Welcome back to the Intersection Podcast! In this episode, I have the privilege of speaking with Corliss Gardner, the Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Old National Bank. Corliss began her career in finance and, like many of us, found her passion in creating more equitable and inclusive workplaces. .

We discuss Corliss's background, beginning with her early start in banking and how she navigated spaces often being “the only” .

In this conversation, we discuss…

• The importance of mentorship and sponsorship in navigating your career.
• the challenges and successes she faced often being the only Black woman in professional spaces.
• the significance of building support networks and communities to foster a sense of belonging and combat isolation.
• insights into her collaborative approach, partnering with stakeholders to ensure DEI lens is embedded in processes and practices.

This episode is a must-listen for those commited to driving meaningful change in organizational culture. Corliss Gardner's experiences and insights provide valuable guidance for navigating professional spaces, embedding DEI into business practices, and envisioning a future of true belonging.

Resources:

Corliss Garner’s Linkedin