Episodes

April 3, 2024

Avoid these 6 Leadership Mindsets that hinder your team's growth!

People are like plants. They need to be cared for so they can grow. Be sure you are intentional with your team’s development. The right combination of actions and experience can help them thrive in the workplace. And shoutout to my wife for teaching me this lesson! In this episode, we explored six mindsets that can stunt your team's growth, and how to shift those mindsets to foster strong and sustainable growth within your team. Let's work together to build effective, thriving, and belongin...
March 16, 2024

The Four Stages of Cultural Competency

In this episode, we discuss the four stages of competency, particularly focusing on cultural awareness and understanding. Let's explore how you can progress through these stages, from being unaware of cultural differences to unconsciously incorporating inclusivity into your leadership and work. I want to emphasize the importance of continuous learning and vigilance in developing cultural competency through insights and tactics to help you navigate your own competency journey. Download the Gui...
March 7, 2024

4-ish Ideas That Can Change Your Community!

In this episode of "On the Mic w/ Ray White," I share some of my latest ideas and dreams for the community. Here are a few key takeaways from my recent episode: 🌟 Share Your Dreams: It's important to vocalize your dreams and ideas, even if it feels scary. Creating a space where you can freely share and receive support for your aspirations is crucial in building a positive and encouraging environment. 🌟 Don't Hate, Collaborate: Big dreams require collaboration. When we share our visions with o...
Feb. 28, 2024

Read and Reflect on: The Black Agenda

The episode spotlights the necessity of inclusivity in positions of power, and the critical role of education in challenging biases. Through his reflection on Anna Gifty's book "The Black Agenda," Ray encourages us to look deeply into how social constructs affect black communities across various sectors, including education, healthcare, and the economy. 🔑 3 Key Takeaways for Our Listeners: - **Inclusive Leadership**: Embrace positions of power that mirror the diverse populations served, ensuri...
Feb. 21, 2024

Formal or Informal: Reframing your Leadership Development Program

In this episode of "On the Mic with Ray White," we delve into the world of leadership development and the innovative approach to nurturing emerging leaders within organizations. Host Ray White reflects on the creation and execution of the "Futures program," a unique initiative aimed at developing a bench of employees for succession planning. He shares the highs and lows of the program, highlighting the importance of buy-in from organizational leaders and the challenges faced in matching supply ...
Feb. 14, 2024

Art vs. Algorithm: Embracing Boundaries and Finding Balance

I almost quit this content creation and podcasting game multiple times! This episode explains the reminders I gave to myself to stay focused and active. What are you doing to maintain your creative expression? Need a guide to help you lead your culture transformation activities? Let's hop on a call! 👉🏾 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/raymond-d-white/60min⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ___________________ How can I help you? Pick up my first book, Advocacy In Action, here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://raymondwhite.net/shop/aiaboo...
Feb. 7, 2024

How to Stay Focused and Overcome the Overwhelm

Welcome back to "On the Mic w/ Ray White"! In this episode, Ray White delves into the concept of identifying the best next step when pursuing ambitious goals. Ray shares his personal experiences of feeling overwhelmed by thinking too far ahead and how focusing on the immediate next step has helped him gain momentum. He provides insightful examples, such as growing a YouTube channel and securing a grant, to illustrate the importance of finding the 1% action that propels one forward. Ray also i...
Jan. 31, 2024

How to attract and retain emerging leaders in the workplace in 2024

Recently, I had the pleasure of joining the Salem Chamber of Commerce Speakers Panel and discussing the unique strengths that emerging leaders under 40 bring to the workforce. We also delved into the importance of empathy and inclusion in today's work environment. This episode is the clips of my questions and answers. To watch the full webinar, check out this link here -- https://youtu.be/Rv927HtYA7M?si=OQGWIZYr-zVYsXLQ Highlights of this episode: 1. **Empathy in the Workplace**: As an emergi...
Jan. 24, 2024

Inclusive Leadership: 10 Maxims for Creating a Collaborative and Diverse Workspace

In this episode of "On the Mic with Ray White," host Ray White presents ten powerful maxims for becoming an inclusive leader within your organization. From active listening to fostering a culture of continuous learning, Ray shares practical tips to help you create a workplace where every identity belongs and thrives. Join us as we explore the essential qualities of an inclusive leader and learn how to embody them in your leadership style. Don't miss out on this insightful episode that's sure t...
Jan. 10, 2024

The Impact of Consider Every Voice in Organizational Decisions

Do you find groups of people left out of your most important organizational decisions? In the latest episode of "On the Mic w/ Ray White," we delved into the importance of considering every voice in our organizations. Here are a few insights from the episode: 🔊 Key Takeaways: 1. Every voice matters: In our fast-paced work environments, it's crucial to pause, reflect, and ensure that we have heard from all stakeholders. By considering every voice, we can avoid perpetuating harm and create incl...
Jan. 8, 2024

What is your core focus for 2024? - Fresh air & #SelfCare

Happy 2024! This year, I plan on dropping audio-only episodes of the podcast, titled Fresh Air & #SelfCare! This segment will be quick reflections of thoughts and concepts I'm pondering on while I'm walking about. Key Takeaways from this episode: - Simplify and focus on core areas to build momentum for success. Develop a few key habits that have the potential to impact other areas positively. - Embrace the power of prioritization. Identify the vital few things that truly matter for progress an...
Jan. 3, 2024

Avoid this Power Trip Pitfall as a Leader!

What happens if your social power negatively influences the people you are leading? How would you know?! Would anyone tell you?! In this episode, we dive into the pitfalls leaders find themselves in when they misuse the power they have been given. We also provide some tactics to help you leverage your social power for good, and keep your ego in check! Receive a free cheat sheet for the type of social power you can develop and let me know which ones you possess! https://www.linkedin.com/posts/r...
Dec. 13, 2023

The 5 Essential Holiday Gifts to present to your Employees

In this episode, we dive into the art of giving great gifts to your team as a leader. This episode breaks down the key "gifts" that can make your team feel valued and appreciated. Not only do we talk about the key gifts, but we also discuss how implementing these strategies can create an awesome workplace vibe. Tap in and let me know which gift you plan on giving this holiday season! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raymond-d-white/message
Dec. 11, 2023

"What are your hopes for Salem?" - Hot Mic Guest Compilation Vol. 1

A Hot Mic W/ Ray White Compilation Episode! Here from 5 leaders as they share their hopes and visions for the city of Salem! If you live in Salem, Oregon, what would you hope to see in the city? Share your thoughts in the comments. Watch the full episodes from our guests: 👉🏾 "Get It In Your Mouth!" - Hot Mic Interview W/ Tasten Cee - https://youtu.be/QDNYeUwFUcI 👉🏾 "Build your Business Game Plan" - Hot Mic W/ Willamette Equity Advisors - https://youtu.be/p2m7qW_ctaw 👉🏾 "Facing your Financ...
Nov. 29, 2023

Understanding these 3 phases to enhance your community development initiatives

In this episode of "On the Mic with Ray White," we discuss the 3 stages of community development. Here are 3 key takeaways for you: 1️⃣ Bonding Phase: Building a strong foundation for your community starts with forming meaningful connections and relationships. Understanding who you are as a group, aligning your vision, and fostering trust is essential before moving forward. 2️⃣ Bridging Phase: Once you have established a solid bond, it's time to bridge the gap and connect with the right peopl...
Nov. 15, 2023

"Positive Affirmations through Performing Arts" - Hot Mic Interview W/ Enlightened Theatrics

Shout out to Jessica Peterson, Executive Director of Enlightened Theatrics and founding board member of Be Blac Foundation. Here are 3 key takeaways from our conversation: 1️⃣ The Power of Storytelling: Theater and music have a unique ability to captivate us and transport us to different worlds. Whether you're on stage or in the audience, the arts have a way of connecting with our emotions and bringing people together. 2️⃣ Advocating for Youth: Jessica believes adults must empower young indiv...
Nov. 2, 2023

How to navigate fear and progress

In the episode, we explore the idea that progress requires the courage to step outside our comfort zones and venture into the unknown. We discuss the fear of leaving behind what is familiar and the anxieties that arise when facing new challenges. But as we learn, having the courage to embrace change is essential for our development and success. I share an insightful quote: "Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore." We discuss the significance of this ...
Oct. 28, 2023

The work you need to do as a student-athlete and a leader!

I had an incredible conversation with a talented junior high school student-athlete about the awe-inspiring world of triple jump. And let me tell you, it hit close to home, considering my own history as a dedicated triple jumper in high school and college. During our chat, we dove deep into the essential elements for success in this sport. We discussed everything from mastering the technical aspects to contacting coaches and recruiters. And it got me thinking, this concept applies not only to a...
Oct. 18, 2023

"Who is still overlooked?" - IAC Webinar Exclusive (Part 3)

I had the privilege to host an Inclusion Allies Coalition webinar titled "DEI in 2023 and the Future: a dialogue with Millennials and GenZ" This episode is part 3 of 3, where we reflect on what identities are still standing on the outskirts of our organizations and what it takes to center their identities. On the panel: Aby Combs, Inclusive Diversity Program Manager, Granite Construction - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/abymahan/⁠ Shantel Young, Senior Manager, DEI, Convene - ⁠https://www.linke...
Oct. 13, 2023

The Prime Effect: Transforming Environments and Elevating Others - #ThinkingOutLoud

As I am thinking out loud, I am reflecting on how The Prime Effect is Real! Deion Sanders, the Colorado Buffaloes football coach, is transforming college football for the better! More particularly, he is transforming environments through his leadership: In this video we break down: 1️⃣ Your Presence Matters: Your demeanor and attitude can change and shape the culture of any space you enter. Be intentional about showing up with excellence, demanding it of yourself, and inspiring others to do t...
Oct. 11, 2023

Not a "Nice To Have!" - IAC Webinar Exclusive (Part 2)

I had the privilege to host an Inclusion Allies Coalition webinar titled "DEI in 2023 and the Future: a dialogue with Millennials and GenZ" This episode is part 2 of 3, where discuss what it takes for DEI to be embedded into the fabric of an organization. On the panel: Aby Combs, Inclusive Diversity Program Manager, Granite Construction - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/abymahan/⁠ Shantel Young, Senior Manager, DEI, Convene - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/shantel-young-cdp/⁠ Madison Waldron, Seni...
Oct. 4, 2023

"Unconventional Journey" - IAC Webinar Exclusive (Part 1)

I had the privilege to host an Inclusion Allies Coalition webinar titled "DEI in 2023 and the Future: a dialogue with Millennials and GenZ" This episode is part 1 of 3, where we introduce the powerhouse panelists and their journeys to becoming DEI practitioners. On the panel: Aby Combs, Inclusive Diversity Program Manager, Granite Construction - https://www.linkedin.com/in/abymahan/ Shantel Young, Senior Manager, DEI, Convene - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shantel-young-cdp/ Madison Waldron, S...
Sept. 28, 2023

Developing Future Leaders: The 10-Year Perspective on Raising Adults. -#ThinkingOutLoud

There was an Instagram post I wanted to get a #ThinkingOutLoud reaction to and reflect with you on the podcast. You can view the Instagram post here: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw0hkxZOx40/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== 🌟 Here are 3 key takeaways from the episode: 1️⃣ Start Early: It's never too soon to begin teaching children important life skills. If we want kind, tough, successful adults, we need to instill these qualities from a young age. Teach them kindness, toughness, perseverance, and teamw...
Sept. 27, 2023

"Keeping the Cash Flowing" - Hot Mic Interview W/ Church at the Park Accounting

I had the pleasure of interviewing Ryan, an accountant from Church at the Park, on the latest episode of "On the Mic with Ray White" podcast. We delved into the importance of accounting in the nonprofit sector. Here are three key takeaways from our conversation: 1️⃣ Cash Flow is Crucial: In a nonprofit organization, having a solid handle on cash flow is essential. It ensures that the organization can meet its financial obligations and continue serving its mission. Ryan emphasized the importanc...