The Uncompromise Podcast: Transformative Leadership Advice From Change Agents

Lisa Gardner is joined by Kimberly Brown, the president of the African American Real Estate Professionals (AAREP) in Los Angeles, to discuss authentic representation, diversity across the industry and the idea of “lifting as we climb”.   Highlighting the influx of young talent dedicated to community development, Kimberly believes in the transformative potential of organizations like AAREP in nurtu...

Lisa Gardner is joined by Herman Bulls, Vice Chairman at JLL. To discuss insights on overcoming challenges like discrimination and unconscious bias, the “pet to threat” phenomenon, having a mentor vs. Sponsor, and the importance of mentorship.     With 33 years in real estate, Bulls discusses founding the African American Real Estate Professionals (AAREP) and the impact of diversity in corporate A...

Lisa Gardner is joined by Dorothy Jones, Chief Marketing Officer at Dallas College, to discuss maintaining authenticity and integrity while trying to find a seat at the table in corporate settings.     Dorothy shares her strategies for storytelling, the pressures women face in business, and the importance of mentorship and sponsorship. Dorothy also explores the cultural differences between the pri...

Lisa Gardner is joined by Christa Brown Sanford, Chair of the Intellectual Property Department and key member of the Executive and Diversity & Inclusion Committees at her firm. Together they discuss boardroom dynamics and the balance between listening and speaking.  Christa shares insights on balancing faith and professional life, highlighting daily prayer and reliance on God. She discusses ca...

Lisa Gardner is joined by Jordan A. Miller Jr., the chairman and CEO of Adelphi Bank, Ohio's first black owned bank.   Miller shares his journey from early challenges, including dropping out of college and facing resistance as a black bank examiner, to his leadership role at Fifth Third Bank. He emphasizes the importance of economic access for the Black community, advocating for entrepreneurship a...

Lisa Gardner is joined by Tamela Thornton, a luminary in real estate management, discussing her unwavering integrity, being true to yourself, and her career challenges.     Thornton shares insights into maintaining authenticity and confronting adversity in a closed industry. Raised in a supportive Midwestern environment, she credits her upbringing for shaping her resilience and commitment to excel...

Lisa Gardner is joined by Garland Fuller, a DEI advocate with extensive experience in HR and talent acquisition to discuss how small moments are defining your leadership, the importance of fostering inclusion, and combating biases in corporate settings.    She advises individuals, especially those in C-suite positions, to embrace continuous learning and seek diverse mentorship. The discussion high...

Lisa Gardner is joined by Tori Littlejohn, JLL's senior managing director to discuss the transformative power of equity and the importance of fostering cultures of belonging.  Discover how Tori's journey as the first black woman in her role shapes her insights and drives her passion for change. With personal anecdotes and practical strategies, this episode offers actionable insights into creating...

Lisa Gardner welcomes special guest Judge Monica McCoy Purdy to delve into the complexities of navigating professional challenges of “can you have it all?” while upholding integrity and authenticity.  Judge Purdy shares insights from her remarkable journey as the presiding judge of the 95th Judicial District in Dallas County, Texas.  They discuss the importance of maintaining authenticity and inte...

Lisa Gardner, is joined by T. Dupree Scoville, the Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer at Woodbine Development Corporation to discuss their shared commitment to addressing societal issues, particularly within the context of being a change agent, racial divides and corporate responsibility.   Through personal anecdotes and reflections, Gardner and Scoville explore the transformative power...

Lisa Gardner is joined by Sarah Matson Miller of 1820 Productions to discuss leveraging diversity and core values of authenticity, integrity, and character in business.  Renowned for her diverse visual content for brands like Frito-Lay and Toyota, Sarah shares her journey from corporate America to the creative industry. Reflecting on their 14-year professional relationship, Lisa and Sarah discuss...

UNCOMPROMISE: noun - Unwavering commitment to values, beliefs, authenticity, integrity or character that brings heart and care to an organization. This is a fortuitous moment for me, as this has been a labor of love ignited by a burning inside of me to share the stories of those who have committed to challenging corporate norms, using their voices and positions to enact change, and remaining UNCOM...