I'm thrilled to introduce Joey Mak, the CEO Of Chicago Blend. Chicago:Blend is a nonprofit organisation working to advance diversity, equity and inclusion  in Chicago’s venture capital and startup community. They measure the VC diversity gap, help underrepresented professionals secure VC jobs and are building a growing community of investors who share our commitment to improving the industry.

Before joining Blend in 2021, Joey was the vice president of programs at the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, where he created their diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative and oversaw the Chamber’s COVID-19 economic recovery task force. He served as director of innovation & economic development for the University of Illinois System and as a deputy director at the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. 

Today Joey and I embark on a journey through the critical landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion in venture capital. We'll explore the personal narratives driving this mission, dissect the challenges hindering inclusive cultures, and highlight the imperative role diversity plays in investment decisions. Along the way, we'll uncover success stories of underrepresented founders, delve into strategies for fostering diverse corporate cultures, and address biases in both hiring practices and technology. 

Takeaways
Increasing diversity in the venture capital space is crucial for providing more opportunities to underrepresented founders and entrepreneurs.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just checkboxes but essential business practices that lead to a more resilient and innovative organisation.
Creating a diverse and inclusive corporate culture requires intentional effort and a focus on business strategy and goals.
Unconscious bias can perpetuate a lack of diversity and equity in investments, but strategies like expanding networks and setting up inclusive processes can help overcome this challenge.
Fostering diversity in technology involves ensuring diverse voices are included in the design process to avoid biases and create inclusive products and services.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Pondering Questions

03:08 Personal Journey and Purpose

06:19 Importance of Diversity in Business

07:44 Defining Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

09:35 Challenges in Creating Diverse and Inclusive Cultures

11:43 Addressing Challenges in the Startup Ecosystem

13:31 Lack of Diversity in Venture Capital

16:35 Success Stories of Diverse Founders

20:01 Creating Diverse and Inclusive Corporate Cultures

22:20 Overcoming Unconscious Bias

28:55 Technology and Addressing Biases

36:10 Fostering Diversity in Technology

39:24 Exciting Trends in the Industry

43:03 Importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Learn More About Joey: https://www.chicagoblend.org/

Book Your IGNITE Discovery Call: https://www.rebeccamaklad.com/advisor

I'm thrilled to introduce Joey Mak, the CEO Of Chicago Blend. Chicago:Blend is a nonprofit organisation working to advance diversity, equity and inclusion  in Chicago’s venture capital and startup community. They measure the VC diversity gap, help underrepresented professionals secure VC jobs and are building a growing community of investors who share our commitment to improving the industry.
Before joining Blend in 2021, Joey was the vice president of programs at the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, where he created their diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative and oversaw the Chamber’s COVID-19 economic recovery task force. He served as director of innovation &amp; economic development for the University of Illinois System and as a deputy director at the Illinois Department of Commerce &amp; Economic Opportunity. 
Today Joey and I embark on a journey through the critical landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion in venture capital. We'll explore the personal narratives driving this mission, dissect the challenges hindering inclusive cultures, and highlight the imperative role diversity plays in investment decisions. Along the way, we'll uncover success stories of underrepresented founders, delve into strategies for fostering diverse corporate cultures, and address biases in both hiring practices and technology. 
Takeaways
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Increasing diversity in the venture capital space is crucial for providing more opportunities to underrepresented founders and entrepreneurs.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just checkboxes but essential business practices that lead to a more resilient and innovative organisation.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Creating a diverse and inclusive corporate culture requires intentional effort and a focus on business strategy and goals.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Unconscious bias can perpetuate a lack of diversity and equity in investments, but strategies like expanding networks and setting up inclusive processes can help overcome this challenge.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Fostering diversity in technology involves ensuring diverse voices are included in the design process to avoid biases and create inclusive products and services.</li>
</ul>
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Pondering Questions
03:08 Personal Journey and Purpose
06:19 Importance of Diversity in Business
07:44 Defining Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
09:35 Challenges in Creating Diverse and Inclusive Cultures
11:43 Addressing Challenges in the Startup Ecosystem
13:31 Lack of Diversity in Venture Capital
16:35 Success Stories of Diverse Founders
20:01 Creating Diverse and Inclusive Corporate Cultures
22:20 Overcoming Unconscious Bias
28:55 Technology and Addressing Biases
36:10 Fostering Diversity in Technology
39:24 Exciting Trends in the Industry
43:03 Importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Learn More About Joey: <a href="https://www.chicagoblend.org/">https://www.chicagoblend.org/</a>
<hr>
Book Your IGNITE Discovery Call: https://www.rebeccamaklad.com/advisor

The DNA Of Purpose Podcast uniquely weaves together personal growth, transformational processes, entrepreneurial thinking, and leadership strategy, empowering high-impact individuals to utilise purpose as the most powerful social innovation tool on the planet. Grounded in the belief that profound individual and collective impact originate from within, our mission calls on leaders to transcend limitations, unlock their full potential, and amplify their influence in dedicated service to a world in need of fresh perspectives and solutions.

In every episode, our trailblazing guests, representing diverse backgrounds and experiences, exemplify a shared dedication to leaving a lasting, positive imprint on the world—contributing more than they take and shaping an enduring legacy for future generations. Hosted by Rebecca Maklad, a fearless truth-seeker, the podcast provides unfiltered insights into the unfolding paths of these purpose-driven individuals. It offers a deep exploration into what it takes to ignite human progress, facilitate ecological restoration, and innovate solutions to address global challenges.

Takeaways:  Uncover Your Life's Purpose and Unlock Your Full Potential | Explore Personal Development and Cultivate a Growth Mindset with Expert Tips | Nurture Self-Awareness for Personal Growth and Transformative Change | Guiding Tips on Becoming a Purpose-Driven Entrepreneur and Inspiring Leader | Unlocking the Potential: Grasping the ‘Circular’ Solutions Economy | Learn how to create businesses that make a positive impact on society | Discover key strategies for building sustainable and socially conscious enterprises.  

Contact Us: www.dnaofpurpose.com

This podcast is brought to you by Supernova Tribe Studio | https://www.supernovatribe.studio/

<a href="https://www.rebeccamaklad.com/">The DNA Of Purpose Podcast </a>uniquely weaves together personal growth, transformational processes, entrepreneurial thinking, and leadership strategy, empowering high-impact individuals to utilise purpose as the most powerful social innovation tool on the planet. Grounded in the belief that profound individual and collective impact originate from within, our mission calls on leaders to transcend limitations, unlock their full potential, and amplify their influence in dedicated service to a world in need of fresh perspectives and solutions.
In every episode, our trailblazing guests, representing diverse backgrounds and experiences, exemplify a shared dedication to leaving a lasting, positive imprint on the world—contributing more than they take and shaping an enduring legacy for future generations. Hosted by Rebecca Maklad, a fearless truth-seeker, the podcast provides unfiltered insights into the unfolding paths of these purpose-driven individuals. It offers a deep exploration into what it takes to ignite human progress, facilitate ecological restoration, and innovate solutions to address global challenges.
<hr>
Takeaways:  Uncover Your Life's Purpose and Unlock Your Full Potential | Explore Personal Development and Cultivate a Growth Mindset with Expert Tips | Nurture Self-Awareness for Personal Growth and Transformative Change | Guiding Tips on Becoming a Purpose-Driven Entrepreneur and Inspiring Leader | Unlocking the Potential: Grasping the ‘Circular’ Solutions Economy | Learn how to create businesses that make a positive impact on society | Discover key strategies for building sustainable and socially conscious enterprises.  
<hr>
Contact Us: <a href="mailto:rebecca@dnaofpurpose.com">www.dnaofpurpose.com</a>
This podcast is brought to you by Supernova Tribe Studio | <a href="https://www.supernovatribe.studio/">https://www.supernovatribe.studio/</a>

The Time for Change Is Now: Join us on a transformative journey through purpose-driven trends reshaping the world.

DNA Of Purpose

<a href="https://www.rebeccamaklad.com/">The DNA Of Purpose Podcast </a>uniquely weaves together personal growth, transformational processes, entrepreneurial thinking, and leadership strategy, empowering high-impact individuals to utilise purpose as the most powerful social innovation tool on the planet. Grounded in the belief that profound individual and collective impact originate from within, our mission calls on leaders to transcend limitations, unlock their full potential, and amplify their influence in dedicated service to a world in need of fresh perspectives and solutions.
In every episode, our trailblazing guests, representing diverse backgrounds and experiences, exemplify a shared dedication to leaving a lasting, positive imprint on the world—contributing more than they take and shaping an enduring legacy for future generations. Hosted by Rebecca Maklad, a fearless truth-seeker, the podcast provides unfiltered insights into the unfolding paths of these purpose-driven individuals. It offers a deep exploration into what it takes to ignite human progress, facilitate ecological restoration, and innovate solutions to address global challenges.
<hr>
Takeaways:  Uncover Your Life's Purpose and Unlock Your Full Potential | Explore Personal Development and Cultivate a Growth Mindset with Expert Tips | Nurture Self-Awareness for Personal Growth and Transformative Change | Guiding Tips on Becoming a Purpose-Driven Entrepreneur and Inspiring Leader | Unlocking the Potential: Grasping the ‘Circular’ Solutions Economy | Learn how to create businesses that make a positive impact on society | Discover key strategies for building sustainable and socially conscious enterprises.  
<hr>
Contact Us: <a href="mailto:rebecca@dnaofpurpose.com">www.dnaofpurpose.com</a>
This podcast is brought to you by Supernova Tribe Studio | <a href="https://www.supernovatribe.studio/">https://www.supernovatribe.studio/</a>

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