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LD…
 
 Checking 
 
In!
 
Organizational Culture. What is it? How would you describe yours? And would your colleagues say the same?
 
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion… these are components of organizational culture. They rest within a much larger context. So, if you’re trying to “solve for” equity or inclusion, but your culture is toxic, it won’t stick. And it's not an “either/or,” it’s a “both/and.” But you can’t get to equity and inclusion until you have a (somewhat) healthy culture. 
 
I've been in conversations with many of you around culture. Creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and present. A space that enables people to feel liberated. This month, you’ll find practical resources, a new course offering, recommended gifts of appreciation, and even some suggested conversion starters, all aimed at building and strengthening liberated cultures.
 
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in pursuit of liberation,
Danielle
 
LD Update
 
In early 2020 (pre- pandemic and George Floyd’s murder) I was asked to design a national weeklong intensive course that centered blackness and focused on the complexities of showing up authentically as a Black leader. Since launched, over 1,000 black leaders from companies across the country have taken this course, aimed at exploring the socialized patterns that accompany being a Black in a white dominant culture workplace. We dig deep into the realities of balancing power, privilege and internalized oppression, as well as navigating the social and institutional structures that play a very real role in our leadership journeys as black people. From this place of awareness, we take control of our narratives, stand firm in our identities and active agency in our leadership journey.
 
After two and a half years of private offerings, this two-day course will now be offered publicly, directly through Liberated Development, starting this summer! We’ll offer two in-person sessions (Chicago and DC) and one virtual. If you’re interested in learning more for yourself or others on your team, click here
 
Black Leaders Rising Course
 
 
Staying Relevant
 
Many of you are actively engaged in building and rebuilding a culture of care within your organizations. U of C Berkeley’s Othering & Belonging Institute recently released a project dedicated solely to cultivating Cultures of Care. It includes videos, interviews, practical takeaways, and even an ongoing podcast… all geared toward how culture keepers think about and apply collective care in practice. 
 
Many of the leaders they celebrate for successfully creating these cultures had to get creative in their approach and thinking and drew from a wide set of activities in order to expand the boundaries of what is considered care. The podcast (linked here) may be the most accessible entry point, but I encourage you to poke around the green toolbar up top… get inspired, and decide what tangible practices of care may fit your culture.
Create a Culture of Care
 
Walking The Talk 
Stop being fluffy. Ask real questions.
If you want real workplace relationships, you have to ask real workplace questions. “Favorite color?” “Favorite childhood cereal?” That’s great, but it’s not going to get you to the stuff that matters. I can tell you my answers - yellow, and Apple Jacks ☺ - and still not feel one ounce closer to you. 
 
Continuing in the spirit of creating and sustaining workplace cultures that liberate, below is a very simple and practical way to start conversations that do just that. As we start a new month, and for many of you a new performance year/program year, print the graphic below, schedule a coffee chat or walk with a colleague (i.e., separate yourself from technology and your normal environment) and open dialogue that contributes to a meaningful workplace culture.
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