Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ovell Barbee. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation. We’ve shared it below.
Hi Ovell, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room who looked like you?
In such situations, I remain true to the core of the essence of the person I am. I do not seek validation from others and recognize the importance of using my voice to advocate on behalf of those who look like me, as their voices are not typically heard in leadership forums. As an advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion, I use my voice as a catalyst for change, respectfully but pointedly challenging the status quo, to ensure the voices of all are heard.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we have for you?
For more than 20 years, I’ve walked the halls of Corporate America as an HR executive of Fortune 500 companies and two nationally renowned nonprofit health systems. I’ve led teams that drove sustained cultural change and reduced barriers for diverse populations with a “human-centered” approach that addressed systemic and unconscious barriers and bias. I’ve implemented policies and practices to give everyone opportunities to thrive within a corporate culture.
Every individual has a unique story. Here’s mine. I grew up in inner-city Grand Rapids, Michigan in a single-parent family that instilled the importance of hard work and education. I started working as a newspaper carrier at age 12 to help my family with expenses. I excelled academically and earned scholarships that helped me achieve a bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s in social work from the University of Michigan. I then went on to attend Michigan State University for a second master’s degree in HR and labor relations. As an advocate for education and a believer in giving back to the community, I paid back all the scholarship money I received to the organizations that supported my education. I also established the “Barbee Book Club,” which pays for books and supplies for four years of college for a local Grand Rapids student. My book club members must commit to do the same for another student.
I am passionate about mentoring and advising others. Growing up, I regularly reviewed the advice of columnists Ann Landers and Dear Abby to see if I agreed with it. Family members and colleagues frequently came to me for advice. I recently established a website to broaden the reach of my mentoring. Anyone who has an HR or DEI question for me can submit it at AskOvell.com.
I also recently released a book titled “The Big House: A Human-Centered and Progressive Approach to DEI and Positive Workforce Engagement.” In this book, which is an Amazon bestseller, I talk about why so many companies fail in creating and cultivating an environment that truly embraces diversity and its benefits. I offer advice on how to stop the silence, have difficult conversations addressing race and diversity, and learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable to achieve an environment where everyone can flourish. I offer perspectives on workplace injustices and inequities so that people can begin to understand which behaviors are detrimental to a company’s progress, so that they can be monitored. This can take time and courage, but it is critical that we all get to this point, in order to maximize our potential as managers and leaders in the corporate world.
Other topics covered in “The Big House” include the structure of modern corporations, respectability politics, the health toll of racism and discrimination, stopping the silence, and a new vision for corporate diversity to motivate and inspire leaders to build a better, human-centered workplace.
I believe the book is a must-have for anyone working in the corporate world because it offers solutions for employees and employers. Employees must be comfortable bringing their “whole selves” to work because a lack of authenticity will hold them back from reaching their full potential. And employers must recognize and embrace the benefits of diversity, because a lack of diversity is a problem that ultimately cripples an organization.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
- Being okay with the worst possible outcome. If you know that you will be okay no matter what, and don’t allow barriers or restrictions to get in your way, you’ll be able to navigate the ups and downs that come with building a career.
- Use Your Voice. Don’t allow your silent participation in discussions to lead others to think that you are in agreement with the dialogue. Stay true to what’s important to you and express your opinion.
- Be the author of how you will be remembered. Your narrative is your story. Take the time, and be purposeful and thoughtful, about defining and developing your personal leadership brand.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
In my field as an HR and DEI leader and advocate, the number one challenge is silence. I am proactively trying to create forums that encourage people to “use their voices” and to proactively advocate on behalf of others, in order to build better communities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.askovell.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ovellbarbee/
