The Caring Economy with Toby Usnik Toby Usnik

Hey there, friends!

I’m Toby Usnik, and I'm thrilled to share the latest episode of The Caring Economy with you. Today, we have the privilege of chatting with Traci Sanders, the incredible VP-Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Verizon. Traci is a true pioneer in fostering an inclusive workplace, and her journey is nothing short of inspiring.

Starting her career at Hallmark Cards, Inc. in accounting and finance, Traci Sanders never imagined she would one day lead DE&I at Verizon. Through hard work, mentorship, and taking bold, calculated risks, Traci has become a key figure in shaping Verizon’s inclusive culture.

Growing up as one of seven children, Traci was the first in her family to graduate from college, thanks to a life-changing scholarship to Florida A&M University. With both a BS in Accounting and an MBA in Finance, Traci embarked on a 22-year journey at Verizon, holding various executive roles that prepared her for her current leadership position.

Traci’s work at Verizon is all about ensuring the company reflects the diverse world we live in. Here are some of the groundbreaking initiatives she’s leading:


Supplier Diversity: With a $5 billion target, Traci’s team ensures Verizon’s suppliers are as diverse as its customer base.
Disability Advisory Board: This initiative focuses on making Verizon’s products and services accessible to everyone, embracing the needs of differently-abled individuals.
Financial Wellness Programs: Recognizing the importance of financial health, Verizon has launched a financial wellness platform to help employees manage their finances better.

Traci is a firm believer in holding leaders accountable for fostering inclusion. Verizon’s "Foster Inclusion" leadership principle is now part of performance reviews, ensuring that inclusivity is a priority at every level of the company.

Traci shared some valuable advice during our chat. Here are a few highlights:


Take Calculated Risks: Push yourself out of your comfort zone—that’s where the magic happens.
Build Strong Relationships: Mentors and sponsors can make a huge difference in your career.
Diversify Your Support Network: Surround yourself with people who offer honest feedback and different perspectives.

Traci Sanders’ journey exemplifies the transformative power of dedicated DE&I efforts. Her work at Verizon is about more than just checking boxes—it’s about creating a culture where everyone feels they belong.

Don’t miss this insightful episode. Listen to the full conversation on Spotify to learn more about Traci’s inspiring journey and her vision for DE&I.

Traci's Journey: From Numbers to InclusionMaking DE&I a Reality at VerizonLeadership with HeartWords of Wisdom from TraciTune In for More

Don't forget to check out my book that inspired this whole series!

Join host Toby Usnik on The Caring Economy as he sits down with Vladimir Botsvadze, a luminary in digital transformation and marketing. In this episode, Vladimir shares his extraordinary journey from growing up in Georgia to becoming a globally recognized thought leader and influencer.

Vladimir, named the #1 Global Marketing Thought Leader by Thinkers360, discusses the power of building a personal brand, leveraging social media, and the importance of empathy in modern marketing. With over 15 years of international experience and accolades from institutions like the United States Artificial Intelligence Institute and Harvard Business Review, Vladimir's insights are invaluable for anyone looking to navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Tune in to hear how Vladimir transformed his Twitter following into a thriving community, his strategies for long-term success, and his vision for the future of marketing in the age of AI and automation. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned marketer, or simply curious about digital innovation, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the brightest minds in the industry. Subscribe now and start your journey toward a purpose-driven, digitally empowered career.

Join us on this enlightening episode of "The Caring Economy," where we dive into the remarkable journey of Lindsey Savage, a senior vice president at Blackstone and a staunch advocate for military spouses in the legal profession. Discover how Lindsay is transforming the landscape for military spouse attorneys through her pioneering efforts with the Military Spouse JD Network. From her own challenges as a military spouse navigating her career across state lines to her influential role in advocating for licensing accommodations, Lindsey’s story is a powerful testament to resilience and dedication.
In this episode, Lindsey shares her insights on:

Overcoming the unique challenges faced by military spouses in the legal field.
The impactful work of the Military Spouse JD Network in making legal careers more accessible.
Her leadership role in advancing gender equality and supporting women in law.

Tune in to hear how Lindsey Savage is not only shaping the future of military spouse attorneys but also fostering a community of support and empowerment. Whether you're connected to the military, the legal profession, or just passionate about advocacy and change, this episode will inspire and inform.
Listen, learn, and be inspired by Lindsey’s dedication to making a difference. Subscribe to "The Caring Economy" for more stories of courage, change, and community impact. Don’t forget to rate and review if you’re moved by our content!
Don't forget to check out my book that inspired this whole series!

In this enlightening episode of The Caring Economy, join us as we delve into the remarkable journey of Dr. Dev Pragad, CEO of Newsweek. Discover how a background in technology and academia fueled his innovative approach to revitalizing one of the world's most storied media brands. Dr. Pragad shares candid insights into the strategic decisions that propelled Newsweek from its print legacy into a flourishing digital platform, reaching a global audience of nearly 100 million.

Throughout the discussion, Dr. Pragad reflects on the challenges of maintaining journalistic integrity in an era of polarized media, the role of AI in shaping the future of journalism, and the personal resilience required to navigate high-stakes leadership. This episode not only charts the transformation of Newsweek under Dr. Pragad’s leadership but also explores the broader implications of these changes for the media industry at large.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to lead and innovate in today's fast-evolving media landscape, through the experiences of one of its most influential figures.

Don't forget to check out my book that inspired this whole series!

Gain valuable advice from Fabio on building a successful career in media law, emphasizing the importance of resilience, adaptability, and ethical decision-making.

Join us on Spotify for a riveting conversation with Fabio Bertoni, where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the crucial role legal minds play in the world of media and journalism. Whether you’re a legal professional, a media enthusiast, or someone fascinated by the intersection of law and journalism, this episode is sure to provide a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.

Join us on "The Caring Economy" as we sit down with Daryl Brewster, the spirited CEO of CECP, whose career is a masterclass in marrying commerce with conscience. With a storied resume that spans over 30 years, including leading multimillion-dollar businesses and orchestrating significant corporate comebacks, Daryl is now turning the tide towards integrating social impact into the heart of business strategy.

In a candid conversation, Daryl takes us through the milestones of his career, revealing how each step paved the way to his current role, where he champions the idea that companies can — and should — be forces for good. It’s an intimate look at the personal convictions that drive a leader and how these shape the course of companies aiming for enduring success.

Under Daryl's stewardship, CECP has become the compass for companies seeking to anchor their business models in purpose, fostering a corporate culture that prioritizes societal benefits alongside financial gains. He shares compelling cases of businesses that have boldly integrated purpose into their core, driving both market growth and meaningful change.

Daryl's philosophy extends beyond boardroom discussions, tapping into how purpose shapes company culture, invigorates employees, and solidifies customer loyalty. He stresses the importance of not only setting goals but also crafting a narrative that resonates with a diverse, global workforce.

Through stories of challenge and triumph, Daryl offers a peek into the practicalities of leading with purpose, from leveraging educational initiatives to utilizing metrics that matter. He provides a glimpse into the future of purposeful business and extends an invitation to listeners to join this transformative movement.

Tune in to hear how Daryl Brewster's insights can inspire your own path, whether you're starting your journey or steering a corporate ship. It's more than just a podcast episode; it's a window into a world where business success is redefined by the positive marks it leaves on society.