Breaking Barriers, Building a Hire Ground Cloe Guidry-Reed

On this episode of Breaking Barriers, Building a Higher Ground, I had the pleasure of speaking with Adam Moore and Cloe Guidry Reed about the future of supplier diversity in 2024. In the rapidly evolving world of supplier diversity, Adam and Cloe delved into the emerging trends and challenges that businesses should prepare for in the coming year.

Cloe Guidry Reed is a distinguished figure in the supplier diversity sector, known for her strategic leadership and innovative approach at Higher Ground. With a rich background in business and diversity initiatives, Cloe has been instrumental in shaping the conversation around economic inclusion and supplier diversity. Her expertise drives impact and fosters a culture of organizational diversity and equity. Cloe is highly sought after for her insights on emerging trends and her commitment to sustainable practices.
“Harder conversations… It goes back to positioning your team as a potential revenue generator. If you're not doing that, you’re really not doing a good job promoting the team.” - Adam Moore
Today on Breaking Barriers, Building a Hire Ground:

Technology's Role: Embracing the potential of AI and technology to streamline and enhance supplier diversity programs to meet compliance goals and reporting needs.
Strategic Partnerships: The importance of aligning supplier diversity initiatives with business goals and objectives to demonstrate value back to the organization.
Supply Chain Shifts: Anticipating an uptick in onshore manufacturing and the impact on pricing and inflation while companies hold steady in response to the upcoming election year.
Industry-Specific Conferences: Supplier diversity professionals should be intentional about attending conferences and building partnerships with industry-specific suppliers.
Intentionality and Education: The value of intentional attendance at conferences, focusing on educational sessions, and building connections within the community.
Economic Landscape: Understanding the potential impact of economic conditions, regulatory changes, and the need for supplier diversity practitioners to drive strategic impact within their organizations.
Messaging and Perception: Addressing messaging challenges in the renewable energy sector and the urgency of addressing climate change.
Collaboration for Progress: The future of supplier diversity initiatives will require collaboration across industries and political lines to ensure market readiness and the widespread adoption of inclusive practices.

 

Contact Adam Moore and Cloe Guidry Reed on LinkedIn for more insights and updates on supplier diversity and economic inclusion.

Resources Mentioned:

To learn more about efficient supplier diversity programs and inclusive workforce development, visit Hire Ground.
This podcast is brought to you by Hire Ground
Hire Ground is a technology company whose mission is to bridge the wealth gap through access to procurement opportunities. Hire Ground is making the enterprise ecosystem more viable, profitable, and competitive by clearing the path for minority-led, women-led, LGBT-led, and veteran-led small businesses to contribute to the global economy as suppliers to enterprise organizations.

For more information on getting started, please visit us @ hireground.io today!

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and join us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn

February 2021 was Black History Month, a movement that is not and should not be confined to one month of the calendar year. Despite the best intentions of many companies to promise change in the workplace for the better, Black History Month's message can easily get lost regardless of the many corporations pledging to make a positive change in their industries. In the last year, the Black Lives Matter movement has gained worldwide coverage helping to pull focus on Black history and the Black contribution to American society. With the whole world watching, it is more important than ever for corporations to stay true to their word when they say they are doing all they can to create fairer opportunities for all.

In today's episode, we want to keep the conversation of Black History & Culture going beyond a month of celebration to stay intentional with the essential and ongoing change across our society. We discuss the ways businesses can tangibly support Black culture, minority employees, and minority suppliers. We explain why it's important to recognize the differences each person can bring to your business and why the fashion to 'not see color' is unhelpful when you have a mix of cultures and backgrounds that you should try to understand and celebrate. We also look at the evolution of America and just how black people have been an integral part of the building of our nation, how they have been overlooked in the past for their contributions, and of course, why we celebrate the changes that have happened, are happening, and have yet to come.
"What actually makes us stronger as friends and co-hosts is realizing those differences, celebrating them, and not being ashamed to talk about them." – Adam Moore
This week on Breaking Barriers:

Why intentionality HAS to follow corporate statements that promise meaningful change
How Affinity groups (BRGs) can create safe spaces for dialogue between minorities and their employers
Why 'not seeing color' doesn't work for healthy diversity
The Black creators, contributors, and inventors behind the technologies we use today
Why Juneteenth is a Black holiday for some parts of the US more than others
How Hire Ground can help you help your employees volunteer for equality initiatives
How to approach 'difficult' conversations on diversity
A moment for Vernon Jordan the black businessman and civil rights activist who sadly passed away this month

Connect with Hire Ground:

Hire Ground's Website
Hire Ground on LinkedIn
Hire Ground on Facebook
Hire Ground on Twitter
Cloe Guidry-Reed on LinkedIn
Adam Moore on LinkedIn

 

This podcast is brought to you by Hire Ground
Hire Ground is a technology company whose mission is to bridge the wealth gap through access to procurement opportunities. Hire Ground is making the enterprise ecosystem more viable, profitable, and competitive by clearing the path for minority-led, women-led LGBT-led, and veteran-led small businesses to contribute to the global economy as suppliers to enterprise organizations.
For more information on getting started please visit us @ hireground.io today!

The Supply Chain Advisory Board for the University of Georgia is the primary contact between industry and Supply Chain professors and students.
Marty Parker is a UGA alumnus and lecturer who helped launch the UGA Supply Chain Advisory Board and is currently an honor supply chain leader for UGA. He is a partner at TechCXO, providing companies with on-demand executives. Marty is a Strategy Expert in Supply Chain with 25+ years of Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing, Strategic Planning, International Expansion, Factory Buildouts, M & M&A, ERP, CRM, and process improvement experience with key software tools, including SAP, Salesforce, and Arena Simulations. He is also the Chief Strategy Officer with Hire Ground. He is a valuable asset to the company's strategic planning processes, creating greater transparency and accountability within those processes.
Aliana Stehr is a student at UGA and the Vice President of the UGA Supply Chain Advisory Board. Studying a BBA in Business Management with Emphasis in Supply Chain/Operations, she seeks a summer internship in the supply chain sector. Aliana has interned with Broadway Enterprises Inc, gaining experience with the latest warehouse inventory systems and getting hands-on experience with project leads. As a previous team leader with Chick-Fil-A and as an intern with the American Franchise Company, Aliana already has a diverse work education to bring to her studies and the career that will follow.
Marty and Aliana join us today to discuss what Diversity Supply Chain means and the goal of diversity hiring. We discuss the importance of creating next-generation talent in supplier diversity and what the profession's elders can do for the new kids on the block. Ali shares her discovery of supply chain and explains the benefits the industry has to all different kinds of people from all different walks of life. We also discuss the upcoming and emerging technologies and what newcomers can expect when working with A.I. and robotics in business.
"The more diversity you have, the better performing team you will have." – Marty Parker
This week on Breaking Barriers:


What I.S. Supply Chain Management?
What UGA's Supply Chain Advisory Board means for students and employers
Why Ali found a career in supply chain so attractive
How A.I. and digital transformation is transforming the supply landscape
Why adaptability is key with emerging industrial technologies
How a younger workforce can change the culture of a business for the better

Connect with Marty Parker:


Marty Parker on LinkedIn

Connect with Ali Stehr:


Aliana Stehr on LinkedIn

Connect with Hire Ground:


Hire Ground's Website
Hire Ground on LinkedIn
Hire Ground on Facebook
Hire Ground on Twitter
Cloe Guidry-Reed on LinkedIn
Adam Moore on LinkedIn

 
With thanks to
University of Georgia Supply Chain Advisory Board
In addition to ensuring the UGA's supply chain curriculum meets employer's needs, the board also connects employers with highly qualified students and joins corporate board members like Johnson and Johnson, Home Depot, and Chick-Fil-A to discover and hire tomorrows supply chain innovators today.
To learn more go to www.terry.uga.edu click on Alumni and find the Supply Chain Advisory Board there!
Deeply Experienced, Proven Executives, On Demand with
TechCXO
Get proven hands-on C Suite executives to take on an interim role and provide fractional help and lead projects. TechCXO on-demand executive model consistently delivers time and cost savings of 50 to 75% compared to a full-time in-house function.
They have helped their clients secure over 4 billion dollars in debt and equity financing and have advised c...

Welcome to Hire Ground, where we delve into the strategies that cultivate an inclusive and thriving workplace. Today's episode, featuring the insightful Vicky Brown, CEO of Idomeneo Enterprises, takes us on a journey through the intricacies of creating an empowering employee experience. With a wealth of knowledge in HR and employee training, Vicky's approach to shaping a positive corporate culture and improving interdepartmental relationships is both practical and transformative.

Vicky Brown is renowned for her capacity to merge HR best practices with a deep understanding of the organizational culture. She is an advocate for structured onboarding processes, developing comprehensive employee handbooks, engaging leadership training, and fostering affinity groups. Throughout her career, Vicky's dedication to nurturing trust and respect in the workplace has shaped her as a respected voice in her field.
"People need to feel trusted and respected in the workplace—it's about more than just a paycheck; it's about dignity." - Vicky Brown
This week on Hire Ground:

The pivotal role of structured onboarding to influence employee perceptions.
The merit of a customized, living employee handbook that reflects and evolves with your company's culture.
The influence of a manager's interaction on team members' engagement and organizational loyalty.
The significance of consistent leadership training to effectively manage and inspire teams.
The importance of empowering employees with trust, respect, and timely compensation.
Challenges of implementing effective HR policies and the promise of an employee handbook.
The potential of affinity groups to strengthen organizational culture and employee connection.
Vicky Brown's journey as an HR professional and how mentorship has paid it forward.

 

Connect with Vicky Brown:

LinkedIn
Idomeneo Enterprises

 
This podcast is brought to you by Hire Ground
Hire Ground is a technology company whose mission is to bridge the wealth gap through access to procurement opportunities. Hire Ground is making the enterprise ecosystem more viable, profitable, and competitive by clearing the path for minority-led, women-led, LGBT-led, and veteran-led small businesses to contribute to the global economy as suppliers to enterprise organizations.

For more information on getting started please visit us @ hireground.io today!

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and join us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn

Welcome to another enlightening episode of Hire Ground, where we explore the intersecting paths of supply chain inclusion, supplier diversity, and creating a more equitable economy. On today's episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Takema Robinson, an inspiring leader and catalyst for social justice through corporate change.

Takema Robinson, founder and CEO of Converge, is not only at the forefront of advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the corporate world, but she's also solidifying the importance of DEI within the very fabric of community dynamics. With a rich family history in civil rights activism and a personal education journey through Howard University, her expertise surrounds nurturing relationships with giant corporations to better serve communities of color, ensuring that diversity is more than just a buzzword, but rather a potent asset in every aspect of a business ecosystem.
"The key to unlocking real change is not to be punitive but to invite everyone to see diversity as a superpower, something that can positively influence all of us." - Takema Robinson
Key takeaways from our conversation with Takema include:


Understanding that true commitment to DEI comes from ingrained company values, not just external mandates.
Recognizing the significant impact that the purchasing power of younger generations has on promoting socially conscious businesses.
The empowerment of employees in non-DEI aligned companies through collective actions such as walkouts and conversations around these critical topics.
Emphasizing the need for deep listening, observation, and trust-building for authentic engagements in conversations on diversity.
Focusing on collecting accurate data for inclusive analysis, utilizing third-party consultants when necessary to maintain authenticity.
Acknowledging the current legal and societal pushbacks affecting the progress of DEI, racial equality, and diversity efforts.
Addressing the cultural work necessary within schools and organizations to provide access to knowledge, development tools, and assessments.
Sharing the potential risks and rewards of advocating for equitable business relationships, as highlighted in Takema's personal experience with an NFL team.

Connect with Takema Robinson:

LinkedIn
Converge Consulting
Takema

Resources Mentioned:

Fearless Fund
Our show aspires to not only engage minds but to spur action that uplifts communities through informed and passionate discourse. We extend our deepest gratitude to Takema Robinson for her energy and insights, and we encourage our listeners to connect, share their thoughts, and become part of the vital conversation surrounding DEI.

 
This podcast is brought to you by Hire Ground
Hire Ground is a technology company whose mission is to bridge the wealth gap through access to procurement opportunities. Hire Ground is making the enterprise ecosystem more viable, profitable, and competitive by clearing the path for minority-led, women-led, LGBT-led, and veteran-led small businesses to contribute to the global economy as suppliers to enterprise organizations.
For more information on getting started please visit us @ hireground.io today!
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify
Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and join us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn

In this week's episode, we dive deep into the critical intersection of law, ESG, and racial equity with our guest, Johnjerica Hodge. As a partner at Katten and co-chair of their ESG risk and investigations practice, Johnjerica plays a vital role in guiding companies through the complexities of maintaining their ESG and DEI commitments while facing legal challenges. We discuss the importance of supply chain inclusion and supplier diversity, as well as the evolving landscape of ESG in corporate practices. John Jericho shares practical tips and insights for companies navigating these issues and emphasizes the need for continuous adaptation and awareness in the ever-changing ESG space.

Johnjerica Hodge is a partner at Katten and co-chair of their ESG risk and investigations practice. With over seven years of experience at the firm, she has handled various internal and governmental investigations, corporate compliance, and ethics work. Her work in the ESG space began last year when she realized clients' growing needs in this area. Johnjerica and her co-chair, India Williams, started teaching a course on ESG at their alma mater, the University of Alabama, focusing on racial equity audits in the ESG paradigm. They have also contracted a publisher for an upcoming book on ESG. Johnjerica's expertise in ESG, racial equity audits, and legal matters makes her a valuable resource for companies navigating the complexities of ESG and DEI commitments.
"Everyone is trying to get to a certain level. And so, some of the companies we speak with, they are very, very ESG savvy. They've implemented the policies, implemented the procedures, they are doing the monitoring, they feel comfortable, and they are near the forefront of the space."
~Johnjerica Hodge
 

Today on Breaking Barriers:

ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) is a cross-generational topic that requires inclusivity in various aspects such as racial equity, age diversity, and gender diversity.
ESG is not just a concern for public companies but also for private companies, as research shows that companies embracing ESG are more profitable and have better outcomes in bankruptcy.
Small and diverse businesses should pay attention to ESG because they are part of supply chains and may need to meet certain criteria set by the companies they supply to.
Legislation, such as the German Supply Chain Act, requires companies to report on ESG aspects of their supply chain, which can impact small suppliers even if they don't operate in that specific country.
In-house legal teams should ensure they have a strong grasp of their organization's DE&I initiatives, including supplier diversity programs, and regularly update their policies and procedures.
It is important to stay informed about legal developments, such as court rulings and state attorney general letters, that may impact DE&I programs and supplier diversity.
Companies should conduct a risk analysis and consider making language changes to align their DE&I programs with legal requirements and mitigate potential legal risks.
ESG will continue to be a primary concern for companies in the next three years and beyond, as it impacts the bottom line and is influenced by global legislation and market trends.

Resources Mentioned:

Breaking Barriers, Building a Higher Ground
Katten
University of Alabama
German Supply Chain Act

Get in Touch with Johnjerica:

LinkedIn
Katten


This podcast is brought to you by Hire Ground
Hire Ground is a technology company whose mission is to bridge the wealth gap through access to procurement opportunities. Hire Ground is making the enterprise ecosystem more viable, profitable, and competitive by clearing the path for minority-led, women-led, LGBT-led,