EquitAble

Examining the complex role of white men in conversations about racial and economic justice, the episode challenges prevailing narratives and calls for greater inclusion and vulnerability among men who are often painted with a broad brush of privilege. Through personal stories and a focus on changing culture and mental models, Dr. Adriane and Jay Coen Gilbert highlight both the suffering and the responsibility that white men share within existing systems of power. The discussion invites reflection on how authentic engagement and the acknowledgment of shared humanity can catalyze meaningful change for individuals and society.

Dr. Adriane Johnson Williams sits down with Ashley B. Stewart of The Corvian Group to explore how leaders can navigate unprecedented complexity and collective trauma in today’s workplaces. Together, they unpack why traditional management tools are ineffective against the backdrop of a global pandemic, social unrest, and ongoing systemic inequities.By centering conversations on emotional intelligence, self-regulation, and the deep, often invisible layers of organizational life, Dr. Adriane and Ashley discuss what it means to lead with humanity, acknowledge collective wounds, and foster healthier, more effective workplaces. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or emerging leader, this conversation will challenge your assumptions about power, identity, and what it truly means to create equitable environments where everyone can show up whole.

Organizations often overlook the nuanced realities of their members by relying solely on surveys and formal reviews. Augusto Cuginotti joins Dr. Adriane Johnson-Williams to explore how participatory narrative inquiry, a process of collecting anonymous stories, helps organizations reveal the true experiences of their members, particularly those unlikely to speak up. Together, they discuss how traditional surveys and open-door policies often fall short, and how listening to stories anonymously uncovers patterns, systemic challenges, and fosters equity. Their conversation delivers practical insights and moving examples that underscore the power of story in creating organizational transformation and advancing equity.

Complex, often adversarial dynamics exist between the nonprofit sector and philanthropy, with an urgent need for structural change and mutual accountability. Amber Hamilton and Dr. Adriane Johnson-Williams investigate how nonprofits can leverage collective action to demand justice and more equitable practices from philanthropic institutions, challenging traditions of power imbalance and superficial reforms. Bringing humor, candor, and expertise, they highlight the ways in which language and token efforts mask the deeper issues, advocating for direct calls to action that will shift risk, authority, and resources in favor of real social impact.

Leaders succeed when they intentionally balance achieving results with honoring the humanity of those they guide. In Part 2 of a candid conversation, Crystal Collier of Leadership and Results Coaching and Dr. Adriane Johnson-Williams explore the foundational role of emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and self-awareness in effective leadership, emphasizing the importance of seeing and understanding people beyond just their work output. The episode challenges listeners to distinguish between kindness and niceness, advocates for personal growth, and interrogates what it means to create truly equitable systems.

Leaders today face the challenge of pursuing results while honoring the humanity of their teams, especially in a climate marked by collective trauma and socio-political upheaval.This engaging discussion (Part 1 of 2) with Crystal Collier of Leadership and Results Coaching explores how adaptive leadership, emotional intelligence, boundaries, and trust form the foundation for creating environments where people and work can flourish. The conversation highlights distinctions between managing and leading, emphasizes the importance of clarity and kindness, and addresses how equity and individual needs must be recognized to sustain organizational well-being and impact.

In this conversation between Jamila Walker, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSSW, and Dr. Adriane Johnson-Williams centers on why Black women, especially entrepreneurs and leaders, require dedicated mental health supports and environments of safety. The episode highlights the interplay between personal wellness, workplace culture, and equitable access to care, emphasizing that true equity demands more than access—it requires human-centered, relevant support that affirms both individual and collective experiences. The discussion also explores the persistent challenges of dehumanization, the critical need for community and belonging, and the importance of therapists with lived experience.

Amber Hamilton, an expert in nonprofits, philanthropy, and leadership, challenges the status quo of institutional philanthropy, examining how wealth-hoarding and outdated models keep communities marginalized while upholding white dominant power structures. Through personal reflections, sharp critique, and humor, she envisions a philanthropy rooted in community, humility, and real structural change -- where those most affected control the resources. The conversation invites listeners to question entrenched systems and calls for bold action to shift power and truly advance liberation and equity. Plus -- Batman possibly makes an appearance.

Dave Armstrong brings us inside the vital role small, locally owned grocery stores play in rural community resilience, equity, and well-being. Through the story of Farm Fresh in Carterville, Illinois, the episode highlights how such businesses support local vendors, foster personal relationships across generations, and address issues of isolation and imagination. By blending old-school values with a modern commitment to inclusivity, Farm Fresh demonstrates the quiet, everyday work of building equity and community from within.

This episode explores how individuals and communities can move toward a more equitable world by intentionally gathering, sharing resources, and embracing both the joy and the intensity of the human experience. Kym Alexander talks with Chad Jones, an organizer and embodiment coach, who discusses innovative, accessible event models and the role of somatic awareness in nurturing genuine leadership and community connection. The conversation delves into the importance of vulnerability, ritual, and tending to the physical and emotional needs of individuals as foundational to equity and systemic change.

Racial equity work is multifaceted, and progress depends on a diversity of methods, audiences, and personal experiences. Dr. Nika White, Founder of Nika White Consulting, and Jasmine Williams, CEO & Principal Consultant of Parson Williams Group, talk with Dr. Adriane Johnson-Williams, exploring the realities of equity-driven consulting, highlighting the importance of meeting people where they are, prioritizing values alignment, and recognizing the limits of workplace change versus long-term personal growth. Their conversation underscores the need to harmonize compliance, authenticity, accountability, and structural change to create workplaces—and societies -- that truly pursue equitable outcomes.

Holistic wellness is often co-opted by profit-driven industries rooted in white supremacy, failing to serve the unique needs of queer, trans, and BIPOC individuals. In an impactful conversation with Standpoint Consulting's Kym Alexander, Dalia Kinsey, RD, LD shares significant lived and professional experience as a holistic dietitian, offering strategies for resisting toxic wellness culture, reclaiming body autonomy, and centering self-affirmation and pleasure. The conversation explores decolonizing health practices, creating environments for authentic thriving, and recognizing systemic barriers that impact marginalized communities’ paths to wellness. In this episode, Kym refers to the concept of Targeted Universalism. john a. powell, the Director of the Othering & Belonging Institute at the University of California, Berkeley, offers this approach as a way of focusing on the specific needs of subgroups in pursuit of positive social outcomes.

Direct Primary Care is presented as a transformative model for healthcare, re-centering the doctor-patient relationship and bypassing insurance-driven restrictions, bureaucracy, and inequity. Dr. Maryal Concepcion shares her personal journey from corporate medicine burnout to founding her own rural practice, advocating for a more affordable, accessible, and human-centric approach. The conversation highlights both the systemic obstacles and the opportunities that arise when healthcare is driven by small business principles tied to empathy, equity, and direct community impact.Our guest refers to the infant isolation experiment attributed to Frederick II of the Holy Roman Empire. The story is widely considered apocryphal, but such forbidden experiments have been conducted with highly detrimental effects. The fact of the human need for connection is regularly affirmed in ethical research.

The episode explores the philosophy of community-driven change and equity through the eyes of Natalie J. McKinney, executive director of Whole Child Strategies, Inc., and Dr. Adriane Johnson-Williams. By challenging the myths of individualism and the "bootstrap" narrative, the conversation reveals the indispensable role of communal infrastructure, trust-building, and direct engagement with residents in neighborhood transformation. The objective is to highlight how sustainable change and equitable opportunities can only be achieved by empowering communities to define and solve their own problems.

The significance of genuine collaboration and trust-building between philanthropic organizations and black-led nonprofits are highlighted in this special conversation with Aerial Ozuzu, Director of Community Impact for The Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, and Tenikki Sesley,  Chief Executive Officer of Apple Seeds, Inc.. The discussion covers the creation and operation of the Black-Led Nonprofit Leadership Alliance by the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, the discussion unveils how centering equity, vulnerability, and honest dialogue led to actionable changes in funding approaches and organizational support. Personal narratives and professional insights underscore the need for listening to those most impacted and shifting power dynamics in philanthropy to amplify equitable outcomes.

The complex beauty and contradictions of Southern identity, community, and language is explored through heartfelt conversation with Landon Bryant, social influencer, comedian, and author of “Bless Your Heart, A Field Guide to All Things Southern.” Kym Alexander (Chief Strategy and Operations Officer) joins Adriane and Landon to discuss how joy, community, and equity are interwoven with Southern traditions, language, and changing notions of identity, while also reflecting on the importance of preserving culture amidst evolving social values. They also reflect on the need for honest conversations about privilege, inclusion, and the different ways Southerners build connection and resilience, .

Joy is explored as a vital, non-negotiable aspect of human well-being and a critical component in the pursuit of equity. Jacqueline Oselen (a.k.a. "Jackie O.") shares personal stories, community experiences, and practical wisdom on accessing joy, especially during challenging times of grief and conflict. The conversation reframes joy not just as an emotion but as a form of agency and resilience, necessary to sustain individuals and communities engaged in equity work.

"Equity is personal. We know when we're being treated inequitably. What we struggle with is how to help others learn to identify it systematically or how to address it."Jena Martin, law professor at St. Mary’s University and scholar in business and human rights, shares how she helps future attorneys connect legal frameworks with the lived experiences of real people. She reflects on her journey through academia -- from Howard to West Virginia University to St. Mary’s -- and the importance of teaching students to center human dignity in their work. Martin speaks candidly about the complexity of advocating for equity, the challenges of being the only voice in certain rooms, and what it means to listen and act inside corporate environments. This episode explores how equity shows up through access and voice, and why teaching the “why” behind legal systems matters as much as the law itself.

If you stay ready, you don't have to get ready. That is a really important part of doing equity work. As the world undergoes significant shifts in 2025, having a stable foundation is essential. That requires strong policies, effective practices, and a deep understanding of how to institutionalize equity. Christina-Mai Just (Chief Equity Officer) and Kat Johnson (Chief of Staff) of Utah's Promise, who are also Standpoint Consulting's clients, have successfully navigated these challenges through alignment services and executive leadership team coaching. In this episode, they discuss how their years of equity work have prepared them for today’s disruptions in the U.S. They share practical strategies for embedding equity within systems and structures, demonstrating how this approach drives both organizational success and societal impact. Through real-world examples from various departments, they also highlight how equity is not just an initiative but a fundamental aspect of organizational culture and operations.

"It's not profits first. It's people first to create profits."Human Resources expert Naseera Mays and Standpoint Consulting's Kym Alexander (Chief Strategy and Operations Officer) engage in a compelling conversation about the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace, affirming that profit gains are a result of prioritizing people. Naseera shares her journey from corporate HR to consulting, revealing the challenges and triumphs of advocating for DEI initiatives that foster creativity and innovation. Emphasizing the need for actionable equity and inclusion, this crucial and timely discussion highlights programs and practices designed to create an equitable workplace where everyone belongs and profits naturally increase.

"Now is not the time to fight the language war. We're not gonna win it. It's the time to be about it."Dr. Johnson-Williams dives into some urgent and pressing themes surrounding the current political and economic climate in America. She discusses the rise of authoritarianism and its interplay with race and capitalism, emphasizing that race is a fundamental aspect of America's identity and economy. As she navigates through the complexities of this moment, Dr. Johnson-Williams offers guidance on sustaining meaningful work and self-care amidst these challenges. She speaks candidly about the importance of language, democracy, and capitalism, and provides advice for those striving to enact social transformation while maintaining peace and joy.

"We need to redefine public safety by engaging with Black communities to explore alternative measures beyond traditional policing, aimed at genuinely addressing their needs and concerns."April Frazier Camara discusses the pivotal role of public defenders in safeguarding individual rights and ensuring fairness within the justice system. She highlights the systemic inequities in law enforcement and the essential work of the Black Public Defender Association (BPDA) in redefining public safety for Black communities. In this conversation, Dr. Adriane Johnson-Williams adds insight on how media often misrepresents public defenders, emphasizing the need for changing narratives and advocating for more equitable legal representation.

People are often shocked when I tell them that only 3% of black women-owned businesses last longer than 3 years. Another little shocking piece of data is that only 1.1% of black woman-owned businesses are employers.Facing financial turmoil at the end of 2019 and the subsequent impacts of the pandemic, Renee Malone navigated her business through adversity by focusing on foundational work, equity, and resilience. Alongside host Dr. Adriane Johnson-Williams, she reflects on the unique challenges Black female entrepreneurs face and emphasizes the importance of aligning with clients who value their work. This episode sheds light on the perseverance required to sustain and grow a Black woman-owned business in America.

Celebrating the 5th anniversary of Standpoint Consulting, guests Kym Alexander and Kayla Brooks join host Dr. Adriane Johnson-Williams to discuss their collaborative journey in building a Black women-owned business focused on equity. They reflect on the impact of trust, love, and mutual admiration on their work, the transformative power of leading with love, and their hopes for the future. Through personal experiences and shared values, they emphasize the importance of creating systems that allow people to thrive without barriers.

July is National Minority Mental Health Month. In this episode, we revisit past episodes to hear from our guests about mental health and why it is an equity issue.  Episodes includeMind with Dr. David Goode-CrossSelf-Reflection with Dorian SpearsSomatics with Dr. Mary Jo GreilWellness with Jacqueline OselenThese episodes can be found at the Standpoint Consulting website. You'll also get to meet Kym Alexander, Managing Director of Standpoint Consulting as our guest host.

"I look at everything in terms of relationships. Social poverty basically is you don't have in your home, on your street, in your network, in your neighborhood, the kinds of institutions and relationships that are essential to human flourishing. And we don't really think about human flourishing very much. We we talk about need, but human flourishing depends upon certain types of relationships for me, a certain types of community, certain types of meaning. All these things are highly important and you don't get it by yourself on your phone or in your household." - Dr. Seth KaplanThe episode aims to explore the importance of strong social relationships within neighborhoods, particularly immigrant communities, and the impact of social poverty on people's quality of life. Dr. Seth Kaplan discusses the deep connection between neighborhood fragility, equity, and race, emphasizing the need for policies that address the needs of all communities to foster sustainable support and flourishing neighborhoods.

"For us, the central premise of equity from an early childhood standpoint is that all people begin their developmental journey with very differing levels of resources. Those resources are determined by social positioning. So race, ethnicity, class, gender, ability, sexuality, nationality, on and on. And in order for us to realize equity, we have to redistribute resources based on the needs of the individual and the family and the child." - Dr. Kandace ThomasDr. Kandace Thomas and Dr. Adriane Johnson-Williams explore the disparities in care and education for children, emphasizing the need for equitable policies and resource redistribution based on individual and family needs. They discuss the importance of investing in maternal health, infant mental health, and early childhood education, especially in historically marginalized communities. Whether you're a policy advocate, educator, or simply someone looking to make a difference, this episode promises valuable insights into the future of equitable early childhood education. Tune in and join us on this journey towards making positive change for our youngest generations.

"For all the work that I do, I don't actually use the word equity in my work. Generally, right? Because I don't know that it's achievable. What I probably use is trying to do right by people or trying to be fair. And you know, the myriad definitions of fair...I really try to think through, how do I do right by this person? How do I do right by people? And I would say, the growth over the last 3 years has recognized that I am part of people too."Today we're looking into the crucial intersections of mental health care and equity with our distinguished guest, Dr. David Goode-Cross, a licensed psychologist and the founder of The Goode Practice. Dr. Goode-Cross brings a wealth of experience and a revolutionary approach to mental health care, focusing on empowering marginalized communities and disrupting traditional systems to create more equitable healthcare environments.In today’s conversation, we’ll explore Dr. Goode-Cross’s unique perspective on systemic change within mental health practices, the challenges of providing services in an equitable fashion, and the importance of identity concordance in therapeutic outcomes. Dr. Goode-Cross also sheds light on his personal journey from aspiring self-help author to becoming a reputable psychologist, his research on resilience among Black gay and bisexual men, and the day-to-day realities of working within a practice that primarily serves people of color who are also gender or sexual minorities.

"Writing Black stories that center joy and everyday experiences is a revolutionary act that shifts narratives and challenges stereotypes."This episode with Kelis Rowe spotlights the critical need for authentic representation of Black American teenagers in young adult romance novels. The discussion emphasizes the importance of these narratives in fostering a positive self-image and broader societal perception. Both Kelis and host Dr. Adriane Johnson-Williams dive into the often overlooked areas of Black joy and everyday experiences beyond racial pain, advocating for a more inclusive approach in literature and media.

"Sustainability is about legacy. Looking forward to generations of people and shifting your behaviors today so that they can have a better outcome tomorrow."This episode focuses on how Yinka Bode-George's organization acts as a catalyst in aligning corporate sustainability efforts with environmental justice. Addressing the complex issues of environmental racism and inequity, Yinka shares insights on projects aimed at creating a sustainable future that honors equity, such as the Sustain Our Future initiative. The overarching theme resonates with the goal of writing a love letter to future generations through sustainable and just environmental practices.

Inequitable organizations can cause harm to the people within them, and it's not just the harm of preventing them from becoming their best selves or preventing them from showing up in their best ways in the workplace. But it's also harmful to our bodies and our minds. In this episode, you'll hear from Dr. Mary Jo Greil, who's had a lengthy career in the corporate world and is now an executive and somatic coach. She'll share with you her experience of being the first woman and sometimes the only woman in her workplace, and how her experiences have led to her helping people get into their bodies and learn how to heal from the stress of being in those positions.

We're joined on this episode by the esteemed Dr. Charles McKinney, a notable historian and professor of African American history and the director of Africana Studies at Rhodes College. Today, we look at the crucial role history plays in our understanding of equity in society.Charles brings to light the challenges of studying and teaching historical realities, especially those surrounding the black experience. We explore the erosion of rights, the increase in violence against marginalized communities, and how these troubling trends are, unfortunately, nothing new.With his expertise, Charles articulates how politicians and societal institutions contribute to these patterns and underscores the dire need for accountability and action. He emphasizes that equity is not just a concept, but "justice in real time" and that by looking back, we can equip ourselves to move forward more justly and thoughtfully.We will discuss the pushback against historical truths in educational settings and the power of understanding history to address contemporary inequalities and the enduring challenge of anti-blackness.

Health and wellness is an industry in the US. Beyond the business and economics, it’s also a matter of equity. Inequities in where we live and work, and where children go to school -- and even the availability of food -- all of this and more can deeply impact wellness.In this episode, you’ll hear from Jacqueline Oselen, or "Jackie O." as she’s known by friends, who is a mother of 3 sons, a beautiful daughter-in-law, and a village-community of children. She’s also a wellness coach, yoga instructor, and advocate for Black community wellness. We’ll discuss where wellness and equity really intersect and how it’s more than self-care. Plus, why the wellness of Black women is so important to the nation as a whole.

Recognizing our shared humanity is essential to equity work. Lisa Moore has had a lengthy career in human development, both for youth and adults. In essence, her life's work has been centered on our shared humanity. In this episode, host Dr. Adriane Johnson-Williams sits down with the inspiring Lisa Moore, founder of Moore Possibilities and former CEO of Girls Inc. of Memphis and a passionate advocate for equity and justice. Lisa's deep-rooted belief in the power of love and her dedication to nurturing inclusivity and equity form the heart of her work. Through her impactful career in youth development and advocacy, Lisa has been a driving force in addressing environmental racism, fighting for justice, and building community resilience.Key Points/Topics Covered:Upholding Justice and Equity in Community DevelopmentAdvocating for Diversity and InclusionFighting Environmental RacismEmbedding Equity in Professional EndeavorsEmbracing Love in the Fight for Justice

"I don't believe that people learn or will evolve if all we do is engage in diplomacy and dance around the core issues of where people are deeply offended and traumatized."Fatimah Gilliam, an expert in equity, diversity, leadership, and negotiation sheds light on the significance of engaging with core issues surrounding race, trauma, and offense beyond mere diplomacy. As a powerful voice for truth-telling, her conversation with Dr. Adriane Johnson-Williams is both an introspective journey and a strategic guide for fostering successful leadership and diverse interactions. The essence of this dialogue lies in recognizing the nuances of racial experiences and the need for equity in both personal and systemic facets.Key Points/Topics Covered:Honesty in Racial Dialogues and Navigating OffenseRacial Trailblazing and the Emotional Labor of Being a SpokespersonTokenism, Culturesplaining, and Respect for Lived ExperiencesThe Pragmatism of Equity Over Equality in Work and SocietySo tune in, engage, and prepare to challenge your perspectives. It's time for honest dialogue and actionable change, right here on Equitable Podcast. Stay with us.

In this episode, host Dr. Adriane Johnson-Williams is joined by the insightful Dr. Audrey Selian, an advocate for compassionate and empathetic investment practices. Dr. Audrey Selian shares her experiences and wisdom, touching on topics such as the fluid identity of Armenians in the United States, the history and values of Armenia, and the challenges and opportunities in impact investing. The conversation explores the complexities of integrating equity into professional spheres, the paradigm shift in the purpose of capital, and the importance of empathy and compassion in investment practices. Tune in as we uncover the nuances of impact investing, the limitations it faces, and the broader societal implications of profit-seeking in various sectors.Key Points/Topics Covered:Impact investing and its emphasis on empathy and equityThe challenges and limitations of impact investingThe critical role of love, empathy, and compassion in investment practicesCritiques of the current health sector and the need for equity in healthcare

Systems are made up of people and people have biases no matter how good their intentions, they aren’t always fully informed. This is true in philanthropy and politics and as we all know, there is a great deal of power in philanthropy and politics. So the degree to which they are informed by equity or practice equity has real implications for all of us. In this episode, you hear from Tomeka Hart Wigginton, who has worked to improve education outcomes and social and economic mobility at the local and national levels. Tomeka founded The HarWigg Group in 2023. She’ll be focusing on building strategic partnerships to support the public sector in better serving its citizens, and she and host Dr. Adriane Johnson-Williams have an honest conversation about what it takes to advance equity in philanthropy and politics.Key Points/Topics Covered:Observing racial inequities in public education and wealth creation for Black peopleInfluence of money and power in politics and philanthropyDisparities faced by Black individuals and businessesChallenges of accessing advanced programs and the scarcity of AP classesAdvocating for equitable policies and systemic change within education and communities

In this episode, we take on the importance of fair compensation and transparency in achieving equity, emphasizing the need to uplift marginalized voices and provide opportunities for underrepresented groups. Equity and Inclusion Practitioner, Generator, and Visionary Dorian Spears and host Dr. Adriane Johnson-Williams discuss the complexities of working with powerful entities and the significance of recognizing the humanity of others in professional settings, and explore the nuances of equity and the impact of compensating individuals for their expertise.Key Points/Topics Covered:Equity and fair compensationRecognizing humanity in professional settingsUplifting marginalized voicesComplexities of working with powerful entitiesImportance of transparency in pay ranges and scales

Explore the heart of equity with Dr. Adriane Johnson-Williams on the Equitable podcast. Join conversations with leaders from various fields as they share the challenges and triumphs of making workplaces truly equitable.Learn how personal growth is integral for leaders and discover the necessary investments, both personal and financial, for better business outcomes. Understand the tough yet doable work of equity, gain insights from leaders already on the journey, and find inspiration for your next steps.Dr. Adriane Johnson-Williams is CEO of Standpoint Consulting, which makes equity actionable.Theme music is produced by @IMAKEMADBEATS for @weareunapologetic.