Dear Corner Office’s Podcast

In this BuiltXWomen episode, we explore how underrepresented professionals are often placed into high-stakes roles with little support, then blamed when systems fail. This conversation goes beyond surface-level DEI talk and gets honest about why many initiatives don’t stick.
Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of the glass cliff phenomenon, its impact on careers and organizations, and a practical roadmap for building sustainable, inclusive environments that actually work.
This episode is for leaders, professionals, and change-makers ready to turn intention into impact.

Join Michele Heyward and guest, Jessica Bantom, for a thought-provoking conversation on the importance of inclusivity in design.
Our speaker will shed light on the current landscape, discuss the gaps in DEI practices, and inspire you to be a driving force for positive change within the industry.
This engaging talk delves into the untapped potential of DEI and its profound impact on shaping the future of design.
Key Highlights:
Innovating Through Diversity: Explore how embracing diverse perspectives can drive innovation and reshape interior design, making spaces more universally appealing and meaningful.
Navigating the DEI Landscape: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the current state of DEI within interior design, identifying challenges, opportunities, and the pivotal role of inclusivity.
Designing for All: Discover the symbiotic relationship between inclusivity and design excellence. Learn how diverse perspectives can lead to groundbreaking solutions that resonate with a global audience.
Bridging Gaps and Fostering Change: Uncover existing industry gaps hindering DEI progress and explore actionable strategies to foster an inclusive design community.
Empowerment for Change: Our expert speaker, proficient in both design and DEI, will empower you to become an agent of change. Learn from real-world success stories and practical insights to actively promote inclusivity in design.
Collective Responsibility: Recognize the shared responsibility of individuals and organizations in advancing DEI within the design sphere. Discover how your contributions can lead to lasting impact.
Interactive Engagement: Engage in a live Q&A session with our speaker, providing an opportunity to directly interact, share experiences, and seek guidance on navigating your DEI journey.

Climate change presents unprecedented challenges that demand innovative solutions, and the build industry plays a pivotal role in shaping sustainable and resilient environments.
However, effective climate-conscious design requires diverse perspectives and a deep understanding of community needs and experiences.
 
Through thought-provoking conversations, our esteemed guest, Kenya Goodson, Ph.D. will explore the significance of advocacy in promoting environmentally responsible practices and policies within the build industry. She will discuss the role of BIPOC professionals in driving meaningful change, emphasizing how their insights and lived experiences contribute to more inclusive and climate-responsive design solutions.
 
This episode aims to inspire collaborative efforts that bridge the gap between design professionals and the communities they serve. Our discussion will underscore the importance of listening to diverse voices, centering equity, and forging partnerships that foster positive impacts on people and the planet.
Together, let's ignite a transformative dialogue on the vital intersection of climate change, advocacy, and BIPOC community engagement in the build industry. Join us in charting a path towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

We will not only celebrate the significant contributions of peers in the career development of professionals but also underscore the power of representation and relatability. By sharing diverse experiences and role models, we hope to inspire the next generation of engineers, scientists, and technologists. Don't miss this opportunity to be moved by Jade’s genuine story of camaraderie and peership that have driven her towards a fulfilling and impactful career in engineering and construction. Join us in celebrating the influence of peers and exploring the possibilities they create in shaping the future of engineering, science, and technology.
Together, let's cherish the power of mentorship and support that fuels success and innovation in the STEM community

Join us for an enlightening talk where accomplished women engineers in the construction engineering industry share their personal experiences and insights on the elusive concept of work-life balance.
 
In this session, our esteemed speaker will debunk the myths surrounding work-life balance and offer practical strategies to navigate the demands of a challenging profession while maintaining personal well-being.
 
Gain valuable perspectives, actionable tips, and learn how to prioritize self-care while excelling in your career.
 
Don't miss this opportunity to unravel the truth behind work-life balance and unlock the keys to a fulfilling professional and personal life.

Join us for a thought-provoking livestream session led by Michele Heyward, a civil engineer and the visionary founder of PositiveHire. In this enlightening event, we will explore the profound impact of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and their ability to transform organizational culture, foster employee retention, and pave the way for career advancement and internal mobility, particularly for employees of color in the AEC industry. Recent studies have revealed alarming attrition rates among Black women and Latina engineers, scientists, and architects in AEC. Michele Heyward, an esteemed expert in talent acquisition and diversity, will shed light on how ERGs can be instrumental in addressing these challenges. Discover the strategies and initiatives ERGs can employ to effectively retain and support these underrepresented professionals, enabling them to thrive and contribute to the industry's success. Through engaging discussions and real-world examples, this livestream will examine how ERGs create inclusive environments, provide mentorship, and offer career development opportunities specifically tailored to the needs of Black women and Latina professionals. Gain valuable insights into the unique challenges they face and the role ERGs play in building a supportive community, fostering belonging, and mitigating attrition rates. Furthermore, we will uncover how ERGs contribute to cultivating a vibrant organizational culture that values diversity, empowering employees to bring their whole selves to work. Michele will share best practices and success stories, demonstrating how ERGs can strengthen the AEC industry by driving innovation, promoting collaboration, and creating pathways for advancement. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from Michele Heyward and gain valuable insights into harnessing the power of Employee Resource Groups to address attrition rates, foster inclusion, and empower Black women and Latina engineers, scientists, and architects in the AEC industry. Together, let's shape a more diverse, equitable, and thriving future.

The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is facing a leadership change. Many of the industry's top leaders are retiring or moving into new roles, and there is a growing need for diverse and inclusive leadership. However, this change is also creating a glass cliff for underrepresented employees. The glass cliff is a phenomenon in which women and other underrepresented groups are disproportionately placed in leadership positions during times of crisis or when the company is facing challenges. This can lead to increased scrutiny, pressure, and stress, and can ultimately lead to failure. This live discussion will explore the glass cliff phenomenon and its impact on underrepresented employees in the AEC industry. Michele Heyward will discuss the following topics: 1. What is the glass cliff? 2. How does the glass cliff impact underrepresented employees?3. What can be done to mitigate the effects of the glass cliff? This is an important discussion for anyone who is interested in the AEC industry, diversity and inclusion, or the glass cliff phenomenon. We hope you will join us!

Instead of pretending the problem doesn’t exist, we walk through why it happens, how it affects long-term careers, and what it means for companies that think they’re supporting diversity but are accidentally setting people up to fail. 
If you’re working in engineering, construction, leadership, or you just care about making these industries more inclusive, this episode gives you a roadmap to do better and build better.
Tune in and let’s start shaping a future where everyone has a solid bridge to stand on.