In this compelling and eye-opening episode of Conversations With Carole, host Carole Copeland Thomas sits down with Dr. Carlton Brown, a renowned UK-based diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategist and founder of Aspire Consultancy Ltd. (https://www.aspire-consultancy.com), to unpack “The Race Paradox”—a searing critique of how and why organizations repeatedly fail when it comes to race.
Dr. Brown exposes the deep-rooted patterns of performative allyship and broken promises that permeate the corporate DEI space—both in the United Kingdom and the United States. With clarity and urgency, he explains how many companies, despite grand declarations after George Floyd’s murder in 2020, failed to deliver sustained, systemic change. His insights into the "illusion of progress" challenge organizational leaders to confront uncomfortable truths.
Carole and Dr. Brown also highlight the eerie similarities between the UK’s DEI shortcomings and those seen across U.S. corporations—particularly the retreat from racial justice commitments once media attention faded. Their conversation urges leaders to abandon box-ticking exercises and instead commit to transformative, long-term racial equity.
Dr. Carlton Brown’s Background:
Dr. Brown brings a powerful blend of executive retail experience, academic excellence, and organizational consulting to the table. With a doctorate in leadership and over 20 years of DEI expertise, he has advised companies, and institutions on how to dismantle racism from within.
Upcoming Engagements:
Dr. Brown is a featured leader at the upcoming 2025 Black Business Entrepreneur Conference (BBEC) in London on June 25, 2025. This prestigious event brings together global Black business leaders to accelerate economic growth and leadership within the African diaspora. Learn more about the conference at: https://www.thebbec.com/2025-conference
Carole Copeland Thomas will also be speaking at the BBEC, continuing her lifelong mission to elevate racial equity and inclusive leadership across global platforms.
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