welcome to the blank space
Hello friends!
As many of you know, I’m an impact strategist and my firm - blank space - advises big brands as well as founders, funds, philanthropists, and celebs as they figure out how they can make the world a better place.
The past few years, the work has risen to a much more public level; issues that were reserved for the political sphere are now front-and-center in business. The world is looking to CEOs, philanthropists and cultural leaders to find their voice on everything from climate change to racial inequality. So what is the key to this work? Authenticity. Meaning what you say, and following up with action.
Given the last few years and the reactionary nature of our news cycle, my job has taken on new meaning. Which brings me to this newsletter! I have decided it’s time to connect with my community more often and share the resources, insider playbooks and thoughts I have on great leadership…..as well some impact satire, because frankly, we all need a laugh.
So with that, welcome to the blank space.
Here, I’ll send you a twice-a-month digest of “What The Eff,” is happening in the world and what we can do it about it, with insights from the ground and musings from the c-suite. I’ll also cover a “Something Cool” that gives me hope and that I think you should all have on your radar.
Let’s be serious, a newsletter isn’t going to magically make the world a better place. But by looking at things more deeply, perhaps we will screw up the world a little less; and by calling out the ‘BS’, we can support and celebrate all the leaders who are bringing their organizations into the future and creating lasting legacy.
Ultimately, let’s DO BETTER.
Here we go!
Natalie
WHAT THE EFF!
For the past few weeks, we’ve all debated the Supreme Court leak and what it means. Since the leak, new bills have begun to move forward. Louisiana lawmakers advanced the “Abolition of Abortion in Louisiana Act,” that classifies abortions as homicides. This means that pregnant women in Louisiana who choose to end their pregnancy, as well as the people who assist them, can be charged with breaking the law.
We’ve known this was a slippery slope for a while now, but now we’re at a cliff. Who and how are they determining fault here? And could this be a future headline?
dive deeper into the numbers
A Gallup Poll finds that 80% of the American public thinks abortion should be legal, and similarly a Washington Post Poll found 75% of Americans say decisions on abortion should be left to the woman and her doctor, including 95% of Democrats, 81% of Independents and 53% of Republicans polled.
Pew Research broke down those numbers by gender, ethnicity, party and religious affiliation, and a majority of religious groups agreed that abortion should be legal in all or most cases- 66% black protestants, 60% white protestants and 56% Catholics.
After Texas began their six-week ban, there was a 800% increase in patients coming to the neighboring states. According to Planned Parenthood health centers in those areas, this legislation will not stop abortions, it would only increase the economic burden on us all.
musings from the c-suite
“Pressure is mounting on CEO’s to speak out on issues their workers and customers care about, even it puts them on a collision course with politicians.” – Paul Polman
‘I’d prefer to stay out of politics.’ – Elon Musk
‘Today we are making our voices heard and releasing a public statement.” – Ben & Jerry’s
my advice: Take the politics out of it. Protect your work force.
what do I mean: Staying neutral is problematic for any company. As leaders, we need to put our employees’ needs, and the state of the American economy at the forefront of these decisions. Restricting comprehensive reproductive healthcare including abortion will have negative effects on productivity and employee well-being. Most importantly, it goes against most corporate policies that promote equality in the workplace. Take the political out of it, protect your workforce.
consider this: If Roe vs Wade does get overturned, how will your company respond?
want to do something?
1. Make a Statement - Make a public statement or join others in signing the open letter to “Don’t Ban Equality.” The statement announces that bans against abortion go against your company values and will negatively impact your efforts to promote equality within your workforce. 330 business leaders have signed.
2. Rethink your health insurance and benefit extensions- Create an open dialogue with your employees about your values, clearly communicate HR benefits and consider adding more open ended paid time off that could be used for medical procedures that may require travel.
3. Work-friendly locations - Some companies are discussing moving their location to work-friendly states that align with company values. Not that we are encouraging uprooting entire ecosystems, but if you are one of those shopping for new locations, it is crucial to weigh the rights and opportunities afforded to all employees. Think value alignment!
something cool
If you are in LA, go check out Pipilotti Rist’s large-scale audio visual installation at MOCA before it leaves next month. She’s created mini-ecosystems throughout the Geffen warehouse space downtown like the labia-inspired immersive installation below (although I kept referring to it as the jellyfish forest). The incredible light and sound activated sculptures beckon you to enter the visual production and become a part of the experience.
why we think it should be on your radar: Rist’s work takes us on a journey of status quo and our place in the patriarchy; set from the vantage of a backyard scene where as ‘guests and neighbors,’ we explore the exhibit together. Take a look at the clip of ‘Ever is Over All,’ that juxtaposes a woman destroying parked cars in the city alongside the natural habitat where her ‘flower weapon’ grows wild and free. Enjoy!
WATCH THIS blank space!
This week did a thing make you say ‘What the Eff’ is happening in the world? Did ‘Something Cool’ cross your desk we should know about it? Drop a line. We would love to hear from you, and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or to share impact initiatives in the works. We live for this stuff!