Listen & let yourself be changed

The revolutionary protests that have spread like wildfire across the world and filled the media airwaves for the past few weeks triggered by the untimely death of George Floyd (in the USA), has sparked a necessary conversation and global ‘cry’ against systemic racism and injustice. To see large influential brands, corporate and organisational leaders make waves with anti-racist statements represents a marked and welcome seismic shift.

Here in Australia even whilst COVID-19 restrictions remain largely in place across the country, thousands gathered in cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane on Saturday to unite with the #blacklivesmatter movement; and highlight Australia’s treatment of Indigenous Australians, which sadly include 437 Indigenous deaths in custody since 1991[i] I know that I was educated in Australia my entire life, and yet I have so much more to learn when it comes to Indigenous Australian history. Somehow, in varying degrees…. we are all waking up.

Personally, for the first time in my life (being a person of colour born and raised in a white country) I finally feel a level of permission to discuss the issues that my family and I face on a regular basis. And the emotional pain has taken me by surprise. I have realised that I personally have been numbing my pain over the years….from being on the receiving end of intentional and direct racist looks, comments and behavior…. to microagression, often veiled in humour and questions. It’s a real place and it’s painful. I know all BIPOC have a story.

For most of us, the magnitude of these complex issues can seem difficult to process and downright overwhelming at times. And yes, there are countless ways to be part of the solution to bring transformation and action on all fronts…in our homes, companies, organisations, schools, communities, at the voting booth… to the highest levels of political and legal systems.

But, in all of this, I encourage you not to underestimate how important it is to listen right now. As BIPOC start telling their stories….listen.

Really listen.

Listen and let yourself be changed.

ABOUT

Michelle J Castaneda is a change catalyst and business leader with over 20 years of corporate and NFP experience. As an Executive Manager Michelle champions change for growth, builds high performing teams and community wherever she goes, and encourages people to lead with purpose. She is a Leadership Advisor, Consultant and Mentor. She holds BEc(Soc.Sci.) and GradDipCIT qualifications and is currently undertaking an MBA at AGSM (UNSW Business School). She lives in Sydney with her husband and their children.

REFERENCES

[i] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/09/australias-pacific-minister-called-black-lives-matter-protests-self-indulgent-he-couldnt-be-more-wrong