How do you become a trailblazer? Why should you pivot when you meet up on a glass cliff opportunity? In today’s episode, we’re joined by Carlton L. Guthrie, Co-Chairman and President of Detroit Chassis LLC and its parent company SPECTRA LLC. Listen as Carlton delves into what it was like as a first-generation, black corporate leader and his decision to venture out on his own. He also talks about what to look for when choosing an organization, packaging lessons learnt, developing a contingency plan, and expanding your skillsets. Then, we’ll provide receipts on black corporate trailblazers, and C-CRETS from Carlton on how to believe in yourself and follow your passion.

Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral was watched around the world. In today’s episode, we’ll dissect the paradox and complexity of her reign. We’ll also look at the experiences of black and brown people in Britain and the U.S, before providing receipts on the issues marginalized employees in Britain face in the workplace. Then, we’ll cap the episode with a double dose of C-CRETS on how to stand up to oppression in the workplace, and what King Charles can do to make life better for black and brown people in the Commonwealth.

Have you been thinking about getting your Master of Business Administration (MBA)? What are some of the benefits of obtaining an MBA. We’re joined by Interim Chief Executive Officer of the National Black MBA Association, Shawn Graham, who brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership in her 30 years of experience leading global and national corporations in various industries. In today’s episode we’ll talk about the current MBA landscape and what this means for underrepresented employees. In addition, we’ll provide receipts on the current MBA pipeline and C-CRETS on the advantages of pursuing an MBA; before sharing how companies can build and expand their efforts to develop and recruit underrepresented employees.

In today’s episode, award-winning lawyer, Todd Belcore, joins the C-CRETS village to talk about social justice. Todd serves as the Executive Director and co-founder of Social Change, a national nonprofit committed to liberation and amplifying community voices through storytelling, organizing and direct action. Social Change believes that one's zip code should not be a determinant of your future.

Listen as Todd shares what inspired him to start Social Change and do this important work. You’ll also learn how embracing social causes can influence change, how to engage in social change, and how companies can create more equitable workplaces for their employees.

In this episode, we discuss some major Supreme Court decisions that were rendered this past session and how it impacts our experiences as black and other underrepresented employees. Then, we share receipts on the impact of these Supreme Court decisions on underrepresented employees, before providing you with a double dose of C-CRETS. First, on how to stand up and brace yourself against these decisions so they don’t impact your career; and second, on how organizations can do the right thing to build an inclusive environment for their underrepresented employees given these judicial and political pressures.

In this episode, Keith and Ricky sit down with Taroue Brooks. Taroue is a public relations, event planning, entertainment marketing, and lifestyle architect. He has worked with some of the biggest names in music, sports, cinema, politics, and the arts. His current passions includes elevating the voices and stories of Black men as illustrated in the release of his 2021 documentary "What About Me?". Keith and Ricky will talk with Taroue about his career journey, his passion for elevating Black male voices, and some funny stories about working with entertainers. Taroue will also share C-CRETS on how Black men can find their voice in all the clutter.

Do you dread going to work each day? Has your credentials ever been questioned? In today’s episode, we’ll talk about our experiences as black men working in toxic work environments. We’ll also provide receipts on the impact of working in these types of work environments and give you some strategies on how you can navigate it. In addition, we’ll tell you how organizations can avoid or dismantle toxic work environments.

In the Season 5 opener, Keith and Ricky speak with MacArthur Foundation Genius Award winner, Dr. Safiya Noble, about her career journey in tech and groundbreaking work on algorithmic discrimination in search engines. The episode includes receipts on issues faced by women of color in the tech industry and the impact of algorithmic discrimination on communities of color. And the episode concludes with C-CRETS from Dr. Noble on how to survive the tech industry and how tech companies can strive to eliminate bias in their algorithms and apps.

It’s time to talk to your boss about your mid-year performance review. How will this conversation unfold?

Mid-year performance reviews remain critical for tracking how well your career is progressing. In this season’s finale, we’ll share with you the content and structure for a proactive and productive mid-year performance review. We’ll also provide receipts on opinions about mid-year and overall performance reviews, and close out with a double dose of C-CRETS on how to set yourself up for your review, and how organizations can improve their mid-year performance review processes.

In today’s episode, we’re joined by president, corporate board director, and digital health and medtech leader Aisha Barry. Named one of Savoy Magazine's most influential women in Corporate America, listen as she tells us about her path to the top, sponsorship journey, white flag moments, and the triumphs she’s experienced as a black woman in corporate America. Aisha also breaks down how to spot a potential sponsor, and the common habit she’s seen among black colleagues that doesn’t serve us.

We’ll also provide receipts on representation levels of black female executives and why being intentional with your career plan is important. Then, get helpful C-CRETS on how to join the executive career path, as well as C-CRETS on how leaders can build more inclusive and equitable work cultures.