The McPherson Memo: Traversing Darkness and Light Edition

Dear all,

In the good news department, I wanted to share a film created and directed by my dear friend, Tanya Selvaratnam called Love to the Max.?It highlights the Briggle family of northern Texas where Amber (a good friend) and Adam Briggle are raising their children Max, 14, and Lulu, 9.?While they seem like a stereotypical American family, their son Max is trans.

The short film chronicles the horrors that the Briggle family has had to endure as their home state, Texas, has been targeting them for child abuse, while trying to remove the children from The Briggle's custody for raising a trans child. But what is evident throughout the 13 minutes is the fierce and unbridled love and protection that Max’s parents provide him. It’s beautiful to witness.

The film premiered this week at the Aspen Short Film Festival. The film will play at the Thin Line Festival in Denton, Texas, at the end of April and will be distributed nationally this summer. I was proud to play a very small role in the film’s production.

As always,

Susan

ON OUR MINDS

Brought to you this week by Vice President, Growth and Operations Isabelle Jetté, who is excited to participate in this weekend’s Climate Reality Leadership Training hosted by former Vice President Al Gore.

"What unites us is far greater than what divides us."

Monday’s celestial event was truly one to behold – not only was the eclipse’s path of totality far-reaching across the continent, but also, for an afternoon, it stilled and brought us together, in awe and in anticipation, in ways that seemed rare amidst today’s incessant doom-scrolling and divisive rhetoric. As we traveled in record numbers, shared protective glasses, cheered when the eclipse reached its apex, and collectively nerded out over science facts (here is my favorite), our humanity was palpable, and I was reminded of JFK’s famous quote. Axios rightfully points out that the media distortion machine is real and skews our perception of reality and of those around us, leading us to believe we are further apart than we actually are, but it needn’t be this way. Larger-than-life events like the eclipse (and sometimes incredible humans) can and do indeed bring out the best in us, and just as easily, as impact storytellers we can consciously seek out or create mini eclipse-like moments to transcend the doom and gloom, bridge divides and find common ground.

"We can't wait any longer... It is time to act."

We talk a lot about climate change in this newsletter. Partly to inform, partly to sound the alarm, and partly to galvanize us to take action. While the current news cycle does give us pause (including the SEC’s climate-risk disclosure rule challenges, UN Climate Chief’s warning, and unprecedented leap of 38.5°C in Antarctica), to celebrate Earth Month we want to highlight those making a difference while also offering suggestions for how we can all do our part, throughout April and beyond. We love for instance how these young influential creators are helping reshape the climate “doomism” narrative, and we’re amazed to learn Parisian cyclists now outnumber their motorist counterparts! As you get started, we recommend taking this easy quiz to become more carbon clever. The Climate Reality Project also offers a range of actions you can take, from quick sign-on clicks to more involved commitments. And finally, check out Vogue’s Earth Day explainer, which includes a host of ideas for finding local events or hosting your own; resources, including a handy action toolkit; and more.

"I was able to kill Roe v. Wade."

At a campaign event last year, former president Trump took credit for the dismantlement of the landmark Supreme Court decision. His position evolved a few months ago to support a national 16-week abortion ban, a transactional attempt to appease conservatives and appeal to moderates. On Monday, Trump released a video outlining an even more passive position, whereby he would leave the decision to the states to enact abortion restrictions while avoiding talk of a national ban altogether. While his latest gambit has yet to fully play out, many among his evangelical base are accusing him of pulling back, and his critical remarks over Arizona’s move to reinstate an extreme Civil-War-era abortion ban have no doubt not helped. But one thing seems clear – Trump will equivocate countless more times if it can help him win in November. And consideration for those who need access to abortion and other forms of reproductive healthcare is unlikely to be part of his calculus, which has ramifications for both those seeking care and for their employers.

ON OUR RADAR

Read:

• Our friends at TheLi.st surveyed 2,000 professionals to gauge loneliness levels in the workplace, and discovered 80% of women find that work is the loneliest time of the day. To help change that, TheLi.st offers easy hacks that make us feel more connected in just 10 minutes, including Susan’s: “Ask meaningful questions of others so you can learn what their hopes and dreams are.”
• Another way to feel more connected is collective giving! If you haven’t heard, giving circles, particularly among women and women of color, is the latest philanthropic trend, and for good reason – giving back feels pretty good, and doing so with your friends feels even better.
• Ahead of oral arguments in the Supreme Court case Donald J. Trump v. United States of America taking place April 25, McPherson client Leadership Now Project?makes the business case in a newly-filed amicus brief for why former president Trump must not be granted immunity from criminal prosecution for alleged acts while in office.

Listen:

• Whether you're an entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, or simply curious about making a difference, don’t miss your weekly dose of NPR’s “The Social Impact Leader” hosted by Jeff Shinabarger.
• Where do bullies go when they grow up? As new research shows and social psychologist Amy Cuddy explains on TED’s “Fixable with Anne and Frances” podcast, they just move from the playground to the workplace. Next week’s episode will focus on ways to put a stop to bullying.
• We’ve all been in situations where we’ve struggled to be our true selves, yet there is so much joy to be found through living in alignment with our values. On this week’s episode of the “Say More” podcast, New Profit’s Tulaine Montgomery, a McPherson client, is joined by Rachel Cargle to engage in self-exploration, reimagining our lives and navigating loss and grief.

Subscribe:

• One of my favorite weekend reads, the Letter from the Editor by The Plain Dealer’s Chris Quinn offers a uniquely candid, clear-sighted take on the news. His latest?assessment of Trump’s presidency and inexorable quest for the truth has gone viral, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

Attend:

• McPherson client Games for Change is hosting its annual festival on June 27-28,?get your tickets today and join the global movement at the forefront of games and extended reality for positive change!?
• Catch ColorComm’s formidable founder and CEO Lauren Wesley Wilson in Chicago on April 15 as she promotes her new book, What Do You Need?,?a roadmap that helps women of color uncover the skills they need to reach leadership positions.

Cheer:

• While Iowa may not have prevailed over South Carolina in the NCAA women’s basketball final, Caitlin Clark has forever cemented her legacy and catalyzed women’s sports, drawing in an average 18.2 million viewers and smashing a TV ratings record. Truly baller!
• Unperturbed by recent anti-woke headwinds, Sephora has expanded its DEI mandate by not only promoting more managers of color, it’s also ensuring that every employee has DEI goals tied to performance. These efforts seem to be paying off, with record-breaking sales in 2023.
• Congratulations to Virgin Unite’s entire team for an incredible 20 years of social impact! From sparking the creation of The Elders and funding the movement that would become Red Nose Day to myriad ocean cleanups, climate resiliency efforts and beyond, we are truly grateful for your visionary leadership and inspiring accomplishments.

Supporting:

• For those with an insatiable sweet tooth (like me!) who yearn for reform of our democratic process, consider sharing an Unfair Share Chocolate Bar to strike up a conversation on gerrymandering’s negative impact on representation.?
• Hugimals and Mariska Hargitay’s The Joyful Heart Foundation are launching the limited-edition Heart to Hug Pillow, a weighted pillow that gives calming hugs to ease stress and soothe the mind, body and heart. 10% of net sales support The Foundation’s mission of healing, educating and empowering survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse.
• The 49% has formed a collective of Muslim and Jewish women who are staunchly against the war and actively seek to amplify women’s voices to foster dialogue, unity and peace. Learn more and support the collective’s efforts today.

Apply:

• J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. is actively seeking a Global Philanthropy, Employee Engagement and Volunteerism U.S Regional Lead, Executive Director. Learn more and apply here.?
• The International Rescue Committee is recruiting for a Director, Health Policy & Communication. Learn more about the role and apply here.
• The 19th is looking for a Vice President to support the organization’s financial stability and enabling the delivery of critical independent journalism at the intersection of gender, politics and policy. Learn more and apply here.
• Nominations for Forbes’ 2024 50 Over 50 list are open. If you are creating your greatest professional impact after the age of 50, head here to nominate yourself.
• If you’ve been yearning to engage in self-exploration and unlock your full potential, wellness thought leader Nitika Chopra is excited to work with you through her 1:1 “Own Your Magnetism” program. Check out full details and apply here.