Breaking Barriers in Leadership and Law with Shannon Mangram of Berry Law
Release Date: 11/26/2024
Onward: A Conversation With Inclusion Strategist Joe Gerstandt
Because People Matter
Inclusion strategist joins us to discuss the journey of building inclusive leaders and organizations. He emphasizes the importance of reflective, deep work in leadership to achieve self-awareness and advance the journey toward building inclusive workplaces. Joe highlights the need for safe spaces and support circles to foster open dialogue and collaboration. He also shares practical advice on fostering inclusivity in remote work environments. Key Takeaways: (02:32) From skeptic to practitioner, Joe shares his journey. (05:34) Inclusion is an ongoing process of change. (09:45) Intentions...
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Fearlessly Navigating Spaces: Nazia Mollah’s Journey From Multicultural Roots to Artist Management Success
Because People Matter
In this episode, we’re joined by entrepreneur , an Artist Manager at and CEO of Nazia Mollah LLC. Nazia explains how her multicultural upbringing shaped her adaptability and professional success. Raised in a Bengali Muslim household in Queens, New York, Nazia developed the ability to navigate between traditional family expectations and Western societal norms. This duality equipped her with transferable skills that have fueled her journey from banking to higher education and on to the music industry. Nazia also discusses how diverse backgrounds drive innovation within organizations. Key...
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Tackling Maternal Health Disparities Through Community Engagement and Policy with Grace Mabiala-Maye, MD, MPH, Doctoral Student at the University of Nebraska Medical Center
Because People Matter
, Graduate Research Assistant at the , Student Liaison at the and Ambassador at , shares her journey from being a midwife’s daughter in Congo to helping reduce maternal deaths in Nebraska. Grace highlights the similarities between healthcare challenges in rural Congo and rural Nebraska and explains how systemic barriers often hinder progress. She underscores the importance of humility, co-leadership, community engagement and policy advocacy in driving meaningful change across communities. Key Takeaways: (02:34) Helping her mother deliver a baby as a child inspired Grace’s lifelong...
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Breaking Barriers in Leadership and Law with Shannon Mangram of Berry Law
Because People Matter
Can self-compassion help us change the status quo? , Veterans Disability Associate Attorney of , reflects on the challenges of navigating identity, self-compassion and societal expectations as a Black woman. She talks about her efforts to address structural inequities, foster inclusion and disrupt the status quo through collaborative problem-solving and leadership. Shannon shares her vision for a more equitable system and emphasizes the importance of asking the right questions to achieve justice. Key Takeaways: (05:47) Confidence grows through recognizing personal competence. (10:38)...
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Developing Leaders and Allies To Achieve Workplace Inclusion and Equity with Aileen Warren of ICAN
Because People Matter
, President and CEO of , shares with us her perspective on leadership, inclusivity and social work. She describes how ICAN empowers women by promoting inclusivity through leadership programs, workshops and conferences, as well as fostering allyship. Aileen emphasizes that everyone can discover their unique leadership style through a journey of self-awareness, resilience and purpose. She advises aspiring leaders, especially young Black women, to find supportive networks and boldly seek mentorship. Key Takeaways: (02:08) Aileen began her career in social work to help others. (04:32) Anyone can...
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The Power of Inclusion: How Self-Directed Accountability Drives Change with Dr. Karen Kassebaum
Because People Matter
What if creating an inclusive environment wasn't as hard as it seems? In this episode, Dr. Helen Fagan explores the profound impact of “lightbulb moments” in inclusion work with Dr. Karen Kassebaum, Global Inclusion Lead at Hudl. Together, they discuss building a culture of inclusion through self-directed accountability and practical principles. Karen reflects on how small but intentional actions can spark meaningful change within organizations and beyond. Key Takeaways: Inclusion isn’t as hard as it seems—small shifts can create powerful “aha” moments. Self-directed...
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Leading with Curiosity: Navigating Cultural Bridges and Global Leadership with Kevin Thor
Because People Matter
How does leaning into discomfort help you grow as a leader? In this episode, Dr. Helen Fagan sits down with Kevin Thor, global nonprofit leader, mentor, and cultural interpreter, to discuss his journey from a small-town Nebraska upbringing to leading teams across the globe. Kevin shares how his unique life experiences have shaped his approach to leadership, inclusion, and cultural adaptation. Key Takeaways: The power of embracing curiosity and courage in leadership. How inclusive leaders lean into discomfort and bridge cultural differences. Building connections through intentionality,...
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Dare to be Naive: How Innovation Thrives on Curiosity and Empathy with Joshua Berry
Because People Matter
How can leaders embrace intentional naivete to drive innovation? In this episode, Dr. Helen Fagan sits down with Joshua Berry, co-founder of Econic and author of Dare To Be Naive, to explore how adaptability and curiosity can revolutionize leadership and innovation. Joshua shares his journey—from moving 15 times by age 15 to his work in inclusive leadership—and how these experiences shaped his mindset for personal growth and professional development. Key Takeaways: Intentional naivete can be a powerful tool for fostering empathy, curiosity, and innovation in leadership. Innovation...
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Do More Good: Transforming Business into a Force for Good with Jay Wilkinson
Because People Matter
Can love and empathy reshape the business world? Discover how entrepreneur Jay Wilkinson is redefining success by integrating kindness, empathy, and love into business leadership. Learn how the Do More Good Movement is inspiring leaders to elevate their companies and communities through purpose-driven action. In this episode, Dr. Helen Fagan sits down with Jay Wilkinson, Founder of the Do More Good Movement, to discuss how businesses can be leveraged as a force for positive change in society. Key Takeaways: The Power of Purpose-Driven Business: How integrating love, empathy, and...
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Effective Strategies That Last: Building a Culture of Inclusion with Dr. Anita Rowe
Because People Matter
Discover the transformative power of emotional intelligence in fostering inclusive environments! In this episode, Dr. Anita Rowe shares her journey from education to diversity leadership, offering deep insights into how we can all become more effective and empathetic leaders. In this episode, Helen sits down with Dr. Anita Rowe, Co-Founder of the Emotional Intelligence and Diversity Institute. Together, they discuss the intersection of emotional intelligence and inclusive leadership, including: The importance of emotional intelligence in managing diversity and fostering effective...
info_outlineCan self-compassion help us change the status quo? Shannon Mangram, Veterans Disability Associate Attorney of Berry Law, reflects on the challenges of navigating identity, self-compassion and societal expectations as a Black woman. She talks about her efforts to address structural inequities, foster inclusion and disrupt the status quo through collaborative problem-solving and leadership. Shannon shares her vision for a more equitable system and emphasizes the importance of asking the right questions to achieve justice.
Key Takeaways:
(05:47) Confidence grows through recognizing personal competence.
(10:38) Changing the narratives from self-rejection to self-acceptance.
(17:00) We can’t shame ourselves into personal growth.
(23:10) We can observe within ourselves.
(33:21) Society's perceptions and expectations of Black women hinder their growth.
(40:50) Healthcare inequity disproportionately affects Black women.
(44:10) Listen to Black women’s messages even if you don’t like the delivery.
(52:47) Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority offers community and affirmation.
(56:48) Change societal structures and systems by asking the right questions and challenging the status quo.
Resources Mentioned:
The Danger of a Single Story by Chimamanda Adichie -
https://youtu.be/D9Ihs241zeg?si=MhdNPMk-kEq_W1uk
Harvard Business Review: "Give Yourself a Break" by Serena Chen -
https://hbr.org/2018/09/give-yourself-a-break-the-power-of-self-compassion
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated -
https://aka1908.com/
Dr. Anita Rowe -
https://www.eidi-results.org/who-we-are-1
Shannon Mangram -
https://shannonmangram.com
*Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® (AKA), an international service organization, was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1908. It is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American college-educated women
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