Episode 23 - How to Lead Authentically and Advocate for Social Justice

Elevate and Celebrate

This month’s guest, Christian Harris, stops by to share his social justice advocacy work alongside his coaching and speaking practice. Learn from an amazing entrepreneur what it takes to build a successful practice and navigate responsibilities as a partner and parent.

About the Guest:

Christian Harris is a dynamic speaker, coach, and consultant with extensive professional experience. He began his career as an entrepreneur, founding MS Clean and Sons LLC, a successful cleaning service in Chicagoland, and later a limo service. Christian's political involvement includes volunteering on various campaigns, serving on the Oak Park Public Library Board (2017-2021) where he was Finance Officer, and working as the West Side Regional Field Organizing Director on Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s campaign. He also served as Director of DEI and Operations for DM Burton LLC.

Since 2015, Christian has coached individuals and organizations on leadership, DEIJ, and other professional challenges, working with OVP Management Consulting Group and independently. He has consulted for organizations like the California Department of Public Health and the Delaware Department of Labor.

Christian is a passionate public speaker, engaging audiences at events such as the Oak Park Public Library Kwanzaa Celebration and the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago’s Black History Month program. He is deeply committed to community service, serving on various boards and participating in social justice demonstrations. In 2020, he co-founded Walk the Walk, focusing on anti-gentrification and reparations, and launched the Oak Park Reparations Task Force.

In 2023, Christian founded Kindred Keynotes and Coaching to empower nonprofits, DEI practitioners, government agencies, and social justice advocates. He lives on Chicago’s west side with his wife Richelle and their new child.

Certifications:

34 Strong Gallup Clifton Strengths Coach (2019)

Race Forward - Building Racial Equity (2020)

Race Forward - Racial Equity in Libraries (2018)

Website + Social Media links:

www.Kindred-KC.Com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-harris-b216b626/
https://reparationgeneration.org

Timestamps:

00:00 Opening Credits
00:28 Show Intro + Announcements
02:20 Alex welcomes Christian to the show + he shares his intro
11:17 Christian describes what it means to be Black in America
16:04 How clients thrive with Kindred Coaching
22:34 Christian shares his vision for 2025
27:43 How Christian uses speaking + storytelling to amplify his message
36:42 Final thoughts + ways to connect with Christian
40:00 Final acknowledgments
40:29 Ending Credits

#bipoc
#coaching
#thoughtleadership
#globalcommunity
#professionaldevelopment
#businesscoaching
#executive coaching
#leadershipcoaching
#professionalcoaching

Learn more about the BIPOC Coach Collective at bipoccc.org.
#bipoc
#coaching
#thoughtleadership
#globalcommunity
#professionaldevelopment
#businesscoaching
#executive coaching
#leadershipcoaching
#professionalcoaching