How They See Us with Denise Herd

In this special 15th anniversary episode of How They See Us, Kierra Santillan takes over the mic to interview Herd Strategies President Denise Herd about what it has taken to build and sustain a business for 15 years, and what it means to do so in a changing contracting landscape. Denise reflects on the relationships, opportunities and access that helped Herd grow, including the role MBE, WBE and DBE contracting preferences played in ensuring businesses like hers were considered in the first place. She also shares her perspective on Indiana’s shift toward a merit-based approach and challenges the idea that these businesses now need to prove their merit when they have been performing at a high level all along. Built to Last, Forced to Adapt is both a celebration of how far Herd has come and a candid conversation about what happens when the systems that helped open doors begin to change. Kierra and Denise talk about longevity, access, opportunity and what it will take for businesses that have already proven themselves to keep building from here.

America is preparing to celebrate 250 years, but celebration without reflection is incomplete. This moment should not only ask us what we are proud of. It should ask what we are finally ready to confront. In this episode of How They See Us, Denise sits down with Dr. Elizabeth White, Quamina Carter and Calvalyn Day of The Well Counseling Group for an honest conversation about mental health, belonging and what people are still carrying as America marks this historic milestone.