Last week, I went to Walt Disney World.

Hi, I'm so glad you're here!?I am passionate about investing in women leaders so they can?rise to their fullest and brightest potential.?Presence is the essential skill that no one teaches. And it's what ignites growth for women and the companies they lead.

Here, I share?practical strategies?to help you reach a place of authentic confidence in every room. Along the way, you'll discover the?tools to be more poised, communicative, and influential. So, let's get?to it -- I can't wait to see you rise!

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Admittedly, this was my 17th or 18th Disney World visit (I know, I know, but I've lost count!)--I?know it like the back of my hand. Plus I know most of the?tricks for less line?time, the best menu items, and where to find air conditioning when you're melting.

But this time I walked through the parks with new eyes. All of this talk about DEI in the news, including?the erasure of DEI language from goverment websites, has me thinking about what DEI really is.

Sure, Disney World is full of all walks of life. I saw lots?of people from different cultures, ages, gender identities, etc. gleefully embracing their mouse ears. I even saw a few lingering Pride items in the stores.

But you know what these anti-DEI lawmakers don't get? DEI is everywhere, all the time. It surrounds our daily lives in so many ways that we don't realize.?Think?about these everyday examples I observed at the Disney parks...

• Elevators/ramps wherever there are?stairs/escalators? DEI.?
• Park maps in multiple languages? DEI.
• Gluten-free menu options? DEI.
• Scooter rentals for guests? DEI.
• Sensory-friendly areas? DEI.

I am so sick of those with microphones saying?DEI is?racist, misandristic, leukophobic,?heterophobic, and a threat to their beloved meritocracy.?Pah-leez!???

DEI is a tool to help everyone achieve success by lifting up those in marginalized communities. Not everyone starts from the same place, and so to proclaim equality?(as opposed to equity) as "the only way" is ludicrous. It seems so matter-of-fact to me--what don't they get?? (Answer: patriarchy)

The dismantling of DEI is bringing us back decades. I urge us all, especially those in the private sector, to continue to fly the DEI flag and walk the DEI talk!

How are you keeping DEI in your company and/or practice? Let me know!?

P.S. If you're having trouble finding your words when defending DEI, I found this article to be very helpful: 4 common arguments against DEI--and how to dismantle each one, Fast Company.

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When you’re ready to rise, here are three ways I can support you:

1. Friends, I want to?help you reach a place of authentic confidence in every room.

Whether it's presenting to major stakeholders, hosting and facilitating meetings, or responding to a surprise crisis at work, executive presence is an essential part of your effectiveness?at work. Listen to this episode of the Movement Makers podcast, hosted by Nikki Groom, where I talk about how to level up at work using presence tools.

2. Managers, let's talk about helping your team reach their potential.

If you want to enable your teams to close deals with confidence, make presentations with authority and poise, and impress your stakeholders, CLICK HERE to book a 1:1 call with me. We’ll discuss your team’s potential for leadership and strategies to get there.

3. Talent leaders, let’s talk about growing your company’s next generation of leaders.

If you want to invest in your company’s next generation of leaders, decrease employee attrition, and cultivate a company culture that values growth, CLICK HERE book a 1:1 call with me. Let’s discuss the current mindset, culture, and values of your company and what truly transformative leadership development would look like.