Dr. Debonair Oates-Primus is the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Oak View Group, the largest developer of sports and live entertainment venues in the world. An award-winning DEI practitioner, she is recognized for her contributions as a race and gender studies scholar, educator, and strategist. With a robust background in DEI research and consulting, Dr. Oates-Primus has provided inclusive strategic vision and intentional value and goal setting across a variety of organizations. Her expertise and dedication to fostering diverse and inclusive environments have positioned her as a key figure in the advancement of DEI initiatives within the industry.
Here’s a Glimpse of What You’ll Learn:
- [0:38] Introduction to Debonair Oates-Primus, her role as Vice President of DEI at Oak View Group, and her career journey.
- [5:53] Overview of Oak View Group and its work in sports and live entertainment venue management.
- [9:01] Strategies for creating psychological safety and fostering innovation within organizations.
- [13:30] Debonair’s unconventional journey from academia to DEI leadership in sports and entertainment.
- [19:41] The importance of inclusive hiring and how Debonair introduced DEI initiatives in academia.
- [23:38] Challenges and opportunities in promoting DEI in the sports and live entertainment industry.
- [29:57] Leveraging data to demonstrate the impact of DEI work and tracking both big and small wins.
- [37:22] Building collaboration through the DEI executive caucus and fostering senior leadership engagement.
- [43:20] The role of DEI councils in retaining diverse talent and expanding DEI work beyond performative efforts.
- [50:39] Emerging trends in DEI, such as transparency and the integration of DEI as a business accelerator.
- [55:45] Professional colleagues and mentors who inspire Debonair, including Alexis Rowe and Laura Dixon.
- [59:28] How Debonair recharges and maintains balance, including therapy, reading, and music.
In This Episode…
How can leaders in the sports and entertainment industries turn the concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion into actionable realities? What does it take to shift from academic theory to impactful practice in these dynamic fields?
According to Dr. Debonair Oates-Primus, it requires a deep understanding of systemic inequities, a robust foundation in academic knowledge, and the courage to apply these insights in new contexts. Drawing from her journey through academia, a challenging battle with breast cancer, and her unyielding commitment to DEI, Dr. Oates-Primus emphasizes the importance of transparency, data-driven strategies, and the power of personal resilience. Her approach blends rigorous scholarly foundations with innovative strategies tailored for the unique ecosystems of sports, media, and entertainment, demonstrating that transformation is possible with dedication and insight.
In this episode of WRK & WIN, Corinne Milien and Dr. Debonair Oates-Primus, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Oak View Group, delve into the intricacies of bridging academic excellence with practical DEI initiatives. They discuss the transition from academia to industry leadership, the role of data and transparency in fostering inclusion, and the importance of self-care for DEI practitioners.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
- Corinne Milien on LinkedIn
- WRK
- Dr. Debonair Oates-Primus on LinkedIn
- Oak View Group
- “Breaking Barriers for Creative Talent With Justin Riley” on the WRK & WIN podcast
- “[Golf Series] From Politics to Golf: Marsha Oliver’s Unconventional Path” on the WRK & WIN podcast
- “Driving Revenue and Impact: The Art of Sports Partnerships With Laila Brock” on the WRK & WIN podcast
- Pro Sports Assembly
- Alexis Roe on LinkedIn
- Vincent Pierson on LinkedIn
- The Black Sport Business Academy
- Gregory Gibson Jr. on LinkedIn
- Black Sports Business Symposium
- Laura Dixon on LinkedIn
- Chris Granger on LinkedIn
- Ann Jackson on LinkedIn
- Joyce Leveston on LinkedIn
- Dan Griffis on LinkedIn
- Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower by Brittney Cooper
- More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say) by Elaine Welteroth
Sponsor for this episode…
This episode is brought to you by WRK.
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