February Hot Take: A Rant, a Perspective, and a Challenge

This month's Hot Take is a bit of a hodgepodge. You're going to get the chance the tell me more about you and what you want to see on the show this year (and maybe share what you wish were different) - and I warn you: I'm gonna go on a bit of a rant about how we need to desperately stop moving backwards and band together to keep achieving progress - for ourself, our organizations, and our world. You may think I'm being political and ranty, but I am truly sharing facts - albeit yes, with my personal and professional opinion layered in for context.  I mean, that's why you love me, right?! My goal is to inspire you to think differently about what you are hearing and seeing and stay focused on moving forward.   To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.com Key Takeaways:Ambition, competitiveness, bravery, and strength are all key human traits. They do not need to be labeled as masculine or feminine. They belong to everyone.Sharing opportunity does not remove anyone else's opportunity. It opens the doors for more people and greater success for all.All this backlash to DEI,  empathy, and emotional intelligence is a mere distraction to the last dying gasp of an old-world leadership paradigm.   "That is what inclusion means: a place where you don't have to pretend to be something you're not. A place where everyone has the opportunity and access to grow and contribute - and yes, feel safe doing so." —  Maria Ross   Episode References: Listener Feedback! Please fill out the short survey here at https://bit.ly/edge-feedbackHuffPost: Mark Zuckerberg Praises 'Masculine' Corporate Energy Amid Meta's DEI Policy ReversalEdie Falco Reads a Letter to White SupremacistsInc: The U.S. Economy May Be Too Strong for Its Own GoodThe Center for Public Integrity: New data shows why the U.S. needs more immigrantsAdvocate: Apple, Costco stand behind DEI programsHR Grapevine: 'Doubling down' | Costco ties its colours to the mast as attacks on DEI continue From Our Partner: SparkEffect partners with organizations to unlock the full potential of their greatest asset: their people. Through their tailored assessments and expert coaching at every level, SparkEffect helps organizations manage change, sustain growth, and chart a path to a brighter future. Go to sparkeffect.com/edge now and download your complimentary Professional and Organizational Alignment Review today.   Connect with Maria:  Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com Learn more about Maria and her work: Red-Slice.com Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross Take my LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with Empathy LinkedIn: Maria Ross Instagram: @redslicemaria X: @redslice Facebook: Red Slice Threads: @redslicemaria We would love to get your thoughts on the show! Please click https://bit.ly/edge-feedback to take this 5-minute survey, thanks!