115: Amplify BIPOC Voices with Cher Hale

In the final episode (115) of the first season of Moxielicious, I'm joined by Cher Hale, the founder and director of Ginkgo PR – a boutique agency that believes in using public relations as a force for good. Ginkgo specializes in boosting visibility for underrepresented or marginalized authors, experts, and entrepreneurs through comprehensive communication and media relations efforts. As a Taiwanese-Black American woman, Cher is passionate about leveraging the power of media to tell diverse stories through online, print, TV, radio, and podcast mediums so she can play a role in reshaping how our society views social justice, give-back initiatives, feminism, and multiculturalism. Cher and I first met over a decade ago when I was her women's studies professor! As I share in the episode, I was absolutely blown away by her critical thinking and fierce work ethic. I loved her passion for social justice and after our class concluded, I invited her to be my intern and support the launch of my first book. Cher and I have stayed in one another's lives ever since. She's supported my women's leadership programs. Planned my baby shower! I recently hired her company to lead publicity for my Step into Your Moxie book launch. And we both spoke this past March at Alt Summit. I suspect Cher was my last non-family member hug before the quarantine. It felt very appropriate to invite Cher onto Moxielicious to close-out the season with a conversation about how to amplify the voices of folx who are Black, Indigenous, or non-Black People of Color (BIPOC). Whether you are a minority or (emerging) thought leader, or you are white and want to use your power and privilege to #SharetheMic, I think you're going to love Cher's awesome and actionable recommendations and soul-expanding storytelling. During our rich conversation, we discuss Cher's: Advice to white folx who want to amplify BIPOC voices and minimize centering themselves during conversations on race and whiteness (especially when introducing BIPOC experts to their communities) Top pitching advice for BIPOC listeners who want to connect their work to the racial uprising happening in the United States (and throughout much of the world) BUT also avoid being "the race expert" Unorthodox tips for how all of us can do a better job of leveraging our publicity and media for business success (Hint: It's all about creating mutually-beneficial relationships with podcast hosts) Beliefs (which I share!) about how to use media and publicity as a vehicle for addressing social justice issues In this episode All about today's guest, Cher Hale [ 6:45 ] How external validation can be a driver [ 12:50 ] Top pitching advice for BIPOC listeners [ 14:45 ] How to avoid being "the race expert" [ 17:05 ] Advice to white folx who want to amplify BIPOC voices [ 19:20 ] Recommendations for business owners to go after visibility opportunities [ 23:45 ] About creating mutually-beneficial relationships with podcast hosts [ 27:50 ] How to use media and publicity as a vehicle for addressing social justice issues [ 34:25 ] Moxielicous quotes "Choose the right mediums and the right messages to fuel the path you are taking." "Consider what gaps are preventing you from being strongly considered for interviews." "Focus on the whole picture." "Just because you know a Black person, you cannot ask them how to be anti-racist." "If you're worried that your story no longer matters, the only downside is hearing 'no, it's not a fit.' Change your relationship with rejection." "Always listen to the podcast. When you skip listening to the show, you never get a feel for the podcast host." Resources mentioned in this episode Connect with Cher Hale on her website (and be sure to sign-up for her "The Pitch List") and via Instagram and her Facebook page. Curious to learn more about Moxielicious: The Mastermind? If you are a coach, consultant, or expert who is ready to up level into a profitable, go-to thought leader, Apply Now. Want to amplify your voice, visibility, and influence? Grab my book, Step into Your Moxie, here. Please leave a review and subscribe to Moxielicious via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play, or Spotify, so you never miss an episode!