By Cloe Guidry-Reed
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The podcast currently has 182 episodes available.
On this episode of Breaking Barriers, Building a Higher Ground, I had the pleasure of speaking with Adam Moore and Cloe Guidry Reed about the future of supplier diversity in 2024. In the rapidly evolving world of supplier diversity, Adam and Cloe delved into the emerging trends and challenges that businesses should prepare for in the coming year.
Cloe Guidry Reed is a distinguished figure in the supplier diversity sector, known for her strategic leadership and innovative approach at Higher Ground. With a rich background in business and diversity initiatives, Cloe has been instrumental in shaping the conversation around economic inclusion and supplier diversity. Her expertise drives impact and fosters a culture of organizational diversity and equity. Cloe is highly sought after for her insights on emerging trends and her commitment to sustainable practices.
“Harder conversations… It goes back to positioning your team as a potential revenue generator. If you’re not doing that, you’re really not doing a good job promoting the team.” – Adam Moore
Today on Breaking Barriers, Building a Hire Ground:
Contact Adam Moore and Cloe Guidry Reed on LinkedIn for more insights and updates on supplier diversity and economic inclusion.
Resources Mentioned:
To learn more about efficient supplier diversity programs and inclusive workforce development, visit Hire Ground.
This podcast is brought to you by Hire Ground
Hire Ground is a technology company whose mission is to bridge the wealth gap through access to procurement opportunities. Hire Ground is making the enterprise ecosystem more viable, profitable, and competitive by clearing the path for minority-led, women-led, LGBT-led, and veteran-led small businesses to contribute to the global economy as suppliers to enterprise organizations.
For more information on getting started, please visit us @ hireground.io today!
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
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February 2021 was Black History Month, a movement that is not and should not be confined to one month of the calendar year. Despite the best intentions of many companies to promise change in the workplace for the better, Black History Month’s message can easily get lost regardless of the many corporations pledging to make a positive change in their industries. In the last year, the Black Lives Matter movement has gained worldwide coverage helping to pull focus on Black history and the Black contribution to American society. With the whole world watching, it is more important than ever for corporations to stay true to their word when they say they are doing all they can to create fairer opportunities for all.
In today’s episode, we want to keep the conversation of Black History & Culture going beyond a month of celebration to stay intentional with the essential and ongoing change across our society. We discuss the ways businesses can tangibly support Black culture, minority employees, and minority suppliers. We explain why it’s important to recognize the differences each person can bring to your business and why the fashion to ‘not see color’ is unhelpful when you have a mix of cultures and backgrounds that you should try to understand and celebrate. We also look at the evolution of America and just how black people have been an integral part of the building of our nation, how they have been overlooked in the past for their contributions, and of course, why we celebrate the changes that have happened, are happening, and have yet to come.
“What actually makes us stronger as friends and co-hosts is realizing those differences, celebrating them, and not being ashamed to talk about them.” – Adam Moore
This week on Breaking Barriers:
Connect with Hire Ground:
Hire Ground is a technology company whose mission is to bridge the wealth gap through access to procurement opportunities. Hire Ground is making the enterprise ecosystem more viable, profitable, and competitive by clearing the path for minority-led, women-led LGBT-led, and veteran-led small businesses to contribute to the global economy as suppliers to enterprise organizations.
For more information on getting started please visit us @ hireground.io today!
The Supply Chain Advisory Board for the University of Georgia is the primary contact between industry and Supply Chain professors and students.
Marty Parker is a UGA alumnus and lecturer who helped launch the UGA Supply Chain Advisory Board and is currently an honor supply chain leader for UGA. He is a partner at TechCXO, providing companies with on-demand executives. Marty is a Strategy Expert in Supply Chain with 25+ years of Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing, Strategic Planning, International Expansion, Factory Buildouts, M & M&A, ERP, CRM, and process improvement experience with key software tools, including SAP, Salesforce, and Arena Simulations. He is also the Chief Strategy Officer with Hire Ground. He is a valuable asset to the company’s strategic planning processes, creating greater transparency and accountability within those processes.
Aliana Stehr is a student at UGA and the Vice President of the UGA Supply Chain Advisory Board. Studying a BBA in Business Management with Emphasis in Supply Chain/Operations, she seeks a summer internship in the supply chain sector. Aliana has interned with Broadway Enterprises Inc, gaining experience with the latest warehouse inventory systems and getting hands-on experience with project leads. As a previous team leader with Chick-Fil-A and as an intern with the American Franchise Company, Aliana already has a diverse work education to bring to her studies and the career that will follow.
Marty and Aliana join us today to discuss what Diversity Supply Chain means and the goal of diversity hiring. We discuss the importance of creating next-generation talent in supplier diversity and what the profession’s elders can do for the new kids on the block. Ali shares her discovery of supply chain and explains the benefits the industry has to all different kinds of people from all different walks of life. We also discuss the upcoming and emerging technologies and what newcomers can expect when working with A.I. and robotics in business.
“The more diversity you have, the better performing team you will have.” – Marty Parker
This week on Breaking Barriers:
Connect with Marty Parker:
Connect with Ali Stehr:
Connect with Hire Ground:
With thanks to
University of Georgia Supply Chain Advisory Board
In addition to ensuring the UGA’s supply chain curriculum meets employer’s needs, the board also connects employers with highly qualified students and joins corporate board members like Johnson and Johnson, Home Depot, and Chick-Fil-A to discover and hire tomorrows supply chain innovators today.
To learn more go to www.terry.uga.edu click on Alumni and find the Supply Chain Advisory Board there!
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Welcome to Hire Ground, where we delve into the strategies that cultivate an inclusive and thriving workplace. Today’s episode, featuring the insightful Vicky Brown, CEO of Idomeneo Enterprises, takes us on a journey through the intricacies of creating an empowering employee experience. With a wealth of knowledge in HR and employee training, Vicky’s approach to shaping a positive corporate culture and improving interdepartmental relationships is both practical and transformative.
Vicky Brown is renowned for her capacity to merge HR best practices with a deep understanding of the organizational culture. She is an advocate for structured onboarding processes, developing comprehensive employee handbooks, engaging leadership training, and fostering affinity groups. Throughout her career, Vicky’s dedication to nurturing trust and respect in the workplace has shaped her as a respected voice in her field.
“People need to feel trusted and respected in the workplace—it’s about more than just a paycheck; it’s about dignity.” – Vicky Brown
This week on Hire Ground:
Connect with Vicky Brown:
LinkedIn
Idomeneo Enterprises
This podcast is brought to you by Hire Ground
Hire Ground is a technology company whose mission is to bridge the wealth gap through access to procurement opportunities. Hire Ground is making the enterprise ecosystem more viable, profitable, and competitive by clearing the path for minority-led, women-led, LGBT-led, and veteran-led small businesses to contribute to the global economy as suppliers to enterprise organizations.
For more information on getting started please visit us @ hireground.io today!
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
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Welcome to another enlightening episode of Hire Ground, where we explore the intersecting paths of supply chain inclusion, supplier diversity, and creating a more equitable economy. On today’s episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Takema Robinson, an inspiring leader and catalyst for social justice through corporate change.
Takema Robinson, founder and CEO of Converge, is not only at the forefront of advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the corporate world, but she’s also solidifying the importance of DEI within the very fabric of community dynamics. With a rich family history in civil rights activism and a personal education journey through Howard University, her expertise surrounds nurturing relationships with giant corporations to better serve communities of color, ensuring that diversity is more than just a buzzword, but rather a potent asset in every aspect of a business ecosystem.
“The key to unlocking real change is not to be punitive but to invite everyone to see diversity as a superpower, something that can positively influence all of us.” – Takema Robinson
Key takeaways from our conversation with Takema include:
Connect with Takema Robinson:
LinkedIn
Converge Consulting
Takema
Resources Mentioned:
Fearless Fund
This podcast is brought to you by Hire Ground
Hire Ground is a technology company whose mission is to bridge the wealth gap through access to procurement opportunities. Hire Ground is making the enterprise ecosystem more viable, profitable, and competitive by clearing the path for minority-led, women-led, LGBT-led, and veteran-led small businesses to contribute to the global economy as suppliers to enterprise organizations.
For more information on getting started please visit us @ hireground.io today!
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
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Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and join us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn
In this week’s episode, we dive deep into the critical intersection of law, ESG, and racial equity with our guest, Johnjerica Hodge. As a partner at Katten and co-chair of their ESG risk and investigations practice, Johnjerica plays a vital role in guiding companies through the complexities of maintaining their ESG and DEI commitments while facing legal challenges. We discuss the importance of supply chain inclusion and supplier diversity, as well as the evolving landscape of ESG in corporate practices. John Jericho shares practical tips and insights for companies navigating these issues and emphasizes the need for continuous adaptation and awareness in the ever-changing ESG space.
Johnjerica Hodge is a partner at Katten and co-chair of their ESG risk and investigations practice. With over seven years of experience at the firm, she has handled various internal and governmental investigations, corporate compliance, and ethics work. Her work in the ESG space began last year when she realized clients’ growing needs in this area. Johnjerica and her co-chair, India Williams, started teaching a course on ESG at their alma mater, the University of Alabama, focusing on racial equity audits in the ESG paradigm. They have also contracted a publisher for an upcoming book on ESG. Johnjerica’s expertise in ESG, racial equity audits, and legal matters makes her a valuable resource for companies navigating the complexities of ESG and DEI commitments.
“Everyone is trying to get to a certain level. And so, some of the companies we speak with, they are very, very ESG savvy. They’ve implemented the policies, implemented the procedures, they are doing the monitoring, they feel comfortable, and they are near the forefront of the space.”
~Johnjerica Hodge
Today on Breaking Barriers:
Resources Mentioned:
Get in Touch with Johnjerica:
This podcast is brought to you by Hire Ground
Hire Ground is a technology company whose mission is to bridge the wealth gap through access to procurement opportunities. Hire Ground is making the enterprise ecosystem more viable, profitable, and competitive by clearing the path for minority-led, women-led, LGBT-led, and veteran-led small businesses to contribute to the global economy as suppliers to enterprise organizations.
For more information on getting started please visit us @ hireground.io today!
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
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Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and join us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
In this episode of Breaking Barriers, Building a Higher Ground, we had the pleasure of speaking with Leslie Chang from Caelux a California-based startup at the forefront of solar technology innovation. Leslie, as the director of strategy and policy, shared her journey from studying economic history to consulting for global development organizations, and how her passion for sustainability and climate change led her to Caelux.
Caelux is not just pioneering in solar technology with their proprietary perovskite nanomaterials that promise to increase solar panel efficiency by 30%, but they are also deeply committed to inclusive workforce development and economic equity. Leslie highlighted the importance of local hiring, providing living wages, and offering career mobility within the company, emphasizing that their workforce should reflect the community they are part of.
We delved into the company’s strategic decision to manufacture domestically, spurred by the Inflation Reduction Act, which offers financial incentives for onshore production. Leslie pointed out the importance of messaging in the renewable energy sector, especially when it comes to bridging the divide in public perception and working with various stakeholders, including utilities, to ensure market readiness for new technologies.
Leslie’s insights into the future of the green economy and job creation were thought-provoking, stressing the need for the industry to come together to shape the market and make climate change relatable to the working class. It was a conversation filled with practical tips and a testament to how energy startups can be catalysts for change, not just in their communities but on a broader scale.
Leslie Chang is a distinguished figure in the tech industry, known for her dynamic leadership and innovative approach at Caelux Corporation. With a rich background in engineering and business, Leslie has been instrumental in steering Caelux’s growth and expansion in new markets. Her expertise lies in developing cutting-edge technologies and fostering a culture of creativity and excellence within the organization. Leslie is a respected voice in tech, often sought after for her insights on emerging trends and her commitment to sustainable practices. Her leadership style is characterized by her ability to blend technical acumen with strategic foresight, making her a key player in shaping the future of technology. Beyond her professional achievements, Leslie is an advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM fields, actively working to inspire the next generation of innovators and leaders.
“We’re not just pushing forward innovative changes within renewable energy, we’re also building this muscle again to become a thriving, economically driven country focused on the middle and working class.” – Leslie Chang
Today on Breaking Barriers:
This podcast is brought to you by Hire Ground
Hire Ground is a technology company whose mission is to bridge the wealth gap through access to procurement opportunities. Hire Ground is making the enterprise ecosystem more viable, profitable, and competitive by clearing the path for minority-led, women-led, LGBT-led, and veteran-led small businesses to contribute to the global economy as suppliers to enterprise organizations.
For more information on getting started please visit us @ hireground.io today!
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
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Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and join us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn
In this special episode we focus on Hire Ground, the innovative minority-woman-led B2B software company that sponsors and produces this podcast. Hire Ground gives enterprise buyers the tools to confidently source and manage suppliers while helping diverse entrepreneurs access new business opportunities. Through tailored configuration, data-driven matchmaking, best-in-class management tools, and unparalleled thought partnership, Hire Ground helps clients meet their supply chain inclusion goals while optimizing their entire procurement process.
Members of Hire Ground’s staff join hosts Cloe Guidry-Reed and Matt Colaciello (in for Adam Moore) to discuss the company, its software, and its mission to create a business ecosystem where everyone has access to opportunities for innovation, growth, and prosperity. Cloe is the CEO and founder of Hire Ground. She describes the company’s bold vision for the future of supplier diversity and economic inclusion, including how listeners—from corporate supply chain professionals to diverse entrepreneurs—can play a role in building the equitable economy of the future. Hire Ground’s staff members then discuss the software they develop, challenges they are helping clients overcome, and their growing work with clients in the U.K. and European Union.
“Our hypothesis is that by empowering supplier diversity professionals with the technology and support they need, we’re ensuring that the next generation of diverse entrepreneurs will succeed.”
~Chloe Guidry-Reed
Resources Mentioned:
This podcast is brought to you by Hire Ground
Hire Ground is a technology company whose mission is to bridge the wealth gap through access to procurement opportunities. Hire Ground is making the enterprise ecosystem more viable, profitable, and competitive by clearing the path for minority-led, women-led, LGBT-led, and veteran-led small businesses to contribute to the global economy as suppliers to enterprise organizations.
For more information on getting started please visit us @ hireground.io today!
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
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Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and join us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Zuzy Martin-Aly is the host of the Girls in Tech podcast, a nonprofit organization with a mission to eliminate the gender gap in tech one episode at a time. She is an expert in brand strategizing and marketing and works with clients and agencies to promote their products or services in the most creative ways possible. Zuzy is also an award-winning filmmaker whose documentary film, Craving Cuba, was accepted to 13 film festivals. Craving Cuba inspects the Cuban-American experience, paying close attention to the ways politics complicate their relationship with Cuba.
Zuzy joins us to discuss what Girls in Tech is about and how they’re different from other women-led organizations. She shares her experience as a podcaster and how her background in film helped her grow the show. She explains the different stereotypes and barriers that keep many women out of the tech industry. She discusses the art of interviewing and how it’s more than just asking questions and getting answers. Zuzy also describes the benefits of having a diverse team in any business.
“I’ve been challenged to work with people who are different from me. I take that as a great puzzle that’s going to get us to a solution.” – Zuzy Martin-Aly
This week on Breaking Barriers:
Connect With Zuzy Martin-Aly:
This podcast is brought to you by Hire Ground
Hire Ground is a technology company whose mission is to bridge the wealth gap through access to procurement opportunities. Hire Ground is making the enterprise ecosystem more viable, profitable, and competitive by clearing the path for minority-led, women-led, LGBT-led, and veteran-led small businesses to contribute to the global economy as suppliers to enterprise organizations.
For more information on getting started please visit us @ hireground.io today!
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
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Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and join us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
It goes without saying that 2021 fared leagues better than 2020 did. Many companies will start engaging with their consumers to celebrate the world’s grand reopening, especially now that we’re near the end of the year. However, what does it mean when your business only engages with the market when all is said and done? How do you engage with your diverse suppliers without it feeling artificial or forced?
In today’s episode, we describe the wild ride 2021 has been and what we can expect for 2022. We explain why businesses shouldn’t just establish rapport with their suppliers and consumers when the year ends. We discuss the ways companies can work with their suppliers to more effectively engage with their communities. We also share the importance of being kind to one another, especially during the holidays, and how kindness can significantly impact the way we perceive society as a whole.
“The one thing the pandemic has taught all of us is the one size fits all mentality doesn’t work.” – Adam Moore
This week on Breaking Barriers:
This podcast is brought to you by Hire Ground
Hire Ground is a technology company whose mission is to bridge the wealth gap through access to procurement opportunities. Hire Ground is making the enterprise ecosystem more viable, profitable, and competitive by clearing the path for minority-led, women-led, LGBT-led, and veteran-led small businesses to contribute to the global economy as suppliers to enterprise organizations.
For more information on getting started please visit us @ hireground.io today!
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify
Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and join us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
The podcast currently has 182 episodes available.