Behind every thriving organization is a leader who understands that success isn't built on strategy alone—it's built on people.

Leadership is one of the most significant investments an organization can make.

When leaders grow, teams grow. Culture improves. Communication becomes stronger. Innovation flourishes. And organizations are better equipped to navigate change and...

In today’s workplace, keeping great employees takes more than offering competitive salaries and good benefits. People want to feel valued, connected, challenged, and supported. They are looking for workplaces where they can grow personally and...

I’ve spent decades working with leaders across industries, cultures, and communities, and one thing has become increasingly clear: expertise alone is no longer enough. We are entering a moment where how you lead, how you communicate, and how you show up...

When people see confident leaders, they often assume courage comes naturally. But the truth? Most of us are leading while afraid.

I still remember the first time I stepped into a major leadership role. I was excited—but terrified. Questions swirled in my...

In today’s fast-paced and often high-stress workplaces, one of the most valuable resources an organization can offer isn’t just competitive salaries, perks, or cutting-edge technology—it’s a supportive culture rooted in connection.

A supportive work...

Leadership is often painted as a solitary journey—the leader at the top, making tough decisions and carrying the weight of responsibility. But the truth is, even the most successful leaders rarely get there alone. Behind nearly every great leader is a...

There was a time when I thought that being a strong leader meant always pushing, always doing, always showing up at 100%. I thought that rest was something you earned after the work was done.

But I’ve learned—sometimes the hard way—that rest is not a...

Halfway through the year, it’s easy to feel tired or stuck. Maybe your team is slowing down, energy is low, or everything feels a little harder than usual. On top of that, there’s a lot of fear in the air—job cuts, AI changes, company shake-ups, and low...

Imagine a workplace where people feel energized walking in the door. Where the culture encourages collaboration, trust, and innovation—not fear, exhaustion, or confusion. A place where teams perform at their best because they believe in what they’re...

Every great leader starts with a sense of purpose—a deep desire to do something meaningful, to drive change, to leave a legacy. But purpose alone isn’t enough. The real magic happens when that purpose is translated into action. If you’ve ever felt called...

In today’s fast-moving world, leadership isn’t just about individual success—it’s about creating meaningful relationships that drive positive change. Strong professional and community networks can open doors to new opportunities, foster collaboration,...

In a world increasingly characterized by change and unpredictability, many of us find ourselves searching for solid ground. The constant shifts in our personal and professional landscapes can leave us feeling adrift, scattered, and disconnected from the...

In a world that is constantly evolving, leadership must evolve with it. The most impactful leaders today are those who break barriers, challenge norms, and create spaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. But how do you become that kind of...

Inclusive leadership isn’t just about diversity—it’s about creating environments where all voices are heard and valued. A key practice to achieve this is reflection. By regularly reflecting on our actions, decisions, and experiences, we can understand...

As a leader, year-end planning is more than just a way to close out the current year—it’s a critical opportunity to set the stage for future success. Thoughtful year-end planning allows leaders to reflect on past achievements, identify areas for growth,...

In today’s fast-paced, interconnected world, leadership that’s rooted in purpose and intention is more essential than ever. A purpose-driven leader doesn’t just manage—they inspire, empower, and create environments where everyone feels valued and has a...

In today's rapidly evolving world, navigating challenging conversations has become an essential skill for personal and professional growth. Whether it's in the workplace, in our communities, or even among friends, engaging in difficult dialogues can feel...

Innovation thrives when diverse perspectives come together, challenging conventional thinking and sparking new ideas. Groundbreakers—those who are the first, few, or only in their field—understand this deeply. By embracing their unique paths and bringing...

In today’s interconnected world, where our experiences and backgrounds shape who we are, having a coach is essential. Whether you’re advancing in your career, exploring new personal goals, or seeking to understand the nuances of different perspectives, a...

Hey there, Groundbreakers!

Are you one of the first, the few, or the only in your field? Congratulations – you're a Groundbreaker! While being one of the firsts, fews, or onlys can feel isolating at times, I'm here to tell you that you're not alone, and...

Throughout my career, I have often been a “first,” a “few,” or an “only.” I have been the first BIPOC person in certain leadership roles, one of only a few women in committees, and the only Black woman in the room. Through these experiences (and...

In today's dynamic workplaces, fostering an environment of inclusivity and empowerment is essential for driving innovation and success. However, many organizations struggle to effectively support underrepresented employees in their journey towards...

Accountability is an integral part of business. If someone does not finish an important project on time, that person might receive backlash from their team. If an employee does not submit travel expense reports, they will not be reimbursed. If a...

That old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is misguided and false. Words have power. They can soothe someone who is in pain, or uplift someone who is feeling down. They can also have the opposite effect, by...

In many countries across the world, the older generation is revered and honored. Younger people respect their elders’ perspectives, acknowledge their decades of accumulated wisdom, and ask them for advice and input. Older people play a significant role...

It’s easy to make a moral and ethical case for amplifying diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. All people deserve an equal chance to succeed in a professional environment, along with a basic expectation to feel welcomed and be...

Bringing Inclusion to an Individual Level

Meaningful change cannot always be achieved with a broad brush. Sometimes, we have to zoom in and start creating change with individual strokes. In other words, big-picture changes involving diversity, equity,...

For many businesses, the new year is more than a symbolic clean slate or a fresh start. It’s a time when meaningful planning takes plan—an opportunity to influence the year ahead. One critical area that currently requires a little (or more than a...

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work is not something that can be performed once and forgotten about. These initiatives and efforts are not like artifacts at a museum, stuck behind glass. This work is dynamic, instead of stagnant. It is constantly...

In a post-Affirmative Action US, I have heard a number of disconcerting reports related to the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work. DEI practitioners and HR professionals have been asked to remove any mention of the words “diversity,”...

Improving inclusivity in the workplace is a lofty goal that can seem overwhelming, or even impossible, to achieve. How can we ensure all people not only have a seat at the table, but a voice as well? While widespread inclusivity takes time, and a...

Recently, I have written articles on this blog and LinkedIn about diversity fatigue and the key factors that can cause it. Diversity fatigue can be defined as feeling exhausted, frustrated, and even cynical about creating a diverse, equitable, and...

It’s easy to claim you’re an ally. It takes little effort to attend a few diversity training sessions, add your pronouns to your email signature, or read a book about diversity, equity, or inclusion (DEI). While these actions are a start (you have to...

Lately, those working in the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) arena have been receiving far too much bad news. Companies are slashing DEI budgets and roles, company leadership have de-prioritized diversity and inclusion work, and DEI practitioners...

When we hear “safety first,” we might think of children looking both ways before crossing the street, or workers donning hardhats at a construction zone. Or, perhaps, we think of seatbelts, lifejackets, or electrical outlet covers. But do we ever pause...

In recent months, we’ve seen a lot of waffling and backtracking from companies when it comes to their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Businesses are slashing their budgets or cutting entire positions related to DEI work. And those...

In recent years, major companies have pledged billions of dollars to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. They’ve hired DEI directors, held inclusion-focused trainings, and have reformed their hiring practices to be more equitable....

Is bias baked into your company’s hiring process? Do your job listings attract or favor certain types of candidates—certain people—over others? Unfortunately, bias is still a pervasive problem in businesses’ hiring practices. The language used, the...

Company culture is one of those intangible things that’s difficult to describe. It’s like the terms “agile” or “impact.” What do these terms actually mean? And is their meaning the same to everyone?

When businesses talk about “company culture,” they are...

An increasing number of companies are (finally) taking their employees’ mental health seriously, but we still have a long way to go. Mental illness and distress continue to be stigmatized and looked down upon, despite study after study showing that...

Even the most creative businesses rely on numbers. You’ve got to mix innovation with progress reports, and creativity with the bottom line. Without metrics, it’s difficult to know what progress the company has made, what still needs to be done, what’s...

In the movie Office Space, employees are expected to churn out pointless reports, work on Saturdays, and conduct work that doesn’t have any personal meaning to them. The result is a chaotic workplace with people who do very little and care very little...

It’s no secret that the vast majority of company leaders in the United States are mostly homogenous in terms of race and gender. About 85 percent of Fortune 500 CEO are white males and, amazingly, that number is an improvement from a decade ago....

While the vast majority of people I’ve met as a DEI consultant are receptive to my messages, I am well aware that naysayers exist. There are those who resist DEI efforts for a variety of reasons. Maybe they don’t understand the point (“Isn’t this...

Communication is an essential component of any business. We send off dozens (if not hundreds) of emails every day, take phone calls, and participate in virtual meetings. But how often do we pause to think about our communication methods and assess...

As a leader, you have the power to set the tone of your team, and maybe even your organization. You can choose to listen to others’ perspectives…or not. You can choose to take meaningful, DEI-centered actions…or be satisfied with the status quo. You can...

Ability is a spectrum. People may experience mental or physical setbacks or impairments of varying difficulties and persistence. A disability may be visible or invisible, severe or mild, experienced daily or occasional. As leaders, we need to believe our...

As a DEI consultant, I have worked with countless leaders across all industries whose hearts are in the right place. They want to enact DEI-centered changes and make a positive difference for their marginalized and underrepresented employees. They want...

How might the world improve if we didn't make snap judgments about others? What if we endeavored to get to know the person, rather than making automatic assumptions based on our experience with people who look like them or come from a similar background?...

Is your workplace equitable?

Far too often, leaders think their company is fair and equitable, when it actually has a lot of room for improvement. Why the disconnect? In my experience, those who have, by and large, been treated fairly by their workplace...

It’s back to basics this week! On this blog, we often talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), but what are the key tenets of DEI work? Which guiding principles should organizations follow to make meaningful changes in this arena?

As workplaces...

It is baked into our DNA to be afraid of difference. Our reptilian brain says, “run!” or “fight!” when we encounter someone who doesn’t fit into our expected mold. But here’s the thing…we’re better than that.

We don’t have to listen to our animal...

Though neurodiversity has recently cropped up more often in books and TV shows, it remains stigmatized and neurodiverse individuals are often marginalized. This is especially true in the workplace, where those whose brains are wired differently are often...

Workplaces are filled with jargon and catchphrases. In recent years, we’ve been inundated with “synergy” and “thinking outside the box,” while being asked to “pick the low-hanging fruit.” Those phrases might be overused (or even annoying!), but they’re...

The wisdom of ancient Greek philosophers might not be too relevant in everyday conversation, but they did say a few things that still hold water today. Among their commonly used maxims was a phrase that still resonates with many of us: “Know thyself.”

...

Chances are, your workplace tracks and measures many different things. It may track the effectiveness of its advertising, or the profitability of a certain product, or how many days of PTO its employees usually take each year. These metrics help guide...

Last week, we discussed actions that may look like allyship on the surface, but are more performative than substantive. Your marginalized employees deserve more than a performance—more than empty promises and surface-level actions. To help make a more...

True allyship isn’t always easy. Using one’s privilege to support the rights of a marginalized group can involve “uncomfortable” actions such as acknowledging shortcomings, broadening one’s perspectives, conducting research or continuing education, and...

Far too often, portions of the workforce are left behind. These underrepresented individuals must carve their own paths, be their own advocates, and go out of their way to build their skillsets and prove they are promotion-worthy.

In the meantime, others...

It’s Black History Month—a well-intentioned time of year that can, unfortunately, be used as a “free pass” to gloss over Black people and our history for the other 11 months of the year (see my blog post on Using Black History to Propel the Future for...

We’re in the second week of Black History Month in the United States. While it can be valuable to shine a spotlight on the amazing accomplishments of Black historical figures, activists, entrepreneurs, and other changemakers, it can also feel like...

I’ve been an activist and a vocal proponent of Black rights for as long as I can remember. As a high school student, I was livid when my school glossed over Martin Luther King, Jr. Day—a relatively new national holiday at the time. We celebrated Columbus...

“Action expresses priorities.” - Mahatma Gandhi

When it comes to creating an equitable and inclusive workplace, it’s not enough to have good intentions. After George Floyd’s murder in 2020, hundreds of major corporations pledged billions of dollars to...

The changing seasons can have a distinct effect on our moods, especially when the days are shorter and the weather is colder. For some, the effect is mild—perhaps increased irritation or some lethargy. For others, the effect is more severe—resulting in...

With workplaces just easing into the new calendar year, what better time to adopt new, productive habits? Your habits not only shape your daily life, they can have a ripple effect on those around you and can fundamentally change who you are. According to...

Another year is upon us, and that prompts many people to create New Year’s Resolutions (or goals, or objectives) for the year ahead. Even though we’re really just turning the page of the calendar, the psychological effects of the New Year are real....

At the end of the year, it’s natural to reflect on the year and everything you’ve accomplished. If you’re like most leaders I know, I’m guessing you’ve achieved quite a bit in the last 12 months! But you didn’t do it alone.

Your team was with you every...

It’s human nature to seek comfort. Our brains have evolved to create strong bonds within our social group and to seek out similar individuals. This desire to stay within our comfort zone is stronger than ever during the holidays – a time when we’re...

The holiday season can be a joyful and uplifting time for some…and a time of exclusion and frustration for others. Traditionally, national and Christian-based holidays have taken center stage, with Christmas (a highly visible holiday) placed squarely in...

When it comes to workplace inclusion, one group that is often overlooked is people with disabilities. This encompasses a wide range of people who experience varying degrees of disability, both mental and physical. According to the U.S. Department of Labor

Many people are quick to dismiss so-called “soft skills.” These skills might include communication, active listening, mediation, negotiation, or (the topic of this blog post) empathy. In truth, there is nothing “soft” about these skills. They are just as...

Diversity and inclusion are not the same. A company can make a heroic effort to hire people of different races, ethnicities, genders, and abilities…and then completely fail to integrate and include them. In fact, this happens all the time. A company can...

Imagine you’re training to run a marathon. A personal trainer has determined your exercise schedule, and a dietician has advised you on which foods to eat and which to avoid. You have the best pair of shoes on the market, a sweat-wicking running shirt,...

In today’s workforce, it’s possible for five different generations to work alongside one another. Baby Boomers (born between approximately 1946 and 1964), Generation X (1965-1980), and Millennials (1981-1995) comprise the bulk of the workforce, while the...

The plain truth is that most workplaces in the United States have not been set up to be diverse and inclusive. For decades, the default image of a business person has been a certain archetype (white, male, married to a woman, neurotypical…the list goes...

Many workplaces are so focused on diversity goals, they completely forget about inclusion. Yes, it’s an important first step to hire diverse talent. But that isn’t enough. To make the most of your diverse team and create a welcoming environment, it’s...

A commonly told story about the 1969 moon landing mission involves former president John F. Kennedy and a custodian who worked at the NASA space center. While visiting NASA, Kennedy supposedly approached a custodian and asked about the man’s work. The...

September evokes many different images, thoughts, and emotions. We associate this month with the end of summer and beginning of fall, a shift in the weather, and (for many) the start of a new school year. While back-to-school time can be a relief for...

Our brains have evolved over thousands of years to take mental shortcuts. We are capable of processing about 11 million pieces of information per second, but only 40 pieces of information is processed consciously (while the vast majority happens...

In the workplace, how often do you say things are fine when they’re really not? How often do you go along with an idea or initiative, even though you disagree with a few parts of the plan? How often do you keep quiet about a co-worker’s annoying or...

In this episode, Justin Ponder sits with guest Gwen Murphy, the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of SCERTIFY. Gwen is a global technology executive providing technology strategy, architecture, and digital transformation leadership at IBM, EY, KPMG,...

When it comes to building a more diverse and inclusive workplace, education is key. Workshops, seminars, and training courses are all valid ways to learn about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), BUT you can also take your education into your own...

Whether consciously or not, certain people are often unsupported in their professional development. A company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts should not stop with recruiting a diverse set of people. Rather, it is crucial to nurture...

Let’s say you’re staring down an enormous task. Maybe you’re hoping to write a book, start a nonprofit, switch career paths, or design a new product. When you think about your endeavor, you’re sometimes excited…and sometimes so overwhelmed you want to...

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, a solopreneur, or a volunteer organizer, trust is foundational to success. Businesses are built on trust. Initiatives are started through trust. Trust is an absolute necessity for making progress—for reaching...

What sparks a fire in your belly? What energizes, excites, or ignites you? What is your purpose?

In my blog, we talk a lot about purpose. I’m a big proponent of identifying your central purpose and, if possible, aligning your purpose with your work. I...

Modern leadership books seem to be obsessed with authenticity. We’re told to be vulnerable, practice transparent communicate, become more self-aware, and bring our genuine selves to the workplace. All these steps can stretch our comfort zones, and we may...

If you’re like many Purposeful Hustlers I know, you tend to burn the candle at both ends. You juggle work responsibilities with family, volunteering, side hustles, hobbies, and community engagement. If you’re not keeping busy, you feel slightly guilty...

Picture yourself in a team meeting. One of the more vocal team members proposes a strategy to address a current problem, and everyone nods and agrees without question. The team doesn’t consider other options or examine potential issues with the proposed...

When it comes to time management, it’s really about managing yourself, not your time. Time marches forward, whether you want it to or not, and you only have so many hours in the day. Because of that, it’s best to take ownership of yourself, your...

It’s challenging enough to make your business stand out from a crowd of competitors, but what if you, as an entrepreneur, want to distinguish yourself from others? What if you want to drum up awareness or attention about YOU, the force behind your...

One of the biggest worries for those hoping to start a small business is financial security. There are bills to pay, groceries to buy, children to support, car repairs to make—the list goes on. The financial hurdle can be so terrifying that many would-be...

Traditionally, companies’ hiring practices have been anything but equitable and inclusive. They use language that targets male over female candidates (whether intentionally or not), they discriminate against older employees, and they tend to reject ...

Is your workplace equitable?

Far too often, leaders think their company is fair and equitable, when it actually has a lot of room for improvement. Why the disconnect? In my experience, those who have, by and large, been treated fairly by their workplace...

If you’re reading this blog, I’m guessing you have many of the common traits of a Purposeful Hustler—ambition, motivation, and the drive to make a positive impact. These are admirable traits, but they can also get you into trouble if you let them run...

We’ve all been there. We’ve all experienced times when nothing seems to go right, the path forward is filled with roadblocks and potholes, and we’re desperate for a “win.” It’s far from enjoyable to confront failure, but the cold, hard truth is that you ...

I won’t lie to you. Centering your life around your purpose isn’t always easy. You might have to take multiple leaps of faith as you make major (and minor) changes to put your purpose first. I remember times when the fear of following my purpose was so...

Deepa Purushothaman was a first senior partner at Deloitte, where she spent more than 20 years focusing on women’s leadership and inclusion strategies to help women of color navigate corporate structures. She was the first Indian-American woman and one...

I often have conversations with people who have a strong vision or sense of purpose. They’re driven by a particular passion or cause; they know what they want to achieve in life. Where these passionate individuals tend to run into trouble, however, is ...

Lily Lamboy leads the the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion team at Blue Shield of California, which supports both internal-facing employee-focused work and external-facing health equity, social justice, and business growth initiatives. She holds a PhD in...

When you think about marketing your business, you might be overwhelmed by dollar signs. Social media ads, promotional videos, marketing professionals—these things all cost money. But there are several low-cost (or no cost!) ways to market your business.

...

If you’re like me, you probably think you can do it all. You are independent, have a DIY attitude, and set a ridiculously high bar for yourself. Even when you know you should ask for help, you don’t. You keep pushing until you’re burned out, or until you...

Two words that many small business owners, freelancers, and solopreneurs dread are TAX TIME. The term conjures images of spreadsheets, folders brimming with crinkled receipts, and complicated forms. Even if you’re a “numbers person,” this time of year...

Dr. Christopher Cross is a biomedical engineer, anatomist, neuroscientist, population geneticist, cancer biologist, LGBTQ+ advocate, and entrepreneur. He leads Cross River Strategies, a US-based boutique consulting firm that uses community engagement and...

Jessica Faust founded BookEnds, a literary agency, in 1999. Since then, the agency has represented over 300 authors and illustrators, some of which are New York Times and USA Today bestsellers. BookEnds is dedicated to inclusivity and strives to...

Carla Fulmore is a Marketing Program Manager focused on Enterprise and K-12 Education business to business customers at Office Depot. She began her career at Office Depot in 2007 and has worked in multiple functions of the business including Digital...

It should come as no surprise that we (as Americans) are a society of overworked, highly stressed individuals. A recent report by the American Institute of Stress stated that 80 percent of people feel stressed in the workplace, and 40 percent are very or

Nicole Saavedra is the founder of Nicole Christine Styling LLC, where she helps unlock inner potential with outer transformations. Focusing on makeup artistry, hairstyling, and skincare, Nicole uses quality products to style her clients for special...

Trisch Smith is the Global Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer of Edelman, the world’s leading global communications marketing agency. In her role, she oversees all diversity, equity, and inclusion, strategic planning, education, cultural...

Last week, we discussed the need for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), why it matters, and how companies can begin to center themselves around DEI. This week, we’re going to dig into one particular aspect of DEI: creating a DEI-focused business...

Today, the U.S. is having a moment of reckoning in terms of discrimination towards racial and ethnic groups, women, the LGBTQ+ community, and those with disabilities. In a recent survey from Monmouth University, 76% of respondents said racial...

What do professional athletes, corporate leaders, Oprah, Steve Harvey, and Katy Perry have in common? They all use visioning to aid in their success! Visioning or visualization is the practice of picturing your future successes in great detail. A...

In our fast-paced and modern world, many of us are forced to juggle various activities and obligations. We might balance work projects with doctor’s appointments, kids’ soccer games, cooking dinner, and caring for ailing family members. We take business...

We’re already less than a month away from 2022. The beginning of a new year is always an exciting time for ambitious people who want to start fresh on reaching career goals, losing weight, quitting smoking, picking up more hobbies, and accomplishing more...

Photo by The Malicotes

Rebecca Dekker, PhD, RN, is the founder and CEO of Evidence Based Birth® and the author of Babies Are Not Pizzas: They’re Born, Not Delivered! Dr. Dekker has earned a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD in Nursing. Previously, Dr. Dekker...

The holidays are fast approaching. Radio stations are starting to play festive music, people are in the throes of holiday shopping, and you have family coming over in a week. You likely already have a lot on your mind (and your plate!) at work, but with...

There was a time in my life when I was saying yes to everything. I took on random work, ran volunteer projects, and attended meetings whenever I was asked, no matter the project or event. I have always been adept at juggling projects and dividing my...

“Don’t wait for opportunity. Create it.” -Anonymous

You don’t have to be an entrepreneur to exercise creativity and innovation. And you don’t have to quit your job and start your own company to live in your purpose. It is possible (and often less risky)...

“My MOWA Choctaw roots are everything. Absolutely everything.”

Holly Nolan is the owner of Lillie Nell, a Minneapolis-based beadworks company that creates handwoven, Native-made earrings. We recently interviewed her about her business, her personal...

If you’re like many Purposeful Hustlers, you’ve started (or want to start) a meaningful side project. Your intentions for the project might be to earn extra money, make a positive impact, or simply do something you enjoy. But what happens when your side...

Picture yourself as a matchstick. You burn strong and bright at first, but unless that flame is transferred to kindling, you will eventually reach the end of the match and fizzle out. This is similar to how burnout works. You can’t keep up your energy...

Sheilina Henry is the Senior Vice President of Diversity Equity and Inclusion at Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. She's responsible for cultivating an environment that celebrates diverse backgrounds while providing equitable access to opportunity. Sheilina has had...

If you’re like many Purposeful Hustlers, you’re an independent go-getter who isn’t afraid to roll up your sleeves and do whatever needs to be done. You take pride in your work ethic, and you’re dedicated to following through with your commitments. These...

Andre Nellams is a human resource leader with more than 20 years of HR experience. In his current role as Senior Director of Talent Acquisition & Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Accolade, Inc., he focuses on strategies that introduce, build and...

Lately, social media has (understandably!) been getting a bad rap. We’ve learned that Instagram has knowingly promoted unhealthy body images to young women; we know that Facebook has done very little to combat hate speech (and may even promote it!). And...

When it comes to starting a small business, it’s easy for personal and professional spending to become as tangled as a plate of spaghetti. Is your morning cup of coffee a business expense? Did you save the receipt from your purchase of office supplies?...

Before his untimely death in 2016, the musician Prince was a behind-the-scenes philanthropist. He didn’t need accolades and praise for his good work. He gave private donations to organizations he believed in, often anonymously or with instructions to not...

Daily routines are more meaningful than you might realize. They go beyond drinking your coffee at a certain hour or exercising at a specific time of day. Routines are valuable for mental and physical health, productivity, and goal attainment. This isn’t...

What do successful Purposeful Hustlers like Oprah Winfrey, Pharrell Williams, Bill Gates, and Michelle Obama have in common? They all enjoy reading and acknowledge the transformative power of books. And I wholeheartedly agree! Books can be informative or...

Establishing and developing a new business may sound as daunting as climbing Mount Everest. The sheer number of items you need to address before “opening shop” can feel overwhelming, and it may be difficult to know where to begin. However, you don’t have...

Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” This declaration may seem bold, but it holds an important kernel of truth: your attitude, more than anything else, can determine your success. This is especially true...

Authentic happiness, joy, and fulfillment in life is derived by leading a life that aligns with your purpose and passion. Purpose is the reason you do what you do; the motivation behind your actions and what you decide to pursue. Passion can be thought...

If your career is demanding and fast-paced, you may find yourself checking emails constantly, making calls after hours, and thinking about your duties all the time. A lot of the time we talk about blending your profession with your purpose. But for some...

Excited to share a recent conversation with Girish Ganesan, a strategic leader and innovative thinker with a passion for improving organizational performance. In his current role as the Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion at TD Bank Group, he is...

Life is so beautiful and precious; even more so if you are living a life filled with happiness, peace, and contribution! However, many people (me included!!!) have had moments of uncertainty and fear where they’re at a standstill. In those moments, the...

Your life’s purpose consists of the central motivating aims of your life- the reasons you do what you do; essentially your “why”. Your purpose is used to shape your goals, offer a sense of direction, and guide life decisions. This translates into the...

Sabrina Griffith is a consultant, trainer, and strategist who works to encourage inclusion and belonging in corporations, businesses, and organizations, as they strive to create equitable practices. She uses her experience over the last 15 years as a DEI...

Human capital is arguably the most important asset a business has. In ensuring you get the right people that align with your company’s goals, recruiters typically have a system they follow. They check the work experience of the candidate, skills relevant...

On July 25th (All my Leos stand up!) I celebrated the anniversary of my birth and although the knees may become a bit weaker, I’m still young at heart and living a purposeful life everyday! This is a time where we not only eat cake, celebrate, and get...

Welcome to season 2 of our Uplifting Impact! We have some exciting changes heading your way this season, and one of those is that we have added Justin Ponder as our co-host. Justin is the Chief Information Officer of Uplifting Impact, as well as an...

It was 5:30 in the morning and my full-to-the-brim teal minivan made its first stop at my grandmother’s home. Big Mama, as she was affectionately called, was sitting on her front porch with people from up and down the block. The kids I had played with my...

Does it matter the speed we’re going if we don’t know where the final destination is? Socrates famously said, “The unexamined life is not worth living” and this has proven to be true in a fast-paced world filled with distractions and detours. How then do...

How many opportunities for connections are we passing up each day? Big Mama turned this concept on its head with one visit to Washington, DC.  Find out what she did below. 

It’s not always easy to put yourself out there, especially if you’re already surrounded by a supportive community of people who want to see you live into your purpose.

But meeting new people and expanding our network is essential to growth.

Especially if...

This week's Failsume mistake of Being Too Cheap is associated with the song "Bag Lady" by Erykah Badu, which encourages women to value ourselves higher than anything else. How are you valuing yourself in your Purposeful Hustle? 

(A Failsume is a list of...

Lori Costew is the Chief Diversity Officer and Director of People Strategy at Ford Motor Company. In her role, she oversees corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion and all of the efforts within the company to cultivate a sense of belonging and to...

These days, we hear the word “self-care” tossed around a lot. It’s used in so many different ways and has become a buzzword to sell products ranging from face masks to yoga classes.

It’s used so much that it can almost feel like another form of...

If you’re at a point where you’re feeling like your career isn’t aligning with who you want to be in the world, it may be time to revisit your sense of purpose. This is something I need to do regularly to make sure I’m showing up as the best version of...

Leyla Okhai is the founder and director of Diverse Minds UK LTD, which aims to create a positively productive workplace for all through training, coaching and consultancy, by focusing on wellbeing and mental health. Leyla is also the host of the Diverse...

One of the most common obstacles people mention to me when wanting to do impactful work is finances.

It seems like there’s never enough money to make the changes in your life that will help you live within your purpose or create the impact that you want...

This month I am talking about transitions.

A lot of people have been reaching out to me to discuss the idea of transitioning into a new career. With people having some time to reflect, they are contemplating going into a totally new line of work and they...

It is totally possible for you to have the impact you hope to have in the world while maintaining your career ambitions.

The two are not mutually exclusive.

You can contribute to positive social change AND be successful professionally.

In fact, being...

You’re ready to start living in your purpose. You’ve identified your personal purpose statement using these Simple Steps to Make Career Decisions That Better Align With Your Values, or maybe you already felt clear and confident in what your purpose is....

Making a change in this world requires really hard work. It requires long hours, strategic scheduling and pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone regularly. It requires taking chances that may feel ridiculous. But more than anything, no matter how...

I like to think of those who make a social impact in the world as Purposeful Hustlers.

They are people who know WHY they do something (their purpose), and HOW to get it done (their hustle).

Their Purposeful Hustle is a propelling force that drives them...

Maybe you’re fed up. Maybe you’re inspired. Maybe you’re furious. Whatever it is, there is an issue that you want to take action about or something that you want to change, but it feels too big. It’s too overwhelming. There’s nothing that YOU can do...

Many people today harbor a dream of starting a business. The idea of a “side hustle” has captured the imagination of those working a traditional job. The Flying Elephant team is going even further to show how to make that “side hustle" purposeful!

One of the number one questions I get from people is "How do you find the time to do all of the things that you are doing?" I wish that I had a magic time machine that made additional time. But I don’t have one! (If you do, please share!)

After...

This week's Failsume mistake of The 4 Things that Suck Time is associated with The Gap Band's "Early in the Morning." I used to be up until "early in the morning" doing work for others. How are you valuing your time in your Purposeful Hustle? Are these...

This week's Failsume mistake is called "Are you a Hard worker or a smart one?" and it's associated with Sade's "Smooth Operator."  The smooth operators have streamlined their operation to maximize productivity.   

A Failsume is a list of all my failures and...

I am so delighted to share with you the recent conversation I had with Michelle Bess, the Vice President of Talent and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at OppLoans. In her role, she focuses on creating systems and processes to ensure an equitable company...

Grady Crosby is a dynamic senior-level executive leader and corporate officer for Johnson Controls, which was honored to be called one of the world’s most ethical companies under his leadership from 2014-2020, and was ranked 18th on the 2020 list of the...

Today I am talking with Sadiki Etienne, who has spent the last ten years partnering with leaders at some of the world’s most influential organizations to address global development challenges and enhance economic inclusion. Throughout his career, he has...

Today we have empathy warrior Corey Ponder with us. He has over 10 years of professional experience as a policy analyst in the public and private sectors and is a huge believer in the power of human connection and how that can drive impact. In our...

I am so glad that you’re here joining us today for such a wonderful conversation I had with Isioma Nwabuzor, an attorney in the Milwaukee area. Currently, she works with Robert W. Baird, an employee-owned financial services firm, supporting the firm’s US...

Ashley Ladd is the Manager of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Hubspot, a global tech company, and I am so excited to have her own the show today. Hubspot is vital to the work we do here at Uplifting Impact, and after our conversation, it...

One of the questions that I get asked all of the time is, how do I get comfortable in my own skin? You seem to know what you want to do Deanna, how does that happen?

I am so excited to be here with my friend Paolo Gaudiano. He’s the CEO of Aleria, President of Aleria research, and the Executive Director of Quantitative Studies of Diversity and Inclusion at the City College of New York. He has decades of experience in...

You are in control of your learning! But sometimes, with the day to day demands on our lives, we forget to add learning opportunities into our schedules.  

Minda Harts is someone I’ve been dying to have a conversation with, so I’m excited to have her on and talk with her, and to share this with you. Minda is the CEO of The Memo LLC, a career-development platform for women of color. She’s the bestselling...

One of the things that you can do after you write your purpose statement is to test it out. There are a lot of different ways that you can test it, but in the Purposeful Hustle, I talk about four concrete ways. We will not get into all of the details...

In one of my sessions, I got asked a fabulous question. An audience member wanted to know: is hustle (how you show up in the world) nature or is hustle nurture? Now for those of you who have never heard that distinction before, let me break it down.

Wondering if your purpose can change?  The answer is yes.  Your purpose probably should change as you grow and have more experiences.

You might be wondering, Do I really have to write my purpose statement down?  Click here to learn WHY writing your purpose statement down is so powerful!

Resilient people know how to change their circumstances and reflect on their failures and success to move forward. 

Think back to a time where you had a long and deeply engaging conversation --> that's how you become a great leader using diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Now more than ever, companies and organizations have to innovate if they hope to be competitive.  Did you know a duck knocking on a door can teach us a valuable lesson about diversity and innovation?

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is an important in the evolving workplace.  How do we represent our rich culture in our professional lives.  The vlogs for the month of April are devoted to developing DEI principles in your leadership. 

We're in such a weird time!  This pandemic has shifted how we lead our personal and professional lives.  I spoke with top-performing leaders from a variety of sectors and I gleaned some advice on how they are leading during this crisis.

We all have a free gift that we can give the world.  It only takes a couple of seconds and my grandmother, Big Mama, was the master at giving this gift.  Want to know what it is?  Find out below!

No one could tell a joke like Big Mama. She was always great at keeping things in perspective especially when people were stressed.  This week's vlog is about how humor can help you get past serious situations.

'Big Mama' kept it 💯 all the time!  She was an authentic person no matter who she met.  This week's vlog is about staying true to yourself no matter who you meet in your Purposeful Hustle.

*New Series* My grandmother -- affectionately known as 'Big Mama' -- was a big and wonderful personality! She could light up a room with a smile. I've used many of the lessons she taught me in my career and I want to share them with you in my new vlog...

Do you try to protect your team by taking on all of the hard stuff yourself? If so, you are doing yourself and your team a disservice. They need to see the dragons too! How do I know? I have done it too!

A company's success is largely dependent on its culture. There's a saying: "culture eats strategy for breakfast." Before you take on a position at a new company, are you taking time to examine its culture? I didn't at first and it got me into hot water....

Are you placing an unreasonable workload on yourself to get things done? One time I stressed myself out at work while trying to go to graduate school, be a new mother, and work a fulltime job.  Check out this week's fail in the #Failsume.

The Failsume is back!  What happens when you don't bring the proper expertise and instead you work with somebody who's just not ready for the current challenge?  Find out what I do to avoid this mistake!    

This week's Failsume is the time I thought I could design my website and it turned out...I really couldn't.  I chose The Friends of Distinction's "Going in Circles" because if you don't ask for the right help and hire the right technical expertise, you'll...

This week's Failsume is all about hiring slow and firing fast. It's associated with Gladys Knight & the Pips' "Neither One of Us (Wants to be the First to Say Goodbye)" Have you been the boss who has kept people in positions for far too long? Me too!...

At some point in time, all successful people have failed.  How they process those failures is what makes them successful?  My Failsume is a list of all the mistakes I've made to get where I am today. I hope you can learn something from this series as you...

This week's Failsume mistake of Not Celebrating the Small Wins is associated with the Isley Brothers' Got Work to Do.  I would work so hard that I forgot to celebrate the small victories as a result of my work.  Are you celebrating the small wins? 

A ...

A "Failsume" is a list of all my failures and mistakes throughout my career. The purpose of sharing this information is for you to learn what to avoid when faced with the same situations. I hope you can find value in this information. Also, each part of...

Everyone knows that a resume is a highlight of career successes. What about the failures? In my new series, I uncover my new failsume!  Check out the video below to find out more.

Hey there friends! This week I want to talk about Purpose as a Multiplier.

Understanding, living, and working in your purpose is definitely a life-changing experience. What happens when your purpose multiplies in other people? Watch the video below to...

Big dogs, little dogs...it didn't matter!  I was afraid of them all.  Keyword: was.  Now, I love dogs!  This week's vlog uncovers the technique I found to overcome my fears and how you can use the same in your life!

"Deanna, where do you get all that energy from? You always seem like you're so full of joy." I get these comments often and I love when people say it. I'm so happy most of the times because I spend all my time thinking about purpose and how I get to live...