2045 Studio

We are excited to announce 2045 Studio is now open in Los Angeles! After bringing accomplished professionals of color together at our Clubhouse in New York City over the past year, we’re expanding our mission and community to the West Coast. Last Thursday, we hosted over 100 guests for an evening of connection to celebrate our Los Angeles launch. If you’re interested in learning more about LA membership, please contact LA@2045studio.com.

How can organizations combat DEI fatigue? DEI fatigue often sets in when businesses' DEI programs are inefficient, inauthentic, or superficial. In order to foster an inclusive workplace culture, employers should look at their practices and make sure they're doing enough to address the needs of their employees. Today's company leaders must reflect on their DEI initiatives. If they're not effective, now is the time to create a new path forward. With tailored training, data-driven strategies, and continuous feedback, companies can make DEI meaningful rather than just a check-box exercise. 2045 Studio can help you rethink your DEI approach and drive transformational change at your organization — reach out to memberships@2045studio.com or visit our website to learn more. Read more from Sahar Andrade, MBBCh (She/ Her/ Hers) Diversity,Unconscious Bias,Leadership,MindsetCoach in Forbes below. https://lnkd.in/gVc2Rbwh

Korn Ferry and the Global Black Economic Forum recently released a report confirming what many have suspected — companies continuing in and expanding their DEI efforts are seeing growth, even in today's challenging climate. Companies that embed DEI into their business models are enjoying rewards such as improved brand recognition, higher employee engagement, and organizational growth. Five key actions to integrate DEI into an organization's business operations: 1) Empower all leaders to take ownership of DEI, from setting goals to implementing strategies. 2) Use DEI initiatives to drive innovation and access new markets. 3) Design talent systems inclusively to support a diverse workforce and prevent talent loss. 4) Use technology and analytics to implement evidence-based DEI strategies. 5) Recognize DEI's value to stakeholders, including employees and community groups. Read more from Korn Ferry below, and reach out to us to learn how we can help you unlock the business benefits associated with DEI. https://lnkd.in/ezFQ73_i

Last week, 2045 Studio held our Inclusive Leadership Alliance Town Hall: a gathering of New York’s leaders across HR, DEI, Learning & Development, and Talent functions. This night of collaboration and connection was powered by 2045 Studio, Jodie AI: Inclusive AI + Expert Network, and Fast Company. Porter Braswell and Doug Melville led discussions centered around the topic of closing the inclusion gap and building the inclusive work cultures of tomorrow. To learn more about the Inclusive Leadership Alliance and how 2045 Studio is helping companies create workplaces where all employees feel seen, heard, and valued, reach out to us or visit our website.

Last Thursday, I had the incredible opportunity to interview the inspirational powerhouse that is Judy Jackson — who also happens to double as my mom and best friend. What she initially started as a series of 12 short-form videos called “Lessons For My Daughter” became a broader message to professionals across all levels and industries. It was such an honor to be invited to 2045 Studio to share these nuggets of wisdom my mother has gifted me, and for Judy Jackson to unveil the touching stories behind each lesson. One of my favorite lessons from the event: No decision is a lifetime sentence (unless you make it so). Perhaps it is a relationship in your life that no longer serves you or uncertainty in a path you’ve chosen. It can be scary to stray from what is familiar. But each decision, whether you recognize it at the time or not, leads to a new experience that crafts the unique story of your life. You are allowed to pivot, change your mind, and explore. Many thanks to Stephanie Fitzgerald, Porter Braswell, Michelle C., and Jessica Liu for their immense support!

While some companies are retreating from their #DEI efforts, others are doubling down — like beauty giant SEPHORA, which has embraced DEI and took home $10 billion in revenue in 2024. From increasing interview pools to achieve parity among its leadership ranks to joining the 15% pledge and committing to stocking diverse brands, Sephora's dedication to DEI boils down to the fact that, in the words of Sephora North America CEO Artemis Patrick, "it's just smart business." Read more from Doug Melville in Forbes, and visit www.2045studio.com to learn how we can support your organization build an #inclusive workforce and transform your workplace culture. https://lnkd.in/e7mc8vFW

Grateful to 2045 Studio, Stephanie Fitzgerald, Porter Braswell, Michelle C., and Jessica Liu for inviting me to share my life lessons and to be interviewed by my poised and magnetic daughter, Jonay Jackson. There were laughs, tears and lots of story telling. A few of the 12 lessons shared (see last photo) was to ask for what you want. It’s taken me awhile to get the courage but it’s always paid off! Another, is to trust your gut. It’s never steered me wrong. And finally, embrace your strengths. It’s what makes you - You! To Jonay: No matter who enters your life, I promise you, no one will love you more.

According to Resume Builder, 50% of Gen Z and millennial workers get #careeradvice and #coaching off of TikTok. While TikTok can be an accessible source of information, this doesn't mean employers shouldn't invest in coaching services and development opportunities for their employees. In fact, more and more companies are utilizing coaching to help create more inclusive workforces. Coaching helps individuals develop self-awareness, hone their conflict resolution abilities, and recognize their blind spots — in other words, gain the skills needed to work effectively in diverse teams and lead with #inclusion. To learn more about coaching offered by 2045 Studio, visit our website at www.2045studio.com. https://lnkd.in/gzH7XuWw

Last Night was incredible! Almost 100 inclusive leaders came together at 2045 Studio in NYC to build connection, and engage in a conversation to discuss the evolving needs of leaders and companies around the topic of DEI. I was so excited to take a picture w the Diversity Action Alliance team Kelly, Carmella, Andrea, Jenny - as well as so many other incredible leaders Chantel, Von, Singleton, Judy, Ramadan, Nneka, Blessed, Julia, Timothy, Claribel, Martine, Daniella and so many more. It was real talk: How should we leverage AI technology & community? Are ERGs being tokenized? Is Diversity now a bad word in some corporate environments? How will the election change things? What is working? Big thank you to Porter, and Stephanie for inviting me and the Jodie AI: Inclusive AI + Expert Network team into the conversation - and for everyone who is out there building and grinding to uncover the brilliance that is difference! #inclusion #inspiration #us

While some businesses are scaling back their #DEI initiatives, others are following through on their commitments — just in new ways. Rather than investing in siloed programs or restricting the responsibility of DEI to certain departments, companies are embedding DEI into their cultures and cultivating inclusive environments. According to Julie Kratz, contributor at Forbes, #inclusivecultures prioritize five key behaviors: 1) Leading with empathy over sympathy 2) Staying curious rather than jumping to conclusions 3) Acknowledging privileges instead of shaming others 4) Meeting people where they are versus forcing quotas and expectations 5) Valuing each team member’s full human contribution — not just their performance results Read more from Julie below and reach out to us to learn how we can help you build a successful inclusion strategy at your company.