the role of intersectionality in the aging process, and how we can change the way we think about what it means to get older. She also debunks some of the most common myths about aging.
Katica Roy, CEO and Founder of Pipeline Equity, joins the program to discuss her diversity story, including being the daughter of refugees who escaped from Hungary after the 1956 revolution. She reveals how her company’s software as a service (SaaS) technology uses AI to assess, address and take action against the unconscious gender biases costing the U.S. alone $2 trillion each year. Discover how technology can help leaders to make better decisions and operationalize their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Brian McComak, Senior Director and Head of Inclusion and Diversity at Tapestry, joins the program to discuss how to make visible the invisible elements of our diversity, and why he decided to join the DEI Practitioner’s Program. Brian shares key takeaways from the program and shares lessons for other DEI practitioners.
Professor, author, storyteller, and filmmaker, Murray Nossel joins the program to discuss his diversity story of growing up gay in South Africa and discusses the healing power of listening and hearing on a deep level. Murray also turns the tables on Jennifer and asks her to share her own origin story of moving from being a professional singer to her current work in diversity and inclusion. Discover the importance of valuing your own story and how to shape our stories for maximum impact.
Dorcas Lind, Assistant Vice President and Head of Diversity & Inclusion at Montefiore Medical Center, joins the program to discuss her diversity story, and why she decided to join the DEI Practitioners Program offered through Jennifer Brown Consulting. She reveals the biggest takeaways that she has received from participating in the program, and shares advice for other DEI practitioners.
Kim Churches, the Chief Executive Officer of the American Association of University Women, joins the program to discuss a report by the AAUW called The Simple Truth, which outlines how the gender wage gap has stagnated over the past 20 years. Kim reveals why policy changes alone are not enough to create real change, and the underlying paradigm changes that need to occur in order to close the gender wage gap. Discover how technology can be helpful, and the changing expectations of the next generation of workers.
Jan Jones Blackhurst, Executive Vice President for Communications and Government Relations at Caesars Entertainment Corporation and former 2-time mayor of Las Vegas, joins the program to discuss how Caesars is working towards achieving 50/50 gender parity in management by 2025. Jan shares her one-of-a-kind journey of becoming the first ever female major of Las Vegas and what she learned from that experience. She also reveals the culture shifts that need to happen in the workplace in order to attract and retain women.
In this minisode, Jennifer shares her thoughts on several pertinent (and previously released) episodes from The Will To Change on the topics of compassion fatigue and self-care. You’ll discover the importance of thinking about your thinking, the potential pitfalls of sharing our story in unhealthy ways, and the healing power of community.
Dr. Bandy Lee, psychiatrist and internationally renowned expert on violence, shares her diversity story of growing up as a Korean woman in the Bronx during the 1970s and how it informed her research and career interests. Dr. Lee discusses the psychic toll of structural violence and exclusion, and how inequality creates psychological distress for all members of society. She also reveals tips for staying optimistic even in the midst of adversity, and shares self-care tips for advocates.
Nkem Ndefo, founder of Lumos Transforms and creator of the Resilience Toolkit, joins the program to discuss the difference between healthy and unhealthy storytelling, and the importance of self-regulation. Nkem also shares insights about the physical, mental and emotional costs of feeling unsafe at work, and what we need to do to increase our personal resilience. Discover the positive outcomes that can come from modulating our emotions, and how to balance the need to fight and challenge oppression with the benefits of calm and peaceful visioning.
Aubrey Blanche, Global Head of Diversity & Belonging at Atlassian, joins the program to discuss the research that Atlassian has done about creating more equitable organizations, and why they have chosen to make that information available to the public. Aubrey also reveals a language shift that they are using at Atlassian, and the importance of having conversations at a team level. Discover the innovative approaches that Atlassian is taking when it comes to gender diversity and the skill sets that DE&I professionals need to develop.
Claire Wasserman, founder of Ladies Get Paid, joins the program to discuss her own journey of what led her to create an organization and community dedicated to helping women empower and uplift themselves and others. Discover how to overcome self-doubt and the imposter syndrome and why women often feel the need to push themselves further than their male counterparts. Claire also reveals how to reach out to and engage diverse talent.
Mark Greene, senior editor for the Good Man Project, and author of The Little #MeToo Book For Men joins the program to discuss his own journey into exploring what it means to be a man, as well as the dangers of the “man box” culture and the negative impact that toxic masculinity has on a society as a whole. Mark reveals tips for creating safe spaces for men where learning and positive change can occur.
Erin Uritus, CEO of Out & Equal Workplace Advocates, joins the program to discuss the growing number of employees in the workplace who identify as LGTBQ, and how to create a more inclusive workplace. Discover the “moment of truth” that companies are facing, and the international impact of corporate policies. Erin also reveals her vision for Out & Equal and what trends she finds most encouraging and exciting.
Priya Parker, author of The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters, and founder of Thrive Labs, joins the program to discuss the importance of creating an intentional structure that allows for inclusion and transformation. She reveals the formative experiences from her childhood that led her to her current work, and how leaders can activate diversity within their organizations.
Leadership coach, speaker, and author Karen Catlin joins the program to discuss her experience as a woman working in the tech sector and how those experiences and observations led to her to her current work helping people to create more inclusive workplaces. She reveals the urgent need for change, and what leaders need to do to attract and retain diverse talent. Discover the future of allyship and how people of all backgrounds can become better allies.
Entrepreneurial soul coach Rha Goddess discusses why we are at a ripe moment for corporate change and the invitation for white male leaders in terms of allyship. She reveals the conversations that we need to be having as a society in an open and transparent way and the work that needs to happen to shift culture and embrace inclusion. Discover how to liberate yourself and others, and how to use your voice to stay true, get paid and do good.
Actress and author Tina Alexis Allen joins the program to discuss her recently-released book, “Hiding Out: A Memoir of Drugs, Deception and Double Lives”. Tina shares her astonishing true story of recovering from abuse and finding healing, and shares lessons about the power of sharing your voice and truth as a path to forgiveness. Tina shares her thoughts about what is needed from men in order for societal healing to occur, and the transformation that occurs when people and organizations have the courage to own their story.
Wokie Nwabueze, a communications strategist, organizational ombudsman, mediator and attorney, discusses the work she is doing to help women discover and reclaim their voice. Wokie shares what she sees as the biggest challenges and obstacles for women when it comes to sharing their voice, how to overcome those obstacles, and the work that she is doing with the Seen & Heard Project to help reclaim women’s voices, one story at a time.
Keynote speaker, advertising director, and founder of the 3% Conference, Kat Gordon, discusses the efforts and success that she has had in challenging the lack of female creative directors in advertising. Kat shares her earliest experiences which led her to become aware of diversity and inclusion and reveals the common denominator that she sees in the early experiences of allies. Discover how men can best support women in inclusion efforts, why brands need to find the courage to take action and the opportunities that arise in learning from mistakes.
In honor of Women’s History Month, Jennifer shares her thoughts on several pertinent (and previously released) episodes from The Will To Change. You’ll discover the unique challenges that women face when sharing their voice in the workplace, the generational differences around gender equity and equality, what men can do to be allies and creative actions you can take to support and uplift women.
Entrepreneur, author and speaker Chip Conley joins the program to discuss the importance of treating age as we would other types of diversity in the workplace. He shares his own experience of joining the disruptive startup Airbnb when he was in midlife, and the lessons he learned along the way. He also reveals his perspective on generations in the workplace, and how a sense of shared meaning and purpose can unite workers from all age groups.
Trudy Bourgeois, CEO and Founder of The Center for Workforce Excellence, and author of the book Equality: Courageous Conversations About Women, Men, and Race to Spark a Diversity and Inclusion Breakthrough, joins the program to discuss her own diversity story of growing up as an African-American woman in the segregated south in the 1960s. Trudy shares her journey of going on to break the glass ceiling in the consumer goods industry by becoming the first African American woman to rise to the level of VP, and eventually founding an organizational cultural change, training, consulting and coaching company. Discover an alternative way of thinking about allyship, the need for those with privilege to support marginalized groups, and what is needed to move from rhetoric about diversity and inclusion to true transformation.
Wade Davis, ex-NFL player, speaker and author, shares his journey of being a a gay man in the NFL and subsequently becoming the NFL’s first LGBT inclusion consultant. Wade reveals why it can sometimes be easier to have challenging conversations in the sports world than in a corporate environment, and discusses what senior leadership can do to make positive changes in their organizations. He also examines the struggle for gender equality, how to use fear in a constructive manner, and the importance of taking risks in order to grow and change.
Malcom Glenn, strategic partnerships manager at Uber Technologies, discusses what led him to join Uber and the work that Uber is doing to increase accessibility for people with disabilities as well as other diverse populations. Malcom shares his perspective on the Google memo, both as a man of color in the tech industry, as well as a former employee of Google. He also discusses his perspective on what needs to happen to create lasting change in the tech industry when it comes to diversity and inclusion, and expresses why he believes the tech industry will be a source of positive social change.
In honor of Black History Month, Jennifer shares her thoughts on several pertinent (and previously released) episodes from The Will To Change. You’ll discover what leaders need to do to increase empathy in their organization, the role of storytelling in DE&I work, how to challenge our own bias and more. Don’t miss this special episode!
Rhodes Perry, consultant, author and podcaster, joins the program to discuss his own journey of being a transgender man in the workplace and what he has learned from his experiences. He reveals how creating a culture of belonging in the workplace can leader to greater innovation and productivity and explains why transgender and non-binary people can act as bridges when it comes to gender conversations. He also discusses practical steps that leaders and allies can take to create positive change.
Albert Rizzi, founder of My Blind Spot, a non-profit dedicated to accessibility, education, and advocacy, joins the program to discuss his own diversity of story of losing his sight in 2005 after developing meningitis. Albert shares the theoretical blind spots that can get in the way of progress. He also reveals why digital equity will ultimately benefit people of all abilities and discusses the business case for corporations to become more accessible.
Author and speaker Erica Keswin joins the program to discuss the importance of paying attention to the human aspects of work, and how a lack of flexibility in the workplace can ultimately hurt a company’s ability to recruit and retain talent. Discover the steps that leaders can take to help reduce employee stress levels and examples of what a human conversation would look like between a manager and employee. Erica also reveals how to help employees from marginalized groups build community and connection.
In this episode, author and professor Dolly Chugh joins the program to discuss the ways in which seeing ourselves as “good” can lead to greater fragility, and introduces the idea of being a “good-ish” person and what that entails. She also discusses the ways in which creating lasting change requires both confrontation and engagement and how leaders can use both for maximum impact.
Amber Hikes, Executive Director of the Mayor's Office of LGBT Affairs for the City of Philadelphia, join the program to discuss her own diversity story of growing up in the South and her experience of coming out as a member of the LGBTQ community. She reveals the changes that were made to Philadelphia’s rainbow pride flag, and the international reaction that resulted from that change. Discover the importance of intersectional allyship, and how to move from symbols to action.
Author and speaker Mike Robbins joins the program to discuss how those with privilege can use their influence to help create positive change. He reveals a powerful exercise that he does with groups that helps to deepen the conversation around diversity and shares his thoughts about how and why men need to call each other out on their behavior. Discover how and why to best use your voice and influence to help others.
Romy Newman, Co-Founder and President of Fairygodboss, the largest career community for female professionals, joins the program to discuss her own diversity story of working as a woman in corporate America, and shares her thoughts on what companies can do to improve gender diversity. Romy reveals the most common challenges that she hears from women in the workplace, and how to best engage allies.
Academic, anti-racist educator, and New York Times bestselling author, Robin DiAngelo, joins the program to discuss her own diversity story of growing up in poverty and at the same time recognizing her white privilege. Robin reveals the ways in which white fragility shuts down any meaningful or productive conversations about race and functions to maintain the status quo. She also explores the roots of white defensiveness, a key question that can lead to transformation, and what companies can do to create meaningful change.
Diversity and inclusion expert, author, and executive coach, Lily Zheng, joins the program to discuss how to affirm gender expression in the workplace and the leadership skills that are necessary to validate all gender identities. She also discusses the importance of self-awareness in discerning how to best create change, whether that is from the ground up or through influencing those at the top of an organization. Lily also debunks some of the most persistent myths about what it takes to be an ally and activist.
In this minisode, Jennifer shares her insights and reflections from the Better Man Conference, which was held in San Francisco in October 2018. Jennifer reveals the importance of moving beyond binary discussions about men and women, and what senior leaders can learn from people in marginalized communities when it comes to inclusive leadership.
Alex Jamieson and Bob Gower, co-authors of Getting to Hell Yes: The Conversation That Will Change Your Business (and the rest of your life) join the program to discuss the urgency of moving beyond zero sum thinking and reveal the model they created to resolve conflict and build trust effectively. They discuss the importance of tactical empathy for leaders and how leaders can integrate this model in all areas of their life. Discover the role that a facilitator can play in the process and the conditions that allow people to thrive and do their best work.
In this minisode, Jennifer discusses the upcoming Better Man Conference and a fireside chat that she will be moderating at the event. Discover Jennifer’s preparation process for moderating a panel with two executives from Intel as she explores their “Men As Allies” initiative. Jennifer reveals some of the common themes that she sees arise when it comes to DE&I initiatives and why we need a conference for men.
Nkem Ndefo, founder of Lumos Transforms and creator of the Resilience Toolkit, joins the program to discuss the difference between healthy and unhealthy storytelling, and the importance of self-regulation. Nkem also shares insights about the physical, mental and emotional costs of feeling unsafe at work, and what we need to do to increase our personal resilience. Discover the positive outcomes that can come from modulating our emotions, and how to balance the need to fight and challenge oppression with the benefits of calm and peaceful visioning.
In this minisode, Jennifer continues the discussion about JBC’s powerful prospective client questionnaire. Discover the three strategic pillars of diversity, equity and inclusion, and how asking questions can help raise awareness within an organization. Jennifer reveals the qualities that are most needed from leaders, and the questions that leaders need to be asking to be effective.
Award-winning journalist, celebrated entrepreneur, and bestselling author, Shane Snow, joins the program to discuss how leaders can foster an environment that allows diverse teams to perform at a high level. Shane reveals how the brain categorizes people, and the problem this can create when it comes to creating diverse teams. He also shares the environmental factors that allow companies and teams to innovate, and the importance for leaders of listening deeply to employees’ stories.
In this minisode, Jennifer continues the discussion about JBC’s powerful prospective client questionnaire and the thinking behind each question. Discover how to use inquiry to determine the current state of the organization, what resources are available for change, and how asking the right questions can help an organization shape their goals and define success.
Joy Fitzgerald, Chief Diversity Officer at Eli Lilly, joins the program to discuss a study that the company undertook to gain a better understanding of the journey of women in their company, as well as some of the takeaways and key findings. Joy reveals what senior leadership needs to do to create a greater sense of safety and vulnerability for all women in the organization, including women of color. She also shares the unique approach that Eli Lilly took to sharing the data, and the impact that the study had on participants.
In this minisode, Jennifer discusses the importance of asking consultative questions during the sales process. She reveals some of the questions from JBC’s powerful prospective client questionnaire and the thinking behind each question. Discover an empowering way to think about the sales process and why sales is a crucial aspect to ushering in positive change.
Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer for VaynerMedia, joins the program to discuss her own diversity story and discusses how she landed in her unique position. Discover the importance of empathy and “holding space” in creating a culture of diversity and inclusion, and why some of the ways in which we’ve traditionally spoken about D&I have potentially prevented progress. Claude also shares her insights on how members of the Millennial generation and Generation Z think differently about inclusiveness, and shares takeaways for leaders about how to move from intention to impact.
In this minisode, Jennifer discusses the difference between a service-based or product-based business and how to decide which one is right for you. She also reveals the difference between strategic consulting and training, and what she looks for when hiring consultants. You’ll also discover how to find out more information about the new D&I Practitioner Program, a new virtual program from JBC.
Kerrien Suarez shares her journey of moving from being employed in the for-profit and social sector to her current role leading Equity in the Center, an initiative that addresses the gap in the diversity, inclusion and equity practices in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. She discusses the various causes of racism and how organizations can make structural changes that empower leaders to have a personal transformation. She also reveals how to build a “race equity culture” and the various levers that organizations can use to effect change.
In this minisode, Jennifer reveals how she made the decision to move from hired consultant to founder of her own company and how she has scaled her business. Discover the key considerations that you need to decide before starting a business, and the first team members to bring on board. Jennifer also shares how to raise capital and manage cash flow, and what to think about when deciding on a name for your company
Professor, author, storyteller, and filmmaker, Murray Nossel joins the program to discuss his diversity story of growing up gay in South Africa and discusses the healing power of listening and hearing on a deep level. Murray also turns the tables on Jennifer and asks her to share her own origin story of moving from being a professional singer to her current work in diversity and inclusion. Discover the importance of valuing your own story and how to shape our stories for maximum impact.
In this minisode, Jennifer reveals how and why you should be a panelist and the importance of taking the stage. Jennifer shares how being a panelist and moderator has helped her grow her business and shares tips for creating diverse and inclusive panels. Discover how to prepare questions, and the key qualities of a good moderator.
Wade Davis, ex-NFL player, speaker and author, shares his journey of being a a gay man in the NFL and subsequently becoming the NFL’s first LGBT inclusion consultant. Wade reveals why it can sometimes be easier to have challenging conversations in the sports world than in a corporate environment, and discusses what senior leadership can do to make positive changes in their organizations. He also examines the struggle for gender equality, how to use fear in a constructive manner, and the importance of taking risks in order to grow and change.
In this minisode, Jennifer shares the 4 steps of the ally continuum, and what it takes to move from one step to the next. Discover how to best use your voice to support others and how to overcome the pushback that can sometimes happen when exhibiting ally behaviors. Jennifer also shares a possible 5th step in the ally continuum.
Dr. Bandy Lee, psychiatrist and internationally renowned expert on violence, shares her diversity story of growing up as a Korean woman in the Bronx during the 1970s and how it informed her research and career interests. Dr. Lee discusses the psychic toll of structural violence and exclusion, and how inequality creates psychological distress for all members of society. She also reveals tips for staying optimistic even in the midst of adversity, and shares self-care tips for advocates.
In this minisode, Jennifer discusses the importance of being able to reach out and meet people where they are, and how to compel allies to take action. Discover how to have difficult conversations in a respectful and productive manner, and how to balance the need for in-group experiences while still being welcoming of allies and accomplices.
Trudy Bourgeois, CEO and Founder of The Center for Workforce Excellence, and author of the book Equality: Courageous Conversations About Women, Men, and Race to Spark a Diversity and Inclusion Breakthrough, joins the program to discuss her own diversity story of growing up as an African-American woman in the segregated south in the 1960s. Trudy shares her journey of going on to break the glass ceiling in the consumer goods industry by becoming the first African American woman to rise to the level of VP, and eventually founding an organizational cultural change, training, consulting and coaching company. Discover an alternative way of thinking about allyship, the need for those with privilege to support marginalized groups, and what is needed to move from rhetoric about diversity and inclusion to true transformation.
In this minisode, Jennifer shares her reflections on episode #32, Reversing The Generation Equation and how Millennial mentors are taking center stage. Discover what all of us can learn from developing and sharing our point of view and why the world needs to hear it now. Jennifer also shares some of the content marketing methods that she uses in her business, and shares tips for becoming a thought leader and influencer in your field.
Lisa Dolly, CEO of Pershing, a BNY Mellon company, and JamiLynn Cimino, Vice President at Pershing, join the program to discuss their reverse mentoring program. Lisa and JamiLynn share lessons and takeaways about the program, which allows Millennial talent to become mentors to executive leaders. They also share their thoughts about how the program helps younger employees learn organizational and leadership skills, and assists executive mentees in learning relevant issues that can inform business strategy for their firm.
To read the white paper about the reverse mentoring program, visit https://information.pershing.com/rs/651-GHF-471/images/per-reversing-the-generation-equation.pdf
In this minisode, Jennifer shares her reflections and thoughts about a recent incident at Starbucks, and the lessons and takeaways for all organizations. She reveals the limiting beliefs and obstacles that can lead to blind spots and gaffes, and what leaders need to do to create more awareness and create a culture shift. She also discusses the role that storytelling plays in this process, and how to create powerful and authentic stories that support diversity and inclusion efforts.
Actress and author Tina Alexis Allen joins the program to discuss her recently-released book, “Hiding Out: A Memoir of Drugs, Deception and Double Lives”. Tina shares her astonishing true story of recovering from abuse and finding healing, and shares lessons about the power of sharing your voice and truth as a path to forgiveness. Tina shares her thoughts about what is needed from men in order for societal healing to occur, and the transformation that occurs when people and organizations have the courage to own their story.
In this minisode, Jennifer shares her reflections about motivational speaker and author Tony Robbin’s comments about the #MeToo movement and the broader takeaways for all leaders about becoming aware of their blind spots. Jennifer shares a powerful example about how a leader used a crisis moment to transform himself and his organization and reveals what is needed from male leaders in the age of #MeToo.
Entrepreneurial soul coach Rha Goddess discusses why we are at a ripe moment for corporate change and the invitation for white male leaders in terms of allyship. She reveals the conversations that we need to be having as a society in an open and transparent way and the work that needs to happen to shift culture and embrace inclusion. Discover how to liberate yourself and others, and how to use your voice to stay true, get paid and do good.
In this minisode, Jennifer discusses the need for safe spaces for men and male leaders to explore their vulnerabilities and how they can be allies to marginalized communities. She shares her experience of being a panelist at the NYC.AnitaB.org’s Male Ally Summit 2018 and why events like the Male Ally Summit are crucially important. Discover the key qualities that future leaders will need to possess and why change can’t always start from the top.
Michael Skolnik, entrepreneur, civil rights activist and speaker, joins the program to share his own diversity story and discusses how corporations are becoming more involved in social justice issues and the implications of that involvement. Michael shares the connection between culture and social movements and the changes that men and male leaders need to make in order to help facilitate positive change. Discover the importance of being honest with ourselves and others about power and privilege.
In this minisode, Jennifer discusses how creating and fostering exclusive communities in the workplace can actually generate more diversity and inclusion. She reveals how to balance exclusivity with allyship, and how in the future marginalized communities may become allies to one another. Discover why these communities can help retain and attract millennial talent.
Leanne Pittsford, CEO & Founder, Lesbians Who Tech., include.io + Tech Jobs Tour, discusses her journey as a queer woman working in the tech industry and why she founded Lesbians Who Tech, the largest LGBTQ network of technologists in the world. She reveals the reasons why the tech industry represents a great opportunity for diverse talent and shares the work that she is doing to help create more diversity in the tech sector by scaling referrals outside of existing networks. Discover how leaders can support these efforts and the importance of creating safe spaces within organizations.
In this minisode, Jennifer discusses why diversity and inclusion are integral to the future of work. She shares her thoughts on the importance of creating an organizational structure that looks at employees in a more holistic way, and explores how and why organizations can create a workplace where all individuals can flourish and thrive. Discover the important role that men have to play in the process of reinventing organizational structures and the need to redefine masculinity in the 21st century.
Keynote speaker, advertising director, and founder of the 3% Conference, Kat Gordon, discusses the efforts and success that she has had in challenging the lack of female creative directors in advertising. Kat shares her earliest experiences which led her to become aware of diversity and inclusion and reveals the common denominator that she sees in the early experiences of allies. Discover how men can best support women in inclusion efforts, why brands need to find the courage to take action and the opportunities that arise in learning from mistakes.
In this minisode, Jennifer discusses the work that she does with leaders helping them to excavate their authentic story, and how they can use that story to create change. Jennifer shares a powerful structure for finding the universal truth in any story, and reveals why the process of story development has value for a leader, even before sharing that story with others. Discover how to condense your story to any length and how to overcome some of the most common storytelling challenges.
Louise Chernin, President & CEO of the Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) joins the program to discuss the benefits of being a LGBT-owned business entity and the efforts that the GSBA is making to have an impact both locally and internationally. Louise discusses her own diversity story, which includes moving from New York City to the Washington State, and the lessons and takeaways she learned from her experiences. Louise also reveals her thoughts about the unique challenges that LGBT business owners of color face, and how the common struggles of being a business owner can unite the LGBT business community.
In this minisode, Jennifer shares her thoughts on the #MeToo movement and the overall connection to diversity and inclusion efforts. Jennifer discusses the role that men can play as allies in being part of the solution and the important role that the workplace often occupies for diverse talent. She also reveals how women have often been left out of important mentorship opportunities, and how leaders can ensure that mentorship opportunities are more inclusive.
Sally Hogshead, New York Times bestselling author and CEO of How To Fascinate, discusses her own diversity story, which includes spending time with a tribe in Nairobi. Sally reveals how her work as a copywriter for top brands led her to understand the importance of fascination for brand development, and how she eventually applied that to personal branding, launching an assessment that has since been completed by one million professionals. Sally also discusses the importance of creating teams with diverse strengths and the blind spots that can arise when we work with people who have strengths too similar to our own. Discover how Sally is now using the science of fascination to help girls and women understand who they are at their very best so that they can show up as their most impressive and influential selves.
In this minisode, Jennifer provides tips for leaders who are struggling with where to begin in creating positive change when it comes to diversity and inclusion. Discover the first steps that any leader needs to take and how to get buy in from key influencers and stakeholders. Jennifer also shares her thoughts about the future of work and why individual change agents will be the leaders of tomorrow.
In this minisode, Jennifer provides tips for leaders who are struggling with where to begin in creating positive change when it comes to diversity and inclusion. Discover the first steps that any leader needs to take and how to get buy in from key influencers and stakeholders. Jennifer also shares her thoughts about the future of work and why individual change agents will be the leaders of tomorrow.
Kathy Martinez, Senior Vice President, Disability Segment Market Brand & Strategy for Wells Fargo & Company, joins the program to share her unique diversity story and how she came to be aware of and involved with efforts to create a more just and equal society. Kathy reveals why creating more accessible products and services ultimately benefits all consumers and why it makes good business sense. She also discusses misconceptions that leaders often have when it comes to workplace accommodations and the return on investment that comes with accommodating the needs of all employees.
In this minisode, Jennifer discusses the importance of sharing stories from underrepresented groups, as well as the fear and risk that can go along with sharing a stigmatized identity. Jennifer also shares the important role that allies have to play in creating a safe space where diverse talent can be recognized and heard, how to encourage allies to take a stand, and shares a case study in allyship.
Elizabeth Cronise McLaughlin, CEO of Gaia Project Consulting, LLC and Founder of The Gaia Project for Women’s Leadership, joins the program to discuss her own diversity story and how to effectively advocate for change. Elizabeth shares insights about how women can build allyship with men and reveals her hopes for the final outcome of the #MeToo movement. Elizabeth also details the steps that corporations can take to ensure that diverse talent feels valued and safe in the workplace.
In this special “minisode” Jennifer reveals the biggest obstacles that get in the way of retaining diverse talent and how leaders can shift their thoughts and actions in order to develop and nurture diverse teams. Discover what needs to be addressed in the workplace in order for diverse talent to feel acknowledged and heard, and the positive impact that can have on an organization. Finally, Jennifer discusses the need for men to be allies in this process, and the important role they have to play in creating change on a larger scale.
Innovation coach and tech pioneer Ellen Petry Leanse joins the program to discuss how to tap into the power of your brain to gain more focus, confidence and relaxation. Ellen shares what it was like to be part of the iconic 1984 Macintosh launch team, and her thoughts about the current state of the tech workplace for women. Ellen also reveals the importance for leaders of creating a safe environment for all employees.
In this special “minisode” Jennifer shares her reflections from hosting over 20 episodes of The Will To Change and discusses the importance of vulnerability for leaders. Discover why vulnerability is so important when it comes to diversity and inclusion, and the cost of failing to be vulnerable. Jennifer also shares her thoughts about balancing the need to be transparent with the possible risks that sharing your story can bring, and the potential positive impact that one authentic email or discussion can have on others in an organization.
David Smith, Associate Professor of Sociology at the United States Naval Academy and author of “Athena Rising” discusses the importance of mentorship for job growth and how men can become effective mentors to women. David discusses some of the most common objections and obstacles that arise when it comes to men mentoring women and how to overcome them. He also shares the benefits that men report that they receive from mentoring women, and why he is hopeful about the future of gender equality in the workplace.
Author, entrepreneur and tech executive Elissa Shevinksy discusses the challenges that she experienced while working in the tech sector, and what led her to write her book "Lean Out: The Struggle For Gender Equality in Tech and Start-Up Culture." Elissa shares her perspective that gender and diversity inequality in organizations is often symptomatic of deeper problems, and how progressive movements and leaders can do a better job of creating allies and coalitions. Elissa also talks about her own evolution as a leader, and what she has learned along the way.
Aaron Dignan, founder of The Ready and co-founder of Responsive.org, shares his own diversity story and why he always felt different growing up. Aaron discusses how companies can move away from command-and-control bureaucracy towards new forms of self-organization, dynamic teaming, and empowerment. He also gives examples from his own company about the practices that he uses to create trust among diverse teams, as well as an overall culture of inclusivity.
Marketing, branding and management consultant Dorie Clark shares her diversity story of growing up as an LGBTQ individual in a small town in North Carolina, and eventually moving away and graduating from college when she was just 18 years old. Dorie discusses the changing world of work and the corporate power structure, and how becoming more entrepreneurial can afford individuals from traditionally marginalized communities the opportunity to claim their own power and voice and monetize their expertise. Dorie also shares the evolution of her own business, and what you need to do to become an authority in your field.
Tony award winning theatre producer Seth Greenleaf discusses his own diversity story and how that led him to be able to negotiate differences and build bridges between individuals and groups. Seth shares his perspective as a Broadway producer on the benefits of diverse casting in Broadway theatre productions and speaks about his journey of finding himself as a straight man playing in a gay football league. Discover the lessons that Seth took away from his football experience, and what led him to direct an award winning documentary about the National Gay Flag Football League. Finally, Seth shares his wisdom about how we can reject the ideology of intolerance while finding compassion and understanding even for people who hold misguided beliefs.
Malcom Glenn, strategic partnerships manager at Uber Technologies, discusses what led him to join Uber and the work that Uber is doing to increase accessibility for people with disabilities as well as other diverse populations. Malcom shares his perspective on the Google memo, both as a man of color in the tech industry, as well as a former employee of Google. He also discusses his perspective on what needs to happen to create lasting change in the tech industry when it comes to diversity and inclusion, and expresses why he believes the tech industry will be a source of positive social change.
Robin Zander, founder of Spring Space and The Responsive Conference, discusses the importance of reinventing work and the connection to diversity and inclusion. Robin shares his thoughts about what’s missing from the current structure of work and education, and what needs to change. Robin discusses his background as a performer and how that informs his work, and the unique way that he plans and organizes his conferences.
Alexis Krivkovich, partner at Mckinsey and Company and co-leader of McKinsey’s “Women in the Workplace” research, shares key takeaways and insights from the 2016 study conducted by LeanIn.org and McKinsey. Alexis shares insights based on her own experience as a woman in senior leadership and the unique challenges that women face in the workforce. She also discusses the role that men can play in fostering a more inclusive workplace environment and how to move beyond good intentions and improve diversity outcomes.
Alphonso David, Chief Counsel for NY Governor Andrew Cuomo, shares his experience of living through a military coup in Liberia when he was ten years old, and his subsequent experience of moving to the United States and being taunted and bullied by his peers. Discover how Alphonso found the courage to be true to himself and become an attorney fighting for LGBTQ rights. He also discusses the work he has done as Chief Counsel, including being instrumental in helping to get the Marriage Equality Act passed in 2011, and shares his thoughts on the current political environment and what activists need to do to create positive social change.
Ray Arata, Founder of The Better Man Conference & Co-Founder of The Gender Leadership Group shares his experience of developing his own healthy masculinity and the work that he is doing to engage men and women in partnering to support gender equality. Ray shares what he sees as the biggest obstacles that prevent men from embracing their full self, and the fears that male leaders have about addressing inclusion and diversity. He also shares his perspective on the importance of women embracing men as allies for gender equality, and why gender equality is beneficial for everyone.
Amanda Steinberg, author of Worth It- Your Life, Your Money, Your Terms and founder of DailyWorth and WorthFM, shares her journey of finding her identity and increasing her net worth. Amanda discusses some of the obstacles that keep women from accumulating wealth, and how to overcome them. She also addresses the need for women to invest their money in people and causes that they believe in and the social impact that investing can create.
Bob Gower, organizational design consultant, joins the program to discuss his own diversity story, including his experiences with masculinity. Bob shares his thoughts about how to generate more networked collaboration within organizations and how to create more diverse teams. He also discusses how organizations can become more agile and what leadership looks like in a customer-centric organization.
Kenji Yoshino, Chief Justice Earl Warren Professor of Constitutional Law at NYU School of Law, discusses the concept of covering in the workplace and his own experiences with having to downplay his identity. Kenji discusses the legal implications of covering, as well as the value to organizations of creating a culture where people can bring their full selves to work. He also shares how he is bringing in experts in theatre and improvisation to assist in teaching the concepts of diversity, inclusion and belonging to legal students.
To learn more, visit www.jenniferbrownspeaks.com
Adam Pisoni, CEO of Abl Schools and co-founder of Yammer, discusses his early experience of dealing with “otherness” and how that eventually led him to a greater awareness of the need for more diversity and inclusion within technology companies. Adam shares lessons that he learned from his experiences at Yammer, and the actions he has taken in his new company to increase diversity and inclusion.
To learn more, visit www.jenniferbrownspeaks.com
Wokie Nwabueze, a communications strategist, organizational ombudsman, mediator and attorney, discusses the work she is doing to help women discover and reclaim their voice. Wokie shares what she sees as the biggest challenges and obstacles for women when it comes to sharing their voice, how to overcome those obstacles, and the work that she is doing with the Seen & Heard Project to help reclaim women’s voices, one story at a time.
For more information, visit www.jenniferbrownspeaks.com
Rick Welts, President and COO of the Golden State Warriors, shares how he came to the decision to publicly acknowledge that he was gay and how his story came to be front page news in the New York Times. Rick discusses the feedback that he received after coming out, as well as the work that he has done championing the NBA’s diversity and inclusion efforts. Rick shares his unique perspective on diversity and inclusion in professional sports as the only “out” president in the NBA.
This episode features a conversation with Erin Weed, a speaker, author and social entrepreneur. Erin shares how she came to found her first company, Girls Fight Back, after the murder of her friend in 2001. Erin discusses how that journey led her to form her current company, Evoso, which helps people seek their purpose and speak their truth. Erin discusses what she sees as the next evolution in leadership and speaking and what it will take to succeed moving forward.
Jack Myers, author of The Future of Men: Masculinity in the Twenty-First Centuryand founder of MediaVillage.com discusses the "lean out" or disengagement phenomenon that is happening among young men and the cost to society. Jack shares his thoughts about how why young men are falling behind relative to women in their age group, and what we can do to uplift and support young men. He also discusses how we can shift the cultural narrative to one that is more supportive of a definition of masculinity that goes beyond traditional gender roles.
For more information about Jack, visit http://futureofmen.com/
To learn more about Jennifer Brown, visit www.jenniferbrownspeaks.com
This episode features an interview with Christie Smith, West Region Managing Principal, Deloitte Consulting and National Managing Principal, Deloitte University Leadership Center for Inclusion.
Christie shares her background of growing up in the suburbs of New York in the 1960s and 1970s with feminist parents and seven siblings, and how that has informed the work she does today. She also describes the challenges and opportunities that arose in coming out to her parents and eventually to her co-workers. You'll hear Christie's story of being in the World Trade Center on September 11th, 2001 and how Christie was eventually able to speak her truth about developing post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, and the takeaways for leaders.
To learn more about Jennifer Brown, visit www.jenniferbrownspeaks.com
This episode features a conversation with Aaron Hurst, the CEO of Imperative and author of The Purpose Economy. Discover how to tap into purpose, and some of the biggest misconceptions about purpose and meaning in the workplace. Aaron shares 3 ways that you can find purpose working in the for profit or nonprofit sector and how you can evaluate whether an employer will be supportive of purpose driven work.
To learn more about Aaron Hurst, visit www.imperative.com
To learn more about Jennifer Brown, visit www.jenniferbrownspeaks.com
Dr. Vivienne Ming discusses her personal journey of moving from despair and depression to finding peace and self-acceptance. In this episode you'll discover the "tax on being different" and what that means, as well as some of the key actions that organizations can take to attract and retain diverse talent.
To learn more about Dr. Vivienne Ming, visit http://www.socoslearning.com/ and @neuraltheory on Twitter.
To learn more about Jennifer Brown, visit www.jenniferbrownspeaks.com