Mixed Company

Trump happened. Nothing makes sense anymore. Kai, Karinna and Simeon talk about it.

The diversity and inclusion conversation has been happening long enough on the agency side—decades—and now the clients jumping in it and demanding change. Their audacity has been met with open arms and criticism. Kai, Karinna and Simeon break it down on this episode.

The Trump campaign has dug up racisms and prejudices that many have said no longer exists; it has shined a grim spotlight on our society’s truth. Kai, Karinna and Simeon unpack how Trump's hateful rhetoric plays a part in our industries.

Every once in a while, someone from a marginalized group does reach unprecedented heights in their industry. Everyone applauds, but no one really talks about why its’ cheer-worthiness—the glass ceiling. Kai and Simeon are joined by Brendon Henderson, an Associate Strategic Director, to discuss this mysterious barrier that keeps women and minorities from rising to the upper rungs of corporate America.

It’s conference season; that means it’s time to dust off your good shoes and go hard networking and skill building. But for some, it’s not that easy. Kai, Karinna, Simeon and their producer Amber discuss strategies for filtering through BS events and people so you get the most out of your investment. THAT'S DOPE LINK: Kai's Dope Link: https: //techcrunch.com/2016/09/08/airbnb-plan-fix-racism-discrimination/ Karinna's Dope Link: http://www.papermag.com/rupaul-wins-first-emmy-rupaul-drag-race-2003210138.html Simeon Dope Link: http://www.mercurynews.com/2016/08/30/airbnb-competitor-innclusive-offers-diverse-home-sharing-platform/

Do you need a mentor to get a promotion, more money, more everything or nah? Kai, Karinna, and Simeon have a 360° conversation with seasoned HR professional, Tasha Gilroy, about finding mentors and how to not get curved in the process. DOPE ISH LINKS: Simeon's That's Dope: http://deadline.com/2016/08/american-girl-black-ish-marsai-martin-star-amazon-special-1201808638/ Karina's That's Dope: http://time.com/4418135/jesse-williams-shonda-rhimes-america-divided/

In this business you need allies, but at what point are the folks in your cubicle too close for comfort, or obstacles to your success? Kai, Karinna and Simeon go over the friendship rules for playing in the work sandbox. DOPE ISH LINK Kai - (http://panelpicker.sxsw.com/vote/65009 w5kcndye

'Creativity Rules Everything Around Me' is at the core of every industry hustler. Whether that creativity leads them down the road to full-time entrepreneurship or passion projects leading to promotions, these free spirits are winning. In this episode Kai and Simeon talk to Rodney White, an award-winning advertising OG, who has mastered the art of pursuing hustles while keeping one foot in the game. GUEST'S INFO: Rodney White: http://www.rodneywhite.me | www.rodney-white.com | www.blackonblackbk.com DOPE ISH LINKS: Rodney's Dope Ish: Ekene Ijeoma's Look Up app | https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ekeneijeoma.lookup&hl=en Kai's Dope Ish: https://hbr.org/2016/07/why-diversity-programs-fail Simeon's Dope Ish: http://www.businessinsider.com/stranger-things-was-rejected-by-over-15-networks-2016-8

If you’re a full-time corporate hustler, performance reviews should be on your agenda at least once a year — for your money and title’s sake. Kai, Karinna and Simeon discuss maneuvering review season and handling its uncertainties.

All eyes are on the U.S.A. after the tragedy-filled week of July 4th, but one agency made a statement that caught everyone's attention amidst the turmoil. Kai, Karinna and Simeon unpack their anger, grief and wishes for an industry, country and world that respects every aspect of Black life.

Kai, Karinna and Simeon break from their regularly scheduled programming to do an extended version of 'That's Dope'. Listen in as they shout out everything from the latest campaigns to industry heroes--and of course, Beyonce.

Women facing obstacles as they rise through the ranks and demand their fair share is a hot topic on “Madison Avenue”, and everywhere, but why now? What and who is getting in their way? Kai, Karinna and Simeon unpack some of the misconceptions and dive into a heated discussion about the issues women face in this male-dominated industry.

Lawsuits involving discriminatory practices in the ad industry are happening—faster and furious—and don’t seem to be slowing down. But is that the only course of action? Kai, Karinna, and Simeon discuss who you should run to when work becomes an uncomfortable place.

Kai, Karinna and Simeon are back with a full episode about all the things. Listen in as they discuss listener comments, what's dope in these streets, and Deutsch's crazy diversity play.

Welcome to Mixed Company, a brand new podcast featuring real conversations between multicultural professionals in advertising. Kai, Karinna, and Simeon kick things off with a random a** conversation about diversity—the who, the what the funk, and why.