“Feedback isn’t personal. It’s information.” — Dr. Takeisha R. Carr, Ed.D.

In Episode 23 of The Culture Docent, Dr. Carr delivers a leadership masterclass on emotional intelligence, professional growth, and the discipline of receiving feedback without defensiveness.

Drawing from real-world moments — from a simple nail shop interaction to her early career experiences being labeled “aggressive” — Dr. Carr reframes criticism as data. As an organizational development expert, she explains how high-performing leaders separate ego from information and use feedback as fuel for advancement.

This episode explores how to regulate your emotional response, extract value from imperfect messengers, and transform vague criticism into actionable insight. Whether you are leading a team or developing your own executive presence, this conversation equips you with practical tools to grow without shrinking.

• Why managing your immediate emotional reaction is the first step to receiving feedback • How to separate the messenger from the message — even when it comes from a “hater” • The difference between ego-driven and data-driven growth • How managers can give timely, equitable, and outcome-focused feedback • Why clarification is a leadership skill — and how to ask better questions

Introduction: The “Nail Shop” Inspiration Aggression vs. Assertiveness: Lessons from Dr. Carr’s Career Shifting from Ego-Driven to Data-Driven Growth How to Handle Non-Constructive Criticism The Manager’s Role: Timely and Equitable Feedback

The Feedback Imperative by Anna Carroll Crucial Conversations

KMOB1003 Radio The Intelligence Source.

In this episode of The Culture Docent, Dr. Takeisha Carr tackles a growing risk facing small and mid-sized businesses: adopting new technology faster than their policies can protect the people they serve.

As AI tools, social media content, and “always-on” recording practices become normalized, many leaders are unknowingly exposing clients — and their brands — to serious trust and safety failures.

This conversation breaks down:

Why recording clients for marketing or social media without explicit consent is a reputational risk

The critical difference between AI assistants and autonomous AI agents — and what that means for data privacy

Why skipping Terms & Conditions is no longer optional leadership behavior

Three non-negotiable questions every leader should ask before implementing new operational tech

How clear opt-out policies strengthen credibility, trust, and long-term brand equity

The episode also reflects on 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 and 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵, honoring the legacy of 𝗗𝗿. 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲𝗹 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺𝘀, a pioneer of open-heart surgery whose work reminds us that innovation without ethics puts lives at risk.

Listeners will also get a preview of the upcoming KMOB1003 Spotlight Series, 𝗥𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲: 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗼𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗿, hosted by Pamela Nichols and airing weekly in February with featured guests 𝗗𝗿. 𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗻𝘆 𝗙𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿 and 𝗗𝗿. 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗮 𝗕. 𝗡𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝘀.

This is essential listening for business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders who want to scale responsibly — without sacrificing consumer trust, safety, or integrity.

Hosted by Dr. Takeisha Carr KMOB1003 Global Media

What happens when communities are expected to lead without funding, authority, or institutional support?

In Episode 21 of The Culture Docent, Dr. Takeisha Carr examines how Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) can remain essential, influential, and strategically relevant even during periods of organizational retrenchment.

Drawing from her experience as a former ERG leader, consultant, and researcher, Dr. Carr explores:

• Why ERGs remain critical infrastructure within organizations

• The historical origins of ERGs and their continued relevance

• The strategic value resource groups provide beyond visibility

• Structural challenges including burnout, underfunding, and misalignment

• Three actionable approaches to sustaining impact without additional resources

• Why trust, safety, and community are the true foundations of long-term engagement

The episode also addresses emerging concerns around AI-driven hiring tools and algorithmic bias, highlighting the implications for transparency, equity, and worker protections.

This conversation is essential listening for ERG leaders, executive sponsors, HR professionals, and organizational strategists navigating an increasingly complex landscape.