In the latest episode of the CBJ podcast, “Diversity Straight Up,” hosts Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington talk with Joel Schmidt, vice president of business development with Alliant Energy, about the importance of authentic conversations, lessons from his days of international travel and how diversity can lead to positive change.

In the latest episode of the CBJ podcast, “Diversity Straight Up,” hosts Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington talk with Jeff Disterhoft, president and CEO of GreenState Credit Union, about his role in driving diversity at one of Iowa's largest financial institutions, understanding privilege and bringing your whole self to the workplace.

Hosts Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington talk with Phil Jasper, president of Mission Systems at Collins Aerospace, about the role of diversity in innovation, reverse mentoring and the importance of cultural competency in leadership. Presented by the City of Cedar Rapids, Collins Aerospace and Alliant Energy.

Hosts Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington talk with Marci Chickering, executive VP and chief human resources officer with Wellmark, about gender parity in the C-suite, building diversity in the insurance industry and finding people's innate gifts. Presented by the City of Cedar Rapids, Collins Aerospace and Alliant Energy.

Hosts Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington talk with Cedar Rapids Mayor Brad Hart about the city's efforts to improve equity, diversity and inclusion, new initiatives to attract minority candidates to city posts and the rising "ban the box" movement in the latest CBJ podcast.

Hosts Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington talk with Corridor Business Journal Editor Adam Moore about the origins and ideas behind Diversity Straight Up, the four "tools" of talking about diversity, and what's ahead for this new CBJ series.