A documentary series from
Universe Creative

Watch the series

This series of short documentary films features candid discussions with CEOs Byron Sanders, Taylor Toynes, and Kimberly Williams about the roles that race, class, and upbringing have played on their path to nonprofit leadership. Through deeply personal storytelling, Black CEOs, In Their Own Words makes an impassioned case for diverse leadership as critical to effective and meaningful philanthropy.

This series of short documentary films features candid discussions with CEOs Byron Sanders, Taylor Toynes, and Kimberly Williams about the roles that race, class, and upbringing have played on their path to nonprofit leadership. Through deeply personal storytelling, Black CEOs, In Their Own Words makes an impassioned case for diverse leadership as critical to effective and meaningful philanthropy.

Watch the films

Watch the films

Series Description

The Fortune 500 list currently includes just 8 Black CEOs, a record high. Why is that?

Black CEOs, In Their Own Words gets at the story behind this figure through short films about the unique opportunities and challenges borne by Black leaders operating in predominantly White spaces. Each episode of the series focuses on the life of a Dallas-based CEO from childhood through their current work. The films pair direct-to-camera interviews with recreations that blur the line between documentary and scripted filmmaking. Captured over three years with the partnership of participants, their families, and their colleagues, these films offer powerful testimony to what is possible when leadership aligns with values.

Black CEOs represents deeply vulnerable, courageous, and insightful storytelling: the voices of real leaders articulating painful struggles and triumphant joys that we can all learn from.

Behind the Scenes