Sit with Lexi B

By Lexi B

In this entertaining new podcast, Lexi B invites listeners to pull up a chair and join the conversation as she brings together influential thought leaders, industry experts, and individuals with inspi... more

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FAQs about Sit with Lexi B:

How many episodes does Sit with Lexi B have?

The podcast currently has 47 episodes available.

Sit with Lexi B episodes:

March 28, 2024Episode 37 - Alexandra Kennedy
About Our Guest:
Alex Kennedy is a distinguished leader with a proven history of success in various commercial domains. She has extensive experience in scaling business operations, leading commercial teams, and pioneering digital transformation journeys. Alex's expertise shines in her ability to establish partnerships that introduce innovative business models and complementary revenue streams, catalyzing sustainable growth. Currently, she serves as the Executive Vice President of Commercial Strategy for Mycode Media, where she spearheads initiatives to accelerate the company's growth, focusing on solidifying relationships with esteemed brand CMOs and advertisers. Previously, Alex held influential roles at Twitter and has been a nationally recognized speaker, contributing her insights to prestigious platforms including Advertising Week and Princeton University. She resides in Oakland, California.
Episode Summary:
Alex delves into the importance of understanding your industry, cultivating change resilience, and positioning for future industry developments. Her intriguing anecdotes from family history to her strategic mindset offer a unique perspective on ascending corporate ladders and navigating industry transitions. Alex poignantly stresses the value of learning from every opportunity and leveraging it to build a robust foundation that can withstand the tests of time and market evolution. Listeners are bound to find inspiration in her approach to career development, collaboration, and continuous learning.
Key Takeaways:
Future-proofing your business involves understanding the larger industry, embracing change, and positioning yourself for scalable growth.

Success is not achieved alone; acknowledging the mentors and experiences that shape you is vital.

Alex emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities and being perceptive about industry evolution to stay relevant.

She shares the transformative experience of working in tech and advises on navigating industry shifts seamlessly.

Alex believes in the profound impact of gratitude, both in recognizing those who've contributed to one's success and contributing back to others.
Notable Quotes:
"The only thing that is constant is that things will change."

"You're a product of the people you spend the most time with."

"If you can find work that is aligned to the things you just do uniquely well, better off you'll be because it will feel less like work."

"Don't play for the team and forget about the league."

"I understand some of the principles they've instilled on me a little bit more indifferently now. And I am so grateful. So grateful."
Important Links
Alex's Linkedin

MyCode
...more
47min
March 26, 2024What Inclusion Looks Like with Dwana Franklin-Davis
About Our Guest:
Dwana Franklin Davis is the Chief Executive Officer of Reboot Representation, a coalition leading pooled philanthropic efforts to enable Black, Latina, and Native American women to graduate with computing degrees by 2025, aiming to close the diversity gap in tech. With an extensive background in technology and leadership from companies like Mastercard and IBM, Dewana is a champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the tech industry. Currently based in New York City, she holds a BS in Management from Purdue University, an MS in Information Management, and a Certificate in Project Management from Washington University in St. Louis. Her board roles include the James McKelvey School of Engineering National Council at Washington University and National Center of Women & Information Technology.
Episode Summary:
In this enlightening episode of You Can Sit With Us, host Lexi B sits down with Dwana Franklin Davis, a visionary dedicated to bridging the diversity gap and fostering an inclusive tech sector. Through their engaging dialogue, the podcast explores Dwana's impactful work, the nuanced challenges of diversity in technology, and actionable strategies to create meaningful change.
Starting with Dwana's personal journey, the conversation delves into the motivations and experiences driving her advocacy for underrepresented groups in computing fields. The episode dissects Reboot Representation's in-depth report focusing on nine crucial policy areas that organizations must address to nurture a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment. The podcast unpacks complicated issues around paid sick leave, mental health benefits, and interview processes, emphasizing the need for company-specific strategies tailored to employee needs.
Key Takeaways:
Reboot Representation's commitment to closing the diversity gap in tech by supporting the graduation of Black, Latina, and Native American women in computing fields.

The critical need for transparent and equitable policies across salaries, hiring, and internal job boards to democratize access to tech opportunities.

Companies are urged to increase flexibility with remote work options and provide mental health support that resonates with their diverse workforce.

Highlighting the importance of mentorship throughout the interview process to ensure candidates are given every opportunity to succeed.

The compelling case for organizations to actively listen to their employees, understanding the unique needs and circumstances of their diverse talent pool.
Notable Quotes:

"We want employees that are going to be their best when they're their full selves at work." - Dwana Franklin Davis

"People don't leave companies; they leave managers." - Dwana Franklin Davis

"We need to temper that a little bit." - Dwana Franklin Davis, regarding the impatience of the new generation in the workforce.
"Does your employee base feel safe to be there?" - Dwana Franklin Davis, on the significance of creating a trusted environment for employees.
...more
37min
March 21, 2024Prioritizing Self-Care and Success with Bernita Dillard
About Our Guest:
Bernita Dillard is a seasoned professional in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). With over a decade of experience, she is a transformative leader in hiring and talent management programs, focusing on attracting and retaining top diverse talent. As the Director of Diversity Sourcing for Expedia Group, Bernita leverages her expertise in data analytics to refine inclusive hiring practices. She boasts an educational background with a bachelor's degree in communication studies from San Jose State University and an MBA from the Lorry I. Lokey Graduate School of Business at Mills College. Beyond her professional endeavors, she is deeply passionate about building environments where individuals from underrepresented backgrounds have equal career opportunities.
Episode Summary:
In this insightful episode of "You Can Sit With Us," Lexi B guides us through an engaging conversation with Bernita Dillard, an influential DE&I leader. As listeners dive into the transcript, they are greeted by Bernita's compelling experiences and profound realizations on balancing a high-powered career with personal well-being and self-care strategies.
Initially, Bernita takes us on her career journey, from her early eager days at Facebook to the pivotal moment of her burnout, despite success. The episode delves into the realization that our value should not solely rest on labor, a lesson learned from generational patterns that Bernita aims to break. Her narrative continues as we learn about her steps towards self-prioritization—setting up therapy sessions, embracing physical fitness, and rejuvenating through travel.
Key Takeaways:
Prioritizing self-care is critical to success, with personal endeavors like travel and hobbies helping to maintain a balance.

Establishing boundaries and strategic scheduling, even against work demands, is key to managing work-life integration.

Performance at work should not define personal value; this lesson is often derived from historical and generational experiences.

Knowing how to be effective and efficient at work creates social capital and trust, while also allowing flexibility for personal time.

The role of DE&I leaders extends beyond hiring practices, encompassing the overall cultural framework of an organization.
Notable Quotes:
"I was succeeding at work, succeeding at being a mom, and failing myself."

"Rest is resistance, it truly is resistance of the movement."

"The moment that I realized that I do not find value in labor was a very big moment for me."

"You got to put your mask on before you help somebody."

"We all have the bad days. Every day you're not coming in and it's roses and sunshine."
Important Links
Linkedin

Website
...more
31min
March 19, 2024Authenticity with Kamala Avila-Salmon
About Our Guest:
Kamala is an accomplished professional with roots from Jamaica, having been born there before migrating to the United States at the age of four. With Jamaican parents who valued education, Kamala absorbed early the importance of being well-informed and outspoken. Her father, an economist on a Fulbright scholarship, and her mother, an accountant, grounded their pursuit of opportunity in New York. Kamala carries the spirit of their ambition and has flourished academically and professionally. She attained her BA and MBA from prestigious Harvard University and moved through the ranks of influential companies from Bad Boy Records to NBC, to giants like Google and Facebook, leading marketing campaigns and wielding her voice on DEI strategies.
Episode Summary:
In this insightful episode of "You Can Sit With Us," host Lexi B converses with Kamala, a dynamo in the field of marketing and diversity initiatives within the entertainment industry. As the first head of inclusive content for the Lionsgate Motion Picture group, Kamala weaves DEI strategies into the fabric of the studio's business decisions, reflecting global diversity in the film slate. This episode unravels Kamala's articulate and authentic approach to promoting racial justice in corporate America while staying true to her cultural identity and personal integrity.

Key Takeaways:
Authenticity in the workplace encompasses consistency in core personal values and adaptability in communication to ensure effectiveness.

Code-switching in professional environments can be productive but should not compromise fundamental aspects of one's identity and values.

Feedback is vital for growth but must be discerned wisely, considering the source's credibility and alignment with one's own strengths.

Establishing personal boundaries is crucial for maintaining professional integrity and choosing which battles are worth fighting in the corporate arena.

Building relationships with advocates rather than detractors leads to a more effective and fulfilling career trajectory.
Notable Quotes:

"When I show up, it was my Harvard. I never thought that it was their Harvard."

"If I decided to take feedback from the detractors, I would be twisting myself into a pretzel..."
"I have to build advocates, not even just for me personally, but advocates for the work..."
...more
43min
March 14, 2024Finding Your Life Purpose with Latonya Wilkins
About Our Guest:
Latonya Wilkins is a renowned change management coach and author known for her expertise in leadership development and creating inclusive work environments. She is the founder of Change Coaches and the writer behind the bestselling book, "Leading Below the Surface." Wilkins' notable career encompasses roles in HR, talent management, and learning and development at Fortune 500 companies, as well as significant contributions at the University of Illinois Geese College of Business where she was recognized for her excellence as an instructor. With features on Fast Company, the Los Angeles Times, NPR, and Ink magazine, Wilkins is a prominent figure dedicated to coaching CEOs, senior executives, and teams to foster psychologically safe teams and cultures of belonging.
Episode Summary:
In the latest episode of the "You Can Sit With Us" podcast, host Lexi B welcomes the inspirational Latonya Wilkins, a change management coach and advocate for diversity and inclusion. Wilkins shares personal stories, sheds light on challenges faced in corporate environments, and discusses her pursuit of creating sustainable changes in leadership and team dynamics. Prepare for an intimate and profound conversation that delves deep into the journey of finding one's purpose and the transformative power of walking in your truth.

Key Takeaways:
Identifying one's role in society can be a gateway to discovering their life's purpose.

The importance of aligning professional roles with personal values and authenticity.

The challenges and benefits of stepping away from corporate life to pursue individual purpose.

The importance of policies that reflect empathy and support employees during personal tragedies.

Strategies for self-reflection and understanding one’s contributions in various life scenarios.
Notable Quotes:

“How do you get acquainted with [your purpose] if you're not living it every day?” - LaTonya

“What would you do if the world were ending and there was an apocalypse? What would be your role in the village?” - LaTonya

“We're here, number one, to serve, and number two, to really just continue to make our society better while we're making ourselves better.” - LaTonya

“...every person that is not from the Midwest, whenever I say that, when I tell them I'm from Iowa, I think you even looked at me like, you are afraid for me something was going to happen.” - LaTonya
“Until all of us are free, none of us are free.” - Lexi B
Leading Below The Surface

Latonya's Website
...more
38min
March 12, 2024White Grief in Black Liberation with Breeshia Wade
About Our Guest:
Breeshia Wade, is a content strategist with a passion for utilizing her training as a lay ordained Zen Buddhist chaplain. She is the author of the acclaimed 2021 publication "Grieving While Black: An Antiracist Take on Oppression and Sorrow," which has been rated as one of the best nine books on grief and is now required reading in multiple university graduate courses. Breeshia is dedicated to crafting effective diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies by offering professional development programs and customized solutions for both individuals and institutions.
Episode Summary:
In an enlightening conversation with Breeshia Wade, the latest episode of You Can Sit With Us delves into the profound relationship between grief, oppression, and the pursuit of black liberation. The discussion explores the nuanced dimensions of what it means to grieve as an African American, the implications of white grief, and the intersection of spirituality and social justice. Breeshia's nuanced perspectives on these complex issues offer listeners a unique look at the foundations of systemic oppression and the paths to healing and understanding.
Key Takeaways:

Grieving While Black: Breeshia Wade discusses the unique aspects of African American grief and the significance of acknowledging suffering for healing and liberation.

White Grief: The necessity for white individuals to confront their fear of losing privilege to support and not hinder black liberation.

Spirituality and Justice: How Breeshia's spirituality as a Zen Buddhist chaplain informs her approach to addressing oppression and fostering awareness.

The Role of Culture: The discussion highlights the cultural aspects of black spirituality and how they serve as a means of connection to African American heritage and ancestry.

Notable Quotes:

"What white people are afraid to lose from their privilege, their sense of safety, and their identity and the actions they will take subconsciously to prevent that loss."

"It's all fine and dandy to give us ERGs to go to and to hire more 'diverse' employees. But if we still got 39 hours of putting up with abuse, then the math don't make sense."

"Mindfulness comes from meditation. And meditation was literally derived from a tradition that is all about recognizing suffering."

"Our ancestors had to find some place to protect and bury our humanity and our connection to God, where oppressors could not touch it."
"Instead of ever, at any point in time, moving on to Buddhahood, I am committing to staying on earth and to attempt to alleviate the suffering of all beings at all costs."
...more
39min
March 07, 2024Emotional Intelligence with Starlet Susilo
About Our Guest:
In this episode, we are introduced to Starlet, an entrepreneur with a passion for data analytics and customer journeys. Her expertise lies in making complex numbers accessible and engaging. Starlet has an enviable ability to bridge the gap between data and creativity, ensuring that every customer touchpoint with a brand is optimized. She hails from Indonesia with Chinese descent, carrying rich cultural heritage spanning seven generations. When not deep-diving into data, Starlet enjoys spending time in her backyard taking care of her avocado tree and biking around the neighborhood with her children.

Episode Summary:
In this invigorating episode of "You Can Sit With Us," host Lexi B welcomes Starlet, an entrepreneur whose superpower is translating data into creative strategies. Listeners are treated to an insightful conversation that traverses the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) in the workplace and the journey of an immigrant entrepreneur. Starlet shares her rich cultural experiences from Indonesia to Japan, and how these have shaped her approach to leadership and business.
The episode touches on a salient life lesson derived from Starlet's internship experience that laid the foundation for her leadership philosophy. It delves into the nuances of nurturing a high EQ among team members and balancing the perfectionist’s eye for detail against the pragmatism of business needs. The episode is enriched with anecdotes that bring to light the ways in which empathy and active listening serve as cornerstones for effective communication and leadership.
Key themes center around the significance of EQ in resolving workplace disagreements, how to provide constructive feedback, and the entrepreneurial drive to constantly improve oneself. The conversation also explores the intersection of marketing and empathy, suggesting that the most compelling advertising connects with consumers on an emotional level.

Key Takeaways:
Emotional intelligence is pivotal for leaders to inspire and connect with their team members constructively.

Being an empathetic and present listener can transform disagreements into productive discussions.

A passion for learning and improvement is a valued trait when building a dynamic and adaptive team.

Direct communication, when giving feedback, can empower team members to improve and excel in their roles.

In marketing, appealing to customers' emotions can be significantly more effective than focusing solely on product features.
Notable Quotes:
"We can talk about emotional intelligence all day long, but we're not going to get any results if we don't actually do it."

"I love working with you, Starlet. The way that you said that makes me want to be a better person, makes me want to do better."

"In my perfect world, I have a spreadsheet full of this list of things to do."

Important Links
Starlet's Linkedin
...more
38min
March 05, 2024What Burn Out Looks Like with Fred Chandra
About Our Guest
Fred Chandra is a professional who has intrigued audiences with his approach to integrating new hires into large companies. With a background that indicates involvement with onboarding processes and possibly employee development, Chandra comes across as an enthusiastic individual dedicated to improving the joiner's experience. He reflects on his Chinese Indonesian heritage with a storytelling flair, indicating a rich family history and cultural influences.
In this heartfelt and enlightening episode of "You Can Sit with Us," our host, Lexi B, is joined by the charismatic Fred Chandra. The duo delves into the layered concepts of work-life rhythm, managing burnout, and the journey of seeking professional help. The conversation begins with anecdotes from both Lexi and Fred's lives, touching on intriguing backstories that shed light on their resilience and character. As Fred shares his experiences, listeners are drawn into a candid discussion about the challenges of maintaining balance amidst adversity.
Episode Summary
Fred Chandra opens up about his personal experience with burnout, which manifest in the intense year of 2020. Throughout, he navigates through the themes of work demands, family responsibilities, and societal pressures. This episode serves as a reminder of the importance of self-care and the courage it takes to seek help when needed. The dialogue also touches on the evolving concept of resilience, distinguishing it from the act of mere endurance and the struggles associated with maintaining a facade of success.
Key Takeaways
Burnout is a multifaceted issue that can stem from both professional and personal pressures, accentuated by the pandemic and societal unrest.

The journey toward seeking help, such as therapy or medication, is a personal, noble, and essential step toward wellbeing.

There is a clear distinction between resilience and endurance, with resilience involving the acknowledgment of feelings and constructive action.

The concept of work-life balance is better framed as a work-life rhythm, which fluctuates throughout different life phases.

Open communication, especially within families and between generations, is key to breaking stigmas around mental health and seeking help.
Notable Quotes
"Resilience is being able to see yourself as a human being in a whole system, acknowledging the feelings, feeling the feelings, and then figuring out what to do next." - Fred Chandra

"I choose to live, and I choose work to be a means in which I can live." - Fred Chandra

"My sense of value and worth is not attached to my work or job title, even though I was raised to believe that's how it should be." - Fred Chandra

"There is no such thing as work-life balance... I call it the work-life rhythm." - Fred Chandra
Important Links
- Fred's Linkedin
...more
42min
February 27, 2024The Difference Between Scary and Dangerous with Nathalie Walton
About Our Guest
Nathalie Walton is the co-founder and CEO of Expectful, a women's health and wellness company. She has over a decade of experience in big tech corporations, including Google, Airbnb, and eBay. Nathalie took the leap to start her own company and has found great success in doing so.

Summary
Nathalie Walton shares her journey of leaving the corporate world to start her own company and the difference between something that is scary and something that is dangerous. Nathalie emphasizes the importance of investing in oneself and surrounding oneself with inspiring individuals. She also highlights the need to step out of one's comfort zone and take risks in order to reach one's full potential.

Key Takeaways
- Leaving a stable job to pursue something new can be scary, but the worst thing that can happen is ending up where you started.
- It is important to invest in oneself and surround oneself with inspiring individuals who are doing cool things.
- Outsourcing tasks that are not one's strengths can free up time to focus on what one is good at and lead to greater success.
- Taking risks and stepping out of one's comfort zone can lead to personal and professional growth.
- Investing in oneself may require financial sacrifices, but the returns can be significant in terms of personal fulfillment and achievement.

Quotes
- "The worst thing that would happen to me was I would be exactly where I was in that moment, which was a great job at a great tech company." - Nathalie Walton
- "You actually don't need a formal mentor. You can just follow people and get everything you need to know." - Nathalie Walton
- "Investing in yourself always leads to outsized returns." - Nathalie Walton
- "Your time is more valuable than money. If you could save more time to do what you're really, really good at, you can actually make more money." - Nathalie Walton

Important Links
Linkedin

Instagram

Website

Transcription
...more
36min
February 22, 2024Be The Elephant In The Room with Michael Miller
About Our Guest:
Michael Miller is the Deputy General Counsel and Data Protection Officer at Strava, a leading consumer tech company. With over 16 years of experience in the government and private sectors, Mike has established himself as a trusted expert in data protection and privacy. He has played a crucial role in ensuring compliance with regulations such as GDPR and has been instrumental in developing robust data protection strategies. Mike's expertise and dedication to his role have earned him a reputation as a leader who is not afraid to address the elephant in the room and advocate for the best interests of the company and its users.
Episode Summary
In this episode, Lexi B sits down with Mike Miller, Deputy General Counsel and Data Protection Officer at Strava, to discuss the importance of addressing the elephant in the room. Mike shares his personal journey of being the person who speaks up and highlights the impact it has had on his career. He explains the role of a data protection officer and the significance of GDPR in shaping data protection practices worldwide. Mike provides valuable insights on how to effectively communicate difficult truths in a corporate setting and emphasizes the need for risk management and compliance in today's data-driven world.
Key Takeaways
Speaking up and addressing the elephant in the room can have a significant impact on one's career and reputation.

As a data protection officer, it is crucial to understand the historical context and current plan of the company to effectively address data protection concerns.

Identifying the right forum and delivering the message with data and risk analysis can help gain support for necessary changes.

Collaboration with key stakeholders, such as principal engineers and legal teams, is essential in driving change and finding solutions.

Breaches and data security are major concerns for data protection officers, and addressing these issues requires proactive measures and open communication.
Quotes
"Being the person who speaks up in the room has elevated my career and built a stronger reputation for who I am." - Mike Miller

"You want to be the solution artist, not just the person who identifies the elephant in the room." - Mike Miller
Important Links
Strava

Linkedin
...more
39min

FAQs about Sit with Lexi B:

How many episodes does Sit with Lexi B have?

The podcast currently has 47 episodes available.

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