Graphic by Omar Sanchez, mustangdaily.net

The term diversity is taking on new distinctions. When it comes to boards tackling issues like funding, recruitment and delivery of services, thinking that challenges the status quo is important. One of the newer terms being applied to this is “diversity of thought”. Boards should be applauded that have this as well as visible diversity. Which brings me to a question asked at my presentation.

Is “We have diversity of thought” an adequate response to the question, “Do you have a diverse board?”

In real terms, yes. Board leadership can answer any question in any way they choose. However, answering this question in this way is a “cop out” when this response is all that is given. Questions to follow up with are…

• What is the cultural, gender, racial, (and so on) profile of your board? (The diversity dimensions identified by Marilyn Loden & Judy B. Rosener in their Workforce in America are useful guides in determining the profile of a board. )
• Is the board inclusive? (Inclusion is different from diversity.)
• Does your board reflect the community in which you live and/or serve?
• Do you have the skill sets that will enable you to deliver on your mission?
• Are you attracting diversity among your volunteers and suppliers?
• Would that answer alone be enough to get grants?

We have difficulty finding diverse board members who have the financial resources to give at the level we require, what outreach strategies can you recommend?

Participants brainstormed and responded:

• Know the centers of influence: Churches, chambers of commerce
• Do a board matrix. Identify the gaps
• Communicate WIIFT (what’s in it for them)
• Solicit sponsorships that take the place of the financial responsibilities
• Allow in-kind services
• Reach out at grad events, trade schools
• Use ads
• Do cross training with other boards
• Ask previous board members to come back
• Use social media
• Have contributions be more than financial
• Consider advisory boards without a requirement for financial giving
• Have a board development committee

Is there anything you would like to add to the conversation? If so, post your comment.

Why fear?

Much of our life has become routine. We spend very little time exploring anything new on our own. We have become addicted to how we do things and being confronted with something we can’t or won’t do, creates a stop for us. If you want proof, take a look at your old “to do list”. Notice what got done vs. what was discarded. Most of the items we discard are the items, tasks, relationships, etc. that require us to change, and changing is at its least uncomfortable and at its worst, fearful. We are comfortable with who we think we are, even if we are unhappy in not getting what it is that we say we want.

Leap of Faith

The routine that we give ourselves is a  boundary that we’ve set up to save us from having to change. If we look across and past this imaginary wall we’ve supposedly constructed for our identity, we will see that there is nothing dangerous over there to be afraid of and the possibility of accomplishing more can, if we let it, excite us to take a leap of faith. Dare yourself to find out more about yourself.

Dr.Joseph Riggio

In that spirit I offer you a a very entertaining and short video from TEDx Greece “Stepping Forward, A Hero’s Journey”. Dr. Joseph Riggio, the speaker, says we are only using 5% of our brains. He gives counsel on dealing with change. And, he talks about how we were educated and educate our young.

I suggest that leaders create miracles through their original thoughts. Other wise there is no difference made, rather sameness and business as usual. What do you think? View the video and make up your own mind. Don’t take my word for it.

“If you don’t shape the story you are living you will live someone else’s story.” Dr. Joseph Riggio

True globalization or having  a “Global Community” is a non-zero sum game, where trust, collaboration and cooperation across cultural and national boundaries leads to outcomes where everyone can succeed.  Understanding cultural differences or diversity with inclusion needs to be something we challenge ourselves with to learn as much as we can about cultures that we don’t understand.

In some organizations Diversity Training is a requirement. We, individually, should take the radical step and advocate for it, practice it and share it. Diversity is the wave of the future and the future is within sight.

In spite of numerous potholes, pitfalls and disasters, Susan Ratliff has survived and thrived on the way to the top of her industry. Naysayers are her motivation for success. Lack of experience is her catalyst for innovation.  She was a mom-preneur before it was popular, leaving a real estate career to build a home-based personalized children book business to one of largest distributorships in the country, so she could stay home with her son. With no college degree, business experience or industry education, Susan built an award-winning exhibit company from scratch.

While many said she couldn’t, she wrote and published four books.  Without a clue about producing a conference she created and personally financed the Women Entrepreneurs’ Small Business Boot Camp for micro-business owners, that is now her signature event, annually drawing impressive corporate sponsors and hundreds of attendees.  Susan is a survivor and her passion is sharing her journey with others.

Roland Kemokai

Roland started his journey very early in life when he was adopted at three-month young. According to his adopted parents, they heard a baby crying from a cardboard box on a dump pile in Grass Field neighborhood in Robertsport, Liberia, Africa, and there was baby Roland. He later traveled to the United States in 2000 to attend college. He graduated from Fruitland Bible College with an Associate’s Degree in Pastoral ministries and a Bachelor’s Degree in Music, Radio Broadcast and Religious Studies & Philosophy from Gardner-Webb University.

Roland hosted an inspiring, syndicated radio show for four years, and performs as a multi-instrumental musician and recording artist. Roland recently forgave is birth parents for his ordeal and inspires audiences of the power of forgiveness.  ”That which we intend we become.”  Roland is working on his first book, Power Through Forgiveness.

Register for this Telesiminar Here

Professional development is about being a lifelong learner. It means always asking the burning questions “What’s next in my life, my business and for my community”. It demands investments in ones education. It takes connecting with others and being willing to confess, “I don’t know it all.” It takes getting up and going out to new places to learn new ideas. It takes caring about the people next to you in your business, at a conference and next door. Professional development is fueled by a vision and a passion for excellence, empowerment and education. This too is what fuels a successful business – and life. Dr. Joel P. Martin, Positively Powerful Triad West Inc.

The love for your business is Loretta Love Huff. She has created two opportunities for professional development: The retreat ReEnergize Your Business: April 28th to 30th and her presentation featured by the National Bank of Arizona, Unleash Your Inner Leader, Thursday May 12th from 5:30PM – 7:30 PM . Loretta Love Huff is a successful coach known as The Dream Leader for Business. For more information, contact Loretta Love Huff.

Here’s what’s she promises during just day one of her three day ReEnergize Your Business.

• The exact 7-step process of her BAMBOO (Business Acceleration Model that Boosts Outrageous Outcomes™)
• Confidence, knowing you can truly trust yourself
• How to de-stress and stay focused on the perfect path for you
• Freedom from the money baggage you inherited as a child
• Clarity about what’s blocking you from the progress you yearn for

Here’s what to expect during her Unleash Your Inner Leader: “Some say leaders are born and not made. This myth has kept many professionals from expressing their personal leadership, pursuing their purpose and creating the lasting legacy they were meant to leave in their organizations and communities.  In this session, attendees will discover what it takes to step out with confidence, influence with integrity and live a life with passion and purpose.”

Give your business more love. The National Bank of Arizona’s Women, Wine and Leadership programs are one of the services of the Women’s Financial Group (WFG) dedicated to providing networking and resources to female business owners. It is the creation of Deborah Bateman, Executive Vice President of Specialty Banking, member Executive Committee and Board of Directors National Bank of Arizona. Ms. Bateman will be receiving the 2011 Positively Powerful Woman Of Philanthropic Leadership Award on May 20th at the Ritz-Carlton Phoenix for this and many other contributions.

Rev. Dr. Cathy Clardy Patterson, Pastor, Fountain of Life Church will receive the first Positively Powerful Woman Award for Spiritual Leadership for her vision as expressed through the founding of Fountain of Life Church and her global ministry; for  serving on the ministerial staff at Tanner Chapel AME Church in Phoenix; for her academic credentials and contributions; for her success in the world of business as only the second African American woman in U. S. history to be named a Managing Director of a major investment bank; and for being a role-model as a community leader.

Rev. Dr. Cathy Clardy Patterson founded the Fountain of Life Church (“FOL”) in 2006 with 12 individuals “like the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 Disciples they set forth in obedience to the Word of God.”  Rev. Patterson believes that the church, following in the footsteps of Jesus, must meet people where they are and minister to their needs.

Rev. Patterson entered the ministry in 1999 and was granted a license to preach by the Presiding Elder of the Phoenix-Albuquerque District of the Desert Mountain Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (“AMEC”).  Rev. Patterson was ordained by the AMEC in 2002 as an Itinerate Deacon and upon her successful completion of the denomination’s 5-year course of study she was ordained as an Itinerate Elder in 2004.  Rev. Patterson earned her Master of Divinity degree at Fuller Theological Seminary.

Rev. Patterson’s academic credentials also include: a Juris Doctorate from The Harvard Law School; a Master of Business Administration from The George Washington University (where she was designated a University Fellow by the faculty); a Bachelor of Science in Management and Industrial Relations from Minnesota State University at Mankato where she was the first graduate of the University’s Honors Program.

Rev. Patterson has had a wide-ranging career in law and finance.  She practiced law at major firms in both Washington D.C. and New York.  Rev. Patterson eventually was lured to Wall Street where she held a series of progressively responsible positions at two of the largest investment banks in the world. During her tenure on Wall Street she closed more than $16 billion in complex structured securities transactions.  Ultimately she became only the second African American woman in U. S. history to be named a Managing Director of a major investment bank.

Rev. Patterson moved to Arizona to accept a position as a Sr. Vice President of ING /Pilgrim Securities.  Currently, in addition to her pastoral duties she is the CEO of a consulting firm. 

Rev. Cathy has always given back to the community.  Since her arrival in Arizona she has served on the ministerial staff at Tanner Chapel AME Church in Phoenix where in addition to having the opportunity to preach and teach the Word of God she served as the Vice Chair of Tanner Community Development Corporation.

Rev. Patterson has also been active in a number of civic organizations, having served as the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Scottsdale Cultural Council, a member of the Advisory Board for the University of Phoenix and a member of the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee for Arizona Opera.  She is currently the Chair of the Board for Arizona Cares, Inc, and a member of the African American Christian Clergy Coalition. 

Rev. Patterson has been happily married to Mr. Ross Patterson, Jr. for 21 years. Mr. Patterson has a heart for mission work whenever there is a need he is the first to respond.  His recent missionary endeavors have included extensive work with the Lost Boys of the Sudan, survivors of Hurricane Katrina and developing an outreach ministry for men.

About the Awards Program. The Positively Powerful Woman Award is given to servant leaders who have founded or lead legacy organizations that have stood the test of time. On May 20th, 11:30am to 2pm, at the Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix we will honor women as royalty for their hard work, resourcefulness and diligence. Following the Luncheon will be networking and “Conversations On Leadership” for professional & business development. Positively Powerful Guest Speakers include Diana Gregory, Susan Ratliff and Dr. Kay Lovelace-Taylor. You will leave inspired to go for your vision with new friends and information that will assist you in getting where you want to be…faster. The public is invited to attend. Dr. Joel P. Martin Triad West, Inc. president is the producer. Click here to become a sponsor and to attend the Awards and Seminar which follows.

“An award-winning entrepreneur with a passion for empowering others!”

Colleen J. Payne-Nabors will receive the 2011 Positively Powerful Woman Award for Entrepreneurial Leadership for her vision as expressed through the founding of six successful companies including the award winning Mobile Cardiac Imaging, LLC, (dba) MCI Diagnostic Center. Under her leadership as founder and CEO, MCI Diagnostic Center has become one of the most successful and well-positioned companies in the medical industry. Inc. Magazine listed her company as one of the 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America for 2007, 2008 and 2009.

MCI Diagnostic Center provides “excellent patient care and state-of-the-art diagnostics and treatments with the most advanced, modern equipment available.” It has grown to include a team of dedicated physicians who are experts in their fields, a staff trained at many of the country’s leading teaching hospitals, Board Certified radiologists, a skilled management team and medical professionals that are courteous and compassionate. MCI Diagnostic Center is located at 7018 South Utica Avenue, Tulsa, Oklahoma  74136. For more information, phone them at 918.744.1001 or email them at mobile@mobilecardiac.com.

Colleen J. Payne defeated all odds, overcame all obstacles and built this multi-million dollar business from the ground up. She is a superb business person who has a passion for assisting others.  Because of her humor, candor, integrity and ability to empower others, she is a sought-after speaker who works with organizational leaders who want to create, organize and lead successful businesses that have a competitive edge. Her book I Did it My Way and…It Worked! is a savvy, no-nonsense approach to business and entrepreneurship.

Colleen has written numerous leadership and business articles, and has been featured in many publications, including Washington G2, Black Enterprise, Influence Magazine, and Inc. Magazine. She has appeared on national and local television with segments on Fox News, ABC, CBS and NBC. She was named as one of Tulsa’s Most Influential People in 2008, was the SBA’s Small Business Person of the year in 2007 for the State of Oklahoma, and was selected as Business Innovator of the Year in 2003 by Black Enterprise Magazine.

About the Awards Program. The Positively Powerful Woman Award is given to servant leaders who have founded or lead legacy organizations that have stood the test of time. On May 20th, 11:30am to 2pm, at the Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix we will honor women as royalty for their hard work, resourcefulness and diligence. Following the Luncheon will be networking and “Conversations On Leadership” for professional & business development. Positively Powerful Guest Speakers include Diana Gregory, Susan Ratliff and Dr. Kay Lovelace-Taylor. You will leave inspired to go for your vision with new friends and information that will assist you in getting where you want to be…faster. The public is invited to attend. Dr. Joel P. Martin Triad West, Inc. president is the producer. Click here to become a sponsor and to attend the Awards and Seminar which follows.