We’re joined by Monique Manso, Chief Revenue Officer of Essence Ventures. Monique shares her journey through corporate media, her return to Essence, and how purpose and performance drive her leadership today. She explains how hiring for care, not just capability, shapes her team, and why transparency and human connection are at the heart of every role she fills.

We also dive into how brands must act with intention to authentically serve today’s multicultural audiences, and why Monique believes this isn’t a DEI issue — it’s a business one.

Key Takeaways:

(06:03) Custom content and experiential platforms are central to modern media growth.

(10:08) Leaders create lasting impact when they focus on community and purpose.

(13:03) Companies that ignore multicultural consumers risk becoming irrelevant.

(23:42) Finding diverse talent requires expanding your network and mindset.

(26:46) Hiring for passion and care is just as important as skills and experience.

(33:07) Great hires often come from those who bring both energy and a problem-solving mindset.

(40:33) Learning to prioritize is essential when demands always outpace time.

Resources Mentioned:

Monique Manso

https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemanso/

Essence Ventures | Website

https://www.essence.com/essence-ventures-1/

New Voices Foundation | Website

https://newvoicesfoundation.org/

Thank you for listening to “Hire Learning with Oz Rashid.” Don’t forget to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss out on future episodes. 

Connect with our host, Oz Rashid, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ozrashid.  

To learn more about MSH, visit https://www.talentmsh.com. 

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