S9-Ep25: Getting on Code: Leaders Walk Their Talk

Guests: Ricky Robinson & Keith Powell Are you on code? “On code” is like authenticity on steroids: as a leader you not only walk the talk, but give back, bring others along (mentor and sponsor), and fight for change when you see inequity. Being on code can be tough; after all, as guest Ricky Robinson points out, “In reality, most organizations don’t want you to be your authentic self.”   But fear not; Ricky and Keith Powell, the founders of C-CRETS, join host Maureen Metcalf to explain the many ways of getting on code…and the many benefits it presents. Here's what Keith, Ricky, and Maureen cover: How being on code can help you win the war for talent; What the concept of Village Accountability is all about; and The very real importance of DEI in AI.   Other episodes you'll enjoy: Career Sponsorship & Being Sponsor Ready with Ricky Robinson & Keith Powell Building Communities within Your Business with Alice Yoo LeClair DEI Insights from IBM South Africa with Roger Madison For daily wisdom from our guests, be sure to follow us on LinkedIn. We’re on Instagram and Twitter, too! RESOURCES:   You can learn more about Ricky and Keith’s work on their website: www.c-crets.com. You’ll also find links to their podcast there or at www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/r229d-127b00/C-CRETS-Podcast. Either way, you’ll find tips and tricks for climbing the ladder, and handling the systemic roadblocks for people of color.   Our host Maureen Metcalf posts a newsletter every week on LinkedIn. You can subscribe here.  She’s also written several award-winning books on leadership development. You can peruse and purchase them here.  Books we’re reading for fun or personal development right now include: Inside a Silver Box by Walter Moseley (Hardback: https://amzn.to/43WBe8p) This Here Flesh by Cole Arthur Riley Adventureman by Matt Fraction and Terry & Rachel Dodson   -----------------------   OUR PODCAST TEAM:   Host & Executive Producer: Maureen Metcalf Editor & Producer: Dan Mushalko Video & Graphics Editor: Devon Mushalko Currently Coding: Luigi Morelli, Jenna Reik, & Connor Carson CONNECT WITH US:  Facebook: facebook.com/Innovativeleadership  YouTube: @InnovatingLeadership  Twitter: @IL_Institute  LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ILI-LinkedIn2  Instagram: @innovativeleader  Website: InnovativeLeadershipInstitute.com  Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating!  -----------------------   About Our Guests: Keith Powell is a Chief Operating Officer in private education with over 20 years corporate experience in the U.S. and Canada. Most of his career, Keith led global Finance and Operations functions for Fortune 1000 companies in the automotive, chemical, consumer and commercial goods, e-commerce, and smart home industries. Keith was the “first” or the “only” quite often climbing the corporate ladder. Having mentored and coached hundreds throughout his career, he continues to share practical, digestible advice to underrepresented employees as a co-founder of C-CRETS (https://www.c-crets.com), which is a career advice platform offering career coaching services, online courses and topical content through blogs and a podcast. Ricky Robinson is a Vice President of Human Resources for a $35B leader in the Medical Device industry. His 20+ year career has afforded him leadership roles in Human Resources for some best in class global organizations spanning industries from commercial goods, retail, smart home industries and med tech. Ricky is extremely familiar with being the “Sole Brother” on the Executive Leadership Team quite often challenging diversity, inclusion and unconscious bias issues within Corporate America, as an advocate and sponsor for underrepresented groups. Having spent his career as a mentor and coach, he continues to share the tips and tricks that help underrepresented employees reach their full potential as a co-founder of C-CRETS (https://www.c-crets.com).