Black Lives Matter and Business: A Defining Moment?

In the wake of the killing of George Floyd and national protests for racial justice, businesses and leaders are working to embrace a defining moment for racial equality. University of Virginia Darden School of Business Professor Laura Morgan Roberts joins the Batten Institute’s Sean Carr to discuss the movement for racial justice and what leaders can learn and do to be allies to the Black community in business and society.

About the Expert

Laura Morgan Roberts

Professor of Practice

An expert in diversity, authenticity and leadership development, Roberts’ research and consulting focuses on the science of maximizing human potential in diverse organizations and communities. The author of more than 50 research articles, teaching cases and practitioner-oriented content aimed at strategically activating one’s best self through strength-based development, her work has also been featured in global media outlets. She has also edited three books: Race, Work and Leadership; Positive Organizing in a Global Society; and Exploring Positive Identities and Organizations.

Prior to joining Darden, Roberts served on the faculties of Harvard Business School, Georgetown University McDonough School of Business and Antioch University’s Graduate School of Leadership and Change.

B.A., University of Virginia; M.A., Ph.D., University of Michigan

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About the Expert

Sean Carr

Executive Director, Batten Institute; Assistant Professor of Business Administration

Carr’s applied research, which has examined entrepreneurial dynamics, social networks, venture capital and financial crises, has resulted in award-winning books, articles, case studies, digital media and numerous teaching materials. His work has been cited by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times, Newsweek, NPR and CNBC.

Carr is co-author of The Panic of 1907: Lessons Learned from the Market’s Perfect Storm with Darden Dean Emeritus Robert F. Bruner. He is executive chair of the Jefferson Innovation Summit, presented with CNBC to convene national leaders from business, government, academia, media and the arts for a constructive conversation about creating a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Previously, Carr worked for CNN and spent nearly 10 years as a broadcast journalist with ABC News’ World News Tonight with Peter Jennings.

B.A., Northwestern University; M.S., Columbia University; MBA, Ph.D., University of Virginia