The Unfiltered Truth on Diversity with Former Lockheed Martin Executive Shan Cooper

Shan Cooper, a visionary leader and a pivotal figure in the realm of diversity and inclusion, shares her groundbreaking journey at Lockheed Martin. From initiating and leading the diversity programs to reshaping the corporate culture, Cooper's story is a testament to her commitment to creating more inclusive and equitable workplaces. As the inaugural head of diversity at Lockheed Martin, she has played a crucial role in embedding these values deeply into the company's core operations. In this episode of Culture Leaders Podcast, Shan Cooper delves into the nuances of spearheading cultural transformation in a corporate setting. She reflects on the challenges and triumphs of advocating for diversity and inclusion, emphasizing the strategic importance of these initiatives in modern business practices. Cooper also discusses her leadership style, influenced by her faith and personal values, and how it has guided her in navigating through times of change. Join us as Shan Cooper takes us through her inspiring journey at Lockheed Martin, sharing her insights on effective diversity strategies, the evolving role of HR in corporate America, and the critical need for empathetic and inclusive leadership in today's business world.   Segmented Timestamps: [02:42] The genesis of diversity initiatives at Lockheed Martin. [04:29] Overcoming challenges in cultural transformation. [12:27] Leadership roles and advocating for diversity. [18:37] Effective strategies for inclusive corporate culture. [24:15] The influence of personal values on leadership style. [31:13] Future perspectives on diversity and corporate leadership.    Notable Quotes: "I was created to help people be their best selves." - Shan Cooper "I wasn't sure what I was doing. So I tell you what, mentoring is so important." - Shan Cooper "You have to be real clear about where the organization is going." - Shan Cooper "You've got to find ways to engage people in the process of the change." - Shan Cooper   USEFUL LINKS   Reach Shan at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shan-cooper-1656a710/ Website: https://shancooper.com/    GET MORE FROM THE CULTURE LEADERS PODCAST Connect with Us on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel  https://www.linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/ Visit Our Website: https://www.jessicakriegel.com/ https://culturepartners.com/ Enjoyed the episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Please rate / review on Apple.