Starlett Quarles, Founder and CEO of the Minority Renewable Energy Project of California, joins The Bloc Power Hour with Sarah Harris for an insightful and empowering conversation on the future of clean energy—and why Black communities must be part of it now.

As California moves toward its goal of 100% clean energy, this episode explores what that transition really means on the ground—from rising utility costs and power outages to the growing demand for solar energy, EV infrastructure, and sustainable solutions. Starlett shares how her journey from real estate and marketing into renewable energy was driven by real-life experiences, including high energy bills and gaps in EV charging access in her own community.

This conversation goes beyond awareness and dives into opportunity. From homeowners cutting utility costs with solar panels to entrepreneurs building businesses around EV charging and energy solutions, the green economy is positioned as a pathway to wealth creation, workforce development, and long-term sustainability.

Starlett also introduces her “urban sustainability model,” which focuses on awareness, access, application, and adoption—breaking down how communities can fully participate in and benefit from this emerging industry. She highlights the importance of education, representation, and early entry into the space before barriers increase.

The episode also touches on larger systemic issues, including gentrification, economic leakage, and the importance of ownership—particularly in leveraging assets like homes, churches, and community spaces to generate both income and impact.

Ultimately, this discussion reframes clean energy as more than an environmental issue—it’s an economic opportunity, a workforce solution, and a chance to build generational wealth in a rapidly evolving industry.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How California’s clean energy transition impacts everyday communities
• The financial and lifestyle benefits of solar energy and EV adoption
• Career pathways and business opportunities in the green economy
• The importance of education and access in renewable energy spaces
• How communities can leverage assets for sustainable income and growth
• Why now is the time to enter the clean energy industry

If you value conversations that move insight into impact, support this work at bbala.org.

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@blocpowerhour
@blackbusinessassociation
@sarahharrisceo_

Brett Byers, CEO of The Byers Group, joins The Bloc Power Hour with Sarah Harris for an inside look at executive recruiting and the evolving landscape of leadership hiring.

This episode explores the high-stakes world behind executive search—where organizations rely on specialized firms to identify leaders who can guide strategy, shape culture, and drive transformation. From C-suite placements to director-level roles, Byers breaks down how executive recruiting really works and why it’s far more than just filling a position—it’s solving a complex talent puzzle.

Drawing from nearly two decades of experience, Byers shares how organizations often misdiagnose their hiring needs, overlook internal culture dynamics, and struggle to properly assess leadership talent. She explains how executive search firms bring an external, objective lens—helping companies uncover deeper organizational gaps while identifying candidates with proven track records of transformation and impact.

The conversation also highlights what separates leadership-ready candidates from the rest. At the executive level, success is defined by results—clear, measurable achievements, the ability to lead change, and strong storytelling around past performance. Byers emphasizes that reputation, relationships, and demonstrated outcomes are key differentiators in competitive hiring processes.

Beyond hiring, the episode dives into broader workforce trends shaping the future of leadership. With five generations now active in the workforce, organizations must navigate shifting expectations, communication styles, and the growing influence of technology. From remote work challenges to the rise of AI-generated resumes, Byers discusses how both companies and candidates must adapt to remain competitive.

The discussion also underscores the importance of long-term talent development—highlighting how coaching, mentorship, and strategic hiring decisions are essential for building sustainable leadership pipelines. For emerging professionals, the message is clear: career growth requires patience, performance, and the ability to continuously prove value.

Framed through both a business and human lens, this episode offers practical insight into how leadership is identified, developed, and sustained in today’s rapidly changing workforce.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How executive recruiting works and why it’s a strategic business function
• Common mistakes organizations make when hiring leadership talent
• What sets executive-level candidates apart in competitive searches
• Salary ranges, timelines, and expectations in executive search
• The impact of a multi-generational workforce on leadership and culture
• How AI and evolving workforce trends are changing hiring practices

If you value conversations that move insight into impact, support this work at bbala.org.

Follow the show:
@blocpowerhour
@blackbusinessassociation
@sarahharrisceo_

Kimberly Watson, Interim Director of Community and Continuing Education at El Camino College and President of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Los Angeles Chapter (NCBWLA), joins us for a powerful Women’s History Month conversation on leadership, legacy, and impact.

With more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit advocacy, educational program management, and grant-funded initiatives totaling over $4 million, Watson has built a career centered on empowering marginalized youth and advancing opportunities for Black women through strategic leadership and community partnerships.

In this episode, we highlight the partnership between NCBWLA and the Black Business Association’s Salute to Black Women Business Conference & Awards, where NCBWLA will facilitate both:

• The Youth Forum — in partnership with the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute and the Holly J. Mitchell Girls Empowerment Leadership Institute, a 9-month academy designed to equip young Black girls with leadership skills, confidence, and networks rooted in cultural pride.

• The Women’s Leadership Summit — themed:
“At the Table and Behind the Policy: Black Women Leading Human Resources with Power, Integrity, and Impact.”

We discuss:
• How Black women in HR shape policy and culture beyond compliance
• Sustaining career pathways and advancement opportunities
• Leadership fatigue and navigating emotional labor
• Investing in the next generation through structured mentorship
• Why partnerships between organizations like the BBA and NCBWLA matter now more than ever

This conversation anchors Women’s History Month and aligns with this year’s Salute theme:
Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.

If you value conversations that move insight into impact, support this work at bbala.org.

Follow the show:
@blocpowerhour
@blackbusinessassociation
@sarahharrisceo_