Deandre Esteen:
Hi, this is Deandre Esteen, and this is compassionate. Las Vegas, the podcast.
Will Rucker:
Welcome to compassionate Las Vegas, the podcast I'm your host will Rucker. And I want to thank you for joining us again in season three. Yes. I said, I'd say this every episode and I mean, it, I am so thrilled that we are here with you for our third season. Joining us today is a very special guest. Someone I'm really looking forward to this conversation with and someone who is tall in real life. So, you know, to give you that much, welcome to the podcast none other than the DeAndre Esteen. Good, good day.
Deandre Esteen:
Good day. Good Friday. Thank you for having me. And you know, I'm not sure if people can, can see us or not, if this is just audio or video, but we are somewhat dressed alike. Like we're wearing the same color.
Will Rucker:
This was not,
Deandre Esteen:
This is not playing whatsoever. So, so you know, listen, it just means that it's serendipitous, you know, this is gonna be a great conversation. It's gonna be a great day. And again, I'm, I'm just really looking forward to it.
Will Rucker:
Awesome. Well, the first thing I wanna ask you is something I actually usually say for the end of the podcast, but I wanna start here as kind of our level setting, which is how do you define compassion?
Deandre Esteen:
Wow. that's a very good question. So to me, compassion is actually when you bring your passion together with someone else's passion, when you guys work together for the common good, and it's believing in doing the right thing to help others. So I think that's pretty a simple way to think about compassion. When you think about a, a lot of folks who want to do great things, it's because they feel like it's the right thing to do. They see a problem, they feel like they have a, a solution or they can work together with someone else to, to create a solution to that problem. It's about helping and, you know, I think that's really what compassion is all about.
Will Rucker:
I love it. I think that's a great way to frame it. So with that in mind, just let our audience know a little bit more about you, but I want you to take us on your journey.
Deandre Esteen:
Yeah. So, you know, wow. How much time do we have trying to get this simple version? So you know, born and raised in Las Vegas pretty much moved around a, a lot around the city when I was younger. But roots definitely in west Las Vegas. I, me, my grandmother still stays there. My great grandmother still stays there. I go over there from time to time you know, gotta go to Mario's, you know, get, get my catfish. I graduated in 2005 right before Katrina hit. And my focus at the time was really around television journalism. I wanted to be news producer. I wanted to write and, you know, and really build shows. And a, a lot of my focus was there. My internships were, were there as well and came back and actually got my career started with channel eight.
Deandre Esteen:
And then also channel 13 and was there for about or years. And unfortunately the you know, the recession hit at the time and, you know, a lot of folks were, were impacted and I, I was very young and it was a struggle for me because again, that's what I went to school for and that's all I knew at the time. But when I got, let go, I figured, let me do something, let me, you know, volunteer. And so I actually started to volunteer at the shade tree and I was teaching life skills classes there. That's how I actually got started in, in the nonprofit world. So I was working in the, a workforce readiness program coaching and teaching classes and helping the residents there to find work and, you know, jobs, you know, just really improve their workforce readiness skills.
Deandre Esteen:
And then I actually became the director of development, right. Soon after that. So now we're in a whole different world, we're in the fundraising world. And I think that's where I really started to establish the relationship part because that's what director, you know, being in development is really all about. And in 2014 I joined Barclays. I, you know, the name Barclays sounded familiar to me, you know, Barclay center. And I was familiar with premier league and I joined in in August of 2014. Barclays had just really established itself in Henderson about six months prior. So I've been with Barclays now for seven and a half years out of the eight years that they've been here. And you know, it's, it's been a great journey at the think the one thing, you know, when I look back at my, my career and the different aspects of my career, and for anyone listening out there, you know, you, you have to have a cheerleader because I have had some great mentors and people who believed in me along the way, even when I didn't quite believe in myself, even when I felt like I wasn't being the best leader that I could possibly be, or, you know, being a, you know, but there's always those folks who, who expect the best out of you, they know that you're capable of, of being better and they will root for you.
Will Rucker:
Yeah. And when you say you're with Barclay, like tell us what you do. Like what, what's your title?
Deandre Esteen:
Oh boy. So my exact title. And when I give you this title, I'm going to have to explain it anyway. But my exact title is vice president of contact center site coordinator. So really what that means is all of our external relationships in Henderson, which we have about 1300 colleagues in, in, in Southern Nevada. I am in charge of the community relations aspect of it. So anything dealing with our philanthropy or fundraising, which we call our citizenship platform falls under me and also see that same agenda in our, our smaller location in Hamilton, Ohio. So really getting our colleagues involved and volunteerism and fundraising, looking out for those organizations who can be part of our investment strategy dealing with workforce rating the skills, and we have some wonderful community partners out there. Tech impact is one of them help us a, of the Nevada and junior achievement, you know, have some great programs that we're involved in, but it's really about building those life skills and those workforce readiness skills.
Deandre Esteen:
So that's from the investment side. And that's where I spent a, a lot of, a lot of my time but also diversity inclusion colleague engagement. And I'm also in, in charge of internal community, but, but also our external relationships dealing with the chambers of commerces, the O B G E a city of economic development. I really help nurture those relationships and also build bridges too. I, I like to really think of myself as a connector, you know, in, in so many ways because I'm also bringing in, you know, people and telling our story and making sure that the right people are at the table to, to, so that our community is successful and Barclays is successful.
Will Rucker:
And how far of a reach does Barclays have
Deandre Esteen:
So globally? Let's see. About what 330 years of, of history you know, so that's, that's a long, long you know, stage of, of history right there, but around the world 40 different countries, 85,000 colleagues our us business is based off out of Wilmington, Delaware. But our site in Henderson which is off of green valley Parkway into two 15 we are the largest operational center in the us. So we're in Nevada, we're in Ohio Wilmington, Delaware. We have our large tech center and with the New Jersey as well. So we're pretty much spread out. But Henderson, Nevada is the flagship operations.
Will Rucker:
So I have a Barclay card in my wallet as we speak. All right. I just, I just want our audience to hear the, the first two words you said, vice president. So a kid from Vegas is now leading this extraordinary company that's global, and you're doing it through relationships. Like to me, that's, we could end the podcast there with, with minding hope in that way. Like, that's amazing.
Deandre Esteen:
Well, I, I do wanna say that I'm, I'm one of many vice presidents and we have a wonderful team around the world who, who, you know, handles the citizenship and the philanthropy piece. So we all work together. And, and I think that's one of the, the crazy things about this pandemic is we're isolated, but it's also allowed us to come together as well, you know, virtually. So I've had a wonderful chance to, to meet some of my colleagues and London in Germany, you know virtually of course, you know, and we're sharing ideas, you know, Hey, what's working, you know, in your community. Oh, wow. This is working with us. Hey, maybe we can do something together and collaborate. So you know, while, you know, vice, you know, V VP, I'm very proud, you know, that, and again, a, a lot of hard, but a lot of folks believe in me as well. And, and, you know, and, and it gives you confidence, you know? So I also wanna shadow, you know, my, my colleagues, the team for supporting what we do in our communities, because that's how we're gonna be successful, but that's also how we're gonna be impactful.
Will Rucker:
Community is a theme of this podcast. And of course it's the core of our organization that compassion Las Vegas, making our community more compassionate. So I, I love everything that you said, and I'm just really excited to see what you do next and the partnerships that you continue to foster, cuz I did do a little slew thing. Like you've got this journalism background, so, you know, you've gotta gotta know a little something going in,
Deandre Esteen:
Of course. Yeah. Check your check, your sources and everything. Yeah,
Will Rucker:
Absolutely. Well, one of the things that caught my attention was the build project with the park. And that to me was so important cuz you brought in the children to actually be a part of that process and to give their voice and input and what you were creating. Yeah. And to me, that's, it is you understand the importance of having everyone at the table when you're moving forward with anything. So could you speak to that a bit?
Deandre Esteen:
Yeah, absolutely. And that's a wonderful partnership that we've been able to be a part of over the last year and we're actually just finalized. We're gonna take part in the second year, so we're gonna, yeah, we're, we're gonna do it again. But the, the Fox five super build you know, they approached us Fox five, did they? They have this wonderful project that they have been doing where they bring in local companies. And they work together to help build and design a, a playground and an area need through an organization called make an impact. And then later on working with habitat for humanity, you build a house and this year the, the house was built for the, the Payton family. They have a wonderful, wonderful story. You can go to Fox five's website and, and learn all about them and learn about the companies that have been involved and, and hear our story as well as, you know, why it's important for us.
Deandre Esteen:
But yeah, going back to the playground, which is the, the first part of it you know, bringing the kids together and the area of you know, it was freedom Gary Reese, freedom park I'm used to just saying freedom park cuz I lived in that area and that's where, you know, we would go and hang out. Me and my, my, my friends and I, when we were younger. But the kids in, in that area's about 2000 children I believe would be, you know, utilizing that, that new playground, but we brought them in different age groups and we you know, they got a chance to sort of build out what they thought they would wanna see in a playground. I remember that day, like it was yesterday even though it's almost a year ago because I had the kindergartners and so that was a whole lot of energy.
Deandre Esteen:
I then when they gave the kids the cake, I'm like, we're yeah, we're, we're, we're done here because you're gonna do five and six year olds, some sugar and no, but, but it was, it was great because, you know, they took a lot of the ideas from the kids and you know, really put it in, in the rendering and the Raiders were involved as well. So of course it's, it's all, you know, Raiders logoed out and you know, just seeing the, the process and us being a part of that process was really great. It was a first time for, for us. We had to be, be involved in it. A majority of the time virtually unfortunately, due to safety and health, you know, guidelines. But as I continue to tell the story, as, as I continue to let colleagues know what's going on and you know, even virtually we were part of the design day, but I'm proud to say, when we do the house bill, we have our day coming up, we will have Barclay's colleagues out there. We will be getting our hands dirty and putting the final touches on the Payton family's brand new home. And so you know, listen, if you guys, again, if you have a chance go to Fox's website they have a wonderful story, a wonderful family. I got a chance to meet with them and talk with them. And I'm just so very happy for them and that we're able to be a part of the process.
Will Rucker:
That's beautiful and I'm just warm and fuzzies, like 2000 kids have access to this part. And, and so, you know, full disclosure, I am not a sports person and I, I don't even understand like, okay, people are watching other people do this and they're really excited about it. Like that doesn't resonate with me, but I am amazed at how much Las Vegas loves the Raiders. Like, you can't go anywhere without single Raiders license played or wanted a tea or, you know, a, a flag somewhere it's just like the Raiders came and they made this home for real.
Deandre Esteen:
Yeah. And when you even look at just overall we're a sports town now who would've thought I mean, you know, there was, there were some folks who, who said, we, we are, we can be a sports town and you know, but I think the majority of us, 10, 15 years ago, there was no way we thought that we would be a major sports hub hockey in Las Vegas, you know, but the golden Knights came in you know, and unfortunately their debut season, you know, coincided with one October, but even right before then they came in and they embraced the community. Right. They came in and they made their impact. They were our Vegas born, you know, organization and they really show, you know, that they wanna establish roots here. When you think about with the Raiders, when you think about the ACEs, when you think about, you know, now we have the silver Knights, you know, coming in. And when you think about the you know, the arena football league, all the sports teams that have come in have really adopted Vegas and have really made their stamp as to wanting to make a difference and whatever their platform is, if it's kids, if it's, you know you know, veteran families, if, if it's, you know, the elderly, if it's pets organizations wanna be a part of this community and they know that giving back is the way to do it
Will Rucker:
Giving back, that's a, a big, big topic right now because I, I see us really being a part of a phase shift and even going from being a town that no one thought would handle sports to being a sports town. I mean, you've got like, as you mentioned, all of the major teams and more are still coming, we're really transitioning into a new Las Vegas. And that's the, to me, the spirit of Las Vegas is reinvention. Yeah. But I wonder with all of these great feel, good stories, I, I, I go, I enjoy the moment of feeling good about it, but then I also feel the heartbreak of why does this story exist in the first place? Could you speak to your thoughts on, on true systemic change?
Deandre Esteen:
Well, I think the goal for any organization for, for any, I'm gonna put on my nonprofit hat here for a second, I think the goal for any nonprofit hat ultimate goal, ultimate vision is to be in a world where that nonprofit should not exist. Right? If you look at domestic violence, you know, organizations, the, the vision should be, we shouldn't have to be here, but we are glad that we're here to offer these programs and services. When you look at financial literacy, when you look at you know, racial and social injustice, you know, organizations that serve at purpose, it's absolutely those things should not have to happen, but we should be grateful that there are organizations. There are individuals, there are teams that are dedicated to those particular missions because without those shelter, you know, or services or programs or support, whatever you want to call it, you know, there would be a lot more, a lot more folks in need.
Deandre Esteen:
There would be a lot more negativity in our world. So I, I think that's why, you know, I implore folks to really find out what are you passionate about? You know, we look, we, you know, we look at things, especially over the last couple of years, you know, we we've seen a lot of, well, we've known that there, there are things that have been happening, you know, our community, this we've been speaking about this for years, but I think the world has gotten a chance to see, you know, some of these things that happening, you know, and unfortunately it's also led to O you know, to, to other things, you know, when you look at the pandemic, when you look at, you know, mental health, when you look at you know, the rise in, in violent crime or domestic violence, you know, it, it is just been a world where a, a lot of the, the onions have been pulled back, but are organizations out there.
Deandre Esteen:
So let's be part of the solution. Let's invest our time in being part of these organizations, you know, that are, are trying to create solutions. And I, you know, I, you, you raise a good point, but I also think that this is our chance to continue to show, you know, that we're supportive of one another, that we're supportive of finding solutions. It's very easy to sit back and say, this is a problem. This is a problem, but it's also a opportunity for us to say, this is a problem. What do I have within me? What resources do I have? What, what passion do I have to, to work towards, you know, being a solution, you know, or, or finding a solution
Will Rucker:
I believe in solutions. And that's really why this podcast exists is to show the world and remind Las Vegas, that amazing things are happening. And that despite all of the negativity that traditional media channels have to show, there's a lot of good that is happening. And as I mentioned earlier, I think transformation is, is underway. And of course, when you're in the middle of it, you don't necessarily see it in the same way you do once you're to the end, and you can look back and like, oh, look what we did. But I, I really think that this is a unique time in history. This decade that we're in, even though COVID 19 has been around for way too long. I, I think it's given us some tools and some perspective and some connectivity that we wouldn't have otherwise I've gotten in this quick timeframe, this short of a timeframe. So I really appreciate you bringing that solutions oriented perspective. How else are you engaging with our community here in Las Vegas?
Deandre Esteen:
Oh, wow. You know, it's, I've had a, a couple of roles I should say. And I think one of the most important is mentorship. So I've been very fortunate up until a couple years ago to, to mentor a young man through a program that we were with at valley high school that unfortunately it, it didn't work out. But the principal was very gracious and said, Hey, I want you to stick through it because we have quite a journey ahead with this, this young man. And so from his freshman year, all the way to his senior year in high school, I was his mentor. Very good kid. He ended up getting a partial football, academic scholarship and going on on to college. So I think he should be in his sophomore, maybe junior year at this point.
Deandre Esteen:
Mentorship is very important that, you know, I've had a few mentors in, in my life and, you know, being able to guide and being someone that, you know, I can go and talk to. But I, I also serve on a couple boards now. I'm on the advisory board for tech impact Las Vegas which is a organization that has programs for youth work, ready, work readiness programs. So they have CX works and it, where, and I'm on the advisory board for that organization. And I'm very proud that I am the chair of the Henderson chamber of Commerce's foundation board as of last July. So I'm in my, my first year out of a two year term. And I'm very proud again to you know, be at the table and, and have such a great group of like-minded individuals that are dedicated, you know, to not only the Chamber's mission, but also the focus on community which is our community cares acts community cares programs leadership and also launchpad, which is the small business hub that is currently under renovation that we're really focusing on not only small businesses, but we're, we're working on focusing on scholarships for women own minority own and veteran own small businesses.
Deandre Esteen:
So the chamber, you know, great work, great focus. I'm just happy to be a part of the team.
Will Rucker:
Wow. That's incredible. And it's, I'm just sitting here going through my calendar in my head, like there are 24 hours in a day and he just mentioned like 39 different, you know, so that that's really, really awesome. And I think mentorship is, so I have adopted, and I'm not gonna say my age, but I've adopted the philosophy. I need an under 30 mentor. And so that's something I try to make sure is always happening, just so I stay connected with the generation that's coming up, but also still being able to pour into, you know, cuz that that history is, is so critical. Yeah. How does it feel to, to literally be making history and change with, with your influence in this way?
Deandre Esteen:
Well, I just feel like I'm doing my part, you know, honestly. But I also want to create a world where, you know, we, we have people that we've looked up to, right. We have those leaders in, in our community. We're like, wow, I hope I can make an impact like them. Right. We don't know how, you know, but we, we look up to them, you know, we have to understand that, you know, secretly there's those, you know, who are younger than us. That probably look at us the same way and I wanna lay a foundation. I wanna, I, I hope that, you know, with others, you know, we can be that, that beacon, right. Where, you know, the younger people look up to us and, and, and say the same thing, you know, I want my a niece, you know, who's eight years old at this point.
Deandre Esteen:
And my nephew, who's two years old at this point, you know, to look up to me and, and to others and say, wow, you know, that's what, that's what I want to aspire to, to be like, you know, and you know, there, you know, some people feel a, you know, a certain way about being a, a, a quote unquote role model, but regardless if we wanna be a role model or not, we have to understand when we're put into certain positions and especially leadership positions that people are watching us, you know, good, you know, good and bad, but I want my niece and my nephew, and I want, you know, kids to, you know, to look up to, to, and to aspire, you know, for something not the latest TikTok trend, you know, not whatever, you know reality TV star, you know, is, is doing, you know, I want to, you know, let's create some positive, you know, role models and some definitely let's create some positive, local role models. You know, that our younger generation can, can look up to.
Will Rucker:
I love it. What happens in Vegas will change the world.
Deandre Esteen:
I like that.
Will Rucker:
What has been the, the greatest obstacle or challenge you face, particularly as a black man in the nonprofit world, but as part of a major corpor seeking to make change in the world?
Deandre Esteen:
Well, I, I think one of the things, again, when you, when you look back at the last couple of years one of the, the challenges that, that I've faced pretty much is the isolation, you know, and, and it's tough, right? And then when you're isolated and then you see all the things, you know, that have transpired you know, starting in the, you know, early 20, 20 it can be taxing. It can, you know, mentally, I, I think you know, there's been for so long, there's been a stigma on, on mental health, right. Especially in the African American, you know, community, you know, reaching out for help, you know, or knowing where to go, what, what are those resources? So I, you know, I don't, I don't think that I I'm, you know, unique in that aspect. It's been a little bit tough for me as well.
Deandre Esteen:
You know sometimes you have to take a step back. Sometimes you, you have to, you know, know what resources are out there, whether it's within your company or whether it's when you know, outside of your, your organization, I will say a one thing that has, that has been good, but also, or positive, but also it makes you kind of think, you know, is we are actually now having conversations that we would not have had years ago, whether it's the workplace, you know, or whether it's in your own social circles. Right. and, and it's healthy, it's healthy conversation. It's, it's healthy dialogue. And you get to highlight some of those things where, you know, maybe you had a conversation with someone previously and you felt a little uncomfortable, you know? But now, you know, you have those folks who are like, wow, would say this, or I would have, you know, or I would do this, not trying to, you know, be negative or anything like that, but I never understood, you know, I didn't, I didn't think how that would make you feel, you know, as an African American, as an African American male in the corporate environment, you know, so, you know, and it's not about guilt, it's not about, you know, trying to make someone feel guilty or anything like that, but it's about education and awareness.
Deandre Esteen:
So I'm, you know, fortunate to say, you know, there have been some things, you know, that, that I've, you know, that I've gone through incidents. I think that we've all had where the, you know, when we're out shopping or we're out, you know you know, being with our friends or, you know, someone says, you know, wow, you're, you're very intelligent. Or, you know, you know, those, like, you know, those little comments, you know, or, or wow, you know wow. You, you speak very well, you know? I think we've all been there, but when someone pauses and say, wow, I didn't mean for it to sound like that, or I didn't mean, you know, that's not what I meant, but wow. I'm so sorry. I said that because I, I, I, you know, I didn't know. And now it seems like there's a lot of folks out there that are willing to listen, they're willing to learn.
Deandre Esteen:
And the one thing you, you mentioned kind of like, you know, keeping it going. I just hope that we're able to keep a lot of the good that has come out of the bad. Let's keep that going. Let's not make this just a small moment in time, you know, so let's continue, you know, to have dialogue and health and respectful dialogue, because that's what equity is all about. Equity starts with you know, being able to listen, you know, being able to, you know, and, and, but being, you know, respecting, you know, positions, we're not always going to agree, you know in, in a perfect world, you know, but we're not all, we're not all supposed to agree. We're not all supposed to, to have the same viewpoint all of the time, you know, but to bring diverse viewpoints to the table, to create this culture of understanding and learning, I think that's really where it starts. So I'm very glad that you know, in, in some, some ways we're moving towards that, but let's just kind, let's keep that going.
Will Rucker:
One of my favorite books, I got a course in undergrad. So it's been mostly how many years, but it's been a few, but it's called building bridges, not walls. And it's all about communication. And my favorite nugget from that book is I hear you. And, and in the, the fellowship world and in compassion, Las Vegas, we just shorten it to yes. And, but people have to learn to listen. And we think just because we can hear that we've heard, and we, we haven't there's context around it. There's our world view our perspective that muddies the signal coming in and creates a distortion of the intended message. So taking a step back and learning to listen is in my view, even more critical than learning to speak yet, we spend most of our focus on where does the com go? What, what your should you be using? You know what I mean? It's, it's all these things which are important because I mean, please put the com in the right play. So I know what you're trying to say. And how did, how did I approach that? Did I, did I really come to listen with curiosity or did I come to share my viewpoint and to, to prove I'm right. What do you think about that?
Deandre Esteen:
I, I mean, that's a, that's a very, very good point. And I think what, what you're saying is, you know, seek to go into conversations to understand, you know, pretty much, you know, as opposed to seeking to speak. There, there's a lot of, you know, and let's be honest, you know, I think we've all been guilty of it, you know, as well of, you know, I wanna say, I wanna give my viewpoint because I am right. I wanna give my viewpoint because you are wrong, you know, and again, you know, let's go into having healthy conversations, respectful conversations and, and, and listen. You know, you know, when you, when you look at hi history, when you look at, you know, context, we don't know what, what each other have gone through. Right. you know, I've, I've had conversations with, you know, personal conversations with, with friends and I'm, you know, of, of the opposite sex.
Deandre Esteen:
And I said, you know, listen, I could never understand what it's like to be, to be a, a woman, you know, in this world and what you have gone through. I can't understand what, what it's like to be a Latinx woman in this world and what you've gone through. Just as much as you can't understand, you know, my historical perspective as, as African American men, you know, so, but you have an ally in me, you know, I'm here to understand, and I think allyship is extremely important. And if you even take a look at, you know, the, the LGBTQ community, when you look at gender issues, when you look at racial and ethnic and social injustice, we all need to be allies of one another, right. It, it doesn't mean that you're necessarily, you don't have to be necessarily part of that community, but allyship is saying, I'm gonna speak up for you, you know, when need be, you know, or I wanna understand so that I can, I can rally around what it is that you're going through so I can support you. You know? So I think the allyship is, is very important too.
Will Rucker:
We've used a lot of terms that I think you and I have a of very clear, common understanding on what they mean. And I wanna kinda go back a bit and, and dive into some of these words and, and for our audience to, to see how their perspective lines up with what, what we mean. So let's go all the way back to community where we started.
Deandre Esteen:
Yeah.
Will Rucker:
What is community to you?
Deandre Esteen:
Community is, is everyone living, working, thriving together, right? It's the people, it's their stories. Within that, that, that circle and the community are, you know, it's different perspectives. It's, it's different age groups. It's diff it's, it's different, but we all have the same sort of pride in who we are and where we're from. So I think that will be my definition of community.
Will Rucker:
Perfect. And, and we've talked a bit about conflict and disagreement and diversity and diversity and difference even, we didn't even throw that word out there. What are some of the tools you've used to navigate through diverse spaces with a community that's made up of all those different individuals you just highlighted?
Deandre Esteen:
Yeah. So from a company perspective, Barclays has we now have rebrand them employer resource groups. But it's really under that diversity inclusion and now equity platform. So it's the it's groups that support our colleagues, everything from the black professionals forum young professionals Latino professionals form. There, we, we have, I believe, close to a dozen groups globally, right. And it's, so these are groups that not only celebrate you know, culture and, and what makes us different, but it also CEL, you know, these, our groups celebrate what brings us together. And then, so we've also provided tools on wellbeing that our colleagues can definitely, you know, take a part in. It's probably one of the, the things from a culture, from a culture, you know, company culture standpoint, that really makes an impact and resonates with our colleagues and Henderson alone about 70% of our colleagues belong to at least one group.
Deandre Esteen:
Right. And when you think about support, and when you think about bringing your authentic self to work, you know, these groups are a, a really big part of that. So I think from a, from a company standpoint, that's been, you know, some, some great tools that we've all definitely taken apart in personally, I am, I, I love the fact of looking at those pioneers and those trailblazers who came before me, when I think about, I had the opportunity when I was interning at channel eight to meet Bob Bailey and what he's done as an African American in the journalism community and what he's done as a trailblazer, you know, I was just a kid in college at that point, you know, coming back here and had a chance to shake his hand. And he didn't know me from, from anywhere, but I just, I wanted to tell him, thank you.
Deandre Esteen:
Right? And when you look at representation, when you, when you can understand who are the people who came before you, I think you get a, a great sense of pride of not necessarily wanting to be that person, but you understand you're part of a bigger picture. Right? And so for me, I think I've always not, I don't wanna say always, but I I've had a sense of being part of something bigger than myself. That's why I love my job. That's why I love, you know, volunteerism and fundraising, because it's an entire agenda, but it allows me to feel like I'm part of something bigger. And then also to bring my colleagues in there to, to say, listen, you are a part of something bigger than yourselves now, you know, and, and to really tell that story. So I, I, I don't know. I don't know why I just, you know, I just thought about wanted that being like a singular moment and me just understanding representation.
Deandre Esteen:
Right. But, but also from a community standpoint, being part of something larger being part of a legacy, if you will. So that would be a singular moment. And when you think about Bob Bailey and, and what his family is now doing, you know, and, you know, black image magazine. So, you know, gotta give a shout out to, to Charles and, and Kimberly, you know, for the wonderful work and you know, what, what they're doing to highlight the stories, you know, not just in the black community, but you know, across, you know, Southern Nevada and really finding out who are those people who, what are those stories that we need to tell and, and highlight, and how do they impact us? You know, so the legacy continues. And I think from a leadership standpoint, there's other folks, the sh Newsom's of the world, Tyrone Thompson Dr. D poll, you know, those are folks that we look to as being part of the, the, you know, trailblazers. And now we are a part of that journey too, you know, and that's really, really crazy to think about, but awesome too,
Will Rucker:
For sure. And every individual you named is just a giant, you know, and you are becoming that and truly standing on their shoulders to do even greater. So I just wanna throw that at you so that you own the amazing work and person that you are doing and being with some of this, the generalism background, I'm just wondering, how does that influence your approach to this idea of diversity? And here's what I mean with, with diversity, everyone kind of has their own view of it. And some is more favorable. Some is less favorable. Some feel as though this push for diversity is really an exclusionary tactic to transform our world, which we are transforming, but they're trying, they feel as though perhaps they're being displaced instead of others being included at the table. How, how does your journalism background influence your approach to diversity navigating that space?
Deandre Esteen:
Well, that's a good question. You know, but I was really, I was having that convers station with one of my best friends actually, you know, just last week and it's like, listen, we wanna be able, we wanna have a chance to be at the table. Right. You know, it's, it's not about, you know, replacing, you know, anything like that, but it's, it's about, it's about having, having a seat at the table, you know, but not only just having a seat at the table being able to speak at set table, because a lot of we, we haven't had those chances in, in a lot of circles. Right. You know, so I think because some folks are, are, you know, they're used to the status quo, you know, and so anything that IA, you know, takes away from that, you know, it's jarring, right.
Deandre Esteen:
And it's like, whoa, am I being replaced? Whoa, what is this? No, it's, it's not about that. It's about, let's bring a variety of folks to the table. Let's bring, you know, from a gender perspective, from a you know, racial perspective you know, from, you know, LGBTQ, you know, whatever, you know, let's bring everyone to the table because that's what our community looks like. That's what our world looks like. You can't have a world view of things. If you don't have everyone at the table giving you a perspective, you know, from a, from a journalism standpoint, you know, I, I, I think that's why I wanted to get into journalism initially is because I wanted to tell, I wanted to be part of the storytelling process, you where you can remove stigma, you know, what do you see, you know, on, on the news, you know, African American males, you know, crime, you know whatever the case may be, but that's not who we are.
Deandre Esteen:
That's not all of us. Right. And, and, and so being able to I tell stories other than that, that's, you know, and it's maybe a little bit Pollyanna-ish, you know, it's, I'm gonna go on the news and I'm gonna tell great stories and I'm gonna change the world. Yay. You know, it's, it's, I, I think we, we coming outta college, I definitely had that mentality. And then you really see how news is, and I'm not saying that news is, you know, at all bad, but you know, there's gatekeepers, there's, there's a whole process you know, dedicated to this is what's gonna go on your shows versus this. What's not, but I've always had that lens of, if I put this air, if I have my anchor say this, if we report on it this way, this is how it's going to look.
Deandre Esteen:
This is how it's perceived by the audience. And, but not only that, but this is how it's perceived by this, you know, this community, right. That this is how it's reflecting. And I've actually had a chance to speak a up and, and say those things, you know, at the editorial table, you know, so I think we need more of that. I think we, you know, and I'm, and I'm sure that there's some, some folks, yeah, again, I'm not in journalism anymore, but I would like to hope that there are some folks at those editorial meetings in the morning and in the afternoon, or in, at night or whatnot, you know, who are pumping the breaks and saying, Hey, listen, if we put this story out there, this is how it's going to be received. And this is how it's gonna make this particular group. Look, it's not, not about the ratings. It's not about the book. It's not about, you know you know, being first or breaking news, let's do our due diligence and tell the right stories. You still have to talk about crime. You still have to talk about these things because that's what's happening, but be careful of how you're telling that story.
Will Rucker:
And wanna dive into that a bit more deeply with this notion that this is how things are I, I can attest, I am an eternal optimist and my glasses are permanently tinted roles colored. I will not change that. And I recognize that the world that I play in doesn't necess certainly see things in the same way. People don't have the same optimism or the same hope, or even the same starting premise that humanity is inherently good. And so when you're in an environment where people see things differently, I think that that's diversity too. And I think that that diversity is key because if you leave it up to me, like we're all gonna just be swimming in, in very dust and glitter, like forever. Like, that's all we're gonna do, but we need that other, like, let's get something actual done too, because you know, each perspective is important and the world isn't single air it's multifaceted. How do you navigate maintaining the, this, this hope, this, this optimism, this idealism, even perhaps in a world that says, well, this is how we've done. It.
Deandre Esteen:
Hope that's a, that's a very, very strong word with such a huge impact. And I think it's just a belief that what you're doing is the right thing and what you're doing makes an impact. And when you join with like-minded people that it's, it's working, you know, or more specifically,
Deandre Esteen:
It's very easy to, you know, maintain that hope when as a volunteer or as a fundraiser, when you get that impact, when you feel that impact or you know, of that impact that you're making. So if you're at a organization and they're doing a, I don't know, I'm just gonna make it up like a holiday shopping event, right. Where you are helping young people you know, pick out gifts for their parents, or you're helping parents, you know, who are struggling, pick out gifts for their kids. And they tell you, thank you. This means so much to me without this. I would not have been able to do this. When you get back back, even though it's just one story, it makes you feel so good. And it fills you with hope that, you know what, I might not be able to change the world.
Deandre Esteen:
I might not be able to change the world, you know, next week. But for the moment, for this hour, this two hours, I have just changed someone's life. You never know what someone is going through. It can be mile, it can be a simple, how are you doing when you can treat people like they're people and you show that they care for some, that's all they need. That's hope. That's what, that's what gives, gives me hope. We might not be able to change the world. I was, I was about to go into a Tupac quote for a second though. I might, you know, I might not change the world, but I'll spark the flame. You know, that'll help change the world. But, but, but it's, it's true though. We might not be able to just change everyone's mindset or change the world by next week or next month. But if you can find, you know, you know, solace in those individual stories and you created that change, I think that's, that's what hope is. And then you just do it one by one.
Will Rucker:
I really like that. What is the difference for you between progress and change?
Deandre Esteen:
Progress and change. Wow. I never, I never thought about that. When, when, when I look at it, progress is moving forward. You know, change is not all change is good, you know, but I think when I look at progress, I look at progress as being a more positive statement, right? It's moving us forward. You know, in maybe a, a very similar direction, things change all the time. Some things change for the better. Some things change not necessarily for the better, right? So I think change could be, you know, more or less either, or, and maybe change is more of a you know, it's, I don't say it's an, an adaption, maybe progress is more of an adaption to move forward. So I, I kind of look at, I, I think when just kinda like on the spot progress, more or less moving forward, single direction change is just something that has happens. It could be good, or it could be bad.
Will Rucker:
And you did good for just putting you on the spot with that. And our last few minutes together, I wanna change our focus, our direction, our feel for just a moment. I wanna know what's on your playlist. What are you listening to right now? And more specifically, what songs do you listen to when you need to be inspired? Feel hopeful when you're like, this is Vegas. I'm, I'm listening to this song.
Deandre Esteen:
Oh, wow. Well, it's literally everywhere. I will say I, the one album that I've been obsessed with and I can listen to you from front to back multiple times is Tory lanes alone at the prom, because I kind of like that eighties, he did like this whole eighties kind of theme type. If you listen to it, it's legit, like in like eighties songs. And he did like a whole theme around it, and it's only 11 tracks. And you know, I know some people feel a certain way about toy lanes. I had never really gotten into his music at all until this album and I love this album so alone at the prom toy lanes, you know, check it out. But I when I need motivation, it can go anywhere when I'm feeling down. I, I kind of feel like I need to just kind of listen to something.
Deandre Esteen:
It might be Jennifer Hudson's, you pulled me through. I think that's a very inspirational song. What I felt like I was at my, my lowest Whitney Houston's, I did know my own strength, which, you know, it, I think it takes special, you know, unfortunately she's not with us anymore. So I think that song, you know, adds a special, you know, a little bit more meaning I have a different playlist for when I work out, but then also I might listen to some classical music. I might listen to some Moza and I might listen to I like the the Hannibal soundtrack. So again, we're, we're going a little, little bit everywhere, but Jay Cole I'm a huge fan of Kendrick when he comes out let's see, what, what else, what else is out there for me? I've been listening to a lot of like older stuff too. So when kind of going back to
Will Rucker:
Define older, you're talking about eighties, is that older? Or like, what do you mean older?
Deandre Esteen:
So, so, you know, eighties late nineties, I've been kind of going back to my cash money, kind of no limit, you know, era, you know? So that's,
Will Rucker:
You said nineties and older in the same, like, no nineties is like yesterday. It's not older. Okay.
Deandre Esteen:
If you think about it though, nineties, we're looking at about 20 years, we're looking about, we're looking about we're looking about 20 years will, so, you know, I,
Will Rucker:
I'm not accepting it not happening.
Deandre Esteen:
Yeah. Listen and listen in full, full disclosure, you know, I'm, I'm approaching 40, right. So you know, I don't think I'm old. I recognize I'm getting older. My niece definitely let me know that I was getting older. You know, I love my niece and my nephew, but yeah, she definitely let me know I was getting older, but you know, when I, when I look back like, wow last year was my 20 year high school, you know, anniversary or whatnot, you know, so 20 years, you know, cash, money, no limit, you know, prime, you know, so I've been kind of going back there a little bit. There's, there's a lot of new stuff. I'm sorry. I just can't really get into I think a lot of the rappers sound alike. They have the same names, so I can't really tell them apart, but but yeah, but there's, there's some stuff that, that I'm, that I like that I'm, that I'm getting into. So
Will Rucker:
Good. Well, Hey, I so appreciate you sharing that. And I, I love music. And so I, I always ask that question cause it just, I think it gives a perspective on an individual that, you know, once you, you peel back some of the layers that it what's at the core like this, this is something that gives you that insight. So thank you for sharing that. If you could, in a sentence or two, what do you want our audience, our viewers, our, and to take away from our time together today,
Deandre Esteen:
I want our audience to understand the important role that they play and you know, progress in creating hope, you know whether it's individually, whether it's with your company. I'm very proud of the fact that I work for a company that really supports volunteerism and, and getting out there and making a difference. I'm very proud that I have a group of friends in my circle that believe in the same thing, you know, so people who are as passionate about something as, as you are, you know, the people who are gonna push you to be successful, but that are also pushing you to be a part of something bigger, you know? So you know, will definitely wanna thank you for this time. And, you know, allow me to, you know, you know, laugh a little bit, you know, and, and, you know, say some, you know, tell some stories and you know, this is, this has been awesome. So thank you.
Will Rucker:
Yeah. And thank you for joining us. This has been compassionate, Las Vegas, the podcast I am, will RER. And as I always remind you, you are not just a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop and what you do matters. So live compassionately.
