This episode features a conversation with Landon Casassa, Commerce Program Manager at Career Path Services, about the importance of supporting minority-owned businesses. Landon shares surprising statistics about the racial disparity between white-owned businesses and minority-owned businesses. Learn innovative ways to be intentional about shifting more of your spending to minority-owned establishments, starting with small, simple choices. Landon also shares helpful suggestions for individuals and organizations wanting to celebrate diversity in their communities. Discover how to use your money to close racial wealth gaps and uplift minority-owned businesses. 

This episode features a conversation with employment specialist Jasmine Sanchez as she discusses the mental health challenges faced by racial and ethnic minority communities. Jasmine discusses barriers to mental healthcare including lack of providers, language barriers, cultural stigmas, and distrust of systems. She provides insight into how employment specialists can be more aware of and sensitive to the mental health needs of minority clients. To learn more about Open Path (mentioned in the episode) visit: https://openpathcollective.org/

This episode features a conversation with Kendra Davenport, President and CEO of Easterseals, for a timely discussion about disability employment during National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Kendra discusses the strengths that people with disabilities bring to the workforce, the work Easterseals does to prepare people with disabilities for employment, and advice for employers looking to hire inclusively. Discover persisting disparities in disability employment rates, how the pandemic opened opportunities for remote and hybrid work, and resources available to help companies build more accessible and diverse workforces.

This episode is part of the series "Work Well: Bite-Size Tips for Wellness at Work." In this episode, you'll hear from a business consultant and coach about the importance of mindfulness and presence at work. Discover tips for taking brief mental breaks to center yourself, as well as planning and prioritizing tasks to maintain focus. You'll learn how mindfulness and humanity may become even more vital as AI takes over routine tasks. 

This episode is part of the series "Work Well: Bite-Size Tips for Wellness at Work." Tune in to hear from leadership expert Chris Widener, who provides insightful and actionable advice to help you find the right job fit, company culture, develop your skills, and connect to your true motivations. Learn Chris's surprising perspective on the root of motivation and why he advises some workers to quit their jobs. 

This episode is part of the series "Work Well: Bite-Size Tips for Wellness at Work." Tune in as we take a dive into the critical topic of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) with DEI expert Jeri Perkins. Jeri discusses the importance of creating safe spaces through student and employee resource groups, the role of social empathy, and why the responsibility for fostering a culture of DEI should not fall solely on marginalized groups or DEI consultants. Jerry also challenges us to look within ourselves, urging that individual self-work is the cornerstone of creating a truly inclusive and equitable workplace. Whether you're a leader or an employee, tune in for actionable insights on making your workplace a well, inclusive environment.

This episode is part of the series "What the Heck is Going on in Workforce" and features a conversation with Larry Robbin, Executive Director of Robbin and Associates, as Larry discusses how the workforce development system will have to adjust in the emerging economy. Larry dives into the heart of why workforce development organizations often struggle to keep pace with economic shifts, emphasizing the need for proactive alignment with economic development and business realms. He also provides a vision for a more agile, results-driven approach to workforce development that challenges traditional norms and embraces change in the pursuit of thriving amidst chaos.

This episode is part of the series "What the Heck is Going on in Workforce" and features a conversation with Larry Robbin, Executive Director of Robbin and Associates, as Larry discusses how the workforce development system will have to adjust in the emerging economy. In part 2 of the conversation, Larry reflects on his own journey and underscores the importance of acknowledging historical biases and systemic barriers while driving genuine diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. 

This episode is part of the series "What the Heck is Going on in Workforce" and features a conversation with Larry Robbin, Executive Director of Robbin and Associates, as Larry discusses how the workforce development system will have to adjust in the emerging economy. Larry reveals what he means by the "chaos economy" and identifies the qualities that workers will need to thrive in the future economy. Make sure to tune in as the conversation continues in part two! 

This episode is part of the series "What the Heck is Going on in Workforce" and features a conversation with Crystal Odom-McKinney, National Director, Senior Community Service Employment Program at Easterseals. Crystal provides an overview of the changes she has seen over the past few years in the business environment and how Easterseals serves their customers. She also discusses how automation has impacted her organization and provides an overview of the current state of the workforce. To learn more, visit: https://www.easterseals.com/  To download the discussion guide for this episode, visit https://bit.ly/DOWE117