Power – and Transformation

Last week I spent a lot of time reflecting on power. We all have it, within our own spheres of influence, and how we use it matters. When I am in a position of power, it is my responsibility to take a risk, stay curious, be an active listener. When I meet someone new, I can be the first to reach out and invite, to include, to seek to know. And the more authentic I am, the better I can connect with that new person.
 
All this within the context of our 6th Annual Equity Summit, presented by Wells Fargo. It was a wildly successful event, led as it was by the speakers and deeply engaged participants. This year’s theme was about transformation, both within and without us. We partnered with the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management. Artist and poet, Tish Jones, facilitated our morning session on how we connect our value to our identity, and how that can change as we grow. We also heard from leaders who shared their own journeys of transformation, we learned about the Americans with Disabilities Act (celebrating its 50th anniversary), and our other speakers shared practical tools for transforming both our thinking and our workplaces.
 
It struck me how the themes from last week’s Summit will be echoed in our Annual Meeting that will be upon us in just a few months (February 29, 2024!).  At that meeting we’ll be talking about making “a seat at the table.” Creating a new table, with new people, ever expanding our network and influence within the region. For you!

​I feel so proud to get to do what I do, for you, every day.

See you in the trenches!