Corporate Reckoning: Why Companies Can’t Outrun Their Past (And Why You Should Care) with Sarah Federman | 405
Most of us aren’t running billion-dollar corporations… we’re just trying to survive our inbox. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: whether we like it or not, we are all participants in corporate systems — where we work, what we buy, and who we support.
In this episode, Nicole Kalil sits down with Sarah Federman, author of Corporate Reckoning, to unpack what happens when companies are forced to confront their past — from ties to slavery and genocide to modern-day scandals and ethical failures. Spoiler: ignoring it doesn’t make it go away.
This conversation dives into the real work of accountability — not the PR-polished version, but the messy, necessary kind that actually builds trust, integrity, and long-term impact.
Because reckoning isn’t about guilt. It’s about responsibility. And whether you're leading a company, part of one, or just spending your hard-earned money with one… you have more power than you think.
In this episode, they cover:
-
What “corporate reckoning” actually means (and why it matters now more than ever)
-
Why “leave the past in the past” is a convenient lie
-
How companies benefit from confronting — not hiding — their history
-
The 5-step framework for meaningful accountability (and why most companies screw it up)
-
The role women play in driving corporate change through spending power and how to use your voice, your dollars, and your decisions to influence change
This isn’t about cancel culture. It’s about conscious participation. Because the question isn’t “Was this my fault?” — it’s “Now that I know… what am I going to do about it?”
Thank you to our sponsors!
Gusto is online payroll and benefits software built for small businesses. Try Gusto today at gusto.com/TIWW, and get three months free when you run your first payroll.
Refresh your spring wardrobe with Quince. Go to Quince.com/TIWW for free shipping and 365-day returns!
Shopify has everything all in one place, making your life easier and your business operations smoother. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/tiww
Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free!
Connect with Sarah:
Website: https://sarahfederman.com/
Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/814363/corporate-reckoning-by-sarah-federman/
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-federman-phd/
Related Podcast Episodes:
