Sometimes It’s Not Your Fault, But it is Your Responsibility

In the past month, companies like Molson Coors, Caterpillar, and Toyota have rolled back their DEI initiatives. At the same time, several clients have postponed their work with us indefinitely. When I asked why, it came down to one word: fear.??

Fear of cultural backlash for talking about anything that could be perceived as “DEI”.??

Fear of being targeted by a divisive, conservative activist with a large following online.

Fear of losing their jobs by being the one to say something or rocking the boat.??

I wish I could articulate precisely how much inequity sets me on fire. ??Furious feels like an understatement. I can’t stand the idea that one deeply misguided perspective, led by one deeply misinformed person, gets to dictate how millions of employees experience equity in America’s deeply divided workplaces under the guise of creating neutrality.

Yes, I know this isn’t just one person. Organizations are claiming DEI is illegal (it isn’t) or pushing for 'neutrality' as if we didn’t learn why the? 'All Lives Matter' approach falls short. Leaders call DEI divisive despite the overwhelming data on long-standing workplace inequity. And let’s be clear: there are many who never believed in this work and are seizing the moment to tear it down.

All of it makes me so upset.

Big emotions, for me, usually mean it’s time to get to work and do something.

Because candidly, I am also over everyone looking around and saying to each other, “why isn’t anyone doing anything about this,” like that one Spider-Man meme. ??

So, I’m doing something.??

Admittedly, I don’t know how it will land, but sometimes, when you’re looking around for someone to take action, that person ends up being you.

That said, I’m currently working on a major resource to help whoever is so inclined and willing to take action on deconstructing the disinformation campaign against equity and moving it forward in your organization. The Cabral Co.? Resilience Guide – an over 20-page free resource designed to equip leaders at every level to push back against disinformation and effectively advance equity.? This resource is rich, even my team thinks it is a lot…

I prefer to design tools from an informed space so a couple of weeks ago, I did an open survey to hear from you about the obstacles you are encountering to moving equity forward in your organizations. If you are curious about what people shared, you can see the responses so far here .? I have been using the information gathered in the short survey alongside what I see and hear in my business encounters to create The Cabral Co.? Resilience Guide.??

I want the guide to be impactful, so as I am finalizing the guide for release soon, I want to invite you to add your thoughts to the survey - anonymously- by clicking here .

The free Cabral Co.? Resilience Guide will be available soon, so stay tuned for details about how to access your copy.

??Join us for our November 12th workshop - Humaning Well in the Workplace: Shift Happens - Own Your Time and Thrive with Ever-Changing Schedules

Many of us constantly face unpredictable schedule shifts, increased demands, and the pressure to always be available. This November course is designed to equip office professionals with the mindset and strategies to regain control over their time and thrive despite constant changes in their professional and personal lives.

This course also showcases an abbreviated learning experience offered by Cabral Co.?., providing a gateway for those interested in further developing their skills in equity, inclusion, and effective human interactions. Join me to enhance your communication skills, build stronger workplace relationships, and step confidently into the role of an inclusive leader.

November 12th | 1-2pm ET Register here.?

?? Recommended Reading + Watching + Listening

The Equity Mindset Book by Ifeomasinachi Ike has turned 1 year old!? Ifeoma is one of my favorite folks to learn from and talk shop with. I am so honored to call her a friend.? Her book, The Equity Mindset has been pivotal in shaping my thinking as I finalize the Cabral Co? Resilience Guide referenced above. If you do not have The Equity Mindset, get your copy from Amazon here .? Or do the equitable thing and order a copy from a local bookshop near you. Also, fun fact: Ifeoma was the very first guest on Guilty Privilege - tap into her episode, here .

Preorder Amanda Miller Littlejohns' Book The Rest Revolution! I know we are all tired, and these days, it seems like everyone is on the brink of burnout, binging on self-care, or disconnecting in ways that aren’t healthy or helpful. Amanda Miller Littlejohn’s The Rest Revolution is a timely reminder for anyone feeling the strain of burnout. I have had the great fortune to have a peek into this book (and contribute a little!), and if you are in a consistent battle with being overworked and overwhelmed.? Amanda has also been a guest on Guilty Privilege, and her episode is here .

The Next Best Thing Podcast - I had the chance to talk Human(ing) Well and Speaking Up with my friend and incredible journalist Andrea Cline-Thomas on her podcast The Next Best Thing .? It’s the first time I feel like I have had a chance to talk about how deeply intertwined our wellness is with equity - hence Human(ing) Well. Tap into the episode on YouTube .??

???Guilty Privilege Episodes

Are you tuning in to the Guilty Privilege Podcast? As the season goes on, the episodes get better! Here are three to watch to get caught up!

• Feeling our best often involves looking our best! Tune in to the episode with my stylist and one of my favorite humans, Germanee G of GG and Co Styling, for tips and tricks on how to add your own style.
• Folks often think of me as the picture of confidence - ha! Well, I struggle just like you with confidence and know exactly what it looks like to navigate impostor syndrome. Pop into this solo episode to learn some of the tactics I use to push through when I am having self-doubt.
• Yunice Emir ’s joy is infectious.? She is easily the most joyful person I know. I mean bubbling over with joy - you can not know this woman and say you don’t know joy.? Head of Corporate Communications for Mo?t Hennessy North America, Yunice is literally the only person I will do 8:30 am meetings for. ?? I don’t know how to describe the abundant goodness in this episode beyond - if you want to add a major lift to your day, tap in to her episode .

?? Interested in Working Together??

If you are interested in uncovering how Cabral Co can help you bring leadership and equity to life in your organization, you can always start the conversation by booking a discovery call at cabralco.com/discovery .

Moving Forward Together: Practical Support for DEI Challenges

We get it—navigating the shifting landscape of DEI can feel overwhelming, especially when companies are pulling back or feeling stuck in fear. You’re not alone in wondering how to move forward or activate equity in your strategy without causing more angst or divisiveness. That’s why our team has created an accessible way for you to get your pressing equity questions answered—whether you’re an active client or not.

If you’re looking for clarity on how to approach inclusion and equity in today’s climate, let’s talk. Book a short, affordable consultation with me and get actionable insights to help you make informed, confident, and impactful decisions for your company.

[Book your time here ]

If you enjoyed this newsletter, don’t keep it to yourself – tag a colleague or friend who also would benefit from tools to help them also “Human Well.”