G-2LCWV30QZ8 The Trillion-Dollar Blind Spot: Why Media Still Undervalues People of Color - TonyTidbit: A Black Executive Perspective

Episode 212

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Published on:

18th Feb 2025

The Trillion-Dollar Blind Spot: Why Media Still Undervalues People of Color

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Episode Audio Link: https://podcast.ablackexec.com/episode/The Trillion-Dollar Blind Spot: Why Media Still Undervalues People of Color

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In this compelling episode of A Black Executive Perspective, hosts Tony Tidbit and Chris P. Reed sit down with Sheila Marmon, CEO and founder of Mirror Digital, to explore the intersection of diversity, representation, and media ownership. From her roots in South Central LA to leading a pioneering digital media company, Sheila shares her journey and the lessons learned along the way.

They discuss the untapped buying power of people of color in the U.S., the barriers to media ownership, and what brands must do to authentically connect with diverse audiences. Sheila unpacks the role of representation in reshaping narratives and highlights how embracing diversity isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a strategic business imperative.

▶︎ In This Episode

00:00: Introduction to Buying Power of People of Color

00:47: Welcome to the Podcast

01:02: Shoutout to CodeM Magazine

01:28: Introducing Sheila Marmon

02:52: Sheila's Background and Journey

06:44: The Importance of Representation in Media

10:29: Challenges and Opportunities in Digital Media

19:53: The Role of Mirror Digital

31:50: A Shocking Statement in 2002

33:54: The Importance of Owning Your Narrative

37:08: The Role of Algorithms in social media

38:10: Ageism vs. Racism in Media Gatekeeping

39:31: Building Your Own Platform

43:00: Challenges and Rewards of Entrepreneurship

46:04: The Journey of Mirror Digital

53:14: Brands Leading the Way in Diversity

55:38: Final Thoughts and Call to Action

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About the Podcast

TonyTidbit: A Black Executive Perspective
Reshaping Leadership & Diversity in Corporate America
About the Podcast: "TonyTidbit: A Black Executive Perspective" offers a deep dive into the corporate world through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Hosted by Tony Franklin, aka Tony Tidbit, this podcast shines a light on vital conversations around race, leadership, and diversity, fostering understanding and change.

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Meet Your Host: Tony Franklin has over three decades of corporate experience and provides transformative insights into diversity and inclusion, making each episode a journey of learning and empowerment.

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What to Expect: #BEPpodcast brings powerful transformations, empowering voices, addressing barriers, and delving into topics reshaping Corporate America. It's a platform uniting diverse voices and making a significant impact.

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About your host

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Tony Franklin

Tony Franklin, the esteemed host of "TonyTidbit: A Black Executive Perspective," is a dynamic and insightful leader with over 30 years of experience navigating the complexities of corporate America. With a career marked by leadership roles across various industries, Tony brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to the podcast. His journey is one of resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to driving diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace.

A passionate advocate for change, Tony initiated the groundbreaking "Conversations about Race" series in his workplace following the social unrest of 2020. This series laid the foundation for the podcast, offering a platform for open, honest discussions about race and the Black executive experience in corporate America. Through his engaging conversations with guests, Tony explores themes of adversity, exclusion, and implicit bias, while also highlighting the strategies that have helped break down racial barriers.

Tony's approachable style and depth of experience make him an influential voice in the DEI space. His dedication to fostering an inclusive environment is evident in each episode, where he provides actionable guidance for being a better advocate and ally. "TonyTidbit: A Black Executive Perspective" is not just a podcast; it's a movement towards a more equitable corporate landscape, led by Tony's visionary leadership and empathetic voice.