The host of Professional Confession, Damion Taylor, shares his "origin" story that lead him to creating the podcast. After realizing that the individuals who have been listening to Professional Confession may have no idea who who he is or why he created the podcast, he decided to share some of his background story.

Side note: It's really hard and weird to write about yourself in third person...darn! Now you know that it's me, Damion, writing this and I don't have an army of podcast minions doing my bidding.

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We often talk about the importance of education and highlight how it can help to improve an individual's quality of life and earning potential. But what happens when the educational institutions upon which rely actually end up being an additional obstacle in our efforts towards obtaining the American dream? In today's episode, we talk about the biases some students face in our educational system, sometimes even when they are doing everything right. We'll break down discuss what are some things that educators can do today to start making a positive impact in their classroom outcomes. We are joined by expert guests, Romey and Brian from the Plus Delta, both of whom are teachers.

Host: Damion Taylor | Editor: Damion Taylor

ABOUT THE GUESTS

Jerome "Romey" Tompkins is a queer black male educator and co-host of the Plus Delta podcast who has taught elementary schools for 8 years. Romey has taught in primarily Title 1 schools that are populated with black and brown students. He has initiated and integrated professional development for technology for teachers to increase student engagement. He was honored with the Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator Award in 2020, and peer reviewed publication at the  Southern Regional Council on Educational Administration Conference 2019 “SCREA in the Sun: Planting the Seeds of Leadership” School Turnaround Programs: “From Idea to Implementation and Aftermath”.  Currently seeking to be an administrator in education, on the Superintendent Teacher Advisory Council to advocate for new teachers and marginalized students in underserved communities. He's enjoying the current effects of teaching during Co-vid times and the opportunities it brings.

Brian Paredes co-hosts the Plus Delta podcast with Romey and is an educator who says he is still trying to figure out life. After teaching for 8 years he's discovered a passion not only for learning but for the understanding of people and how we can all grow through connection and conversation. He currently teaches a course to help better prepare students for college and careers post graduation.

To learn more about Romey, Brian and the Plus Delta podcast, you can check them out on social media, or better yet, listen to my interview on the Plus Delta podcast.

Plus Delta podcast: https://bit.ly/3AWGkDB

Website: plusdelta.org

@plusdeltapod (Twitter & Instagram) | @plusdeltapocast (Facebook)

Romey Tompkins (Twitter) - @romeyurhomey

Biran Paredes (Twitter) - @profe_paredes

ABOUT THE HOST

Damion Taylor is the co-founder of Prometheus Digital Studio, a data-informed creative studio that provides data and analytics work for traditional and digital studios, as well as producing scripted and unscripted digital-first content. Damion has spent the last 15 years applying data and technology to entertainment. Both analytical and creative, he brings a unique skill set that’s in high demand for brands and media companies.

He effectively translates data in a way that is meaningful to creatives talent and has become a respected leader in audience growth and producing data-informed creative.

He has lead Audience Development for large traditional media companies (e.g., Warner Bros. and NBC Universal) as well as innovative digital leaders (e.g., Machinima, Mitu and New Form).

If you would like to submit a confession or contact us, please visit the Professional Confession website: https://professionalconfession.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

These days technology touches virtually every part of our lives. Despite being so pervasive, the tech industry is dominated by mostly men. Why does the tech industry have such a hard time with diversity, especially when it comes to women? In this episode we will speak with expert tech consultant, Paria Rajai and explore what managers in the tech industry can do today to help correct the tech industry's gender imbalance while their companies are trying to catch up.

Host: Damion Taylor | Editor: Damion Taylor

ABOUT THE GUEST

Paria Rajai is the founder and CEO of ModelEXpand, an Inclusive Workplace Strategy firm helping companies secure top talent from diverse backgrounds. For more than a decade, Paria has partnered with organizations of all sizes - from growing startups to Fortune 500 companies. She was on the leadership team of Hackbright Academy, the country’s first coding school for women, and has consulted for companies such as eBay, Lyft and Airbnb. She has been selected as a mentor for the State Department’s TechWomen program and has been profiled in Forbes for being a leader and advocate for inclusive hiring practices. She was recently nominated for Woman of the Year at the Women in IT Awards.

To learn more about Paria Rajai and her work at ModelExpand, you can visit the company website at: https://www.modelexpand.com/

ABOUT THE HOST

Damion Taylor is the co-founder of Prometheus Digital Studio, a data-informed creative studio that provides data and analytics work for traditional and digital studios, as well as producing scripted and unscripted digital-first content. Damion has spent the last 15 years applying data and technology to entertainment. Both analytical and creative, he brings a unique skill set that’s in high demand for brands and media companies.

He effectively translates data in a way that is meaningful to creatives talent and has become a respected leader in audience growth and producing data-informed creative.

He has lead Audience Development for large traditional media companies (e.g., Warner Bros. and NBC Universal) as well as innovative digital leaders (e.g., Machinima, Mitu and New Form).

If you would like to submit a confession or contact us, please visit the Professional Confession website: https://professionalconfession.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's confession comes from a Marketing Associate at an independent film studio who finds himself in a conversation about promoting suntan oil to Black and Brown audiences. We sit down with our expert guest Kerry Edelstein to discuss the implications and how this Marketing Associate can best address the biases of senior leaders within the hierarchal norms of his company. We will also talk about how organizations can use insights of various types to avoid tone deaf behaviors.

Episode Writer: Michael Duncan Host: Damion Taylor Editor: Damion Taylor

ABOUT THE GUEST

Kerry Edelstein is the Founder/President of Research Narrative (a research and insights firm specializing in media, entertainment, technology and adjacent industries). She brings 20+ years of insight and experience in the Entertainment & Media industry and is an expert in creating data-driven stories that drive business and content strategy. Kerry has collaborated with renowned media brands such as Netflix, Disney, YouTube, Amazon, Discovery, NPR, SheKnows Media, Vulcan Productions and Viacom Media Networks to develop programming, launch cross-platform media strategies, and build leading brand portfolios.

Kerry recently served as Vice President of the Board of Directors for CHAMPS Charter High School, a media and performing arts high school in Los Angeles. She holds an MBA from The Anderson Graduate School of Management at UCLA and received her B.S. in Biometry and Statistics from Cornell University.

FUN FACT: Kerry moonlights as a hip hop dancer and masters’ swimmer.

If you would like to learn more about Kerry's work or her company Research Narrative you can visit the company website: https://researchnarrative.com/

ABOUT THE HOST

Damion Taylor is the co-founder of Prometheus Digital Studio, a data-informed creative studio that provides data and analytics work for traditional and digital studios, as well as producing scripted and unscripted digital-first content. Damion has spent the last 15 years applying data and technology to entertainment. Both analytical and creative, he brings a unique skill set that’s in high demand for brands and media companies.

He effectively translates data in a way that is meaningful to creatives talent and has become a respected leader in audience growth and producing data-informed creative.

He has lead Audience Development for large traditional media companies (e.g., Warner Bros. and NBC Universal) as well as innovative digital leaders (e.g., Machinima, Mitu and New Form).

If you would like to submit a confession or contact us, please visit the Professional Confession website: https://professionalconfession.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This we our expert guest is Andrew Horning, author of the book Grappling: White Men's Journey From Fragile to Agile. We will discuss a confession from an Asian professional in academia who finds herself on the receiving end of a microaggression and is confronted with a case of the ideal minority stereotype from her supervisors, while concurrently being sidelined in her job. 

Microaggression Links Referenced During the Conversation

• Microagressions In The Classroom - https://youtu.be/ZahtlxW2CIQ
• Responding to Microaggressions: Part 1 - https://youtu.be/e4N50b76cZc
• Responding to Microaggressions: Part 2 - https://youtu.be/HrCgBLoMxTQ
• Microagressions Are Like Mosquito Bites - https://youtu.be/hDd3bzA7450

Episode Writer: Michael Duncan

Host: Damion Taylor

Editor: Damion Taylor

ABOUT THE GUEST

Andrew Horning is the author of the book Grappling: White Men's Journey From Fragile to Agile, as well as being a keynote speaker and teacher at Hoffman Institute. The focus of Andrews work is helping people to embrace the emotional work of allyship. He is also the creator and host of the podcast Elephant Talk, where he, encourages couples to have courageous conversations for the sake of a deeper connection. Andrew is the co-host of The Hoffman Podcast and a volunteer/former board chair for Intercambio Uniting Communities. Andrew earned his master’s degree in clinical social work from the University of Michigan and is a former licensed private-practice psychotherapist. He lives in Boulder, Colorado with his wife of nearly two decades and their two children. For more about Andrew's work you can email or visit his website: 

Website - https://www.andrewhorning.co

Email - Andrew@AndrewHorning.co

ABOUT THE HOST

Damion Taylor is the co-founder of Prometheus Digital Studio, a data-informed creative studio that provides data and analytics work for traditional and digital studios, as well as producing scripted and unscripted digital-first content. Damion has spent the last 15 years applying data and technology to entertainment. Both analytical and creative, he brings a unique skill set that’s in high demand for brands and media companies.

He effectively translates data in a way that is meaningful to creatives talent and has become a respected leader in audience growth and producing data-informed creative.

He has lead Audience Development for large traditional media companies (e.g., Warner Bros. and NBC Universal) as well as innovative digital leaders (e.g., Machinima, Mitu and New Form).

If you would like to submit a confession or contact us, please visit the Professional Confession website: https://professionalconfession.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's expert guest is Sandra Grandsoult, Co-founder of Equitas Insight. We discuss the confession of a Black Marketing Strategist who bonds with his Asian co-worker over backhanded compliments they both receive about their English skills.

Episode Writer: Michael Duncan

Host: Damion Taylor

Editor: Damion Taylor

ABOUT OUR EXPERT GUEST

Sandra is an experienced Insights, Marketing, Change Management & Capability Consultant specializing in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. She was born in the UK and lived there for much of her life, before moving to the US 10 years ago. After working in leadership roles with major global brands including: Disney, GSK, Vodafone, Virgin Media, American Express and Brand Learning - Accenture. She co-founded Equitas Insight in 2020 - a DEI Insight & Strategy Consultancy firm that helps companies to identify and address inequities in the workplace that are barriers to the growth of their people, brands and business. In practice this means working across an organization to bake equity into strategies, activation, processes and culture. Example projects include: Developing DEI strategies to increase representation, inclusion & allyship; DEI training & capability building; generation & application of inclusive insights to build brand & marketing effectiveness; change management initiatives that create and embed inclusive corporate cultures

For more information about Equitas Research you can visit the company website or email:

Website - https://www.equitasinsight.com/

Email - sandra@equitasinsight.com

ABOUT THE HOST

Damion Taylor is the co-founder of Prometheus Digital Studio, a data-informed creative studio that provides data and analytics work for traditional and digital studios, as well as producing scripted and unscripted digital-first content. Damion has spent the last 15 years applying data and technology to entertainment. Both analytical and creative, he brings a unique skill set that’s in high demand for brands and media companies.

He effectively translates data in a way that is meaningful to creatives talent and has become a respected leader in audience growth and producing data-informed creative.

He has lead Audience Development for large traditional media companies (e.g., Warner Bros. and NBC Universal) as well as innovative digital leaders (e.g., Machinima, Mitu and New Form).

If you would like to submit a confession or contact us, please visit the Professional Confession website: https://professionalconfession.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the US we spend a third or more of our lives working. So it's no surprise that we all have at least one outrageous, funny, cringe or inspirational story about work. If you are a person of color, queer or disabled you probably have several. Each week we will recount one professional's story about diversity - and with the help of expert guests we'll explore the implications for career growth, employee morale and society overall. If possible, we may even be able to suggest potential solutions. 

Join us as we work to make a more diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace.

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