The E Word

This episode unpacks monumental moments like Mexico's inaugural woman president and the significance of a mixed-race Black woman running for the U.S. presidency. The challenges faced by political figures like Kamala Harris are front and center, as Karen & Brittany tackle perceptions and the crucial role of shared democratic responsibilities. They discuss the complex interplay of gender, race, and age in politics, spotlighting the hurdles women of color face in leadership and the tension between hyper-individualism and collective interests, especially within the Black community, where political views can spark familial strife, even among MAGA supporters. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of how personal identity and politics are inextricably linked, urging us to connect over shared values while embracing our diverse perspectives.
CONTINUING EDUCATION

• Kamala Harris is being held to the same old double standard (The Conversation)
• Harris’ Fox News interview revealed an ugly double standard in the media (MSNBC)
• Why are Black men mad at Obama? (Brookings)
• The State of Black Women Leadership Is In Danger (NonProfit Quarterly)
• When an organization is failing, Black women leaders are evaluated more negatively than Black men, white women or white men. (Harvard)

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• 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)

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• 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.

Karen & Brittany's candid conversation sheds light on the systemic obstacles Black women leaders face climbing the corporate ladder back by disturbing findings from the McKinsey and LeanIn 2022 report. Learn how Black women, ambitious and poised for executive roles, are still being underestimated and labeled, their judgment second-guessed, and resilience tested in today's professional environments.
Dive into the nuances of identity politics, its role in shaping opportunities, and how we can leverage it to break down barriers for people of color. We engage with the historical context and its effect on the corporate presence of Black women, emphasizing the significance of collective action to amplify representation and authority in leadership spaces. This episode is a rallying cry for individual and corporate responsibility to actively dismantle biases and cultivate a culture where diversity is not just welcomed but celebrated.
We wrap up with an insightful discussion inspired by Bozoma Saint John's bold moves at Netflix, evaluating workplace biases and their legal ramifications. The conversation moves through a spectrum of subtle to overt prejudices, from body size to communication style, and how they impact women's careers, particularly those of color.
We then shift focus toward creating workplaces that champion inclusivity and support all employees, highlighting the importance of a workplace that not only recognizes but embraces the unique attributes and life choices of its workforce.
Continuing Education

1. Black Women Leaders Are More Ambitious But Less Supported At Work, McKinsey And Lean In Study Finds
2. Is There A Corporate 'Caste System'?
3. 2022 Women in the Workplace Report
4. Women are held back at work due to 30 biases out of their control, says new study: ‘They were never quite right’
5. Code-Switching and Concrete Ceilings: How Racism in the Workplace Affects Black Women
6. Racism and Sexism Combine to Shortchange Working Black Women
7. The Infuriating Journey From Pet To Threat: How Bias Undermines Black Women At Work

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• 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.

Karen and Brittany explore the impact of the June 2023 Affirmative Action ruling and the lawsuit against Fearless Fund, a VC firm dedicated to providing pre-seed, seed-level, and Series-A financing to women of color. They dissect the argument of the lawsuit's leader, who believes race should not be a factor in decision-making, and highlight how this legal shift ignores systemic inequalities and targets vulnerable groups. They also discuss the impact on organizations, the importance of leadership's resilience, and how to use the lawsuit as a marketing opportunity.
Continued Learning

1. Here’s what the Fearless Fund lawsuit could mean for venture
2. Affirmative action fight comes to Corporate America
3. Man Behind U.S. Supreme Court's Affirmative Action Decision Sues VC Fund Supporting Black-Women-Owned Businesses
4. He Worked for Years to Overturn Affirmative Action and Finally Won. He’s Not Done.

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.