Welcome back to The Jali Podcast, where we honor legacy, illuminate leadership, and amplify stories that shape our communities. I’m your host, Melyssa Barrett, and today’s episode explores leadership, culture, and the future of talent in the social sector.

Joining me is Dr. Kennedy Turner, a talent consultant with DRG Talent, where she specializes in leadership searches for mission-driven and nonprofit organizations nationwide. Kennedy brings a thoughtful, human-centered approach to connecting value-aligned leaders with roles that truly matter—helping organizations strengthen their impact through the power of people.

In this conversation, Kennedy shares insights from her background in sociology and organizational culture, and her journey from Wichita, Kansas, to earning a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Sociology from the University of Michigan. We dive deep into topics like leadership transitions, cultural fit, and equity in executive search, as well as what organizations and candidates need to know in today’s evolving workplace.

We also explore Kennedy’s research on Black racial identity development among college students, and how that work continues to shape her approach to talent and leadership today. Plus, we unpack the nuances of what it means to be a Black-led organization—drawing from Whitney Parnell’s thought-provoking report, “What Does It Mean to Be Black-Led?”

From representation and belonging to joy and authenticity in leadership, this episode is a powerful reflection on how we can build more equitable, human-centered organizations that truly reflect the communities they serve.

Tune in and discover how leadership, identity, and culture intersect to shape the future of the social sector.

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