How Microsoft U.S. President Deb Cupp Levels the Playing Field for Women in the Workplace
Gender diversity continues to be a thorn in the side of social progress in America's labor force. But some experts say narrowing the gender gap and transforming workplace culture are both attainable if more women are hired, promoted, and elevated to leadership roles. For Deb Cupp, president of Microsoft U.S., accountability is the start to building a more cohesive workplace for all employees.
Fadia Kader, global head of strategic and media partnerships at Clubhouse
Clubhouse's Fadia Kader on Opening Doors and Empowering Others in Social Media
It's pretty hard to imagine the world now without social media. Companies like Meta and Twitter allow people to share information, report breaking news stories, and connect with friends and family. For Fadia Kader, the global head of strategic and media partnerships at social audio app Clubhouse, it's about pushing culture forward and connecting people with the biggest and brightest stars in music and entertainment.
Simone Alicia, founder of the Self Esteem Doctor Academy
'The Self Esteem Doctor' Simone Alicia on Empowering Teens on Social Media
Social media has become a top outlet for sharing information, making acquaintances across the globe, and on the most basic level, has become a source of entertainment for many. While the benefits of social media are clear, there is also a dark side that exists and it's impacting the mental health of adults and teens alike. Simone Alicia, the founder of the Self Esteem Doctor Academy, told Cheddar she started the business as a means to help kids change the way they think and feel about themselves.
Mimi O'Neal at The Pump Group Soiree at The Beverly Hills Hotel on August 19, 2021 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Cassy Athena/Getty Images)
Shaq's Daughter Amirah O'Neal Calls for Improved Gender Equity in College Hoops
Last year, Oregon Ducks forward Sedona Prince shared a video on Twitter that showed major inequities between the men's and women's training facilities. That viral video was just the first in a long list of disparities that would come to light. Others included differences in prepared meals, lodging, and even coronavirus testing.
For Mimi O'Neal, daughter of basketball Hall-of-Famer Shaquille O'Neal and forward at Texas Southern University, a historically Black institution, it was a defining moment that she hopes can spark real change.
Soledad O'Brien Tackles Gender Wealth Gap With Financial Literacy, Empowerment
The gender wealth gap is a topic that has garnered public outcry and the attention of policymakers over the years, yet progress on leveling the playing field between men and women has been slow. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, women still make only 83 cents on the dollar — an improvement off just 6 cents from a decade ago — compared to men. For the award-winning journalist, entrepreneur, and host Soledad O'Brien, financial literacy has become paramount to closing the gap even further.
Reshma Saujani speaks on stage at the "Leading with Purpose" panel at the on November 07, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images for Fast Company)
Girls Who Code Founder Says Workplaces Are Still Not Designed for Women
Reshma Saujani was a believer. The founder of Girls Who Code, a nonprofit that helps women get careers in computer science, believed wholeheartedly in the idea that professional women could have it all: a job in tech and a family. Then something changed during the pandemic. After schools shut down, Saujani realized that no one had really stopped to consider what this meant for women, who still do the lion's share of unpaid care work. Who, exactly, would be helping their child log into Zoom school? Cheddar spoke to Saujani about it.
Autonomous driving tech company Waymo is partnering with transportation and logistics business J.B. Hunt. The two firms are teaming up to bring autonomous shipping to the highways. Head of commercialization for trucking at Waymo, Charlie Jatt, joined Cheddar to discuss how the companies are combining their strengths. "We, of course at Waymo, are working on the technology side of affairs, and J. B Hunt brings critical operational and commercial expertise," Jatt said. "And together we're going to work to deploy the first fully autonomous Class 8 truck hauling goods for one of their customers in the coming years in Texas."
Amid a rough week for Peloton's stock, as well as its image — its bikes being the cause of death for two fictional TV characters now — an activist investor is calling for a change in upper management. Chief investment officer of Blackwell, Jason Aintabi, petitioned in a letter that Peloton’s CEO, John Foley, must be fired. Joining Cheddar to discuss the ultimatum, Hatem Dhiab, a portfolio manager and managing partner at Gerber Kawasaki Wealth and Investment Management noted the conditions leading to the demand for Foley's removal. "The stock is basically 85 percent below the high," he said. "I think there is some change that needs to happen, and that's just the reality."
Talent Resources Sports is partnering with ABG Entertainment to host Sports Illustrated The Party during the weekend of Super Bowl LVI, featuring musical performances by Kygo, Jack Harlow, and other guests. David Spencer and Mike Heller, co-CEOs and founders of Talent Resources Sports, joined Cheddar to discuss the details behind putting on the event. “We’re just really pumped that after all of the things that got canceled people will finally have a place to let some steam off in such an exciting moment, such a charged moment with the Super Bowl,” Mike Heller said about putting on the live event after previous COVID-related cancellations.
Mayors in cities like Miami and New York City are considering introducing cryptocurrencies as a way to reduce economic inequality. Miami Mayor Francis X. Suarez has even pushed for distributing Bitcoin dividends to the city's inhabitants.
As companies look toward the metaverse concept to further move their companies online, Shep Ogden, CEO and co-founder of Offbeat Media, spoke with Cheddar about questions investors should be posing to businesses like how customized the metaverse experience will be. "One of the best things that people can do, or companies can do, to be competitive is really find those influencers within the community that are very deep in the space," Ogden added.
Coming off of a horrible week for Peloton on the stock market, another character from a TV series died after riding the stationary bike. Mike Wagner on "Billions" was the latest fictional tragedy, just a month after "Mr. Big" suffered a similar fate on the "Sex and the City" reboot "And Just Like That." Peloton tweeted it had not worked with the Showtime series on the episode.
