2020: Note 43 - The Man Who Cared, Shared and Dared

This year, more than any other in my lifetime, I have seen people demonstrate amazing bravery. They've stepped far out of their comfort zones to make an impact on those around them.

A great example of this is a colleague of mine who decided to open up about big, tough topics regarding race in the workplace. Shortly after the murder of George Floyd, the two of us started talking on a deeper, more personal level than ever before. We shared our sadness, our anger, our frustration...him from the perspective of a Black man and me from that of a white woman. Through that sharing we broke through to a new kind of relationship where the filters were gone and we focused on supporting each other.

What I really admire about this man is that he didn't just do this with me. He started conversations with others, and he encouraged his Black colleagues to do the same. This is how listening and understanding happens, which is a necessary foundation for change.

This is what it means to be a role model, to be vulnerable and to be brave. He's been forging a new path for himself, and other have stepped up to join him.

I am so grateful to him for his leadership, his strength, and for the unique friendship we now have.