“To incorporate the sense of oneself as part of a complex web of mutual dependence is to become more humble. At the same time, this humility enhances one’s ability to form bonds with others. In short, retreating from the center of things – both in reality and in one’s self-conception – is inseparable from forging connections that expand the boundaries of one’s self.” –Sarah Buss

In today’s episode I thread together what we’ve heard and learned from Jayne and Renee and some things I’ve learned from books on my bookshelf. I distill all this into a few key ways women leaders can lift those around them through inclusion, building trust, leaving space for other’s agency, and reducing harm.

This episode explores ways for women leaders in higher education to move from humility as we decenter ourselves to taking action, as Jayne Sommers and Renee Wells remind us to do.

Books included in today’s episode:

• Inclusion Uncomplicated: A Transformative Guide to DEI, by Nika White
• DEI Deconstructed: Your No-Nonsense Guide to Doing the Work and Doing it Right, by Lily Zheng
• White Feminism: From the Suffragettes to the Influencers and Who They Leave Behind, by Koa Beck
• Radical Humility: Essays on Ordinary Acts, a collection of essays edited by Rebekah Modrak and Jame Vander Broek. 

The episode ends with three different ideas for ways you can take focus, small, and purposeful action — this week. 🧡

Readings & resources

Rebekah Modrak’s examination of Shinola — how one big-name US brand co-opted the community of Detroit and continued its historical racialized representations of Blacks in the united States: Rethink Shinola.

Other episodes you might enjoy

• Episode 47: White Women’s Work: An Invitation, with Jayne Sommers
• Episode 48: From Climate Crisis to AntiRacism
• Episode 50: White Women’s Nonsense, with Renee Wells
• Episode 26: In Community: Interracial Feminist Co-Mentoring