Overview Have you ever walked out of a meeting feeling energized by all the great ideas—only to see nothing happen? Too many leadership meetings spark excitement but lack execution. In this episode, I introduce the CLEAR Framework , a simple yet powerful tool to turn big ideas into real action . You’ll learn how to: ✅ Define clear, actionable goals (so ideas don’t die in discussion) ✅ Secure leadership buy-in (so initiatives don’t stall) ✅ Focus on execution (so things get done) ✅ Establish acco...
Feb 19, 2025•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this [Perspective Shift] Episode episode, Ray discusses the concept of resilience, particularly in the context of the challenges faced during the pandemic. He critiques the traditional notion of resilience as enduring hardships without acknowledging the need for balance and self-care. Ray emphasizes the importance of reframing resilience to include restorative practices, reflection, and the necessity of rest for both leaders and their teams. He provides actionable insights on cultivating a cu...
Dec 23, 2024•12 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we explore the concept of "Thriving at Work." In this presentation, Ray shares insights on creating an inclusive environment where each person can thrive in their workspace. Key Topics The importance of creating an inclusive work environment Practicing restorative resilience in the face of adversity Three key areas for thriving at work: Creating meaningful connections Developing intentional environments Focusing on purposeful wellbeing "We are going to encounter adversity, but h...
Oct 14, 2024•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of Mid-Level Leadership Club, host Ray White presents ten powerful maxims for becoming an inclusive leader within your organization. From active listening to fostering a culture of continuous learning, Ray shares practical tips to help you create a workplace where every identity belongs and thrives. Join us as we explore the essential qualities of an inclusive leader and learn how to embody them in your leadership style. Don't miss out on this insightful episode that's su...
Oct 07, 2024•11 min•Ep 18•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of Mid-Level Leadership Club, we delve into the world of leadership development and the innovative approach to nurturing emerging leaders within organizations. Host Ray White reflects on the creation and execution of the "Futures program," a unique initiative aimed at developing a bench of employees for succession planning. He shares the highs and lows of the program, highlighting the importance of buy-in from organizational leaders and the challenges faced in matching ...
Sep 30, 2024•10 min•Ep 17•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of Mid-Level Leadership Club, we delved into controlling your space as a mid-level leader. Key Takeaways: - Self-awareness is key: Understanding what you can control, such as your service, perspective, attitude, communication, and effort, is essential in leading effectively. - Lead by example: Model the behavior you want to see in your team and empower them to take control of their own space. - Consistency breeds success: Practicing intentional choices and consistent effort, rega...
Sep 23, 2024•11 min•Ep 16•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Mid-Level Leadership Podcast, Ray White discusses the essential strategies for middle managers to stay ahead in their leadership roles. He emphasizes the importance of preparation, understanding value-driven activities, engaging with teams and stakeholders, providing resources for skill building, seeking feedback, and building a supportive community. Ray shares personal experiences and actionable tips to help leaders foster inclusive environments where every identity belon...
Sep 23, 2024•16 min•Ep 15•Transcript available on Metacast In this video, I discuss three ways leaders can emulate a culture of belonging in their organization. Keywords: #DEI, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Communication, Executive Leaders, #WorkplaceCulture, Active Listening, #employeeengagement, Measurement, and Success, Belonging Learn more about the Club here 👉🏾 The Mid-Level Leadership Club Level up your leadership in your inbox weekly! Subscribe to the Mid-Level Up Newsletter ___________________ How can I help you? Pick up my first boo...
Sep 02, 2024•6 min•Ep 14•Transcript available on Metacast In this video, we will discuss the top 3 mistakes to avoid when creating a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategy for your organization. As a leader, it's essential to understand the potential pitfalls in creating an effective DEI strategy that promotes a culture of belonging. We will cover how to avoid trying to do it all, assuming everyone is on the same page, and thinking there's one plan to rule them all. These hard lessons learned will help you create a more intentional and...
Aug 19, 2024•5 min•Ep 13•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we discuss the importance of accountability in creating an organizational culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. A leader's words need to align with their actions to create a psychologically safe workplace where staff members feel like they belong and can thrive. Accountability can be a scary word for some leaders but it is essential in creating a standard and expectation that ensures that goals are met. This episode offers four ways to implement accountability in the ...
Aug 05, 2024•10 min•Ep 12•Transcript available on Metacast What happens if your social power negatively influences the people you are leading? How would you know?! Would anyone tell you?! In this episode, we dive into the pitfalls leaders find themselves in when they misuse the power they have been given. We also provide some tactics to help you leverage your social power for good, and keep your ego in check! Receive a free cheat sheet for the type of social power you can develop and let me know which ones you possess! https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ray...
Jul 22, 2024•12 min•Ep 11•Transcript available on Metacast Do you find groups of people left out of your most important organizational decisions? In this episode, we delved into the importance of considering every voice in our organizations. Here are a few insights from the episode: 🔊 Key Takeaways: 1. Every voice matters: In our fast-paced work environments, it's crucial to pause, reflect, and ensure that we have heard from all stakeholders. By considering every voice, we can avoid perpetuating harm and create inclusive spaces where everyone feels...
Jul 08, 2024•4 min•Ep 10•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we discuss the four stages of competency, particularly focusing on cultural awareness and understanding. Let's explore how you can progress through these stages, from being unaware of cultural differences to unconsciously incorporating inclusivity into your leadership and work. I want to emphasize the importance of continuous learning and vigilance in developing cultural competency through insights and tactics to help you navigate your competency journey. Download the Guide ...
Jun 24, 2024•14 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of Mid-Level Leadership Club, we discuss how to assess diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in organizations. Our DEI efforts should not be performative and should have some meaning behind them. The assessment part of DEI can be done through a formalized process that looks at the organization's practices, policies, and leadership, but it can also be done through critical self-reflection and asking questions that turn organizational values into actionable steps. Thri...
Jun 17, 2024•14 min•Ep 7•Transcript available on Metacast I'm sharing some snippets as a guest on the Conversations with Buddy podcast! This is a brief overview of who I am, what work I am focusing on, and my call to action for our community! Listen and let me know how you impact your community through collaboration! Subscribe to the Conversations with Buddy Podcast and listen to the full episode here: https://youtu.be/zyhS4icnYwQ?si=TyYU0PqRJc-_9P0J Tap into the Mid-Level Leadership podcast here 👉🏾 Spotify | Apple Podcast Tap into Youtu...
Jun 12, 2024•35 min•Ep 8•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, I discuss how to measure belonging in the workplace and create a culture of inclusion. I emphasize the importance of intentional efforts and initiatives and provide three practical ways to measure belonging: gathering feedback, conducting exit interviews, and estimating staff involvement in initiatives. Keywords: workplace culture, inclusion, belonging, leadership, feedback, surveys, exit interviews, staff involvement, diversity ___________________ How can I help you? Pick up my...
Jun 03, 2024•6 min•Ep 6•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, leaders will learn how to create a workplace culture where every identity belongs and thrives by aligning their efforts with their organization's mission and vision. I provide actionable tips and insights on how to do a critical analysis of your organization's values and how to have tough conversations with your team to ensure that your efforts align with your opportunity to become an anti-racist organization, advance equity, and create a belonging workplace culture. Key...
May 27, 2024•6 min•Ep 5•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of Mid-Level Leadership Club, we'll be discussing the importance of leading with empathy in the workplace. Ray will share strategies for cultivating empathy within your team, as well as the benefits it can bring to your organization. Key Points: - Empathy involves understanding and engaging with the emotions of others. - Leading with empathy can help build relationships within teams and create a sense of belonging. - Lack of empathy can lead to high turnover and low engagemen...
May 21, 2024•12 min•Ep 4•Transcript available on Metacast People are like plants. They need to be cared for so they can grow. Be sure you are intentional with your team’s development. The right combination of actions and experience can help them thrive in the workplace. And shoutout to my wife for teaching me this lesson! In this episode, we explored six mindsets that can stunt your team's growth, and how to shift those mindsets to foster strong and sustainable growth within your team. We discussed the importance of focusing on others, constructive...
May 21, 2024•15 min•Ep 3•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Ray White discusses the three ways mid-level leaders fail to engage their employees in the workplace. Ray emphasizes the importance of addressing these failures to create a strong workplace culture where employees feel heard, valued, and supported. Takeaways: * Mid-level leaders need to take ownership of employee engagement and not expect someone else to handle it. * Mismanaging opportunities to engage with employees can lead to disgruntled employees and a lack of communication....
May 21, 2024•10 min•Ep 2•Transcript available on Metacast 
