In this episode of The Chief’s Table, host Kim Stapleton interviews Jeff Korzenik, Chief Economist of Fifth Third Bank and award-winning author of Untapped Talent, a book that provides guidance on how second chance hiring could work for your business and the community.

During their discussion, Jeff discusses the labor problem in the United States and the gaps in the economy with the retirement of many in the Baby Boomer generation, which has led to an abundance of jobs and a smaller labor force. He highlights the strategy in Japan that has helped to rebound the country’s economy by diving deeper into their population to increase their workforce.

They also discuss his book Untapped Talent, and how the underrepresented groups, specifically those in the criminal justice realm, are overlooked in contributing to the labor pool. Jeff spells out why this sector deserves a chance but may face obstacles in maintaining employment, and how these obstacles can be overcome by companies being supportive employers and understanding the issues related to those having justice-related requirements. He also discloses that this formula is not only for those affected by the criminal justice system, but also applies to refugees, asylum seekers, and people with huge barriers to solve the nation’s business talent shortage.

Kim and Jeff talk about what industries are booming and how to work around the regulatory restrictions to incorporate this sector into the workforce. He tells us that there’s hope on the horizon with a new bipartisan re-entry task force or second chance task force in Congress, who believes the U.S. should live up to our aspiration to be the land of opportunity for all. Jeff also explains that unless businesses and the licensing industries are willing to put in the work and loosen parameters — this initiative won’t work. The fear of hiring a high-liability employee into a company is understandable, however, Jeff says there are workarounds, shifts in policy, and a change in paradigm is key in making this a viable group within the labor force.

About Jeff Korzenik

For more than 35 years, Jeff Korzenik has been a staple in the investment management industry. A guest on national news channels, his concepts and his insights into the economy, markets, manufacturing, and the workforce are frequently cited in the financial and business press. Jeff is a highly sought-after public speaker known for his skill to breakdown complex topics to common sense and approachable arguments. He is the author of the groundbreaking book, Untapped Talent.

In this episode of The Chief’s Table, Quoc Tran, Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of Tran Capital Management (TCM) in California joins host Kim Stapleton. Founded in 2017, Tran Capital is a boutique investment firm generating exceptional returns for a select group of clients focusing on growth strategy.

During their conversation, Quoc discusses his evolution in the industry, the transition and buyout of what is now TCM and the keys to cultivate a successful company — listening to clients and having them serve as advocates and partners — to achieve a high-performing firm. Quoc also discusses his perspective on what it takes to be an effective investor while making decisions with imperfect information.

Kim and Quoc also talk about the opportunities that have helped to enrich his life personally and professionally, as well as the variety of businesses he has been a part of and his personal ideals on giving back, and the next generation.

About Quoc Tran

Quoc Tran has more than 20 years experience in investment management across the United States. He began investing as a teen, which catapulted him into a career in finance. Raised in California and educated in New England and the Midwest, Tran has taken his professional experience and triumphs and used them to make a positive impact in his community, serving as a mentor and sitting on various non-profit boards.

Small business ownership is a proven way to build wealth, but for Black business owners, structural barriers often keep them from accessing traditional means of financing. For example, Black-owned businesses are approved for financing at one third of the rate of their White owned counterparts.

On this episode of The Chief’s Table, guest Charisse Conanan Johnson shares how her organization, Next Street, is helping to change that. Next Street supports small businesses and entrepreneurs by providing them with advice, resources and B2B solutions.

During her conversation with Kim, Charisse shares that as a Black woman who began her career in the financial industry, she realized that there were many structural impediments that kept Black Americans from accessing capital. In her role as Co-CEO and Board Member at Next Street, Charisse combines her passion for wealth creation and entrepreneurship by supporting minority-owned businesses.

Kim and Charisse also discuss the Black Lives Matter movement and the importance of holding corporations accountable, especially concerning their 2020 pledges to monetarily support small, minority-owned businesses. Charisse highlights some of Next Street’s specific clients that have done a particularly good job fulfilling their racial justice pledges, such as Verizon and the Columbus Foundation.

Additionally, Charisse shares some of the statistics surrounding Black and Brown business ownership, well as a personal story that has affected the way she views life.

About Charisse Conanan Johnson

As Co-CEO and Board Member of Next Street, Charisse is responsible for executive oversight of all revenue-related and corporate activities at the firm. She also works to ensure that Next Street hits its financial and impact metrics, attracts and retains talent and remains loyal to its values. Previously, Charisse led the firm’s advisory practice, where she oversaw consulting solutions for institutional clients nationwide.

Prior to Next Street, Charisse served as CEO of Smarteys, Inc., a small business that provided financial planning tools to recent college grads. Charisse has also served a vice president at JPMorgan Asset Management, where she made investment decisions for a $10 billion mid cap equity portfolio. Charisse is a graduate of Yale University and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Charisse is also a chartered financial analyst (CFA) charter holder and author of A Wealthy Girl: 7 Steps to Prosperity, Peace, and Personal Power.

About Kim Stapleton

Kim Stapleton is the host of The Chief’s Table and a sales manager in Ice Miller's Chicago office, where she matches attorney skillsets with the needs of existing and prospective clients.

Prior to transitioning her role in client services, Kim was a firm consultant for five years. In that role, she helped attorneys develop their networks and expand their business development capabilities. Kim has previously worked with several other law and accounting firms to identify key targets, perform business intelligence and prioritize business development.