Whiteboard’s Post

This Pride Month, every company wants you to think they're inclusive. But have you ever tried to actually *implement* a DEI program at a company? These folks have, and they're sharing the ups and downs, the wins and pitfalls, the good, the bad, and the rainbow-logo-ugly. The facilitator of this panel is one of my oldest friends, and someone who thinks deeply about diversity, equity, and inclusion every single day. She's a DEI trainer, a CEO, and a thoughtful human being with lived experiences that make this very close to her heart. She's gathered a panel of people who have put in the work to implement DEI programs at their companies and have a wealth of experience in actually making this happen. It's not an easy process, and it's not as simple as making your logo a rainbow for Pride Month or posting a black square in support of Black Lives Matter. It's also not a set-it-and-forget-it project. Learn from those who have been there about how to make the most of the process and implement a program that truly has an impact.

After taking a break from social media over the summer, I'm back with the weekly Nice Guy and Gal Awards. I'd love your support to get these back up and running. Every Friday, I’ll share nominations for people who have been identified as nice guys (and gals). If you want to nominate someone, just shoot me a private message by 5:00 EDT on Thursday. There are only 3 requirements: 1) you have to be connected to the person you nominate 2) you can only nominate one person per week 3) you can’t nominate yourself 😀   If you want to provide a brief reason for your selection, that’s great, but it’s not a requirement. Let’s recognize people who make a difference simply by being nice. Have a great day, everyone. And now that we're on the other side of summer, have a great fall, too! https://lnkd.in/gYpYJvu   #network #sportsbiz #people #niceguy #networking #sportsmarketing

When Ian led this retreat last year, by day two I had to invite him back because it was just so rich. 🍰 I'm now part of Ian's fan club for sure just as Jamie Smart has been for 2+ decades 😍 Highly recommend you joining us for what promises to be a space of lightheartedness, depth, connection and transformation is always a very strong possibility (not promising that because I can't) 😆 Link to book in the first comment.

Midweek reflections: As we navigate the constant noise and chaos of our lives, it's easy to get caught up in the hype of success. We're constantly bombarded with images of the wealthiest, most accomplished, and most celebrated people in the world. But the truth is, accolades and awards are fleeting. They don't define our legacy or our impact on the world. Recently, I came across the philosophy of Charles Schulz, the creator of the beloved 'Peanuts' comic strip. He asks us to consider a simple quiz: can we name the last five Heisman trophy winners or the last decade's worth of World Series winners? Most of us can't. But can we name a few teachers who impacted our lives, or a handful of friends who helped us through difficult times? Of course, we can. The people who make the biggest difference in our lives are not the ones with the most impressive resumes or the flashiest credentials. They are the ones who care the most. They are the ones who show up for us when we need them, who listen without judgment, and who make us feel seen and appreciated. These are the people who truly matter. So, as we go about our days, let's remember to cherish the people who make our lives richer and more meaningful. Let's take the time to thank them, to show them how much they mean to us. Let's celebrate the people who truly make a difference - our people.

“When I first started at FleishmanHillard, I overthought. I was scared to ask questions. I was afraid to ask for help. I soon learned that it was up to me to believe in myself and to communicate my needs.” In our new Fellowship Focus feature, learn more about our Alfred Fleishman Diversity Fellowship program as Zhiyao (Allen) Yang reflects on his time with the agency and his lessons on growth. Read more here: https://fh.pr/Ur9Tl

I see a lot of solutions and knowledge all of the time on here but what if it’s the wrong way? What if it’s keeping you away from what you already know; the well of your performance, creativity and innovation? Can you FULLY be you? Can you bring full blown intensity AND accept that you don’t KNOW if you will catch the ball or make the sale? Can you accept your journey and all of the PAIN that has got you to where you are? Or do you dismiss it and not allow it in the room… does your team do the same thing? Looking to the standards and protocols on the wall ready to shame poor performance when you’re not perfect yourself? Do you have your own defensive lines that have previously served you by keeping you safe but they’re now stopping you from giving everything and living authentically? Authenticity is THE most important thing for the next generation of the work force. They want values and purpose. They don’t have time for anything else. Customers and clients want it so how long will you hide for? Thank you to the powerful Lisa Clifford 🔥 for inviting me to her event last Sunday. There’s nothing I love to do more 🙏🏼🫀 Lisa: “I'm just wanna thank you for the heart that you brought because people can come and just tick a box but what you brought Stevie was something else and you need to know it”. Attendee: ‘that was so inspirational, people need to hear what you have to share’

Will you be at our "Hot Takes" Summer Conference? Meet our keynote and large group speakers! Get to know them and learn about what important topics they will be discussing during the conference! To read up 👉 https://loom.ly/ITwIm7Y

I am increasingly passionate about advocating for Entrepreneur Mental Health. To reignite valuable conversations and learnings, I am reposting a fun video montage from the inspiring 2023 QED Global Summit. This event featured two days of presentations and discussions with some of the best minds in fintech. QED Investors demonstrated its commitment to prioritizing the well-being of CEOs and their teams by inviting me to lead a session on mental health education and to facilitate genuine discussions about the stressors they face.  The summit culminated in a powerful message: "We want you to feel supported by us and to create cultures where mental health conversations are welcomed." My vision is for more conferences to create space for authenticity, enabling individuals to share struggles, resources, and uplift one another.  As an Executive Coach with a background in clinical therapy, I see the urgent need to shift the paradigm so that mental health is no longer stigmatized or concealed. It should be seen as a shared responsibility, rather than an issue to be tackled alone. There is vast potential in expanding the support network available to founders, both from VC partners and from within their own community.  I will continue to advocate for this cause and guide my clients to recognize the link between performance, productivity, self-awareness, and well-being. As I collaborate with exceptional founders from around the world, I am more committed than ever to expanding the avenues of support for this community of innovative leaders. Maryalice Giroux Viljoen Tommy Blanchard Ashley Marshall #executivecoaching #mentalhealthawareness #entrepreneurmind

Here's a simple switch ⚡ : Let's talk about impact vs goals If we take pride in our impact and, the more goals we'll have to celebrate as a result of achieving them together! 💪

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