Our second episode recorded at SXSW in Austin, Texas that we produced in partnership with Remote, the Global HR Platform.
Featuring:
1/ Jeffrey Korzenik, Chief Economist, Fifth Third Bank
2/ Larry Miller, Chairman of the Jordan Brand Advisory Board, Nike
3/ Ken Oliver, VP of Corporate Social Responsibility, Checkr
Graham Barrett with Jeffrey Korzenik (left)
Jeffrey Korzenik, the Chief Economist at Fifth Third Bank, discussed his participation in a session at SXSW focusing on building a fairer future of work. The session featured others such as Ken Oliver, Larry Miller, and Genevieve Martin, who advocate for fair chance hiring, particularly for individuals with criminal records. Korzenik highlighted the economic benefits of tapping into this overlooked talent pool to address labour shortages.
He addressed common objections and barriers faced by companies regarding liability, quality of work and reputation. Korzenik stressed the importance of implementing fair chance hiring practices correctly to reap the benefits of loyal and engaged employees. He advised companies to understand the backgrounds and needs of individuals with conviction records and recommended starting with proof of concept and education initiatives. He expressed confidence in the feasibility of implementing these solutions across corporate America based on his extensive research and practical experience.
with Larry Miller
In this conversation, Larry Miller, the Chairman of the Jordan Brand Advisory Board at Nike, opened up about his personal journey and the importance of fair chance hiring. Miller shared his difficult past, revealing that from the age of 12 to 30, he was involved in criminal activity, including being in a gang and serving time in jail. He candidly discussed a pivotal moment in September 1965 when, at the age of 16, he shot and killed another person, leading to his incarceration.
Despite his troubled past, Miller found redemption through education while serving his sentence. He participated in a program that allowed him to earn an associate’s degree and later transferred his credits to Temple University, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree. However, he faced challenges reintegrating into society due to his criminal background.
Miller emphasised the importance of education as a transformative tool and recounted his struggles with disclosing his past, especially during job interviews. He shared a poignant experience during a job interview at Arthur Andersen, where he decided to disclose his background, only to have the offer withdrawn due to concerns about hiring him.
Despite the setbacks, Miller persevered in his career and eventually rose to prominence within Nike, becoming the president of the Jordan Brand. He reflected on the significance of sharing his story with key figures like Michael Jordan and Phil Knight, who offered their support and encouragement after learning about his past.
Miller highlighted the untapped potential of individuals with criminal records, citing statistics that show significant reductions in recidivism rates among those who gain education or vocational skills while incarcerated. He underscored the importance of providing opportunities for these individuals to contribute positively to society, both professionally and personally.
Throughout the interview, Miller expressed his commitment to inspiring others and advocating for positive changes in the criminal justice system. He discussed his ongoing efforts to support initiatives aimed at fair chance hiring and emphasized the transformative power of second chances.
In summary, Larry Miller’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for redemption, offering hope and inspiration to those facing similar challenges.
chatting with Ken Oliver
Ken Oliver, the VP of Corporate Social Responsibility at Checkr, discussed the mission of his company to promote fair chance hiring and create pathways to employment for individuals with arrest and conviction records. Ken highlighted that Checkr aims to use background checks as tools of inclusivity, seeking to understand the human story behind the paper record. He emphasised the importance of providing opportunities for economic mobility and sustainable employment for millions of Americans with criminal records.
Ken shared his own lived experience, revealing that he spent 24 years in a California prison, including nine years in solitary confinement, for being a passenger in a stolen vehicle under the three strikes law. Despite the challenges he faced, Ken emerged from prison determined to advocate for others and change the narrative surrounding individuals with conviction records. He accentuated the need to educate society about the potential and value of justice-impacted individuals, highlighting their loyalty, resilience, and ability to contribute positively to the workforce.
Reflecting on his journey to Checkr, Ken described his transition from a paralegal to a public policy director and eventually to his current role. Ken then discussed some of the barriers faced by individuals with conviction records in the job market and the positive benefits of employing them, including loyalty, fast promotion, and cultural contribution. He acknowledged the progress made in promoting fair chance hiring but stressed the need for continued efforts to change the narrative and address legal barriers that hinder reintegration into society.
In conclusion, Ken expressed his optimism for the future and Checkr’s commitment to changing the narrative and creating more opportunities for justice-impacted individuals. He encouraged individuals facing similar challenges to stay resilient, educated, and prepared to seize opportunities when they arise.
