Navigating Race, Mental Health and Well-being in Corporate America

How can Black professionals address the mental, physical and emotional toll of success in corporate America? Join Simma Lieberman, the Inclusionist, in this insightful episode of Everyday Conversations on Race with guests Shaniqua McClendon and Justin Grant. Shaniqua, VP of Politics at Crooked Media, and Justin, an executive at JP Morgan Chase, share their personal stories and experiences about the significance of discussing race in society and corporate environments. They also delve into the intricacies of mental, physical and emotional health, especially for Black individuals in corporate America. Listen in to hear their personal stories and how they had to learn and practice self-care strategies for their mental, physical and emotional health.   How can developing and being part of a supportive community help maintain healthy blood pressure, prevent heart attacks and build a strong immune system?   How does meditation, deep breathing, walking and other exercise reduce stress, and anxiety and support success?   Discover practical advice, inspirational stories, and engaging discussions that highlight the importance of community, self-care, and systemic change.   The techniques, practices and actions they share as Black people in corporate America should be used by anyone who cares about their own mental, physical and emotional well-being in our society today.    Don't miss this thought-provoking conversation and learn how to navigate these critical issues effectively.    Get 45% off the Magic Mind bundle or 20% off a one-time purchase with Simma's exclusive link: magicmind.com/SimmaL20  (Support mental health services for the homeless and low-income communities.)    00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 00:41 Meet the Guests: Shaniqua McClendon and Justin Grant 02:15 The Importance of Discussing Race 02:33 Historical Context and Systemic Issues 07:36 Personal Stories: Shaniqua McClendon 11:45 Personal Stories: Justin Grant 15:48 Mental Health and Corporate America 29:15 The Importance of Mental Health Support 30:55 Stigma Around Therapy in the Black Community 32:43 Ethno Therapy and Cultural Considerations 35:15 Navigating Corporate America as a Black Professional 41:42 Strategies for Self-Care and Community Building 52:22 Final Thoughts and Parting Advice   Guests Bio: Justin Grant is an accomplished writer, marketer, community development and corporate communications leader with more than a decade of experience leading high-profile campaigns in the asset management and financial services industries. He serves as a mentor to numerous students and young professionals of varying backgrounds, both in the United States and Brazil, and sits on the Board of Trustees at Long Island University, where he has taught journalism. Grant is the author of the new book, "Company Men: A Wellness Guide for Black Men in Corporate America" (Wordeee, Feb. 12, 2025). Links for Justin -- Website  LinkedIn  Goodreads  Amazon  Bookshop  Shaniqua McClendon is the Vice President of Politics for Crooked Media (home to the popular podcast, Pod Save America), a political strategist and sought-after speaker and commentator on media, politics, voting, and race. At Crooked Media, she leads their political strategy and civic engagement program (Vote Save America), and also created their successful 2020 volunteer engagement and fundraising program   Links for Shaniqua -- Website  Twitter  Instagram  LinkedIn     Click here to DONATE and support our podcast All donations are tax deductible through Fractured Atlas. Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist, helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker, and facilitator. Simma is the creator and host of the podcast, Everyday Conversations on Race. Contact [email protected] to get more information, book her as a speaker for your next event, help you become a more inclusive leader, or facilitate dialogues across differences. Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition)    Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Tiktok Website    Previous Episodes How Racist Competency Checks Prevent Merit-Based Hiring Can Descendants of the Enslaved Reconcile with the Enslavers? Can Individuals Really End Racism? Loved this episode?  Leave us a review and rating