Shows
Dear Corner Office’s PodcastActivating Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Pioneering Change in Interior DesignJoin Michele Heyward and guest, Jessica Bantom, for a thought-provoking conversation on the importance of inclusivity in design.
Our speaker will shed light on the current landscape, discuss the gaps in DEI practices, and inspire you to be a driving force for positive change within the industry.
This engaging talk delves into the untapped potential of DEI and its profound impact on shaping the future of design.
Key Highlights:
Innovating Through Diversity: Explore how embracing diverse perspectives can drive innovation and reshape interior design, making spaces more universally appealing and meaningful.
2026-02-1136 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastFrom Advocacy 2 Action: Harnessing BIPOC Views in Climate-Responsive DesignClimate change presents unprecedented challenges that demand innovative solutions, and the build industry plays a pivotal role in shaping sustainable and resilient environments.
However, effective climate-conscious design requires diverse perspectives and a deep understanding of community needs and experiences.
Through thought-provoking conversations, our esteemed guest, Kenya Goodson, Ph.D. will explore the significance of advocacy in promoting environmentally responsible practices and policies within the build industry. She will discuss the role of BIPOC professionals in driving meaningful change, emphasizing how their insights and lived experiences contribute to more inclusive and climate-responsive design solutions.
2026-01-2151 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastPeer Influenced Into EngineeringWe will not only celebrate the significant contributions of peers in the career development of professionals but also underscore the power of representation and relatability. By sharing diverse experiences and role models, we hope to inspire the next generation of engineers, scientists, and technologists. Don't miss this opportunity to be moved by Jade’s genuine story of camaraderie and peership that have driven her towards a fulfilling and impactful career in engineering and construction. Join us in celebrating the influence of peers and exploring the possibilities they create in shaping the future of engineering, science, and technology.
To...
2026-01-0744 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastBreaking the Myth: Work-Life Balance UnveiledJoin us for an enlightening talk where accomplished women engineers in the construction engineering industry share their personal experiences and insights on the elusive concept of work-life balance.
In this session, our esteemed speaker will debunk the myths surrounding work-life balance and offer practical strategies to navigate the demands of a challenging profession while maintaining personal well-being.
Gain valuable perspectives, actionable tips, and learn how to prioritize self-care while excelling in your career.
Don't miss this opportunity to unravel the truth behind work-life balance and unlock the key...
2025-12-2558 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastPower of Employee Resource Groups in AEC IndustryJoin us for a thought-provoking livestream session led by Michele Heyward, a civil engineer and the visionary founder of PositiveHire. In this enlightening event, we will explore the profound impact of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and their ability to transform organizational culture, foster employee retention, and pave the way for career advancement and internal mobility, particularly for employees of color in the AEC industry. Recent studies have revealed alarming attrition rates among Black women and Latina engineers, scientists, and architects in AEC.
Michele Heyward, an esteemed expert in talent acquisition and diversity, will shed light on how...
2025-12-0434 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastAEC Leaders Changing Glass Cliff Impacts On Underrepresented EmployeesThe architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is facing a leadership change. Many of the industry's top leaders are retiring or moving into new roles, and there is a growing need for diverse and inclusive leadership. However, this change is also creating a glass cliff for underrepresented employees. The glass cliff is a phenomenon in which women and other underrepresented groups are disproportionately placed in leadership positions during times of crisis or when the company is facing challenges. This can lead to increased scrutiny, pressure, and stress, and can ultimately lead to failure. This live discussion will explore the...
2025-11-2640 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastCrafting a Roadmap to Sustainable DEI in Engineering Construction IndustryInstead of pretending the problem doesn’t exist, we walk through why it happens, how it affects long-term careers, and what it means for companies that think they’re supporting diversity but are accidentally setting people up to fail.
If you’re working in engineering, construction, leadership, or you just care about making these industries more inclusive, this episode gives you a roadmap to do better and build better.
Tune in and let’s start shaping a future where everyone has a solid bridge to stand on.
2025-11-1940 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastBuilt X Women: Humble Beginnings to Engineering Success: Power of Education & FamilyKaren Bobo shares one of her challenges that she has faced, to help others who are following in her footsteps. Learn how she overcame it.
2025-10-1856 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastBuilt X Women: Breaking Barriers in Energy: A 23-Year JourneyIn this episode of Built X Women, we sit down with an accomplished leader in the utility industry who shares her inspiring journey from first-generation engineer to shaping diversity and inclusion within major corporations. With over two decades of experience, Cicely Hart opens up about the challenges, transitions, and lessons learned along the way while highlighting the impact of mentorship, leadership, and creating opportunities for others to rise.
2025-09-2446 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastBuilt X Women: Breaking Barriers and Leading the Charge in US InfrastructureJoin us in this new episode of Built X Women series with Regine (Conde) Beauboeuf
Stories/Origin Story:
How did you get into engineering?
This episode includes discussions of specific examples of successful projects or initiatives led by women engineers, as well as insights into the unique perspectives and approaches they bring to the industry.
2025-09-1748 min
Leadership and Success with Coach BZS4:E17 LIVE with Michele HeywardS4:E17 🎙️LIVE with Michele Heyward Leadership & Success Podcast with Coach BZ, Ranked #1 LinkedIn Content Creator for #GlobalLeaders and #RiskandResilience in the U.S. Mark your calendars — you don’t want to miss this one! 🌟 Join us LIVE for Season 4, Episode 17 of the Leadership & Success Podcast as we welcome a truly dynamic guest: 👷🏽♀️ Michele Heyward, EIT, A.M.ASCE — Civil Engineer, Tech Founder, and LinkedIn Top Voice CEO of PositiveHire, Michele is transforming the future of engineering through inclusive leadership, workforce intelligence, and mission-driven innovation. 📅 Date: Thursday, June 26, 2025 ⏰ Time: 12:00 PM PT (San Francisco) | 3:00 PM ET (Denmark, SC) 📍 LIVE on LinkedIn → [RSVP & Join the Discussion] Whether...
2025-06-2758 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 51: HR Data: A ConundrumRecently there has been an increased push for more inclusive and just recruitment and workplace practices and policies. How should organizations respond?
Before they look at their People Analytics what should they do first? Should they share their DEI journey publicly? Why or why not?
During this interview, Randy Knaflic will walk you through the actions organizations should be taking pre, during and post reviewing their people analytics. From identifying the organization's philosophy to taking action, Randy will share his experience and expertise in using People Analytics for equality across an organization.
2025-01-2730 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 52 : The Racial Wealth GapAccording to a Prosperity Now white paper entitled “The Road to Zero Wealth,” it will take 228 years for the average Black family to reach the level of wealth white families have today.
Additionally, if the racial wealth divide is left unaddressed, median Black household wealth is on the path to hit zero by 2053, while median white Household wealth is projected to climb to $137,000 during the same period.
2025-01-2735 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 53 : Plantation Theory: The Black Professional’s Struggle Between F...During this interview, John Graham shares the Black Professionals experiences in corporate America. In his recently released book "Plantation Theory: The Black Professional’s Struggle Between Freedom & Security", John explains the realities that countless Black corporate professionals face despite best efforts to prove their worthiness of opportunity.
2025-01-2731 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 54: Leading DEI As An Individual ContributorDriving change in an organization doesn't have to start at the top. If you're in a non-management role, this session is for you.
Faith Eatman will share how she utilized DEI data to persuade management in her organization to create programs to level the playing field for Black Women. While her story isn't typical it does provide tactics individual contributors can take for data-driven organizational changes.
2025-01-2730 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 55: Engaged To Retain: Driving RetentionMany workplace challenges have developed from the pandemic. Human Resources professionals have had to use their skill sets and technology to
overcome them. One of the most common workplace challenges is the decrease in employee engagement.
During this session, Marissa Lee shares how she used analytics to drive retention within organizations. She will share how she was able to increase employee engagement, especially during the pandemic, by integrating data analytics with HR tactics, over a short time period.
Learn how you can use HR or Engagement analytics to improve your employees’ participation during diff...
2025-01-2723 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 56 : Leading with HR DataIn this session, Laurel Rutledge will share why organizations need to start with data first before making organizational changes. She’ll share the importance of understanding the impact of past decisions before creating a path to an organization's future. Lastly, you’ll learn how People Analytics differs from Business Analytics and why it matters.
2025-01-2729 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 57: Utilizing Behavior Science Research To Improve Employee Perfor...Companies and organizations have been training Black and Hispanic people for roles in engineering, tech, financial services and other industries. Their goals were to diversify these fields. Yet, diversity has not improved significantly for most companies in these industries.
During this session, Clarissa Silva shares why programs like these aren't impactful and what data employers should be tracking to show progress and success.
2025-01-2729 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 58: Dr. Asha Bailey - Our Kidney HealthIn this episode, we have a special discussion around National Minority Health Month with Dr. Asha Bailey. She’s a South Carolina native, a Clemson University graduate, as well as a graduate of this little medical school in Philadelphia. And she has been practicing nephrology for over 10 years now here, specifically in the state of South Carolina.
2025-01-2728 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 59 : Barriers to ProgressMuch of the cultural changes, white management teams promised have stalled. During the next few discussions, Michele Heyward and other DEI professionals will discuss the actions and barriers white people in management roles need to do now to continue this work. After we're done celebrating Black History Month, International Women's Day, Women's History Month, Women's Equal Pay Day, etc., what's next?
2025-01-2738 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 60 : The Intersectionality of Women's Identities Moving from Awaren...K.C. Atha is joining to discuss "The Intersectionality of Women's Identities." During this conversation, we'll discuss how organization's leadership teams can move from awareness to action.
2025-01-2744 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 61 : DEI and Black History w/ Luaskya NononBlack history is American history. This episode goes beyond performative gestures and explores how Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) efforts can be authentically integrated into Black History Month observances and year-round practices. Join me and Luaskya Nonon, attorney and Certified Diversity Professional, as we dive into Black History impact and interconnectedness with DEI.
2025-01-2732 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 62 : White Supremacy & Nonprofit Industrial ComplexLauren Burke & I be chatting about the ways in which institutions uphold the very systems they purport to be against, how systems and policies can be shifted to create more actively anti-racist institutions, and what white nonprofits in particular need to be doing to ensure they more from complicity to co-conspirators. Lauren is a lawyer and social entrepreneur. She will be sharing about her own f-ups on this path and what she tries and does as an aspirational ally and co-conspirator.
2025-01-2755 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 63 : Using Organization Level Data to Advance Gender EquityBusinesses continue to state they are committed to creating more equitable and inclusive for women.
But does the data support their claims?
Businesses that are committed to creating more equitable and inclusive organizational systems need to take a comprehensive view of their policies, practices and processes to evaluate where they're doing well and where they can make improvements to advance toward their equity goals.
Flory Wilson, founder of Gender IDEAL, will share data insights and trends captured from companies using her Gender IDEAL tools. These tools help organizations create equity and inclusion for w...
2025-01-2728 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 64 : Why White Leaders Should Go Beyond the New ISO D&IImagine having a highly respected and regarded organization release a Diversity & Inclusion standard in the midst of a global pandemic, social justice movement and mass exodus of employees. Well that's what International Organization for Standardization, the world’s largest non-government organization for developing voluntary international business standards did in May 2021. It recently released new guidelines regarding human capital management. These guidelines focus specifically on D&I with 23 core metrics. This may seem like the fuel D&I needs but is it really? Join me to discuss why it's just a step and white leaders need to go beyond this ne...
2025-01-2721 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 65 : Laying Off Employees with Dignity: A Guide to Professional Workplace CommunicationDuring this session, Melissa Ambers and I will discuss over and under communications impact in the workplace. With recent layoffs, communication has been one of the most talked about topics. We’ll share how to simplify communication while providing actionable steps you can take to improve communication in your organization. Co-host, Melissa Ambers, is an extraordinarily covert guru as a project manager with over twenty years of experience, she and her team offer tools and expert advice to produce top-quality work.
2025-01-271h 01Dear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 66: Storytelling Metrics for InclusionDeb Pagnotta and Soo Mentor will be speaking on Storytelling Metrics for Inclusion.
Topic: Storytelling Metrics for Inclusion
2025-01-2726 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 67 : The Glass Cliff : The Corporation Setup For Underrepresented...The term "glass cliff" refers to a situation in which women and BIPOC employees are promoted to higher positions during times of crisis or duress, or during a recession when the chance of failure is more likely. Put simply, BIPOC and women in these situations are set up for failure. Speaker: Michele Heyward Topic: The Glass Cliff: The Corporate Setup For Underrepresented Women To Fail
2025-01-2730 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 68 : Building Strong Internal Mobility Operations As Part of Your...Speaker: Ranada Samuel
Topic: Building Strong Internal Mobility Operations As Part of Your Talent Retention Strategy
2025-01-2726 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 69: The Correlation between Engagement and RetentionSpeaker: LaStarr Moore
Topic: The Correlation between Engagement and Retention
2025-01-2726 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 70 : Using Data for Workforce DevelopmentSpeaker: Ron Perkins Topic: Using Data for Workforce Development
2025-01-2726 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 71 : Building a Recruitment Process from ScratchDo you have a standard recruitment process that your talent acquisition team uses? How are you tracking your metrics for your talent development? Next, we'll go into the data side. We’ll start with gender equity in the workplace and what your organization is doing about it. Then we’re moving on to using people analytics. Learn how useful HR data can be in your organization. Join me as I interview Gil Cohen, HR consultant, during the “Using Data To Retain And Develop Underrepresented Employees” virtual summit
2025-01-2725 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 72 : Meet the Speakers - Gil CohenCome meet Gil Cohen one of our Fall 2022 summit speakers He has been helping organizations with Talent Management and Employee Experience for over 20 years. He has a passion for helping companies design employee experiences that improve both the outcomes of the organization and the lives of its employees. Gil’s combined background in psychology and business helps him understand both the individual and organizational aspects of the workplace.
2025-01-2716 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 73 : It's All About The DataWe will discuss People Analytics with Angela Hurdle, Data Professional with more than 30 years in the industry. She discusses the challenges of the work and the impact that this type of work can have on organizations.
2025-01-2720 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 74 : Meet The Speakers - Angela HurdleHave you met Angela Hurdle, one of our Fall 2022 People Analytics Summit Speakers? Angela is Business Intelligence, Analytics and Data Reporting Executive. She has proven experience leading successful data projects and diverse teams in various industries including Banking, Healthcare, Higher Education and Marketing. Angela is truly a data nerd educated with computer science and math with an expertise in data analytics.
2025-01-2718 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 75 : Creating a Career Pathing ProgramIs your organization focused on retaining your Black, Latino and Indigenous employees? So much focus has been placed on recruitment, until organizations seem surprised that an estimated 8 million Black employees and 11 million Hispanic employees quit their jobs in 2021. Employers can take action in changing attrition of their underrepresented talent.
2025-01-2727 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 77 : Importance of Humanizing Workplace CommunicationJoin us for a thought-provoking webinar, "Importance of Humanizing Workplace Communication" where we will explore the significance of human-to-human connection in the modern workplace. The pandemic has transformed the perception of many essential jobs, which were previously considered low level, low skilled and thankless. The importance of humanizing workplace communication has never been more apparent, as it fosters trust, respect, integrity and caring in the workplace. We will delve into the role of technology, particularly AI, in workplace communication and how chatbots like ChatGPT are learning to respond like humans. Despite the advancements in technology, human communication is still...
2025-01-2757 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 19: Importance of D& Conversations During COVID-19
Build more inclusive cultures via impactful conversations . Conversations are needed to build a culture of Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity. An Inclusive company culture increases revenue by 19% and creates a more empathetic world.
2025-01-2723 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 18: Intentionally Inclusive Managment in A Pandemic
Learn how leaders can live their commitment to equity and inclusion in the era of physical distancing.
2025-01-2723 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 17: When Intimate Partner Violence Comes to Work: Employer Considerations During COVID-19
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health issue, affecting an estimated 1 in 3 women globally. Although intimate partner violence has historically been understood as an issue limited to “the home”, about 44% of professionals report being impacted by IPV in the workplace. Women of Color are among the lowest paid professionals, and experience disproportionately high rates of IPV, making them uniquely vulnerable to both IPV and employer responses to IPV.
2025-01-2727 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 16: Let The Data Lead You: Demographics Don't Lie
COVID19 has completely changed workplace culture.
How can companies data to support their teams in this new era?
Listen to Deldep's interview about #DiversityandInclusion and DATA on the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Virtual Summit.
Deldelp Medina is well known in these tech streets! Born and raised in the Bay area it would make sense for her to be in tech.
She shares her first time being introduced to a computer and how it changed her life.
Deldelp Medina is the Director of Research and Data for Black and Brown...
2025-01-2740 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 15: How AI Combats Racial Healthcare DisparitiesToday with me I have Mohammed Kamara and he is here to talk about disparities in healthcare when it comes to people of color in communities of color. And it’s really important to talk about healthcare doing COVID-19 because we’re seeing huge disparities
2025-01-2731 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 14: Why Your Company's C-Suite Isn't Fighting RacismAn organization may say, we stand with black lives, Black Lives Matter, yet, there is a black person, in the organization saying I feel like they don't care about my life though.
What is up with that disconnect? What's going on?
Here are the hot top 5 reasons why organizations are openly anti-racist in their external communications.
2025-01-2730 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 13: Dream Beyond YourselfShain Khoja shares her journey from leaving her home in Africa as a child to moving to the UK. At 5 years of age she was helping her father in her story while missing fun kid activities.
Learn how that experience molded her to be a 4-time entrepreneur including her new tech startup. Thrive Community Inc. Thrive is an eldercare app focused on helping caregivers who are stressed especially now during covid.
2025-01-2726 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 12: What is an A.L.L.Y.?In this episode, we explain why awareness and listening are imperative to be an ally. Listen here and let us know your thoughts on allyship!
2025-01-2748 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 11: Why Ben & Jerry's Statement on Systemic Racism MATTERSWe need to build our organizations assuming that everyone's racist and build it so that we mitigate it and minimize it. What is the type of policies and procedures and structures that we can put into our organizations that end violence? I'm using the word violence more broadly thinking about the workplace, but it still hurts, it still hurts us in so many different ways.
That's why all of us need to be fighting to make our workplaces and to make our society at large, more racially just because we're all going to benefit from it.
2025-01-2746 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 10: 5 Ways Employers Can Help w/ Voting During A PandemicLearn 5 ways organizations can create an environment that encourages staff to vote. During a pandemic, employees will need to think ahead about election day. What are ways employers can help prepare their employees for election day.
Download the "What Is An A.L.L.Y?" Guide here: http://positivehire.co/ally/
2025-01-2718 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 09: Student Mental Health During COVID-19Mental health is critical right now especially for children. While parents are worrying so are their children. But what can parents do to help their children during these uncertain times?
Christina Broderick is clinically trained Licensed Social Worker, a Psychotherapist and a Certified School Social Worker. She’s worked in K-12 educational settings for nearly a decade. She is also the founder of IgnitEDU. It helps every student to learn, build and strengthen their mental health foundation within their education journey.
When Christina started working with students, she realized there’s a consistent gap that existe...
2025-01-2732 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 08: WTF Did You Say To Me?Are you wondering how to stop harassment? In this episode, I talk with Krystal Atha, Entrepreneur and Founder of Sembramos, who provides education and community to conscious leaders aiming to improve their capacity to cultivate organizations that are safe, inclusive and other microagressions, then you're in luck!
2025-01-2724 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 07: Getting Seen & Heard As A Woman of Color*This was an interview to introduce one of our speakers for the Women of Color in STEM summit in Feb 2020*
Are you wondering how to stop harassment?
If you’ve been struggling with not knowing how to interrupt everyday sexism, racism, and other microaggressions, then you’re in luck!
In this episode, I talk with Krystal Atha, entrepreneur and founder of Sembramos, who provide education & community to conscious leaders aiming to improve their capacity to cultivate organizations that are safe, inclusive, and equitable.
Her 'why' starting in social justice and...
2025-01-2723 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 06: I Didn't Know That Position Was Open*This was an interview to introduce one of our speakers for the Women of Color in STEM summit in Feb 2020*Learn how to position yourself and your brand to get hired for jobs which are not posted.In this episode, I talk with Tamara McLemore who quickly worked up to a PM role in IT through finding the right support.
How mentors accelerate growth and creates new opportunities
Leaning into personal power to build confidence and skills along the way
Why it's important to have a culture that supports you
From Tamara's coaching, most women have...
2025-01-2730 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 05: Unspoken Truth About Moving to the Next Level for Women of Color LeadersDepending upon your organization’s culture, how do you position yourself for success so when opportunities arise, you’re ready? Better yet, how do you position yourself so that opportunities may be created specifically for you?
2025-01-2716 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 4 : Corporate Culture GatekeepersCorporate culture gatekeepers too often cause negative impacts on the careers of women of color. Today we'll discuss how to identify them, how to maneuver the workplace with them and how they can become an ally.
2025-01-2723 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 03: Hostile WorkplacesProfessional women of color STEM too often work in environments which are not only unwelcoming but hostile. The level of disrespect from coworkers and management cause many to leave. Today's episode discusses the hostile work environment at General Motors plant in Ohio.
2025-01-2707 minDear Corner Office’s PodcastEpisode 02: I'm Not The Admin!In this episode of Dear Corner Office learn about the unconscious biases women of color encounter in the workplace. Too often they are assumed to be the admin and not the engineer, scientist or IT professional.
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