Category Archives: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

March 16, 2021

Women in Executive Leadership

Did you know that 24% of women who are promoted into executive roles come from external candidates while the rest come from internal promotions? Also, women are 24% more likely than men to lose their jobs during a pandemic. In this segment, Dr. Karen shares other interesting statistics about the progress of women leaders and why women leaders are important in the world.

See Catalyst.org for more information

February 25, 2021

Leveraging Privilege with Guest Stuart Pickles

Guest Stuart Pickles is Managing Director of the UK based leadership consultancy, Aim Higher Leadership (www.aimhigherleadership.com). A former CFO with more than 25 years in Blue Chip companies such as Unilever, Kraft Foods, and Fosters, Stuart accelerates the development of higher level leadership for social justice, climate justice, and to build a regenerative future.  Listen to this podcast as Dr. Karen dialogues with Stuart about how he, as a white male, is learning to leverage his privilege to create a better and more inclusive world.

Stuart Pickles

February 23, 2021

The Kellogg Foundation National Day of Racial Healing

Did you know the Kellogg Foundation hosts a National Day of Racial Healing every year? The healing process includes truth telling and connecting with people from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Healing is a process that facilitates movement from hurt, anger, and resentment to engaging the three pillars of The Kellogg Foundation’s intervention process: Racial Equity (RE), Community Engagement (CE), and Leadership (LE). Listen to this podcast as Dr. Karen explains this special day and the mission, purpose, and history of The Foundation.

For More information go to wkkf.org or DayofRacialHealing.org

February 18, 2021

Lewis Howard Latimer: Inventor of the Carbon Light Bulb Filament

Lewis Howard Latimer, a Black man, is recognized as the inventor of several remarkable inventions, the most famous of which is the carbon light bulb filament. In addition to his own inventions and patents, he worked with and helped to create the success of other amazing inventors such as Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison. Latimer also installed the first electric plants in Philadelphia, New York, and Montreal. Listen to this podcast and to Dr. Karen acknowledge and celebrate this innovative inventor and leader.

February 16, 2021

US Vice President Kamala Harris: Many Firsts

Dr. Karen pays tribute to the newly elected US Vice President, Kamala Harris. Dr. Karen describes how Vice President Harris’ mind and character were formed and influenced by many amazing family members and role models. She takes us through the life and upbringing of Kamala Harris and leaves us with several thought-provoking questions to ponder.

February 9, 2021

Garrett Morgan: Inventor

Do you know who invented an early prototype of the gas mask or the yellow traffic light? Garrett Morgan was a prolific inventor. During his time, Black people often didn’t get credit for their inventions or acts of heroism. Whites falsely claimed credit and the records often went uncorrected for many years. In this podcast, Dr. Karen introduces the many valuable inventions of Garrett Morgan and leaves us with several timely insights for today.

February 4, 2021

Thomy Lafon: First Black Man Millionaire

Born into poverty as a free person in 1810 in Louisiana, Thomy Lafon was the son of a Haitian-descent woman and a French man. With little formal education he educated himself and went from cake maker to real estate mogul. In this podcast, Dr. Karen talks about his life, uncovers the secrets of his success, and leaves us with lessons to apply today.

February 2, 2021

Madam C. J. Walker, The First Black Woman Millionaire

Reflecting on the success created over a century ago by Black Millionaire, Madam C. J. Walker, in this podcast, Dr. Karen shares her insights about the amazing life and legacy of this remarkable woman. The lessons are still relevant today for every business leader who wants to succeed. Create real economic opportunity, think beyond yourself, and create a timeless legacy, are just a few of the business success strategies Madam C. J. Walker implemented. Discover them all in this podcast and learn Dr. Karen’s special take on, what’s in a name?

January 28, 2021

Loree Draude: One of the First Navy Women Aviators to Fly in a Combat Squadron

Supersonic leader Loree Draude was one of the first Navy women Aviators to fly in a combat squadron. Wharton Business School MBA graduate and author of, She’s Just Another Pilot, Loree also held key roles at Facebook, Google, and Bain and Company. Today Dr. Karen talks to Loree about gender dynamics in the Navy, leading effective teams, and how to prepare the next generation of leaders.

Loree Draude Navy aviator Loree Draude current

January 19, 2021

MLK Revisited: Why Now is the Perfect Time

Today, we have even more diverse people willing to march and stand together for the relationship objective of love, brotherhood, and understanding that is rooted in racial equality. In this episode, Dr. Karen shares and explains Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s four strategies for non-violent social change, one of which is self-purification. She also shows how to apply the principles in a work setting.