How They See Us
How They See Us is a monthly conversation between industry leaders and our President, Denise Herd, discussing how they navigate the challenges of public perception within their fields.
Listen up.
How They See Us is now available on Podbean so you can listen on the go. Check out all episodes here, and tune in biweekly for more.
Episode 26: Unspoken rules: Why we code-switch
Join host Denise Herd as she dives deep into the complex world of code-switching, uncovering why so many of us adapt our language, behavior, and even appearance to navigate different spaces.
This episode examines the personal and cultural impacts of code-switching, revealing what it says about societal norms and expectations. From exploring shifts in self-expression to discussing the significance of legislation like the CROWN Act, Denise unpacks the forces that shape how we present ourselves.
Episode 25: The State of Girls and Women in Indiana
Tune in to Episode 14 of How They See Us as our host, Denise Herd, is joined by Mackenzie Pickerrell, Executive Director of the Girl Coalition of Indiana, and Tamara Winfrey-Harris, President of the Women’s Fund of Central Indiana, for an in-depth discussion on the current state of Indiana girls and women.
Episode 24: What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?
In this episode, host Denise Herd, president of Herd Strategies, discusses how education influences our career paths and future success. Whether aiming for higher education or entering the workforce, she emphasizes the critical role schooling plays in helping us achieve our goals.
Episode 23: The State of Black Entrepreneurs
In this episode, Herd Strategies President, Denise Herd sits down with Carolyn Mosby, the Interim President of the North Central Minority Supplier Development Council. Together, they dive deep into the state of Black businesses in 2024, exploring historical roots, current challenges and future opportunities.
Episode 22: Herd Strategies’ Anniversary Special
In this special anniversary episode of How They See Us, we celebrate 13 years of Herd Strategies. Join President Denise Herd as she reflects on the firm’s growth, challenges, and milestones. Moderated by Account Executive Kierra Santillan, this episode explores what drives our team, lessons learned, and our future vision.
Episode 21: Unity in Diversity
Join Denise Herd, President of Herd Strategies, as she hosts a timely discussion on the importance of rejecting violence and fostering harmonious discourse.
Tune in as Denise explores how to maintain harmony and respect despite differing views in our country, and provides strategies for fostering constructive dialogue and empathy in political conversations.
Episode 20: Dad Diaries
Join Denise Herd, President of Herd Strategies, as she engages in heartfelt conversations with courageous fathers Willard Gupton, the dean of students at the Global Preparatory Academy, and returning guest Christopher Johnson about their powerful experiences in fatherhood.
Episode 19: Balancing Leadership and Mental Harmony
We're switching things up a bit in this episode! In honor of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, the Herd team decided it would be best for Denise to speak directly to our listeners about her challenges with prioritizing her mental health in a leadership role and giving her employees the grace to do the same.
Moderated by Account Executive Kierra Santillan, this vulnerable dialogue is sure to serve as an excellent reminder that you cannot take care of others until you first take care of yourself.
Episode 18: AMPlifying Voices
Did you know that April is National Volunteering Month? While this is a great time to remind ourselves of the importance of volunteerism, it’s important to remember that giving back is a year-long priority.
Denise is joined by activist and philanthropist Amp Harris to discuss the importance of donating your time and prioritizing passion in volunteerism.
Episode 17: Behind Every Strong Woman
We’ve all heard the saying, “Behind every strong man is a strong woman,” but we don’t talk about the flip side to this. As times have progressed, women have become a source of greatness, and the supportive role has become a hat worn by all genders.
In honor of Women’s History Month, Denise's partner, Christopher Johnson, joins to discuss supporting Denise as a female entrepreneur and its role in their relationship.
Episode 16: Black History in Indiana - Indiana Landmarks
You might know a decent amount about Black history in America, but do you know about our rich history here in Indiana?
Eunice Trotter and Mark Dollase of Indiana Landmarks join Denise to discuss Black history in Indiana and the importance of preserving it.
Episode 15: The History of Black History
Happy Black History Month, and Happy Leap Year!
In this episode, Denise is joined by expert historians Dr. Charlene Fletcher and Dr. Dawn Herd-Clark (Denise’s very own sister), who share some historical knowledge on African American history that you don't find in your average textbook.
Episode 14: Let’s Talk About DEIA
Happy New Year! This year, we’re kicking off How They See Us with Intend Indiana President Stephanie Quick and DEIA specialist Deondra Wardelle to discuss Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access. It's been several years since the tragic death of George Floyd, resulting in an uptick in the implementation of diversity programs and dedicated staff hires. As organizations shift their focus to address new business challenges and their interests shift, how do we keep the topic of DEIA in mind? Join us for an insightful conversation as we unpack this topic and share best practices from industry professionals.
Episode 13: Celebrating Black Business Month
August is National Black Business Month, and supporting Black-owned businesses is more important than ever. Did you know that Black business ownership is up by almost 30% on pre-pandemic levels, with Black women starting businesses at a higher rate than any other group?
In this month’s episode of How They See Us we spend time talking with Chesia Torrence, owner of The Silver Center, Indianapolis’ premier event space. We discuss the highs and lows of business ownership, obstacles Black business owner face and the importance of having a transition plan.
Episode 12: The Changing Landscape in the LGBTQ Community
This month we are highlighting our LGBTQIA+ friends on our social media platforms, and for our HTSU conversation, we would like to talk about then and now through the eyes of older and younger members of our LGBTQIA+ communities. What has changed? What's the same? What is the quality of now versus back in the day? How has legislation hurt or helped?
Episode 11: Building a Better Black Community in Indianapolis
Join us for another episode of How They See Us where we talk about how people are seen within the community. This episode features a conversation with Alice Watson, President of Indiana Black Expo.
Episode 10: What is Black Philanthropy?
Black Philanthropy is an act of love and a great way to give back to our community. Join us this month as philanthropy, diversity, equity and inclusion subject matter expert and Managing Principal of InExcelsis, Dr. Michael Twyman talks with Denise Herd about Black philanthropy, what it is and the importance of giving back to your community.
Episode 9: How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
According to an article by the Human Resource Director, 90% of female employees suffer from Imposter Syndrome. On this month's episode of How They See Us, we unpack what Imposter Syndrome is and discuss how and why self-doubt permeates women's personal and professional lives.
Episode 8: What does Black History mean to You?
We are so much more than our trauma- and we’re tired of talking about it. Join Herd Strategies President Denise Herd, MBA in a candid conversation with Charlene J. Fletcher, Ph.D., and LaMar H. as they discuss Black History, what it is, and more importantly, what it is not. Learn about how researching and celebrating the past can help you play a part in reshaping the future Black narrative.
Episode 7: National Black Marketers Day! The Highs and Lows of Marketing While Black
Denise shares a candid conversation with local marketing mavens about careers in marketing and communications. Tune in as they discuss the highs and lows of being Black in an ever-evolving field.
Episode 6: Unpacking the Health Disparities in Breast Feeding
There are disparities in women's health - one of them being breastfeeding. Join us for a conversation about this important topic as we discuss the myths, advantages, and also breast feeding after breast cancer.
Episode 5: Representation in the Hispanic Community
Denise is joined by multiple Emmy award-winning Investigative Reporter at RTV6 and co-host of “Good Morning Indiana,” Rafael Sanchez. The two address the importance of representation in the media, and today’s misconceptions of the Hispanic community.
Episode 4: Social Media Influencers
Episode 3: Hidden Voices in a Communications Crisis
For this month's How They See Us, our President, Denise Herd, and other PRSA Hoosier Chapter DEI Committee members chat about the "hidden voices" amid a communications crisis.
Episode 2: Critical Race Theory
Join us as our President, Denise Herd, deep dives into Critical Race Theory with Racial Equity Professional Cassandra Porter, and Chief Diversity Officer for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Jimmie McMillian.
Episode 1: PR in a Male Dominated Field
Take a listen to this candid conversation between our President, Denise Herd, and Partner at Borshoff, Jennifer Dzwonar, as they talk about what it’s like to be seen as a female PR practitioner and business owner while in a male-dominated industry.
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