The A Pledge’s Post

One of the cool things that comes from being a “ Life or Transition Coach” and public speaker is that you sometimes get to share a different or unique perspective on a topic that some people may be afraid to say out loud out of fear. I've been asked to be a keynote speaker in February 2024 at a workshop in Salisbury, MD. My topic will be on “Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace”. As I started making my notes and flushing out my points, I started thinking about the places where we naturally have diversity and inclusion. To my surprise, sporting events jumped right out to me as a place or spot where all people come together. Have you ever wondered how sports franchises have mastered the art of diversity and inclusion and companies and society is still struggling to figure it out? If you've attended a Seattle Seahawks game, you undoubtedly have seen fans of all races, gender, and socioeconomic levels enjoying themselves together while cheering their “Hawks” on to victory. There are a few reasons why this might be the case. First, sports teams have a unique platform and visibility that allows them to reach a wide audience. This enables them to amplify messages of inclusion and diversity more effectively. Second, many sports leagues have implemented specific policies and initiatives to promote diversity and inclusivity within their organizations. These measures help to create an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Additionally, sports teams often have strong leadership that is committed to fostering a culture of inclusion. This commitment starts from the top and trickles down to all levels of the organization. Lastly, sports have a long history of breaking down barriers and uniting people from different backgrounds. This shared passion for the game has helped to create a sense of camaraderie and acceptance among fans. While in the world of corporate America and society as a whole may still be grappling with these issues, it is important to recognize that some progress has been made and continue working towards a more inclusive future. We are actually all on the same team.

Today, more than ever, sports organizations are recognizing the immense power of diversity and inclusion. Let's create the diversity in sports checklist together: 1⃣ Recruitment Revolution: Start at the very beginning – recruitment. Seek out talent from all corners of the globe, regardless of race, gender, or background. Let skills and passion be your guiding lights. 🌍 2⃣ Diverse Leadership: Ensure that your leadership team mirrors the diversity you aspire to have in your organization. Diverse voices at the top lead to more inclusive decisions. 🤝 3⃣ Education and Training: Invest in diversity training and education for your staff. Knowledge is power, and understanding the unique challenges faced by different groups is the first step toward breaking down barriers. 📚 4⃣ Inclusive Marketing: Engage with a broader range of fans by showcasing diversity in your marketing efforts. Representation matters, and it can be a powerful way to connect with a global audience. 📢 5⃣ Community Engagement: Be actively involved in your local communities. Support grassroots initiatives that encourage participation in sports for all, irrespective of their background or ability. 🏟 Remember, it's not just about ticking boxes; it's about creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and heard. Is there anything else you'd add to this checklist? #DiversityandInclusion #Sports #Inclusivity #Equality #GameChanger

#TheMorningInclusive Breaking Barriers: Caitlin Clark Signs Historic Deal with Wilson! 🏀 The exceptional Caitlin Clark, the Top pick in the WNBA draft, has just sealed a multiyear alliance with Wilson Sporting Goods. This isn’t your typical endorsement deal, it’s a momentous occasion for women’s basketball! 🏀 Signature Collection: Clark’s collaboration with Wilson includes a signature basketball collection, making her the first female player to achieve this milestone. The only other athlete to drop a collection with Wilson? None other than the legendary Michael Jordan himself, back in the 1980s. Talk about elite company! 🏀 Equality in Sports: Clark’s agreement marks the start of her professional basketball journey, echoing the historic significance of Jordan’s debut season. Wilson acknowledges that their brand is about commemorating iconic sports moments and aligning with pioneers who push boundaries. Amanda Lamb, Wilson’s head of global brand, expressed their pride in teaming up with Clark: “Caitlin Clark is not just a record-setting athlete, but a cultural icon who has had a profound impact on the game. We couldn’t be prouder to continue innovating basketball both on and off the court.” 🏀 Belonging: Clark’s journey resonates with generations of fans. From storing basketballs in the garage as a young kid to now having her own basketball collection, she embodies the spirit of inclusivity. As she puts it: “It feels surreal to have my own basketball collection, and to affect what that means for future generations of athletes.” While we celebrate Catilin today, we must continue the work to ensure this success is sustainability achievable for the many more young women who will follow in her footsteps. #CatilinClark #WomenSports #FemaleAthlete #Belonging #Inclusion #Diversity #Equity #Accessibility NOTE: This image was created with Copilot to summarize the above text

𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲: 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹? In the world of sports, we're witnessing a powerful 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲. The recent statistics on Black Lives Matter (BLM) support within athletics shed light on significant trends, but they also highlight challenges and considerations: ✅ Authentic Engagement ✅ Navigating Controversy ✅ Sustaining Support Expressing support for a social or political movement and expecting athlete involvement is important, but 𝗶𝘁 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲. Athletes and sports organizations may encounter criticism when taking a stand on issues like BLM, so it's vital to navigate these situations with 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆. Furthermore, supporting a social movement isn't a one-time effort; it requires ongoing commitment, investment, and action to effectively address systemic inequalities and drive meaningful change. We should confront these challenges directly in sports sustainability. It's not just about showing support; it's about driving tangible progress in our industry and society as a whole. So let's lead the way in inclusion, equity, and environmental care amid the complexities of sports activism. #SustainabilityInSports #BLM #SocialJustice #SportsForChange #TheFrenchyUmpire

At Differly, our extensive experience with national associations, sports organizations, and consumer-oriented companies has revealed a crucial insight: the traditional methods of managing membership are no longer sufficient. Leaders have to question and challenge the status quo and explore new approaches to membership retention that go beyond transactional benefits. Dig in here 👉 https://bit.ly/3R4edMD #FutureOfMembership #MembershipTrends #Associations

Athletes and sportspeople are role models that show us what is possible within us. When you don’t have role models who look, sound, or live like you – it sends the message that you, specifically, can’t. That’s just one of the many reasons why diversity and inclusion in sport is so important. Join us on the 11th of June for DIAL Global’s Sports Inclusivity Summit, and we can talk about the rest 💪 https://lnkd.in/eXe_kxZj

It’s all about fair and equitable.

Something I’ve been thinking about recently: How do we continue the momentum surrounding women’s basketball and 1️⃣ Transfer that energy to other sports 2️⃣ Expand the aspiration to be the next superstar athlete to include other roles in the sports ecosystem? I was fortunate enough to attend the “Women in Baseball” panel presented by the New York City Bar Association Sports Law Committee ⚖️⚾️ In addition to learning about the major progress being made for women in baseball — driven by industry-leading professionals that included the panel speakers… It’s clear that the sports world still has a long way to go. A few takeaways from the insightful conversation: 1️⃣ The key ingredient to trust is authenticity. When communicating: know yourself, know your audience, and adjust accordingly 2️⃣ One of the most important ways to build trust = accountability. The perfect sports analogy is when a player speaks with media after a poor performance. Instead of blaming your coach (boss) or teammates (co-workers), look inwards first. 3️⃣ When adversity inevitably comes up: (i) spot the issue, (ii) fix it, and then (iii) explain to your supervisor how you fixed it. No excuses. A huge thank you to Jean Afterman, Lara Wisch, Kasey Sanossian, and Elizabeth Benn for the wonderful and insightful dialogue Excited to witness and contribute to a more equitable future within the sports industry 🙌🏼 #linkedinsports #womeninsports #equity #sports #baseball

After a year or so out of the game due to a torn meniscus and rehabilitation of physical strength, I stepped back onto the netball court yesterday with a duality of emotions - both excitement and apprehension for many reasons.   As I played and watched others with pure joy, my heart couldn't help but ponder the question—why do we see such a limited representation from the Asian and Middle Eastern communities in sports (in the UK)?   Netball, like many sports, is a beautiful platform for unity, growth, and empowerment. It transcends borders and brings people together. Yet, the cultural dynamics within our communities sometimes steer us away from embracing it fully.   Growing up, I found immense pride in my cultural heritage, and I cherish the traditions passed down through generations. But I also believe that cultural identity should never confine us; it should be a springboard for exploration and inclusion.   In some cultures, there may be a greater emphasis on academic or professional pursuits over sports. Cultural values and expectations can significantly influence a child's interests and activities. This can sometimes lead to a smaller representation in sports.   Sports offer a universal language—one that bridges cultures, transcends stereotypes, and celebrates diversity. When we see a lack of representation, it's an opportunity for change, not just for us but for future generations. As I reflect on this, I'm reminded of the profound role that leadership plays in breaking down these barriers. Leaders, in both sports and other domains, have the power to inspire change. They can create environments where diversity is celebrated, where every individual feels encouraged to pursue their passions, and where cultural identities enrich the tapestry of success.   Leadership goes beyond the game, the workplace, or any specific setting. It's about setting an example that transcends cultural norms and expectations. Leaders have the privilege and responsibility to champion diversity and inclusion, not just in words but through their actions.   So, whether you're a leader on the court, in the boardroom, or within your community, remember that your actions can have a ripple effect. By fostering inclusivity and supporting diverse interests, you're not just building stronger teams; you're shaping a more inclusive world. #Leadership #Sports #DiversityInSports #CulturalIdentity #RepresentationMatters #Empowerment #Inclusion #BreakingBoundaries