Black Figures

We sat down with  @britneynhayes  , the current Associate Director of Curriculum and Programming at Minnesota Carlson, to unpack how to confidently pitch yourself and truly own your value in every stage of your career. From networking as an introvert to handling conflict without burning bridges, Britney shares actionable tips, personal stories, and strategies to help students and early career prof...

We sat down with Todd Williams, a corporate veteran with over 20 years at Procter & Gamble and Target, where he led impactful DEI initiatives. Now the owner of his own consulting company and a professor at @carlsonschoolumn, Todd joins us to unpack what inclusive leadership really means and how students and young professionals can find their footing in spaces where they may not always see them...

Episode 3 of Black Figures brings forward a story of reinvention and calm power with Adrianna Willis. After nearly 27 years in the corporate world, Adrianna pivoted in 2024, leaving behind the pressure and burnout to fully dedicate herself to a mission that has always been close to her heart. She’s the Founder & CEO of Mind the Crown, a brand she started in 2020 that champions self-care, menta...

Episode 2 of Black Figures, we have a sit down conversation with a true NABA success story—Nate Taye. A former President of NABA UMN, Nate is a dedicated change maker, Carlson alum, and rising corporate star. From his first day on campus to now pursuing his MBA, Nate has remained committed to excellence, leadership, and giving back to the community that shaped him. As an undergrad, Nate earned his...

Black Figures is officially up and running! Episode 1 of Black Figures, we have a sit down conversation with a true leader in the making—President of NABA UMN, dedicated change maker, and rising corporate star. From day one, he’s been committed to the mission, spending the last four years leveling up with NABA, and this past summer he took his talents to Chicago as an intern with Ecolab. Now, he’s...