Seen and Heard with Carlisa – Season 2, Episode 1

Episode Title:

Episode Summary: In this powerful season premiere, Carlisa dives into the recent rollback of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives at Target and the broader implications for Black and Brown communities. She explores why this decision stings more than others, drawing parallels to personal experiences of exclusion and betrayal. With a critical lens, she discusses the gaslighting of marginalized communities, the performative nature of corporate DEI efforts, and the deeper systemic issues at play.

Carlisa also highlights the Black and Brown-owned brands impacted by this decision. She also brings in key research from a 2024 Yahoo Finance study, which found that over 76% of Chief Diversity Officers were White, while just under 4% were Black, underscoring the challenges of genuine corporate commitment to diversity.

Through her signature blend of personal storytelling and sharp analysis, Carlisa challenges listeners to think critically about where they spend their dollars, how corporations manipulate consumer trust, and what true accountability looks like.

Key Takeaways:

• Target’s rollback of DEI initiatives signals a deeper betrayal for Black and Brown communities who once felt seen and prioritized.

• The company leveraged Black-owned brands and designers to gain our trust and dollars, only to backtrack when it became inconvenient.

• Corporate DEI efforts are often performative, as evidenced by the 2024 Yahoo Finance study showing the overwhelming whiteness of DEI leadership.

• Consumers hold power in deciding where to spend their money and can choose to support Black-owned businesses directly.

• This moment serves as a reminder that true allyship requires consistency, not just convenience.

Listener Engagement: Carlisa invites listeners to reflect and share their thoughts:

• How do you feel about Target’s decision?

• What steps are you taking moving forward in your purchasing habits?

• Have you experienced similar betrayals in other spaces where you once felt included?

Join the conversation on Threads at @CarlisaNeal and let’s discuss.

Call to Action: If this episode resonated with you, be sure to share it with your community, leave a review, and subscribe for future episodes where we continue to have these real and necessary conversations.

Episode Description
In this deeply personal solo episode of Seen and Heard with Carlisa, I open up about the journey of surrender and what it means to let go of control, expectations, and the narrative we sometimes create about ourselves. Through sharing my struggles with motherhood, loss, and embracing the unknown, we explore what it looks like to release and let life unfold as it’s meant to.

Together, we’ll chat about my journey from struggle to surrender, the power of shedding old narratives, and the beauty of sharing our stories. If you’re navigating a season of letting go, finding your truth, or simply seeking to feel seen and heard, this episode is for you.

Why You Should Listen
If you've ever held on too tightly to an outcome or felt weighed down by expectations (yours or others’), tune in for an honest conversation about finding freedom and faith in surrender. This episode will speak to anyone who’s been through loss, who’s found themselves questioning their path, or who’s searching for a way to move forward with peace and purpose.

What You Will Learn

• How surrender can be a pathway to self-discovery and healing
• The importance of recognizing and honoring personal journeys, from loss to resilience
• Ways to let go of narratives that don’t serve us and embrace a life of faith and trust

Join the Conversation
Stay connected on Instagram and Threads: @CarlisaNeal and @SeenAndHeardWithCarlisaPodcast. For updates, inspiration, and exclusive content, visit CarlisaG.com. Remember, your story matters, your voice is powerful, and your life is boundless. Keep living freely and unapologetically.

In this powerful solo episode of Seen and Heard with Carlisa, we dive deep into the experience of being a woman with vision, the weight it can carry, and how to embrace your unique gift of discernment. Carlisa shares her personal journey of navigating relationships, setting boundaries, and learning to trust her intuition, all while offering real talk on how to handle situations when others may call you names or question your intentions.

Why You Should Listen: If you've ever been told you're "too much" for speaking the truth, or felt the burden of seeing people's struggles before they do, this episode is for you. Carlisa offers support and insights for women of vision who want to protect their peace while still showing up for others in a way that’s empowering.

What You Will Learn:

• How to navigate the gift of discernment without losing yourself
• The importance of setting boundaries and protecting your peace
• Shifting from telling people what to do to empowering them with questions
• The power of embracing the truth, even when it hurts
• How to let go of the "struggle bus" and reclaim your life

Stay connected with Carlisa on Instagram and Threads: @CarlisaNeal
Visit Carlisa's website for more episodes and exclusive content: www.carlisag.com

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!