Shows
The Invisible MenAndre Fowlkes: From Credentials to Community—A Holistic Approach to TalentIn this episode of the Invisible Men, Ian speaks with Andre Fowlkes, co-founder and president of Start Co., about what it really takes for young people—especially in underserved communities—to succeed. Andre introduces the concept of the “social envelope,” a holistic framework that includes not just skills and credentials, but also social capital, support systems, and exposure to opportunity-rich environments. He emphasizes that learning should be continuous, not a one-time event, and explores how peer learning, mentorship, innovation, and entrepreneurship can empower youth to solve problems and navigate systems that often work against them. Andre highlights the valu...2025-05-0138 minThe Invisible MenThomas Chatterton Williams: Rejecting the Black-White BinaryIn this episode of the Invisible Men, Ian and Nique engage in a conversation with author Thomas Chatterton Williams about race, identity, and the complexities of navigating a mixed-race background. Williams shares his personal experiences growing up with a black father and a white mother, exploring how these dynamics shaped his understanding of race and class. The discussion delves into the psychological impacts of racism, the challenges of racial authenticity, and the importance of unlearning societal stereotypes. Williams emphasizes the need to reject the black-white binary and highlights misconceptions that exist between races, advocating for a more nuanced understanding o...2025-04-2452 minThe Invisible MenIan and Nique: College, Merit, and the Road Less TraveledIn this episode, Ian and Nique discuss the evolving landscape of higher education, discussing the shifting dynamics of college admissions, meritocracy, and the challenges students face today. They reflect on the complex and often frustrating process of applying to colleges, particularly the pressures placed on students by restrictive admissions policies. The conversation then shifts to a broader critique of college culture, questioning the necessity of a traditional college degree, and exploring alternative paths to success. With a focus on new educational models like the University of Austin, they examine how merit, critical thinking, and the ability to handle divergent...2025-04-1630 minThe Invisible MenDumisani Washington: Black Excellence and Solidarity with Israel | THE INVISIBLE MENIan and Nique are joined by Dumisani Washington to discuss the historical and ongoing challenges of racial integration, education, and black self-determination. Dumisani shares insights from his upbringing, emphasizing black excellence and the effects of integration on black institutions, and reflects on how his name change and spiritual journey led to the creation of the Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding black history, the strength of family, and the need for continued solidarity between black and Jewish communities, exploring the intersections of identity, faith, history, and resilience.2025-04-0851 minThe Invisible MenIan Rowe and Nique Fajors: Moynihan at 60In this conversation, Ian and Nique delve into the historical context and contemporary implications of the Moynihan Report, discussing the decline of family structure in the black community and its impact on community cohesion, life outcomes, and neighborhood life. They explore the media's role in sensationalizing the report, personal narratives surrounding family dynamics, and the importance of education and empowerment in addressing these challenges. The discussion emphasizes the need for honest conversations about family structure and the potential pathways to success for young people.2025-04-0130 minThe Invisible MenClifton Duncan’s One Man ShowIn this episode of the Invisible Men, Ian engages in a deep conversation with Clifton Duncan, a classically trained actor and playwright. They explore Clifton’s unique upbringing across different cultures, his journey of racial awareness, and the complexities of navigating identity within the acting community. Clifton shares his experiences in theater, the impact of racial dynamics, and a pivotal moment that shifted his perspective on race. The discussion culminates in a reflection on liberation from societal constraints and the importance of seeing oneself beyond racial identity.Duncan discusses the profound influence of Thomas Sowell on his lif...2025-03-2558 minThe Invisible MenIan Rowe and Nique Fajors: DEI’s Out. MEI’s In?In this episode, Nique and Ian discuss Harvard economist Roland Fryer’s proposal to transition from Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) to Merit, Excellence, and Intelligence (MEI) in corporate and educational contexts. They explore the implications of this shift, the challenges posed by current educational disparities, and the importance of merit in creating opportunities. The conversation highlights the performative nature of DEI initiatives and the need for a more honest dialogue about the root causes of inequality. Ultimately, they advocate for a focus on merit as a means to achieve true diversity and excellence in society.2025-03-1831 minThe Invisible MenDevon Westhill: Equality Doesn’t Equal Equity | THE INVISIBLE MENIn this episode of the Invisible Men, Ian and Nique engage with Devon Westhill, president of the Center for Equal Opportunity, discussing his personal journey growing up as a mixed-race child in the South, the dynamics of race and education, the role of single mothers, and the importance of social safety nets. The conversation also delves into the distinction between equal opportunity and equity in today's society, emphasizing the need for character-based judgment over race-based outcomes.Devon discusses the complexities of racial representation in corporate America, the shifting dynamics of equity and inclusion, and the potential impact...2025-03-1156 minThe Invisible MenDarius Jones: Race and EmpowermentIn this episode of the Invisible Men, Ian Rowe and Nique Fajors engage in a deep conversation with Darius Jones, founder of the National Black Empowerment Council. Darius shares his upbringing in a family of educators involved in the civil rights movement, which shaped his understanding of race and empowerment. He discusses the importance of political engagement and the need for effective black leadership, emphasizing that not all leaders who share racial identity will prioritize the community's needs. The conversation also highlights the mission of the National Black Empowerment Council in fostering leadership and creating positive change at the...2025-03-0549 minThe Invisible MenRevitalizing North TulsaPhilip Abode, the lead pastor of Crossover Bible Church and executive director of Crossover Preparatory Academy, joins Ian and Nique to discuss his life journey, the role that faith played in his upbringing, and his work to promote North Tulsa’s flourishing. The conversation highlights the comprehensive community development initiatives he and his colleagues have implemented, including youth sports programs, educational institutions, and healthcare services, all aimed at restoring and empowering their community. He also highlights the need for empowerment through education and development, sharing insights on the rituals and culture established at Crossover.2025-02-2647 minThe Invisible MenFrom DEI Chief to DEI CriticErec Smith, a research fellow at the Cato Institute, joins Ian and Nique to discuss his life journey, “wokeism,” and the effects and future of DEI initiatives. Erec shares his experiences as a chief diversity officer and critiques the current state of DEI, arguing that it has strayed from its original purpose. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities facing DEI in the future, as well as the complex relationship between freedom and racism in the black community. He also discusses his resignation from academia due to the challenges posed by the prevailing woke culture. He emph...2025-02-1847 minThe Invisible MenMichael Bowen: Championing Intellectual Diversity Within the Black CommunityMichael Bowen, a founding member of Free Black Thought, joins Ian and Nique to discuss themes ranging from race, identity, and the important intellectual diversity within the black community. The conversation delves into Michael's early awareness of race, the cultural significance of jazz and the Black Arts Movement, his experiences in college and fraternity life, the role of black engineers, educational disparities, and the founding of Free Black Thought, which challenges prevailing narratives about race and achievement.2025-02-1156 minThe Invisible MenSarah and Bruce Bond: Father-Daughter Success StorySarah Bond, the president of Xbox, and Bruce Bond, her father, join Ian and Nique to discuss their relationship, lessons learned from their lives and careers, and their experience of race in America.2025-02-041h 14The Invisible MenBob Woodson: Civil Rights IconBob Woodson, founder of the Woodson Center, joins Ian and Nique to discuss his career, the future and history of the civil rights movement, and how to promote equal opportunity for all Americans.Subscribe for more episodes of The Invisible Men.2025-01-2945 min
The Glenn ShowGlenn x Invisible Men: Glenn Loury's ConfessionsSupport The Glenn Show at https://glennloury.substack.comI'm reposting an episode of the Invisible Men podcast, hosted by Ian Rowe and Nique Fajors. They had me on to talk about Late Admissions, the bias and development narratives, and a lot more. Ian and Nique have a stellar lineup of guests who are having the important conversations about race in America, so check them out at invisible.men. You can find video of this episode there or at my newsletter, https://glennloury.substack.com.Order Glenn's memoir, "Late Admissions: Confessions of a Black Conservative"...2025-01-1250 min
The Glenn ShowJohn McWhorter & Ian Rowe – F.R.E.E. AgencyThis week, John McWhorter and I welcome special guest Ian Rowe to TGS. Ian is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, the founder and CEO of Vertex Enterprise Academies, and author of the new book Agency: The Four Point Plan (F.R.E.E.) for ALL Children to Overcome the Victimhood Narrative and Discover Their Pathway to Power. Ian is doing outstanding work establishing charter schools throughout New York City, so John and I invited him on to discuss his efforts, among other topics. We begin by discussing how the Rodney King beating and the...2022-09-231h 09
Conversation Balloons1. Millennial Pachyderms w/ Josh LewisJosh Lewis, host of Saving Elephants podcast, which connects Millennials to conservative ideas, joins Conversation Balloons to bring us up to speed on conservatism's younger adherents--and why there are not enough of them. He examines factors such as technology, public school faculty, Occupy Wall Street, betrayals by trusted public figures, and a lack of civil education. What's the importance of "thick institutions"? Does he support reparations for slavery? Who are the young women who are lighting the conservative way? Tune in to find out.
Further resources:
--Saving Elephants Podcast and Blog, https://www.savingelephantsblog.com/
...2022-04-2041 minThe Invisible MenIrvin Scott on the importance of faith and fatherhoodThis week, Ian and Nique are joined by Dr. Irvin Scott – director of the Leadership Institute for Faith and Education at Harvard University and former deputy director for K-12 education at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, with over twenty years of experience working as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and chief academic officer. Dr. Scott describes the core elements of what it means to raise three African-American boys: Bibles, books, and balls – all of which transcend race and help affirm one’s place in the world.Dr. Scott believes fatherhood is critical to human flourishing and explai...2022-01-2741 minThe Invisible MenShelby Steele on the powerful influence of white guiltIn this episode, Ian and Nique are joined by Shelby Steele – author, columnist, documentary maker, and Senior Fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution. Shelby shares how growing up in the milieu of the civil rights movement caused him to be intellectually engrossed in debates about race and America from an early age. His father, despite lacking even a high education himself, pushed Shelby to believe that black people could overcome barriers and achieve great things in life with the right opportunities and the proper attitude. Later, Shelby describes how white guilt – the idea that white people today...2022-01-251h 13The Invisible MenIan and Nique on the Olympics and the importance of high expectationsIn this special episode, Ian and Nique engage in a one-on-one conversation about key takeaways from the Tokyo Olympics. They also share their reaction to a recent bill signed by Oregon Governor Kate Brown that eliminates the need for students to test proficient in reading, writing, and math in order to graduate high school. Their discussion centers around “Darryl’s” likely reaction to both events. Watch the full episode to hear how Ian and Nique would explain these events to “Darryl.”2021-08-1822 minThe Invisible MenJames Hill on building crypto business and driving community developmentIn this episode, Ian and Nique are joined by James Hill — software development architect, entrepreneur, U.S. Army veteran, and inventor of a new crypto technology called BracketChain. James and his wife started a company in 2014 called Alambda systems, a successful venture that currently has partnerships with Boeing, Microsoft, and Peraton. James runs a software-developing academy and focuses his efforts toward helping implement traditional approaches of investing, like short-selling, by using crypto technology. James shares how his upbringing in a majority white neighborhood inspired him to “bulldoze through” any misguided racial stereotypes and fueled his desire to succee...2021-08-1134 minThe Invisible MenScott Hilton-Clarke on finding your inner music and purposeIn this episode, Ian and Nique are joined by Scott Hilton-Clarke — the founder of Inspiration Laboratories, a firm devoted to inspiring leaders, entrepreneurs, and executives to step into their greatness and realize their visions for the future. Scott is a Founding Member of the Board of Governors for the University of Trinidad and Tobago and a graduate of Harvard Business School. He has spent over 25 years helping companies raise their levels of impact through cultivating leadership acumen and enhancing workplace synergy one department, one manager, one contributor at a time.Scott's passions go beyond the workplace. He im...2021-08-0444 minThe Invisible MenBarry Johnson on what it means to be a “possibilitist”In this episode, Ian and Nique are joined by Barry Johnson — the chairman and founder of Bedowin360 Capital with over thirty years of experience spanning Wall Street, Media, and the Obama Administration. Barry shares how his experience of growing up in segregated Alabama during the 1960s “living a foot in two worlds” shaped his path toward becoming a “possibilitist”— someone who uses his or her appreciation for human difference to celebrate the prospect of future opportunities.Originally on track to become a professional violinist, Barry switched gears and attended Yale University after a friend explained that he could share...2021-07-2151 minThe Invisible MenHarvard professor Roland Fryer on disrupting the false narrative around policingJoin Ian and Nique this week for the second half of their two-part discussion with Harvard professor, MacArthur Genius Grant recipient, and early-stage investor Roland Fryer. In this episode, Roland shares how, following the murder of Walter Scott, he was inspired to build the best dataset possible to assess how race shapes police interactions in America today. Roland assembled a team to partner with police departments across the U.S. and build a state-of-the-art dataset on policing. His findings shocked many. While large racial gaps persisted on lower-level uses of force during police interactions, even after accounting for potential...2021-07-1533 minThe Invisible MenHarvard professor Roland Fryer on studying difficult questions with economicsThis week, Ian and Nique launch a two-part discussion with Harvard professor, MacArthur Genius Grant recipient, and early-stage investor Roland Fryer on Roland’s journey to academia (part 1) and why his principled approach to research has disrupted long-held assumptions within the social sciences about policing, mobility, and race (part 2). In this first part of the conversation, Roland shares how his exposure to economics in college sparked an academic passion in him that had lay dormant until that point. Roland became enthralled with economics because it empowered him to use the best research tools available to study the most important an...2021-07-0828 minThe Invisible MenTheodore Johnson on restoring American patriotism, properly understoodIn this episode, Ian and Nique are joined by Theodore (Ted) Johnson — director of the fellows program at the Brennan Center for Justice, White House Fellow, and author of “When the Stars Begin to Fall: Overcoming Racism and Renewing the Promise of America.” Ted’s upbringing mirrored the duality that animates the discussion in his new book: Ted was raised in a majority-White neighborhood but attended a majority-Black school, his father modeled a desire to “wrestle” with injustice in the world but his mother emphasized individual kindness and intellect, and his grandparents were sharecroppers in “Jim Crow” era South Carolina and yet t...2021-06-2431 minThe Invisible MenBob Woodson on rescuing American history from “race hustlers”In this episode, Ian and Nique are joined for a second time by Bob Woodson — president of the Woodson Center and most recently, founder of 1776 Unites — to discuss his new, best-selling volume of essays “Red, White, and Black: Rescuing American History from Revisionists and Race Hustlers.” Bob shares how his involvement early in the civil rights movement caused him to realize that many of the policies the left has proposed in response to the civil rights movement actually harm low-income black Americans while benefitting elites. Today, Bob sees the same trend playing out before his eyes — with the message of what “race...2021-06-1743 minThe Invisible MenWard Connerly on Malcolm X, equality vs. equity, and the Biden presidencyIn this episode, Ian and Nique are joined by Ward Connerly — a former member of the Board of Regents at the University of California, owner of a family business, and a self-described “child of the color-blind God.” Ward began his work in the public square early as the student body president of California State University in Sacramento, where he fought against housing discrimination and contributed toward the passing of the Rumford Fair Housing Act. From there, a career of accomplishment in the private sector, and periodic work with former California Governor Pete Wilson, paved the way for Ward’s appointmen...2021-06-1759 minThe Invisible MenAnthony Bradley on a data-centered view of black progress and human flourishingIn this episode, Ian and Nique are joined by Anthony Bradley — a Research Fellow at the Acton Institute and professor of religious studies at the King’s College, where he directs the Center for the Study of Human Flourishing. Anthony discusses the importance of developing a data-centered outlook on black success in America. Anthony grew up in the well-off black suburbs of southwest Atlanta, where he was surrounded by countless examples of black men and women who had built meaningful careers by merging a deep desire for progress with a strong moral grounding. After hearing “The Firing Line” mentioned by Michael...2021-06-0354 minThe Invisible MenJason Riley on the legacy of Thomas Sowell and its importance to our futureIn this episode, Ian and Nique are joined by Jason Riley — a prolific columnist at the Wall Street Journal, Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, and author of the forthcoming book “Maverick: A Biography of Thomas Sowell,” which is now available on Amazon. Jason discusses the work and legacy of Thomas Sowell, an economist and public intellectual whose research has unearthed the cultural and behavioral characteristics that can engender the uplift of a new generation of vulnerable Americans. It was encountering Sowell’s work in college that launched Jason on the path toward developing his current framework for understanding issues of...2021-06-0337 minThe Invisible MenFormer CIA analyst Yaya Fanusie on finding peace from within oneselfIn this episode, Ian and Nique are joined by Yaya Fanusie — a former CIA agent and a national security expert in finance technology. Yaya discusses how his education, international travel, spiritual journey grew him from a teenager with a distrust of America and a race-centric view of the world to an advocate for the advancement of core American principles at the CIA and beyond. Yaya was raised in California, where he was deeply influenced by movements that taught him his “blackness” was the core part of his identity. Later, as he travelled to Zimbabwe and Ghana through his studies, Yaya met...2021-06-0236 minThe Invisible MenJonathan Newton on finding drive and direction out of a Bronx upbringingIn this episode, Ian and Nique are joined by Jonathan Newton — the pastor at Jordan River Ministries, an attorney for the federal government, and an adjunct professor at Howard University. Jonathan discusses his journey from the Bronx to Harvard Law School, and ultimately the Environmental Protection Agency, where he served as an attorney for nearly twenty years. An upbringing in the Bronx gave Jonathan the drive and desire to build a better life. However, it wasn’t until Jonathan completed Army training and reconnected with the church during a brief sabbatical from college that he found the direction to channe...2021-06-0234 minThe Invisible MenWashington State Representative David Hackney on stewarding a great educationIn this episode, Ian and Nique are joined by David Hackney — a Washington State Representative, Harvard Law School and Harvard Kennedy School graduate, and former attorney for the Department of Justice. Two pivotal moments during David’s freshman year at Cornell changed his outlook on education inspired him to steward the opportunities in front of him. The first was advice from a recent graduate who had thrived socially on Cornell’s campus but was only able to find a job as an Assistant Manager at Burger King because he did not apply himself academically: don’t take a Cornell educatio...2021-06-0237 min
AEI Podcast ChannelThe Invisible Men: Delano Squires on the virtue of strong family life and responsible fatherhoodThis week, the AEI Podcast Channel presents the latest episode of "The Invisible Men," hosted by Ian Rowe and Nique Fajors.In this episode, Ian and Nique are joined by Delano Squires — an Author at the Federalist and a long-time public servant. Delano shares how his growing faith journey and upbringing in an interconnected family from the West Indies have been center points of his journey as a writer. A computer engineering major in college, Delano was inspired to begin his writing career as the tragic murder of MVF NFL quarterback Steve McNair prompted him to reflect on h...2021-05-1452 minThe Invisible MenCharles Love on the importance of hands-on investing in communities at riskIn this episode, Ian and Nique are joined by Charles Love — Assistant Executive Director of Seeking Educational Excellence and author of the forthcoming book, Race Crazy. Charles discusses how his upbringing and adult life in Gary, Indiana shaped his view of the greatest challenges facing black Americans. Charles did not pay much attention to politics as a young adult. But he became concerned during the Obama presidency as a rift grew between the real-life experiences of middle-class black Americans and the rhetoric of race-based victimhood that seemed to prevail. Today, Charles believes the greatest need in impoverished minority communities is not...2021-04-2936 minThe Invisible MenDavid Mahan on building personal and cultural transformation through faithIn this episode, Ian and Nique are joined by David Mahan — Policy Director at the Center for Christian Virtue and founder of Frontline Youth Communications. David shares how “God’s people, God’s power, and God’s principles” helped him and his wife build a life of success and community impact after a difficult start as teenage parents living in poverty. As David and his wife connected with a strong church community, they found the moral compass and support network they needed to place their family on a path of restoration — a path that took David from cleaning people’s homes to testify...2021-04-2239 minThe Invisible MenDelano Squires on the virtue of strong family life and responsible fatherhoodIn this episode, Ian and Nique are joined by Delano Squires — an Author at the Federalist and a long-time public servant. Delano shares how his growing faith journey and upbringing in an interconnected family from the West Indies have been center points of his journey as a writer. A computer engineering major in college, Delano was inspired to begin his writing career as the tragic murder of MVF NFL quarterback Steve McNair prompted him to reflect on how deeply the decisions of fathers affect their families. Since then, Delano has become increasingly convinced that human flourishing in America hinges on t...2021-04-1552 minThe Invisible MenChris Campbell’s fortitude propelled him to unretire and win an Olympic medalIn this episode, Ian and Nique are joined by Chris Campbell — world champion wrestler, Olympic bronze medalist, and a practicing attorney. Chris shares how a deeply-engrained sense of intestinal fortitude empowered him to push through academic and athletic barriers and carve a pathway to success in wrestling and law. For example, Chris was unable to compete in high-school wrestling his junior year after his mother declined to sign a permission slip, so he travelled 45 minutes every day to a local junior college to train with men. In his senior year of high school wrestling he won a state championship and...2021-04-0930 minThe Invisible MenJames Stovall’s “open door” mindset helped engineer successful start-up exitIn this episode, Ian and Nique are joined by James Stovall, the co-founder and former CEO of Little Bird HR. James founded Little Bird in 2016 to provide software, employee benefits, and HR support to New York City charter schools. After five years of empowering charter schools in the city, Little Bird was bought in 2020 by one of the largest firms in the industry. Essential to James Stovall’s decision to found Little Bird: a desire to leverage his experience working in the charter school sector to pursue his long-term dream of building a company that could address root problems he...2021-04-0933 minThe Invisible MenEugene Robinson’s “New York hustle” paved a lifetime of strength over adversityIn this episode, Eugene S. Robinson joins Ian and Nique to discuss his multifaceted career as a journalist, author, musician, editor of OZY Media, and MMA Connoisseur. As a child, Eugene was driven by the New York “hustle” culture to pave a path to a better life for himself and his family. From Brooklyn to Stanford University, Eugene’s intellect and zeal propelled him into a plethora of exciting jobs and opportunities. Eugene shares pivotal moments — from starting a snow shoveling business as a young boy to discovering his knack for music and writing at Stanford — that laid the groundwork f...2021-04-0942 minThe Invisible MenAndy McGadney on the transformative power of educationIn this episode, Ian and Nique are joined by Andy McGadney — the newly announced President of Knox College and a long-time leader in higher education. Andy speaks of the critical role of education in the paving pathways to opportunity for black Americans today. As a child, Andy was raised in Connecticut but his family had deep roots in the south. Andy’s parents — both graduates of HBCUs — moved from Mobile, Alabama to Connecticut in search of better job opportunities than black college graduates could find in the south in the 1960s. It was witnessing the tremendous impact his mother, a first gr...2021-04-0935 minThe Invisible MenMyron White on investing in the success of real-life “Darryl’s”In this episode, Ian and Nique are joined by Myron White — an original member of the cast for “The Invisible Men” who has built a distinguished career in finance, entrepreneurship, and corporate leadership while serving in the Army Reserves for more than two and a half decades. Myron shares how one third-grade teacher at his Catholic school in New Orleans played an especially important role in his early development — imparting in him a sense of confidence even as he wrestled with the challenge of being the only African American child in his class. This self-confidence led Myron to chase after goal...2021-04-0932 minThe Invisible MenWorld champion wrestler Lee Kemp on the privilege of another battleIn this episode, Ian and Nique are joined by one of America’s greatest wrestlers — Lee Kemp — who reflects on a life of challenges and achievement both inside and outside wrestling. According to Lee, “I was given up for adoption at birth and was institutionalized until the age of five,” when he was adopted. Lee shares that his adopted father, who left the south for Cleveland in search of a better life, taught him the values of hard work and respect from an early age. Amid the racial unrest of the 1960s, Lee’s family moved from Cleveland to a rural Ohio f...2021-04-0945 minThe Invisible MenJohn McWhorter on the enduring effects of rhetoric after the Rodney King assaultIn this episode, Ian and Nique are joined by John McWhorter — public intellectual, Professor of Linguistics at Columbia University, and author of two forthcoming books, 9 Nasty Words and The Elect. Much like Ian and Nique, John was a graduate student at Stanford University as news of the Rodney King assault swept the nation in the early 1990s. John shares how he grew to feel alone in this time — becoming deeply impacted by the disjunction between a culture that was telling him he should feel just as much of a victim as Rodney King and a personal life experience that spoke to...2021-04-0936 minThe Invisible MenCliff Barber on “spiritual poverty” and the power of faithIn this episode, Ian and Nique are joined by Cliff Barber — Chief Strategy Officer of the Archdiocese of Chicago and a former investment fund manager. Combining knowledge from his impressive corporate background and extensive experience in ministry, Cliff discusses the centrality of faith in shaping his upbringing, and he shares his passion for addressing “spiritual poverty” in vulnerable communities. Cliff’s upbringing in a deeply faithful family and his experience in prison ministry cause him to reflect on how black Americans for generations have leaned on faith to knock through the barriers standing in front of them. Cliff believes this histo...2021-03-0431 minThe Invisible MenBarry Williams, legendary corporate board exec, on excellence in life & businessIn this episode, Ian and Nique are joined by Barry Lawson Williams to discuss the importance of building black representation on corporate boards across the United States. When it comes to corporate America, Barry’s life exemplifies the vision, character, and insight worthy of a career business executive who has served on 14 public company boards. A few years ago, Barry conducted a study with 50 top black executives in the United States and found five common themes with timely insights into how we can pave the way for a new generation of black corporate leaders. Consistent with his own experience, all of...2021-03-0420 minThe Invisible MenWilfred Reilly on challenging ideological uniformity in academiaMany scholars, public figures, and activists have noted the striking divide between the economic outcomes of black and white Americans. But what lies at the root of these differences is a difficult question. In this episode, Ian and Nique are joined by Dr. Wilfred Reilly, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kentucky State University, to discuss how ideological uniformity in academia has influenced the public debate on race in America. Reilly notes that two problematic narratives have dominated the debate over what accounts for racial differences in recent years—one attributing different outcomes to structural racism and the oth...2021-02-2537 minThe Invisible MenGervase Warner on building a culture of forgivenessAre business leaders in today’s climate naturally drawn to a “cutthroat” approach to management and growth, or do the concerning behaviors often seen in large corporations stem from a misunderstanding about what is necessary to survive in the business world? In this episode, Ian and Nique are joined by Gervase Warner, the President and CEO of the Massy Group — one of the largest conglomerates in the Caribbean which now holds nearly 60 companies and employs more than 12,000 people. Gervase shares how he grew to understand that businesses do not need to embrace a “mean and nasty” approach to thrive — that a company...2021-02-2531 minThe Invisible MenTroy Stovall on reimagining pathways to powerWith the job market fundamentally changing, how can we build pathways for a new generation of black men and women to unleash their passion and build a successful career? In this episode, Ian and Nique are joined by Troy Stovall, the CEO of Maryland TEDCO — an organization founded by the state of Maryland in 1998 to fund early stage tech companies. They discuss the evolving skills marketplace and the role of four-year college degrees. Troy firmly believes that education is an essential component of empowerment, but he also argues that we have become too rigid in our thinking about education. Rat...2021-02-2529 minThe Invisible MenRav Arora on thoughtful analysis in an era of identity politicsIn this episode, Ian and Nique are joined by someone who is actively modelling a path of excellence for young men in the 21st century. Rav Arora — a current student at University of the Fraser Valley and an up and coming writer whose work has been published in leading outlets such as City Journal and the New York Post — joins the show to discuss his intellectual development and path to prominence amid the current culture of identity politics. Rav shares how a high school teacher helped channel his passion for thinking about social problems by introducing him to the work of...2021-02-2533 minThe Invisible MenVernon Lee on the importance of supporting black entrepreneurshipIn this episode, Ian and Nique are joined by Vernon Lee to discuss the role of entrepreneurship as a catalyst for the uplift of black Americans. Vernon is a partner at the Marathon Fund, an organization dedicated to supporting a new generation of underrepresented entrepreneurs with high potential for growth. Vernon argues that we need stronger institutions to act as a “pipeline” for minority Americans, teaching them the skills they need to be successful in their ventures. Most importantly, Vernon contends that black entrepreneurs need more opportunities to fail. Black men and women are much less likely than their white p...2021-02-2526 minThe Invisible MenHow the Piney Woods School is shaping a new era of Black excellenceIn this episode, Ian and Nique are joined by Will Crossley — a man who not only embodies black excellence himself but is helping children build pathways to excellence in their own lives. Will Crossley is president of The Piney Woods School, a historically African-American prep school in rural Mississippi and an institution that has been empowering black Americans to pursue their vision of excellence for generations. Ian and Nique dig into Piney Woods’ unique model of forming children’s character, grit, and self-efficacy in addition to providing an outstanding academic education. An alumnus of Piney Woods himself, Will talks about...2021-02-1821 minThe Invisible MenGlenn Loury on the power of gritHow should young Americans respond to structural barriers as they seek to carve out a place for themselves in the world? In this episode, Brown University economist Glenn Loury joins Ian and Nique to discuss how a foundation of grit can shape a new generation of black excellence.Glenn was raised on the south side of Chicago in a working-class family. Despite some obstacles in his youth, a professor at his community college discovered Glenn’s academic gifts and helped him gain admittance to Northwestern University. At Northwestern, a world of opportunity opened to Glenn, but his road...2021-02-1837 minThe Invisible MenShotSpotter CEO Ralph Clark on using technology to improve policingEarly data suggest the US is on track to see the highest year-to-year murder increase in history this year, reminding us that a majority of gun violence goes unreported and unaddressed. While reasons for this vary, the result is that a very small number of “bad actors” can cause devastating harm to underserved communities. In this episode, Ralph Clark, the CEO of ShotSpotter, joins Ian and Nique. Ralph discusses how he combined his path of serial entrepreneurship with groundbreaking technology to equip police with the tools they need to improve the safety of underserved communities while building trust through a “guar...2021-02-1835 minThe Invisible MenBob Woodson on why 1776 Unites matters right nowIn this episode, Ian and Nique are joined by Bob Woodson, president of the Woodson Center and prolific champion for upward mobility, to discuss an “inspirational and aspirational” message Bob is crafting through the 1776 Unites project. Amid a popular narrative of despair and victimhood around race in America, 1776 Unites celebrates America’s long legacy of black excellence and offers a “look forward” to how all Americans can become agents of their uplift. 1776 Unites does not discount or ignore a history of injustice against black Americans, but rather chooses to focus on what we can do to generate an environment of upward mobilit...2021-02-1824 minThe Invisible Men30 years later: Invisible no moreIn the aftermath of Rodney King’s assault by police officers in the 90s and his attackers’ subsequent acquittal, Ian Rowe and Nique Fajors grew weary of a public narrative proclaiming that black men in America were doomed to failure under an oppressive system. A feeling of invisibleness struck both Ian and Nique who were then Harvard Business School classmates as the stories of men like them became increasingly ignored in the public eye. So they launched “The Invisible Men,” a documentary telling the stories of amazing black men at Harvard University who achieved success by leaning on the core pri...2021-02-1818 minAEI Podcast ChannelTHE INVISIBLE MEN: 30 years later: Invisible no moreIn the aftermath of Rodney King's assault by police officers in the 90s and his attackers' subsequent acquittal, Ian Rowe and Nique Fajors grew weary of a public narrative proclaiming that black men in America were doomed to failure under an oppressive system. A feeling of invisibleness struck both Ian and Nique who were then Harvard Business School classmates as the stories of men like them became increasingly ignored in the public eye. So they launched “The Invisible Men,” a documentary telling the stories of amazing black men at Harvard University who achieved success by leaning on the core prin...2020-12-1418 min