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In the Black

In the Black

By: T. Dallas Smith
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 The most valuable companies in the world are maximizing their revenues by improving their inclusion and diversity strategies. But what does it take for a company to be “In the Black” from a diversity and economic standpoint? Join T. Dallas Smith, the founder of one of the largest Black-owned commercial real estate firms in the country, as he speaks with other champions for change who challenge the status quo to improve the lives of others. If you’re looking to transform the dominant narrative in the commercial real estate industry, this is the podcast for you, In the Black with T. Dallas Smith, a production of Forbes Books.Forbes Books Economics Personal Finance
Episodes
  • Legacy in Motion: Richard Slaton on Real Estate, Mentorship and Impact (Part One)

    Legacy in Motion: Richard Slaton on Real Estate, Mentorship and Impact (Part One)
    Aug 25 2025
    In this episode of In the Black, Dallas welcomes longtime friend and powerhouse in real estate and finance, Richard Slaton. As Executive Director at JPMorgan Chase Commercial Bank, Richard brings decades of experience in community development, affordable housing, and mentoring future leaders. He opens up about his journey from a curious 12-year-old in Atlanta to becoming a respected educator and financial leader.

    Richard shares the story of his early exposure to real estate, the pivotal influence of mentors like Ramsey Davis, Dr. John Williams, and Egbert Perry, and how his time at Morehouse shaped his path. He reflects on working across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, what he learned from managing assets for high-net-worth clients, and how legacy, not short-term gains, has always guided his decisions.


    From driving through Atlanta and seeing his work come to life, to teaching the next generation at Morehouse, Richard’s story is about impact, purpose, and the power of staying curious. This is part one of a conversation packed with insights, gratitude, and wisdom from a life well-lived in service of community and excellence.
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    16 mins
  • From Antigua to Atlanta: Egbert Perry's Journey of Innovation in Urban Development (Part Two)

    From Antigua to Atlanta: Egbert Perry's Journey of Innovation in Urban Development (Part Two)
    Aug 22 2024
    In this continuation of his conversation with Egbert Perry, Dallas delves deeper into Perry's remarkable career and insights on urban development. Perry shares the story of co-founding Integral, a company dedicated to revitalizing urban America, and discusses their groundbreaking work transforming public housing projects into mixed-income communities. Listeners will hear about Perry's influential tenure as chairman of Fannie Mae during a critical period in U.S. housing policy. Perry offers candid reflections on the challenges of urban development, including confronting deep-rooted societal issues and unexpected resistance to positive change. The episode concludes with Perry introducing his concept of "market permission" - a powerful framework for understanding and overcoming systemic barriers in corporate America. He emphasizes the responsibility successful individuals have to create opportunities for others. This wide-ranging discussion offers invaluable perspectives on community development, housing policy, and navigating career advancement as a person of color in the business world. Don't miss this inspiring and insightful conversation with one of the most influential figures in urban revitalization.
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    37 mins
  • From Antigua to Atlanta: Egbert Perry's Journey of Innovation in Urban Development (Part One)

    From Antigua to Atlanta: Egbert Perry's Journey of Innovation in Urban Development (Part One)
    Aug 15 2024
    In this episode of In the Black, T. Dallas Smith sits down with Egbert Perry, Chairman & CEO of Integral, a national urban development company. Perry shares his inspiring journey from growing up in Antigua to becoming a leader in urban development and community economic revitalization in the United States. Listeners will hear about Perry's humble beginnings, his scholarship to an elite New York boarding school, and his education at the University of Pennsylvania. Perry recounts how a chance connection led him to work for Herman J. Russell in Atlanta, a pivotal moment in his career. The conversation delves into valuable lessons Perry learned from Russell, including a powerful story about creativity and problem-solving when faced with limited resources. Perry's experience demonstrates the "power of being broke" and how it drove him to develop innovative solutions that shaped his future success. This episode offers insightful perspectives on entrepreneurship, urban development, and overcoming obstacles through determination and ingenuity. Don't miss this engaging discussion with one of the most influential figures in community development and real estate.
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    32 mins
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