Conversations With Carole
"Conversations with Carole" is meant to build a community where we can talk about current and historical issues relevant to our times. I've been in the cross culture business for many years and celebrate the past work I've done in radio. It made sense NOW to move the conversation to a podcast format where we can all get involved!
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As an award-winning keynote speaker, trainer, and global thought leader, since 1987, Carole Copeland Thomas moderates the discussions of critical issues affecting the marketplace. She has her pulse on the issues affecting working professionals and regularly consults with industry leaders. She has spent 36 years cultivating relationships and partnerships with local, national, and international sponsors, including Walmart, Amtrak, and Emirates Airlines. Carole is the past president of The National Speakers Association -New England Chapter and was on the leadership team of Black NSA. Carole is a blogger and social media enthusiast using various technology platforms to enhance her business development activities.
Carole has been featured in the New York Times, Boston Globe, Black Enterprise, ABC Radio, and CBS News.
She is the author of eight books and is the Past National Vice Chair of the National Black MBA Association
Carole is a 28-year member of the National Speakers Association (NSA) and an active member of Black NSA. She won the President Emeritus Award for the leadership role she played during the 2017-2018 NSA New England Chapter Year.
Visit Carole's website at www.carolecopelandthomas.com.
Conversations With Carole
12/31/2024 EPISODE #44 Positive Reward Actions for DEI
In this powerful end-of-year episode of Conversations with Carole, Carole Copeland Thomas delivers an inspiring message about resilience and action in the face of challenges to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Reflecting on the transformative events of 2024, Carole highlights both setbacks and triumphs in the fight for equity and justice, urging listeners to take proactive steps in supporting organizations that remain committed to DEI principles.
Key Topics Covered:
- The Current Landscape of DEI: Carole reviews the pressures on corporations and organizations to back away from DEI initiatives, spurred by well-funded, anti-DEI campaigns and legal challenges linked to recent Supreme Court rulings.
- Highlighting DEI Champions: Carole celebrates two standout organizations—Northeast Human Resources Association (NEHRA) and Costco—for their unwavering commitment to DEI in the face of external pressures.
- NEHRA’s Stand: Despite its larger affiliate SHRM removing "equity" from its framework, NEHRA reaffirmed its dedication to DEI values, setting an example of principled leadership.
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- Costco’s Commitment: Costco defended its DEI programs against shareholder proposals to eliminate them, demonstrating the value of inclusion in driving innovation and operational success.
- Introducing PRA for DEI: Carole unveils the Positive Reward Actions strategy, a practical four-step framework for supporting organizations that uphold DEI values.
PRA for DEI Framework:
- Identify Champions: Recognize organizations, big or small, that boldly support DEI.
- Specific Actions: Highlight the concrete steps these organizations take to resist anti-DEI pressures.
- Reward Their Efforts: Write letters of appreciation, support their products, or spread the word on social media.
- Separate Them from Crowd Pleasers: Distinguish these committed organizations from those who have merely performed lip service to DEI goals.
Call to Action:
Carole invites listeners to join her in 2025 by identifying and celebrating DEI champions. She encourages listeners to:
- Share examples of champion organizations via email (details in the show notes).
- Actively support companies and groups that resist pressures to compromise on DEI.
- Continue the conversation on social media using #DEIChampions and #PRAforDEI.
Resources Mentioned:
- Links to articles on NEHRA and Costco’s DEI efforts (included in show notes).
Newsweek Article
https://www.newsweek.com/costco-board-shareholder-dei-hiring-2006717
- Information about Project 2025 and its implications for DEI.
Happy New Year!
As Carole says, "The best is yet to come." Start 2025 with a renewed commitment to championing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Stay bold, brave, and buoyant!