DEI AF

Amelia Ransom

DEI AF is where curiosity meets candor. Hosted by veteran DEI leader Amelia Ransom, this podcast delivers honest, unfiltered conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion — no corporate jargon, no lectures, just real talk and practical tools. Whether you're exhausted by the work or just getting started — pull up a chair. Rooted in truth. Driven by facts. Enriched by experience.

  1. 3d ago

    Why Only 5% of US Doctors Are Black: Dr. Nwando Anyaoku

    Only 5% of practicing physicians in the United States are Black. Despite decades of conversation around health equity, that proportion has remained flat. In this episode of DEI AF, host Amelia Ransom is joined by pediatrician, health equity strategist, and keynote speaker Dr. Nwando Anyaoku to explore the realities of training, retaining, and seeking care from diverse medical professionals. Dr. Anyaoku details the structural hurdles that students of color encounter from elementary school through medical residency, where Black residents face dismissal rates five times higher than their white colleagues. They explore how clinical environments signal belonging—from hospital wall art and skin-tone bandages to meal choices—and discuss actionable strategies patients can use to protect their health. Key Takeaways The Stagnant 5% Metric: Black physicians comprise only 5% of the American doctor workforce (2.6% women, 2.4% men), a statistic unchanged across multiple generations. The Residency Cliff: Black resident doctors are terminated at five times the rate of their peers, often because of subjective, unquantified criticism rather than technical skill deficits. Your Work Does Not Speak: Why professionals from underrepresented backgrounds must narrate their own achievements instead of expecting output to gain recognition automatically. Health Equity in Clinic Design: True health equity appears in everyday hospital logistics: hair care products, skin-matching bandages, and dietary menus that accommodate cultural needs. The Power of an Advocate: Navigating medical visits with a trusted companion, doula, or community advocate improves safety and symptom validation. Guest Bio Dr. Nwando Anyaoku is a board-certified pediatrician, healthcare executive, advisor, and two-time TEDx speaker. She focuses on healthcare equity, clinical leadership development, and systemic organizational change. Over several decades of practice and executive leadership across the United States, Dr. Anyaoku has mentored dozens of underrepresented clinicians and championed practical, systemic patient care reform. Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Nwando Anyaoku 02:00 - The cultural weight of titles and community representation 05:00 - Why the percentage of Black physicians stays at 5% 07:15 - Disparities in medical residency dismissals 11:30 - Why clinicians stay despite administrative burnout 17:15 - Career advice: "Work does not speak; you must speak" 21:10 - How hospital environments and supplies reflect patient care 25:30 - Clinical perspective: diagnosing skin conditions on Black skin 33:20 - Respectability politics and self-advocacy in clinic visits 38:30 - Practical barriers to preventive health screenings 43:40 - Rebuilding patient trust in modern healthcare 50:00 - Rapid fire questions with Dr. Nwando Anyaoku CONNECT WITH US Follow DEI AF: Twitter: @deiafpodcast Instagram: @deiafpodcast TikTok: deiafpodcast Youtube: @D.E.IAFPodcast ABOUT DEI AF DEI AF is a podcast that fosters honest and unfiltered conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Hosted by veteran DEI leader Amelia Ransom, the show challenges conventional thinking, platforms diverse perspectives, and equips listeners with practical tools to make a tangible difference in their organizations and communities. DEI AF is where curiosity meets candor — rooted in truth, driven by facts, enriched by experience. New episodes release bi-weekly on all major podcast platforms.

  2. Sep 8

    The Power of Small Business: How Intentional Spending Creates Economic Justice

    How are small businesses the backbone of ourcommunities?   Amelia Ransom dives into a thought-provokingconversation with Laura Clise and Efrem Fesaha about the often-overlooked significance of small businesses in fostering community and belonging. They explore how small businesses provide not just products, but invaluable social connections and cultural contributions.   KEY TAKEAWAYS ·  Small businesses are deeply rooted incommunity, offering more than just goods and services. ·  Supporting local businesses can foster asense of belonging and enhance community resilience. ·  Entrepreneurs should focus on what drivesthem personally for long-term success.   GUEST BIO Laura Clise is the founder and CEO of Intentionalist, emphasizing the crucial role of small businesses in our communities. Efrem Fesaha is the CEO and founder of Boon Boona Coffee, focusing on coffee from the African continent and building community spaces.   CONNECT WITH USFollow DEI AF: - Twitter: @deiafpodcast - Instagram: @deiafpodcast - TikTok: deiafpodcast - Youtube:@D.E.IAFPodcast ABOUT DEI AFDEI AF is a podcast that fosters honest and unfiltered conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Hosted by veteran DEI leader Amelia Ransom, the show challenges conventional thinking, platforms diverse perspectives, and equips listeners with practical tools to make a tangible difference in their organizations and communities. DEI AF is where curiosity meets candor — rooted in truth, driven by facts, enriched by experience. New episodes release bi-weekly on all major podcast platforms.

  3. Aug 3

    Coaching for Marginalized Leaders

    Are executive coaches really for everyone?   Amelia Ransom dives into the world of executive coaching with experts LaVonne Dorsey and LaKita Williams. They explore who benefits from coaching, how to choose the right coach, and the impact of coaching on professional growth—especially for marginalized groups.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Coaching is for everyone, not just executives, and can drive significant transformation. Differentiate between coaching, therapy, and counseling to set proper expectations. The importance of selecting a coach who understands your unique challenges, especially for marginalized identities.   GUEST BIO LaKita Williams is the founder and CEO of CoCreate Work, an executive coaching firm. She also co-hosts the "CoCreators" podcast and has been featured in major publications. LaVonne Dorsey is a seasoned executive coach with over 30 years of experience, focusing on creating diverse corporate cultures. She's also a licensed clinical therapist.   CONNECT WITH US Follow DEI AF: - Twitter: @deiafpodcast - Instagram: @deiafpodcast - TikTok: deiafpodcast - Youtube: @D.E.IAFPodcast   ABOUT DEI AF DEI AF is a podcast that fosters honest and unfiltered conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Hosted by veteran DEI leader Amelia Ransom, the show challenges conventional thinking, platforms diverse perspectives, and equips listeners with practical tools to make a tangible difference in their organizations and communities. DEI AF is where curiosity meets candor — rooted in truth, driven by facts, enriched by experience. New episodes release bi-weekly on all major podcast platforms.

  4. Jul 7

    Breaking Inequity Barriers with Data

    What are we missing about workplace truth, and how do we face it?   In this episode, DEI strategist Tara Jaye Frank joins Amelia Ransom to explore how leaders can genuinely drive change by addressing hidden truths in workplace culture. They discuss the impact of nuanced data, debunk myths around DEI roles, and inspire leaders to become authentic waymakers.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Understanding granular data is essential for effective change. Healing the deepest wound benefits the entire organization. Surface-level data like exit surveys often present misleading truths.   NOTABLE QUOTE "Understanding the truth of your workplace through the eyes of employees who live it every day is critical." — Tara Jaye Frank   GUEST BIO Tara Jaye Frank is a workplace culture strategist and award-winning author. She is the founder and CEO of The Waymakers Change Group and has 21 years of leadership experience from Hallmark Cards.   LINKS & RESOURCES "The Waymakers" by Tara Jaye Frank "You Are Before the World" by Tara Jaye Frank   CONNECT WITH US Follow DEI AF: - Twitter: @deiafpodcast - Instagram: @deiafpodcast - TikTok: deiafpodcast - Youtube: @D.E.IAFPodcast   ABOUT DEI AF DEI AF is a podcast that fosters honest and unfiltered conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Hosted by veteran DEI leader Amelia Ransom, the show challenges conventional thinking, platforms diverse perspectives, and equips listeners with practical tools to make a tangible difference in their organizations and communities. DEI AF is where curiosity meets candor — rooted in truth, driven by facts, enriched by experience. New episodes release bi-weekly on all major podcast platforms.

  5. Jun 15

    The AI Layoff Scam: How Companies Use Tech to Hide Age Discrimination

    Ever wonder why experienced workers suddenly become "overqualified" or "not a culture fit"?   Maureen Wiley Clough, host of "It Gets Late Early" podcast and former tech leader, exposes the brutal reality of workplace ageism that starts at 40. From AI washing layoffs to the collapse of traditional career paths, she reveals how companies systematically push out older workers while claiming innovation. This conversation unpacks the intersectional impact on women and marginalized communities, the signs of ageism hiding in plain sight, and why the career stability crisis affects us all.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Workplace ageism legally begins at 40, affecting millennials entering their most confident career phase Companies use AI as a scapegoat for layoffs targeting higher-paid experienced workers to reset market wages Age discrimination cases increased 40% between 2022-2024, but remain hardest to prove in court Women face compounded challenges from "inexperienced" to "office mom" to "overqualified has-been" Culture fit hiring is coded ageism that organizations must eliminate to achieve real innovation   GUEST BIO Maureen Wiley Clough is a corporate dropout turned workplace truth teller and creator of the "It Gets Late Early" podcast. A former tech leader known for saying the quiet part out loud, her work analyzing modern career challenges has been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, and Wired, earning hundreds of millions of views across social media.   CONNECT WITH US Follow DEI AF: Twitter: @deiafpodcast Instagram: @deiafpodcast TikTok: deiafpodcast Youtube: @D.E.IAFPodcast   ABOUT DEI AF DEI AF is a podcast that fosters honest and unfiltered conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Hosted by veteran DEI leader Amelia Ransom, the show challenges conventional thinking, platforms diverse perspectives, and equips listeners with practical tools to make a tangible difference in their organizations and communities. DEI AF is where curiosity meets candor — rooted in truth, driven by facts, enriched by experience. New episodes release bi-weekly on all major podcast platforms.

  6. Jun 1

    When the Backlash Hits: Why Some DEI Programs Needed to Go

    Are we under assault or just under attack? Dr. Cheryl Ingram joins the DEIF podcast for an unfiltered conversation about the current state of DEI work. With over 20 years of experience and two PhDs, Dr. CI challenges conventional thinking about language, allyship, and what it really takes to create sustainable change. She breaks down why some DEI programs deserved to be shuttered and how practitioners can move beyond superficial solutions to create real impact. KEY TAKEAWAYS ·  DEI is under assault, not attack - there's a strategic, sustained effort to dismantle progress across multiple fronts ·  The attachment to DEI language can be more harmful than helpful when it prevents real action and systemic change ·  ERGs are for marginalized identities, not all-inclusive spaces - understanding the difference between discomfort and harm is crucial ·  Facts are rooted in collective data while truth is rooted in personal experience - both are necessary for effective DEI work ·  Pay equity assessments and data-driven approaches reveal disparities that good intentions alone cannot address ·  Leaders have an obligation to right historical wrongs through metrics, accountability, and strategic resource allocation GUEST BIO Dr. Cheryl Ingram is a two-time PhD holder, global award-winning DEI strategist, filmmaker, and entrepreneur. Her documentary "You're Smarter Than You Look" has won multiple international awards, and her latest film "DEIA Guide to Navigating the Goddamn Mess They've Made of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" is now streaming on Tubi. She runs Inclus and has spent over two decades dismantling bias in workplaces, classrooms, and boardrooms. LINKS & RESOURCES The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer The World Is Waiting On You by Edwina Burke Dr. Cheryl's documentary "DEIA Guide to Navigating the Goddamn Mess They've Made of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" on Tubi Letter from Birmingham Jail by Martin Luther King Jr. CONNECT WITH US Follow DEI AF:  Twitter: @deiafpodcast Instagram: @deiafpodcast TikTok: deiafpodcast Youtube: @D.E.IAFPodcast  ABOUT DEI AF DEI AF is a podcast that fosters honest and unfiltered conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Hosted by veteran DEI leader Amelia Ransom, the show challenges conventional thinking, platforms diverse perspectives, and equips listeners with practical tools to make a tangible difference in their organizations and communities. DEI AF is where curiosity meets candor — rooted in truth, driven by facts, enriched by experience. New episodes release bi-weekly on all major podcast platforms.

  7. May 18

    The Real Talk White Women Need to Hear About Race and Allyship

    Ever wonder what women of color really think about white women's approach to DEI? Behavioral scientist and CEO Mitch Shepard joins Amelia for an unfiltered conversation that will make you squirm, laugh, and ultimately do better. After surveying women of color about what they wish white women understood, Mitch shares the responses that reveal uncomfortable truths about allyship, sisterhood, and the work that still needs to be done. From colorblindness myths to the exhaustion of being the only one, this episode delivers the real talk we need without the performance or purity tests. KEY TAKEAWAYS ·  White women experience both privilege and marginalization, creating a complex intersection that requires honest examination ·  True allyship means building authentic relationships where race can be openly discussed, not centering your own comfort ·  Women of color are not a monolith and don't need to be educators or take responsibility for every person who shares their race ·  Stop the performative behaviors: touching hair, relating through one black friend, or only connecting over stereotypical topics ·  Real change happens when white women sponsor and advocate for women of color in rooms where it matters most GUEST BIO Mitch Shepard is the CEO of Human and an applied behavioral scientist with over 25 years of experience advising world-class leaders. After leading wilderness expeditions and working in corporate boardrooms, a 12-month family trip around the world and a battle with cancer shifted her perspective on living inclusion out loud. She now leads transformative retreats for women of all backgrounds, focusing on building authentic community and lasting friendships across racial lines. LINKS & RESOURCES White Women: Everything You Already Know About Your Own Racism and How to Do Better by Regina Jackson and Cyra Rao They Were Her Property: White Women as Slave Owners in the American South by Stephanie Jones-Rogers Women in the Workplace report by McKinsey and LeanIn.Org CONNECT WITH US Follow DEI AF: Twitter: @deiafpodcast Instagram: @deiafpodcast TikTok: deiafpodcast Youtube: @D.E.IAFPodcast ABOUT DEI AF DEI AF is a podcast that fosters honest and unfiltered conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Hosted by veteran DEI leader Amelia Ransom, the show challenges conventional thinking, platforms diverse perspectives, and equips listeners with practical tools to make a tangible difference in their organizations and communities. DEI AF is where curiosity meets candor — rooted in truth, driven by facts, enriched by experience. New episodes release bi-weekly on all major podcast platforms.

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5
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6 Ratings

About

DEI AF is where curiosity meets candor. Hosted by veteran DEI leader Amelia Ransom, this podcast delivers honest, unfiltered conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion — no corporate jargon, no lectures, just real talk and practical tools. Whether you're exhausted by the work or just getting started — pull up a chair. Rooted in truth. Driven by facts. Enriched by experience.

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