Adirondack Studios’ Post

Dwayne The Rock Johnson played 1/3 of all leading roles with "Asian and Pacific Islander" heritage between 2007 and 2019 (out of the 1,300 top-grossing films). Talking about representation in class the other day, some students once again noted that even when "non-majority" groups are centered in media, it almost always centers on a stereotypical or, in this case, uniquely unrelatable character. We love The Rock, but that dude has a singular experience. Inspirational? Sure. Relatable? I don't know. But instead of focusing on the problem, we can look at solutions. The solution in this case, as in with most cases of media and creativity, is to get more voices in the room. #representation #mediarepresentation #diversestorytelling #dei

ALRIGHT, ALRIGHT, ALRIGHT Did you know that Matthew McConaughey was a keynote speaker at the Association for Talent Development (ATD) national conference last month in New Orleans? For McConaughey, his famous phrase represents a positive outlook:  “‘Alright, alright, alright’ is basically three affirmations of the three things that character that I was playing had in that scene,” he said. “I think optimism is survival. And that’s a part of that affirmation even if you’re not getting what you want; it’s about belief.” To read more, see link in comments! #learninganddevelopment #professionaldevelopment

Embracing our names as our primary identifiers is a powerful way to celebrate our individuality and foster a culture of respect and unity. In a world that can often feel divided by labels, recognising and using our names can help us connect with others on a deeper level. By acknowledging each other's names, we show that we value each other as unique individuals, rather than stereotypes or categories. Let us all make a conscious effort to use and remember each other's names, and create a more inclusive and respectful world. https://lnkd.in/epyUR5bX

Inspiring, engaging and entertaining conversation on “The Light We Carry” … We are our best version when we are most vulnerable and not afraid of it. Surely, the next read. https://lnkd.in/gVbSRBhq

This week's #reflexivepractice question has me thinking long and deeply about how the system views ownership, including intellectual property. How traditional knowledges, if acknowledged and used, usually then isn't shared with respecting traditional ethics and practices. They often are not shared with consideration of cultural norms. That is if traditional knowledge is acknowledged and respected.

As we celebrate Black History Month, I am using my platform to elevate important conversations that matter to me, which are racial equity and human rights. By using cinema and literature, I believe we can foster understanding, ignite conversations, and inspire action. My first recommendation is the Oscar-nominated documentary short film, "The Barber of Little Rock." This film tells the story of an African American barber in Little Rock, Arkansas, who is also a community activist fighting for racial equity. It provides a vivid picture of how everyday life intersects with activism, showing how ordinary citizens are often the unsung heroes in the fight for justice. "The Barber of Little Rock" is more than just a film; it's an essential historical document that showcases the power of resilience and community in the face of systemic inequality. It's a narrative that inspires us to look beyond the surface and recognize the profound impact that one individual can have on their community. Reflecting on the film's message, it's clear that we need to deepen our initiatives to bridge racial disparities in economic mobility and the acquisition of social capital. Achieving equity requires dismantling barriers in education, employment, and beyond. It demands that we question and redefine traditional routes to success, ensuring they are accessible to all, regardless of race. Please stay tuned for more recommendations, and join me in this crucial dialogue. https://lnkd.in/eN-kwXjz #BlackHistoryMonth #RacialEquity #HumanRights #SocialJustice #TheBarberofLittleRock #Documentary #OscarNominated #EconomicMobility #SocialCapital

A new post on a story that never gets old… 🎻 **When Talent Goes Unnoticed: The Joshua Bell Story** 🎻 Did you know that world-renowned violinist Joshua Bell once performed incognito in a New York City subway station, and hardly anyone noticed him? Just days earlier, he had played to a sold-out theater where patrons paid hundreds of dollars to hear him. This striking contrast highlights a crucial lesson: Environment Matters. Many of us, like Joshua Bell in the subway, find ourselves in places where our talents, hard work, and dedication go unrecognized. We give our all, yet the appreciation and rewards don't seem to follow. The key takeaway? Know your worth and go where you are valued. When you arm yourself with value and confidence, and remove yourself from an environment that isn't serving you, you begin to thrive and grow. Surround yourself with those who recognize and appreciate your contributions. It’s in these environments that you can truly shine. Don't settle for less. Go where you are appreciated, valued, and can make the impact you are destined to achieve. #KnowYourWorth #ValueYourself #GoWhereYouAreAppreciated #JoshuaBell #Motivation #Inspiration

The truth needs to be told.

I was invited by the excellent Heather Graves - Ramsey Executive Coach and Leadership Advocate to chat with her cohort on the value of inclusion. At the session, we didn’t get to talk about the benefits of inclusion. So below are my thoughts. I have experienced very significant benefits of creating an inclusionary environment. 1. I can attract a bigger pool of often very talented individuals that CHOOSE to work for me. I see it as a very significant arbitrage opportunity. 2. The people that I hire tend to stick around longer and perform better. If we let people be who they are, accept and welcome them, it’s a huge intangible that keeps them engaged vs the cost of turnover, hiring new people etc. 3. Having diverse voices may mean more discussion or even disagreement, the solutions are often richer, more comprehensive and tend to have greater acceptance when you roll it out. Guaranteed. In the long run, it’s a no brainer. Finally here https://lnkd.in/gsRxjNa8 is a great video from one of my favorite aviation analysts, John Nance who talks about the value of inclusive teams.