5 Things / Lead with Humanity
Listen to this episode:
It’s been five years since COVID changed everything. The whiplash in our workplaces was unprecedented. For a minute, our walls came down. We saw our colleagues’ beautiful, complicated humanity: Zoom interruptions from kids and pets, real emotions spilling out. The possibility for more meaningful connections was right there. I bet you made some.
This week I met with a client to plan an upcoming talk and, at least at that company, the walls are back up. Way back up. Sharing one’s beautiful, complicated humanity now feels risky at work. But what if we did it anyway, but made it unmessy?
This is where my ARC Method® comes in:
Ask – What changed? What are we afraid of? What do we actually need to feel safe sharing again?
Respect – Listen to what’s really being said. If people are holding back, there’s a reason. Acknowledge it.
Connect – Validate what’s heard, and connect the reality of today’s workplace culture to solutions that foster trust, inclusion, and psychological safety.
In these wild times, authentic connection isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the foundation of strong teams and cultures. If we want a workplace where people feel safe showing up as themselves, we have to create it.
So, what if we didn’t wait? What if we led?
This Week's Good Vibes:
Hijab, Hoops, and Hustle
Kiandra Browne, a Duquesne University basketball player and entrepreneur, launched a modest athletic wear business after struggling to find comfortable, affordable options for Muslim women. Facing hijab bans, taunts, and uniform challenges, she’s proving that inclusion in sports isn’t just policy—it’s practice. Despite taunts and hijab-pulling opponents, she’s proved that covering up doesn’t mean shrinking. Her story highlights systemic exclusion in sports and the global demand for inclusive athletic wear. ♐Barriers need solutions.
MSNBC’s Weekend Gets a Historic Makeover
MSNBC made history with Jonathan Capehart and Eugene Daniels as the first two out gay Black men to co-host a major network news program. They’ll join The Weekend, a revamped panel show. While this represents a major step for representation, it comes after controversial firings, including Joy Reid’s The ReidOut, which leaves MSNBC’s primetime lineup without any hosts of color. ♐Representation matters, but diversity shouldn’t be a revolving door. Visibility at all levels is crucial for lasting change.
Sri Lanka’s All-Women Resort Redefines Hospitality
Sri Lanka’s Amba Yaalu resort is flipping the script on gender norms in tourism, becoming the country's first hotel fully staffed and managed by 75 women, and one of the few in the world. In an industry where women make up only 10% of the workforce, this hotel provides crucial opportunities for economic independence and leadership through training programs which aim to combat social stigma, lack of professional development, and gendered work barriers. ♐Structural change requires intentional action. Economic recovery must be equitable.
China Cracks Down on Hiring Discrimination
Several Chinese labor unions have issued official notices banning employers from asking female job seekers about their marital or childbearing status. This move challenges entrenched workplace discrimination, where women often face hiring bias due to pregnancy fears. While many see it as progress, skeptics wonder if discrimination will go underground. The broader issue persists: society pressures women to have more children while workplaces penalize them for it. ♐True gender equality requires cultural shifts.
Pittsburgh Airport's On-Site Child Care Takes Off
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) has introduced an on-site childcare center exclusively for its employees, addressing a significant barrier to workforce participation. This initiative is uncommon, as only about 12% of American workers have access to employer-sponsored childcare, and even fewer enjoy on-site facilities. The center offers services at rates 10% below the market average. This move not only supports employees but also enhances talent retention and operational efficiency. ♐By investing in such facilities, employers can create a more inclusive and supportive work environment.
Good Vibes to Go:
In the spirit of intersectionality, learn about LGBTQ+ people who shaped history through this compelling video series from Anna DeShawn (E3 Radio) and Amanda W. Timpson (Yesterqueers). They bring history to life with powerful stories of queer resilience, activism, and artistry.