C-CRETS

Is DEI Dead?

Have you encountered an Uncle Tom on the job? While it may be easy to spot an Uncle Tom, it isn't always easy to discern an Oreo. In today's episode, we'll talk about the Oreo cookie, including how they navigate the workplace and what not to expect from them. Truth is, not everyone will stay on code. We'll also provide you with the receipts on why it's important to not be an Oreo and share 3 C-CRETS on how to avoid becoming an Oreo so you can uplift your people in the workplace.

The myth of ‘white disadvantage' is a dangerous narrative that actually protects the advantages of being white in America. It serves as an intentional and dangerous push in our country, akin to the narrative of white victimization; and has shown up through banned book campaigns, the recent fight over Congressional districts in Alabama, and the Supreme Court's decision limiting race as a factor in college admissions. In today's episode, we discuss the myth of white disadvantage and how it shows up in the world and the workplace. Then, we'll provide receipts on why exactly ‘white disadvantage' is a myth, before closing out with a double dose of C-CRETS on how to personally help dispel the white disadvantage myth, and what companies can do to create more equitable environments in the workplace. Because being on code also means fighting against dangerous narratives.

Do you know your company's employment policy on grief? Have you ever faced obstacles at work when dealing with personal grief? While new employees focus on benefits such as vacation and sick leave when getting hired, other benefits, such as bereavement leave matter. In this episode, we discuss grief and the impact it has on black communities, as well as popular grief models and how they show up. Then we provide receipts related to death and grief in the black community and in the workplace, before wrapping up with a double dose of C-CRETS on how to personally respond to loss as it relates to work, and what companies can do to create more humane policies and practices for employees going through grief.

Have you ever encountered a coworker or situation at work that made you second guess yourself? Have you ever felt incompetent in your workplace? Maybe it's you–or maybe you were actually being gaslighted to feel this way? In today's episode, we'll talk about gaslighting, including what it is, and provide examples of when we've experienced it in the workplace. Then, we'll provide receipts on this form of psychological manipulation and share three C-CRETS on how to respond.

These 4 P's are held against Black people every day. And we've already shared some receipts, but we wanted to bring in an expert to talk about how all of these subjective things are not truly determinate on the quality of your work. Being on code means dismantling these expectations and biases so that we can move forward. We talk with data scientist, Mark Palmer, on the role data and behavioral science can play in leveling the playing field for marginalized communities.

There are 4 P's of black expectation. The impact of having to live up to these expectations adds another layer of trauma, and puts up barriers that many BIPOC employees must overcome, in order to succeed in their careers. In this episode, we'll define the 4 P's of Black expectation, talk about how they have shown up in our own careers, and provide receipts on how they show up in the workplace. And while organizations can do more to get on code and dismantle the harm caused by these expectations on black employees; as an employee, your awareness of these expectations matter. That's why, we'll share 3 C-CRETS on how you as an employee can use the 4 P's to your advantage.

Have you ever been asked to accept a lateral move on the job? Is taking on an interim position always beneficial to your career? There are many circumstances when underrepresented employees believe they're positioned for career advancement, but they end up getting the okie doke. Today, we call out the fake allyship and camouflaged sponsorship that occurs in corporate America. We'll also provide receipts on when corporate America's public allyship efforts do not match the results, as well as C-CRETS on how leaders can use their power for good.

Inequitable educational systems led to inequitable generational outcomes for people of color. In today's episode, we're joined by Dr. Gene Harris as we talk about the public education system and how we can advocate for change. Dr. Harris' career in education included serving as the 19th superintendent of the Columbus City Schools (CCS), Ohio's largest district, serving more than 51,000 students in 118 schools, and over 7,700 employees. Listen as she talks about the inspiration of teachers, the challenges in education, finding your voice as a leader, and getting on code. Then, we provide receipts on the disparities in public education. We also have a double dose of C-CRETS, first on how you can advocate for change in your public school system, and second, on how educational and corporate leaders can use their power and privilege for good in support of public education.

Do you understand the changes happening within your industry? Can you relate to younger coworkers? Is your skill set and knowledge still relevant? These are among the questions a leader must ask when deciding whether or not to move on from an organization. And in today's episode, we'll discuss knowing when it's time to move on and make way for someone new. We'll also provide receipts on leadership, longevity, and changing demographics, before sharing three C-CRETS on how to move on with grace, protect your legacy, and prepare for the next chapter in your life.

In this episode, we talk with Jim Fielding, who has led consumer products groups at the world's largest media companies, including Disney, Dreamworks, and Twentieth Century Fox. Jim is a partner at Archer Gray, an independent media company, and president of its Co-Lab Division. He is also founder of the Queer Philanthropy Circle, the nation's premier fundraising and advocacy group for the queer community. Listen as Jim talks about his career journey and new book ‘All Pride, No Ego: A Queer Executive's Journey to Living and Leading Authentically.' We also get his perspective on LGBTQ+ issues in the workplace and the current political climate, before providing receipts on LGBTQ+ representation and experiences in the workplace. To wrap up, you'll get a double dose of C-CRETS on tools LGBTQ+ employees can use to navigate their careers and how leaders can advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace.

Conversation with SF Bar Association President, Yolanda Jackson, about "getting on code".

Keith and Ricky launch Season 6 discussing how leaders need to "get on code" in order to effectuate change in Corporate America and uplift the lives of underrepresented employees.

As we wrap up season 5 of the podcast, it's also a celebration of 100 episodes of C-CRETS! We're so appreciative of our C-CRETS village. Some village members have gone on to become coaching clients, and to-date, we've helped clients get more than $6M in total compensation increases. We wanted to create a podcast that would help move the needle for other underrepresented employees, so that they can create generational wealth. And we do this by providing listeners with important information to better navigate through corporate America. In today's episode, we're talking about getting your marketing collateral tight, as it's an essential aspect that aids your ability to reach your career aspirations. We'll also provide receipts on the importance of having good marketing collateral, and share strategies on how to stay ready, so you don't have to get ready.

In 2022, from the workplace to the global stage, there have been many examples of the imbalance of justice based on race. In today's episode, we'll recap some pivotal moments this year that caused black people harm and share why it matters when it comes to our careers. Then, we'll discuss how continuous trauma and stigmas disproportionately impact black people, and provide three C-CRETS on how each of us in the Village can get aligned in our quest to be ‘on code' when dealing with the ongoing trauma and stigmas.

We're joined by former CEO of Evite, Victor Cho, in this episode. Victor is also an entrepreneur, having started several tech ventures, and serves on several boards including Modo. Victor's passionate about making positive social change and mentoring the next generation of Asian leaders. Today, he'll share his journey to becoming a corporate leader with us. We'll also talk about the lack of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) representation within corporate America, how AAPI employees can increase their visibility and gain sponsorship, and how companies can build and expand their efforts to develop and recruit underrepresented employees for executive leadership roles.

This week we'll share with you an email we received from a C-CRETS listener about her experience with white tears in the workplace. We define white tears and share examples of what it looks like, before providing you with receipts on its impact in the workplace. Then we share with you 3 C-CRETS on how to deal with white tears.

2022 Election Analysis

There's a lack of women and ethnically diverse representation in ‘sacred' industries within Corporate America. These industries include private equity, high tech, and med tech. In today's episode, Caryn Nightengale, a board director at Atlis Motor Vehicles, joins us to talk about her career journey. We'll also discuss the lack of gender and ethnically diverse representation within finance, and highlight receipts on the lack of women and ethnically diverse representation in ‘sacred' industries within Corporate America. Then, Caryn provides C-CRETS on how to increase your visibility and gain sponsorship in your current role as an individual, before sharing how companies within sacred industries can build and expand their efforts to develop and recruit underrepresented employees for executive leadership roles.

In today's episode, we'll talk about anti-Semitic dialogue, and our experience with anti-Semitism and how it shows up in the workplace. We'll also provide you with receipts on the impact of anti-Semitism and C-CRETS on how to combat it as an individual and as an organization.

What's the difference between managing and leading people at work? In today's episode we'll talk about this with Maureen Metcalf, founder and CEO of the Innovative Leadership Institute, and a highly sought-after expert in anticipating and leveraging future business trends. Maureen is also the host of the Innovating Leadership: Co-Creating Our Future podcast, where we were past guests. Listen as she shares her story and career journey, before we delve into what future-ready leadership looks like, provide receipts on the importance of leadership, and share how to be a future-ready leader in today's dynamic work environment.

In today's episode, we'll share some of our workplace stories with the ‘smartest' person in the room. Then, we'll provide receipts on identifying know-it-all behavior in the workplace, before sharing helpful strategies, C-CRETS, on how to deal with the smartest person in the room.

Dealing with diversity fatigue

Executive Vice President at Stillman College Dr. Derrick Gilmore joins us in the C-CRETS chair today. Dr.Gilmore is driven by his mission to be an advocate for increasing the capacities of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) to support the development and preparation of socially conscious leaders. In today's episode, we'll talk about what HBCUs have to offer and why they're important for developing black leaders. Then, we'll provide some insightful receipts on HBCUs and C-CRETS on applying or supporting a HBCU. In addition, we'll share C-CRETS on how corporate America can better support HBCUs.

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15. But are we celebrating new successes and accomplishments for Hispanic employees in the workplace compared to this time last year? In today's episode, we'll re-visit the dilemmas faced by Hispanic employees in the workplace, talk about steps for meaningful progress to be made, and share what corporations could do to make their workplaces more inclusive for Hispanic employees.

How do you become a trailblazer? Why should you pivot when you meet up on a glass cliff opportunity? In today's episode, we're joined by Carlton L. Guthrie, Co-Chairman and President of Detroit Chassis LLC and its parent company SPECTRA LLC. Listen as Carlton delves into what it was like as a first-generation, black corporate leader and his decision to venture out on his own. He also talks about what to look for when choosing an organization, packaging lessons learnt, developing a contingency plan, and expanding your skillsets. Then, we'll provide receipts on black corporate trailblazers, and C-CRETS from Carlton on how to believe in yourself and follow your passion.

Queen Elizabeth II's funeral was watched around the world. In today's episode, we'll dissect the paradox and complexity of her reign. We'll also look at the experiences of black and brown people in Britain and the U.S, before providing receipts on the issues marginalized employees in Britain face in the workplace. Then, we'll cap the episode with a double dose of C-CRETS on how to stand up to oppression in the workplace, and what King Charles can do to make life better for black and brown people in the Commonwealth.

Have you been thinking about getting your Master of Business Administration (MBA)? What are some of the benefits of obtaining an MBA. We're joined by Interim Chief Executive Officer of the National Black MBA Association, Shawn Graham, who brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership in her 30 years of experience leading global and national corporations in various industries. In today's episode we'll talk about the current MBA landscape and what this means for underrepresented employees. In addition, we'll provide receipts on the current MBA pipeline and C-CRETS on the advantages of pursuing an MBA; before sharing how companies can build and expand their efforts to develop and recruit underrepresented employees.

In today's episode, award-winning lawyer, Todd Belcore, joins the C-CRETS village to talk about social justice. Todd serves as the Executive Director and co-founder of Social Change, a national nonprofit committed to liberation and amplifying community voices through storytelling, organizing and direct action. Social Change believes that one's zip code should not be a determinant of your future. Listen as Todd shares what inspired him to start Social Change and do this important work. You'll also learn how embracing social causes can influence change, how to engage in social change, and how companies can create more equitable workplaces for their employees.

In this episode, we discuss some major Supreme Court decisions that were rendered this past session and how it impacts our experiences as black and other underrepresented employees. Then, we share receipts on the impact of these Supreme Court decisions on underrepresented employees, before providing you with a double dose of C-CRETS. First, on how to stand up and brace yourself against these decisions so they don't impact your career; and second, on how organizations can do the right thing to build an inclusive environment for their underrepresented employees given these judicial and political pressures.

In this episode, Keith and Ricky sit down with Taroue Brooks. Taroue is a public relations, event planning, entertainment marketing, and lifestyle architect. He has worked with some of the biggest names in music, sports, cinema, politics, and the arts. His current passions includes elevating the voices and stories of Black men as illustrated in the release of his 2021 documentary "What About Me?". Keith and Ricky will talk with Taroue about his career journey, his passion for elevating Black male voices, and some funny stories about working with entertainers. Taroue will also share C-CRETS on how Black men can find their voice in all the clutter.

Do you dread going to work each day? Has your credentials ever been questioned? In today's episode, we'll talk about our experiences as black men working in toxic work environments. We'll also provide receipts on the impact of working in these types of work environments and give you some strategies on how you can navigate it. In addition, we'll tell you how organizations can avoid or dismantle toxic work environments.

In the Season 5 opener, Keith and Ricky speak with MacArthur Foundation Genius Award winner, Dr. Safiya Noble, about her career journey in tech and groundbreaking work on algorithmic discrimination in search engines. The episode includes receipts on issues faced by women of color in the tech industry and the impact of algorithmic discrimination on communities of color. And the episode concludes with C-CRETS from Dr. Noble on how to survive the tech industry and how tech companies can strive to eliminate bias in their algorithms and apps.

It's time to talk to your boss about your mid-year performance review. How will this conversation unfold? Mid-year performance reviews remain critical for tracking how well your career is progressing. In this season's finale, we'll share with you the content and structure for a proactive and productive mid-year performance review. We'll also provide receipts on opinions about mid-year and overall performance reviews, and close out with a double dose of C-CRETS on how to set yourself up for your review, and how organizations can improve their mid-year performance review processes.

In today's episode, we're joined by president, corporate board director, and digital health and medtech leader Aisha Barry. Named one of Savoy Magazine's most influential women in Corporate America, listen as she tells us about her path to the top, sponsorship journey, white flag moments, and the triumphs she's experienced as a black woman in corporate America. Aisha also breaks down how to spot a potential sponsor, and the common habit she's seen among black colleagues that doesn't serve us. We'll also provide receipts on representation levels of black female executives and why being intentional with your career plan is important. Then, get helpful C-CRETS on how to join the executive career path, as well as C-CRETS on how leaders can build more inclusive and equitable work cultures.

How do you overcome external static to reach your goals? What's the emotional impact on BIPOC employees when the playing field is unleveled at work? In today's episode, Sr. Director-Health Equity, Dr. Sylvia Bartley, joins us to talk about her career path. From questions being raised about her ability to achieve a PhD in Neurophysiology to the catalyst behind her book ‘Turning the Tide,' we'll discuss Sylvia's career path and how she's coped with the external static thrown her way. In addition, we'll provide receipts on managing the disparities in BIPOC communities in the UK, as well as how the unleveled playing field continues to have negative impacts on general wellbeing. Then, we'll share C-CRETS on how to find your purpose while becoming an advocate and a voice for change.

Do black employees really need to be twice as good? Medtech executive leader, Nnamdi Njoku, joins us to talk about deciding on one's future path, glass cliff opportunities, leadership, and making an impact. We'll also discuss identity and resilience, finding support from your village, and being overqualified at work. Then, we'll provide receipts on qualification and promotional disparities in corporate America, and share a double dose of C-CRETS on what companies can do to close the qualification gap, and what employees can do to stay focused, despite the overqualified challenge.

In celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Keith and Ricky are joined by Kana Ueda to discuss her story and leadership journey as an Asian woman in Japan and the U.S. and address some of the common stereotypes and challenges of being AANHPI in the workplace. From cultural expectations to imposter syndrome, Kana shares why advocating for yourself as an Asian woman is critical to career success. Keith and Ricky also talk about some of the common stereotypes and challenges of being AAPI in the workplace, and provide receipts on the representation and experiences of AAPI employees. Finally, Kana provides C-CRETS on how AAPI employees can speak up for themselves and move forward in their careers, as well as C-CRETS on what corporate America can do to help break common stereotypes about AAPI employees.

It's C-CRETS 75th episode, and we're talking about the importance of mental health. Listen in as licensed clinical social worker and mental health therapist, Nidhi Tewari, joins us in the C-CRETS chair. We'll talk to Nidhi about her journey to working in the mental health field. In addition, we'll discuss the impact that lack of trust and burnout has on the workplace experience. Then, receipts on the intersectionality of mental health and people of color, as well as receipts on the impact of burnout will be shared. And we'll give you C-CRETS on how leaders can create a sense of trust in the workplace, and C-CRETS on how individuals can prevent burnout.

What are the roadblocks preventing you from establishing your voice as a thought leader? How can you become a better thought leader within your industry? In today's episode, we'll recap some key themes from one of our most popular episodes where we covered thought leadership. In addition, we'll expand on how you can become a thought leader, provide receipts on the benefits of being known as a thought leader, and share four C-CRETS on what steps you can take to build thought leadership.

In this episode, Keith and Ricky welcome speaker, entrepreneur, Youtube personality, coach, faith leader, and author, Lisa Bennett, to the show. They talk with Lisa about her career path, coping with external static, and the inspirations for her new book. Keith and Ricky provide receipts on dealing with personal loss and taking care of your wellbeing and close out with C-CRETS from Lisa how to deal with external static and find your voice.

In this episode, Keith and Ricky talk about the “lost tribe” - Black people who get ahead and then forget where they came from and share stories of how we've been impacted positively and negatively by Black leaders. They provide receipts on the impact of Black leaders mentoring and sponsoring other Black employees and close out with 3 C-CRETS on how Black leaders can support their Black employees.

Anthony Oshinuga is a published author, professional Aerobatic Pilot, Reno Air Race Pilot, and Motivational Speaker. Keith and Ricky talk with Anthony about what it's like to be a pioneer as the “The Only” in an industry where there is literally no one else that looks like you. They provide receipts on ethnically diverse representation in aviation and aerospace industries and close out with C-CRETS from Anthony on how to pursue your dreams as a kid and as an adult.

Have you been in a situation where someone is making negative comments about you, and the person keeps referring to "they"? In this episode Keith and Ricky talk about generalizations and stereotypes, how generalizations impacted our career, and how generalizations are used to maintain power and control, especially over women and people of color. They provide receipts on the negative impacts of generalizations and stereotypes, and close out with 3 C-CRETS on how to elegantly slay folx when they use generalizations against you.

Sponsoring a white male as a leader of color creates a WHOLE new dynamic in leadership. In this episode, Keith and Ricky talk with two of their white male proteges, Brad Duff and Josh Brown, about their career journeys and what it was like to be sponsored by a BIPOC leader. They provide some receipts on representation, mentorship, and the impact of diversity in the workplace and close out with C-CRETS from Brad and Josh on how to establish and nurture relationships with BIPOC leaders in your company.

The concept of affirmative action has been weaponized to hold underrepresented groups back for decades. In this episode, Keith and Ricky talk about the history of affirmative action and share stories of how affirmative action has affected their careers and careers of other women and people of color. They provide receipts on the truth behind the affirmative action myth and close out with a double dose of C-CRETS on how to avoid being put in the affirmative action trap and how organizations can bust the affirmative action myth.

Why to women and BIPOC leaders tend to get asked to lead declining or weak businesses? In this episode, Keith and Ricky describe the “Glass Cliff” concept and how it impacts BIPOC and women and share more examples of where this shows up. They provide receipts on how BIPOC and women are set up to fail when it comes to moving into leadership positions and close out with a double dose of C-CRETS on wow to avoid being in a potential “Glass Cliff” role, how to manage if you're in one, and how organizations can provide REAL opportunity for leaders in their organizations.

In this episode, Keith and Ricky speak with executive, Andrie Leday, about his path to the top, his sponsorship journey, and some of the challenges and triumphs he faced while climbing to the top. The conversation includes what it's like to be the wizard behind the scenes for years and then suddenly finding yourself scrambling for your career, Keith and Ricky provide receipts on surviving a job elimination and the importance of networking, And they close out with C-CRETS from Andrie on how to survive and thrive after a job elimination.

Peoples Lab founder, Dorit Cypis returns for another classic episode. Keith, Ricky and Dorit discuss what has happened in the world in the past year, and address the question: "What are white people so afraid of?" Keith and Ricky provide some receipts on the insidious forces of systemic racism in the workplace and close out with C-CRETS from Dorit on what allies and advocates can continue (or start) to do to dismantle systemic racism.

Microaggressions continue to be a daily problem for marginalized employees. In this episode, Keith and Ricky will take on microaggressions and bring some heat while sharing examples of microaggressions and personal stories. They will provide receipts on the impact of microaggressions on marginalized groups and close out with 4 C-CRETS on how to deal with microaggressions both as a perpetrator and victim.

We all have big dreams when we start our careers. In this episode Keith and Ricky speak with sales and marketing executive, Grady Davis. They talk with Grady about his path to the top, his sponsorship journey, and some of the challenges and triumphs he faced while climbing to the top - while constantly having to prove himself over and over again only to get inconsistent credit. Keith and Ricky provide some receipts on representation levels of Black and underrepresented executives in Sales and Marketing in Corporate America and why being intentional with your career plan is important and close out with a double dose of C-CRETS from Grady about jump starting your career and dreaming big.