EP 90: Engaged and Consistent Leadership: with Moms Demand Action Founder, Shannon Watts

The Unburdened Leader

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When you see a need, what do you do?

Do you jump in and try to solve the problem?

Or do you think about it for a while and workshop all the options and scenarios in your head before deciding whether to take action or not?

Both ways can be valid, needed, and valuable. And both have their pitfalls.

When we jump in to solve a need or problem, we can end up on a path to a crash course in humble pie and hard learnings on the go that can often do harm to others.

Yet thoughtful consideration can often lead to failing to take action and falling into complacency. Or even worse, you tap out all together because you feel like your voice, your vote, your time, or your resources will not make a difference.

But we can’t stop caring or tap out. The stakes are too high.

My guest today challenges this complacency–especially right now when so much is at stake here in the United States. She built an organization that has room for all levels of involvement no matter your resources and your capacity.

Shannon Watts is widely known as a “summoner of women’s audacity.” As the Founder of Moms Demand Action, Watts was named one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People, a Forbes 50 over 50 Changemaker, and a Glamour Woman of the Year. She is the author of Fight Like a Mother: How a Grassroots Movement Took on the Gun Lobby and Why Women Will Change the World.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

How Shannon transmuted her fear into anger and action in the aftermath of Sandy Hook
Facing the reality that none of us are safe until all of us are safe and how it impacts activism
Why cultivating joy and celebrating successes is integral to sustaining movements
How the concept of losing forward helps activists play the long game
How Shannon has navigated burnout and managing the needs of her family against her activism
Why Shannon passed the leadership baton for Moms Demand Action after 10 years
The role of privilege in being an activist and how white women can do better

Learn more about Shannon Watts:

Website
Substack
Moms Demand Action Text READY to 64433 to get in touch with a volunteer
Instagram: @shannonrwatts
Fight Like a Mother

Learn more about Rebecca:

Resources:

133 episodes

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