IBJ‘s The Freedom Forum with Angela B. Freeman

The Freedom Forum: Robert Shegog, CEO at Recorder Media Group

Robert Shegog is the President and CEO of a historically diverse media organization based in Indianapolis, Recorder Media Group. In this episode, Robert discusses how he has been perfectly positioned for his current role. Robert specifically describes how his unique experiences of being raised in the Deep South, being a Navy veteran, graduating from a HBCU, and overcoming a speech impediment have all collectively worked to develop his leadership skills, build his confidence, provide transferable skills, and drive his current passions around giving “a voice to the voiceless”! Robert also gives us a snippet of what may be expected from the 17th Annual Champion of Diversity awards program coming in January, 2024.

The Freedom Forum: Alan Mills, Partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Alan Mills, often referred to as “The Godfather” of Barnes & Thornburg LLP, is a partner at the Indianapolis office.  Moreso, Alan is the first African-American/Black employee, attorney, and partner at Barnes & Thornburg.  He has built a career, reputation, and legacy on doing great legal work and increasing the diverse representation of attorneys at Barnes & Thornburg and at all levels and facets of the legal industry. Alan is a connector and is responsible for helping attorneys across this country, particularly diverse attorneys, obtain and thrive in legal careers in firms, corporations, government, and elsewhere.  In this episode, Alan drops some knowledge and wisdom on the evolution of the legal community and its practices here in Indiana as he prepares for his impending retirement at the end of 2023 after 41 years as a lawyer.

The Freedom Forum: Marisa Kwiatkowski, Investigative Reporter at USA TODAY

Marisa Kwiatkowski is an investigative reporter at USA Today.  In this episode, Marisa talks about diversity, equity, and inclusion in journalism and media and how she’s seen the industry change over the last two decades. Marisa also discusses how the Hoosier state was critical to her success in this industry and why it’s important for aspiring journalists to know there is a future in Indiana for you.

The Freedom Forum: Juan Gonzalez, President - Central Indiana, KeyBank

Juan Gonzalez is the President of the Central Indiana market for KeyBank. In this episode, Juan talks about his experiences in Indiana business over the last two decades. Juan was particularly candid about the wealth of opportunity he has found in Indiana after coming here from Colombia to attend graduate school and how his inclusion in the Hoosier culture continues to drive his corporate and community engagement today.

 

 

 

 

 

The Freedom Forum: Anthony Prather, Vice President & General Counsel at Indiana University (IU)

Anthony Prather is the Vice President and General Counsel of IU. In this episode, Anthony shares some valuable lessons he has learned over the course of his long and esteemed legal career as both inside and outside counsel. Anthony also shared how those lessons continue to inform his leadership as chief legal officer of IU. Anthony was very transparent and forthright about his experiences and his commitment to ensure diverse representation in his outside legal counsel and how he actively works to ensure qualified diverse talent is considered at all levels of IU’s legal organization.

The Freedom Forum: Brandi Davis-Handy, Chief Customer Officer at The AES Corporation

Brandi Davis-Handy is the Chief Customer Officer, US Utilities at The AES Corporation. In this second anniversary episode, Brandi discusses the importance of people-centric cultures and community engagement to provide public visibility and validation to any company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) objectives and progress. As an Indianapolis native, Brandi conveys her hometown pride in the progress our city and state have made on the DEI front. She also offers valuable suggestions on how our business community can continue to impact and elevate its DEI presence on a national level.

The Freedom Forum: Rod Cotton, Senior Vice President, Chief of Staff and Head of Strategy & Transformation at Roche

Rod Cotton is the  Chief of Staff and Head of Strategy & Transformation at Roche. In this episode, Rod discusses his views and vantage point on the evolution and elevation of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and initiatives over his 40+ year career in the healthcare industry. Rod also shares many nuggets of wisdom and personally treasured moments resulting from his professional involvement in DEI programs at the executive leadership and C-suite level, particularly as he eyes official retirement at the close of this month. 

The Freedom Forum: Kim Thomas, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at One America

Kim Thomas is the Chief DEI Officer & Head of Community Affairs at One America. In this episode, Kim shares how the goals and expectations for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and programs have changed over the last two decades in multiple fields, particularly from the Human Resources perspective. Kim also discussed how she and her team remain inspired and motivated to further impact change for the future of DEI in the financial industry.

The Freedom Forum: William Heath, Group Vice President of Medicines Innovation Hub (MIH) at Eli Lilly and Company

In this episode, William (Bill) Heath, Group Vice President of Medicines Innovation Hub (MIH) at Eli Lilly and Company, shares his experiential learnings and empathetic approach to implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) based on his background, upbringing, and the diverse individuals who surround him.  He also discusses the importance of these "reverse mentors" in recognizing and overcoming barriers and obstacles to identifying and hiring new diverse talent. Bill further emphasizes the importance of creating an inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued and supported and highlights the role of leadership in promoting DEI and holding themselves accountable for progress.

The Freedom Forum: Nichole Wilson, Vice President of Community Health Operations at IU Health

For this Women’s History Month episode we are joined by Nichole Wilson. Nichole is the Vice President of Community Health Operations at IU Health and an Indianapolis native. She stopped by the studio to drop some insightful and encouraging knowledge about her tenure and advancement in healthcare administration and executive leadership over the last two decades. Nichole also shared how she and her team are working hard to be a “voice for the voiceless” with regard to health and pay equity as critically necessary to improve health and economic outcomes for all Indianapolis and Hoosier residents.