Menttium Matters

The power of Intentional Conversations in the DEI work in Corporate America with Shunda Robinson, Senior Vice President, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at GM Financial

This week our conversation with Shunda Robinson looks at the power of intentional conversations in responding to the need for organizations to address race, equity, and inclusion differently than they have in the past. Sharing the insights and wisdom she’s gained from a career that has led to her current role as Senior VP, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Shunda explains why “DEI work can’t be just what we say, it has to be what we do. It has to be who we are in the hallways and offices of our organization every single day.” Shunda describes the powerful and transformative company-wide conversations she facilitated in the wake of George Floyd’s murder. She highlights the importance of finding your voice, as well as the voice of ally-ship. Shunda also shares her 3 habits of success, which got her to where she is today.

Navigating an age of disruption with Thomas Schlick, retired executive, author and professor

This week’s episode features a conversation with Thomas Schlick, a successful Operations executive and recent author of the book Jumpstart Your Service Revolution: Transform Your Company’s DNA and Thrive in an Age of Disruption. Drawing from his experience helping organizations around the globe navigate change, Tom shares his insights and stories which highlight the timeless importance of people and culture. He discusses what he sees as the 3 largest trends facing us today and the best practices that will answer these challenges. Tom also shares what he’s found essential to success when working on global and virtual teams, beginning with the need for clarity around the purpose of any meeting (information sharing, problem-solving, or decision making). Last, Tom shares the pivotal role a leader needs to play to ensure inclusivity for engagement and community. 

Laws of Leadership and Habits for Success - Jim Gwaltney, Author & Retired Ford Motor Executive

In this episode, Jim Gwaltney, retired Ford Motor Company Senior Executive and author of The 20 Immutable Laws of Leadership, shares his leadership advice. Jim discusses best practices for motivating employees; learning to delegate; transitioning from being an individual contributor to a manager; and making time to focus on vision and strategy. He identifies specific strategies to successfully navigate organizational politics, and he reminds listeners of the importance of getting out of one’s comfort zone. Jim also shares his habits for success, his advice to young professionals, and his favorite quote.

Leadership and Workplace Culture - Bobbi Dahlgren, Supply Chain Executive

This episode features Bobbi Dahlgren, a highly accomplished business operations and supply chain leader.  Bobbi will share her strategies for bringing out the best in your team; working with people who have different interaction styles; and leading a team through organizational change.  She shares tips she has learned in conflict resolution training as well as some essential skills for being an effective negotiator.  Bobbi discusses the importance of creating workplace cultures where people can have flexibility.  She also shares her habits for success, her advice to young professionals, and her favorite quote.

Formal and informal mentoring - CurVie Burton, Executive Coach & Business Consultant

This week’s episode features CurVie Burton, executive coach and consultant at TheRoadB4U.  CurVie has dedicated his career to helping individuals, teams, and corporations achieve their full potential.  He reflects on how mentors helped him early in his career and his passion for developing mentoring programs that have successfully increased the representation of black professionals at senior levels in technology.  He highlights the process he uses to help his clients define, create, and maintain successful outcomes in their life and career.  CurVie also shares his habits for success, his advice to young professionals, and his favorite quote.  

Leading real change starts with yourself - Dr. Sue Stanek

In this episode Dr. Sue Stanek talks about how leading real change starts with yourself. She outlines steps for creating self-awareness and internal change and gives examples of the powerful results that this can have in one’s professional and personal life. We will hear about the profound “aha” moment Sue had that inspired her to create a presentation about the slippery slope of being right. Sue reflects on the strategies she has learned to create an empowering work-life balance. She also shares her habits for success, her advice to young professionals, and her favorite quote.

Legacy with Jeannine Rivet, Retired UnitedHealth Group Executive

In this episode, Jeannine Rivet delivers a fantastic presentation on “Climbing the Ladder without Getting Dizzy or Falling Off.” Jeannine, who has been called one of the most powerful women in business, generously shares the lessons she has learned throughout her life and career. The presentation is filled with memorable stories, sage wisdom, and actionable advice. Listeners will come away feeling inspired to honor their priorities; to mentor others; and to be more intentional in thinking about the legacy they would like to leave. 

Leadership & DEI in Corporate America with Dr. Dellroy Birch, Corporate Enterprise Strategy

This episode features a conversation with Dr. Dellroy Birch on race, diversity, equity, and inclusion in Corporate America. Dell talks about why companies are addressing race and equity in a different way than they have in the past. He describes some of the barriers to advancement that professionals of color face in corporate America and outlines best practices for creating DE&I programs that are effective. Dell describes his leadership research and identifies traits that help leaders successfully navigate change. He also shares his habits for success, his advice to young professionals, and his favorite quote.  

Life and leadership with Artie Lynnworth, Author & Retired GM

This week’s episode features Artie Lynnworth, a long-time Mentor, author, motivational speaker, and global executive.  Artie is an expert at change management and walks us through the techniques he has used to create successful cultural change.  He outlines surefire ways to foster team building and inspire team members to be passionate about implementing strategies that will benefit the organization.  Artie reflects on his 25 years of mentoring and the amazing personal and professional transformations he has witnessed in his mentees.  Artie also shares his habits for success, his advice to young professionals, and his favorite quote.  

A life of gratitude with Lynn Sontag, Menttium Owner & CEO

Lynn Sontag, Menttium Owner & CEO shares her perspective on a life well lived and why she has dedicated her life to developing and mentoring others. Menttium was founded in 1991 with the mission of advancing women in corporate America. Lynn has been involved in the mission for the last 25 years and has guided the organization towards broader initiatives supporting key talent, executive development, as well as diversity, equity and inclusion in the global market. Lynn talks about the rewards of taking risks; the growth opportunities of “mentoring at the difference;” the transformative power of mentoring; and the importance of gratitude during both the good times and the challenging times.