A Black Executive Perspective on Race in Corporate America
Everyday Conversations on Race
Release Date: 02/07/2024
Dr. Gina Paige on African Ancestry: How DNA Reconnects Black Americans to Their African Roots
Everyday Conversations on Race
For most Black Americans, the family tree stops at a wall built by slavery. Dr. Gina Paige co-founded African Ancestry to tear down that wall. In this episode, she explains how her company uses DNA to trace Black people back to specific African countries and ethnic groups — not vague regions, not percentages, but actual present-day nations and peoples. Gina walks Simma through the science in plain language, explains why African Ancestry gets results other DNA companies can't, and talks about what happens inside people when they finally know where they come from. She also addresses the...
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From Black Panther to Corporate America: Elmer Dixon on Race, Revolution, and Why DEI Is Not Dead
Everyday Conversations on Race
Simma Lieberman and Elmer Dixon go back over 50 years — she was in the Young Patriots, he was co-founding the first Black Panther Party chapter outside California. In this conversation, they cut through the lies, revisionist history, and current attacks on DEI to talk about what the Black Panther Party actually stood for, why erasing Black history will never work, and what it takes to stay courageous when the political winds turn ugly. Elmer shares what it was like to transition from revolutionary to corporate diversity consultant, corrects the record on the myths about the Panthers, and...
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Why We Can't Stop Talking About Race: A Conversation with Carole Copeland Thomas
Everyday Conversations on Race
Carole Copeland Thomas has been black all her life — and she's spent decades making sure that means something in every room she walks into. Born in a Black hospital in Detroit during segregation, raised in a middle-class family where college was expected and Black excellence was the air she breathed. Carole became a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) who helps organizations turn complex challenges into real action. In this conversation, Carole and Simma go deep — on race, history, identity, the current political moment, and what all of us need to do right now. They talk about why...
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What Happens When a White Neighbor Writes a Black Woman’s Story?
Everyday Conversations on Race
What happens when two neighbors—one Black, one white—move beyond small talk and start sharing their real stories? In this episode, Simma talks with Sandra Eggleston and Bill Byrne, whose unlikely friendship led to the book MLK to Brother Ray: A Woman’s Adventure of Social Transformation, Political Revolution, and Personal Affirmation. Sandra spent four decades as a United Airlines flight attendant during a time when the U.S. was being reshaped by the Civil Rights Movement and the Women’s Movement. Along the way she met cultural icons, witnessed historic events, and navigated racism...
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Do We Still Need to Talk About Race?
Everyday Conversations on Race
In this episode of , host Simma Lieberman welcomes Verna Williams, CEO of , former law professor, and former dean, for a powerful conversation about race, justice, and access to legal representation in America. Verna explains why race remains a necessary topic—not to assign personal blame, but to understand how systems shaped by slavery and segregation continue to influence opportunity and social hierarchy today. She reflects on growing up in the Washington, DC and Maryland area, attending both predominantly white and predominantly Black schools. Those experiences sharpened her awareness of...
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Can Women of Color and White Women Be Friends?
Everyday Conversations on Race
From Fear to Friendship: The 30-Year Journey of an Interracial Women's Circle What does it really take for women across race, identity, and experience to move from awkward conversations to real friendship? In this episode, I talk with two people I deeply respect—Julie O’Mara and Dr. Sid Reel—about a women’s circle I’m part of that’s been meeting for nearly 30 years. What started as a conference breakout session turned into something far more rare: a space where white women and women of color stayed in relationship through grief, anger, mistakes, growth, and joy. We talk...
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What Was DEI Actually Meant to Do—and Why Did It Go Off Track?
Everyday Conversations on Race
A Conversation with Joe Santana; a DEI original Would you agree that most conversations about DEI today sound loud, polarized, and disconnected from the work itself? In this episode of Everyday Conversations on Race, I talk with Joe Santana—advisor, author, and long-time DEI consultant—about where Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion actually came from and how it was originally practiced inside organizations. What really is DEI, (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)? Joe and I have both spent decades doing this work. We’ve watched DEI evolve, get renamed, repackaged, misunderstood, and in some...
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Curiosity, Not Cancellation: Real Talk with Dr. Julie Pham
Everyday Conversations on Race
What happens when curiosity replaces fear? In this powerful and honest conversation, Simma Lieberman and Dr. Julie Pham, author of "7 Forms of Respect: A Guide to Transforming Your Communication and Relationships at Work", explore how curiosity helps us talk about race, identity, and respect without shame or defensiveness. They remind us that inclusion begins with wonder—and that respect isn’t fixed, it’s alive. Simma and Dr. Julie Pham dive into the idea of curiosity as a practice—a mindset we can bring to every interaction. They discuss how we each hold multiple identities, why...
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Voices of Triumph: Stories of African Women Immigrants in America
Everyday Conversations on Race
Join Simma, the Inclusionist, as she hosts an illuminating conversation with Dr. Nneka and Dr. Angela, two Nigerian-born, U.S.-based doctors and authors. They discuss their empowering book, '' which chronicles challenges and triumphs faced by African women immigrants. Delve into personal anecdotes of overcoming adversity, the significance of community, cultural impact, and the importance of recognizing self-worth. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in bridging cultural divides and celebrating resilience. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 01:09 Meet the Guests:...
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Black Health Matters: Community, Data, and the Journey to Wellness with Kwame Terra
Everyday Conversations on Race
How do we close the health gap in Black communities? In this episode, Simma Lieberman (“The Inclusionist”) talks with bEHR Health founder Kwame Terra about the urgent need for health equity, the power of community, and the real stories behind the statistics. From breaking world records to building a movement, this conversation will challenge, inspire, and empower you. Timestamps & Key Segments:00:00 – Introduction: Why Black Health Matters 02:15 – Meet Kwame Terra: From Runner to Health Equity Leader 07:30 – The Shocking Truth About Health Disparities 15:00 – bEHR Health:...
info_outlineIn this episode of "Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People," Simma sits down with Tony Franklin, also known as Tony Tidbit, the Vice President of Advertising, Sales, and Client Partnerships at DirecTV. Tony shares his personal experiences as a Black executive in corporate America and discusses the importance of open and honest conversations about race.
Simma and Tony discuss the challenges faced by people of color in corporate America, including the pressure to assimilate and the fear of being labeled as "too aggressive." Tony shares a personal story about trying to fit in by dressing and speaking like his white colleagues, only to realize that being himself was the key to his success.
They also delve into the issues surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. Tony highlights the resistance some organizations have towards implementing DEI initiatives, often due to unfounded fears of losing something. He emphasizes the need for companies to diversify their ranks and create a safe environment for all employees to thrive.
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The conversation touches on the importance of building emotional connections and breaking down barriers between people of different races. Tony shares his own experience of starting an open conversation on race at work, where employees could share their perspectives and learn from one another. He emphasizes the power of active listening and creating a safe space for dialogue.
Throughout the episode, Tony and Simma stress the need for individuals to take action and speak up about racial issues. They encourage listeners to step out of their comfort zones, engage in conversations about race, and challenge their own unconscious biases. By doing so, they believe that real change can happen in both corporate America and society as a whole.
Check out another great podcast on race hosted by my friend and colleague “Tony Franklin aka Tony Tidbit,” A Black Executive Perspective
To listen to more episodes of "Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People," visit www.raceconvo.com. And don't forget to share the show with others who are interested in having open and honest conversations about race.
Takeaways from this episode:
· Be yourself and embrace your unique talents and personality in the workplace.
· Managers play a crucial role in creating an inclusive environment and empowering their employees.
· Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are essential for the success of organizations.
· Building emotional connections and engaging in open conversations about race can break down barriers and foster understanding.
· Individuals should take action by speaking up, challenging unconscious biases, and actively listening to others.
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Tony Franklin (Tony Tidbit) Bio
Tony currently serves as Vice President of Advertising Sales and Client Partnerships at
DIRECTV, where he brings a wealth of experience to the role, boasting over 27 years in
the media industry.
Motivated by the events surrounding George Floyd, Tony initiated a workplace series
titled "An Open Conversation on Race" This initiative provides a safe environment for open and honest discussions, aiming to raise awareness and educate individuals on
various aspects of race, particularly within the context of Corporate America.
Tony is the founder and host (Tony Tidbit) of “A Black Executive Perspective
Podcast.” A podcast that sheds light on intersectionality, systemic racism, and other
challenging issues shrouding the experiences of Black professionals in America's
corporate environment. Beyond his professional endeavors, Tony channels his passion
for motivation into Tony's Tidbits, a daily inspirational email reaching thousands of
recipients nationwide.
Outside of work, Tony prioritizes quality time with his family. He is happily married to his
wife Gayle and is the proud father of three beautiful daughters: Samada, Mikaela, and
Madison.
Host Bio
Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker and facilitator. Simma is the creator and host of the podcast, “Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People.”
Contact Simma@SimmaLieberman.com to get more information, book her for your next DEIB event, help you become a more inclusive leader, or facilitate dialogues across differences.
Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information
Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition)
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