Masters of Scale

Rapid Response: A new playbook for new times, w/Ford Foundation president Darren Walker

Jul 2, 2020

Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundation and a leader in addressing racial injustice, shares powerful insights as he navigates today's intertwined crises of pandemic, economic turmoil, and civil unrest. He emphasizes that recognizing the trauma of communities of color is essential and highlights the urgency for CEOs to engage in social justice efforts. Walker reveals how the foundation has exceeded its giving goals and expresses optimism for the future, leveraging these challenges as opportunities for impactful change.

26:45

Episode guests

Darren Walker

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

4min

Navigating Crisis: 2020's Unforeseen Challenges

8min

Navigating Urgency: Corporate Accountability and Entrepreneurial Dreams

6min

Racial Inequities in Crisis

11min

Employee Appreciation and the Innovative 'Lobatical' Initiative

3min

"This was like 1918, 1929 and 1968 in one week," says Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation. With the pandemic, economic crisis, and civil unrest all coming together after George Floyd's death, Walker found himself flooded with calls from CEOs struggling for how to respond. Walker's advice mixes clear-eyed messages — denying the trauma borne by communities of color is no longer option — with optimism about the opportunities ahead. At the Ford Foundation, they've accelerated giving and even exceeded their own KPIs. With more leaders dedicated to making a positive impact, he says, the wind is changing, for people of color and for America. Interviewed by editor Bob Safian.

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