00:05>> Hi, I'm Jessica Lawson one of
the view from the top student leaders.
00:09Thank you for joining us for
our final event of the year.
00:12On behalf of the leadership team,
00:14it's been our greatest honor to serve as
the view from the top student leaders and
00:18to bring you the most diverse speaker
slate in the program's history.
00:22Is our hope that you've learned from and
00:24inspired by these unique stories that
were shared on the virtual stage.
00:28Thank you to Dean Levin, Liz Walker and
the rest of the GSB community for
00:32helping us make this
year's program possible.
00:35And now it is my pleasure to welcome
Dean Levin to introduce today's speaker.
00:41>> Thank you, Jessica.
00:43And before I introduce today's speaker,
I just like to take a minute to thank
00:48this year's view from the top team for
putting together an amazing series.
00:53Adriana Gross, Jessica Lawson,
Joy Wang and Rex Woodbury.
00:58On behalf of the GSB community,
thank you for all your work this year.
01:04And now I'm delighted to have
the opportunity to welcome
01:08Thasunda Brown Duckett the newly
appointed president, and CEO of TIA A.
01:14She was previously the CEO
of Chase consumer banking.
01:18Thasunda has been recognized widely as a
leading executive in the finance industry.
01:25She was named by Fortune as one of
the most powerful women to watch, she was
01:29named one of the most powerful women
in banking by American Banker magazine.
01:34She founded the Rosie and
Otis Brown Foundation in honor for
01:39parents to recognize people who
use ordinary means to empower and
01:44uplift their communities
in extraordinary ways.
01:49She was also one of
the 16 women who inspired
01:53LeBron James's first shoe for women.
01:57The Nike HFR LeBron 16 and
01:59she's now on the board of
directors of the Nike Corporation.
02:04And we're just looking forward so much to
hearing more about Thasunda's achievements
02:10as a leader in today's conversation
with Adriana Gross MBA class of 2021.
02:16>> Wow Thasunda,
that's quite a resume, you're welcome.
02:18And thank you for joining us.
02:20>> Thank you so much.
02:24>> You know, I woke up on a Saturday
morning a few weeks ago and
02:27was thinking do I go to the gym or not?
02:29You on the other hand,
02:31woke up on a Saturday a few weeks
ago you were the CEO of TIAA.
02:40>> And
I were just feeling tons of gratitude for
02:42this conversation right now and
I hope you've had a chance to celebrate.
02:47Let it all sink in a little bit.
02:49And, again, thank you for
the work you're doing.
02:52It's an incredible organization, impacting
folks that really are the backbone of
02:56everything we have here in the country.
03:01>> And the success it
doesn't come alone all right?
03:04Dean Levin mentioned,
Otis and Rosie Brown.
03:07>> And you said you were on the shoulders
of giants way back when during that move
03:11from the East Coast over to Texas.
03:14How did Otis and
Rosie make this all happen?
03:18it's such a privilege to have the honor
to speak with all of you and you're right
03:24Adrian when I woke up on that Saturday I
probably did not get to the gym.
03:29But I will say that I woke up and
continued to be full of gratitude.
03:34And you can't have the moment
of being a CEO of a company like
03:39TIAA without being reflected.
03:42And that brings me to,your question when
you think about Otis and Rosie Brown.
03:47They are my anchor, they are my roots.
03:51And when I think about what they mean
to me, my dad taught me to reach for
03:56the moon, and he would say even if you
miss you would be among the stars.
04:01And I am still reaching for that moon.
04:05My mom would always tell me,
whatever you do, you know you do,
04:09you do it with excellence or you don't
do it at all, no matter what it is.
04:15And so those just life lessons along
the way, not just what they said but
04:20Not what they embody but what I saw
growing up and all the sacrifices.
04:25It's all of that, that allows me
to be in the seat that I am today.
04:30And again, being on the shoulders
of my parents and so
04:33many others before me, has me full
of gratitude and a lot of humility.
04:39>> Absolutely and there were ton of
sacrifices your parents right you told
04:43the story about driving with your car five
of you pack in there every hand in that
04:48car so that says something right.
04:50>> Now,
it doesn't mean when you think about it,
04:53I'm first generation integration.
04:56And it seems so long ago when we talked
about the course of our society,
05:01my dad grew up in the segregated South and
05:04Louisiana my mother grew up,
I'm in Alabama.
05:08They met in New York, but
05:10when we moved to Texas my parents
packed everything that we own.
05:15So it was, three children,
my mom and my dad and
05:18everything that we owned, which is you
can imagine in a car that's not much.
05:23And I always say that that was a real
moment because when I think about it,
05:28when I started my life in
Texas sitting on crates.
05:31And when you think about where you've
been, and you think about where you are,
05:36you can't help but
think through those moments.
05:39And I think it's important that we
are okay talking about those moments.
05:44Because the reality is,
it's those moments that anchor us.
05:48It's those moments that teach
us empathy or humility.
05:52Those moments that showed us grit and
tenacity.
05:55And so we meet and I've met so
many amazing people along the way.
06:01But the real lessons come from those
everyday people and for me, that was Otis
06:05and Rosie brown when I think about their
sacrifice and trying to do the very best
06:10that they could to provide for us even in
moments, their best was not sufficient.
06:16And, I'm forever grateful for that.
06:20>> I'm sure they're
extremely proud of you.
06:23And you said it yourself, right?
06:25You can't forget some of these folks
that are making the sacrifices.
06:29You've said when you
are on the 50th floor at
06:32>> It's the people that
are in the mail room.
06:35It's the reception, the cooks,
that fact, the ceiling, right?
06:40And a lot of times people say,
well, what do you mean?
06:42And again, being anchored in history.
06:45And when you think about when and
how did my melanin,
06:49my complexion answer Corporate America.
06:52It entered through the halls of
janitors and cooks and secretaries.
06:58That was the first introduction
to our brilliance.
07:02And so when I, I would say to everyone
when I would look on the 50th floor and
07:06I see Rockefeller I would say, he couldn't
imagine me being the face to his bank.
07:10Having the privilege to
lead the consumer bank, but
07:14you have to give homage to those who did
not have these amazing rented titles,
07:20but they showed up with strong character.
07:23They showed up with a level of excellence.
07:25They showed up when they
weren't really being seen.
07:29And so when I think about where I am
today, I think about those cooks and
07:33those janitors I was just
putting cracks in the ceiling,
07:36that over time I could exist and so
many people like me could exist.
07:40And so I have a lot of respect to those
who've come before me that were enrolls,
07:45that truly paved the way.
07:48>> And I'm sure your leadership
is unnoticed by them, right?
07:51You literally pulled stories where
you go down in the mailroom and says,
07:54it all starts here, right?
07:56Absolutely, I mean, look,
when I think about Otis Brown, or
08:00when I think about so many people,
specifically, people of color,
08:05many times we are disproportionately
in those lower wage jobs, or
08:09we are in those entry-level jobs.
08:12And so, it does not escape me that,
when I have an opportunity to be a CEO or
08:17to be in a leadership position, to make
sure I go and see those individuals.
08:22To make sure that I can talk about
the strategy and the role that they play.
08:27And so, when I would go to the mailroom, I
would tell the young individuals that when
08:32you see us talking about earnings or
talking about that client experience,
08:36I would say,
I want you to brush your shoulders off and
08:39know that you had a role to play,
because you started the process.
08:42You had to do your job with excellence,
when people made their payment in auto,
08:46to make sure it went to the proper shoot,
so, it would post on time.
08:50And so by connecting them and
understanding that they matter, and
08:55that they have a voice and that they have
a role to play, what I get in return is
09:00that the people furthest removed from our
results, see their role in our results.
09:07And what was so great is, after I was
telling them how awesome they were, I
09:11remember one of the gentlemen looked at me
and he was like, you welcome we got you.
09:16[LAUGH] And I just think that's
important because that's Otis Brown.
09:20My dad worked in a warehouse and he's
brilliant, he didn't go to college, but
09:24he's brilliant, and he taught me so much.
09:27And I just think it's important to make
sure that we model what it means to see
09:33Not just in the big town halls, not
just in the employee appreciation notes,
09:38but in what we do and how we do it.
09:40And taking the time to engage
with those furthest removed,
09:45is what really embodies culture,
and what I try to do every day,
09:49see the unseen, and see the people
that really help, build your company.
09:54>> Your leadership is jumping
from the screen right now.
09:58I don't want to cry ten
minutes into this interview.
10:00So, I think we have a quick video to show
how much folks appreciate your leadership,
10:05so, we can see [INAUDIBLE].
10:10>> So inspiring,
I can't even express it to you,
10:13I think it's one thing to be able to
come in this building every Saturday.
10:18And we're so grateful to be here, but
to be able to see all these black
10:21entrepreneurs doing so amazing,
but you're the CEO of.
10:24That's [INAUDIBLE]
>> [CROSSTALK]
10:27[LAUGH]
>> My god, it is just amazing to see that
10:30you look like me, and you're able
to do that, and have that impact.
10:37>> I know this was viral a couple
years ago, 2019, but Chloe, I mean,
10:42I can't Chloe, kills there [INAUDIBLE]
>> Yeah, she's now like my niece.
10:47>> [LAUGH]
>> I keep in touch with her,
10:52And you're right it went viral,
because it was a real human bowman.
10:57And I think it touched a cord
in the art of possibility.
11:01When people can see themselves in
what it means to be excellent,
11:05they can then be reminded
that they are worthy and
11:08deserving of that same
level of excellence.
11:11And I think that's what Chloe and I
represented with the beautiful words that
11:16she expressed in such a real and human
moment and it was really heartfelt and
11:21I think people could relate to it,
people can understand it.
11:25And I think, hopefully,
it's a nod in the right direction of
11:30the work we still need to
do in corporate America.
11:33And, I think, it's important because
when you look at the stats, right?
11:36And I know this is a business class,
so I have to try a few stats here-
11:41>> It is Stanford, after all, but
I was looking at the Fortune 500.
11:46And when we talk about all the work,
that we do,
11:49all the initiatives that are out there,
we have to be outcome driven.
11:54And the reality is there's only, I think,
41 women, that are leading a fortune 500,
12:01there are 16 Latinx, and
there were 3 African Americans.
12:06>> And so, we can talk about all the
things that we're doing, but we have to
12:12ask ourselves if we believe that talent is
created equally, and opportunity is not.
12:18It bears out when you
look at the shape and
12:21the profile of those who
are leading Fortune 500 companies.
12:25Which says to me,
we still have a lot of work to do.
12:28And it really, I think, hits a nerve
when you see the video, Chloe and
12:33I having a moment, because it matters.
12:36And, clearly, the outcomes are not
bearing what we believe and
12:39what we aspire to be true as a country.
12:42>> For sure, I love the stats and
the backs, I think they ground us.
12:46The one that I wanted to mention since you
are very vocal on financial equity and
12:50health for everyone, not just leaders-
>> Yes.
12:53>> Is the median net worth of
black single men and women,
12:57versus single white men and women.
13:00I'll let you share the information but,
I think that's important to return to
13:04the numbers, and remember we fight for
progress and want progress, but
13:08there's still some very
harrowing statistics out there.
13:12>> Yeah, and
I think when you look at the numbers,
13:16it tells us what all we still
have to do to make sure that
13:20there's full inclusion and
equity for all Americans.
13:25And so what you're referencing is the
median net worth of single black men and
13:30women are like 200 to $300
versus white men and women,
13:35which is around 15 to $28,000.
13:38And so when you think about that,
we have to say, what is going on?
13:42And we have to take a moment and
say, what has to change?
13:48What are those choke points
that we have to unlock?
13:51Because, clearly,
as a society, as a human race,
13:55we cannot be okay with those statistics.
13:58And we have to know that we can
do better and that, surely,
14:01it cannot be all of the melanin
that's causing these results.
14:05It's not the melanin,
there's something else that's going on,
14:09that we have to lead boldly and
be provocative about these stats, but,
14:13more importantly, be bold about what
we can do better to move forward.
14:19>> As a starting point,
maybe you mentioned in a TED talk, right?
14:22We just need to talk about money, period.
14:24And you told the story money's personal,
14:27there's a lot of stuff that comes with it
when you bring it up in a conversation.
14:31But you told the story, right?
14:32Of your dad and the 401k, and
just the knowledge of knowing that
14:37existed perhaps could have changed
the financial situation, right?
14:42>> Yeah, I mean, when I think about my
father, and I think about my parents, and
14:46I think about all the sacrifices
that they made for us.
14:49And I remember after I
graduated from college and
14:53I was looking at my dad's statement,
and to have to tell your father
14:57that you don't have enough,
not even close, to be able to retire.
15:02And what angered me is that
the 401k was for him, but
15:06he didn't see it within himself.
15:09So, the information or the way in
which the information was shared,
15:14he didn't think it was for him.
15:17And so, when you think about
these opportunities, and
15:19you think about minorities
participating in the stock market or
15:22understanding the power of compounding.
15:25Or you think about
the homeownership rates, or
15:27you think about small businesses,
you can go on, and on,
15:30all of the things that can unlock wealth,
generational wealth, there's more to it.
15:36The information may be out there, but can
people see themselves, are we making it
15:41where folks do not have to feel as if, I
didn't go to college, so it's not for me.
15:47Or this was something
that wasn't discussed,
15:50and I don't want to seem less smart.
15:52And so, I think the opportunity for us,
is to really make sure That we tap into,
15:57not just the information,
but how it's presented.
16:00And you're right, I talk about
it in a TED talk because I said,
16:04we have to talk about this
without shame or judgement.
16:06>> [LAUGH]
>> No shame, no judgement.
16:09It's not where you start,
it's where you end up.
16:12And whether it's $1 a day or a quarter,
just get going and get started.
16:18Because that power of compounding and
that behavior, over time,
16:21can really mean the difference
when you think about your wealth.
16:25But, clearly, a lot of times
when people see their finances,
16:29they associate their financial
situation to their self-worth.
16:34And I like to say, your net worth
does not define your self-worth.
16:39And I just think that's so
important and we have to be okay.
16:41I like to say, we know how to keep it 100,
especially, young people.
16:45But we have to know how to keep it 700+.
16:48We have to know how to get started and
be okay with where we are, but saying,
16:52hey, we can make these steps to have
a better outcome and a better tomorrow.
16:57>> Absolutely, it's a great message.
17:00It's a scary, I think, thought for
folks to make that initial plunge.
17:04>> Yes.
>> Hopefully we can get more,
17:06us minorities taking the plunge,
understanding, as you said,
17:10the power of compounding, and hopefully
a more financially sound future for them.
17:18>> And beyond financial equity,
it's obviously been a tough year for
17:22a lot of different reasons.
17:25I don't want to just ask about race,
outright.
17:27I think when you were talking
to the mayor of Arlington, and
17:30I know Arlington is a super important
place for you, you said something that
17:34actually it hit me pretty deep,
which is extraordinary is kindness.
17:40>> So, if we're just kinder with
each other, and we're more patient,
17:44perhaps that's the starting point
to ending some of these tensions,
17:48which seem to be wrapped up in other
things the news likes to highlight.
17:53>> No, I think you're right.
17:54And I like to say, what it means to be
extraordinary, are your ownable assets.
17:59Extraordinary is kindness,
extraordinary is laughter.
18:02I also think extraordinary
is doing the work.
18:06And so many times when we have these
conversations, particularly around race or
18:11inequality, we want to start
in the middle of a chapter.
18:15But I think the way in which we can
unlock and make real progress, is to get
18:20proximate with the history, and to really
understand the structural inequities.
18:26To really understand what it means when
you grew up in a segregated south.
18:30To really understand books
like first school, and
18:34the history that we have in our society
that has caused so many inequalities.
18:39And it's not, again,
to make people feel bad or ashamed,
18:44but it is to get to the root.
18:46In business, as you know, in business
school, you have to get to the root cause,
18:52And that's what you do in business.
18:53When you see something you say,
what is the root cause?
18:56The root cause analysis.
18:58And so I think that if we can get to
the root of the matter, and get educated,
19:03and get proximate, and
do it with a headset of kindness,
19:06a headset of saying, I want what you want.
19:10I want my children to breathe just like
you want your children to breathe.
19:15I want a full opportunity just like
you want a full opportunity, and
19:20then we do the work.
19:22And I do think that if we
work on ourselves, and
19:24do it with kindness, and
do it with a level of curiosity,
19:28then it's us that become
the people in positions of power.
19:32It is us that can then be that mom,
at a school and
19:35volunteering and doing the work.
19:37It is us, it is humanity that
will unlock the progress.
19:42everything else will change when it's the
people that decide that we can do better.
19:48And I think kindness is at
the heart of everything that we do,
19:52when you think about progress.
19:55>> That's incredible, if the people
decide, and kindness will be unlocked,
19:58everything will follow.
20:01>> That would be ideal.
20:02>> That's the work, right?
20:04That's the good trouble we
have to get into, and stay in.
20:07>> It's a fight worth fighting.
20:08But as you said, it's not new.
20:10There have been many people before
us that have engaged in this.
20:13We need to learn from those lessons and
continue to work forward.
20:17>> The thing that I think is so
powerful about that is that,
20:20if we're honest with ourselves,
we have made progress.
20:24And it is easier than it was for
my grandparents.
20:30It is easier than it was from those
who enslaved into the country.
20:34So, progress is slow,
progress does not go in a straight line.
20:38It goes up and down, but
it's progress, all the same.
20:42And so, I think that it's important
that when we are in positions of power,
20:46that we understand the platform.
20:48And that we understand that it's more than
just delivering on the financial results.
20:54It is about shaping a culture.
20:56It is about using our voice to
make real progress in our country,
20:59and I think that's good for business.
21:01It's good for community.
21:03But is also, for me,
why I believe I'm in this [INAUDIBLE].
21:05It is to stay in that good trouble and
to create that art of possibility,
21:09so that more people can ascend, and
really see the power that they have, but
21:14also be rewarded with their hard work and
effort.
21:17And so progress is slow,
but we are making progress.
21:20And I think we have to stay hopeful.
21:22At least, I'm hopeful, I have no choice.
21:23I have a lot of kids.
21:25And I have to stay hopeful and believe
that they will have better days than I and
21:31>> Under your leadership,
I'm sure they will, and
21:33they'll be leaders themselves, very soon.
21:35>> So, Shonda, I want to end with
a couple questions that are directly for
21:42They have 20 days till they graduate.
21:45So we'll look for some advice from
you on a couple different topics.
21:49>> Amazing, so, firstly, folks they love
the titles, the gold-plated careers.
21:56But as you said earlier, you rent your
title and you own your character, right?
22:02>> So, what advice, and
you made this decision for yourself,
22:05choosing the right position over money.
22:07What advice would you give folks that are,
perhaps,
22:10grappling with that decision right now?
22:12>> Well I'm glad you brought that
point because I do think I want you
22:15all to write down and to know that you
rent your title, you own your character.
22:20So you should show what
was your ownable assets.
22:23And so when you're thinking about the job
and you're thinking about the opportunity,
22:27what I would say is,
make sure that whatever role you take or
22:31whatever position, understand the culture.
22:33Understand who you are.
22:36Understand and know that you
have the power to make progress.
22:40And I also think that it's important to
make sure that, whatever road you travel,
22:45to stay intellectually curious, and even
if you take a role that may not be ideal,
22:49understand that there's
a lesson in that moment.
22:53There's a lesson in that journey.
22:55And so, it's not so
much about which job you take or what,
22:59just make sure that whatever you decide,
stick with it, take the lesson,
23:04and know that I would rather take
those lessons getting started, so
23:08that when you level up, you're prepared,
because you've been tested.
23:13Versus running from job to job,
the minute it gets a little tough, or
23:17you don't like something,
then how are you going to grow?
23:20And then how are you going to have
a perspective to be able to tell someone
23:24else something along the way?
23:26So, rent your title, own your character.
23:29When you think about your role,
stay curious, stick with it, and
23:32think about what's the lesson that
you're supposed to learn, and
23:35what is the gift that you're supposed
to give to that environment?
23:39>> Strong start, I like all that advice,
I'm going to follow it myself.
23:44>> How about a mentorship?
23:45So you've mentioned before, perhaps you
don't learn as much as you think from
23:49the person seven levels
above you in the C suite.
23:52Perhaps it's the people around you
that you should be looking for, for
23:56What did you mean by that?
23:58So, the minute we get into corporate
America, all of a sudden we're like,
24:02I need these mentors that
are already in these big rolls,
24:05but I like to remind people
mentorship is all around you.
24:09It's all around you.
24:11And what I mean by that, is when you
think about who you are, there's so
24:17So how could one person
give you that entire gift?
24:21So I get mentored by sister.
24:23She shows me the power of service of how
she shows up on my behalf with excellence.
24:30I am mentored by having this
opportunity with the youth,
24:33the people that are going
to do amazing things.
24:36And so
my point is mentorship is all around you.
24:39It's in the history books that you read.
24:41It's in the observations of the youth,
it's in senior leaders as well,
24:46but the most important thing is to
understand that if you are truly trying
24:51to hone your skills, then you should
hone that skill of not limiting who
24:56mentors you by their rented title.
24:59But who is showing up in a way that can
teach you something that can iron your
25:03hone your skill set in a way that
you can be a better human and
25:07I just think mentorship is all around us.
25:10You have to just open up your eyes and
25:11be willing to receive it in whichever
form that it presents itself.
25:17I think closely on that topic around
looking to the folks around you for
25:22leadership and for inspiration, your
friends and perhaps your partner as well.
25:28I think we have a couple
of pictures to show
25:33>> You guys did your work.
25:36>> I love the fact check those comments.
25:38There, key to a long relationship
flirt with your husband.
25:45>> Best board CEO way to lay except that
the most important business decision you
25:49make is your partner,
>> Yeah.
25:50>> I understand you guys have
a wonderful relationship
25:54>> What advice would you give
the MBAs on their friends and
25:57if you want their partner selection?
25:59>> Well, I love this question, because so
26:02many times when we think about
a relationship, you may say,
26:07I want him to do this, and I want him
to do that or this or that for me.
26:13But it's the matters of the heart.
26:15And the reality is I have a man
who is anchored in character.
26:19I have a man who believes that
his role is to lighten my load,
26:23who understands that I
want to impact the world.
26:27And so as a result,
he's an engineer and a marine.
26:31But he's a stay at home, dad.
26:33He runs our family office I like to say.
26:36[LAUGH] And Buddy, but what I just
think it's about a partnership and
26:40it's about those ownable assets and so
whomever you choose to spend your time
26:45with, whether it's in life or
in friendships.
26:48Think about the character, think about
the ownable assets because that's really
26:53what's going to help you navigate
your storms, your ups and your downs.
26:57And I'm just incredibly blessed that I
have a partner who truly is my partner
27:03And most importantly, he's on this journey
to help me be the best version of myself
27:07that I can possibly be.
27:09And he's additive to who I am and
being able to unlock all of who I am when
27:14it comes to being a mother,
a philanthropist, an executive and
27:19all the other titles that
are part of my portfolio.
27:23>> That's incredible.
27:24I love to hear that.
27:25I think it's wonderful advice.
27:28Find someone additive, who supports you,
who makes a better person, right?
27:32>> Absolutely, absolutely.
27:36One more on the career side and
then we'll give you our final question.
27:39So, obviously you took the new role at TI.
27:42>> Yes.
>> What advice would you give to folks
27:45as they make these decisions craps,
they love the rule they read before but
27:49now opportunity arises,
27:50what is kind of your thought process and
how do you make those decisions?
27:54>> Yeah, it's such a great question
because I absolutely loved my prior role.
28:00I loved the company, the people.
28:03I felt like I still had a lot of runway.
28:07But I also believe in
the art of possibility, and
28:10I believe in getting uncomfortable.
28:13And clearly, if there was a word to
describe 2020, it was uncomfortability.
28:19But what was beautiful is when you
sit down in your quiet moments and
28:24you ask yourself,
are you reaching your highest potential,
28:28not from a title perspective,
from an impact perspective.
28:32And when I realised that I wanted to
be open to the art of possibility
28:37that maybe I can show up in a way
that could be even more impactful,
28:42TIAA came knocking at the door.
28:45And now what I can say in hindsight, of
course, is that to be able to be the CEO,
28:51a TIAA full circle when I think about my
parents, to be able to be the first woman,
28:58third African American to make history
in so many ways, that's impact.
29:04I like to say, sometimes we say,
we're trying to crack the ceiling.
29:08Forget the ceiling, just step outside.
29:10>> [LAUGH]
>> [INAUDIBLE] Sometimes we just have to
29:14get out of our box of comfortability and
know that we are worthy and deserving.
29:21And taking a risk is not a risk
if your objective is impact.
29:27If your objective is something
higher than yourself,
29:30then you have to be okay with getting
uncomfortable and then going for it.
29:35Listen to that quiet voice.
29:37Do the work, be prepared.
29:39Don't leave when you're frustrated or mad.
29:41Make sure you have a clear mind and
a clear heart.
29:44And listen to what could be there for you.
29:48And be okay with it.
29:49What's the worst that could happen?
29:52>> Pretty good advice,
another set of incredible lines,
29:55forget the ceiling step outside.
29:57It seems like you've
practiced this before.
29:59>> No hey, it's just real.
30:01And I try to I always say
model the behavior you aspire,
30:05just don't talk about it, be about it.
30:07And so for me, when I'm sharing with
all of you is what I've experienced.
30:13It's how I make sure that I'm
always stepping into larger and
30:18larger containers and
not feeling that limited.
30:22And sometimes, especially as a woman,
as a black woman,
30:26those limitations can feel heavy.
30:28And that's when you have to say when
people are are saying things or
30:32maybe marginalizing you, you have to
do like when you receive something
30:36in the mail and it's not addressed to you,
you return that to sender.
30:41And so, if people are coming for
me on things that are not me or
30:44do not define me,
I'm not going to own that.
30:47I'm just going to politely just
return that back to sender,
30:51because that is not who I am.
30:52And that means I'm limitless.
30:55And that means if I have to step outside,
that's what I will do.
30:59One last question for
31:01you to Shawn that would ask us
to all the speakers this year.
31:04In this challenging moment.
31:06In these tough times, what principles
do you rely on as a leader?
31:11>> Wow, I mean first my faith
is really important to me.
31:16My character,
knowing that it's okay to not be okay,
31:23knowing that this too shall pass.
31:30Knowing that in our vulnerability
can be the unlocks of possibility.
31:36And I think as a leader,
this notion of being curious,
31:42not just from a business sense.
31:47But I want to know you.
31:49I want to know what motivates you.
31:51I want to know what makes your
heart heavy, because as a leader,
31:56I think if I can show my vulnerability,
then I create permission for you to
32:01show yours and it's in that vulnerability
That allows us to take a breath.
32:07And that allows us to no
longer wear the mask.
32:10Paul Laurence Dunbar wrote a poem in 1913
Wear the Mask, we can take the mask off.
32:17And then we can really focus on the work.
32:20And I think that's so important when
I think about leadership principles,
32:24character, curiosity,
being vulnerable, authentic, and
32:28just knowing that the goal for me is
to be the best version of myself, and
32:33that's what I expect for everyone else.
32:35And in order for you to be the best
version of you, have to create space for
32:39you to do that, unapologetically.
32:42>> Thank you so much Shonda for
chatting right now.
32:45It's been a complete pleasure.
32:47What a wonderful message to leave with.
32:49We have 2 student questions, and
I know my classmates are incredible,
32:53so they're going to raise
the bar even higher.
32:56I'm excited to invite
them to join [CROSSTALK]
33:00>> Hi.
I can't believe I'm talking
33:05I worked at JPMorgan Chase in
operations for the last 3 and
33:10a half years, so I know you as T.
33:12>> [LAUGH]
>> Thank you T for joining, I'm so
33:17Okay, so
we talked about this already a little bit.
33:19And so maybe I'll position this
question a little bit more tactically.
33:22But, one of the things that has always
struck me have been your anecdotes about,
33:28leading people of all levels
in an enormous institution.
33:32And the way you've done that is to build
those relationships in the mailroom etc.
33:38So I am pivoting to
a career in hospitality,
33:41which is a big shift from
operations at JPMorgan.
33:44[LAUGH] And as someone who's seen you
model this behavior so well, I'm wondering
33:48what tactics you could share about how to
build that credibility with those folks,
33:53when you're education
levels are different, and
33:56your perspectives are different, but
you're all critical to the work.
34:02So yeah, I just love your thoughts and
thanks again.
34:05>> First of all, thank you so
much Lauren, right.
34:09Okay, great.
Well, it's so great to meet you Lauren.
34:11First I would say congratulations
on deciding that you want to pivot.
34:17I can feel it.
Your like, I don't know, but
34:19you really want to do it.
34:21Here's what you need to remember Lauren,
show with your ownable assets.
34:26What makes you special, is that you have
your own story and your own narrative.
34:32You worked in operations,
so you understand process.
34:35You transfer that into hospitality,
that is really important.
34:39The process, the change management,
the different roles, what people do and
34:44how that impacts the presentment
of ultimately whatever that is.
34:48You have that muscle.
34:50And so, you may need to just be reminded
that the work that you put in over
34:54the years is preparing you for
this moment.
34:57Understanding the back office, and
understanding how important it is.
35:02It's so critical in hospitality, because
you'll see the people that are cleaning
35:07the rooms or preparing the meals or
doing the landscaping, and you understand
35:12that they are so important, to
the customer facing part of the equation.
35:17And then lastly, bet on yourself,
and show up with your character,
35:21show up with your intellectual curiosity,
show up with your humble spirit,
35:26show up with that smile,
show up with that level of,
35:30I don't know anything about it, but I'm so
excited to show up with all of that.
35:35Because that gets that expression,
that look you just gave,
35:39that's what's warming,
that's what's inviting, and ultimately,
35:43that's where your magic lies,
that's where your superpower lies.
35:47>> Thank you so much.
35:48I feel so known in 2 minutes.
35:50>> [LAUGH] It's real though,
it really is real.
35:53So good luck to you.
35:54>> Thank you.
You look fantastic
35:59>> It's an honor you're here with us.
36:02Like Chloe, I am in awe and I'm just so
grateful to see you on the screen.
36:06So I really appreciate that.
36:08I actually have to give credit to this
question to one of my classmates who
36:13inspired it, Danielle.
36:14And my question is,
sometimes if there is a CEO who is from
36:19an underrepresented background,
or who is a woman, Q&A,
36:23his fireside chats,
etc often focus on that identity.
36:28And I mean,
we've talked about this already today, and
36:31these questions are important.
36:33But I also imagine that it can be somewhat
draining to have to answer what it's
36:38like to be a black woman
in your role sometimes, and
36:41other CEOs don't have to do that.
36:43So I'm curious to hear from you,
what question do we not ask you enough?
36:48And if you're willing,
could you answer that question for us?
36:51>> [LAUGH] Wow, what a powerful question.
36:55You said Danielle, I gave you that.
36:57Well, shout out to Danielle, and
to you Chelsea for asking it.
37:01Let me attack it in a couple of ways.
37:05First and foremost the reality is, being
black has shaped so much of who I am.
37:13And the reality is,
I feel privileged to have the opportunity
37:18to talk about being black or
being a woman because,
37:23I'm trying to get the world to
get proximate to who we are,
37:27so that we can change the outcome and
37:30the narrative of what is possible,
and to show that we belong.
37:36And so, I am more than happy to
carry the burden if you will,
37:40because it's not for them it's for you.
37:46That's what it's for.
37:47And I know that so many women, and so
many black women still feel invisible.
37:54And so,
if I chose to ignore that question,
37:58or chose to just talk about
return on capital or SBA, or
38:02earnings, you would still not
feel like you're being seen.
38:08And so, I just think it's
important to know your audience.
38:12And for me, I'm very confident
in my ability to perform,
38:15you can check the receipts.
38:18But what I really want to make sure,
is that a Chelsea can have a shot and
38:23when there's more than just rather than I
leading a fortune 500 as 2 black women,
38:29then maybe I won't need to
answer those questions.
38:33And to be quite honest, if the question
wasn't asked, I would bring it up.
38:37Because I need to make sure that more
women, and more women of color, and
38:42more people of color, can understand that
their voice is necessary and required.
38:47And I cannot water down our history,
I cannot water down our story.
38:52And the more than I'm okay bringing
that narrative into the boardrooms and
38:57it's a corporate America, from my hair,
braid, straight to my changing of glasses,
39:02to raising a black boy,
all of those narratives are important.
39:07So I'm not going to water it down,
39:08and in fact, I'm going to make sure that
those stories continue to be stated.
39:13Now if you want to ask what
questions people don't ask,
39:18that I wish that they
would ask me more of.
39:22I would just say more about purpose.
39:25Because again,
my performance speaks for itself.
39:29You cannot be a leader and not perform.
39:34But what I want people to
really ask me about, is my why.
39:38Why do I believe I am the one with
the privilege of having this seat.
39:43And therefore I get to share more
about purpose and impact, and
39:47my purpose is to inspire others.
39:50And if I can share more about who I
am unapologetically, then hopefully I
39:55can inspire more people, more women,
more under privileged or the voiceless,
40:01to see that they have a shot and
they have a shot unapologetically though.
40:07So hopefully that answers the question.
40:09>> Definitely does, and
a very, very powerful answer.
40:12Thank you so much, really appreciate it.
40:14>> Thank you, thank you.
40:16Such a great question.
40:18>> Fantastic question.
40:19I'm so fortunate,
my classmates is incredible,
40:21as you've just seen in a small snippet,
lucky place to be in here.
40:26Tashanda, we have a lightning round to
close, I hope you're prepared for this.
40:32>> Yes, maybe not, but we'll see [LAUGH]
>> We'll see, [LAUGH] all right.
40:36I know you're a basketball family,
so we'll start very simple.
40:42>> Okay, I like to decide.
40:44>> I have to, right, the speaker
bringing brilliance to the boardroom.
40:49I love LeBron, but
definitely love Jordan as well, so.
40:54>> Okay, Kim Mulkey's 40 and
0 Lady Bears from 2011 to 2012 or
40:59the men's national championship
team from this past year?
41:04>> [SOUND] This March Madness was crazy.
41:08>> Wow, both,
I mean I know I have to choose, but
41:13my gosh, both amazing runs, amazing runs.
41:19>> That's fair, I was very happy to
see Baylor beat Gonzaga personally,
41:26>> Better album, Beyoncé's Dangerously
in Love or Jay Z's Watch the Throne?
41:32>> I'm all about to bee hive,
so Dangerously in Love.
41:38>> Okay, should we pay off student debt
now or invest in our retirement savings?
41:43>> [LAUGH] Both, both, work to pay down
your debt and always stay invested.
41:50>> Awesome, last one, and there's no
choice, we just need your answer.
41:54So there's a bunch of x consultants and
bankers and
41:57folks that love their
points listening right now.
42:01How should we spend those Chase points?
42:03What's the best way to do it?
42:05>> I mean, I'm all about travel, and
hopefully we'll be able to unlock that and
42:09get back traveling all around the world,
travel.
42:12>> Where is the first place
you're going after this all ends?
42:15>> I mean I've traveled to Texas, so
I've had a little bit of travel, and
42:20I can't wait to go back.
42:21But most importantly, I can't wait to get
my kids on a plane to continue to see
42:26the world, all around the world.
42:28I just think it's really important.
42:30>> Great, Tashonda, again, thank you so
much for this conversation.
42:33It's been absolutely incredible.
42:35>> Well let me just close
by saying thank you.
42:40You have been a phenomenal interviewer,
you had me smiling.
42:42I'm just looking at you and looked at all
the bios, you all are quite impressive.
42:47The future is bright because you all
have made a lot of great choices.
42:51And clearly being part
of the Stanford family,
42:54I can't wait to see what you all do next
as a family, as a village if you will.
42:59But remember to always reach for the moon,
because even if you miss you'll be among
43:04the stars, and
your future is pretty bright.
43:06So thank you so much for the time.
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