Running a Business is a Political Act
Unless you've been living under a rock, last week was a turning point for American Democracy. What happened in the US capital was NOT normal, NOT ok, and, to me, a form of domestic terrorism. I do not have any problem saying that out loud and I implore you to do the same. Even more so if you're a brand. I wholeheartedly believe that it is your responsibility as a brand to stand up for what's right in the world, which inherently means that business is political.
How my Childhood Defined My Way of Thinking
Before we dive into the meat of this topic, I'd like to give you some context about the way my mind works and how I think. As a child, I was a nomad. I grew up abroad. I spent the first 3 years of my life in Ecuador, then moved back to Virginia and followed that up by moving to Colombia. After that we moved back to Virginia and then ultimately we moved to California.
Why do I bring this up? Because when you travel a bunch as a kid it changes the way you think. At least, it did for me. Growing up in South America showed me the disparity between being American and being from another country. I remember driving in Quito and seeing young kids on the street begging for money. I remember wondering, why the heck were they begging for money and not me? Why was it that I was worthy of more than them? Why didn't we all have the same basic level of comfort being alive?
Keep in mind, I didn't really understand what I was facing at the time. I was 3, 4, 5 years old and facing some harsh truths about the reality of the world we live in. In the end, it made me less than happy to be an American and it set the stage for my distrust of the country I come from and so many people hold up on a giant pedestal.
My Philosophy as a Human and Business Owner
These stories and memories of my childhood define who I am as a person today. They have influenced my life in a variety of ways and set the stage for me to become a leader. I didn't realize it at the time, but my childhood defined who I would grow into and the life path I would take.
I am a believer in the individual. I believe small changes can have ripple effects and change the world for the better. I believe that one voice can multiply into thousands and create real positive change. And I trust in the integrity of most humans to do the right thing and push for a better tomorrow for us all.
My core philosophies as a person define the reasons why I became a business owner. I wanted to help people. I wanted to lift others up. I wanted to improve the lives of others so they could go out and improve the lives of even more people. I really do think we can all make the world a better place. Together, with purpose, we can make a better planet for generations to come.
Why Business is Political
This is why owning a business is political. Because creating a brand means that you have an opportunity to impact the world around you. It can be positive or negative, you get to choose. And I pray and hope that most businesses choose to impact the world positively.
I trust in human nature and believe the majority of us have the best interest of the collective in mind. The same is true of business owners. I believe that if you run a brand with integrity you have nothing to hide. That is why it shouldn't matter what your ideals are and if you share them with the world.
When to Speak Up
If you are a business owner and your brand stays silent when controversial current events take place, you should reconsider your ethics as a business. It is wrong to stay silent when the basic fundamental human rights of certain groups of people are being diminished.
I saw an amazing post on Instagram by @lissettecalv sharing content topic ideas that need to be spoken up about more often by businesses. I thought I’d share the topics because I agree that these are non-negotiable topics to discuss:
Defending Black Lives.
Recognizing systemic racism.
Acknowledging police brutality.
Wearing a mask & protecting your community during a pandemic.
Standing up for marginalized groups that are subject to hate crimes and face discrimination daily.
Discussing the rights of Indigenous People
These topics are an opportunity to share our morals as a brand. To stand up for what's right. To be the leader your business gives you the platform to be.
Conclusion
I don't doubt that more moments will show up in 2021 where businesses will have the opportunity to share their morals. 2020 turned the world upside down and showcased America for what it really is, a country that has so many ideals, but doesn't actually live up to them.
I will be watching closely to see who takes the stage and speaks up AND who doesn't. Because I believe that we all have a moral obligation to stand up for what's right. And by doing so we'll make the world a better place. That's what being a catalyst of change requires us to do.
I intend to change the world for the better through my thoughts and actions. Will you rise up as well?
