The McPherson Memo: The Stories That Get Told Edition

In the depths of January, I often find it challenging to experience joy and delight. Nevertheless, I wanted to share four upcoming books, each published by dear friends who I so respect. Their topics are inspiring and provocative which helps lift me (and hopefully many of you) out of a winter funk.

Next week, I’ll be attending the launch of Reimagining Luxury by Diana Verde Nieto. The book challenges luxury brands to truly embrace sustainability and transform their businesses for a better future for all.

I cannot wait for Denise Hamilton’s Indivisible, coming in February, which will help readers unpack their preconceived notions and reimagine a world that's better than just “inclusive.”

Also in February comes Alison Taylor’s Higher Ground, a tome that offers vivid stories and examples from the author’s years working in anti-corruption and advising companies on ethics. The book brings our current complex environment alive, and provides a blueprint for how leaders can rethink and reshape their businesses.

A few weeks later, on March 19th, Amy Shoenthal’s?The Setback Cycle (which features a few words from yours truly) will help us strategize on how best to work through life’s inevitable setbacks.

If time permits this weekend, please consider putting in a few pre-orders to invest in yourself and support these incredible authors."

Susan

ON OUR MINDS

Brought to you this week by Senior Account Executive Helena Medeiros-Cansana, who has fallen down a Succession rabbit hole.

This is why I have trust issues

The World Economic Forum in Davos ends today, closing out a week of discussions among global leaders largely centered on geopolitics and AI. These top-of-mind topics received sharper focus this year, but we cannot let the opportunity to make a difference in equally important, long-term issues like sustainability and health slip through the cracks. Often touted as a critical space for decision-makers, the event faces apt criticism for its rich and powerful elite attendance standing in stark contrast to growing global inequalities. Compounding this criticism is the frequent gap between dialogue and action we see in these kinds of high-profile events — calling into question who we trust with the future of our world. Each year, the Edelman Trust Barometer aims to answer this by analyzing levels of trust in government, business, media, and non-governmental organizations globally. While this report is a catalyst for important conversations, its findings are somewhat undermined by conflicts of interest at play. In an era marked by skepticism and fragmentation, truly restoring trust requires a paradigm shift that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and action.

The whole world, not half of it

Earlier this week, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev announced the committee tasked with organizing the COP29 United Nations climate summit — naming 28 men and zero women. Not. A. Single. One. The announcement sparked immediate and well-deserved criticism from climate and gender activists and they have since announced the addition of 12 women. Gender equality and climate justice are inextricably linked and it’s critical to bring diverse, intersectional voices to the forefront. This glaring oversight represents a larger issue of who’s at the table and who’s not. For the second year in a row, the UN’s most important climate conference will be hosted by a country heavily reliant on fossil fuel production with an organizing committee composed of prominent oil and gas executives. This decision feels like a gut punch as 2023 was the hottest year on record by an outsized margin, in large part due to fossil fuels. Climate change impacts all of us. The addition of women to the committee is a glimmer of hope, but it's clear that we must continue to raise our collective voices to protect the integrity of these discussions and advocate for action rooted in justice and equity.

The heart of democracy?

While Martin Luther King Jr. Day has passed, we must carry on his legacy beyond the day dedicated to his remembrance. The civil rights activist was an ardent advocate for voting rights, recognizing this right as the heart of a functioning democracy. While some are disengaging from political conversations and the pervasive issue of voter suppression remains, we cannot ignore the connection between voting rights and the fight for a more just, equitable world. I’m inspired by the countless individuals and communities that are leaning into the moment. Take, for example, McPherson client New Profit’s newest Civic Lab cohort of democracy entrepreneurs who are transforming civic engagement in the U.S., or the recent move to increase voting power in school board races among the next generation.

ON OUR RADAR

Read:

• This week marked 100 days of war in Gaza. In the New York Magazine and TIME, read more about journalists like Motaz Azaiza and Bisan Owda who have been steadfastly reporting on the human tolls of the conflict on social media.
• As the practice of “greenhushing” rises, a new report provides some explanation, citing heightened scrutiny from investors, customers and the media as well as evolving regulations.?
• In the coming decade, women will hold greater economic power than in previous generations. A new series from The Washington Post dives into the increasingly influential role women play in the American financial landscape.?
• Since 2020, the richest five men in the world have doubled their fortunes, yet almost five billion people have become poorer. A new report from Oxfam shows how the concentration of global corporate and monopoly power exacerbates inequality.?
• Following widespread labor shortages, a Washington Post analysis finds that the fast-food industry is responsible for a surge of child labor violations across the U.S.

Watch and Listen:

• Tired of talking about the weather? Susan appeared on Slate’s “How To!” podcast to discuss how small talk can be a cornerstone of connection — when done right.
• Detailing the revolutionary aftermath of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, “Holy Week” from The Atlantic is a must-listen.
• Can AI help decode animal communication? McPherson client Project CETI was featured in The Financial Times for their work listening to and translating sperm whale communication off the coast of Dominica.

Cheer:

• The 75th Emmy Awards was its most diverse celebration, with five out of the 12 acting Emmys awarded to performers of color. Quinta Brunson became the first Black woman in more than 30 years to win best actress in a comedy.?
• Billion Oyster Project was recently announced as the 2024 Anthem Fund recipient to restore New York’s oyster reefs through public education initiatives.
• A tiny-home village just outside of Austin, Texas, is one of the nation’s largest experiments in affordable housing and poised to permanently house about half of Austin’s chronically homeless population.
• The Wyden-Smith deal, which significantly expands the child tax credit, could help lift an estimated 400,000 children out of poverty and another 3 million less poor in its first year.
• McPherson client Zoetis has been selected as a 2024 Catalyst Award recipient for their global initiative advancing equity for women and other underrepresented groups across the company.

Apply:

• The U.S. Federation of Worker Co-ops, a national grassroots membership organization for worker cooperatives and other democratic workplaces, is seeking a Development Director.?
• Passionate about the power of storytelling in advancing immigrant justice? The Justice Action Center is seeking a Digital Manager.
• Applications are now open for the Obama Foundation’s Leaders program! The program connects regional cohorts of changemakers to accelerate positive and lasting change.
• Recognizing the next generation of communications professionals, the third annual Young Changemakers Awards celebrates young women from underrepresented groups. Entries are open now through February 23rd.