The episode explores the philosophy of community-driven change and equity through the eyes of Natalie J. McKinney, executive director of Whole Child Strategies, Inc., and Dr. Adriane Johnson-Williams. By challenging the myths of individualism and the "bootstrap" narrative, the conversation reveals the indispensable role of communal infrastructure, trust-building, and direct engagement with residents in neighborhood transformation. The objective is to highlight how sustainable change and equitable opportunities can only be achieved by empowering communities to define and solve their own problems.

The significance of genuine collaboration and trust-building between philanthropic organizations and black-led nonprofits are highlighted in this special conversation with Aerial Ozuzu, Director of Community Impact for The Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, and Tenikki Sesley,  Chief Executive Officer of Apple Seeds, Inc.. The discussion covers the creation and operation of the Black-Led Nonprofit Leadership Alliance by the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, the discussion unveils how centering equity, vulnerability, and honest dialogue led to actionable changes in funding approaches and organizational support. Personal narratives and professional insights underscore the need for listening to those most impacted and shifting power dynamics in philanthropy to amplify equitable outcomes.

The complex beauty and contradictions of Southern identity, community, and language is explored through heartfelt conversation with Landon Bryant, social influencer, comedian, and author of “Bless Your Heart, A Field Guide to All Things Southern.” Kym Alexander (Chief Strategy and Operations Officer) joins Adriane and Landon to discuss how joy, community, and equity are interwoven with Southern traditions, language, and changing notions of identity, while also reflecting on the importance of preserving culture amidst evolving social values. They also reflect on the need for honest conversations about privilege, inclusion, and the different ways Southerners build connection and resilience, .

Joy is explored as a vital, non-negotiable aspect of human well-being and a critical component in the pursuit of equity. Jacqueline Oselen (a.k.a. "Jackie O.") shares personal stories, community experiences, and practical wisdom on accessing joy, especially during challenging times of grief and conflict. The conversation reframes joy not just as an emotion but as a form of agency and resilience, necessary to sustain individuals and communities engaged in equity work.

"Equity is personal. We know when we're being treated inequitably. What we struggle with is how to help others learn to identify it systematically or how to address it."

Jena Martin, law professor at St. Mary’s University and scholar in business and human rights, shares how she helps future attorneys connect legal frameworks with the lived experiences of real people. She reflects on her journey through academia -- from Howard to West Virginia University to St. Mary’s -- and the importance of teaching students to center human dignity in their work. Martin speaks candidly about the complexity of advocating for equity, the challenges of being the only voice in certain rooms, and what it means to listen and act inside corporate environments. This episode explores how equity shows up through access and voice, and why teaching the “why” behind legal systems matters as much as the law itself.

If you stay ready, you don't have to get ready. That is a really important part of doing equity work. 

As the world undergoes significant shifts in 2025, having a stable foundation is essential. That requires strong policies, effective practices, and a deep understanding of how to institutionalize equity. Christina-Mai Just (Chief Equity Officer) and Kat Johnson (Chief of Staff) of Utah's Promise, who are also Standpoint Consulting's clients, have successfully navigated these challenges through alignment services and executive leadership team coaching. In this episode, they discuss how their years of equity work have prepared them for today’s disruptions in the U.S. They share practical strategies for embedding equity within systems and structures, demonstrating how this approach drives both organizational success and societal impact. Through real-world examples from various departments, they also highlight how equity is not just an initiative but a fundamental aspect of organizational culture and operations.

"It's not profits first. It's people first to create profits."

Human Resources expert Naseera Mays and Standpoint Consulting's Kym Alexander (Chief Strategy and Operations Officer) engage in a compelling conversation about the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace, affirming that profit gains are a result of prioritizing people. Naseera shares her journey from corporate HR to consulting, revealing the challenges and triumphs of advocating for DEI initiatives that foster creativity and innovation. Emphasizing the need for actionable equity and inclusion, this crucial and timely discussion highlights programs and practices designed to create an equitable workplace where everyone belongs and profits naturally increase.

"Now is not the time to fight the language war. We're not gonna win it. It's the time to be about it."

Dr. Johnson-Williams dives into some urgent and pressing themes surrounding the current political and economic climate in America. She discusses the rise of authoritarianism and its interplay with race and capitalism, emphasizing that race is a fundamental aspect of America's identity and economy. As she navigates through the complexities of this moment, Dr. Johnson-Williams offers guidance on sustaining meaningful work and self-care amidst these challenges. She speaks candidly about the importance of language, democracy, and capitalism, and provides advice for those striving to enact social transformation while maintaining peace and joy.

"We need to redefine public safety by engaging with Black communities to explore alternative measures beyond traditional policing, aimed at genuinely addressing their needs and concerns."

April Frazier Camara discusses the pivotal role of public defenders in safeguarding individual rights and ensuring fairness within the justice system. She highlights the systemic inequities in law enforcement and the essential work of the Black Public Defender Association (BPDA) in redefining public safety for Black communities. In this conversation, Dr. Adriane Johnson-Williams adds insight on how media often misrepresents public defenders, emphasizing the need for changing narratives and advocating for more equitable legal representation.

People are often shocked when I tell them that only 3% of black women-owned businesses last longer than 3 years. Another little shocking piece of data is that only 1.1% of black woman-owned businesses are employers.

Facing financial turmoil at the end of 2019 and the subsequent impacts of the pandemic, Renee Malone navigated her business through adversity by focusing on foundational work, equity, and resilience. Alongside host Dr. Adriane Johnson-Williams, she reflects on the unique challenges Black female entrepreneurs face and emphasizes the importance of aligning with clients who value their work. This episode sheds light on the perseverance required to sustain and grow a Black woman-owned business in America.