Episode #81: Leadership and Inclusivity

As someone who grew up in a multi-race household, and now has a multi-race family of my own, I have always felt I was "doing my part." I assumed that my allyship was implied. It was not. I have always thought of myself as someone who advocates for diversity and inclusion, but the truth is I have not been an active ally and I now understand that being aware of a problem is not the same thing as advocating for change.

I am working on becoming a better advocate, both personally and professionally. I know that this is a lifelong journey. I don’t have all the answers, not even close. And that is an uncomfortable place for me.

But I am willing to sit with the discomfort. I’m willing to examine my own biases, which I hope in turn will help others find room to do the same.

I believe that in this situation, much like motherhood and entrepreneurship, it is not about getting it perfect. It's about making a start. And I’m starting with education – MY education, my children’s education, and listening to my community.

In this episode, I talk about what I’m doing as a human. I talk about what I’m doing as a mother. And I talk about what I’m doing as a business owner and leader. This is not a ‘how to’ or a ‘you should do’ episode, I am simply suggesting that big changes come from first steps.

I encourage you to listen to this episode whether you think it’s not for you or if you feel that you are far beyond where I currently am in my journey. You might find a valuable nugget, or you might find your first step.

Links mentioned in the episode:

The Business of Thinking Big Podcast
Episode #48: Meaningful SWAG for Your Business 

White Fragility by Robin Diangelo 

How to Be an Inclusive Leader by Jennifer Brown 

Christina Sackeyfio, Boldly Inclusive