Ever found yourself echoing the unheard prophecies of Cassandra, the Trojan priestess doomed to speak truths no one would believe? That's the thread Karen & Brittany tug at as they explore the labyrinth of trust and credibility, where the workplace becomes our modern-day Troy.

In this episode, Karen and Brittany peel back the layers on why certain voices are bolstered and others stifled. They examine the unique hurdles Black women leap over in professional arenas and examine how trauma shapes their work armor as they double down on their professional expertise. They dissect the concept of "cultural fit" and the biases lurking behind it, challenging the status quo of subjective hiring practices and providing advice on how to build equitable teams and how to forge a workplace where every member's worth is measured by their mastery, not by likability.

CONTINUED LEARNING
Workplace Divided: Diversity and Equity and Inclusion and Discrimination

Stay With Us

• Watch and Subscribe to The E Word on YouTube.
• Follow Karen on LinkedIn and learn more at Colossal Work.
• Follow Brittany on LinkedIn and learn more at BND Consulting Group.

Every strand tells a story, and in our latest episode, we weave through the complex tapestry of hair's role in equity and self-expression. I open up about the personal hurdles I've faced sporting dreads and dyed hair in professional spheres, while we also unravel the historical battles for acceptance that many like Daryl George have endured. This isn't just talking about hair grooming – it's a deep-rooted discussion about societal norms, where we spotlight the need for an inclusive reimagining of workplace and societal perspectives on hair.

We then pay tribute to the powerful legacy of Black women's hair, a resilient emblem of identity through the centuries. From the oppressive tignon laws to Madam C.J. Walker's pioneering beauty empire, we celebrate the artistry and resistance sewn into every braid, twist, and coil. Icons like Issa Rae and Tina Turner serve as our muses, illustrating hair's role in empowerment and cultural pride. By sharing how to genuinely support others' hair journeys and debunking myths with grace, we champion a future where every hair texture and style is not merely tolerated but embraced with open admiration.

Continuing Education

1. The Person Beneath the Hair: Hair Discrimination, Health, and Well-Being (National Library of Medicine)
2. Is Hair Discrimination Race Discrimination? (American Bar Association)
3. The CROWN Act hasn’t ended hair discrimination in Texas (Brookings)
4. A Black student was suspended for his hairstyle. The school says it wasn’t discrimination (Associated Press)
5. The CROWN Act
6. How Hair Discrimination Affects Black Women at Work (HBR)
7. Penalizing Black hair in the name of academic success is undeniably racist, unfounded, and against the law (Brookings)

Stay With Us

• Watch and Subscribe to The E Word on YouTube.
• Follow Karen on LinkedIn and learn more at Colossal Work.
• Follow Brittany on LinkedIn and learn more at BND Consulting Group.

Discover how the landscape of marketing leadership is being reshaped with a historic shift towards female empowerment, as we examine what it really means to hold power and influence in this competitive industry. Celebrations may be in order for the rise of women to 51% of Chief Marketing Officer roles, but we peel back the veneer to question the equity within this progress, particularly when juxtaposed with the staggering statistic that only 1% of agency owners are female. We probe into the depths of representation disparities, from creative directors to the highest echelons of advertising, to understand the full picture of gender parity in the marketing realm.

The fabric of brand loyalty is woven with threads of respect and trust, but what happens when these are tested in the court of law and public opinion? We scrutinize a contentious lawsuit that challenges brand values and inclusivity, as Hello Alice and Progressive Insurance face accusations of discrimination for their commitment to supporting Black-owned businesses. This segment navigates the treacherous waters of consumer expectations and the ethical responsibilities businesses must shoulder in an age where every action is scrutinized, shaping narratives around inclusivity and integrity.

Finally, we confront the raw, uncomfortable truths of systemic racism and privilege that cast long shadows over business funding and opportunity. Through the lens of recent legal actions against initiatives like the Fearless Fund's grants for Black women business owners, we challenge the status quo and invite introspection on the role of institutional power in perpetuating economic disparities. By dissecting the dynamics of racism and the misuse of legal precedent, we uncover the need for intentional action against systemic barriers, urging listeners to recognize the importance of dismantling these walls for a more equitable society. Join us in these deep conversations, where the pursuit of true freedom and equity remains our unwavering goal.

Continuing Education

1. How to Effectively — and Legally — Use Racial Data for DEI
2. After history of discrimination, these federal contractors fought to hide diversity data
3. Why better reporting on racial and ethnic equity can improve diversity and inclusion outcomes

Stay With Us

• Watch and Subscribe to The E Word on YouTube.
• Follow Karen on LinkedIn and learn more at Colossal Work.
• Follow Brittany on LinkedIn and learn more at BND Consulting Group.