Part 2: Leadership in Action – Becoming an Ally and Upstander in Your Leadership and Life

In today's world, leadership is about more than just decision-making, strategy, or hitting quarterly goals. True leadership requires action—especially when it comes to standing up for what’s right. Whether you're a CEO, coach, parent, teacher, or nonprofit leader, the call to be an ally and upstander has never been more urgent. The time for passive observation is over. When you see something, say and do something.

In my 20+ years of leading and developing leaders, I have benefited both from the Allies and Upstanders who courageously leveraged their influence and authority to support/validate me, and have been the Ally and Upstander for others. I decided to share more on this topic, as I find it an imperative in my current work with executive leaders.

What Does It Mean to Be an Ally and Upstander?

An Ally is someone who supports and advocates for marginalized groups. It’s not just a one-time act of kindness, but a commitment to standing up for others, using one’s position of privilege to create more equitable and inclusive environments.

An Upstander takes this even further. Rather than staying silent when witnessing discrimination, harassment, or exclusion, an upstander takes proactive action to address and stop these injustices. "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere," said Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (source ). This call still resonates today.

The idea of taking action is embedded in many of the world’s most respected teachings. In the Torah, we are told, “Do not stand idly by when your neighbor’s life is at stake” (Leviticus 19:16). Similarly, the Bible teaches, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute” (Proverbs 31:8-9). These verses remind us that leadership requires us to use our voice and influence to stand up for others.

The Imperative for Every Leader to Be an Ally and Upstander

Leadership is not about standing by when inequality, bias, or discrimination occurs. Whether you’re leading in a boardroom, classroom, or community, the responsibility is clear: your silence can perpetuate harm. But when you act as an ally and upstander, you create psychological safety, foster belonging, and inspire your team to do the same.

When we actively step into these roles, we create an environment where compassion and justice are not just ideas but practices. As Buddhist teachings remind us, "Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule." (Dhammapada) When leaders approach inequity and injustice with compassion, they pave the way for healing and transformation.

Being an upstander doesn’t just benefit those who are marginalized—it transforms entire workplaces and communities. Harvard Business Review found that companies with high levels of diversity and inclusion are more innovative and engage employees more deeply (source ). Additionally, teams with diverse leadership are 33% more likely to outperform competitors, according to McKinsey & Company (source). This means that standing up for others isn't just a moral imperative—it's essential for long-term success.

The Power of Allyship in Action

The results of being an ally and upstander are profound. When leaders choose to speak up, they can alter the trajectory of someone’s life, career, or sense of belonging. Michelle Obama, in her memoir Becoming, reflected on how her journey to success was shaped by those who believed in her: “When someone believes in you, it doesn’t just make you feel good; it sets you up for success in ways that stay with you. I am where I am today because someone took a stand for me, someone used their voice” (source ).

This is the power of allyship and upstanding leadership: the ability to change lives by taking action, by using your voice when others cannot. Whether you're advocating for someone in a meeting or standing up to injustice in your community, the impact of your leadership extends far beyond the moment.

Why Every Leader—From CEOs to Parents—Must Be an Ally and Upstander

• Corporate Leaders: When you take a stand against exclusion or bias, your employees see it. You’re not only fostering a more inclusive workplace, but you’re also setting a standard that promotes long-term employee retention and increased innovation. Research by Gallup shows that employees who feel a sense of belonging are 5 times more likely to be fully productive (source).
• Nonprofit and Government Leaders: Your leadership can set the tone for entire communities. By advocating for marginalized voices and standing up to injustice, you can create policies that reflect equity and fairness, ensuring no one is left behind.
• Parents, Teachers, and Coaches: You’re shaping the next generation. Your actions speak louder than words. By showing children that it’s right to stand up when they see something wrong, you’re teaching them the importance of justice, fairness, and empathy—lessons that will ripple through their entire lives.

Benefits of Strong Allyship and Upstanding Leadership

When leaders actively work as allies and upstanders, the results are transformative. Brené Brown highlights the importance of courage in leadership: "You can choose courage, or you can choose comfort, but you cannot choose both" (source ). Being an ally and upstander requires courage. The benefit? A workplace—and world—where inclusion, belonging, and psychological safety are the norm, not the exception.

According to a report from Deloitte, organizations with inclusive cultures are 2 times more likely to meet financial targets and 3 times more likely to be high-performing (source). Additionally, they are 6 times more likely to be innovative. It’s clear: leading with equity, being an ally, and standing up for others isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s the smart thing to do.

Call to Action: Become a Stronger Ally and Upstander

Being an ally and upstander isn’t a passive role. It’s about taking consistent, courageous action. Here are some actionable steps you can take today:

1. Educate Yourself: Learn about the struggles and challenges faced by marginalized groups. The more informed you are, the better you can advocate and take a stand. (Consider adding a link to a DEIB resource or book recommendation here)
2. Speak Up: When you witness discrimination or bias, don’t stay silent. Whether it's a subtle comment in a meeting or an outright injustice—speak up. Your voice matters.
3. Create Safe Spaces: Make it clear to your team or community that bias, discrimination, and exclusion will not be tolerated. Foster open conversations where everyone feels safe to share their experiences and perspectives.
4. Amplify Marginalized Voices: Use your platform to give visibility to those who may not have the same privileges. Share their stories, invite them to the table, and ensure their voices are heard.
5. Hold Yourself and Others Accountable: Set clear standards for inclusive behavior in your organization or community, and don’t be afraid to enforce them. Lead by example, and hold others to the same standard.

What Action Will You Take Today?

Now it’s your turn. What is one step you are willing to take today to become a stronger ally and upstander in your leadership? Will you educate yourself? Speak up when you see something wrong? Or perhaps you’ll commit to creating safe spaces for those who need it most?

Whatever your step is, I encourage you to take it today. Share your commitment with your community, and let’s hold ourselves accountable for the world we are building—for today, and for the future.