329 | Supporting the Growth of Black Businesses with Karla Causey
Our guest this week on the pod is Karla Causey. Karla grew up in Albuquerque and graduated from the University of New Mexico. She had a 25 year career at Sandia National Labs doing HR and contracts work and then went to the Public Service Company of New Mexico where she also worked in HR. She then thought she was retired - until the Board Chair of the Black Chamber of New Mexico asked her to step in as President. In the 18 months that Karla has been at the helm, the organization’s membership has grown 300% and today it’s a highly esteemed organization in the New Mexico ecosystem.
This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
Supporting the Growth of Black Businesses: Interview with Karla Causey
NOTE: While it’s not perfect, we offer a transcript and the below summaries by Castmagic for those who are hearing impaired or who don’t find listening to a podcast enjoyable or possible.
You can read the full transcript of this episode here.
Key Topics and Bullet Points
1. Growth of Black businesses
Karla Causey discussed her transition from corporate America to leading the Black Chamber of Commerce in New Mexico, emphasizing the chamber's mission of inclusivity, making black businesses feel like they belong to the community.
2. Inclusivity and community belonging
She elaborated on the challenges faced by black entrepreneurs, including changing mentalities and the importance of education to counter misconceptions about black business owners.
3. Misconceptions about Black culture
The Black Chamber of Commerce's expansion from Albuquerque to the entire state and the introduction of tailored support and strategic membership sponsorships have been pivotal in its growth, now serving over 300 members.
4. Business certifications and support
Karla highlighted the significance of partnerships in creating impact; her strategic approach to partnership-building combines attending events and supporting others with mutual collaboration.
5. Strategic partnerships
A diverse range of classes and resources are offered to members of the Chamber, focusing on areas such as financial competency, home ownership, and certifications for minority-owned businesses.
6. Holistic support for members
The conversation included discussions on the importance of certifications for business growth, the creation of a resource hub to support recovery post-COVID, and the Chamber's efforts to support holistic well-being.
7. Chamber's future and expansion
Looking towards the future, Karla envisions expanding the Chamber's impact beyond the United States, capitalizing on partnerships and her relationship with the US Black Chamber and the Small Business Administration.