5 Things / Connection Matters
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My son turns 13 this week, and one thing I've learned in parenting him is that as long as I actively listen to him and engage in his various interests, let him control Spotify in the car, and give him plenty of space, he's great. Sassy at times, pushing boundaries, of course, but ultimately great. This means that most of our conversations are about Roblox, YouTubers, and anime. He has a lot of thoughts on those topics and says things like, "What other questions do you have about One Piece?"
It deeply matters to him that I ask informed questions and can engage in these conversations. After a bit, I can ask about things like school and friends, the stuff I really want to know about. Connection before content.
I've written about "connection before content" before as a simple lesson for managers. I think it bears repeating to remember to create intentional space for connection before content when the people on our team could be deeply affected by many things, including the Israel-Hamas war. Active listening, genuine curiosity, and empathy go a long way to establishing trust.
Here Are This Week's Good Vibes:
Walmart's Nationwide Doula Coverage to Tackle Healthcare Disparities
Walmart is rolling out doula coverage nationwide to address racial healthcare disparities and improve maternal outcomes. I previously wrote about this program when it was in a pilot phase in several states. I continue to celebrate wins for doula benefits because over 5.6 million women lack adequate maternity care, and Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related issues. Doulas can reduce the rate of C-sections by 50% and shorten labor time by 25%. Like many retailers, a significant number of Walmart's customer-facing employees are low-income and BIPOC individuals, making them the ones who will benefit the most from this program.
California Enacts Groundbreaking Law for Diversity in Venture Capital
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill 54 into law, requiring venture capital firms in the state to annually report the diversity of the founders they support. This is the first legislation in the US aimed at increasing diversity in venture capital. The law, which won't go into effect until March 1, 2025, mandates that VC firms collect and release diversity data on the founders they back. Black entrepreneurs typically receive less than 2% of all VC dollars each year. Transparency is critical so that we can identify these gaps and hold leaders accountable for creating more equity in venture capital funding.
Charlottesville's Robert E. Lee Statue Transformed into Unity Art Piece
Charlottesville's controversial Robert E. Lee statue is being melted down to create a new, inclusive art piece. 68% of Americans now support removing Confederate statues, which have largely ended up in museums or storage. This project, "Swords into Plowshares," is special because it's about transforming a divisive symbol into one that unites the community. This could serve as a blueprint for other communities, turning divisive historical monuments into catalysts for dialogue, reconciliation, and a more inclusive public space.
Che Flores: Breaking Barriers as the NBA's First Nonbinary Referee
Che Flores has made history as the NBA's first openly nonbinary and transgender referee. Entering their second season as a staff referee, Flores revealed their identity in a recent GQ article. With a decade of experience, including working major events in the G League and WNBA, Flores is breaking barriers. I appreciate stories that involve authenticity and representation. We need more diverse role models for younger generations, and that's exactly why Flores came out. The sports world is gradually becoming more inclusive.
Morgan's Wonderland: A $6 Million Investment in Accessibility and Joy
Morgan's Wonderland, the fully accessible theme park in San Antonio, is about to get even better. They're investing $6 million to add awesome features, such as a 4-seat zip line for wheelchair users and riders who require respiratory equipment or other gear, along with a 4D cinema ride that simulates a roller coaster. The park has already welcomed 2.7 million guests from all over the globe and will be reopening in the spring. I love this story because joy should be accessible to everyone.
Call to Action:
Read Levi Baer’s tips for “the subtle art of checking in” with the people on your team.