Uplifting Impact: Recent Episodes
Deanna Singh
We look at the intersection of Leadership and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. There are a lot of people who will discuss the challenges in the DEI space, but not how to solve them. Leaders who want to break the status quo, come here. We will build a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive world together.
On today’s episode, Deanna sits down with Will Murphy, Head of Global Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (R&D) at Amgen. As the lead of the company’s DEI arm, he strives to spearhead a division with a deep commitment to fostering the culture of belonging where diversity is celebrated and inclusion is the norm. Will aims to take on how he leads the segment of a big organization with individuals from all walks of life, and how the company experiences DEI resistance. He will also enlighten how he overcomes these push backs and the synergy between the work and internal segment which plays a big role in his day-to-day operations.
TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE
What brings Will Murphy Joy
Resistance or Push Backs against DEI
Why DEI Resistance Occurs
How to Handle Push Backs
Synergizing Business Strategy and Internal Culture
Resourcing a Champion at the Organization
How to Localize the Strategy
RESOURCES: Will’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wmurphy89/ Will’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/wbmurphy89
Deanna’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannasingh/ Justin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-ponder-1200b72b/ Uplifting Impact LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/upliftingimpact/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/purposefulhustle/?ref=page_internal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deannasingh1/?hl=en Uplifting Impact YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNs1RS6JqrU7BHeOc5W6SbQ Uplifting Impact Website: https://www.upliftingimpact.com/?hsLang=en
WHAT’S NEW Uplifting Impact is excited to announce Actions Speak Louder, the latest book by author and DEI expert, our very own, Deanna Singh. This book, available starting May 31st, 2022, is a step-by-step guide on how to create change and inclusivity both in the workplace and beyond. In this book, Deanna seeks to answer questions for organizations and teams of all sizes on how to create more inclusivity. Actions Speak Louder creates a blueprint for those who are ready to read, take action now, and build a better tomorrow.
Order Actions Speak Louder NOW: https://www.upliftingimpact.com/actions-speak-louder-book
The Bridge Builder Institute will launch later this year (2022). Launch date to be announced in the near future!
Other Conversations We’ve Enjoyed The Intersectional Aspect of Greater Inclusion Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Digital Equity
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In today’s episode, Justin Ponder is joined by Rhoan Garnett PhD. Former Director of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) at Milwaukee Public Museum. A leader for strategic and programmatic direction for IDEA initiatives focusing on integrating diversity with the core vision, mission, and values of MPM. His goals are set in advancing the museum’s commitment to preserve and protect the world’s well-being, natural, and cultural diversity. Rhoan is also passionate about mentoring information insight at scale to enable all students to get the opportunity to earn a degree towards a successful career fulfilling life.
TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE
Rhoan’s Milwaukee Museum Experience
Bridging Through Interpersonal Connections (Find Teaser)
Defining Accessibility in IDEA
Intersectional Aspect of Greater Inclusion
Expanding Bridges to Communities
Creating a Sense of Belonging
RESOURCES: Rhoan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhoan-garnett-ph-d-7040473/
Deanna’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannasingh/ Justin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-ponder-1200b72b/ Uplifting Impact LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/upliftingimpact/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/purposefulhustle/?ref=page_internal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deannasingh1/?hl=en Uplifting Impact YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNs1RS6JqrU7BHeOc5W6SbQ Uplifting Impact Website: https://www.upliftingimpact.com/?hsLang=en
WHAT’S NEW Uplifting Impact is excited to announce Actions Speak Louder, the latest book by author and DEI expert, our very own, Deanna Singh. This book, available starting May 31st, 2022, is a step-by-step guide on how to create change and inclusivity both in the workplace and beyond. In this book, Deanna seeks to answer questions for organizations and teams of all sizes on how to create more inclusivity. Actions Speak Louder creates a blueprint for those who are ready to read, take action now, and build a better tomorrow. Order Actions Speak Louder NOW: https://www.upliftingimpact.com/actions-speak-louder-book
The Bridge Builder Institute will launch later this year (2022). Launch date to be announced in the near future! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In today’s episode, Justin Ponder is joined by Jeff Joseph, Former President of Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) as he defines what is digital equity inside big and small organizations. The former Starlight Public Affairs Officer will share knowledge with listeners on how organizations can manage and adapt positive reinforcements of digital equity.
TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE
Digital Equity in Big and Small Organizations
Changes of Digital Equity Over the Years
Differentiating the Digital Equity Spectrum
Challenges and Outcomes Faced in Digital Equity
How DEI is Promoted in Jeff’s Organization
Quantifying Metrics
Recommendations for Organizational Digital Equity
RESOURCES: Jeff’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/jajoseph?lang=en Jeff’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffjoseph86/ SIIA Website: https://www.siia.net/
Deanna’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannasingh/ Justin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-ponder-1200b72b/ Uplifting Impact LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/upliftingimpact/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/purposefulhustle/?ref=page_internal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deannasingh1/?hl=en Uplifting Impact YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNs1RS6JqrU7BHeOc5W6SbQ Uplifting Impact Website: https://www.upliftingimpact.com/?hsLang=en
WHAT’S NEW Uplifting Impact is excited to announce Actions Speak Louder, the latest book by author and DEI expert, our very own, Deanna Singh. This book, available starting May 31st, 2022, is a step-by-step guide on how to create change and inclusivity both in the workplace and beyond. In this book, Deanna seeks to answer questions for organizations and teams of all sizes on how to create more inclusivity. Actions Speak Louder creates a blueprint for those who are ready to read, take action now, and build a better tomorrow. Order Actions Speak Louder NOW: https://www.upliftingimpact.com/actions-speak-louder-book
The Bridge Builder Institute will launch later this year (2022). Launch date to be announced in the near future! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In today’s episode, Deanna Singh sits with Michael Barber, Retired Chief Diversity Officer of General Electric Company. They take on the topic of Michael’s diversity, equity, and inclusion journey as a key member of the GE company. They also dissect how companies, particularly Diversity, Equity and Inclusion officers, can prolong the movement even after retirement.
TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE
Becoming Chief Diversity Officer in 2020 During the Pandemic and Racial Unrest
Continuity of the Diversity and Inclusion Movement
Basic Leadership and Inclusivity
Michael’s Diversity Officer Plans
Metrics of Organization Representation
Sponsoring Mentees
How to Turn over the Diversity Plan, so the work continues on
RESOURCES: Michael’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmikebarber/
Deanna’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannasingh/ Justin Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-ponder-1200b72b/ Uplifting Impact Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/upliftingimpact/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/purposefulhustle/?ref=page_internal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deannasingh1/?hl=en Uplifting Impact YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNs1RS6JqrU7BHeOc5W6SbQ Uplifting Impact Website: https://www.upliftingimpact.com/?hsLang=en
WHAT’S NEW Uplifting Impact is excited to announce Actions Speak Louder, the latest book by author and DEI expert, our very own, Deanna Singh. This book, available starting May 31st, 2022, is a step-by-step guide on how to create change and inclusivity both in the workplace and beyond. In this book, Deanna seeks to answer questions for organizations and teams of all sizes on how to create more inclusivity. Actions Speak Louder creates a blueprint for those who are ready to read, take action now, and build a better tomorrow. Order Actions Speak Louder NOW: https://www.upliftingimpact.com/actions-speak-louder-book
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In this episode, Justin Ponder sits with guest Gwen Murphy, the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of SCERTIFY. Gwen is a global technology executive providing technology strategy, architecture, and digital transformation leadership at IBM, EY, KPMG, and other firms. Over several years, much of her work has focused on the use of technology to improve human well-being. They discuss the keys to bringing more women into tech, the anatomy of a sustainable DEI strategy, and how combining ESG and DEI leads to business growth.
TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE:
How Organizations Can Use Technology to Improve Human Well-being
The Keys to Bringing More Women Into the Tech Industry
Effective Ways To Ensure More Women Land In Leadership Roles
The Impact of Tech on The Lives of Women and Underrepresented Communities
How to Build a Sustainable DEI Strategy
Why Your ESG Efforts Need DEI
The Why Of Work: Purpose And Meaning Really Do Matter
Why We Need to Start Embracing Diversity of Thought In The Workplace
Diversity in Leadership: Why it Matters and What You Can Do
RESOURCES: Gwen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwen-murphy-75090418/ Scertify.co: https://scertify.co/ Contact Gwen Via Email: Gwen.murphy@Scertify.co
Deanna’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannasingh/ Justin Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-po%E2%80%A6 Uplifting Impact Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/upliftingimpact/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/purposefulhustle/?ref=page_internal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deannasingh1/?hl=en Uplifting Impact YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNs1RS6JqrU7BHeOc5W6SbQ Uplifting Impact Website: https://www.upliftingimpact.com/?hsLang=en
WHAT’S NEW Uplifting Impact is excited to announce Actions Speak Louder, the latest book by author and DEI expert, our very own, Deanna Singh. This book, available starting May 31st, 2022, is a step-by-step guide on how to create change and inclusivity both in the workplace and beyond. In this book, Deanna seeks to answer questions for organizations and teams of all sizes on how to create more inclusivity. Actions Speak Louder creates a blueprint for those who are ready to read, take action now, and build a better tomorrow. Order Actions Speak Louder NOW: https://www.upliftingimpact.com/actions-speak-louder-book
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In today’s episode, Deanna Singh sits with Tammy Garnes Mata, Valley National Bank’s Senior Vice President, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer and leads the development and delivery and communication of diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy. They take on the topic of associate resource groups and how it helps organizations connect with its members to help them build relationships, understand their work, and create awareness on DEI, particularly those who were historically marginalized. They also take on Valley National Bank’s governance structure and how Tammy utilizes it to connect with their employees.
TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE
What are Associate Resource Groups
Impact of ARGs
Internal Cross-Bridges of Opportunities
Missed Opportunities in Existing Pool of Employees
Using ARG for Internal Talent Pipeline
Tammy’s Governance Structure
How the Framework Brings People In
What Brings Tammy Joy
RESOURCES: Tammy’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammy-garnes-mata-54564a6/
Deanna’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannasingh/ Justin Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-po%E2%80%A6 Uplifting Impact LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/upliftingimpact/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/purposefulhustle/?ref=page_internal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deannasingh1/?hl=en Uplifting Impact YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNs1RS6JqrU7BHeOc5W6SbQ Uplifting Impact Website: https://www.upliftingimpact.com/?hsLang=en
WHAT’S NEW Uplifting Impact is excited to announce Actions Speak Louder, the latest book by author and DEI expert, our very own, Deanna Singh. This book, available starting May 31st, 2022, is a step-by-step guide on how to create change and inclusivity both in the workplace and beyond. In this book, Deanna seeks to answer questions for organizations and teams of all sizes on how to create more inclusivity. Actions Speak Louder creates a blueprint for those who are ready to read, take action now, and build a better tomorrow. Order Actions Speak Louder NOW: https://www.upliftingimpact.com/actions-speak-louder-book Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Justin Ponder sits with guest Ed Fields, the Senior Advisor and Chief Strategist for the City of Birmingham Mayor’s Office. In his role, Ed is responsible for strategic planning, thought leadership, and supporting transformative projects on behalf of Mayor Randall Woodfin. They discuss the future of DEI in the public sector, the importance of inclusion in predominantly Black communities, and how public-private partnerships can be used to champion DEI efforts.
TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE:
DEI opportunities in the City of Birmingham
Integrating diversity and inclusion into public-private partnerships
The future of DEI in the public sector
Effective talent management strategies from the City of Birmingham
The importance of DEI efforts in predominantly Black communities
Why you won’t get anywhere in DEI without Relationship Equity
The meaning of Bridging Social Capital
Ed’s vision for building an inclusive city full of opportunities
How the private sector can build genuine relationships with local communities
RESOURCES: Ed’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/honestlyed/ Ed’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honestlyed/?hl=en Ed’s Medium Page: https://honestlyed.medium.com/
Deanna’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannasingh/ Justin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-po… Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/purposefulhu... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deannasingh1/ Uplifting Impact Website: https://www.upliftingimpact.com/?hsLa... WHAT’S NEW: Uplifting Impact is excited to announce Actions Speak Louder, the latest book by author and DEI expert, our very own, Deanna Singh. This book, available starting May 31st, 2022, is a step-by-step guide on how to create change and inclusivity both in the workplace and beyond. In this book, Deanna seeks to answer questions for organizations and teams of all sizes on how to create more inclusivity. Actions Speak Louder creates a blueprint for those who are ready to read, take action now, and build a better tomorrow.
Order Actions Speak Louder NOW: https://www.upliftingimpact.com/actio... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Deanna Singh sits with guest Teedra Bernard, the Chief Talent and Diversity Officer of TransUnion. Teedra is passionate about diversity, inclusion, & equality and understands how critical it is to provide career advancement opportunities and create platforms that influence long-lasting DEI change. They discuss the value of diversity among decision-makers, how to set goals for your DEI implementation strategies, and the best diversity practices for talent acquisition.
TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE:
How to build a sustainable DEI strategy
Understand that DEI implementation takes time
The benefits of setting goals for your DEI strategy
Learning to have honest conversations with your team members
Why it’s important to have diversity and inclusion among decision-makers
How to lead diversity and inclusion with action, not words
How to implement a DEI strategy at all levels of an organization
The dos and don’ts of diversity talent acquisition
Diversity and inclusion should be about making lasting change
RESOURCES: Teedra’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teedrabernard/ Teedra’s Website: https://teedrabernard.com/
Deanna’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannasingh/ Justin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-ponder-1200b72b/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/purposefulhustle/?ref=page_internal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deannasingh1/ Uplifting Impact Website: https://www.upliftingimpact.com/?hsLang=en
WHAT’S NEW: Uplifting Impact is excited to announce Actions Speak Louder, the latest book by author and DEI expert, our very own, Deanna Singh. This book, available starting May 31st, 2022, is a step-by-step guide on how to create change and inclusivity both in the workplace and beyond. In this book, Deanna seeks to answer questions for organizations and teams of all sizes on how to create more inclusivity. Actions Speak Louder creates a blueprint for those who are ready to read, take action now, and build a better tomorrow. Order Actions Speak Louder NOW: https://www.upliftingimpact.com/actions-speak-louder-book Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Uplifting Impact is excited to announce Actions Speak Louder, the latest book by author and DEI expert, our very own, Deanna Singh. This book, available starting May 31st, 2022, is a step-by-step guide on how to create change and inclusivity both in the workplace and beyond. In this book, Deanna seeks to answer questions for organizations and teams of all sizes on how to create more inclusivity. Actions Speak Louder creates a blueprint for those who are ready to read, take action now, and build a better tomorrow.
In this episode, Justin Ponder sits with guest James Jackson III, the Supplier Diversity Program Manager at Zions Bancorporation. James is responsible for building relationships with capable, diverse suppliers who can provide goods and services across the enterprise. They discuss the benefits of supplier diversity, how to build bridges for inclusion, and how companies can restructure their vendor operations to include more traditionally excluded groups.
TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE: -What is supplier diversity? -Why it’s time to take supplier diversity seriously -How organizations can get started on supplier diversity -Using supplier diversity channels to grow your business -How supplier diversity works in the real world -Simple strategies to attract and retain diverse talents -The dos and don’ts of promoting diversity and inclusion in your community -The innovative, financial, and social benefits of diversity in the workplace -How companies can empower and reward their diversity ambassadors
Justin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-ponder-1200b72b/ Deanna’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannasingh/ James’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesjacksoniii/ Black Utah: Stories from a Thriving Community: https://www.amazon.com/Black-Utah-Stories-Thriving-Community/dp/1737200090 James' Website: https://jamesjackson3.com/ James’ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/james3motivation Deanna’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/purposefulhustle/ Uplifting Impact Website: https://www.upliftingimpact.com/ Order Actions Speak Louder Book Now: https://www.upliftingimpact.com/actions-speak-louder-book Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Uplifting Impact is excited to announce Actions Speak Louder, the latest book by author and DEI expert, our very own, Deanna Singh. This book, available starting May 31st, 2022, is a step-by-step guide on how to create change and inclusivity both in the workplace and beyond. In this book, Deanna seeks to answer questions for organizations and teams of all sizes on how to create more inclusivity. Actions Speak Louder creates a blueprint for those who are ready to read, take action now, and build a better tomorrow.
In this episode of the Book Talk series, Deanna Singh sits down with guest Ashley Brundage, Award-Winning Leadership & Empowerment Expert. They take on how organizations and companies can eliminate unconscious bias experiences in a workplace, how they can utilize retention, and how leaders can implement diversity, equity, and inclusion better.
TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE
What organizations can do to manage unconscious bias
The importance of retention over recruiting through mentoring
Why unconscious bias prevails and what organizations can do to change it
Removal of team members from normal work environment to get to know them
Learning about social identity as an individual vs organizational through perception
How a good leader can implement diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous learning
RESOURCES: Book Pre-Order: https://www.upliftingimpact.com/actions-speak-louder-book Deanna’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannasingh/ Ashley’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleytbrundage/ Deanna’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/purposefulhustle/?ref=page_internal Launch Team Book Club: https://www.upliftingimpact.com/actions-speak-louder-launch-team UpliftingImpact.com: https://www.upliftingimpact.com/?hsLang=en Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Uplifting Impact is excited to announce Actions Speak Louder, the latest book by author and DEI expert, our very own, Deanna Singh. This book, available starting May 31st, 2022, is a step-by-step guide on how to create change and inclusivity both in the workplace and beyond. In this book, Deanna seeks to answer questions for organizations and teams of all sizes on how to create more inclusivity. Actions Speak Louder creates a blueprint for those who are ready to read, take action now, and build a better tomorrow.
In the third episode of the Book Talk series, Deanna Sigh talks with guest host Jon Kaupla, President and Executive Director of the Wisconsin School of Business Center for Professional & Executive Development. They discuss how Deanna and her team settled on the title of her new book, Action Speak Louder, the avoidable mistakes companies make in their DEI efforts, and why the great resignation doesn’t have to threaten your DEI efforts.
TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE -The most beautiful things about writing a book -Avoidable mistakes companies make in their DEI efforts -How Deanna settled on the title of her new book -How writing and publishing a book is like having a baby -Understanding the privileges you probably didn’t realize you had -Ways a legacy-driven mindset will define your leadership -The negative impacts of inequity in organizations -The great resignation and why we can no longer ignore it -DEI in the remote working environment
RESOURCES: Book Pre-Order: https://www.upliftingimpact.com/actio... Launch Team Book Club: https://www.upliftingimpact.com/actio... Jon Kaupla's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonkaupla/ Deanna Singh's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannasingh/ Deanna Singh's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deannasingh1/ UpliftingImpact.com: https://www.upliftingimpact.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Uplifting Impact is excited to announce Actions Speak Louder, the latest book by author and DEI expert, our very own, Deanna Singh. This book, available starting May 31st, 2022, is a step-by-step guide on how to create change and inclusivity both in the workplace and beyond. In this book, Deanna seeks to answer questions for organizations and teams of all sizes on how to create more inclusivity. Actions Speak Louder creates a blueprint for those who are ready to read, take action now, and build a better tomorrow.
In this episode, Justin Ponder and Deanna Singh dissect Deanna’s new book Actions Speak Louder and share the nuts and bolts of what goes into writing a book. They reveal the motivations behind the new book, what to expect from it, what got left out, and the parts of writing a book that people don't really get to see. They also share insights from the book that leaders can use to take actionable steps towards creating inclusive workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE -The main motivation behind Deanna's new book Actions Speak Louder -The book as Deanna's letter to her younger self -How the book strikes a balance between personal experiences and provable data -Why vulnerability in leadership is a strength -How inclusivity in the workplace is built on people's actions -Why inclusivity doesn't have to be complicated -Parts of the book that had to be edited out -Deanna's message to her future self.
RESOURCES Book Pre-Order: https://www.upliftingimpact.com/actio... Launch Team Book Club: https://www.upliftingimpact.com/actio... Justin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-po... Deanna’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannasingh/ UpliftingImpact.com: https://www.upliftingimpact.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Uplifting Impact is excited to announce Actions Speak Louder, the latest book by author and DEI expert, our very own, Deanna Singh. This book, available starting May 31st, 2022, is a step-by-step guide on how to create change and inclusivity both in the workplace and beyond. In this book, Deanna seeks to answer questions for organizations and teams of all sizes of how to create more inclusivity. Actions Speak Louder creates a blueprint for those who are ready to read take action now and build a better tomorrow. In this episode, Deanna talks with guest host Tamyra Washington-Ramsey, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator at Uplifting Impact. They discuss the inspiration behind writing this book, how it is different from other DEI books in this shared space, and the outcomes it will have for teams and individuals. To pre-order your copy and get access to free perks, go to: https://www.upliftingimpact.com/actions-speak-louder-book Topics In This Episode
Addressing the sphere of influence
The power of the individual
Creating tools and empowerment for the DEI work
The difference that inclusion can make, not just in the workplace, but globally, across all spaces
Free perks available when you pre-order your copy of Actions Speak Louder
Resources Book Pre-Order: https://www.upliftingimpact.com/actions-speak-louder-book
Other Conversations We’ve Enjoyed
Navigating Corporate America: Women of Color in the Workplace
The Connection Between Trust and DEI
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Deepa Purushothaman was a first senior partner at Deloitte, where she spent more than 20 years focusing on women’s leadership and inclusion strategies to help women of color navigate corporate structures. She was the first Indian-American woman and one of the youngest people to make Partner in the firm's history. After leaving Deloitte in 2020, Deepa co-founded nFormation, a membership-based community for professional women of color, offering brave, safe, new space and helping place women of color in C-suite positions and on Boards. In this episode, Deepa and Deanna really dive into a conversation about the experiences and struggles facing women of color in the workplace. Deepa really invites the listener to examine the structures and systems that have been created within corporate America, who created those structures, and the ways in which they do not serve women of color on a systemic and individual level. They also talked about Deepa’s book, The First, The Few, The Only; How Women of Color Can Redefine Power in Corporate America, a call to action for women of color to find power and community, in order to advocate for a new corporate environment. To learn more and connect with Deepa, find her on her website: https://www.deepapuru.com/ Topics In This Episode
The things we believe about corporate America, versus what is true about corporate America
Why white leaders in America don’t know how to find diverse leaders
The truth about meritocracy in the workplace
Embracing the moments that allow us to each step into our own power
The result microaggressions have on women of color and on their health
Coping mechanisms for processing events in the workplace
Creating community and a safe space in order to be able to have difficult conversations.
Connect
Deepa’s website: https://www.deepapuru.com/
The First, The Few, The Only on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0063084716
Other Conversations We’ve Enjoyed
The Connection Between Trust and DEI
Retention Strategies For The New Era of Employment
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Lily Lamboy leads the the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion team at Blue Shield of California, which supports both internal-facing employee-focused work and external-facing health equity, social justice, and business growth initiatives. She holds a PhD in political theory from Stanford University, and continues to conduct research on persistent oppression, economic justice, and organizational dynamics, with recent work featured in Theory and Research in Education, Age of Awareness, Federal Times, and Cambridge University Press. In this episode, Justin and Lily discuss the importance of creating a culture of psychological safety. Many times when these conversations are held, the focus is on organizational strategies; however, in this conversation, Justin and Lily dive into how individual leaders can focus on their own growth in this space, and use that as a starting point for being able to create safety for those around them. Lily also shares ways in which she prepares for entering the workplace and strategies for doing this work. To connect with Lily, find her on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/llamboy Topics In This Conversation:
The connection between addressing your own traumas and how it plays out in your role in the work place
Small things that create an atmosphere of trust
Allowing employees to both be a good employee and also be a full human being
Providing options for team members to be able to react and respond in the ways that are best for them
What if I say the wrong thing?
Setting the pace for the work of DEI within an organization
Bringing activism into the workplace.
Other Conversations We’ve Enjoyed
Retention Strategies For The New Era of Employment
Creating a Global DEI Strategy and Why It's Important
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Marsha Ellis Jones is the Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer for The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. In this role, Jones leads the development and implementation of strategies and programs that help further build and sustain a talented, diverse workforce and a culture of inclusion. Jones is a frequent national guest speaker, panelist and lecturer on the business case for diversity and the impact that inclusive cultures have on corporate innovation. Her accomplishments in the field of diversity were a feature story in Diversity Executive magazine. In this episode, Deanna and Marsha dive into a conversation about this new phase of employment and the work environment known as “The Great Experiment”. They discuss the impact of the previous phase during the height of the pandemic known as “The Great Resignation” and ways in which organizations should shape their organization for retention and networking in this new environment. Topics In This Episode:
Emerging issues in the DEI space
The need for creating new policies for retention in this era of employment
Addressing the importance employees place on the values of an organization
Inclusion in a remote work environment
Addressing the need for spending equal time with remote and hybrid employees
Providing managers with tools for this new hybrid and remote work environment
The need for applying the lens of DEI to every aspect of an organization
Managing the emotional and mental impact of this work.
Other Conversations We’ve Enjoyed
Creating a Global DEI Strategy and Why It's Important
Listening and Learning Before Taking Action
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Raj Verma has over 25 years of global HR transformation and change leadership experience and currently is responsible for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Culture and Employee Experience at Sanofi. Raj is determined to make an impact in the workplace where all Sanofians feel included, engaged and proud to belong. Ultimately, Raj wants them to enjoy a seamless, positive and purposeful experience no matter where they are in the world and to feel equally connected to the communities in which they live and serve. In this episode, Justin and Raj discuss what it means to have global DEI strategies organization-wide, and what the implementation looks like on within different regions. Raj talks about some of the most important lessons he has learned about HR and DEI over his career, and the importance of humility in building teams, having difficult conversations, and it’s role in decision-making. Raj shares that the work of DEI is really just beginning, and he is excited to see where it goes. To connect with Raj, find him on LinkedIn at: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/rajver123 Topics In This Episode
Embracing change and having adaptability
A successful strategy for creating teams
Finding tools to foster engagement
Getting comfortable with being bold as a leader
Climatizing yourself for different environments
Looking at what is possible in the pharma-industry from the lens of DEI
Connect
LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/rajver123
Sanofi: https://www.sanofi.com/
Other Conversations We’ve Enjoyed
Listening and Learning Before Taking Action
Health Equity and Why It Matters
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Nicole Mitchell serves as Cedar-Sinai’s inaugural Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer where she is responsible for providing strategic leadership, developing and driving the implementation of programs and initiatives that promote a culture of diversity, inclusion, and belonging. For over ten years Ms. Mitchell has been creating and driving culture change in both the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. She has developed multifaceted strategies for diversity and inclusion encompassing human resources, employee engagement, philanthropy, communications, and supplier diversity and has led executive-level diversity and inclusion committee activities. In this episode, Deanna and Nicole discuss the importance of creating spaces where rest is prioritized, particularly after events that take place in our society -- and not only creating space for others but prioritizing rest for ourselves as well. Nicole shares how the team at Cedars-Sinai was impacted by the pandemic and social unrest as a result of the murder of George Floyd, and how they have pivoted since 2020. She details how they have moved forward to begin addressing important issues, and how that has resulted in a three-year strategy for DEI. To connect with Nicole, you can find her on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolembellmitchell Topics In This Episode
Starting from a place of listening instead of action
Creating psychological safety
Moving from listening to action, and where to begin
Unconscious bias and its role in health equity gaps
Work-life sway and how it differentiates from work-life balance.
Connect LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolembellmitchell Other Conversations We’ve Enjoyed
Health Equity and Why It Matters
Marketing that Fosters Diversity and Inclusion
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Dr. Christopher Cross is a biomedical engineer, anatomist, neuroscientist, population geneticist, cancer biologist, LGBTQ+ advocate, and entrepreneur. He leads Cross River Strategies, a US-based boutique consulting firm that uses community engagement and scientific research to power health equity strategies and services across biotech, pharma, and academic institutions. He served as a congressional science fellow on Capitol Hill during the 113th Congress, and a principal investigator for the Center for Community Engagement and Health Equity within Yale Cancer Center. In this episode, Justin talks with Dr. Cross about what it means to do the work of health equity where it overlaps with diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how it is different. Dr. Cross makes the argument that while health equity officers may not be critical to all organizations, it’s important to investigate the importance of this work and this role so that DEI officers can include this work in the strategies they implement for employees, patients, and end-users. Justin and Dr. Cross also look at the difference between what it means to be performative versus creating transformational change. To learn more about Cross River Strategies, you can find them at: https://www.crossriverstrategies.com/ Topics In This Episode
The role of DEI versus Health Equity within an organization
Identifying where health equity strategies could impact an organization
The business case for health equity
How much it costs to ignore health inequities
Looking at the need for specialization in the health equity space.
Connect
Website: https://www.crossriverstrategies.com/
Email: chris@crossriverstrategies.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CrossRiverStrat
Other Conversations We’ve Enjoyed
Marketing that Fosters Diversity and Inclusion
Valentines Special: Love and DEI
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Carla Fulmore is a Marketing Program Manager focused on Enterprise and K-12 Education business to business customers at Office Depot. She began her career at Office Depot in 2007 and has worked in multiple functions of the business including Digital Merchandising and Direct Consumer Marketing. She has served in many leadership opportunities and is currently the leader of the Office Depot Women of Color Associate Resource Group. In this episode, Deanna and Carla dive into what it looks like when an organization combine their core values with their marketing efforts. Carla and Deanna discuss just how important it is for customers to be able to see themselves within an organization’s marketing, and ways in which an organization can ensure that there are diverse voices at the table. Carla also shares the role that employee resource groups have played in her professional development, and how organizations can use these as a place to encourage allyship. To connect with Carla, you can find her on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-fulmore Topics In This Episode
Making the connection between DEI and marketing
An important strategy for building a loyal customer base
Being more thoughtful with marketing
Creating an inclusive marketing plan
Strategies for incorporating all voices - even if not all identities can be represented at the table
Questions to ask in order to be sure the space you’re in is inclusive
Connect LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-fulmore
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Valentines Special: Love and DEI
DEI is not an option, it's a must
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Happy Valentine’s Day from the team at Uplifting Impact! Justin and Deanna are changing things up a little in this episode, and instead of bringing on a guest, they are sitting down to talk about love. They give a little insight into their relationship and how they make it work, discuss the intersection of love and DEI, and share the role love plays in the workplace. Justin shares a few book recommendations on the topic of love, Deanna brings up DEI from a motivation of love over fear, and they detail strategies for implementing love with team members and employees in order to continue to humanize those around us and to keep working towards a common goal. Topics In This Episode
Challenging the idea that love is something that happens to us
Ways in which social institutions de-humanize people
Looking at love as a way to re-humanize people
The small moments within any relationship that provides for love and connection
Mutual self-actualization within any relationship
What closeness between team members allows for in the workplace.
Resources
All About Love, by Bell Hooks: https://www.amazon.com/All-About-Love-New-Visions/dp/0060959479
Deanna Singh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannasingh
Justin Ponder: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-ponder-1200b72b
Other Conversations We’ve Enjoyed
Intent Versus Impact
DEI is not an option, it's a must
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Trisch Smith is the Global Chief Diversity Equity and Inclusion officer of Edelman, the world’s leading global communications marketing agency. In her role, she oversees all diversity equity and inclusion, strategic planning, education, cultural development, external partnerships, and recruitment efforts to ensure Edelman's workforce reflects the increasingly diverse marketplace. She has been featured as one of the “Top 100 Most Influential Blacks in Corporate America” and one of the “Most Influential Women in Corporate America” by Savoy Magazine. In their conversation, Justin and Trisch discuss how her family and her faith have laid the foundation that she brings to the work she does in the workplace and in her community. She shares that one of her core values revolves around inclusion and belonging, which is key to doing the work of DEI. Justin and Trisch take a look at how to start the work of DEI, and how to create accountability strategies that inspire teams and individuals within an organization. To connect with Trischa, find her on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trisch-smith-9948777 Topics In This Episode
Bridging the gap between where you are and where you want to go
Adjusting strategies based on events of the past few years
Answering “What does DEI mean to our organization?”
The need for continued education of DEI trends, developments, and research
You must know where you are to know where you are going
The relationship between maintaining progress and accountability
Creating metrics for accountability and progress
Connect
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trisch-smith-9948777
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trischlsmith/
Other Conversations We’ve Enjoyed
Intent Versus Impact
Creating an Environment of Transparency and Accountability
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Ashley M. Hines is an advocate, strategist, and entrepreneur dedicated to equipping communities to advance equity and create spaces where everyone is safe, valued and respected. She currently serves as the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Advocate Aurora Healthcare, a top 12 U.S. not-for-profit health system. In her role, Ashley focuses on partnering with leaders as a strategic advisor to achieve system-wide goals and launching, scaling, and sustaining DE&I programs and initiatives. Ashley also dedicates her time to causes with emphasis on communities of color, youth, and health equity. She envisions a community where everyone is empowered and has the tools needed to fulfill their purpose. In this episode, Ashley and Deanna talk about just how crucial it is for organizations to understand the why behind diversity, equity, and inclusion work and the importance of embedding this work organization-wide rather than limiting the work to one person or one department. Ashley is passionate about feedback and looking at the gap between intent versus impact, and how organizations can close that gap. As a recent attendee of Uplifting Impact's How to Be an Ally Summit, Ashley also shares a debrief about the event and the impact it had on her and her team as well. To connect with Ashley, you can find her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-hines-7810a67b Topics In This Episode
Critical questions DEI leaders should be asking themselves and their organizations
Supporting and investing in leadership
Different areas within an organization that may be overlooked when it comes to DEI strategy and implementation
Ways organizations can invest in DEI without spending resource dollars
Acknowledging resistance and examining it
The role that foundational trainings have in an organization in order to set the tone and provide shared language.
Connect Advocate Aurora Health: https://www.advocateaurorahealth.org/
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Creating an Environment of Transparency and Accountability
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Education
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Ashton Henderson works as the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Detroit Pistons, the tenth organization in the association to add this important role. He is a native of Tallahassee, Florida, but he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Advertising from Michigan State University in 2010. He was a four year letterman, playing cornerback for the Michigan State football team, and while he was a graduate assistant at Michigan State University he developed and administered a freshmen mentoring program for football players called "Keeping It Real Mondays" which still exists today. Ashton shares that from the time he joined the NBA in this role, at least 15 other organizations have added DEI positions within the association and that the larger association is really focusing in on this area of DEI. Ashton talks about some of the plans he had when he joined the Pistons, and some initiatives that he has created in this role since. He details the importance it had for him to conduct a listening tour when he took on this role, and how we can all do better in the spaces we are in on order to make them more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. To connect with Ashton, find him on Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn through the links below. Topics In This Episode
Creating a better experience for those that come behind you
The relationship between transparency and accountability
Vulnerability lays the groundwork for change
Allowing for flexibility and change when it comes to strategies and programs
Recognizing the responsibility that comes with the platforms we have
Sports allow for opportunities to be human, share our vulnerability and passions with others, and to lift each other up
Connect
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_henderson31/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/A_Henderson31
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashton-henderson-m-a-mba-78339522
Other Conversations We’ve Enjoyed
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Education
Justice Looks Different for Different People
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Dr. Decoteau Irby is an associate professor of Educational Policy Studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago. His research examines the relationship between equity-focused school leadership and the quality of Black youth academic achievement and overall well-being. He is the author of Stuck Improving: Racial Equity and School Leadership, which analyzes the complex process of racial equity reform within K12 schools. Dr. Irby's research is applied through his work with Derute Consulting Cooperative, where he helps leaders and teams create anti-racist organizational learning and improvement. In this conversation, Justin and Dr. Irby discuss the universal language and understanding of music and family, and how these really help build a sense of humility. With a gained sense of humility and understanding that we are all smaller parts of a greater story, we each gain regard for others, which produces harmony that is key to DEI work. Decoteau shares that equity is truly at the focus for what he does, and how it then overflows into diversity and inclusion. Finally, Dr. Irby details the upcoming book that he co-edited with Charity Anderson and Charles Payne, Dignity-affirming Education: Cultivating the Sombodiness of Students and Educators. Topics In This Episode
Balancing humility with confidence
The unifying nature and connection through music
DEI in the education space
Looking at how equity provides options
Discussing reparations and the generational disparities of equity
Connect
Twitter: https://twitter.com/decoteauirby
Derute Consulting Cooperative: http://www.deruteconsulting.com/decoteau-j-irby
Stuck Improving: https://stuckimproving.com/
Other Conversations We’ve Enjoyed
Justice Looks Different for Different People
The Underrepresented and The Represented
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Kisha Brown is an established civil rights attorney and the Founder and CEO of Justis Connection, an organization committed to empowering the community about their rights and responsibilities and deliver personalized lawyer referrals. Justis Connection is the nation’s only Black lawyer referral and legal resource platform, and is particularly dedicated to assisting individuals and businesses of all sizes with culturally competent legal counsel. Deanna and Kisha address the importance of considering how our justice system is experienced by marginalized populations. They also discuss the relationship that exists between the lack of Black lawyers in the industry and it’s impact on personal networks, and how it plays a role in the legal counsel people of color have access to and their level of understanding. In addition to meeting the needs of individuals seeking legal counsel, Kisha also explains the importance for enterprise organizations to work with lawyers of a diverse background in order to build the most holistic legal strategy possible. To connect with Kisha, email her at: kisha@justisconnection.com Topics In This Episode:
Justice looks different, for different people, at different times
The importance legal counsel can add to our daily lives
Black lawyers only make up 4.7% of the entire industry
Building relationships in the black legal community
Sharing knowledge and expertise to a community that largely doesn’t know about the importance of legal counsel
The educational component of being a legal resource
Why cultural competency is important for a lawyer
Connect:
Kisha’s Email: kisha@justisconnection.com
Justis Connection Website: https://www.justisconnection.com/
Justis Connection LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/justisconnection/
Other Conversations We’ve Enjoyed
Measuring Success In DEI
Advocating DEI For All: The Underrepresented and The Represented
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Cecilia Ogude is the Senior Vice President and Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at IRI, working with leadership to facilitate the development, implementation, and continuous evolution of IRI’s DEI strategy, initiatives, programs, tools, and resources. She previously held roles at JPMorgan Chase & Co and McKinsey & Co where she worked to drive intersectional and inclusive experiences for employees and senior leaders. Cecilia currently lives in New York and is an active volunteer with several organizations there. In order to have an engaged team, some key components that must be in place include a sense of belonging and connection. And in these times of working from home and distance from each other, it can be more important than ever to intentionally seek out and create connections with colleagues. In this conversation, Deanna and Cecilia discuss some of the impactful ways colleagues have reached out to them, and some of the ways in which they share and create intersectional relationships within the workplace. They also discuss staying committed to DEI every day, and how those in leadership roles can create space for growth. To connect with Cecilia, find her on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceciliaogude Topics In This Conversation Finding the silver linings of social distancing
DEI doesn’t only mean making huge changes
The value of sharing things about yourself that you can’t find on a LinkedIn page
The relationship between representation and talent, skill, and knowledge
Examining fundamental gaps within an organization
Addressing a red flag for senior leadership that Deanna has seen across many organizations
What it means to be an advocate for all
Other Conversations We’ve Enjoy Dr. Johné Battle: Measuring Success In DEI
Guillermo Gutierrez: Creating An Atmosphere Where DEI Can Thrive
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Welcome to the Season 2 finale of the Uplifting Impact podcast! In this special episode, Deanna Singh and Justin Ponder sit down to talk about their own journeys and perspectives as they think about DEI and how DEI shows up in their day-to-day lifestyles. You’ll hear them each talk about how they continue to grow and develop in this space, and about some of the people who have had the biggest impact on them and their growth. You will also hear them answer the question they ask each of their guests: what brings you joy? Deanna and Justin also want to say thank you, on behalf of the entire Uplifting Impact team, for tuning into this podcast each week. We're deeply grateful that you've joined us for this season and we are excited about what's coming up! It’s important that this be a two-way dialogue, so we encourage you to join us by subscribing, sharing, and going to our website (UpliftingImpact.com) to share your ideas for Season 3 with us. Topics In This Episode: The ripple effect this work has had on Deanna and Justin, even within their family
Helping others move from a place of fear to a place of hope and possibility
The shift in the workplace from viewing employees simply as employees, and instead, recognizing the full person that they are
The key difference with millennials in the workforce
Justin’s current research
The power in listening more than you speak
Other Conversations We’ve Enjoyed Measuring Success In DEI
Creating An Atmosphere Where DEI Can Thrive
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Dr. Johné Battle is the Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion for Dollar General Corporation and oversees the strategy for diversity, equity, and inclusion for over 157,000 associates. Within this role, he works across the organization to make data-based decisions using tools such as belonging indexes, talent-flow analysis, and inclusive leader assessments. Dr. Johné Battle is recognized by the National Diversity & Leadership council as one of the Top 100 Diversity Officers in 2021 and is renowned as a Global Business Executive and thought leader who brings the powerful combination of skillful talent development and human capital expertise. Dr. Battle has quite an impressive BHAG (big, hairy, audacious, goal) of transforming the lives of 10 million people over 10 years. In this conversation, he shares how he created this goal, and how he brings that to his work of DEI. He also shares some really key strategies for not only getting leadership on board with DEI, but ensuring that it starts with leadership and is woven into the fabric of any organization. To connect with Dr. Johné Battle, you can find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnebattlemba/ Topics In This Episode
Measuring success
The importance of grit and a growth mindset as a key for success, and defining those characteristics
The relationship between our individual journeys of DEI, and bringing that to the workplace as a leader
Answering the question: how can I lead better?
Being adaptable to change, because change is inevitable
Identifying the difference between training and transformation
If you are a leader of people, you must be part of the solution
Other Conversations We’ve Enjoyed
Creating An Atmosphere Where DEI Can Thrive
More than numbers: Data and DEI
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Guillermo Gutierrez and Deanna Singh have quite a lot in common, including their drive to travel across the globe, investing themselves into communities, and sharing that with others. In this conversation, Guillermo and I discuss how important their experiences with travel have impacted their DEI journeys and have helped them exercise empathy and understanding, which we carry with us in our day-to-day. After graduating from university with a BA in marketing, he spent the next two and a half years working abroad, where he really discovered his professional calling in learning and development and cultural coaching. He later received his MS in Organizational Development, which lead him to a career of over 22 years, with different corporate roles in Human Resources and as a consultant to Fortune 500 companies. In his current role, he serves as the Director of Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity for ManpowerGroup. To connect with Guillermo, find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gutierrezguillermo/ Topics In This Episode:
Illustrating what it looks like to have a broad impact on those around you
Making connections and developing communication skills through living abroad
Finding ways to expand your horizons, without having to travel far
Intentionally seeking out understanding and cultural experiences of others
Effective recruitment and retention strategies
Being an organization where diversity can truly thrive
What makes diversity difficult
Other Conversations We’ve Enjoyed
More than numbers: Data and DEI
Use Your Privilege to Uplift Others
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Dr. Anthony C. Hood serves as the Executive Vice President and the Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer for First Horizon Bank. In this role, he leads the development and execution of a firm-wide strategy for embedding DEI into the DNA of the organization. He previously served as the Director of Civic Innovation in the Office of the President at UAB as well as a tenured Associate Professor of Management in the Collat School of Business at UAB. Dr. Hood is a board member of a number of organizations, including the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham, Birmingham Education Foundation, Urban Impact, and the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District. In our conversation, Dr. Hood discusses the importance of using data as a powerful tool for driving better outcomes in DEI work. He shares that DEI within an organization must be integrated into the DNA, beyond just HR practices and policies, and in order to build and implement the best strategies data must be ground zero. We also discuss ways to approach DEI work when facing opposition. To connect with Dr. Anthony C. Hood, you can find him on social media or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonychood Topics In This Episode Driving creativity and innovation within teams
Ensuring involvement in DEI implementation at every level of an organization
Systems to look at to apply a DEI lens
Tracking data on qualitative aspects of an organization and of DEI work
The importance of keeping data well-organized and understanding the “why” behind it
Data alone doesn’t drive results and momentum
Creative allyship within your organization
Other Conversations We’ve Enjoyed Use Your Privilege to Uplift Others
Bringing the Human Back to Human Resources
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Sheilina Henry is the Senior Vice President of Diversity Equity and Inclusion at Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. She's responsible for cultivating an environment that celebrates diverse backgrounds while providing equitable access to opportunity. Sheilina has had a variety of roles within the company, but is now leading their diversity, equity and inclusion work. She is working to help make sure that everybody, whether you're coming into the dining space or whether you're on the team, is having a wonderful and inclusive experience. The restaurant industry is no stranger to diversity. However, Sheilina shares that the past 18-months have revealed diversity gaps within the industry, disparities, and lack of resources. She also details some of her personal experiences that have shaped the way she approaches both DEI work and work that she does within the food industry, and how important it is to share these experiences to build trust and safe spaces with others. To connect with Sheilina, you can find her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilina-henry-07036617 Topics In This Episode The importance of adaptability not only to the food industry, but to all industries and organizations
Focusing on internal talent
How to initiate change
Leading with honesty and difficult conversations
Implementing self-care
Understanding and using your privilege in order to lift others up
Other Conversations We’ve Enjoyed Bringing the Human Back to Human Resources
Strategies for wide-spread and long-lasting change
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Andre Nellams is a human resource leader with more than 20 years of HR experience. In his current role as Senior Director of Talent Acquisition & Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Accolade, Inc., he focuses on strategies that introduce, build and implement human resources programs and initiatives that deliver key results. He also enjoys creating and being a part of a work environment where the sense of belonging is true and honest. In our conversation, Andre shares many helpful strategies for approaching this work for those that may be new to DEI as well as for those who have been doing this work for a while. We discuss inherent bias, the importance of one-on-one conversations, and how to use the data that you gather to build policies and practices that will result in positive change. Andre also shares a strong sense of family and community, and how his passion for success shows up for him and impacts those around him. To connect with Andre, you can find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anellamshrleader Topics In This Episode
Every aspect of a business (even in technology and automation) has a human element
Adapting policies and procedures for current events
The relationship between human resources and DEI practices
Creating momentum and enthusiastic support around HR policies and initiatives
Understanding who your target is in order to move the needle forward
The process for understanding the status quo to then build thoughtful initiatives
DEI burnout and strategies to prevent it
Approaching DEI from the perspective of intersectionality
Other Conversations We’ve Enjoyed
Strategies for wide-spread and long-lasting change
Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset
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Asif Sadiq has had a long and rich career in the equity and inclusion space with senior executive roles at Adidas, the Telegraph and EY Financial Services. He's been listed as one of the Most Influential Global D&I Leaders by Hive Learning, CIPD’s Top 20 Power List, and was honored with an MBE in 2017 by the Queen. As the Senior Vice President of Equity and Inclusion at WarnerMedia International, Asif works on globally driving the agenda around diversity. In our conversation, we address the growth that is happening in the DEI space, and important considerations organizations should think about when filling DEI related positions. We talk about how to approach DEI work within different organizations and how it requires more than a blanket approach, and we discuss some important tools for driving widespread change. Asif also explains the important relationship between activism and DEI work, along with how activism drives DEI and what they look like in our personal lives versus inside the workplace. To connect with Asif, you can find him on LinkedIn at https://uk.linkedin.com/in/asif-sadiq-mbe-b8a58b14 Topics In This Episode: Pitching DEI initiatives within an organization
Removing the emotional connection to DEI in the workplace, and why it’s important
Changes in DEI over the last 18-months
The relationship between social justice and DEI work
Creating strategies for wide-spread and lasting change that benefits all members of an organization
Differences between diversity and inclusion
Other Conversations We’ve Enjoyed Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset
DEI is the responsibility of all leaders, not just those with the ‘DEI’ title
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Joseph Machicote is the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer of Premier Inc. Joe partners with the CEO, executive team, and other stakeholders to formalize a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within the company. He also serves as premier spokesperson on matters related to DEI. Some of his specialties include human resource management, diversity and inclusion, organizational psychology and development, organizational design, employee relations, employment, labor law, and labor relations. In our conversation, Joseph shares that even though he is not new to this work, he never stops seeking new information and development that he can apply to his practices and his role. He shares his recommendations for those that may be new to DEI work on how to get started. He details the four categories of DEI within Premier, and the strategies for implementation within the organization. To connect with Joseph, you can find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-machicote-a3858a5 Topics In This Episode
Creating DEI policies and practices that are easily integrated and implemented
4 Levels of DEI within Premier
The ripple effect of supplier diversity
Assessing and evaluating current strategies before implementing new ones
The relationship between culture and accountability
A growth mindset versus a fixed mindset
Other Conversations We’ve Enjoyed
Social Conditioning and Its Effect on Leadership
DEI is the responsibility of all leaders, not just those with the ‘DEI’ title
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Sheri Crosby Wheeler is the Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion for Fossil Group Inc, a global design marketing, distribution, and innovation company with distinctive watches, accessories, and wearables that are all created from some of the greatest brands in the world. She is a diversity leader, employment lawyer, and an avid community volunteer. She's also a member of the state bar of Texas. In our conversation, we really dive into DEI work within corporations, and the importance of both the individual and the structural levels, how to accomplish both, and why both are equally important. Topics In This Episode Approaching DEI work with apprehension
DEI work looks different for everyone
Effective strategies for leaders
DEI may not be everyone’s job title, but it’s everyone’s responsibility
Important tools for DEI work
Building trust on the systems level
The rate of change within an organization, and having patient urgency
ConnectLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shericrosbywheeler
Other Conversations We’ve Enjoyed Breaking the Mold: Social Conditioning and Its Effect on Leadership
Celebrate Diversity: How to Rethink Society So It’s Inclusive Of All
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Hira Ali is a leadership trainer, career coach, and Founder of Advancing Your Potential. She is passionate about empowering women and ethnic minorities, closing the gender gap, and advocating diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Her work has been featured in Forbes, Telegraph, BBC, Harper's Bazaar, and Huff Post, and in 2019 she released her first book, Her Way To The Top: A Guide to Smashing the Glass Ceiling. Just recently she released her second companion book, Her Allies: A Practical Toolkit to Help Men Lead Through Advocacy. In this episode, Hira and Justin talk about the role of men as allies in gender equality, particularly in the work place, and specific ways in which men can be helpful. They discuss the qualities of a successful workshop and ways to leave a lasting impact as a speaker or workshop leader. Hira also details her background, how she started doing diversity, equity, and inclusion work, and her passion for coaching. To connect with Hira, find her on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hira-ali-5972b91b/ Topics In This Episode The importance of speaking and leading with authenticity
Finding your passion
Commonalities among women and minorities
The social conditioning of men and women, and its effect on leadership
Internal and external challenges facing women and minorities
Good male ally-ship
Connect LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hira-ali-5972b91b/
Website: https://advancingyourpotential.com/about
Social Media: @advancingyou
Other Conversations We’ve Enjoyed Celebrate Diversity: How to Rethink Society So It’s Inclusive Of All
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Debra Ruh is the founder and CEO of Ruh Global Impact to help empower clients to be global problem solvers and leaders of social change. Debra is also a global disability inclusion strategist, Keynote speaker, and a published author. She also is the host of The Human Potential At Work podcast, sharing inspirational stories and tips for bringing out the best in everyone. Debra Ruh has faced disability in her life and within her family, and as such, it has become her personal mission to create more equity for those who face lived experiences with disabilities. In our conversation, we discuss the work she is doing to foster equity in the work place for those with disabilities, such as challenging leaders to rethink their strategies and recruitment in order to create a more inclusive environment. We also talk about the relationship between technology and people with disabilities, and the power of diversity for problem solving. To learn more about Billion Strong and how you can join the movement, go to: http://billion-strong.org/ Topics In This Episode
What inspires her to do the work that she does
We are all leaders
Making a difference from where you are
Recognizing invisible disabilities
Rethinking society in a way that includes everyone
Connect
Social Media: @debraruh
https://www.ruhglobal.com/
Billion-strong.org
Podcast: https://www.ruhglobal.com/podcasthuman-potential-work/
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Jose Antonio Tijerino is a proud immigrant from Nicaragua, and is President and CEO of the Hispanic heritage foundation, a national nonprofit focused on education, workforce, social impact and culture through the lens of innovative leadership. He also serves as executive producer of the Hispanic Heritage Awards at the Kennedy center, and co-founded the leadership Institute with Trinity university, which connects graduating high school seniors with mentors throughout college and their careers. He is the recipient of many prestigious awards and through his leadership and inspiration, has created many programs to help in the area of social justice. In our conversation, we talk about the importance of taking action as an activist, and Jose shares how he has built programs through inspiring and mobilizing members of his networks and communities. He also brings up the importance of DEI practitioners to work together and celebrate each other as allies. There can certainly be competition within the space for funding and resources, but Jose impresses on us that it is our responsibility to uplift and celebrate each other in order to make the biggest impact. To connect with Jose, find him on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-tijerino-9881847, or on social media, links below. Topics In This Episode Where to find inspiration and how to harness it
Creating action within yourself and those around you
Be impatient with your activism
There is freedom that comes from little to no funding
Our responsibility when we get a seat at the table
Never sit quietly in the room. Everything you bring to the room has value.
Connect Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-tijerino-9881847
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hispanicheritage/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hispanicheritage
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hispanicheritage
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How To Be A Responsible DEI Leader
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Jenn Zephirin is the Vice President and Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Match Group, whose mission is to spark meaningful connections for every single person worldwide. In her role, she is responsible for developing and implementing programs to achieve Match Group’s diversity goals. Prior to her current position with Match Group, she worked as the diversity and inclusion business partner for technology at Uber technologies and served as a private DEI consultant for brands like Unilever and the Levo Institute. Jenn shares the importance of allyship and connecting with your colleagues that may not feel engaged in the workplace. Even in 2021 some team members may be “the only one” in any number of demographics or categories. We discuss her book, Misunderstood Millennials, The Other 91%, focusing on the shifts that millennials have made on the work force, and challenging preconceived ideas of the effects of these shifts. To connect with Jenn, find her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenn-zephirin-5967bb12 Topics In This Episode Why Jenn believes that DEI important
Questions to ask to ensure that your workplace is equitable and inclusive
Diversity is more than just demographic information
Investigating millennials needs in the work place
How to advocate for DEI work
Starting conversations to help others see outside perspectives
ConnectLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenn-zephirin-5967bb12 Other Conversations We’ve Enjoyed How To Be A Responsible DEI Leader
Creating an Environment of Authenticity and Inclusivity in the Workplace
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Sharon Harvey Davis is the VP of Diversity Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer for Ameren. In her role, she is responsible for leading all DEI strategic efforts, including diversity training, employee resource groups, diversity communications, and the executive diversity council. Under Sharon's leadership Amarin has been ranked as one of the nation's top utilities by diversity, Inc for 12 consecutive years. Throughout her 19 years of experience with Ameren, Sharon has seen many changes within the diversity space. She shares some of the developments and progressions that have taken place, both within Ameren and with diversity work overall. We discuss some challenges she has faced, and some of the coming trends for DEI work as well. To connect with Sharon, you can find her on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-harvey-davis-76234a5 Topics In This Episode The responsibility of DEI to both recruit new people, and also ensuring a sense of belonging and engagement within the organization
How Ameren fosters equitability among team members
The impact that external events have within a company or organization
DEI’s role in corporate strategy
Building networks and credibility within an organization in order to create influence
The difference in expectations that millennials have on their employers, how that differs from previous generations, and what companies should do to ensure retention and engagement
Analytics are key in order to create strategic programs
ConnectLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-harvey-davis-76234a5
Other Conversations We’ve Enjoyed Creating an Environment of Authenticity and Inclusivity in the Workplace
DEI Is Not “One Size Fits All”
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Kobena-Marcus J. Collins is the diversity and inclusion advisor for Kohl’s Corporate offices and serves as the diversity recruitment consultant for Bridge-Builder Professional Staffing. He has a passion for diversity and inclusion work, as well as helping candidates to get clear on what it is they are looking for, and to help them to find a great fit with an organization. His travels and multicultural background have given him personal insight into the importance of diversity and inclusion, and he brings that to the work he does every day. In our conversation, Kobena-Marcus and I discuss the importance of diversity and inclusion within roles of recruitment. It is key for employees to see someone they identify with in leadership roles of an organization so that they feel included, which leads to belonging and higher retention rates. He also shares his 5 R’s of Human Resources and we talk about internal versus external hiring for an organization. To connect with Kobena-Marcus, you can find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmjcollins Topics In This Episode What brings Kobena-Marcus joy
The available positions within an organization may surprise you
Creating an environment where team members can bring their most authentic selves
Examining ways organizations can connect with diverse candidates
The power of ally-ship
Tips for creating an inclusive space
Having a safe space that allows for positive conflict
ConnectLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmjcollins
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Excited to share a recent conversation with Girish Ganesan, a strategic leader and innovative thinker with a passion for improving organizational performance. In his current role as the Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion at TD Bank Group, he is responsible for overseeing development, implementation of diversity and inclusion tactics, strategies, and programs for the customers, colleagues, and communities they serve. In our conversation, he details the importance of travelling and how impactful it has been for him as a diversity, equity, and inclusion practitioner. We discuss the different DEI considerations for global communities, while also ensuring the implementation of fair, company-wide practices. We also talk abut DEI fatigue in the workplace, and strategies to help prevent it. To connect with Girish, you can go to his LinkedIn page here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/girish-ganesan Topics In This Episode
What brings Girish joy
DEI outside of a North American lens
Experiencing diversity through travel and living abroad
Keeping inclusion top of mind while making the shift to remote working
Addressing the needs of employees and customers in the pandemic
Holding leadership accountable for commitments they make to DEI initiatives
When it comes to DEI, it’s not “one size fits all”
Connect LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/girish-ganesan
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Caroline Chambers is the senior director of diversity equity and inclusion at Graham Media Group, in her role, she leads all aspects of the DEI strategy to ensure intentional, measurable practices for building core talent, fostering workplace culture programs that promote equity as well as inclusivity. While she may be relatively new to the broadcast space, she is definitely not new to the work of being a DEI practitioner. Her background includes management roles in financial services, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations. In our conversation, we talk about the changes and growth within the broadcast media industry with regards to diversity, equity, and inclusion. She shares some new approaches Graham Media Group has taken with respect to applying the DEI lens to all areas of the organization. We also talk about the importance of accountability, and even though it may be daunting, there are ways to make it positive and encouraging. To connect with Caroline, you can find her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-chambers01cc Topics In This Episode Collaborating with other DEI practitioners
Addressing the emotional and personal toll DEI work takes
Having a dedication to service
The conversation around moving back into the workplace, and addressing the needs of the people, from an emotional perspective
The different experiences different communities of individuals may have experienced throughout covid and the pandemic
Some of the things you can do in the workplace that create inclusivity
Connecting leadership with networks of diverse candidates
ConnectLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-chambers01cc
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Diversity In All Industries: Overcoming The Barriers To Entry
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Sabrina Griffith is a consultant, trainer, and strategist who works to encourage inclusion and belonging in corporations, businesses, and organizations, as they strive to create equitable practices. She uses her experience over the last 15 years as a DEI practitioner to develop and facilitate engaging and comprehensive sessions on DEI topics, including gender sexuality, LGBTQ+ allyship, bias, race, colorism, and classism to name a few. In our conversation, we discuss how she got started in DEI work, what it’s like to start from scratch with people who are new to these conversations, and ways organizations can approach talent acquisition with intention for creating more diverse, equitable, and inclusive spaces. To learn more about and connect with Sabrina, find her on LinkedIn, or on her website, https://www.griffithconsultingservices.com/ Topics In This Episode Sabrina’s journey that brought her to DEI work
Connecting with team members
The benefits of relationship building, and how to start
Understanding your needs, as well as the needs of those around you
Changes that Sabrina sees on the business side around inclusivity
Performative DEI initiatives
Is your organization structured to support a diverse and inclusive environment?
Psychological safety in the workplace
Connect LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrinangriffith
Website: https://www.griffithconsultingservices.com/
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Heather Holland is the founder and Chief People Officer of Holland Energy Consulting, and in her role, she raises awareness around diversity, equity, and inclusion work within the energy, manufacturing, education, and transportation industries. In our conversation, we discuss the lack of diversity within these industries and we respond to the argument that a diverse workforce just isn’t out there for positions in these industries. We also talk about how companies should examine where they fall when it comes to whether they lead the pack with DEI, if they simply follow trends, or if they lag behind, and some tactics of how they can do better. To learn more about Holland Energy Consulting, go to: https://www.hollandenergyconsulting.com/ Topics In This Episode The importance of understanding your skill set so that you can apply it to other industries you may not have considered before
Considering the needs of various roles within the energy industry, and how to incorporate more diversity
Looking at the recruitment and interview processes for areas of opportunity to add more DEI to an organization
Transferable skill sets between industries and overcoming the barriers of entry for applicants
Challenges in manufacturing and energy industries for DEI
Connect Website: https://www.hollandenergyconsulting.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/holland-energy-consulting/
Text: (713)265-7762
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Gena Pemberton is the VP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at OmniCom Health Group and in this role she is responsible for developing and driving forward the diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy for the network. Her background includes corporate finance roles over 13 years at Johnson and Johnson, an MBA from the University of Phoenix, and a diversity and inclusion certificate from Cornell University. In our conversation, she talks about the role of bringing current events into the workplace, and how to incorporate our whole selves along with the work of the organization so that team members can have mutual understanding and connection with each other. We discuss the difficulty of DEI and the importance of doing it anyway, and how to lean into those difficult conversations. To connect with Gena, find her on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gena-pemberton Topics In This Episode What brings Gena joy with DEI work
Ways to create connection so that people feel included
Intentionally making sure that the workplace isn’t separate from events taking place in the society we are in - Making sure we don’t work in a bubble
Creating a safe space for difficult conversations
Healthy inclusion - Dealing with difficult conversations in a healthy way
Putting anger to work
How to manage fear and worry around DEI work
Connect LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gena-pemberton
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamgenap/
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Welcome to season 2 of our Uplifting Impact! We have some exciting changes heading your way this season, and one of those is that we have added Justin Ponder as our co-host. Justin is the Chief Information Officer of Uplifting Impact, as well as an educator in the area of ethnic studies. In this episode, we talk about some of the updates and changes we’re making to the podcast, we introduce Justin and the work he has done, and he talks about some of the trends he is seeing in the diversity, equity, and inclusion space. We are also excited to announce our 3-day virtual summit, How To Be An Ally, where we provide a safe space and tools for passionate leaders and change-makers to learn action-oriented techniques for creating a community that prepares them for bringing diversity, equity, and inclusion into their practice. Tickets are now available. To learn more, go to https://www.upliftingimpact.com/ Topics In This Episode:
Insight into Justin’s role as Chief Information Officer at Uplifting Impact
Asking for your feedback
Current trends in the DEI space
The relationship between inclusion and retention
Turnover within an organization, and the powerful effect DEI can have
Making connections between the needs of the organization and the needs of the individual
Ways to make changes within an organization for the most positive impact
Recent Conversations We’ve Enjoyed
Closing the gap: Access, inclusion, and opportunities for minorities
Top to Bottom: Cross-cultural competency and DEI at every level
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Daniel Shaffer is a freelance nonprofit consultant and grant writer, focusing on women and minority owned businesses. After graduating with a degree in international relations, he joined a program working in predominantly Black and underserved communities within Pittsburgh, and shortly after found himself wanting to leverage his privilege to help open doors for members within his network that may not have had the same access otherwise. In our conversation, we talk about the landscape of nonprofit funding, some of his tips for clients looking for funding, and how Covid has impacted access and processes for funding. To connect with Daniel, find him on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-e-f-shaffer Topics In This Episode
Working within a personal network for professional connections
The catch-22 of funding and running programs as a nonprofit
Challenges of getting funded as a woman and/or a person of color
Navigating the unwritten rules for getting funded
Shifts in funding as a response to covid
Measuring the commitment of funders to stay dedicated to positive change
Connect LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-e-f-shaffer Recent Conversations We’ve Enjoyed
Preventing an “Us vs Them” workspace through inclusion
Top to Bottom: Cross-cultural competency and DEI at every level
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Mita Mallick is the head of inclusion, equity, and impact at Carta, and has previously served in cross-cultural marketing roles, such as the Head of Diversity and Cross Cultural Marketing at Unilever and worked on projects like the Vaseline Healing project. She has been named Working Mother of the Year by She Runs It, as well as being listed as one of the 50 People Under 40 who are shaking up beauty. In our conversation, we talk about the importance of diversity within an organization from end-to-end, meaning, all aspects of the business. I was also personally excited to share with her how much I loved a recent article she wrote, “I don't want to be a super mom. I just want to be a mom” and the expectations our society has on mothers and motherhood. To learn more and connect with Mita, you can find her on Linked In. Topics In This Episode
The impact of people seeing themselves reflected in marketing
Her motivation behind her work in marketing
Opportunities for growth within the United States
Unseen areas for better DEI within companies
You can say you stand for values - are you ready to stand up for them when it matters?
Connect LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mita-mallick-2b165822 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mita_mallick13/ Article: https://www.mother.ly/life/pressure-to-be-super-mom
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Laura Kriska is an internationally recognized expert, with over 30 years of experience in cross-cultural relationships and providing that to help organizations bridge gaps in diverse workplaces. Early in her career, she worked for a large Japanese corporation, where she got first-hand experience in what it was like to be an outsider of what she calls a company’s “home team”. From that experience, and throughout her career, she developed strategies to help create inclusion and has written all about the “us versus them'' dynamic in her book, The Business of We. To learn more, connect with Laura, and order her book, you can find her on LinkedIn or at her website, https://www.laurakriska.com/. Topics In This Episode
The dynamics that are created in department mandates
Unspoken relationships and how they play out in the workplace
How to identify unspoken dynamics
Making changes before it’s too late
Examples of when “us versus them” is ok in an organization
The “us versus them” self-assessment: https://www.laurakriska.com/assessment
Connect LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-kriska-she-her-0a93902a Website: https://www.laurakriska.com/ Recent Conversations We’ve Enjoyed
Evolve or Regress: A Mindset Shift
Diversity and Listening: The new standard for an inclusive workspace
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Lori Costew is the Chief Diversity Officer and Director of People Strategy at Ford Motor Company. In her role, she oversees corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion and all of the efforts within the company to cultivate a sense of belonging and to advance the company’s mission and business objectives, and ensures that Ford strategy supports all of the corporate goals and the transformation efforts within the organization. In our conversation, we talk about the importance of DEI for such a large enterprise and some of the strategies Lori has used, particularly in the area of leadership and listening. To connect with Lori and learn more, you can find her on LinkedIn. Topics In This Episode
The relationship between diversity and innovation
Communication strategies within the Ford organization
Different styles of listening sessions
Changes made based on employee engagement surveys and polling
A strategy for creating empathy among leadership
The motivation for change
Creating psychological safe places for employees
How to continue the work, outside of the listening sessions
Connect LinkedIn: Lori Costew Recent Conversations We’ve Enjoyed
Workplace Mental Health: How To Support Every Group
Evolve or Regress: A Mindset Shift
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Leyla Okhai is the founder and director of Diverse Minds UK LTD, which aims to create a positively productive workplace for all through training, coaching and consultancy, by focusing on wellbeing and mental health. Leyla is also the host of the Diverse Minds podcast, a weekly show about race equality, mental health, and inclusion for a modern world. In our conversation, we discuss the eurocentric approach to mental health, particularly in the workplace. And we also talk about some of the shifts she is seeing and that she recommends to employers in order to recognize the needs of a diverse workforce. Topics in this episode
What inspired Leyla do begin doing this work
Mental health recovery is more than just time off of work
How to make mental health a priority in the work place
Different approaches for mental health nourishment
Recognizing the different needs of various races and nationalities
Ensuring cultural awareness around mental support for employees and organization members
Thinking about the impact of the pandemic on different groups
Connect
Twitter: @diversemindsuk
Facebook page: Diverse Minds
LinkedIn: Leyla Okhai
Podcast
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Paula Phillips is a school board member for Milwaukee Public Schools and currently with the YWCA Southeast Wisconsin. Her mission is to actively build a society in which all of us are seen, heard, and cared for. Throughout her career, she has served in many different leadership roles across different industries, from academia to large corporations and the nonprofit space. With the experiences she has had across different sectors, she has built expertise in sharing and teaching the skills of diversity, equity, and inclusion in each of her roles. In my conversation with her, we talk about her work, the importance of creating space for learning and growth, and how to build programs with accountability and consistency. Topics in this episode
Trends in DEI across different sectors
DEI and it’s effects on the bottom line
The shift from “Is DEI important?” into “How do we implement DEI practices into our organization?”
Techniques for implementing new programs to ensure their success
The value of recognition and celebration along the journey
Helping people explore what shaped their ideas around diversity, equity, and inclusion
The constant evolution and change within the DEI space
Giving people the confidence to have difficult conversations
Connect
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpaulaphillips/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MPDBP
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpdbp/
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Ify Walker is the Founder and CEO of Offor, a national talent brokerage, working to place board members and CEOs, create high-performing teams, and break up the myth of meritocracy. She is also an advocate for a 30-hour workweek. We discuss how organizations can begin to make the shift to a 30-hour workweek, why they should, and how it benefit Black women in particular. We also dive into the topic of how companies can begin the work of DEI, the importance of data, and the willingness it takes to confront the status quo. Topics in this episode
Shifts in the workplace as a result of the pandemic
The origins of the modern workday model
Looking at changes companies should be making based on our knowledge-economy
Leveraging technology for optimal productivity
Responding to the idea, “The talent just doesn’t exist”
How to evaluate the culture of an organization
The places within organizations where there are often issues
Connect
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ifywalker/
Website:https://www.offor.co/
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Valuing Diversity Among Veterans
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Donald Thompson is a serial entrepreneur, public speaker, author, podcaster, and executive coach, using his skills and expertise to serve as a thought leader on goal achievement and company culture, and I am very excited to have him on the show today. We have an insightful conversation about the relationship between C-Suite executives and the diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within an organization. He shares with us some of the tools he finds helpful in starting conversations around DEI, and the importance of expanding our networks, both personally and professionally. Topics in this episode
The ground-zero of company culture within an organization
Examining personal journeys of discovery around DEI work within the corporate setting
Driving forces of momentum and change outside of company policies
Giving leaders the space to be vulnerable, and the ability to practice without punishment
Changes in empathy when you surround yourself with a range of different types of diversity
Tips for actively expanding your personal network
Connect Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donaldthompsonjr/ Thediversitymovement.com - free resources and information
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I am so excited to be here with Jessica Hope, a diversity and inclusion strategist for USAA, where she develops holistic, data-driven strategies that advocate for people, marginalized populations, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and a whole host of other amazing things. She shares with us how her background in the military and as a social worker, as well as through the art of storytelling, she is able to connect with others and do the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through our conversation she talks about the role of politicians in this work, and challenges us to check with ourselves, are we just checking boxes off? Or are we actually making a difference. I so enjoyed this conversation and I know you will too. Topics in this episode
The importance of empathy to bring new people to the table
Everyone has a diversity autobiography
Techniques for creating a dialogue with someone around their experiences
Economic disparities, and the work she is doing in this space
Covid’s effect on low economic families
A major opportunity companies can re-think the role of veterans within their organization
Connect LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-hope-people-leader/ Recent Conversations We’ve Enjoyed
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‘Demanding More’ From Systems, Leaders, and Ourselves
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I am so excited to share with you my conversation with Lesley Slaton Brown, the Chief Diversity Officer at HP Inc. Lesley was also named one of the most powerful women in corporate diversity by Black Enterprise, and a top influential woman in corporate America by Savoy Magazine. In our conversation, we talk at length about the strides HP has taken in prioritizing diversity, particularly at the board level. She also shares some of the strategies they are applying to ensure that the diversity of the board is applied throughout other levels of the organization as well. Topics in this episode
Building an infrastructure of diversity
The role reverse mentorship plays at HP
Front-lines of employee engagement, culture, and community
Building relationships that amplify the culture
Recognizing and building systems around transparency
Having a multiplying effect to the work that you are creating
Connect LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-slaton-brown-345988/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DailySlate Other recent conversations we really enjoyed:
‘Demanding More’ From Systems, Leaders, and Ourselves
Onboarding as an Intentional Practice of Inclusivity
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Today we have an amazing guest, Sheree Atcheson - one of the UK’s most influential women in tech and an international multi-award winner for her services in diversity and inclusion in the industry. Sheree is currently the Global Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at Peakon, an advisory board member for Women Who Code, contributor of Forbes, and author of Demanding More. In our conversation, we learn more about the reason she wrote Demanding More and the work to be done within the DEI space, how she launched Women Who Code in the UK and across Europe, and the work she does within her role at Peakon. This was a fascinating conversation, and I cannot wait for the release of Demanding More, coming April 2021. For pre-order information, be sure to check the resources section below. Topics in this episode
Looking at inclusion from an analytical perspective
Beginning the work of inclusion with education and understanding
Taking a look at how you can do more for DEI within the systems you have access to
Recognizing the impact of covid among minority groups
Leveraging the success of work and organizations that already exist
The importance of recognizing where you are best suited within an organization
Looking beyond metrics that only capture diversity data - the importance and process of collecting data around inclusion as well
Resources
Forbes pieces written by Sheree: https://www.forbes.com/sites/shereeatcheson/
Articles relevant to our conversations:
Women are not a monolith and we must stop treating them like one
There is no race card to play because race is intertwined into everything
Book links
Kogan Page - use DEMANDINGMORE for 20% off: https://www.koganpage.com/product/demanding-more-9781398600447#showKeyFeatures
Amazon : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Demanding-More-Diversity-Inclusion-Doesnt/dp/139860044X
Goodreads : https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55876483-demanding-more
Connect
Other recent conversations we really enjoyed:
Onboarding as an Intentional Practice of Inclusivity
Let's Link Arms to Bridge the Gap and Transform Ourselves
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I am so delighted to share with you the recent conversation I had with Michelle Bess, the Vice President of Talent and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at OppLoans. In her role, she focuses on creating systems and processes to ensure an equitable company where individuals from all backgrounds are seen, validated, and where they’re able to succeed. In this episode, we talk about the work that OppLoans is doing, what it looks like doing DEI within a company with a very small team, and some often overlooked areas of inclusion within organizations. Topics in this episode
Prioritizing mission-based work within your career
Economic inclusion and the ripple effect it has on families and their communities
Techniques Michelle has found to be successful in her DEI work
The importance of creating allies and ambassadors of DEI work within your organization, and the process of getting them plugged into doing the work
The wide scope of what inclusion means
Thinking about off-boarding and re-onboarding parents around times of leave - another area of inclusion to consider for companies
Having to be more intentional when employees are distributed and aren’t in a central location
Connect
Other recent conversations we really enjoyed:
Let's Link Arms to Bridge the Gap and Transform Ourselves
Creating Equity and Social Justice Must Be Intentional, Methodical, and Continuous
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Grady Crosby is a dynamic senior-level executive leader and corporate officer for Johnson Controls, which was honored to be called one of the world’s most ethical companies under his leadership from 2014-2020, and was ranked 18th on the 2020 list of the 100 best corporate citizens by CR Magazine. In his role he is responsible for driving Johnson Controls’ global strategies regarding diversity, equity, inclusion, sustainability, government relations, and its philanthropic endeavors to maintain the company’s commitment to improvement. In our conversation, we focus on how companies can engage with their communities, and how to create pipelines when there may be a gap within the areas of talent and diversity. As with Grady, we truly believe that this work only gets done through our collective power, and the more we can link arms and walk together to create these spaces, the more inclusive we can become, and the better we are as a country and as a people. Topics in this episode
Knowing how to bring people alongside you and your work
Getting up the courage to use your platform
Changing norms and creating pipelines
Partnerships with HBCUs
Challenging the way we look at talent
Youth and community engagement from a large company
The ROI on community investment
Why DEI is important from a global perspective
Connect
Other recent conversations we really enjoyed:
Creating Equity and Social Justice Must Be Intentional, Methodical, and Continuous
Our Environment, Community, and Businesses All Impact Social Change
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I am so excited to share with you the conversation I had with Rob Michalak, who has done some incredible things and works for a company that I love, Ben & Jerry’s. Rob is the Social Mission Special Projects Director there, and the core of his role is to ensure that their products and missions can thrive together. In our conversation, we talked about internal and external accountability, and how Ben & Jerry’s works to create equity and justice through the entire supply chain, from farmers to customers, and putting their values into action. Topics in this episode
Tension between the social interest of the company and the economic purpose of the company
Looking at why Ben & Jerry’s is more expensive than other brands - from value and quality interests
Creating brand loyalty with customers, as well as within the supply chain
Living the values within the company that you wish to see externally
Having confidence in the company’s core values, even when they come into question
Creating an independent board of directors, made up of activists
Results-based accountability
What’s the best we can do today? And how can we raise the bar tomorrow?
Connect
Ben & Jerry’s Website
Other recent conversations we really enjoyed:
Elevating Business Resource Groups into Business Practices
Our Environment, Community, and Businesses All Impact Social Change
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Today I am talking with a woman who has done so many amazing things in our community and in her career. Lydia Smith is the director of diversity and inclusion at Kohl’s. She leads the development and execution of the company’s diversity and inclusion strategies. Outside of her role there, she is also the co-owner of Social X, a young professional diversity and inclusion consulting group, which provides professional development and connections in order to attract and retain talent in the city of Milwaukee. In our conversation, we discuss the importance of business resource groups and listening sessions between associates and executives in order to achieve true understanding, and how that plays out within the organization. TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE
Helping professionals navigate networking and development
Being committed not only to DEI, but also ensuring that it is applied both internally and externally
Ensuring economic empowerment as part of a larger DEI strategy
Examining how companies can partner with external organizations
Leveraging diversity groups within the organization
Elevating business resource groups into business practices
The power of not creating a solution in the moment
CONNECT
Social X
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I am so excited to share with you the conversation I had with Cristy Garcia-Thomas, the Chief External Affairs Officer at Advocate Aurora Healthcare, one of the top 10 largest healthcare systems in the United States. She is responsible for shaping the overall experience for patients, team members, and community partners in a broad and very strategic way. We talk about the relationship between diversity, equity, and inclusion on overall health, and how Advocate Aurora Healthcare is investing in their community and partnering with community groups in order to address the life expectancy gap. As Cristy says, “It takes a village,” and I’m sure you will enjoy hearing how AAH is investing in theirs. Topics in this episode
Helping people live better lives
80% of someone’s overall health is based on the environment in which they live
Factors that dictate your health
Creating equity around social determinants for health outcomes
Covid’s role in increasing awareness around healthcare inequalities
Developing a culture around inclusivity and it’s effect on turnover and improving the bottom line
The relationship between DEI and healthcare costs
Connect
Website
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I am so excited to share with you my recent conversation with Melinda Briana Epler, the Founder and CEO of Change Catalyst, which works to create inclusive tech ecosystems through strategic advising, startup programs, and resources. In our conversation, she shares how her personal experiences gave her the opportunity to see inequalities as a result of the corporate culture, and how it inspired her to start Change Catalyst in order to have a bigger impact in the tech space. She shares the importance of recognizing the change you can affect, and how to influence those who may be able to do more. I really enjoyed our conversation, and whether you are in tech or outside of it, I know you will too. Topics in this episode
Creating behavioral and organizational change through storytelling
Your ability to create the change you seek within an organization
Imposter syndrome
Recognizing microaggressions
Owning the work that we can do
Strategy and accountability comes from the top, down
Techniques to build trust with leadership
Lessons learned in the tech industry that can be applied to other spaces
Using the media as a way to hold companies accountable
Connect
Website: http://changecatalyst.co/
TedTalk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k12j-E1LsUU
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Today I am talking with Sadiki Etienne, who has spent the last ten years partnering with leaders at some of the world’s most influential organizations to address global development challenges and enhance economic inclusion. Throughout his career, he has applied his experience in operational strategy, program implementation, and public policy reform in over 25 countries! I am particularly excited to talk with him from the perspective of us both doing the work of social entrepreneurship, and how we use these skills to help facilitate change in small and big ways in a consistent effort to make the world a better place. Topics in this episode
Applying this work to many different sectors
Creating inclusive ecosystems within a company and within the larger community
Understanding the nuances within consumer groups so that all of their needs are addressed
The connection between internal diversity and being able to serve your customers to the fullest extent
The virtues of what it takes to do social impact work
Asking team members: what are your strengths and weaknesses, and how does that impact the team, the client, and the work you are doing?
The importance of self-assessments, and sharing it with those around you
Connect
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadikie/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SadikiEtienne
Email: sadiki.etienne@gmail.com
Thank you so much for joining us for another episode of Uplifting Impact. We would love to have you tell your friends and family and people you work with about the podcast, because we know that the more people we have who are out there in the world trying to create internal and external change, the better we’re going to leave this world for the people that follow us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I am so excited to be here with Julia Wuench, leadership and career coach, whose mission it is to enhance personal fulfillment at work and in life. In our conversation, we dive into what it means to be a necessity-entrepreneur, and the work she does with Helius to help entrepreneurs. She also shares the unique definition shared by Helius for what it looks like to be successful, and how the concepts of shifting qualifications can also be applied to corporate, university, and other large organization settings. I so appreciate the modeling of the work that she does, and the use of her time, talent, and treasures to to create an example of what this could look like and how this can be achieved. Julia also wanted me to share with you that she has created an online course called Maximizing Your Potential at Work and in Life. And she has even created a discount for Uplifting Impact listeners! It is normally priced at $99, but use the code “UPLIFTINGIMPACT” and get $74 off, making it only $25. Topics in this episode
The importance of cognitive diversity
Looking at the shutting down of a business as success
Julia’s personal motivation in helping entrepreneurs
The catalytic effect of entrepreneurship
What kind of capital do you have access to that others may not?
Redefining the needs of an entrepreneur
Demystifying the identification of what it looks like to be an entrepreneur, so that others feel empowered to claim it for themselves
Connect
Email: julia@theauthenticityguide.com
For career and leadership coaching: https://www.theauthenticityguide.com/
To learn more about Helius: https://www.heliusnc.org/
To give to Helius: https://heliusnc.org/donate
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Today we have empathy warrior Corey Ponder with us. He has over 10 years of professional experience as a policy analyst in the public and private sectors and is a huge believer in the power of human connection and how that can drive impact. In our conversation, we really dig into the exploration of the idea that we all have some level of privilege, and how we can use that to leverage the voices of those around us to uplift them. He also shares the two lenses through which he approaches DEI work, and how to address the idea that we all have to be experts in order to do work in this space. I truly enjoyed this conversation, and I know you will too. Topics in this episode
Emotional intelligence
The responsibility we have to say something and do something about the events that are happening around us
Getting comfortable with discomfort
The desire to belong
Centering the people we are trying to serve
The hero/sidekick analogy
Connect
Website
EmPACT Strategies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I am so glad that you’re here joining us today for such a wonderful conversation I had with Isioma Nwabuzor, an attorney in the Milwaukee area. Currently, she works with Robert W. Baird, an employee-owned financial services firm, supporting the firm’s US and UK transactions in its private equity business. Isioma is a DREAMer, and in this episode, she shares some of the unseen and unknown hardships of what it is like to be an immigrant in the US, how companies can do a better job of being inclusive, and she also shares information about her organization, The Dreamer Next Door Incorporated and the work they are doing to lift others as we rise. Topics in this episode
The DREAM act
Living in a state of limbo as a DREAMer
The implications of being a DREAMer
Things that those in leadership roles can do to help alleviate some of the challenges of employees who are in marginalized demographics
What inclusion looks like in the workplace
Education is the ground-zero for empathy
The trauma of carrying the weight of a marginalized identity
Connect Website Instagram Facebook Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ashley Ladd is the Manager of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Hubspot, a global tech company, and I am so excited to have her own the show today. Hubspot is vital to the work we do here at Uplifting Impact, and after our conversation, it reinforces that I am so happy to use their platform. Ashley’s work is proof that this organization is a leader for D and I work in the tech space, and in our conversation, she shares the role of employee resource groups as part of a larger D and I strategy, and the importance of intersection and ally-ship within these groups. Topics in this episode
What ERGs, employee resource groups, can do
Addressing intersectionality
Male allies as advocates in the workplace
Partnering with other organizations instead of reinventing the wheel
The importance of small actions
Choosing priorities and where the resources go
The strongest leaders in the space are intentional about how they listen
Connect LinkedIn Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I am so excited to have the opportunity to speak with Tariq Meyers on this episode and to share our conversation with you. Tariq has spent many years advancing equity and inclusion in the private and nonprofit sectors, served at Lyft and Coinbase as their first Head of Belonging and Inclusion, and recently joined Jumpstart as their Vice President of Strategy. Jumpstart is an example of a company that does DEI very well, and in our conversation, we talk about some of the amazing work he’s doing there, how to bring together companies and recruits that share the same values, and the key steps companies and organizations should take when beginning the work of DEI. Topics in this episode
Tariq’s personal mission of helping others attain their audacious dreams
Empowering candidates to land their dream job
Getting recruits to shift their focus from large enterprise companies to smaller, yet still very passionate, companies
Building a talent ecosystem
Helping companies understand and setting goals around, “What does success look like for you?”
Creatively thinking around engaging various populations
It’s not what we do, but it’s how we do it
Connect Email: tariq@jumpstart.me LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tariq-meyers/ Jumpstart: https://jumpstart.me/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today we have Torin Ellis with us, who uses his platform as a diversity strategist, published author, and host of Career Mix on Sirius XM, to assist clients in optimizing recruiting efforts using strategies of collaboration, transparency, and performance monitoring. Our conversation kicks off with Torin explaining that he approaches the work differently than other practitioners in this space, and we can see that through our discussion of his core values of love and process. He explains more about what this means on a day to day level, and how he applies his unique approach to making teams, corporations, and humanity as a whole, better. Topics in this episode
Why diversity, equity, and inclusion work is so important to Torin
This work requires different skill sets and people that have different talents and bringing them to the table
Starting from a place of love
Recognizing employees and team members as their whole selves
The breakdown between the expectation versus reality within the corporate culture
Tackling the argument: We have to lower our standards in order to diversify
Disrupting the current policies and systems within a corporation
Connect
@torinellis on all social media
Humans at Work, Virtual Film Festival: https://www.humansat.work/film-festival Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I am so honored to have Fields Jackson Jr on the podcast today. Fields is a thought leader in the diversity, equity, and inclusion space and is currently the Founder and Chief Cheerleader of Racing Toward Diversity magazine, which is focused on showcasing the best DEI work being done all over the world. He is also the Executive Director of the HBCU Business Deans Roundtable, and as such, he has been able to connect students and young people with companies looking to hire. In our conversation, we discuss how we can help those that are on the journey of understanding and providing diverse, equitable, and inclusive environments. And we also talk about the impact of this moment, and the longevity and accountability of the changes we’re seeing around us. Topics in this episode
The business case for diversity
The struggles of a printed publication
The positive impact of going digital
If you can’t find anyone for the position you are looking to fill, who are you talking to? Take a look at your networks and your candidates and evaluate how you are bringing in diverse voices
Creating diversity conversations within large companies
The longevity of this moment in time
The movement of the workforce based on the values of the company they work for
Connect
https://www.racingtowarddiversity.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fieldsjacksonjr/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fleejack
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I am so excited that we have Dawn Bennett-Alexander on the episode with us today. I have had the great fortune to watch and see how she has used her legal background with her educational background and blended that so beautifully in the diversity, equity, and inclusion space. Through her work in this space, she has received over 50 awards and recognitions for her work and has also lead a Ted talk on practical diversity, taking inclusion from theory to practice. In our conversation today, she impresses upon us the importance of heart-work and approaching diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging from a place of love and connection. Topics in this episode
Engaging with others through the heart
Corporations can’t just do the work from the top down. Employees must also do the individual work of understanding what diversity, equity, and inclusion mean.
The important process of unpacking the things that we bring into the workplace
Most people don’t realize the impact of their actions on other people
Measuring success within diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging work
Equality versus equity
Connect Ted Talk: https://youtu.be/ExcDNly1DbI Practicaldiversity.com Email: dawndba@gmail.com There is always more space for more people, so make sure you share this episode so we can get more people on this journey with us. We believe here at Uplifting Impact, the more people we have thinking about these issues, working in this space, doing the heart work, and opening their hearts to it, the more impact we can have in the world. So let’s do this together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today our guest is Edward M. Jones, the Vice President of Programs at ABFE, a Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities. In his role, he brings together leaders across the country who are focusing on philanthropic work for organizations led by leaders of color. One of the great things about ABFE is that it creates a great space to learn, convene people, and make sure we are including everybody, particularly African-American issues in our conversations. In our conversation, Edward shares the power of thinking differently about the investments we can make using our time, talent, treasure, and testimony, and challenges us to think about how we can each make a difference. Topics in this episode
The heaviness of the current events, and the promise and opportunity Edward sees in these times
Answering the question, “What can I do?”
The Four T’s:
Time
Talent
Treasure
Testimony
Giving circles
Something we can all do that is a catalyst to get others on board
Thinking about funding in new and different ways
Connect
Email: ejones@abfe.org
Twitter: https://twitter.com/congosdad
Thank you for being here and we hope you enjoyed this episode. We hope that you learned something and that you will share this to increase the impact we can have on the world. How are you using your four T’s, your time, talent, treasure, and testimonies to lift people up and make an impact? How we make investments of our four T’s will determine how we come out of these hard times and what life looks like on the other side. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, I am very excited to share with you the conversation I had with Nate Todd. Nate has more than 14 years of experience in higher education and was named Tulsa Community College’s Dean of Diversity Equity and Inclusion in 2019. In that role, he’s responsible for leading and driving change through the development and implementation of strategic equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives across the college. In our conversation he explains the importance of bringing in students and young people to help drive change, and the context of being in Tulsa has shaped the work he does. Topics in this episode
Looking at the current state of things with positivity
How can you make the most impact for positive change in your situation?
The effect of COVID-19 on DEI work in the higher education space
Aligning your institutional and organizational values with people who prioritize fighting injustice
The damage done by being silent on important issues
Making sure that programming reaches and resonates with everyone
Ensuring that you continue the conversation once it’s started
Connect
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-c-todd-588a8956/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nate.todd.7165
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Today I have a long-time friend Joseline Hardick on the show. She is a professor at WMU-Cooley Law School and has used her years of experience and knowledge as a federal judicial law clerk to create Journey to Esquire, where she is currently the director. This non-profit creates a pipeline for students to help them commit to a law career and gain the skills of leadership and professionalism, all while promoting diversity and inclusion and creating access for law students in the Tampa area. Topics in this episode
Finding the disconnect between students who want jobs, and for employers and bar associations looking to fill positions
Taking a holistic approach when guiding students
Being willing to articulate the value that you bring
The enormous financial burden on students, particularly students of color, and how that affects the roles they can fill
Creating a safe space for students to be able to ask questions
The places of power we need to be preparing a diverse pipeline for
Connect Journey to Esquire: https://www.journeytoesquire.com/ I hope that today you heard some ways that you can mentor someone to a position of power. I want to thank Joseline for everything she’s doing for people who are trying to navigate a very difficult and complicated system, and by creating something we can replicate in other areas. Thank you for taking the time and for caring and being intentional about trying to learn about how to incorporate these ideas of leadership, diversity, equity, and inclusion into your own practices. If we are working together to incorporate these ideas, that we really can change the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I’m super excited because I have my friend Gladys Manzanet here with us today. In addition to being an amazing community leader, she uses her wealth of experience and knowledge within her role at Northwestern Mutual to coach, consult, and support field leadership in their diversity and inclusion efforts. In our conversation, she shares all about what it feels like to have diversity, equity, and inclusion really help move your ideas around sales and help your thinking about how you can bring this into the marketing spaces of your business. Topics in this episode
Working with teams that range from 25-150 people
How coaching and consulting can help make a difference
Cultural differences that may shape day to day sales interactions for a business
Systems within our organizations that we may be blind to that aren’t equitable
Advice for team leaders
Approaching your team members and asking how it can be a more equitable and inclusive environment for them
Empowering team members and so that they feel comfortable coming to you
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gladys-manzanet-0801336 I want to thank Gladys for her time and for sharing her knowledge so we can strengthen our teams and empower team members. To all of you who are listening, thank you for participating. We want to make sure that you’re able to use this content to really help grow and strengthen your leadership because we believe that if you are living in this space and really putting diversity, equity, and inclusion at the forefront of how you’re doing business, we can make a difference in this world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today we have Tyler Whipple from American Family Insurance with us. Tyler is the Vice President of Inclusive Excellence at American Family Insurance. He’s responsible for leading the company’s efforts to develop and implement strategies to advance inclusive excellence as a core value, resulting in a strong culture and great business results across the American Family enterprise. Tyler and I first connected because I was really curious about his role and what he was doing, particularly because American Family Insurance is showing up in the news all the time for doing amazing things in our community and pushing for this idea of being equitable. In our conversation, he shares his experience with building a team for a large enterprise, how to get started, and his mindset of a million, plus one. Topics in this episode
Initiatives required in order to fulfill the objects of DEI work, and executing on those initiatives
The process of identifying opportunities for improvement internally, and implementing strategies
Finding solutions that have a mutual-win result
Tips for approaching initial conversations in regards to areas of opportunity
Cultural intelligence in the workplace
In the times of COVID especially, what can we learn so that we can be better on the other side of this?
Importance of clarity on your mission and what you’re trying to achieve
Connect
Website: https://amfam.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TyWhipple
I want to say thank you so much to Tyler for sharing some of his wisdom today. It was such a delight to hear about the work that American Family Insurance is doing and how open he is with the learning that he and his team is doing. The community they are helping to build is quite amazing! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We have an amazing guest with us, Ms. Chantell M. Garrett. Chantell is responsible for the diversity and inclusion work at the Federal Reserve bank in Kansas City. In her role, she works to lead and execute the strategic priorities and the robust programming of the office of diversity and inclusion throughout the bank’s seven-state district. She’s also the founder of R.U.B.I.E.S., a non-profit she supported for 10 years that provides mentoring and scholarship for female, first-generation, college students. In our conversation, she demonstrates that the road to being a DEI practitioner doesn’t follow a single path to get to that role. She has a passion for working with communities and bringing together collaborative partnerships and ensuring that these partnerships are mutually beneficial, and creating relationships that extend throughout organizations. Topics in this episode
Creating intentional relationships with community members
Even without a traditional title, many people are already doing the work of DEI
Examples of ways an organization can internally do DEI work:
Workforce
Supplier and vendor diversity
Engagement efforts with employees
Creating a culture of belonging and inclusion
Strong talent pipeline
Examples of techniques to use when creating mutually beneficial partnerships with community organizations
The work of DEI is really for everyone within an organization
When building relationships, introduce partners to your internal team, as well as your fellow collaborative partners
Measuring the success of a good collaborative partner relationship and ensuring that you add value to a partnership
Contact infO LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantellgarrett I’m so grateful to have Chantell here. Be sure that you share this, and share these ideas, because the more of us that are thinking about this and really pushing into these ideas like collaborative partnerships, the more we’re going to be able to move the needle in the diversity, equity, and inclusion space. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I am so happy to have Becky Kekula on this episode. She serves as the disability equality index director for Disability:IN. She’s responsible for managing the overall DEI program. She’s very passionate about making sure disability and inclusion conversations are happening in schools and in the workplace. She’s worked in a number of industries, and she’s also a prolific public speaker. In our conversation, she shares the importance of being intentional with disability inclusion as an organization, how to create open communication with candidates for a position that may need accommodation, and overcoming the assumption that accommodation costs too much money for an organization. Topics in this episode
The struggle of entering the workforce as a candidate with a disability
The difference it makes to provide constructive feedback for interviewees
There are systems in place that don’t let people in the door
How to show your willingness to learn and draw the disability community to you:
Include disability in diversity and inclusion statements
Making it known you’re willing to make accommodations, starting from the job application on your website
You want to choose the best candidate, and make sure you’re giving everyone a chance to interview that has the qualifications
Companies that do well in disability inclusion do well financially. It is good for business.
If you are behind in the disability and DEI space, don’t say that you need to become more accessible in order to invite them into the workplace. Candidates and employees with disabilities can be the solution that can help you get better.
The importance of website accessibility
Contact info
Disability:IN https://disabilityin.org/who-we-are/about/
Becky’s Website: http://www.beckymotivates.com/
YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/BeckyMotivates
I want to say thank you to Becky for all of the work she has done and continues to do really elevate the conversation. A lot of the fear goes away when people have someone they feel like they can connect to. I am deeply grateful for Becky coming on Uplifting Impact and being that person here, and also for all the spaces she is in. There is a lot that people can contribute to the world if they escape the thing that they are fearful of and learn all about richness with others, and how we can relate more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I am talking with one of my favorite people, Sundeep Morrison, a queer, nonbinary, Punjabi, Sikh writer, actor, director, author, and activist. Her work focuses on social justice, cultural friction, inter-ethnic family dynamics, and feminism. She’s also the writer and star of Rag Head, an amazing production that explores Sikhs in America. She’s also the host of Deep Talks radio show, a platform to dialogue with socially conscious artists and innovators, where art and activism intersect. In our conversation, she shares the process she goes through in order to create an impact with her art and storytelling. She discusses the importance of humanity really being able to see each other, and some of the work she has done with corporate teams to facilitate connection. Topics in this episode
Using storytelling to do the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion
Telling stories that make people uncomfortable
How to keep a conversation moving forward, even when the other person is uncomfortable
The 3 parts of setting up a story: reflect, repair, redirect
Two exercises to help teams see each other as full people
Building community in the digital space
Connect
Instagram: @sundeepmorrison
Website: http://sundeepmorrison.com/
Book, Lady Bitch Whore: http://sundeepmorrison.com/lbw
I want to thank Sundeep for coming on this episode, for the great conversation we had, for bringing her talents to bear and to help us connect storytelling to art to this idea of humanity. She does it in such a masterful way. We know that if we’re working together, we really can create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive world. All we have to do is go out and do it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Keesha Gill has over 17 years of experience, serving youth and families. She joined Good Shepherd Services back in 2015 as the program director at a community in Red Hook, Brooklyn, and she’s currently the co-chair of the Equity Council. She has a passion for helping to create change in communities in need, and I am glad to share our conversation with you. In this episode, we discuss the need to not only make sure that all voices at all tables are recognized, but to go the extra step and to request a seat at someone else’s table to really build relationships and to hear from these communities what they need, and then how we can come together to help provide that. Topics in this episode
The importance of individualizing the work within a particular community
Making decisions from a lens that continues to create equity
Recognizing our privilege, as well as our own prejudices and preconceived notions
Making decisions that are centered around people, not just centered around processes
Allowing communities to define what success looks like for them
Ways to create helpful partnerships with communities
Cultural competency versus cultural humility
Combining resources and knowledge to collaborate on DEI work
Examples of resources that extend beyond financial resources
Contact Info LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keeshagill/ I was so delighted to have Keesha on as a guest, and after this episode I know we’re going to be thinking about how we share our best practices and how we can think about power in a different kind of way. There are a lot of opportunities for this work right now, and we are seeing networks of providers coming together, and seeing agencies create space for change, which are practices that can benefit everyone, making this such an exciting time to do DEI work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I am so glad I get to spend this afternoon talking to my friend, Meralis Hood. If you want to talk about education and showing up in a way that really supports an inclusive environment, she is the person to talk to. She is a thought leader with the mission to change the way we invest in professionals who work with our young citizens every day. Meralis is the Vice President and Executive Director of City Year Milwaukee, which helps young people develop into leaders, problem solvers, and more active citizens. In our conversation, she shares the importance of creating a culture of transparency, naming the values that you want to implement within an organization, and best practices for supporting young people to see their own potential. I know that there’s no way you can walk away from this without being inspired and I’m honored to share this with you today. Topics in this episode
Convincing yourself and believing that you can achieve, even if you may not have the qualifications on paper
Creating a culture that is built-in, in order to support young people, and setting expectations on staff to perpetuate it.
Modeling the behaviors as a leader that you expect to see from your team
Naming your values.
What are your values as a leader?
What are the values you’re leading with and making decisions with?
Be transparent.
Operationalizing our values so that they trickle down to every piece of the organization.
Questions leaders need to ask themselves:
What are my priorities right now?
Who is best served?
How can I make sure I have the intention I want to have with DEI?
Service as a pathway to a career and to leadership opportunities
Contact Info Website: https://www.meralishood.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/meralishood LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meralis-hood-101001aa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today we have Michelle Kedem on with us. The minute I thought about doing this podcast I knew that I wanted to have her own the show because of the incredible work does. She is the founding partner at On-Ramps, an executive search and research organization that incorporates diversity, equity, and inclusion into every step of their process. She is responsible for supporting the firm’s strategy, development, external relations, and finance of the organization. In our conversation, we discuss the aspects of recruiting that need to be assessed by an organization to ensure they are prioritizing DEI and why an internal audit is a great first step an organization can take. Topics in this episode
If you’re doing nothing, you’re actually upholding the legacy systems - the oppressive systems that got us to where we are.
Diversity makes an organization better
Completing an internal DEI audit
Strategies that they’ve changed after completing the audit:
Looked at the external-facing documents for potentially problematic language, for example, replacing he/she with they
Proactively reaching out to groups in order to have a diverse body
Making sure that the slate is balanced by all the factors, based on the mission of the organization
Researching the organizations that they work with and ensuring they are prepared to handle a diverse candidate pool
What it means to do a listening tour of an organization and why you should
Creating shared frameworks and language
Taking responsibility to start the conversation about culture so that the burden isn’t on the other person
Contact Info
Website: https://www.on-ramps.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onramps/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/onramps
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/on-ramps/
The greatest leaders are the ones who are elevating this conversation to the top. One of the things that we can do with this information is to apply it. Take a look at your own organizations and the things that you’re doing in your own process. Maybe you’re doing a search for candidates right now. What language is used in your job description that may be pushing people off? Can you do an audit of your process and the practices? These are all questions we have to own as leaders and work to answer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Warren Scherer is the Assistant Dean of Students, and the Director of Gender and Sexuality Campus Center at the University of Wisconsin Madison. He leads an array of campus-wide services that focus on the ideas of equity and intercultural campus initiatives for minoritized students. In our conversation today, he shares the perspective of what it means to do diversity, equity, and inclusion work at the university level. We talk about some of the various student populations that should be considered when creating policy, questions one should ask themselves when thinking about policy implementation, and why this work is so important in higher education. Topics in this episode
Experiences he’s had which brought him to DEI work
The impact mentors have had on his life, and how it inspired him to want to be that for others as well
Asking the questions: What populations is a policy advantageous to? Or which populations will this policy be disadvantageous to in its implementation?
The various student populations that may be impacted by policy
Questioning convention. Just because we’ve done this in a certain way for a very long time, doesn’t mean it has to continue to be done this way.
Being an advocate and creating pathways for other young professionals.
The importance of qualitative and quantitative data, and including others in the conversation in order to best interpret that data
DEI work and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic at the university level
3 Free ways to include DEI work:
Being transparent
Bringing people in
Asking questions
Contact Info
Email: warren.scherer@wisc.edu
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warrenascherer/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/warrenascherer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/warren.scherer.5
Thank you for participating in Uplighting Impact. I was so delighted to have Warren on as a guest and as a friend to look up to. I’m so glad that we have so many young people and young professionals who are going to be able to learn from this work as they grow into the wonderful leaders that they’re going to be. If we continue to be transparent and use our social capital to ask questions and to show up with this perspective, we can completely change the way we are including other people in the world, and make it better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I am so excited to be here with my friend Paolo Gaudiano. He’s the CEO of Aleria, President of Aleria research, and the Executive Director of Quantitative Studies of Diversity and Inclusion at the City College of New York. He has decades of experience in business, technology, and academia to transform how people think about diversity and what to do about it, with the ultimate goal to make our society more inclusive and equitable. He’s a public speaker and contributor to Forbes, and today we have the great joy of having him on Uplifting Impact. In our conversation, he shares his journey to DEI work as a white male, the research he does, how he shows up in spaces as someone committed to doing DEI work, and how other white people can start doing it on an individual level. Topics in this episode
The relationship between what happens to an individual within an organization, and what happens to the organization as a whole
Just focusing on data has a lot of flaws.It doesn’t represent what has happened in the past
You’re only seeing things at the population level. It doesn’t provide details on the experience of individuals
Diversity takes years of change before it can be reflected in the data
Inclusion is invisible. You don’t notice it until you are excluded from something.
Categories through which inclusivity is measured:Workplace interactions
Promotion and career advancement
The ability to access information within your company
Recognition
Ways to naturally add diversity and inclusion to your life: Attending cultural events
Literature
Social media
What you do outside of the office translates to what happens at the office
Learning to appreciate the differences without trying to integrate and assimilate.
Paolo’s Literature Recommendations
Kindred by Octavia Butler
Fledgling by Octavia Butler
Toni Morrison
The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Contact Info Email: paolo@aleria.tech Paolo’s articles on Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/search/?q=gaudiano#6dcdab60279f I am so glad to have Paolo on the show and to be able to connect with him and share the work he’s doing. I can’t wait to see how it continues to evolve and the impact it’s going to have on the entire sector. If we work together we can have a much more diverse, equitable, and inclusive world. We just have to do it. So let’s do it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Minda Harts is someone I’ve been dying to have a conversation with, so I’m excited to have her on and talk with her, and to share this with you. Minda is the CEO of The Memo LLC, a career-development platform for women of color. She’s the bestselling author of The Memo; What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table. She frequently speaks on topics such as leadership, managing diverse teams, and self-advocacy. She also hosts a weekly podcast called Secure the Seat. In our conversation she shares some important insights about how to make the most of it once you get to the table, creating a legacy, and some of the important things allies can do to be helpful in the workplace, and beyond. Topics in this episode
You’re not alone. There are other people experiencing what you’re experiencing.
If you care about your workplace, then it starts with understanding how each of our colleagues is bringing themselves to work.
Creating a better work environment with awareness
Having to lean into your own courage throughout the publishing process. If not me, then who?
Success is not a solo sport. It’s bigger than the individual.
Using your voice. Securing your seat at the table, and creating space for others to be able to join.
We can’t fully secure any seat if we’re constantly wondering why we’re there, and what others are thinking of us.
Resources
The Memo on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VNTPN49/
Secure the Seat podcast: http://mindaharts.com/podcast/
Contact Info Website: http://mindaharts.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindaHarts Thank you again to Minda Harts for coming on Uplifting Impact. We talked about acts of courage both big and small. I encourage you all to take a step outside your comfort zone and to help ensure that we all are getting the opportunity to come to the table. And as always, make sure that you are moving in this world in a way that allows us to create more diversity, equity, and inclusion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome back to Uplifting Impact, and I’m so excited because we have Kevin Clark with us today. Kevin is a professor of learning technologies and the Founding Director of the Center for Digital Media Innovation and Diversity at George Mason University. His research focuses on diversity in children’s media and technology and includes a national study that’s really looking at the digital lives of African American tweens, teens, and parents. In addition to his academic career, Kevin has extensive experience as a children’s media advisor and consultant. He’s provided diversity and inclusion expertise on scripts, character design, storylines, animations, games, and helped clients move into a space where they can be more inclusive with the young people they are hoping to share their content with. In our conversation, we discuss the importance of including diverse voices throughout the decision-making process when creating content, getting feedback for children, and what it’s like to be inclusive and create content for children. Topics in this episode
Children’s shows, books, and movies could potentially be watched by thousands or millions of people, so it’s important to get it right
The process of DEI consultative work
What it looks like to update a book or piece of work, while maintaining what keeps it endearing
Recognizing the historical context of what they’re composing
A story that works now may not work 10 years from now
What aspect of a group are you actually trying to make a part of your campaign? When we do this work, we have to help people understand how to be authentic
Authenticity can be revealed by the target audience that was chosen for something
If you incorporate the DEI work at the beginning of the project, you won’t have to figure out how to add it to the project later
Contact Info
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KevinClarkPhD
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinclarkphd/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinclarkphd/
It was lovely to talk to Kevin today and I can’t wait to see the Snowy Day project, available on Amazon. If more people are thinking about how to connect their leadership with the diversity, equity, and inclusion wonderful work that is going on out there, like what Kevin is doing, then we can fundamentally change the way that people show up in this world and the way that they are able to thrive in this world. To see Snowy Day, you can find it here, on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M29SIU2/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Angela Russell is the Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at CUNA Mutual Group. Angela is responsible for leading the development, direction, and implementation of short and long-term strategies and programs that support diversity, equity and inclusion. She shares her journey and how she began doing public health work, her transition to the financial services industry, and how interconnected those are. In our conversation, Angela details the why and how of making lasting change for both the individual-level and the systems-level within an organization and she provides helpful insight on how others can take up this work as well. Topics in this episode
The connection between public health, politics, and financial services.
Having clarity on your purpose.
Being intentional with diversity, inequity, and inclusion
The importance of executive-level buy-in of the work, and how that makes a difference
Individual change and systems change. Are you trying to change hearts and minds? Or are you trying to change policy? It can be “both, and”
How to start the process of looking at and changing policies: Who is this policy benefiting, and who is it unintentionally hurting?
Being compliant versus being inclusive and what ally-ship looks like
The role of vulnerability in this work, and how it impacts your emotional intelligence
Contact Info LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelarrussell I’m so glad you got the chance to hear her and learn from her. We would love for you to share this episode and make sure you stay connected by going to http://www.deannasingh.com/. It’s only by staying connected and learning together that we can make the change we want to see. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We look at the intersection of Leadership and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. There are a lot of people who will discuss the challenges in the DEI space, but not how to solve them. Leaders who want to break the status quo, come here. We will build a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive world together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices