Groundbreakers

On this episode of Groundbreakers, Wendy Mann, CEO of CREW Network, proves that she is a storyteller extraordinaire as she takes us from her rural PA upbringing to Washington D.C. - leading an inspirational charge for women in commercial real estate.Wendy is driven by curiosity. It is the force that has catapulted her career and guided her interests. With DEIB embedded in the fiber of CREW, Wendy promotes a place and space where women can be their authentic selves - without judgement. A place where differences are not only embraced, but celebrated. A place of belonging.From the surprising influence of Harlequin romance to passionate leader to bad dancer, Wendy is an open-book. And now we're on the edge of our seats waiting for her to write her own.

On this episode of Groundbreakers, we connect with Rob Newson, Vice President of Strategy and Vision for the Philadelphia 76ers and 30-year Navy SEAL Veteran - as well as Chely's hometown buddy.No matter the line of work or industry, Rob's career has been focused on helping others and driving diversity and inclusion. With a passion for inspiring collaboration and action, Rob aims to shape conversations of meaning, ensuring every voice is heard.Rob is not one to take the path of least resistance. He fights for what he believes in - in whatever capacity that might mean.

On this episode of Groundbreakers, Anna Isaacson, Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility at the NFL, shares how her Brooklyn roots and family traditions guided her to America's most popular sport.With a true desire to make a difference, Anna has boldly and strategically led the NFL through various initiatives, crises, and learning curves. She guides her teams and community with perseverance and empathy, ensuring real change is being made and that it continues even after the dark days subside.Anna is as authentic as they come. Steady, hardworking, courageous - human first.

On this episode of Groundbreakers, we laugh, we learn, and even get a little teary-eyed with Elizabeth Tweedale, CEO & Founder of Cypher Coders.We talk about the hurdles of being a woman in tech and business, the necessity technology and teamwork play in raising our children, and how family is the epicenter of it all.Elizabeth's on a mission to empower children to move confidently through the ever-changing world of tech - ensuring they are future-ready. And WE. ARE. IN.

On this episode of Groundbreakers we find out from Kurt Bardella, Creator and Publisher of The Morning Hangover, just how unique life's journey can be. From Republican to Democrat, and from politics to Country Music, we get the inside scoop.Kurt's ability to trust his inner voice and call it like he sees it, might inspire you to listen to your own inner voice and push forward with that idea you're tinkering with.Kurt is a believer in trusting your gut and heading into the deep end.

On this episode of Groundbreakers, we dive deep with Pamela Prince-Eason, President and CEO of WBENC, on her journey from big corporate to nonprofit, the misconceptions of small business, the power of intersectionality, and the importance of making opportunities available to women.As a life-long learner and constant teacher, Pam continues to be inspired by others and inspires those around her to keep breaking the barriers.Pam's heart of gold is her compass as she shows what it means to take action when creating change.

On this episode of Groundbreakers, we talk to Pushpa Gowda, Global Technology Engagement Director at JLL Technologies. Pushpa shares her passion and excitement for what's to come in the world of tech and the ways in which it will continue to connect, inspire, and propel us forward.We explore the value in bringing your whole self to work, the importance of creating workplaces for a diverse team, and the necessity to share voices and ideas at all levels.Pushpa lives life fearlessly, inspiring us all to jump in with both feet and take adventures into the unknown.

On this episode of Groundbreakers, we sit down with Shelly Brown, Aon's Diversity Solutions Leader. We take an eventful trip down memory lane with Shelly - learning how his Midwest upbringing and military service set him on his path to diversify the landscape of business and rethink how and why we do what we do.Shelly's devotion in leading and teaching the impact of supplier diversity, and passing the torch to others by "sending the elevator back down", is a message we should all take with us.Shelly's calming presence and open heart made our first recording feel like a warm visit with an old friend.

Hi ya'll, I'm Chely - host of Groundbreakers and Chief Diversity Officer at Unispace. I'm on a mission to pass the mic and get voices heard - from all industries and walks of life. I want to hear your stories, highlight your moments of transformation, and learn from one another the power and importance of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) in our workspaces - whatever and wherever those might be.

Exploring transformations in where, how, and why we work and the intersection of DEIB within our workplaces.