Karl Sona is the founder of the Kas Company, which connects black-owned businesses to corporate brands. He also contributes to the world as the host of the Dear BLK CEO podcast. Karl is a strong advocate of representation that provides a way for people to see themselves in various roles, particularly minorities. Through working together, companies can create a new atmosphere of funding, mentorship, and infrastructure that helps diverse teams thrive. More importantly, Karl works to see a future where these approaches can scale.
After a successful career as a medical device representative, Karl sets his aim on a new path towards tasks that are more connected to intrinsic values and his childhood dreams. He describes his enthusiasm for conquering another part of life: “There’s no time like the present to be bold.”
For Karl, the new path is a journey to exploring solutions for economic inclusion. Speaking about representation and career advice on the Dear BLK CEO podcast is one way Karl is choosing to fulfill that mission. A chance to hold dialogue around topics of minorities in the C-Suite helps normalize the narrative. Karl sees his contribution as exactly that, a chance to normalize the pursuit of corporate levels.
Among the conversations happening in minority business communities, one general theme is figuring out how to address stereotypes associated with running a minority-owned business. Karl delves into the real-life conversation he had around the myth of minority-owned businesses being of poor quality and minorities supporting fellow minorities. From his own experiences, he talks about the sense of disassociation when facing imposter syndrome as a “token hire” in the corporate world. He realizes that opening the room for conversations leads to new insights. Insights can be collected then turned into proper solutions to society’s larger concerns, like economic inclusion.
Kas Company is a business development agency that looks into the infrastructure and teams of minorities in business. Karl discusses his process for creating change through his agency. Many of his observations originate from first-hand conversations with stakeholders in the interconnected roles needed to run a business. Karl talks about establishing a pipeline of opportunity by forming a mentor I ship aspect in the company. This way, people can gain experience, be trained, and feel secure in a community that wants to see their growth.
Karl brings a perspective of “filling a cup so it can flow into others”. Completely embracing community, Karl suggests that society step away from a scarcity mindset to welcome advocacy and collaboration. In the long run, Karl envisions the creation of a hub that will be a resource for minority-owned businesses. He poses questions that possibly spark ideas for actionable steps towards better business practices.
True to his original aim, Karl inspires a collaborative effort in allowing minorities to embrace their variety of experiences. Karl starts with himself and empowers all others that are willing to contribute to the journey.
If you would like to learn more, you can visit:
- The Kas Company
- Dear BLK CEO Podcast
- Karl Sona on Instagram
- Karl Sona on LinkedIn
