Black Talent Awards’ Post

🚀 Maximizing Business Event Attendance: A Key to Success! Attending events like Black Excellence 2024 in Ottawa-Gatineau can be transformative. Here's how to make the most of it: 1. Network Purposefully: Engage with the diverse group of professionals and leaders attending. 2. Gain Insights: Learn from the enriching keynote speakers and celebrate local achievers. 3. Reflecting And Applying : Send a personalized message or email reminding the person of your conversation and proposing a next step, like a phone call, a meeting or just a promise to stay in touch. Don't miss out on this exciting event organized by Casa Foundation, celebrating changemakers in the Black community. Come prepared to meet and get to know key people within your industry. This is especially helpful if you're trying to advance in your career, build your business, or find new professional openings. Register now to secure your spot and be part of this extraordinary experience: https://buff.ly/4b2g9gX #BlackExcellence2024 #BusinessNetworking #ProfessionalDevelopment #CasaFoundation

After seeing so many celebrate with their companies, it's a bit disheartening to see so many holiday parties with so few people of color. It is incredible how many of us want to be in these spaces, and yet, we are missing. In 2023, Eight Black CEOs helm companies on Fortune's ranking—the highest since the 500's debut in 1955. Two Black executives joined the ranking for the first time. Is it me, or are we (People of color) disappearing from corporate spaces, and why? Ask yourself why and what you (as a hiring manager or people leader) can do to diversify your spaces and be inclusive in your hiring practices.

Following my enriching experience at the National Black MBA Association conference, I had the privilege of connecting with a multitude of individuals and gaining valuable insights. This occasion significantly expanded my professional network and fostered new, meaningful friendships. Notably, I had the pleasure of meeting someone who had journeyed all the way from Canada, a heartening testament to the conference's global reach. I would like to offer a piece of advice to those contemplating attendance at this conference in the forthcoming year: while the prospect of engaging with potential employers is undoubtedly enticing, I strongly recommend diversifying your conference experience by participating in some of the enlightening lectures and sessions offered. This balanced approach ensures that you reap the full spectrum of benefits the conference has to offer. Overemphasizing employer interactions might cause you to miss out on the wealth of knowledge and insights shared during these sessions. Incorporating these educational components into your agenda can yield profound dividends, equipping you with fresh perspectives and wisdom that can significantly impact your professional journey. Trust me; you'll express gratitude for this well-rounded approach later on.

𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 Happy Black History Month! This February, let's move beyond mere acknowledgment and let’s take meaningful action to support and celebrate Black-owned businesses. Planning ahead is crucial, but the perfect time to celebrate is always now. If you're seeking solutions for team engagement, learning, and celebrations, we've got you covered. In collaboration with careof.work, we present inspiring workshops that delve into history, culture, and heritage. 𝘌𝘹𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘥𝘦: Culinary Experiences: Immerse yourself in the rich history of coffee with Muna Mohammed. Explore the birthplace of coffee, its ancient rituals, and the journey of this beloved beverage. We believe in the power of combining education with unique experiences! or DEI Learning Workshops: "Let’s Put Race on the Table w/ FoodShare Toronto" is a workshop shedding light on systemic racism in our food system. Engage your team in impactful discussions that foster awareness and understanding. If you're in need of resources, our DEI Resource Page is worth exploring. It features a curated list of Black speakers covering a range of topics, from leadership to motivational talks and intersectionality. Beyond our DEI Resource page, we have strong relationships with many small Black-owned businesses. Elevate your workplace with meaningful gifts and make a positive impact by supporting small and diverse enterprises. Through thoughtful gifts, swag, and innovative technology, we're creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued. Join Us in Creating Positive Change: Together, let's amplify the positive effects of supporting small and diverse businesses. Every action, no matter how small, contributes to building a more equitable and inclusive world. In Photo: Mary's Brigadeiro Handcrafted Chocolate | Nerpy's Inc. | Lignum Honey Inc. | Work and Chill | Artfully Bagged | LES SOINS DE MENEA | CHAP CHAP SNACKS #blackhistorymonth #blackownedbusinesses #positivechange

In celebrating Black History Month, NorthBay Health invited a number of our Excellent Black leaders to share thoughts on a variety of topics. Today meet Kerry Harris, Nutrition Services Production & Retail Manager who answers the question:  How do you see your role impacting diversity and inclusion in our workplace? I feel that fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workplace stands as a cornerstone of effective leadership. As a manager, I recognize the paramount importance of cultivating an environment where every team member feels not just welcomed, but empowered to contribute meaningfully. Championing diversity, equity, and inclusion enables us not only to broaden our perspectives but also to encourage others to embrace and celebrate our differences. As a leader I feel that it's my responsibility to actively foster an inclusive workplace culture wherein every employee feels valued and respected. Promoting open communication, actively listening to diverse viewpoints, and leveraging our unique differences offer us opportunities for mutual learning and growth. Ultimately, I strive to build teams that harness the power of diversity to optimize our collective effectiveness. I also believe that the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and its sub-committee at NorthBay are playing a crucial role in highlighting the history and unique attributes of various cultures, enabling others to engage and educate themselves.

Since working in the DEI, Employer Branding & Talent Space. Here are a few things I struggle to understand: 1️⃣ Who has final say on diversity?Head of TA or Head of DEI 2️⃣ Employees banned from interacting with company socials 3️⃣ A fully stacked DEI team struggling to hire diverse talent 4️⃣ Black History Month being different in every country 5️⃣ Performative events being an effective DEI strategy 6️⃣ Why the term *black excellence* is actually a thing 7️⃣ DEI professionals being villainized all of a sudden 8️⃣ Pizza being a viable means of compensation 9️⃣ Employers paying to enter and win awards 🔟 Employers afraid of using social media Can anyone please explain??? Because I don't get it 🤷🏾♂️ PS: On point 🔟, I am hosting an employer webinar on how we attract diverse talent using social media at Beyond Education (BE). Access more details here: https://lnkd.in/gzTB6gH8

#6 Motivational Mondays - In honor of this being the First Black History Month “Monday”, let’s take a short quiz: Who was the first Black CEO of a Fortune 500 company (answer provided at end of post)? Being the first to do anything in life comes with pressure, but it also comes with pride. That’s why every day, I try to practice being first. The first to smile. The first to initiate a conversation. The first to ask someone a personal question. The first to admit a mistake. The first to listen. The first to compliment someone else. The first to admit when I am wrong. The first to laugh at myself. The first to apologize. We all want the same things at work. To be seen. To be appreciated. To feel valued. To be recognized. To feel connected to the larger enterprise. To have Fun! So take a minute this week and be the first to invite a colleague to lunch you’ve never dined with before. Be the first to send a co-worker a note complimenting them on a project they’re leading or recently completed. Be the first to introduce yourself to that colleague you’ve passed in the hallway 10 times and keep wondering who they are and what do they do? One of the main things I have learned throughout my working experience is that people want to connect with other people in the workplace. But many, if not most, are shy to be the first to initiate making that human connection. So be courageous, take the first step and be the first this week to create a new human connection. Circle back and share what was your experience like being the First. Answer to the Quiz: It wasn't until 1987 that an African American CEO became the head of a major Fortune 500 company. That year, Dr. Clifton R. Wharton, Jr. took the helm of what's now known as TIAA, one of the worlds largest pension funds holding assets of more than $1 trillion. Dr. Wharton later went on to become the Deputy Secretary of State under President Bill Clinton, the first African American to ever hold this post.  Have a great Black History Month and be sure to participate and support in your company’s celebration. 

Get ready to embark on a transformative journey at the inaugural Black in eCommerce 2023 Conference! The World's Largest eCommerce experience for the culture. This exciting event is right around the corner, and we want you to make the most of every moment. Here are some essential tips to help you maximize your experience: Read Blog

We welcomed members of NACD Northern California's Black Director's Coffee Cohort to EY's wonderful office in Silicon Valley today to discuss "Talent Strategy and the Future of Work on the Boardroom Agenda." Our group delved into the latest talent trends, the significance of intentional in-person meetings, the impact of technology on talent, and the current state of DE&I. We unanimously agreed that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to these complex issues. Every board should be proactive in questioning leadership to ensure they are prioritizing their people, as employees are the company's most valuable asset. Aligning company goals with the needs of talent is crucial for long-term success and retention. Understanding what drives different segments of the talent pool—be it mentorship, community, flexibility, or custom benefits—is essential. Evaluating these values allows companies to create a more engaged and motivated workforce. Reintroducing DE&I into the agenda through the lens of addressing market needs is important not only for social good, but for the business success. Boards should ask management for the data to support the diverse market needs, and therefore the need for diversity of thought in its talent. Processes should be put in place to integrate diversity across the organization and not as a separate initiative, but instead be ingrained in the culture of the business to ensure long-term success. Thank you to our partners at EY, Joe Muscat, Donoghue Clarke, and Phillip Mazzie for supporting this community. Thank you to Shari Yocum and Robyn Bew for leading this important discussion.

🌈 Did you know that inclusive organizations are not just better places to work but are also on the forefront of innovation and market growth? As we honor Black History Month, let's delve into the tangible benefits diversity and inclusion bring to leadership and innovation. 🚀 Recent studies are eye-opening. Organizations that champion diversity and inclusion are up to 73% more likely to see innovation revenue and 36% more likely to outperform in profitability. Diverse leadership teams aren't just a moral imperative; they're a strategic advantage, driving a 19% higher revenue from innovation. The evidence is clear - when we embrace varied perspectives, we unlock unparalleled growth and creativity. 💡 But how do we turn these insights into action? Start by fostering an environment where every voice is valued and heard. Encourage diverse teams to lead projects and make critical decisions. Challenge the status quo by asking, "Whose perspective are we missing?" This simple question can lead to breakthrough innovations and more inclusive outcomes. This Black History Month, let's commit to not just celebrating diversity but actively promoting it within our leadership and innovation strategies. Your challenge this week: identify one area in your team or organization where a diversity of thought, background, or experience could be better represented and take one step towards making that change. Let's build a future where diversity and inclusion are not just goals but the foundations of our success. #DiversityInLeadership #InclusiveInnovation #BlackHistoryMonth #LeadershipDevelopment