Leadership and Racial Equity: Unrigging the Game
Today is a special episode. I’ve invited my good friend, colleague, and collaborator, Jackson Best, on as a guest host to switch the script and interview me. Jackson is a Senior Executive Recruiter at Google Cloud and has worn a number of hats over the course of the four-plus years he has worked there. He was also on my team where he led Executive Recruitment for Youtube and partnered closely with me to build out and lead a portion of our non-tech Executive Recruitment team. Right now, there is an urgency with the moment we’re in regarding diversity and inclusion in corporate America. The facts are irrefutable that black people have been oppressed, shutout, denied access — and not just for decades, but centuries. That’s why, in this important episode, Jackson will be interviewing me by asking important and timely questions around leadership and racial equity in America. I share my personal thoughts and experience as a black woman and leader in the workplace, important lessons from black leaders of the past, offer timely advice on how we can begin to address systemic racism on both a personal and an organizational level, and how we can start to create real impactful change starting today. We cover a lot of ground in this episode and I cannot wait for you to tune in and join this important conversation. Key Takeaways: [:36] About today’s special episode with guest host, Jackson Best! [2:15] Welcoming Jackson to the podcast. [2:22] Jackson reflects on when and where we first met and connected. [2:40] Jackson leads the conversation, explaining what we will be discussing today. [3:17] Sharing my thoughts about this current moment we’re in, in corporate America. [5:37] How I am experiencing this current moment as a black woman in America. [9:44] What has kept me ‘in the game’ regardless of the discrimination I have faced. [12:01] Profound lessons from Steve Biko, a South African activist who led the Black Consciousness Movement in the late 1690s and ‘70s. [16:21] Discussing concepts around white supremacy and how white people (of all walks of life) can begin to reflect on their inherent privileges, as well as question and challenge their own assumptions. [20:11] Reflecting on how I’m experiencing this moment in time as a professional and leader, and sharing how you can create real impactful change right now in your organization. [25:20] Practical steps organizations and leaders can begin to take in approaching the systemic work that needs to be done to create an equitable future. [29:15] How to see real, meaningful, sustainable change in the composition of your company by implementing equitable hiring and recruiting practices, and through building strong relationships. [35:30] Why we need to measure diversity and how we can measure it. [38:07] The importance of accountability: how we can fairly and equitably hire as recruiters and leaders, and create a healthy work environment. [42:17] Microaggressions and the major role that they play in systemic racism. [46:16] The hallmarks of an exceptional, effective, and equitable leader. [48:40] The one thing I would like white colleagues in the workplace to know that might surprise them. [50:12] Sharing some parting words of hope, healing, and remembrance as we leave this conversation on leadership and race. Mentioned in this Episode: Jackson Best Steve Biko Cry Freedom (Film, 1987) Between the World and Me, by Ta-Nehisi Coates 1619 Podcast by Nikole Hannah-Jones Howard Thurman About Fifth Dimensional Leadership & Ginny Clarke Fifth-Dimensional Leadership is a podcast about leadership — knowing yourself, speaking your truth, inspiring love, expanding your consciousness and activating your mastery. As an executive recruiter and career expert currently leading executive recruiting at a Fortune 20 tech company, Ginny Clarke is a passionate and authentic thought leader with a unique and deliberate perspective on work and life. She synthesizes aspects of her life as an African-American single mother who has successfully navigated corporate America for over 30 years. She has inspired, uplifted, and changed the lives of thousands and is intentional about bringing conscious awareness to the people of all ages and stages. Every other week, a new edition of Fifth-Dimensional Leadership will include fascinating guests, covering a variety of topics: power, personal branding, self-awareness, networking, fear, and career management Stay Connected! To find more episodes or learn more, visit: ginnyclarke.com Connect with her on social media: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Youtube