Entering The Inspiration Zone

In this episode, Juliette talks to Lee Pelton, the President and CEO of The Boston Foundation, about his experience with double consciousness as a Black man. He shared how equity is now central to everything done by The Boston Foundation in order to close the racial wealth gap. He highlights that closing this gap would benefit everyone economically and offer security and well-being for all regardless of race or ethnicity.

Growing up in a working class Black enclave located in the middle of a predominantly White neighborhood, Lee became interested in making the invisible visible for young people, so they could see all of the opportunities and connections that would otherwise be unavailable to them. Lee believes that equity is about closing opportunity gaps between students instead of providing equal inputs as equality does, while acknowledging there are still narratives around zero-sum games which can lead to hate rooted from fear and ignorance.

Listen to hear Lee explain some examples such as Black homeowners facing appraisal levels 38% lower than their White counterparts due to historical challenges preventing people of color from creating wealth through home ownership, credit scores not taking into account rental history when assessing credit worthiness, banks experimenting with no down payments on mortgages, and cultural education around different cultures’ views on debt being necessary for lenders understanding alternative methods for evaluating creditworthiness without disadvantaging potential borrowers.

Episode Highlights

08:17 - It's really an opportunity gap and so, equity is about closing the opportunity gap. That's the difference between equality and equity is opportunity. And equality is about inputs. Equity is about outputs.

20:42 - This is part of a trend. It's not anything new that equity sits in the center of everything that we do. I should say one of our most significant projects is an effort to close a racial wealth gap.

33:13 - I often quote James Baldwin who said that not everything that is faced can be changed but nothing can be changed until it's faced, and that's truth telling. And so, none of the issues that we have discussed today happened by accident. I would encourage us, ourselves and others, to understand how we got here. There's a history here that we need to understand, and understanding it will help us resolve those issues.

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In this power-packed episode, Juliette sits down with Kip Hollister, the dynamic Founder & CEO of the Hollister Group. Kip shares her unconventional journey into entrepreneurship, her approach to risk-taking, and her resilience through adversity. They delve into the importance of vulnerability in leadership and the key role of values-driven decisions.

Listen in as Kip discusses her perspective on the emergent need for relationships and humility in the pandemic era and shares practical advice for leaders to enhance self-awareness and authenticity. Juliette adds her insights on fostering an inclusive, value-centric culture.

Lastly, don’t miss out as Kip reveals her passionate commitment to community engagement. Tune in for these highlights and much more as we explore the formula for leadership that leaves a lasting impact.

Episode Highlights:

08:30 - We have to kind of discern, as leaders and as a company, how we're going to move through this time and preserve what we have and be in integrity and hold people capable and accountable at the same time.

11:21 - Conversations define our life and being real is our acronym in the Cultures Division, but it's being able to be authentic, be relatable with your people, be vulnerable with your people and be in the learning together while leading.

18:53 - Get the Cultures Group involved. It really does begin though with seeking to understand one's own self, because without understanding yourself and understanding your own blind spots and self -awareness, which I think is the number one greatest attribute to amazing leaders, you can't model, so it's modeling.

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In this enlightening episode, Jeff Fuhrer, a Non-Resident Fellow at the Brookings Institution and a Foundation Fellow at the Eastern Bank Foundation & Author of "The Myth That Made Us, How False Beliefs About Racism and Meritocracy Broke Our Economy (and how to fix it)", dives into the underbelly of the US economy, exposing the deeply entrenched false narratives about poverty and race. Through insights from his latest book, he takes a hard look at how these myths fundamentally break our economy and perpetuate wealth inequality.

Jeff delves into the historical government policies and how their ripple effects are still felt today. What can be done to fix these systemic issues? How critical are genuine relationships and trust-building in this process?

Tune in as we explore these compelling themes, the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion, and discuss ways to challenge and change these societal narratives. Don't miss this eye-opening conversation that subtly addresses the power of voting, acknowledging history, and speaking truth to power in order to begin mending the wealth gap. Remember, change begins with understanding.

Episode Highlights:

13:02 - It's a bootstrap, but it's also broken. It's usually a loop that you can put your finger in. And so it's a broken bootstrap, which is just a stylized way of saying pulling yourself up by bootstraps does not work. But it is a myth that is definitely out there. And that's another way of saying the meritocracy thing, "Well, work hard, pull yourself up by your bootstraps. Individual achievement is what we're all about."

13:58 - I want that to create an impact. I want people to feel like, "Wow. All this is going on today, despite our being one of the most wealthy countries in the world, by most measures, the most wealthy country in the world." So what do we do to fix it?

23:28 - I think it's important not to be naive about the political environment in which we are living. Everybody knows and understands it's fractured and fragmented and fractious.

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The Myth that Made Us, How False Beliefs About Racism and Meritocracy Broke Our Economy (and how to fix it)

It's natural to aspire to accomplish a lot in life. People that are most successful at making it happen, on the other hand, usually have defined goals and an action plan for accomplishing them. In this episode, Juliette talks about goal setting so you can be ready for 2024. She explains how and why planning is a key part of what she does as a business executive who specializes in DEI strategy, brand management, and thought leadership.

Juliette offers some insight into the success framework she uses – Dream, Plan, Create, Achieve while also providing excellent questions to ask oneself in order to facilitate productive goal planning. Find out how you can be SMART (specific, measurable, actionable, realistic, and time bound) when setting goals. Tune in to learn how to build and manage your network more efficiently, commit to constant learning, measure progress, and continue to grow.

Highlights

02:45 When I think about goal setting and why people keep asking me questions about it, I think it's because they look at all that I do. And usually I'll get comments like, "How on earth do you achieve so much? How can you possibly do all of these things?" Do you not sleep is one of the common questions. And to be quite candid, there are times every now and then, I may get a little overwhelmed. And I pause and I take a look at my goals. And I get back on track.

05:32 When we talk about Dream, it's really about creating what is that personal vision -- your grand vision. You've heard me say that before. What is it that you want to achieve? And I say personal very intentionally, because some of you may be thinking, "Well, my goals may be business goals that I'm focused on right now." And you also need to apply how does that apply to you from a personal standpoint.

07:17 So, the second component of that Dream, Plan, Create, Achieve is Plan. And as it relates to goal setting, it really is about creating a roadmap for yourself and making sure that that roadmap is constructed with goals and specific initiatives or tactics that support your grand vision.

09:57 The third component is Create. Right? Dream, Plan, Create, Achieve. And as it relates to goal setting, this is really about developing and effectively managing your network, your tribe, your village, whatever it is that you think you need to support. So, it's the people part of your objective.

12:16 Achieving is the attainment of your personal, professional, or business goals. It's not a destination. But it's a process of continuously monitoring and cultivating the networks that you have and the relationships that you have to be able to support and sustain whatever it is that you've achieved.

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Eastern Bank

This episode is brought to you by Eastern Bank, the largest commercial bank headquartered in MA.

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In this riveting conversation, Juliette Mayers talks to Dani Monroe, Founder of the Martha's Vineyard Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) Summit, who hails from a multicultural and economically diverse upbringing. Dani shares intriguing perspectives from her life's journey to a DEI executive and thought leader.

Experience how a pivotal realization sparked the inception of the Martha's Vineyard Chief Diversity Officer Summit, now a haven for CDOs to learn, grow, and exhale. Dive into some of the tantalizing topics discussed at the Summit, spanning from the legal intricacies of affirmative action to skillful communication around sensitive socio-political issues. Discover the transformative role of CDOs in today's business landscape and organizational strategy.

Dani, in her candid style, sheds light on the importance of embracing curiosity for inclusive leadership and the courage to step into the unknown. Listen to this episode for these insights and much, much more!

Episode Highlights:

11:47 - So, chief diversity officers, the role itself probably has only been in existence since the very late 90s, maybe early 2000s. And their role really is to implement diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies across the organization. So, it originally started by focusing on human capital issues, hiring, recruitment, development of diverse people. It now has become a business imperative for an organization in that diversity, equity and inclusion runs through almost every function of an organization.

16:08 - One of the most significant pieces of the summit is certainly where it's held on Martha's Vineyard. And if you know anything about Martha's Vineyard, historically, it has been a place where brilliant minds come together to share some of the latest thinking.

16:57 - The summit is designed for chief diversity officers. And one of the things I learned from the experience of the cultural competence program is how do you design to a profession. And so, it's not generic programming. We really spent a lot of time thinking about what did chief diversity officers need at that point in time in their development.

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Tune in to our next episode with Paula Price, an independent board director and strategic advisor. In this episode, "Building Inclusive Boards: Strategies from an Experienced Leader," Paula shares her thoughts on how organizations can achieve true diversity in the boardroom.

Paula recounts her insightful journey and unveils game-changing strategies, emphasizing the pivotal role of mentorship in breaking down barriers. She pulls back the curtain to reveal key metrics that go beyond mere numbers, measuring progress towards board diversity.

We'll delve into the nitty-gritty of the challenges faced by aspiring board members, providing valuable insights for those aiming to implement strategic networking and showcase their unique value. Paula makes a compelling case for why board diversity is not just a buzzword but an essential business imperative.

Episode Highlights:

08:53 - By the time you get onto a board, you are senior enough. There's no excuse to use your voice, to use your capital, to support people who you know are well-qualified for roles, whether it's executive roles or board roles. You know that they're well qualified and everyone should know that they're well qualified, but they may not have someone in the room to speak up on their behalf.

11:44 - Those of us that have been in this diversity, equity  and inclusion discussion and battle for so long, we knew that we had to put in place systems during that time that allowed us to look at regiments every single quarter. And I won't say that they weren't in place in some places because they were, but in places where they weren't, we set up goals and we made it a routine process to look at our progress towards those goals.

14:04 - When top leaders actively support and champion diversity, this sets the right tone for everyone else to follow. Holding boards and leadership accountable for diversity, walking the talk, sets the expectation that diversity is not just some ideal, but it is something that should be integrated into all aspects of leadership and also employee resource groups, mentorship programs, flexible work arrangements. These all contribute to diversity in leadership roles being embraced.

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Ever wondered how art can connect diverse communities and cultivate empathy? In this captivating episode, join Juliette as she delves into the inspiring world of David Howse. As the accomplished Executive Director of ArtsEmerson, David utilizes the power of art to break down walls and foster inclusivity.

David's journey, from growing up in Tennessee to pursuing his passion at New England Conservatory of Music, fuels his belief that "we are more alike than unalike." He champions service as our rent to the Earth, embodying Maya Angelou's profound wisdom. Discover how he tackles the challenge of promoting diversity and inclusion in the arts, emphasizing the importance of imagination. Through curatorial listening, leaders can better understand the needs of vulnerable populations.

Tune in to learn about the impactful Gaining Ground Fund, supporting artists reflecting the African Diasporic experience. David's advocacy for cultural exchange and increased funding is a call to action for a more inclusive and understanding world. Listen now and be part of the movement to bridge communities through art!

Episode Highlights:

09:45 - I thought, "Well, what if we reimagine that? What if we provided resources for artists to believe and dream and develop projects in their full voice? With all the intentions." And I said, "Can we do that?" And, you know, so we developed what we call the Gaining Ground Fund.

15:55 - There are international stories that actually can help us understand who we are as Americans, as Bostonians. And so, this notion of cultural exchange, which used to be a pretty significant part of cultural diplomacy from the state house and from the government, but that has sort of pulled back in time. And we are committed, me and ArtsEmerson I should say, and many of our colleagues across the country and being able to do what we call international presenting.

19:57 - I'm very inspired by healthcare. When they think about prescribing arts as a way of healing, as a way of mindfulness. So, I'm often interested in developers, commercial real estate developers, who are thinking about architects, landscape designers, artists to think about how we make our spaces more welcoming, a sense of belonging for more people.

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Juliette Mayers is joined by Leverett Wing, Executive Director of the Commonwealth Seminar, a trailblazing advocate for marginalized communities. Leverett's extensive experience in public service, including being the first Asian American staff member at the Massachusetts State House, and his numerous awards make him the perfect guest to delve into empowering communities of color.

Leverett discusses the historical power dynamics that have pitted minority communities against each other, highlighting the model minority myth, immigration policies, and the need for diverse education.

Tune in to learn about the importance of solidarity among people of color, the work of the Commonwealth Seminar, self-education about one's history, and taking control of your narrative through thought leadership. Don't miss this chance to learn how to shape your community's future through civic engagement.Get inspired and get involved to be a part of positive change!

Episode Highlights:

06:48 - Our 20th anniversary kickoff celebration is called, "In the room and at the table," and because that's where our communities need to be. It's not good enough to just be in the room. You have to be actually at the table when decisions are made, so you can voice your opinion. You can give your perspective. You can influence decision-makers.

12:52 - The reason I do all this writing and the reason I do a lot of these podcasts is because we need to share our stories. Because the traditional media, the traditional outlets don't often cover or want to cover, or just traditionally don't cover these types of stories. And so, we as communities need to tell our stories jointly. And we need to tell stories of solidarity. We need to tell stories of collaboration.

14:20 - It starts with the youth. It starts with educating young people, whether it's high school or college, but most importantly, at the elementary school level, so that they know that we've been, from a very young age, that we've all been working together.

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Join Juliette Mayers in an invigorating episode for leaders and aspiring leaders. Her distinguished guest Rosabeth Moss Kanter, is the Ernest L. Arbuckle Professor of Business at Harvard Business School and a prolific author, shares invaluable insights. Her latest bestseller is "Think Outside the Building."

As a trailblazer in academia, Rosabeth often stood as the lone woman in her field. She attributes her success to a tireless work ethic and task-orientation. Drawing from her journey, Rosabeth champions solutions that unite, emphasizing the power of action and uplifting others.

Tune in to hear Rosabeth urge leaders to embrace a mission that benefits all, providing the flexibility and meaning essential for success.  

Episode Highlights:

14:06 - That doing nothing, being passive is depressing, and it only gets you more tired, less energetic, et cetera. But doing something, anything, taking a step can be so gratifying and rewarding. And if it's the wrong step, you have a chance to correct it and start again, but doing is my solution. Doing and uplifting others, those two things inspire me.

16:20 - My goal is, I said earlier, is uniting everybody. It's a world in which people feel included. It's a world in which everyone has opportunity to thrive. And it's great that we're talking about opportunity now and encouraging leaders to think not just about hiring people for jobs, but giving them opportunity.

27:41 - If you want to be a leader, if you aspire to be a leader, one thing you have to do is, these days, especially during the pandemic, I wrote a blog that said CEO should stand for Chief Empathy Officer. That is, you had to understand what your people were going through if you wanted their full support. To help keep the company alive, you had to keep them alive.

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Juliette welcomes a very special guest, Alberto Vasallo, III, the dynamic President and CEO of El Mundo Boston. This episode promises a riveting conversation filled with inspiration, resilience, and the power of positivity. Alberto's story is a testament to perseverance, embodying the quintessential entrepreneurial journey with a rich tapestry of experiences.

Get a glimpse into the life of Alberto, a multifaceted individual with deep ties to Boston's Latino community. Trace the journey of El Mundo Boston, a Latino media company with a legacy of success. Gain insights into Alberto's unique upbringing and its influence on his entrepreneurial spirit. Understand the significance of carrying a positive attitude even in the face of adversity.

Tune in to learn about the elements that have played a crucial role in shaping Alberto's successful career. Delve into his philosophy of not judging others, focusing on passion, and seeking better life alternatives. Uncover his passion for mentorship and community involvement. Discover the transformative power of positivity and gratitude in everyday life. Listen to this episode to get a sneak peek into Alberto's advocacy for exposing young people from humble backgrounds to successful individuals of color.

Episode Highlights:

08:58 - The thing I love doing the most in life is keeping things positive, whether from the family to the business. I want everyone who works for El Mundo to have a great time. I want all my friends to have a good time. And obviously in a family environment, I love having family around and friends.

14:53 - There's a line in a great movie, the Shawshank Redemption. Morgan Freeman, he says, "Get busy dying or get busy living." We don't have many choices in life. Meaning are you going to do things that you don't like? Are you going to be in a state of mind that doesn't make you happy? Or are you going to try to look for the alternative? And I always say if everybody just tried to kind of do things they enjoyed most, appreciate the things that they have more, that will help your inner kind of whatever it is, soul or being, be happy and positive.

17:43 - I think the number one thing by far is looking for those mentors or teachers, or examples because we don't realize it until we're later, when you look back and say, "Wow, so-and-so had such an effect, such an impact!" I get that all the time from my interns.

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