Listen Podcast
Listen Podcast
We all have a voice. There’s no reason not to use it. In fact, we have a responsibility to use it.
Welcome To The Table
In this entertaining new podcast, Lexi B invites listeners to pull up a chair and join the conversation as she brings together influential thought leaders, industry experts, and individuals with inspiring stories. Each episode aims to provide empowering insights, career advice, and practical tips that propel listeners towards success in their professional journeys.
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Alex Kennedy is a distinguished leader with a proven history of success in various commercial domains. She has extensive experience in scaling business operations, leading commercial teams, and pioneering digital transformation journeys. Alex's expertise shines in her ability to establish partnerships that introduce innovative business models and complementary revenue streams, catalyzing sustainable growth. Currently, she serves as the Executive Vice President of Commercial Strategy for Mycode Media, where she spearheads initiatives to accelerate the company's growth, focusing on solidifying relationships with esteemed brand CMOs and advertisers. Previously, Alex held influential roles at Twitter and has been a nationally recognized speaker, contributing her insights to prestigious platforms including Advertising Week and Princeton University. She resides in Oakland, California.
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Alex delves into the importance of understanding your industry, cultivating change resilience, and positioning for future industry developments. Her intriguing anecdotes from family history to her strategic mindset offer a unique perspective on ascending corporate ladders and navigating industry transitions. Alex poignantly stresses the value of learning from every opportunity and leveraging it to build a robust foundation that can withstand the tests of time and market evolution. Listeners are bound to find inspiration in her approach to career development, collaboration, and continuous learning.
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Future-proofing your business involves understanding the larger industry, embracing change, and positioning yourself for scalable growth.
Success is not achieved alone; acknowledging the mentors and experiences that shape you is vital.
Alex emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities and being perceptive about industry evolution to stay relevant.
She shares the transformative experience of working in tech and advises on navigating industry shifts seamlessly.
Alex believes in the profound impact of gratitude, both in recognizing those who've contributed to one's success and contributing back to others.
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"The only thing that is constant is that things will change."
"You're a product of the people you spend the most time with."
"If you can find work that is aligned to the things you just do uniquely well, better off you'll be because it will feel less like work."
"Don't play for the team and forget about the league."
"I understand some of the principles they've instilled on me a little bit more indifferently now. And I am so grateful. So grateful."
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Dwana Franklin Davis is the Chief Executive Officer of Reboot Representation, a coalition leading pooled philanthropic efforts to enable Black, Latina, and Native American women to graduate with computing degrees by 2025, aiming to close the diversity gap in tech. With an extensive background in technology and leadership from companies like Mastercard and IBM, Dewana is a champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the tech industry. Currently based in New York City, she holds a BS in Management from Purdue University, an MS in Information Management, and a Certificate in Project Management from Washington University in St. Louis. Her board roles include the James McKelvey School of Engineering National Council at Washington University and National Center of Women & Information Technology.
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In this enlightening episode of You Can Sit With Us, host Lexi B sits down with Dwana Franklin Davis, a visionary dedicated to bridging the diversity gap and fostering an inclusive tech sector. Through their engaging dialogue, the podcast explores Dwana's impactful work, the nuanced challenges of diversity in technology, and actionable strategies to create meaningful change.
Starting with Dwana's personal journey, the conversation delves into the motivations and experiences driving her advocacy for underrepresented groups in computing fields. The episode dissects Reboot Representation's in-depth report focusing on nine crucial policy areas that organizations must address to nurture a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment. The podcast unpacks complicated issues around paid sick leave, mental health benefits, and interview processes, emphasizing the need for company-specific strategies tailored to employee needs.
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Reboot Representation's commitment to closing the diversity gap in tech by supporting the graduation of Black, Latina, and Native American women in computing fields.
The critical need for transparent and equitable policies across salaries, hiring, and internal job boards to democratize access to tech opportunities.
Companies are urged to increase flexibility with remote work options and provide mental health support that resonates with their diverse workforce.
Highlighting the importance of mentorship throughout the interview process to ensure candidates are given every opportunity to succeed.
The compelling case for organizations to actively listen to their employees, understanding the unique needs and circumstances of their diverse talent pool.
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"We want employees that are going to be their best when they're their full selves at work." - Dwana Franklin Davis
"People don't leave companies; they leave managers." - Dwana Franklin Davis
"We need to temper that a little bit." - Dwana Franklin Davis, regarding the impatience of the new generation in the workforce.
"Does your employee base feel safe to be there?" - Dwana Franklin Davis, on the significance of creating a trusted environment for employees.