Conviction Isn't Just About Guilt - Its About 'Stepping To The Line'!

There is a saying many of us have heard:

"Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone."

Now, I am not a person who quotes Bible scripture or is an evangelist by any stretch, which is why it is unusual for me to quote scripture because of the hypocrisy I so often see. So maybe it's more appropriate I say something like,

"Think you're perfect? Then go ahead and call me out."

So let me wrap this in some form of context.

I am incredibly proud to work with an inspiring non-profit, Breakthrough*. Through this partnership our focus is not only on reducing recidivism in the state of Colorado, but as a volunteer and mentor, it is also to support the personal transformation of the 'guys in green' through entrepreneurial programs designed to ease re-entry and foster lasting change.

A key initiative in this effort is a 32 week program called The Challenge, that includes four major stages: Kickoff, Mock Interviews, The Pitch, and Graduation.

Buckle In for Kickoff!

Having finished 2023 with an amazing Graduation Ceremony, I started 2024 with a brand new cohort as we kicked off with the first stage, The Kickoff. [As a keynote speaker I love a good Sales Kickoff but this was something I hadn't bargained for].

Walking out of the lift, being greeted by a guard of honour formed by a new cohort of 'guys in green', the energy was palpable, music was pumping, and the atmosphere electric.

"What are you doing here?" I yelled as a familiar face high-fived me.

He was now a facilitator for the 2024 cohort, having been part of my graduation class of 2023. It was a full-circle moment that made me feel really proud.

And then it was time to 'Step To The Line'.

Something I had heard about but never experienced .

The guys in green on one line. Us on the other.

What was this 'step to the line' thing?

And then, bit by bit, the layers peeled back. We each had to step to the line as we answered the questions when we felt ready, looking our partners in the eye and supporting each other through eye contact and the occasional handhold across the aisle.

"Have you ever broken the law...? Stacey asked.

"Have you ever gone to sleep hearing gunshots.... lots of gunshots?" she continued.

"Had you grown up with two parents... one parent... no parents...?" she paused.

"Have you ever felt in danger... felt not loved... felt violated...?"

"Have you ever assaulted someone...? (hitting your sibling is assault)."

"Have your ever been arrested...?"

"Have you ever committed fraud ...? (shoplifting anything is fraud)"

"Ever killed someone?"

"Ever been incarcerated ... 10 years... 15... 20... 25... 30... 33...?" one man still standing!

The tears flowed.

He cried. She cried. We cried. I cried.

One powerful realization:

We had all either experienced similar, or were guilty of the same things, at some level.

All of us. All the same. Just different. Not better. Not worse. Just different.

So, let me repeat those words:

"Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone."

Or, let me translate in my simple, unassuming words for those at the back!

"Think you're perfect? Then go ahead and call me out."

For those who stand on:

?? ??? Political soapboxes.

?? ?? Religious soapboxes.

?? ?? Olympic soapboxes.

?? ?? Gender soapboxes.

?? ?? Judgdy soapboxes.

Of any kind.

When you point the finger at someone who is different than you, who chooses to live their life differently than yours, who has beliefs that differ to yours, please think again...

Because I would love for you to experience Step To The Line!

Why?

Because when you are open to being vulnerable, have the courage to show up with openness, honesty, and transparency about who you are and what you have done and the mistakes you have made, then you may accept how everyone is human and worthy of second chances, new beginnings, and starting again.

This past week, the Breakthrough group has helped one new woman re-enter society. Her name is Monica, and she is beginning again with excitement and one simple message - 'Thank you for believing in us'.

I only hope that society opens their arms to her, doesn't judge, gives her a second chance, and wants to hear her story as much as I look forward to hearing even more of stories from the guys at Colorado State Penitentiary as they continue to rebuild their lives through their own courageous breakthrough moments.

This is what Deliberate Disruption is all about.

And the guys in green are also a metaphor for white collar, blue collar, rainbow collars and every other colour collar.

Because if we don't deliberately disrupt the way that we think, feel and act - then someone or something else will do it to us or for us.

So back to you!

Maybe your kids are 'coming out,' or marrying partners from a different race.

Perhaps your parents aren't doing 'old people' things, or maybe your friends are giving up alcohol.

All these scenarios require us to step to the line, to be open and accepting, to embrace the courage and vulnerability it takes to accept change and differences. To deliberately disrupt!

Conviction isn’t just about guilt;

it’s about having the unwavering belief that transformation is possible. It’s about believing in the power of second chances, in ourselves and in others.

We may be contributing to the massive reduction of recidivisim in the state of Colorado (40+% vs 6%) but imagine what these same principles could do to enhance the rate of profitability, productivity and staff retention in your business if similar principles were adopted. Happy to talk.

As Always,

Be Brave, Bold, and Brilliant!

Bernadette

*Time to Breakthrough is dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals with criminal histories and shifting societal perceptions of the incarcerated. Through programs focusing on character development, job readiness, and entrepreneurial skills, they empower participants to break free from the cycle of incarceration and build a better future. For more information, visit Time to Breakthrough.

I bring an extremely powerful and relevant message to the front of the room or to the wider market designed for leaders and sales teams with my Signature Keynote - 'Deliberate Disruption'.

Because if you are not disrupting yourself in the way you think, feel and act - then something or someone else will!

My message is designed for business owners, leaders and salespeople to shift from uncertainty and hesitation, to a mindset of courage, conviction and choice, enabling you to drive growth even in tough times.

Message me this week to speak at your next sales meeting, SKO or Association meeting.

Visit my speaker site BernadetteMcClelland.com and check out my new speaker reel there as well.