In our second episode on D&I in the Workplace, I talk with Joanna Lane, the Vice President for Talent Engagement and Inclusion at Publicis Group, a strategic marketing and communications agency. Joanna and I talk about the evolution of the diversity function and why consumer goods companies like Nivea, Dove, and others keep making culturally insensitive advertisements. We also discuss the unique perspective she brings as a Caucasian woman to the diversity function. On the Rant/Rave/Review segment, I rave about companies which have their chief diversity officers reporting into the CEO.

From Google to Starbucks to trade associations and nonprofits, leadership in diversity and inclusion can be critical to organizational success. On this week’s Protégé Podcast, we launch a series on Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace. On today’s episode, we provide three reasons why every employee should get to know their organization’s Chief Diversity Officer (CDO), and the seven leadership competencies necessary for CDOs to be impactful as culture change agents.

In our third episode in our series “Women Leaders in Media and Entertainment,” I talk with Laura Lee, the SVP of Human Resources at MGM Resorts International. A people operations leader in the gaming sector for over 25 years, Laura talks about MGM’s innovative talent and workforce development strategies, and how the company has been successful in retaining and promoting diverse talent at the management level. On the Rant/Rave/Review segment, I rave about the startup media company CultureBanx.

In our second episode in our series “Women Leaders in Entertainment,” I talk with Nadja Webb Cogsville, Viacom’s Deputy General Counsel. Nadja is now directly responsible for legal affairs for seven Viacom cable channels and the music strategy group. Whether she’s overseeing a new partnership in her L.A. office or negotiating a deal with Nick Cannon in Miami, Nadja has never forgotten her humble roots in the Bronx. We talk about sponsorship and confidence, and examine the myth of work/life balance. On the Rant/Rave/Review segment, I rave about Viacom’s business and legal affairs fellowship and rant about the Starbucks arrests.

What does it take to succeed in one of the most competitive industries and at the highest levels? This week we launch our series Women Leaders in Media and Entertainment and have a wisdom-filled conversation with Jessica Herrera-Flanigan, the EVP for Government and Corporate Affairs at Univision. Jess talks about what it takes to succeed on Capitol Hill, as a top lobbyist, and as a C-suite executive in the hyper-competitive media and entertainment industries. On the Rant/Rave/Review segment, I rave about affinity groups at universities and companies.

In Part 2 of our series – Network Like A Protégé – it’s all about taking our relationship building to the next level. Running, golf, tennis, and cycling can be powerful tools to stay healthy AND build a powerful network. It’s why 90% of Fortune 500 CEOs play golf and why companies like Disney are organizing running events all across the country. I talk about practical tips like when to play and when to discuss business, and why these events are windows into the psyche of your next employer or next investor. On the Rant/Rave/Review segment, I rave about Howard University.

Relationships matter. Networking for some people, however, sounds about as appealing as a root canal. In today’s global, hyperconnected economy, networking should be more than a necessary evil; it must become a long term, professional habit. On this week’s Protégé Podcast, I discuss seven simple things you can do to network effectively and authentically. These are techniques which I’ve used in my career, and which I’ve seen used effectively in the careers of successful entrepreneurs, executives and professionals.

On the Rant/Rave/Review segment, I give props to the millions of students who are part of the #MarchforOurLives movement.

No matter where you are, you can change the world. I had the distinct honor to meet four talented and committed nonprofit leaders during my trip to South Africa. They are Le’Kedra Robertson and Eshanda Fennell, two American women who replanted themselves in Johannesburg as part of their faith journey; Mirriam “Nuska” Zwane, a South African IT entrepreneur who now leads a social service organization; and Sello Hatang, the head of the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Each of these servant leaders is contributing their skills and energies to serve the least of their fellow South Africans.

It’s time to get your LinkedIN profile together! More and more recruiting agencies are using LinkedIN as a source for candidates, so it’s imperative that your profile get set up with the right amount of information. In this episode of Protégé Podcast, I discuss what kind of photo to use, how your professional experience should be listed, and how to use the optional sections like Accomplishments and Recommendations. I also show you an often overlooked setting which can help attract recruiters to your profile, and I make the case for upgrading to LinkedIN Career Premium. On the Rant/Rave/Review segment, I rave about Freddie Mac’s innovative internship program for autistic college students.

This week on Protégé Podcast, it’s our third episode in our series “The Transformers,” which features conversations with inspirational professionals who are helping to transform the lives of children. This week our guest is Rob Lake, one of the few African-American educators who’s served as a headmaster of a comprehensive independent school. Rob shares his vision about what schools can and should do to prepare children for the 21st century workforce, and how parents can do their part at home. On the Rant/Rave/Review segment, I rave about the inspiration, beauty, and lessons from the movie Black Panther.