🔥 Who do you want to be? In Community #51

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“…You have to decide who you are and force the world to deal with you, not with its idea of you.” - James Baldwin

When I wrote last week that you’re not alone, it was a reminder to be unafraid to lead the way authentically, so that others can follow. The more you clearly showcase your voice and why it matters, the more you’ll attract and draw like-hearted people directly to you.

My journey over the last several years since leaving a traditional corporate role to founding and leading multiple companies has been just one example that proves it’s possible.

Not only is it possible, but it’s critical.

At a time when leaders are under greater pressure than ever to deliver for our companies and communities, being the best versions of ourselves will help us find the partners to release that pressure. It’s up to us to decide who we bring along on the journey. It’s up to us to decide how we prioritize our time, energy, and commitments.

How we do all that reflects who we are and who we want to be.

👉🏽 Who do you want to be?

How do you want to be perceived? How do you want to be known in private and public spaces? How do you want to be remembered?

Don’t worry – you may not have all the answers to these questions, and you don’t need to know right this second. If you haven’t though, what better time than now to think through it? After all, when it comes to these decisions, you’re the boss.

Knowing the answer is the first step to becoming who you want to be, before you make sure that you’re truly seen, heard, and that the world deals with you – the real, powerful you, not just its idea of you.

Use this week’s Need to Know as food for thought as you navigate your own next steps. Remember, just like the leaders, creators, and champions featured here, you’re a boss.

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Need To Know

💥 Keke Palmer reminds us she’s a boss. As the first Chief Brand Officer at Revlon’s Creme of Nature, she’s bringing a legacy brand to a new generation.

💥 Alan Chikin Chow, Michelle Park, and more know who they are. And knowing what young people want helped their YouTube series reach 250 million viewers.

💥 Latinas and Black women are leading unions across the US. Deeply attuned to workplace inequities, they’re transforming their organizations.

👋🏽 Before you go, I’ve got a quick ask:

Who are the creators, authors, community leaders, entrepreneurs, or execs who deserve to be featured for how they’re moving us forward together?

Are you one of them? Reach out with your ideas by replying to this directly, so we can feature them in future editions.

In community,

Fahad