The Art and Science of Feedback with Tammy Belton-Davis

On The Edge Of Equity

How can we handle feedback in a way that promotes personal growth and development? Tammy Belton-Davis, founder and president of Athena Communications, shares invaluable insights on the art and science of giving and receiving feedback, as well as reminds us how feedback and criticism differ. She emphasizes the importance of delivering feedback with love and empathy because it creates a supportive environment that fosters growth and resilience.

Additionally, Belton-Davis shares her personal experiences and highlights the importance of faith, positive affirmations and choosing to be better.

Don’t miss this episode, which is packed with tips on how to engage in open conversations with trusted advisors and introspective examination while intentionally seeking areas for improvement.

Episode Highlights:

05:10 - Criticism is really about pointing out what is wrong. The difference in both is that feedback should propel us. It should give us an opportunity to do self-inventory. It should give us an opportunity to sort of analyze and go, "Hmm, I hear that." But it should be an opportunity for us to grow.

15:01 - Those people that we have the most intimate level of relationship with are often the folks who will tell us the truth, and sometimes in very candid ways, and sometimes it doesn't feel good, because these are people that you love.

20:01 - You know me as a person of faith. I rely a lot on my relationship with God to both be my guide, my compass, my foundation, my everything. There are often conversations that I'm having like, "Help me because I need help." Because I recognize that a mindset change is about intentionality.

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Guest Bio:

With a background in government, education and public relations, Tammy Belton-Davis is an award-winning public relations and diversity professional. She launched Athena Communications in 2009.

From July 2020-February 2022, Tammy served as the inaugural Chief Diversity Officer for the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, with which she has worked in multiple capacities for the past eight years. During her time with the Rep, she worked directly with executive leadership and the board of trustees to develop, implement and measure equity, diversity and inclusion goals and served as an internal coach on inclusiveness and diversity issues. An accelerant in this important work, Tammy assisted the theater as it transitioned to a more permanent staffing structure to lead ED&I work into the future.

Prior to launching Athena, Tammy held senior-level positions in city government and community-based organizations and served as a staff assistant with the Milwaukee County Board and Milwaukee Common Council.

Tammy brings a fresh perspective, excellence and passion to every project she undertakes. Because of her charismatic style, she is a sought-after facilitation leader for branding sessions and equity training. In 2017, Tammy was inducted into Alverno College’s Vanguard Society, the highest honor bestowed upon an alumna for their professional achievement and community service. In 2021, she was a part of the inaugural class of the Milwaukee Biz Times’ Notable Alumni, a recognition for distinguished local alumni. She was recognized as a 2017 Center of Change for her commitment to work as a change agent in Milwaukee, and Athena Communications was recognized with a Diversity in Business Award by the Milwaukee Business Journal.

Tammy is an active member of the greater Milwaukee community with past service as vice president of programming for the National Black Public Relations Society – Milwaukee Chapter, program coordinator for Cardinal Stritch University’s African American Leadership Program, and past board member of the Center for Self-Sufficiency, Groundwork Milwaukee and the Black Arts Ensemble. She is a member of Professional Dimensions, TEMPO Milwaukee, the Public Relations Society of America – Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter and the MRA CDO Roundtable.

A proud graduate of Alverno College, Tammy enjoys reading, national politics, and being a wife and mother. She proudly serves as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.