A Q&A with Derek Walker

*Listen to Mixed Company Podcast*
A raw podcast about d&i that takes a critical look at advertising from “the bottom up” perspective, as they unpack issues and provide real solutions.
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Okay folks, I’m going to shut this talk down. Thank you, thank you! From the bottoms of my heart, thank you for asking a question, posting comment or just reading what has been said. It has been fun!

How correct is the term “African American”?
What about Black Americans from Haiti, Caribbean, etc.

Is more about where people are indigenous to?

Not all Black Americans ar… more

I once saw you weren’t interested in titles. I thought that was refreshing since people are obsessed with the title climb. Do you have advice for when people we manage want promotions every year?

Hi! speaking from a purely pragmatic POV, what real reason do Advertising & Tech firms have increase diversity & inclusion? Save for minor ad bloopers, things are flourishing just fine

Any Favorite D&I buzzwords and phrases? Mine is diversity of thought.

Degrees are a barrier. Apple and Google have recently stopped requiring college degrees for applicants. Why hasn’t the advertising industry followed suit?

Love that you're here! You're my favorite voice on LinkedIn ❤️

Q: I'm a WOC in a very white agency. Diversity is a priority in hiring but it's hard to retain talent once the… more

No questions. Nothing but love, frfr ♥️♥️

Just this morning, a prime job opportunity across town was quietly circulated within a select group of people in advance of being posted widely, and every single one of the dozens being given...

*The Lie of Not Enough*

Diversity and inclusion efforts in advertising need to address “the lie of not enough.” If we are every going to change, our efforts on diversity and inclusion need … more

D&I initiatives are clearly important, but the sad state of where we are at is that often people that “make it", never reach back. How do we get “us” to engage with and help “us”.

Derek, thank you for continuing to shine a light on this important issue. As you said in one of your comments, we can all make a difference, provide opportunities!

What I see is people hiring people they get along with. I think they all “want diversity” but when they gel with their homeboy that’s been recommended by another homeboy in an interview, it’s (cont)

Hi Derek, really liked your BHM spotlight on POC in advertising... curious if any of them got new jobs or opportunities (if they were looking)? In other words, did it “work” & was that a goal?

How do you suggest creative agencies address "forced diversity" requests (demands) from clients or internal management when casting talent?

What role could an ad school have in flowing more diverse talent into the industry?

In addition to the need for more diversity and inclusion of POC, what are your thoughts re:ageism? The industry doesn’t seem to have taken any meaningful steps to address this issue

What are some tangible steps the C-Suite can take to support and retain mid- to advanced-level POC already working in the industry?

Facebook is limiting targeting on the basis of race and sex in certain industries. Is this something that should continue to happen? Why/Why not?

do you think diversity issues are concentrated in creative wings of agencies (like pigeonholing POC in account or HR), or is it more widespread?

What have been the positive changes with regard to racial representation you've noticed over the years? What are the things that need to be addressed the most?

There was a good chat on "culture fit" on the app a couple weeks ago, and how it's racism by another name. How can POC navigate the culture fit obsession? Thanks for you rtime.