Chess (Episode 17)

Happy New Year! On our first episode of 2021, Shaunna and Lisa are discussing how we move from the abstract concepts to practical application when it comes to representation, diversity and inclusion in our endurance sport communities. Although it may be easy to identify areas where change needs to be made, implementing changes needs to be strategic. Like a game of chess, it requires us to plan and think many steps ahead so that we can make the right move at the right time, rather than trying to change everything all at once. Making these changes can be especially difficult when you are the first person to identify that they need to be made. Being a clarion voice can be like trying to start a game of chess with other folks who don’t know the rules of the game. In this regard, it can be strategic to recruit a “buddy” within your community to help build credibility with other folks and develop a multi-pronged plan. From there, you can start to build out other champions to your strategy that will join you in moving towards change (like these dancers in the crowd https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GA8z7f7a2Pk ). Read "Women and Minorities Are Penalized for Promoting Diversity" at https://hbr.org/2016/03/women-and-minorities-are-penalized-for-promoting-diversity