13. Being Authentic at Work: Finding the right balance, code-switching and evaluating DEI initiatives.

No doubt it's easier to be more of your authentic self in the workplace, particularly for POC. But everyone's comfort level is different and microaggressions are still a thing. What's the right balance? Is code-switching still a thing? Do DEI initiatives, designed to make this easier, actually work?

This week, three of my friends and colleagues joined me to discuss these questions and more.  They have 20+ years of branding, marketing and communications experience, and are small business owners.

Emanuel Basnight, is the owner of two companies aligned with spiritual wellness: BrandsbyBashight (@brandsbybasnight), a handmade herbal skincare company, and Bless The Roads (@blessed.theroads) , a spiritual goods company devoted to black spirituality. 

Yadira Santana-Dowling is a director of strategy at a Miami ad agency and the owner of Inspira Communications (@insparacommunications). She is passionate about building meaningful relationships between brands and people, particularly in US Hispanic and Urban markets.

Roberta Hatchett is a marketing veteran who decided to pivot to celebrate her love for wine and interior design. She started VinBoheme (@vinboheme), a wine and home goods retailer that honors women and minority-owned wine makers and designers.

Intro - 00 - 7:30
Bozoma Saint John Netflix Exit- 7:30 
Is authenticity at work possible and sustainable? - 18:30
How much of yourself do you bring to work? - 21:45
Code-switching - 32:45 
Do DEI initiatives work? - 46:45
HoneyPot - 1:03:00 

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