Book Signing and Discussion: Growing the Elephant: Increasing Earned Advantage for All
Date and Time
Jun 14, 2023 5:00 pm
Location
450K
450 K St NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20001
Jun 14, 2023 5:00 pm
450K
Need an alternative to the “privilege†discussions to lead change where you are?
Come meet no-nonsense coauthors recently recognized by BloombergNews and UK Business Book Awards
Discussions that lead with words like “privilege,†“racist†and similar terms stoke more fire than change. That hasn’t worked – but what’s the alternative?
Real talk conversations with coauthors and fellow leaders about a better approach.
Gloria Johnson-Cusack and Chris Altizer’s new book,“Growing the Elephant: earned advantage for all †is for people who are passionate and determined to advance equity and who recognize there must be shifts in mindset, power and practices to increase innovation, performance and community empowerment.
It’s about ‘Advantage.’ Earned advantage - get rewarded; form relationships - get opportunities. But while anyone can earn Advantage, some people have more opportunity than others because of who they are or where they are from. Unearned Advantage is the part of the Elephant we avoid because it’s frustrating, confusing, scary, and exhausting. It is about more than race or color – it includes everything that makes each of us different. It’s all of who you are and where you’re from.
Join real-talk conversations with the authors and fellow leaders about the new approach.
Chris Altizer MBA, MA, who is a white male with every unearned advantage short of height. He is a researcher, award-winning lecturer at Florida International University College of Business and the FIU Center for Leadership, cited expert in human resources, certified Yoga Teacher, and 5th degree black belt martial artist. His unusual combination of experiences as a business leader and mindfulness teacher have greatly influenced his work in diversity, equity, and inclusion. He invites readers to experiment with well-researched, non-religious contemplative practices to grow the elephant of earned advantage – for all.
Gloria Johnson-Cusack, MPA, who is a native Washingtonian and person of African-American and native American Haliwa-Saponi ancestry, describes herself as a servant leader. She moved from being middle-class to working-poor to decidedly privileged - including as Special Assistant to President Clinton, Director of Congressional Relations at the U.S. Peace Corps, and Senior Advisor to the President of Florida International University. She teaches frequently at Columbia University and has been an executive in philanthropy, government, academia, business, and nonprofit sectors - all committed to improving education, financial security, and health - for all.
Individually, and often as a team, Gloria and Chris cross the globe counseling, facilitating, and coaching boards, leaders, staff, and community partners in every sector. Both Gloria and Chris are alumni of Columbia University.
The book includes testimonials by Gail McGovern (current CEO of the American Red Cross), Anna Maria Chavez (first Latina CEO of the National Girls Scouts of America), Kent Lollis (Law School Admission Council DEI Vice President Emeritus), and many business leaders, with a foreword penned by Vikki Spruill (former CEO of the Council on Foundations).
Copies of the book will be available for purchase during and after the event, and the coauthors will be signing throughout and following the program.
Please RSVP for this FREE event. Space is limited. Our program begins at 5pm EST, and will be followed by an audience Q&A. Copies of “Growing the Elephant: earned advantage for all will be available for purchase before and after the event. This event is IN PERSON and will NOT be livestreamed.
