3 Trailblazers Leading with Inclusion

Blazing a trail for others with equality is a core value of the Trailblazer Community. Learn from three Trailblazers who are stepping up to lead with inclusion during this difficult time.

The amount of change and uncertainty we’ve experienced over the last few months is leaving most of us feeling overwhelmed. Through it all, the Trailblazer Community is rallying together and supporting one another more than ever.

I’m inspired by the Trailblazers who are stepping up and leading with encouragement, empathy, and authenticity — all characteristics of inclusive leadership.

Here are three ways you can lead with inclusion during these uncertain times.

1. Lead with encouragement

A Trailblazer is a leader who leaves a path for others to follow. This is a key principle of inclusive leadership.

Tiffany Spencer, Salesforce MVP, Co-Leader of the Orlando Salesforce Administrators Group, Black Orlando Tech President, and Founder of HBCUforce, is showing how leading with encouragement can make such a difference during this time.

Tiffany has been in the Salesforce ecosystem since 2007, and leads with an unwavering vision of a more diverse and inclusive tech workforce. At a time when many people find themselves unexpectedly unemployed, Tiffany looks for ways to empower others.

“I’ve seen how fast someone’s life can be changed with a little training, Trailhead, and an opportunity.”

By reflecting on the opportunities that Trailhead, Salesforce, and the Trailblazer Community have opened up for her, Tiffany is blazing a path for others to follow.

Tiffany is renewing her commitment to encouraging others along the trail by:

• Mentoring — Both informally and as part of the Trailblazer Mentorship program. Trailblazer Mentorship allows Tiffany to use her expertise and skill set to empower and guide Trailblazers who are just getting started.

• “Volun-teaching” — A unit on Salesforce for an Information Systems class at Bethune-Cookman University (her alma mater), educating students on the career paths available in the Salesforce ecosystem, training and credentials that strengthen resumes, and opportunities to connect with the Salesforce community and employers.
• Launching various campaigns for HBCUforce — Focusing on creating a pipeline of students from HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) into the tech industry.

“The work that I’m doing can change someone’s financial future and have an impact for generations to come.”

Leadership like Tiffany’s has long-range impact. Now, Tiffany receives so many one-off asks for guidance that she created her own webinar series aimed at helping the community.

Watch Tiffany’s Opportunities within the Salesforce Ecosystem recording and follow Tiffany at @TheTiffSpencer if you are looking to learn and grow in the Salesforce ecosystem.

2. Lead with empathy

Empathy and compassion are needed now more than ever. We are all dealing with a changing world and changing workplaces. Navigating the difficulties of working during a time of great change isn’t easy.

This is the time to show up and be an ally for one another and practice inclusive meetings by listening with empathy.

For example, understand that some of your team may have different work schedules during this time to incorporate their other priorities (parenting, homeschooling, physical health, mental health, etc.).

Leading with empathy is important to Hector Perez, U.S. Air Force veteran and Founder/Board Member of Merivis.

Hector has built an incredible team at Merivis, a nonprofit organization that supports veterans and military spouses preparing for their next mission through training, mentorship, and job readiness for Salesforce careers.

“If you can lead with empathy, then you can build a culture and team which will rise up and take care of each other through good times and bad.”

Hector has offered to lend an ear to anyone who needs one.

His offer to help has resulted in veterans in his network being connected to open Salesforce roles. That’s not the only impact — Hector has also found value in simply making a connection.

“The most impactful thing, I believe, is simply talking to people on the phone. Being able to connect with people, even for a short call, is important to folks as it lets them know they are not alone in these times.”

Follow Hector on Twitter at @hectorperezjr if you are looking for career support (or cute puppy pics!).

3. Lead with authenticity

Prioritizing mental health during this time is something we don’t talk about enough, but should. The levels of uncertainty have left many feeling anxious, stressed, burned out, or isolated. A recent Harvard Business Review article said this feeling we are collectively experiencing is grief.

This topic was featured in episode 10 of the Leading Through Change: B-Well Together video series, featuring resources and coping skills from leading wellbeing experts to support you and your family through these trying times.

This is clearly not business as usual.

One small but powerful way you can lead with authenticity and address mental health is to start each conversation with a simple question — “How are you doing?” — and acknowledge that this is a challenging time.

If you are comfortable, share your feelings and some of the challenges you’ve been facing, too. This creates space for brave, authentic conversations.

Leading with authenticity is especially important to Sandi Zellner, Salesforce MVP & Co-Leader of the NYC Trailblazer Community Group, who has spoken openly about her mental health at Trailblazer Community meetings.

Sandi is bringing her message to a larger audience and encouraging others to reach out for help. She feels that mental health is an important topic right now and sharing her story is helping others.

“I hope others will be able to relate and feel like they aren’t alone. Especially that they are not weak or lesser because they are feeling what they feel during these unprecedented times.”

You can hear from Sandi on a recent episode of Campfire Stories, An It’s Okay Story with Sandi Zellner, and follow her on Twitter at @szmusic23 as she blazes a trail for mental health.

Make an impact

Inclusive leadership takes constant practice, bravery, respect, and reflection. This is true now more than ever.

If you’ve been inspired by these three great leaders, you too can make a positive change during this time and beyond. Start with the Inclusive Leadership Practices module on Trailhead.

Then, connect virtually with millions of global Trailblazers through the Trailblazer Community. It’s a great place to give back, share your expertise, and leave a path for others to follow.

Stay safe. Stay home (if you can). Stay connected. Reach out if you are struggling. They say this is the new normal, but I consider it “where we are right now.”

I hope these three Trailblazers will inspire you the way they inspired me. We can all get through this, together.

Connect with me at @rockchick322004.