Listen. First, listen.

This is what I whisper to myself.

Storytelling is my stock and trade. I’m inclined to talk talk talk. But it’s not time for business as usual.

The best advice I got was from two (notably: younger) social media experts on our Honor Code team who asked “Do you want to mute this week?”

Yes, yes I did. 

Lots of white people are speaking right now about the modern-day lynchings and other publicized racist offenses that culminated in the death of George Floyd, and many before him. But as a person of white privilege, it’s been my turn to talk since forever. 

I suggest the same to all of us who are not black. Listen. 

I’ve only just begun the learning process I need to undertake to add to this conversation. Listening doesn't mean silence. But there are plenty of brilliant black and brown voices out there. I can use my voice and my platform to share and support theirs. 

I suggest all leaders consider using this moment to train ourselves to be better listeners. Ask more questions. Read more. Work to let BIPOC voices be heard. Same with brands. How can your platforms become tools for hearing, really hearing? Who is longing for the space to be heard?

There’s this desire to jump right to change, to talk about all the things we’re doing. I applaud the desire to ACT. I am acting immediately on what I know to be right. But also, I think you have to listen. And talking about all the things you’re doing—I’m not sure about that. I’m not sure if it’s just great and inspiring or if it feels a little closer to talking than doing. I know it feels disingenuous for me right now. I feel more urgency than ever to be authentic. And when I can’t be, to hold on talk and to listen.