5 Things / No Words
I was recently asked how I can write “good vibes” when there’s so much garbage happening in the world. I’m paraphrasing, but it certainly feels that way sometimes. I replied that I look for the silver lining – which is often some kind of thoughtful corporate action or commitment.
Sometimes those words never come. And now that there are just so many hateful policies and racist and violent acts, it must be like playing whack-a-mole for leaders. What to speak out about. How. What’s the line? I think the same thing when I go to post on LinkedIn or write here.
I don’t have all the answers but one thing I know for sure is that none of us should hide. Leaders should invite teams to process these feelings. As for me, I shift my focus ever so slightly and I look for what’s going right. Then I keep showing up.
Here are the good vibes I found this week:
After George Floyd’s Murder, Wall Street Promised Billions of Dollars to Help Black Americans and It Is Actually Paying Off
In the two years since George Floyd was murdered, many of the big banks’ investments in Black communities are paying off. Slowly but surely Black customers are getting more access to business loans, personal loans (that aren’t predatory), and mortgages. This matters because these are small steps toward repairing the inequitable systems of banking and finance that have taken advantage of and excluded Black people for decades.
Macy’s Wins Over Underserved Market: Black Sororities. An Executive for the Retailer Had Trouble Finding Dresses in Her Sorority’s Colors, so She Decided to Create a Line.
Macy’s is projecting $10 million in sales by selling dresses specifically designed for nine different Black sororities. These dresses are in the colors and patterns that are unmistakably affiliated with those sororities. This idea came about from a Macy’s buyer and Zeta alum and it because it demonstrates the win-win: when companies authentically serve diverse populations, they can often see greater revenue.
U.S. Bank Launches Nation’s First Spanish-Language Voice Assistant for Banking
U.S. Bank became the first bank in the country to have a Spanish-language smart assistant in the app. Users can type or speak Spanish to access a ton of features about their accounts. This matters because it is designed to include 13% of the U.S. population that speaks Spanish as their first language.
Starbucks Will Exit Russia After 15 Years, Closing 130 Licensed Cafes While Providing Employees Six Months of Pay
Amidst the war in Ukraine, Starbucks is exiting Russia. Many companies have, but what’s notable here is that Starbucks is paying those 2000 Russian employees for six months and helping them transition into new work. This matters because it shows a people-first approach and empathy for these employees.
Laverne Cox Becomes the First Transgender Woman With Her Own Barbie Doll
Mattel has a new Laverne Cox Barbie as part of their Tribute Collection, and just in time for Pride month. Laverne Cox is an Emmy-nominated actor who happens to be a Black trans woman. This matters because this Barbie says loud and clear: trans women are women.