Listening as a Key to Change:
Medupa Akinnola emphasizes the importance of listening, drawing from the phrase “we have two ears and one mouth, so we can listen twice as much as we speak.”

Ken Chenault’s Approach to Leading During Times of Crisis:
Ken Chenault shares his insights on inspiring hope, staying grounded in values, and empowering people during uncertain times.

Defining Reality and Giving Hope:
Chenault believes that a leader’s role is to define reality and give hope, providing concrete reasons for optimism while acknowledging challenges.

The Importance of Core Values and Servant Leadership:
Chenault stresses the significance of core values and servant leadership, emphasizing that leaders should stand for something and act in service to others.

Empowering People and Creating Followership:
Chenault highlights the importance of empowering people and creating followership through service, rather than demanding performance.

General Catalyst and Responsible Innovation:
Chenault discusses his work at General Catalyst, a venture capital firm focused on building companies that use technology for positive change.

Moving Beyond “Move Fast and Break Things”:
Chenault advocates for responsible innovation, emphasizing the need to understand the consequences of technology and its impact on people.

Focus on Diversity and Inclusion:
Chenault highlights the lack of diversity in the technology sector and emphasizes the need for more diverse workforces in companies.

Balancing Social Impact with Investment Returns:
Chenault believes that responsible innovation can generate attractive returns while also creating positive social impact.

Considering the Impact on Society and the Environment:
Chenault emphasizes the responsibility of companies to society, advocating for considering the impact of products and services on various stakeholders, including the environment.

Responsible Innovation at General Catalyst:
Ken Chenault emphasizes the importance of responsible innovation, where companies aim to address societal issues and generate positive impacts alongside economic gains. Guidance and tools are provided to help founders and organizations embrace responsible innovation. Key considerations include assessing the founder’s alignment with the philosophy, promoting workforce diversity, evaluating potential unintended consequences of products, and considering environmental impacts. General Catalyst engages other startups and VC firms to adopt this concept, receiving positive reactions and embracing intentionality and objective setting.

Monitoring Responsible Innovation:
General Catalyst primarily monitors responsible innovation internally, but an advisory board of other companies will be established to garner industry support. The aim is for the concept to take root and become widely adopted within a year.

110 Initiative:
Ken Chenault co-founded 110, an initiative focused on creating sustainable careers for black Americans. The initiative addresses the racial wealth gap and aims to increase black representation in leadership positions. 110 provides education, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help black professionals advance their careers. The initiative collaborates with various organizations and institutions to create a supportive ecosystem for black talent.

Background:
110 was formed in response to the murder of George Floyd, aiming to address the lack of opportunities for Black Americans without college degrees.

Goals:
To create 1 million family-sustaining jobs for Black Americans in 10 years. To encourage companies to make long-term commitments to this initiative, both financially and in terms of job creation.

Approach:
Focus on skills-first hiring, recognizing that many jobs do not require a college degree. Collaborate with companies to identify and fill job openings that align with the skills of Black Americans. Address the fragmented job supply network to connect job seekers with suitable opportunities.

Progress:
Within a month, 60 companies committed to the initiative, demonstrating the growing recognition that skills matter more than degrees for many jobs. 110 is led by a dedicated team, including CEO Maurice Jones and co-chairs Ken Frazier and Ginni Rometty.

Long-term Vision:
To expand the initiative beyond Black Americans and benefit all Americans by opening up job opportunities that do not require a college degree. To create a more inclusive and equitable business landscape where success is not solely tied to a college education.

Long-Term Objectives and Short-Term Markers:
Leaders must establish long-term objectives and short-term markers to ensure progress toward those objectives. Setting objectives and holding people accountable for achieving them is crucial for driving positive change in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Wasting Talent:
Failing to provide equal opportunities to all individuals leads to a waste of talent and potential contributions to society. Creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment is not only morally right, but also economically beneficial, as it harnesses the full potential of all members of society.

Leadership’s Role:
Leaders play a crucial role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Leaders must provide context, show how things are connected, and demonstrate how creating a win-win situation benefits all stakeholders. Leadership is more complex in diverse environments, but it is essential for achieving success.

Changes in the Workforce:
Positive changes are occurring in the workforce, with increased opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds. However, ongoing efforts are necessary to maintain and accelerate this progress.

Leadership in the Current Climate:
Leaders need to be mindful of the potential for their words and actions to be recorded and used against them or their organizations. This requires careful consideration of the impact of their statements and a focus on fostering a positive and supportive environment.

Consciousness and Purpose:
In an era of rapid change, leaders must maintain high levels of consciousness and provide a clear sense of purpose to their teams.

Values Alignment:
Aligning personal values with company values ensures commitment and fosters a strong organizational culture.

Adaptability and Organizational Preparation:
Leaders should prepare their organizations for change by defining core values, objectives, and behaviors while empowering employees to contribute to the journey.

Empowerment and Leadership Longevity:
Long-term leadership success requires empowering employees, taking them on the journey, and allowing them to lead.

Integrity, Change, and Innovation:
Integrity builds trust, while creativity and continuous innovation drive organizational success.

Leadership in Crisis:
Leaders must maintain composure during crises, as their composure and stability serve as a rock for their teams.

Transforming the Workforce:
Ken Chenault sees an opportunity to transform the workforce through training, development, and re-skilling, leveraging technology to bring massive change.