Episode 251: Stepping Into Opportunities with Singleton Beato, Global EVP, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at McCann Worldgroup

Singleton Beato is a thoughtful leader, an insightful person and a wonderful conversationalist. She has deep experience and bright ideas and we have been thinking about this conversation since we recorded it. As Global EVP, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at McCann Worldgroup, a global network of creative and media agencies, Singleton is responsible for designing and leading strategic initiatives that increase organizational capacity, innovation, and growth. With over 25 years of executive experience, Singleton's career has been defined by leading large-scale people and organizational change initiatives. She is a visionary DEI leader who focuses as much on ensuring the work product her company produces as she does the culture of the company itself. Representing some of the world's biggest brands, Singleton helps client leaders and creative teams produce work that is inclusive, representative, respectful and impactful. Singleton was named one of 2019 Most Influential Women in Corporate America by Savoy Magazine, one of Ad Week's 2020 Women Trailblazers, and one of New York's Most Outstanding Corporate Citizens.

Highlights:

[02:49] Singleton's back story

[07:29] A personal story of risk taking

[14:29] How to be respectful, resonant, and relevant

[20:47] How her work reflects Singleton's values

[24:48] Singleton didn't always know she'd be a leader

[25:31] Finding purpose and clarity about your career

[30:43] Overcoming fears and limiting beliefs

[35:27] Singleton's daily habits of success

[40:54] Setting and achieving goals

[49:11] Building your network and asking for help

[53:29] Lightning Round Questions

Quotes:

"There are scenarios and circumstances that we need to become well-versed in before we are able to move in those spaces with great authority in the way we want to." – Singleton Beato

"The best way for people to learn is through stories." – Singleton Beato

"When it comes to achieving goals, the number one thing is to use your technology." – Singleton Beato

Lightning Round Questions:

What book has greatly influenced you?

• "Night" by Elie Wiesel

What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying?

• "Achieving your goals is a game of options."

What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself?

• Enthusiastic

What is one change you've implemented that made your life better?

• Checking in with myself daily.

What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage?

• "Cuff It" by Beyonce

About Singleton Beato:

Singleton Beato is the Global EVP, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at McCann Worldgroup, where she is responsible for designing and leading strategic initiatives that increase organizational capacity, innovation and growth. With over 25 years of experience as an accomplished executive, Singleton is recognized for her success driving large scale people and organizational change initiatives across a wide range of industries, having held talent leadership roles at J. Walter Thompson, Crunch Fitness International, and Bloomberg L.P.

Previously, Singleton was EVP, Diversity Strategy and Talent Development at the 4A's where she provided leadership and advice to senior advertising and media agency executives working to create and activate a strategic approach to D&I. Singleton was the visionary and architect of high-profile initiatives including The Face Of Talent symposium and the Ad industry's only Talent Leadership Conference, Talent@2030. She also led the transformation of the renowned Multicultural Advertising Intern Program (MAIP) and the 4A's Foundation. And, after assuming P&L responsibility for Talent Development and Diversity related revenue streams, Singleton consistently delivered on revenue and margin growth targets for the organization.

Singleton received a MS from Fairleigh Dickinson University and serves on several non-profit boards including the Brand Erwin Center for Brand Communications, AdWeek's D&I Council, the AAF's Mosaic Council, NYWICI, Own The Room and Figure Skating in Harlem as well as the Advisory Board of the Brand + Integrated Communications program. She has received numerous awards and accolades from the AAF, the 4A's, the ADCOLOR Coalition, the National Diversity Council, the World Diversity Leadership Summit. Additionally, Singleton was named one of 2019's Most Influential Women In Corporate America by Savoy Magazine, one of AdWeek's 2020 Women Trailblazers and one of New York's Most Outstanding Corporate Citizens.

Links:

LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/singleton-beato-835bb14/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/singleton_beato