The Road to Why with Ed Christmas

On this episode of The Road Why, Ed Christmas sits down with Dr. Michael Thompson, Chairman and President of Sikhona, Inc., to discuss his path in technology and software development. They talk about his journey from hands-on systems work to telecom leadership, and his experience building a growing suite of digital apps and platforms in a competitive market. Dr. Thompson also shares his perspective on creating social media spaces intended to give African Americans room to “speak truth,” a theme reflected in Sikhona’s “We Are Here” manifesto. A practical conversation about entrepreneurship, scaling software products, and lessons learned along the way.

Meet Nosa Ehimwenman of BOWA Construction, a Chicago-based construction management and general contracting firm known not just for the buildings they deliver, but for the communities they invest in. In this episode, Nosa shares how the name BOWA is rooted in a phrase passed down from his Nigerian ancestors — meaning to build a future — and why that idea represents something bigger than himself. The conversation explores leadership through the lens of purpose and legacy, reflecting on how family heritage, athletics, and community involvement shape a leader’s values, and why building pathways for others is just as important as professional success.

Meet two outstanding leaders and public servants, Zarin Gracey and Erik Wilson, current and former Dallas City Council members, who have a shared vision to empower the communities they serve while creating equitable opportunities for the residents of Districts 3 and 8. Their personal journeys have inspired them to advocate for these districts in South Dallas to receive quality infrastructure, sustainable housing and development, economic opportunity, and educational resources.

Tammy Pierce was deeply moved when she learned that only 1% of the contracts for public/private partnerships in Dallas were awarded to Black contractors, despite the fact that Black residents make up 28% of the city’s tax-paying population. This stark disparity highlighted a significant inequality in opportunities. This gave birth to her “why” and the start of United Black Contractors whose purpose is to empower and advocate for Black contractors to have access to contracts with cities, states, and counties. Her passion is to economically bolster Black males in America, because “when you build up Black men, you’re building up Black families.”

Wil McCall and Gerald Britt of Dallas Leadership Foundation share how they are bringing people and organizations together to unlock leadership in challenged communities so families, no matter the neighborhood, can flourish. DLF also provides workforce development services including job training of the unemployed, underemployed and hard to employ, as well as training providers and prospective employers.

Giving the next generation options, accessibility and confidence” is what drives Courtney Batiste to lead The Batiste Project whose mission is to empower, educate and bridge the tech divide for economically challenged youth in multiple areas of technology. Her journey as a woman of color in the field of technology has led her to do great things that are making a difference in the lives of students today, that will open doors for them tomorrow.

Meet Johannes Starks – educator, mentor and leader who is full of wisdom and energy to reach out and reach back to pull up the next generation, by providing opportunities through her work with STEAM-based programs and organizations. She serves in many roles to live out her “why” to connect passion and purpose. She is the Executive Director of BEST of Texas Robotics; she volunteers as a statewide mentor for NASA HUNCH (High schoolers United with NASA to Create Hardware), and she serves as a college and career readiness Leadership Coach for Educate Texas.

Gabriel Beltran of Dallas Area Rapid Transportation shares his journey of living out his desire to help others by serving in the public sector, supporting women and minority-owned businesses, as an executive in the Diversity & Vendor Management department.

“We walk the talk.”—Tomeka Herod, President, of The Wilkins Group, a multi-generation, woman-owned telecommunications company committed to closing the digital divide by placing fiber in cities throughout the United States. Tomeka and her team show respect and care by employing the hard-to-employ, providing STEM education to young people in the community and developing minorities in their technology careers.

“I’ve found my why. I have to do this.” -- Peter Beasley of Blacks United in Leading Technology International. As Executive Director of BUILT, Peter shares how his organization is building equity for Blacks in the technology industry through community-focused activities, events and programs. BUILT places an emphasis on their efforts being a united movement, and partners with organizations representing all ethnicities who act as investors to support their work.

Playbook Investors Network’s Rodney Woods (Founder, CEO & Board Chairman) and Dean Jones (Venture Partner) engage in a candid and lively discussion regarding the challenges black business owners face to take their enterprise to the next level. Through PIN, they provide opportunities for all types of emerging business enterprises to do business with a range of corporations, from the Fortune 500 to smaller organizations and other diverse suppliers looking to broaden their reach.

Larry Hall, President & CEO of Qnet Managed Services, shares about the challenges and learnings that come with building a start-up technology business of 24 years. Larry serves as President of the Greater Southwest Black Chamber of Commerce and is a leader, mentor and role model to other small business owners, as well as young Black students in Dallas ISD. His “why” is to empower minority-owned businesses to be successful, while using his natural gifts and talent for leadership.

“My why in life is to improve the lives of others.”, shares Antoine Joyce-Roach, Vice President and City Leader, All Stars Project of Dallas. Antoine takes us through his personal journey and how it ties to the history of the All Stars Project from New York to Dallas. His passion to give back is contagious and inspiring. His focus is to build community by bridging racial, economic, and social divisions to develop a caring 21st Century America.

“My purpose is to serve.”-- Aaliyah Haqq, Chief Operating Officer, of The Academy for Advancing Excellence. Aaliyah shares her journey and vision for cultural transformation in American institutions, in both private and public sectors. She challenges leaders to take a strong stance to acknowledge that inequities exist and create inclusive environments and policies that result in real change.