Lead My Heart’s Post

This week, Verizon hosted a special webcast to celebrate Black History Month - and the fact that our Black Originators Leaders and Doers (BOLD) employee resource group turned 40! I was so excited to be in the live audience at our Basking Ridge campus, listening to Christina Schelling, Clarence Otis, Shellye Archambeau, and Rodney Slater share their insights on the importance of Black History Month, and why taking the time to reflect on our journey is so important. The theme for 2024 is BOLDer Steps Together: Tomorrow is Built Today. It was a sentiment that resonated strongly with the audience, with the conversation turning to the role every person has - as a member of the community or as an ally - to build a collective future for us all. Beyond that, the discussion highlighted some simple but powerful insights. Shellye made the point that the number one job of a leader is to develop more leaders. She said that you do this by being intellectually curious, communicating clearly with your teams, and ensuring that people know you care. I couldn’t agree more with this philosophy, and with a point she made about intentional allyship being a crucial part of any leadership approach. Then Wendy Taccetta closed the event. Wendy is one of the most inspiring speakers I know, and one of the people I know I can have meaningful conversations with thanks to her skill for always creating a safe place for any conversation. So hearing her wrap up the event was a wonderful moment. I love how she talked about the way Black History Month is a time to have courageous conversations about what we’ve accomplished and how far we still have to go. She also challenged us all to be better learners by listening to people who have had a different lived experience, and to be “creators”: people who create opportunities for others. Some great thoughts to take into the weekend and to inspire conversations long after Black History Month ends.

This #BlackHistoryMonth, we’re celebrating exceptional Black leaders working to build a more equitable New York City. In our Black History Month Spotlight, we ask these leaders: “How does Black history and your own lived experience inform your work at your organization?” We begin our series by posing this question to our own Melissa A. Browne, Chief Development Officer at United Way of New York City. “Learning about Black history is one of my earliest memories,” Melissa says. “I was filled with stories centered on the incredible power and ingenuity of my people. My family, full of educators, were my inspiration, including an uncle who was a Black Panther, another who was a trailblazer as an openly gay Black man in the 60s, and my mother — a scientist who may literally know everything. Now, as a mother of a young Black son, the importance of fortifying the magic of Black history is even more important, especially in these fraught political times. One of the key reasons I joined United Way of New York City was its dedication to building and amplifying inclusive and diverse communities, which is reflected in the staff at UWNYC and how we break down barriers to success in Black neighborhoods. Too often nonprofits see their role as imparting knowledge or services. At UWNYC we know we can’t address these barriers without respecting and amplifying the voices in these communities.” #BlackLeaders #BlackLeadership

Celebrating Black History Month: Leadership in Action Black History Month is a time to recognize and honor the rich cultural heritage and significant contributions of the Black community. Leaders can celebrate this month both in the office and virtually by: 👀Hosting Educational Events: Organize workshops or invite speakers to discuss Black history and culture. 👀Spotlighting Black Innovations: Focus on the groundbreaking contributions and innovations made by Black individuals in various fields like science, technology, arts, and politics. This can include presentations, articles, or social media campaigns. 👀Supporting Black-Owned Businesses: Partner with or feature local Black-owned businesses. Let's embrace this month as an opportunity for learning, reflection, and celebration. Have any ideas to add to this list? I’d love to hear them below. 👇🏿 #BlackHistoryMonth #InclusiveLeadership #CulturalCelebration

Celebrating Black History Month: Leadership in Action Black History Month is a time to recognize and honor the rich cultural heritage and significant contributions of the Black community. Leaders can celebrate this month both in the office and virtually by: 👀Hosting Educational Events: Organize workshops or invite speakers to discuss Black history and culture. 👀Spotlighting Black Innovations: Focus on the groundbreaking contributions and innovations made by Black individuals in various fields like science, technology, arts, and politics. This can include presentations, articles, or social media campaigns. 👀Supporting Black-Owned Businesses: Partner with or feature local Black-owned businesses. Let's embrace this month as an opportunity for learning, reflection, and celebration. Have any ideas to add to this list? I’d love to hear them below. 👇🏿 #BlackHistoryMonth #InclusiveLeadership #CulturalCelebration

✊This Black History Month, we we honor the rich and enduring legacy of Black Americans who have shaped history and inspired change in every facet of society. From innovation to entrepreneurship, Black leaders are playing a significant role in shaping the industry's landscape. Join us as we honor their achievements and highlight their impact on manufacturing: 🔧 Trailblazing Innovators: From Garrett Morgan, inventor of the traffic signal, to George Washington Carver, pioneer of agricultural science, Black innovators have revolutionized manufacturing processes and technologies. 👩🏭 Inspiring Leaders: Black entrepreneurs and executives have shattered barriers and paved the way for future generations in manufacturing leadership roles. Their vision, resilience, and determination have propelled companies to new heights of success. 🌟 Hidden Figures: Behind every groundbreaking invention and manufacturing milestone are countless unsung heroes whose contributions have often gone unrecognized. This Black History Month, we celebrate their vital role in driving progress and innovation. 🤝 Commitment to Diversity: As we celebrate Black History Month, let us recommit ourselves to building a more inclusive and equitable manufacturing industry. By embracing diversity and fostering an environment of belonging, we can unlock the full potential of our workforce and drive greater innovation and prosperity for everyone. Join us in honoring the legacy and contributions of Black individuals in manufacturing this #BlackHistoryMonth! Together, let's celebrate diversity, promote inclusion, and continue striving for a brighter, more equitable future in manufacturing. ✊🏭 #ManufacturingExcellence #DiversityandInclusion #InnovationLeadership #MassMEP #MEPNationalNetwork #together

This Black History Month, we pause to recognize the invaluable contributions of Black leaders and professionals who have played pivotal roles in shaping high-performance cultures across industries.   Black history is rich with stories of resilience, innovation, and a commitment to excellence — values that deeply resonate with Moran Consulting's core principles.   As we honor Black History Month, we reflect on the significance of fostering diversity, learning from diverse perspectives, and taking action to build inclusive environments.    For us, integrity, flexibility, innovation, continuous learning, proactive action, and delivering exceptional service are not just words; they are the guiding principles fueling our commitment to excellence.   Let's continue championing diversity, celebrating the achievements of Black professionals, and collaboratively working toward a future where every organization realizes its goals through an inclusive, high-performance culture.   #BlackHistoryMonth #InclusiveCulture #DiversityChampions #BlackLeadership #ExcellenceInDiversity #CelebratingBlackProfessionals #HighPerformanceCulture #MoranConsulting

Started by Black students and staff at Kent State University in 1969, Black History Month became a United States celebration under President Ford in 1976. How can you help your organization move from simple commemoration to a Black History Month that matters? Here are a few ideas: Make it official: Include Black History Month in your internal and external communication plans, training schedules, and event calendars. Review your recent history: Black History Month is a great opportunity to reflect on your organization’s DEI goals. What can you celebrate? What do you need to keep working on? (Need help clarifying and/or reaching your DEI goals? Reach out; we can help.) Research your part of the story: What Black history makers (leaders, innovators, disruptors, mentors) have made a difference in your organization and your industry as a whole? How can you make this history come alive for your employees, customers, and wider audience? Listen: History is told one person at a time. Find ways for Black employees to share their stories. Seek out Black community members who deserve a louder megaphone. Amplify their experiences. How is your organization making an impact this Black History Month? #BlackHistoryMonth #DEI #HRImpact

As we continue to reflect on Black History Month, one idea that keeps coming up for me is the importance of community and networks. In this work, we thrive when we have a robust, regenerative, and supportive network. As black consultants and nonprofit leaders, it can be challenging to navigate our work and our professional development without pre-built professional networks that some of our colleagues seem to have. Coming from a farming family, my personal network is supportive and regenerative in many ways. That being said, when I go home, we don't discuss the modern philanthropic sector and how it can support black communities better. We laugh, reminisce, and we take care of each as humans. That is 100% important and it fills my cup in a way many other interactions do not. That's why I've intentionally built my "professional" network to serve as a complement to the support network I do have. I seek ways to build community wherever I go because I know that's how we change the world - as a powerful, interconnected network of changemakers. As we celebrate Black History Month, I would love to know about the black leaders, scholars, and professionals that you follow. Who has become an intentional part of your community and practice? Let's continue to grow this world where we are all connected in community and practice. #BlackHistoryMonth #CommunityBuilding #ProfessionalNetworks #Changemakers

Honoring Black History Month Throughout the month of February, I commit to sharing posts on LinkedIn that highlight and celebrate the achievements, contributions, and stories of Black professionals, leaders, and trailblazers. This month challenge aims to promote awareness, appreciation, and recognition of Black excellence across different industries. Weekly Themes: Week 1 (Feb 1-7): Historical Icons Share posts about historical figures who made significant contributions to society, such as civil rights leaders, inventors, writers, and activists. Week 2 (Feb 8-14): Contemporary Leaders Highlight the accomplishments of present-day Black leaders in various fields, including business, technology, science, arts, and sports. Week 3 (Feb 15-21): Unsung Heroes Shed light on lesser-known but impactful individuals who have made a difference in their communities or industries. Week 4 (Feb 22-29): Personal Reflections Share your own reflections on the importance of Black History Month, what you've learned, and how you plan to contribute to fostering diversity and inclusion. #BlackHistoryMonth

Black History Month Speaker! As we approach Black History Month, I am not only excited to celebrate and appreciate the amazing things that blacks have done in the world, but I still have dates available in February and would love to serve as a keynote speaker for your Black History Month Program next month! With so many things to share about when it comes to the accomplishments, success, impact, and excellence of blacks in the world, I have four signature programs for Black History Month that have been very impactful for students and professionals in years past. Those four signature programs are as follows: The Power of Black Excellence! – 5 Lessons of Success That We Can Learn from Black Excellence That Will Enable Us All To Thrive, Succeed, and Make A Positive Impact In Our Community, Nation, and World! Speak Black Man! – 4 Career and Leadership Lessons of Success from A Successful Black Man In America! A Call to Action! – Igniting The ‘Leadership Greatness’ Within Emerging Black Leaders To Make A Positive Impact In Their Community, Nation, and World! You Matter! – 4 Self-Care/Wellness Strategies That Will Strengthen, Re-Energize, Motivate, and Protect Black Leaders from Becoming Burnt Out Doing The Good Work For Our Community! To learn more about my style as a speaker, you can watch the virtual presentation that I did a couple of years ago for Black History Month entitled, "I am Because We Are". https://lnkd.in/eTCQ42G6