Wellness
Cheryl Goodman
Effective Leadership through Corporate Social Responsibility
A s the Head of Corporate Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility at Sony Electronics , Cheryl Goodman is responsible for driving partnerships with regional , national , and local non-profits that align with Sony ’ s core values . She has gained her talents and expertise during her 20-year tenure in the communications sector , she has worked as a broadcast journalist , executive director , and founder of several startups .
In this month ’ s feature , Cheryl discusses how to empower women in the workplace , practice self-compassion , and much more .
GB Magazine : What is corporate social responsibility ? Why is it important ?
Cheryl Goodman : Corporate Social Responsibility ( CSR ) is a business model that helps a company stay socially accountable . Stakeholders include employees , the public , and partners . This corporate citizenship is designed to have a positive impact on all aspects of society including social , environmental , and economic . CSR activities , when done well , establish stronger connections between corporations and communities , improve morale , and help both employees and employers be more engaged with the world around them .
54 GBSAN . COM | OCTOBER 2020
BY : NICHOLE NAOUM
Cheryl Goodman
GB : What steps can companies take to empower women in the workplace ?
CG : To empower someone is to give them power , which means you did not have that power in the first place . So , if you address diversity in the workplace - where women intrinsically leverage their own power from the start - do not treat it like charity . It is more about recognizing your power and aligning with leaders who invest in your skills , abilities , and talents .
Inclusive environments produce equal opportunities and a seat at the table . This means making room for others to share their ideas and have them be heard , which leads to real innovation . Environments like Sony cultivate meaningful mentorships , which provide practical life skills . To me , that is the true value of empowerment - offering women equal opportunities and access to information .
GB : How do you practice self-compassion ?
CG : Women often find themselves in the role of caregivers at home and / or at work . But women sometimes neglect caring for themselves . Finding the time to invest in myself is my form of self-compassion . This involves being kind to myself and reflecting on my goals and my purpose . For me , self-care comes in the form of exercising and surfing , specifically in La Jolla .
GB : Which local non-profit organizations do you support ? What drew you to them ?
CG : For years , I have been heavily involved with Athena ,