Perspectives: ADR Advisors and Colleagues

Perspectives and Quotes

Editor’s Note: In these challenging times when race-related issues are at the forefront of American society, the American Diversity Report is pleased to share quotes from our advisors and colleagues. I have no doubt that their words of wisdom will stick in our readers’ minds.

.    “Yet again, we’re fighting about another unnecessary death of a Black man in the United States. I have had many discussions with colleagues from different backgrounds, and we all agree… this time feels different. We’re hoping that maybe this time real and lasting change happens, but it’s up to everyone to take action. ”
~ Susan McCuistion, President of daiOne, LLC

     “Real and lasting change can only be effected by those who are willing to risk their personal today to create a better tomorrow for everyone. These are the people whose internal compass and values are more important than living up to others’ expectations”
~ Dr. Shalini Nag, Business Culture Strategist

“In times of adversity, we should caution ourselves against making generalizations about those involved in protests. Protesters reflect a diverse range of people. Some seek collaborative and positive change, while others manipulate the opportunity through violent and divisive behavior. It is our responsibility and obligation to calibrate focus back to the primary issue at hand if we strive for successful global reform.”
~ Deborah E. Levin, DM, MBA, LSS – CLICK ADR Advisory Board

     “Renowned folk singer, Robert Zimmerman, better known to the larger world as Bob Dylan very astutely stated in 1963 that “the times, they are a changin’. Almost 60 years later, Dylan’s prophetic message still rings true. Despite the current social unrest that is engulfing our nation. Racism, sexism, xenophobia, violence, economic uncertainty etc… Coupled with a crippling, destabilizing pandemic that has physically, psychologically, financially and emotionally rattled the earth. We as a people are still rising to the occasion and refusing to relent from our fierce and unyielding commitment to racial, social economic justice for all human beings. The fact that such activism has reached global proportions is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Martin Luther King Jr., said “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice anywhere.” The late, prophetic Black feminist Audre Lorde deftly stated “the war against dehumanization is ceaseless.”  It appears that many people have adhered to such sentiment and are acting accordingly.”
~ Dr. Elwood Watson – CLICK ADR Advisory Board

     “It’s about time people nationwide took to the streets en masse to peacefully protest racial injustices which have persisted for too long. The bottom line is America needs a Democratic president, House and Senate to usher in the type of institutional changes needed at this time for greater racial equality in all aspects of society. We need sweeping new legislation for the 21st century that builds on the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. We also need constructive, open and empathetic dialogue between whites and people of color to truly understand one another. Meaningful communication is critically important to mutual understanding of the grave racial injustices still plaguing our nation. We all have an important part to play in effectuating positive change via greater social justice and equality for all. There’s no time to waste.”
~ David B. Grinberg – CLICK ADR Advisory Board

     “One of the primary goals of any leader is getting others to ‘see’ what they are saying. But when it comes to leadership – especially in times of crisis – it is important to remember that it is not about you. In circumstances like these, leaders need to remember that it’s not so much about your getting others to see what you have to say, but making every effort to see – and hear, and feel – what others have to say. We need to shift from being leadership storytellers…to leadership storylisteners. And instead of feeling like we need to have all the answers, our job is simply to ask better questions – and then just listen…with open mindedness, empathy, and compassion…and then act on what you’ve learned. Leaders are supposed to be courageous…but as Winston Churchill is alleged to have said: it takes courage to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”
~ Todd Cherches, author of VisuaLeadership: Leveraging the Power of Visual Thinking in Leadership and in Life

Editor-in-Chief

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