Power of Representation

Imagine Belonging at Work

You may have heard the phrase, or you may have said it yourself, we have to see it to be it. The phrase underscores the importance of possibility models, a concept I wrote about in my first book, Belonging at Work. To be a possibility model means that you are providing an example of future scenarios for a person who holds a shared core identity central to who you are.

Simply by living your life, you provide inspiration for people within communities you belong to by offering a new way for them to visualize alternative futures for what could also be possible for them. Your existence, and the path you forge, provides the motivation for others to climb up the ladder of opportunity you have graciously dropped down to support their journey.

For underrepresented people in the workplace, including LGBTQ+ employees, the simple act of being seen can engender powerful feelings, especially if these groups feel neglected, overlooked, and underestimated. Recognition is a necessary precondition to feeling a sense of belonging at work, and when a group of people are valued for the lived experiences they bring into the workplace, they are more productive, innovative, and engaged.

Given that belonging is the prerequisite for business success, I am fortunate to talk with Sarah Tinkler, to explore one of the core ingredients to building belonging at work. The interview examines this key question: How does being an openly LGBTQ+ advisor at NM shape her own interactions with fellow LGBTQ+ clients?

For those unfamiliar with Sarah, she is a financial planning entrepreneur associated with Northwestern Mutual since July 2006. She is also a Forrest-inspired yoga instructor, certified life coach, and certified personal trainer. Sarah blends those passions together with a refreshingly soul-nourishing approach to visioning, analysis, planning, and guiding her clients' assets so they can live abundantly, authentically, and be ready to jump at the next aligned opportunity the Universe throws their way.

Together, during our conversation, you will:

• Learn why one of the preconditions for feeling a sense of belonging starts with being recognized, respected, and valued.

• Gain strategies on how you can be a possibility model for communities you belong to that can help your organization more fully represent the communities it serves.

• Recognize the value add LGBTQ+ employees bring into your own organization..

This interview was designed to support people like you - visionary leaders, and those on their way to joining us. Savor this insightful talk, and if you’re looking for more ways to connect with inspiring leaders like Sarah, be sure to join our Belonging Membership Community - a community of practice committed to putting our values of belonging, community, and collaboration into action. Members have the unique opportunity to connect with guests like Sarah for 1:1 laser coaching sessions.

For LGBTQ+ friendly financial planning services, get in touch with Sarah Tinkler at: https://www.northwesternmutual.com/financial/advisor/sarah-a-tinkler/ You can also find her on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahtinkler.

Imagine belonging with our community when you join the Belonging Movement Newsletter: www.rhodesperry.com/subscribe.