Health
And then, adulthood arrived, knocking on the door with responsibilities and choices that would shape our paths. The once spacious playgrounds of childhood now seemed distant as we navigated careers, relationships, and dreams that seemed both within reach and elusive. Amidst the hustle and bustle of adult life, I found myself wondering how friendships would fit into this new landscape.
One of the biggest challenges for smart kids is learning how to separate their self-worth from external validation. When you're constantly praised for your innate qualities rather than your hard work, it's easy to develop a sense of entitlement and expect praise and recognition for everything you do. But as you get older, you quickly realize that the world doesn't work that way. Fewer people care about your intelligence and just being smart can only get you so far.
POLTICS
The Belonging Blueprint is a framework that helps organizations create a culture of belonging by focusing on five key areas: awareness, commitment, communication, training, and evaluation. By addressing each of these areas, organizations can establish a foundation for belonging that supports the growth and development of all team members.
As I continued to learn more about history, It became clear to me that it is crucial for history to be taught in a way that is honest, transparent, and inclusive of all perspectives to ensure that we can learn from the past and make informed decisions for the future. I realized that the way history is presented can have a profound impact on how we understand and interpret the world around us. If history is taught inaccurately or with a biased perspective, it can lead to a distorted understanding of the past and ultimately, dangerous consequences for the present and future.
The challenge is that multiple levels of my existence are controversial. Today I am met with the surfacing of two - being a woman and being black. The combination and separation of these two often cause intersectional warfare that is weaponized yet capitalized daily.
WORK
The old saying, "What if we train them and they leave," speaks to the fear that many managers have about investing in their employees. The response, "What if you don't and they stay," is a powerful reminder that investing in employees is essential for organizational success. This is especially true in the current business environment, where competition for talent is fierce.
Not only is relying on your Black employees to be your DEI teachers, trainers, and facilitators incredibly tokenizing and emblematic of the systemic racism your company claims to want to fight, but it’s just plain poor strategy.
The main thing to remember is that this pandemic is a new territory for many, but that doesn't mean our human patience and compassion has to be. Lean into the discomfort of the current situation and realize that digital or not, we can get through this together.
Travel
If you're in the Downtown area of Savannah, Georgia, you simply must check out the adorable and oh-so-trendy Collins Quarter! My friend and I stumbled upon this little gem while looking for a quick bite before hitting the town, and boy were we pleasantly surprised!
After satisfying my appetite, I took a leisurely stroll across the tracks to enjoy the beautiful sunset and watch the seagulls fly by. I even managed to capture the moment with a selfie with my best friend, Nate, and we both left with happy bellies and big smiles on our faces.
If you're in the Downtown area of Savannah, Georgia, you simply must check out the adorable and oh-so-trendy Collins Quarter! My friend and I stumbled upon this little gem while looking for a quick bite before hitting the town, and boy were we pleasantly surprised!
culture
It's not always easy to confront our mental health struggles. For many Black women, the pressures of society can make it feel like we're alone in our struggles. We may be told to simply "toughen up" or that our struggles are a sign of weakness. But the truth is, seeking help is one of the most courageous things we can do.
When the sandwich first debuted, I was skeptical of the hype and didn't want to wait in line like everyone else. But after hearing rave reviews from my friends and family, I finally caved and decided to give it a shot.
Of course, there were downsides. I would never walk into a store and see my name on things, something that was a reality I had to accept. But when a friend gifted me a custom-made coke bottle with my name on it, it meant the world to me. Here, in front of me, was something that confirmed I had made the right choice. I could be Rhonna-Rose - and that was all that mattered.
Think Rubix has devolved into a cesspool of misaligned values, egotistical vision, and selfish mannerisms. It has transformed into an entity that represents the antithesis of progress, a stark contrast to the change-making platform it initially aspired to be. The toxicity within the organization has grown to an extent where it has become the worst possible investment for any genuine changemaker or innovator.
The decision to step down from my role was not an easy one, but it was one driven by a commitment to integrity, authenticity, and the pursuit of meaningful change.