A Message of Hope to Fellow Leaders
It’s been six months since the leadership shift at the federal level unleashed a wave of unprecedented and unpredictable change. As a business owner, I’ve felt the weight of uncertainty pressing harder than ever. I’ve watched leaders act and fail to act. I’ve listened for voices of reason and resolve. And I’ve read headline after headline about the defunding of essential programs, sweeping layoffs, and the rising tide of fear and financial pressure rippling through both small and large organizations.
In the midst of this storm, people have asked me: “Is PointNorth okay?”
The truth is: No.
Not entirely.
Like many organizations, we’re navigating the threat of retribution for the words we use, for the values we live, for the stand we take. We are in the business of words. And now, words like equity, belonging, and even women are being weaponized and politicized. There is a meanness in our discourse. Bullying, gaslighting, misinformation—it’s become normalized.
And I find myself wondering: What’s real anymore?
At PointNorth, we exist to help build stronger communities. But how can we ask community members to speak openly when they fear an ICE raid, online attack, or professional consequence for telling their truth?
We say our values are at the center of our culture. So I ask myself daily:
Are my decisions aligned with our values?
Could they have negative consequences for our business and the people I want to prioritize first?
How do I assure my team we are okay, when the world has shifted so dramatically I wonder if we will be?
And then I come back to this: hope.
Not blind optimism. But the courageous, Ted Lasso-style kind of hope. The against-all-odds belief that if we stay true to our values, raise our voices, and take action that centers community we will be doing the right thing.
I’ve had the honor of working alongside leaders who choose hope. And in moments like this, I believe hope is the beacon that helps us find our way through chaos.
A message to fellow leaders:
Say what needs to be said. Others are thinking it and your voice matters. This is leadership.
Adapt and persist. If certain words activate resistance, adjust the language but not the work. Keep your outcomes centered in justice, equity, and impact. (Yes, I am naming and using the words!)
Radiate hope. Leadership is contagious. Make yours a source of belief and stability for others.
Stay agile. Now more than ever, adaptability is your superpower.
Reflect before reacting. Take a moment to rest and recalibrate. People are watching—not just what you say, but how you show up. Is what they see aligned with what you intend?
We are living through an unbelievable moment in history. We can no longer retreat, rebrand, or reduce our values for comfort.
Instead of hunkering down for winter, stand tall. Trust your instincts. Use your voice. And hold tight to the light that is hope—for yourself, your team, and the communities we serve.
As always, we’re here to partner with you and your organization. Find out more about how we can help you navigate tough times by aligning ever more closely with your True North.
