Black Lives Matter

Episode Overview

In this episode, the founders of Tote + Pears, Amber and Kai-Saun Anderson discuss the Black Lives Matter movement, systematic racism and what businesses and brands can do to navigate these heavy conversations with your team and customers.

Topics Covered

According to the Pew Research Center, two-thirds of U.S. adults say they support the Black Lives Matter movement. This sentiment is particularly strong among black Americans, although majorities of white (60%), Hispanic (77%) and Asian (75%) Americans express at least some support.

As a brand, your customers want to know where you stand on issues that impact them and the people they love. What you say (or don't say) matters. In this episode, you'll find tips for managing these heavy conversations.

Kai-Saun Anderson

Kai-Saun Anderson, affectionately known as Kai, is the Co-founder and President of Tote + Pears. In his role, Kai leads the company's finance and media departments.

With an expressive passion for imagery and sound, Kai has cultivated an impressive portfolio in photography, podcasting, and video production. Whether behind the camera or orchestrating the assembly of captivating narratives, Kai's work is a testament to the power of media to convey stories that resonate and inspire.

Kai has spearheaded cutting-edge initiatives for a myriad of brands and has also seen his creative and business acumen recognized in national publications. His innovative approach and attention to detail have propelled brand narratives into the limelight, with features in outlets such as Forbes, Inc. Magazine, NPR, and The Wall Street Journal.

Through his leadership at Tote + Pears, Kai continues to challenge the status quo, leveraging his expertise to drive the company's mission forward as a visionary and storyteller.

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References

pewsocialtrends.org/2020/06/12/amid-protests-majorities-across-racial-and-ethnic-groups-express-support-for-the-black-lives-matter-movement/

pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/06/03/10-things-we-know-about-race-and-policing-in-the-u-s/

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Additional Resources:

Implicit Association Test (IAT):
implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.html

TED Talk: The urgency of intersectionality: ted.com/talks/kimberle_crenshaw_the_urgency_of_intersectionality?language=en

TED Talk: How to overcome our biases? Walk boldly toward them: ted.com/talks/verna_myers_how_to_overcome_our_biases_walk_boldly_toward_them?language=en

“The Roots of Implicit Bias,” New York Times, 2016:, nytimes.com/2016/12/09/opinion/sunday/the-roots-of-implicit-bias.html

The MSW@USC Diversity Toolkit: A Guide to Discussing Identity, Power and Privilege: msw.usc.edu/mswusc-blog/diversity-workshop-guide-to-discussing-identity-power-and-privilege/

Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity at The Ohio State University: kirwaninstitute.osu.edu/

Board Games to Fight Bias, NPR, 2017: npr.org/2017/12/30/574753348/board-games-to-fight-bias

plato.stanford.edu/entries/implicit-bias/

Credits

Produced by: Kai-Saun Anderson

‍Music by: Podington Bear - Soft Driver and Rope Swing

About the host

Amber Anderson

Founder + Chief Strategy Officer

Amber Anderson is the co-founder of T+P where she specializes in strategy, marketing and product management.

Amber