In this episode, Walter speaks with Rick Banks, the Senior Program Manager of African American Affairs with the Milwaukee County Office of Equity. Rick was inspired to get involved in leadership after witnessing the election of Barack Obama and studying Economics during the 2008 recession. They discuss initiatives to increase recognition of black c…

In this episode, Walter Lanier talks to Kendra Ingram, who is moving from Milwaukee to Pittsburgh to become the CEO of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, which is a performing arts organization that also has a bit of a visual arts element. Kendra highlighted the necessity for leaders to drive improvement and progress by taking a leadership role in Arts…

In this episode, Walter Lanier talks to Bro. Keith Stanley, who is moving to Charlotte to become the president and CEO of University City Partners. They discuss the work Stanley has done in Milwaukee with Near West Side Partners, including reducing crime and increasing investment in Black-owned businesses. Bro. Keith discusses how he will replicate…

Dr. Jeanette Mitchell is the founder of the African American Leadership Alliance of Milwaukee (AALAM), an initiative addressing the development and sustainability of Black leadership throughout Milwaukee. She is also the Chief Creative Officer of Leadership by Dr. Jeanette, a consultancy focused on engaging in creative partnerships to direct, desig…

Sherri Jordan is a Deputy Director in the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) at Milwaukee County. DAS deals with IT, budgeting, finances, economic development, procurement, risk management - some of the more important aspects of Milwaukee County. Sherri talks about what they are doing through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. M…

Corry Joe Biddle is the Executive Director of FUEL Milwaukee, a community engagement group for young professionals who live and work in the Milwaukee region. FUEL is branded as a stand-alone program but is a service of the Metro Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC). Through in-person events with diverse speakers, they have been trying to signal…

Nikki Purvis is Chief Equity officer of the Office of Equity and Inclusion at the City of Milwaukee. The Office of Equity and Inclusion is very new as of January 1st, 2021, and it will work on addressing, eradicating, and dismantling racism within the city government. According to Nikki, just because this office is new, it does not mean that they h…

Dr. Jeanette Mitchell grew up in St. Lewis, Missouri and moved to Milwaukee at high school. She spent 30 years at telephone company AT&T, where she has learned how to be a manager, how to be a leader. She left the company as the highest-ranking black woman. As the Program Director at Cardinal Stritch University she established the Leadership Center…

Dr. Vanessa Hintz is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and Assistant Professor at Alverno College. She is the Founder of Vivid Insights Consulting, LLC, in Milwaukee. She is also a Diversity and Equity Consultant. As black people, we have a legacy of exhaustion. Rest, taking a break, is a key to connecting to the wisdom of our ancestors in creating …

Elzie Flenard has run several different businesses over the years, but he always knew he wanted to start his own business. He wanted to learn business from people who are actually running businesses so, he first started internet radio station and then switched to internet podcast with the show Enterprise NOW!. He has learned from his guests and gro…

In this episode we meet Julia Smith, a master connector and networker. What does it mean to be a plug? “The plug” means being a connector of people, resources, ideas; the catalyst that makes things happen. Julia is plugging talent into great opportunities. She is currently working in the financial industry, and she has had the opportunity to lead m…

In this episode, we have three powerhouses that will share their gems with us. We have Lauren Feaster, the CEO of Professional Dimensions, James Phelps, the Co-owner of JCP Construction, and Sharain Horn, the Vice President of Well community. You will gain spot-on insights as they talk about what leadership really is and how to show up as being bla…