We know you’ll find some treasures in our conversations with Marie, join the conversation as we dive into:* Key elements of multicultural marketing strategies for consumer products, retail, and healthcare companies * Authentically incorporating diverse voices into your marketing efforts * Building a legacy * And personal, pivotal moments on resilience and determination as Marie and her family fled from Cuba and adapted to a new life in the states. Marie Quintana serves as an organizational advisor leveraging 30+ years of strategic marketing expertise, digital transformation, GTM, product launches, rebranding, communication strategies and D&I strategies to help private and public companies achieve their goals. She previously served as the CMO and EVP of Communications at Tenet Healthcare, and held various leadership roles at PepsiCo, Perot Systems, and IBM, where she pioneered multicultural strategies, established centers of excellence, and oversaw technology infrastructure consolidation. Marie is passionate about building strong, responsible corporate workplace cultures, delivering shareholder value, and supporting the community. Most recently, she authored a book called "Last Flight from Havana", a memoir reminding us that to live an authentic life we must allow ourselves be vulnerable and bold.Listen to Transformation Talk On Apple Podcast or Spotify. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit transformationtalk.substack.com
In this talk, Tiara shares experience, anecdotes, and advice as we touch on: * Prioritizing inclusion in your organization and ensuring your employees feel empowered to be authentically themselves * Leveraging leadership development, training, and external tools like the intercultural development inventory to create widespread cultural awareness and intentional impact in the communities you serve * Creating platforms focused on equity – such as leadership development, mentorship, and supplier diversity programs * And why it’s important to leverage external communities to keep DE&I momentum in challenging times Tiara Chesmer-Williams is Vice President and Head of Inclusion, Diversity & Equity at Moët Hennessy. In this role, Tiara punctuates Moët Hennessy’s commitment to building a deeply inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplace by collaborating across the organization to develop and lead strategies that align with the organization’s business and accelerate IDE actions and results. Tiara works closely with LVMH, to ensure that MHNA principles and practices are consistent with those of the LVMH Group and serves as a member of the MH Global DE&I Leadership Committee, leading MHNA in the implementation of a Global Action Plan.Tiara is a passionate mentor who loves developing talent at all levels and spends her spare time working with Politiscope - A non-partisan app democratizing the political landscape and decorating homes and spaces with the interior design business, True Dwellings, LLC. Beyond that, Tiara is a huge foodie, basketball, and football fanatic, loves to travel and relishes time with her super tight-knit family.Listen to Transformation Talk On Apple Podcast or Spotify. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit transformationtalk.substack.com
In this talk, Katie talks about her journey in overcoming perfectionism and the power of vulnerability as a leader in your reorganization. Through her anecdotes, we learn how vulnerability ties directly to culture and business performance in ways that lead to impactful organizational transformation. Katy Jones is the CEO of FoodLogiQ, an organization with a mission to map the world’s food supply chain, make it as safe as possible, and empower people to make informed decisions on the food they eat. Under Katy’s leadership, FoodLogiQ has consistently earned recognition and awards for innovation, performance, and investor funding.Listen to Transformation Talk On Apple Podcast or Spotify. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit transformationtalk.substack.com
In this talk, Lynn shares her unconventional brand-building story, shares insights on the importance of de-risking, the art of efficient brainstorming, hypothesis-based solutioning, and so much more. When it comes to crafting your brand, realize you’re never stuck and sometimes it’s ok to get ‘scrappy'!Lynn Altman is a fearless leader, brand-builder, and the President of Brand Now. For over 20 years, Lynn has been the behind-the-scenes disruptor for big companies including Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Procter & Gamble, Gillette, McDonald’s, American Express, and UBS.Lynn is also the author of Brand It Yourself: The Fast, Focused Way to Marketplace Magic, has been interviewed on nationally syndicated radio shows, and has appeared on CNBC’s On The Money and ABC’s News Now.Lynn believes that working efficiently is the key to working effectively, but traditional branding and innovation processes not only take too much time—they rely too heavily on consumer input for inspiration. In order to get ahead of the curve, companies need to think more entrepreneurially, act more decisively and validate more thoughtfully.Listen to Transformation Talk On Apple Podcast or Spotify. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit transformationtalk.substack.com
In this talk, Danny leverages his experiences in inclusive storytelling in the travel industry to discuss how brands can better understand the culture, connect with their consumers, and treat multicultural marketing as mainstream marketing. Danny shares the importance of brands doing their research and doing the work to know their consumers intimately in order to market to the culture effectively.Danny Guerrero is the Founder of The Culturist Group, a 100% minority-owned travel marketing company. Danny is an award-winning 20+ year travel and tourism marketing expert and thought leader for multiculturalism and diversity in travel. CULTURIST as a concept and consultancy practice bridges emerging cultural values and the needs of diverse consumers to travel brands via marketing and communications strategies to help the industry become more prosperous, and inclusive. Prior to founding The Culturist Group, he spent nearly 10 years of his career building and leading agency teams at two well-respected marketing firms, and another decade client-side leading marketing and communications teams. Danny is an Advisory Board Member with the Black Travel Alliance and Travel Unity and was the recipient of the ‘Outstanding Contribution Award’ granted by the World Travel and Tourism Council for his work advancing diversity and equity in the industry in 2021.Listen to Transformation Talk On Apple Podcast or Spotify. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit transformationtalk.substack.com
In this talk, Brittany shares her perspective, inspiring anecdotes, and actionable exercises on how both employers and employees can find and amplify their passions and purpose - leveraging the power of unapologetic authenticity. Through her lessons learned through entrepreneurship and corporate experiences, Brittany shares how you can “connect the dots” to better tell your story. Brittany Applegate is the Director of Culture Strategy at Ten35, a full-service advertising company that transforms brands through culture. Brittany has spent the last 9 years helping small Black & Brown businesses throughout the Chicagoland area and nation build and grow marketable and profitable businesses.Brittany uses the knowledge she’s acquired to help small business owners develop strategies to solidify a favorable reputation in the hearts of their most valuable clients, while acquiring new clients month over month to ensure their potential profit pipelines don’t run dry.As a multi-hyphenate entrepreneur, she’s the founder of, Brand Chicago, a growing community of Chicago's most ambitious Black and Brown millennial entrepreneurs and professionals on a mission to transform their businesses and careers She also owns The Resume Agency, a resume writing company designed to help to transition career professionals make their best, first impressions with polished resumes and other professional resources. Listen to Transformation Talk On Apple Podcast or Spotify. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit transformationtalk.substack.com
In this talk, Nicola discusses the many ways businesses can be more efficient and effective when it comes to corporate sustainability. We dive into the branding of sustainability, the right questions to ask to be intentional about starting a sustainability program, making change “sticky,” the importance of leveraging data to inform decisions, and so much more!Nicola Peill-Moelter is the Director of Sustainability Innovation where she collaborates with teams across VMware to develop features and functionality that have business value for our customers by reducing the private/public cloud infrastructure needed to run their workloads which leads to less energy use, carbon emissions, and electronic waste. Nicola believes that we can make the fastest progress addressing the world’s most urgent sustainability issues when sustainability and business value are aligned.Listen to Transformation Talk On Apple Podcast or Spotify. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit transformationtalk.substack.com
In this talk, Steve Rosenstock talks us through how imperative it is for companies to transform their talent and organization by focusing on their biggest asset, their people. We highlight the importance of work-life integration, creating space to pursue passions, the importance of authenticity, the concept of loyalty, and so much more!Steve Rosenstock has been helping senior executives in the consumer products industry address their business challenges for the past twenty years. He has provided strategic direction to leading Consumer Products companies leveraging a deep understanding of industry-leading practices. In addition, I have enabled peer-to-peer networking groups for industry leaders through the development of the Consumer Products Executive Exchange, helping our clients share ideas, build relationships and drive strategy.Listen to Steve’s Podcast Taking Stock where he sits down with experts and thought leaders from the consumer products, life sciences, and retail industries.Listen to Transformation Talk On Apple Podcast or Spotify. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit transformationtalk.substack.com
In this talk, John Tabis talks about his idea to disrupt the floral industry with sustainability and customer experience in mind. We learn about the history of The Bouqs, expanding your product and service incrementally, leveraging customer data to inform decisions, and preparing your team for growth.John Tabis is a proven brand builder and entrepreneur with deep experience in innovative media ventures and consumer products. He is the Founder and Chairman of The Bouqs Company. In 2012, along with co-founder Juan Pablo Montúfar, Tabis launched the Marina del Rey, California-based company, now an industry leader in the online floral space that delivers flowers and plants fresh from eco-friendly, sustainable farms around the world to doorsteps nationwide. Prior to launching Bouqs, Tabis worked in corporate brand strategy for Disney and ShoeDazzle and advised Fortune 100 clients at Bain & Company.Listen On: Apple Podcast | Spotify This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit transformationtalk.substack.com
In this talk “passion-preneur,” Tirrell Whittley, talks about how he conquers fear and taps into possibilities of the future. We talk about dreaming in “color” and “surround sound,” how to be your own motivation, leveraging constructive criticism, and operating in humility. Tirrell walks us through his calculated journey moving from Corporate America to building LIQUID SOUL with passion and purpose.Tirrell D. Whittley is a filmmaker, entrepreneur, and visionary media executive leader of LIQUID SOUL. Since founding the company in 2001, it has grown into one of the nation’s leading brand marketing agencies specializing in advertising, marketing, social media, influencer marketing, branded content, and publicity for entertainment, sports, and corporate brands. Tirrell is recognized as an expert in millennial and multicultural marketing and has become a trusted advisor for brands looking to find impactful ways to target consumers.Mr. Whittley is a cum laude graduate of Florida A&M University, with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He is an ordained deacon in his church and resides in a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia with his wife and two daughters.Listen On: Apple Podcast | Spotify This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit transformationtalk.substack.com
This talk is “all things digital!” April shares her perspective on the key questions you should be asking before you embark on a digital journey, the considerations you should make in “defining success,” the key skillsets that are essential for an efficient transformation, and how to focus on what your organization needs versus what’s “new and sexy.” We end the conversation highlighting the power digital transformation has on building communities, the importance of representation in the IT space, and a passion for all things digital.April Walker is a digital transformation expert, board member, author, industry thought-leader, and C-suite advisor. She is the General Manager of the US Microsoft Technology Centers (MTC) and in this role is accountable for 15 innovation centers across the US and leads a national organization of more than 100 employees. April oversees Microsoft’s state-of-the-art technology and industry centers-of-excellence (COE).April’s career spans more than 30 years, and she has held leadership roles in both the public and private sectors. She has been the catalyst for driving change, direction, and developing enterprise-wide and global strategies for digital transformation and innovation for many Fortune 500 companies. April is also an adjunct professor at Drexel University’s LeBow School of Management Executive MBA program where she developed and teaches a course: “Accelerating and Navigating Industry Transformation”.Listen On: Apple Podcast | Spotify This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit transformationtalk.substack.com
In this talk, we get Trishia’s perspective on all things coaching and leadership development. She shares her perspective on the role that coaching plays in business transformation, tools for leaders to scale and sustain change from a coaching perspective, creating healthy coaching dynamics and relationships, how to help leaders get out of their own way, and so much more!Trishia Lichauco is a leadership development coach and facilitator and the founder of LichauCoach, where she helps her clients find their voice, own their stories, and embark on a journey of truth. Trishia held positions as the Chief of Staff to the President at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Assistant to the President at Wheaton College; she also held management positions in the WGBH Auction and the Career Education Center at Simmons College and was the 2017-2019 President of the International Coach Federation New England (ICFNE).Trishia spent 40 years as an immigrant, a stay-at-home mother for 20 years, and a thriving self-directed leader for over 25 years. Learn more about Trishia’s services at www.lichaucoach.comListen On: Apple Podcast | Spotify This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit transformationtalk.substack.com
As a communicator, how can you leverage your exposure and opportunities to effectively share your story? In this empathetic talk, Sheleah shares what every organization can learn from communications in education, the importance of representation when it comes to storytelling in your organizations, and making authenticity contagious. Tune in, as we’re sure you will be inspired!Sheleah Reed, is currently the Chief of Staff for Aldine ISD (one of the largest school districts in the country) where she began as the Chief Communications Officer in 2018. She began her 20-year career as a newspaper reporter, which has proven to be instrumental since her role is to tell the story of Aldine ISD. Sheleah has spent the past seven years in school communications, joining the Aldine ISD Executive Leadership Team in 2018.In her current role, she serves as an advisor to the Superintendent and the Executive Leadership team. Particularly on issues with external visibility, impact, and equity workFollow Sheleah on Twitter at @Only1sheleahListen On: Apple Podcast | Spotify This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit transformationtalk.substack.com
In this talk, we cover the importance of organizations focusing on developing great followers just as much as they do great leaders. We also dive into the impact that Amplifiers have on total talent, how to identify and enable Amplifiers in the workplace, and so much more!Tom Finegan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Clarkston Consulting, has defined the firm’s vision since co-founding the company nearly 30 years ago. Along with the other co-founders, Tom believes consulting firms that genuinely care about driving measurable business results for clients and create a rewarding and stimulating environment for professionals will thrive in the crowded consulting marketplace. Tom is responsible for managing the company, formulating long-term strategies, and driving growth. Tom has applied his experience and leadership philosophy in his forthcoming book, Amplifiers: How Great Leaders Magnify the Power of Teams, Increase the Impact of Organizations, and Turn Up the Volume on Positive Change. Tom also serves as chairman of FoodLogiQ, LLC and is a managing member of Clarkston Merchant Partners, and serves as a member of the Board of Directors for Momentum, located in Durham, NC.Listen On: Apple Podcast | Spotify This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit transformationtalk.substack.com
In this talk, we dive into the intersection of racial equity and technology. How do we leverage a growth mindset to create economic mobility and self-agency for Black and Brown students? Danny dives into how mission-driven organizations are shaping our future, the importance of legacy as a foundation to transformation, and our capacity to make substantial change.Danny Rojas is the Executive Director of All Star Code, a leading computer science education nonprofit preparing young men of color to thrive and lead in the tech sector, and has over twenty years of experience in strategic advising, management capacity building, and technology innovation in corporate, startup, and nonprofit ecosystems.Danny is passionate about the future of work and leveraging his unique experience to help close the technology diversity gap.Additionally, Danny serves on the Board of Trustees for Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the Board of Directors of the New Immigrant Community Empowerment Organization, and the New York Chapter of the Association of Latino Professionals for America. Listen On: Apple Podcast | Spotify This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit transformationtalk.substack.com
Jasmine Lawrence is a product manager for X, a moonshot company on their Everyday Robot project. She’s building a new type of learning robot - one that can eventually learn to help everyone, every day. Jasmine has also served on teams at Facebook, Microsoft, SoftBank Robotics America, and Xbox. Jasmine is also the founder of EDEN BodyWorks, an affordable natural hair and body care product line.Jasmine finds joy in solving human-centered problems on diverse teams using technical, communication, and leadership skills. Whether it's building devices or formulating beauty products, she focuses on creating delightful experiences that make a difference in people's lives. Learn more about Jasmine at her personal website, www.jasminelawrence.com. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit transformationtalk.substack.com
What role does leadership development play in transformation? What does it mean to be “properly selfish”? In this conversation, we dive into the science and psychology of professional development. We discuss the importance of having a self vision and reconcile differences between how you see yourself, how you believe others see you, and how others actually experience you. Scott not only guides us through understanding these potential gaps but also shares perspectives on how to close them and create a shared vision among your team.Scott Taylor is a leadership development expert, researcher, and coach. He is the Arthur Blank Chair for Values-Based Leadership at Babson College, a research fellow with the Coaching Research Lab at Case Western Reserve University. Scott is a core member of the Consortium for Research on Emotional Intelligence in Organizations working closely with researchers in the space like Daniel Goleman and Richard Boyatzis.He studies the approaches organizations use to assess and develop their leaders, evaluates the effectiveness of those approaches, and helped to drive improvement in those approaches. In that capacity, he has worked closely with numerous companies including Biogen, Dell, the NFL, Coca-Cola FEMSA, the US Treasury, and Smuckers Corp.Listen On: Apple Podcast | Spotify This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit transformationtalk.substack.com
What are some of the critical elements of “process-driven transformation?” and more importantly how can we move with intentionality to create safe spaces to serve as the foundation to organizational change and growth? This talk focuses on thinking differently, living by design, and building connections; leveraging empathy, storytelling, recovering from failure, and clear communication. Donna Ennis is the Director of Diversity Engagement and Program Development where she provides leadership across all Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute (EI2) units to develop collaborative funding opportunities and provide support and services to assure the integration of diversity and inclusion into EI2’s programs and operations. Donna is also the Program Director of the Minority Business Development Agency - Atlanta where she has assisted Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) in generating over $3.5 billion in contracts, financing, and sales and creating more than 6,000 jobs. Listen On: Apple Podcast | Spotify This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit transformationtalk.substack.com
How can your leadership mindset be detrimental, good, or great for your organization? Peter highlights how three strategic mindsets: “Head in the Sand,” “Fast Follower,” and “Create the Future” can lead your company into a prosperous (or destructive) future.Peter Cohan is a recognized thought leader in business strategy, a lecturer of strategy at Babson College, author, and a contributor to numerous business publications. His book, Goliath Strikes Back, highlights how CEO’s mindsets can have an impact on the destiny of a company.Listen On: Apple Podcast | Spotify This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit transformationtalk.substack.com
Thinking about your role as a leader, what personal practices, communication strategies, tools, values, and relationship building activities can you leverage as the foundation to your transformation journey? Bernardo Vasquez serves as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Hudson Group, a Dufry Company, and one of the largest travel retailers in North America. He is responsible for information security; governance, operations, IT risk & compliance. Bernardo has 20 years of international experience in Technology, Security, Privacy, and Forensics. Listen On: Apple Podcast | Spotify This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit transformationtalk.substack.com