—
IN 25 WORDS OR LESS
That’s it. Leaders and influencers, who are usually given the floor for as long as they like, are limited here to condensed responses (no more than 25 words) that get straight to the point.
Think of yourself as a “brand.” Then focus on leverage strengths for grow & innovation ideas; job performance; internal & external connections.
THE BASICS
Name: Erby Foster
Title: Chief Diversity Officer
Organization: The Clorox Company – Oakland, CA
Age: Old enough • Status:
Place of Birth: San Francisco, CA • Place of Birth: San Francisco, CA • Status: Married • Kids: Yes
Contact/Follow: Email • LinkedIn • Twitter
QUICK BIO
Professional Background: Erby advises senior management and board of directors on diversity strategy, employer branding, external partnerships, and ERGs. He is a CPA with broad experience creating and implementing business strategy that increase customer satisfaction, drive profitable growth, and expand market share.
What achievement or position are you most known for? President & CEO – National Association of Black Accountants, Inc.
Additional Organizations: Alonzo King LINES Ballet; Glide Foundation; Museum of the African Diaspora; Network of Executive Women
Additional Positions: Former Corporate: Senior Finance Director; Senior Audit Manager
WORK
Job(s) held that is most unlike what I currently do now: VP & CFO – AAA Chicago; Senior Finance Director – McDonald’s Corp; Global Finance Director – PepsiCo; Senior Audit Manager, Arthur Andersen & Co.
Field: Diversity & Inclusion
What it does and what I do: Consumer Packaged Goods.
Years of Experience: 10
Current Big Project: Leverage ERGs for growth & innovation ideas.
Staffing/Resource Needs: n/a
PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Significant Challenge: Today’s global marketplace is different from one we grew up in. It requires new approaches, diverse leadership teams with different worldviews, experiences, and thought processes.
Significant Mistake/Regret: What I’ve learned along the way: Diversity is being invited to the party; Inclusion is being invited to dance. Let’s dance!
Significant Accomplishment: Out & Equal – Outstanding Ally Award, The Clorox Company – Chairman’s Award, NABA – Commitment to the Community Award.
Biggest Strength(s): Connector and Influencer.
Biggest Weakness(es): Not following my passion early in career.
Career Advice: Think of yourself as a “brand.” Then focus on leverage strengths for grow & innovation ideas; job performance; internal & external connections.
PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE
Significant Challenge: “Be Here Now” when spending time with family.
Significant Accomplishment: Giving 10% of my Time, Talent, & Treasure to serve on non-profit boards.
Life Advice: If we each contribute 10% of our time, talent, or treasure – to someone for something – a great deal could be done.
Trait(s) most admired in others: Unconditional Love.
Among several global issues of deep concern, one(s) that stands out to me: Predict what the next water contamination crisis will be and solve it now.
Some causes/organizations I support: Alonzo King LINES Ballet; Glide Foundation; Museum of the African Diaspora; Network of Executive Women
Some of my most-admired people (excluding parents): Cecil Williams, Danny Glover, Willie Brown.
LIFESTYLE
Hours of “personal” downtime/week: 10
Favorite activity(s) in my personal downtime: Arts, Books, Jazz, Movies, Running.
Some of my favorite local hangouts: LINES Ballet, Movie Theatre, Yoshi’s
Some of my favorite TV shows: Elementary, Rosewod, Shades of Blue.
What news outlets or media sources do you most rely on? CNN, NBC, San Francisco Chronicle
Favorite Vacation Spot(s): Barcelona, Puerto Rico, Vancouver.
Place(s) I would like to visit: Africa, Cuba, Dubai
Favorite Pastime/Hobby(s): Arts, Jazz, Movies, Reading, Running.
Favorite Book(s): Everything written by Walter Mosley.
Something about me that may surprise you: As a High School sophomore; taught Geometry to class of Seniors during a Teacher strike.
AND LASTLY. . .
With all that goes on in our lives, we may believe we don’t have time to get involved with other people’s issues, yet we must.
