More Behind the Book
Having Courageous & Crucial Conversations
Estimated read time: February 1, 2024
Join me on this exciting journey as I reveal the inspiration that moved and motivated my participation in ‘Lead from Within: Entrepreneurs Share Proven Traits for Success.’
In this final installment, I’ll share the heartfelt call to action that touched my soul, shedding light on the people who may find solace in my dedicated chapter and throughout the book.
A Call to Action
My chapter finds its roots in a pivotal moment—the public execution of Mr. George Floyd. This was the closest I’d ever come to really hating someone. I acknowledged, honored, and accepted that feeling. And while it was real, the fact that I had it didn’t rest well with me. I mean, after all, I say, “I love everybody.”
Not that day. It was a toxic situation, and the world quickly knew what happened. Many businesses recognized they had to at least acknowledge it happened and reassure people they were committed to the safety, belonging and inclusion of everyone.
But, in spite of having had DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) training classes, and townhall meetings about belonging and how to have crucial conversations, many people when they got together, they didn’t know how to listen and make sure all voices were heard or how to respond in meaningful, trust-building ways. And instead of honestly expecting and empathetically accepting stumbles and fumbles and using them to help build bridges, competence and confidence, many people just stopped even trying to talk with each other. Some people said they felt their trying created more of a divide, particularly racially, than ever before.
As I grappled with what had happened and global and corporate responses, I questioned the world around me and myself. I was confused about how to connect with wisdom, and empathy for myself and folks I was talking and working with – even folks on my own team. I felt my frustration and exhaustion and that of others.
It was in one of those crucial moments that I stopped, acknowledged that I felt overwhelmed, that, for all of my experience, I didn’t know how to help move us through the event, to not get stuck while remembering and not denying it, and to develop optimized and transformative connections, conversations, strategies and outcomes. Whew! No wonder I felt overwhelmed. Then I was led to put pen to paper. The process I developed became a guiding light, pointing me back to a place of wisdom.
I am in touch with and allowing myself to be led by wisdom again. I am consciously and intentionally committed to that being my reality, no matter my circumstance or what’s going on in my personal life or business, the nation or the world. I know wisdom is always with us. I also know it can be challenging to allow wisdom to inform and lead what we do and say when we are triggered or compromised in any way. My chapter acknowledges all that, and answers one of my favorite questions, ‘So what, now what?’ with what I found to be a practical process that ‘keeps it real’ and helps us build inclusive connections and comprehensive outcomes at the same time.
Channeling Wisdom Into Words
As I delve into the inspirational thread that weaves through my chapter, I am grateful for my collaboration with the Inner Circle Network, Red Thread Publishing, and the transformative potential of collective efforts led by women. These organizations and communities have played a pivotal role in shaping the spirit of collaboration that infuses every chapter of the book. If you're intrigued, you can explore more about Red Thread Publishing and its books here.
Who ‘Lead From Within’ Speaks To
When people ask me who my chapter and the book is for, I tell them it caters to a diverse spectrum: people who are new leaders, going through their own transition at work and/or their personal lives, who’ve achieved success yet seek to be more authentic.
My chapter helps people see themselves, their beauty, their value, their self-worth, and ways to see and connect with those things in others when it’s easy and when it’s hard.
This book is for those who are starting to question their worth and really want to dig into their true value.
Maybe you're trying hard to be an awesome leader but feel stuck or uncertain about things that are making your aspiration a reality. Well, guess what? This book can serve as a roadmap. It's all about looking inward, accepting who you are, and, doing some serious self-reflection and acceptance - with authenticity and love. It’s a nudge to embrace your excellence, break some rules and set some new guidelines, dance to your own beat and ‘Lead from Within’.
More Behind the Book
Don’t miss the first installment of ‘Behind the Book’ here.
You can learn more about and purchase Lead from Within: Entrepreneurs Share Proven Traits for Success, published by Red Thread Publishing on Amazon.