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2020 birthed a radical movement for racial equity. Spurred by public and prominent killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and others, Black Lives Matter protests fueled a drive for change in corporate America. Discussing diversity, equity, and inclusion is no longer a topic that can be brushed aside.
In its immediate aftermath, companies quickly updated their policies and practices, with some releasing diversity numbers in a bid for transparency. Almost a year following these events, there is still much to be done to achieve real, lasting equity.
This podcast series, in partnership with the 4A’s, spotlights a variety of people with different perspectives. Their tough and honest conversations will tear down myths and identify actionable ways in which we can hold brands and agencies accountable. Listeners will be equipped with the inspiration and knowledge needed to make critical, long-term and meaningful changes.
In 2020, the conversation on Allyship, defined as the state or condition of being an ally: supportive association with another person or group, rose in prominence.
As a result, brands and agencies have made pledges to address systemic racism and express their continuous allyship during Black History Month and beyond the month of February.
Beyond the Pledge series host, Jai Tedeschi, chats with Tony Effik, founder of Black and Brilliant, about the true meaning of being an ally to your BIPOC colleagues. The kind of ally needed most in the industry is one“ that even if a Black person is not in the room, the Black person feels like you got their back,” shared Effik.
Host: Jai Tedeschi, VP, Global Executive Director, Culture & Operations
Interviewee: Tony Effik, Founder, Black & Brilliant Network
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify
In July 2020 we published our US diversity data for the first time and began the process of breaking and remaking our culture to make R/GA a place in which everyone can succeed regardless of race or ethnicity. In this podcast, VP, Global Executive Director, Culture & Operation Jai Tedeschi sat down with Marla Kaplowitz, CEO of the 4A’s, and Sean Lyons Global CEO of R/GA to discuss the importance of data transparency when it comes to creating a path towards an anti-racist culture.
“We wanted to understand the nature of our own problem, so we did what we would do for any strategic project. We listened, researched, looked for opportunities and behaviors that would give us the best chance of success,” Tedeschi shared.
The 4A’s have come out with a survey collecting diversity data across 165 agencies to improve the industry and foster conversations. In doing so, they have found there is no standard for capturing EDI data from one company to the next. Even further, the EEOC has limited definitions of workforce data collection. Both Lyons and Kaplowitz flagged the need for a methodology to capture EDI data across industries and companies of all sizes to better understand diversity figures.
Host: Jai Tedeschi, VP, Global Executive Director, Culture & Operations
Interviewee: Marla Kaplowitz, President & CEO, 4A’s and Sean Lyons, Global CEO, R/GA
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify
Natasha Bowman, dubbed the “workplace doctor,” explores inclusion and diversity in the workplace during a time of remote work with Jai Tedeschi.
Months after the world’s racial reckoning and subsequent diversity efforts, recent research shows employees with diverse backgrounds are struggling the most during COVID.
And while most organizations are aware of the issues faced by diverse groups, they must keep listening to understand the people behind the problems––LGBTQ+ employees, people of color, and also working parents. It’s through listening that the most effective EDI strategies can be forged to create a true sense of belonging for marginalized employees during office shutdowns and remote work.
Beyond the Pledge series host, Jai Tedeschi, chats with Performance ReNEW Founder and President Natasha Bowman about the pandemic’s impact on how we work. While Zoom has had a democratizing effect on work, it’s “also definitely a threat and a disruption to inclusion if we don’t manage it right,” shared Bowman.
Host: Jai Tedeschi, VP, Global Executive Director, Culture & Operations
Interviewee: Natasha Bowman, Founder and President, Performance ReNEW
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify
2020’s Black Lives Matter protests fueled a drive for change in corporate America, where discussing diversity, equity, and inclusion became a prominent focus for brands.
Companies quickly reacted by updating their policies, with some releasing diversity numbers in a bid for transparency––but there’s still a lot to do. VP, Global Executive Director, Culture & Operation Jai Tedeschi chats with The 4A’s EVP–Talent Equity Inclusion Simon Fenwick about the importance of prioritizing equity in the workplace, how the 4A’s and R/GA are – creating a more equitable workplace, and what are some of the organizational and operational systems companies and brands need to achieve lasting racial equity.
Host: Jai Tedeschi, VP, Global Executive Director, Culture & Operations
Interviewee: Simon Fenwick, EVP—Talent Equity & Inclusion, 4A’s