Nzinga Shaw is a seasoned C-suite executive known for her pioneering work in human capital management, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and change management. As the President and CEO of Attack the Glass, she brings extensive experience in strategic planning, employee relations, and community engagement. Nzinga has served as the first chief DEI officer at four blue-chip organizations: Edelman, Starbucks, Marsh McLennan, and the Atlanta Hawks. Recognized with multiple 40 under 40 awards, she serves on prestigious boards such as Fisk University and the Carter Center, reflecting her commitment to impactful leadership and community engagement.
Here’s a Glimpse of What You’ll Learn:
[0:05] Introduction and welcome by Corinne Milien.
[1:59] Nzinga’s background and journey, including her influence from her parents and education at Spelman College.
[5:05] The impact of being an only child on Nzinga’s resilience and problem-solving skills.
[6:06] Nzinga’s transition from Spelman to working at Essence magazine and pursuing her Master’s at the University of Pennsylvania.
[7:01] The capstone project on the Miss USA pageant system and its influence on her approach to human capital management.
[9:53] How the pageant experience shaped Nzinga’s problem-solving and strategic thinking skills.
[11:42] Defining impact leadership and the importance of creating a lasting legacy.
[13:06] The significance of soft skills and how they contribute to effective leadership.
[15:50] The role of humanity in leadership and intentional humanities education.
[18:19] Practical steps to improve soft skills and foster humanity in the workplace.
[20:41] Challenges and advice for change agents looking to drive impact within their organizations.
[23:38] How to support and develop the next generation of leaders with patience and empathy.
[25:22] Characteristics of impactful leaders and the importance of listening.
[28:01] Nzinga’s excitement about the future and her focus on happiness and well-being.
[30:44] Balancing personal responsibilities with community service and strategic volunteering.
[32:13] Encouraging listeners to take action and make a difference in their communities.
[33:23] Mentors and advice that shaped Nzinga’s career, including valuable lessons from her time at the NFL.
In This Episode…
How can leaders create lasting organizational impact?
Nzinga Shaw, a trailblazer in human capital management, believes in the power of impact leadership and creating spaces for meaningful conversations. She shares her journey from an intellectually curious child of educators to a transformative leader in major organizations. Nzinga emphasizes the importance of soft skills, empathy, and listening in leadership, and provides insights into how individuals and organizations can drive positive change.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
- Corinne Milien on LinkedIn
- WRK on LinkedIn
- Nzinga Shaw on LinkedIn
- Attack the Glass
Quotable Moments:
- “Impact leadership is about creating something so good that it withstands the test of time.”
- “Soft skills are more important than hard skills; they determine how you get along with people.”
- “Find what the company isn’t doing well and learn how to do it, and you’ll always be invaluable.”
- “Happiness is the ultimate goal; work is just a means to get things done that lead to happiness.”
Action Steps:
- Enhance Soft Skills: Focus on developing empathy, listening, and other soft skills to improve interpersonal interactions.
- Engage in Community Service: Find opportunities to volunteer and contribute to your community, balancing personal and professional responsibilities.
- Drive Change Locally: Start with small, manageable projects to create impact within your immediate environment.
- Foster Inclusive Environments: Create spaces where diverse voices are heard and valued, promoting collaboration and innovation.
- Pursue Continuous Learning: Stay curious and open to learning new skills and perspectives to enhance your leadership capabilities.