In this episode Judith Germain and Dr Omekongo Dibinga have an insightful discussion about lies and stereotypes about Black people and how to combat racism. This episode was originally recorded in October 2023. Key Takeaways Racist stereotypes and lies about Black people are pervasive globally, not just in the US. These false narratives must be actively challenged. Leaders must commit to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts for real change to occur in organisations. Performative efforts are not enough. Safe spaces are crucial, but bringing everyone together too soon can be counterproductive. Meet in separate affinity groups first. We must look at our own lives and circles critically and ask hard questions through an anti-racist lens. The "Rule of Seven" exercise is one way to do this. Nuance and context is key. We must ask better questions and not make assumptions. In this conversation Dr Omekongo Dibinga elaborated on the global lies and stereotypes about Black people that impact perceptions and treatment. He explained how these false narratives stem from historical racism and persist through media, policies, and cultural conditioning. Omekongo and Judith discussed concrete solutions organisations can implement for authentic diversity, equity and inclusion. This requires commitment from leadership, assessing biases, employee feedback, hiring practices and going beyond performative efforts. Dr Omekongo Dibinga is a Professor, DEI Consultant and poet. You can find out more about our guest and today's episode in this Maverick Paradox Magazine article here. --- Maverick leadership is all about thinking outside the box and challenging the status quo. It's about having the courage to take risks and the confidence to lead in a way that is authentic and genuine. But amplifying your influence as a leader isn't just about having a strong vision or a big personality. It's also about having the right leadership capability and being able to execute on your ideas and plans. The consequences of not having the right level of influence as a leader can be significant. Without the ability to inspire and motivate others, you may struggle to achieve your goals and make a real impact. How Influential Are you? Take the scorecard at amplifyyourinfluence.scoreapp.com and see.  Catalysing Transformation - 1 min video Judith's book: The Maverick Paradox: The Secret Power Behind Successful Leaders.  Judith's websites:  The Maverick Paradox Magazine - themaverickparadox.com The Maverick Paradox Website - maverickparadox.co.uk Judith's LinkedIn profile is here, her Twitter profile (MaverickMastery) is here, Facebook here and Instagram here.