Building Resilience and Inclusion on Election Day: A Message to Leaders

Today is Election Day, a day when our choices shape not just the future of government but the environment in which we all live and work. For leaders, this moment presents an opportunity to reflect on the impact of political decisions, policies, and legislation that have influenced our workplaces, communities, and the very fabric of our society.

In my work at Career Thrivers, and through my book, Thrive Through It, I focus on leading with resilience, authenticity, and purpose—qualities that become especially significant during times of change and transition. Recently, I spoke at the Nashville Business Journal’s Leaders in Diversity Awards, addressing the critical role of leaders in championing policies and practices that create lasting impact for all employees. This keynote conversation emphasized that resilience, coupled with a genuine commitment to inclusion, is fundamental to transforming organizational culture and fostering engagement.

The Power of Policy in Shaping Workforce Engagement and Inclusion

Throughout our nation’s history, policy has been a transformative force in shaping who feels seen, heard, and valued at work. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was more than a legal statute; it was a landmark shift in workplace inclusion, outlawing employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This legislation began dismantling structural barriers that restricted marginalized groups in professional spaces. It opened doors previously closed and set the foundation for today’s initiatives that strive to create workplaces where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

However, policies must do more than just open doors—they must ensure that the path forward remains equitable and that barriers to full inclusion are addressed systemically. As I shared during my Nashville Business Journal keynote, leaders have a responsibility to champion and enact policies that not only invite inclusion but also foster environments of belonging, wellness, and mutual respect.

Resilience Through Political Change and Workplace Transition

We often talk about resilience in the workplace, especially amid political and social change. Resilience is not just about bouncing back—it’s about recovering fully, purposefully, and with authenticity. Policies directly affect workplace engagement, as underscored by Gallup’s 2024 State of the Global Workplace report, which highlighted that only 23% of workers are engaged at work. Factors such as inclusion, a sense of belonging, and the ability to bring one’s full self to work are crucial to improving these numbers.

When we face shifts in policy or workplace transitions, maintaining resilience involves not only acknowledging the discomfort of change but also finding purpose within it. This approach is what I call R.E.A.L. resilience—R.eflect on your experiences, E.valuate what truly matters, A.djust as necessary, and L.ose the “cape” of pretending everything is fine. Real resilience calls for a commitment to wellness and self-care, recognizing that an empowered, engaged, and well-supported workforce is critical to sustained success, no matter the political climate.

Building Inclusive Workplaces Beyond Election Day

For leaders, today’s elections represent a reminder of the long-standing impact that public policy has on shaping workplace cultures. Policies that support workplace inclusion and career development for women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ professionals, and other underrepresented groups don’t just benefit individuals—they strengthen organizations and create a workforce ready to adapt, innovate, and excel. The history of policy in the workplace has always been a journey, a testament to the work still ahead of us to make workplaces truly inclusive.

As we move through Election Day and beyond, I urge leaders to:

• Acknowledge the impact of political decisions on workforce culture, engagement, and employee well-being.
• Embrace resilience as an organization-wide mindset that prioritizes wellness through change and challenge.
• Support policies and practices that advance equity and make a difference in the lives of underrepresented professionals.

Thriving Through Change: The Role of Leaders

My book, Thrive Through It, explores resilience as a journey, not a destination. Leaders today must commit to this journey, understanding that the choices we make impact our employees, our communities, and the generations to come. By fostering inclusive, resilient workplaces, leaders can build companies that not only weather change but thrive through it—demonstrating the true power of resilient leadership.

If you’re ready to go beyond surface-level DEI efforts and integrate meaningful resilience and inclusion strategies into your organization, I invite you to connect. Let’s ensure that today’s political and policy decisions translate into long-term, transformative impact in our workplaces and communities.

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About Career Thrivers and Brittany N. Cole

Career Thrivers is a workforce and leadership development firm that leverages the power of storytelling to cultivate inclusive cultures where everyone can thrive. Founded by Brittany N. Cole, a keynote speaker and CEO, Career Thrivers partners with organizations to drive resilience, belonging, and authentic leadership in the workplace. To learn more about how we can support your team, visit careerthrivers.com/contact.

Brittany N. Cole is a dynamic keynote speaker and thought leader who empowers audiences to lead with purpose and resilience through change. Subscribe to her Let’s Thrive Together podcast for actionable advice and resources on thriving as a leader, and book Brittany to speak at your next event at brittanyncole.com/speaking.