PROTECT & UPLIFT WOMEN & WOMENS’ VOICES!

I am tired of thinking our daughters need to be “tougher.” While I want them to have grit, I have personally struggled to allow for balancing softness in this difficult era. 

My story, like that of many women, is marked by battles fought both in the shadows and in the glaring light of day.

My childhood—a time that should have been filled with laughter and learning—was overshadowed by trauma. My experiences at the hands of men, both as a child and an adult, are sadly not unique. They are shared by countless women who navigate a world where their safety and dignity are constantly under threat. Yet, it is through sharing these stories that we find common ground, strength, and the courage to demand change.

• At our current rate it would take approx. 131 years to close the gender gap
• Women make up over 50% of the workforce, yet only hold about a quarter of leadership roles
• Nearly 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime. (And that’s just what’s reported!)
  

Violence against women is a terrible manifestation of gender inequality. This isn’t just a personal issue but a global pandemic that stifles women’s potential, damages our communities, and fuels cycles of violence instead of cycles of virtue. 

As a survivor, I’ve seen firsthand how violence and the threat of it can shape a life. My story of constant overcoming serves not just as a testament to personal resilience but as a call to action. The trauma I endured, while deeply personal, is also a reflection of the broader societal failure to protect and uplift women.

My journey from trauma to triumph mirrors the larger narrative of women worldwide striving for a future where our daughters can live without fear, pursue their dreams without barriers, and be valued not just for their resilience in the face of adversity but for their contributions to our world.

BUT WHAT CAN WE ACTUALLY DO TO PROTECT & UPLIFT WOMEN? 

Here are some ideas to increase cycles of virtue instead of violence:

1. Teach & learn from each other & from the next generations. Engage in conversations about gender equality, respect, & human rights with each other & with children. Challenge gender stereotypes & encourage acceptance.
2. Listen to & support survivors. We have thought a lot about how to create a safer world. Ask us about it, learn about our struggles & ideas, & help us create needed change in our personal lives, businesses, & communities. 
3. Befriend & empower female entrepreneurs. Men create strong networks & talk with one another about politics & finances. Men mentor one another to become more powerful. It’s time women start doing these things too. 
4. Support what women say & do. Show appreciation to the women in your life through simple acts of kindness & specific gratitude. Don’t just say, “Your hair looks nice today.” Say, “I agree with your (her) powerful stance on this issue, & I applaud your (her) courage in bringing it up. How can I help?”
5. Be an ally. Recognize your privilege. Educate yourself on consent, tell other men about it, & call out repressive behavior & discrimination when you see it. Create inclusive environments that are safe for women, support women-owned businesses, & do the damn dishes so we can advance in our careers too! 
   

Today, let’s celebrate the strides made by women worldwide but also buckle down for the ongoing battle. Let us take today to not only recognize the achievements of women around the world but to recommit ourselves to the work that lies ahead. Let our actions be guided by compassion, our policies be shaped by equity, and our societies be strengthened by diversity and inclusion.

In the face of adversity, let us remember: we are not alone. Together, we can build a world where gender parity is not a distant dream but a lived reality, and violence against women is relegated to the pages of history.

Please. Let’s join together now and always to 

PROTECT & UPLIFT WOMEN & WOMENS’ VOICES!

The post 5 HUGE YET SIMPLE WAYS TO UPLIFT WOMEN ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY & BEYOND! appeared first on Kali Love.

You’re Welcome… to the Revolution. The title of my blog, and almost the title of my new podcast (coming out in March at workrevolution.org!).

Together we shall journey into the heart of what it means to live, work, and lead with purpose and passion. I’m Kali Love — speaker, leadership coach, and Co-Founder and Chief Impact Officer at #lovework. Wherever you find me, I extend an invitation to leaders, team members, and visionaries of all sorts to join a movement — a revolution aimed at reimagining the very essence of our professional and personal lives so we can shift the future of work and the world. (And maybe even… the universe!)

My Weird Backstory

I was born a disruptor. Born nearly 3.5 months early, at 1 pound, with a 4% chance of living, I’ve walked a path filled with adversity, with the labels like Autistic, Addict, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, Transgender, Homeless, and more.

I grew up queer and nonbinary in a town of less than 1000 people. I was literally accused of being a witch — by my actual principle — when I was 12. In Dr. Ozbrink’s defense I did put a frog in her desk drawer — but there’s no way she could’ve known it was me.

I lived in extreme trauma and poverty on top of the physical and mental challenges that came with my unique entrance into the world. And with organ failure and kidnapping on the list before I hit 19, I had a slim chance of surviving my adulthood too.

But we’re taught as a society to hustle and grind. So I pushed myself to get 3 degrees early and started an ad agency in LA and a distribution company in NY. I was temporarily killing it, but I couldn’t shake the burnout that came from having to hide so much of who I am and what I was going through.

And I’m not the only one whose brilliance is being caged.

Given that half of our waking lives are spent at work, I don’t believe in work-life balance. Your work is part of your life. It’s ALL YOUR LIFE.

So despite my success, I couldn’t see any place in the corporate world… any place on a team… not for someone like me.

I never thought I could be the person who is now writing and speaking so vulnerably and boldly…so bravely…

But something changed.

I found a place that believes work can heal the world.

Embracing Our Differences: The Foundation of Transformation

I am now Co-Founder and Chief Impact Officer at #lovework. I am a speaker, writer, coach, and consultant — among other hats.

I have survived trauma and toxic cultures to challenge societal barriers and become a champion of workplace inclusivity and an empowering future of work. Being many kinds of divergent has not only shaped my perspective but also fueled my mission to help everyone uncover and connect with their true selves to unleash their whole selves at work and beyond.

It’s from this place of authenticity that we can bring our highest and best to our workplaces and, thus, to the world. The work revolution begins with us – supporting one anothers’ vulnerabilities, encouraging our unique strengths, and mobilizing our capacities for change.

The Urgency of Now

The truth, as I’ve come to see it, is that we stand at a critical juncture in the arc of humanity. The need for a radical transformation in our cultural, personal, professional, and environmental practices has never been more urgent. To stave off violence and address the existential threats looming over us—socially, professionally, and planetary—we must embrace regenerative practices to forge a path toward sustainability and resilience.

Because if we don’t, who will? Aliens? They’re probably busy with their own work-life balance issues.

A Call for Radical Culture Transformation: For Business, For People, For the World

My dedication extends beyond identifying challenges; it’s about actively contributing to a world where work is not just a means to an end but a catalyst for global transformation. We must envision workplaces that are not only better for business but also better for life. We must foster inclusivity, trust, well-being, growth, and fulfillment. By advocating for practices that prioritize health, encourage innovation, and respect our planet, we can make work and life truly better for everyone.

Proposing a New Vision: Ideas Worth Debating and Acting On

This blog is more than a platform; it’s a beacon for revolutionary visions, ideas, and actions that challenge the status quo. It’s a safe, brave container to engage in discussions that are as worth debating as they are worth spreading and acting upon. Together, we will define and explore critical issues of our time, offering insights and solutions that pave the way for a more humane, equitable, and vibrant future.

This blog, much like the upcoming podcast “The Work Revolution,” is an open invitation to all who believe in the power of change. It’s a call to action for those ready to question, challenge, innovate, and act. Together, we will explore the depths of leadership, bio-psycho-social-spiritual well-being, and transformative strategies. We will practicize our goals and evolve not just as we reach them, but as we strive toward them. Our conversations will be a testament to the strength found in diversity, the innovation born of abundance as much as necessity, and the resilience required to beat all the kinds of burnout we’re all facing.

Join the Conversation: Your Voice Matters

This blog isn’t a monologue; it’s the beginning of a dialogue. A dialogue that I hope will inspire, challenge, and support you as we navigate the complexities of modern work and life together. Your experiences, insights, and stories are what will fuel this revolution.

So, I invite you to share your thoughts, your struggles, and your victories. Comment, email, or reach out on social media. Let’s build this community together, one where every member feels empowered to contribute to the conversation and the cause.

Because at the end of the day, this revolution isn’t about me; it’s about us. It’s about creating a world where work isn’t just something we do to survive but a meaningful part of our journey to thrive.

So, are you in? Because the world needs more revolutionaries like you. And this… this is just the beginning.

Join the Revolution: A Collective Journey Toward Impact

I welcome you to this collective journey, where every post, every episode, and every workshop is a step toward a future where work is a space of growth, contribution, and fulfillment. Let’s unite in this revolution, sharing stories, insights, and strategies that empower us to build a future where work is not just a place we go, but a place we grow – a fundamental and inspiring part of a world we are proud to shape and share.

May we diligently take care of ourselves and one another so we have the strength and energy to foster profoundly important, truly sustainable change.

Together, let’s make this journey count. Join me in redefining the landscape of work, leadership, and personal fulfillment for a world desperately in need of a revolution.

The post AN ODD INTRODUCTION TO KALI + THE REVOLUTIONARY FUTURE OF WORK appeared first on Kali Love.