As we navigate what feels like an increasingly hostile climate for activists and people working in systems change, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. We’re seeing the rise of authoritarianism, the far right growing and a US president and tech allies attempting to take us back in time in the name of progress. It’s a lot to contend with.

I was in a workshop yesterday, and someone asked me, “What’s your apocalypse strategy?“ It’s an interesting question and even more revealing to know that this is how people are thinking.

So many are feeling overwhelmed and powerless. In recent weeks, I’ve heard many people share their struggle with keeping up with world events without getting sucked into the washing machine and noise but at the same time staying informed. The world feels like a scary place, impacting all of us in many ways, including those who are leaders and leaders of change.

So what can we do to steady our ships?

Double down on values. Integrity is key - ensure our values and principles guide our decisions.
Show visible leadership. Remind people about what matters to you, they need to hear it.
Be consistent. You’re already building equitable workplaces of the future, continue on!
Make space to talk. Bringing things into the open takes away some of the fear.
Focus on what you can control. We can’t change the world, but we can control how we show up in it.

I’ve especially been grateful this month to be in different spaces where we’ve been talking about how to stand firm and strong in this climate. I am grateful to be talking about the importance of love, compassion and care in the workplace in conversation with Helena Clayton, to be discussing the response to rising fear in our Beyond White Supremacy programme, to be in conversation about the things we’re not talking about in our Community Conversations, and to be working with clients continuing to embed systems change into their work.

Resourcing ourselves as leaders feels essential this year. We hope some of the offerings below help you to do that.

Something to join…

Building Belonging in Complex Times

How do we ensure we continue to grow compassionate workplaces based on respect and care? How do we bring everyone with us on the journey? How do we navigate questions or challenges arising as a result of what's happening in the world? What is making it hard to create belonging in these times? Participants are encouraged to come prepared with a specific issue or challenge related to this theme.

This session will provide a collaborative space for sharing challenges and gaining new insights and actions you can put into practice. You’ll connect with others navigating similar issues and leave with renewed energy and a strengthened resolve.

Date: Tuesday 25th February, 2025

Time: 12pm - 1:15pm GMT

Click here to register for the conversation

Something to watch…

Silencing in organisations

In our latest Community Conversation, Letesia was joined by Taslim Tharani and they delved into the issue of silencing in organisations—exploring how power dynamics, self-censorship, and societal pressures intersect to suppress certain voices that challenge or question. This rich and thought-provoking discussion highlights the consequences of silencing, from stifling dissent to perpetuating systemic inequities, and uncovers the potential for crafting counter-narratives as a form of resistance and repair.

If you've ever wondered how organisations can create spaces where diverse perspectives are heard, valued, and acted upon, this conversation offers both reflection and hope. It's an urgent call to leaders and practitioners to embrace the messy, nuanced work of fostering dialogue, building community, and amplifying the voices of marginalised communities.

Watch the full conversation here and join us in exploring how storytelling and courageous conversations can disrupt harmful systems and pave the way for equity and belonging.

Something to read…

Let's Address This with Qasim Rashid

In times of escalating division, the stories we tell and amplify are vital acts of resistance. Qasim Rashid’s recent article lays bare the harmful impact of Trump's executive orders that restrict rights under the guise of national security, dismantle equitable initiatives, and silence marginalised communities. These policies are driven by dominant narratives that justify exclusion, erode justice, and undermine the progress made toward equity.

In moments of uncertainty, leaders must cut through the noise. Counter-narratives—grounded in truth, justice, and lived experience—help organisations and individuals push back against misinformation and fear-driven rhetoric. By amplifying the voices of those most affected, standing firm in our values, and fostering spaces for real dialogue, we create a path forward that is both principled and clear.

Now is the time to push back against narratives designed to instil fear and despair. Rashid’s piece is a reminder that the stories we tell shape the world we build.

Something to listen to…

Leading from Love, a conversation with Helena Clayton

Listen to this Leading from Love podcast episode in which Letesia and Helena explore what it means to lead with love, compassion, and care in a world that often feels overwhelming. How do we find ways to bridge across difference, build trust in polarised times, and lead from a place of wholeness rather than division? How do we maintain an honest awareness of our own positionality while being open to exploration? How do we create workplaces and movements that hold both challenge and care?

They delve into the power of steady leadership, the courage to hold space for difficult conversations, and the importance of showing up with a sense of possibility and the belief in the potential for positive change.

Beyond the Noise: Leading with Clarity in Turbulent Times