EquitAble

Jay Coen Gilbert, social entrepreneur and B Corp co-founder now leading White Men for Racial Justice, discusses engaging white men in racial and economic justice. He reflects on personal turning points and the shift from business to justice. Conversation covers building vulnerability and community, changing cultural mental models, storytelling over stats, and practical approaches to noticing and interrupting bias.

Ashley B. Stewart, founder of the Corvian Group and leadership development consultant blending adaptive leadership, depth psychology, and systems thinking. He talks about emotional intelligence below the surface, collective dysregulation since the pandemic, why performance management fails amid trauma, how leaders can notice system drivers, and practices to prioritize leaders' humanity.

Augusto Cuginotti, a facilitator who uses anonymous workplace stories to surface hidden patterns. He discusses participatory narrative inquiry, how anonymity empowers marginalized voices, the limits of surveys and open-door policies, and ways stories reveal organizational dynamics and equity gaps. Short, practical, and surprising insights on using narrative to inform change.

Amber Hamilton, organizer and critic of philanthropy who created the comic This Week in Purgatory and is writing a book on power. She skewers performative philanthropy and explores the mismatch between foundations and nonprofits. Short, sharp takes on collective leverage, shared risk and authority, protecting grassroots work, and why funding must back organizing and systems change.

In this engaging discussion, Crystal Collier, a leadership coach dedicated to blending results with human connection, joins Dr. Adriane Johnson-Williams. They dive into the significance of emotional intelligence and the role of psychological safety in leadership. Crystal emphasizes the balance of being direct yet caring while prioritizing outcomes. They explore self-awareness as foundational to effective leadership and challenge listeners to create equitable systems. Discover insights on personal growth, setting meaningful boundaries, and the importance of recognizing individual strengths.

Crystal Collier, an executive coach and leader in adaptive practices, discusses the intricate balance between achieving tangible results and honoring the humanity of teams. She emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence and healthy boundaries in leadership, urging leaders to include team members in the journey to meet goals. The conversation tackles the necessity of clarity and accountability, highlighting how trust is built through honest feedback and understanding diverse needs to foster a thriving work environment.

Jamila Walker, a clinical social worker and therapist, founded Nashville Emotional Wellness Counseling, focusing on the mental health needs of BIPOC women and marginalized communities. In this conversation, she emphasizes the necessity of mental health support tailored for Black women, especially in leadership roles. The discussion covers the impact of workplace culture on personal wellness and the importance of community. Jamila also highlights the significance of therapists with lived experience and the need for culturally relevant care to foster true equity in mental health.

Amber Hamilton, a nonprofit and philanthropy expert, dives into the flaws of institutional philanthropy, emphasizing its role in perpetuating inequality. She critiques wealth-hoarding and advocates for community-led solutions, highlighting Black philanthropy's focus on mutual care. The discussion touches on the need for humility, listening, and active partnerships to shift power dynamics. Humorously referencing a 'Batman prophecy,' Amber stresses the urgency for foundations to act decisively against entrenched systems and support those directly impacted.

Dave Armstrong brings us inside the vital role small, locally owned grocery stores play in rural community resilience, equity, and well-being. Through the story of Farm Fresh in Carterville, Illinois, the episode highlights how such businesses support local vendors, foster personal relationships across generations, and address issues of isolation and imagination. By blending old-school values with a modern commitment to inclusivity, Farm Fresh demonstrates the quiet, everyday work of building equity and community from within.

In this engaging conversation, Chad Jones shares his journey as an organizer for social justice and embodiment coach. He emphasizes innovative event models that foster community connection and genuine leadership. Chad highlights the importance of vulnerability and resource-sharing to promote equity. The discussion dives into emotional expression, particularly among men, advocating for somatic awareness as a tool for authentic relationships. He calls for systemic change to ensure access to basic needs, urging everyone to participate in the movement for a more equitable world.