With 33 years of financial services, Erica Courtenay-Mann began her career at the first Chicago bank and later had the privilege of working for the first electronic Options Exchange in America during her time on Wall Street. She later contributed her expertise to the national health services in the United Kingdom. Her diverse experiences include banking, accounting, nonprofit, work, social capitalism, startups, and government roles. She is the incoming president of the National Charity League, Incorporated Post oak Chapter Houston, Texas, and the current president of the Barbara Jordan Unit for parliamentarians. She is also a proud Girl Scout troop leader. She is passionate about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. She emphasizes creating safe spaces where everyone belongs. Her dynamic leadership and commitment to philanthropy have also led her to her current fervor as an advocate for the foundation of psychosis research

In this episode, Dr. Gaye Lang and Erica Courtenay-Mann discuss:

• What a respectful workplace looks like 

• Is a respectful workplace a necessity? 

• How to create a respectful workplace 

Key Takeaways: 

• A respectful workplace is a place where all employees feel genuinely valued and where nonjudgmental spaces foster active listening, authentic feedback, and robust collaboration.

• A respectful environment isn't just a nice-to-have; it's pivotal for spurring creativity, driving innovation, and boosting productivity.

• Creating a respectful workplace environment starts with self-reflection. Have the courage to engage in critical conversations. Build alliances with colleagues or supervisors who can support your journey towards a more respectful experience. 

“You are valuable, your humanity is very important. So make sure that you respect your space and your feelings, and when something doesn't feel right, you make sure that someone knows that you deserve to be in a healthy safe space.” - Erica Courtenay-Mann

Connect with Erica Courtenay-Mann: https://linktr.ee/eycmann

Connect with Dr. Gaye Lang:

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show, so that you don’t miss a single episode; and please leave a rating and review. I would greatly appreciate it. 

Follow our show on Facebook and check out our Website for more details and to engage with our podcast community. You can also follow Dr. Lang on LinkedIn.

Download Three Vital Practices to avoid a potential lawsuit for free by clicking this link: www.WorkplaceRestorativePracticesInc.com  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaye-lang-1735761b5/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.Gaye.Lang/ 

KEY WORDS: 

Diversity, inclusion, equity, tolerance, racism, bias, implicit bias, and explicit bias.  

Show notes by Podcastologist: Justine Talla

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Respect in the workplace is necessary and important because it promotes a positive work culture, it builds trust between employees and management. It's a win-win for employees and employers

Connect with Dr. Gaye Lang:

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show, so that you don’t miss a single episode; and please leave a rating and review. I would greatly appreciate it. 

Follow our show on Facebook and check out our Website for more details and to engage with our podcast community. You can also follow Dr. Lang on LinkedIn.

Download Three Vital Practices to avoid a potential lawsuit for free by clicking this link: www.WorkplaceRestorativePracticesInc.com  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaye-lang-1735761b5/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.Gaye.Lang/ 

KEY WORDS: 

Diversity, inclusion, equity, tolerance, racism, bias, implicit bias, and explicit bias.  

Show notes by Podcastologist: Justine Talla

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Thanks for listening to season 7 of Workplace Diversity, adapting to diversity in the workplace. See you again in Season 8! 

Connect with Dr. Gaye Lang:

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show, so that you don’t miss a single episode; and please leave a rating and review. I would greatly appreciate it. 

Follow our show on Facebook and check out our Website for more details and to engage with our podcast community. You can also follow Dr. Lang on LinkedIn.

Download Three Vital Practices to avoid a potential lawsuit for free by clicking this link: www.WorkplaceRestorativePracticesInc.com  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaye-lang-1735761b5/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.Gaye.Lang/ 

KEY WORDS: 

Diversity, inclusion, equity, tolerance, racism, bias, implicit bias, and explicit bias.  

Show notes by Podcastologist: Justine Talla

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Julius Dawson is a native of Texas. He is a graduate of Kashmere High School. Julius attended the University of Houston before being drafted into the United States Army. He worked as a corporate business salesman for Southwestern Bell and AT&T for 27 years. Julius has a small cattle ranch in Lee County, Texas.

In this episode Dr. Gaye Lang and Julius Dawson discuss:

• Planning with the objective in mind

• Empowering people through collaboration 

• Celebrating and recognizing team members 

Key Takeaways: 

• Set things up to deal with an end objective. Lay things out and make sure that every member of the team who had an impact on that objective, knew what those objectives were and knew where you will all end up together. 

• Leaders must acknowledge and admit that they don’t know everything. Reaching success and achieving your goals would take the different skills and talents of each member of the team and you need to let your people know that. 

• Whenever you delegate a team member to a task, and the team earns a win from their efforts, then you must recognize their work and celebrate it in the team. 

“I would always make sure I recognize that they're the ones who actually did the work. They're the ones who actually did this portion and accomplish that. .” - Julius Dawson

Connect with Dr. Gaye Lang:

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show, so that you don’t miss a single episode; and please leave a rating and review. I would greatly appreciate it. 

Follow our show on Facebook and check out our Website for more details and to engage with our podcast community. You can also follow Dr. Lang on LinkedIn.

Download Three Vital Practices to avoid a potential lawsuit for free by clicking this link: www.WorkplaceRestorativePracticesInc.com  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaye-lang-1735761b5/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.Gaye.Lang/ 

KEY WORDS: 

Diversity, inclusion, equity, tolerance, racism, bias, implicit bias, and explicit bias.  

Show notes by Podcastologist: Justine Talla

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Eric Jones obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Huston-Tillotson University. He subsequently obtained his Master of Arts degree from Austin Graduate School of Theology. Eric currently is Vice President of Operations for Austin Area Urban League, a nonprofit organization. He has held this position for nine years. 

In this episode Dr. Gaye Lang and Eric Jones discuss:

• Intergenerational diversity 

• Balancing innovation and convention 

• Moving forward with change 

Key Takeaways: 

• Individuals who are part of different generations bring different experiences, different work ethics, different work tools and platforms to the organization. In order to bridge that gap, each person must understand the unique value that other generations bring to the team. 

• As the team moves forward into the future with creativity and innovation, individuals from a younger generation need to acknowledge the importance of foundational pieces that are already established. 

• The older generation must keep an open mind for new ideas. Don’t be resistant to an idea or new system just because it’s new or not yet understood. At the same time, the younger generation must understand that not every trending tactic is applicable, appropriate, or effective for the specific needs of an organization. 

“I believe in intentional celebration. The purpose of that is to ease the resistance next time when a new idea comes to the table [and] make them more receptive of this new ingredient that's been added to the proverbial workplace gumbo.” - Eric Jones

Connect with Eric Jones:

Website: https://aaul.org/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-jones-00579713a 

Connect with Dr. Gaye Lang:

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show, so that you don’t miss a single episode; and please leave a rating and review. I would greatly appreciate it. 

Follow our show on Facebook and check out our Website for more details and to engage with our podcast community. You can also follow Dr. Lang on LinkedIn.

Download Three Vital Practices to avoid a potential lawsuit for free by clicking this link: www.WorkplaceRestorativePracticesInc.com  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaye-lang-1735761b5/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.Gaye.Lang/ 

KEY WORDS: 

Diversity, inclusion, equity, tolerance, racism, bias, implicit bias, and explicit bias.  

Show notes by Podcastologist: Justine Talla

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Tavier holds a bachelor's degree in Speech Communication from Stephen F. Austin State University. She possesses a postgraduate qualification in Educational Administration. She is currently pursuing her Master's Degree in Educational Leadership. She serves as the principal of Lion’s Light Academy, which is a home school. Tavier has accumulated three decades of experience in the field of education, having worked in both public and Christian educational institutions. She's a multi-faceted individual, fulfilling roles as a wife, mother, Pastor, teacher, and entrepreneur. Through hard work in education, she is actively making a positive and profound difference in people's lives, all in service to God. 

In this episode, Dr. Gaye Lang and Tavier Galloway Parks discuss:

• How to foster deeper relationships within the team 

• Make the team feel valued and respected

• Simple acts to give people recognition

• Adapting to diversity in the workplace 

Key Takeaways: 

• Off-grid team-building activities can foster deeper relationships and break down barriers in the workplace.

• Praise and recognition will make team members feel valued and respected. Be intentional in appreciating each team member in a meaningful and sincere way.

• Simple acts like writing a note or congratulating someone can make a big difference in the workplace. Recognition can boost morale and productivity.

• Being flexible, kind, authentic, and genuine in adapting to diversity in the workplace. Listen intentionally and be open-minded.

“Make sure that we understand what our purpose is. Not having a clear vision can hamper relationships. So we have to understand what is our purpose and then we need to gather outside of the normal work environment.” - Tavier Galloway Parks

Connect with Tavier Galloway Parks:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lionslightacademy 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083122736564 

Website: https://lionslightacademy.org/ 

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ql66i3d5NPzlLP1rcmCgUg 

Connect with Dr. Gaye Lang:

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show, so that you don’t miss a single episode; and please leave a rating and review. I would greatly appreciate it. 

Follow our show on Facebook and check out our Website for more details and to engage with our podcast community. You can also follow Dr. Lang on LinkedIn.

Download Three Vital Practices to avoid a potential lawsuit for free by clicking this link: www.WorkplaceRestorativePracticesInc.com  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaye-lang-1735761b5/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.Gaye.Lang/ 

KEY WORDS: 

Diversity, inclusion, equity, tolerance, racism, bias, implicit bias, and explicit bias.  

Show notes by Podcastologist: Justine Talla

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Sergeant Major Donald Cleveland is a native of Houston, Texas, and is a graduate of the University of North Texas. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science degree. Sergeant Major Cleveland retired from the military with 33 years of service. Sergeant Major. Cleveland has trained and mentored over 100 Soldiers throughout his military career.

Sergeant Major Cleveland has been awarded numerous military awards throughout his career. One of Sergeant Majors, greatest highlights was being included in a book entitled 100 Sergeant Majors of Color, and being selected for the Presidential Life Achievement Award. 

Sergeant Major Cleveland resides in Houston with his wife, Renee. His children, Joy, Ashley, and Christopher enjoy traveling, sports, and playing golf. 

In this episode Dr. Gaye Lang and Sergeant Major Donald Cleveland discuss:

• How diversity makes better teams 

• Learning to adapt to diversity 

• Listen with intention 

• Point

Key Takeaways: 

• To make an effective team, everybody needs to adopt the mindset of a team player. Being a team player means understanding and adapting to the diversity around you. 

• People have a different starting point when it comes to the journey of adapting to diversity. If you are finding it difficult to grasp or accept some concepts, then give yourself grace and keep learning. 

• Listen actively and with intention. Listening well is key to building deep relationships with people and building relationships is the key to adapting to diversity in the workplace. 

“We depend on others. We work as a team. There's no place for not accepting diversity. That's one of the core values of the military. Because we have to be all together as one.” - Sergeant Major Donald Cleveland

Connect with Dr. Gaye Lang:

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show, so that you don’t miss a single episode; and please leave a rating and review. I would greatly appreciate it. 

Follow our show on Facebook and check out our Website for more details and to engage with our podcast community. You can also follow Dr. Lang on LinkedIn.

Download Three Vital Practices to avoid a potential lawsuit for free by clicking this link: www.WorkplaceRestorativePracticesInc.com  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaye-lang-1735761b5/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.Gaye.Lang/ 

KEYWORDS: 

Diversity, inclusion, equity, tolerance, racism, bias, implicit bias, and explicit bias.  

Show notes by Podcastologist: Justine Talla

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Bretticca Moody is a native of Denmark, South Carolina. Growing up in the rural south, she was introduced to disparities at a young age, which has fueled her passion for access and equity especially for underrepresented populations. Bretticca has over a decade of professional experience in higher education and politics and is currently completing her dissertation in the leadership studies Ph.D. program at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Bretticca’s ultimate goal is to work to help shape and create policies and programs that provide access, equity, and justice for marginalized populations worldwide. 

In this episode Dr. Gaye Lang and Bretticca Moody discuss:

• Adversity provides opportunities 

• Giving people a space to connect 

• The key to building a strong community

Key Takeaways: 

• Adversity provides an opportunity for us to show our commitment to show up and our ability to overcome barriers. 

• The best and easiest way to get people to bond is to give them a space to connect and bond over things that they have or love in common. Connection doesn’t need to be forced, it is best when it happens organically. 

• Public praise is essential if you want to build a positive community - one that reinforces people’s good behaviors and accomplishments by giving them the spotlight. 

“One of the main strategies that I employ is treating people as individuals. Oftentimes, we're in spaces where we try to treat everyone alike or every one the same. While fairness is extremely important. You should approach each person as an individual because everyone has different nuances.” - Bretticca Moody 

Connect with Dr. Gaye Lang:

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show, so that you don’t miss a single episode; and please leave a rating and review. I would greatly appreciate it. 

Follow our show on Facebook and check out our Website for more details and to engage with our podcast community. You can also follow Dr. Lang on LinkedIn.

Download Three Vital Practices to avoid a potential lawsuit for free by clicking this link: www.WorkplaceRestorativePracticesInc.com  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaye-lang-1735761b5/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.Gaye.Lang/ 

KEY WORDS: 

Diversity, inclusion, equity, tolerance, racism, bias, implicit bias, and explicit bias.  

Show notes by Podcastologist: Justine Talla

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Dr. Norma J. Baker is an educational consultant, author, former adjunct assistant professor, and leadership coach. She is the founder and chief executive officer of Baker and Associates, an educational consulting firm. She uses her expertise in the educational arena to coach administrative leaders to attain student academic success. Dr. Baker has also worked with several textbook companies in editing and providing content for core curriculum. She fulfilled her passion for education and worked in numerous capacities as a school and district administrator with two large urban districts in California. She also worked as an adjunct and associate professor at the University of Southern California, Chapman University, and National University. Dr. Baker received her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education, and a master's of education in early childhood education in Memphis from the University of Memphis. She earned a Master of Business Administration from California State University, Dominguez Hills, and received her doctorate in educational leadership from the University of LaVerne in California.

In this episode Dr. Gaye Lang and Dr. Norma Baker discuss:

• Countering discriminatory beliefs of others 

• Giving people a chance to show who they are 

• Making people feel that they belong 

• Hearing people’s opinions out 

Key Takeaways: 

• One of the ways one can counter the discriminatory beliefs of others is to be excellent in your job. This isn’t just to prove that their beliefs are wrong, but it is to show others what you already know - that you belong wherever you are. 

• People within a team or group need to be given an opportunity to share about themselves with each other. When a person discovers who it is that they are working with, they can then begin to respect them and value them as people. 

• Everybody wants to feel like they belong, especially at work. Therefore, we must practice praising people and doing it often in order to boost their confidence and their connectivity with the rest of the team. 

“Everyone should be heard. So they have an idea, let them put their opinion and thought out. Because then they are able to say it aloud. And that gives them an opportunity to figure out if it makes sense. It also gives them a sense of ownership of this idea. That's what really is important when you're working with a diverse group of individuals.” - Dr. Norma Baker

Connect with Dr. Norma Baker:

Email: [email protected] 

Connect with Dr. Gaye Lang:

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show, so that you don’t miss a single episode; and please leave a rating and review. I would greatly appreciate it. 

Follow our show on Facebook and check out our Website for more details and to engage with our podcast community. You can also follow Dr. Lang on LinkedIn.

Download Three Vital Practices to avoid a potential lawsuit for free by clicking this link: www.WorkplaceRestorativePracticesInc.com  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaye-lang-1735761b5/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.Gaye.Lang/ 

KEY WORDS: 

Diversity, inclusion, equity, tolerance, racism, bias, implicit bias, and explicit bias.  

Show notes by Podcastologist: Justine Talla

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Theon Wilson is a graduate of St. Mary's Academy High School in New Orleans. She received her undergraduate degree from Newcomb College of Tulane University. Additionally, she received her Doctor of Jurisprudence from Tulane University School of Law. Theon is a member of several boards. She served as the board chair of New Orleans Legal Assistance Corporation, the Housing Authority of New Orleans, Preston House, Southeast Louisiana Girl Scouts Amistad Research Center, and the Irish Channel Action Foundation. As a lawyer, she is practicing law in New Orleans as the sole proprietor of Wilson Law Firm. 

In this episode, Dr. Gaye Lang and Theon Wilson discuss:

• Empowering yourself in negative experiences 

• Inspiring others with your excellence 

• Leading by example 

Key Takeaways: 

• Adapting may sometimes mean being able to take it when you are put down by someone else and using the experience to empower yourself. Remaining calm is an adaptation. Don’t react, remain calm, be composed, and be in control. 

• Demonstrate your level of competence and confidence. Inspire other people with your excellence. Meanwhile, be also willing to talk to younger people in your industry, provide wisdom, and be a role model for them. 

• Lead by example. Do the work that you want to see others do in your own career and in your own life. If you want to encourage somebody to keep improving, then you must commit yourself to always grow and always show up as your best. 

“If you have a high opinion of yourself, and you demonstrate that people will respect that, and they want to be exactly like that.” - Theon Wilson

Connect with Theon Wilson:

Email: [email protected] 

Connect with Dr. Gaye Lang:

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show, so that you don’t miss a single episode; and please leave a rating and review. I would greatly appreciate it. 

Follow our show on Facebook and check out our Website for more details and to engage with our podcast community. You can also follow Dr. Lang on LinkedIn.

Download Three Vital Practices to avoid a potential lawsuit for free by clicking this link: www.WorkplaceRestorativePracticesInc.com  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaye-lang-1735761b5/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.Gaye.Lang/ 

KEY WORDS: 

Diversity, inclusion, equity, tolerance, racism, bias, implicit bias, and explicit bias.  

Show notes by Podcastologist: Justine Talla

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.