Sundays With Verna

Verna Myers

Conversations have the power to break down barriers and build bridges across differences. Vernā Myers, a well-regarded DEI Pioneer, CEO of The Vernā Myers Company, and former head of Inclusion Strategy at Netflix, interviews the brightest minds in science, art, and politics about innovations in leadership practices and healing our divided society. Each episode features inspiring information about how people can grow, become more compassionate, and better utilize our human connection.

  1. OCT 5

    The Inclusion Imperative: The Hopeful Future of Human Value with James Felton Keith

    Can DEI withstand the attack it's under? Imagine a future where inclusion not only survives but thrives, overcoming every obstacle and restoring balance to our workplaces. Vernā is joined for a very special episode by NY congressional candidate James Felton Keith (JFK), CEO of Inclusion Score. In this prerecorded conversation, they dive into why DEI is not going anywhere.  We explore the financial and legal risks companies face when they fail to prioritize inclusion, from rising insurance premiums to Title VII compliance pitfalls. Hear why avoiding DEI could cost more than you think, both ethically and economically. To JFK, inclusion is integral to the broader mission of promoting a human-centric economy and ideology. JFK unveiled groundbreaking ideas for a reimagined economy, one where individuals are truly valued for their labor and the data used to market goods to them. He highlights the systemic imbalance in value distribution, emphasizing how workers, particularly from diverse communities, are often denied fair compensation for their contributions.  Vernā and JFK's hopeful and pioneering ideas bring a fresh perspective that will inspire you! This episode provides a roadmap for a better world, outlining the action steps to achieve it and explaining why DEI will stand the test of time.  Join us for this compelling discussion and subscribe to ensure you never miss an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.   Visit Vernā Myers' Website here: Vernā Myers' Website To learn more about James Felton Keith: James Felton Keith For Congress

    41 min

  2. AUG 17

    The Trust Deficit - Rebuilding Trust During Crisis: A Conversation with Minda Harts

    Think about the three people closest to you in your professional orbit.... If you were truly honest with yourself, how much do you really trust them?  Trust is in short supply, and workplace silence is on the rise... a challenge that poses significant risks for organizations at a time when we need it the most. Vernā sits down with workplace culture luminary, Minda Harts, to explore the transformative power of trust and compassion in the workplace.  Work culture is evolving rapidly, and these two experts reveal how trust drives innovation, strengthens teamwork, and maximizes profit in this dynamic shift. Minda's groundbreaking "Seven Trust Languages" framework, featured in her latest book Talk to Me Nice, stands out in the discussion, offering clear and actionable steps to foster trust in today's complex social landscape. Together, they share valuable insights and heartfelt humor as they explore the universal need for human connection and collaboration. This episode is not to be missed! ------ For more information on Vernā, visit her website: www.vernamyers.com For more information on Minda Harts and to purchase her new book, Talk to Me Nice, visit: www.mindaharts.com

    29 min

  3. JUL 13

    Challenging the Erasure of Disability: A Conversation with Prasanna Ranganathan

    What does it mean to truly belong, to feel seen, and to build a community where every thread of identity is honored? As a society, we often pride ourselves on progress, yet the persistent barriers to truly inclusive spaces reveal that we may be further behind in embracing equity and belonging than we'd like to admit.  Join Vernā Myers for an extraordinary conversation with Prasanna (Pras) Ranganathan, a South Asian, queer, disabled consultant, filmmaker, ex-lawyer,  and tireless advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Pras has spent his 18-year career in tech, law, entertainment, and human rights dismantling barriers and fostering genuine inclusion. He challenges us to reflect on the distinctions between disability, accessibility, and inclusion while shedding light on the problematic ways society often conceptualizes disability. With his remarkable gift for communication and teaching, Pras eloquently unpacks what many of us misunderstand about disability, allyship, and how to cultivate inclusivity in today's social climate. This episode is a must-listen for anyone striving to co-create a future where every individual is celebrated for their uniqueness, and collective collaboration drives the betterment of all. Listen now, and join us in creating a world where everyone belongs. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode to keep the conversation going! Visit Vernā's Website for more information, bookings, and online inclusion training courses: www.vernamyers.com   Visit Prasanna's Website here to learn more about him, his work, and how to collaborate with him: www.prasannaranganathan.com

    40 min

  4. JUN 22

    The Future of Politics: A Conversation with Deja Foxx

    In this powerful episode of Sundays with Vernā, rising political star Deja Foxx shares her remarkable journey from a challenging childhood marked by homelessness and a single mother's struggle with addiction to launching a groundbreaking congressional campaign to become the youngest woman in Congress.   At just 25 years old, Foxx is running to be the first Gen Z woman elected to Congress in Arizona's 7th District. She brings a unique perspective shaped by her experiences with impoverishment, limited access to healthcare, and the critical importance of reproductive rights.    The conversation delves into her inspirational path, including her work on Kamala Harris's presidential campaign, her approach to leadership, and her urgent message about the need for young people to actively create political change.   Her captivating energy and storytelling make her the messenger we need right now.    With raw authenticity and unwavering determination, she articulates a vision of representative democracy that centers the experiences of those most often overlooked by traditional political systems. Vernā invites us to peer into the future and see the young people who thoughtfully and passionately nurture our hopes and progress. To learn more about Vernā Myers and get connected: www.vernamyers.com   To learn more about Deja Foxx: www.dejafoxx.com

    30 min

  5. MAY 25

    Super Communicating at Work: A Conversation with Charles Duhigg

    In this powerful episode of Sundays with Vernā, New York Times bestselling author Charles Duhigg reveals the hidden dynamics that can make or break workplace communication. Drawing from his latest book "Super Communicators," Duhigg unpacks the critical skills leaders and employees need to break through organizational silence and create meaningful dialogue.  Discover how workplace conversations are actually composed of three distinct types - practical, emotional, and social - and learn why misunderstanding these can lead to toxic communication breakdowns. Duhigg provides practical strategies for: Asking "deep questions" that reveal genuine understanding Creating psychological safety in difficult conversations  Listening beyond words to truly hear your colleagues Navigating sensitive topics without creating further division Whether you're a manager seeking to build a more connected team or an employee wanting to improve workplace relationships, this episode offers transformative insights into how communication can either fracture or fortify organizational culture. Key Takeaways: Why most workplace communication fails  Techniques to have more authentic conversations How to create trust in a divided workplace Practical communication skills that build stronger teams A must-listen for anyone committed to creating more human, understanding workplaces in our increasingly complex professional landscape. To connect with Vernā: Verna Myers | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree www.vernamyers.com To connect with Charles: Charles Duhigg – Bestselling Author & Speaker

    21 min

  6. APR 27

    HBCUs Under Attack: A Conversation with Morehouse President David A. Thomas

    HBCUs receive just $1 for every $100 in endowment funds that predominantly white institutions enjoy. Now, under increased budget cuts, legislative challenges, and attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, their survival is being tested more than ever. Join us for a compelling conversation with Morehouse College President David A. Thomas as he shares with Vernā a powerful blueprint for defending and uplifting Historically Black Colleges and Universities against the anti-DEI onsalught of the new Trump era. He explains why this issue goes beyond funding. It's an attack on civil rights. Discover how HBCUs foster racial equity, drive economic mobility, and shape future leaders, making them a prime target for an administration intent on dismantling our collective steps toward a just and civil society. Learn about the real-world impact these institutions have on students, communities, and local economies, and find out why your advocacy and action matter. With optimism and clarity, President Thomas shines a light on the path forward, encouraging allies to invest, educate, and empower. Don't miss this inspiring discussion about the enduring power of HBCUs in shaping a more just and equitable world. For resources, updates, online DEI trainings, or bookings visit Vernā's Website: www.vernamyers.com Get connected with Vernā: Verna Myers | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree Watch video episodes of Sundays With Verna on YouTube: Vernā Myers - YouTube

    21 min

  7. MAR 2

    Show Your Worth at Work: A Conversation with Shelmina Abji

    In this episode of Sundays with Vernā, we celebrate Women's History Month with an uplifting and insightful conversation with tech trailblazer and business powerhouse Shelmina Abji. Shelmina is the CEO of Show Your Worth.AI and the author of Show Your Worth: Eight Intentional Strategies for Women to Emerge as Leaders at Work. Shelmina shares her inspiring journey from humble beginnings in Tanzania to becoming one of the highest-ranking women of color at IBM, offering valuable insights on career advancement, leadership, and overcoming barriers. The conversation delves into Shelmina's groundbreaking AI-powered platform, which offers personalized career guidance, her visionary approach to hacking career advancement and accelerating opportunities, and why people-pleasing and an overemphasis on hard work are obstacles in women's career paths. Through personal anecdotes and professional wisdom, Vernā and Shelmina discuss the importance of intentionally defining success, maintaining work-life balance, and exuding the right energy to attract opportunity. This episode is an action-oriented guide for women to advance their careers while embracing balance, purpose, and the power of knowing their priorities!

    46 min

  8. JAN 26

    Talking Equity - A Better Future for All: A Conversation with Mahlet Getachew of PolicyLink

    This week on Sundays with Vernā, Vernā sits down with Mahlet Getachew, Managing Director of Corporate Racial Equity at PolicyLink, for a robust conversation about redefining leadership in corporate America. Mahlet shares her inspiring journey from corporate law to becoming a passionate advocate for equity, shaped by her experiences as a first-generation immigrant from Ethiopia.  Together, they discuss PolicyLink's groundbreaking Business Standards for 21st Century Leadership, a bold framework that empowers companies to embed equity into every facet of their work, from governance and leadership to community impact and political engagement. Mahlet highlights how these standards support businesses in prioritizing people and the planet alongside profits, offering a path toward a thriving and fair society. She emphasizes the essential benefits companies achieve by prioritizing equity while underscoring how her work transcends racial boundaries to address universal issues of economic disparities and access to a high standard of living for all.  Tune in to explore how equity-driven leadership can pave the way for a harmonious future where our values, ambitions, and lived experiences come together.

    41 min
See All (29)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Conversations have the power to break down barriers and build bridges across differences. Vernā Myers, a well-regarded DEI Pioneer, CEO of The Vernā Myers Company, and former head of Inclusion Strategy at Netflix, interviews the brightest minds in science, art, and politics about innovations in leadership practices and healing our divided society. Each episode features inspiring information about how people can grow, become more compassionate, and better utilize our human connection.

Information

  • Creator
    Verna Myers
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    Sundays With Verna