MBA2354 Bonus Episode - Introducing Real Good Podcast Season 5 - The $100 MBA Show

Transcript

Greg Cunningham (0:00)

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Faith Saley (0:22)

Free your team from expense reports today. Switch your business to ramp.com.

Unknown Host (0:31)

Hey, hey, hey. We're gonna do something a little different in the feed today. Those of you who are regular listeners of the show know about the podcast Real Good by US Bank. We've been sharing this podcast with you for years because, frankly, it's really good. Every season, Real Good seeks out to tell stories of people putting in the work. We know what that's all about. It's a podcast that shows us that while the world is imperfect, there are people out there trying to make it better. Real Good's put out four amazing seasons and they just started Season five. One word that I would say that describes the Real Good podcast by US bank is inspiring. I'm about to share with you episode one from Season five. In this episode, instead of featuring a guest, our hosts will set the stage for the season while looking back at all the great moments of the first four seasons so you'll get all caught up after. If you like what you heard, go listen and subscribe to the Real Good podcast wherever you get your podcast. Again, it's called Real Good by US Bank. You don't want to miss it, go ahead and subscribe now.

Faith Saley (1:36)

This is Real Good by US Bank, a podcast about helpers.

Unknown Host (1:41)

It's the reason why I'm a filmmaker.

Greg Cunningham (1:42)

I believe in voice. All I ever wanted was a voice.

Faith Saley (1:45)

And it's why I do what I do. He said. It would never be enough to convince other people we belong at the table if we're not convinced that we belong there ourselves. You're more than ready. You belong at the table.

Greg Cunningham (1:57)

And I'm representing 63 million people, right? They want to see their stories being told, so I don't take it lightly.

Faith Saley (2:03)

I'm Faith Saley. Welcome back to another season of Real Good Number five. This season's going to focus on some amazing work being done by leaders who are primarily Latino or Hispanic and or Latinx. However you identify, we are here for it. At the start of the episode, you heard from a few of our guests, a filmmaker, a business leader, and a museum director, and you'll hear more from them this season. With each conversation, we're going to bring you the personal stories of successful people who are making the world a better place. I'm not going to give it all away. But you might get some tears, you might get some unfiltered honesty, and you're going to get a bunch of laughter. I got to say, I'm really proud of this season. If you ever wonder whether decision makers are having real conversations about cultural shifts, equality, personal challenges, the kind of stuff you talk about with your friends, the answer is they do with us on Real Good. When's the last time you heard C suiters be super vulnerable? Because that's what you're in for this season. But first, before we get into our guest stories, I and my co host, Greg Cunningham, chief diversity officer and senior executive vice president of US bank, are going to get into it ourselves. We're going to take a beat, look back at some of the themes we've threaded through previous seasons, and tease a little of what you can expect coming up. We also check out some projects we've worked on since you last heard from us. After all, if we're talking about what's real good, you might want to know that we've invested in the work as well. Greg, this is. This is the first episode of the. You're blowing on your coffee because you know you need to caffeinate for this.

Summary

Podcast Summary: MBA2354 Bonus Episode - Introducing Real Good Podcast Season 5

The $100 MBA Show presents a bonus episode featuring Omar Zenhom alongside Greg Cunningham and Faith Saley as they introduce Season 5 of the Real Good Podcast by US Bank. This episode delves into the podcast's evolution, its commitment to showcasing inspiring stories from diverse leaders, and highlights upcoming projects and themes for the new season.

1. Introduction to Season 5

Faith Saley and Greg Cunningham kick off the episode by expressing their excitement about launching the fifth season of the Real Good Podcast. They emphasize the season's focus on leaders who are primarily Latino, Hispanic, or Latinx, while also welcoming all identities. The hosts highlight the podcast's mission to share personal stories of successful individuals dedicated to making the world a better place.

Faith Saley [02:03]: "With each conversation, we're going to bring you the personal stories of successful people who are making the world a better place."

2. Reflections on Previous Seasons

The hosts reflect on the journey of the podcast over the past four seasons, recalling pivotal moments such as discussions during the pandemic and addressing systemic issues highlighted by events like George Floyd's murder. They acknowledge the depth and honesty of conversations that have shaped the podcast's reputation for being inspiring and authentic.

Greg Cunningham [05:05]: "There's some layers that we needed to peel back and we needed to have some real conversations about where people are and why communities are the way they are without pointing fingers."

3. Highlighting Recent Achievements and Projects

A significant highlight of the episode is the announcement of the film "Translators", produced in partnership with director Rudy Valdez. Debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2020, the film celebrates the roles of 11 million children who act as translators for their families. The film's recent win at Tribeca X underscores its impact and the podcast's commitment to amplifying underrepresented stories.

Greg Cunningham [08:18]: "The film we helped produce is called Translators, and we debuted it during the Tribeca Film Festival here in the summer of 2020."

4. Stories and Themes of Representation

Faith shares insights from her interviews, such as the impactful book "Crowned" by Karen and Regis Bethencourt, which reimagines classic fairy tales through the lens of the African diaspora. She discusses the transformative power of representation, highlighting how seeing oneself portrayed positively can foster self-worth and empowerment.

Additionally, the story of Houston White and his entrepreneurial journey is recounted. His ventures, including the Get Down Coffee Company and Houston White Menswear, exemplify black excellence and the importance of representation in business spaces like barbershops.

Faith Saley [16:58]: "They had him pose shirtless and turn his beautiful natural skin into a story about how the zebra got its stripes."

5. Personal Learning and Conversations

Both hosts share personal anecdotes that illustrate their continuous learning journey. Faith recounts her work on a poignant story about the Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph "The Soiling of Old Glory," delving into its historical significance and the personal connections she has with the individuals involved.

Greg discusses his experiences responding to challenges and skepticism around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. He emphasizes the importance of data-driven approaches and accountability in fostering genuine inclusion within organizations.

Greg Cunningham [47:33]: "Our purpose as an organization of powering human potential and helping individuals and families fulfill their dreams and helping communities reach their full potential."

6. DEI Insights and Industry Critique

The conversation shifts to a critical analysis of the DEI industry, referencing an article by Connor Friedersdorf in The Atlantic. Greg differentiates US Bank's DEI efforts from mainstream corporate diversity training, highlighting US Bank's approach as one of genuine commitment rather than mere compliance. He underscores the integration of DEI into business outcomes and leadership evaluations.

Greg Cunningham [47:08]: "It's about how we serve customers, how we serve communities, and most importantly, how we serve employees in that."

7. Conclusion and Future Excitement

As the episode wraps up, Greg and Faith express their enthusiasm for the upcoming season. They tease interviews with influential leaders such as Claudia Edelman from "We Are All Human" and Eric Toda from Meta, promising rich discussions on technology, leadership, and cultural representation. The hosts also celebrate their enduring friendship and collaborative spirit, which have been instrumental in shaping the podcast's success.

Faith Saley [63:48]: "It's amazing that we never stop learning. I get excited for every single person we're going to talk to."

Notable Quotes

Faith Saley [06:12]: "They continue to learn so much every time we meet someone new."
Greg Cunningham [14:28]: "This is all about how do we get to outcomes, to better outcomes."
Faith Saley [26:08]: "It's hard to describe how I feel right now, because it's not about an award, but it is about this notion of acceptance."
Greg Cunningham [51:38]: "We have to just continue to do more in all of our efforts to build those bridges."

Key Takeaways

Season Focus: Emphasizes stories from Latino, Hispanic, and Latinx leaders, promoting inclusivity across all identities.
Representation Matters: Highlighting the transformative power of seeing oneself reflected positively in media and leadership.
Authentic DEI Efforts: US Bank's DEI initiatives are deeply integrated into business practices, moving beyond mandatory trainings to genuine organizational commitment.
Continuous Learning: Both hosts highlight the importance of ongoing education and open conversations in fostering understanding and growth.
Upcoming Content: Promises engaging interviews with leaders from various sectors, continuing the podcast's tradition of inspiring and insightful storytelling.

Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the Real Good Podcast, this episode sets the tone for a season filled with meaningful conversations, impactful stories, and a steadfast commitment to making the world a better place through the power of diverse leadership.