Closing the Gap

Diversity Fatigue - the condition one experiences when you become mentally exhausted brought on by the constant attention required to ensure a workforce or other group is racially or ethnically diverse. Why is it so hard to achieve the promise of an inclusive high performing workplace. Eric shares his journey and what being an advocate has taught him over the years. He answers questions like, "What does it take to be successful and how do you stay stay the course when it seems like nothing is changing?" With a deep commitment and a bit of a maverick spirit. Eric Watson, executive consultant, advises C-suite executives about the power of inclusion and how to improve their revenue line by creating inclusive high performance workplace. Tell us what does diversity mean to you?

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Decoding The Executive Search Process – Ever wonder what does a recruiter or executive search firm do and how do they decide who to present as the best qualified candidate? When a recruiter calls, you know they are looking to fill a position. Listen to my conversation with Deborah Snow Walsh, owner of her own boutique executive search firm. You’ll learn what most hiring managers ask for, and how a recruiter determines you're the right candidate. Debbie and I answer questions like “what’s a good fit?” How a passive candidate can suddenly turn into someone looking for another job and two things people do that sabotages their chances of being presented to the hiring manager. Deborah Walsh – 20 year veteran as a senior level talent acquisition’s specialist. Deborah has a rich background working both inside some of the best talent search organizations as well as the CEO of her own boutique talent acquisition firm. As a women-owned boutique firm she’s had to prove her ability to deliver exceptional talent in a field controlled by large male dominated firms. Her ability to nurture relationships with emerging talent offering them guidance and exposure has served her well as she continually is refreshing her network of connections. You can reach Deborah via LinkedIn.

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What’s the one thing business and leadership development thought leaders like Marshall Goldsmith, John Maxwell, Gary Vaynerchuk, Brene’ Brown, and Lisa Nichols will tell you? If you want to be a great leader the first place to start is with self-awareness. What are you passionate about? What are your strengths, weaknesses, blind spots, and biases and how do they frame and shape your decisions? Today’s guest Pamela Brooks is a hidden gem that is quietly turning the leadership development industry on its ear. Blending neuroscience and behavioral assessments with the best practices in group dynamics she’s a force building the leadership pipeline for Arizona State University. If after you’ve taken an assessment and wonder "OK, now what" this conversation will help you figure out your next step to high performance.

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What if you had the skills, knowledge and talent the world needed? What if you are what the world is waiting for? Marquis Miller didn’t start out believing that but along the way he learned that his calling was to bring out the good in others. In a world where corporations used layoffs to balance the books and recruiters are looking for the right resume, Marquis can teach you how to stay fresh, embrace change and make a difference through acts of faith. Maquis is currently the Chief Diversity Officer for the City of Chicago where he is leading the effort to make sure everyone understands that they matter and success happens when you lead with your best self.

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Kimberlee Archie, Director of Equity and Inclusion for the City of Ashville, NC, has been on a long journey of discovery. She has learned how to thrive when you’re a minority and is responsible for teaching local government employees what it means to create an inclusive community. However, she has found it's what we don't talk about that keeps everyone from feeling included in her work. At the top of the list, accepting, not just tolerating, is unique and equality isn't a sustainable goal. Equality doesn’t allow for that, but something else does. So if we aren't trying to achieve equality, then what should we be working towards? Hear her perspective on what is missing and what we don’t talk about when diversity is the topic.

There’s so much content focused on creating a career plan but a lot less on how to navigate the twists and turns your life presents. So why do some people seem to attract more good breaks than others? Robert “Bob” Gerst has been a senior executive for over 25 years and an adjunct professor for about as long. In this podcast, he shares his guiding principles and how he used them to stay at the top of his game, even as if life.

Robert “Bob” Gerst is currently the VP, Human Resources at John I. Haas. Bob grew up on an Iowa farm and, over his life, has traveled the world. From the data-rich world of Las Vegas gaming to one of the world’s leading real estate enterprises Jones Lang LaSalle to brewing beer and teaching new leaders what it means to be a principle led person, Bob tells a wonderful story of his life, lessons learned, and the 3 questions everyone must answer if you want a successful career.

Nathaniel “Nat” Alston has a successful track record of success by handling subtle but offensive comments, actions, and stereotypes that keep us from achieving executive levels. Our conversation is filled with practical suggestions for black Americans to develop mental awareness, a psychological game plan, and an increased level of business savvy in order to negotiate the minefield of the white work world. Listen to get at least 4 things you can do to do to stay on your career track. Included are commonsense scenarios and real-life solutions that will help every marginalized person handle gutless bosses, overbearing and hateful colleagues, or being the only minority or woman in an all-white workplace.

Closing the Gap with Denise Cooper share the life stories from ordinary people who realize success is achieve because of your conviction, belief and approach in other words your mindset. Each has learned how to become a skilled agent for positive change and thrive in the midst of chaos. Join us as my guests share how they use 4 principles of success – context, choices, bridging perspectives and mastering relationships - to disrupt the status quo and thrive during the chaos of change.

Closing the Gap with Denise Cooper is hosted by Megaphone.fm. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, Google Play, and Tune In so you won't miss an episode

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