81. The Results Are In—What’s Next?
Summary
Joe Biden has been declared the next President of the United States. With that also we’re gaining a woman of color as VP—something many of us never believed we see in our lifetime.
Whether you’re celebrating or mourning, now is the time to think about what’s next. In this solo episode, Erica Courdae shares five questions we should all be considering as we take ownership of our values and take action in our businesses.
Quoted
ERICA COURDAE
“Two people of color have voted to occupy the White House. I did not see this happening in my lifetime.”
“There’s something about seeing someone that represents me—not having to be an afterthought.”
“It’s not about Trump. It’s about the ideologies he’s bringing to the forefront.”
“For me it’s not about celebrating or mourning. It’s about what’s next.”
“Policy changing is important but you still have to make sure the people on the ground are willing to change.”
“I don’t need another white woman that is woke yelling about what is wrong.”
After the Episode
Apply to the Pause On The Play Community
Episode Notes
A MOMENT FOR CELEBRATION
In our history, two people of color have now been voted to occupy the White House. Erica admits she did not see this happening in her lifetime.
It’s meaningful that her kids were born into a world where a Black man was president. And now Kamala Harris, a Black woman, as Vice President.
She owns up that it’s important to finally see someone that represents her, that looks like her daughter. It’s a whole feeling to be represented and not an afterthought.
AND A MOMENT FOR REALITY
While it is a momentous occasion, there’s still a lot of work to be done. As it stands, half of the U.S. wanted another four years of Trump.
While Erica says she has her own personal feelings about Trump, his actions, and his way of being and leading, she wants to make it very clear that it’s more about what he represents.
It’s not about Trump. It’s about the ideologies he’s bringing to the forefront. It’s the things he’s activated in his base.
Would her goals be different if the outcome went another way? Erica says no. She says the only thing that would have shifted is how she would proceed toward meeting those goals.
VOTER STATISTICS TELL THE STORY
The stats show it—we’re a divided nation.
Erica believes it’s not about celebrating or mourning at this point. It’s about focusing on what’s next.
To paint the picture of our nation, Erica shares some stats from the New York Times.
In the 2016 election 52% of white women voted for Trump. In 2020, 55% of white women voted for him.
So when white women are cheering “We did it” that’s not really true. Black voters were the ones who turned out for change.
And at the same time, more Asian, Black, and LGBTQIA+ voters for Trump. That’s what’s troubling to Erica. It’s sobering to see that there are people who aren’t supported by his policies or rhetoric who still voted for him. They voted for him not because they like him but because it was good for their pockets.
In the end, 10 million additional Republicans voted. 8 million more Democrats showed up. That’s a win in itself, because that means almost 20 million more people used their voice in the democratic process.
Pennsylvania flipped. Georgia flipped vote. And this was In large part because of highly dense areas like Philly and Atlanta.
While there were more voters than ever, the voters were unwilling to jump party lines. They stuck to the party even if the party didn’t represent them.
So where to go from here?
5 QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER IN THE NAME OF EQUITY
This election made it very clear for Erica that she needs to be more vocal about what she does. As a business owner operating in the private sector we’re not weighed down by public mandates. We can be the change we want to be.
The question for Erica was: How can I utilize my platform to promote diversity and equity in a way that others can’t?
We all have access to make an impact. We all are within reach of other entrepreneurs who have a platform.
It’s important to ask yourself: Who do I have access to that has access?
As we think to the future we cannot get stuck in intention. We must move through to action.
Erica shares five essential questions to ask that will get us there:
What is next?
What is your goal (1 year, 2 years, 3 years, 4 years)?
Who are you in support of?
How will you use your platform?
Who will provide you with support and accountability?
We will be imperfect as we work toward equity. And we cannot do it alone—no one of us can.
If you’re looking for support and a place to get questions answered, consider joining the Pause On The Play Community. Figure out if this is the right place for you by applying today.