Real Conversations about Diversity in Life and in the Workplace. Plus how to care about employees you work so hard to hire & train. One conversation at at time.
Torin Ellis has been a powerful DEI voice in HR and Recruiting - tune in for a pointed conversation about the continuing need for DEI and the impact of "Remembering." Torin Ellis is a dedicated practitioner in the realm of diversity and inclusion. With a keen eye for the heart of issues, he leverages business acumen, deep industry insights, and principles of leadership to remedy structural and systemic challenges that threaten culture and high performing teams. His ongoing commitment to change is not just a profession; it’s his calling reflected in every endeavor.
Guests Meg Murphy and Anna Peters chat with Bennett and Rayanne about the job application process.recorded October 14, 2022
Steven Rothberg joined Bennett Sung and Rayanne Thorn Krueger in this conversation about Early Career Hiring, High Volume Hiring, and College Recruiting."Every student and recent grad deserves a good career."Recorded March 24, 2023
Herbert Lang visits with Bennett and Rayanne to talk about the campaign "Kindness is Free!" Herb played for the Harlem Globetrotters and is also the author of "Projects, Popes, and Presidents"
Recorded: April 21, 2023 Scott Fontechia joins Bennett and Rayanne to talk about Neurodiversity in the Workplace, in particular Autism. Autism Awareness
Aneyas Moghe joins Rayanne Thorn Krueger in a conversation about the impact his sleep deprivation has had on his life and career. This little talked about topic impacts lives more than we know or that is actually reported on. 62% of adults around the world say they don't sleep as well as they like. But what if you rarely sleep at all? You aren't alone.
Rayanne chats Kevin Robinson, Founder, Editor, & Publisher of Three-Fifths Magazine to talk about its beginnings and its mission. Tune in for this insightful conversation as we continue our celebration of Black History Month.
Dr. Roslyn Mallory, OB/GYN joins Rayanne to talk about her journey to medicine. Attitude and great advice created a path for Dr, Mallory to excel in college and build her career in medicine. You can get more advice from Dr. Mallory on The Vagicians podcast, available wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. .
Season 4, Episode 2 Guest Alyse Dunn, Founder + CEO of CareCopilot, joins Rayanne Thorn Krueger to talk about her experience as a Black Female Founder. What has been her greatest challenge - what advice she has? Tune in to learn from this amazing woman in the trenches!
On the Edge! Season 4 PREMIER, Episode 1William J. Wiggins, Author of "Humane Resources: Bridging the Gap Between People and Profit" joins Rayanne to break down the impact of "forced return to office" means to employees and for businesses.
Benjamin McCall joins Rayanne for an in-depth conversation about Leadership Development and DEI, as well as Coaching and "meeting someone where they are."
• How do we build bridges? • Diversity in the Workplace • Intent vs. Facade: "Everything is about moments." • The idea of "The Other" • Diversity efforts require work • Are we leaning away from the moment that launched the most recent wave of Diversity Efforts • Learning from the Failures • Consistency in the Work • The Four Ps: Process, Pay, Promotion, and Practices
"Build into your process where you pay and promote diversity better and then that becomes a practice."
Start with Empathy. And build bridges.
Former Harlem Globetrotter, Herb "Flight Time" Lang stopped by HR Latte to share some of his story. ...From a small town in Arkansas to the Basketball Court...
"Flight Time" was with the Globetrotters for 18 years and learned so much and during his time, women were invited to be part of the team / franchise.
• "Taking a Stand" • The Reality of Diversity and Racism • Herb Lang's motto, "Kindness is Free." • Adding Women to the Team • Diversity in the Workplace • My experiences have created new opportunities • Creating Opportunities to make the World Better • How Covid Impacted Herb and his Work • What should Leaders and CEOs to Focus on Beyond 2022 • "Remember WHAT it was like at your own Beginning" • We all want to be treated with kindness, love, and respect." • Lastly, how did you get your Trotter name "Flight Time"?
RESOURCES: • "Projects, Popes, and Presidents: An Inspirational Journey That Shows How You Can Overcome Life's Obstacles and Achieve Your Dreams." by Herb Lang • TEDx Talk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeivzoCpygM • https://www.linkedin.com/in/themotivationalspeaker/ • On Twitter @Datrotter4 "
Important Conversation
Mark Talley joins me to talk about his loving mom, Geraldine Talley - a victim of the the Topps Massacre.
This episode is in memory of Geraldine Talley - She is missed by her family and friends, as well as all the other victims of this tragedy.
"Everything in my life has changed."
• Agents For Advocacy, a non-profit - created in Geraldine's memory. Mission: To prevent other similar tragedies and inspire others to get involved • Volunteering provides "a feeling of warmth and comfort." • Sparking the desire to give back • AUG 27th Back to School event, providing items to 250 students that include backpacks and other school supplies for children in the East side of Buffalo • AgentsForAdvocacy.org to donate • Hopes: Become an official 501 c3 and inspire Giving and Volunteerism • How to be an ANTI-RACIST
If you can teach or manipulate the poorest white man to believe he is better than the richest black man
Resources: • Hush Money by Jacquie Abram • Plantation Theory by John Graham Jr. • How to be an Anti-Racist - Ibram X. Kendi
How to reach Mark Talley: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-talley/ Instagram: @AgentsForAdvocacy Email: agentsforadvocacy@gmail.com
For more information about Agents For Advocacy: http://www.agentsforadvocacy.org
Recruiter Lisa Rokusek joins Rayanne for this compelling conversation starting with, "I consider my business a laboratory for decision making... this is how we hire people: we decide." • My own learning and introspection • Change the talking point from Equality to Equity. • Don't let your own story cover your eyes. • "I think we are waking up to understanding that our wellbeing is bound together." • Everyone has a right to live and also, thrive. • Biggest Win for Diversity: The Rising of Solidarity • Biggest Threat to Diversity: The Backlash and Power Grab • The Goal is "Suffering Reduction and Increase Thriving" • The Assumptions that are Made during the Hiring Process • The lasting trauma of, "Go along to get along" or "Just put up with it" • The "Gap" where Growth Happens • Our relationships with our parents
RESOURCES Lisa Suggests: • BOOK: The Will to Change" by bell books • BLOG: Feminist Giant by Mona Elthaway
Contact: Phone to Text: 314.409.5633 Twitter @LisaRokusek Blog: LisaRokusek.com Website: RokusekRecruits.com
Dynamic Stever Robbins joins host Rayanne to talk about Energy, Mentoring Youth, Diversity, Pride, and finding our Commonalities.
Such a fascinating conversation with Stever - we talked about: • Continually Learning • Pride Month - How far we've come • How an Ally can show support: VOTE! • How to respond to homophobic remarks • Educate people as best you can • The secret to "roll along" with life • Self-help for our minds • "Loving What Is: The Work of Byron Katie" • Just let go • How you view the world is based on your personal experiences
RESOURCES Book: "Loving What Is: The Work of Byron Katie" Streaming Services: Find a movie or documentary about the LGBT experience, watch is several times until you see it as a story.
How to reach Stever Robbins: • SteverRobbins.com • And on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stever/
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Michael Skinner shares his story with Rayanne about coming to a place where he realized that he is Pansexual, where attraction is not bound by gender or what society determines to be right or good.
• Societal Norms make is easy to make incorrect assumptions • "Just because someone looks one way doesn't mean you know their story." • The changes that happen when one comes out. • Being Empowered by the Truth • The personal change: "I do not feel like a pretender." • People are more than their labels. • "We only notice the labels different than our own" • Being a resource for those in their own personal journeys • This is who I am
RESOURCES: READ / LISTEN to Dan Savage, "He always comes from a place of understanding and acceptance." < https://www.npr.org/2021/09/24/1040550752/dan-savage-on-celebrating-30-years-of-savage-love-with-a-new-book >
WATCH: "Everything Everywhere All at Once" < https://a24films.com/films/everything-everywhere-all-at-once >
You can message Michael on LinkedIn: < https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-skinner-66a985174/ >
Dr. Elijah Nicholas, DBA shares his journey to where he is today: his happiest place. Rayanne asks the hard questions about being Trans and deciding to transition at 48 years old.
• The Relationship with my Mother • Loss of Friends • Hopes: Trans is accepted and Part of the Norm • Being Misgendered • Pronouns • The Choice to Transition • The Help Provided by the VA Healthcare System • How being Trans has Impacted Dr. Elijah's Work • Normalize By Living Out Loud • Becoming an Actor • Understanding Trans Language & What's Appropriate • Providing a Safe Place • The Future of this Ongoing Journey
"We are all transitioning, in some way."
The Road to Acceptance & Grace.
RESOURCES: •Transformation Journeys Worldwide - https://transformationjourneysww.com/ •PFLAG.org
How to reach Dr. Elijah: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drelijahnicholas/ Dr. Elijah's Website: https://www.elijahnicholas.com/
Devin Joseph, a young black professional who rose above being homeless, joins Rayanne to talk about his experiences.
• CEOs need to work to make everyone feel welcome • What it was like to be the "Token Black Kid" • Having the courage to leave a company that didn't treat him well • Realizing Potential and Power • Watching out for each other • Surviving homelessness • Advice: "Learn the game" • Learn Billy Dee Williams' history, "he didn't allow his past to be his story."
Resources: • "Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man" by Emmanuel Acho • "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck" by Mark Manson
Connect with Devin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devin-m-joseph-b1288895/
"Communication, Knowledge, and Growth"
Steven Lamprinos talks about raising a son with Autism, the patience required and the hoops you have to jump through to get the help you need.
• "Good To Grow" program - most amazing program! • ABA - Applied Behavioral Analysis • Healthcare available - so difficult to navigate the system • "Special Needs kids are an afterthought." • "Little Hands, Little Feet" • Limited Resources, it takes so much time to find the resources available • Devices to help with communication - must have consistency • Occupational Therapy is such a great help, like water therapy • Parroting or Using narration to help build language skills • So many horror stories • Any changes are very difficult • Hopes for the Future
It's so important to discover what makes each child blossom. You will have to be your child's greatest advocate.
Resources: • Search the internet for speech devices - you can find some that are "free" • Good To Grow: https://centerfordevelopingkids.com/special-programs/ongoing-programs/good-to-grow/
Feel free to message Steven on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steven.lamprinos
Imo Udom, SVP of Mozilla Co-Founder and former CEO of Wepow, now OutMatch
What would you like CEOs to focus on? - Be intentional - Be committed
"This will take time, this will take action."
Imo shares some amazing advice on how to stay grounded when racism is still so prolific, plus advice to other entrepreneurs.
Resources FOLLOW: Smash Academy READ: The Hard Thing about Hard Things by Ben Horowitz READ: No Rules Rules by Reed Hastings and Erin Meyer
HR Latte, Episode 129 22.02 [28 min]
William Wiggins, Director of Human Resources, Facilities, and Administration at SEIU 775 Benefits Group
What do you want CEOs to focus on 2022? - Make Diversity part of Standard Operations "Every month should be a celebration of our differences." - Diversity needs to be driven from the top down - How do you maintain professionalism? - Just because you haven't heard of or know of an issue, doesn't mean there isn't a problem.
William's Recommendations: READ: Caste, by isabel wilkerson FOLLOW: CareerXroads You can read William at UnleashHR and HR Gazette
Reach out to William at LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamwiggins/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/hrwithbenefits