SoftwareOne team hosted their first Courageous Conversation of 2026, focused on "Social Mobility 101," where Dr. Alexandria White in discussion with Bishop Leonard, People and Culture Consultant at PowerToFly, explored how organizations can remove barriers and create real opportunities for talent from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
In the spirit of continued learning, we're sharing access to the Courageous Conversation so that you can watch it on your own time and learn more from our subject matter expert.
📝Key Takeaways
After watching the session, you will gain the following insights and actionable steps:
Takeaway 1: Social Mobility is Access, Influence, Stability, and Choices
Social mobility means moving across economic, educational, and professional classes—and it impacts entire families and communities, not just individuals.
Actionable Item: Map out socioeconomic backgrounds of your team and candidates to identify barriers and where targeted support could help people advance.
Takeaway 2: The Class Pay Gap is Widening
There's a growing pay disparity between people from humble beginnings and those from Ivy League schools. You can help close it through promotions, stretch assignments, and visibility.
Actionable Item: Audit your promotion patterns and actively advocate for high-potential employees from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to get stretch assignments and senior leadership exposure.
Takeaway 3: Exposureships Build Early Pipeline
Exposureships are 3–12 month virtual programs that expose Gen Z/Gen Alpha to how your company works—before they're even employed.
Actionable Item: Design a 3-month virtual exposureship program with employees volunteering as mentors to showcase their roles and create a talent pipeline.
Takeaway 4: Professional Currency Powers Sponsorship
Sponsorship doesn't require money—share your knowledge of company culture, access to senior leaders, and advancement pathways with emerging talent.
Actionable Item: Bring one emerging talent into a senior leadership meeting quarterly and mentor them on navigating your organizational culture.
🗣️About Our Subject Matter Expert
📽️ Access the Recording
📊 What Comes Next?
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