From “Greed is Good” to “Empathy is Essential”

I, like many others, am stunned by the news of Donald Trump’s return to the White House. Despite a campaign riddled with legal battles, divisive rhetoric, and a lack of substantive policy, he has once again claimed victory. For those feeling fear, anger, or despair, it’s essential to remember that this is not the end of our fight - it’s a call to action.

Kamala Harris’s concession speech, delivered with poise and determination, which I watched through tears (Tim Waltz’s sad face made me sob!), serves as a beacon of hope. She reminded us that while electoral setbacks are difficult, the fight for justice, equality, and democracy is far from over. She urged us to stay engaged, to treat one another with kindness, and to focus on building a brighter future, even in challenging times.

Trump: A Living Embodiment of 1980s Greed

Donald Trump’s leadership draws heavily from the 1980s ethos of unchecked capitalism, as epitomised by Gordon Gekko’s infamous “Greed is good” philosophy in Wall Street. Trump’s nostalgic celebration of this era is evident in his policies and public persona, which focus on power, wealth, and dominance.

Key Aspects of Trump’s Leadership Style:

1. Transactional relationships - every deal is a zero-sum game, driven by immediate personal or political gain.
2. Nostalgia for deregulation - his “policies” echo Reagan-era deregulation, benefiting corporations at the expense of social equity and environmental protection.
3. Division and confrontation - Trump’s rhetoric deepens societal divides, fostering an environment where competition trumps collaboration.

While this leadership model may offer short-term gains, its long-term consequences-growing inequality, environmental damage, and political instability-are undeniable.

Kamala Harris: A Champion of Feminine Leadership

Kamala Harris exemplifies a leadership style that stands in stark contrast to Trump’s. Rooted in empathy, resilience, and collaboration, her approach reflects the qualities of feminine leadership that are increasingly vital in today’s world.

Harris’s Leadership Qualities:

• Empathy and social justice - Harris champions inclusive policies, such as her work on racial equity in healthcare and her commitment to reproductive rights.
• Collaboration and coalition-building - she has demonstrated an ability to unite diverse groups to achieve common goals, even in polarised times.
• Resilience and adaptability - as the first woman of colour to hold the Vice Presidency, Harris has shown grace under pressure, navigating an often hostile political environment with strength.
• Joy, love and hope are at the heart of Kamala Harris’s leadership, driving her efforts to build a future where every individual feels seen, valued, and empowered to pursue their dreams.

A Message for Those Feeling Angry or Scared

For those grappling with Trump’s re-election, Harris offers a simple yet powerful reminder: “Do not despair.” She emphasised that “sometimes the fight takes a while - that doesn’t mean we won’t win” and urged her supporters to “roll up [their] sleeves” and stay engaged in the democratic process ? ?.

This echoes the wisdom of Fred Rogers: “Look for the helpers.” Even in dark times, there are always people working tirelessly to make the world better. We can all choose to be those helpers - organising, mobilising, and advocating for justice and equity.

Gather the Women

In moments of crisis, it’s crucial to rally together. Throughout history, women have been at the forefront of movements for justice and change. Now is the time to gather the women - to unite, organise, and amplify each other’s voices. Whether through grassroots activism, community support, or national advocacy, collective action can be a powerful force for change.

Women bring unique strengths to leadership, including empathy, resilience, and collaboration. When women come together, they foster inclusive spaces where everyone’s voice is heard and valued. It’s the number one rule of Good Girl Deprogramming - gather the women. Don’t do this alone.?

Don’t Try to Understand Why This Happened

There are so many theories and opinions about how and why this happened.

It’s tempting to search for answers or to rationalise how Trump’s return to power came to be, but doing so can often lead to frustration and despair (and drive you mad).

Instead of dwelling on why this happened, focus on what we do next. As Harris said in her concession speech , “Sometimes the fight takes a while”. The path forward isn’t about dwelling in the past but building a future rooted in hope, action, and solidarity.

A Call to Action

While Trump’s return may feel like a step backward, into the 1980s or even the 1880s, it’s also an opportunity to double down on efforts to redefine leadership for a more compassionate and equitable future. By embracing the principles of a more feminine leadership style, we can create a world where empathy and collaboration are not just ideals but the foundations of a better society.

Love you,

Mx