Some business leaders are hesitant to make strong statements about current affairs or speak out against injustice. Such choices often stem from fear of alienating employees or customers who might object.
But management has its own power and platform to spread awareness about a wide variety of issues, whether it’s the Covid-19 pandemic or the spate of mass shootings across the country, whichever government is doing. You can influence how you respond.
In a recent interview with CNBC Make It, American businessman and philanthropist Tory Burch emphasized how important it is for business leaders to advocate for positive social and environmental change.
“Having a leadership role requires balance, but with that said, I tend to be unable to remain silent on issues concerning humanity,” she said. , sometimes there are gray areas, but the humanitarian issue is where it’s a privilege to have a platform, to speak up for those who don’t have one, and to be able to use our business to help in some way. is. .”
Burch’s charity, the Tory Burch Foundation, hosted a biennial summit earlier this week, featuring expert discussions on issues such as gun safety and access to abortion in the United States.
The fashion designer started a conversation with Monisha Henley, Director of State for Everytown for Gun Safety, and actress Julianne Moore, founder of Everytown’s Creative Council, pointing to multiple mass shootings in the United States. rice field. Including the recent massacre in Uvalde, Texas, where two teachers and 19 of her students died.
“I don’t think there’s a Democrat or Republican who doesn’t want this violence to stop,” Birch said to the audience.
In an interview with CNBC Make It, Birch referenced a draft Supreme Court opinion that was leaked last month, indicating that the Supreme Court is ready to overturn the Roe v. is effectively withdrawing the protection of abortion protection that extends to
“The fact that we’re talking about women’s rights, and the fact that it could be set back in 2022, is very appalling and terrifying.” Where many of us thought we were now. not.”
Part of Birch’s approach to raising awareness of such social issues is Tuesday, when psychologists, CEOs, activists, and other experts can come together to discuss the biggest challenges facing the United States today. Organizing events like summits.
“It’s important to try to understand different points of view and be a good listener. Also, find ways to find some compromise, often with people who disagree with your personal point of view.” “That’s what I’m really obsessed with. How can we enlighten people with different mindsets instead of preaching them?” ?”
Both in the U.S. and around the world, “things are very divisive. We need to do our best to find conversations that help people narrow the divide.”
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