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Beyond the Checkbox: Real Talk on Diversity and Inclusion with La’Ron Louis
Hey Trailblazers! You know when an episode feels more like a movement? That’s exactly what you’re in for today. Tiffany Benitez and Jordan Franklin are sitting down with La’Ron Louis, a global DEI (Diversity, equity, and inclusion) leader who’s not just doing the work but living it every single day. If you’ve ever felt unseen in your career or wondered what it really takes to drive inclusion beyond the surface, this one’s for you.
La’Ron takes us back to the start. His story isn’t just powerful; it’s deeply personal. La' Ron shared, "And as a black gay man, I often felt. My voice wasn't heard, even in my family, I didn't feel seen, oftentimes. And then when I saw that happening to others, I would use my loud voice and personality to stand up and advocate for those individuals without fear."
So what did he do? He used that same voice to make sure others could be heard. “I find a way or I make one,” he says. And that mindset launched a career built on advocacy, strategy, and heart.
We get into what corporate America often gets wrong about DEI. Performative efforts, box-checking, and surface-level statements don’t move the needle. La’Ron breaks down how real change happens through inclusive leadership, psychological safety, and using data to tell stories that matter. “It either is or it isn’t. The data doesn’t lie,” he shares.
Of course, we’re talking about mentorship too. But not just the formal kind. La’Ron explains the difference between mentorship and sponsorship and why sometimes the most powerful advocates are the ones speaking your name when you’re not in the room. You’ll walk away thinking differently about how you show up for others and how you build your own support network.
Here are the key takeaways:
(3:09) Authenticity & showing up unapologetically
(6:09) Overcoming leadership barriers & hearing “no”
(7:17) Manifestation & persistence
(10:32) Rethinking inclusion metrics
(13:18) What makes "DEI" black and white?
(15:46) Living dei in real time
(21:15) Mentorship vs. sponsorship & advocacy
(25:01) Finding your people in the industry
(27:24) Making more deposits or withdrawals?
This episode brings insight, big energy, and conversations that stay with you. Want to know what legacy La’Ron is building and why he thinks every person, not just the DEI leader, is part of the movement? You’ll have to tune in. Subscribe, share, and stay with us for more real talk and trailblazing voices.
About La’Ron Louis
La’Ron Louis is a Global DEI leader with experience leading inclusion strategies across Fortune 500 companies. He has designed programs focused on learning, talent development, and workplace belonging across regions, including AMER, EMEA, and APAC. La’Ron partners with organizations and academic institutions to support DEI education and engagement. He holds certifications from Yale and the University of South Florida and currently resides in Atlanta.
Connect with La’Ron:
About Tiffany Benitez & Jordan Franklin
Tiffany Benitez leads Data Governance at Compass Group USA, ensuring data quality, integrity, and compliance across all business units. She is passionate about driving data excellence and advancing women in tech and STEM.
Jordan Franklin, CEO of Gumption and Stratice, is revolutionizing the job market with behavioral AI, making talent acquisition efficient. For three years, she's been celebrated as a top staffing influencer.
Connect with Hosts:
Tiffany’s LinkedIn
Jordan’s LinkedIn
Disclaimer
This podcast is for informational purposes only. The content should be taken as something other than professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding specific situations or concerns.
View all episodes
By Tiffany Benitez and Jordan FranklinHey Trailblazers! You know when an episode feels more like a movement? That’s exactly what you’re in for today. Tiffany Benitez and Jordan Franklin are sitting down with La’Ron Louis, a global DEI (Diversity, equity, and inclusion) leader who’s not just doing the work but living it every single day. If you’ve ever felt unseen in your career or wondered what it really takes to drive inclusion beyond the surface, this one’s for you.
La’Ron takes us back to the start. His story isn’t just powerful; it’s deeply personal. La' Ron shared, "And as a black gay man, I often felt. My voice wasn't heard, even in my family, I didn't feel seen, oftentimes. And then when I saw that happening to others, I would use my loud voice and personality to stand up and advocate for those individuals without fear."
So what did he do? He used that same voice to make sure others could be heard. “I find a way or I make one,” he says. And that mindset launched a career built on advocacy, strategy, and heart.
We get into what corporate America often gets wrong about DEI. Performative efforts, box-checking, and surface-level statements don’t move the needle. La’Ron breaks down how real change happens through inclusive leadership, psychological safety, and using data to tell stories that matter. “It either is or it isn’t. The data doesn’t lie,” he shares.
Of course, we’re talking about mentorship too. But not just the formal kind. La’Ron explains the difference between mentorship and sponsorship and why sometimes the most powerful advocates are the ones speaking your name when you’re not in the room. You’ll walk away thinking differently about how you show up for others and how you build your own support network.
Here are the key takeaways:
(3:09) Authenticity & showing up unapologetically
(6:09) Overcoming leadership barriers & hearing “no”
(7:17) Manifestation & persistence
(10:32) Rethinking inclusion metrics
(13:18) What makes "DEI" black and white?
(15:46) Living dei in real time
(21:15) Mentorship vs. sponsorship & advocacy
(25:01) Finding your people in the industry
(27:24) Making more deposits or withdrawals?
This episode brings insight, big energy, and conversations that stay with you. Want to know what legacy La’Ron is building and why he thinks every person, not just the DEI leader, is part of the movement? You’ll have to tune in. Subscribe, share, and stay with us for more real talk and trailblazing voices.
About La’Ron Louis
La’Ron Louis is a Global DEI leader with experience leading inclusion strategies across Fortune 500 companies. He has designed programs focused on learning, talent development, and workplace belonging across regions, including AMER, EMEA, and APAC. La’Ron partners with organizations and academic institutions to support DEI education and engagement. He holds certifications from Yale and the University of South Florida and currently resides in Atlanta.
Connect with La’Ron:
About Tiffany Benitez & Jordan Franklin
Tiffany Benitez leads Data Governance at Compass Group USA, ensuring data quality, integrity, and compliance across all business units. She is passionate about driving data excellence and advancing women in tech and STEM.
Jordan Franklin, CEO of Gumption and Stratice, is revolutionizing the job market with behavioral AI, making talent acquisition efficient. For three years, she's been celebrated as a top staffing influencer.
Connect with Hosts:
Tiffany’s LinkedIn
Jordan’s LinkedIn
Disclaimer
This podcast is for informational purposes only. The content should be taken as something other than professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding specific situations or concerns.