What Matters?

The irony isn’t lost on me as I write this newsletter from Colombia, fresh from visiting Palenque de San Basilio, the first free African town in the Americas.

Across the waters, in the United States, the very freedoms Dr. Martin Luther King Jr dedicated his life to securing seem to have taken a dramatic step backwards. Strategically, to rub salt into the wound even more, this happened on the very day meant to honour his legacy, under the Administration of the 47th President of the United States.

What’s happening in the U.S. should matter to us all.

Laws designed to instil fairness and morality in how we operate in business and society are being dismantled. It’s as if we’ve returned to a world where “meritocracy” is the façade, “equity” doesn’t matter, and survival of the fittest reigns supreme—benefitting only the wealthiest among us. 💸

^{“In a utopian world, everyone would have a voice that would be heard and listened to. Climbing the economic and organisational ladder would reflect the hours worked, effort exerted, and education earned.}

^{True meritocracy— in which people attain success, power, and influence based on their talents, knowledge, and performance—would thrive. The school, college, or university you attended; the region or country where you were born; your race, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, or body shape; how you choose to dress or wear your hair—none of this would matter.}

^{The best ideas would win out over the loudest voices, and great employees would be rewarded with great jobs and salaries to match their potential and contributions. Many organisations say that they aspire to this ideal, but few (if any) have actually achieved it. In fact, research suggests that when companies actively try to promote meritocracy, they often end up favoring dominant demographic groups, like men, over the traditionally marginalised, even when performance is equal.}

^{Who a person is rather than what they do still has a profound effect on what jobs they get, how much influence they hold, and how much money they make. And whether we want to admit it or not, statistics show that, across the globe, certain demographic groups are more likely to succeed than others.”}

I’ll be honest: I don’t have all the answers, and I doubt I ever will in this rapidly shifting global landscape. 🌪️ But here’s what I do know: I believe deeply in the power of inclusive leadership. 🌟 By helping businesses develop better leaders, we create cultures that foster belonging, respect, and the ability to harness our differences for collective growth. This isn’t just an ideal—it’s a necessity for building productive, innovative, and sustainably profitable businesses.

But here’s my concern: the decisions being made right now threaten to polarise society even further. ⚖️ At a time when we desperately need connection and collaboration, we’re moving towards division and isolation. This is far from what we need right now. 🙅🏽‍♀️

Over the past few weeks, I’ve intentionally disconnected to reflect. 🌴 My phone has been buzzing with updates, but I’ve given myself the space to think deeply about one question:

What really matters right now?

For me, the answer is clear—community and a return to our core values. While the world feels chaotic and distractions are everywhere, there are three grounding principles I believe we must hold onto:

1. Faith – In something greater than ourselves. Whether it’s a higher power, a guiding principle, or universal truths, faith provides us with clarity and hope. No belief system truly rooted in love promotes hate.

2. Values – What are your values? Do you know them? Are you living them? If you need to reassess, I recommend starting with resources like Brené Brown’s value guide. Knowing your values is key to navigating this ever-changing world.

3. Action Alignment – Are your daily actions aligned with your faith and values? If not, it’s time to ask yourself why. Misalignment is a sign that something needs attention.

Calling them out

Major corporations that proudly showcased their updated value systems in 2020 are now quietly rolling them back. If history has taught us anything, this is just the start of the shift. It’s during moments like these that we’ll truly see who stands as an ally and sponsor—and who was simply performing.

For many employees, this may feel like an awakening, or perhaps a confirmation of what they already suspected: that those bold actions were, at best, performative. Many clung to the hope that this time would be different.

If this week is any indication, we’re in for a turbulent journey. Buckle up—it’s going to be a ride.

What’s Next?

Over the next few weeks I will be meeting with others who are far more versed in the current landscape. I’ll share insights and takeaways as I gain them.

In the meantime, if you’re reflecting on these shifts and their implications, I encourage you to focus on what matters to you and your community. Let’s ensure our actions reflect our shared humanity, and let’s strive to be better, together.

If you have any questions or thoughts, feel free to reach out—I’d love to hear from you. 📩

With Peace, Love and Determination