The pandemic hasn’t slowed Woodard down at all. By July 2021, his booked dollars had already surpassed his annual goal by nearly 27%. His optimism, work ethic, and outgoing personality are great traits for anyone in sales, but Woodard’s honesty, compassion and communication skills make an even deeper impact, especially with his mentees at INSP and beyond. Woodard knows that expressing diverse perspectives can pose a challenge in the workplace. “Many organizations champion the culture of honest and open communication; however, it falls short for the lack of genuineness felt and the fear of possible retribution. If there is a feeling of apprehension that if you happen to not agree with the top level or have a different perspective that somehow, in some way, it may backfire, then it is unlikely that people will engage in honest communication,” he says. “One must be secure in knowing that those in charge are approachable, will not be judgmental, that there is room for legitimate feedback and that their opinions are valued.”
Do you think there has been significant progress on DEI in the industry in the past year?
I do believe there has been DEI progress within the industry in the past year versus prior years. I am not sure however, that the progress is significant. We are seeing an increased number of minorities in top management positions who are now being given an opportunity to pursue and succeed in a rather fair environment. Providing these opportunities is not just a morally responsible decision but is also forward-thinking steps toward success. However, even with the current efforts, the attainment still falls short although not for the lack of trying but rather due to a lack of knowledge regarding how to implement significant and lasting change in the grand scheme of things.
There must be a concerted and sustained commitment by cable and broadcast companies to create ways to attract and engage with a more diverse group. They should also ensure that those, with whom they do business, also foster similar policies and ideas to nurture this process and create ways to award those companies who understand and contribute to this ongoing endeavor.
Companies/people need to make this a generational decision with open and honest discussions relative to issues, strategies and initiatives regarding DEI. Establishing and maintaining the ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion with the added elements of gender, age, race ethnicity, culture, religion, national origin, and economic status. Reviewing and adjusting these commitments regularly to remain relevant and effective is essential as is enforcing accountability and transparent dialogue. Each participant should be committed to creating programs within the industry both individually and collectively with the understanding that this is not a trend but a long-term endeavor.
My best advice for fostering open, honest communication…
The best advice I can offer to foster honest communication is that the opportunity must be transparent, genuine and it MUST start at the top. Whether the top is the owner, the COO, a Director or a Manager. At whatever level the communication begins, it should be felt as if anything said will legitimately be taken into account. Many organizations champion the culture of honest and open communication; however, it falls short for the lack of genuineness felt and the fear of possible retribution. If there is a feeling of apprehension that if you happen to not agree with the top level or have a different perspective that somehow, in some way, it may backfire, then it is unlikely that people will engage in honest communication.
One must be secure in knowing that those in charge are approachable, will not be judgmental, that there is room for legitimate feedback and that their opinions are valued.
Favorite current show that you feel embraces D&I?
Currently, “Blackish” is a television show that I believe encompasses a full range of diversity and inclusion. “Blackish” focuses on an African American, upper-middle-class family in the suburbs. Navigating issues dealing with family, life, current events; and, occasionally, racism. It’s fun, light and humorous but the show also knows how to get down to the issues.
The father works at an ad agency as VP of their Urban unit and having to deal with and understand how Black and White workers process information differently; but in the end it’s when those differences are embraced and accepted is what makes them successful individuals, which, in turn, makes for a successful ad agency. With the message being that although we are unique individuals, we can always find common ground. The show is insightful, educational, poignant, and very much in-tune with what is going on in the world today.