Cordell Carter, II, the visionary advocate, ignites a revolution of inclusion as he rallies leaders to create a professional learning community, challenging the status quo and dismantling barriers in the pursuit of a fair and just society.
In a world where lawyers and pastors were seen as the pinnacle of service, Cordell Carter had a different calling. His journey on the podcast A World of Difference uncovers the unexpected twist that led him to embrace a secular path of service. Inspired by his family’s tradition of kindness and acceptance, Cordell realized that even small acts of compassion could create profound change. Now, as a commissioner for the President Commission on the White House Fellowship, Cordell witnesses firsthand the transformative power of belief and support. Tune in to discover the surprising twist that changed Cordell’s life and learn how you too can create lasting change through inclusivity.
My special guest is Cordell Carter, II
Cordell Carter is our insightful guest on today’s episode of A World of Difference. With an impressive background in leadership and a passion for creating inclusive organizations, Cordell brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. As the executive director of the Aspen Institute Socrates Program and the founding director of the Aspen Institute’s Project on Belonging, Cordell has worked tirelessly to shift the national conversation on racial equity and inclusion. He has curated numerous off-the-record leadership seminars around the world, reaching thousands of leaders each year. Cordell’s work extends beyond borders, as he founded the Festival of the Diaspora in Medellin, Colombia. Join us as we delve into his journey, his insights, and how we can all make a difference together. Get ready to be inspired by Cordell Carter’s incredible work in building inclusive organizations and fostering a sense of belonging.
Belonging and thriving are universal desires. It’s about pulling in the same direction for everyone, because we cannot afford to move forward as an economy without engaging and cultivating 52% of the population. – Cordell Carter, II
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Enhance your organization’s diversity and inclusion efforts to foster a more inclusive workplace that celebrates and values the unique perspectives of every individual.
- Cultivate a sense of belonging and unity within your organization to create a supportive environment where everyone feels welcomed and valued.
- Join a professional learning community for leaders to gain insights, share best practices, and collaborate with like-minded professionals in creating inclusive organizations.
- Discover the powerful connection between diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and the positive impact they can have on your organization’s bottom line.
- Recognize the importance of self-care and the value of seeking professional help to navigate the challenges and complexities of creating an inclusive organization.
Fostering a Sense of Belonging and Unity
The journey toward diversity and inclusion starts with acknowledging and respecting every individual’s desire for acceptance. Cordell believes that creating a sense of belonging within an organization can lead to better outcomes and a more united team. By shifting the focus from mere compliance to the deeper concept of belonging, leaders have the chance of setting up a thriving business that resonates with all its constituents, promoting unity and inclusivity.
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
- Visit the Aspen Institute Socrates Program’s website to learn more about their global education forum and how you can get involved.
- Explore the Aspen Institute’s Project on Belonging to understand their efforts to shift the national conversation on racial equity and inclusion.
- Check out the Festival of the Diaspora in Medellin, Colombia to discover how they are empowering entrepreneurs, especially women, and making a difference.
- Register to attend the Festival of the Diaspora in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil at the Grand Sheraton Rio Feb 22-25, 2024
- Learn about the Techtown Foundation and their work in leadership development and tech.
- Support the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s initiatives for education and global health.
- Stay informed about the Seattle Public Schools Business Roundtable and their efforts to improve education in the community.
- Discover the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools and their advocacy for quality charter schools.
- Explore the IBM Corporation’s initiatives for technology and innovation.
- Attend one of Cordell Carter’s off-the-record leadership seminars to gain insights and network with other leaders.
- Support organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in your own community.
- Take action to address gender pay disparities and advocate for equal pay for women, particularly Latina women.
- Support women entrepreneurs by investing in their businesses or providing mentorship.
As leaders, it is our fiduciary duty to invest in diversity and inclusion. We need to think about the future and what our customers will look like 35 years down the road. That’s where the puck is heading, and that’s where we should invest now. – Cordell Carter
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:02 – Introduction
00:02:47 – Childhood Dreams
00:05:27 – Separating the Sacred and Secular
00:07:10 – Making a Difference
00:10:14 – Women and Belonging
00:16:16 – Companies’ Legal Analysis and Customer Engagement
00:16:52 – The Influence of Women in the Economy
00:17:46 – Collaboration for Positive Change
00:19:00 – Promoting Diversity in Panels and Events
00:21:08 – Economic Development and Women Empowerment
00:22:29 – Challenges in Access to Venture Capital for Women
00:26:51 – Working Towards Belonging and Thriving
00:31:21 – The Development of Singapore
00:32:31 – Building Harmony in Singapore
00:33:33 – Contrasting Singapore with the United States
00:34:47 – The Evolution of the United States
00:39:38 – The Importance of Belonging
00:47:18 – Introduction to Betterhelp
00:47:57 – Reminder to Prioritize Self-care
00:48:35 – Conclusion and Farewell
Creating inclusive organizations requires more work, but it’s good work. It forces us to move beyond our comfort levels and embrace diversity. And in the end, it becomes easier to find diverse groups of collaborators because they bring something new to the table. – Cordell Carter
Timestamped summary of this episode:
00:00:02 – Introduction
Cordell Carter is the executive director of the Aspen Institute Socrates Program and the founding director of the Aspen Institute’s Project on Belonging. He has held various leadership roles and is dedicated to serving humanity.
00:02:47 – Childhood Dreams
As a child, Cordell aspired to become a lawyer or a pastor. While he didn’t pursue a career in ministry, he still feels a calling to serve humanity in a secular way.
00:05:27 – Separating the Sacred and Secular
Cordell believes that caring for humanity shouldn’t be limited to religious contexts. He finds joy in seeing others recognize their own potential and helping them believe in themselves.
00:07:10 – Making a Difference
Cordell shares a powerful story about the Festival of the Diaspora in Colombia, where five women entrepreneurs experienced a sense of belonging for the first time in their lives. Through the festival, they received support and funding, leading to the establishment of an independent nonprofit.
00:10:14 – Women and Belonging
Cordell focuses on creating a sense of belonging for women, especially those facing inequalities such as the wage gap and lack of funding. He aims to address these issues through his work and empower women to reach their full potential.
00:16:16 – Companies’ Legal Analysis and Customer Engagement
Companies dispute the accuracy of legal analysis and prioritize customer engagement to fulfill fiduciary duty.
00:16:52 – The Influence of Women in the Economy
Examples of successful women in the music and film industry highlight the economic impact of centering experiences of other people.
00:17:46 – Collaboration for Positive Change
Nonprofits, government, and tech companies have the opportunity to come together and make a difference, despite differing opinions.
00:19:00 – Promoting Diversity in Panels and Events
Efforts to include diverse individuals as moderators and participants require extra work but lead to a more inclusive and impactful outcome.
00:21:08 – Economic Development and Women Empowerment
Investing in women’s economic development can have a significant impact on communities, and initiatives like pitch competitions support female entrepreneurs.
00:22:29 – Challenges in Access to Venture Capital for Women
The lack of access to venture capital for women creates obstacles, and efforts to shift the conversation on racial equity and inclusion focus on connecting these efforts to the bottom line.
00:26:51 – Working Towards Belonging and Thriving
The goal is to create a society where everyone belongs and has equitable opportunities to thrive, and efforts should focus on defining a destination and celebrating progress towards it.
00:31:21 – The Development of Singapore
Singapore’s transformation from a small island with limited infrastructure in 1965 to a developed and prosperous nation with excellent healthcare and education is remarkable. National service played a crucial role in building a sense of unity among Singaporeans, fostering lifelong friendships, and protecting the country from potential threats.
00:32:31 – Building Harmony in Singapore
Singapore’s government focused on fostering harmony and unity among its diverse population. National service brought together individuals from different ethnic and religious backgrounds, creating bonds and friendships that lasted beyond their service. The government’s emphasis on harmony and social cohesion has helped create a safe and cohesive society.
00:33:33 – Contrasting Singapore with the United States
Contrasting Singapore’s approach to national unity with the United States, it becomes apparent that Singapore prioritized inclusivity and harmony, while the United States has a more complex history of exclusion and division. The National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis serves as a reminder of the ongoing work needed to achieve equality and inclusivity in the United States.
00:34:47 – The Evolution of the United States
The United States has evolved over time, from its founding documents like the Declaration of Independence to the Constitution. While no nation is perfect, it is essential to recognize the progress made and strive for a more inclusive future. Inclusive leaders should avoid excluding any group, including middle-aged white men, and focus on data-driven approaches to change.
00:39:38 – The Importance of Belonging
00:47:18 – Introduction to Betterhelp
The host introduces Betterhelp as the sponsor of the podcast and shares her personal experience with therapy through Betterhelp. She mentions the various resources offered by Betterhelp, including one-on-one therapy, group therapy, and classes for specific issues.
00:47:57 – Reminder to Prioritize Self-care
The host thanks all the listeners for making a difference in the world and reminds them to prioritize self-care. She encourages them to take care of their bodies, get rest, and find happiness and joy in their lives.
00:48:35 – Conclusion and Farewell
The host wraps up the podcast episode by reminding listeners to continue making a difference wherever they are. She says goodbye and signs off.
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