The Will to Change: Where Leadership Meets the Courage to Evolve

This episode features an interview with coach, speaker and author Dr. Sharon Melnick as she discusses her new book In Your Power: React Less, Regain Control, Raise Others. Discover the difference between being in your power versus being in power and how to redefine power as a source for good. Learn how being in your power is an ultimate form of self-care and how to use breathing exercises to ground yourself.

This episode features a conversation between JBC Vice-President Adrienne Lawrence and Diane Cain, Organizational Development Specialist at NASA. Diane discusses the important role that DEI plays in her work as an organizational development specialist and the evolution of NASA's DEI priorities. Discover the reasons behind NASA's interest in inclusive leadership and the culture shift that is driving the need for a change in the approach to leadership.

Author, Speaker and Consultant Lily Zheng returns to The Will To Change to discuss their new book, DEI Deconstructed, which centers on accountable and effective practices to achieve DEI outcomes in organizations. Discover why even leaders with the best of intentions find it difficult to achieve the DEI outcomes they desire. Lily also discusses the outcomes that they typically advise leaders to achieve and how to measure them. They also reveal how they work with leaders who may be resistant to DEI efforts.

In this takeover episode of The Will to Change, Denise Hamilton, Founder of WatchHerWork is joined by VC and Author Kathryn Finney. Kathryn discusses her book Build the Damn Thing: How to Start a Successful Business If You're Not a Rich White Guy and the importance for founders to move beyond the idea phase of their business. Discover why you should seek "harsh feedback" about your business and the importance of being able to tolerate rejection. Discover the difference between a small business and a startup and what makes a business investable. You can register for the Better Man Conference at https://bettermanconference.com/

This episode features an interview with author Sarah McDonald as she discusses her book The Cancer Channel and her journey as a cancer survivor. Sarah shares the unique challenges that employees with chronic health issues face in the workplace and how employers can best support their workers through health crises. Discover the stigma and shame that individuals often feel when diagnosed with cancer or other health issues, and the difficult challenges of potentially needing to work even while going through debilitating treatments. Sarah also reveals the lessons that she's learned and what has changed in her life since being diagnosed with cancer. You can register for the Better Man Conference at https://bettermanconference.com/

This episode was originally recorded as a LinkedIn Live, and features a conversation with Dax-Devlon Ross, Principal, Dax-Dev, along with Jennifer, and Ray Arata, Founder of the Better Man Conference. Dax, Jennifer, and Ray discuss a different way to look at privilege and how it can be used as a tool for inclusionary leadership. Discover the importance of vulnerability and how we can use our privilege to elevate others.

This episode features a conversation with Indiana's Chief Equity, Inclusion, and Opportunity Officer, Karrah Herring. Karrah discusses her current role, the history behind it, and why it was created. She also shares details about her transition from academia into government, how the practice of DEI differs in the government arena, and what she is most proud of accomplishing since stepping into her current role.

This episode was originally recorded on the KTS Success Factor Podcast and features a conversation between Jennifer and Sarah E. Brown, Ph.D. Jennifer discusses the stages of the Inclusive Leadership Continuum and how the pandemic exposed workforce inequities. She also shares details about the Inclusive Leader Assessment and how it can help leaders create cultures of belonging where everyone can thrive.

This episode features a conversation between Jennifer and JBC Vice-President Adrienne Lawrence about redefining privilege. Discover some of the most common misconceptions about privilege and how we can use our privilege to help others. You'll also hear about the importance of excavating your own authentic story and a broader definition of diversity. Remember to sign up for the virtual book launch for the launch of the 2nd edition of How to Be an Inclusive Leader. To register, visit https://jenniferbrownconsulting.com/second-edition-virtual-book-launch

This episode was originally recorded as a panel for the NGLCC 2022 National Conference. Jennifer moderates an all-star panel of out executives as they discuss their journey of fully stepping into their identity and embracing who they are. They also reveal what is it like to step forward and be the public voice of very large and esteemed institutions.

This episode features a conversation between Jennifer and JBC Senior Consultant Dr. Jennifer Sarrett as they discuss allyship and the important role that each of us can play as allies to underrepresented and marginalized communities. Discover some of the most common misconceptions about allyship and how to be an effective ally. You'll hear about the danger of allies centering themselves over marginalized community members and what to do instead.

This episode was originally recorded as a DEI Community Call and features a conversation with Lewis Brown Griggs, Michael Welp, and Howard Ross. These three seasoned leaders discuss their personal journeys as advocates for equity, unpack the absence of white men in DEI efforts, and reveal effective strategies to encourage men to lean into DEI principles.

This special episode features an interview with Jennifer and Elfi Martinez, Senior Director at JBC, ahead of the release of the 2nd edition of Jennifer's best-selling book How to be an Inclusive Leader. Jennifer and Elfi discuss the key attributes of being an inclusive leader and how those attributes vary from the traditional model of leadership. To learn more and order the 2nd edition, visit https://book.jenniferbrownspeaks.com/

This episode features an interview with Upwork's Head of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, Dr. Erin L. Thomas, as she discusses the ways in which bias shows up in the workplace. Dr. Thomas also discusses the concept of "unintentional inequity" and reveals strategies and practices that companies can employ to reduce unconscious bias at all stages of the employee life cycle. Discover why data and understanding diversity demographics at every level are so important in workplace planning.

This special episode features an interview with Jennifer ahead of the release of the 2nd edition of her best-selling book How to be an Inclusive Leader. Jennifer shares how the Rubik's Cube provides a rich metaphor for wrestling with identity and how identity came to be such an important part of her work. To learn more and order the 2nd edition, visit https://book.jenniferbrownspeaks.com/

This episode was originally recorded as a DEI Community Call, and features a conversation with Carla Grant Pickens, Global Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer at IBM. Carla reveals how the current environment is impacting IBM and its workforce. Carla discusses the dynamics of the return to office efforts at IBM locations around the world, and the potential impact on the company/employee relationship as companies struggle to encourage employees back to the physical office setting. You'll also hear about what IBM has learned by viewing employee development and coaching through an equity lens and how they are delivering targeted support through its partnership with BetterUp.

This episode features a conversation with Jennifer, Ray Arata, Founder and CEO of the Better Man Conference, and Mark Greene, Founder of Remaking Manhood as they discuss the patriarchy and outdated rules about what it means to be a man. Discover how the "Man Box" perpetuates an obsolete leadership model and how patriarchy relates to the larger DEI landscape. To learn more about the Better Man Conference, visit www.bettermanconference.com

This episode, originally recorded as a LinkedIn live, features a conversation between Jennifer and Arthur Woods, Rocki Howard and Jim Massey as they discuss this proposed session for SXSW. Jennifer, Arthur, Rocki and Jim discuss why this conversation, why now, and what's ahead for leaders. Help us make it to the conference by voting (by August 21st) for our panel here: https://panelpicker.sxsw.com/vote/129585

This episode, originally recorded as a LinkedIn Live, features a conversation between Jennifer and JBC Vice-President Adrienne Lawrence, as Jennifer discusses the highly anticipated second edition of her book How to Be an Inclusive Leader which launches on October 4th, 2022. Jennifer reveals why she made the decision to tackle a second edition of the book and the need for a more balanced leadership style. She also discusses how to reframe the concept of privilege and the need to call leaders in instead of only calling them out.

This takeover episode features a conversation between JBC Consultant Jennifer Sarrett and Trelise Baker, Founder of 2nd Chance Living PMI as Trelise discusses the work that her organization does to help women transitioning out of prison or jail and into communities by providing employment and housing services in and around New Orleans, Louisiana. Trelise also shares her own journey of transitioning back into the community as a justice-involved woman and the biggest challenges that people face after incarceration. Discover the complex needs that justice-involved women face when reentering their communities, and how 2nd Change Living is helping to address those needs. Resources: Prison policy initiative Vera Institute US Bureau of Labor Statistics US Census Bureau Data USA Unity of Greater New Orleans 2nd Chance Living PMI: website: https://www.2ndchancelivingpmi.org/ email: [email protected] phone: 1-855-487-0477 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2ndchancepmi Instagram: @2ndchancepmi Twitter: @2ndchancepmi

This episode was originally recorded as an Advocacy in Action session and features a conversation between Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network Board Member Dr. Morénike Giwa Onaiwu and JBC Vice President Adrienne Lawrence as they discuss lesser-known misconceptions about autism, and how it manifests in women. Discover what business opportunities your organization may be missing, and ways in which you can recover by making your workplace more welcoming for autistic women.

This episode was originally recorded as a LinkedIn Live, and features a conversation between Jennifer and Ray Arata, speaker, author and co-founder of the Better Man Movement. Discover details about the upcoming Better Man Conference and the impetus behind the conference. Ray reveals the power of vulnerability and centering others, and the need for men to show up in a different way.

This episode features an interview with author, acrobat and entrepreneur Robin Zander as he discusses the importance of bravery and courage and the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on various marginalized communities. Robin discusses what he learned from creating a video where he returned to his middle school and how the painful experiences in his past have made him the leader that he is today. He also reveals the work that he is doing to develop his voice and how taking singing lessons is helping him embrace his fears.

This episode was originally recorded as a DEI Community Call, and features a conversation with Lorraine Orr, Chief Operations Officer of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Lorraine shares her professional and personal stories of identity and how her lived experience led her to where she is today. Discover the powerful moments of reckoning in the Boys and Girl Club's history on the topic of DEI and where the Boys and Girls Club stands in its DEI evolution.

Tune in for a conversation with Jennifer and Rhodes Perry as Jennifer discusses her upcoming presentation at the Belonging at Work Summit. Jennifer reveals the need to gain strategies on how to artfully push back and establish the boundaries we need to resist the growing backlash to the progress DEI leaders continue to make in our workplaces.

This episode was originally recorded at the Global Inclusion Online Forum and features a conversation about measuring gender equality. Discover the common miscalculations and best measurement practices that ensure progressive growth and prosperity of the corporate workforce as well as the most common gender equality metrics used in global corporations. You'll also hear about how to use the combination of measurements to create a thriving work environment for all.

This episode was originally recorded as an Advocacy in Action session and features a conversation between JBC Vice President Adrienne Lawrence and SIGBI CEO & Co-Founder Stacy Lentz. Discover key strategies for creating inclusive workspaces for LGBTQ+ employees and best practices on how to authentically support colleagues beyond Pride Month. Stacy also reveals details about SIGBI's new Safe Spaces Certification.

This episode was originally recorded as a DEI Community Call and features a conversation between Jennifer and Oklahoma City's Chief Inclusion and Diversity Leader, Shalynne Jackson, as they discuss how storytelling, getting curious and connecting can be powerful tools to increase our perception of what's under the water line. Shalynne provides details about the benefits of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) and the difference between the monocultural mindset vs. the intercultural mindset.

Todd Corley, Senior Vice President, Inclusion, Sustainability & Community at Carhartt, and Former CDO at Abercrombie & Fitch, joins the program to discuss his career journey. Additionally, with the release of Netflix's "White Hot: The Rise & Fall of Abercrombie & Fitch", Todd shares insights and lessons learned from his time as the CDO of Abercrombie & Fitch.

This episode was originally recorded as a LinkedIn Live and features a conversation with Jennifer and JBC Vice President Adrienne J. Lawrence honoring George Floyd. Discover what's changed since the death of George Floyd, and what more we can do to continue breaking down inequitable systems of racism and oppression.

This episode was originally recorded as an Advocacy in Action session and features a conversation between Women's Reproductive Rights Assistance Project (WRRAP) Executive Director Sylvia Ghazarian and JBC Vice President Adrienne Lawrence. Discover how reproductive health is a business issue that will impact an organization's bottom line, how a number of organizations are approaching this issue in the current climate, and what tools are available to inclusively support women and birthing people in the workplace.

Creative Director Rana Reeves returns to the podcast to discuss the ways in which various identity groups are coalescing around reproductive health and how brands can take a stand to put their values into actions. Discover the tension that brands are facing when it comes to taking a stand on a variety of social and political issues.

This episode was recorded live at the SXSW Conference and features a conversation between Jennifer and journalist and producer Monika Samtani as they discuss a roadmap for action to address systemic inequities and build a more inclusive future. Discover the personal traits inclusive leaders must develop to lead through change and uncertainty and become allies and advocates in their communities and workplaces.

This episode was originally recorded as a DEI Community Call and features a conversation with Kathy West Evans, Director of Business Relations for CSAVR (Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation), and Danielle Biddick, Senior Advisor, Diversity Talent Acquisition at Dell Technologies as they discuss strategies for recruiting and hiring neurodiverse talent. Discover details and statistics about this incredibly diverse and intersectional talent pool and the opportunities to increase our collective awareness, understanding, and fluency in neurodiversity, in both society and the workplace.

This episode was originally recorded as a Culture Talk at Investors Bank and features a conversation between Jennifer and Investors Bank CEO Kevin Cummings. Discover the importance of culture and the traits of inclusive leaders. Jennifer also shares her thoughts about how to measure success.

This episode was recorded live at the SXSW Conference and presented by Rolling Stone and SHE Media. The conversation was moderated by Denise Hamilton, Inclusion Strategist & CEO of WatchHerWork and the panelists were Kathryn Finney, Managing Partner, Genius Guild, Jennifer Risi, Founder and President of The Sway Effect, and Jennifer Brown. The panelists shared their thoughts about how individuals and companies can work towards a more inclusive and equitable workplace. They also shared insights about what it means to cultivate inclusion, how to measure success, the importance of core values, and the role of technology.

This episode was originally recorded as an Advocacy in Action session during Women's History Month and features a conversation between JBC Vice President Adrienne Lawrence and The Rep Project Research Director, Rebecca Cooper, as they discuss the lesser-known barriers women face in the workplace and ways to address and remove those barriers.

This episode was originally recorded as a LinkedIn Live event, and features a conversation between Jennifer and author, speaker, facilitator and coach, Ray Arata, as they discuss the importance of male allyship in the workplace. Discover how men can effectively show up for their non-male colleagues, employees, and family members. You'll also hear about how to meet men where they are and how leaders can set a tone of support and accountability.

This special takeover episode of The Will to Change features a candid conversation between author and equity strategist Tara Jaye Frank and Leilani M. Brown about driving meaningful change and making a way for equity, inclusion and belonging. Discover the convergence of events that led the way to an awakening about the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion, and who needs to drive DEI efforts in an organization. Tara also shares insights about her new book The Waymakers: Clearing the Path to Workplace Equity With Competence and Confidence.

Daisy Auger-Dominguez, Chief People Officer at VICE Media Group, joins the program to discuss her new book Inclusion Revolution: The Essential Guide to Dismantling Racial Inequity in the Workplace. Daisy shares her own diversity story and the formative events that helped shape who she is today. She also shares insights about how leaders can embrace their courage and shape the future of work.

In this episode, originally recorded as a Hummingbird Hour, Rohit Bhargava and Jennifer are interviewed by Brian McComak, Founder and CEO of Hummingbird Humanity. Rohit and Jennifer share insights about their new book Beyond Diversity and reveal how the book offers an actionable blueprint for creating a more inclusive world. Discover the hidden message on the cover of the book, the need for ongoing dialogue and discussion, and why change starts with discovering our personal stories.

This episode features an interview with author, leader and speaker Deepa Purushothaman as she discusses takeaways from her new book The First, The Few, The Only: How Women of Color Can Redefine Power in Corporate America. Discover the changes that need to happen in the structure of corporate America, and how to reframe the "fit in" and "lean in" mentalities that have left women feeling burnt out or isolated in the workplace. Deepa also reveals how the conversation around the imposter syndrome is changing and the first step that a woman can take to better claim their power at work.

This episode was originally recorded as an Advocacy in Action conversation and features MPJI Advisory Board Chair, J Mase III, and JBC VP Adrienne Lawrence. Tune in to hear about the uplifting meaningful contributions made by members of the Black queer community, efforts that impede greater inclusion in workplaces across the country, and effective tools you can use to achieve inclusivity in your organization.

Discover how white women and black women can partner and be in solidarity with each other and a vision for allyship. Jennifer and Adrienne explore the disconnect between the percentage of white women who see themselves as allies and the amount of support and empowerment that black women report receiving in the workplace.

This recording marks the 200th episode of the Will to Change! In honor of this milestone, H Walker, Chief Diversity Officer for the Boys and Girls Club of America, joins Jennifer for an organic and wide ranging conversation celebrating the themes and work that have made The Will To Change a popular podcast in the DEI space.

This episode, originally recorded as a DEI Community Call, features a conversation with Dr. Maysa Akbar, Chief Diversity Officer for the American Psychological Association (APA). Dr. Akbar discusses the APA's public commitment to continue its work to dismantle systemic racism, and how the organization has apologized for its longstanding contributions to systemic racism, acknowledging the historical harms inflicted upon communities of color by the discipline of psychology. Discover the approach that the APA took to delve into historical archives and identify the harms committed against communities of color, and why the passing of a resolution to uniformly define racism within APA became an essential baseline for the work they would do to fight systemic racism.

In this episode, originally recorded as a LinkedIn Live, Dr. Kevin England joins Jennifer for a conversation about JBC's DEI Foundations Program. Kevin provides an overview as well as some of the benefits of the program. Discover the structure of the DEI Foundations program and why our personal story matters. To learn more or to join the waitlist for the program, visit: https://dei1.jbconlinelearning.com/

This episode was originally recorded as a LinkedIn Live, and features a conversation between Jennifer Brown and Mita Mallick, Head of Inclusion, Equity and Impact at Carta as they discuss the importance of authentic and accurate representation of diverse cultures in the media. The conversation stemmed from a LinkedIn post by Mita about her reaction to the Diwali episode of And Just Like That, a revival of the HBO television series Sex and the City. Mita breaks down the episode, which was described in a Vogue article as a "messy tangle of misnomers and misappropriation." Mita also discusses the exhaustion that many people from marginalized communities are feeling, and what allies can do to help. To read the Vogue article about the episode, visit: https://www.vogue.in/fashion/content/sex-and-the-sari-investigating-the-diwali-episode-debacle-in-and-just-like-that

This episode, originally recorded as a DEI Community Call, features a conversation between Sue Mason, Co-Founder and Executive Director of What's Next Washington, and Catherine Goetz, Global Head of Diversity Recruiting at LivePerson. Sue and Catherine discuss the challenges and opportunities of making a commitment to operationalize second chance hiring in a heavily regulated field. Discover why AI and talent leaders need to be focused on accessing the talent pool of people with conviction histories, and how organizations can accompany operationalized second chance priorities as part of their DEI recruiting strategy.

From the "Best of the Will to Change" In this episode, originally recorded as a TONE Talk, Julie Lythcott-Haims joins Jennifer Brown for a conversation about 3 "superpowers" that everyone possesses and how to unleash them. Julie is the New York Times bestselling author of the anti-From the helicopter parenting manifesto How to Raise an Adult. Her TED Talk on the subject has more than 5 million views, and in 2020 she became a regular contributor with CBS This Morning on parenting. Her second book is the critically-acclaimed and award-winning prose poetry memoir Real American, which illustrates her experience as a Black and biracial person in white spaces. A third book, Your Turn: How to Be an Adult, will be out in April 2021. To learn more about TONE Networks, visit https://www.tonenetworks.com/