TCI holds its 4th Annual Town Hall: Leading Through Extraordinary Times

Thank you to everyone who attended TCI’s 4th Annual Town Hall Event: Leading Through Extraordinary Times!

On Wednesday, TCI held its 4th Annual Town Hall, featuring a group of technology, business, education, media, and health care executives who engaged in live discussion in a virtual town-hall business forum. The event was moderated by Liz Walker, former news anchor, and featured panelists Paula Johnson, President, Wellesley College; Shirley Leung, Columnist & Associate Editor, The Boston Globe; Stefania Mallett, Co-Founder & CEO, ezCater; Quincy Miller, President, Eastern Bank; and Betsy Nabel, President, Brigham Health.

A few key themes that came out of Wednesday’s candid and thoughtful discussion, framed by board chair, Pam Reeve:

1. Reset – The COVID-19 pandemic has slowed us down and given us a chance to take a close look at the issues that pervade our society, and pay particular attention to issues of systemic racism and injustice. The opportunity to hit the “reset button” comes with the requirement of hard work, and intentionality on the part of leaders at a level of detail and measurable action.
2. Activism – We are all called to be activists at this time. Speak up! We must hold each other accountable on the personal and professional levels. We must be intentional in the organizations we are choosing to support. Show up at the polls and endorse legislation that makes a difference. Create community. Have conversations with people within and outside of your circle. Learn and educate. Build trust. Build understanding.
3. Leadership – Reimagining work, school, life — we can’t go back to the way things were. Building systems of ANTI-racism requires strong leaders who lead by example and measurement. Commit to moving the needle of women of color in the leadership pipeline.

Books mentioned:

• Breaking Through: The Making of Minority Executives in Corporate America by David A. Thomas and John J. Gabarro
• I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown
• How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi

Thank you to all who participated in this lively discussion!