Darden’s Post

We honor the trailblazers who have left an indelible mark on our society through their leadership and commitment to improving lives, and as we celebrate Black History Month, i. Bernard J. Tyson, healthcare executive extraordinaire and former CEO of Kaiser Permanente, the first African-American to have this role, was one such visionary leader whose legacy continues to inspire us. Dr. Tyson, who sadly passed away much too soon, was a steadfast advocate for equitable healthcare, believing in the power of action when action has to happen no matter the obstacles. "Don't ask for permission to help improve the lives of the people in the communities you're pledged to serve, but instead march through the doors of red tape, make bold moves and usher in access." - Bernard J. Tyson Tyson's leadership was not just about managing one of the largest healthcare providers in the U.S.; it was about challenging the status quo, breaking down barriers to healthcare access, and ensuring that every individual, regardless of their background, had the opportunity to lead a healthy life. His approach to leadership—marked by boldness, compassion, and unwavering dedication to community service—serves as a beacon for all of us. In remembering Bernard J. Tyson during Black History Month, let's not only reflect on his contributions but also embody his ethos in our actions. Let us be inspired to make bold moves, challenge red tape, and tirelessly work to improve the lives of those in our communities. His legacy is a reminder that leadership is about much more than titles or accolades; it's about making a tangible difference in the lives of others. #Leadership #BlackHistoryMonth #BernardJTyson #Healthcare #Innovation #CommunityService

Equitable earnings for Black professionals are crucial in dismantling systemic inequality, fostering diversity and inclusion, propelling social and economic advancement and narrowing the racial wealth gap. With less than 2% of Fortune 500 CEOs being Black, it's imperative that Black Business Leaders cultivate qualities that enhance their visibility and propel them toward filling the leadership void. In a Korn Ferry interview with 28 senior Black P&L leaders at Fortune 500 companies, including CEOs or those reporting to CEOs, five distinguishing qualities emerged: ▪️ Black Business Leaders intentionally chart their career path, then pursue it with unwavering dedication. ▪️ Black Business Leaders expand their knowledge and skills by seizing every opportunity and fearlessly embracing the prospect of failure. ▪️ Black Business Leaders confront challenges head-on to broaden their skill set and advocate for their advancement. ▪️ Black Business Leaders trust in themselves, their contributions and their ability to make an impact. ▪️ Black Business Leaders empower others, lifting as they climb. NABA Inc. equips Black Business Leaders with the tools and resources necessary for career advancement, fair compensation negotiation and financial support for achieving educational goals. This Black History Month, get a step closer to Building Black Wealth. Visit nabainc.org/resources to explore NABA educational and training programs. #BlackHistoryMonth #BuildingBlackWealth #4StepsCloser #Earnings #WealthGap

🌟 Celebrating Black History Month in Business 🌟 Dive into our presentation highlighting the rich legacy of African American leaders, the current state of diversity in the workplace, and strategies for fostering inclusivity. At the end of the slideshow, there are reflective questions, for my C-Suite leaders and HR professionals to discuss those questions amongst your teams. If you wish to have a deeper conversation schedule a call at the link in the comments. #BlackHistoryMonth  #DiversityandInclusion  #BusinessLeadership

There are 8 Black CEOs in the Fortune 500 (1.6% of the total); in 2022 there were 9. This is a broken ladder problem. “Once you get to that director level, there’s just so few professionals of color, let alone specifically Black professionals, that the opportunity to find mentors is even thinner, and that becomes even more critical as you move further up the ranks.... If we’re starting to ask the questions when we get to the CEO level, we’re going to be late.” -- Prof Alexis Smith Washington, PhD If you want to make a difference, check out organizations like Management Leadership for Tomorrow. The "shocking" finding in the headline? It isn't surprising: too many companies over the past few years talked the talk, but didn't walk the walk -- yet still get rewarded for words over deeds. It's what Prof David Larcker calls "diversity washing." He's advocating for stronger standards -- more "hard facts" on companies actual practices and outcomes, audited results instead of cherry-picked. Prof Washington gets at the root: "If organizations really took this seriously in the same way that we took seriously the ideas of becoming more sustainable and environmentally friendly, [it would] require system wide solutions that don't just start at the very top." The backlash against #DEI efforts over the past few years have made things harder, not easier. Read on for Eva Roytburg's great summary of the current DEI backlash and more, article in comments. #diversity #inclusion #equity #leadership

🗣 Brown vs. Board Ruling = 40 Thousand Voices Silenced. In the aftermath of the Brown vs. Board decision, a deliberate effort was made to displace Black educators from their roles, leaving approximately 40 thousand being affected within the first decade. Not to mention, reclaiming our space as Black educators, especially in leadership, has been no small feat, but we have been fighting this upward battle with pride. 💡 Why? Because when our students see themselves mirrored in their teachers, they feel valued and empowered to thrive. WE are responsible for paving the way for a generation that perceives equity and equality as a natural and integral aspect of their educational experience. 👉🏾 One Solution…Mentorship and professional development programs catered to retaining and advancing Black educators in leadership positions within the education system! Thoughts? #schoolleaders #edleadership #whenbrowngirlslead

Celebrating Black History Month 2024! We're proud to join the global community in commemorating Black History Month. This February, let's not only reflect on the incredible contributions and achievements of Black leaders but also commit to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity thrives and everyone's voice is heard. Here are some ways you can participate, educate, and be involved: 📚 Educate: Take the time to learn about the rich history and culture of Black communities. Share articles, books, documentaries, or podcasts that highlight Black leaders in leadership development and their impact. 🤝 Be Involved: Get involved in local initiatives or organizations that support Black empowerment and leadership development. Whether it's volunteering, mentoring, or supporting Black-owned businesses, every action counts. 💬 Participate: Engage in meaningful conversations about race, diversity, and inclusion. Encourage open dialogue within your team or network to foster understanding and empathy. Together, let's not only celebrate the past but also pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive future. Happy Black History Month! #blackhistorymonth #inclusion #leadershipdevelopment #diversityandinclusion #empowerment #smallbusiness #govcon #governmentcontracting #hubzone #sba8a

🌟 Did you know leadership can be a powerful tool in dismantling racism? 🌟 This Black History Month, let's shine a light on the imperative role leaders play in advocating for equity and justice within their industries. Leaders, it's time to turn introspection into action. Start by diagnosing your organization's internal environment. Utilize analytics to ensure your diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) strategies are rooted in evidence. Align these strategies with your business objectives, making equity and justice a core part of your organization's DNA. But let's not stop there. Engage with your community and stand up for social justice values. Whether it's through education, policy initiatives, or bold leadership actions, every step taken is a step toward a more equitable future. 👉 Here's a tip: Identify and support race equity champions within your organization. Encourage these leaders to use their voices to foster a culture of inclusivity and fairness. 🚀 Action Step: Conduct a DEI focus group this month. Listen, learn, and strategize on how to make your workplace more inclusive. Let's use our platforms to advocate for change, not just this month, but every day. Together, we can create a ripple effect of positive change. #LeadersForJustice #EquityInAction #BlackHistoryMonth

What advice would you give to black women who aspire to leadership positions? I get this question a lot. My answer is pretty simple: 1. Get a sponsor, get a mentor (know the difference). 2. Take on extra projects that aren't part of your job.  3. Network, network, network. It is often your work ethic and the people in your corner that help you to make the leap.

Industry Pulse: Celebrating Black Excellence 🌟 Spotlight on Leadership: Tyronne Stoudemire As we honor Black History Month, it's crucial to recognize the leaders who are shaping the future. Today, we spotlight Tyronne Stoudemire, a visionary in the corporate world and in the field of Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance (GRC). With a stellar career that spans over two decades, Stoudemire has been at the forefront of integrating diversity and inclusion into corporate strategies, demonstrating how pivotal inclusive leadership is in enhancing GRC frameworks. 🔍 A Champion of Diversity and Compliance Tyronne Stoudemire's work in advocating for diversity not only enriches corporate culture but also strengthens GRC practices by ensuring they are comprehensive, equitable, and reflective of a global market. His leadership underscores the importance of embedding ethical considerations and diverse perspectives in risk management and compliance strategies, proving that diversity is not just a moral imperative but a competitive advantage. 💡 Inspiring the Next Generation Stoudemire's achievements serve as a beacon for aspiring professionals in GRC, illustrating that excellence in governance, risk management, and compliance goes hand in hand with a commitment to diversity and inclusion. He exemplifies how African American leaders are not just participating in the conversation around GRC but are leading it, shaping policies, and driving change. 🌐 A Legacy in the Making As we celebrate Tyronne Stoudemire's contributions to GRC, let his journey inspire us to pursue excellence, advocate for diversity, and lead with integrity. His legacy is a testament to the power of inclusive leadership in creating sustainable and resilient organizations. #blackhistorymonth #grc #leadership #diversityinleadership #inclusiveexcellence

It’s time to give corporate DEI a much-needed refresh. From heightened scrutiny by DEI critics to underfunded DEI programs, it’s no wonder that Black leaders – and women in particular – are feeling burnt out. Recent studies show Black leaders are often expected to fix organizational issues that their predecessors couldn’t, without adequate or additional resources and support to do so. They also face barriers and challenges that their white colleagues do not – most importantly, a lack of trust in their leadership skills. We need to address this problem head on, or risk losing the progress we’ve made towards diverse corporate leadership. Correcting systemic issues like pervasive undermining and questioning of Black leaders requires deliberate measures. Companies must implement programs that investigate and address the root cause of these biases at the same time they ensure adequate support is given to Black leaders, particularly women. Creating safe spaces for dialogue, providing adequate resources and mentorship programs, and upholding DEI as a core company value are good places to start. Listening to Black employees and adjusting, as needed, your company’s ongoing DEI commitments will help ensure success. https://hubs.la/Q02dgdVk0