What I’m Learning (& Doing) About Anti-Racism

TL;DR

Marie Forleo is approaching anti-racism through three primary areas: education, business, and sustainability. After recognizing that her previous efforts were not enough, she is listening to Black voices and people of color, examining her blind spots, educating herself and her team, and reconsidering how her company operates. Read on for the specific practices guiding her long-term commitment to change.

Transcript

What's up party people, I'm Marie Forleo, and for over 20 years I have been obsessed with learning what it takes to turn dreams into reality. You know I started my company back in the day with no clue, no connections, no money and over time grew it into something spectacular. I created the award winning show, MarieTV, was named by Oprah as a though... Read More

Key Insights

• 🙈 Marie Forleo emphasizes the importance of uncomfortable conversations about racism and the need to recognize and address blind spots.
• 🖤 Education plays a crucial role in combating racism, and individuals should actively listen and learn from Black voices and people of color.
• 👨‍💼 Businesses must make substantial changes to create more inclusive and equitable workplaces, recognizing the intersections of race and work life.
• 🤢 Sustainability is necessary in the fight against racism, as dismantling deep-seated biases and systemic injustice is a long-term journey.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is Marie Forleo learning and doing about anti-racism?

Marie Forleo is listening to Black voices and people of color, studying racism and anti-Blackness, and examining her own blind spots. She is also applying what she learns to her leadership, content, products, programs, and company practices.

Q: What are Marie Forleo's three primary areas of focus for addressing racism?

Her three primary areas of focus are education, business, and sustainability. These areas cover personal and team learning, changes within her company, and a long-term commitment to addressing bias and systemic injustice.

Q: How does Marie Forleo describe her own blind spots?

Forleo says she previously thought she was doing a good job of promoting inclusion, equality, and voices of people of color. Recent conversations showed her that those efforts were not nearly enough, leaving her at the beginning of a process of listening, learning, and acting more effectively.

Q: What does education involve in Marie Forleo's anti-racism work?

Education begins with genuinely listening to Black voices and people of color. Forleo is also pursuing personal education and plans education and training for her team.

Q: What anti-racism material is Marie Forleo studying?

Forleo says she has stacks of books on her Kindle and a growing list of online videos and talks. She is taking extensive notes and reading “How to Be an Antiracist” by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi.

Q: Who does Marie Forleo say people should listen to and support?

She points to the scholars, authors, activists, and trainers who have taught about racism for years, particularly members of Black communities and other communities of color. She says their work should be supported with both attention and money.

Q: How is anti-racism changing Marie Forleo's business?

Forleo says her learning is transforming how she hopes to lead and run her business. It is influencing how her company creates and shares content, develops products and programs, and approaches management, leadership, and hiring.

Q: Why does Marie Forleo emphasize progress rather than perfection?

Forleo identifies herself as a student taking early steps, not an expert on anti-racism. Her focus on progress allows her to keep listening, learning, recognizing blind spots, and taking more effective action as part of a sustained commitment.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Marie Forleo acknowledges the need for uncomfortable and necessary conversations about racism in light of recent events.

• She reflects on her own blind spots and the need to take more effective action in addressing racism.

• Marie Forleo discusses her three areas of focus: education, business, and sustainability, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and long-term commitment.