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Dear friends,
In what has been a chaotic, tumultuous and isolating year, the ONE thing that’s kept me going is human contact — connecting with friends outdoors, running into neighbors on walks, marathon phone catch-ups, WhatsApp listserv banter and Zoom happy hours with my team. My new book, The Lost Art of Connecting, is nothing short of a love letter to these meaningful connections.
In these chapters, I share insights on how to connect without those interactions that often feel dehumanizing, transactional, and agenda-driven. Featuring stories from experts in my own life who have spent their careers translating meaningful connections into successful enterprises, the book presents a paradigm shift in our thinking: asking more of how we can be in greater support to those around us.
While the book does not release until March 2021, I hope you will consider pre-ordering a copy, and — in the spirit of connecting — share with the people in your own life who have made a lasting impact on you.
As always,
Susan
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ON OUR MINDS
Brought to you this week by senior account executive McKenna Gramoll who is deep in the throes of reality TV watching.
Making the (business) case for reproductive rights
While Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s Supreme Court hearings seemed to be full of more questions than answers, the pressure on Roe v. Wade has not lifted. In a recent episode of The Daily, Ilyse Hogue, president of client NARAL Pro-Choice America, shared more about how we got here. Her interview — describing how attacks on abortion have not been “countered forcefully enough” — is nothing short of a call-to-action. Stepping up to the plate? Senator Gary Peters from Michigan. His interview with ELLE is the first time a sitting senator has shared their abortion story. In his words, “It’s important for folks who are willing to tell these stories to tell them, especially now [...] This is a pivotal moment for reproductive freedom.” If you're a business leader who believes The Fast Track Is The Wrong Track when it comes to the Supreme Court confirmation process, we encourage you to speak out — here's a toolkit with sample language and images to share.
Tackling the racial wealth gap
This week, rapper Michael “Killer Mike” Render announced the launch of Greenwood — a mission-driven digital bank providing services and support to Black and Latinx communities. As Fast Company summarizes, “In order for marginalized groups to attain socioeconomic parity, there have to be banking options that are not only fair, but that keep money circulating within communities of color — all of which was front of mind for Render and his team.” On the side of big banking, Citi made waves last month with the announcement of its $1 billion plan to invest in initiatives that will help close the racial wealth gap in America — a first step in unraveling years of systematic harm. As Leon Kaye writes in Triple Pundit, the financial industry can play a significant role in “chipping away” at America’s long-standing gap in intergenerational wealth. From a focus on financial wellness and wealth accumulation to advancing Black-led financial institutions, we hope these initiatives are part of a bigger movement — one in which industries look clearly at their historical faults and take action to begin undoing them.
Planning for the polls
Speaking to young voters, swing-state voters, and everyone in between, former President Obama urged Americans to visit the polls, reminding us that: “When it comes to voting this year, having a plan has never been more important.” (Spoiler alert: he’s 110% right). And, as we’ve reported in past newsletter issues, business leaders can play a major role in both protecting the democratic process and ensuring employees are able to participate in this year’s election. In a recent edition of The New York Times’ Dealbook, client Leadership Now Project released its business statement on the election, signed by more than 50 business leaders. A contested election would signal “turmoil for businesses,” and the statement calls on media, business leaders and election officials to promote patience and civility until every vote is counted. As LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman summarizes, “The health of our economy and markets depends on the strength of our democracy.”
ON OUR RADAR
Read:
- Client Dr. Angela Jackson, Partner at New Profit, co-authored this Harvard Business Review op-ed providing an action plan for businesses to better recruit and retain young people of color.
- Fast Company’s Impact Council recently released its “New New Rules of Business.” For a closer look at the case for supporting nonprofits even in a recession, check out “These are the new rules of giving” (featuring a familiar face!).
- ICYMI (though how could you miss it?!) Megan Thee Stallion penned an opinion piece for The New York Times following her stunning SNL performance. In her words, “It’s ridiculous that some people think the simple phrase ‘Protect Black women’ is controversial.”
- Susan’s trip to Antarctica last year featured many penguins. Turns out they’ve been there for at least 800 years!
Watch:
- Between Zoom conference calls, live-streamed workout classes, and virtual happy hours, the line between work and home is becoming increasingly blurry. Podcast host and writer Morra Aarons-Mele shares three essential steps to avoiding #WFH burnout.
- This week, Techonomy hosted The Health+Wealth of America — a discussion featuring insights on everything from the landscape of urban transportation to the future of social entrepreneurship.
Learn:
- The latest innovation from Porter Novelli? The fourth wave of its Purpose Tracker, titled “Gen Z Joins the Social Justice Movement.”
- The B Team — a global nonprofit initiative — released its guide for CEOs to foster and sustain gender balance and inclusive workplace cultures.
- What’s top of mind for leaders today? How are U.S. companies fighting racism and social injustice? PwC’s latest report offers early insights.
- "92% of Americans across all political beliefs and demographics agree it’s important for large companies to promote an economy that serves all, but only 50% believe that companies are actually doing that.” Review this year’s JUST Capital rankings.
Listen:
- On the heels of Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s Supreme Court hearings, tune into Kara Swisher’s Sway podcast for a conversation with Planned Parenthood’s president and CEO, Alexis McGill Johnson.
- What’s Her Story With Sam & Amy talks to Kara Goldin, founder and CEO of the world-famous Hint Water beverage company. Expect to laugh and leave inspired!
Cheer:
- Storyspaces curates new and critically-acclaimed movies — making it easy for you to organize screenings virtually and in the (socially distant) spaces already available in your neighborhood. Congrats to Christie Marchese and her team on its launch!
- Earlier this fall, Luminary announced its Fellowship Program with a goal of supporting 1,000 women-owned businesses who have been impacted by this pandemic. In a second partnership with UBS, Luminary just announced its Fellowship Program for Women of Color. Apply now and spread the word!
Apply:
- Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education, and media company, is seeking a Director of Internal Communications.
- Represent Justice — the organization turning storytelling into action — is hiring a Vice President of Development. If you’re interested in learning more, please reply to this email to receive a copy of the job description.
- Launched by the Gates Foundation and OpenIDEO, the Reimagine Charitable Giving Challenge seeks to challenge our global community to design charitable giving solutions that are more accessible, inclusive, and effective. Learn more and apply.
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