Sit with Lexi B

About Our Guest:

B. Pagels-Minor is an accomplished professional with a rich background in tech and venture capital. They have held positions at notable companies such as Apple and Netflix, where they were recognized for their strategic impact and leadership. B. Pagels-Minor is currently navigating the venture capital world, running their own firm, and continuously advocating for diversity and inclusion. Additionally, they are passionate about uplifting others through mentorship and community-building initiatives, exemplified by their nonprofit work with wealth salons focusing on women executives and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Episode Summary

In this engaging episode, our host Lexi B sits down with the dynamic B. Pagels-Minor to delve into the nuances of igniting confidence and harnessing what they term 'Big D Energy' to succeed in professional settings. The discussion starts with a personal anecdote about punctuality and transitions into powerful insights about career development, authenticity, and self-belief.

B. Pagels-Minor shares their journey from the humble beginnings in Mississippi and Tennessee to becoming a respected thought leader in the tech and venture capital sectors. Keywords like "career confidence," "authenticity in leadership," and "venture capital success" lace the narrative, making it rich with actionable advice. B. talks about their initial struggles with professional identity and how embracing their true self, including their unique style and personality, ultimately paved the way for greater career success. The episode also explores the importance of storytelling in leadership and the role of authenticity in building meaningful workplace relationships.

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Natalie Daise is widely recognized for her role as a co-star on the beloved '90s television show "Gullah Gullah Island," aired on Nickelodeon. Along with her husband Ron Daise, Natalie showcased the rich culture and heritage of the Gullah Geechee people to a broad audience. Born and raised in New York, but deeply connected to her Southern roots, Natalie is a storyteller, professional artist, and cultural advocate. She continues to inspire through various artistic endeavors and educational presentations, preserving and celebrating her cultural heritage.

In this episode, Lexi B engages in a heartwarming and enlightening conversation with Natalie Daise, the revered TV "auntie" from the iconic '90s children's show "Gullah Gullah Island." They discuss the profound impact of representation on television and the cultural significance the show holds for many, especially within the Black community. Natalie recounts the serendipitous journey that led to her family starring in the show, the importance of authentic storytelling, and their dedication to showcasing the Gullah Geechee culture.

Throughout the episode, Natalie offers insights into the creation of "Gullah Gullah Island," emphasizing the serendipity and grace that shaped its inception. She shares touching stories of her encounters with fans, illustrating the show's role in helping many see themselves represented on screen for the first time. Lexi B and Natalie also delve into broader themes of cultural preservation, the challenges of current representation in media, and the troubling trend of book bans and reduced support for diverse storytelling in today's media landscape.

About Our Guest:

Kimberly Clark is a highly respected professional known for her ability to tell the truth in a loving and respectful way. With a background in management consulting and a passion for driving results, Kimberly has built a reputation as a truth teller who is also kind and supportive. She is currently working on writing a leadership book and is active on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Summary:

Kimberly Clark, a renowned professional known for her ability to tell the truth in a loving and respectful way, joins the conversation. She shares her journey of becoming a truth teller and the impact it has had on her career. Kimberly emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and delivering results while also being kind. She discusses the challenges and rewards of being a truth teller, as well as the need to build strong relationships and protect one's team. Kimberly encourages listeners to embrace their truth-telling abilities and offers tips for activating their own truth telling with authenticity and grace.

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Transcription

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.

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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.

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"Does your employee base feel safe to be there?" - Dwana Franklin Davis, on the significance of creating a trusted environment for employees.

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.

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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.

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"I have to build advocates, not even just for me personally, but advocates for the work..."

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.

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“Until all of us are free, none of us are free.” - Lexi B

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.

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"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."

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.

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Starlet's Linkedin