In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Dr. Akilah Cadet, author of White Supremacy Is All Around, and a leading voice in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Together, they explore how systemic racism shapes our workplaces and communities, what it truly means to practice allyship versus being an accomplice, and how individuals and organizations can take real action toward equity.

Dr. Cadet opens up about her lived experiences as a Black disabled woman, the realities of running a DEI consulting business amid cultural pushback, and her groundbreaking role as a co-owner of professional soccer teams in the Bay Area. Through honesty, humor, and insight, this conversation challenges listeners to embrace accountability, learning, and unlearning in the ongoing fight for justice and inclusion.

What We're Talking About...

• Dr. Akilah Cadet reminds us that real progress begins when we learn to be comfortable with discomfort.
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are facing growing resistance in today’s social and business climate.
• White supremacy is sustained by fear and the desire to hold on to power.
• True change requires more than allyship — it calls for becoming an active accomplice in the fight for equity.
• Parents play a vital role in helping future generations understand race, privilege, and empathy.
• Growth happens through both learning and unlearning, with humility as the foundation.
• Accountability is essential for individuals and institutions that perpetuate harm.
• Dr. Cadet’s co-ownership of Bay Area soccer teams shows why representation matters in every industry.
• Dismantling systemic racism is a collective effort that depends on everyone’s participation.
• Dr. Cadet’s story highlights both the challenges and the strength of marginalized communities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Dr. Akilah Cadet

07:48 The Impact of 2020 on DEI Work

13:49 The Role of Fear in White Supremacy

19:45 Understanding Allyship vs. Accompliceship

25:30 Raising Awareness and Responsibility in Parenting

30:38 Understanding Privilege and Humanity

34:22 Learning and Unlearning in Society

36:40 Calling In vs. Calling Out

39:38 Navigating Racism in Professional Spaces

41:26 Becoming a Co-Owner in Sports

54:24 Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations

54:52 Embracing Discomfort for Change

55:20 Accountability and Awareness in Society

Links Mentioned

Socials : @changecadet

Dr. Akilah Cadet’s Website: https://www.changecadet.com/

White Supremacy Is All Around: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/akilah-cadet-dhsc-mph/white-supremacy-is-all-around/9780306831034/

Dr. Akilah Cadet’s Substack: https://changecadetactionnetwork.substack.com/

Author Bio

Dr. Akilah Cadet is the Founder and CEO of Change Cadet, an organizational development and creative consulting firm that offers services that support embedding belonging into overall company culture, identity, strategy and storytelling. As a Forbes Next 1000 Entrepreneur and as one of San Francisco Business Times Women of Influence her work is behind some of the biggest brands you use everyday. Dismantling white supremacy through storytelling is at the core of her work as a leader, speaker, creative director, producer, writer, editor, co-owner of the Oakland Roots and Soul soccer teams (she led the most successful community investment round in sports history), and author of White Supremacy is All Around: Notes From a Black Disabled Woman in a White World. She literally has all the degrees, lives in and loves Oakland, CA, celebrates her disability, is a proud Beyoncé advocate, and has an incredible shoe game.