AUGUST 2020

Politics has long been a taboo subject at work, but after watching Michelle Obama’s speech during this week's Democratic National Convention, I’m compelled to speak up. After months of feeling powerless and fearful of what’s happening in our country and around the world, Americans will soon have the power to make their voices heard.

In Michelle’s words, we MUST get out and vote “like our lives depend on it.” Voter turnout in this country is embarrassingly low — due in part to feelings of helplessness, barriers that make voting difficult, and outright voter suppression. But as communicators, we have the collective ability to reach thousands of workers across the country, helping them get informed and get out to vote. We also have access to company leadership, and can encourage them to make voting a priority (the list of companies shutting down on Election Day is growing).

Brilliant Ink is proud to join that list and will be closed on Election Day so that our team can have the time and space needed to cast their votes. Michelle gave us all a powerful reminder this week: “When others are going so low, does going high still really work? Going high is the only thing that works.”

Ann & the Brilliant Ink Team

Sustaining and Strengthening Inclusion in Our New Remote Environment - McKinsey & Company (Article)

As companies look to preserve their culture while working remotely, leaders have an opportunity to build a more inclusive environment for their teams and organization. McKinsey has identified 7 actions that can help. LEAD THE WAY. ►

Open Enrollment in a Pandemic - HR Dive (Article)

Open enrollment is on the horizon and HR can’t rely on the same communications channels as it did in the past. Posters won’t cut it! HR Dive offers tactical tips to help us adapt our communications. GET DIGI WITH IT. ►

How Business Leaders Can Promote Positive Mental Health During the Pandemic - Inspire HR (Resource)

Amidst a global pandemic, economic uncertainty, systemic racism and work/life colliding, 4 times more adults report symptoms of anxiety today compared to a year ago. Leaders cannot ignore mental health in the workplace. STEP UP. ►

More Than Words: How IC Can Fight Systemic Racism - Andrea Greenhous (Article)

While it’s clear IC cannot solve institutional racism on our own, the work we do CAN and DOES make a difference. If we do it right, there are many ways we can contribute to greater inclusion, equity and belonging. READ AND LEAD. ►

How To Get Employee Surveys Right To Drive Meaningful Change - Team Brilliant Ink (White Paper)

The way we work and what we expect in the workplace is rapidly changing. Now especially, we must listen to our people and give them a voice. Here’s how to develop, execute and act on employee surveys. LET’S GET QUIZZICAL. ►

Ask the DEI Expert: Recruiting and Hiring Women of Color - Michele Heyward (Article)

We’re seeing companies make public gestures supporting Black employees but how do you go further? We sat down with Posi+ive Hire's Michele Heyward to unpack recruitment, retention and so much more. LEARN FROM A BOSS. ►

What Star Trek Can Teach Us About DEI and Leadership - Casey Pettiford (Article)

Even if you’re not a Trekkie, it’s incredible to learn that Star Trek did “boldly go where no man has gone before." Star Trek broke racial and gender barriers 50+ years ago and, even today, offers 6 key lessons. READ ALONG AND PROSPER. ►

Brilliant Ink + Merck Animal Health + Poppulo = One Brilliant Workshop

IC pros have an opportunity to lead like never before. But how do you make the most of that spotlight? We teamed up with our brilliant client at Merck Animal Health to answer this question and so many more at Poppulo Bootcamp!

You can now watch our workshop, plus sessions from companies like McDonald’s, All Things IC and Airbnb on-demand. BINGE ON BRILLIANCE. ►

Biddin' Our Brilliant Interns Goodbye

It's bittersweet but we knew this day would come! Our summer interns Casey Pettiford and Sydney Bergan are nearing the end of their internships and we couldn't be more grateful for the brilliance and vibrance they've contributed!

Casey worked closely with our Project Management Office on research and analytics and also built a database that will transform our marketing processes in the future. She even dipped her toes in content creation with her brilliant post on Star Trek and DEI. We're also excited to congratulate as she accepts an offer for a full-time data analyst role in Washington DC!

Sydney partnered with our Client Strategy and Marketing Teams to dive deep into internal communications, social media marketing, content audits and content curation. She also contributed to our new white paper on employee surveys. We can't wait to see what Sydney does next as she enters her sophomore year in the journalism program at Syracuse University!

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