Race at Work

Porter Braswell, CEO of 2045 Studio, shares his journey founding the company and discusses challenges in diversity recruiting. He explores the importance of building inclusive workplace cultures for professionals of color, overcoming business obstacles, and evolving conversations on race at work post-George Floyd. The podcast emphasizes the significance of discussing race for inclusivity and productivity in the workplace.

Janine Ting Jansen, Global Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Lead at Organon talks about her 20-plus-years working in DEI, and shares how the field has changed over the past two decades. Then, she discusses her background as a Mexican and Chinese American, first-generation college graduate, and native New Yorker, and shares how her identity and experiences have influenced the way she navigates corporate America. Janine also gives advice to company leaders who want to support their diverse employees and explores why representation matters, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry.  

Two Partners from True Search, Keri Gavin and Gina Barge, sit down with Channa to discuss the importance and implications of diversity in executive recruiting. Keri starts off the episode by talking about the importance of investing in underrepresented talent and shares why companies need to be intentional when it comes to building inclusive organizations. Next, Gina shares how the executive recruitment industry has evolved over the past 20 years when it comes to the sourcing and supporting of diverse talent.  

Bertrand Kimper, Global Head of DEI at Kenvue, sits down with Channa to talk about how DEI practices are shifting as society evolves.  He discusses his experiences working and living in different countries, and explores how and why inclusive work cultures provide companies with distinct advantages, no matter where they're located in the world. Bertrand also explains about the strategic pillars that guide his work at Kenvue and shares his hopes for the future of DEI at work.  

Doug Melville, CEO of JODIE AI, discusses harnessing AI to create inclusive leaders. He reflects on his journey as a Chief Diversity Officer and the importance of unbiased AI platforms for diversity. The podcast explores the futuristic vision of AI advancing workplace diversity and the fusion of enterprise tools to prioritize unity and community.

Camilo Becdach, a partner at McKinsey and Company, sits down with Channa to talk about the importance of mentorship and supportive networks for diverse professionals who are at the beginning of their professional journeys. Camilo discusses his research exploring the underrepresentation of Latinos in Hollywood, both on-screen and in executive roles.  He also explains why it’s crucial for the film and television industry to take a data-driven approach, meet audiences where they are, and tell authentic stories.  

Floss Aggrey, Randstad North America’s Chief Equity Diversity & Inclusion Officer, speaks with Channa about the importance of creating organizational cultures in which employees feel like they belong. Floss also shares the actions companies need to take in order to promote fairness and correct historical inequities in the workplace.  Later, she and Channa discuss the true meanings of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Floss emphasizes that the intent of DEI programs is not to exclude others, but to rectify imbalances and create workplaces where all employees can thrive.  

Samira Ansari, Chief Creative Director at Ogilvy New York, talks about the changes she’s seen in the creative industry over the past 25 years when it comes to DEI.  Channa and Samira discuss how brands’ DEI efforts need to authentically represent culture when it comes to casting and hiring in order to be truly meaningful. Samira also shares how diversity in creative agencies is vital for making campaigns that resonate with today's audiences.  

Loren Hudson, SVP and Chief Diversity Officer at Comcast Cable,  sits down with Channa to discuss the importance of leaders who actively set their employees up for success.  Loren reflects on her experience as the first-ever Chief Diversity Officer at Comcast Cable and shares how her role has impacted the company over the past few years.  She also explores how her career in DEI and HR was shaped by challenges she witnessed her father face as the only Black police officer in her hometown.  

Singleton Beato, Global Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at McCann Worldgroup, sits down for a candid conversation with Channa to discuss how corporate America’s perspective on DEI has evolved. Singleton and Channa also reflect on the challenges and progress they experienced in 2020 as Black women and DEI leaders. Singleton explains why discussions about race at work are so important, despite some leaders and organizations shifting away from these dialogues. She also shares strategies for integrating equity and inclusion into every step of the creative process.