Race at Work

Two Partners from True Search, Keri Gavin and Gina Barge, sit down with Channa to discuss the importance and implications of diversity in executive recruiting. Keri starts off the episode by talking about the importance of investing in underrepresented talent and shares why companies need to be intentional when it comes to building inclusive organizations. Next, Gina shares how the executive recruitment industry has evolved over the past 20 years when it comes to the sourcing and supporting of diverse talent.

Bertrand Kimper, Global Head of DEI at Kenvue, sits down with Channa to talk about how DEI practices are shifting as society evolves. He discusses his experiences working and living in different countries, and explores how and why inclusive work cultures provide companies with distinct advantages, no matter where they're located in the world. Bertrand also explains about the strategic pillars that guide his work at Kenvue and shares his hopes for the future of DEI at work.

While many are concerned about recent developments in artificial intelligence, Doug Melville, CEO of JODIE AI, talks with Channa about how his company is using the power of AI to create inclusive leaders who are prepared to navigate the complexities of today's changing workforce. Doug also reflects on his journey as a Chief Diversity Officer, and shares what he learned throughout his professional journey as he explored different roles and cultures.

Camilo Becdach, a partner at McKinsey and Company, sits down with Channa to talk about the importance of mentorship and supportive networks for diverse professionals who are at the beginning of their professional journeys. Camilo discusses his research exploring the underrepresentation of Latinos in Hollywood, both on-screen and in executive roles. He also explains why it’s crucial for the film and television industry to take a data-driven approach, meet audiences where they are, and tell authentic stories.

Floss Aggrey, Randstad North America’s Chief Equity Diversity & Inclusion Officer, speaks with Channa about the importance of creating organizational cultures in which employees feel like they belong. Floss also shares the actions companies need to take in order to promote fairness and correct historical inequities in the workplace. Later, she and Channa discuss the true meanings of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Floss emphasizes that the intent of DEI programs is not to exclude others, but to rectify imbalances and create workplaces where all employees can thrive.

Samira Ansari, Chief Creative Director at Ogilvy New York, talks about the changes she’s seen in the creative industry over the past 25 years when it comes to DEI. Channa and Samira discuss how brands’ DEI efforts need to authentically represent culture when it comes to casting and hiring in order to be truly meaningful. Samira also shares how diversity in creative agencies is vital for making campaigns that resonate with today's audiences.

Loren Hudson, SVP and Chief Diversity Officer at Comcast Cable, sits down with Channa to discuss the importance of leaders who actively set their employees up for success. Loren reflects on her experience as the first-ever Chief Diversity Officer at Comcast Cable and shares how her role has impacted the company over the past few years. She also explores how her career in DEI and HR was shaped by challenges she witnessed her father face as the only Black police officer in her hometown.

Singleton Beato, Global Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at McCann Worldgroup, sits down for a candid conversation with Channa to discuss how corporate America’s perspective on DEI has evolved. Singleton and Channa also reflect on the challenges and progress they experienced in 2020 as Black women and DEI leaders. Singleton explains why discussions about race at work are so important, despite some leaders and organizations shifting away from these dialogues. She also shares strategies for integrating equity and inclusion into every step of the creative process.

Trisch Smith, Edelman’s Global Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, sits down with Channa to discuss the current DEI climate and how worrisome it is to see DEI funding diminishing across the globe. Trisch also shares her opinion on the current state of DEI efforts in corporate America and explains how systemic inequalities mean the goals set out by some organizations don’t have the infrastructure to be achieved.

2045 Studio is proud to present Season Four of Race at Work. Join us this season as host Channa Green and our guests examine the state of corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion in what’s turning out to be its most controversial year since 2020. Tune in to learn from leaders at Fortune 500 companies who will inspire you to become a more inclusive leader at your organization. New episodes are available every Wednesday. 2045 Studio helps companies ensure their employees of color are seen, heard, and valued. Learn more at 2045studio.com.

Pfizer’s Chief Global Supply Officer and Executive Vice President Mike McDemott sits down with our new host, Channa Green, to discuss how leaders can become active and supportive when it comes to having conversations about race and inclusion at work. As you’ll hear Mike explain, it takes courage, practice, and persistence. Mike also explains why, despite a bumpy year for DEI in corporate America, he’ll continue to focus on promoting inclusion — not just for his employees, but for patients around the world. Race At Work is produced by 2045 Studio.

In the final episode of Race At Work Season 3, Porter chats with Michelle Gadsden-Williams, Managing Director & Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at BlackRock. They discuss the costly mistakes companies make when it comes to retaining employees of color and the milestones that indicate successful DEI initiatives. BlackRock recently released its impact report and launched a 1 billion dollar fund to invest in businesses and projects owned, led by, or serving people of color. Michelle is also an author. Her most recent book, out now, is titled “Driven by Intention: Own Your Purpose, Gain Power, and Pursue Your Passion as a Woman at Work.”

In this episode, Porter chats with Deb Liu, CEO of Ancestry. They talk about why diverse teams in tech build better products - from design all the way through the review process, it all matters. And when it comes to talking about race at work, Deb thinks pretending it doesn’t affect the workplace only alienates your employees. Deb’s book “Take Back Your Power” is all about lessons from tech, leadership, and motherhood. It will be out Fall 2022.

In this episode, Porter chats with Tom Naratil, Co-President Global Wealth Management and President Americas at UBS. They discuss why for leaders, it’s not enough to just be supportive of diversity, equity and inclusion at your company, but you must be committed. Tom also talks about why empathy is an important skill for a leader to develop - he believes the more you work at it, the better you get.

In this episode, Porter chats with Erika Irish Brown, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer and Global Head of Talent at Citi. They discuss the elements needed for a DEI leader to thrive - like support from the top and having the human capital as well as budget resources - and how data can help stakeholders understand why DEI isn’t a “nice to have”, but an important business case.

In this episode, Porter chats with Jason Mayden, CEO of Trillicon Valley, a modern design collective. They discuss the record-setting projects he worked on at Nike, why he left a dream job to build Superheroic, and why the impact he aims to have with Trillicon is meant to be multigenerational. Jason’s forthcoming book “A Kids Book About Design” comes out this May.

This episode is the second and final part of Porter's conversation with Ryan Williams, co-founder of Jopwell. They share personal stories from the Jopwell journey, like a rejection from TechStars that led to a yes from Y Combinator, what it means to be Black founders in the tech space and the challenges they face when it comes to leading a diverse company.

This episode is part one of Porter's chat with Ryan Williams, co-founder of Jopwell. They talk about the origin story of how they met, what it was like working in finance as young Black men, and how their professional experiences led them to believe Jopwell was a much-needed platform.

In this episode, Porter chats with David Stiepleman, Co-President, and Co-Founder of the global investment firm Sixth Street. They talk about the reasons for the lack of funding for diverse founders. They also discuss why Sixth Street’s summer fellowship program is critical in their approach to diversifying their internal team and the private capital industry more broadly. Porter and David also discuss why it’s the responsibility of both the company and the broader industry to create spaces for employees to talk about race at work.

In this episode, Porter chats with Kwasi Mitchell, Chief Purpose Officer at Deloitte. They discuss why Kwasi’s role is crucial in creating frameworks for organizational purpose, which is the greater mission that helps companies Deloitte serves and its employees find purpose in their daily work. They also talk about creating pathways of success for employees and why it’s a passion for Kwasi.