About our Guest:

Mia Hairston is the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer for Nationwide Insurance. In this role, she oversees entreprise-wide strategies and execution for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, ensuring that her techniques are implemented across the company. Through her expertise and dedication, Mia has been recognized by Smart Business, Savoy, and Black Enterprise Magazine from among the top Chief Diversity Officers and Leaders. Infusing her knowledge of psychology and business administration, Mia has forged strong partnerships and relationships with business unit councils at both the local and national level. She believes that we can do more together than apart, and she possesses a relentless passion for seeing everyone reach their full potential and feel valued for their contributions.

Episode Summary

Mia Hairston has mastered excelling in the workforce. In this episode she discusses how her childhood experience of being raised in a Hispanic culture while being African American shaped her identity. Equipped with her academic and on the job training, she actively works to understand human behavior and meet the needs of the 19,000 memberships she oversees. And, as Mia explains, you need more than money, status, and a title to be happy at work and in life. She shares her personal path to success and concepts you can use now to advance your career.

Insight from this episode:

• Mia’s strategies for growing into a career.

• N. (find your North star)

Quotes from the show:

“I was trying to find out who I was as an African American and as an African American female. What I found through that quest was I was always me, no matter where I was.” - Mia Hairston, Episode 133

“The best thing to protecting your brand is you have to know and understand your brand.”- Mia Hairston, Episode 133

“A lot of people who argue with feedback. They get feedback, and they want to argue with the feedback. And they want to say why that perception is. But at the end of the day, nobody cares about why the perception is. Because the reality is you’re perceived that way.” - Mia Hairston, Episode 133

“A sponsor pulls you through. A sponsor is someone who pounds on the table for you when you’re not around.” - Mia Hairston, Episode 133

“A sponsor has power to move your career and open doors.” - Mia Hairston, Episode 133

“And a mentor really, quite frankly, is someone whose your sounding board. A mentor is who you have your ugly cry with.” - Mia Hairston, Episode 133

“If It’s Just About dollars and titles and a corner office with marble floors you’re destined to fail, because it won’t be enough to keep you” - Mia Hairston, Episode 133

“Being excellent requires you showing up when nobody else is looking.” - Mia Hairston, Episode 133

“There’s opportunity in low expectations.” - Kevin Y. Brown on taking an idea and pursuing it, Episode 133

“You build your confidence by consistently doing what you say that you’re going to do.” - Kevin Y. Brown, Episode 133

Resources Mentioned:

• Box Software

• Microsoft Office

Favorite Book:

• The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow Up by John C. Maxwell

Favorite Quote:

• “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required” - The Bible

3 keys to Create Your Best Life:

1. You’re worth it.

Stay Connected:

Create Your Life Series:

https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/

https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/

Kevin:

www.kevinybrown.com

www.instagram.com/kevinybrown

www.twitter.com/kevinybrown

www.facebook.com/kevbrown001

Mia Hairston:

twitter.com/hairstm

www.linkedin.com/in/mia-hairston

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