"Tell them to stop talking about your attitude and start talking about your accomplishments"

Welcome!

Going back to school after 40 is not for the faint of heart, and the journey from prison to published researcher is even more challenging. Nevertheless, Dr. V returned to school in 2017, obtaining her BS in Marketing Management, MS in Management and Leadership, Master of Business Administration, and most recently, in 2023, her Doctor of Business Administration in Organizational Leadership. 

While some might see four degrees (or even two or three) as excessive, life as a Black woman with a felony says otherwise. The experience of going from having nothing more than a speeding ticket to having a felony was painful to face as a single mother with two small children, and 20 years ago, finding employment with that background seemed impossible. Any source of income was welcome, and Dr. V did everything from stripping to picking up dog poop with just a grocery bag around her hand to make ends meet. However, Dr. V knew that adversity inspires growth, and education leads to greater opportunities.

Inspired by her personal, professional, and educational experiences, Dr. V is now an established keynote speaker and a leader in the organizational leadership and equity space. Her groundbreaking research bridged the gap between work-life balance and social support. Dr. V uses her published research to disrupt and redefine training and enablement programs, resulting in increased performance and revenue within the Mar-Tech space and beyond. Dr. V has made it her mission to rewrite the narrative for marginalized groups in the workplace through innovative and accessible programming, enlightening one unaware mind at a time.

My Published Research

Speaking Topics

Equity, Not Equality: A Deep Dive Into Supporting Women for Optimal Success

Unveiling the Profit Potential

Did you know that companies are missing out on a potential 21% profit due to a lack of gender-diverse leadership? It's time to address the costly repercussions—expensive attrition, low productivity, and a scarcity of qualified women leaders. The stakes are high, and the losses are real.

Navigating Frustration and Stress

Women face unique challenges, from stalling career advancement to high levels of stress. A staggering 43% of women opt out of the corporate workplace after their first child, and the recent pandemic has taken a toll on work-life balance, dropping it by 38% (Chech & Blair-Loy, 2019; Hupfer et al., 2022).

The Support Paradigm

So, how can we support women who are working hard but facing diminishing returns? The answer lies in social support. Strong social support not only benefits individuals but has a ripple effect on corporate profitability, employee productivity, and job satisfaction. It's a low-cost, high-return solution that disrupts attrition, apathy, and fosters a harmonious work-life balance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the need for equity over equality is not just a conversation starter; it's a call to action. Join me in exploring how we can reshape workplaces, support women, and pave the way for sustainable success.

Stay tuned for more thought-provoking discussions on equity, empowerment, and positive change. Until next time!

 

Navigating the Workplace: Empathy, Understanding, and Actioning the Path Forward for Women

The Workplace Experiences of Women: A Full Course Meal of Understanding

Understanding the experiences of women in the workplace is like savoring a full-course meal—it requires time, attention, and an appreciation for each unique flavor. In this session, we'll unravel the complexities, challenges, and triumphs that women navigate in professional settings.

Anchoring in Empathy: The Key to Increased Productivity

Empathy is the secret sauce that enhances productivity. As leaders, anchoring ourselves in empathy allows us to truly understand our team members, fostering an environment of trust and collaboration. It's not just about leading; it's about creating a space where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. With a 38% drop in work-life balance for women since COVID-19 it is imperative that leaders have empathy to drive the best results from individuals and the team they manage (Hupfer et al., 2022).

Leading with Understanding: A Recipe for Success

Leading people you don't understand is like navigating uncharted waters. In this session, I'll share insights on unlocking the full potential of women on your team. By embracing their unique strengths, skills, and perspectives, you can tap into a wellspring of creativity and innovation. In fact, there is a 21% gap in profits due to a lack of gender-diverse teams (Boykin, 2023; Hunt, 2018).  I can’t think of a company that wouldn’t want to recoup a portion of that 21% of profits! 

Retention Strategies: Nurturing Top-Talented Women

Retention is the cornerstone of a thriving organization. We'll explore strategies to retain top talented women, recognizing that a diverse and inclusive workplace isn't just a moral obligation—it's a pathway to increased profitability and sustainable success.  Remember, inclusive workplace cultures are 2x more likely to meet or exceed financial targets (Bourke, 2018).

Intersectionality: Navigating Complexity without Conflict

Layers of intersectionality don't have to be minefields of conflict. Instead, they can be bridges that connect us. We'll discuss how understanding and appreciating diverse identities contribute to a harmonious workplace where everyone can thrive.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our journey in this session will be a deep dive into empathy, understanding, and the path forward for women in the workplace to drive productivity and profits. Reach out to schedule a session that guides you through using authentic empathy to drive solid business results. 

The Power of Gender Diverse Teams: A Strategic Imperative

Why Gender-Diverse Teams Matter

In today's rapidly evolving landscape, fostering gender diversity within teams isn't just a checkbox on the politically correct list; it's a strategic imperative. Diverse teams bring a wealth of perspectives, experiences, and ideas to the table. Imagine the innovation that arises when individuals with different backgrounds collaborate towards a shared goal. In fact, inclusive workplace cultures are 8x more likely to achieve better business outcomes (Bourke, 2018).

Managerial Support: A Catalyst for Success

But diversity alone isn't enough; it requires active support from managers. Beyond the moral imperative, supporting gender-diverse talent is a smart business move. Managers who provide a supportive environment for all team members, irrespective of gender, create a culture of inclusion. This not only increases productivity but also acts as a powerful antidote to attrition.

Navigating away from the 'Diversity Push' and tackling ‘Belonging’

Let's talk candidly about the so-called 'diversity push.' Contrary to some misconceptions, embracing diversity is not about political correctness for the sake of appearances. It's about building resilient, high-performing teams that contribute to the bottom line. Businesses with gender-diverse teams consistently outperform their counterparts, both financially and culturally. Additionally, diverse teams make better decisions 87% of the time and deliver 60% better results (Forbes 2017).

The Bottom Line: Why It Matters

  • Improved Productivity: Diverse teams bring varied skill sets and perspectives, fostering innovation and problem-solving.
  • Decreased Attrition: A supportive environment reduces turnover, saving on recruitment and training costs.
  • Group Harmony: A diverse team isn't just a collection of individuals; it's a harmonious blend of talents, ideas, and collaborative spirit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the benefits of gender-diverse teams extend far beyond a mere 'diversity push.' It's a strategic move that positively impacts the business, the teams, and the overall harmony within the organization.

Reach out to schedule a session that delivers a roadmap to utilizing equity, empowerment, and positive change to support gender-diverse team excellence to drive better business outcomes.

Featured Content

BHM employee of the month

Celebrate BHM

Elevate 2024

First Gens in Tech AMA

First Gens in Tech 2023

For The Culture Book Talk with Dr. Marcus Collins

HubSpot Blog: From Day One to Year Three: Unveiling Lessons Learned at HubSpot

Re:work

Re:work informational interview

Shameless Mom Podcast

Booking Dr. V

Fill out the contact form below and someone from my team will be in touch. I am open to corporate, team, group, ERG,  panels, and keynote speaking engagements of any size.  Additionally, sessions are open to women, men, and gender-fluid audiences.

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  • Session Attendee

    Loved the interactive nature of this presentation, the impactful research shared, and the actionable recommendations suggested. V was an excellent presenter and very engaging with the audience. She also created a space that made it easy to audience members to connect with each other during the session.

  • Session Attendee

    Incredible, powerful speaker. Did an incredible, affirming job with a difficult subject.

  • Session Attendee

    An interactive, real, and inspiring presentation. The best part of my conference (and the entire thing was awesome).

  • Video Testimonial

    Shana Weisinger, CoFounder Elevate 2024

    Watch now 
  • Client Testimonial

    Vrnda's knack for connecting with people at all levels is truly remarkable. Even with her extensive experience, she maintains a tone that's approachable and never talks down to her mentees or students. She engages with each person with genuine empathy, making it clear she truly cares. At the same time, she fosters a sense of responsibility, encouraging everyone to strive to be their best selves."

    - Shelton Banks Re:work Chief Executive Officer

  • Client Testimonial

    Dr. V Boykin’s superpower as a speaker is making her audiences feel seen, heard, and valued. I’ve hosted many events in my career, and very rarely have I seen someone so quickly create a safe space for attendees to ask candid questions, be vulnerable about their experiences, and connect on a human level. By addressing tough topics in an accessible way, followed by specific calls to action, she leaves you feeling inspired and fully equipped to tackle your personal challenges.

    - Erica Finley, Principal Marketing Manager, HubSpot