Victoria Russell is the first Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer of Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits. Victoria leads diversity and inclusion across talent acquisition, career development and employee retention, marketing, community relations, and building organizational capability to better recognize bias and further drive inclusive mindset. In this episode, Victoria shares the power of learning from others, creating authentic community deposits, and developing a “buffet of mentors”.
Roy Williams is the former head men’s basketball coach of UNC Chapel Hill and Kansas University, two of the three winningest programs in the sport’s history. A member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Coach Williams shares his approach to team building and reminds us of what can be accomplished when nobody cares who gets the credit.
Vivian Howard is an award-winning cookbook author, tv personality, chef and restaurateur. In this episode, learn about the importance of culture, cost-containment, and the value of “spicy little weapons”— from cooking to health care.
Welcome to Season 3! Spend a few minutes hearing what Emily and Audra have been up to and what we have planned for this season of Rise.
Elizabeth McCall is the Assistant Master Distiller at Brown-Forman/Woodford Reserve, one of the premier bourbon distilleries in the country. In this episode, Elizabeth teaches us about her work in the spirits industry, specifically quality control efforts, and shares her thoughts on the value of collaborative partnerships.
Eric Wood is a former NFL center for the Buffalo Bills, a 2-time Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, and a pro bowler. Eric is the host of the podcast, What’s Next with Eric Wood, and is the author of Tackle What’s Next: Own Your Story, Stack Wins, and Achieve Your Goals in Business and Life. In this episode, Eric shares leadership lessons learned as an athlete and entrepreneur and highlights the importance of bringing value to people.
Laura Vinroot Poole is the owner of premiere fashion boutiques, Capitol in Charlotte, North Carolina and Capitol Brentwood in Santa Monica, California. In this episode, we learn about Laura’s eye for emerging talent, creation of experiential in-store events and curated collections that honor patterns, color, femininity and attitude. Laura reminds us that fashion isn’t about the clothes, it's about the PEOPLE. Learn how Laura’s relationships, with both designers and clients, influence the Capitol experience and how we can apply Laura’s tailored, personalized approach to many aspects of our own work!
Eden Bridgeman Skelnar serves as owner, Chairwoman, and CEO of EBONY and JET and Chief Marketing Officer of Manna Inc. In this episode, Eden shares lessons from her work at EBONY and JET as well as the development of philanthropy events that foster diversity in her hometown. Eden reminds us of the importance of honoring history, the value of collaborative partnerships, and how to celebrate the "little wins".
Craig Greene is the Executive Vice President of Business Operations at Joe Gibbs Racing. A premier NASCAR race team, Joe Gibbs Racing has won five NASCAR Cup Series Championships and three NASCAR Xfinity Series Championships. In this episode, Craig teaches us the importance of optimizing team performance to improve communication and safety, reminds us of the power of partnerships, and shares diversity and inclusion efforts within NASCAR. Whether it is driving 200mph cars or leading a pediatric cardiology team, we are reminded that "you win with people."
Welcome to another season of RISE with Emily and Audra! In this short introduction, learn more about what we have been up to over the past few months and what we have planned for Season 2.
Lindsey Ofcacek is co-founder and managing director of the LEE Initiative, an organization that develops and leads impactful programs that address the need for more diversity and equality in the restaurant industry. The organization has been recognized in the New York Times, Food and Wine, Forbes, Robb Report and many other publications. In this episode, Lindsey teaches us the importance of creative partnerships and the value of empowering others.
Ben Sollee is an American cellist, Emmy award-winning composer, and multi-faceted creative known for his political activism and advocacy. In this episode, Ben shares his experiences, the importance of sampling, and his mission to create a greater sense of togetherness.
Leonard S. Coleman, Jr. is the former president of the National League of Professional Baseball Clubs and has served as commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Energy. He is an honorary chairman of the Jackie Robinson Foundation and serves on the Board of Directors for a variety of corporations. In this episode, Len shares the importance of sharing your personal gifts with others and the value of mentors.
Caroline Burckle is a former professional swimmer and a 2008 Olympic medalist. She is co-founder of RISE Athletes, a mentoring program where professional and Olympic athletes empower youth athletes in sports and life. In this episode, Caroline shares the power of conversations and connections in personal and business development.
Randall Cobb, a National Football League wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers, has had a successful career as a professional athlete. In this episode, he shares the value he places on education and we learn about Randall's leadership strategies, particularly leading by example, both on and off the field.
Littlemore Organics, a Harvard pediatrician & mom built business, creates healthy snack puffs for babies and toddlers. Co-founders Joana Fraser and Lauren Bain started the business with the belief that both kids and parents deserve more at snack time. In this episode, we are reminded of the value of stakeholders and learn how Joana and Lauren blended professional expertise and family preferences to create their company.
Kristy Woodson Harvey is a New York Times bestselling author, a blogger for the interior design blog, Design Chic, and a co-founder and co-host of the weekly webshow and podcast, Friends & Fiction. In this episode, we learn about the power of storytelling and how Kristy's ability to embrace opportunity has led to professional success.
Luke Hancock is a former collegiate and professional basketball player. He is a financial advisor as well as a sports analyst and commentator for college basketball. In this episode, Luke shares the power of communication, teamwork, and learning from failure.
Meet Dr. Emily McRae and Dr. Audra Rankin, the co-hosts of RISE with Emily and Audra. In this episode, Emily and Audra will tell you a little bit about themselves, why they value lifelong learning, and how the idea for RISE got started.
Mollie Creason is the founder of Well & Wonder, an online collection of original art by emerging southern artists. In this episode, we learn about Mollie's quest to make southern art approachable and accessible and the unexpected collaborations she has found along the way.