Carole Bouquet

In this powerful end-of-year episode of Conversations with Carole , Carole Copeland Thomas delivers an inspiring message about resilience and action in the face of challenges to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Reflecting on the transformative events of 2024, Carole highlights both setbacks and triumphs in the fight for equity and justice, urging listeners to take proactive steps in supporting organizations that remain committed to DEI principles. Key Topics Covered: The Current Landscape of DEI: Carole reviews the pressures on corporations and organizations to back away from DEI initiatives, spurred by well-funded, anti-DEI campaigns and legal challenges linked to recent Supreme Court rulings. Highlighting DEI Champions: Carole celebrates two standout organizations—Northeast Human Resources Association (NEHRA) and Costco—for their unwavering commitment to DEI in the face of external pressures. NEHRA’s Stand: Despite its larger affiliate SHRM removing "equity" from its framework, NEHRA reaffirmed its dedication to DEI values, setting an example of principled leadership. Costco’s Commitment: Costco defended its DEI programs against shareholder proposals to eliminate them, demonstrating the value of inclusion in driving innovation and operational success. Introducing PRA for DEI: Carole unveils the Positive Reward Actions strategy, a practical four-step framework for supporting organizations that uphold DEI values. PRA for DEI Framework: Identify Champions: Recognize organizations, big or small, that boldly support DEI. Specific Actions: Highlight the concrete steps these organizations take to resist anti-DEI pressures. Reward Their Efforts: Write letters of appreciation, support their products, or spread the word on social media. Separate Them from Crowd Pleasers: Distinguish these committed organizations from those who have merely performed lip service to DEI goals. Call to Action: Carole invites listeners to join her in 2025 by identifying and celebrating DEI champions. She encourages listeners to: Share examples of champion organizations via email (details in the show notes). Actively support companies and groups that resist pressures to compromise on DEI. Continue the conversation on social media using #DEIChampions and #PRAforDEI. Resources Mentioned: Links to articles on NEHRA and Costco’s DEI efforts (included in show notes). Newsweek Article https://www.newsweek.com/costco-board-shareholder-dei-hiring-2006717 Information about Project 2025 and its implications for DEI. www.project2025.org Happy New Year! As Carole says, "The best is yet to come." Start 2025 with a renewed commitment to championing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Stay bold, brave, and buoyant!

Carole details the 10 different ways that she markets her business, stays relevant and keeps getting business year after year. 1 Email List - List Building ( www.amyporterfield.com ) 2 Lead Magnets 3 Referrals 4 Podcast 5 Books/Guidebooks 6 Exhibit Booths 7 Guest on Other Podcasts 8 Live Virtual Events 9 Live In-Person Events 10 Social Media Platforms Speaking & Training. ( carolecopelandthomas.com ) Coaching and Consulting. ( carolecopelandthomas.com ) Sponsorships/Events ( mssconnect.com ) Memberships ( mssglobalsummit.com ) Licensing ( mssglobalsummit.com ) Collaboration ( ebonyspeakers.com ) So sit back, relax, and enjoy this segment, where you will learn the ins and outs of marketing an ongoing business enterprise. ============= Here’s Carole’s Biographical Profile For over three decades, Carole Copeland Thomas has been an unwavering force in the world of global diversity, equity, and inclusion. With a remarkable journey that began in 1987, she has risen to prominence as an acclaimed TEDx speaker, seasoned trainer, and a thought leader of international recognition. In the ever-evolving landscape of professional development, Carole has seamlessly transitioned to the virtual realm as a Virtual Presenter on platforms like Zoom. She remains at the forefront of emerging trends, keeping a vigilant eye on the concerns and challenges faced by working professionals. Her consultancy work with industry leaders reflects her dedication to staying ahead of the curve.

Bottom Line…You Have To Make Money In Order To Stay In Business!! This podcast will walk you through the 5 main ways that Carole generates income to sustain and grow her business. Speaking & Training. ( carolecopelandthomas.com ) Coaching and Consulting. ( carolecopelandthomas.com ) Sponsorships/Events ( mssconnect.com ) Memberships ( mssglobalsummit.com ) Licensing ( mssglobalsummit.com ) So sit back, relax, and enjoy this segment, where you will learn the ins and outs of generating steady revenue for an ongoing business enterprise. ============= Here’s Carole’s Biographical Profile For over three decades, Carole Copeland Thomas has been an unwavering force in the world of global diversity, equity, and inclusion. With a remarkable journey that began in 1987, she has risen to prominence as an acclaimed TEDx speaker, seasoned trainer, and a thought leader of international recognition. In the ever-evolving landscape of professional development, Carole has seamlessly transitioned to the virtual realm as a Virtual Presenter on platforms like Zoom. She remains at the forefront of emerging trends, keeping a vigilant eye on the concerns and challenges faced by working professionals. Her consultancy work with industry leaders reflects her dedication to staying ahead of the curve. Carole's extensive career, spanning an impressive 37 years, has been built on the bedrock of meaningful relationships and impactful partnerships. She has collaborated with a diverse array of local, national, and international clients and sponsors, including corporate giants like State Street Corporation, Walmart, Amtrak, and Emirates Airlines. These partnerships speak to the trust and respect that organizations worldwide place in Carole's expertise. Her work and exploration have taken her to nearly every state in the US, 32 countries, and six of the seven continents. Carole Copeland Thomas is more than just a speaker, trainer, or thought leader; she is a transformative force shaping the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her illustrious career and dedication to her cause have made her a beacon of hope and change in an ever-evolving world. You can reach Carole at: www.carolecopelandthomas.com carole@mssconnect.com

There are people in my family who still don't understand what I do for a living. This podcast will walk you through a day in my life and how I have been a professional communicator for more than 36 years. I've worked for large and small organizations and have continued to reinvent myself for decades. That's the best way to stay competitive and relevant in the marketplace. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this segment, where you will learn about who I am and what I do for a living. ============= Here’s Carole’s Biographical Profile For over three decades, Carole Copeland Thomas has been an unwavering force in the world of global diversity, equity, and inclusion. With a remarkable journey that began in 1987, she has risen to prominence as an acclaimed TEDx speaker, seasoned trainer, and a thought leader of international recognition. In the ever-evolving landscape of professional development, Carole has seamlessly transitioned to the virtual realm as a Virtual Presenter on platforms like Zoom. She remains at the forefront of emerging trends, keeping a vigilant eye on the concerns and challenges faced by working professionals. Her consultancy work with industry leaders reflects her dedication to staying ahead of the curve. Carole's extensive career, spanning an impressive 37 years, has been built on the bedrock of meaningful relationships and impactful partnerships. She has collaborated with a diverse array of local, national, and international clients and sponsors, including corporate giants like State Street Corporation, Walmart, Amtrak, and Emirates Airlines. These partnerships speak to the trust and respect that organizations worldwide place in Carole's expertise. Her work and exploration have taken her to nearly every state in the US, 32 countries, and six of the seven continents. Carole Copeland Thomas is more than just a speaker, trainer, or thought leader; she is a transformative force shaping the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her illustrious career and dedication to her cause have made her a beacon of hope and change in an ever-evolving world. You can reach Carole at: www.carolecopelandthomas.com carole@mssconnect.com

The holidays provided me with an ideal opportunity to learn more about my immediate family! I interviewed my daughters, son-in-law, and two granddaughters over the dining room table as my older daughter’s beloved dog, Kodi, wanted to have his turn to be interviewed! (The cat, Shadow, waited patiently in the basement!) I learned about their goals and aspirations, places they'd like to visit, and lessons they learned in 2023. I encourage you to do the same with your family… and invite you to sit back and listen to random thoughts of the Thomas/Farquharson/Monteiro Family! This is Carole Copeland Thomas and you're listening to a New Year's Edition of Conversations with Carole MY FAMILY MEMBERS INTERVIEWED INCLUDE: Michelle Thomas-Monteiro The Family's Timekeeper!! 20 Year Teacher’s Assistant Julianna Farquharson Age 15 West Hartford Connecticut Public Schools Gabrielle (Gabby) Farquharson Age 12 West Hartford Connecticut Public Schools Dr. Lorna Thomas-Farquharson Program Manager Early Childhood Education Great Wife and Mother Jerome Farquharson Process Engineer Supervisor Sports Enthusiast and Baseball Team Member

Go from wishing to planning where you will travel by cruise ship in the next 3 to 5 years! In Part Two, Carole will share 10 different tips and techniques to use when organizing and planning for an upcoming journey across the world or across your country. From solo traveling to shore excursions, you can see the world and ports of call from a cruise ship! Welcome to Conversations With Carole!

Part One Go from wishing to planning where you will travel by cruise ship in the next 3 to 5 years! In Part One, Carole will share eight different tips and techniques to use when organizing and planning for an upcoming journey across the world or across your country. From solo traveling to shore excursions, you can see the world and ports of call from a cruise ship! Welcome to Conversations With Carole!

The podcast Conversations with Carole is meant to build a community where we can talk about current and historical issues relevant to our times. I've been in the cross culture business for many years and celebrate the past work I've done in radio. It made sense NOW to move the conversation to a podcast format where we can all get involved! Each week, we will dedicate our time to an intriguing topic or person in our quest to dig deeper into the subject matter. And we're not just interested in a conversation about American issues. We want to travel the globe, bringing in diverse voices and people who are making a difference in this world. ========= As an award-winning keynote speaker, trainer, and global thought leader, since 1987, Carole Copeland Thomas moderates the discussions of critical issues affecting the marketplace. She has her pulse on the issues affecting working professionals and regularly consults with industry leaders. She has spent 36 years cultivating relationships and partnerships with local, national, and international sponsors, including Walmart, Amtrak, and Emirates Airlines. Carole is the past president of The National Speakers Association -New England Chapter and was on the leadership team of Black NSA. Carole is a blogger and social media enthusiast using various technology platforms to enhance her business development activities. Carole has been featured in the New York Times, Boston Globe, Black Enterprise, ABC Radio, and CBS News. She is the author of eight books and is the Past National Vice Chair of the National Black MBA Association Carole is a 28-year member of the National Speakers Association (NSA) and an active member of Black NSA. She won the President Emeritus Award for the leadership role she played during the 2017-2018 NSA New England Chapter Year. Visit Carole's website at www.carolecopelandthomas.com .