The E Word with Karen & Brittany

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Ever wondered how Corporate America shapes its political landscape? Tune into "The E-Word" as we discuss the recent endorsement of Kamala Harris by 88 powerhouse CEOs. We'll uncover what this wave of support means for economic stability and corporate trust and why companies are now more compelled than ever to take definitive political and social stances. Our conversation doesn't shy away from the reality that businesses are now key players in the political arena, often guiding the market's stability and societal expectations.

But that's not all – this episode also addresses the unique hurdles faced by women, especially Black women, in leadership roles. We confront the injustices and biases that persist, highlighting the importance of decisiveness and inclusivity in corporate strategies. Join us as we explore the future of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in business, advocating for it to be more than just a checkbox but a core element of organizational growth and culture. From scrutinizing traditional DEI training to discussing how brands can genuinely embrace diversity, this episode promises a thought-provoking look at the evolving dynamics of corporate leadership.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

• Kamala Harris Endorsed for President by 88 Business Leaders Including James Murdoch, Peter Chernin, Mark Cuban, Barry Diller (Variety)
• More than 90 business leaders endorse Kamala Harris for president (CBS News MoneyWatch)
• Dozens of high-profile business execs endorse Kamala Harris (Axios)

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• Follow Karen on LinkedIn and learn more at Colossal Work.
• Follow Brittany on LinkedIn and learn more at BND Consulting Group.

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How do fear and hope drive American politics in opposite directions? Join us as we explore this provocative question, beginning with a deep dive into the often-ignored "E" in DEI—equity. We examine the stark contrasts between the Democratic and Republican National Conventions, focusing on the cultural ramifications of VP picks JD Vance and Kamala Harris. We also discuss the public's reaction to Governor Tim Walz's son, Gus, being openly neurodiverse and how this highlights the differing narratives both political parties push forward.

Leadership and trust take center stage as we dissect the nuances between coercive and referent power. We discuss how trust is a superpower that fosters organizational creativity and innovation. Our conversation underscores the importance of trust in leadership, especially in today's volatile environment, and how it can lead to more effective and innovative outcomes.

Finally, we celebrate the journey of Kamala Harris as an example of recognizing and harnessing potential, particularly among women of color. By comparing our own personal experiences and professional journeys, we highlight the necessity for leaders to see beyond traditional metrics and focus on potential. We discuss setting realistic goals and maintaining a positive outlook, emphasizing the broader implications of inclusive leadership in a diverse America. 

Tune in to uncover how understanding individual strengths and weaknesses can maximize team potential and lead to organizational success.

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• Follow Brittany on LinkedIn and learn more at BND Consulting Group.

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Is Kamala Harris' multiracial identity being used as a political weapon? Join Karen & Brittany as they confront this controversial issue head-on, sparked by provocative remarks at the recent NABJ event featuring the Republican presidential nominee. This episode delves deep into the complexities of race and identity in America, focusing on how Kamala Harris' multifaceted heritage is often misunderstood or misrepresented for political gain. 

Karen & Brittany navigate the historical constructs of race and Blackness, examining the role white patriarchal structures have played in shaping societal norms and classifications. Through symbols like Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben, we explore how these representations reinforce subservient roles and delve into the fluidity of racial identity across different cultures. 

Lastly, Karen & Brittany emphasize the critical need for unity among Black Americans and other marginalized groups. By recognizing our shared heritage and moving forward together, we can counter political tactics aimed at fracturing multiracial coalitions and champion collective progress over divisive issues.

CONTINUED LEARNING

• Fact Check: Kamala Harris has long identified as Black, contrary to Trump claim
• Donald Trump falsely suggests Kamala Harris misled voters about her race
• Kamala Harris energizes South Asian voters, a growing force in key swing states
• Key facts about Black eligible voters in 2024
• Key facts about Asian American eligible voters in 2024
• Asian Indian Was The Largest Asian Alone Population Group in 2020

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• Follow Karen on LinkedIn and learn more at Colossal Work.
• Follow Brittany on LinkedIn and learn more at BND Consulting Group.

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Imagine the powerful combination of Kamala Harris' diverse heritage and her historic nomination as the presumptive Democratic nominee for president. Join our celebration of this milestone as we discuss the significance of her candidacy, representing Black, South Asian, Jamaican, and immigrant communities. Hear about the enthusiastic response from voters, especially young people, and witness the overwhelming support from virtual gatherings of people across the country. We also explore the crucial role of allyship and the mobilization of white women in solidarity and action, shedding light on the importance of inclusive representation in the White House, including Harris’ role as a stepmother in a blended family.

What does it take for a woman to be considered "likable" in a leadership role?

Karen & Brittany unpack the societal biases and expectations that women face, often having to strike a balance between professionalism and relatability. They delve into how these standards typically reflect white, heterosexual, stoic male traits and discuss the unfair biases that favor those who fit this mold. Through personal anecdotes, Karen & Brittany highlight the importance of recognizing and correcting our own biases and emphasize that likability should not overshadow competency.

Why is it so difficult for people to see women as competent?

Karen & Brittany confront the persistent issues of gender bias and stereotyping in leadership, focusing on Kamala Harris' experiences. They scrutinize the double standards women face when being authoritative and dissect the damaging narrative that labels Harris as a "DEI hire." These stereotypes not only undermine her qualifications but also perpetuate harmful biases against women of color in leadership positions.

Ending on a hopeful note, Karen & Brittany express our aspirations for a future where diverse leadership is the norm, reflecting the true diversity of the United States and fostering unity and acceptance. This episode is a heartfelt endorsement of diverse leadership and a call to action for more inclusive and fair assessments of talent in the highest offices of the land.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

• Kamala Harris wins enough support to clinch Democratic nomination
• How Women Like Kamala Harris Saved and Shaped America 
• Grassroots organizers raise millions online for Harris in first week
• Harris could become the first female president after years of breaking racial and gender barriers
• TikTok Flooded With Positive Kamala Harris Content

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• Follow Karen on LinkedIn and learn more at Colossal Work.
• Follow Brittany on LinkedIn and learn more at BND Consulting Group.

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Is SHRM abandoning equity? Join Brittany and Karen as they dissect SHRM's rather confusing shift from diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) to a narrower focus on inclusion and diversity (I&D). In this episode, Brittany and Karen:

• Dig into the implications of omitting "equity" from the equation, especially given its critical role in creating truly inclusive workplaces. 
• Explore the potential disconnect between SHRM's stated ethos and their real-world implementation, emphasizing that equity is essential for any discussion about inclusion.
• Question whether SHRM is avoiding the complex issue of defining "equity" and its role as a leading HR organization in setting the standard rather than sidestepping the challenge. 
• Highlight the need for clear frameworks and actionable tools to help HR practitioners navigate these complex issues, especially when engaging with leadership. 

Drawing insights from a Forbes article written by DEI expert Aparna Rae, Karen & Brittany explore her recommendations for the HR community, such as advocating for better representation and considering the impact of SHRM's decisions on the industry. We also reflect on SHRM CEO Johnny Taylor's communication strategy, the risks he has taken with this pivot, and the timing of SHRM's announcement on Black Women's Equal Pay Day. The episode wraps up with a discussion about the importance of defining equity and how the organization's focus on civility might shape the future of DEI initiatives.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

• SHRM Announcement
• SHRM’s Problematic DEI Pivot: A Step Backwards For Workers’ Rights
• SHRM, a leading HR organization, is no longer focusing on ‘equity’ in its DEI approach
• America’s HR Lobby Scraps the ‘E’ From DEI
• ‘A Storm Is Coming for HR.’ SHRM CEO Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., Says Leaders Must Run Into It

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• Follow Karen on LinkedIn and learn more at Colossal Work.
• Follow Brittany on LinkedIn and learn more at BND Consulting Group.

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Ever found yourself echoing the unheard prophecies of Cassandra, the Trojan priestess doomed to speak truths no one would believe? That's the thread Karen & Brittany tug at as they explore the labyrinth of trust and credibility, where the workplace becomes our modern-day Troy.

In this episode, Karen and Brittany peel back the layers on why certain voices are bolstered and others stifled. They examine the unique hurdles Black women leap over in professional arenas and examine how trauma shapes their work armor as they double down on their professional expertise. They dissect the concept of "cultural fit" and the biases lurking behind it, challenging the status quo of subjective hiring practices and providing advice on how to build equitable teams and how to forge a workplace where every member's worth is measured by their mastery, not by likability.

CONTINUED LEARNING
Workplace Divided: Diversity and Equity and Inclusion and Discrimination 

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Every strand tells a story, and in our latest episode, we weave through the complex tapestry of hair's role in equity and self-expression. I open up about the personal hurdles I've faced sporting dreads and dyed hair in professional spheres, while we also unravel the historical battles for acceptance that many like Daryl George have endured. This isn't just talking about hair grooming  – it's a deep-rooted discussion about societal norms, where we spotlight the need for an inclusive reimagining of workplace and societal perspectives on hair.

We then pay tribute to the powerful legacy of Black women's hair, a resilient emblem of identity through the centuries. From the oppressive tignon laws to Madam C.J. Walker's pioneering beauty empire, we celebrate the artistry and resistance sewn into every braid, twist, and coil. Icons like Issa Rae and Tina Turner serve as our muses, illustrating hair's role in empowerment and cultural pride. By sharing how to genuinely support others' hair journeys and debunking myths with grace, we champion a future where every hair texture and style is not merely tolerated but embraced with open admiration.

Continuing Education

1. The Person Beneath the Hair: Hair Discrimination, Health, and Well-Being (National Library of Medicine)
2. Is Hair Discrimination Race Discrimination? (American Bar Association)
3. The CROWN Act hasn’t ended hair discrimination in Texas (Brookings)
4. A Black student was suspended for his hairstyle. The school says it wasn’t discrimination (Associated Press)
5. The CROWN Act
6. How Hair Discrimination Affects Black Women at Work (HBR)
7. Penalizing Black hair in the name of academic success is undeniably racist, unfounded, and against the law (Brookings)

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• Watch and Subscribe to The E Word on YouTube.
• Follow Karen on LinkedIn and learn more at Colossal Work.
• Follow Brittany on LinkedIn and learn more at BND Consulting Group.

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Discover how the landscape of marketing leadership is being reshaped with a historic shift towards female empowerment, as we examine what it really means to hold power and influence in this competitive industry. Celebrations may be in order for the rise of women to 51% of Chief Marketing Officer roles, but we peel back the veneer to question the equity within this progress, particularly when juxtaposed with the staggering statistic that only 1% of agency owners are female. We probe into the depths of representation disparities, from creative directors to the highest echelons of advertising, to understand the full picture of gender parity in the marketing realm.

The fabric of brand loyalty is woven with threads of respect and trust, but what happens when these are tested in the court of law and public opinion? We scrutinize a contentious lawsuit that challenges brand values and inclusivity, as Hello Alice and Progressive Insurance face accusations of discrimination for their commitment to supporting Black-owned businesses. This segment navigates the treacherous waters of consumer expectations and the ethical responsibilities businesses must shoulder in an age where every action is scrutinized, shaping narratives around inclusivity and integrity.

Finally, we confront the raw, uncomfortable truths of systemic racism and privilege that cast long shadows over business funding and opportunity. Through the lens of recent legal actions against initiatives like the Fearless Fund's grants for Black women business owners, we challenge the status quo and invite introspection on the role of institutional power in perpetuating economic disparities. By dissecting the dynamics of racism and the misuse of legal precedent, we uncover the need for intentional action against systemic barriers, urging listeners to recognize the importance of dismantling these walls for a more equitable society. Join us in these deep conversations, where the pursuit of true freedom and equity remains our unwavering goal.

Continuing Education

1. How to Effectively — and Legally — Use Racial Data for DEI
2. After history of discrimination, these federal contractors fought to hide diversity data
3. Why better reporting on racial and ethnic equity can improve diversity and inclusion outcomes

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• Watch and Subscribe to The E Word on YouTube.
• Follow Karen on LinkedIn and learn more at Colossal Work.
• Follow Brittany on LinkedIn and learn more at BND Consulting Group.

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Karen & Brittany's candid conversation sheds light on the systemic obstacles Black women leaders face climbing the corporate ladder back by disturbing findings from the McKinsey and LeanIn 2022 report. Learn how Black women, ambitious and poised for executive roles, are still being underestimated and labeled, their judgment second-guessed, and resilience tested in today's professional environments.

Dive into the nuances of identity politics, its role in shaping opportunities, and how we can leverage it to break down barriers for people of color. We engage with the historical context and its effect on the corporate presence of Black women, emphasizing the significance of collective action to amplify representation and authority in leadership spaces. This episode is a rallying cry for individual and corporate responsibility to actively dismantle biases and cultivate a culture where diversity is not just welcomed but celebrated.

We wrap up with an insightful discussion inspired by Bozoma Saint John's bold moves at Netflix, evaluating workplace biases and their legal ramifications. The conversation moves through a spectrum of subtle to overt prejudices, from body size to communication style, and how they impact women's careers, particularly those of color.

We then shift focus toward creating workplaces that champion inclusivity and support all employees, highlighting the importance of a workplace that not only recognizes but embraces the unique attributes and life choices of its workforce.

Continuing Education

1. Black Women Leaders Are More Ambitious But Less Supported At Work, McKinsey And Lean In Study Finds
2. Is There A Corporate 'Caste System'?
3. 2022 Women in the Workplace Report 
4. Women are held back at work due to 30 biases out of their control, says new study: ‘They were never quite right’
5. Code-Switching and Concrete Ceilings: How Racism in the Workplace Affects Black Women 
6. Racism and Sexism Combine to Shortchange Working Black Women
7. The Infuriating Journey From Pet To Threat: How Bias Undermines Black Women At Work

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• Watch and Subscribe to The E Word on YouTube.
• Follow Karen on LinkedIn and learn more at Colossal Work.
• Follow Brittany on LinkedIn and learn more at BND Consulting Group.

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Karen and Brittany explore the impact of the June 2023 Affirmative Action ruling and the lawsuit against Fearless Fund, a VC firm dedicated to providing pre-seed, seed-level, and Series-A financing to women of color.  They dissect the argument of the lawsuit's leader, who believes race should not be a factor in decision-making, and highlight how this legal shift ignores systemic inequalities and targets vulnerable groups. They also discuss the impact on organizations, the importance of leadership's resilience, and how to use the lawsuit as a marketing opportunity.

Continued Learning

1. Here’s what the Fearless Fund lawsuit could mean for venture
2. Affirmative action fight comes to Corporate America
3. Man Behind U.S. Supreme Court's Affirmative Action Decision Sues VC Fund Supporting Black-Women-Owned Businesses
4. He Worked for Years to Overturn Affirmative Action and Finally Won. He’s Not Done.

Support the show

Stay With Us

• Watch and Subscribe to The E Word on YouTube.
• Follow Karen on LinkedIn and learn more at Colossal Work.
• Follow Brittany on LinkedIn and learn more at BND Consulting Group.