Michael Lara

Here is a Juneteenth action item: Google reparative justice.

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There are two things I’m passionate about: learning and developing communities.  This passion started in conflict 28 years ago, when I was 7. I lived in Jersey City, and my neighborhood wasn’t safe.  There were fights outside the basement apartment where my family lived. Some days, I lived in a low level of anxiety, afraid that someone would get hurt. Then, conflict converged with my life. A gang of older kids didn’t like my older cousin. My cousin was like a big brother to me, and I felt safe around him.   But these older kids started strolling on their bicycles and cursing at us.  While we sat outside on the steps in the evening, they would make skid marks on the sidewalk with their bikes. My cousin and his friends would meet their anger with more anger. I was scared to go outside until something amazing happened. One of the other kids asked us to play street football.  I thought it was originally to intimidate us through aggressive play.  But what happened was mutual respect for each other through play and learning. Suddenly, we became friends, and a community was born. We began to play more football and learn more about each other. We learned how to make skid marks on the sidewalk with our bikes.  We shared how to throw a football to make it spin in the air.  We discussed other ways to get together and learn more from each other. I learned that you can turn conflict into community. Ever since this early experience, I’ve been passionate about building learning communities. ➡ In college, I became student president of the NSLS to cultivate leadership communities with other students. ➡ In graduate school, I became a National Urban Fellow, moved to Cleveland to learn community development, and experienced the practice of learning communities through the non-profit NeighborUp. ➡ I started my meditation teacher certification program's first Inter-spiritual Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Community. ➡ And now, I’m developing a learning community for young student leaders and college staff members to seek experience, problem-solve, and build support. If you want to learn more about how to develop learning communities, follow me for more updates and free resources. By the way, if you want to start building learning communities (aka communities of practice) now, read this free resource from social learning theorists Etienne and Beverly Wenger-Trayner: https://lnkd.in/gxVJ_Qv6

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As a huge Boston Celtics fan, my dedication runs deep—so deep that my youngest son is named after "The Truth," Paul Pierce. And yes, my other two boys are named after basketball players, too. Saying I'm thrilled about the Celtics being NBA Champs is an understatement. But people are missing some key aspects about this team and what makes successful teams tick; I've been reflecting on this all season and even more this past week. First up is team culture. I applaud Joe Mazzulla for leading the Celtics and creating a culture of "we, not me," where every player is willing to sacrifice and build a foundation of trust. Throughout the season, every player talked about how they trusted him and each other, which is crucial for success. If you haven't read Patrick Lencioni's "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team," you need to read it to understand how this impacts everything in your organization. The level of trust they had with each other was exciting to watch, and it made a huge impact on the way they played. The second is leadership. I told my husband that someone needs to talk with Jayson Tatum about this. While I know he was happy for Jaylen winning MVP, I know as the leader that seeing others receive recognition can sting. But it's important to remember that when you are the leader, the captain, it's not about you. You shouldn't be the one seeking recognition or accolades. Your job as a leader is to serve others, support them, and make every person on your team better. And Tatum did just that. He humbled himself for the betterment of the team. He was always lifting everyone up and supporting them, being the example. It's one of the more challenging parts of leadership and can be lonely sometimes. Third, having the right people in the right seats. Gino Wickman discusses this in his book Traction. It's not enough to just have high-level performers on the team; they have to be in the right roles to be effective. Brad Stevens, Joe Mazzulla, every coach, every player—they were in the right seat. There is much more to learn from this team regarding leadership and culture for teams that want to be successful, and it can easily be translated into organizations. Organizations require all the same things for success. The challenge now is to continue the same culture and learn how to build on it and get others bought in when they join the organization.

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When will we care about Disability !? Happy Prides Month but I am yet going to talk about Disability because of the dearth of Representation. We yet do a lot of token hiring because who wants to take the effort . Unintentionally or Intentionally. We only include individuals from the DEI community who are easy to include and fill in. We hardly see representatation from Disability in lead DEI roles .Forget that some DEI Individuals/ Representatives don’t know the in-depth study of Disability / Sex and or Sexuality. We see more ableism in DEI by individuals themselves being able bodied / not from the community in lead DEI roles . It’s maybe changing at a snails pace . We yet lack an absolute failswitch for DEI government policy . Also don’t get me wrong I am the biggest ally but LGBTQIA+ but it’s not the only part of DEI because it is easily inclusive. When will my Bharat change ? Or the world change !? Only when the leaders of the world are in our shoes !? What’s your take ? #diversityandinclusion #DEI #Diversity #Inclusion #lgbtqia #disabilityawareness #disabled #worldleaders #wheelchair

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Here’s a few examples of “black jobs”. In case you were wondering…

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I'm happy to share the culmination of a three-year project aimed at commemorating and activating the legacy of Ben Fletcher on multi-racial organizing and organized labor in the United States. In formerly co-chairing the Racial Justice Committee of the Philadelphia chapter of Democratic Socialists of America, a multi-part learning series centering led by Dr. Jasmine Noelle Yarish on Dr. Cedric Robinson's Black Marxism led to the successful procurement of a Pennsylvania State Marker at the site of the original IWW Local 8's headquarters in Philadelphia, along with the a city-wide mural project that is soon to be unveiled at a prominent Spruce St. Harbor Park near Philadelphia's Old City. This project centered the activism of DSA, IWW, Dr. Peter Cole, and endorsements from city council-members like Helen Gym and Mark Squilla, the Independence Seaport Museum, Dr. Keeanga Yamata-Taylor, Dr. Tukufu Zuberi and more. Why Fletcher? Why a mural? In the wake of George Floyd's murder, many protests targeted racist examples of public art, such as Confederate monuments. A related concern, as documented by Monument Lab, was that precious few monuments or other works of public art feature Black, working-class, and multiracial/multiethnic peoples. In a city uniquely defined by Black investment in urban social change, outlined in W.E.B. Du Bois’s Philadelphia Negro to Marcus Anthony Hunter’s Black Citymakers: How The Philadelphia Negro Changed Urban America, the absence of Black “city makers” in murals and monuments alike is experienced as erasure. The subject of this mural provides an important counter to that narrative; not attempting to wipe away the historic reality of racism but, rather, uplifting another part of Philadelphia's history. In the 1910s and 1920s, Local 8, which represented approximately 5,000 dockworkers, amassed tremendous power on the riverfront. When founded in 1913, Local 8’s members were approximately 1/3 African American, 1/3 Irish and Irish Americans, and 1/3 European (primarily Eastern European) immigrants. In an era of tremendous racism and xenophobia, Local 8 was the most powerful, Black-led, multiracial union (or arguably organization) in the country. The story of Local 8 and Ben Fletcher is almost entirely unknown. This mural hopes to recover this “lost” history and promote Fletcher as a Philadelphia son who became one of the most important Black unionists and radicals of his generation. In exploring the history of Local 8, we are also able to go back to the future and learn from legacies of inclusive and horizontal organizing unprecedented at the time. Mural Designed By: Johnathan Pinkett Mural Painted By: Efrain Herrera & Community Members

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Hey LinkedIn fam! 🌟 I’m super excited to share that tomorrow, Wednesday May 29th, I'll be DJing for the Lunch Break Music Series at the Yard on Rutgers University New Brunswick campus! If you’re around, come join me for some great vibes. This event got me thinking about the power of music to bring people together, much like compassion and kindness do in the business world. Just like every beat and note work together to create a perfect harmony in music, our workplaces thrive when we infuse them with humanity and care. Imagine a business environment where everyone truly supports each other, where colleagues are not just coworkers but a team that lifts each other up. When we prioritize kindness and empathy, we create a workplace that’s not only productive but also genuinely enjoyable and inspiring. We often get caught up in deadlines, targets, and KPIs, but let’s not forget that at the heart of every business are people. When we show compassion, we build stronger, more resilient teams. When we lead with empathy, we foster loyalty and trust. And when we treat each other with kindness, we create a culture where everyone can thrive. So, just as music can set the tone for an amazing event, let’s make compassion our rhythm, kindness our melody, and humanity our beat in our daily work lives. Together, we can create a business world that’s in perfect harmony. Drop a comment or share your thoughts below – How do you bring compassion and kindness into your workplace? 👇 #KindBusiness #CompassionInWork #HarmonyAtWork #LunchBreakMusic #RutgersUniversity #Rutgers #DJ #RutgersU

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My talk at #WordCamp Montclair, "Death to Slide Decks: Why your next presentation needs to be a webpage" is now up on YouTube. Maybe next year more speakers will have webpage presentations ☠ #presentationDesign #publicSpeaking #wordpress #webdesign #webdevelopment #elementor #powerpoint #uxdesign #productdesign

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My work serving on boards has provided me with invaluable professional and personal insights. This documentary highlights some of the challenges being faced by Black women seeking these same opportunities. "The journey of Black women striving for equal footing in corporate leadership, especially within corporate boardrooms, has been a saga of resilience amidst systemic hurdles. Championing fair policies, bolstering childcare support, and acknowledging the distinct challenges faced by Black working mothers are imperative steps toward cultivating an inclusivity. Only through multiple tactics can tomorrow's boardrooms truly reflect our society's diversity and multifaceted talent pool."

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From Insight Into Diversity: Historically Black #Colleges and #Universities (#HBCUs) are experiencing a period of expansion, with new programs and campuses being developed across the country as the number of applicants has increased for the second and third straight years. Morgan State University, for example, has reported a record number of new students, while North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Howard University, Wilberforce University, and University of Maryland Eastern Shore, among others, have also seen surging enrollment. This growth reflects an increasing demand for higher education tailored to the Black community, amplified recruitment and retention efforts, innovative strategies to serve these student populations, and an increase in funding through federal and philanthropic avenues. The Supreme Court’s decision last June to discontinue the consideration of race in college admissions may also be contributing to this influx. To accommodate this increase in student population and their needs, some HBCUs are also expanding their offerings. One prominent example is at Xavier University of Louisiana, which recently signed a partnership with Ochsner Medical Center to establish the first #HBCU medical school in the Gulf South, Xavier Ochsner School of Medicine (EXOCOM). Their next step is to seek accreditation. This initiative marks a significant milestone as it aims to address the underrepresentation of Black professionals in the medical field by enrolling and graduating more Black doctors and health care providers. Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University is also making meaningful strides by offering $52 million to procure the now-defunct Birmingham-Southern College property for use as a satellite campus. If accepted, this would expand Alabama A&M’s footprint in the state and create new opportunities for students in Birmingham, enhancing educational accessibility and fostering community development. The acquisition would also be historic, as no HBCU has ever purchased a predominantly White institution in the South. These expansions are not just about increasing enrollment but also about extending the reach and impact of HBCUs. By creating satellite campuses and new schools, these institutions are addressing the evolving educational needs of #diverse communities, ensuring their long-term viability and relevance in the higher education landscape. #EducationalEquity #RacialEquity #DEI #BlackStudents #BlackDoctors #CollegeAdmissions #EnrollmentManagement

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Navigating the intersection of identity and career as a Black woman is a journey of resilience and empowerment. From the initial steps in recruitment, where diversity initiatives are crucial, to the challenges of upward mobility and equitable recognition, each phase of the employee lifecycle offers both hurdles and opportunities. Mentorship and supportive networks play pivotal roles in overcoming barriers, providing guidance and advocacy. Inclusive environments that value diverse perspectives are essential for fostering professional growth and ensuring that contributions are acknowledged fairly. As we strive for equity in the workplace, it's imperative to dismantle systemic biases and create pathways that empower Black women to thrive authentically. By embracing our unique experiences and strengths, we contribute not only to our own success but also to the enrichment of organizational cultures and the broader community.

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I am so excited to announce that I will be speaking on a dynamic panel at the 2024 Black X Conference on June 18th, a premier leadership event in Austin, TX! Black leaders and professionals from across the US will gather at The Long Center, for uniquely curated professional and personal development opportunities designed to restore, energize, and educate. Our discussion “Navigating The Path To The Top: The Art & Skill Of Making It To The C-Suite”, begins at 10:30am sharp and it is one you won’t want to miss! Now, let’s get real. I intended to post this graphic on my social media platforms last week to reach my professional community, family, and friends. However, I almost talked myself out of LinkedIn. Why? Because, at face value, I’m on a panel sharing tips to help others make it to the C-suite, as I currently occupy a mid-level, individual contributor role at my corporate gig, without any documented upward mobility in almost 4 years. As imposter syndrome attempted to take over, I daydreamed about my peers and leadership possibly seeing this and scratching their heads while wondering how I could be qualified to sit in this discussion. But that’s the exact reason I was chosen to speak on this panel. I’m more than qualified, and on my way! So, here I am posting in all of the places BOLDLY (channeling my inner Lola Bakare). I’m excited to share my unique story with you! When I decided to stop waiting on other people to see or choose me for advanced placement opportunities, I began to drive my own career forward in a mighty way. By utilizing free trainings, raising my hand for local consulting opportunities, entering professional development programs, securing an executive coach, researching inspiring leaders to find commonality in our personal values and work style (Everette Taylor, Thasunda Brown Duckett, Cynt Marshall), plus maximizing the reach of connections I’d made outside of my 9-to-5, I’ve been able to build a strong regional brand and launch a business that has helped boost my executive-level credibility, with my future top of mind. If you feel like you’ve fallen behind, your career has stalled, or you are simply unsure how you’ll be able to reach that highly coveted executive spot, I believe my story will inspire you to try. Know who you are, visualize where you’re going and use EVERY avenue to move forward. Be BOLD! Join me on June 18th! REGISTER NOW at blackxconference.com! African American Leadership Institute #blackintech #leadership #CMO #CEO #COO

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Come join the conversation!

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This article from Black Enterprise Magazine came at the right time! As the former Executive Director and now CEO of End Rape On Campus (EROC), I've had the privilege of working with various leadership coaches. Today, my needs as a leader have evolved, and I'm at a critical juncture in my journey of rebuilding EROC and honoring its legacy. Before any executive leadership coaches reach out to me, please note: I’ll reach out as I do my preliminary research. I know what I want and need, and I’m intentional about finding the right fit. Here’s a snippet of what I’m looking for: - A Black Executive Leadership Coach: My career journey has been shaped by having had at least 12 white supervisors, 95% of whom were women-identified. Only one has consistently supported and mentored me, exemplifying true allyship. I seek a Black Executive Leadership Coach who understands the challenges I’ve faced and has successfully navigated similar experiences. Their insights on how they found their strength, will, and motivation will be invaluable as I chart my path forward. - Coaching Style: I need a coach with an authentic, supportive, and direct approach. Someone who isn’t afraid to ask tough questions, respectfully challenge me, and guide me towards an authentic and appropriate direction. - Current Goal: My vision is ambitious: to lead EROC through a $1 Million+ transformation. I need a coach who can help translate my ideas and drafts into a strategic and realistic pathway. I aim to ensure EROC’s sustainability and empower future staff to carry forward its mission with drive and motivation. - Investment: While I deeply desire to invest in myself or have my organization support me, it’s not feasible at this moment. However, this is a need I am committed to fulfilling. QUESTION: I'm curious to learn from YOU, reader, who have had/currently have an executive leadership coach, what you have found to be rewarding in your journey? Thank you for your attention to my post and support as I embark on this exciting chapter. Sheena Collier | Enna Jimenez | Sabrina Saunders Mosby | Sabrina Hersi Issa | Diane Randolph Jones, MS, MFA | Fakisha Fabre | Bentina Terry | Sharisse Kimbro | Tiffany Dufu | Lynn Perry Wooten | Kimberly Bryant

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New episode alert!! This week on #LeadingWithLee, I am joined by Kimar Cain and we talk about #mentalhealth, #manhood & so much more. Check out this YouTube link below and on all podcast platforms. Like, subscribe, comment and share. #leadership #life #legacy #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment

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My reading for the day: “Challenging Anti-Black Racism in Everyday Teaching, Learning, and Leading: From Theory to Practice” The lines I stared: “Addressing antiblackness and anti-Black racism centers on creating deep expertise about eradicating inequities and to secure the constant renewal of advancing freedom and human rights worldwide.”

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One of the sports I've taken up since March is Pickleball. I've been playing in clinics in Montclair, NJ and have moved my level from a beginner in March to now close to a 4.0+ advanced player now in August. One of the shots we have to master to advance is called "The Reset". A reset is a defensive shot used to try and disarm, slow-down and minimize an attack underway from your opponents. To play smart, we need to slow-down and reset the ball when you find yourself in, what I call, one of the ‘Three O’s:’ 1. OFF BALANCE 2. OUT-STRETCHED 3. OFF COURT As I thought about this and related it to our lives, we need to create a "Reset" in our lives every time we are off balance or in an off mood. When irrational thoughts are starting to flood the mind, you can use a method to "Reset": Use the SOS Method: 1. STOP: When wrong thoughts are coming in, just say "STOP THIS" 2. OBSERVE: Take a step back and observe how these thoughts are making you unhappy 3. SHIFT: Shift away from those thoughts to something positive or something you are grateful for in your life. #mindfulness #selflove #selfcare #meditation #wellness #pickleball

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