In this episode, Jackie Ferguson interviews Kai Weidie, the first Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Dentsu Media US. They discuss Dentsu's four pillars for guiding DEI work and the importance of transparency and accountability in leadership. Kai emphasizes the value of micro-actions in creating change, inspiring leaders to commit to diverse talent growth, and the critical role of C-suite buy-in. Tune in for valuable insights on advancing DEI efforts in the workplace. D...
May 16, 2023•39 min•Season 8Ep. 104
In this episode, host Jackie Ferguson is joined by Laura Sanderson, the head of Russell Reynolds Associates operations in the UK, with over 20 years of experience recruiting executives for board positions in the FTSE 100, FTSE 250 private, as well as mutual and family-owned firms based in London. As an expert in executive search, Laura shares her insights on the importance of building diverse and inclusive boards and how they can shape companies' futures through critical appointments. She discus...
May 09, 2023•47 min•Season 8Ep. 103
In this special 100th episode of Diversity Beyond the Checkbox, host Jackie Ferguson is on the other side of the questions! Joined by critically-acclaimed author and guest host, Dr. Bob Batchelor, they reflect on the podcast's journey, discuss the importance of storytelling, and share their hopes for the future. Get a glimpse into Jackie's personality and hear about her favorite things, greatest accomplishments, and what's next for the podcast. Plus, Jackie receives a surprise video message from...
May 02, 2023•3 min•Season 8Ep. 102
In this episode, Dr. Meisha-ann Martin, Senior Director of People Analytics and Research at Workhuman, and host Jackie Ferguson, both graduates from the University of South Florida, explore the negative impact of microaggressions on employee engagement, productivity, and innovation. Microaggressions result from unconscious biases and can create a toxic work environment for underrepresented groups. Dr. Martin discusses how creating an inclusive and equitable work environment is critical to ensuri...
Apr 25, 2023•45 min•Season 8Ep. 101
Join Jim Morris, a Senior Strategist, and Inclusionist, on his journey of discovering his social identity as a cis-hetero White man and how it informs his work in inclusion. Jim discusses transformative moments in his life, including a conversation with Bernice Johnson Reagon, a founder of the women's singing group "Sweet Honey in the Rock," and an early childhood experience of witnessing a cross burning on his grandfather's property. This episode sheds light on the essential role of empathy and...
Apr 18, 2023•51 min•Season 8Ep. 100
Join us as we sit down with Ruth Rathblott, an award-winning CEO, TEDx and inspirational speaker, and limb difference advocate, to discuss her inspiring journey of overcoming challenges and embracing her uniqueness. Ruth shares how she learned to unhide and live authentically after hiding her missing left hand for 25 years. As a passionate advocate for creating inclusion for all, Ruth speaks on the gifts of being unique and the power of leveraging your individuality. In this episode, we explore ...
Apr 11, 2023•51 min•Season 8Ep. 99
Join Integrative Wellness Program Designer and Business Profit Growth Strategist, Dr. Fanike-Kiara Young, as she shares her expertise in mental health, trauma, and self-care. With a focus on personal development, mindset, and emotional intelligence, Dr. Fanike helps individuals navigate workplace wellness and business strategy, empowering them to achieve greater self-confidence and enhanced leadership. Don't miss out on this inspiring conversation on designing effective wellness systems for your...
Apr 04, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 8Ep. 98
In this special episode to honor the end of Black History Month, Pastor Tony Lowden shares his incredible journey from growing up in a "trap house" in North Philadelphia to becoming President Jimmy Carter’s pastor. As the Vice President of Reintegration and Community Engagement at ViaPath Technologies and a leading advocate for criminal justice reform, rehabilitation and reentry programs, Tony is committed to helping people nationwide rebuild their lives after being released and highlights the i...
Feb 28, 2023•1 hr•Season 7Ep. 97
We're looking forward to season eight starting soon, but we can't forget to listen back to these awesome lessons from season seven of Diversity: Beyond the Checkbox! In this episode, you'll hear pieces of conversations from our episodes with... Leigh Steinberg Sara Bowen Kimberly Wiefling Dr. Audrea Caesar Nils Vinje Dr. Deborah Gilboa Avantha Arachchi Annie Leib Aiko Bethea Keith Daniel and Tom Droege Jonita Wilson Sadira Furlow Become a part of our community on Instagram , LinkedIn and Twitter...
Feb 14, 2023•29 min•Season 7Ep. 96
In its three years and seven seasons, Diversity: Beyond the Checkbox has shared 94 episodes and conversations about ways to be more diverse, inclusive and equitable in the workplace and your life. As we gear up for season eight, we're sharing with you some moments from our most popular episodes of all time. In this episode, you'll hear pieces of conversations from... What is a Virtual Privilege Walk? The Word Choice Workshop: Inclusive Language Tips for Everyday Business Ask a Black Guy / Ask a ...
Jan 17, 2023•48 min•Season 7Ep. 95
Sadira Furlow's work with brands like Frito Lay, Coca-Cola, Verizon, and MillerCoors (to name a few) and developing iconic campaigns like PepsiCo's 'puppymonkeybaby' Super Bowl commercial resulted in accolades like Adweek's Brand Genius, AdAge's Women to Watch, and Savoy's Top Influential Women in Corporate America. Her recipe for success? Sadira says diverse teams are the best way to create campaigns that break the internet. As the Chief Marketing Officer of Happy Money, she's spreading the wor...
Dec 06, 2022•50 min•Season 7Ep. 94
With only half of the US population claiming financial literacy, DISCOVER is working to bridge that education gap through its Pathway to Financial Success curriculum and a personal finance online education series. In her role as Chief Diversity Officer, Jonita Wilson is pioneering a culture of transparent, equitable and inclusive practices for the company's employees and its customers. In this episode, Jonita shares tips on topics including driving greater representation, opening doors for disab...
Nov 29, 2022•55 min•Season 7Ep. 93
Underrepresented founders are massively underfunded. To foster economic equity, the gap in access to capital needs to be closed. Resilient Ventures' Keith Daniel and Tom Droege focus their investments in Black-owned startups and companies. In this episode, these successful venture capitalists share best practices to get your business funded, discuss why investors should diversify their portfolio with Black-owned businesses, and recommend how to build and leverage your network for success. Divers...
Nov 22, 2022•45 min•Season 7Ep. 92
Do you ever find yourself holding back on pursuing your dreams? Do you want that promotion but fear keeps you from taking the next step? Aiko Bethea, founder of RARE Coaching and Consulting and Senior Director for Brene Brown Education and Research Group, had achieved significant success in her roles as attorney for the city of Atlanta and later, deputy director for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Impacted by the social justice issues that plague our society, Aiko chose to shift her wor...
Nov 15, 2022•53 min•Season 7Ep. 91
After hitting rock bottom and inspired by a poster quoting Ralph Waldo Emerson in an auto body shop, Annie Leib decided to change her life, discover her core values and live life on her own terms. In this episode, Annie discusses how her BREATH framework can help you excavate your authentic self, and find personal fulfillment in your daily life. Diversity Beyond the Checkbox is brought to you by The Diversity Movement , hosted by Head of Content Jackie Ferguson and is a production of Earfluence ...
Nov 08, 2022•40 min•Season 7Ep. 90
Avantha Arachchi had done everything right, and she was one clearance away from achieving her life-long dream of joining the CIA when she was rejected because of her transgender identity. In response, she built her career around encouraging others to be their authentic selves. As COO of A-Frame Brands, Avantha works with celebrities—including Gabrielle Union, Dwayne Wade, John Legend and Naomi Osaka—to develop personal care brands like PROUDLY and Kinló that create products for culturally divers...
Nov 01, 2022•37 min•Season 7Ep. 89
We've all heard the phrase "The only constant is change," and it can be difficult, stressful and unsettling. In this episode, Dr. Deborah Gilboa shares using a growth mindset to reframe our attitudes towards change and help us navigate life with renewed intention and purpose. Diversity Beyond the Checkbox is brought to you by The Diversity Movement , hosted by Head of Content Jackie Ferguson and is a production of Earfluence ....
Oct 25, 2022•49 min•Season 7Ep. 88
Nils Vinje is a leadership coach and head coach of the B2B Leaders Academy, and he says that leading diverse teams effectively requires more than just leading the way you'd like to be led. In this episode, hear the top mistakes to avoid as an emerging leader and Nils' best advice for experienced leaders to stay up to date on inclusive leadership best practices. Diversity Beyond the Checkbox is brought to you by The Diversity Movement , hosted by Head of Content Jackie Ferguson and is a productio...
Oct 18, 2022•46 min•Season 7Ep. 87
If you're part of an underrepresented or marginalized group in the United States, you likely have faced or will face a health disparity at some point in your life. As the inaugural Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at UNC Health, Dr. Audrea Caesar is working to expand health equity efforts at UNC Health and the UNC School of Medicine. In this episode, learn why inequities in healthcare exist, what they look and sound like, and how to advocate for yourself at the doctor's office and f...
Oct 11, 2022•44 min•Season 7Ep. 86
A former member of the U.S. Air Force, Kimberly Wiefling knows what it takes to build a strong team—and the signs of a weak one—and that's why she started her consulting business, Wiefling Consulting. In her decades of consulting in Silicon Valley, she's gathered data and observations from teams she's transformed to perfect her recipe for success of human skills in a technical world. In this episode, hear how you can apply the data Kimberly has gathered on cross-functional, cross-cultural global...
Oct 04, 2022•47 min•Season 7Ep. 85
Sara Bowen is the VP of Global Diversity and Inclusion at Boeing, a multinational aerospace company founded more than 100 years ago. How do you lead diversity, equity and inclusion at an award-winning level for more than 140,000 people worldwide? In this episode, Sara shares best practices on leading global teams, the imperative of transparency and authenticity and becoming a "magnet" for high-performing diverse professionals. Diversity Beyond the Checkbox is brought to you by The Diversity Move...
Sep 27, 2022•39 min•Season 7Ep. 84
Leigh Steinberg is a sports legend, representing a dozen NFL Hall of Famers and iconic figures in every sport, including Olympic champions. Famously a role model for Tom Cruise's character in Jerry Maguire, Steinberg is on a mission to bring diversity, equity, and inclusion to the forefront in the sports industry. Steinberg has secured over $4 billion for his 300+ pro athlete clients (including today's top quarterback Patrick Mahomes) and directed more than $750 million to various charities glob...
Sep 20, 2022•34 min•Season 7Ep. 83
We're looking forward to season seven starting next week, but we can't forget to listen back to these awesome lessons from season six of Diversity: Beyond the Checkbox! In this episode, you'll hear pieces of conversations from our episodes with... Bradley Schurman Jackie Font-Guzmán and Bernie Mayer Jen Fry Nancy Murphy Jenn T Grace LaTonya Wilkins Irina Konstantanovsky Ashley Marchand Orme Nicole Furnace Paul Zeitz Brian Hawkins Diversity Beyond the Checkbox is brought to you by The Diversity M...
Sep 13, 2022•34 min•Season 6Ep. 82
Inclusive language skills help you communicate more effectively and build relationships where people feel safe, respected and seen personally and professionally, but, sometimes, it can be difficult to know the right thing to say. Jackie Ferguson and Roxanne Bellamy are here to help make decisions like those a little easier, and we are excited to share our Word Choice Workshop webinar with you. We produce a free webinar on a diversity, equity and inclusion topic each month, so be sure to visit Th...
Jul 12, 2022•26 min•Season 6Ep. 81
Sometimes it's not OK to be just neutral. In fact, it can be very dangerous when talking about effecting change and establishing social justice for everyone. In this episode, hear why the problem led these Eastern Mennonite University professors, Jackie Font-Guzmán and Bernie Mayer, to co-authored "The Neutrality Trap: Disrupting and Connecting for Social Change." Purchase "The Neutrality Trap: Disrupting and Connecting for Social Change" on Amazon . Diversity Beyond the Checkbox is brought to y...
Jul 05, 2022•41 min•Season 6Ep. 80
As an NCAA volleyball 15-year head coach, Jen Fry has plenty of experience with uncomfortable conversations, seeing different cultures (and standing out), and understanding what it's like to be a good teammate. Although many questioned her decision, Jen's experience made her career transition to DEI consulting a very natural fit. Dr. Jen Fry is a 15 year NCAA volleyball coach turned keynote speaker and founder of Jen Fry Talks . Diversity Beyond the Checkbox is brought to you by The Diversity Mo...
Jun 28, 2022•41 min•Season 6Ep. 79
As a floating secretary for Ernst & Young, Tana Session found herself spending a lot of time in HR and soaking up every bit of knowledge she could. A boss saw potential in her, and she climbed the corporate ladder focusing on DEI and culture. She eventually decided it was time to step out on her own - she made the leap to entrepreneurship, where she now consults with brands such as Madison Reed, Carhartt, and Dolce & Gabanna. Dr. Tana Session is a DEIB & HR Consultant , host of the S...
Jun 21, 2022•46 min•Season 6Ep. 78
Interviewing diverse candidates for a position sounds like a great idea, and, if you have the right intentions, it is. But, a recently suspended policy at Wells Fargo led managers to conduct "fake interviews" with employees of color to check the box. In this special episode, hear Jackie and The Diversity Movement's Bob Bachelor discuss what went wrong at Wells Fargo. Diversity Beyond the Checkbox is brought to you by The Diversity Movement , hosted by Head of Content Jackie Ferguson and is a pro...
Jun 16, 2022•39 min•Season 6Ep. 77
Horizon Therapeutics specializes in solving problems in rare diseases, and the biopharmaceutical company develops medications that only 500 patients worldwide require. As the Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources and Chief Diversity Officer, Irina Konstantinovsky knows that a commitment to DEI is essential to a company where inclusion is at the heart of its mission. In this episode, hear why it's important to lead with your coworkers' humanity in mind. Diversity Beyond the Checkbox is ...
Jun 14, 2022•43 min•Season 6Ep. 76
It's easy for public corporations to talk about moving the needle on diversity, equity, and inclusion. But what happens when the curtain is pulled back and there's full transparency? For JUST Capital (founded in 2013 by Paul Tudor Jones, Deepak Chopra, Arianna Huffington and Alan Fleischmann among others), the mission is to build an economy that works for all Americans. And with its 241 point evaluation system, the organization is finding the companies that are truly making a difference. Ashley ...
Jun 07, 2022•33 min•Season 6Ep. 75
