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In This Edition of Remarkable Monday
The "Real" One
In September, I shared a story on Instagram about my daughter Hannady and a moment that unexpectedly reminded me of the importance of representation. She spent a whole Saturday afternoon and evening watching different versions of the classic Disney Cinderella on repeat in her princess dress. By Sunday, I tried to convince her to watch something different, and she asked to watch Cinderella again. “The ‘real’ one,” she called it.
At first, I didn’t know which one she meant. Was she talking about the newer live-action remake? To my surprise, she meant the Rodgers and Hammerstein version starring Whitney Houston and Brandy.
As a music-loving parent, I felt like I’d done something right…
But beyond that, it brought back a pivotal memory for me. Watching this version of Cinderella as a kid was the first time I saw a rainbow cast on television.
It wasn’t just entertainment—it was a cultural milestone. It showed me, and so many others, that possibilities don’t have to fit the mold of tradition.
Now, as we navigate an era where DEI initiatives are being rolled back at the federal and corporate levels, I wonder what’s next for leaders, entrepreneurs, and creators working to build the “next big thing” in environments that feel increasingly constrained. How do we create spaces of opportunity when the systems that supported inclusion are being dismantled?
The Ripple Effect of DEI Rollbacks
Companies like Target, Amazon, and Walmart scaling back or ending their diversity efforts. These rollbacks potentially leave a void for entrepreneurs, especially Black founders and minority-owned businesses, who relied on such programs for mentorship, access to funding, and procurement opportunities.
This new direction signals policy changes and a cultural shift that challenges progress. And yet, history has shown that innovation often thrives in adversity. Here are actionable ways leaders and entrepreneurs can foster inclusion and opportunity, even when external systems are faltering:
Practical Steps for Building Opportunity
Strengthen Peer Networks
Community is essential when formal systems waver. Leaders can connect with peers, share resources, and collaborate. These networks often serve as incubators for innovation and growth.Shift to Alternative Funding Models
With traditional funding sources tightening, exploring alternative avenues like crowdfunding, impact investing, or microloans can provide a lifeline for minority-owned businesses.Align Value with Broader Goals
Even as DEI fades from the spotlight, corporations still value revenues, innovation, sustainability, and efficiency. Entrepreneurs should frame their businesses as essential to achieving these goals, making it harder for companies to ignore their contributions.Leverage Storytelling as a Tool
Personal stories resonate with audiences. Entrepreneurs can use their social platforms to share their journeys and inspire action. Authentic storytelling can attract allies, partners, and investors.Encourage Smart Consumer Advocacy
Rather than calling for broad boycotts of corporations scaling back DEI, focus on supporting minority-owned brands within those spaces. Consumers can drive demand, making it harder for companies to marginalize these businesses.
Representation Paired with Action
Watching Whitney Houston and Brandy in Cinderella broadened what I thought possible in terms of breaking barriers. That kind of representation can spark dreams, but action and opportunity are what sustain those moments of ingenuity.
Today, in a more challenging landscape, leaders, creators, and founders must embrace the same spirit of innovation and resilience. Rather than solely aiming for a seat at the table, we must build new tables to accommodate our dreams.
As we navigate this shifting landscape, let’s remember that while systems may change, our ability to adapt, create, and foster opportunity remains. The question isn’t what’s being taken away; it’s what we can build next.
In Case You Missed It
If you are reading this far…
I hope this message finds you well. I’m sharing from my heart in hopes that you will be inspired to unearth and live out your God-given purpose. Hopefully, something I said resonated. I would love to hear from you if so. Please feel free to reach out to me on social media. FYI: I’m mostly active on Instagram these days. If you were forwarded this message, you can subscribe here to receive thoughts like this directly in your inbox. And don’t forget to check out the latest episode of my podcast, ConvoRoom with Mark Allen Patterson.
See you next week,
