We have hit a boiling point of rage and heartbreak. What we witnessed
through George Floyd's murder was evil incarnate, not to mention the
countless others who have come before him, and the massively dysfunctional
systems in America that perpetuate injustice, racism, and senseless
violence.

But pointing fingers at bigger systems also misses and important point: we
— I — must start within.

I want to start this post and episode by thanking two people who kicked off
the latest round of deep inquiry around anti-racism for me: Michael Bungay
Stanier in his MBS.works newsletter, who shared a link to Rachel Rodger’s
Instagram Live video from May 30 on “the good white liberal response.” (If
you catch this in time, she has a Town Hall called Reimagining Small
Business on Wednesday 6/10 from 6-8pm ET.)

I met Rachel many years ago, and have followed her work for many
years—particularly at her new platform and podcast Hello Seven. It
shouldn’t have taken until now, but seeing and hearing her pain, passion,
and determination woke me up and stopped me in my tracks anew. It inspired
me to dig deeper, to dive into social media in a way that I usually don’t.
To listen more deeply.

Staying “out of it” is no longer an option (it’s a privilege), and I thank
Rachel for calling me and others in to revisit many of the topics in
today’s episode that, though I dipped in and out of over the years, I
haven’t been focusing on nearly enough. Especially now, when our collective
voices are needed more than ever.

If you are one of the many activists already working in this space, THANK
YOU. ❤️ ? To further #amplifymelanatedvoices, I invite you to submit voice
recordings to air on the Pivot Podcast via SpeakPipe, or for longer
messages, send your recording link to hello@pivotmethod.com.

Let me briefly say, while in deep listening and learning mode: *I* must do
better as a podcaster, listener, coach, friend, community member, and
leader to continue building anti-racism skills and taking meaningful
action. In addition to recurring donations, I will also be working to have
more diversity in guests and topics covered.

In the meantime, I am absorbing as much as I can to do my part, and am
deeply grateful for all who are helping raise awareness and our collective
consciousness. Please bear with me and others as we catch-up to making
sense of the biggest, most inclusive picture. I recognize that even this
podcast and post is sensitive and imperfect in ways I don't yet see or
understand, and I welcome your feedback.

Black Lives Matter.

View full show notes from this episode, with a continuously updated list of
resources, at http://pivotmethod.com/blacklivesmatter »