How to be the change

Current EDI efforts in sports:  (00:30)

  • MLSE’s EDI Commitment (1)
  • My opinion: PR statements are great - I wish they outlined each of their commitments
  • What do we do? Re-post and go on with our day - Takeaway: This is not enough

Point: (05:56)

  • Awareness does not equal change. Awareness promotes action and action leads to change.
  • Sports analogy: the kid that gets cut every year at tryouts but comes back every season
    • When will it be the year?
      • When that kid takes the next step to push themselves to another level by changing his/her strategy
      • Changing your perception of your role in a situation/environment provides the opportunity to work smarter

Why am I talking about this? 

  • We need to stray away from circular conversations
    • Hope helps to inspire people and bring issues to light
    • To take the next step we need to leap
    • My first step is with this podcast - striving to get my generation not only talking about change but taking action
  • What does it mean to work smarter?
    • Ability to adapt to a situation and put the most effective resources to use
    • Get out of the “one size fits all” mentality - every situation is different

Application to Sports: USTA (US Tennis Association) “Embrace All” campaign (2) (11:15)

  • Relevance: It’s easy to identity issues what’s hard is holding ourselves accountable to change
  • Why I love this campaign: The mission is hard-hitting, purposeful and intentional

So what’s the solution/how do we be the change?

  • We lead by example and others will follow
    • How do we get there? Become the best version of yourself!

Becoming the best version of yourself (16:40)

Point: To become the best version of yourself and reach your full potential you need to focus on growing each and every day. 

  • Figure out who you want to become and earn it
    • Set reasonable, achievable, and challenging goals - expand your personal bubble
    • Develop the small habits to become this person
  • Set yourself up for success with the right mindset
    • Accept your current situation and understand your worth - you deserve a better life for yourself
  • Hold yourself accountable - find your inspiration

Personal Example: (20:25)

  • I developed a “Watch Me” mentality as I heard stories of others being turned away. As I saw no one who looked like me achieve what I strived to.
  • How? I focused on what I had to offer and made it abundantly clear that I had value to add
    • Don’t just tell them… Show them! - actions speak louder than words
  • Relevance: People will want to hop on your grind
  • When others see what’s possible, their dreams now become more achievable in their minds

Relationship to Sports: Change comes with the right leadership 

  • Example with the Toronto Raptors and how Kawhi Leonard led by example and lead to the Raptors Championship 2019 win

Summary of points: (24:50)

  • We can do more than share a post on our stories. We can walk the walk and go the extra mile by leading by example rather than waiting for change.
  • We lead by example by developing a growth mindset to become the best versions of ourselves. We then develop small habits which over time transform us.

See All 31 Episodes of "Interrupting Sports"