KANSAS CITY, Mo. — There's a great deal of energy and enthusiasm around building more racial equity in companies today. The question is, where do you start if you want to create lasting and meaningful change?
41 Action News reached out to PaKou Her with Tseng Development Group, to get some tips.
Like many, Her has seen the barrage of statements from companies and organizations in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
"That's not enough,” she said. “Look at your leadership. Look at your staff. What does that actually look like? When the rubber hits the road, our values always show up in our practices.
“We can say all kinds of things publically. We can put out all kinds of press releases and media releases and statements. But the truth is, what you look like is actually what your values are."
For those looking to make some changes, find some allies.
"The first thing I want to do is be like who else believes this?” Her said. “Who else is kind of on board? Who else sees this this way?"
Then, come up with some creative ideas or possible solutions to present.
"If I only come at people by telling them all their deficits and all the things that make me angry, it isn't likely going to produce somebody who feels inspired to do something," Her said.
Finally, for those who believe something is wrong, find out which practice, policy or procedure is at the center of it. Her said that’s an “invaluable skill” for anyone seeking change at an institution, business or company.
“You have to be willing to turn the mirror around and take a deep hard look at yourself,” Her said.
In 2018, Her led a training as part of a series hosted by then-mayor Sly James.
