Resist
Because we've seen what happens when otherwise good people do nothing
Instead of a New Year’s resolution, some people select a word of the year—something that represents a primary goal, theme, or mindset they want to embody that year. Words like …
Resilience. Balance. Courage.
Although I’m not a “pick a word-of-the-year” sort of gal, one word has been ever present in my mind recently …
Resist.
It surfaces every single time I read the news. Resist.
Its presence builds when I hear about attempts to roll back LGBTQIA+ rights, charge women seeking abortion with murder, erase trans people from existence. Resist.
It grows louder still when I watch the sudden (but sadly not unexpected) dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in our government … and in many of our companies.
RESIST, my brain screams.
Resistance may just be the word for this year. Not just our theme or our goal—but our obligation. We have seen what happens when otherwise “good” people say nothing. When we do nothing.
And lest you think this is solely about politics … it applies to our workplaces, too.
As leaders, we are in a unique and delicate position—we have a responsibility to do what’s best for our companies and for our employees.
While some of our companies treat this as a binary choice—either the company or the employee wins, but not both (RTO, anyone?)—the truth is …
What’s good for employees is often what’s best for the company, too.
Inclusive environments improve employees’ well-being, productivity, and innovation. Diverse teams perform better and produce higher financial returns.
Happy and thriving employees equate to happy customers and shareholders.
But right now our employees are not particularly happy.
Because in addition to whatever nonsense is happening in their (and by extension, your) workplace, they’re also human beings who are impacted by what’s going on in the world around them:
They are lawful immigrants who nonetheless fear harassment or deportation.
They are mothers, and sisters, and daughters who are trying to understand how “your body, my choice” has become their reality.
They are members of the LGBTQ+ community or allies of LGBTQ+ family members, friends, and colleagues who fear for their safety.
And they are overwhelmed … and scared. They face an uncertain future, and it’s unclear if we—their leaders and their employers—have their backs at work.
It’s incumbent upon us as leaders to speak up, to stand up for what is right and just—in the workplace and in the world.
Even though resistance is hard.
I was talking to a colleague the other day who said “you can only do DEI work for so long and then you have to step back and protect yourself.”
I hear you. I’ve been there.
It’s lonely to be the sole voice in the room speaking up against subtle (and not so subtle) acts of sexism and racism, homophobia and xenophobia.
It’s exhausting to be the only person to speak up, time and time again—against bad decisions, stupid policies, and unjust practices.
It’s disheartening to always be that person. “There goes Rae again …” <eyeroll> It’s potentially career-limiting, too.
But speak up, we must.
Because if not you (and me), then who?
Bonus Reads: In times like these, we must lead with empathy. It’s okay to not be okay, and to show it.
P.S.: Resistance can feel lonely, but you are not alone. You can find encouragement, support, and a community of resisters here on Substack—here are a few of my favs:
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Resist everywhere in every way. It absolutely includes the office. Thank you for always being that voice, even when it’s tough, exhausting, feels impossible, or hurts your career. We can all learn so much from your example.
And TYSM for the shout out!
Walt Whitman once wrote: "Resist much, obey little." He knew what was happening in 1855 – and we know what's happening in 2025. Take care of your people. Resist. (And thanks for the shout-out!)