James Cleveland

We at Kinfolk Tech are about to embark on one of our most ambitious projects yet, and I wanted to give my network an exclusive heads-up. In just under two years, America will celebrate its 250th birthday. But here's the thing: the stories of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPoC) are at risk of being left out of this monumental narrative. At Kinfolk, we're not letting that happen. We're building a team to put BIPoC stories at the forefront, using cutting edge tech as our vehicle. Our mission? To shift the narrative about America 250 and ensure that every voice, every story has a place in this historic moment. 🔥 #WeAreHiring! 🔥 Before these roles go public on LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Google Jobs, I'm reaching out to my network. Who do you know that would be perfect for these opportunities? 1️⃣ https://lnkd.in/dq9qRFXR 2️⃣ https://lnkd.in/gwaxGH95 Why join us? Because we have crucial work to do in the next two years. We're not just talking about #DiversityEquityandInclusion and #SystemsChange - we're actively reshaping the narrative of America's history. I'm counting on the power of my network. Please #repost these job opportunities and tell a friend to tell a friend that Kinfolk is hiring. Let's make history by telling ALL of our stories. Together, we can ensure that when America blows out 250 candles in 2026, every voice is part of the celebration. 🎉🇺🇸 #KinfolkTech #America250 #InclusiveHistory #TechForGood #Hiring #JobAlert

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There is so much about this move by SHRM that is disappointing and short-sighted and demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of the role of work in the broader society. I'm disappointed, but I'm not surprised. The principle of equity is vital not only for workplace design but also for the broader drive to create a world that recognises the role of work in creating a more even playing field for all. Equity is a recognition that we need to look for ways to get everyone involved in work, for it changes lives for generations. And this is not to be confused with Diversity. Equity is a broad macro principle that drives an organisation's goals and behaviours as a component of society. This does not mean each organisation will have the same view, but understanding the principle and having a view accordingly is important. As for now starting with I, they are behind the eight-ball. We released our DEI strategy called IDEAL (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accountability and Leadership) months ago. I'm proud to work for a company that leans into this issue with constructive dialogue and debate, supported by a PE firm with some of the most comprehensive materials to facilitate the creation of a unique strategy. https://lnkd.in/g9-fVUhH

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Don't miss Angela Cheng-Cimini 鄭婷婷's article in the latest edition of Harvard Business Review on the leadership potential of Asian employees. The data and perspective that she and Joy Chen (陈愉) share are compelling and startling. "Although Asians are the most educated segment of the American workforce, they are the least likely among all racial groups to ascend to leadership roles," and, "These racial inequities stem in part from a lack of awareness about cultural differences. In the case of Asians, cultural differences are often misunderstood, leading to a systemic waste of diverse talent." #leadership #healthequity https://lnkd.in/e7zSJct8

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Today I had the pleasure of speaking at the Puget Sound Business Journal Women Who Lead event. Surrounded by an incredible group of leaders, innovators, we explored the transformative journey power of mentorship and how to have an amazing mentoring relationship. We kicked off with an interactive activity that illuminated the unique strengths and aspirations each of us brought to the room. It was inspiring to see the immediate connections being made, as everyone identified not only areas for personal growth but also opportunities to contribute to each other’s success. A key focus of our discussion was on building genuine, impactful relationships. We delved into the importance of getting to know each other beyond professional titles—understanding personal stories, shared struggles, and individual aspirations. This foundational understanding is crucial as it forms the bedrock of trust and mutual respect in any mentoring relationship. We also emphasized the necessity of aligning and assessing skills within these relationships. Recognizing where we excel and where we need support allows for targeted, effective mentorship that leverages real-world experience to foster both personal and professional growth. Setting clear, actionable goals was another critical topic. Whether you are a mentor or a mentee, defining what you want to achieve and openly sharing these aspirations helps tailor the mentorship experience, ensuring it is both meaningful and beneficial. As we concluded, I was reminded of the power that comes from such gatherings—how each of us has the potential to impact others profoundly and positively. To support this journey of mentorship, I’ve created a free mentoring toolkit, which includes a skills assessment and a mentoring goal framework. This resource is designed to help you start and navigate your mentoring relationships effectively. For those interested, the toolkit is available here. https://lnkd.in/gRz5U3wC Thank you to everyone who participated today. Your engagement and enthusiasm were truly inspiring. Let’s continue to support, lead, and elevate each other as we forge our paths forward. Also please consider becoming a volunteer mentor to a young person #Leadership #Mentorship #WomenWhoLead #ProfessionalDevelopment

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