You Can Sit With Us Lexi B

About Our Guest:

Alex Kennedy is a distinguished leader with a proven history of success in various commercial domains. She has extensive experience in scaling business operations, leading commercial teams, and pioneering digital transformation journeys. Alex's expertise shines in her ability to establish partnerships that introduce innovative business models and complementary revenue streams, catalyzing sustainable growth. Currently, she serves as the Executive Vice President of Commercial Strategy for Mycode Media, where she spearheads initiatives to accelerate the company's growth, focusing on solidifying relationships with esteemed brand CMOs and advertisers. Previously, Alex held influential roles at Twitter and has been a nationally recognized speaker, contributing her insights to prestigious platforms including Advertising Week and Princeton University. She resides in Oakland, California.

Episode Summary:

Alex delves into the importance of understanding your industry, cultivating change resilience, and positioning for future industry developments. Her intriguing anecdotes from family history to her strategic mindset offer a unique perspective on ascending corporate ladders and navigating industry transitions. Alex poignantly stresses the value of learning from every opportunity and leveraging it to build a robust foundation that can withstand the tests of time and market evolution. Listeners are bound to find inspiration in her approach to career development, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Key Takeaways:


Future-proofing your business involves understanding the larger industry, embracing change, and positioning yourself for scalable growth.
Success is not achieved alone; acknowledging the mentors and experiences that shape you is vital.
Alex emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities and being perceptive about industry evolution to stay relevant.
She shares the transformative experience of working in tech and advises on navigating industry shifts seamlessly.
Alex believes in the profound impact of gratitude, both in recognizing those who've contributed to one's success and contributing back to others.

Notable Quotes:


"The only thing that is constant is that things will change."
"You're a product of the people you spend the most time with."
"If you can find work that is aligned to the things you just do uniquely well, better off you'll be because it will feel less like work."
"Don't play for the team and forget about the league."
"I understand some of the principles they've instilled on me a little bit more indifferently now. And I am so grateful. So grateful."

Important Links


Alex's Linkedin
MyCode


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About Our Guest:

Dwana Franklin Davis is the Chief Executive Officer of Reboot Representation, a coalition leading pooled philanthropic efforts to enable Black, Latina, and Native American women to graduate with computing degrees by 2025, aiming to close the diversity gap in tech. With an extensive background in technology and leadership from companies like Mastercard and IBM, Dewana is a champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the tech industry. Currently based in New York City, she holds a BS in Management from Purdue University, an MS in Information Management, and a Certificate in Project Management from Washington University in St. Louis. Her board roles include the James McKelvey School of Engineering National Council at Washington University and National Center of Women & Information Technology.

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode of You Can Sit With Us, host Lexi B sits down with Dwana Franklin Davis, a visionary dedicated to bridging the diversity gap and fostering an inclusive tech sector. Through their engaging dialogue, the podcast explores Dwana's impactful work, the nuanced challenges of diversity in technology, and actionable strategies to create meaningful change.

Starting with Dwana's personal journey, the conversation delves into the motivations and experiences driving her advocacy for underrepresented groups in computing fields. The episode dissects Reboot Representation's in-depth report focusing on nine crucial policy areas that organizations must address to nurture a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment. The podcast unpacks complicated issues around paid sick leave, mental health benefits, and interview processes, emphasizing the need for company-specific strategies tailored to employee needs.

Key Takeaways:


Reboot Representation's commitment to closing the diversity gap in tech by supporting the graduation of Black, Latina, and Native American women in computing fields.
The critical need for transparent and equitable policies across salaries, hiring, and internal job boards to democratize access to tech opportunities.
Companies are urged to increase flexibility with remote work options and provide mental health support that resonates with their diverse workforce.
Highlighting the importance of mentorship throughout the interview process to ensure candidates are given every opportunity to succeed.
The compelling case for organizations to actively listen to their employees, understanding the unique needs and circumstances of their diverse talent pool.

Notable Quotes:

"We want employees that are going to be their best when they're their full selves at work." - Dwana Franklin Davis
"People don't leave companies; they leave managers." - Dwana Franklin Davis
"We need to temper that a little bit." - Dwana Franklin Davis, regarding the impatience of the new generation in the workforce.
"Does your employee base feel safe to be there?" - Dwana Franklin Davis, on the significance of creating a trusted environment for employees.








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About Our Guest:

Bernita Dillard is a seasoned professional in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). With over a decade of experience, she is a transformative leader in hiring and talent management programs, focusing on attracting and retaining top diverse talent. As the Director of Diversity Sourcing for Expedia Group, Bernita leverages her expertise in data analytics to refine inclusive hiring practices. She boasts an educational background with a bachelor's degree in communication studies from San Jose State University and an MBA from the Lorry I. Lokey Graduate School of Business at Mills College. Beyond her professional endeavors, she is deeply passionate about building environments where individuals from underrepresented backgrounds have equal career opportunities.

Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode of "You Can Sit With Us," Lexi B guides us through an engaging conversation with Bernita Dillard, an influential DE&I leader. As listeners dive into the transcript, they are greeted by Bernita's compelling experiences and profound realizations on balancing a high-powered career with personal well-being and self-care strategies.

Initially, Bernita takes us on her career journey, from her early eager days at Facebook to the pivotal moment of her burnout, despite success. The episode delves into the realization that our value should not solely rest on labor, a lesson learned from generational patterns that Bernita aims to break. Her narrative continues as we learn about her steps towards self-prioritization—setting up therapy sessions, embracing physical fitness, and rejuvenating through travel.

Key Takeaways:


Prioritizing self-care is critical to success, with personal endeavors like travel and hobbies helping to maintain a balance.
Establishing boundaries and strategic scheduling, even against work demands, is key to managing work-life integration.
Performance at work should not define personal value; this lesson is often derived from historical and generational experiences.
Knowing how to be effective and efficient at work creates social capital and trust, while also allowing flexibility for personal time.
The role of DE&I leaders extends beyond hiring practices, encompassing the overall cultural framework of an organization.

Notable Quotes:


"I was succeeding at work, succeeding at being a mom, and failing myself."
"Rest is resistance, it truly is resistance of the movement."
"The moment that I realized that I do not find value in labor was a very big moment for me."
"You got to put your mask on before you help somebody." 
"We all have the bad days. Every day you're not coming in and it's roses and sunshine."

Important Links


Linkedin
Website


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About Our Guest:

Kamala is an accomplished professional with roots from Jamaica, having been born there before migrating to the United States at the age of four. With Jamaican parents who valued education, Kamala absorbed early the importance of being well-informed and outspoken. Her father, an economist on a Fulbright scholarship, and her mother, an accountant, grounded their pursuit of opportunity in New York. Kamala carries the spirit of their ambition and has flourished academically and professionally. She attained her BA and MBA from prestigious Harvard University and moved through the ranks of influential companies from Bad Boy Records to NBC, to giants like Google and Facebook, leading marketing campaigns and wielding her voice on DEI strategies.

Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode of "You Can Sit With Us," host Lexi B converses with Kamala, a dynamo in the field of marketing and diversity initiatives within the entertainment industry. As the first head of inclusive content for the Lionsgate Motion Picture group, Kamala weaves DEI strategies into the fabric of the studio's business decisions, reflecting global diversity in the film slate. This episode unravels Kamala's articulate and authentic approach to promoting racial justice in corporate America while staying true to her cultural identity and personal integrity.

Key Takeaways:


Authenticity in the workplace encompasses consistency in core personal values and adaptability in communication to ensure effectiveness.
Code-switching in professional environments can be productive but should not compromise fundamental aspects of one's identity and values.
Feedback is vital for growth but must be discerned wisely, considering the source's credibility and alignment with one's own strengths.
Establishing personal boundaries is crucial for maintaining professional integrity and choosing which battles are worth fighting in the corporate arena.
Building relationships with advocates rather than detractors leads to a more effective and fulfilling career trajectory.

Notable Quotes:

"When I show up, it was my Harvard. I never thought that it was their Harvard."
"If I decided to take feedback from the detractors, I would be twisting myself into a pretzel..."
"I have to build advocates, not even just for me personally, but advocates for the work..."







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About Our Guest:

Latonya Wilkins is a renowned change management coach and author known for her expertise in leadership development and creating inclusive work environments. She is the founder of Change Coaches and the writer behind the bestselling book, "Leading Below the Surface." Wilkins' notable career encompasses roles in HR, talent management, and learning and development at Fortune 500 companies, as well as significant contributions at the University of Illinois Geese College of Business where she was recognized for her excellence as an instructor. With features on Fast Company, the Los Angeles Times, NPR, and Ink magazine, Wilkins is a prominent figure dedicated to coaching CEOs, senior executives, and teams to foster psychologically safe teams and cultures of belonging.

Episode Summary:

In the latest episode of the "You Can Sit With Us" podcast, host Lexi B welcomes the inspirational Latonya Wilkins, a change management coach and advocate for diversity and inclusion. Wilkins shares personal stories, sheds light on challenges faced in corporate environments, and discusses her pursuit of creating sustainable changes in leadership and team dynamics. Prepare for an intimate and profound conversation that delves deep into the journey of finding one's purpose and the transformative power of walking in your truth.



Key Takeaways:


Identifying one's role in society can be a gateway to discovering their life's purpose.
The importance of aligning professional roles with personal values and authenticity.
The challenges and benefits of stepping away from corporate life to pursue individual purpose.
The importance of policies that reflect empathy and support employees during personal tragedies.
Strategies for self-reflection and understanding one’s contributions in various life scenarios.

Notable Quotes:

“How do you get acquainted with [your purpose] if you're not living it every day?” - LaTonya
“What would you do if the world were ending and there was an apocalypse? What would be your role in the village?” - LaTonya
“We're here, number one, to serve, and number two, to really just continue to make our society better while we're making ourselves better.” - LaTonya
“...every person that is not from the Midwest, whenever I say that, when I tell them I'm from Iowa, I think you even looked at me like, you are afraid for me something was going to happen.” - LaTonya
“Until all of us are free, none of us are free.” - Lexi B



Leading Below The Surface
Latonya's Website


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About Our Guest:

Breeshia Wade, is a content strategist with a passion for utilizing her training as a lay ordained Zen Buddhist chaplain. She is the author of the acclaimed 2021 publication "Grieving While Black: An Antiracist Take on Oppression and Sorrow," which has been rated as one of the best nine books on grief and is now required reading in multiple university graduate courses. Breeshia is dedicated to crafting effective diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies by offering professional development programs and customized solutions for both individuals and institutions.

Episode Summary:

In an enlightening conversation with Breeshia Wade, the latest episode of You Can Sit With Us delves into the profound relationship between grief, oppression, and the pursuit of black liberation. The discussion explores the nuanced dimensions of what it means to grieve as an African American, the implications of white grief, and the intersection of spirituality and social justice. Breeshia's nuanced perspectives on these complex issues offer listeners a unique look at the foundations of systemic oppression and the paths to healing and understanding.

Key Takeaways:

Grieving While Black: Breeshia Wade discusses the unique aspects of African American grief and the significance of acknowledging suffering for healing and liberation.
White Grief: The necessity for white individuals to confront their fear of losing privilege to support and not hinder black liberation.
Spirituality and Justice: How Breeshia's spirituality as a Zen Buddhist chaplain informs her approach to addressing oppression and fostering awareness.
The Role of Culture: The discussion highlights the cultural aspects of black spirituality and how they serve as a means of connection to African American heritage and ancestry.


Notable Quotes:

"What white people are afraid to lose from their privilege, their sense of safety, and their identity and the actions they will take subconsciously to prevent that loss."
"It's all fine and dandy to give us ERGs to go to and to hire more 'diverse' employees. But if we still got 39 hours of putting up with abuse, then the math don't make sense."
"Mindfulness comes from meditation. And meditation was literally derived from a tradition that is all about recognizing suffering."
"Our ancestors had to find some place to protect and bury our humanity and our connection to God, where oppressors could not touch it."
"Instead of ever, at any point in time, moving on to Buddhahood, I am committing to staying on earth and to attempt to alleviate the suffering of all beings at all costs."









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