May 2, 2022
In Episode #25 of Mindset Mastery, “Beyond DE&I: Inclusive Leadership and What It Means for Business Leaders Today,” guest host Geoffrey Brown, CEO of the National Association of Personal Financial Planners (NAPFA), speaks with Dr. James Pogue, an expert who focuses on helping business leaders understand unconscious bias. In this fascinating conversation, he weaves together funny anecdotes and riveting tales that encourage us to strengthen our own commitment to lead, drive change, and question the status quo. As it relates to Diversity, Inclusion & Bias, there are a few truths that Pogue says can help leaders lead better through the lens of culture and strategy.
In a nutshell: You will learn what leaders should keep in mind as they guide their organizations through positive and long-lasting cultural change. When senior leadership takes ownership of a significant change in an organization, the change happens differently than when it is at the entry and managerial levels. Inclusive Leadership is a measurable skill that we can foster and practice. Pogue says we can do more than simply moving the needle; we can change the face and guts of our communities and our business organizations.
Dr. James Pogue
Leadership and training are at the core of who Dr. Pogue is and drive his commitment to equip executives and professionals with thought leadership to communicate and manage effectively. His military service, scope of research, and work as a speaker and entrepreneur give him tangible examples of the critical balance between leaders and followers on teams. He provides leaders with well researched data partnered and highly engaged training to improve their ability to impact behavior and the bottom line. Through expert keynotes, thought-provoking workshops, or executive coaching, Dr. Pogue supports leaders in making the decisions that attract, engage, and retain talent at all levels. In his leisure time, he occasionally competes as a martial artist where he has five national titles, in addition to silver and bronze medals at the World Championships. Dr. Pogue has two daughters and six granddaughters.
Geoffrey Brown, CAE
Geoffrey E. Brown, CAE, is the chief executive officer of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA). In this role, he is responsible for the association’s strategic direction, external relations, and ensuring its operational success.
He has worked in association management since 2000. Prior to joining NAPFA in 2013, Brown had been an account executive with Sentergroup, a Chicago-based management consultancy specializing in associations and other nonprofit organizations. At Sentergroup, he was responsible for overseeing client relationships, managing day-to-day operations for multiple associations, coordinating the execution of strategic corporate initiatives and contributing to the firm’s business development efforts. Prior to his time at Sentergroup, Brown served as an association manager for SmithBucklin Corp., the world’s largest association management company based in Chicago. While there, he managed client strategy development and operations, provided counsel to association leaders, and managed delivery of client services across multiple business units.
Brown received his Bachelor of Arts degree in government & politics from the University of Maryland and his certificate in fundraising management from Indiana University.
He is a member of American Society of Association Executives and received his Certified Association Executive designation (CAE) in 2010. He is also a member of the Association Forum of Chicagoland where he serves on the Board of Directors as Chair. Brown also serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors of the Association of Fraternal Leadership and Values.