Real discussions about racial justice: No script, no filters. Just change-makers getting down to business.
Without action, a substantive, courageous conversation loses its power and value. Racial injustice has no place in our society, no place on our shop floors, no place in our board rooms, no place in our workplaces, and no place in our communities. While real, meaningful change will not come instantly, it is beyond time for action. Who better to begin to determine actionable steps than the diverse, innovative, thoughtful leaders who are creating the jobs that build our state’s communities? Business leaders are poised and ready to drive this overdue change.
Join us for our podcast series, “Critical Action: Leaders Getting Down to Business,” where pairs of business executives candidly discuss what it truly means to move the needle on racial justice in our state and nation.
Episodes
Episode 6: Charles Bowman (Bank of America) and Daniel Freeman (Genius Talent)
Charles Bowman, Bank of America Market President for NC and Charlotte, sits down with Daniel Freeman, CEO of Genius Talent Group for a conversation about racial equity in workplaces and communities. Both bring to the table concrete actions that businesses of any size can implement to position themselves as bridge builders in their respective communities, especially during a time of social injustice. Moderated by Executive Leadership Coach John Murphy, founder of John Murphy International.
Episode 5: Donald Thompson, Jr. (Walk West; The Diversity Movement) and Dr. Michael Waldrum (Vidant Health)
Donald Thompson, CEO of Walk West and founder of The Diversity Movement, is joined by Vidant Health CEO Dr. Michael Waldrum. They discuss the importance of acknowledging history and privilege as part of the process of eliminating systemic racism, and provide deep insight into the financial and cultural benefits of workplace inclusivity.
Episode 4: Sepi Saidi (SEPI, Inc.) and Chris Smith (Smith Anderson) | August 21, 2020
Sepi Saidi, President and CEO of SEPI Inc, chats with her good friend and fellow business leader Chris Smith, Partner and Management Committee Member at Smith Anderson, about the realities of racial justice in America. Both share concrete actions their businesses have taken to address the issue of equity within the workplace and beyond, particularly by embracing and advocating for the Second Chance Act.
Episode 3: Ward Nye (Martin Marietta) and Dr. Tunde Sotunde (Blue Cross NC) | August 6, 2020
Blue Cross NC’s new President and CEO Dr. Tunde Sotunde and Martin Marietta President and CEO Ward Nye share their thoughts on systemic racism, the urgent need for enduring action, and ways businesses can lead the way. Sotunde calls for a “Coalition of the Willing” to lead the change our communities so desperately need.
Episode 2: Tim Humphrey (IBM) and Trey Rabon (AT&T North Carolina) | July 27, 2020
Episode 2 features IBM’s Chief Data Office VP and Senior NC Executive Tim Humphrey, and AT&T NC President Trey Rabon. Listen as Humphrey candidly shares his experiences as a Black man in corporate America, and the two executives discuss the importance of active listening, mentorship, and strong workplace equity in advancing racial justice.
Episode 1: Jim Hansen (PNC) and Jim Sills (M&F Bank) | July 22, 2020
M&F Bank President Jim Sills and PNC Regional President Jim Hansen have an unfiltered, candid talk about how they and their teams are handling the issue of racial injustice–at home, in the workplace, and in the community. They discuss the role of financial institutions and the business community at large in serving as bridge builders during a time when racial tension is high and progress overdue. Moderated by John Murphy.