AN INVITATION TO BECOME with Ben McBride

"Tissue Boxes for Pneumonia", Part 2

How can cities and the people they serve work together to co-create civil rights solutions to root cause issues, and not symptoms?
 
In this illuminating episode, Ben McBride delves into a powerful conversation with Derrick Wheeler-Smith, the Director of the Seattle Office for Civil Rights. Derrick shares his compelling journey from personal experiences of racism to leading transformative civil rights and racial equity initiatives in Seattle. Learn how his values-based leadership and commitment to community investment are driving systemic change and fostering a culture of belonging. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, equity, and the importance of knowing oneself to lead effectively.
 
Guest Bio:
Derrick Wheeler-Smith is a native son of the Rainier Valley whose impact as a leader in racial equity and community empowerment in Seattle and King County has spanned more than two decades. Since his beginnings as a youth outreach worker in the streets and schools of Seattle in the late 1990’s, through his most recent appointment as the Director of Seattle Office For Civil Rights, Derrick’s bold ideas, courageous voice, and ability to empower community action has been a tidal force for countless waves of progress in the Seattle region.
 
Derrick Wheeler-Smith’s LinkedIn profile

"Tissue Boxes for Pneumonia", Part 1

How can cities and the people they serve work together to co-create civil rights solutions to root cause issues, and not symptoms?
 
In this illuminating episode, Ben McBride delves into a powerful conversation with Derrick Wheeler-Smith, the Director of the Seattle Office for Civil Rights. Derrick shares his compelling journey from personal experiences of racism to leading transformative civil rights and racial equity initiatives in Seattle. Learn how his values-based leadership and commitment to community investment are driving systemic change and fostering a culture of belonging. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, equity, and the importance of knowing oneself to lead effectively.
 
Guest Bio:
Derrick Wheeler-Smith is a native son of the Rainier Valley whose impact as a leader in racial equity and community empowerment in Seattle and King County has spanned more than two decades. Since his beginnings as a youth outreach worker in the streets and schools of Seattle in the late 1990’s, through his most recent appointment as the Director of Seattle Office For Civil Rights, Derrick’s bold ideas, courageous voice, and ability to empower community action has been a tidal force for countless waves of progress in the Seattle region.
 
Derrick Wheeler-Smith’s LinkedIn profile

"Crossing the Mekong", Part 2

How can curiosity lead us to co-create common ground and a stronger connection to our shared humanity?
 
In this engaging episode of "An Invitation to Become," Ben McBride harvests stories from Jenifer Chao, Director of the Department of Neighborhoods for the City of Seattle. Jenifer shares her inspiring journey from a refugee child to a community leader, emphasizing the importance of fostering belonging and inclusion across diverse neighborhoods. Discover how her personal experiences fuel her commitment to creating resilient relationships and empowering communities to shape their own futures. This conversation is a profound exploration of humanity, curiosity, and the transformative power of intentional leadership.
 
Guest Bio:
Jenifer Chao is Director of the Department of Neighborhoods for the City of Seattle, with 23+ years of experience in public service working in key areas of policy development and culturally responsive community engagement. The Seattle Department of Neighborhoods provides resources and opportunities for community members to build strong communities and improve their quality of life. Under Jenifer’s leadership, the department’s programs and services meet people where they are and help neighbors develop a stronger sense of place, build closer ties, and engage with their community and city government.
 
Jenifer Chao’s LinkedIn profile

"Crossing the Mekong", Part 1

How can curiosity lead us to co-create common ground and a stronger connection to our shared humanity?
 
In this engaging episode of "An Invitation to Become," Ben McBride harvests stories from Jenifer Chao, Director of the Department of Neighborhoods for the City of Seattle. Jenifer shares her inspiring journey from a refugee child to a community leader, emphasizing the importance of fostering belonging and inclusion across diverse neighborhoods. Discover how her personal experiences fuel her commitment to creating resilient relationships and empowering communities to shape their own futures. This conversation is a profound exploration of humanity, curiosity, and the transformative power of intentional leadership.
 
Guest Bio:
Jenifer Chao is Director of the Department of Neighborhoods for the City of Seattle, with 23+ years of experience in public service working in key areas of policy development and culturally responsive community engagement. The Seattle Department of Neighborhoods provides resources and opportunities for community members to build strong communities and improve their quality of life. Under Jenifer’s leadership, the department’s programs and services meet people where they are and help neighbors develop a stronger sense of place, build closer ties, and engage with their community and city government.
 
Jenifer Chao’s LinkedIn profile

"Kissing the Hand of A Killer", Part 2

Could you offer belonging to a person who is directly dehumanizing you without othering them?
 
In this thought-provoking episode, Ben McBride engages in a deep conversation with Ashlin Malouf-Gashaw, Deputy Director of Strategy and Program at the Othering and Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley. Ashlin shares her personal journey and insights on belonging, drawing from her Baha'i Faith and extensive experience in faith-based community organizing. She explores how we can build systems and practices that foster true belonging, and highlights the importance of addressing anger with agency. By the end, she’ll uncover practical strategies for creating inclusive, dignified spaces in our communities and organizations.
 
Guest Bio:
Ashlin Malouf-Gashaw is the Deputy Director of Strategy and Program at the Othering and Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley. She is driven by the growth and development of people, teams, and systems. Whether in the role of mediator, community organizer, coach, executive director, or chief of staff, she has led by inviting people into liberatory practices of dialogue, bridging, authenticity, and power building. From her experience, when courageous conversation, storytelling, vulnerability, and self-reflection are paired with concrete and coordinated strategies, progress is made.
 
Ashlin Malouf-Gashaw’s LinkedIn profile

"Kissing the Hand of A Killer", Part 1

Could you offer belonging to a person who is directly dehumanizing you without othering them?
 
In this thought-provoking episode, Ben McBride engages in a deep conversation with Ashlin Malouf-Gashaw, Deputy Director of Strategy and Program at the Othering and Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley. Ashlin shares her personal journey and insights on belonging, drawing from her Baha'i Faith and extensive experience in faith-based community organizing. She explores how we can build systems and practices that foster true belonging, and highlights the importance of addressing anger with agency. By the end, she’ll uncover practical strategies for creating inclusive, dignified spaces in our communities and organizations.
 
Guest Bio:
Ashlin Malouf-Gashaw is the Deputy Director of Strategy and Program at the Othering and Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley. She is driven by the growth and development of people, teams, and systems. Whether in the role of mediator, community organizer, coach, executive director, or chief of staff, she has led by inviting people into liberatory practices of dialogue, bridging, authenticity, and power building. From her experience, when courageous conversation, storytelling, vulnerability, and self-reflection are paired with concrete and coordinated strategies, progress is made.
 
Ashlin Malouf-Gashaw’s LinkedIn profile

"The Past is Not a Hitching Post", Part 2

There’s a saying in Texas: use the past as a guiding post, but not a hitching post. So how did an upbringing in 1960’s coastal Mississippi inform the becoming of a transformative San Antonio philanthropist?
 
In this enlightening episode, Ben McBride interviews David Rogers, President and CEO of the H.E. Butt Foundation. Discover how David’s journey from Mississippi to Texas shaped his commitment to fostering community wholeness. David shares the Foundation’s innovative programs, including their transformative Know Your Neighbor initiative and community-building cohorts, which aim to bridge socio-economic and racial divides. Tune in to learn how this unique operating foundation uses its resources and influence to create a more connected, empathetic San Antonio.
 
Guest Bio:
David Rogers is the President and CEO of the H. E. Butt Foundation, where his leadership  spans three decades. He has led the organization through its transformation from a primarily faith-based, camping-focused culture into a culture-shaping organization known internationally for its commitment to hospitality and excellence. David has led several community engagement initiatives in San Antonio and South Texas, including efforts to support mental health awareness, build capacity for non-profits, develop rural communities, and address the challenge of socio-economic inequity. Under his leadership, the foundation has grown to one of the largest foundations in Texas and one of the largest operating foundations in the United States.

"The Past is Not a Hitching Post", Part 1

There’s a saying in Texas: use the past as a guiding post, but not a hitching post. So how did an upbringing in 1960’s coastal Mississippi inform the becoming of a transformative San Antonio philanthropist?
 
In this enlightening episode, Ben McBride interviews David Rogers, President and CEO of the H.E. Butt Foundation. Discover how David’s journey from Mississippi to Texas shaped his commitment to fostering community wholeness. David shares the Foundation’s innovative programs, including their transformative Know Your Neighbor initiative and community-building cohorts, which aim to bridge socio-economic and racial divides. Tune in to learn how this unique operating foundation uses its resources and influence to create a more connected, empathetic San Antonio.
 
Guest Bio:
David Rogers is the President and CEO of the H. E. Butt Foundation, where his leadership  spans three decades. He has led the organization through its transformation from a primarily faith-based, camping-focused culture into a culture-shaping organization known internationally for its commitment to hospitality and excellence. David has led several community engagement initiatives in San Antonio and South Texas, including efforts to support mental health awareness, build capacity for non-profits, develop rural communities, and address the challenge of socio-economic inequity. Under his leadership, the foundation has grown to one of the largest foundations in Texas and one of the largest operating foundations in the United States.

"Waving Goodbye to Othering", Part 2

As the daughter of an Evangelical Baptist minister, and youngest and only girl of three children, Heidi Brandow’s journey to belong began with navigating childhood in a boy-dominated world of brothers, neighbors, and cousins, and exploring what it meant as a white woman to be an ally in melanated countries around the world.
 
Heidi Brandow is VP of Talent & Employee Success at Cohesity, and in this compelling episode she shares her transformative journey from childhood to leading complex mergers, emphasizing the profound difference between inclusion and true belonging. Discover how her unique upbringing and fearless leadership style have shaped her approach to transforming cultures in both the corporate and humanitarian sectors. By the end, you’ll gain insights into practical strategies for leading diverse teams and creating environments where every individual can thrive. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about redefining workplace culture and driving meaningful change.
 
Guest Bio:
Heidi Brandow is the VP of Talent & Employee Success at Cohesity, a rapidly growing cybersecurity and data management company. With over 25 years of experience in talent management, leadership development, and coaching, she’s held executive roles at Tesla, Palo Alto Networks, and World Vision International. As a learning and leadership expert, she has long been fascinated by what drives ordinary people to deliver truly extraordinary results. She’s spent her career working across multiple industries and on the ground in more than 30 countries learning what truly works (and what doesn’t) to unleash learning and connect people to what matters most at work and in life.

"Waving Goodbye to Othering", Part 1

As the daughter of an Evangelical Baptist minister, and youngest and only girl of three children, Heidi Brandow’s journey to belong began with navigating childhood in a boy-dominated world of brothers, neighbors, and cousins, and exploring what it meant as a white woman to be an ally in melanated countries around the world.
 
Heidi Brandow is VP of Talent & Employee Success at Cohesity, and in this compelling episode she shares her transformative journey from childhood to leading complex mergers, emphasizing the profound difference between inclusion and true belonging. Discover how her unique upbringing and fearless leadership style have shaped her approach to transforming cultures in both the corporate and humanitarian sectors. By the end, you’ll gain insights into practical strategies for leading diverse teams and creating environments where every individual can thrive. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about redefining workplace culture and driving meaningful change.
 
Guest Bio:
Heidi Brandow is the VP of Talent & Employee Success at Cohesity, a rapidly growing cybersecurity and data management company. With over 25 years of experience in talent management, leadership development, and coaching, she’s held executive roles at Tesla, Palo Alto Networks, and World Vision International. As a learning and leadership expert, she has long been fascinated by what drives ordinary people to deliver truly extraordinary results. She’s spent her career working across multiple industries and on the ground in more than 30 countries learning what truly works (and what doesn’t) to unleash learning and connect people to what matters most at work and in life.
 
Heidi Brandow’s LinkedIn profile