Terrence Cummings’ Post

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Chief Opportunity Officer at Guild Education

If we want to tap the untapped potential in America’s workforce, we have to secure their foundation first. How does that work in practice, though? I had an engaging conversation with Whole Foods Market's Nicole Davia on this topic this week at an Opportunity Forum Guild co-hosted with Whole Foods Market in Austin. Some insights Nicole dropped that I think are widely applicable and important to share:  - Checking in matters. Whether it’s tapping employees on the shoulder to see how they are doing, ask what they need or talk about their future, personal touches make them feel welcome and, no surprise, have an exponential impact on confidence.  - Lean into DEI to create access (and understand barriers). It's understandable that leaders that may not have as much experience with DEI practices to be hesitant about leaning in — or not knowing what to say. Just getting started is key. The only way through is trying and learning. - Secure (and don’t underestimate) the foundation. Reflecting on her own work, Nicole made it clear just how much the power of truly foundational learning — like high school completion and language training — can have a catalytic effect for her business and her workforce. My own perspective, which I shared:  - No one achieves their best — for themselves or for your organization — without a baseline of support. (Including many of the elements Nicole highlighted!)   - The way we address that, and make sure we’re securing the foundation in a way that drives our businesses forward and taps that untapped talent, is by digging in on specifics. Which is what made this event so impactful. Thank you Nicole, Mike Van Lente, Courtney Vandiford, MBA, MA and the entire Whole Foods team for engaging and for other folks who were able to attend and join the conversation including Katie Brown, PhD Ramona Arora, PhD. from Disney, Kimberley Wolterstorff Gregorie, Vashti Canty and others.

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Nicole Davia

Senior Vice President Operations

5mo

Thank you for including me in this important conversation. I look forward to our continued partnership.

Stacie Mann Kronthal

Principal, Employer Partnerships at Guild Education

5mo

Agree Terrence Cummings; fantastic insights from Whole Foods Market; we are so grateful for their partnership and collaboration.

Katie Brown, PhD

Founder of EnGen | Powering the Workforce. Unlocking Potential. Upskilling with English.

5mo

Thanks so much for including me in the conversation Terrence Cummings, Stacie Mann Kronthal, and Courtney Vandiford, MBA, MA. It was a treat to hear Nicole Davia's insights on how to build a culture of equity, access, and workforce inclusion.

Margie Montgomery

Benefits Leader | Strategic Planning | Human Resources | Program Management | Benefits Administration | Employee Experience | Benefit Plan Design

5mo

What a great session! Securing the foundation first - that piece was so impactful and my biggest takeaway. Thank you so much to all who shared their insights!

Mike Van Lente

Established Leader: Learning & Development / Organizational Effectiveness / Talent Management / Communications

5mo

Appreciations to both Nicole and Terrence for an afternoon of learning and sharing on this important topic!

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