Women of Color Rise supports more diverse leaders at the table, especially women and people of color. We’ll be talking with CEOs and C-suite women leaders of color and learning about their leadership journeys.

How can revealing our most vulnerable selves help us with business success?

For this Women of Color Rise episode, Analiza talks with Kathy Kuo, CEO of Kathy Kuo Home.

Kathy shares how as a daughter of a diplomat she moved eight times throughout her childhood, even changing her name from Janet to Victoria to Katherine. This experience taught her humility, resiliency, and the power of observation and also how important having a place to call home was to her. This helped lead her to start Kathy Kuo Home, a luxury interiors destination specializing in designer furniture and home decor.

Kathy grew her business from 22 people to now 250 people. Key to her success has been embedding vulnerability and radical candor into the culture. Kathy shares that business problems rarely have to do with questions such as, Can we do it? Problems tend to be more around the politics such as, Should we do it? Who am I going to offend? Is this my responsibility? 

Developing a culture of radical candor has allowed Kathy and her team to move these problems in a heart-centered way. Here’s how she did it:

1. It starts at the top. 

Ensure you have an excellent executive team. Make sure each person is excellent at their job and also values aligned.

2. Within your team, build a common understanding and language of what it means to be above the line and below the line.

Above the line means being empathetic, open, curious, maintaining a positive outlook, assuming positive intent. Being below the line is opposite of this, closed off, judgmental, defensive. It’s ok to be below the line, but you want to be aware of where you are and name it so that you can take time to move above the line. Set expectations and model calling out for yourself and others when you are below the line. 

3. Own your 100% and make sure the rest of our team does too.

This means taking 100% ownership and responsibility, even what we are talking about is not in your realm of work. If each person were to all lean in 100%, for example, it's an issue on customer service damages, what can I do in ops, in service, in trade? When one person owns their 100%, this sets up other members of the team to own their 100%. It shifts the culture to unpack issues and find solutions.

This culture has helped Kathy and her team not just with business success but also at home too, with team members bringing this to their own families.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-48-lead-authentically-within-a-white-dominant-culture-arva-rice-ceo-of-new-york-urban-league-1

How can we lead authentically within a white dominant culture?

For this Women of Color Rise podcast, Analiza talks with Arva Rice, CEO of New York Urban League (NYUL). Arva shares her journey beginning with her parents as sharecroppers in Arkansas. Her parents dreamed of a better life for their family and moved to Chicago, then Milwaukee. Arva and her siblings all went to college, with Arva attending Northwestern. A professor asked Arva, “How did you get into Northwestern?” Fighting off tears, Arva used this experience to motivate her, graduating with honors.

Arva took on her mother’s advice to, “Leave the door open for the next person” and dedicated her life to service. As a three-time CEO, Arva currently leads NYUL and their mission of enabling African Americans and other underserved communities to secure a first-class education, economic self-reliance and equal respect of their civil rights through programs, services and advocacy. 

Arva shares how she has learned to “dance” in her leadership, staying authentic to herself in a white dominant culture. 

1. Shed the belief that white is better and you are not enough. Arva prays and relies on affirmations which begin with, “I am God’s daughter…” Also, remember where you’ve been and what you’ve accomplished. Not just the tribulations but the trials too. Reflect on where you were one year ago, five years ago, ten years ago. Consider a person you admire. Know that they too have shed tears.

2. Know that even in white spaces, you can decide what feedback to accept or reject. Even with African American donors, board, volunteers, white supremacy still exists because the standard is still the white standard. Arva shares an example of being given feedback by a white CEO mentor that her passion was not sufficient and needed to be followed by statistics. While Arva did not agree with his viewpoint, she thought it was helpful to get a different perspective from a white leader. Arva saw how this could be helpful when deciding to form partnerships or fundraising with other white leaders.

3. Be aware of decision rights. Arva was nominated by Mayor Eric Adams as Interim Chair of the Civilian Complaint Review Board. In this role, Arva leads the board to “police the police” on behalf of the public. At the same time, while the board will give recommendations, ultimately, the decision is with the New York City Police Commissioner.

Get full show notes and more information here: 

https://analizawolf.com/ep-48-lead-authentically-within-a-white-dominant-culture-arva-rice-ceo-of-new-york-urban-league

How can we risk, put ourselves out there, and even be willing to bomb as a comedian?

For this Women of Color Rise podcast, Analiza talks with Rhea Wong, Founder of Rhea Wong Consulting, Author of Get that Money Honey, Host of Non-Profit Lowdown, and Aspiring Comedian. Rhea shares how as a comedian she had an audience of just her family and parents and told sex jokes and it bombed in a big way. But even with this low moment, Rhea was able to shake it off and continue to get back on stage. Rhea’s ability to shake off mistakes is one of her super powers she has used throughout her career as Executive Director of Breakthrough New York and now a leader in the New York nonprofit community helping nonprofits raise money. 

How does Rhea pick herself up and continue to get back on stage and toot her horn? There are 7 steps:

• Step 1: Get out of your head and stop replaying the moment

• • We’re either in survival or executive mode, and most of the time (70%) in survival mode. Get out of this mode by taking a breath and finding space to disrupt the narrative.

• Step 2: Name the feeling. Not, “I am stressed” but “I feel stressed.”

• Step 3: Feel the feeling in your body. 

• • For example, sadness can feel like a heaviness in the heart. Anger can be accompanied by a tension in the arms, neck, or shoulders. 

• Step 4: Check your assumptions - is it true that everyone will think you’re a failure?

• Step 5: Practice self-compassion.

• • Ask yourself, “Would you let anyone talk to your best friend the way that you are talking to yourself?”

• Step 6: Keep putting yourself out there. 

• • Orientation is not, “I’m great,” or “I’m the best.” Instead, it’s about helping people. “I’ve figured out some things and can share.”

  • Let go of people saying no. ”If you’re not interested, that’s ok.” 

  • You have no control over other people. And if they are not kind to you, then they aren’t your people or people you should care about.

• Step 7: Know that your value is derived not by what you do or your work (which leads to overworking) but you have value just by being you. 

Get full show notes and more information here: 

https://analizawolf.com/ep-47-how-to-toot-your-horn-rhea-wong-founder-of-rhea-wong-consulting

How do you respond to a jerk? And do it elegantly?

For this Women of Color Rise episode, Analiza talks with Lisa Song Sutton, entrepreneur, investor, former Miss Nevada, and former Congressional candidate for Nevada’s 4th district. Lisa started her career in law, then went on to start and scale multiple 7 and 8 figure companies. Lisa is also a General Partner of a $20M pre-seed venture capital fund called The Veteran Fund, which invests in veteran led and military-spouse led companies. She was selected as Vegas Inc.’s 40 Under 40 and was named a Top Ten Social Entrepreneur to Watch by Inc. Magazine. 

Lisa shares how as a lawyer in her mid-20s, a client refused to work with her because she was female. She shares tips about how to Respond with Elegance to a Jerk

• Don’t take it personally. 

• Accept that you’re not likely to change their mind in the moment. 

• Focus on why you’re there. You’re there for a reason.

• Be grateful - learn from the experience and move forward.

• Always be prepared to do a great job (and show them how they underestimated you)

Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-46-how-to-respond-elegantly-to-a-jerk-with-lisa-song

How do you overcome imposter syndrome and take space at the table?

For this Women of Color Rise episode, Analiza talks with Renata Soto, Founder and CEO of Mosaic Changemakers. Their mission is to weave a better South by supporting and growing leaders of color focused on social and racial justice. Before creating Mosaic Changemakers, Renata led Conexión Américas, the nonprofit organization she co-founded in 2002 to serve Middle Tennessee's LatinX communities. Even President Obama took notice and in 2014 visited one of their community development projects, Casa Azafrán, to host a nationally televised town hall on immigration policy. Recently, President Biden appointed Renata to the White House advisory commission on educational equity and economic opportunity for the Hispanic community.

Renata shares her journey starting from her roots in Costa Rica. She shares how she overcome imposter syndrome and learned to take space at the table:

• Own that she is not the representative of the community, that she is only one person

• Know the importance of taking space as a leader who is not currently represented at the table 

• See that it’s important to recognize this power because it opens doors to others in the community to join the table too

• Embrace worthiness to be at the table

• Find mentors for feedback and support

Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-45-take-space-at-the-table-with-renata-soto-ceo-mosaic-changemakers

You need to share bad news, a lay-off, a break-up, or even a death. How do you do it - with love and care?

For this Women of Color Rise episode, Analiza talks with Vanessa Rodgriuez, CEO of NYC Outward Bound Schools. Prior to this, Vanessa was the Chief Program Officer and Interim Chief Executive Officer at Citizens of the World Charter Schools (CWCS). She joined CWCS after serving as the Talent Officer of Newark Public Schools (NPS). Vanessa is also the proud mom of a fifteen-year-old son and she enjoys spending time playing basketball with him.

Vanessa has led many hard transitions and turnarounds, including layoffs at Newark Public Schools. She shares the keys to having a difficult conversation:

• Center care for the other person and that this care means honesty. “I care about you and want to be honest.”
• Just say it. Start with the “bad news” and then follow up to figure out solutions.
• Keep the mission front and center. Vanessa would remind herself that the mission is to serve students not provide employment.
• Consider the politics and front loading communication with other stakeholders to get buy-in before delivering the news.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-44-just-say-it-how-to-have-a-difficult-conversation-with-vanessa-rodriguez

How do you talk about race with a person you love yet disagree with?

For this Women of Color Rise episode, Analiza talks with Kriste Dragon, CEO of the Pahara Institute. Prior to Pahara, Kriste was the Co-founder and CEO of Citizens of the World, a national network of tuition-free schools committed to serving diverse communities across the country. Kriste has also been a middle school teacher, instructor at UCLA, and board chair for several charter schools, and Vice President of Regional Operations for Teach For America. She has grounded her life and work in the fundamental belief that all children deserve the opportunity to realize their full potential. Kriste holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Georgia and a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Alabama. 

Kriste shares how her mother’s passing during COVID has made her wish she had embraced difficult conversations like race.

She shares practices to help ground these conversations:

• Have the conversation now; don’t delay. Life is too short.
• Decide if she is here to understand or be understood. Seek to understand before trying to be understand.
• Remember that her mom is her biggest support
• Be the love that Kriste and her mom are both seeking
• Be willing to be a friend instead of a daughter
• See our mothers as whole; help her process

Kriste also shares how her father’s fight with cancer is having her see life from a macro-view with her family and children. How can we set priorities and be more conscious and deliberate about decisions about where to live and include our family to get input? How can we live aligned with our values and purpose?

Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-43-how-to-talk-to-your-parents-about-race-with-kriste-dragon

Is it really possible for a woman leader and mom to have it all?

For this Women of Color Rise podcast, Analiza talks with Maddy Niebauer, Founder and CEO of vChief. After a career as a consultant and non-profit Chief of Staff, in 2016 Maddy launched vChief. vChief provides chief of staff services to support leadership, strategic planning and communications for organizations. In 2022, vChief was named to the 2022 Inc. 5000 Fast-Growing Private Company List. 

Maddy isn’t just a CEO. She’s also the mom of three kids. While launching vChief, Maddy lived in South America with husband and her young family, living her vision of world schooling and running a company.

In this interview, Maddy shares tips about how she is able to have her all - and others can too.

• Get clear on what most matters - It’s not just work. Think about those non-work priorities, which could include spending time with kids or traveling. 
• Be creative - You don’t have to live the traditional textbook life where you need to work at a company and be in person. It’s possible where the woman is the breadwinner in the family. It’s possible to live abroad.
• If you want to live abroad, figure out what income you need and home and school logistics - If you want to live abroad, will you live off your savings or continue to earn an income? Will you rent your current home or leave it empty while you are abroad? Will you world school or get a tutor?
• Stop trading your time for money - Maddy learned this lesson from Tim Ferris’ 4 Hour Work Week. Instead of being a Chief of Staff herself, Maddy took the risk to hire Chiefs of Staffs and focus on building the business.
• Take action - Don’t just dream. Act. It’s possible to make your dreams come true.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-42-how-to-have-it-all-maddy-niebauer

How do you go from burnout to building a business about self-care… alongside Venus Williams?

For this Women of Color Rise podcast, Analiza talks with Stephanie Morimoto, the Owner and CEO of Asutra. She shares how she started her journey from 18 hour work days and burning out before she turned 30. She was so tired on weekends that she couldn’t even get to bed and would crash on the couch. Stephanie decided to make a change. She decided to focus on self care and get clear on who she wanted to be in life. This led Stephanie to buy a small business called Asutra, which is woman-owned, women-led, and a team of 60% people of color. Asutra’s mission is about active self care, offers 50+ natural remedies to help people take care of themselves on purpose so they can get the most out of life. The products are so good that Venus Williams (yes that Venus Williams) was already using Asutra’s products and reached out to Stephanie. Venus is now a part owner and Asutra’s team as Chief Brand Officer.

Here are tips Stephanie shares:

• Practice self-awareness – Get a good therapist to understand your patterns, often tied to what we learned in childhood.
• Embrace that we are enough – We don’t need to be productive to prove our worth.
• Take time to reflect – Stephanie was able to take time to reflect and get clear on who she wanted to be. She also used The Artists Way to journal and find a way she could be creative and give back to the community. 
• If you want to contribute, take care of yourself – To take care of our world, we need to be in community and take care of each other. To take care of each other, that means we need to have a reservoir of energy, which means taking care of ourselves. Everyone deserves to be happy.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-41-how-self-care-saved-my-life-stephanie-morimoto-owner-and-ceo-asutra

How do you go beyond diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to justice and liberation?

Leaders talk about DEI. But is it more talk versus action? Is DEI enough? Or do we need to move to justice and liberation?

For this Women of Color Rise episode, Analiza talks with Jessica Santana, Co-Founder and CEO of America on Tech. She’s on the Forbes 30 under 30 list and the New York Non-Profit Media's 40 under 40 Rising Stars list. A graduate of Syracuse and Columbia, she's spoken at Google for Entrepreneurs, the White House, and Bloomberg.

When Jessica started her career in technology, she found that the game had been rigged. While she had done everything she was supposed to do and beaten the odds - graduating as one of 18 of a starting class of 118 from high school and then graduating from Syracuse as one of the few women with degrees in Accounting and Information Technology  – she realized the truth. She had been fooled by organizations claiming to value diversity, equity, and inclusion, when the reality was that organizations had few leaders who looked like her. In fact, the entire system is designed to leave people of color out. “Genius is equally distributed. Opportunity is not.”

In Women of Color Rise we discuss how to Be the Change. Jessica is a great example of this. Without role models who looked like her, Jessica set out to Be the Change and co-founded America on Tech. Her goals were to move beyond diversity, equity, and inclusion and create an organization that could actually disrupt the system. With this in mind, America on Tech focuses on decreasing the racial wealth gap to

1. Be able to back the politicians to build local businesses to pay for basic resources
2. Economically empower people to so that they can make decisions for themselves
3. Support people of color in operating from a space of abundance instead of scarcity

America On Tech focuses on technology since it is the highest growing industry in America. For one software engineer with a starting salary of 88K, they make two times Black and LatinX household income..

Jessica also shares how she has moved from burn out to valuing herself and self-care. Quoting Audrey Lord, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” 

Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-40-lead-with-justice-and-liberation-jessica-santana-ceo-america-on-tech