It is crucial that diversity is recognized in every industry throughout America, and NASCAR is making sure to make this initiative a top priority.

Brandon Thompson, Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion is a huge part of this mission. In this episode of Dr. Marc’s Masterclass, Brandon discusses his passion behind being part of such an interregnal step in this extremely public organization.

They also discuss the importance of programs like ‘The Cosby Show’ and ‘A Different World’ highlighting Historically Black Colleagues and Universities, and what led Brandon to join NASCAR from school.

Plus they talk about the relationship NASCAR has with esports and some of the exciting things to come.

To learn more about the program at NASCAR, visit: https://www.nascar.com/diversity

To connect with Marc, visit him on.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/docspitsfire06

Or

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/docspitsfire06/

Full Episode Breakdown:

Full Episode Breakdown

3:47 – Dr. Marc shares his history with NASCAR, and why his love for curiosity attracted him to the sport.

7:17 – Brandon talks about his parents, and the impact they had on his life.

9:08 – Brandon shares his experience helping out on the family farm, and what he learned from that lifestyle.

11:48 – The discussion of the rotary phone, and how the people of many, many years ago communicated. The life of having to share one phone with a whole household. Plus, Brandon talks about his involvement in sports growing up.

14:26 – Brandon talks about why he chose to school at Clark Atlanta and what attracted him to go there.

17:30 – The importance that the bands had within all black colleges, and why the experience was so important.

19:34 – Taking a trip down memory lane about show that was popular in the late 80’s and early 90’s.

25:04 – Brandon talks about what attracted him to the Summer Bridge STEM Program, and how the decision to attend changed his life.

28:17 – Brandon then shares the story about finding the NASCAR Diversity Internship Program.

31:09 – The importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, and how that can make or break your success.

34:17 – Brandon talks about what made the NASCAR Internship Program stand out among the others.

36:23 – Did Brandon ever get pushback from working at a company like NASCAR? He talks about how he handled any negative feedback he did get.

39:53 – You can’t talk about diversity within NASCAR without talking about Bubba Wallace. Brandon discusses the situation that shook America.

43:21 – What is it about NASCAR that companies should consider in working with them?

46:06 – NASCARS relationship with esports, and what they’re most excited about.