Bankole's Nation Episode 22: Meet Jerry Norcia, Top Business Leader Influenced by Pope Francis’ Teachings

In this week’s episode, journalist Bankole Thompson talks to Jerry Norcia, the Chairman and CEO of DTE Energy in Detroit, a Fortune 500 company, about the transcending and inclusive legacy and impact of the late Pope Francis. Norcia, a trained engineer and the former Chairman of the American Gas Association, is one of the nation’s leading figures in the energy industry. He is also a board member of the Nuclear Energy Institute and the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations.

In the interview, Norcia opens up about being raised Catholic in a poor family, where his father worked as a mason and his mother was a janitor. He reflects on how the influential teachings of Pope Francis remind him of the need for leaders to create a welcoming environment in the workplace, where people feel valued and respected regardless of their diverse backgrounds. He discusses the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion and how these tenets help guide his work as the leader of DTE Energy. Additionally, he explains why business leaders should not ignore issues that impact not only their workers but also the communities in which their businesses operate.

He also waxes on the issue of compassionate business leadership, drawing upon Pope Francis’ call for leaders of all kinds to tackle the vexing issue of poverty in light of the many who are suffering from economic injustice.