In this episode, Dionna Dorsey, co-founder and CEO of the Creative Ladder, discusses her journey and mission to make creative careers more accessible to marginalized communities.
Dionna talks about the influences of her childhood on creativity and how her love for design led to entrepreneurship. She explains the inspiration behind the Creative Ladder and its programs, which address the opportunity deficit. She emphasizes the importance of meaningful networking opportunities and shares memorable experiences from Creative Ladder events.
Dionna also speaks about the impact of mentorship and the experience of having Ryan Reynolds as a co-founder of the venture. She offers advice for navigating the creative landscape and defines success through the lives touched and opportunities created. Lastly, Dionna shares her interests outside of the business world.
Video Version of Episode 51
Audio Version of Episode 51
Key Takeaways
- Meaningful networking opportunities are crucial for young creatives to foster connections and support.
- Mentorship and role models are pivotal in shaping young people’s journey.
- A successful future is where underrepresented communities are fully represented and there’s no longer a need for the Creative Ladder.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Diona Dorsey and the Creative Ladder
01:09 Childhood Influences on Creativity
02:10 From Childhood Hobby to Entrepreneurship
04:23 The Spark Behind the Creative Ladder
06:36 Addressing the Opportunity Deficit
08:57 Creating Meaningful Networking Opportunities
12:03 Memorable Experiences with the Creative Ladder
13:45 The Importance of Mentorship
15:36 Collaborating with Ryan Reynolds
16:45 Navigating the Creative Landscape
18:49 Creating Impact and Defining Success
19:52 Diona Dorsey Beyond the Business World
