Set 2 - Rep 5 with Antoinetta Mosley
Episode Summary
In this episode, we are excited to interview the amazing Antoinetta Mosley, Founder and Principal Consultant of I Follow the Leader LLC, a leadership consulting firm specializing in diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, education, and strategy.
Antoinetta discusses how her company helps individuals and companies with their diversity, equity, inclusion journey, making sure that there are workplaces and community environments where everyone feels they can belong. She shares her thoughts on changes happening in the corporate world in the DEI field, the impact of COVID in her business, and how she has pivoted to overcome the challenges.
She also talks about data analysis and its impact in the DEI field, and how fitness helped her life.
Antoinetta is so inspiring and she has shared so many great insights as well as gems in this interview, so make sure to tune in and enjoy!
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M-T:
What's going on, everybody! This is your boy Brother MT, and we're here with another Metric Mate Minute Podcast. On the Metric Mate Minute Podcast, we cover leaders from all over the world telling you about how they do what they do, why they do what they do and how staying fit keeps them in their best mindset. Let's go.
M-T:
What's going on everybody with the Metric Mate Minute. Glad you could join us here for another week, because every week we're bringing you some of the most amazing leaders out of the industry, out of the world, out of everything that's going on, so they could give you some information, tell you about their journey and help you be a better person so you can reach your star as you continue to climb. The stars that I bring on are always going to shine bright. So make sure that you take the information that they provide and take it close to heart. If they're going to give you contact information and all of that stuff, you need to definitely use it. Because every week I would try to bring you the hottest. And this week, of course, is no different. I say that every week, but I believe in the bottom of my heart. Antoinetta Mosley, one of the most amazing people that I've known for a long time. I'm not going to tell you how long because I'll start dating myself. I've got no time for that. But she has been an amazing person, an amazing human being since the day that I met her. And she continues to grind, climb and shine as much as anybody else. You know, it's not my job to give you the information about who they are. I leave that up to them. So Antoinetta, introduce yourself to the community and tell them why I think you're so awesome.
Antoinetta Mosley:
Awesome. Thank you all. First of all, thank you for having me on. And I completely agree. It has been so many years, but so thankful for you and all that you're doing for the community and just so excited about Metric Mate and excited to be on today. So thanks for having me. Thanks for all that you're doing to help others with their health and fitness journey. So, yes, my name is Antoinetta Mosley and I am the founder and principal consultant of I Follow the Leader LLC. And so we're a leadership consulting firm specializing in diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, education, and strategy.
Antoinetta Mosley:
So really making sure to help individuals and companies with their diversity, equity, inclusion journey, make sure that we have workplaces, community environments, churches, just everywhere you go, where we have environments where everyone feels they can belong. So that's really the crux of our business, is making sure people are prepared. Obviously, we've seen so much happen this year, but this is a company that we've really been going on for the last four years and helping workplaces and individuals make sure that they have environments where people can belong and where everyone can belong and that just belong but get ahead.
M-T:
No, that is absolutely amazing. And this is the perfect time for that to be happening. There are so many conversations about inclusion, making sure that everybody is counted, everybody is heard that this is a niche that is needed in a myriad of different places around the globe and even in especially in our country. So where have you seen your services been most being most impactful, like what sector of industry?
Antoinetta Mosley:
So we've worked a lot with non-profits. We've worked with the universities and with large corporations. So I would say really the value that we see is when leaders really want to do this. So it's not just a checkbox, it's not just a box or bring an on and off the shelf. But regardless of industry, when the leadership really cares and they make this a strategic initiative is when we really see the best results.
M-T:
Got it. No, that's hit a lot of good points because that portion has been a check box for so long, making sure you have your African-American or black person, making sure that you have your Asian person, Asian-American person has been a check box for so long and making sure that is a part of the strategic focus going forward to make it more equal and not just provide the societal equity that's been determined in law. That is amazing. So how have you worked with companies or how have you seen companies transition from being checks box oriented to being more strategically focused on inclusion?
Antoinetta Mosley:
Yeah, and I think that's such a good point you made is we used to have this in the law, so it was affirmative action. And so really that led to tokenism. So I'm going to make sure I have this percentage of black people, this percentage of minorities. And when we talk about DEI today, which is diversity, equity, and inclusion, we're not going to the affirmative action of the past. So it really is about, OK, can everyone make the same amount of money? So if we have the same experience, do we have the same. Access to leadership, and so not just getting in minorities, but do they feel a sense of belonging? Can we bring our whole selves to work? Right. So can I be myself? Can I wear my hair the way I want to? Can I talk to you the way that I want to or do I have to put on the mask? And so I think seeing companies shift from affirmative action to really a DCI strategy has been great to see that it's been so important. And I think it's also taken a lot of people to a new place. So you have to learn something different. We have a lot of people in H.R. and leadership who have been there for 30 years. And so how do they face these changing demographics? You know, millennials, we've kind of scared people. We're the most diverse group in our nation's history. Gen Z is going to be even more diverse. So how do we get ready for that, seeing all of these different types of people? And we can't just go, OK, my black employee is going to think this way but realizing we are all unique and we all identify in different ways.
M-T:
No. And then that's the core crux of everything. We're all different. We're all our own people. And we need to be the best way to get the best out of everybody. To exceed your actual expectations of performance is to make sure that you're taking in those differences and utilizing those differences to move yourselves forward. That's perfect. That's what we need. That's what we have to see to continue to thrive.
Antoinetta Mosley:
Yeah. No, so important and that's my personal mission in life, is to help individuals and companies thrive. And so it does take a different you know, like all of your other interviewees have said and like you say, it does take a different mindset. It takes a different it takes discipline, working hard. It's not going to be easy. So I tell people this is a journey. So I understand we want our workplaces to immediately be diverse, equitable and inclusive. But it's a journey just like athletes, you know, just like anyone who has been successful knows it is a journey. You're going to need help along the way.
M-T:
Indeed. Indeed. So you've worked with organizations from large to small. You've seen the different ways that these new thought processes, these new identities have been incorporated into everything that's going on. Is it equally as hard for small company to a large company to integrate these, or does it kind of changes depending on your size?
M-T:
Yes. So I would say size use a lot of times equates to resources. And so that's where the larger companies, they may have multiple people on their H.R. team to help, you know, put the initiatives across the organization. But what I've seen is even smaller organizations really giving the onus on the employees as well. So realizing you have a lot of amazing employees who want to help, they want to help your workplace to be amazing in a place where you can recruit the best talent. We all want to work with the best talent. So I've seen a lot of small and large companies form diversity, equity, inclusion committees, or task forces. So even if you don't have the resources, there is a lot that you can do internally with your amazing champions and employees who will help you move the needle.
M-T:
Love it. Love it. Well, good to hear that the resources are actually being allocated for this type of stuff because you hear all the time the company doesn't really care about what's going on unless they put money behind it aka resources. So the fact that people are so interested in this movement, in this change to the point where they're allocating resources into it is and being strategic about the thought processes and building upon what was already done to make sure that is better, that bodes well for the future. And thank you if nobody's told you today on the team. Thank you for being a part of that team. So hopefully that our children will not have to endure some of the microaggressions and the thoughts that proliferate through the corporate America world today.
Antoinetta Mosley:
Yes. Thank you.
M-T:
So the pandemic has affected people across the globe. That's one part of it being a pandemic is global. And it's changed the way that a lot of us had to go about doing business and moving our missions forward to try to be the best that we can be. How has this situation changed? The way I follow the leader has moved and maneuvered through this landscape,
Antoinetta Mosley:
Of course. Yes. So, of course. Usually, I would be going out and speaking at conferences, meeting people in person. And I think with a topic that is uncomfortable for so many people, I say it's a courageous conversation now, but hopefully in five years talking about racism won't be courageous, it will be normal, and so that is something that I definitely miss, seeing people face to face. Obviously, through the screen, I try to be this energetic. This is, you know, this is how I've always been. But, you know, obviously, there's only so much that you can exude through the screen, but still trying to make sure I make people feel comfortable, making sure that I'm vulnerable first when I'm doing trainings or conversations. And so that has helped. Obviously, I miss being in person with people, but it is really great that we have technology. There's amazing platforms today. I'm able to pull people in real-time. That's a way that we've been able to engage instead of doing some of the small group work. And so I think it's really been shifting and being quick and nimble and shifting to maybe I can't do that conference this year or do it in-person training, but I can do virtual training and so really shifted to virtual training.
Antoinetta Mosley:
But obviously due to the unfortunate events of this year, again, having many black people again being murdered at the hands of police, we've seen such an increase in the need. And so you know, I'm glad for that, that we are seeing companies realize, some of them for the first time, that this isn't going away, that this is an issue they have to confront and face. And so I'm really proud of everyone out there, whether they're black or not, of all the allies saying we have to confront this in the workplace as well. And so that's been a major shift through 2020 people have had more time to self reflect, to watch the news, to stay in tune. And so we've really seen that affected affect the DEI field and the need for it. Obviously, the need has always been there, but seeing people realize this is not just a heart issue, it's also a business issue. So we've seen all of the data now saying teams that are more diverse, teams that have more women perform better. And so now companies are realizing to be competitive. I not only need to care about the things that my employees care about and value, but I'm not going to be competitive if I don't address this.
M-T:
No, no, that's real and that's real. And I being able to have that that I have that support from the science and the research that's been done has definitely made this process a lot easier. And people being more data-oriented is like, so how do I know that a lot of the stuff in the past, especially demographic stuff, has been more objective than numerically based? How has that new data analysis, data collection mindset changed the way that you all approach DTI?
Antoinetta Mosley:
Yes, so much because, you know, I have my masters. So when you're writing your thesis, obviously all they care about is the data and the research. And so, again, companies now are addressing this as a strategic issue versus just a heart issue. And so that changes the game. That helps the industry so much when people are focused on data, because then we're not just putting out a few initiatives, we're putting out initiatives, we're measuring them. So you have a measurement plan with your goals and then you're checking back in. So if you have a goal that you want to have more diverse employees come in and also be retained, are you measuring that? Are you serving your employees right? So I always say we can make exceptions, but for me to really do a cultural audit, we need to survey all your employees. How do they feel you're doing with these issues? And once companies take that lens, you get a lot more information, a lot more data and unfortunately, some go, wow, I'm not doing as well as I thought.
Antoinetta Mosley:
But then they have the information to move forward and we can say, yes, let's set some goals for next year. What is the strategy? So I've really seen it help the industry. I became a certified diversity professional this year. So you're seeing it where this is? No, thank you. But no, it's it's great to see when people are licensed and you can get certifications. And so this is an industry that is not going away. And let's make sure that we have professionals come in and help you.
M-T:
One hundred percent. One hundred percent. And the reason you started chuckling because I gave my little clout to her for being so amazing, you know, I have to support my amazing people and shameless plug for Metric Mate because we always support data. That's right.
Antoinetta Mosley:
Yes.
M-T:
Pre-orders for your pins on the website. Data, data, data.
Antoinetta Mosley:
Yes. I love it. I love and you guys don't know. But I know Marcus from high school and so I love just how much like he's grown and continue to be intellectual and the thinker, and so he's been like that since I've known him and just so proud of him and Metric Mate me for all they're doing, because, again, the data is what matters and get what gets measured, gets managed. So love that you guys are about the data as well.
M-T:
The measurement team has been working tirelessly for years to be able to bring to you a platform that allows you to see your strength training data in a whole new way that we're proud and say that we're finally at that place. The Metric Mate Smart Pin, the first device in the Metric Mate line is available preorders for our website at TheMetricMate.com. So take your time, go over there, check out all of the information on our smart apparatus and get in line to be one of the first people in the world to have a Metric Mate Smart Pin that can help them more efficiently and effectively achieve their fitness goals, life goals. We're achieving all goals. We may help you achieve your professional goals. You could take us in to your boss and he'd be like, Man, You must be very smart. We're going to give you a promotion because you use Metric Mate? Go ahead and check us out of TheMetricMate.com. Again, that's TheMetricMate.com to preorder your smart pin to date. We also have amazing polo shirts, crewneck shirts to be able to work out. We've got hoodies coming, facemasks. If you just want to support the Metric Mate Minute Podcast as we continue to work and grint to offer the community a beautiful platform that nobody else is able to touch nowadays, check us out at TheMetricMate.com. Can't wait to see you there.
M-T:
What gets measured gets managed. I'm going to have to take that.
Antoinetta Mosley:
That's Peter Drucker. So he's like, if you wanted to be manage, you got to measure it.
M-T:
I love it. I love it. No, you might see that pop up in a couple of Metric Mate advertisement coming up so real. So with what is measured is managed. Got to measure it.
Antoinetta Mosley:
Exactly. You have to. You have to.
M-T:
It doesn't work otherwise you're just throwing stuff in the air, you know, and then literally that's just the segue between what we're both talking about. And that's a way to find a similarity is that people going to the gym all the time and just lift weights and hope they're going to reach their goal, just like people go in like I three black people last week. I think equity and inclusion under control. That is like if you don't if you want to manage it, you got to measure it. You're not managing it. You're just throwing darts at the wall. I love it.
Antoinetta Mosley:
Exactly.
M-T:
So segue into the fitness portion. Yeah, we've already doubled. We've known each other since high school, since high school, Antoinetta has been active, you know, running everywhere. Even in college. She was running all over the place. And of course, with that physique still intact, I'm sure your fitness routine how has fitness spiritually, mentally and emotionally, because all of those are important. How has making sure that you led a fit lifestyle with those continue to help you be better and be the leader that you are today?
Antoinetta Mosley:
Gosh, yeah. So, you know, ran track in high school and college and that was such a huge part of my life and it's such a huge part of the leader I am. And it's just so important for for self care, like you say, for spiritual, emotional care. And so, again, the data shows if you were healthy, if you were fit, if you're doing at least twenty minutes, a few times a day, what that's going to do to your body, your mind and soul, I say for all of my women out there who are over thirty minutes, high tide over thirty. And so it's even more important to make sure that you have your routine, especially I know everyone who listens to the podcast is a go-getter and so far go-getters. It's easy to check off everything else except for that fitness and area for yourself. And so something that's really helped me is making sure am I giving twenty to thirty minutes to myself a day. So one day I may not be able to do much but stretch while I listen to a podcast or listen to an audible, but making sure I'm making that time for myself, for my body and it just helps so much. I can't do as much as I used to. But again if retooling its reframing your workouts. I tore my ACL actually post-college playing flag football because that was something that filled me up right. And so now I can't do all of those things, but I can do the bike, I can do boot camp type workouts. And so it's making sure as you age, as you evolve, as things change, that you keep making, that you keep having fitness be at that center at that. It's something that can obviously make you live longer, and so if we want to do great things, we need to make sure we have the health and fitness routine to do so.
M-T:
Love it, love. We couldn't have said it better myself. Now, we're not going to just skirt over that torn ACL like it didn't happen today. Football, please elaborate on that one.
Antoinetta Mosley:
Yeah. So I just love competition. I was in a coed flag football league. This is probably six years ago now. And, you know, I thought I was amazing, you know, and maybe did too much. But I got a real football injury. So cutting I'm a little crazy. I played through it the whole game trying to play the next game. It was like, OK, I guess I'll go to the doctor. And they're like, you tear your ACL. And when this is I was like, oh yeah, OK. So yeah. So I have had to adapt since then, but we are still working with it, adapting, and apps like yours are amazing because again it does get harder as you age, as you have injuries. And so you really want to make sure that you're taking care of yourself and also that you're getting the help that you need to recover and get back to a new place of fitness.
M-T:
Love it. Love it now. So let's not play any games. I brought you a couple B's onto this podcast. Antonietta is no different. Don't let the curls fool you. She was out here like Prince of Ezekiel was equally juk. So folks out here and just happened to go down and we're glad that she's OK moving forward with life without the complication of the flag football. I love it. So ask the question to all of my guests. When they come on, we talk to people that have a myriad of experiences, and you are one of those people that have seen and done a lot of things in your life so far. What is one Hope Diamond frickin huge eighteen-carat jewel that you can drop on the team? I mean, you sprinkle some throughout your entire conversation, but if you had to up one that really, really sticks with you. What is that one for the group?
Antoinetta Mosley:
Yeah. I would really say to, to find your purpose in life as early as you can to find the thing that lights a fire and you and that only light to firing you but changes the community and brings light to the community. So that's something I would really encourage everyone. If you don't know what your purpose is if you haven't found that thing, that brings you joy and brings others joy to really tap into that. But yeah, I think that's really the game is what are you leaving what legacy do you want to leave on this earth? Obviously, we've just seen, unfortunately, so much death this year, starting with Kobe Bryant, who obviously left such a legacy, but also so many people's grandmas and friends and family members due to COVID. And so I hope this year has encouraged people to find their passion to do the thing that brings them joy and to continue doing it even through hardship. So I love reading stories about some of the great people in life and all of them have persevered. It's not easy. So I would just encourage people, find your passion, keep going, and then find the community of awesome people to continue to encourage you. That's why this podcast is great. Find that community something that you can continue to tap into.
M-T:
Couldn't have said it better myself. Like, you've got to be able to find that thing that makes you glow on the inside because then you can share that glow with everybody else and wrapped it up. I love it. And anything else to that, I'm done. I talk a lot, but not going to talk at the top. So, Antoinetta, please tell the community where they can find you, where they can get in contact with you, where they can follow you and get some more of this inspiration and great love that you're putting out.
Antoinetta Mosley:
Of course. Yeah. So our website, as ifollowtheleader.com and then we're also on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and that's it. Ifollowtheleader. So I would love to connect with you. And we're going to try to get Metric Mate on soon to do a leadership interview. So definitely ifollowtheleader.com, just leadership advice, but also some great diversity, equity, and inclusion education.
M-T:
Love it. Love it. Community. Antonietta Mosley, one of the most amazing people that I know, she is doing amazing things. She's giving you all just a sliver of what she's got going on. And I love it. Definitely follow her. I follow the leader is an amazing resource to get great inspiration and to stay abreast of what's moving people going forward in the world. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for joining us. A day like this has been a great interview. I can't wait for it to get released so everybody can take in all of this goodness in these wonderful gems that you're dropping on them and making sure that their diversity and inclusion is going exactly the way they wanted to go. So thank you from the bottom of my heart here at Metric Mate.
Antoinetta Mosley:
Of course. Thank you so much. I appreciate the time. And I'm just so excited to see how Metric Mate continues to grow and it's just such a great resource for people. So thanks so much for having me on. It was a pleasure.
M-T:
Metric Mate community, this has been another Metric Mate Minute Podcast. We've brought you another amazing guest. I'm doing my job and all I can do is make sure I bring people here. They are going to sprinkle all the amazing jewels and tell you everything that you need to do to be as great as you. It's up to you to go out there and put it to work. Just like with Metric. You could just pull the pin in which you won't get six-pack abs because you plugged it because you downloaded the app, yet you won't get the thirty-two Berkely, it won't happen. You've got to put in the work. So we're giving you the opportunity to get the info. Hopefully, you're taking it to become as amazing as you're going to be amazing as we know you are. So we've been here for another Metric Mate Minute , as always, for joining us, because you don't have to. Thanks for spending the time here. Until next time. Peace.
M-T:
Thanks, everybody for joining us for another Metric Mate minute. We appreciate everybody that comes through and shows us love in the Metric Mate community. Make sure that you stopover at TheMetricMate.com to find out more information about the podcast, about what we're doing, any of our blog information, the transcript of the show, and just the show us massive support. Also, remember to follow us on social media at Metric Mate. Check us out y'all. Peace.
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Today's Guest Antoinetta Mosley
Antoinetta is a DEI leader, Certified Diversity Professional. Researcher, Writer, Speaker, Consultant, Advocate, and Author. She's also the founder and Principal Consultant of I Follow the Leader. She has helped companies with board development, forming a DEI working group, survey formation, and distribution, creating a DEI statement, developing a DEI plan, and more.
source: https://ifollowtheleader.com/antoinetta-mosley
Key Takeaways
For individuals and companies to thrive, it takes a different mindset, discipline, and hard work.
What gets measured gets managed.
(Physical fitness) It's important to have your routine.
Put fitness at the core.
Find your purpose in life as early as you can. Find the thing that lights a fire and you and that only light to firing you but changes the community and brings light to the community.
Find your passion, keep going, and then find the community of awesome people to continue to encourage you.
Resources
https://ifollowtheleader.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoinettamosley/
https://www.instagram.com/ifollowtheleader/?hl=en