The Alchemy Consulting Group Podcast distills conversations with thought leaders to bring forth transformative insights and strategies Join Arquella Hargrove, Alchemy’s Chief Culture Officer for impactful conversations with business leaders and experts who are committed to transforming their work cultures and creating inclusive work environments. Let’s learn, develop, and garner best practices together.  Let the Alchemy begin!

Unfortunately, toxic workplaces are not new...but gone are the days when high performing employees will remain in organizations where the people culture is unhealthy, unsupportive, simply broken. Listen as Arquella talks with Dr. Porscha “Dr. PJ” Jackson, speaker, author, and business development expert. Dr. PJ’ s book, It's Me, Not You: How I Survived Toxic Work Environments, details her reflections her toxic work experiences and offers practical tips to handle and overcome toxic behaviors and environments. This conversation is one that everyone who has ever worked can relate to. So whether you are an employee trying to survive another day in a less-than-optimal work environment, or a business/HR Leader committed to creating a healthy environment where everyone feels valued and respected…. there are actionable takeaways for you.

Thanks for tuning into the Alchemy Consulting Group! Follow us on social media, and help us continue the conversation by sharing your business and leadership best practices. Subscribe to this podcast wherever you consume yours, and share it with your organizations and networks. Let’s strengthen the community of those committed to responsible leadership and work environments where everyone can thrive. Tap into the power of your own personal 

Alchemy!

The Alchemy Consulting Group Podcast distills conversations with thought leaders to bring forth transformative insights and strategies Join Arquella Hargrove, Alchemy’s Chief Culture Officer for impactful conversations with business leaders and experts who are committed to transforming their work cultures and creating inclusive work environments. Let’s learn, develop, and garner best practices together.  Let the Alchemy begin!

This episode’s guest is truly a ‘unicorn’ in the HR profession. Listen as Arquella talks with Shamanda ‘Mandi’ Joseph, CEO & Founder of Tulip Advisory Pros., LLC.  (When you hear Mandi explain why she chose the name Tulip, you will never think of the flower the same again.) 

Mandi is one of those rare HR professionals who combines her expertise in data analysis, employment law and employee relations to deliver holistic HR solutions to her clients. Mandi’s career journey will inspire those who are looking to dive deeper into their HR acumen, or those who are intending to create a career pivot. Mandi reminds us that we are all human, and it is ok to get stuck…but don’t say there. Be open to progress; don’t require perfection. 

Thanks for tuning into the Alchemy Consulting Group! Follow us on social media, and help us continue the conversation by sharing your business and leadership best practices. Subscribe to this podcast wherever you consume yours, and share it with your organizations and networks. Let’s strengthen the community of those committed to responsible leadership and work environments where everyone can thrive. Tap into the power of your own personal 

Alchemy!

The Alchemy Consulting Group Podcast distills conversations with thought leaders to bring forth transformative insights and strategies Join Arquella Hargrove, Alchemy’s Chief Culture Officer for impactful conversations with business leaders and experts who are committed to transforming their work cultures and creating inclusive work environments. Let’s learn, develop, and garner best practices together.  Let the Alchemy begin!

We have to live life with intention. There may not be enough hours in the day to focus on your career, family, and your service contributions to your community. Listen as Arquella talks with Courtney Taylor, SVP Community Development for Veritex Bank. Courtney has mastered the ability of maximizing how to utilize her job, professional gifts, and time to be a blessing to her community. We are also reminded how companies can support their employees by creating opportunities for them to give of their time and talents.

Thanks for tuning into the Alchemy Consulting Group Podcast! Follow us on social media, and help us continue the conversation by sharing your business and leadership best practices. Subscribe to this podcast wherever you consume yours, and share it with your organizations and networks. Let’s strengthen the community of those committed to responsible leadership and work environments where everyone can thrive. Tap into the power of your own personal 

Alchemy!

There is a lot of focus on the words merit, performance and opportunity. We are all challenged, however, to rethink what we (as individuals and organizations) mean by merit. Listen as Arquella talks with Shari Dunn, Executive Consultant for ITBOM Training & Consulting, and author of the newly released book, Qualified: How Competency Checking and Race Collide at Work. Shari explores the myth of merit, which is not only about hiring, development and promotion…it also encapsulates who receives the benefit of the doubt in the workplace. Talent pipelines are not broken or empty; they are blocked by the misappropriation of merit. Shari also clarifies how competency checking is experienced, and give tips on the art of civil discourse.  

Thanks for tuning into the Alchemy Consulting Group Podcast! Follow us on social media, and help us continue the conversation by sharing your business and leadership best practices. Subscribe to this podcast wherever you consume yours, and share it with your organizations and networks. Let’s strengthen the community of those committed to responsible leadership and work environments where everyone can thrive. Tap into the power of your own personal 

Alchemy!

Leaders are the carriers of culture. The culture of any organization is the reflection of its leaders’ commitment to the mission and to their people. What does love have to do with leadership acumen? Listen as Arquella talks with Dr. Queinnese Miller (Dr. Q), international speaker, transformational coach, caring consultant, and proud mom! Dr. Q reminds us that love is the driving force for all success, and goes further to illustrate the intersection of love, leadership, and the workplace. Dr. Q also gives the gift of the acronym JUST CARE, which provides helpful reminders for the tenants of a leadership style powered by love.

Thanks for tuning into the Alchemy Consulting Group Podcast! Follow us on social media, and help us continue the conversation by sharing your business and leadership best practices. Subscribe to this podcast wherever you consume yours, and share it with your organizations and networks. Let’s strengthen the community of those committed to responsible leadership and work environments where everyone can thrive. Tap into the power of your own personal Alchemy!

Staying mission-drive and people-focused is important during times of change and transformation. Listen as Arquella talks with Gwen Turner, Vice President of Corporate and Social Responsibility (CSR) for Myriad Genetics. Gwen discusses the connective tissue between CSR, Inclusion, and Sustainability, and how they are interwoven to create a path forward for high-performing people cultures. Gwen also shares best practices on how her organization encourages civil, courageous conversations during times when our differences seem to overtake our similarities.

Thanks for tuning into the Alchemy Consulting Group Podcast! Follow us on social media, and help us continue the conversation by sharing your business and leadership best practices. Subscribe to this podcast wherever you consume yours, and share it with your organizations and networks. Let’s strengthen the community of those committed to responsible leadership and work environments where everyone can thrive. Tap into the power of your own personal Alchemy!

Often the topic of core values is connected to an organization or company. Establishing a set of personal core values is just as important as setting career and personal goals or creating a vision board. Listen as Arquella talks with Joanna Cooper, General Manager for Daimler Truck North America. To say that Joanna is a Renaissance Woman is an understatement! She is a native of Detroit, (proudly!) public school educated, a former basketball player and coach, and cellist a who traveled the world. Fortunately for Joanna, her leadership trajectory included role models with whom she could identify and emulate. During this season of her life, Joanna is guided by her personal set of core values, which she refers to as A.C.T.I.V.E. These values serve as a litmus test for how she invests in relationships and lives a balanced, integrated life. As we look forward to 2025, we should all consider establishing a personal core value system.

Thanks for tuning into the Alchemy Consulting Group Podcast! Follow us on social media, and help us continue the conversation by sharing your business and leadership best practices. Subscribe to this podcast wherever you consume yours, and share it with your organizations and networks. Let’s strengthen the community of those committed to responsible leadership and work environments where everyone can thrive. Tap into the power of your own personal Alchemy!

The Houston Zoo has long been a beacon of hope and light for its community. The mission and vision of the Zoo is to connect communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife and to be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife. The Zoo is equally as passionate about its care for its employees and guests which is manifested in it I.D.E.A. (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility) efforts. Listen as Arquella talks with a powerhouse HR trio: Kristin Finney, Chief Human Resources Officer, Dr. Taylor Gilley, Manager for Staff Learning & Development, and Teaera Radick, Director of Human Resources. This team chronicles their powerful I.D.E.A. journey, reflecting on the highlights while candidly sharing the challenges and commitment to continuous improvements. These leaders implore us to stay the course on our DEIA efforts…now is not the time to stop or slow down.

Thanks for tuning into the Alchemy Consulting Group Podcast! Follow us on social media, and help us continue the conversation by sharing your business and leadership best practices. Subscribe to this podcast wherever you consume yours, and share it with your organizations and networks. Let’s strengthen the community of those committed to responsible leadership and work environments where everyone can thrive. Tap into the power of your own personal Alchemy!

For three days, a powerhouse group of women, from all over the US, representing various industries and leadership positions, gathered in Southern California to have insightful, in-depth conversations regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion…and how to shed labels and old ways of thinking…to create new…new workplaces, new communities that reflect a future that so many of us believe for. This episode is a part of what we will call the Equity Reimagined series, as it features a leader who attended the conference, a leader with passion, grit, and determination to evolve and transform cultures. This woman is fire, and her stories will embolden you!

Tia B. Coachman is the Founder & CEO of Affirma Consultancy. Her expertise as a leadership coach is woven into the tapestry of her life purpose. At the core of her work, she coaches leaders to make positive changes on the inside, so that they experience what they desire on the outside. Among Tia’s superpowers are her ability to mirror the energy of those with whom she is interacting and she a champion for those not in the room, or with a seat at the table. At Equity Reimagined, Tia led an inspirational session on the power in our names. There is meaning in everyone’s name. Do you know your name’s meaning? Are you using that connection to bring clarity to the impact you can make in our world?

After listening, let us know how you ‘reimagine equity.’ Let the Alchemy begin!

Recently, Arquella Hargrove partnered with April Allen and Shawna Unger of Allen & Unger to create the Equity Reimagined experience.

For three days, a powerhouse group of women, from all over the US, representing various industries and leadership positions, gathered in Southern California to have insightful, in-depth conversations regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion…and how to shed labels and old ways of thinking…to create new…new workplaces, new communities that reflect a future that so many of us believe for. This episode is a part of what we will call the Equity Reimagined series, as it features a leader who attended the conference, a leader with passion, grit, and determination to evolve and transform cultures. This woman is fire, and her stories will embolden you!

Kelli Houston is a former stand-up comedian who now serves as the Chief Equity Officer for Community Health Plan of Washington. Kelli’s work is more than her vocation, it is her life purpose. In her leadership role, Kelli is a powerhouse strategist who leverages her healthy sense of humor to help people feel more comfortable making positive contributions to DEI work. You would never guess that she is a podcast newbie based on the warmth and ease she exhibits in our conversation. Kelli’s bright smile lights up the room…and even comes across in the audio recording. You are going to want to hear more from Kelli; and we hope that she will record with the ACG Podcast again soon!

After listening, let us know how you ‘reimagine equity.’ Let the Alchemy begin!

Recently, Arquella Hargrove partnered with April Allen and Shawna Unger of Allen & Unger to create the Equity Reimagined experience.

For three days, a powerhouse group of women, from all over the US, representing various industries and leadership positions, gathered in Southern California to have insightful, in-depth conversations regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion…and how to shed labels and old ways of thinking…to create new…new workplaces, new communities that reflect a future that so many of us believe for. This episode is a part of what we will call the Equity Reimagined series, as it features a leader who attended the conference, a leader with passion, grit, and determination to evolve and transform cultures. This woman is fire, and her stories will embolden you!

Erin Jones is a unicorn and amazing life force! She is an educational consultant with 28 years of experience that spans from a volunteer in a public school in North Philly, a substitute and private school teacher in South Bend, IN, an ELL, English and French Immersion teacher in Tacoma, an instructional coach and AVID (see avid.org) teacher in Spokane, Assistant State Superintendent and a school district director. She leverages her platform to inspire youth and adults and provide training for a variety of stakeholder groups (schools, government agencies, businesses and non-profits) on how to employ equitable practices to better serve ALL. She is the author of, Bridges to Heal US: Stories and Strategies for Racial Healing, and she speaks four languages. The conversation shared in this episode is as exciting and varied as Erin’s experiences.

After listening, let us know how you ‘reimagine equity.’ Let the Alchemy begin!

For three days, a powerhouse group of women, from all over the US, representing various industries and leadership positions, gathered in Southern California to have insightful, in-depth conversations regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion…and how to shed labels and old ways of thinking…to create new…new workplaces, new communities that reflect a future that so many of us believe for. This episode is a part of what we will call the Equity Reimagined series, as it features a leader who attended the conference, a leader with passion, grit, and determination to evolve and transform cultures. This woman is fire, and her stories will embolden you!

Carrie Thomas is the Equality & Belonging Head of Brand Enablement for Gap Inc., which believes that their teams should reflect the communities they serve and that should be welcoming spaces for all. Carrie served as a moderator at Equity Reimagined, guiding an insightful conversation with Mandy Fields, CFO for e.l.f. Beauty. Listen as Carrie shares how she uses her innate curiosity to create safe spaces for others. As a result of her experience at the Conference, Carrie is reimaging her leadership approach to DEI so that it remains a powerful business imperative grounded in the data. In Carrie’s words, “She’s coming in hot!”

After listening, let us know how you ‘reimagine equity.’ Let the Alchemy begin!

Recently, Arquella Hargrove partnered with April Allen and Shawna Unger of Allen & Unger to create the Equity Reimagined experience.

For three days, a powerhouse group of women, from all over the US, representing various industries and leadership positions, gathered in Southern California to have insightful, in-depth conversations regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion…and how to shed labels and old ways of thinking…to create new…new workplaces, new communities that reflect a future that so many of us believe for. This episode is a part of what we will call the Equity Reimagined series, as it features a leader who attended the conference, a leader with passion, grit, and determination to evolve and transform cultures. This woman is fire, and her stories will embolden you!

Mandy Fields the Chief Financial Officer for e.l.f. BEAUTY, which makes clean, readily accessible beauty products for every eye, lip, and face. Listen as Mandy reflects on her experience from the conference, and shares takeaways that can make all of us game-changers in the DEIA space. 

After listening, let us know how you ‘reimagine equity.’ Let the Alchemy begin!

In our current social climate, some organizations are taking a step away or back from their DEI efforts. In July 2024, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), announced that the organization was officially removing Equity from its DEI efforts, choosing to focus on Inclusion and Diversity only. To counter, many more organizations are moving full speed with their DEI and people culture focus. Listen as Arquella talks with April Allen and Shawna Unger, Partners and Co-Founders of Allen & Unger, which specializes in supporting clients to revitalize diversity initiatives, drive cultural transformation, and build more inclusive workforces. April and Shawna offer their insights on the importance of a continued emphasis on Equity, and share smart DEI strategies even during financially challenging times. You can either invest in all of DEI upfront, or pay the cost of a less then optimal work culture later. Inclusion and Equity are an essential duo.

Thanks for tuning into the Alchemy Consulting Group Podcast! Follow us on social media, and help us continue the conversation by sharing your business and leadership best practices. Subscribe to this podcast wherever you consume yours, and share it with your organizations and networks. Let’s strengthen the community of those committed to responsible leadership and work environments where everyone can thrive. Tap into the power of your own personal Alchemy!

A non-compete agreement is a contract between an employer and employee that prevents the employee from working with or for a competitor (or becoming a competitor) for a certain period of time after the employment has ended. While these agreements had become staples for many businesses, effective September 4, 2024, a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ruling prohibiting most post-employment non-compete agreements is set to take effect. This ban applies to most industries, and covers both employees and contractors. Listen as Arquella talks with Obi Ikeme, Esquire, of Ikeme Law LLC. Obi is a business attorney and strategist for CEOs who want to protect their brands and leverage their IP to make more money. She explains the impact of the ban on these agreements and provides some watchouts for business owners and HR leaders.  Obi also discusses other HR/Legal hot topics.

Thanks for tuning into the Alchemy Consulting Group Podcast! Follow us on social media, and help us continue the conversation by sharing your business and leadership best practices. Subscribe to this podcast wherever you consume yours, and share it with your organizations and networks. Let’s strengthen the community of those committed to responsible leadership and work environments where everyone can thrive. Tap into the power of your own personal Alchemy!

Within organization structures, an impactful DEI program cannot happen on an island; this sense of isolation can often be attributed to a less-than-optimal communications strategy. Listen as Arquella talks with Dr. Jobi Martinez, Vice President & Chief Diversity Officer at Harris Health System. Driven by her desire to be better informed on how to communicate why DEI initiatives are imperative to work and society, Dr. Jobi attained a Ph.D. in Media & Communication. Tapping into her Public Relations expertise, Jobi shares best practices that create an effective communication strategy with strong linkage to DEI tenants and people culture. She also provides a few practical tactics and some things to avoid. DEI Leaders, this episode is a great conversation starter with your HR and Comms colleagues.

Thanks for tuning into the Alchemy Consulting Group Podcast! Follow us on social media, and help us continue the conversation by sharing your business and leadership best practices. Subscribe to this podcast wherever you consume yours, and share it with your organizations and networks. Let’s strengthen the community of those committed to responsible leadership and work environments where everyone can thrive. Tap into the power of your own personal Alchemy!

A healthy sense of humor is a key competency for those in the field of HR. Listen as Arquella Hargrove talks with Carol McBride, Founder, President, & Managing Partner of The Carol McBride Group LLC. Carol is an HR Executive, Keynote Speaker, and Author of “HR, Where’s Your Freaking Sense of Humor?” Carol candidly discusses the evolution of the HR profession, and the current challenges that HR Leaders are focused on solving. She discusses the areas of focus that are on the horizon for the profession, including AI and data privacy concerns. If you have a passion for people, innovation, and not faint of heart…HR may be a career path for you. Be sure to check out Carol’s book!

Thanks for tuning into the Alchemy Consulting Group Podcast! Follow us on social media, and help us continue the conversation by sharing your business and leadership best practices. Subscribe to this podcast wherever you consume yours, and share it with your organizations and networks. Let’s strengthen the community of those committed to responsible leadership and work environments where everyone can thrive. Tap into the power of your own personal Alchemy!

Within organization structures, an impactful DEI program cannot happen on an island; this sense of isolation can often be attributed to a less-than-optimal communications strategy. Listen as Arquella talks with Dr. Jobi Martinez, Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at Harris Health System. Driven by her desire to be better prepared an informed on how to communicate why DEI initiatives are imperative to work and society, Dr. Jobi attained a Ph.D. in Media & Communication. Tapping into her Public Relations expertise, Jobi shares best practices to create an effective communication strategy with strong linkage to DEI tenants and people culture. She also provides a few practical tactics and some things to avoid. DEI Leaders, this episode is a great conversation starter with your HR and Comms colleagues.

Thanks for tuning into the Alchemy Consulting Group Podcast! Follow us on social media, and help us continue the conversation by sharing your business and leadership best practices. Subscribe to this podcast wherever you consume yours, and share it with your organizations and networks. Let’s strengthen the community of those committed to responsible leadership and work environments where everyone can thrive. Tap into the power of your own personal Alchemy!

The culture of leadership in any organization is a key indicator of the strength of its overall business profitability, its power to innovate, and its people culture. Listen as Arquella Hargrove talks with Miriam Lopez, Founder & Principal Consultant at SeEQmore Consulting Group. Miriam is an expert coach and leadership trainer, with a passion for DEIB and culture transformation. Miriam discusses the biggest challenges that leaders of today face, and those that are on the horizon for the workplace of the future. Miriam hones in on the concept of Generous Listening, and how that skill is a difference maker for high performing leaders. The advice and wisdom shared by Arquella and Miriam in the episode will help to guide the investments that organizations are making into leadership development.

Thanks for tuning into the Alchemy Consulting Group Podcast! Follow us on social media, and help us continue the conversation by sharing your business and leadership best practices. Subscribe to this podcast wherever you consume yours, and share it with your organizations and networks. Let’s strengthen the community of those committed to responsible leadership and work environments where everyone can thrive. Tap into the power of your own personal Alchemy!