Intentional development and sponsorship

While Black people represent 12% of the US workforce, they are only 8% of the tech workforce and 3% of executives. This shows a clear need to be intentional about developing and promoting Black employees. The panel emphasized that over-mentoring but under-sponsoring is a common pitfall of many companies. Organizations should go beyond advising and actively invest money, time, and resources while also holding leadership accountable for quantifiable results.

Know the data and your own DEI metrics

Another theme was the importance of leveraging data and metrics for your organization. As panelist Sharawn Tipton said, you need to know who you have at your company and what their experiences are compared to others. Data can reveal the full story and help you identify focus areas by highlighting the impact of your policies, benefits, and procedures (both negatively and positively).

Leading with empathy and solutions

Approach leaders with curiosity first rather than criticism. Understand their goals, and present them with solutions rather than problems to get their buy-in. Use peer and competitor research to offer solutions that are tailored to what you uncover. You can use the following framework for presenting your wants or asks to leadership: “Here is what I notice, here is what I want to do, and here is what I need from you to help”. Business and DEI goals don’t need to compete—find the win-wins through partnership.

Every single person can drive positive change. Feel empowered to voice ideas, volunteer for DEI initiatives, and mentor others. By coming together, we can all help build a more inclusive workplace.

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1. Allies in action

One prominent theme throughout the weekend revolved around the essential role of allies in fostering opportunities and support for underrepresented groups. During a panel discussion titled, “Transformational Leadership: Allies in Action,” our VP of People, William West, shared valuable insights about what allyship means and how it manifests at Recharge. 

Genuine allyship transcends being merely a label; it requires a continuous commitment to action. Effective allies must focus on taking deliberate, small steps to open doors in areas where talent exists but access has been limited. 

The panel also underscored the importance of building authentic relationships with our Black colleagues. It is fundamental for allies to gain an understanding of who they are, their unique needs, and cultivate a foundation of genuine empathy and respect. Allies should focus on forming meaningful connections that can drive lasting and impactful change.

2. Mental health matters

One of the conference’s most impactful sessions was a transparent and vulnerable discussion on mental health. The pressures of balancing multiple roles, from career responsibilities to family life, can accumulate over time and pose significant challenges. Without adequate support, the healthy processing of emotions can become a daunting task.

The panel illuminated that many individuals within the Black community, especially men, often lack the language and tools to openly address mental health concerns, which unfortunately remain stigmatized. The first step involves acquiring the vocabulary to articulate emotional needs, followed by the essential task of finding a supportive community. 

The session offered valuable recommendations, including meditation, therapy, setting healthy boundaries, engaging in physical activity, and drawing strength from the people in one’s life, all as crucial tools to fortify mental well-being.

3. Entrepreneurship & wealth building

Another prominent theme that resonated throughout various sessions was the idea of taking control of one’s career and future financial prospects. Two compelling reasons drove this focus:

1. Rather than waiting for opportunities, entrepreneurship is a lucrative pathway for individuals to forge their own destinies and establish equitable systems.
2. Entrepreneurship and the creation of multiple income streams are not just means to personal success but also methods for building generational wealth, a concept historically less accessible to this demographic.

Panelists emphasized the significance of effective networking to connect with potential backers and partners, as well as the cultivation of a robust personal brand. They advised taking the initial steps in fundraising with family and friends, with a reminder that if they don’t believe in your vision, it might be an opportunity to refine your pitch. 

The sessions also provided invaluable guidance on startup funding options, the establishment of business entities, the allocation of company shares, and board member selection. Success requires meticulous planning and the support of fellow entrepreneurs who have paved the way.

4. Networking & community

Throughout the conference, several sessions dedicated significant attention to the art of growing and nurturing professional and personal networks. Panelists emphasized the importance of fostering authentic connections and shared interests, as opposed to cultivating purely transactional relationships. In other words, the emphasis was on building meaningful, reciprocal relationships rather than merely seeking out connections for immediate personal gain.

The key to creating a robust network lies in the principle of exchanging mutual value. Panelists encouraged attendees to contribute to their network by sharing their knowledge, experiences, and insights, instead of solely approaching relationships with requests for introductions, job referrals, or support.

It’s important to understand that building a strong network is a long-term endeavor that demands time, dedication, and careful cultivation. An expansive network yields numerous benefits, including opportunities for mentorship, potential partnerships, and access to new roles and experiences. It also provides an avenue for giving back. As you benefit from the doors and opportunities opened by others in your network, it’s equally important to consider how you can pay it forward and create pathways for the growth and success of others.

Taking our lessons back to Recharge 

The BLK Men in Tech THRIVE Conference provided empowering advice and inspiration for Black professionals and allies. As we return to our roles at Recharge, we are filled with gratitude for the lessons we have learned and eager to embrace and share those learnings with the company and our communities, fueled by a shared commitment to thrive together. 

The post Learning to THRIVE: 4 key takeaways from the BLK Men in Tech Conference appeared first on Recharge.

For the past several years, Recharge has donated $10,000 monthly to a variety of nonprofit organizations, such as the American Red Cross, No Kid Hungry, and The Trevor Project. In early 2023, we recognized an opportunity to deepen our impact by shifting our investment to fewer, more meaningful partnerships that will allow us to develop stronger, long-term relationships with organizations and underserved communities.  

Introducing our inaugural partnerships

For our pilot partnership, we’re proud to collaborate with BLK Men in Tech, an organization providing scholarships and support to Black students who are underrepresented in the tech space. 

In May 2023, we funded scholarships for 30 high school and college students while also partnering with the organization to develop a mentorship program between students and Recharge employees. We are currently supporting 18 college students on their development journeys, meeting monthly to provide insights into networking, goal setting, and resume building. 

We also attended BLK Men in Tech’s annual Thrive Conference where our VP of People, William West, spoke about Transformational Leadership: Allies in Action. At the Thrive Conference, we were also able to connect with some amazing talent and share the Recharge story. (More on the Thrive Conference in our next blog post!)

Our second partnership is with Santa Monica College. The college services nearly 30,000 people, made up of a diverse student body. We plan to partner with on-campus programs that support marginalized students, such as formerly incarcerated students and members of the Black and Hispanic/Latinx communities. This program is still being built, but our partnership will provide scholarship funding, support, and mentorship!

Looking ahead 

These collaborations will be our first step in building long-lasting relationships with nonprofit organizations and individuals. Our hope is that we are able to take the experience from these initial partnerships to build a robust, repeatable mentorship program for underrepresented groups. Additionally, we intend to develop an internal mentorship program through the application of external learnings. And finally, these partnerships will create a diverse talent pipeline for future hiring. 

Why this matters

Strategic partnerships provide access and opportunity. By funding scholarships and mentoring students directly, we’re expanding the talent pipeline. Marginalized individuals get support to overcome barriers, and we get a more diverse workforce and products that better reflect the ideas and needs of our society.  

We believe in the power of human connections to drive change. That’s why our Recharge Cares program focuses on collaboration with purpose-driven organizations and engaging with communities directly, to provide resources and support. We’re committed to building long-lasting relationships and making a meaningful impact together. This is just the start of a new era of philanthropy for Recharge. We can’t wait to see the change we can inspire.

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