How do you ensure DEI remains a priority in your organization in the midst of a changing political climate?

In today’s episode, our co-hosts Vicki Flier Hudson and Jeff Bond chat with Dr. Cherise Bernard, Head of Culture and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Invitae, and Founder and Consultant at Modern Work. From a Ph.D. in cellular and molecular pharmacology to leading corporate DEI roles, Dr. Bernard brings a rich background as a diversity, equity and inclusion strategist, scientist and certified professional coach.

Vicki, Jeff, and Cherise discuss the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion across industries, navigating DEI discussions without falling victim to politics, the importance of self-care as a leader, and more.

Whether you're shaping workplace culture or seeking personal growth, stay tuned to hear valueable insights that will empower all DEI leaders.

Resources related to this episode
Visit https://www.invitae.com/
Follow Dr. Bernard on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/cherisebernardphd
Visit and subscribe to Dr. Bernard’s mailing list at https://www.cherisebernardphd.com/
Book Recommendation: The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer
Book Recommendation: The Four Agreementsby Don Miguel Ruiz
Visit PeopleFirstElevationTeam.com

Credits
Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com. Discover how you can produce a podcast for your business to connect with customers and employees.
Theme Music by Tiny Music from Pond5.com

How do you ensure DEI remains a priority in your organization in the midst of a changing political climate?
In today&rsquo;s episode, our co-hosts Vicki Flier Hudson and Jeff Bond chat with Dr. Cherise Bernard, Head of Culture and Diversity, Equity &amp; Inclusion at Invitae, and Founder and Consultant at Modern Work. From a Ph.D. in cellular and molecular pharmacology to leading corporate DEI roles, Dr. Bernard brings a rich background as a diversity, equity and inclusion strategist, scientist and certified professional coach.
Vicki, Jeff, and Cherise discuss the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion across industries, navigating DEI discussions without falling victim to politics, the importance of self-care as a leader, and more.
Whether you're shaping workplace culture or seeking personal growth, stay tuned to hear valueable insights that will empower all DEI leaders.
Resources related to this episode
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Visit <a href="https://www.invitae.com/">https://www.invitae.com/</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Follow Dr. Bernard on LinkedIn at <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherisebernardphd">linkedin.com/in/cherisebernardphd</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Visit and subscribe to Dr. Bernard&rsquo;s mailing list at <a href="https://www.cherisebernardphd.com/">https://www.cherisebernardphd.com/</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Book Recommendation: <a href="https://a.co/d/2Jup39E">The Untethered Soul</a> by Michael Singer</li>
<li aria-level="1">Book Recommendation: <a href="https://a.co/d/f5GWMHD">The Four Agreements</a> by Don Miguel Ruiz</li>
<li aria-level="1">Visit<a href="https://peoplefirstelevation.com"> PeopleFirstElevationTeam.com</a></li>
</ul>
Credits
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Produced by<a href="https://chatwithleaders.com"> ChatWithLeadersMedia.com</a>. Discover how you can produce a podcast for your business to connect with customers and employees.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Theme Music by<a href="https://www.pond5.com/artist/tinymusic"> Tiny Music</a> from Pond5.com</li>
</ul>

Embark on a transformative journey with 'The People Experience Pulse' (The PX Pulse), a podcast that delves deep into the evolving landscape of human experiences within the workplace. Co-hosted by Vicki Flier Hudson and Jeff Bond, each episode brings to light the dynamic world of People, Employee, and Human Experience (PX/EX/HX) leadership.

Engage with global industry pioneers redefining workplace cultures, as they champion inclusion, amplify diverse voices, foster belonging, and craft extraordinary environments amidst constant change. Our conversations are filled with groundbreaking insights and practical solutions, tailored for both established leaders and those aspiring to influence workplace dynamics.

Tune in bi-weekly on Thursdays for new episodes that not only inform but inspire. Subscribe, listen, and share as we explore the latest strategies in PX/EX/HX leadership, available on all major podcast platforms.

'The People Experience Pulse,' produced by Chat With Leaders Media and creatively shaped by Executive Producer Quentin Thomas, represents the next chapter in our journey of exploring human experiences within the workplace. It's not just a podcast; it's a beacon for transformation in the future of work.

Embark on a transformative journey with 'The People Experience Pulse' (The PX Pulse), a podcast that delves deep into the evolving landscape of human experiences within the workplace. Co-hosted by Vicki Flier Hudson and Jeff Bond, each episode brings to light the dynamic world of People, Employee, and Human Experience (PX/EX/HX) leadership.
Engage with global industry pioneers redefining workplace cultures, as they champion inclusion, amplify diverse voices, foster belonging, and craft extraordinary environments amidst constant change. Our conversations are filled with groundbreaking insights and practical solutions, tailored for both established leaders and those aspiring to influence workplace dynamics.
Tune in bi-weekly on Thursdays for new episodes that not only inform but inspire. Subscribe, listen, and share as we explore the latest strategies in PX/EX/HX leadership, available on all major podcast platforms.
'The People Experience Pulse,' produced by Chat With Leaders Media and creatively shaped by Executive Producer Quentin Thomas, represents the next chapter in our journey of exploring human experiences within the workplace. It's not just a podcast; it's a beacon for transformation in the future of work.

Discover exceptional workplace cultures and inclusive experiences in 'The People Experience Pulse' podcast, spotlighting global PX/EX/HX leaders shaping the future of work.

The People Experience Pulse

The Steward Chair is a podcast that explores business leadership as stewardship – the responsibility of guiding organizations, people, and industries with integrity, long-term thinking, and a commitment to doing good while doing well.

Through deep, candid conversations with CEOs, Presidents and Founders that have stood the test of time, we unpack the challenges, decisions, and strategies that define values-driven leadership. This is a space for leaders who recognize that success is about more than personal achievement – it’s about leaving a lasting, positive impact on their organizations and communities.

Each episode provides real-world insights on how to navigate key business decisions while maintaining ethical integrity, long-term sustainability, and a legacy-driven mindset.

This show is produced in collaboration between Chat With Leaders Media and End of the Line Productions. 

The Steward Chair is a podcast that explores business leadership as stewardship &ndash; the responsibility of guiding organizations, people, and industries with integrity, long-term thinking, and a commitment to doing good while doing well.
Through deep, candid conversations with CEOs, Presidents and Founders that have stood the test of time, we unpack the challenges, decisions, and strategies that define values-driven leadership. This is a space for leaders who recognize that success is about more than personal achievement &ndash; it&rsquo;s&nbsp;about leaving a lasting, positive impact on their organizations and communities.
Each episode provides real-world insights on how to navigate key business decisions while maintaining ethical integrity, long-term sustainability, and a legacy-driven mindset.
This show is produced in collaboration between <a href="https://chatwithleaders.com/">Chat With Leaders Media</a> and <a href="https://www.eotlproductions.com/">End of the Line Productions</a>.&nbsp;

The Steward Chair is a podcast that explores leadership as stewardship—the responsibility of guiding organizations, people, and industries with integrity, long-term thinking, and a commitment to doing good while doing well.

The Steward Chair

In a world defined by disconnection, human connection is your most powerful asset in building companies that last. At Chat With Leaders Media, we're dedicated to helping you unlock that power by delivering actionable insights from leaders who are leveraging business as a force for good.

Through our podcasts – The Steward Chair, The People Experience Pulse, and B The Change Georgia – we cut through the noise to bring you candid, real-world strategies for building a better business. We explore what it takes to elevate people, grow your business with integrity, and build a legacy that goes beyond the bottom line.

This isn't just about inspiration; it's about giving you the tools to elevate your influence and make a tangible impact on your organization and the world.

In a world defined by disconnection, human connection is your most powerful asset in building companies that last. At Chat With Leaders Media, we're dedicated to helping you unlock that power by delivering actionable insights from leaders who are leveraging business as a force for good.
Through our podcasts &ndash; The Steward Chair, The People Experience Pulse, and B The Change Georgia &ndash; we cut through the noise to bring you candid, real-world strategies for building a better business. We explore what it takes to elevate people, grow your business with integrity, and build a legacy that goes beyond the bottom line.
This isn't just about inspiration; it's about giving you the tools to elevate your influence and make a tangible impact on your organization and the world.

Chat With Leaders Media

Fostering Authentic DEI Leadership in Your Corporate DNA with Cherise Bernard

In this episode of B the Change Georgia, Nathan Stuck sits down with Ben Colvin, co-founder of Devil’s Foot Beverage Company. Ben shares his unique transition from spending over 15 years in non-profit conservation to founding a craft, non-alcoholic beverage brand rooted in community impact and sustainability.

In this episode, we discuss:
The Origin Story: How a night out at an Asheville brewery led to the birth of Devil’s Foot Beverage Co.
Farm to Can: Why trademarking "Farm to Can" allowed Devil's Foot to directly support local, multi-generational farmers without getting bogged down in corporate red tape.
Scaling with Integrity: Strategy for growing from local taprooms to major shelf placements like Publix, Whole Foods, and Fresh Market while maintaining core brand values.
Community Resilience: How the Devil's Foot team mobilized their facility as a vital humanitarian supply hub following Hurricane Helene.
The Power of the B Corp Network: Why building a purpose-driven culture creates 100% staff retention and an unbeatable business support system.

 

RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE
Website: Devil's Foot Beverage Co. https://devilsfootbrew.com/ 
Taproom: Visit The Mule in Asheville, NC https://devilsfootbrew.com/location/the-mule/ 
Follow Devil’s Foot Beverage Co. on social mediat at:
linkedin.com/company/devils-foot-beverage 
https://www.instagram.com/devilsfootbrew/ 
https://www.facebook.com/devilsfootbrew 
https://www.tiktok.com/@devils.foot.brew 
https://www.instagram.com/friendofthedevilcocktails/ 
Learn about B Local Georgia: blocalgeorgia.com

 

CREDITS
Theme Music🎵ZakharValaha from Pixabay
Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com

In this episode of B the Change Georgia, Nathan Stuck sits down with Ben Colvin, co-founder of Devil&rsquo;s Foot Beverage Company. Ben shares his unique transition from spending over 15 years in non-profit conservation to founding a craft, non-alcoholic beverage brand rooted in community impact and sustainability.
In this episode, we discuss:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The Origin Story: How a night out at an Asheville brewery led to the birth of Devil&rsquo;s Foot Beverage Co.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Farm to Can: Why trademarking "Farm to Can" allowed Devil's Foot to directly support local, multi-generational farmers without getting bogged down in corporate red tape.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Scaling with Integrity: Strategy for growing from local taprooms to major shelf placements like Publix, Whole Foods, and Fresh Market while maintaining core brand values.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Community Resilience: How the Devil's Foot team mobilized their facility as a vital humanitarian supply hub following Hurricane Helene.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The Power of the B Corp Network: Why building a purpose-driven culture creates 100% staff retention and an unbeatable business support system.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Website: Devil's Foot Beverage Co. <a href="https://devilsfootbrew.com/">https://devilsfootbrew.com/</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Taproom: Visit The Mule in Asheville, NC <a href="https://devilsfootbrew.com/location/the-mule/">https://devilsfootbrew.com/location/the-mule/</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Follow Devil&rsquo;s Foot Beverage Co. on social mediat at:</li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="2"><a href="http://linkedin.com/company/devils-foot-beverage">linkedin.com/company/devils-foot-beverage</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="2"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/devilsfootbrew/">https://www.instagram.com/devilsfootbrew/</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="2"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/devilsfootbrew">https://www.facebook.com/devilsfootbrew</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="2"><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@devils.foot.brew">https://www.tiktok.com/@devils.foot.brew</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="2"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/friendofthedevilcocktails/">https://www.instagram.com/friendofthedevilcocktails/</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<li aria-level="1">Learn about B Local Georgia: <a href="http://blocalgeorgia.com">blocalgeorgia.com</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
CREDITS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Theme Music🎵<a href="https://pixabay.com/users/zakharvalaha-22836301/?tab=audio&amp;utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=audio&amp;utm_content=9968">ZakharValaha</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=music&amp;utm_content=9968">Pixabay</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Produced by <a href="https://chatwithleaders.com">ChatWithLeadersMedia.com</a></li>
</ul>

Farm-to-Can Impact: Ben Colvin on B Corp Growth & Community

In this episode of The Steward Chair, Jim Wallace, Retired CEO at BPM LLP, shares his journey of rejecting traditional "eat what you kill" corporate templates in favor of human-centered leadership, exploring how putting people first drives meaningful, long-term success.

We discuss dismantling siloed partner compensation models, embedding B Corp principles into firm governance, and building scalable leadership infrastructure, providing actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and impact.

Key Takeaways
Putting people first directly drives higher profitability, client retention, and top-tier talent acquisition rather than compromising financial outcomes.
Eliminating "eat what you kill" cultures requires aligning partner compensation with organizational health, collaboration, and high-margin teamwork.
True leadership stewardship requires building strong executive infrastructure and replacing yourself so the enterprise thrives long after your departure.

Resources Mentioned
Visit https://www.bpm.com/ 
Follow Jim on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-wallace-bpm/ 
Follow BPM on social media at:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bpm-llp/
Twitter / X: https://x.com/BPMcpa
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bpmllp/ 

Join the Conversation
The Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn:

Chat With Leaders Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/ and End of the Line Productions https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/. 

Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help.

In this episode of The Steward Chair, Jim Wallace, Retired CEO at BPM LLP, shares his journey of rejecting traditional "eat what you kill" corporate templates in favor of human-centered leadership, exploring how putting people first drives meaningful, long-term success.
We discuss dismantling siloed partner compensation models, embedding B Corp principles into firm governance, and building scalable leadership infrastructure, providing actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and impact.
Key Takeaways
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Putting people first directly drives higher profitability, client retention, and top-tier talent acquisition rather than compromising financial outcomes.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Eliminating "eat what you kill" cultures requires aligning partner compensation with organizational health, collaboration, and high-margin teamwork.</li>
<li aria-level="1">True leadership stewardship requires building strong executive infrastructure and replacing yourself so the enterprise thrives long after your departure.</li>
</ul>
Resources Mentioned
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Visit <a href="https://www.bpm.com/">https://www.bpm.com/</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Follow Jim on LinkedIn at <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-wallace-bpm/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-wallace-bpm/</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Follow BPM on social media at:</li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="2">LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/bpm-llp/">https://www.linkedin.com/company/bpm-llp/</a></li>
<li aria-level="2">Twitter / X: <a href="https://x.com/BPMcpa">https://x.com/BPMcpa</a></li>
<li aria-level="2">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bpmllp/">https://www.instagram.com/bpmllp/</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
</ul>
Join the Conversation The Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn:
Chat With Leaders Media <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/">https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/</a> and End of the Line Productions <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/">https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/</a>.&nbsp;
Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit <a href="https://chatwithleaders.com">ChatWithLeaders.com</a> to learn more about how we can help.

Jim Wallace

In this episode of The Steward Chair, Michael Whelchel, Founder & CEO of Big Path Capital, shares his journey of transitioning from traditional private equity to impact investing, exploring how values-driven capitalism and purpose-led business drive meaningful, long-term success.

We discuss the launch of Big Path Capital on the precipice of the 2007 financial crisis, building a high-trust virtual culture, and how the Smarter Money framework and strategic convening create powerful ripple effects for both business and society. This conversation provides actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and impact.

Key Takeaways
The Smarter Money framework for impact and returns: Aligning capital with values does not require sacrificing financial performance; maximizing both financial and social/environmental returns creates a structurally superior way to deploy wealth.
Building a remote, purpose-led culture: Operating a successful virtual organization relies on a foundation of high trust, personal flexibility, and direct, candid communication rather than rigid oversight.
The role of convening and community in leadership: Bringing purpose-driven leaders together through initiatives like the MO Summit fosters mutual resilience and sparks transformative partnerships that extend far beyond individual transactions.

Resources Mentioned
Visit https://www.bigpathcapital.com/
Follow Michael on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelwhelchel/
Follow Big Path Capital on social media at:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/big-path-capital/

Join the Conversation
The Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn:

Chat With Leaders Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/ and End of the Line Productions https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/. 

Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help.

In this episode of The Steward Chair, Michael Whelchel, Founder &amp; CEO of Big Path Capital, shares his journey of transitioning from traditional private equity to impact investing, exploring how values-driven capitalism and purpose-led business drive meaningful, long-term success.
We discuss the launch of Big Path Capital on the precipice of the 2007 financial crisis, building a high-trust virtual culture, and how the Smarter Money framework and strategic convening create powerful ripple effects for both business and society. This conversation provides actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and impact.
Key Takeaways
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The Smarter Money framework for impact and returns: Aligning capital with values does not require sacrificing financial performance; maximizing both financial and social/environmental returns creates a structurally superior way to deploy wealth.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Building a remote, purpose-led culture: Operating a successful virtual organization relies on a foundation of high trust, personal flexibility, and direct, candid communication rather than rigid oversight.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The role of convening and community in leadership: Bringing purpose-driven leaders together through initiatives like the MO Summit fosters mutual resilience and sparks transformative partnerships that extend far beyond individual transactions.</li>
</ul>
Resources Mentioned
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Visit https://www.bigpathcapital.com/</li>
<li aria-level="1">Follow Michael on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelwhelchel/</li>
<li aria-level="1">Follow Big Path Capital on social media at:</li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="2">LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/big-path-capital/</li>
</ul>
</ul>
Join the Conversation The Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn:
Chat With Leaders Media <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/">https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/</a> and End of the Line Productions <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/">https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/</a>.&nbsp;
Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit <a href="https://chatwithleaders.com">ChatWithLeaders.com</a> to learn more about how we can help.

Fostering Authentic DEI Leadership in Your Corporate DNA with Cherise Bernard

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