Breaking Barriers, Building a Hire Ground

On this episode of Breaking Barriers, Building a Higher Ground, I had the pleasure of speaking with Adam Moore and Cloe Guidry Reed about the future of supplier diversity in 2024. In the rapidly evolving world of supplier diversity, Adam and Cloe delved into the emerging trends and challenges that businesses should prepare for in the coming year. Cloe Guidry Reed is a distinguished figure in the supplier diversity sector, known for her strategic leadership and innovative approach at Higher Ground. With a rich background in business and diversity initiatives, Cloe has been instrumental in shaping the conversation around economic inclusion and supplier diversity. Her expertise drives impact and fosters a culture of organizational diversity and equity. Cloe is highly sought after for her insights on emerging trends and her commitment to sustainable practices. “Harder conversations… It goes back to positioning your team as a potential revenue generator. If you’re not doing that, you’re really not doing a good job promoting the team.” – Adam Moore Today on Breaking Barriers, Building a Hire Ground: Contact Adam Moore and Cloe Guidry Reed on LinkedIn for more insights and updates on supplier diversity and economic inclusion. Resources Mentioned: To learn more about efficient supplier diversity programs and inclusive workforce development, visit Hire Ground. This podcast is brought to you by Hire Ground Hire Ground is a technology company whose mission is to bridge the wealth gap through access to procurement opportunities. Hire Ground is making the enterprise ecosystem more viable, profitable, and competitive by clearing the path for minority-led, women-led, LGBT-led, and veteran-led small businesses to contribute to the global economy as suppliers to enterprise organizations. For more information on getting started, please visit us @ hireground.io today! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and join us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn

February 2021 was Black History Month, a movement that is not and should not be confined to one month of the calendar year. Despite the best intentions of many companies to promise change in the workplace for the better, Black History Month’s message can easily get lost regardless of the many corporations pledging to make a positive change in their industries. In the last year, the Black Lives Matter movement has gained worldwide coverage helping to pull focus on Black history and the Black contribution to American society. With the whole world watching, it is more important than ever for corporations to stay true to their word when they say they are doing all they can to create fairer opportunities for all. In today’s episode, we want to keep the conversation of Black History & Culture going beyond a month of celebration to stay intentional with the essential and ongoing change across our society. We discuss the ways businesses can tangibly support Black culture, minority employees, and minority suppliers. We explain why it’s important to recognize the differences each person can bring to your business and why the fashion to ‘not see color’ is unhelpful when you have a mix of cultures and backgrounds that you should try to understand and celebrate. We also look at the evolution of America and just how black people have been an integral part of the building of our nation, how they have been overlooked in the past for their contributions, and of course, why we celebrate the changes that have happened, are happening, and have yet to come. “What actually makes us stronger as friends and co-hosts is realizing those differences, celebrating them, and not being ashamed to talk about them.” – Adam Moore This week on Breaking Barriers: Vernon JordanConnect with Hire Ground: Hire Ground’s WebsiteHire Ground on LinkedInHire Ground on FacebookHire Ground on TwitterCloe Guidry-Reed on LinkedInAdam Moore on LinkedIn This podcast is brought to you by Hire Ground Hire Ground is a technology company whose mission is to bridge the wealth gap through access to procurement opportunities. Hire Ground is making the enterprise ecosystem more viable, profitable, and competitive by clearing the path for minority-led, women-led LGBT-led, and veteran-led small businesses to contribute to the global economy as suppliers to enterprise organizations. For more information on getting started please visit us @ hireground.io today!

The Supply Chain Advisory Board for the University of Georgia is the primary contact between industry and Supply Chain professors and students. Marty Parker is a UGA alumnus and lecturer who helped launch the UGA Supply Chain Advisory Board and is currently an honor supply chain leader for UGA. He is a partner at TechCXO, providing companies with on-demand executives. Marty is a Strategy Expert in Supply Chain with 25+ years of Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing, Strategic Planning, International Expansion, Factory Buildouts, M & M&A, ERP, CRM, and process improvement experience with key software tools, including SAP, Salesforce, and Arena Simulations. He is also the Chief Strategy Officer with Hire Ground. He is a valuable asset to the company’s strategic planning processes, creating greater transparency and accountability within those processes. Aliana Stehr is a student at UGA and the Vice President of the UGA Supply Chain Advisory Board. Studying a BBA in Business Management with Emphasis in Supply Chain/Operations, she seeks a summer internship in the supply chain sector. Aliana has interned with Broadway Enterprises Inc, gaining experience with the latest warehouse inventory systems and getting hands-on experience with project leads. As a previous team leader with Chick-Fil-A and as an intern with the American Franchise Company, Aliana already has a diverse work education to bring to her studies and the career that will follow. Marty and Aliana join us today to discuss what Diversity Supply Chain means and the goal of diversity hiring. We discuss the importance of creating next-generation talent in supplier diversity and what the profession’s elders can do for the new kids on the block. Ali shares her discovery of supply chain and explains the benefits the industry has to all different kinds of people from all different walks of life. We also discuss the upcoming and emerging technologies and what newcomers can expect when working with A.I. and robotics in business. “The more diversity you have, the better performing team you will have.” – Marty Parker This week on Breaking Barriers: Connect with Marty Parker: Marty Parker on LinkedInConnect with Ali Stehr: Aliana Stehr on LinkedInConnect with Hire Ground: Hire Ground’s WebsiteHire Ground on LinkedInHire Ground on FacebookHire Ground on TwitterCloe Guidry-Reed on LinkedInAdam Moore on LinkedIn With thanks to University of Georgia Supply Chain Advisory Board In addition to ensuring the UGA’s supply chain curriculum meets employer’s needs, the board also connects employers with highly qualified students and joins corporate board members like Johnson and Johnson, Home Depot, and Chick-Fil-A to discover and hire tomorrows supply chain innovators today. To learn more go to www.terry.uga.edu click on Alumni and find the Supply Chain Advisory Board there! Deeply Experienced, Proven Executives, On Demand with TechCXO Get proven hands-on C Suite executives to take on an interim role and provide fractional help and lead projects. TechCXO on-demand executive model consistently delivers time and cost savings of 50 to 75% compared to a full-time in-house function. They have helped their clients secure over 4 billion dollars in debt and equity financing and have advised clients on over 200 transactions including: due diligence preparation M&A and financing alternatives. To learn more please visit www.techCXO.com

Welcome to Hire Ground, where we delve into the strategies that cultivate an inclusive and thriving workplace. Today’s episode, featuring the insightful Vicky Brown, CEO of Idomeneo Enterprises, takes us on a journey through the intricacies of creating an empowering employee experience. With a wealth of knowledge in HR and employee training, Vicky’s approach to shaping a positive corporate culture and improving interdepartmental relationships is both practical and transformative. Vicky Brown is renowned for her capacity to merge HR best practices with a deep understanding of the organizational culture. She is an advocate for structured onboarding processes, developing comprehensive employee handbooks, engaging leadership training, and fostering affinity groups. Throughout her career, Vicky’s dedication to nurturing trust and respect in the workplace has shaped her as a respected voice in her field. “People need to feel trusted and respected in the workplace—it’s about more than just a paycheck; it’s about dignity.” – Vicky Brown This week on Hire Ground: Connect with Vicky Brown: LinkedInIdomeneo Enterprises This podcast is brought to you by Hire Ground Hire Ground is a technology company whose mission is to bridge the wealth gap through access to procurement opportunities. Hire Ground is making the enterprise ecosystem more viable, profitable, and competitive by clearing the path for minority-led, women-led, LGBT-led, and veteran-led small businesses to contribute to the global economy as suppliers to enterprise organizations. For more information on getting started please visit us @ hireground.io today! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and join us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn

Welcome to another enlightening episode of Hire Ground, where we explore the intersecting paths of supply chain inclusion, supplier diversity, and creating a more equitable economy. On today’s episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Takema Robinson, an inspiring leader and catalyst for social justice through corporate change. Takema Robinson, founder and CEO of Converge, is not only at the forefront of advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the corporate world, but she’s also solidifying the importance of DEI within the very fabric of community dynamics. With a rich family history in civil rights activism and a personal education journey through Howard University, her expertise surrounds nurturing relationships with giant corporations to better serve communities of color, ensuring that diversity is more than just a buzzword, but rather a potent asset in every aspect of a business ecosystem. “The key to unlocking real change is not to be punitive but to invite everyone to see diversity as a superpower, something that can positively influence all of us.” – Takema Robinson Key takeaways from our conversation with Takema include: Connect with Takema Robinson: LinkedInConverge ConsultingTakema Resources Mentioned: Fearless Fund Our show aspires to not only engage minds but to spur action that uplifts communities through informed and passionate discourse. We extend our deepest gratitude to Takema Robinson for her energy and insights, and we encourage our listeners to connect, share their thoughts, and become part of the vital conversation surrounding DEI. This podcast is brought to you by Hire Ground Hire Ground is a technology company whose mission is to bridge the wealth gap through access to procurement opportunities. Hire Ground is making the enterprise ecosystem more viable, profitable, and competitive by clearing the path for minority-led, women-led, LGBT-led, and veteran-led small businesses to contribute to the global economy as suppliers to enterprise organizations. For more information on getting started please visit us @ hireground.io today! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and join us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn

In this week’s episode, we dive deep into the critical intersection of law, ESG, and racial equity with our guest, Johnjerica Hodge. As a partner at Katten and co-chair of their ESG risk and investigations practice, Johnjerica plays a vital role in guiding companies through the complexities of maintaining their ESG and DEI commitments while facing legal challenges. We discuss the importance of supply chain inclusion and supplier diversity, as well as the evolving landscape of ESG in corporate practices. John Jericho shares practical tips and insights for companies navigating these issues and emphasizes the need for continuous adaptation and awareness in the ever-changing ESG space. Johnjerica Hodge is a partner at Katten and co-chair of their ESG risk and investigations practice. With over seven years of experience at the firm, she has handled various internal and governmental investigations, corporate compliance, and ethics work. Her work in the ESG space began last year when she realized clients’ growing needs in this area. Johnjerica and her co-chair, India Williams, started teaching a course on ESG at their alma mater, the University of Alabama, focusing on racial equity audits in the ESG paradigm. They have also contracted a publisher for an upcoming book on ESG. Johnjerica’s expertise in ESG, racial equity audits, and legal matters makes her a valuable resource for companies navigating the complexities of ESG and DEI commitments. “Everyone is trying to get to a certain level. And so, some of the companies we speak with, they are very, very ESG savvy. They’ve implemented the policies, implemented the procedures, they are doing the monitoring, they feel comfortable, and they are near the forefront of the space.”~Johnjerica Hodge Today on Breaking Barriers: Resources Mentioned: Breaking Barriers, Building a Higher GroundKattenUniversity of AlabamaGerman Supply Chain ActGet in Touch with Johnjerica: LinkedInKatten This podcast is brought to you by Hire Ground Hire Ground is a technology company whose mission is to bridge the wealth gap through access to procurement opportunities. Hire Ground is making the enterprise ecosystem more viable, profitable, and competitive by clearing the path for minority-led, women-led, LGBT-led, and veteran-led small businesses to contribute to the global economy as suppliers to enterprise organizations. For more information on getting started please visit us @ hireground.io today! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and join us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, Building a Higher Ground, we had the pleasure of speaking with Leslie Chang from Caelux a California-based startup at the forefront of solar technology innovation. Leslie, as the director of strategy and policy, shared her journey from studying economic history to consulting for global development organizations, and how her passion for sustainability and climate change led her to Caelux. Caelux is not just pioneering in solar technology with their proprietary perovskite nanomaterials that promise to increase solar panel efficiency by 30%, but they are also deeply committed to inclusive workforce development and economic equity. Leslie highlighted the importance of local hiring, providing living wages, and offering career mobility within the company, emphasizing that their workforce should reflect the community they are part of. We delved into the company’s strategic decision to manufacture domestically, spurred by the Inflation Reduction Act, which offers financial incentives for onshore production. Leslie pointed out the importance of messaging in the renewable energy sector, especially when it comes to bridging the divide in public perception and working with various stakeholders, including utilities, to ensure market readiness for new technologies. Leslie’s insights into the future of the green economy and job creation were thought-provoking, stressing the need for the industry to come together to shape the market and make climate change relatable to the working class. It was a conversation filled with practical tips and a testament to how energy startups can be catalysts for change, not just in their communities but on a broader scale. Leslie Chang is a distinguished figure in the tech industry, known for her dynamic leadership and innovative approach at Caelux Corporation. With a rich background in engineering and business, Leslie has been instrumental in steering Caelux’s growth and expansion in new markets. Her expertise lies in developing cutting-edge technologies and fostering a culture of creativity and excellence within the organization. Leslie is a respected voice in tech, often sought after for her insights on emerging trends and her commitment to sustainable practices. Her leadership style is characterized by her ability to blend technical acumen with strategic foresight, making her a key player in shaping the future of technology. Beyond her professional achievements, Leslie is an advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM fields, actively working to inspire the next generation of innovators and leaders. “We’re not just pushing forward innovative changes within renewable energy, we’re also building this muscle again to become a thriving, economically driven country focused on the middle and working class.” – Leslie Chang Today on Breaking Barriers: Innovative Solar TechnologyEconomic InclusionDomestic ManufacturingIntentional Hiring PracticesSupply Chain PartnershipsAddressing Climate ChangeMessaging and PerceptionCollaboration for Progress This podcast is brought to you by Hire Ground Hire Ground is a technology company whose mission is to bridge the wealth gap through access to procurement opportunities. Hire Ground is making the enterprise ecosystem more viable, profitable, and competitive by clearing the path for minority-led, women-led, LGBT-led, and veteran-led small businesses to contribute to the global economy as suppliers to enterprise organizations. For more information on getting started please visit us @ hireground.io today! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and join us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn

In this special episode we focus on Hire Ground, the innovative minority-woman-led B2B software company that sponsors and produces this podcast. Hire Ground gives enterprise buyers the tools to confidently source and manage suppliers while helping diverse entrepreneurs access new business opportunities. Through tailored configuration, data-driven matchmaking, best-in-class management tools, and unparalleled thought partnership, Hire Ground helps clients meet their supply chain inclusion goals while optimizing their entire procurement process. Members of Hire Ground’s staff join hosts Cloe Guidry-Reed and Matt Colaciello (in for Adam Moore) to discuss the company, its software, and its mission to create a business ecosystem where everyone has access to opportunities for innovation, growth, and prosperity. Cloe is the CEO and founder of Hire Ground. She describes the company’s bold vision for the future of supplier diversity and economic inclusion, including how listeners—from corporate supply chain professionals to diverse entrepreneurs—can play a role in building the equitable economy of the future. Hire Ground’s staff members then discuss the software they develop, challenges they are helping clients overcome, and their growing work with clients in the U.K. and European Union. “Our hypothesis is that by empowering supplier diversity professionals with the technology and support they need, we’re ensuring that the next generation of diverse entrepreneurs will succeed.” ~Chloe Guidry-Reed Resources Mentioned: Learning from Supplier Diversity in the U.K. with Mayank Shah, Founder of MSDUK This podcast is brought to you by Hire Ground Hire Ground is a technology company whose mission is to bridge the wealth gap through access to procurement opportunities. Hire Ground is making the enterprise ecosystem more viable, profitable, and competitive by clearing the path for minority-led, women-led, LGBT-led, and veteran-led small businesses to contribute to the global economy as suppliers to enterprise organizations. For more information on getting started please visit us @ hireground.io today! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and join us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Zuzy Martin-Aly is the host of the Girls in Tech podcast, a nonprofit organization with a mission to eliminate the gender gap in tech one episode at a time. She is an expert in brand strategizing and marketing and works with clients and agencies to promote their products or services in the most creative ways possible. Zuzy is also an award-winning filmmaker whose documentary film, Craving Cuba, was accepted to 13 film festivals. Craving Cuba inspects the Cuban-American experience, paying close attention to the ways politics complicate their relationship with Cuba. Zuzy joins us to discuss what Girls in Tech is about and how they’re different from other women-led organizations. She shares her experience as a podcaster and how her background in film helped her grow the show. She explains the different stereotypes and barriers that keep many women out of the tech industry. She discusses the art of interviewing and how it’s more than just asking questions and getting answers. Zuzy also describes the benefits of having a diverse team in any business. “I’ve been challenged to work with people who are different from me. I take that as a great puzzle that’s going to get us to a solution.” – Zuzy Martin-Aly This week on Breaking Barriers: Connect With Zuzy Martin-Aly: Girls In TechGirls in Tech PodcastStartup Cuba This podcast is brought to you by Hire Ground Hire Ground is a technology company whose mission is to bridge the wealth gap through access to procurement opportunities. Hire Ground is making the enterprise ecosystem more viable, profitable, and competitive by clearing the path for minority-led, women-led, LGBT-led, and veteran-led small businesses to contribute to the global economy as suppliers to enterprise organizations. For more information on getting started please visit us @ hireground.io today! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and join us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

It goes without saying that 2021 fared leagues better than 2020 did. Many companies will start engaging with their consumers to celebrate the world’s grand reopening, especially now that we’re near the end of the year. However, what does it mean when your business only engages with the market when all is said and done? How do you engage with your diverse suppliers without it feeling artificial or forced? In today’s episode, we describe the wild ride 2021 has been and what we can expect for 2022. We explain why businesses shouldn’t just establish rapport with their suppliers and consumers when the year ends. We discuss the ways companies can work with their suppliers to more effectively engage with their communities. We also share the importance of being kind to one another, especially during the holidays, and how kindness can significantly impact the way we perceive society as a whole. “The one thing the pandemic has taught all of us is the one size fits all mentality doesn’t work.” – Adam Moore This week on Breaking Barriers: This podcast is brought to you by Hire Ground Hire Ground is a technology company whose mission is to bridge the wealth gap through access to procurement opportunities. Hire Ground is making the enterprise ecosystem more viable, profitable, and competitive by clearing the path for minority-led, women-led, LGBT-led, and veteran-led small businesses to contribute to the global economy as suppliers to enterprise organizations. For more information on getting started please visit us @ hireground.io today! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and join us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Sarah Marske is the Founder and CEO of Saramar Group, a marketing consultancy firm specializing in connecting brands to the U.S. Hispanic market. Saramar Group integrates three core solutions for business growth with social impact: Hispanic Marketing Services, Social Impact Initiatives, and Consulting & Training. Sarah was previously the Multicultural Marketing Brand Manager for Coca-Cola. She led award-winning Hispanic marketing campaigns and social impact initiatives, earning multiple awards that include The ANA Multicultural Excellence Award, the Silver Anvil Award for Best PR Campaign, and the Billboard Music Award. A true ‘Iberophile’ Sarah has a B.A. in International Studies and Spanish from the University of North Carolina and completed an M.A. in Communication with Mass Media while also gaining her Translation Certificate (Spanish/English) both from Georgia State University. In today’s episode, Sarah joins us to share her valuable insights into multicultural marketing, where her love and passion for reaching diverse communities led her to create the Saramar Group. She discusses her college days of International Studies, volunteering with the YMCA in Costa Rica, and her experience of living in Spain to study with the University of Salamanca, all of which solidified her passion for culture and her need to serve and give back through business. Sarah explains how companies should connect with diverse communities in authentic and thoughtful ways and what they should consider when marketing to this audience. She also reveals what she thinks will happen in the future digital diverse marketing space and why it won’t mean discarding real-life connections but strengthening them instead. “I’m a big believer in doing business with a higher purpose where we not only generate profits and growth for our businesses, but we generate a larger social impact as well” – Sarah Marske This week on Breaking Barriers: Connect with Sarah Marske: Saramar Group on LinkedInSarah Marske on LinkedInConnect with Hire Ground: Hire Ground’s WebsiteHire Ground on LinkedInHire Ground on FacebookHire Ground on TwitterCloe Guidry-Reed on LinkedInAdam Moore on LinkedIn With thanks toUniversity of Georgia Supply Chain Advisory Board In addition to ensuring the UGA’s supply chain curriculum meets employer’s needs, the board also connects employers with highly qualified students and joins corporate board members like Johnson and Johnson, Home Depot, and Chick-Fil-A to discover and hire tomorrows supply chain innovators today. To learn more go to www.terry.uga.edu click on Alumni and find the Supply Chain Advisory Board there! Deeply Experienced, Proven Executives, On Demand withTechCXO Get proven hands-on C Suite executives to take on an interim role and provide fractional help and lead projects. TechCXO on-demand executive model consistently delivers time and cost savings of 50 to 75% compared to a full-time in-house function. They have helped their clients secure over 4 billion dollars in debt and equity financing and have advised clients on over 200 transactions, including due diligence preparation M&A and financing alternatives. To learn more, please visit www.techCXO.com

Bruce Katz is the Founder of New Localism Associates, a firm that helps cities finance, deliver, and design innovative initiatives that focus on sustainable growth and inclusion. He received the Heinz Award in Public Policy for his contributions to city planning and influences on the community’s economy and livability. He authored the book The New Localism, which provides a roadmap for change that begins in the local communities. Bruce is also the Director of the Nowak Metro Finance Lab at Drexel University. Bruce joins us today to describe how the pandemic adversely impacted minority-led businesses. He shares why the “New Normal” doesn’t exist despite the buzzword’s popularity. He offers his take on the future of diversity and what the workforce will look like. He discusses how every business grows through routines. Bruce also reveals why the US doesn’t have a capital problem and what needs to happen for him to say the country is making progress. “Don’t waste the crisis—crisis begets innovation.” – Bruce Katz This week on Breaking Barriers: Connect with Bruce Katz: The New LocalismDrexel UniversityThe New Localism: How Cities Can Thrive in the Age of PopulismBruce Katz on LinkedIn This podcast is brought to you by Hire Ground Hire Ground is a technology company whose mission is to bridge the wealth gap through access to procurement opportunities. Hire Ground is making the enterprise ecosystem more viable, profitable, and competitive by clearing the path for minority-led, women-led, LGBT-led, and veteran-led small businesses to contribute to the global economy as suppliers to enterprise organizations. For more information on getting started please visit us @ hireground.io today! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and join us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Everyone has an experience of being promised something and then discovering the promise cannot be kept. While it may be easier to accept someone’s information without intending to follow up, you never know when that decision could come back to haunt you. It’s important whether you’re on the corporate side or the supplier side to remain transparent and be realistic about what you can actually provide in a partnership. In today’s episode, we talk about what both corporates and suppliers can do to help increase transparency and be realistic about their promises. We discuss what a cycle time is and how this timeline can be a lot longer for larger businesses. We talk about why you shouldn’t focus on getting contracts at tradeshows, and what you should be looking for instead. We also explain how working in a tier-two can be a great learning experience and opportunity to grow with larger businesses. “Any relationship is going to be as deep and as valuable as the time and effort you put into it.” – Adam Moore This week on Breaking Barriers: Connect with Hire Ground: Hire Ground’s WebsiteHire Ground on LinkedInHire Ground on FacebookHire Ground on TwitterCloe Guidry-Reed on LinkedInAdam Moore on LinkedIn

As the founder of four companies, Monique Mills is no stranger to blazing the trails of entrepreneurship in technology and digital transformation. She is passionate about helping companies overcome obstacles and innovate new roads to technological development and is intent on solving big problems within the modern world. As the founder and chief strategist of TPM Focus, Monique and her team offer a unique blend of corporate sensibility and startup scrappiness to help their clients align their marketing, technology, sales, and customer service with their revenue goals. Monique is also the host and Executive Producer of the Unpolished MBA Podcast, where she speaks with innovators and entrepreneurs – some with MBAs, and some without – to share their entrepreneurial journey, experience, and the wisdom they’ve gained along the way. Monique joins us today to share how she blazed her own trail in the tech industry. She explains how she helps organizations align their marketing, sales, and technology with their revenue goals, why it’s crucial to align your marketing efforts with your revenue goals, and the importance of being strategic when creating your marketing campaigns. Monique explains why entrepreneurs need to properly segment their target audience and build their marketing strategies around them. She shares what inspired her to launch her podcast, the Unpolished MBA, and what she hopes to accomplish with her show. We discuss the value of co-locating with other organizations and the importance of understanding how buying habits are shifting. We also discuss the most common problems women in the workplace face – particularly in the S.T.E.M industries – and how entrepreneurs and organizations can help move the needle on creating more inclusive workplaces for women. “Never stop learning. Never stop learning from everyone around you. Everyone has value and information that could be helpful to you.” – Monique Mills This week on Breaking Barriers: Resources Mentioned: WIT – Women In Technology Connect with Monique Mills: TPM FocusTPM Focus MarketingMonique Mills WebsiteUnpolished MBATPM Focus on LinkedInTPM Focus on FacebookMonique Mills on LinkedIn This podcast is brought to you by Hire Ground Hire Ground is a technology company whose mission is to bridge the wealth gap through access to procurement opportunities. Hire Ground is making the enterprise ecosystem more viable, profitable, and competitive by clearing the path for minority-led, women-led, LGBT-led, and veteran-led small businesses to contribute to the global economy as suppliers to enterprise organizations. For more information on getting started please visit us @ hireground.io today! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and join us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Christine Rogers is the President and COO of Aspireship, a company helping tomorrow’s leaders by ensuring they perform at optimum level in their current roles with training, interview preparation, leadership development, and career development coaching. Aspireship looks to proactively match such leaders with fast-growing employers in need of talented and ambitious professionals. Christine has previous experience as a Senior Director of Sales for large corporations such as MINDBODY Inc. and Infusionsoft. However, she is also an experienced entrepreneur, having previously owned Room 4 Baby, a baby and children’s store in Gilbert, AZ, where she supervised all aspects of a small baby business, from sales staff supervision to payroll and contract negotiation. Christine currently resides in Scottsdale, Arizona. Christine joins us today to reveal how identifying difficulties in hiring consistently good talented people for selling environments led to the creation of Aspireship, a course platform allowing someone without experience to learn foundational selling. She explains how such untapped potential – when trained – can be matched with a company whose focus is on the employee’s competency and ability rather than their previous resume. Christine takes a holistic look over workforces and why she thinks it’s important everyone in a business, from marketing to accounts, should understand selling when representing a company. She also discusses the role of leadership when placing new hires in an organization and how vital these leaders are for the success and longevity of such placements. “Do a roleplay. Feel how it feels. Are you understanding those concepts and can you do it?” – Christine Rogers This week on Breaking Barriers: Connect with Christine Rogers: Aspireship’s WebsiteAspireship on LinkedInAspireship on FacebookChristine Rogers on LinkedInConnect with Hire Ground: Hire Ground’s WebsiteHire Ground on LinkedInHire Ground on FacebookHire Ground on TwitterCloe Guidry-Reed on LinkedInAdam Moore on LinkedIn This podcast is brought to you by Hire Ground Hire Ground is a technology company whose mission is to bridge the wealth gap through access to procurement opportunities. Hire Ground is making the enterprise ecosystem more viable, profitable, and competitive by clearing the path for minority-led, women-led, LGBT-led, and veteran-led small businesses to contribute to the global economy as suppliers to enterprise organizations. For more information on getting started please visit us @ hireground.io today!

Abraham Xiong is the President of Government Contractors Association, Inc., a national trade association of commercial contractors and government agencies. The organization’s goal is to help small or minority-led businesses get their fair share of opportunities in the government market. Abraham is also the co-founder of Blockchain Chamber of Commerce, a membership-based organization supporting emerging cryptocurrency and blockchain industries. Abraham joins us to discuss how he and his group help underserved businesses get more government contracts. He shares how his passion for government contracting began and his life after his family migrated to the United States. He describes the economic imbalance minority-led and women-led companies face with government contracts. He explains the importance of being a business certified by the government and the opportunities it unlocks. Abraham also shares his stories of what it was like dating outside of the Hmong community and what his occupation was before he became a full-time entrepreneur. “There is an economic injustice that’s going on in the government contracting world.” – Abraham Xiong This week on Breaking Barriers: Connect With Abraham Xiong: Government Contractors AssociationBlockchain Chamber of CommerceAbraham Xiong on LinkedIn This podcast is brought to you by Hire Ground Hire Ground is a technology company whose mission is to bridge the wealth gap through access to procurement opportunities. Hire Ground is making the enterprise ecosystem more viable, profitable, and competitive by clearing the path for minority-led, women-led, LGBT-led, and veteran-led small businesses to contribute to the global economy as suppliers to enterprise organizations. For more information on getting started please visit us @ hireground.io today! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and join us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Amanda Hammett is the CEO of Core Elevation, a company dedicated to helping high-performance leaders achieve even greater results and working with Inc. 5,000 corporations to strategize attracting, retaining, and engaging top-level talent. She is also the host of the Next Generation Rockstars Podcast (aka Millennial Rockstars), where she proves her nickname as the ‘Millennial Translator’ by interviewing millennial business prodigies on the secrets of their success and the motivations that focus them. Amanda currently serves on the US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce board while also serving for the past ten years as Corporate Board President of the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Georgia (HOBY). With a BA in History & Political Science from Agnes Scott College, she is a consultant and trainer who has delivered over 800 keynote speeches to the millennials corporate America needs to connect with. In today’s episode, Amanda joins us to discuss recruiting millennials and Generation Z and what problems she has observed with modern recruitment techniques for this demographic. She reveals her Millennial Translator moniker’s origin and why businesses began to queue up for her help in connecting them with their younger workforce. Amanda takes a psychological look at the millennial employee and why they rebel against the Boomer Generation’s work-life values before them. She also warns the companies who are quick to make statements of intent; be that for social change, better employment practice, or other morally guided declarations. She explains that millennials do their homework on their possible future employees and empty promises can come back to haunt a brand in the most damaging of ways. “What makes millennials different is their size. They are the biggest generation to come through since boomers and (are) even larger than boomers AND their willingness to speak up – their willingness to say ‘This isn’t for me.'” – Amanda Hammett This week on Breaking Barriers: Connect with Amanda Hammett: Next Generation Rockstars PodcastCore Elevation’s WebsiteCore Elevation on LinkedInAmanda Hammett’s WebsiteAmanda Hammett on LinkedInConnect with Hire Ground: Hire Ground’s WebsiteHire Ground on LinkedInHire Ground on FacebookHire Ground on TwitterCloe Guidry-Reed on LinkedInAdam Moore on LinkedInThis podcast is brought to you by Hire Ground Hire Ground is a technology company whose mission is to bridge the wealth gap through access to procurement opportunities. Hire Ground is making the enterprise ecosystem more viable, profitable, and competitive by clearing the path for minority led, women led LGBT led, and veteran led small businesses to contribute to the global economy as suppliers to enterprise organizations. For more information on getting started please visit us @ hireground.io today!

It’s no question that having supplier diversity can elevate a company’s financial growth—especially if more companies actively pursue supplier diversity. In fact, CVS Health reported their supplier diversity program contributed an astounding $5.5 billion to the US economy in 2018. This shows supplier diversity isn’t just a trend or a fad businesses can ride until it loses its luster. Supplier diversity improves your company’s relationships with minority-led and LGBT-led companies and lets you cast a wider net, which can result in more significant profits. Today, we discuss why supplier diversity is more than just a trend and its critical role in the economy. We explain how supplier diversity programs can be essential in mergers and acquisitions and when dealing with other suppliers. We describe the potential losses a company would incur if they don’t have a supplier diversity program. We also share some of the ways businesses can strike while the supplier diversity iron is still hot. “Supplier diversity is crucial to the vitality of the company” – Adam Moore This week on Breaking Barriers: Resources Mentioned: CVS Health This podcast is brought to you by Hire Ground Hire Ground is a technology company whose mission is to bridge the wealth gap through access to procurement opportunities. Hire Ground is making the enterprise ecosystem more viable, profitable, and competitive by clearing the path for minority-led, women-led, LGBT-led, and veteran-led small businesses to contribute to the global economy as suppliers to enterprise organizations. For more information on getting started please visit us @ hireground.io today! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and join us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Joy White is a mindset and wellness coach, keynote speaker, and the founder and CEO of Flawed Masterpiece, a health and wellness business that wants Black women to adopt a lifestyle of self-care, healing, and inner peace. She has over 16 years of experience holding executive positions in non-profit boardrooms, international law firms, and small boutiques. Joy founded Flawed Masterpiece to help clients navigate professional roadblocks exclusive to Black women as they work in male-dominated industries and professions. Joy joins us today to discuss the ideas behind Flawed Masterpiece and why she prioritizes Black women as their primary clients. She shares the self-care habits she has developed for herself and her clients. She explains what counts as self-care and why it doesn’t simply involve checking into a spa hotel. Joy describes some of her best client success stories. She shares actionable tips to employers regarding employee burnout and laws. Joy also discusses the risks associated with being careless about employment terminology. “There’s a cost that you will incur when you are not mindful of peoples’ wellbeing and overall working conditions.” – Joy White This week on Breaking Barriers: Connect With Joy White: Flawed MasterpieceLinkedIn This podcast is brought to you by Hire Ground Hire Ground is a technology company whose mission is to bridge the wealth gap through access to procurement opportunities. Hire Ground is making the enterprise ecosystem more viable, profitable, and competitive by clearing the path for minority-led, women-led, LGBT-led, and veteran-led small businesses to contribute to the global economy as suppliers to enterprise organizations. For more information on getting started please visit us @ hireground.io today! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and join us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Dr. Janelle Williams is the co-founder and CEO of Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative, a catalytic nonprofit that seeks to build Black wealth through community wealth-building strategies. Committed to advancing investments and policies that increase opportunities for disinvested communities, Janelle has led several strategies for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and the Annie E. Casey Foundation to advance inclusive and thriving communities. She has also served as a congressional fellow in the U.S. House of Representatives. Janelle holds a doctorate in International Family and Community Studies from Clemson University, a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Georgia, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from Florida Memorial University. Janelle joins us today to discuss the wealth divide and how to close it. She explains why the wealth divide is not a simple gap, but a deep-seated divide perpetuated by historical injustices. She presents data that highlight the wealth disparities between Black and White households in Atlanta and across the nation. She shares AWBI’s efforts to close the wealth divide and shares their projects, such as the 1,000 Black Businesses Campaign and the Black Community Wealth Network. Janelle also emphasizes the need to disaggregate data by race and ethnicity, especially for Minority Business Enterprises, and underscores the importance of solidarity and collective action in addressing economic inequality. “A divide is something intentionally created. We have to constantly acknowledge the root causes that not only created this divide, but perpetuate it.” – Dr. Janelle Williams This week on Breaking Barriers: Connect with Dr. Janelle Williams: Atlanta Wealth Building InitiativeAtlanta Wealth Building Initiative on LinkedInAtlanta Wealth Building Initiative on InstagramAtlanta Wealth Building Initiative on FacebookAtlanta Wealth Building Initiative on TwitterAtlanta Wealth Building Initiative on YouTubeDr. Janelle Williams on LinkedIn This podcast is brought to you by Hire Ground Hire Ground is a technology company whose mission is to bridge the wealth gap through access to procurement opportunities. Hire Ground is making the enterprise ecosystem more viable, profitable, and competitive by clearing the path for minority-led, women-led, LGBT-led, and veteran-led small businesses to contribute to the global economy as suppliers to enterprise organizations. For more information on getting started please visit us @ hireground.io today! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and join us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.