Inclusive Leader Spotlight

In this episode of the Inclusive Leader Spotlight, your host, Juan Taveras, sits down with Taeler Hammond, CEO, Founder, and Managing DEI Consultant of Nouveau Paige Consulting. Taeler brings her industrial-organizational psychology and leadership development expertise to the conversation, focusing on how organizations can foster environments where employees feel valued, seen, and empowered. Throu...

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with Kim Clark, Founder and Owner of Kim Clark Communications, a no-nonsense DEI communications agency where language leads to action. Kim is a dynamic leader in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) communications, with a unique approach that integrates storytelling, internal communications, and DEI strategy. As the co-author of the Amazon bestseller T...

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with Jay Johnson, co-founder of Behavioral Elements and a two-time TEDx speaker. Jay is an expert in behavioral science with over 20 years of experience in empowering teams, growing profits, and elevating leadership. In this episode, Jay delves into the science of bias and the crucial role behavioral intelligence plays in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (D...

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with Dr. Lee Cordell, the CEO and Founder of the Institute for Trauma and Psychological Safety. Dr. Lee is a certified clinical trauma professional with over 20 years of experience in healthcare, organizational leadership, and neuropsychology. As a neurodivergent multiracial woman and a trauma survivor, she brings a deeply personal and professional perspective to the...

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the Founder and CEO of Labov Marketing, Communications, and Training, Barry Labov. Barry is a renowned entrepreneur and brand strategist with over four decades of experience in the marketing industry. As a two-time Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Barry shares his unique approach to discovering and celebrating brand differentiation. In this episode, B...

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the Founder and President of deepSEE Consulting, Sara Taylor. Sara is a nationally recognized thought leader in cultural competence, with over 35 years of experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). As the author of "Thinking at the Speed of Bias," Sara shares her proven frameworks and tools for shifting unconscious filters to foster true equity in the...

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the Founder and principal EDI Practitioner of Intersectional Group, Zhou Fang. Zhou is a trailblazer in the EDI space, leading the Intersectional Group with a focus on integrating EDI into strategic planning rather than treating it as a standalone initiative. Her approach is rooted in intersectionality, a framework that recognizes the interconnectedness of...

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the Gay Leadership Dude, Owner, and Principal of TopDog Learning Group, Dr. Steve Yacovelli. Steve emphasizes the importance of being consciously inclusive, which involves actively working to create a sense of belonging for all individuals within an organization. This approach goes beyond simply acknowledging diversity; it requires intentional actions to ensure...

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the CEO of The Johnson Leadership Group, Kevin Wayne Johnson. Kevin Wayne Johnson's journey began in Richmond, Virginia, where he grew up as the son of a US Marine and a federal government employee. His career path took him from the Richmond public schools to Virginia Commonwealth University, where he majored in business administration with a focus on finance an...

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of cosyn, Joana Dos Santos and Eric Rodríguez. Joana and Eric emphasize the importance of co-creation in their approach to DEI and change management. Co-creation involves actively involving all stakeholders in the decision-making process, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered and valued. This approach not only fosters a se...

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the CEO of Potential Unleashed Consulting, Jahmad Canley. Jahmad's consulting firm, Potential Unleashed Consulting, is dedicated to helping organizations create inclusive cultures of belonging. The name "Potential Unleashed" reflects Jahmad's passion for enabling people and organizations to reach their full potential. This people-centric approach allows the firm...

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the CEO of Safe Haven Dialogues, Dr. Frank Douglas. Frank emphasized that the challenges in DEI work often stem from a reluctance to embrace demographic changes and a misunderstanding of the potential for growth and innovation through diversity. He highlights the need for organizations to understand and address the core principles of DEI to create a more inclusi...

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the Assistant Dean for Library DEI Initiatives and Development (Full Librarian) at Chapman University and the Host of the TV Show “Salon Essraa: The TV Show Telling Inspiring Stories One Egyptian Expat at a Time, Essraa Nawar. Essraa's journey is a testament to the power of embracing diversity and fostering inclusion. Originally from Egypt, Essraa's experiences...

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the Diversity Trust Builder of Diversity in Action Global Movement, Drocella Mugorewera. Drocella's story is one of remarkable transformation. As a refugee from Rwanda, she faced the daunting challenge of fitting into a new culture. Yet, she turned these trials into an asset for companies, creating the Diversity in Action system. This system goes beyond meeting...

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the Founder and Director of Disruptive Inclusion, Dr. Jennifer Sarrett. Jennifer believes that inequity can be eradicated by recognizing our shared humanity. With over a decade of research and study, she has delved into the histories and perspectives of diverse groups, focusing on leveraging privilege and perspective for the collective good. Her specialization i...

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the Owner and Lead Facilitator of Real Talk & Brave Spaces, Camille Leak. Camille Leake is not your average DEI practitioner. She's a truth teller, a storyteller, and a trauma-informed facilitator passionate about helping individuals and organizations have transformative realizations. Her tagline, "Let's get comfortable with being uncomfortable," encapsulate...

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the Founder and Consultant of Scholar Consulting, Dr. Brent Scholar. Dr. Scholar began by emphasizing the undeniable importance of personal and team development in crafting effective organizations. He shared that the key to a strong company and society lies in creating workspaces that are both diverse and inclusive. But what does that really mean? It's not just...

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the Author, Mentor, and Speaker of Latinas in Corporate, Myriam Del Angel. One of the key themes Myriam touched upon was the critical role of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Business Resource Groups (BRGs) in fostering a culture of inclusion. As the executive sponsor for the Latino BRG at Randstad and a contributor to a global project aimed at creating a wom...

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the Owner and Executive Coach of Apoyo Coaching and Consulting, Dr. Joel Pérez. Joel's story is as inspiring as his mission. As a first-generation college graduate and the son of Mexican immigrants, his personal experiences have deeply influenced his commitment to supporting leaders from minority communities. His work with BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ executive striving t...

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with Co-Founder and Principal of Orange Grove Consulting, Jodi Detjen. Jodi's professional journey is as inspiring as it is instructive. She transitioned from a career in computer programming to academia and research, driven by a passion for organizational development and change management. Alongside her business partner, Kelly Watson, Jodi co-founded Orange Grove Co...

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the Certified Diversity Executive, DEI Coach, and Founder of Amplify DEI, Vivian Acquah. Vivian's journey into the world of DEI consulting is both personal and profound. As a black woman standing six foot one with vibrant hair and a headscarf honoring her Ghanaian roots, Vivian embodies her message of living "loud and proud." Her transition from working in finan...

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the CEO and Executive and Leadership Coach, Deb Crowe. Deb shared her passion for coaching leaders across various levels, emphasizing the importance of leading an authentic life. As a team facilitator and educator, she is committed to giving back by teaching senior leadership classes. Deb is working on her second book, following the success of "The Heart Centere...

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the Principal of Magnificent Differences Consulting, Lakia Elam. Lakia brings over two decades of expertise in diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), hiring, and culture building. Her dedication to fostering workplace environments where diversity is not just present but celebrated is truly inspiring. Lakia's passion for DEI is personal and profound. She shared how...

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the Human-Centered Consultant, Inclusion, Diversity, and Representation Strategist, and Change Agent, Dr. Jen O'Ryan. Jen is not just an organizational strategist, author, speaker, and change agent; she's a visionary who sees the transformative power of human-focused change. Her mission aims to help organizations transition their DEI initiatives from well-meanin...

Your host, Juan Taveras, talks with the Founder of Visionary Development Consulting, Sharitta Marshall. Sharitta doesn't just talk about change; she embodies it. As the daughter, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter of pioneering Black women, Sharitta carries the torch of her foremothers, striving to create a world where everyone, especially those from underrepresented and marginalized groups, c...