Meeting People Where They Are

I've been talking with many companies about coming in to speak to their organizations during Pride month in June.

One conversation stuck with me in particular with someone at a Fortune 100 company.

The person hiring me shared that the speaker they brought in last year - someone who identifies as gender non-conforming and offers a powerful voice for the trans community - was excellent, but the organization wasn't "ready" for them.

That there was too large of a gap between where they were as a company and the content and message of the speaker.

But that my voice, my message and my talk would really resonate.

I felt mixed about this.

On the one hand, I felt

Seen.
Affirmed.
Acknowledged.

I was excited that work I've been pouring my heart into is catching on, and what a huge opportunity this is to have my message spread on a global level.

And on the other hand, I felt

Hesitant.
Privileged.
Responsible.

Especially now, I think voices like this other speaker’s need to be heard.

At the same time, I do think in order to create meaningful change, it’s important to meet people “where they are.”

It’s making me reflect on a lot of things, including my privilege as a white, cis-gender male who has never been told I’m “too much” or that people aren't "ready" for me.

What are your thoughts about “meeting people where they are” in terms of…

Making workplaces more inclusive?
Influencing the type of programs you plan?
Activating people to create meaningful change?

And how does this impact what vendors you bring into your organizations?

Would love to hear what you think! Join the conversation on LinkedIn.