The issue of diversity and inclusion in tech is what designers call a wicked problem. It’s a cluster of systemic and individual biases, compounded by years of denial, complicated by changing socioeconomic forces. Still, that’s no excuse — especially since Silicon Valley prides itself on solving impossible problems, and given its exceptional influence in the business community and around the world.
Let’s face it – we’re headed toward an official recession. It’s a different kind of recession – one that was produced on purpose instead of experienced by accident. But it’s a recession nonetheless. And with unemployment claims at their highest level since the Labor Department started tracking the data in 1967 and projections from the medical field that prolonged or intermittent social distancing may be necessary into 2022, it’s likely the economy will be disrupted for quite awhile. What should you do to prepare your business?
Your money or your life? That’s the age-old question… usually asked by “highwaymen” a.k.a. robbers. Well, COVID-19 is a new kind of highway virus, and we’re asking, “Our lives, or our money?” Well, I’ll give you a typical MBA answer: It depends.
Like all businesses, the speaking and events world is subject to change. This is a topic many speakers and event organizers are thinking about now, thanks to the Coronavirus, but it is something the industry needs to start preparing for in spite of these difficult times. Speakers and event planners make their living off of live events and conferences and like any business, they can have disruptions. Having multiple ways to deliver your services and a contingency plan in place is key for business continuity. Here are a few things to help you prepare for the future.
The world is a complex and fast-moving place. Innovation is happening in every industry and spans a multitude of both current and emerging technologies. The mixture of innovation is rewriting our society in real-time as we know it. How do we wrap our heads around this age of change to develop, adapt, and innovate?
The world is changing fast and technology has opened up a whole new way of doing and starting businesses. One of the tremendous emerging trends is a pathway for underrepresented people to have their voices heard and deliver value in a more inclusive marketplace. Walls are being broken down and the rules are finally starting to change. One of the people facilitating this change is the fabulous Lolita Taub. I had the distinct pleasure of getting to know her and hearing her story and digging into what drives her to do the work she is doing now.
Imagine sitting in an audience and listening to the story of a journalist who was literally shot in the face with an RPG (Rocket Propelled Grenade) in Afghanistan and lived to talk about it. The entire audience sits in awe, listening intently full of empathy ready to hear his story. This is what it is like when Carmen Gentile speaks. I got to talk with Carmen recently and get to know him and his story and more importantly the impact he is having and wants to have on the world.
In this conversation, Ross explores the connection between brand value and employee experience with Mark Levy, the pioneer of EX through his work at Airbnb. Mark now shows organizations what is possible when you empower employees and rethink HR.
I recently had the pleasure of spending some time with the multi-talented Gravity Speakers Exclusive, Shontavia Johnson, whose company LVRG is helping empower female entrepreneurs in a way that is both impactful and highly needed. It never ceases to amaze me when I meet the founders of companies and hear their stories. You can see how these trailblazers use their own experience to create opportunities for others who come from similar places. Shontavia’s journey through law school and then entrepreneurship as a woman of color was one that was far from easy. She cut her own path in a male-dominated industry and what she brought with her was a new perspective but she didn’t stop there. She turned around and helped pave the way for others helping to increase diversity in industries and organizations. Some people are willing to go it alone where there is no trail and in doing this they create inroads for others. Her thoughtfulness and positive energy are infectious and she is just getting started.
Sheen Allen has an incredible story of success in an industry that is difficult for everyone and even more difficult for minorities, women, and female founders. Listed in the Forbes 30 Under 30, Sheena started Sheena Allen Apps as a non-technical founder garnering millions of downloads. From there she created her 2nd big startup, CapWay, a neobank to serve underbanked and unbanked segments with financial services and education and she is just getting started.
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