In my latest episode of The SheSuite, I had the honor of sitting down with Dr. Deretta Cole-Rhodes for a powerful conversation on diversity, culture, and the realities of leadership at the highest levels.

We didn’t just talk about DEI in theory—we unpacked what it actually looks like to lead inclusively inside organizations, how culture shows up in decision-making, and the responsibility leaders carry to create environments where people can truly thrive. Dr. Cole-Rhodes brought an honest, executive-level perspective on what it takes to navigate the C-suite as a woman—where presence, influence, and resilience aren’t optional, they’re required.

This conversation is a reminder that diversity isn’t a checkbox—it’s a leadership competency. And for women aspiring to or currently in the C-suite, it’s about more than having a seat at the table… it’s about using your voice once you’re there.