These are heavy times and many things weigh heavily on my heart with the racial unrest that we are facing. One of the things that I love most about the travel and meetings industry is the opportunity to go new places and meet people different than me. Travel is truly a privilege. These brief glimpses into lives different from my own help give me perspective on the diverse nature of our world.
Several decades ago at an Urban League Diversity Leadership camp, I delieverd a final presentation on a Roadmap for Inclusion. My thesis was,"Don't Tell me Why, Show Me How." We often know why we need diversity, but sometimes our privilege or fear keep us from knowing and doubting what we can achieve. Now is not the time to sit back, now is the time to listen, learn, and take action against systemic racism.
I commit myself as an ally to the Black Community by speaking truth to untruths, talking about biases, educating myself on the things that led us here, consuming diverse content, sharing resources, and supporting those in my community struggling to to find the way. I know that I might make a mistake, but also that I must make a start. I will lead with love and be a light because my voice is loud, I am strong, and my heart sees no other way forward.
The only sustainable competitive advantage that any company can have is the quality of its people. We need to value all people and work to end racial injustice. Business is all about people. The best performing teams are diverse teams.
Here's some great articles about racism for business leaders to help keep the conversation going:
