Leading Forward

Corporations across the country have started diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. While they want to make big impacts, it’s important to take time to collect data about employees and the community to understand demographics and what is important to them. In this episode, APU’s Dr. Aikyna Finch talks to Joe Matthews, Vice President of DEI at Gentex, about his experience starting a DEI program. Learn how he’s worked to “create a movement, not a moment” by starting small and building out initiatives while making sure to get buy-in from the C-Suite down to hourly employees.

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Many people are struggling with emotional and mental health challenges. In this episode, APU’s Dr. Marie Gould Harper talks to yoga instructor and yoga therapist Christine Shaw about how simple techniques, like breathing and heart-opening stretches, can improve our mental and emotional state. Learn more about the connections between physical and emotional health and ways we can bring greater joy and peace to our lives even during stressful times.

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Not all MBA programs are created equal. In this episode, learn about the value of a master’s in business administration and some of the exciting concentrations available for students to specialize their skills. APU Dean of Business Dr. Marie Gould Harper talks to Department Chair Dr. Wanda Curlee about recent business administration program updates including courses on artificial intelligence (AI) and project management. Learn how these concentrations developed out of discussions with corporate leaders about what skills they’re looking for in employees.

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Fostering a positive work culture requires effort and collaboration among all levels of management. In this episode, Dr. Marie Gould Harper talks to APU’s Dr. Bjorn Mercer about the components needed for a positive work culture including focusing on employee wellness, fostering social connections, providing meaning, listening and more. Learn about ways to change an organization’s culture and the invaluable role of middle management to be in tune with employees to help them along their career path.

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The pandemic led to millions of people changing jobs. In this episode, APU’s Dr. Marie Gould Harper talks to Management Department Chair Dr. Stacey Little about what caused employees to reevaluate their careers. Learn why it’s so important for company leaders and human resource managers to create a strong organizational culture that includes trust, communication, transparency so they can adeptly manage the change caused by the pandemic. Also learning the increasing importance of employee growth and development to aid in recruitment and retention.

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Many people feel they just don’t have enough time to get everything done. In this episode, APU’s Dr. Aikyna Finch talks to author and business coach Dr. Ali Griffith about ways to be more strategic with your time to increase productivity. Learn why it’s so important to evaluate what system you currently use to manage time and consider other tools and strategies to help boost productivity. Also learn tips like attaching feelings and rewards to tasks to increase motivation and generate a sense of completion that drives greater productivity.

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People have so many responsibilities that their day is often spent trying to check things off a list rather than living in or enjoying the moment or the activity. In the second part of this wellness series, APU’s Dr. Marie Gould Harper talks to Christine Shaw about ways to bring harmony to our lives, learning to be present, and how to move towards a place of acceptance. Learn tips to quiet your mind, take care of your body, nurture your spirit, and acknowledge all the things you accomplish in your life and work.

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Many organizations are saying the right thing when it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion, but are they actually making a true commitment? In this episode, APU’s Dr. Aikyna Finch talks to diversity professional and scholar Dr. Darrell Burrell about the steps organizations need to take in order to have true diversity within their organization. Learn about the importance of addressing biases, evaluating the “whole person” during the search and hiring process, and understanding the concept of privilege. Also learn what job seekers can do to make themselves valuable and valued by employers, increasing expertise, skills and knowledge, pursuing education, and building a strong community and network of supporters to help them along their path. 

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Bullying and toxic behavior can create a negative and aggressive work environment. In this episode, APU’s Dr. Marie Gould Harper talks to author and executive coach Catherine Mattice about how leaders can address toxic behavior and create a positive organizational culture. Also hear how the shift to remote and hybrid work has affected corporate culture and what steps leaders can take to retain employees and ensure strong work-life balance.

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Before 1964, it was essentially legal to discriminate against women. And even decades after the passage of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, women continue to face obstacles. In this episode, Cynthia Gentile talks to APU professor CJ Sherman about sexual discrimination, unequal pay, and social constructs that hinder women’s careers. Learn how the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected women who have left the workforce to care for children. Also hear about four women who have broken through barriers to pursue careers in the legal field and law enforcement and paving the way for future generations of women.

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