In this episode, we delve into the concept of being "qualified" in the workplace, examining who gets labeled as such, who doesn't, and the underlying reasons. We explore "competency checking"—the practice of scrutinizing individuals' abilities—and how it disproportionately affects underrepresented groups, often going unnoticed or unchallenged. Our discussion aims to redefine qualifications in a fair, equitable, and actionable manner. Our guest, Shari Dunn , is an accomplished journalist, former attorney, news anchor, CEO, university professor, and sought-after speaker. She has been recognized as Executive of the Year and a Woman of Influence, with her work appearing in Fortune Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Ad Age, and more. Her new book, Qualified: How Competency Checking and Race Collide at Work , unpacks what it truly means to be deserving and capable—and why systemic barriers, not personal deficits, are often the real problem. Her insights challenge the narratives that hold so many of us back and offer practical solutions for building a more equitable future. Together, we can build workplaces and communities that don’t just reflect the world we live in, but the one we want to create. A world where being qualified is about recognizing the talent and potential that’s been overlooked for far too long. It’s not just about getting a seat at the table—it’s about building an entirely new table, one designed with space for all of us. Connect with Our Guest Shari Dunn Website& Book - Qualified: https://thesharidunn.com LI: https://www.linkedin.com/today/author/sharidunn TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesharidunn Related Podcast Episodes: How To Build Emotionally Mature Leaders with Dr. Christie Smith | 272 Holding It Together: Women As America's Safety Net with Jessica Calarco | 215 How To Defy Expectations with Dr. Sunita Sah | 271 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! 🔗 Subscribe & Review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music…
Steve talks with Andrea van de Loo about her descent into substance addiction, her recovery what she learned from the journey. SUPPORT US ON AMAZON – CLICK HERE
Steve and today’s co-host and daughter-in-law Cyndy Spierer talk with AJ Wolfe, the owner and Executive Editor of the Disney Food Blog , the leading source for anyone who wants to know anything about Disney Parks. SUPPORT US ON AMAZON – CLICK HERE
With the tragic crash this week at Reagan National Airport in mind, Steve talks with retired FAA Inspector Gary Barnard about flight safety. SUPPORT US ON AMAZON – CLICK HERE
Steve talks with Andrea van de Loo author of The Pressing Stones: The Healing Journey of a Nazi’s Daughter. See www.thepressingstones.com USE OUR AMAZON LINK – CLICK HERE
Steve talks with Danielle Lewis about homelessness, poverty, help and hope as offered by Danielle’s charity, Village Hope. To donate to this 501(c)3 charity the Instagram link is VillageHope.care
Steve talks with Stephen Puleo, author of The Great Abolitionist: Charles Sumner and the fight For a More Perfect Union. SUPPORT US ON AMAZON – CLICK HERE
Success in business requires not only finding a way to become effective in the first place but also figuring out how to sustain over time. Steve talks again with Catherine Baker, author of Staying The Distance: The Lessons from Sport that Business Leaders have been Missing . This is part 2 of a conversation with Catherine that started on March 16, 2024. SUPPORT US ON AMAZON – CLICK HERE…
Steve talks again with Kenneth T. Walsh, an award-winning Washington journalist who has covered the White House for US News & World Report since 1986, including every president since Ronald Reagan and author of The Architects of Toxic Politics in America: Venom and Vitriol