Marketing professional Karen Baker shares her story of starting her own company at just 24 years old to leading the social impact practice at Boathouse Group and how family legacy of civil rights activism has deeply influenced her approach to business, underscoring the need for inclusive representation in the industry. With her wealth of experience working with renowned brands like BET and Puma, Baker offers invaluable advice for young marketing professionals, urging them to network, gain...

Kellie Walenciak, the Global Head of Marketing and Communications for Televerde, is sharing the story of how the company was founded in an Arizona women's prison to provide job training and employment opportunities for incarcerated individuals. Televerde's unique approach has resulted in a remarkable 5.4% recidivism rate, far below the national average, and has helped countless women and their families break the cycle of incarceration. In this episode, learn about Televerde's commitment to...

Dr. Charlotte Owens is sharing with Jackie the societal inequities she witnessed firsthand and how they have shaped her commitment to making a difference. From understanding real-life factors that impact health to the disparities in maternal health outcomes, the Senior Vice President and Head of Global Medical Affairs and Outcomes Research at Organon emphasizes the need for a more inclusive healthcare system that empowers women to advocate for their well-being. Tune in to hear what Dr. Owens...

Step into the world of Arjun Sharda, the 12-year-old entrepreneur shaking up the tech scene! Join Jackie as she delves into his story from coding at 7 to founding his own non-profit at 10. With a passion for technology, leadership, entrepreneurship, engineering and mathematics (TLEEM), learn how his curiosity and drive have propelled him to becoming an author, trailblazer and the youngest-ever speaker at Developer Week in San Francisco—all while balancing being a kid, too. "Diversity Beyond...

Whether serving in the Air Force Academy or excelling in top corporate roles, Trier Bryant is a dynamic leader in people-first leadership and inclusion. In this episode, she shares strategies for embracing risk, overcoming challenges, and advocating for diversity and inclusion in unique spaces. Learn the difference between coaching, mentorship and sponsorship, and how each can propel your career forward as you pursue your aspirations with courage and authenticity. "Diversity Beyond the...

In this episode, host Jackie Ferguson sits down with Sunaina Sinha Haldea, Global Head of Private Capital Advisory at Raymond James. Sunaina shares her inspiring journey from growing up in India to becoming a leading figure in finance and boardroom diversity. Discover how she overcame challenges, built and sold her own successful business, and continues to shatter glass ceilings in a male-dominated industry. Don't miss Sunaina's wisdom and resilience as she shares her secrets to success on...

Join us in celebrating reaching 10 seasons of podcast excellence. Tune in to hear Jackie and Zach Nunn discuss the secrets behind the show's success, reflect on the journey that took us to season 10, and share a sneak peek of upcoming guests like 12-year-old entrepreneur Arjun Sharda, global brand expert Fiona Lloyd, and distinguished leadership coach Tony Martignetti, who specializes in guiding leaders and teams through transformative change. Be sure to follow now for an exciting season...

Dive into a heartwarming celebration of Jackie Ferguson's 50th birthday on Diversity: Beyond the Checkbox, where moments turn into milestones and stories into lessons of love, resilience, and wisdom. This special episode unfolds Jackie's life journey through intimate conversations with those dearest to her: her mother, Dianne Ferguson; her husband, Donald Thompson; and her daughter, Diana Garland. Each guest brings a unique perspective, sharing memories that sparkle with joy, challenges...

Ignite your curiosity with Diversity: Beyond the Checkbox, as Jackie Ferguson, author, business leader, and human rights advocate, presents a compelling recap of Season 9's most transformative moments. This episode celebrates the stories, wisdom, and insights shared by our remarkable guests, including thought leaders like Leslie Means, Shalita Grant and Oscar Trimboli, who have paved the way for empathy-driven leadership, shattered societal limitations and mastered the art of deep...

Are you on a quest to discover the formula for enduring love? Do the challenges of relationship red flags and commitment hurdles leave you seeking answers? Dive into an enlightening Valentine's special episode of Diversity Beyond the Checkbox, where Jackie Ferguson hosts an intimate exploration with four remarkable men, including her own partner. This episode is a treasure trove of insights on finding, nurturing, and sustaining love through the test of time. Each incredibly successful, both...

As we gear up for Super Bowl Sunday, join us for a special replay of Diversity: Beyond the Checkbox with the legendary sports representative, Leigh Steinberg. The real-life Jerry Maguire, Steinberg has represented a dozen NFL Hall of Famers and iconic figures across various sports, including Olympic champions. Steinberg shares his journey from representing NFL Hall of Famers to advocating for diversity and equity in sports. With over $4 billion negotiated for his clients, including stars like...

Discover the secret to a fulfilling and balanced life in 2024 with Jackie Ferguson in this insightful episode of 'Diversity: Beyond the Checkbox.' Jackie combines her personal life experiences with insights from over 100 pioneering interviews to present eight essential practices for success and harmony. Explore how slowing down can lead to profound self-discovery, enhance personal growth, and bring joy and fulfillment into every aspect of your life. Jackie emphasizes the importance of...

Get ready for an enlightening episode with host Jackie Ferguson and her guest, Kamini Wood, a dynamic life coach and entrepreneur. This episode takes you on a journey through Kamini's personal experiences of growing up in a predominantly white town, highlighting the challenges and lessons in authenticity and belonging. Kamini opens up about her life-changing approach to personal development, emphasizing the power of understanding core values, needs, and beliefs. Gain invaluable insights into...

Dive deeper into the art of listening in this compelling second episode with Oscar Trimboli. Host Jackie Ferguson and the deep listening guru explore groundbreaking techniques beyond the basics. Learn how recharging your listening battery can drastically improve your focus in conversations, and discover the unexpected link between deep listening and enhanced personal relationships, including how it can lead to better intimacy. This episode also features Oscar's unique approach to managing...

Immerse yourself in deep listening with host Jackie Ferguson and Oscar Trimboli, an award-winning podcaster and keynote speaker, in this enlightening episode of "Diversity: Beyond the Checkbox." Learn the critical distinction between active and deep listening, where the focus shifts to understanding the 86% of unspoken communication. Oscar Trimboli brings his expertise to the forefront, sharing actionable insights and practical tips to decode nonverbal cues and verbal signals, enhancing your...

In this episode, Jackie talks with Leslie Means, founder of Her View From Home. This wife, mom, author, and businesswoman shares her journey from a small farm in Nebraska to the helm of a global online community of millions. Leslie delves into the unexpected twists in her career from broadcast journalism to entrepreneurship, the delicate balance between being a devoted mom and a thriving leader, and the pivotal moments that shaped Her View From Home. Tune in to discover Leslie's wisdom,...

As we navigate the holiday season, it's crucial to prioritize our well-being. Join us as we delve into a transformative conversation with Dr. Fanike-Kiara Young, an Integrative Wellness Program Designer and Business Profit Growth Strategist. Dr. Fanike shares her expertise as a Doctor of Behavioral Health, Licensed Trauma Therapist, and Master Reiki Practitioner, and opens up about her personal journey, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and vulnerability. She reveals invaluable...

Tune into an enlightening Diversity: Beyond the Checkbox episode with host Jackie Ferguson, as she jumps into the interviewee seat. In this conversation, Jackie engages with writer, editor, and diversity executive Amber Keister to explore the captivating theme of "Thriving Authentically: Breaking the Mold in the Modern Workplace." Shattering stereotypes and debunking the myth of imposter syndrome, Jackie sheds light on breaking free from the constraints that often lead to "shrinking in the...

In this engaging episode, host Jackie Ferguson engages in a heartfelt conversation with Josh Haymond, the Managing Partner at VACO. Explore Josh's incredible journey, both in the business world and his profound community impact. Explore the dynamics of his "player-coach" role, emphasizing the importance of client service and leadership in the recruitment industry. Beyond business, Josh shares about his early years and how the hardships he overcame led to his outstanding work as the founder...

In this episode, Jackie's talking with her accomplished husband Donald Thompson, author, speaker, and multi-exit entrepreneur, as he shares his journey from building successful businesses to the recent acquisition of The Diversity Movement by Workplace Options. Discover the secret sauce behind his five successful exits, the importance of niche branding, and the power of mentorship in his entrepreneurial endeavors. Learn how Donald navigates the delicate balance of being a competitive...

In this episode, we dive into the findings of Edelman's fifth edition of Business and Racial Justice Research with special guest Trisch Smith, the Global Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at Edelman. Join us as we explore the growing concern for racial justice, the trust gap within organizations, and the disconnect between CEOs and the rest of the workforce in addressing racial inequities. Discover the importance of long-term DEI commitment and employee trust in shaping a more...

In this inspiring episode, Jackie's joined by Dima Ghawi, an Author, Speaker, and Executive Coach, who shares her incredible journey of breaking free from confinements, crossing continents, and discovering her life's purpose. We explore the pivotal moments that shaped Dima's path, her early experiences in a Middle Eastern culture where the expectations were suffocating, and how she ultimately found the strength to defy those expectations. Her story is a powerful reminder that it's never too...

Join host Jackie Ferguson in a captivating conversation with Minette Norman, a renowned author, speaker, and consultant, as they explore the world of inclusive leadership. Learn about Minette's inspiring journey from a 30-year tech career to her mission of nurturing inclusivity and psychological safety among leaders. Dive into the qualities that define a boldly inclusive leader, gather practical advice for cultivating psychological safety, and uncover the significance of embracing...

In this episode, Jackie's talking with Dr. Adrelia Allen, Executive Director of Clinical Trial Patient Diversity at Merck. Join them as they explore Adrelia's remarkable journey and her pivotal role in reshaping the landscape of clinical trials to be more inclusive and reflective of the diverse patient population. Discover the key challenges, solutions, and the importance of building trust in healthcare, along with Merck's initiatives to open doors for underrepresented people in clinical...