News & Insights

Breaking Barriers DEI&B Podcast

Breaking Barriers is a diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging podcast (DEI&B) that’s all about having raw conversations. Companies have been “using” diversity as a buzzword to distract from the truth.

DEI&B isn’t something you do. Your business is either living this stuff or it’s not.

With our guests, we will talk about the real issues that create barriers to a diverse, equitable, inclusive culture where people feel like they belong.

Whether you are a Small business, Enterprise, or community Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging are the keys to your success. Our DEI&B podcast is energetic and fun.

Our show is centered around where our expert guests lead the conversation. We are the guides on your DEI Journey. If you want a newscast show, this ain’t the Diversity podcast for you. If you want real talk, and honest solutions that inspire you to take real actions that lead to change, then we got you!

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Humizie My Hoodie: Empowering Underrepresented Communities With Fashion

Andre Wright is a designer, activist, visionary, and community builder. He is the Co-founder of Humanize My Hoodie, a global fashion activism movement that designs hoodies to inspire, empower, and ...spark meaningful conversations. Andre has been recognized for his work and featured on New York Fashion Week, Politico, NPR, Essence Magazine, and more.

Andre discusses his journey as a designer and activist, and how he has dedicated his life to empowering underrepresented people. He shares his experiences growing up and his challenges as a Black creative. Andre also talks about the founding of Humanize My Hoodie and how it has grown into a global movement. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and staying true to oneself in pursuing success.

Key Takeaways:

--Andre Wright's journey as a designer and activist has been driven by his passion for empowering underrepresented people.
--Humanize My Hoodie is a global fashion activism movement that uses clothing to inspire, empower, and spark important conversations.
--Authenticity and staying true to oneself are crucial in the pursuit of success and making a positive impact.

Send your DEI&B questions to info@toprankculture.com.

To learn more about Top RANK please visit toprankculture.com or follow us on social media.

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Humizie My Hoodie: Empowering Underrepresented Communities With Fashion

Navigating Challenges and Promoting Equity in Education and Sports S01 E16

The Evolution of DEI: Stretching, Resilience, and the Fight for Progress S01 E15

Justice Tech at TurnSignl - Creating Safer Police Interactions and Social Justice S01 E14

In this episode, we had the privilege of having an inspiring conversation with the founders of TurnSignl, an innovative tech company that's making waves in the social justice space.

Jazz Hampton, ...Andre Creighton, and Michael are three Black men who decided to use their skills and backgrounds in law, finance, and technology to create a platform that could truly impact and change the institution of fair and transparent policing.

TurnSignl is a Minnesota-based tech company that provides real-time legal guidance from an attorney to drivers during traffic stops, all while their camera records the interaction. This brilliant idea was born out of the tragic loss of Philando Castile–who the founders knew personally—and the global outcry following the death of George Floyd. The founders saw a need for a tangible solution to make interactions with law enforcement safer and less stressful for everyone involved. The use of technology resources to overcome the hurdles in the criminal justice system is a niche field called justice technology (aka, “justice tech”), and TurnSignl is on the cutting edge of these efforts.We delved into the challenges they faced in bringing this innovative solution to life, from gaining buy-in from law enforcement to navigating the slow-to-innovate legal profession.

Despite these hurdles, they've managed to create a tool that not only serves as an accountability measure during traffic stops but also provides guidance during other stressful situations like car accidents.We also discussed the importance of keeping the momentum of the social justice movement going, even as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion budgets are being slashed in many organizations.

The founders of TurnSignl believe that their platform is more than just a DEI benefit; it’s a tool for health and wellness, helping to reduce the stress, fear, and anxiety that can come from interactions with law enforcement. As three Black men who have all experienced these interactions and feelings firsthand, this is a transformative social mission.This episode is a testament to the power of innovation, determination, and the belief that we can all be a part of the change we want to see in the world. So, whether you're an entrepreneur, an activist, or just someone who cares about social justice, this episode is sure to inspire and motivate you.Remember, our diversity, our differences, when joined together by a common set of ideals, make us stronger than ever.

So, let's keep breaking barriers and making changes. Until next time, stay bold, stay energized, and keep striving for a more inclusive and equitable world.

Send your DEI&B questions to info@toprankculture.com,

To learn more about Top RANK please visit toprankculture.com or follow us on social media.

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Top RANK Culture 5 Year Anniversary Episode S01 E13

Happy 5 year anniversary to Top RANK! We are so glad to be helping all of the organizations and communities we have had the opportunity to collaborate with on advancing ...DEI&B, and we look forward to continuing the journey.

WOW has the world changed since 2018! What has happened? Why are we in so much turmoil in America and globally? Are we being honest about what we see? Are we seeking to understand the truth? Are we willing to talk about it?

So many questions, so many answers needed. However, we believe one thing is for certain: that real talk about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is at the root of every answer. So in true Top RANK fashion, we go there.

In this episode:

We delve into the challenges of discussing politics and social issues, acknowledging the generational divide and defensive mentalities that hinder productive conversations.

We discuss the power of millennials and Gen Z in shaping the political and social landscape of the future, highlighting the resilience and leadership potential of youth throughout history, and the need to support and amplify their voices.

We spoke truth to power with facts about false narratives that stir up racial divide (can you say “CRT”?)

Why has there been an avalanche of laws and policies passed in America to blatantly block the ability of educators to tell the truth about U.S. history?

Why are the politicians who resist these laws not responding in stronger fashion? We emphasize the importance of engaging with politicians who align with our values and concerns, including environmental issues like climate change.

Additionally, we explore the recent firings of media personalities Tucker Carlson and Don Lemon, questioning whether they were a result of the media going too far or a form of damage control. Our episode concludes with a call to shift the focus from individual figures to our collective responsibility as viewers and society.

A jam packed episode that you don’t want to miss!

Send your DEI&B questions to info@toprankculture.com.

To learn more about Top RANK, please visit toprankculture.com or follow us on social media.
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Changing Business, Ending The Performance of DEI&B: S01 E12

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, co-hosts Anthony Arrington and Nick Ford welcomes Heather Schott, the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Krause Group, the parent company for a ...diverse set of businesses that include convenience retail, logistics, Italian wineries, and hospitality, real estate, agriculture, and soccer clubs. A native of Des Moines, Iowa, Heather holds two undergraduate degrees in mathematics and business from Morningside College and a Diversity Inclusion Leader certificate from The Conference Board.

During the conversation, they discuss the importance of considering intent versus impact in marketing to diverse populations and avoiding tokenism. Heather, a self-described LGBTQ human, is riveting as she talks about her lived experience. A proud mother of two, she opens up about one of her main whys for the diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging work —her adopted children and the custody battles she had all the way up to the Iowa Supreme Court.

Heather provides valuable insight into today’s global debate on transgender humans in sports and whether they should only be able to participate in organized sports with the group defined by their assigned sex at birth. They emphasize that the voice of many can influence change. While underserved populations have differences, they are all fighting the same battle for equality and have a powerful impact when working together. Heather gives the example of how Black transgender humans have been at the forefront of transgender activism in America.

In educating listeners on the value of proximity and getting to know people before judging them, Heather tells the story of her 80-year-old neighbor who had initial trepidation when first learning about Heather’s family structure. However, after getting to know Heather and having some of the best conversations with each other, her neighbor learned that “LGBTQ people like power tools too”—and they have a great friendship.

The speakers emphasize the importance of identifying the root causes of issues through the voice of the people and then driving development that all employees can utilize to foster the right culture and inclusion. When she started at Krause, Heather informed her leadership team that this work was not a solo effort and that participation as a team was crucial for sustainability. She aimed to disrupt conventional thinking, challenge the status quo, and ensure the work was sustainable, with the team propelling it, not just her.

The speakers then discussed how organizations could best integrate DEI&B into their culture and training programs. They suggested that the first step is to establish a strong partnership with the talent development team and observe how DEI&B is embedded in the culture on a daily basis. They cautioned against attempting to resolve problems through training, surveys, and other initiatives without first identifying the root causes of the issues.

To do this, organizations must examine underlying issues, such as power dynamics, biases, and disparities in resource access. By comprehending these root causes, organizations can devise more effective and lasting solutions. Want to connect: Send your DEI&B questions to info@toprankculture.com,

To learn more about Top RANK, please visit toprankculture.com or follow us on social media.

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DIVERSITY STRAIGHT UP

“Diversity Straight Up” hosts Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington dig into the topics of equity, diversity, inclusion and engagement (EDI&E) through authentic and challenging conversations with C-suite leaders. Expect frank questions and honest answers, and real-life lessons on how to leverage diversity as an asset, rather than see it as a liability.

This Corridor Media Group podcast is sponsored by ACT, Alliant Energy, and Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust.”

Diversity Straight Up

Today’s guest on Diversity Straight Up is Lisha Coffey, President of Travero, a subsidiary of Alliant Energy that is providing freight solutions to keep customers moving.

Anthony and Sarika talk with Lisha about pride month and the issues that the State of Iowa is grappling with therein, about the nuances of “tokenism” and the differences between being identified as a female leader versus just a leader, the group tackle a question from a listener, and everyone takes a turn with the famous Diversity Thumb Ball!

Learn more about Travero at travero.com.

Learn more about our sponsor, Alliant Energy, at alliantenergy.com.

This season of Diversity Straight Up is sponsored by ACT, Alliant Energy, and Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust.

This is Diversity Straight Up, hosted by Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington, the monthly podcast where the duo dig into the topics of equity, diversity, inclusion and engagement (EDI&E) through authentic and challenging conversations with C-suite leaders. Expect frank questions and honest answers, and real-life lessons on how to leverage diversity as an asset, rather than see it as a liability.

This is a Corridor Media Group podcast: Bringing critical business news, thoughtful analysis, and valuable strategic insights for business leaders throughout Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and the Quad Cities. For more information, visit corridorbusiness.com.

This episode was produced by the L.A.S. Media Group in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For more information, visit LASMediaGroup.com.