Jackie Ferguson, CDE®’s Post

I had the distinct privilege of sharing space with Dr. Doris Bullock, Interim Chief Program Director of Arise Collective, as she recounted her experience with incarceration, earning her doctorate, and dedicating herself to giving back. This episode will break your heart, inspire you to push through obstacles and motivate you to change the world. Thank you Dr. Bullock for sharing your story with our audience. What a journey. You are amazing! 💝 Don't miss it. Link in the comments below!

If you missed last week's episode of Diversity: Beyond the Checkbox Podcast, I had the pleasure of talking to Lindsay LaBennett, VP of Inclusion and Impact at Wasserman. Lindsay discusses her career journey from NASCAR to her current role, and shares her unfiltered thoughts on the impact of social media in activism, the disparity in representation and support in collegiate sports and adopting #DEI programs that stick. Inspired by her mother's engineering background and her grandmother's farm upbringing, Lindsay developed a robust work ethic, a fearless and informed approach to advocacy, and a deep understanding of herself. Thank you Lindsay for a powerful and enlightening conversation! Find the link to the full episode in the comments below!

On this week's episode of Diversity: Beyond the Checkbox Podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Joe Davis, senior partner at Boston Consulting Group (BCG). His dynamic approach to leading teams, which he calls 'Generous Leadership,’ emphasizes the power of giving and the response of employees to be more productive, more innovative and more committed. With almost four decades of experience, Joe shares insights on his book, ‘The Generous Leader,’ gives us advice on cultivating authentic connections, and explores embracing vulnerability. Thank you, Joe, for an informative and enlightening conversation on how we can be better leaders and better colleagues. Link to the episode is in the comments!

Happy Pride, y'all! 🏳️🌈 🌈 💖 Did you miss last week's episode where I spoke with Raquel Willis, award-winning author, activist, and media strategist, as she shares her incredible journey to becoming a leading voice in the #GenderLiberation movement. We talk about coming out, losing her father, and finding her authentic self. She emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive workplaces that support employees, especially those with diverse identities, and the need for organizations to go beyond superficial diversity efforts. She continues to share her powerful message of self-determination and collective liberation in her memoir, "The Risk It Takes to Bloom," and her #podcast "Afterlives" on the iHeart Media Outspoken Network. Thank you Raquel for an amazing conversation and using your platforms to amplify the importance of speaking out for women, diverse individuals, the LGBTQIAP+ community and intersectional identities.

Have you gotten your copy of The Inclusive Leadership Handbook by The Diversity Movement's Donald Thompson, CDE® and Kurt Merriweather, CDE®? Leaders have a profound impact on their work environment. Effective leadership creates an atmosphere that fosters greater productivity, creativity, and collaboration. Are you a leader that's evolving with the changing dynamics in today's workplace? Whether you're a new manager or seasoned executive, The Inclusive Leadership Handbook offers practical strategies and approaches to cultivate a culture of belonging that enables you to achieve your organizational goals. Through understanding the seven competencies of #InclusiveLeadership, you can leverage your strengths and identify opportunities for growth while creating new behaviors that help you and your teams thrive in a competitive business landscape. Order your copy of The Inclusive Leadership Handbook today, available in paperback and eBook.

This week's episode of Diversity: Beyond the Checkbox Podcast reminds us “You are Absolutely Worth It.” This isn’t just the title of my guest,Velera Wilson’s book, it is a mantra. This award-winning, industry-recognized expert, global speaker, and author, combines proven and tested business methods with a focus on how to replacing self-doubt with self-confidence. Velera, thank you for an uplifting and empowering conversation! Episode link in the comments.

I had the distinct pleasure of having Elaine Lin Hering on Diversity: Beyond the Checkbox Podcast this week. Elaine provides the tools that help leaders create environments that foster authenticity and the space to speak up. As a globally recognized expert in communication, collaboration, and conflict management and the best-selling author of Unlearning Silence, this episode is sure to inspire you while providing strategies to discover and amplify your voice. If you sometimes feel silenced--whether externally or even, internally, give this episode a listen. Elaine, thank you for a wonderful and eye-opening conversation! Link in the comments!

Let me take moment and recognize the NEXT generation of inclusive, results-focused leaders. Congratulations to my baby, Diana Garland on setting and achieving your goals! 🎓 I love you and I am so very proud of you!! ♥️♥️🥂 Y’all, of all my accomplishments, THIS is the only one that I measure my success on. 💐

Am I the only one that once wanted to walk into a room, quit and walk out? No. But how many of us have actually done that? Tony Martignetti did just that after 30 years in business and he hasn't looked back. Today, Tony's a leadership advisor, best-selling author, podcast host and speaker who shares his keys to connection, emotional courage, and self-awareness on this week's episode of Diversity: Beyond the Checkbox Podcast. Tony, thank you for an inspiring conversation! Pick up his book, Campfire Lessons for Leaders: How Uncovering Our Past Can Propel Us Forward, wherever books are sold. Episode link in the comments!