Allies. In workplace settings, there are times when most of us need them. Consider this scenario; you’re in a meeting, and you’re about to take a calculated risk to share an unpopular idea. As soon as you complete your thought, one of your colleagues quickly responds, complimenting you on your idea, and asking you to share more. That’s an act of allyship.

Conversely, in that very same meeting, you can take an act of allyship by showing up for a different colleague when another person says something unskillful to them. Without a beat, you can simply say, “You just said [insert statement]. Could you explain more specifically what you meant?” That simple response should do the trick to shine a light on the harm they caused.

When it comes to showing up for your LGBTQ+ colleagues, acts of allyship in workplace settings are life-saving. They help build the foundation of increased safety and trust that can get more of LGBTQ+ employees closer to experiencing that elusive sense of belonging at work. Yet, for some of the budding LGBTQ+ allies out there, being an authentic ally causes some pause. Some may ask themselves, “what if I cause even more harm,” and instead retreat into silence.

To help build up the confidence and skills of these emerging LGBTQ+ workplace allies, I have the pleasure of connecting with Sara Samuels (she/her) and Kenneth Wilson (they/he). If you’re unfamiliar with Sara, she leads a fee-for-advice and wealth management planning practice, serving clients in 42 states and 8 countries as a means to be an advocate for financial empowerment for all. Building belonging cultures through helping people have ownership over their relationship to money will be my greatest legacy.

Sara works closely with Kenneth K Wilson who is an associate advisor, drag performer, and artist in Philadelphia, PA. For the past five years, they’ve spent their financial career building up clients from diverse backgrounds, helping them unlearn negative financial habits and biases, set up financial stability, and achieve financial and lifestyle goals through solid planning. In that time, Kenneth’s carved out a niche working with creatives like musicians and drag performers, business owners, and LGBTQ+ couples and families.

Together, during our conversation, you will:

• Learn why performative acts of allyship, or merely calling yourself an ally, without taking any action is the fastest way to erode the trust of your LGBTQ+ colleagues.

• Gain fresh insights on accessible actions you can take to show up as an LGBTQ+ ally - some of these are more easy and significant than you think.

• Explore new allyship practices you can test out with close friends and family members to to build up the confidence necessary to overcome the comfort of silence.

This interview was designed to support people like you - visionary leaders, and those on their way to joining us. Savor this insightful talk, and if you’re looking for more ways to connect with inspiring leaders like Sara & Kenneth, be sure to join our Belonging Membership Community - a community of practice committed to putting our values of belonging, community, and collaboration into action. Members have the unique opportunity to connect with guests like Sara & Kenneth for 1:1 laser coaching sessions.

Imagine belonging with fellow visionary leaders when you join the Belonging Movement Newsletter: www.rhodesperry.com/subscribe.

For LGBTQ+ friendly financial planning services, get in touch with Sara Samuels at www.sara-samuels.com, or email Kenneth Wilson at [email protected].