Every thriving workplace has the same three elements in common: leadership, equity, and community.
Join us for the podcast series extensio@work™, where we explore each of these topics, in rich and candid conversations with historians, educators, activists, authors and leaders. We unpack the common dynamics of thriving workplaces, how to promote equity and community at work, and how great leaders respond to opportunities to change and grow.
Check out episodes below, or look for the series on Spotify.
SEASON TWO
EPISODE 15: CONNECT
[26 May 2021]
In this Season Finale episode of extensio@work™, we explore the role and responsibilities of corporate Board members, the power of authentic leadership, how Boards are reacting to evolving issues of equity, and the transformative consequence of connection with others. Our guest is the visionary corporate Board Director Herman Bulls, repeatedly listed by Savoy Magazine as one of the Top 100 Blacks in Corporate America and one of the Most Influential Black Directors in Corporate America.
[episode notes]
EPISODE 14: VENTURE
[12 May 2021]
In this episode, we’re discussing ableism, women-owned businesses, entrepreneurship, venture capital, cancer, resilience and courage. Our guest is VC investor turned startup founder Ashley Yesayan, the founder and CEO of One Village, a marketplace connecting cancer patients and their supporters with the content, tools, products, and services they need to make life easier before, during, and after treatment.
[episode notes]
EPISODE 13: INCLUSION
[28 April 2021]
In this episode we’re discussing inclusive leadership: what it means, why it matters, and how it accelerates productivity, equity and innovation at work. Our guest is General Counsel and DEI executive Stephanie Gilliard. She explains the behaviors and attributes of inclusive leaders, the perils of code switching, the influence of implicit bias, why inauthenticity defeats progression, and how conflict and dissent can be a catalyst for holistic decision making.
[episode notes]
“This was excellent! Thank you for being so genuine and spot on. So many people need this validation and truth.”
“Loved hearing your inspired and inspiring words!”
EPISODE 12: JUSTICE
[14 April 2021]
In this episode of extensio@work™, we explore the relationship between Justice and faith, equity, and morality. Our guest is activist, author, and N Street Village leader Schroeder Stribling. We discuss the elements of our common human condition, what it means to be a white ally in the anti-racism movement, and the significance of vulnerability, love, and community in our shared pursuit of justice.
[episode notes]
“The thoughtful and accessible conversation captured so much; justice, allyship, charity, hope, grace, and perspective. So much of what was said struck a chord and was just... well... authentic. I will be listening again to the messages shared and adding them to my learnings that keep me going during this time of opportunities cloaked in challenges as we work toward a more just and equitable world.”
“Once again, Schroeder Stribling has captured what it means to be an ally on the quest for racial justice. Take the time to listen to her message. She calmly envisions a just world and shares her approach to allyship. All white leaders should listen to Schroeder Stribling’s master class.”
“Very insightful, impressive, and informative discussion.”
Episode 11: HOSPITALITY
(31 Mar 2021)
In this episode, we receive a rare, inside view of how hotel leaders used grit, ingenuity, communication, and teamwork to pull through a national shutdown and lead their teams to resilience, reopening, and recovery. Our guest is Mary Rogers, award-winning VP and GM of the iconic and legendary Fontainebleau Miami Beach hotel and resort. We learn about the transformational impact of empathetic leadership, the unique collaborative spirit of the hospitality industry, and why we need travel, leisure, and hospitality experiences to nourish our souls and connect us with friends and family. This story of endurance, innovation, and leadership is a heartwarming testament to the human spirit and an inspiring, hopeful message in a post-pandemic world.
[episode notes]
Episode 10: LEGACY
(17 Mar 2021)
In this episode, we’re learning about the new National Museum of the American Latino, to be erected on the National Mall and commemorating over 500 years of Latino contributions to the building, shaping and defending of America. We discuss the tireless efforts of advocates who spent decades supporting the creation of this museum, and we’re enlightened by stories of the rich history, legacy and impact of Latino culture in the United States. Our guest is Danny Vargas, one of Latino Leaders Magazine’s 2020 Most Influential Latinos and the Chairman Emeritus of the Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino.
[episode notes]
Episode 9: RENEW
(3 Mar 2021)
During this episode, we’re discussing mental health and the impact of the pandemic on our approach to leadership and team engagement. We talk about order and chaos, the importance of failure as a predicate to innovation, the active listening qualities of effective “cyber leaders” and why agility and compassion are competitive advantages. Learn the 5 self-care activities that bring us happiness. Our guest is organizational and clinical psychologist Dr. Greg Powell.
[episode notes]
SEASON ONE
Episode 8: COMMUNITY
(16 Dec 2020)
During this episode, we're discussing music, joy, teamwork, resilience, reputation and building community. My guest today is Joanie Madden, one of the greatest musicians in the history of Irish music in America and the driving force behind the ground breaking all female band, Cherish the Ladies.
[episode notes]
Episode 7: IMPACT
(9 Dec 2020)
A transformational conversation with the visionary leader Beth Brooke, named eleven times to the Forbes list of the "World's 100 Most Powerful Women." We discuss the critical importance of humility, how to value difference, mentorship, sponsorship (and the distinction between the two), values-based leadership, “success” vs. “significance,” and how to use your platform to make a difference in the world.
[episode notes]
Episode 6: START
(2 Dec 2020)
During this episode, we’re discussing the art and science of entrepreneurship, how to develop big ideas to create impact, and the critical importance of purpose and joy. Our guest is Pam Allyn, a world-renowned literacy expert, author and social entrepreneur.
[episode notes]
Episode 5: ACTION
(18 Nov 2020)
During this episode, Eddie Adkins, Rob Falk, and Michelle Phillips discuss civil rights for LGBTQ+ individuals, activism, allyship, and the power of building a coalition to create impactful change.
[episode notes]
“Your guests’ insights were so valuable to me, both personally and professionally.”
Episode 4: character
(11 Nov 2020)
What does it really mean to be a “leader”? In this episode, veterans Scott Buttz and Courtney Lynch explore principles, experience and knowledge taught to leaders for more than two centuries in the United States Marine Corps and applicable to anyone who desires to influence outcomes and inspire others. Whether you are an experienced leader or an emerging one, you will find yourself in this rich and passionate discussion of accountability, service, responsibility, humility, failure, trust, corruption, and the undeniable compass point of … Character.
[episode notes]
Episode 3: Equity
(28 Oct 2020)
During this episode, Dr. Courtney L. McCluney of Cornell University helps us to understand how organizations and individuals can resist and change practices that maintain inequalities at work. We review critical concepts of marginalization, professionalism, code-switching, culture and the intentionality required for an organization to foster true inclusion, equity and justice within a diverse workforce.
[episode notes]
“What I am closer to understanding is the disadvantages people face who are not like me, white, male, and from a family that provided many advantages. I’m learning that the disadvantages they face are rooted in a societal structure to which I have been totally oblivious.”
Episode 2: UNDERSTANDING
(21 Oct 2020)
During this episode, we’re discussing American history, and specifically the impact of slavery on our laws and legal systems. In order to lead in a diverse and inclusive workplace, we must examine and understand our history, and in this episode we review and discuss the different ways in which the legal legacy of slavery impacts how we view race today. Our guest is Dr. David Reed, Assistant Professor in the Department of History and Government at Bowie State University.
[episode notes]
“What a good listen! I could’ve listened to him talk for hours.”
“This was the most concise, yet informative podcast I’ve heard on the issue. Both you, and the speaker did a phenomenal job engaging and educating the audience on incredibly important and emotional content. I especially found the history fascinating and appreciated the journey into how that so significantly impacts where we are today. ”
“My unexpected favorite so far was the one titled, “Understanding.” I was skeptical at first about how such a complicated topic could be covered in such a short time, but was amazed by how much I got out of it.”
“I was truly mesmerized by Episode 2: Understanding. It’s a fascinating conversation about the inequity of racial bias and the long-term effects that slavery has had on our laws and legal system. We spend our professional careers fighting to defend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 but seldom do we think about the history of legislation that has often served to negate so much of the protections that we take for granted. Just reminded me that we must always remain informed and vigilant. I highly recommend that you take the 30+ minutes to listen. Let it make you think about how you and I have learned history and I hope it challenges you to think differently about the concepts of equality and equity. Form your own opinions and debate those opinions, but be informed.”
Episode 1: RESILIENCE
(14 Oct 2020)
During this episode, we’re discussing resilience and strategic thinking for leaders, and how to optimize, agility, and innovation, particularly in times of change and uncertainty. My guest is Barbara White. Barbara is the CEO of The Avoka Group, and she has spent decades helping companies, Agencies, and C-Level executives to design and execute transformational change programs centered on strategy, organizational effectiveness, and innovation. Barb is an Entrepreneur-In-Residence at both Georgetown and Johns Hopkins, where she provides expertise, thought leadership, mentoring, and coaching to students and alumni to help them to advance their entrepreneurial capabilities.
[episode notes]