Big Thought’s Post

Join me this month on an exciting journey as we spotlight Black Innovators in History! It’s the ideal moment to dive deeper into the stories of how we’ve shaped, crafted, and revolutionized the world around us. Every day, I’ll be sharing tales of incredible innovation. Did you know a Black Inventor was behind some of the things we use daily? Let’s share and celebrate these stories together! Drop a comment to tell us if these facts are new to you or if you were already in the know. Wishing you an inspiring Black History Month! Guess who invented the pencil sharpener?! 💡John Lee Love Welcome to “Innovators in Black History: Unveiling Genius,” where we dive deep into the stories of Black inventors whose innovations have shaped our world. Guess who invented that? becomes more than just a question in our series—it’s an invitation to explore, learn, and celebrate the genius of Black inventors together. Check back all month for amazing stories of invention and inspiration, for everyone, by us. Let’s illuminate the minds that have lit up our world! What are some things you know were invented by Black Inventors? Comment below! Share these stories! #BlackInnovators #BlackHostoryMonth #InventionSeries #BlackHistory #EducationalContent #InspiringStoriese

The unknown isn't always a vast expanse of fear, but a treasure trove of untapped knowledge. In the pursuit of wisdom, we often forget that the answers we seek may lie in the questions we've yet to ask. It's not about knowing everything; it's about acknowledging that there's always more to learn. The most significant breakthroughs, the most profound insights, often spring from the unexplored abyss of the unknown. We don’t know what we don’t know. And that's not a weakness, but an opportunity. It's the space where curiosity thrives, and innovation takes root. It's where we push the boundaries of our understanding, forge uncharted paths, and define our unique perspective on the world. BLACK RISE allows us to embrace the unknown. Welcome the questions. Seek out the undiscovered. Allow it to shape us, guide us, and propel us towards growth and discovery. Join the waiting list. www.theblackrise.com

"They say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different result. Black folks are insane. You know why? We keep expecting something different from the people and the places who have shown us over and over again who they are. This is the #1 mistake we make: We don’t believe what we’ve actually seen. And that’s on us more than it’s on them." This is one of my favorite quotes from my chapter in Triumph in the Trenches. Racial trauma in the workplace is real, but here's an unpopular opinion: Many of our negative workplace experiences are on us - because why do we keep expecting the workplace and the people in it to be anything different than what it has always been? That's crazy. Y'all. The first round of books is all gone. G O N E. And the feedback that I continue to get from readers is both humbling and overwhelming. It was my intent to be transparent about my professional journey, inform advocates and allies on the realities of being Black at work, and inspire Black professionals toward a new way of experiencing and thriving in the workplace. If you didn't get your copy in round one, the second round is on the way! You can preorder using the link below. The ONLY way to get a book is to order online using this link. Use the coupon code TRIUMPH for a little discount. ;) Oh, and a great big shout out to Sara Fairley-Luna, M.A. for sharing with our Leadership Fort Worth Class today and supporting the project! #impact51 #blackatwork #blackprofessionals #triumphinthetrenches #triumphwithsharla #equityatwork #workplacehealth https://lnkd.in/gsaUXfWn

This BHM, DEI is DED. Or at least it feels that way. But before DEI programs, there were Black change-makers and inventors doing the work. Garrett Morgan and Louis Latimer didn’t need DEI to make an impact. Whether organizations lose heart or not is immaterial. What's important is that I do not. There is always something more to be done. Let’s look to our history of ingenuity and perseverance to move forward. Black History Month is not just about the past. It's also about how we intend to make history for future generations. So...what is your resolve? PS: Looking for a speaker? I'm available to serve your organization. Check the comment below. Credit: Culture Shift Labs

Should I stay or should I go? 🤔 This is the question many Black professionals are asking and I am intrigued to hear your thoughts. A couple of months ago, I shared my concerns about how Black senior leaders are under huge amounts of pressure to represent the Black community well, perform to a huge standard, take up innumerable speaking engagements, and mentor all upcoming talent. Don't get me wrong, none of these things are inherently bad - especially when it comes to supporting the next generation, that's what I'm all about! But the question remains: is it sustainable? The post sparked a lot of conversation. In the comments, there were various thoughts and feelings - some highlighting that this pressure extends to all levels of an organisation, some noting the importance of other leaders of different backgrounds stepping up to share the load, some mentioning the importance of programmes to address this. And others, who quite frankly thought - if you're not being supported, leave! Go and find an employer that will give you what you need, and don't stick around for those who won't. So - what are your thoughts? When a work environment isn't allowing you to thrive holistically, do you stay or do you go? What factors would you consider at this crossroads? For the Senior Leaders, when have you stayed... and when have you left?

WIll attending this event help you professionally? If yes then consider going to the event. Post what you learned afterward here on this post. I signed up to learn more.

Amy Narishkin, PhD - As requested, I'm excited to share with you my first post of the month for Black History. It's the origin story of business-networking and black participation. This is part 1 of a series that will explore the history and impact of black entrepreneurs and professionals in various fields. Stay tuned for more! In this series, I am going to cover many elements of business-networking and the various types of business-networking organizations. I'm super stoked to hear/read your thoughts on this topic. Let me know what you think in the comments below!

📣 Last chance to share your experience! Storytelling has always had the power to bring about change. Better to Speak is looking to connect with Black leaders and movers – as well as those who work to support them – to help them own their narrative power and shape their own stories. We want to hear what young Black folks and leaders have to say about how the media covers and depicts Black life. Take our survey and let us know your thoughts: bit.ly/bts-sotyba-survey

The books are in print and we'll be shipping pre-orders in just a few weeks! That means we are in the final weeks of pre-order sales to get your signed copy of "Triumph in the Trenches: Navigating Success for Black Professionals," from our CEO and book co-author, Marvell Adams Jr. >>> Place your order at https://bit.ly/3SS7pDd About the book: In an era that demands both diversity and equity, “Triumph in the Trenches” emerges as a crucial guide for Black professionals and their allies. This anthology shines a light on the harsh realities many Black professionals face in the workplace. Yet, despite the challenges, these stories illuminate how to rise above, break cycles of workplace trauma, empower yourself, find fulfillment in your careers and lift as you climb.

With Black History Month approaching, many companies are booking external speakers. But is this approach really engaging and inclusive? Have you asked your black employees if they’d like to share their stories? Their lived experiences could offer profound insights and create genuine cultural understanding. Consider hiring a moderator to facilitate these internal stories, creating an enriching, educational experience for all. As a motivational speaker, I offer moderation services to help elevate these conversations into engaging and empowering panels. Is your company ready to transform Black History Month into a true celebration of culture, communication, and understanding?