Donnebra McClendon, the Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Dayforce, joins Joel for a discussion on authentic leadership, the power of sponsorship, and the importance of humility in personal and professional growth. With over 19 years of experience in developing unbiased and inclusive leaders, Donnebra shares advice for those seeking to make an impact in their careers and beyond.
Key Takeaways:
Authenticity is key to effective leadership. Donnebra encourages people to show up as their true selves, emphasizing that there can only be one you. When you're confident in what you bring to the table, you can focus on building genuine connections and empowering others.
Sponsorship, or power mentorship, is critical for career advancement. While your work will get you paid, you need a sponsor to get promoted. Donnebra advises identifying someone with visibility and influence who can open doors and advocate for you, and being vulnerable enough to ask for their support.
Humility is a superpower, not a weakness. Donnebra sees humility as the ability to recognize what you don't know and the desire to continue learning from others. By approaching leadership with humility, you can build trust, foster growth, and create an environment where people feel valued.
Celebrate mistakes and create a safe space for learning. Donnebra believes that people are genuinely good and want to do their best. By welcoming mistakes as opportunities for growth and forgiveness, leaders can help their teams stay on track and aligned with core values.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to develop their leadership skills, build authentic relationships, and create a culture of inclusivity and growth. Donnebra's passion for lifelong learning and her commitment to empowering others shine through in every insight she shares.
To learn more about Donnebra's work promoting literacy in the Tampa Bay area, check out the nonprofit she co-founded, Leaders are Readers, and follow her on social media for her upcoming series on authentic leadership, launching March 29th.
What you can take away from this episode...
Episode Transcript
Donnebra McClendon has dedicated over 17 years to cultivating consciously unbiased and intentionally inclusive leaders at Dayforce (formerly Ceridian).
As a lifelong learner, Donnebra holds a bachelor's degree in Educational Leadership and a master's degree in Transformative Leadership from Bethune Cookman University. She has also earned certifications in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Cornell University and the University of South Florida. Currently, Donnebra is pursuing a doctoral degree in Strategic Leadership at Carolina University.
Passionate about reading and its power to transform lives, Donnebra co-founded Leaders are Readers, a non-profit organization committed to improving literacy in underserved communities throughout the Tampa Bay area.