Confidence or Disrespect?

Episode Title: Episode Audio Link: https://podcast.ablackexec.com/episode/real-angels-at-christmas-angels-over-connecticut-Episode Video Link: What happens when a child dreads the question, “What did you get for Christmas?”Tony Franklin remembers hiding the truth that he received nothing. That childhood experience sets the stage for a heartfelt conversation about financial hardship, dignity, and the power of community.Tony and co-host Chris P. Reed welcome Susan Mazer of Charter Oak Cultural Center and Bruce Scotti of Angels Over Connecticut. Together, they explore how an unforgettable Christmas celebration and access to free arts education help Hartford-area children feel seen, valued, and supported.Hear why the holidays can be painful for struggling families, how these experiences support parents and grandparents, and why generosity matters long after the decorations come down.Whether you can give $10, volunteer an afternoon, or share your skills, this episode offers a place to start.▶︎ In This Episode0:00 Opening: When children stop looking forward to Christmas03:00 Meet Susan Mazer and Bruce Scotti07:00 Creating a Christmas children can look forward to10:00 Free arts education at Charter Oak Cultural Center12:00 Tony’s story: The Christmas he received nothing14:00 Inside the Angels Over Connecticut celebration17:00 What the experience means to parents and grandparents23:00 How donations make the celebration possible25:00 Supporting families in shelters and veterans’ families28:00 What inspires a life of giving?31:00 Why arts education should be accessible to every child33:00 Are children being priced out of opportunity?36:00 Making generosity a year-round commitment38:00 Small donations, meaningful impact42:00 Give your time, start small, help someone44:00 How to donate, volunteer, and connect47:00 Tony’s Tidbit: Every child deserves joy and possibility48:00 LESS: Learn, Empathize, Share, Stop🔗 ResourcesGET INVOLVEDAngels Over Connecticut: https://www.angelsoverct.org/Charter Oak Cultural Center: https://charteroakcenter.org/🔔 Listen and SubscribeListen to this episode and subscribe for future updatessubscribe to A Black Executive Perspective podcast onYouTube PodcastsApple PodcastsSpotify PodcastsAmazon MusicOther platforms or by searching "TonyTidbit"if you like what we're doing and would like to support us, here's some ways you can help us continue the uncomfortable conversations that drive changesubscribe to our newslettergive us up to a 5 star review on Apple Podcastsshare an episode with a friend, family member or colleague🗣️ Follow @ablackexecfollow us across social media @aBlackExecLinkedInInstagramFacebookYouTubeTwitterTikTokWhatsApp⭐️ Follow @TonyTidbitfollow Tony across social media @TonyTidbitTwitterLinkedInFacebookThis episode was produced by TonyTidbit ™ . Copyright © 2024 A BLACK EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVE LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this podcast may be reproduced without prior written permission. For permissions, email [email protected] .

Episode Title: Episode Audio Link: https://podcast.ablackexec.com/episode/qualified-black-passed-over-Episode Video Link: He trained the employee. The employee got the promotion. When Eric G.W. Jones asked why, management had no answer.On A Black Executive Perspective, Tony Franklin sits down with Eric for a candid conversation about race, workplace bias, leadership, and what happens when hard work does not translate into opportunity.From a childhood without electricity in rural Jamaica to a 35-year career and vice-presidential responsibilities overseeing a $4 billion infrastructure portfolio, Eric’s journey reflects both the possibilities and contradictions of the American dream.Eric shares two defining promotion experiences, the differences between Black immigrant and African American perspectives, and the role workplace politics can play in deciding who advances. He also explores five qualities of effective leadership and why integrity must remain the foundation of a professional career.Drawing from Life Lessons From Two Worlds: My Jamaican American Journey, Eric explains how he found purpose beyond his title—and became the “CEO of Me.”IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:• Why strong performance does not always lead to fair recognition. • How history shapes different experiences within the Black community. • Why speaking truth to power tests an organization’s commitment to leadership. • How to respond with professionalism while standing on your principles. • What it means to define success beyond your career.▶︎ In This Episode00:00 Passed over for someone he trained05:00 Growing up in Jamaica: resourcefulness and a mother’s example17:00 Coming to America: expectations meet reality23:00 Excellent reviews, unequal rewards28:00 Black immigrants, African Americans, and shared struggles35:00 A promotion without a raise—and demanding answers44:00 A $4 billion portfolio and another promotion barrier54:00 Merit, workplace politics, and speaking truth to power1:02:00 Five qualities of effective leadership1:06:00 Becoming the “CEO of Me” and 136 life lessons1:12:00 Eric’s memoir and a career built on integrity1:17:00 Tony’s Tidbit, LESS, and closing reflections🔗 ResourcesLearn more about Eric and his memoir, Life Lessons From Two Worlds: My Jamaican-American Journey: https://www.ericgwjones.comFollow A Black Executive Perspective, share this episode, and leave a review to help more listeners discover these conversations.Connect across social platforms: @ABlackExecLearn. Empathize. Share. Stop discrimination.🔔 Listen and SubscribeListen to this episode and subscribe for future updatessubscribe to A Black Executive Perspective podcast onYouTube PodcastsApple PodcastsSpotify PodcastsAmazon MusicOther platforms or by searching "TonyTidbit"if you like what we're doing and would like to support us, here's some ways you can help us continue the uncomfortable conversations that drive changesubscribe to our newslettergive us up to a 5 star review on Apple Podcastsshare an episode with a friend, family member or colleague🗣️ Follow @ablackexecfollow us across social media @aBlackExecLinkedInInstagramFacebookYouTubeTwitterTikTokWhatsApp⭐️ Follow @TonyTidbitfollow Tony across social media @TonyTidbitTwitterLinkedInFacebookThis episode was produced by TonyTidbit ™ . Copyright © 2024 A BLACK EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVE LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this podcast may be reproduced without prior written permission. For permissions, email [email protected] .

Episode Title: Episode Audio Link: https://podcast.ablackexec.com/episode/political-ads-is-there-no-bottom-Episode Video Link: How low can political campaigns go—and what does our tolerance for cruelty say about us?In this episode of Need to Know with Dr. Nsenga Burton, presented by A Black Executive Perspective, Dr. Burton challenges political attack ads that she argues cross the line from criticism into misogyny and personal humiliation.Through commentary on Keisha Lance Bottoms, Dr. Amy Acton, and Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign, she examines the weaponization of personal trauma, the treatment of women seeking leadership, and the responsibility voters have to demand better.It’s an unfiltered conversation about power, politics, culture, and community accountability—with a reminder that basic humanity should never be negotiable.▶︎ In This Episode00:00 Political attack ads and the politics of fear02:00 Dr. Amy Acton and weaponizing personal trauma04:00 Misogyny, misogynoir, and Keisha Lance Bottoms05:00 Where is the bottom in American politics?08:00 Demanding accountability beyond party loyalty09:00 Lead with kindness—and vote with purpose🔗 ResourcesFollow A Black Executive Perspective for real conversations that make uncomfortable conversations comfortable.Content note: Strong language and discussion of child sexual abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence.🔔 Listen and SubscribeListen to this episode and subscribe for future updatessubscribe to A Black Executive Perspective podcast onYouTube PodcastsApple PodcastsSpotify PodcastsAmazon MusicOther platforms or by searching "TonyTidbit"if you like what we're doing and would like to support us, here's some ways you can help us continue the uncomfortable conversations that drive changesubscribe to our newslettergive us up to a 5 star review on Apple Podcastsshare an episode with a friend, family member or colleague🗣️ Follow @ablackexecfollow us across social media @aBlackExecLinkedInInstagramFacebookYouTubeTwitterTikTokWhatsApp⭐️ Follow @TonyTidbitfollow Tony across social media @TonyTidbitTwitterLinkedInFacebookThis episode was produced by TonyTidbit ™ . Copyright © 2024 A BLACK EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVE LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this podcast may be reproduced without prior written permission. For permissions, email [email protected] .

Episode Title: Episode Audio Link: https://podcast.ablackexec.com/episode/byron-donalds-black-votes-maga-agenda-Episode Video Link: Does electing a state’s first Black governor automatically represent progress for Black communities?On A Black Executive Perspective, Tony Tidbit and Chris P. Reed II examine Byron Donalds’ pursuit of Florida’s governorship, his MAGA alignment, and his controversial comments about Black families during Jim Crow.The hosts distinguish Donalds’ actual words from the claims surrounding them, then challenge the historical framing. They discuss redlining, mass incarceration, the Great Society, and political narratives that portray shared social problems as uniquely Black failures.Drawing connections between political leadership and Corporate America, Tony and Chris ask whether symbolic diversity delivers meaningful representation or simply gives existing power a different face. Donalds’ “Daddy’s back” comment brings the conversation back to Trump, political loyalty, and community accountability.▶︎ In This Episode00:00 Opening: Black identity and political ambition03:00 Does being first mean meaningful representation?14:00 Black voters and Florida’s political choices23:00 Donalds’ Jim Crow remarks in context31:00 Redlining, incarceration and political history38:00 The Great Society and racial double standards45:00 Representation, power and community accountability51:00 “Daddy’s back”: Donalds’ alignment with Trump58:00 Tony’s Tidbit, the LESS pledge and closing🔗 ResourcesFollow A Black Executive Perspective, leave a review, and share this episode with someone ready for an honest conversation about leadership and accountability.Visit https://ablackexec.com. Practice LESS: Learn. Empathize. Share. Stop discrimination.🔔 Listen and SubscribeListen to this episode and subscribe for future updatessubscribe to A Black Executive Perspective podcast onYouTube PodcastsApple PodcastsSpotify PodcastsAmazon MusicOther platforms or by searching "TonyTidbit"if you like what we're doing and would like to support us, here's some ways you can help us continue the uncomfortable conversations that drive changesubscribe to our newslettergive us up to a 5 star review on Apple Podcastsshare an episode with a friend, family member or colleague🗣️ Follow @ablackexecfollow us across social media @aBlackExecLinkedInInstagramFacebookYouTubeTwitterTikTokWhatsApp⭐️ Follow @TonyTidbitfollow Tony across social media @TonyTidbitTwitterLinkedInFacebookThis episode was produced by TonyTidbit ™ . Copyright © 2024 A BLACK EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVE LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this podcast may be reproduced without prior written permission. For permissions, email [email protected] .

Episode Title: Episode Audio Link: https://podcast.ablackexec.com/episode/james-meredith-first-at-ole-miss-then-forgotten-Episode Video Link: What does it take to attend class when a mob is determined to keep you out?James Meredith’s fight to integrate the University of Mississippi in 1962 forced America to confront segregation, federal authority, and the gap between having rights and exercising them.On A Black Executive Perspective, Tony Tidbit and Chris P. Reed II examine the political resistance, deadly riot, and personal isolation surrounding Meredith’s enrollment at Ole Miss. They explore three questions at the heart of his experience: Who gets access? Who enforces it? And what happens when admission comes without belonging?The conversation also tackles Meredith’s controversial politics and a difficult question about historical memory: Can we reject someone’s views while still honoring their courage?Listen for an honest conversation about Black history, systemic racism, leadership, and the human cost of opening doors for others.▶︎ In This Episode00:00 A Campus Erupts07:00 Meredith’s Fight25:00 Kennedy vs. Barnett34:00 The Deadly Riot45:00 Inside, but Alone50:00 A Complicated Legacy1:04:00 Courage and Tony’s Tidbit🔗 ResourcesFollow the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode to keep these conversations moving.Explore the BEP network and subscribe to A Monthly Perspective at https://ablackexec.com.Follow us: @ablackexec🔔 Listen and SubscribeListen to this episode and subscribe for future updatessubscribe to A Black Executive Perspective podcast onYouTube PodcastsApple PodcastsSpotify PodcastsAmazon MusicOther platforms or by searching "TonyTidbit"if you like what we're doing and would like to support us, here's some ways you can help us continue the uncomfortable conversations that drive changesubscribe to our newslettergive us up to a 5 star review on Apple Podcastsshare an episode with a friend, family member or colleague🗣️ Follow @ablackexecfollow us across social media @aBlackExecLinkedInInstagramFacebookYouTubeTwitterTikTokWhatsApp⭐️ Follow @TonyTidbitfollow Tony across social media @TonyTidbitTwitterLinkedInFacebookThis episode was produced by TonyTidbit ™ . Copyright © 2024 A BLACK EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVE LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this podcast may be reproduced without prior written permission. For permissions, email [email protected] .

Episode Title: Episode Audio Link: https://podcast.ablackexec.com/episode/confidence-or-disrespect-Episode Video Link: Is standing your ground a strength, or does it depend on who you are?Grace Fooden Correy explores confidence, cultural identity, and workplace belonging through the story of a young Black woman she mentors. Educated in predominantly white environments and working in a predominantly white, male industry, this woman finds that the confidence she was taught to value becomes a source of conflict with her boss.In this episode of A Mixed Executive Perspective, Grace reflects on the overlap between mixed identity and living between cultures, the limits of changing someone else’s mind, and knowing when to seek a workplace that values you.When a colleague challenges you, do you hear confidence or disrespect? Would your answer change if they looked or sounded different?▶︎ In This Episode00:00 Introduction: Identity and belonging01:00 When confidence becomes workplace conflict03:00 Knowing when to find a better workplace04:00 Living between cultures05:00 Confidence, disrespect, and who belongs🔗 ResourcesLinks and resources mentioned in this episode:🔔 Listen and SubscribeListen to this episode and subscribe for future updatessubscribe to A Black Executive Perspective podcast onYouTube PodcastsApple PodcastsSpotify PodcastsAmazon MusicOther platforms or by searching "TonyTidbit"if you like what we're doing and would like to support us, here's some ways you can help us continue the uncomfortable conversations that drive changesubscribe to our newslettergive us up to a 5 star review on Apple Podcastsshare an episode with a friend, family member or colleague🗣️ Follow @ablackexecfollow us across social media @aBlackExecLinkedInInstagramFacebookYouTubeTwitterTikTokWhatsApp⭐️ Follow @TonyTidbitfollow Tony across social media @TonyTidbitTwitterLinkedInFacebookThis episode was produced by TonyTidbit ™ . Copyright © 2024 A BLACK EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVE LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this podcast may be reproduced without prior written permission. For permissions, email [email protected] .

Episode Title: Episode Audio Link: https://podcast.ablackexec.com/episode/cornell-seven-justice-or-judgment-Episode Video Link: When does public commentary become a public verdict?Tony Tidbit and Chris P. Reed examine the Cornell Seven controversy through the lens of consent, due process, campus accountability, and political influence. They discuss competing accounts, questions surrounding the investigation, Megyn Kelly’s commentary, and the debate over Letitia James’s appointment as special prosecutor.The conversation gets especially candid when Tony and Chris disagree about whether a prosecutor’s public expression of compassion creates a reasonable concern about impartiality. They also explore why text messages and initial reactions require context, and why neither an allegation nor a denial should replace a thorough investigation.A Black Executive Perspective brings real conversations to the intersection of power, politics, culture, and accountability. Can compassion and due process stand in the same room?▶︎ In This Episode00:00 When people process harm later01:00 Cornell Seven and the court of public opinion04:50 The allegations and investigation questions17:00 Megyn Kelly’s response and competing narratives33:00 Letitia James: compassion versus impartiality48:20 Media responsibility and minimizing allegations56:20 Text messages, consent, and delayed processing1:08:25 Justice before judgment and the LESS pledge🔗 ResourcesFollow the podcast, leave a review, and share this conversation.Explore the BEP network: https://ablackexec.comFollow our social channels: @blackexecContent advisory: discussion of sexual assault allegations and strong language. The hosts discuss allegations and disputed accounts without determining guilt.🔔 Listen and SubscribeListen to this episode and subscribe for future updatessubscribe to A Black Executive Perspective podcast onYouTube PodcastsApple PodcastsSpotify PodcastsAmazon MusicOther platforms or by searching "TonyTidbit"if you like what we're doing and would like to support us, here's some ways you can help us continue the uncomfortable conversations that drive changesubscribe to our newslettergive us up to a 5 star review on Apple Podcastsshare an episode with a friend, family member or colleague🗣️ Follow @ablackexecfollow us across social media @aBlackExecLinkedInInstagramFacebookYouTubeTwitterTikTokWhatsApp⭐️ Follow @TonyTidbitfollow Tony across social media @TonyTidbitTwitterLinkedInFacebookThis episode was produced by TonyTidbit ™ . Copyright © 2024 A BLACK EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVE LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this podcast may be reproduced without prior written permission. For permissions, email [email protected] .

Episode Title: Episode Audio Link: https://podcast.ablackexec.com/episode/vote-as-if-your-life-depends-on-it-Episode Video Link: Is waiting for the perfect candidate a risk voters can afford?Dr. Nsenga Burton returns to Need to Know on A Black Executive Perspective with a forceful commentary on Black history, political accountability, and the stakes of the 2026 midterm elections.She shares her concerns about the Trump administration, challenges voters to evaluate candidates’ full records, and argues that restoring checks and balances cannot wait. Her message is direct: vote as if your life depends on it.▶︎ In This Episode00:00 Welcome Back to Need to Know01:00 Black History and the Politics of Erasure03:00 Leadership and Political Accountability04:00 The Midterms and the Perfect Candidate Trap06:00 Checks, Balances, and Your Future🔗 ResourcesFollow A Black Executive Perspective and share this episode with someone who needs to hear the conversation.Explore more: https://ablackexec.com🔔 Listen and SubscribeListen to this episode and subscribe for future updatessubscribe to A Black Executive Perspective podcast onYouTube PodcastsApple PodcastsSpotify PodcastsAmazon MusicOther platforms or by searching "TonyTidbit"if you like what we're doing and would like to support us, here's some ways you can help us continue the uncomfortable conversations that drive changesubscribe to our newslettergive us up to a 5 star review on Apple Podcastsshare an episode with a friend, family member or colleague🗣️ Follow @ablackexecfollow us across social media @aBlackExecLinkedInInstagramFacebookYouTubeTwitterTikTokWhatsApp⭐️ Follow @TonyTidbitfollow Tony across social media @TonyTidbitTwitterLinkedInFacebookThis episode was produced by TonyTidbit ™ . Copyright © 2024 A BLACK EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVE LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this podcast may be reproduced without prior written permission. For permissions, email [email protected] .

Episode Title: Episode Audio Link: https://podcast.ablackexec.com/episode/mixed-race-a-glitch-in-the-system-Episode Video Link: If Black America is living inside The Truman Show, where does that leave mixed people?Grace Fooden Correy explores biracial and multiracial identity through a powerful metaphor: mixed people as the seam in a painted sky, exposing the boundaries of society’s racial categories.From performing different versions of yourself to navigating spaces that never quite make room for you, this episode asks what it means to belong when your existence challenges the script.▶︎ In This Episode00:00 Welcome and the question of mixed identity01:00 Black America and The Truman Show03:00 Where do mixed people fit?04:00 Performing identity and seeing the seams05:00 When your existence challenges the categories🔗 ResourcesFollow A Mixed Executive Perspective, share this episode, and join the conversation. Remember, you belong.🔔 Listen and SubscribeListen to this episode and subscribe for future updatessubscribe to A Black Executive Perspective podcast onYouTube PodcastsApple PodcastsSpotify PodcastsAmazon MusicOther platforms or by searching "TonyTidbit"if you like what we're doing and would like to support us, here's some ways you can help us continue the uncomfortable conversations that drive changesubscribe to our newslettergive us up to a 5 star review on Apple Podcastsshare an episode with a friend, family member or colleague🗣️ Follow @ablackexecfollow us across social media @aBlackExecLinkedInInstagramFacebookYouTubeTwitterTikTokWhatsApp⭐️ Follow @TonyTidbitfollow Tony across social media @TonyTidbitTwitterLinkedInFacebookThis episode was produced by TonyTidbit ™ . Copyright © 2024 A BLACK EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVE LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this podcast may be reproduced without prior written permission. For permissions, email [email protected] .

Episode Title: Episode Audio Link: https://podcast.ablackexec.com/episode/ai-could-kill-us-all-Episode Video Link: Could artificial intelligence escape human control? Or is the greater danger what humans teach it?Tony Tidbit and Chris P. Reed II explore AI safety, corporate greed, racial bias, and leaders' responsibility to protect the public. Using Star Trek’s “The Ultimate Computer” as a striking parallel, they examine how a system built to help people could pursue its objectives in dangerous, unexpected ways.From industry warnings and political responses to independent oversight and human review, this episode asks who controls AI, who benefits, and who pays the price when accountability falls behind innovation.The conversation closes with practical ways to demand transparency and Tony’s reminder that intelligence without wisdom is dangerous.▶︎ In This Episode00:00 The AI Warning07:00 Profit vs. Safety23:00 Star Trek’s Warning36:00 Human Bias, Machine Power41:00 Who Controls AI?54:00 What You Can Do1:02:00 Tony’s Tidbit & LESS🔗 ResourcesListen, follow, and share A Black Executive Perspective. Join the conversation at https://ablackexec.com and follow @ABlackExec.Learn. Empathy. Share. Stop discrimination.🔔 Listen and SubscribeListen to this episode and subscribe for future updatessubscribe to A Black Executive Perspective podcast onYouTube PodcastsApple PodcastsSpotify PodcastsAmazon MusicOther platforms or by searching "TonyTidbit"if you like what we're doing and would like to support us, here's some ways you can help us continue the uncomfortable conversations that drive changesubscribe to our newslettergive us up to a 5 star review on Apple Podcastsshare an episode with a friend, family member or colleague🗣️ Follow @ablackexecfollow us across social media @aBlackExecLinkedInInstagramFacebookYouTubeTwitterTikTokWhatsApp⭐️ Follow @TonyTidbitfollow Tony across social media @TonyTidbitTwitterLinkedInFacebookThis episode was produced by TonyTidbit ™ . Copyright © 2024 A BLACK EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVE LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this podcast may be reproduced without prior written permission. For permissions, email [email protected] .