Helping organizations more equitably identify and develop their future leaders
I am a professor of Organizational Behavior and Theory at Carnegie Mellon University
My research explores the power of social hierarchy and its impact on diversity and inclusion. I have a particular interest in how those at the top of social hierarchies understand their dominant position, and how they can use their social relationships to elevate and advance people from historically disempowered groups.
When not conducting research or teaching students at the Tepper School, I advise companies on their leadership development programming. I specialize in the effective implementation of sponsorship programming designed to accelerate the careers of women and non-White workers.
Publications for Practitioners
Don’t just sponsor women and people of color. Defend them.
Harvard Business Review
Fighting Backlash to Racial Equity Work: Understanding the real reasons why diversity initiatives provoke opposition can help you lead employees through cultural transformation. MIT Sloan Management Review.
with L. Taylor Phillips, Brian S. Lowery, and Miguel M. Unzueta
Don’t Just Mentor Women and People of Color. Sponsor Them.
Harvard Business Review
Sponsorship: Defining the Relationship
Women at Work Podcast - Season 4, Episode 3
Sample media commentary:
Want to address systemic racism at business schools? Let’s start with MBA program rankings.
As companies around the world rush to implement diversity and inclusion programmes, the burden to launch these initiatives are unduly falling on employees of colour.
Many well-known companies and organizations addressed and are continuing to confront longstanding hot-button issues such as policing, racism, profiling, and social injustice that were underscored by Floyd’s death.