Project Elevate

This week, we are joined by Stacey A. Gordon for Episode 17 of Project Elevate! ​Leading at the intersection of diversity, inclusion, and workplace culture, in her role as Executive Advisor and Diversity Strategist, Stacey Gordon coaches and counsels executive leaders on DEI strategies for the business, while offering a no-nonsense approach to education for the broader employee population. Stacey’s book, UNBIAS: Addressing Unconscious Bias at Work debuted at #1 on Amazon’s Hot New Release list and is also available at Barnes & Nobles, and wherever books are sold. Stacey is the creator of the second most viewed course across the LinkedIn learning platform, surpassing more than 1 million unique learners, which also includes her popular resume course. Her unconscious bias course has been translated into at least four languages and she has worked with people managers and executive leaders from companies such as American Express, ADP, Kia Motors, Hewlett Packard, Walmart, GE and many others to deliver notable sessions that support their D&I efforts. She earned her MBA from Pepperdine University Business School and her SHRM-SCP certification, as well as the SHRM Inclusive Workplace Culture Credential.   Tammy and Stacey address the current discourse surrounding diversity and inclusion in the workplace. It seems that we have identified the problems relating to equity in the corporate world, but where are the solutions? Stacey takes us through her unique framework for promoting diversity and inclusion in any workplace culture: Awareness, Alignment, and Action. This model allows her clients to go from collecting data to achieving change through tangible action items. Stacey also dives into unconscious bias and psychological safety as guiding principles for her DEI consulting work.   This week’s motivational message from our guest was to reach out to somebody that you don’t normally talk to and get past the assumption that you’ve made about them.   Connect with Tammy: Follow Project Elevate Consulting on LinkedIn Connect with Tammy on LinkedIn Support our work on Patreon   Connect with Stacey: Rework Work Follow Stacey on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook The Unconscious Bias LinkedIn Course UNBIAS: Adressing Unconscious Bias at Work helps you understand concepts of workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion, shows you how to identify bias, and provides you with the tools for actively removing barriers and ensuring equity throughout your organization. Written by Stacey Gordon—CEO of Rework Work, a company on a mission to reduce bias in global talent acquisition and management—this real-world handbook offers step-by-step guidance on creating workplace cultures where employees feel they belong.   Thank you for listening to this week’s episode! We hope that you’ll join us next Thursday for our final conversation in our summer series featuring Rachel Lauren. Until then, follow us on Instagram @elevatewithtammy so that you never miss new episodes and professional development tips.

Welcome back to the Project Elevate Podcast with Tammy Benay Perry! On today’s episode, we are joined by Dr. Richard Orbe-Austin. Dr. Richard Orbe-Austin is the CEO of Dynamic Transitions Psychological Consulting where he provides career and executive coaching services to professionals seeking career advancement, management training, and leadership skills. Through career consulting and management he, along with his wife Dr. Lisa-Orbe Austin, coaches professionals to think about their leadership development as well as their career transition and planning.    They also work with consult with organizations in the areas of diversity & inclusion, anti-racist practice, team cohesion and much more. Dr. Richard Orbe-Austin is also the co-author of Own Your Greatness where he talks about overcoming imposter syndrome, beating self-doubt, and succeeding in life.    In this conversation Tammy and Dr. Richard Orbe-Austin discuss the origin of the imposter symptom phenomenon, how it manifests in different groups of people, and how to overcome it.   This week’s motivational message from our guest was: “I am because we are.”   Connect with Dr. Richard Orbe-Austin: Follow Dr. Richard Orbe-Austin on Instagram @drrichorbeaustin Connect with Dr. Richard Orbe-Austin on LinkedIn Connect with Project Elevate: Follow Project Elevate Consulting on LinkedIn Connect with Tammy on LinkedIn Support our work on Patreon  

Welcome back to the Project Elevate Podcast with Tammy Benay Perry! On today’s episode, we are joined by the inspiring Raven M. Harris. Raven is the founder and CEO of Activate the Dream, a leadership solutions company. She works with people and organizations to enhance and elevate the leadership skills of new and emerging leaders. Through her signature coaching experience, she equips high achievers with the techniques and tools to achieve both personal and professional success. Raven’s goal is to help young professionals attach a reality to their dreams, so they can thrive and not just survive.  Raven is also the host of the video podcast, Reset with Raven, where she along with guests share personal stories of how they have successfully navigated resets in their career, life, and business. Raven’s coaching, teaching, and speaking provides listeners with a masterclass of strategies on how to reset in life, career, and business with intentionality, strategy, and specificity. In this conversation, Raven and Tammy tackle how young professionals can jumpstart their careers and maintain momentum towards achieving their goals. Raven provides insights from her own career journey to becoming a CEO at 29. She shares with our listeners that leadership isn’t about a prestigious title or new position, it’s about having a personal standard of excellence that opens up your next opportunity. Raven also emphasizes the importance of adaptability and asking for support when faced with a new challenge.  This week’s motivational message from our guest was: “Pressure produces diamonds” Connect with Raven: You can learn more about Raven’s work at activatethedream.com Connect with Raven M. Harris, MHA on LinkedIn Follow Raven on Instagram @ravenmharris  #activatethedream Connect with Project Elevate: Follow Project Elevate Consulting on LinkedIn Connect with Tammy on LinkedIn Support our work on Patreon Thank you so much for joining us as we continue to grow Project Elevate and spread our message. We hope that you’ll stick around for a brand new episode next Thursday featuring Dr. Richard Orbé-Austin! In the meantime, make sure to follow us on Instagram @elevatewithtammy so that you never miss a new episode.

This week on Project Elevate, we are speaking with Joe Kwon. Joe is a Foremost Keynote Speaker on Executive Presence and the Diversity Dilemma and the Associate Director of Global Privacy and Information Management at KPMG US.  In this episode, we dived into executive presence and how to craft an executive presence that stands out. Joe mentioned that building your executive presence is different for everyone. Those from underrepresented backgrounds will have to approach executive positions differently than those who fit the traditional standard of executive roles.  This week’s motivational message from our guest was: “Waiting time is over”   Check out Joe’s podcast entitled Executive Presence Morsels here: https://lnkd.in/dMefKEz Check out Joe’s online course Executive Presence and the Diversity Dilemma and other material on his website: www.connectioncounselor.com   If you want to connect with Project Elevate on social media, you can find us on the following platforms: Connect with Tammy on LinkedIn Follow Project Elevate Consulting on LinkedIn Support our work on Patreon    

We are joined by Shell Mendelson for Episode 13 of The Project Elevate Podcast. Shell is an accomplished ADHD coach who has helped more than 700 people over the past 30 years. She was drawn to this work because she has experienced her fair share of career changes. After a string of unsuccessful secretarial jobs, Shell realized that her strengths in shorthand didn’t mean she was fit for administrative work. Shell embraced her real life’s work over 35 years ago and never looked back. She has worked with ADHD adults since 2010 and empowers her clients to find the same joy that she feels is synonymous with her own career. Shell believes that for those with ADHD, “it is absolutely imperative that we make a choice that reflects that joyful experience for the majority of our work day.” Over the course of this conversation, Shell dives into the guiding principle of “self-accommodation.” She believes that once you can articulate the accommodations that you need in order to do your best work, you can revolutionize your job search process and start to truly thrive in the office. Shell also debriefs how to sense if your current position is not serving you and how you can get the support that you need to move from a job filled with anxiety to one full of passion. This week’s motivational message from our guest was: “Do what you love for a living" Connect with Tammy on LinkedIn Follow Project Elevate Consulting on LinkedIn Contact Shell via email at shell.mendelson@gmail.com You can also set up a call with Shell at passiontocareer.com/contact  Sign up for Your Next Career Move Masterclass. Over the course of 8 weeks, in 2 modules, you will collaboratively explore the most important questions that every ADHDer should consider before making the next career move. Together with Shell, you will create a picture of your ideal job or career and the next steps needed to get there.  Thank you so much for joining us as we continue to grow Project Elevate and spread our message. We hope that you’ll stick around for a brand new episode next Thursday featuring Joe Kwon! In the meantime, make sure to follow us on Instagram @elevatewithtammy so that you never miss a new episode.

This week on Project Elevate, we are speaking with Jan Mercer Dahms. Jan is a Marketing Communications Executive and has served in C-Suite and senior management roles in various organizations such as Folio Investing, Plum Alley, Teach For America, and Medicis Pharmaceutical Corporation. Jan is passionate about increasing gender inclusion and equity through her work with Mayshad CHOICE where she curated content and business opportunities for its network of women executives, business owners and entrepreneurs. At Mayshad CHOICE, Jan helped create and produce three original series: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Women & Money; and Speak Your Mind with Dr. Risa Ryger. In this episode, we dived deep into how employees can provide safe spaces for their employees and how employees are defining diversity of thought. This week’s motivational message from our guest was: “Always remember that you are absolutely unique just like everybody else” - Margaret Mead For guidance on creating diverse teams, email Jan at JanMDahms@me.com If you want to connect with Project Elevate on social media, you can find us on the following platforms: Connect with Tammy on LinkedIn Follow Project Elevate Consulting on LinkedIn Support our work on Patreon Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Don’t forget to follow Project Elevate Podcast on Instagram @elevatewithtammy for episode highlights and updates to the show.

Welcome back to The Project Elevate Podcast with Tammy Benay Perry! Project Elevate is on a mission to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace by elevating one unique voice at a time. Each week, we interview a business or thought leader in the DEI space. In these informative conversations, we dive into the practical steps that the professional world can take to promote equality and belonging. At the same time, we provide advice and motivation for underrepresented professionals looking to make the next big move in their careers and bust up the old boys network. Project Elevate is hosted by Tammy Benay Perry, the CEO and Founder of Project Elevate Consulting. Tammy is an executive communications specialist, a diversity and inclusion advocate, and a professional branding strategist who coaches leaders on the rise to clearly communicate their value. Tammy has been coaching senior level, C-level, and highly performing executives in transition for more than a decade. She brings this wealth of experience to Project Elevate Consulting as she fulfills her passion as a diversity and inclusion advocate within the corporate world. On this week’s episode, we’re joined by the phenomenal Dr. Donna Hamlin. Donna has dedicated 40 years to working with C-suite executives and boards to build sustainable success. As CEO of Boardwise, she and her team work globally with organizations to: 1) create best practices in governance; 2) educate and certify directors and candidates for board roles, 3) place directors in ideal director roles, and 4) conduct independent board and executive assessments. This week’s motivational message from our guest was: “There is much wisdom in the witty side of life” Connect with Tammy on LinkedIn Follow Project Elevate Consulting on LinkedIn Follow Project Elevate on Instagram at @elevatewithtammy  Learn more about Boardwise Call Boardwise directly at 510.517.7791 Register with Board Bona Fide. This membership service utilizes a profiler tool that assesses one's board readiness, style of problem-solving, and preferences for board options. Board Bona Fide counsels registrants on how best to prepare their board bio based on the profile results to target opportunities and secure the best fit. Don’t forget to subscribe to Project Elevate so that you never miss an episode! Last week Tammy went solo to promote her message that business is a social enterprise. In the upcoming weeks, we look forward to featuring Jan Mercer Dahms, Shell Mendelson, Stacey A. Gordon, and more inspiring and dynamic guests. You can listen to these impactful episodes of Project Elevate wherever you get your podcasts.  Thank you so much for joining us as we continue to grow Project Elevate and spread our message. We hope you’ll stick around for a brand new episode next week!

Welcome back to The Project Elevate Podcast with Tammy Benay Perry! Project Elevate is on a mission to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace by elevating one unique voice at a time. Each week, we interview a business or thought leader in the DEI space about how underrepresented professionals can develop the skills and perspective necessary to make the next big move in their careers.  Project Elevate is hosted by Tammy Benay Perry, the CEO and Founder of Project Elevate Consulting. Tammy is an executive communications specialist, a diversity and inclusion advocate, and a professional branding strategist who coaches leaders on the rise to clearly communicate their value. Tammy has been coaching senior level, C-level, and highly performing executives in transition for more than a decade. She brings this wealth of experience to Project Elevate Consulting as she fulfills her passion for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the corporate world. This week, Tammy is going solo to share more about her outlook on career advancement and the mission of Project Elevate. In this episode we’re asking the essential question behind executive branding: how do you rapidly accelerate your career in order to climb the corporate ladder in spite of the “old boys network” that dominates the upper echelon of the business world? Tammy believes that business is a social enterprise, and she shares specific advice that you can use to elevate your professional reputation. This week’s motivational quote was: “Don’t be pushed by your problems, be lead by your dreams” - Ralph Waldo Emerson Connect with Tammy on LinkedIn Follow Project Elevate Consulting on LinkedIn Book a complimentary branding brainstorm with Tammy Follow Project Elevate on Instagram at @elevatewithtammy  Don’t forget to subscribe to Project Elevate so that you never miss an episode! Last week we focused on crafting inclusive corporate events with Devora Yellin Fish, and next week we’ll tackle securing your next board position with Donna Hamlin. You can listen to these dynamic and informative episodes wherever you get your podcasts.  Thank you so much for joining us as we continue to grow Project Elevate and spread our message! We hope that you’ll stick around to hear from the phenomenal guests that we’ll be featuring this summer.

This week on Project Elevate, we are speaking with Devora Fish about the key principles of radical inclusion. Devora is a visionary leader out to increase joy and inclusion in the world through the global movement #upinthechair. She also conducts several educational programs including The Internship Advantage/The Mentorship Advantage, and Event Inclusion Specialist course offerings. As a certified family educator, experiential and inclusion learning specialist, theatrical director, guidance counselor, and event planner, Devora brings a unique lens from which to create and generate meaningful and memorable moments in time. You can connect with Devora to get involved with the global movement at upinthechair.com.  This week’s motivational quote from our guest was: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” - Mary Oliver Thank you for listening to today’s episode! Don’t forget to follow Project Elevate Podcast on Instagram @elevatewithtammy for episode highlights and updates to the show. 

On today’s episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Louis Montgomery, Jr., an Author and Thought leader in Human Resources and Diversity/Inclusion.  Louis currently leads JM Search's Human Resources and Diversity Officer Practice. In his work, he specializes in the placement of Human Resource leaders, Diversity Officers, and their teams. Prior to moving into Executive Search, Louis was an experienced Human Resources Practitioner and Diversity Officer with several major Fortune 100 firms including IBM, Celanese Corporation, Frito Lay, Kraft Foods, Altria, AES, and Serco North America. Louis graduated from Cornell University where he majored in Industrial and Labor Relations. Louis and I had a meaningful discussion about how the conversation around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has evolved over his more than 30 years of experience in Human Resources. In particular, Louis shared his perspective on how the Private Equity industry can become more accessible to talent from underrepresented communities. Overall, his message is clear: at the end of the day, “each of us are responsible for our own careers.” In his practice, Louis provides Retained, Executive Search with a focus on C and VP Level roles across all sectors with a particular focus on Human Resource Leaders and Diversity Officers. If you want to keep the conversation going, you can connect with him at https://www.linkedin.com/in/louismontgomery/ This week’s motivational quote from our guest was: “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you will live forever” - Mahatma Gandhi Thank you for listening to today’s episode! You can follow Project Elevate Podcast on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/elevatewithtammy

On Episode 7 of Project Elevate, we are having a fascinating conversation with Donna Otmani, a Soul Center Coach. Donna is a Coach, Mentor, Facilitator, and recovering wonder woman. She has a Master’s Degree in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica- where she also completed courses in Soul-Centered Leadership and Soul-Centered Professional Coaching. Her coaching and courses educate and guide individuals to approach life from the soul-centered context, so they can move from fear to trust, disempowerment to empowerment, from struggle to ease, and from dissatisfaction to fulfillment. On this episode we went deep on all things soulful leadership and really tackled the question, Are soft skills really soft. Listen in to hear Donna’s thoughts and insights on this topic. You can connect with Donna at www.donnaotmani.com or LinkedIn Donna Otmani | LinkedIn. Follow Project Elevate Podcast on IG at www.instagram.com/elevatewithtammy

On Episode 6 of Project Elevate, we are talking with Jean Jewel. Jean is a legal administrator who has touched every aspect of law firm operations in wildly different environments, affording her a unique ability to identify, evaluate and execute creative and holistic solutions to business challenges. On the show we talk about how to bring more fun and joy in the boardroom and how to keep asking the tough questions…Over and Over and Over Again. Because the first time you might not get the real answers. You can connect with Jean on LinkedIn: Jean Jewell | LinkedIn  

On Today’s Episode, we are talking about the powerful healing practice of restorative justice with David Ryan Casto Harris. David is the founder of Amplify RJ, a platform dedicated to teaching Restorative Justice philosophy, practices, and values. Amplify RJ runs workshops/trainings to help people embody Racial and Restorative Justice practices in their professional and personal lives.  Mentioned in this episode: Howard Zehr, the recognized founder of Restorative Justice. The family group conference (FGC) started in New Zealand in 1989 as a response to native Maori people’s concerns with the number of their children being removed from their homes by the courts. It was originally envisioned as a family empowerment process, and later as restorative justice.   Some other names for restorative justice: restorative practices, transformative justice, healing justice, procedural justice, and/or organizational justice. My Favorite Quote from the Show: "If we are working toward this way of being interconnected - acknowledging our interconnectedness – and treating each other accordingly, what is beneficial to you is beneficial to me. What is harming you is harming me. I think we are all moving in the same direction." Characteristics of White Supremacy Culture by Tema Okun WHITE SUPREMACY CULTURE: Characteristics - Showing Up for Racial Justice - SURJ Michele Day, Founder and CEO, Nehemiah Rising David’s Podcast: This Restorative Justice Life Here is where you can connect with David:  David Ryan Castro-Harris (he/him) | LinkedIn www.amplifyrj.com  

On this episode of Project Elevate, we are speaking with Ross Marshall. Ross Marshall is a DEI strategist using the power of analytics to empower a smarter, data-driven DEI strategy. Experience designing, building, and leading measurable and scalable D&I-focused programs and initiatives for multicultural, complex organizations. As a founding member of DEI Partners, Ross is on a mission to transform the business model. Let’s start looking through the lens of Equity and Inclusion and change the world. Demonstrated experience articulating a vision, translating it into executable strategy, and driving cross-functional teams to deliver in alignment with D&I strategy. Ross' LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rossmarshalldei - we changed it. Yay!  DEI Partners – www.deipartners.org Mentioned during the episode Richard Parson’s, Providence Equity Partners LLC, is the director I mentioned at Estee Lauder Companies. Board of Directors – The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (elcompanies.com). Parsons has been a director since 1999. Quote: “If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up the men to gather wood, divide the work, and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea.” Antoine de Saint-Exupéry   As always, thank you for listening.

On this episode of Project Elevate we are speaking with Genesis Amaris Kemp. Genesis is the author of Chocolate Drop in Corporate America: From the Pit to the Palace. Get Your Copy Here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948853205/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_9ZG1JGYJ68VJR6B0FZ6W On the pages of Chocolate Drop in Corporate America, Genesis has chosen to speak up for not only minorities but also anyone who has been slighted on the job in any way. From her personal testimony, you will learn how speaking up brought awareness so that long-lasting change could be made. Here is a quote she shared with the audience from the book: "Stop waiting for someone to cosign your dreams, start running with passion. In time, the right people who genuinely care and want to support you will fall into place." Here is where you can reach her: GenesisAmarisKemp@gmail.com Mentioned during the episode: Equal Justice Initiative www.eji.org Movies: Just Mercy, Hidden Figures, Django Unchained Babe Ruth’s quote, Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.