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Welcome to Smart, Amazing Conversations with Dr. Nancy, a podcast that explores the stories of life and leadership from extraordinary women – and men – who are making a difference and creating a better world. Each episode features powerful conversations filled with personal stories, insights, and actionable advice to inspire you to lead, learn, and make a difference.
Show Notes:
In this episode, Dr. Nancy welcomes Dr. Sheila Robinson, CEO of Diversity Woman Media, to discuss her inspiring 20-year journey of advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Dr. Sheila highlights her company’s evolution, including the launch of Executive Woman magazine, which focuses on showcasing women’s leadership impact and contributions.
Dr. Sheila shares candid insights from her corporate career, illustrating how diverse perspectives drive innovation and success while tackling the misconceptions surrounding DEI. She also previews exciting initiatives, including Thriving Thursday webinars, the Executive Woman podcast, and the upcoming 20th-anniversary Women’s Leadership Conference.
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About Dr. Sheila Robinson:
Dr. Sheila Robinson is a renowned publisher, author, speaker, and talent innovation expert. For 20 years, Dr. Sheila has served as CEO of Diversity Woman Media, the organization she founded and built to be nationally recognized for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and leadership.
During her 14-year tenure at a global chemical company, she led communication strategies for a $6 billion division. Her corporate experiences climbing from the factory floor to Fortune 100 executive as an African American businesswoman in the South shaped her drive to empower others.
The author of three books, Dr. Sheila also serves influential organizations like Catalyst and Paradigm for Parity. A University of Pennsylvania alumna, she’s an inspiring force for gender equity and inclusivity, impacting workplaces and lifting women to leadership heights.
Timestamp:
[02:19] Dr. Nancy welcomes Dr. Sheila Robinson to the show, and they reflect on their long-standing friendship and their first encounter at a Diversity Women’s Business Conference in Florida.
[03:37] Dr. Sheila discusses the evolution of DEI, plans for the 20th anniversary of Diversity Woman Media, and the launch of Executive Woman magazine to elevate women to new heights of leadership.
[06:30] Dr. Nancy highlights the collaborative and inspiring nature of the women’s leadership conference, with a focus on inner wellness and women taking care of themselves while at the top of their game.
[09:18] Dr. Sheila recalls a personal, corporate workplace anecdote to illustrate how her diverse perspective enhanced product innovation and profitability.
[11:10] Dr. Sheila addresses misconceptions about DEI and emphasizes its role in removing barriers for qualified individuals, pointing out how companies can make more money by involving diverse people to compete in a global market.
[13:59] Dr. Sheila introduces ongoing initiatives like Thriving Thursday webinars, workshops, and resources for women through the Diversity Woman Media network.
[16:25] Both discuss the value of asking for help and how the programs of Diversity Woman Media offer support and coaches to help professional women advance.
[21:19] Dr. Sheila explains the need for workshops on self-care and how external pressures affect workplace performance – blaming DEI with claims of discriminatory practices when the opposite is true.
Dr. Sheila previews her new podcast, Executive Woman. Series One is titled, “Beyond the CEO: The Most Powerful Women in the C-Suite,” and gives visibility to the women in C-suite positions.
[27:06] Dr. Sheila shares optimism for DEI’s future, emphasizing its benefits for organizations and global competitiveness.
[30:49] Dr. Sheila champions the mission of DEI, outlines Diversity Woman Media’s free online offerings, and promotes the 20th-anniversary leadership conference coming next November.
[32:03] Dr. Nancy and Dr. Sheila wrap up with reflections on unity and supporting women leaders, celebrating future ventures like “Game Changers” podcast and Executive Woman magazine.