Jessica Bergeron, Senior Vice President of Operation Hope, joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to speak about the status of Black and Brown-owned businesses in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. She also talks about how Operation Hope’s One Million Black Businesses Initiative has been helping Black and Brown businesses bounce back and thrive during the pandemic.
 
 

In this Episode

·      The challenges facing Black and Brown-owned businesses, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and a lack of fortified infrastructure to strengthen and protect them

·      How bank loans, mentorship, and generational wealth are involved in creating a solid infrastructure, and how Black and Brown businesses have been bereft of them, therefore placing them at a huge disadvantage

·      The origins of Operation Hope and how the organization has helped Black and Brown businesses thrive via education on financial literacy, money management, coaching services, and initiatives such as One Million Black Businesses

·      How the partners of Operation Hope, such as PNC Bank, Shopify, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce have been instrumental in rebuilding Black and Brown businesses hit hard by the pandemic

·      Empowering Black and Brown businesses and startups to advance in the corporate world

 Resources

·      Jessica Bergeron

·      Operation Hope

·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver

·      Alignment Strategies

·      One Million Black Businesses

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Raymone Bain, publicist to the stars and founder of Raymone K. Bain Companies, LLC, joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to discuss her experience working with some of the biggest names in sports, politics and entertainment. She shares stories about her work with Michael Jackson, Bernie Mac, Babyface, Jimmy Carter and more. She also reveals the discrimination she has faced during her career and offers advice for those facing similar challenges. 

In this Episode

·      How Raymone created a path to success in a male-dominated industry 

·      Her experience working with notable celebrities, including Michael Jackson, Bernie Mac, Serena Williams, and Janet Jackson

·      The importance of investing in relationships as part of building a successful career

·      The discrimination, bias, and obstacles people of color face in the public relations industry and how to overcome them

·      The importance of being loyalty and staying true to oneself 

 Resources

·      Raymone Bain

·      Raymone K. Bain Companies, LLC

·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver

·      Alignment Strategies

·      Keeper of the Famed: A Veteran Player in Politics, Sports and Entertainment, Publicist Raymone Bain is at the Top of Her Game. Is She Up to Managing Michael Jackson?

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Jonathan Kaufman, founder of J. Kaufman Consulting and a thought leader and educator, joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to discuss how embracing disabilities can allow companies to be more innovative and productive. He talks about his experience as a person with a disability, why people with disabilities are often overlooked in corporate America and the role resilience, patience and adaptation play in creating environments that are supportive and inclusive of people with disabilities. 

In this Episode

·      The disability market in the United States and how companies are missing out on harnessing the talent of these individuals

·      How a fear of the unknown drives companies away from discussions about people with disabilities and how that avoidance fosters a culture of ableism

·      The role of resilience, patience and adaptation in the discussion about disabilities and the experience of people with disabilities

·      Dr. Kaufman’s experience growing up with a disability and how that shaped his career aspirations and his perception of the workplace and the world

·      The actions companies must take to create an inclusive and accommodating environment for people with disabilities

 Resources

·      Jonathan Kaufman

·      J. Kaufman Consulting

·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver

·      Alignment Strategies

·      Mindset Matters

·      The $400 Billion Adaptive Clothing Opportunity

·      Disability Impacts All of Us

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Juan Lopez, founder of management consulting firm Amistad Associates, joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to discuss the role of code switching in Corporate America. He explains what code switching is, how it’s employed by Latino professionals and the impact it can have on one’s career and self-esteem. 

In This Episode

·      What code switching is and how it shows up in the workplace

·      How code switching negatively impacts the experiences and overall well-being of professionals of color 

·      How Latinos code switch to advance their careers and how it prevents them from being their authentic selves

·      The extent to which White professionals and managers are aware of code switching in their organizations

·      How to create and foster an environment in which Latinos and others won’t feel the need to code switch

 Resources

·      Juan Lopez

·      Amistad Associates

·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver

·      Alignment Strategies

·      The Cost of Code-Switching

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Dr. Janice Underwood, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer for the Commonwealth of Virginia joins host Dr. Vanessa Weaver to discuss her role and impact as the country’s first cabinet-level diversity professional. She shares details about the DE&I initiatives her team has instituted and what she’s done to ensure these efforts continue in future administrations, the critical race theory debate in Virginia and its role in the most recent gubernatorial election, and her plans following the Northam administration's transition out of office. 

In This Episode

·     The diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives established under Dr. Underwood's leadership, including ONE Virginia, the first statewide strategic plan for inclusive excellence across more than 100 state agencies.

·      The steps Dr. Underwood has taken to ensure that the diversity, equity and inclusion efforts of the Northam Administration will continue with future administrations. 

·      Dr. Underwood’s path from special education biology teacher to appointed government officer. 

·      Why the Commonwealth of Virginia has declared racism a public health crisis and how the Northam Administration has addressed this issue. 

·      Misconceptions about critical race theory and how the governor’s office is using CRT to reform manifestations of racism in Virginia law. 

Resources

·        Dr. Janice Underwood

·        Dr. Vanessa Weaver

·        Alignment Strategies

·        ONE Virginia 

·        Commonwealth of Virginia COVID-19 Equity Leadership Task Force

·        Critical Race Theory: A Brief History

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Chiqui Cartagena, Latino marketing expert and author of Latino Boom and Latino Boom II, joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to discuss the United States’ burgeoning Hispanic population. She addresses the rapid growth in Latino buying power, why there is an increase in Latinos living in the South and Midwest, how Latinos are shaping consumer habits and popular culture, and why recognizing Latinos’ influence is critical to the success of companies in all industries. 

 In This Episode

·      How Chiqui Cartagena leverages her background in marketing and journalism to highlight the stories of U.S. Latinos.

·      The Latino population explosion and how it is contributing to overall U.S. economic growth.

·      How U.S. companies can successfully market to Latino consumers. 

·      Invisibility and stereotyping of Latinos in American media.

·      Ways to help Latino professionals show up as their most authentic selves at work. 

 Resources

·      Chiqui Cartagena

·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver

·      Alignment Strategies

·      Latino Boom: Everything You Need to Know to Grow Your Business in the U.S. Hispanic Market

·      Latino Boom II: Catch the Biggest Demographic Wave Since the Baby Boom

·      Latino Donor Collaborative Report 

·      Latinos at Work: Unleashing the Power of Culture
 
 

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Building Black and Brown Businesses

Rick Wade, Senior Vice President of Strategic Alliances and Outreach at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to discuss increasing the growth and success for minority-owned businesses in the United States. He talks in-depth about the effect the COVID-19 pandemic has had on Black and Latinx-owned businesses and how bolstering these businesses can help close the racial wealth gap.

In this Episode

·      Addressing the racial wealth gap in the United States through business ownership

·      Advancing policies to address income inequality between white-owned and minority-owned businesses 

·      How Rick Wade’s upbringing influenced his views about economic inequality

·      The effect of COVID-19 on Black and Brown businesses 

·      How the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is taking the lead in addressing racial income equity

 Resources

·      Rick Wade

·      U.S. Chamber of Commerce

·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver

·      Alignment Strategies

·      Equality of Opportunity Initiative

·      Take on Race
 

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Dr. Candace Steele Flippin, Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer at Acuity Brands and a multigenerational workplace expert, sits down with Dr. Vanessa Weaver to discuss the generational differences that exist in the workplace and how to navigate them. She explains how values differ by generation and how these differences impact communication between generations. 

In this Episode

·      The differences between Traditionalists/Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Generation Y/Millennials and Generation Z in the workplace

·      The values and norms each generation holds and how they show up at work

·      Generational differences among working women and how they influence communication with colleagues and supervisors

·      How social issues such as racial and gender equity play out in the workplace and how each generation views these issues

·      What workplaces can do to help employees from different generations work together and get the most out of their careers

 Resources

·      Candace Steele Flippin

·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver

·      Alignment Strategies

·      Get Your Career in Shape: A Five-Step Guide to Achieve the Success You Need, Want, and Deserve 

·      Cheddar Wellness

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Claire Tse, diversity, equity and inclusion expert and founder of Tse Solutions, joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to discuss the rise of anti-Asian hate crimes and sentiments in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. She also talks about her experiences as a Chinese-American woman facing racial and gender bias, how organizations can combat such discrimination in the workplace, the nuances that impact how Asian Americans are viewed and the ways one can support Asian-American colleagues.
 

In this Episode

·      The rise of anti-Asian hate crimes and rhetoric during the COVID-19 pandemic

·      The model minority stereotype and how it harms Asians and Asian Americans

·      The intersection of racism, sexism and misogyny and its impact on Asian women

·      How to help Asian Americans speak up about their experiences and how to address anti-Asian racism

·      How senior leaders can support and empower their Asian/Asian-American employees 

 Resources

·      Claire Tse

·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver

·      Alignment Strategies

·      The SOLVE Communication Method: Working Out of the Bamboo Box with Asian Pacific Americans and African, European, Hispanic, and Native Americans

·      Here’s What the New Hate Crimes Law Aims to do As Attacks on Asian Americans Rise

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Jemel McWilliams, an accomplished dancer, choreographer and artistic director joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to talk about his professional journey and how he has broken down barriers along the way. He shares details about his transition from corporate America to the entertainment industry, the challenges he’s faced as a Black man in Hollywood and how working with Janelle Monae has shaped how he approaches his work. 

 
 In this Episode

·      Staying true to one’s career goals

·      The challenges that Black and Brown creatives face in Hollywood

·      The importance of showing up at work as one’s authentic self 

·      How covering affects Black and Brown professionals 

·      Creating a platform to people of color in Hollywood to be represented and supported

·      Advice for breaking through in the entertainment industry

 Resources

·      Jemel McWilliams

·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver

·      Alignment Strategies

·      Inclusion Survey: Uncovering Talent

·      Creative Director Jemel McWilliams on His Emmy Nod: ‘It’s an Absolute Honor’
 

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