Inequality -activate and reimagine

In a world where trauma, inequality and injustice are too common experiences, making dreams a reality can seem like a privilege that only a few can access.  When we struggle to access and create our dreams, our conditioning quickly turns the blame inward. If only we could be more, we could do more.  Or we fight and blanket-blame, shaming ourselves or the world until the dream becomes a plea, a hopeful wail, with a bitter gaze.  

The reality is the system is stacked against you.  Society values advantages, that few possess.  These advantages often cause harm, and are self-perpetuating, white supremacy, classism, ability bias.  Many leaders we see around us lie and cheat and don't care.  The idea of being a leader, in its traditional hierarchical and power welding form, for many, has lost its shine.

But there is another type of leadership, leaders who

• organise for change

• tackle inequality and fights for others lives

• activate and reimagine

Consider Kathleen Wrasama, an Ethiopian-born British community organiser who came to England in 1917. Facing personal trauma she turned this into action, leading an organisation dedicated to improving communities and the lives of black people in the UK .

Or ‘The Quartet’, 4 women Elizabeth Anscombe, Philippa Foot, Mary Midgley and Iris Murdoch, who shaped philosophical thinking in the 20th century, and revolutionised how we think about ethics, courage and justice. 

Or Joseph Galliano, who steadily built the charity Queer Britain from nothing, to open UK’s first LGBTQ+ museum with a mission to preserve histories that have been ignored or destroyed.

Or Northern Power Womens, Person with Purpose 2023 award winner, Alison Madgin, who set up Samantha’s Legacy to educate the next generation on the dangers of knife crime, inspiring with ‘Knife Angel’, a structure made up of 100,000 surrendered knives.

Leaders under the radar

Many uncelebrated and unknown leaders are also working on the ground to change systems, educate, hold to account and build new realities.  The person I know who spends hours every week, teaching people to connect through simple tech tools.  The quiet attention of the admin worker, coordinating supplies at the foodbank every week. 

The mother encouraging her sons school to celebrate international women's day.  The community mediator, researching previous experiences so she can be mindful of her language choices in a new group.  The person who turns up with a smile and energy to every session, the person who shows up even when they are feeling low, the person who shows up after slipping up.

Employees across sectors are seeking more personal value and purpose in their work, and expecting employers to work towards ethical, socially motivated and environmental goals. Leaders and organisations across all sectors are drawn to doing things differently, as the shift towards work with purpose continues. 

Undercover leaders or visible change activists, each influence and drive change forward

But this work isnt easy. Tools, approaches and support are needed, and then there is the personal development support we all need. When we are working together to tackle societies biggest problems, we face individual challenges.  Often workplace dynamics, personal barriers and emotions can derail our work to make change in the world. 

That’s why Resilient and Brilliant, our new podcast, is focused on exploring real work dilemmas through A Brilliant Thing directors, coaching, counselling and partnership focused perspectives.  We know working in charity, council or project that’s creating positive changes in people’s lives or communities, can be draining.  Filling up with support and inspiration will help you through work dilemmas, make brilliant things and create the change you want to see in the world.

Lets connect at The Brilliant Club ?