The E Word with Karen & Brittany
The E Word is a bold conversation about culture, leadership, power, and identity—and how the systems that shape them influence the way we live, work, and lead. Hosted by leadership strategists Karen McFarlane and Brittany S. Hale, The E Word is made for curious leaders, culture shapers, and deep thinkers navigating power, purpose, and change. Each episode explores the structures, decisions, and dynamics driving business, politics, culture, and everyday life. Grounded in Aristotle’s five intellectual virtues, we connect the dots between timeless wisdom and today’s most urgent questions to help you find your power, reimagine what’s possible, and shape the world you want to see
Episodes
What if ancient wisdom held the keys to thriving in today’s world? In Season 3 of The E-Word, we’re expanding our focus from equity to eudaimonia, the Greek idea of living a flourishing, meaningful life rooted in truth, virtue, and excellence. Equity is still in the mix, but now it lives within a bigger conversation about what it means to live and lead well.
Leadership strategists Karen McFarlane and Brittany S. Hale ...
What does it mean when a university’s right to admit international students comes under legal challenge? In this episode, Karen and Brittany explore Harvard’s recent court victory and what it reveals about the balance between institutional autonomy, educational values, and evolving policy priorities.
At the heart of the case is a deeper conversation about academic freedom and the idea that universities should have the ...
Two people. Same background. Completely different digital realities. How?
In this episode, we unravel the invisible influence of algorithms and how personalized feeds quietly shape your worldview, reinforcing what you already believe and filtering out anything that challenges it.
From college debates that once built mental muscle to today’s one-tap echo chambers, we explore what we’ve lost—and how it affects everything...
What if the categories we use to define race are more limiting than enlightening? In this episode, Karen and Brittany unpack actor Malik Yoba’s recent statement that he no longer identifies as a “Black man” but as “non-white”—a personal choice that opens the door to a much bigger conversation.
Together, they explore how racial classifications have shifted over time and across borders—from South Africa’s former system t...
Deloitte says “everyone is welcome”—but just scrapped its DEI goals, transparency reporting, and inclusive programming in the U.S. In this episode, Brittany and Karen confront the contradiction and ask: what happens when companies eliminate the very tools that make inclusion measurable?
From the quiet ban on pronouns in email signatures to inconsistent global policies (Deloitte UK is still all-in on DEI), we explore ho...
This International Women's Day, Karen and Brittany delve into a pressing issue: the federal government's removal of terms like "women," "Black," "Latinx, "mental health," "climate change," "gender" and a host of other words from official communications. They share personal stories of influential women in their lives—mothers balancing careers and family, ...
In this episode, Karen and Brittany delve into how society perceives and reacts to displays of wealth, sparked by a recent Real Housewives of Beverly Hills episode where a cast member declared, "my wallet is bigger." They explore why we often associate positive traits like intelligence and morality with financial status and how these perceptions influence our interactions.
The discussion touches on the adage...
Think diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is just about race and gender? Think again. DEI frameworks impact nearly everyone—veterans, parents, caregivers, disabled individuals, and more—by breaking down barriers to success and ensuring true merit can shine.
In this episode, we tackle the biggest misconceptions about DEI, including the idea that it undermines meritocracy (hint: it actually strengthens it). We explore...
We're unpacking a gripping Reddit post about a woman questioning her reaction to her fiancé’s Republican views on the federal financial aid freeze. Their story opens up a broader conversation on government subsidies, military service benefits, and how to navigate political differences in relationships.
We also dive into deep-seated biases within the military, the role of education and financial aid in creating opp...
Target’s latest DEI moves are stirring up conversation—are they reacting to political pressure or making a strategic business play? We break down the end of their three-year DEI goals, the impact of past controversies (hello, Pride Month backlash), and what it all means for the brand’s future.
We also explore how big brands can make DEI more than just a corporate checkbox, the influence of Black consumer spending, and ...
Contrary to the headlines, McDonald's isn’t abandoning its DEI principles—it’s been blending them into its secret sauce all along.
In this episode, we dig beneath the headlines to explore McDonald's purpose and impact report, highlighting what the global giant is getting right, where we disagree and see a higher opportunity for its actions, and why its evolution could light the way for other organizations. Fr...
Costco has made headlines by affirming its commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), resisting external political pressures that many corporations face regarding these essential policies. This episode explores the implications of Costco's stance for the retail sector while discussing the challenges other corporations encounter in balancing internal ethics with external demands.
• Costco’s boa...
What happens when corporate boardrooms fail to reflect the diversity of the society they serve? Today, we tackle this pressing question as we discuss the controversial rejection of NASDAQ's diversity rules by a US Appeals Court in New Orleans. We explore the crucial role of appointing judges capable of understanding diverse perspectives and the broader societal implications of their decisions. Let's go beyon...
Can diversity in military education strengthen national security? Join us as we explore the groundbreaking federal court ruling that upholds the Naval Academy's race-conscious admissions policy. This decision is not just a bureaucratic victory but a significant stride towards ensuring that our armed forces reflect the rich diversity of the nation they serve. As we dissect the heated debates surrounding this rulin...
Corporate America's DEI initiatives are not what they seem! As Walmart rolls back its diversity programs, there are more questions about the future of equity in the workplace. Brittany and Karen ponder the repercussions on minority and women-owned businesses in a time of shifting political landscapes and discuss the balancing act corporations face between staying compliant with existing anti-discrimination laws a...
What if the recent election outcomes signal a seismic shift for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in both corporate and political realms? As we brace for the impending Trump presidency and a Republican majority, we dissect the potential ramifications for DEI initiatives and draw parallels with historical contexts, like reparations for slave owners. With influential figures such as Stephen Miller poised to shape p...
BREATHER EPISODE: Every now and then, we need to hit pause on the heavy stuff and kick back with some laughs! Because let’s be real—life can’t be all serious all the time!
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Have you ever wondered how a reality TV franchise could mirror the complexities of American society while offering pure entertainment? Karen & Brittany unpack their favorite series, with a special shoutout to #RHOBH as t...
Karen and Brittany kick off the conversation and delve into the excitement of the upcoming U.S. presidential election, focusing on Vice President Kamala Harris' run. Her candidacy is not just a political event; it's a cultural moment that resonates across communities. They share their admiration for Harris' leadership style, her knack for connecting with diverse voters through an inclusive and genuine m...
This episode unpacks monumental moments like Mexico's inaugural woman president and the significance of a mixed-race Black woman running for the U.S. presidency. The challenges faced by political figures like Kamala Harris are front and center, as Karen & Brittany tackle perceptions and the crucial role of shared democratic responsibilities. They discuss the complex interplay of gender, race, and age in polit...
Ever wondered how polished delivery can overshadow policy substance? We promise you'll learn how vice-presidential debates often favor soundbites and media-savvy appearances, potentially leading to public misconceptions. Brittany and Karen discuss the nuances of political communication, highlighting the importance of critical thinking and the role social media platforms like TikTok play in reshaping the voter lan...
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