Cassandra Seier’s Post

"Being wealthy wasn't the same as being rich," tristan walker, founder of Walker & Company Brands, Inc., realized this at an elite boarding school, a far cry from his childhood in the projects of Queens. This realization ignited a fire within him, a relentless pursuit of purpose and impact, a journey that led him to redefine ambition. Driven by an early desire for wealth, Tristan's path meandered through Wall Street, a place he found "empty," before a layoff propelled him to Stanford University. Here, he discovered the transformative power of technology, a world where young minds were reshaping reality. This sparked Tristan's entrepreneurial spirit. His journey with Foursquare, a location-based app, fueled his understanding of business growth and consumer engagement. But his defining moment came with Bevel, a men's grooming brand addressing the unique needs of men of color. He faced skepticism from investors who couldn't grasp the problem he was solving, but Tristan's unwavering belief in his mission propelled him forward. Bevel's success culminated in its acquisition by Procter & Gamble in 2018, a move that solidified Tristan's impact and allowed him to reach billions. Yet, for him, it wasn't about the exit or the financial gain. In a 2019 interview, he shared that his definition of ambition had shifted. "The thing that I care most about is being a virtuous human," he declared, emphasizing the importance of setting an example for his sons and prioritizing values over mere wealth. As of 2019, Tristan was leading Walker & Company Brands, Inc. from Atlanta, committed to building a lasting legacy of service and representation. His story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the unwavering pursuit of purpose, proving that true riches lie not just in financial success, but in the impact one makes on the world. Source: https://lnkd.in/eX7ivPnw #HowIBuiltThis #TristanWalker #WalkerandCompany #Bevel #ShavingProducts #BlackCEO #NPR

This is a needed space. We are seeing more and more representation in media by Black creators being cancelled, and the commitment to Black Media (specifically Black-Owned media), dwindling. One of my leadership principles is people respect what you inspect. #Accountability.

Excellent take-aways from this conversation! Yes, don’t rely on your boss or others to be your advocate. Talk with people to circulate your ideas. Listen to and respect other points of view. You earn respect by giving respect. Finally, demonstrate your abilities by helping the company deliver.

The power of representation in 3 lines: 💭 “This leader looks/talks just like me” 📣 “They have a name that sounds like mine.” 💡 “Wait a sec, if they can do it, I can do it” If you believe in the saying: “You can’t be what you can’t see”. And you’re baffled to why only 0.2% of VC funding has gone to Black entrepreneurs, and there are zero black CEOs/Top execs in the FSTE 100 (1.6% of Fortune 500). Then we must continue to celebrate and spotlight business leaders, going against the odds, and literally changing the face of their respective sectors! Here are a few diverse founders & business leaders who deserve their followers: 💥 Theo-Lee Houston @ Slinger- Changing the future of work in hospitality and beyond, through a community of frontline workers. 💥 Amber Michelle H. @ R.grid- Literally redefining clinical research, through groundbreaking tech 💥 Dr. Dupe Burgess @ Bloomful - Raising the standard for women's gynae care with friction-free access. 💥 Bejay Mulenga MBE @ Supa Network & blocks2bags - A true serial social entrepreneur, building business-makers in the creative space. 💥 Cynthia V Davis CBE @ Diversifying Group - Building better more accessible pathways into Tech and beyond. (There are WAY more to add to this list, trust me.. but this post would never end!) It’s been a tough year. Tag and shine a light on your fav diverse business leaders. Let’s celebrate them 🎉

As we close out Black History Month, I'm reminded of the vibrant tapestry of stories and lessons that enrich our collective narrative. One such story that left a lasting impression on my team and broader organization was shared during my recent Fireside Chat with Daryl Hammett. This event wasn't just a conversation; it was a beacon of inspiration, shining a light on the significance of inclusion and leadership in shaping the future of tech. Reflecting on Daryl's journey, I'm drawn back to a personal moment of discovery. En route to the U.S. to embark on my MBA, I found solace and wisdom in the pages of "Cracking the Corporate Code" by Price M. Cobbs and Judith Turnock. The insights into the challenges faced by minorities in the corporate world resonated deeply with me, much like the powerful dialogue I experienced with Daryl. This Fireside Chat served as a poignant reminder of where we've been and the paths we aspire to forge ahead. Daryl's narrative and perspectives urged us to look inward and champion a culture of inclusivity and innovation within our teams. I am profoundly grateful for everyone who joined us, making this event not just memorable but transformative. Your engagement is the cornerstone of our journey towards fostering a learning environment rich in diversity and leadership excellence. Stay tuned for more enriching sessions. Together, let's continue to inspire, learn, and lead in the ever-evolving landscape of Tech. #InclusionInTech #Leadership #FiresideChat

Do you know a visionary founder, a game-changing investor, or a tech trailblazer? ➡️ There's still time to nominate them for AFROTECH’s 2024 Future 50 list before the 5/1 deadline! The Future 50 celebrates the phenomenal Black minds shaping the future of technology across various categories, and this is our chance to give them the recognition they deserve. Here are the categories: ✍🏾 Dynamic Investor: This recognizes venture capitalists who have made significant contributions to advancing underserved founders in the tech industry. ✍🏾 Future Maker: This recognizes a Black professional for groundbreaking innovation and historical firsts that have a measurable impact on technology and society. ✍🏾 Corporate Catalyst: This recognizes corporate executives who actively promote diversity within their ranks, a core value to all of us here at Blavity Inc. ✍🏾 Changemaker: This honors an individual for significant social impact in the tech industry and their ability to reimagine and improve how we see the world around us. ✍🏾 Visionary Founder: This category acknowledges the accomplishments of a founder who showcases outstanding company growth, a strong dedication toward promoting diversity and inclusion, and recognition in the tech industry. Who comes to mind when you think of these categories? Tag them in the comments and nominate them for this year’s AFROTECH Future 50: https://lnkd.in/e8M5JaP6 #TechCommunity #FutureofTech #TechLeaders #TechForGood

Last year at THE LIGHT HOUSE, Sherrell Dorsey, the CEO of Plexus, talked about the lack of diversity in media often seen at large events. "There were no black media publications on the ground at SXSW. I think at the time it was a 200, 000 person event talking about innovation and not one single black media publication was on the ground...There is no one seriously talking about tech and business in a way that is not performative, treating you as a magical minority... No one was really diving into what Black and Brown and others were creating or how it was marking a trend for something that was uniquely driving our future forward." The Tech We Want is about building a tech future that is inclusive and equitable. Come get a sneak peak at The Black Tech Effect Report at THE LIGHT HOUSE this Sunday! Be sure to register today! https://atxlighthouse.com/ #TheTechWeWant #TeamHuman #SXSW2024 #SustainableTech #TechForGood #ResponsibleInnovation #EquitableTechnology #CollectiveIntelligence #Austin #atx

inviting you to an upcoming event we are running as part of the Barclays Eagle Labs and Tramshed Tech event series.    Event Details: Spotlight Talks for Diverse Founders Date: Thursday, April 18 Time: 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM Location: Tramshed Tech, Grangetown, Cardiff   Book your place here 👉  https://lnkd.in/ehH_9693   This event is designed to foster a platform for Black and Ethnic founders to establish a peer-to-peer network and highlight the support available within our community. We understand the importance of creating equitable access to resources and opportunities for all entrepreneurs, regardless of their background.   What to Expect: Join us for a series of spotlight talks that will shed light on the available resources for Black and minority founders. Our speakers will discuss programs, mentorship opportunities, and networking initiatives aimed at addressing the challenges often faced by diverse founders in accessing support. Following the talks, we will open the floor for networking, providing you with the chance to connect with like-minded individuals and expand your support network.   Who Should Attend: This event is tailored for Black and minority founders who are seeking to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds. Whether you are looking to forge new connections, access support networks, or simply learn from others' experiences, this event provides the platform to connect. Additionally, allies who are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion are welcome to join us in supporting this important initiative.  

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have been a topic of significant discussion and debate. Some argue that DEI initiatives have roots in Marxist and socialist ideologies, while others view them as essential for promoting fairness and equal opportunities. Let’s explore this further: 1. Equity and Marxist Roots: * Equity is a central concept in DEI programs. It aims to achieve a fair distribution of resources, status, and wealth among different groups. According to some perspectives, equity-driven DEI initiatives are influenced by neo-Marxist Identity Theories, such as Critical Race Theory. * Critical Race Theory (CRT) is a framework that examines how race and racism intersect with law, policy, and society. It emerged from legal scholarship and has been influential in discussions about social justice and inequality. * Critics argue that DEI programs, driven by equity, seek to redistribute resources and opportunities based on identity, which aligns with socialist principles. They see DEI as a contemporary repackaging of socialism1122. 2. The Controversy: * Some people view DEI as necessary for addressing historical injustices and promoting diversity and inclusion. They believe that systemic discrimination exists and that DEI efforts are essential to level the playing field. * Others argue that DEI initiatives can lead to unintended consequences, such as reverse discrimination or stifling free speech. They question whether equity-driven policies are the most effective way to address disparities. 3. Different Perspectives: * Proponents: Supporters of DEI emphasize the importance of creating inclusive environments, valuing diversity, and ensuring equal opportunities for all. * Critics: Critics raise concerns about ideological bias, potential overreach, and the impact of DEI policies on individual rights and freedoms. In summary, the debate around DEI and its roots is multifaceted. While some see it as a positive force for change, others raise valid questions about its ideological origins and potential consequences. As HOLYwood Studios U.S. investigates, it’s essential to consider diverse viewpoints and engage in informed discussions But Does DEI have Marxist roots? This is what HOLYwood Studios U.S. is going to investigate. https://lnkd.in/e4S9tSaU