5 Things / Presence
This week in class, we learned musical improv. We played a game that required us to come up with improvised lines of lyrics on the fly, while staying on the beat. That requires being fully in the moment. If your mind wanders for even a second, you’re out of sync. It’s an exercise in holding up your end of the bargain for the team.
Presence is a gift. I remember when my son was little and he asked me to put my phone down. That request really stuck with me. It made me realize that giving someone my undivided focus is the most basic act of leadership (or even kindness) I can offer.
The reality is that we often drag the leftovers of our last interaction into the next room. We’re physically there, but we’re still processing the previous "scene." I’ve had to work at compartmentalizing, learning how to put something behind me so I can actually see the people in front of me. Sometimes this requires fidget toys. Inclusion doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. It can be the simple, radical act of being present.
How about you? Where are you finding it hard to stay in the moment?
I’m cheering you on-
Bernadette
This Week's Good Vibes:
DEI council with a global footprint
National Bank of Kuwait created a DEI Council with members across markets, including Singapore, London, and Bahrain, to drive training, cultural awareness campaigns, and working committees. In a region where DEI is still often treated as informal or optional, a standing council is a more institutional, accountable move. DEI is increasingly being woven into public policy and workplace culture in this region. ♐️ DEI is still alive and well – and ignoring that is shortsighted.
A federal judge formally ended a funding threat that had warned schools they could lose federal dollars for DEI efforts. This is a real win for educators and students who deserve learning environments rooted in dignity, belonging, and truth. When the government punishes inclusion, schools often self-censor, and students from marginalized communities pay the price first. ♐️ Anchor DEI work in civil rights protections and keep clear documentation of purpose and outcomes.
Prime time, disability leadership wins
NBC named Jason Benetti, a broadcaster with cerebral palsy, as the lead play-by-play voice for its Sunday night Major League Baseball package. That is a high-visibility, top-billing role that shapes who audiences hear as the “default expert.” Disability representation in flagship sports broadcasting remains rare, and when it does show up, it is too often treated as a feature story instead of leadership. ♐️ Put inclusion in the lead roles, not just on the sidelines.
Trans joy, with real safeguards
Lyft promoted a “TRANSJOY”discount code for rides in Kansas as the state began invalidating driver’s licenses with gender markers that do not match sex assigned at birth. This new policy makes everyday life harder for trans folks, and Lyft recognizes they have a small role to play toward showing their support and allyship of the community. ♐️ Pair public campaigns with concrete safety steps, privacy protections, and partnerships with trans-led groups.
Inuit-led university, funded at last
The Canadian government committed $50 million toward the establishment of the first Inuit-led university in Arviat, Nunavut, alongside an additional $170 million for community health and safety. These investments aim to bridge significant gaps in education and healthcare while supporting self-determined priorities for Indigenous populations. By funding an Indigenous-led university, the system finally acknowledges that local expertise is the best solution for regional challenges. ♐️ When building inclusive partnerships, prioritize funding the leadership of the community being served rather than imposing external solutions.
Good Vibes to Go:
Watch the documentary Come See Me in the Good Light on Apple TV. It’s about poet Andrea Gibson navigating their terminal diagnosis. It sounds dark but it’s actually joyful, love-filled, and even funny.